patience_n and_o be_v content_a with_o god_n answer_n to_o saint_n paul_n 2._o cor._n 12.9_o my_o grace_n be_v sufficient_a for_o thou_o and_o my_o strength_n and_o power_n shall_v be_v make_v manifest_a in_o thy_o weakness_n and_o know_v that_o it_o be_v not_o for_o thy_o merit_n but_o for_o the_o merit_n and_o worthiness_n of_o christ_n that_o god_n free_o accept_v we_o and_o this_o be_v the_o very_a promise_n of_o god_n to_o those_o who_o be_v once_o his_o on_o who_o he_o have_v once_o bestow_v those_o grace_n of_o the_o knowledge_n of_o christ_n of_o faith_n of_o repentance_n of_o regeneration_n and_o newness_n of_o life_n which_o thou_o can_v not_o deny_v i_o think_v but_o at_o sometime_o to_o have_v be_v in_o some_o measure_n in_o thou_o though_o he_o suffer_v thou_o to_o fall_v into_o divers_a great_a and_o grievous_a temptation_n yea_o temptation_n of_o a_o very_a high_a nature_n yet_o he_o will_v lay_v no_o more_o upon_o thou_o or_o they_o than_o he_o will_v make_v thou_o and_o they_o able_a to_o bear_v 1._o cor._n 10.23_o and_o though_o he_o suffer_v to_o be_v overcome_v for_o a_o time_n yet_o will_v he_o make_v a_o way_n to_o escape_v and_o will_v give_v grace_n of_o faith_n and_o repentance_n by_o which_o they_o may_v be_v reconcile_v and_o re-assured_n of_o the_o love_n of_o our_o heavenly_a father_n doubt_v not_o then_o to_o apply_v the_o promise_n of_o god_n in_o particular_a unto_o thyself_o upon_o repentance_n and_o come_n unto_o christ_n because_o there_o be_v no_o kind_n of_o sin_n which_o thou_o can_v commit_v but_o the_o mercy_n of_o god_n in_o christ_n be_v far_o great_a for_o that_o sin_n against_o the_o holy_a ghost_n thou_o can_v not_o commit_v which_o be_v not_o any_o transgression_n of_o the_o moral_a law_n either_o in_o general_a or_o in_o particular_a either_o of_o ignorance_n or_o of_o infirmity_n or_o a_o sin_n commit_v wilful_o or_o presumptuous_o and_o against_o a_o man_n own_o conscience_n though_o these_o be_v grievous_a sin_n but_o it_o be_v a_o universal_a and_o final_a apostasy_n or_o fall_v away_o from_o christ_n i_o say_v it_o be_v a_o voluntary_a renounce_n of_o the_o knowledge_n or_o know_a truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o a_o rebellious_a proceed_n from_o the_o hatred_n of_o it_o be_v join_v with_o a_o tyrannical_a sophistical_a and_o hypocritical_a oppugnation_n of_o the_o same_o when_o a_o man_n that_o have_v be_v enlighten_v with_o a_o true_a knowledge_n of_o christ_n and_o be_v convince_v in_o his_o conscience_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o it_o by_o the_o bless_a spirit_n and_o have_v taste_v of_o the_o good_a word_n of_o god_n heb._n 6.5_o and_o of_o the_o power_n of_o the_o world_n to_o come_v but_o it_o be_v only_o a_o taste_n for_o they_o that_o do_v feed_v of_o these_o grace_n spiritual_o and_o do_v digest_v they_o and_o be_v nourish_v by_o they_o to_o newness_n of_o life_n i_o dare_v say_v god_n will_v never_o suffer_v they_o to_o fall_v into_o this_o sin_n when_o such_o a_o one_o i_o say_v shall_v afterward_o universal_o and_o with_o a_o full_a consent_n fall_v from_o the_o truth_n deny_v christ_n persecute_v he_o and_o though_o it_o be_v but_o in_o his_o member_n with_o reproach_n despising_n and_o taunt_n and_o so_o disdain_v the_o sacrifice_n of_o his_o death_n and_o passion_n and_o continue_v thus_o without_o repentance_n unto_o the_o end_n this_o be_v the_o sin_n against_o the_o holy_a ghost_n thus_o do_v julian_n and_o other_o apostat_n sin_n and_o of_o these_o be_v that_o of_o the_o apostle_n to_o be_v understand_v in_o heb._n 6.6.7.8_o etc._n etc._n but_o to_o thy_o comfort_n whosoever_o thou_o be_v that_o be_v trouble_v with_o doubt_n and_o so_o fear_v that_o heaven_n and_o the_o joy_n thereof_o belong_v not_o unto_o thou_o this_o sin_n i_o say_v thou_o can_v not_o fall_v into_o be_v first_o ingraft_v into_o christ_n by_o faith_n and_o for_o all_o other_o sin_n be_v they_o never_o so_o grievous_a yet_o remission_n be_v promise_v upon_o faith_n and_o repentance_n and_o that_o free_o not_o for_o the_o merit_n of_o thy_o faith_n or_o repentance_n but_o for_o the_o love_n and_o merit_n of_o christ_n why_o then_o shall_v thou_o not_o apply_v the_o general_a promise_n of_o grace_n unto_o thyself_o in_o particular_a come_v unto_o i_o say_v our_o bless_a saviour_n matt._n 11.28_o all_o that_o be_v weary_a and_o heavy_a lade_v and_o i_o will_v refresh_v you_o this_o promise_n be_v general_a but_o this_o thy_o own_o conscience_n will_v tell_v thou_o that_o thou_o be_v weary_a and_o lade_v heavy_o with_o the_o burden_n of_o thy_o sin_n and_o therefore_o thou_o may_v well_o conclude_v that_o come_v unto_o christ_n the_o promise_n of_o mercy_n belong_v to_o thou_o whosoever_o shall_v believe_v and_o be_v baptize_v shall_v be_v save_v mar._n 16.16_o this_o be_v a_o general_a promise_n also_o but_o thy_o own_o conscience_n will_v tell_v thou_o that_o thou_o be_v baptise_a and_o that_o without_o our_o new_a fangle_a re-baptizings_a and_o that_o thou_o believe_v though_o it_o may_v be_v that_o thy_o faith_n be_v but_o weak_a but_o like_o a_o grain_n of_o mustard_n seed_n that_o be_v very_o small_a matth._n 7.20_o yet_o if_o thou_o can_v but_o say_v with_o the_o man_n in_o the_o gospel_n i_o believe_v lord_n help_v my_o unbelief_n mar._n 9.24_o if_o thou_o can_v but_o touch_v the_o hem_n of_o christ_n garment_n with_o the_o finger_n of_o faith_n if_o thy_o hand_n of_o faith_n by_o which_o thou_o may_v lay_v fast_o hold_v of_o he_o be_v want_v yet_o by_o this_o touch_n of_o christ_n even_o but_o with_o the_o finger_n of_o faith_n the_o virtue_n of_o christ_n may_v flow_v forth_o sufficient_o to_o stop_v the_o bloody_a issue_n of_o thy_o sin_n and_o to_o cure_v the_o malady_n of_o thy_o soul_n and_o with_o this_o thou_o may_v true_o apply_v the_o promise_n of_o grace_n unto_o thy_o soul_n well_o then_o as_o you_o have_v see_v since_o thou_o be_v and_o must_v be_v a_o soldier_n while_o thou_o live_v in_o the_o camp_n or_o field_n of_o the_o church_n faint_v not_o at_o the_o sight_n of_o thy_o enemy_n though_o they_o be_v many_o and_o terrible_a but_o comfort_v thyself_o with_o this_o that_o as_o elisha_n say_v to_o his_o servant_n in_o the_o 2._o kin._n 6.16_o there_o be_v more_o with_o thou_o then_o with_o they_o yea_o and_o though_o thou_o be_v weak_a yet_o the_o strong_a part_n be_v on_o thy_o side_n for_o thou_o have_v god_n thy_o friend_n to_o send_v thou_o more_o aid_n of_o grace_n if_o at_o any_o time_n thou_o be_v decay_v in_o thy_o strength_n thou_o have_v christ_n a_o conqueror_n thy_o captain_n under_o who_o banner_n thou_o do_v fight_v thy_o friend_n and_o thou_o have_v the_o bless_a spirit_n to_o encourage_v thou_o and_o though_o he_o may_v leave_v off_o to_o show_v his_o favourable_a presence_n for_o a_o time_n yet_o will_v he_o not_o be_v long_o absent_a from_o thou_o though_o for_o a_o moment_n he_o hide_v his_o face_n yet_o with_o everlasting_a kindness_n will_v he_o have_v compassion_n on_o thou_o esay_n 54.7.8_o in_o a_o word_n thou_o have_v be_v in_o christ_n myriad_o of_o angel_n to_o accompany_v thou_o and_o the_o prayer_n of_o the_o saint_n of_o the_o whole_a church_n yea_o i_o say_v and_o of_o christ_n himself_o at_o the_o right_a hand_n of_o he_o and_o our_o father_n like_o the_o shout_n of_o the_o israelite_n to_o make_v the_o wall_n of_o jericho_n the_o strength_n of_o their_o enemy_n to_o fail_v jos_n 6.20_o and_o therefore_o fail_n nor_o but_o there_o go_v on_o i_o advise_v thou_o with_o faith_n and_o constancy_n to_o endure_v the_o combat_n and_o faint_v nor_o though_o thou_o have_v many_o loss_n of_o grace_n many_o wound_n by_o sin_n and_o by_o thy_o spiritual_a enemy_n for_o christ_n be_v thy_o captain_n thou_o shall_v certain_o prove_v a_o conqueror_n in_o the_o end_n but_o notwithstanding_o all_o this_o thou_o find_v that_o thou_o be_v unable_a to_o apply_v the_o promise_n of_o mercy_n and_o free_a grace_n unto_o thyself_o or_o to_o do_v it_o so_o weak_o that_o fear_n be_v not_o altogether_o remove_v out_o of_o the_o heart_n then_o as_o in_o the_o sickness_n of_o thy_o body_n thou_o be_v ready_a to_o seek_v and_o to_o send_v to_o the_o physician_n for_o health_n of_o thy_o body_n that_o so_o he_o may_v apply_v somewhat_o unto_o thou_o for_o thy_o health_n and_o cure_n so_o must_v thou_o do_v i_o say_v in_o the_o sickness_n of_o thy_o soul_n than_o thou_o must_v fly_v and_o seek_v to_o god_n minister_n for_o the_o priest_n lip_n ought_v to_o preserve_v knowledge_n and_o thou_o must_v seek_v the_o law_n at_o his_o mouth_n say_v the_o lord_n by_o his_o prophet_n mal._n 2.7_o to_o he_o than_o thou_o must_v open_v the_o wound_n of_o thy_o soul_n and_o all_o the_o
must_v not_o therefore_o conclude_v and_o say_v that_o because_o we_o be_v subject_a to_o temptation_n and_o because_o the_o sword_n be_v so_o predominant_a in_o our_o kingdom_n or_o because_o the_o seed_n of_o sin_n be_v still_o in_o we_o and_o the_o corruption_n of_o our_o nature_n be_v not_o full_o purge_v that_o therefore_o we_o be_v out_o of_o the_o favour_n of_o god_n and_o first_o for_o the_o sword_n so_o reign_v in_o the_o land_n we_o must_v confess_v it_o be_v for_o the_o sin_n of_o the_o land_n which_o if_o once_o that_o cause_n be_v but_o removeed_o than_o the_o effect_n will_v cease_v what_o will_v thou_o say_v that_o for_o these_o thou_o be_v out_o of_o god_n favour_n well_o then_o note_v again_o that_o these_o may_v be_v and_o often_o be_v to_o be_v find_v even_o in_o god_n dear_a saint_n but_o herein_o we_o may_v pray_v unto_o god_n for_o help_v because_o he_o be_v the_o lord_n of_o peace_n who_o give_v peace_n unto_o his_o child_n cast_v thy_o care_n therefore_o upon_o god_n the_o author_n and_o finisher_n of_o thy_o faith_n 1._o pet._n 1.2_o and_o use_v a_o endeavour_n by_o strive_a and_o labour_v to_o resist_v these_o temptation_n and_o endure_v the_o combat_n with_o patience_n have_v a_o eye_n to_o our_o captain_n christ_n jesus_n who_o be_v the_o author_n and_o finisher_n of_o our_o faith_n etc._n etc._n heb._n 12.1.2_o and_o know_v that_o god_n free_o accept_v we_o as_o righteous_a not_o for_o any_o merit_n of_o we_o but_o for_o the_o merit_n of_o his_o dear_a son_n in_o who_o only_o he_o be_v well_o please_v 2._o pet._n 1.17_o and_o also_o know_v that_o whensoever_o thou_o be_v in_o any_o temptation_n or_o doubt_n to_o trouble_v thy_o soul_n remember_v then_o i_o say_v that_o thy_o estate_n in_o this_o life_n be_v like_o peter_n on_o the_o water_n who_o faith_n at_o first_o be_v so_o strong_a that_o at_o the_o call_n of_o christ_n he_o come_v bold_o to_o he_o on_o the_o water_n without_o doubt_n but_o when_o he_o see_v the_o wave_n come_v against_o he_o than_o he_o present_o doubt_v and_o fear_v drown_v and_o begin_v to_o sink_v and_o find_v himself_o unable_a to_o save_v himself_o he_o fly_v to_o christ_n and_o pray_v earnest_o unto_o he_o for_o help_v say_v master_n save_v i_o i_o perish_v and_o then_o christ_n give_v he_o his_o hand_n and_o bring_v he_o into_o the_o ship_n save_v he_o from_o drown_v and_o in_o like_a manner_n it_o be_v with_o a_o christian_a for_o at_o first_o when_o christ_n call_v he_o to_o faith_n and_o repentance_n be_v persuade_v by_o the_o spirit_n to_o believe_v than_o he_o come_v bold_o unto_o christ_n be_v move_v by_o the_o excellency_n of_o christ_n merit_n and_o the_o free_a promise_n of_o grace_n and_o mercy_n in_o he_o but_o when_o once_o he_o come_v to_o see_v his_o own_o unthankfulness_n and_o the_o weakness_n of_o his_o faith_n and_o obedience_n and_o the_o unbelief_n and_o want_n of_o sanctification_n in_o he_o then_o the_o wave_n of_o satan_n temptation_n and_o corruption_n of_o his_o own_o nature_n assault_v he_o fear_v and_o doubt_n seize_v upon_o he_o and_o he_o be_v ready_a to_o sink_v down_o into_o the_o sea_n of_o despair_n for_o want_n of_o faith_n i_o say_v if_o this_o be_v thy_o estate_n and_o thy_o case_n as_o peradventure_o it_o may_v what_o then_o must_v thou_o do_v herein_o only_o this_o confess_v and_o acknowledge_v thy_o own_o weakness_n and_o insufficiency_n and_o with_o peter_n be_v ready_a to_o sink_v fly_v unto_o christ_n and_o pray_v unto_o he_o for_o comfort_n who_o be_v the_o author_n and_o fountain_n of_o life_n and_o peace_n for_o if_o any_o be_v afflict_v let_v he_o pray_v say_v saint_n james_n 5.13_o and_o my_o house_n shall_v be_v call_v the_o house_n of_o prayer_n say_v our_o bless_a saviour_n mat._n 21.13_o but_o where_o be_v god_n house_n once_o call_v the_o house_n of_o preach_v neither_o yet_o in_o all_o god_n word_n i_o be_o sure_a from_o the_o begin_n of_o genesis_n to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o revelation_n we_o do_v not_o read_v of_o one_o quarter_n of_o the_o miracle_n and_o wonder_n that_o have_v be_v do_v by_o preach_v as_o have_v be_v by_o prayer_n and_o the_o apostle_n will_v we_o to_o prove_v and_o to_o examine_v our_o own_o self_n not_o any_o man_n another_o but_o himself_o 2._o cor._n 13.5_o and_o be_v or_o be_v that_o by_o preach_v and_o not_o rather_o by_o prayer_n and_o pray_v continual_o 1._o thes_n 5.17_o and_o i_o dare_v say_v that_o in_o any_o doubt_n trouble_n and_o affliction_n whatsoever_o that_o thou_o may_v be_v in_o prayer_n may_v be_v the_o mean_n to_o beget_v faith_n in_o thou_o to_o believe_v and_o thou_o thereby_o may_v be_v save_v and_o recover_v etc._n etc._n but_o again_o if_o thou_o at_o any_o time_n doubte_v because_o of_o thy_o imperfection_n in_o any_o of_o thy_o assault_n and_o because_o thou_o be_v not_o full_o as_o thou_o may_v imagine_v regenerate_v know_v then_o as_o i_o say_v before_o that_o christ_n be_v thy_o perfection_n and_o that_o god_n so_o behold_v thou_o in_o he_o as_o that_o thou_o can_v not_o total_o fall_v for_o if_o we_o look_v upon_o ourselves_o why_o then_o when_o we_o have_v do_v all_o that_o we_o can_v yet_o alas_o we_o must_v needs_o be_v constrain_v to_o say_v that_o we_o be_v but_o unprofitable_a servant_n luke_n 17.10_o and_o for_o peace_n in_o ourselves_o we_o can_v find_v any_o so_o that_o as_o noah_n dove_n be_v constrain_v to_o fly_v back_o again_o into_o the_o ark_n before_o she_o can_v find_v whereon_o to_o rest_v the_o sole_a of_o her_o foot_n gen._n 8.9_o so_o be_v we_o constrain_v to_o fly_v to_o christ_n before_o we_o can_v find_v rest_n to_o our_o soul_n as_o the_o israelite_n be_v sting_v with_o the_o fiery_a serpent_n present_o look_v upon_o the_o brazen_a serpent_n be_v heal_v and_o cure_v num._n 21.9_o so_o whensoever_o thou_o be_v wound_v by_o sin_n or_o move_v to_o doubt_n by_o thy_o own_o weakness_n or_o satan_n temptation_n then_o sly_a present_o to_o christ_n and_o behold_v he_o by_o the_o eye_n of_o faith_n how_o he_o be_v crucify_v how_o he_o shed_v his_o most_o precious_a blood_n how_o he_o die_v and_o rise_v again_o how_o he_o sit_v at_o the_o right_a hand_n of_o he_o and_o our_o father_n and_o make_v intercession_n and_o all_o for_o the_o purchase_n of_o thy_o peace_n and_o for_o the_o joy_n and_o comfort_n of_o as_o many_o as_o thus_o believe_v of_o he_o oh_o now_o with_o this_o persuasion_n i_o say_v possess_v thy_o soul_n in_o patience_n and_o hope_n that_o thou_o shall_v one_o day_n enjoy_v that_o inheritance_n of_o the_o saint_n where_o be_v freedom_n from_o all_o these_o fear_n and_o doubt_n which_o christ_n have_v buy_v and_o purchase_v for_o thou_o o_o despair_n not_o then_o for_o christ_n i_o say_v have_v purchase_v and_o buy_v eternal_a life_n and_o everlasting_a joy_n for_o thou_o and_o not_o by_o or_o with_o thy_o merit_n but_o by_o and_o with_o the_o price_n of_o his_o own_o most_o precious_a blood_n this_o hope_n will_v not_o make_v ashamed_a rom._n 5.5_o yea_o by_o and_o with_o this_o hope_n thou_o be_v and_o shall_v be_v save_v rom._n 8.24_o do_v not_o therefore_o conclude_v and_o say_v that_o the_o joy_n of_o heaven_n belong_v not_o to_o thou_o this_o be_v to_o abuse_v that_o sweet_a and_o love_a mercy_n of_o god_n for_o as_o you_o have_v hear_v but_o even_o a_o little_a before_o from_o the_o holy_a apostle_n st._n paul_n we_o be_v save_v by_o hope_n oh_o than_o think_v not_o thyself_o to_o be_v out_o of_o the_o favour_n of_o god_n or_o that_o the_o joy_n or_o happiness_n of_o god_n holy_a kingdom_n belong_v not_o or_o appertain_v not_o to_o thou_o because_o thou_o be_v not_o yet_o free_a from_o sin_n and_o satan_n temptation_n but_o comfort_v thyself_o in_o hope_n that_o as_o christ_n prayer_n for_o peter_n be_v hear_v that_o though_o he_o fail_v in_o faith_n and_o that_o for_o a_o time_n yet_o he_o can_v not_o fail_v and_o fall_v total_o and_o final_o and_o so_o also_o i_o dare_v say_v it_o be_v hard_o for_o thou_o for_o christ_n have_v pray_v for_o thou_o as_o earnest_o and_o as_o effectual_o as_o he_o do_v for_o he_o yea_o and_o for_o all_o that_o shall_v but_o believe_v in_o he_o john_n 17.20_o and_o therefore_o job_n 19.2_o as_o job_n in_o the_o midst_n of_o his_o misery_n do_v comfort_v himself_o with_o this_o meditation_n that_o his_o redeemer_n live_v so_o do_v thou_o comfort_v thyself_o in_o christ_n that_o one_o drop_n of_o his_o blood_n be_v of_o efficacy_n virtue_n and_o power_n to_o procure_v pardon_n for_o all_o thy_o sin_n yea_o and_o though_o all_o the_o sin_n of_o all_o the_o whole_a world_n be_v thou_o and_o therefore_o wait_v with_o
tribulation_n and_o affliction_n be_v the_o patrimony_n of_o good_a man_n and_o good_a woman_n therefore_o never_o despair_v of_o mercy_n for_o any_o vexation_n or_o trouble_n nor_o have_v such_o a_o thought_n in_o thou_o as_o to_o think_v that_o god_n mercy_n be_v not_o for_o thou_o i_o wish_v that_o all_o our_o anabaptist_n and_o women-preacher_n will_v have_v such_o thought_n in_o they_o than_o i_o be_o persuade_v it_o will_v make_v they_o more_o conformable_a to_o our_o parliament_n and_o to_o the_o truth_n of_o god_n holy_a word_n let_v no_o affliction_n or_o trouble_n of_o this_o world_n i_o say_v daunt_v thou_o for_o unto_o good_a man_n and_o woman_n affliction_n and_o trouble_n in_o this_o life_n serve_v to_o admonish_v they_o of_o their_o infirmity_n and_o the_o virtue_n of_o good_a people_n be_v make_v manifest_a unto_o the_o world_n by_o their_o trouble_n and_o cross_n of_o this_o life_n wherefore_o if_o thou_o be_v almost_o in_o despair_n or_o be_v cast_v down_o upon_o thy_o bed_n of_o sickness_n etc._n etc._n why_o then_o note_n to_o thy_o comfort_n as_o in_o a_o skirmish_n as_o god_n grant_v it_o may_v be_v otherwise_o with_o this_o kingdom_n wherein_o there_o be_v now_o too_o many_o in_o the_o war_n that_o when_o the_o conflict_n be_v once_o begin_v than_o the_o courage_n of_o the_o captain_n i_o say_v then_o and_o not_o before_o be_v his_o valour_n exercise_v and_o know_v so_o when_o god_n do_v call_v his_o child_n to_o any_o cross_n or_o calamity_n then_o begin_v the_o battle_n than_o their_o bless_a patience_n and_o meek_a contentment_n be_v make_v know_v and_o manifest_a i_o say_v then_o or_o never_o know_v that_o all_o go_v by_o the_o hand_n of_o god_n providence_n and_o holy_a ordinance_n in_o who_o we_o live_v move_v and_o have_v our_o be_v act_v 17.28_o and_o know_v that_o no_o physician_n i_o write_v this_o as_o a_o hand-kercheffe_a to_o wipe_v away_o all_o tear_n from_o the_o eye_n of_o such_o as_o be_v mourner_n for_o sin_n can_v be_v more_o careful_a for_o the_o health_n of_o the_o body_n than_o god_n be_v and_o will_v be_v if_o we_o be_v constant_a and_o confident_a in_o call_v upon_o he_o by_o prayer_n for_o mercy_n and_o favour_n in_o his_o son_n and_o our_o bless_a saviour_n jesus_n christ_n for_o the_o health_n of_o the_o soul_n how_o bitter_a soever_o the_o potion_n and_o portion_n of_o our_o affliction_n may_v seem_v to_o we_o yet_o receive_v it_o from_o he_o who_o mean_v we_o so_o well_o we_o shall_v not_o but_o receive_v it_o and_o they_o with_o patient_a suffering_n yea_o whatsoever_o his_o merciful_a hand_n shall_v reach_v or_o lay_v upon_o we_o say_v with_o holy_a and_o just_a job_n though_o he_o kill_v i_o yet_o will_v i_o trust_v in_o he_o job_n 13.15_o my_o son_n say_v the_o wise_a man_n when_o thou_o come_v to_o the_o service_n of_o god_n then_o prepare_v thy_o soul_n for_o temptation_n and_o fear_n and_o trouble_n and_o shrink_v not_o away_o when_o thou_o be_v try_v for_o who_o the_o lord_n love_v he_o he_o chasten_v as_o gold_n and_o silver_n be_v try_v in_o the_o fire_n so_o i_o say_v be_v our_o faith_n and_o patience_n try_v in_o the_o furnace_n and_o fire_n of_o affliction_n sickness_n and_o affliction_n be_v a_o mean_n to_o purge_v out_o the_o dross_n of_o natural_a corruption_n which_o by_o reason_n of_o our_o sin_n remain_v within_o we_o affliction_n be_v sanctify_v say_v gregory_n will_v bring_v we_o to_o a_o true_a fight_n of_o our_o sin_n and_o so_o to_o a_o hearty_a sorrow_n for_o the_o same_o and_o affliction_n will_v teach_v humility_n even_o in_o the_o best_a of_o god_n child_n as_o job_n david_n paul_n and_o a_o man_n that_o shall_v but_o read_v johe_n book_n david_n psalm_n and_o saint_n paul_n epistle_n he_o can_v not_o but_o wonder_v to_o think_v that_o ever_o they_o shall_v have_v any_o mirth_n at_o any_o time_n etc._n etc._n if_o we_o put_v into_o the_o balance_n the_o affliction_n of_o this_o life_n they_o will_v be_v find_v of_o no_o weight_n nor_o in_o any_o wise_a able_a to_o counterpoise_v the_o greatness_n of_o the_o reward_n for_o as_o i_o say_v before_o tribulation_n be_v but_o a_o passion_n and_o therefore_o small_a be_v the_o force_n thereof_o but_o glory_n be_v a_o action_n and_o therefore_o powerful_a and_o increase_v every_o moment_n this_o life_n pass_v away_o swift_o and_o soon_o vanish_v therefore_o despair_v not_o but_o strive_v to_o make_v they_o election_n sure_a which_o may_v be_v do_v if_o thou_o can_v but_o believe_v and_o so_o labour_n and_o endeavour_v for_o the_o glory_n to_o come_v esay_n 64.4_o which_o have_v no_o end_n and_o be_v full_a of_o sweet_a comfort_n and_o happiness_n more_o than_o heart_n can_v think_v 1_o cor._n 2.9_o and_o endure_v for_o ever_o and_o ever_o oh_o therefore_o good_a christian_a soul_n persevere_v constant_o in_o a_o pure_a faith_n in_o christ_n and_o therein_o labour_v to_o finish_v your_o course_n for_o great_a be_v your_o reward_n which_o god_n have_v promise_v and_o christ_n have_v purchase_v if_o thou_o can_v but_o believe_v in_o he_o and_o mark_v this_o also_o for_o thy_o future_a and_o eternal_a comfort_n that_o the_o life_n of_o a_o christian_a can_v be_v without_o sin_n nor_o temptation_n for_o i_o dare_v say_v our_o profit_n and_o increase_v in_o godliness_n be_v through_o temptation_n as_o st._n augustine_n say_v and_o his_o reason_n there_o follow_v for_o neither_o do_v a_o man_n well_o know_v himself_o except_o he_o be_v tempt_v neither_o can_v he_o be_v crown_v except_o he_o overcome_v neither_o can_v he_o overcome_v except_o he_o fight_v neither_o can_v he_o fight_v except_o he_o have_v enemy_n and_o temptation_n to_o encounter_v with_o whence_o again_o note_n and_o observe_v that_o god_n use_v divers_a instrument_n in_o tempt_a trouble_v and_o afflict_v of_o his_o child_n for_o sometime_o he_o use_v the_o devil_n as_o he_o do_v with_o job_n sometime_o wicked_a man_n he_o use_v as_o a_o mean_n as_o the_o talse_a witness_n against_o our_o saviour_n and_o sometime_o he_o use_v other_o creature_n but_o yet_o in_o all_o these_o there_o be_v a_o double_a comfort_n to_o god_n child_n first_o that_o great_a and_o many_o be_v the_o trouble_n of_o the_o righteous_a and_o then_o second_o for_o their_o full_a comfort_n the_o lord_n will_v deliver_v they_o out_o of_o all_o psal_n 34.19_o the_o prophet_n do_v not_o say_v he_o have_v nor_o in_o the_o present_a do_v but_o in_o the_o future_a shall_v again_o if_o you_o observe_v the_o end_n of_o affliction_n therein_o also_o know_v that_o sometime_o we_o be_v afflict_v that_o we_o may_v be_v humble_v and_o the_o pride_n of_o our_o heart_n abate_v sometime_o to_o the_o end_n that_o we_o may_v not_o fix_v our_o love_n upon_o this_o world_n sometime_o they_o be_v send_v to_o make_v we_o more_o zealous_a in_o good_a work_n and_o sometime_o they_o be_v send_v for_o this_o end_n that_o partake_v with_o christ_n in_o his_o suffering_n we_o may_v also_o be_v glorify_v with_o he_o and_o herein_o remember_v how_o the_o lord_n try_v abraham_n in_o offer_v up_o his_o son_n how_o he_o try_v isaac_n jacob_n and_o all_o the_o patriarch_n with_o many_o and_o hard_a peregrination_n and_o think_v also_o how_o he_o try_v all_o the_o holy_a and_o godly_a martyr_n with_o scourge_n and_o torment_n with_o fire_n and_o faggot_n and_o thereby_o think_v imagine_v and_o know_v that_o the_o scourge_n of_o tribulation_n stir_v up_o the_o drowsy_a humble_v the_o proud_a purge_v the_o penitent_a and_o crow_v the_o innocent_a again_o know_v and_o understand_v that_o the_o lord_n afflict_v his_o child_n for_o these_o end_n that_o our_o faith_n thereby_o in_o the_o first_o place_n may_v be_v more_o pure_a holy_a and_o perfect_a even_o as_o gold_n out_o of_o the_o furnace_n second_o that_o we_o may_v the_o better_o know_v ourselves_o and_o our_o own_o frailness_n and_o weakness_n three_o in_o respect_n of_o other_o that_o so_o we_o may_v be_v example_n of_o patience_n and_o constancy_n unto_o they_o thus_o christ_n prove_v the_o faith_n of_o peter_n on_o the_o sea_n and_o at_o his_o passion_n and_o again_o after_o his_o resurrection_n and_o the_o apostle_n paul_n witness_v that_o through_o his_o persecution_n and_o bond_n i_o say_v that_o thereby_o many_o of_o the_o brethren_n be_v embolden_v and_o do_v more_o frank_o speak_v the_o truth_n philip._n 1.14_o even_o through_o my_o bond_n say_v he_o and_o hence_o proceed_v those_o confident_a speech_n of_o the_o christian_n and_o holy_a martyr_n to_o their_o tyrant_n and_o persecutor_n say_v torment_v we_o rack_v we_o condemn_v we_o break_v we_o in_o piece_n yet_o for_o all_o this_o your_o malice_n and_o iniquity_n it_o be_v nothing_o to_o our_o hurt_n but_o for_o our_o joy_n and_o comfort_n it_o be_v nothing_o but_o the_o
further_o and_o that_o most_o just_o and_o true_o to_o that_o our_o church_n have_v abolish_v as_o it_o be_v very_o fit_v the_o tyrannous_a and_o antichristian_a abuse_n of_o popish_a auricular_a confession_n which_o they_o very_o fond_o thrust_v upon_o the_o soul_n of_o christian_n as_o a_o expiatory_a sacrifice_n and_o a_o meritorious_a satisfaction_n for_o sin_n rack_a their_o conscience_n to_o confess_v when_o they_o feel_v or_o feel_v no_o distress_n and_o to_o enumerate_v all_o their_o sin_n which_o be_v impossible_a that_o so_o by_o this_o mean_v they_o may_v dive_v into_o the_o secret_n of_o man_n and_o woman_n which_o many_o time_n prove_v pernicious_a and_o hurtful_a not_o only_o to_o private_a person_n but_o also_o to_o public_a state_n but_o to_o leave_v the_o church_n of_o rome_n to_o their_o foppery_n let_v all_o good_a christian_n be_v admonish_v to_o beware_v of_o their_o own_o natural_a corruption_n which_o be_v a_o thing_n that_o be_v by_o nature_n in_o the_o best_a for_o all_o be_v in_o this_o point_n bear_v papist_n and_o there_o be_v no_o man_n that_o have_v not_o as_o luther_n say_v a_o pope_n in_o his_o belly_n a_o high_a conceit_n and_o opinion_n of_o his_o own_o work_n whereby_o we_o think_v we_o tie_v god_n unto_o we_o and_o yet_o i_o dare_v say_v there_o be_v in_o we_o no_o real_a virtue_n no_o true_a substance_n for_o we_o can_v of_o right_a challenge_n nothing_o at_o god_n hand_n be_v our_o work_n never_o so_o good_a or_o excellent_a for_o before_o thy_o conversion_n what_o can_v thou_o deserve_v when_o every_o of_o thy_o work_n and_o action_n be_v but_o as_o so_o many_o sin_n for_o to_o the_o impure_a all_o thing_n be_v impure_a tit._n 1.15_o and_o without_o faith_n it_o be_v impossible_a to_o please_v god_n heb._n 11.6_o and_o also_o after_o conversion_n all_o thy_o work_n be_v taint_v with_o sin_n whereas_o if_o they_o can_v merit_v or_o deferve_v than_o they_o must_v be_v absolute_o good_a and_o righteous_a oh_o then_o challenge_v nothing_o for_o thy_o work_n sake_n for_o thou_o may_v know_v their_o imperfection_n and_o in_o beg_v any_o blessing_n from_o above_o from_z whence_o come_v every_o good_a and_o perfect_a gift_n ja._n 1.17_o i_o say_v therein_o use_v no_o other_o plea_n but_o the_o freedom_n of_o god_n grace_n let_v papist_n lie_v claym_v unto_o they_o as_o they_o be_v servant_n but_o let_v we_o claym_v they_o as_o we_o be_v son_n for_o know_v it_o be_v not_o esau_n riches_n nor_o jesable_v birth_n nor_o goliahs_n strength_n nor_o achitophel_n wit_n nor_o absalon_n beauty_n nor_o saul_n stature_n nor_o dive_v fine_a purple_n nor_o the_o fool_n great_a barn_n that_o can_v assure_v or_o certify_v the_o soul_n of_o the_o favour_n of_o god_n for_o i_o dare_v say_v all_o these_o a_o man_n may_v have_v and_o yet_o be_v of_o old_a ordain_v for_o condemnation_n but_o as_o we_o be_v i_o say_v thou_o must_v confess_v thy_o sin_n and_o weakness_n as_o the_o reverend_n divine_a mr._n perkins_n in_o his_o case_n of_o conscience_n observe_v that_o so_o the_o minister_n of_o god_n may_v pronounce_v the_o sentence_n of_o absolution_n of_o thy_o free_a remission_n and_o reconciliation_n with_o god_n in_o christ_n unto_o thou_o for_o as_o be_v show_v a_o little_a before_o the_o minister_n have_v the_o key_n commit_v unto_o he_o for_o that_o end_n joh._n 20_o 22.23_o and_o that_o hence_o thy_o hope_n and_o confidence_n in_o god_n may_v be_v confirm_v which_o the_o minister_n may_v true_o do_v if_o by_o thy_o confession_n he_o find_v in_o thou_o the_o ground_n and_o sign_n of_o faith_n and_o repentance_n and_o here_o in_o this_o small_a tract_n i_o doubt_v not_o but_o full_o hope_v that_o i_o have_v not_o spend_v my_o time_n in_o vain_a but_o that_o some_o if_o not_o all_o that_o shall_v see_v and_o read_v it_o shall_v find_v some_o comfort_n thereby_o unto_o their_o soul_n if_o thou_o be_v call_v and_o bring_v to_o repentance_n and_o faith_n in_o christ_n despair_n not_o i_o will_v here_o again_o put_v you_o in_o mind_n of_o one_o ground_n of_o comfort_n more_o for_z or_o in_o stead_n of_o many_o and_o it_o be_v this_o that_o a_o desire_n to_o repent_v and_o believe_v in_o a_o touch_v heart_n and_o conscience_n be_v faith_n and_o repentance_n itself_o for_o god_n accept_v the_o will_n for_o the_o deed_n as_o i_o say_v before_o though_o it_o be_v not_o so_o in_o nature_n yet_o in_o god_n acceptation_n by_o and_o in_o christ_n it_o be_v so_o and_o this_o be_v evident_a in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n first_o because_o if_o there_o be_v a_o willing_a mind_n it_o be_v accept_v not_o according_a to_o that_o a_o man_n have_v not_o but_o according_a to_o that_o he_o have_v 2._o cor._n 8.12_o and_o do_v not_o god_n only_o call_v all_o that_o thirst_n and_o desire_v the_o water_n of_o life_n yea_o and_o offer_v thereof_o free_o esa_n 55.1.2_o i_o say_v if_o they_o do_v but_o desire_v and_o thirst_n for_o it_o he_o than_o promise_v to_o give_v it_o they_o free_o revel_v 21.6_o and_o 22.17_o and_o he_o will_v be_v as_o good_a as_o his_o word_n to_o we_o because_o his_o word_n and_o promise_n be_v to_o we_o yea_o and_o amen_o 2._o cor._n 1.20_o see_v it_o be_v thus_o with_o the_o lord_n that_o thou_o shall_v be_v sure_a to_o receive_v and_o taste_v of_o these_o water_n of_o comfort_n if_o thou_o will_v pray_v for_o it_o and_o expect_v with_o patience_n and_o tarry_v the_o lord_n leisure_n for_o it_o than_o thou_o be_v and_o shall_v be_v bless_v in_o the_o desire_n of_o it_o for_o bless_a be_v they_o that_o hunger_n and_o thirst_n after_o righteousness_n for_o first_o or_o last_o they_o shall_v be_v satisfy_v mat._n 5.6_o and_o then_o bless_v shall_v thou_o be_v in_o the_o happy_a possession_n of_o it_o hope_v well_o for_o if_o it_o be_v not_o for_o hope_n as_o it_o be_v in_o the_o proverb_n heart_n will_v break_v and_o pray_v hearty_o for_o it_o for_o i_o dare_v say_v prayer_n be_v a_o excellent_a antidote_n against_o any_o despair_n temptation_n or_o assault_v whatsoever_o and_o no_o prayer_n comparable_a to_o christ_n which_o he_o have_v teach_v we_o mat._n 6._o but_o in_o a_o word_n for_o conclusion_n know_v christian_n and_o love_a reader_n and_o despair_v not_o for_o christ_n be_v the_o door_n to_o heaven_n faith_n be_v the_o lock_n of_o this_o door_n and_o prayer_n be_v the_o key_n to_o open_v this_o lock_n which_o may_v be_v a_o great_a motive_n to_o keep_v a_o man_n from_o despair_n and_o therefore_o not_o to_o be_v distract_v for_o these_o time_n though_o trouble_v with_o a_o unnatural_a war_n but_o in_o a_o word_n let_v i_o advise_v thou_o often_o and_o with_o zeal_n and_o fervency_n of_o spirit_n to_o turn_v this_o key_n prayer_n for_o as_o the_o body_n can_v live_v without_o the_o soul_n no_o more_o can_v the_o soul_n live_v without_o prayer_n but_o for_o thy_o further_a satisfaction_n herein_o i_o refer_v thou_o to_o a_o sermon_n of_o i_o entitle_v the_o great_a estimate_n that_o redound_v by_o cross_n and_o affliction_n the_o text_n be_v but_o one_o word_n viz._n rom._n 8.18_o the_o word_n affliction_n as_o also_o to_o my_o exposition_n on_o the_o lord_n prayer_n thus_o bless_a soul_n thou_o have_v for_o thy_o comfort_n a_o hand-kercheffe_a to_o wipe_v away_o all_o dolour_n and_o grief_n or_o what_o may_v trouble_v thy_o soul_n or_o conscience_n for_o the_o misery_n or_o calamity_n of_o the_o time_n and_o a_o directory_n to_o all_o happiness_n to_o which_o god_n in_o his_o good_a time_n bring_v thou_o amen_n finis_fw-la