word_n this_o comfortable_a sentence_n verse_n 18._o we_o know_v that_o whosoever_o be_v bear_v of_o god_n sin_v not_o this_o we_o know_v and_o be_v most_o certain_a of_o that_o he_o can_v never_o fall_v into_o that_o sin_n insomuch_o as_o that_o which_o the_o apostle_n speak_v of_o the_o whole_a church_n of_o the_o jew_n rom._n 11.11_o may_v be_v true_o say_v of_o every_o elect_a child_n of_o god_n have_v they_o stumble_v that_o they_o shall_v fall_v that_o be_v that_o they_o shall_v fall_v final_o and_o for_o ever_o for_o in_o the_o next_o verse_n 12._o he_o grant_v they_o be_v fall_v god_n forbid_v say_v he_o see_v this_o also_o plain_o teach_v we_o psal._n 15._o where_o the_o prophet_n have_v describe_v the_o upright_a heart_a christian_a by_o sundry_a property_n and_o action_n he_o conclude_v verse_n 5._o he_o that_o do_v these_o thing_n shall_v never_o be_v move_v never_o be_v utter_o and_o final_o overcome_v by_o any_o tentation_n and_o this_o be_v that_o which_o our_o saviour_n teach_v also_o mat._n 7.24_o 25._o whosoever_o hear_v these_o say_n of_o i_o and_o do_v they_o i_o will_v liken_v he_o unto_o a_o wise_a man_n that_o build_v his_o house_n upon_o a_o rock_n and_o the_o rain_n descend_v and_o the_o flood_n come_v and_o the_o wind_n blue_a and_o beat_v upon_o that_o house_n and_o it_o fall_v not_o because_o it_o be_v build_v upon_o a_o rock_n and_o that_o which_o he_o say_v of_o a_o godly_a life_n he_o say_v matth._n 16.18_o of_o a_o lively_a and_o true_a faith_n also_o thou_o be_v peter_n a_o rock_n impregnable_a who_o satan_n with_o all_o his_o might_n shall_v not_o be_v able_a to_o overcome_v though_o thou_o shall_v fall_v thou_o shall_v not_o fall_v utter_o and_o upon_o this_o rock_n this_o faith_n that_o thou_o have_v make_v confession_n of_o i_o will_v build_v my_o church_n and_o the_o gate_n of_o hell_n all_o the_o cunning_a all_o the_o power_n of_o satan_n shall_v not_o prevail_v against_o it_o quest._n if_o any_o man_n shall_v ask_v i_o and_o why_o can_v a_o choose_v vessel_n and_o true_a believer_n what_o tentation_n soever_o shall_v assault_v he_o perish_v irrecoverable_o answ._n i_o answer_v there_o be_v two_o pillar_n that_o uphold_v he_o and_o make_v it_o impossible_a for_o he_o to_o fall_v in_o that_o manner_n of_o which_o i_o speak_v the_o last_o day_n 1._o the_o almighty_a power_n of_o god_n 2._o the_o unchangeable_a love_n of_o god_n both_o fit_o typify_v by_o those_o two_o pillar_n we_o read_v of_o 1_o kin_n 7.21_o that_o be_v in_o solomon_n temple_n which_o be_v also_o itself_o a_o type_n of_o the_o church_n and_o people_n of_o god_n the_o one_o be_v call_v jachin_n that_o be_v to_o say_v he_o will_v establish_v the_o other_o boaz_n in_o he_o be_v strength_n first_o let_v we_o begin_v with_o boaz._n in_o the_o lord_n be_v strength_n enough_o to_o keep_v we_o from_o fall_v total_o or_o final_o upon_o this_o pillar_n our_o saviour_n lie_v this_o doctrine_n john_n 10.28.29_o none_o of_o my_o sheep_n shall_v perish_v my_o father_n which_o give_v they_o i_o be_v great_a than_o all_o and_o no_o man_n be_v able_a to_o pluck_v they_o out_o of_o my_o father_n hand_n no_o no_o man_n if_o he_o be_v once_o one_o of_o christ_n sheep_n a_o true_a believer_n no_o man_n can_v pluck_v he_o away_o upon_o this_o pillar_n do_v paul_n ground_n his_o confidence_n 2_o tim._n 1.12_o i_o be_o not_o ashamed_a for_o i_o know_v who_o i_o have_v believe_v and_o i_o be_o persuade_v that_o he_o be_v able_a to_o keep_v that_o which_o i_o have_v commit_v unto_o he_o against_o that_o day_n yea_o upon_o this_o pillar_n he_o ground_v the_o confidence_n even_o of_o the_o weak_a christian_a that_o be_v have_v a_o honest_a heart_n rom._n 14._o for_o speak_v of_o one_o that_o be_v weak_a in_o the_o faith_n verse_n 1._o he_o say_v thus_o of_o he_o verse_n 4._o yea_o he_o shall_v be_v hold_v up_o for_o god_n be_v able_a to_o make_v he_o stand_v now_o for_o the_o second_o pillar_n lachin_n he_o will_v establish_v the_o lord_n not_o only_o have_v strength_n to_o keep_v his_o people_n but_o we_o be_v also_o sure_o he_o will_v establish_v they_o that_o they_o shall_v not_o perish_v this_o pillar_n god_n give_v his_o church_n to_o ground_n and_o build_v upon_o esa._n 54.10_o the_o mountain_n shall_v depart_v and_o the_o hill_n be_v remove_v but_o my_o kindness_n shall_v not_o depart_v from_o thou_o neither_o shall_v the_o covenant_n of_o my_o peace_n be_v remove_v say_v the_o lord_n that_o have_v mercy_n on_o thou_o upon_o this_o pillar_n do_v the_o church_n ground_n her_o confidence_n esa._n 64.5_o behold_v thou_o be_v wroth_a for_o we_o have_v sin_v in_o those_o be_v continuance_n and_o we_o shall_v be_v save_v and_o so_o do_v david_n psalm_n 23.6_o sure_o goodness_n and_o mercy_n shall_v follow_v i_o all_o the_o day_n of_o my_o life_n and_o 48.14_o this_o god_n be_v our_o god_n for_o ever_o and_o ever_o he_o will_v be_v our_o guide_n even_o unto_o death_n lecture_n lxxii_o on_o psalm_n 51.5_o octob._n 16._o 1627._o it_o follow_v now_o grace_n that_o we_o proceed_v to_o the_o four_o and_o last_o point_n wherein_o the_o admirable_a goodness_n of_o god_n be_v set_v forth_o by_o the_o doctrine_n of_o original_a sin_n and_o that_o be_v this_o that_o the_o sinfulness_n and_o corruption_n of_o our_o nature_n be_v so_o great_a as_o it_o be_v it_o shall_v do_v we_o no_o more_o hurt_n than_o it_o do_v and_o sure_o this_o be_v a_o thing_n that_o we_o can_v never_o sufficient_o admire_v that_o we_o not_o only_a slip_n and_o fall_v oft_o into_o many_o actual_a sin_n but_o have_v also_o still_o in_o we_o so_o vile_a a_o nature_n such_o a_o fountain_n of_o corruption_n that_o make_v we_o we_o can_v cease_v from_o sin_n any_o one_o moment_n and_o like_o the_o trouble_a sea_n that_o can_v rest_v it_o be_v the_o prophet_n comparison_n though_o in_o another_o sense_n esa._n 57.20_o be_v ever_o cast_v up_o some_o filthy_a mire_n and_o dirt_n or_o other_o to_o defile_v our_o best_a action_n by_o that_o we_o be_v such_o i_o say_v the_o lord_n shall_v not_o loathe_v and_o abhor_v both_o ourselves_o and_o every_o thing_n that_o proceed_v from_o we_o that_o the_o lord_n shall_v notwithstanding_o all_o this_o have_v so_o gracious_a respect_n unto_o we_o and_o to_o our_o poor_a service_n as_o he_o have_v this_o do_v notable_o set_v forth_o his_o admirable_a goodness_n and_o mercy_n towards_o we_o this_o will_v the_o better_o appear_v unto_o we_o if_o we_o shall_v distinct_o consider_v these_o three_o thing_n 1._o what_o we_o and_o our_o best_a action_n and_o performance_n be_v 2._o what_o the_o lord_n be_v in_o the_o holiness_n of_o his_o own_o nature_n 3._o what_o the_o respect_n be_v that_o the_o lord_n notwithstanding_o do_v show_v to_o we_o and_o to_o the_o service_n we_o do_v unto_o he_o for_o the_o first_o our_o flesh_n and_o corrupt_a nature_n be_v such_o as_o it_o will_v not_o suffer_v we_o to_o do_v any_o one_o duty_n in_o that_o manner_n as_o we_o ought_v this_o bless_a paul_n complain_v of_o rom._n 7.18_o to_o will_n be_v present_a with_o i_o this_o be_v doubtless_o the_o speech_n of_o a_o regenerate_a man_n but_o how_o to_o perform_v that_o which_o be_v good_a i_o find_v not_o and_o that_o that_o he_o say_v of_o himself_o there_o he_o say_v of_o all_o the_o faithful_a galat._n 5.17_o you_o can_v do_v the_o thing_n that_o you_o will_v nay_o it_o do_v so_o palpable_o corrupt_a and_o defile_v every_o good_a thing_n we_o desire_v to_o do_v as_o ourselves_o can_v choose_v if_o there_o be_v any_o truth_n of_o grace_n in_o we_o but_o discern_v and_o be_v ashamed_a of_o it_o and_o complain_v of_o it_o also_o as_o the_o church_n do_v esa._n 64.6_o we_o be_v all_o as_o the_o unclean_a man_n the_o leper_n and_o all_o our_o righteousness_n not_o one_o but_o all_o be_v as_o filthy_a rag_n so_o that_o when_o we_o have_v do_v the_o best_a service_n that_o ever_o we_o do_v to_o god_n we_o have_v cause_n to_o cry_v god_n mercy_n for_o it_o and_o to_o pray_v with_o good_a nehemiah_n 13.22_o lord_n pardon_v i_o according_a to_o the_o greatness_n of_o thy_o mercy_n and_o if_o we_o as_o blind_a and_o senseless_a and_o full_a of_o self-love_n as_o we_o be_v can_v discern_v so_o much_o filth_n ourselves_o in_o they_o what_o can_v the_o lord_n do_v who_o be_v great_a than_o our_o heart_n as_o the_o apostle_n speak_v 1_o joh._n 3.20_o and_o know_v all_o thing_n for_o the_o second_o point_n the_o lord_n we_o know_v be_v so_o infinite_o holy_a that_o he_o can_v abide_v to_o look_v upon_o he_o can_v but_o detest_v all_o filthiness_n and_o sin_n thou_o be_v of_o pure_a eye_n say_v the_o prophet_n hab._n 1.13_o
sorrow_n we_o meet_v with_o here_o in_o this_o place_n of_o our_o pilgrimage_n as_o david_n call_v it_o psal._n 119.54_o this_o foreign_a country_n where_o we_o be_v many_o time_n a_o long_a while_n before_o we_o can_v hear_v from_o our_o father_n and_o the_o letter_n and_o love-tokens_z he_o send_v we_o be_v oft_o intercept_v by_o one_o or_o other_o be_v most_o effectual_a mean_n to_o make_v we_o long_o to_o be_v with_o our_o father_n in_o who_o presence_n and_o no_o where_o else_o be_v fullness_n of_o joy_n and_o at_o who_o right_a hand_n there_o be_v pleasure_n for_o evermore_o as_o the_o prophet_n speak_v psal._n 16.11_o five_o by_o this_o mean_n above_o all_o other_o the_o lord_n work_v his_o people_n to_o a_o more_o high_a and_o precious_a esteem_n of_o his_o favour_n and_o of_o the_o comfortable_a assurance_n and_o feel_n of_o it_o for_o as_o it_o be_v with_o all_o other_o blessing_n of_o god_n so_o it_o be_v with_o this_o if_o we_o do_v not_o feel_v the_o want_n of_o it_o sometime_o we_o can_v never_o value_n it_o to_o the_o worth_n the_o lord_n therefore_o hide_v his_o face_n a_o great_a while_n sometime_o from_o his_o dear_a child_n and_o let_v they_o not_o see_v the_o light_n of_o his_o countenance_n that_o he_o may_v cause_v they_o 1._o to_o seek_v he_o more_o diligent_o and_o never_o rest_n till_o they_o have_v find_v he_o again_o 2._o to_o hold_v he_o fast_a when_o they_o once_o have_v recover_v he_o and_o both_o these_o way_n declare_v that_o they_o high_o esteem_v of_o his_o favour_n indeed_o both_o these_o effect_n have_v christ_n withdraw_a himself_n from_o his_o spouse_n cant._n 3.1_o 4._o for_o thereupon_o 1._o she_o fight_v he_o 1_o in_o her_o bed_n by_o secret_a prayer_n and_o meditation_n 2_o when_o that_o will_v not_o serve_v she_o go_v about_o the_o city_n in_o the_o street_n and_o seek_v he_o by_o the_o help_n of_o the_o conference_n and_o prayer_n of_o god_n people_n 3_o when_o she_o can_v not_o yet_o find_v he_o she_o go_v to_o the_o watchman_n and_o minister_n of_o the_o church_n and_o seek_v he_o by_o the_o help_n of_o that_o ordinance_n of_o god_n she_o neglect_v no_o mean_n she_o can_v possible_o use_v to_o recover_v her_o comfort_n that_o be_v the_o first_o effect_n i_o tell_v you_o of_o 2._o when_o she_o have_v find_v he_o she_o hold_v he_o and_o will_v not_o let_v he_o go_v and_o certain_o by_o daily_a experience_n we_o find_v this_o 1._o that_o none_o so_o thirst_n after_o christ_n none_o so_o esteem_v of_o the_o mean_n of_o grace_n none_o take_v such_o pain_n for_o they_o none_o use_v they_o so_o diligent_o and_o constant_o 2._o christ_n and_o his_o gospel_n be_v not_o so_o sweet_a to_o any_o none_o have_v so_o tender_a conscience_n so_o fearful_a to_o offend_v god_n in_o any_o thing_n as_o those_o be_v that_o have_v have_v experience_n of_o this_o affliction_n according_a to_o the_o old_a proverb_n the_o burn_a child_n will_v dread_v the_o fire_n they_o that_o be_v sting_v by_o the_o fircy_n serpent_n and_o none_o but_o they_o make_v high_a account_n of_o the_o brazen_a serpent_n no_o body_n need_v to_o persuade_v they_o to_o run_v to_o it_o and_o fix_v their_o eye_n upon_o it_o num._n 21.9_o and_o so_o it_o be_v in_o this_o case_n and_o above_o all_o other_o man_n he_o that_o have_v once_o taste_v how_o gracious_a the_o lord_n be_v and_o have_v feel_v the_o sweetness_n and_o comfort_n that_o the_o assurance_n of_o god_n favour_n yield_v unto_o the_o soul_n let_v he_o be_v deprive_v of_o it_o a_o while_n and_o he_o will_v give_v the_o whole_a world_n if_o he_o have_v it_o to_o recover_v this_o comfort_n again_o he_o will_v be_v ready_a to_o cry_v as_o david_n psal._n 63.1_o 2._o o_o god_n thou_o be_v my_o god_n early_o will_v i_o seek_v thou_o my_o soul_n thirst_v for_o thou_o my_o flesh_n long_v for_o thou_o to_o see_v thou_o so_o as_o i_o have_v see_v thou_o in_o thy_o sanctuary_n and_o when_o god_n shall_v have_v restore_v to_o such_o a_o soul_n but_o the_o least_o glimpse_n of_o the_o light_n of_o his_o countenance_n o_o how_o he_o prize_v it_o how_o sweet_a be_v christ_n and_o his_o gospel_n to_o he_o that_o which_o the_o apostle_n speak_v roman_n 10.15_o be_v the_o voice_n of_o such_o a_o one_o and_o of_o none_o other_o o_o how_o beautiful_a be_v the_o foot_n of_o they_o which_o preach_v the_o gospel_n of_o peace_n six_o and_o last_o by_o this_o mean_v the_o lord_n do_v establish_v his_o people_n and_o cause_v they_o to_o be_v better_o root_v and_o settle_v in_o a_o christian_a course_n and_o so_o also_o more_o fruitful_a unto_o he_o than_o otherwise_o they_o can_v be_v and_o a_o singular_a benefit_n doubtless_o this_o be_v the_o apostle_n pray_v for_o the_o colossian_n col._n 2.7_o that_o they_o may_v be_v root_v and_o build_v up_o in_o christ_n and_o establish_v in_o the_o faith_n and_o peter_n for_o those_o he_o write_v to_o 1_o pet._n 5.10_o that_o god_n will_v make_v they_o perfect_a establish_v strengthen_v settle_v they_o and_o god_n have_v no_o such_o way_n to_o bring_v his_o people_n to_o this_o as_o by_o exercise_v they_o sometime_o with_o these_o spiritual_a desertion_n they_o that_o have_v lay_v their_o foundation_n upon_o the_o rock_n do_v dig_v deep_a first_o luk_n 6.48_o that_o even_o as_o we_o see_v the_o wind_n and_o storm_n and_o frost_n that_o tree_n and_o plant_n be_v subject_a unto_o make_v they_o take_v deep_a root_n and_o so_o to_o be_v more_o fruitful_a in_o due_a time_n even_o so_o it_o be_v with_o the_o lord_n plant_n also_o none_o be_v so_o steady_a and_o constant_a in_o a_o christian_a course_n none_o so_o full_a of_o the_o fruit_n of_o righteousness_n as_o those_o that_o have_v taste_v deep_a of_o this_o cup_n of_o inward_a affliction_n and_o this_o the_o prophet_n give_v for_o a_o reason_n why_o the_o lord_n do_v break_v the_o heart_n of_o his_o people_n and_o make_v they_o mourn_v so_o and_o give_v they_o the_o spirit_n of_o heaviness_n esa._n 61.3_o that_o they_o may_v be_v call_v that_o be_v know_v and_o acknowledge_v even_o by_o other_o apparent_o and_o notorious_o tree_n of_o righteousness_n the_o plant_n of_o the_o lord_n that_o he_o may_v be_v glorify_v so_o that_o that_o which_o the_o apostle_n speak_v of_o all_o affliction_n may_v be_v most_o true_o say_v of_o this_o heb._n 12.11_o this_o chastisement_n for_o the_o present_a seem_v not_o to_o be_v joyous_a but_o grievous_a less_a comfort_n it_o have_v in_o it_o than_o any_o other_o affliction_n more_o bitter_a and_o grievous_a it_o be_v then_o any_o other_o nevertheless_o afterward_o it_o yield_v the_o peaceable_a fruit_n of_o righteousness_n unto_o they_o which_o be_v exercise_v thereby_o the_o five_o and_o last_o consideration_n that_o may_v stay_v and_o comfort_n god_n people_n in_o that_o case_n be_v this_o that_o certain_o they_o shall_v not_o be_v overcome_v of_o this_o tentation_n because_o god_n have_v bind_v himself_o by_o promise_n to_o sustain_v they_o in_o it_o and_o give_v they_o the_o victory_n over_o it_o psal._n 37.24_o though_o he_o fall_v he_o shall_v not_o be_v utter_o cast_v down_o for_o the_o lord_n uphold_v he_o with_o his_o hand_n deut._n 33.27_o the_o eternal_a god_n be_v thy_o refuge_n and_o underneath_o be_v the_o everlasting_a arm_n so_o that_o i_o may_v bold_o say_v to_o thou_o that_o be_v in_o this_o case_n as_o psal._n 55.22_o cast_v thy_o burden_n upon_o the_o lord_n and_o he_o shall_v sustain_v thou_o yea_o this_o affliction_n shall_v certain_o have_v a_o comfortable_a issue_n and_o end_n in_o much_o joy_n psal._n 126.5_o they_o that_o sow_v in_o tear_n shall_v reap_v in_o joy_n and_o joh._n 16.20_o your_o sorrow_n shall_v be_v turn_v into_o joy_n and_o thus_o have_v i_o finish_v the_o first_o part_n of_o my_o answer_n to_o the_o main_a objection_n that_o god_n people_n that_o be_v in_o distress_n of_o conscience_n be_v apt_a to_o make_v against_o themselves_o i_o have_v show_v you_o five_o prop_n that_o god_n in_o his_o word_n have_v give_v they_o to_o stay_v they_o from_o be_v overthrow_v by_o these_o wind_n and_o storm_n and_o flood_n that_o beat_v upon_o they_o 2._o now_o follow_v the_o second_o part_n of_o my_o answer_n wherein_o i_o must_v show_v you_o how_o and_o by_o what_o mean_v they_o that_o be_v in_o this_o case_n may_v recover_v their_o comfort_n and_o get_v the_o victory_n over_o this_o tentation_n and_o here_o i_o must_v deliver_v to_o you_o 1._o certain_a caveat_n and_o tell_v you_o what_o you_o must_v take_v heed_n of_o and_o not_o do_v 2._o certain_a direction_n and_o show_v you_o what_o you_o must_v do_v if_o you_o desire_v to_o recover_v the_o comfortable_a assurance_n and_o feel_v of_o god_n favour_n when_o you_o have_v lose_v it_o
shall_v have_v a_o understand_a heart_n give_v unto_o he_o he_o shall_v not_o be_v only_o teach_v by_o man_n god_n himself_o will_v be_v his_o teacher_n god_n will_v write_v his_o law_n in_o his_o heart_n second_o this_o be_v the_o first_o work_n of_o god_n grace_n in_o the_o regeneration_n and_o conversion_n of_o man_n as_o in_o the_o first_o creation_n this_o worldly_a and_o natural_a light_n be_v the_o first_o work_n that_o god_n make_v genesis_n 1.3_o so_o in_o the_o regeneration_n of_o man_n which_o be_v a_o second_o creation_n this_o spiritual_a and_o supernatural_a light_n be_v his_o first_o work_n after_o two_o day_n will_v he_o revive_v we_o say_v the_o church_n hos._n 6.2_o 3._o speak_v of_o their_o true_a conversion_n and_o turn_n unto_o god_n in_o the_o three_o day_n he_o will_v raise_v we_o up_o and_o we_o shall_v live_v in_o his_o sight_n then_o shall_v we_o have_v knowledge_n and_o endeavour_n ourselves_o to_o know_v the_o lord_n as_o if_o she_o have_v say_v so_o soon_o as_o ever_o he_o have_v begin_v to_o revive_v we_o we_o shall_v have_v knowledge_n so_o when_o god_n send_v paul_n to_o convert_v the_o gentile_n he_o mention_v this_o as_o the_o first_o work_n and_o fruit_n of_o his_o ministry_n act_v 26.18_o he_o say_v he_o send_v he_o to_o open_v their_o eye_n and_o to_o turn_v they_o from_o darkness_n unto_o light_n as_o if_o he_o have_v say_v to_o deliver_v they_o from_o their_o blindness_n and_o ignorance_n and_o to_o breed_v knowledge_n in_o they_o so_o speak_v the_o apostle_n of_o the_o jew_n 2_o corinthian_n 3.16_o nevertheless_o as_o if_o he_o have_v say_v though_o there_o be_v now_o a_o veil_n upon_o their_o heart_n when_o it_o shall_v turn_v to_o the_o lord_n the_o veil_n shall_v be_v take_v away_o as_o though_o he_o shall_v say_v so_o soon_o as_o ever_o they_o shall_v be_v convert_v they_o shall_v be_v able_a to_o understand_v what_o moses_n have_v write_v concern_v christ._n three_o and_o last_o the_o change_n and_o conversion_n of_o a_o sinner_n be_v say_v to_o consist_v in_o this_o be_v you_o transform_v or_o change_v say_v the_o apostle_n roman_n 12.2_o by_o the_o renew_n of_o your_o mind_n when_o the_o mind_n be_v once_o renew_v a_o man_n be_v transform_v the_o save_a change_n and_o conversion_n of_o his_o heart_n be_v wrought_v you_o have_v put_v on_o the_o new_a man_n which_o be_v renew_v in_o knowledge_n say_v the_o apostle_n col._n 3.10_o after_o the_o image_n of_o he_o that_o create_v he_o as_o if_o he_o shall_v say_v the_o man_n that_o have_v this_o knowledge_n be_v certain_o renew_v become_v a_o new_a creature_n have_v god_n image_n stamp_v upon_o he_o after_o you_o be_v illuminate_v that_o be_v after_o you_o be_v effectual_o call_v and_o convert_v say_v he_o to_o the_o hebrew_n 10.32_o you_o endure_v a_o great_a fight_n of_o affliction_n to_o be_v enlighten_v with_o this_o knowledge_n and_o to_o be_v convert_v and_o effectual_o call_v he_o make_v all_o one_o thing_n and_o as_o the_o state_n we_o be_v in_o by_o nature_n and_o all_o the_o misery_n we_o be_v subject_a unto_o in_o that_o estate_n be_v call_v darkness_n and_o consist_v chief_o in_o the_o blindness_n and_o ignorance_n we_o then_o live_v in_o so_o the_o estate_n of_o grace_n and_o all_o the_o comfort_n and_o happiness_n we_o enjoy_v in_o it_o be_v call_v light_n and_o consist_v chief_o in_o the_o spiritual_a knowledge_n and_o understanding_n that_o we_o do_v enjoy_v in_o it_o you_o be_v once_o darkness_n say_v the_o apostle_n ephes._n 5.8_o but_o now_o be_v you_o light_v in_o the_o lord_n so_o speak_v the_o apostle_n 1_o pet._n 2.9_o show_v forth_o the_o praise_n of_o he_o that_o have_v call_v you_o out_o of_o darkness_n into_o his_o marvellous_a light_n god_n save_v grace_n in_o the_o heart_n of_o man_n his_o effectual_a call_n and_o conversion_n be_v see_v in_o nothing_o more_o than_o in_o deliver_v he_o out_o of_o that_o darkness_n that_o blindness_n and_o blockishness_n and_o ignorance_n that_o be_v in_o he_o by_o nature_n then_o in_o open_v of_o his_o eye_n and_o renew_v his_o mind_n then_o in_o cause_v he_o in_o his_o hide_a part_n to_o know_v wisdom_n as_o the_o prophet_n here_o speak_v now_o if_o we_o shall_v inquire_v into_o the_o ground_n and_o reason_n of_o this_o why_o the_o holy_a ghost_n ascribe_v so_o much_o unto_o knowledge_n we_o shall_v find_v two_o reason_n of_o it_o principal_o first_o 1_o because_o knowledge_n be_v the_o foundation_n and_o that_o that_o give_v strength_n and_o stability_n to_o all_o other_o grace_n if_o the_o good_a profession_n we_o make_v if_o our_o faith_n our_o love_n our_o zeal_n our_o repentance_n be_v ground_v upon_o sound_a knowledge_n than_o they_o will_v last_v and_o abide_v as_o the_o house_n that_o be_v build_v upon_o a_o rock_n but_o if_o these_o grace_n or_o any_o other_o holy_a affection_n seem_v to_o be_v in_o we_o in_o never_o so_o great_a a_o measure_n certain_o they_o will_v be_v of_o no_o continuance_n unless_o they_o be_v ground_v upon_o knowledge_n see_v this_o instance_a in_o three_o particular_a grace_n first_o our_o zeal_n and_o love_n to_o god_n and_o goodness_n will_v never_o hold_v out_o unless_o it_o be_v ground_v upon_o sound_a knowledge_n this_o i_o pray_v say_v the_o apostle_n phil._n 1.9_o that_o your_o love_n may_v abound_v yet_o more_o and_o more_o in_o knowledge_n and_o in_o all_o judgement_n as_o if_o he_o have_v say_v i_o know_v to_o my_o great_a comfort_n that_o you_o be_v now_o full_a of_o love_n to_o god_n and_o to_o his_o truth_n and_o to_o his_o servant_n and_o i_o pray_v god_n you_o may_v continue_v and_o increase_v in_o this_o grace_n but_o that_o can_v you_o never_o do_v unless_o your_o love_n your_o holy_a and_o good_a affection_n be_v support_v and_o ground_v upon_o knowledge_n and_o sound_a judgement_n second_o we_o shall_v never_o be_v able_a to_o abide_v constant_a in_o the_o profession_n of_o the_o truth_n unless_o we_o be_v well_o ground_v in_o the_o knowledge_n of_o it_o the_o apostle_n tell_v we_o ephes._n 4.12_o 14._o that_o the_o function_n of_o the_o ministry_n be_v ordain_v by_o christ_n to_o bring_v we_o to_o the_o unity_n of_o the_o faith_n and_o of_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n that_o we_o may_v be_v no_o more_o child_n toss_v to_o and_o fro_o and_o carry_v about_o with_o every_o wind_n of_o doctrine_n by_o sleight_n of_o man_n and_o cunning_a craftiness_n whereby_o they_o lie_v in_o wait_n to_o deceive_v as_o if_o he_o have_v say_v 1_o the_o church_n of_o god_n will_v never_o want_v seducer_n and_o false_a teacher_n and_o 2_o they_o be_v very_o cunning_a and_o will_v be_v ready_a to_o cheat_v we_o with_o their_o false_a dice_n and_o we_o 3_o be_v natural_o like_o little_a child_n easy_o cozen_v or_o like_a ship_n upon_o the_o sea_n that_o have_v no_o anchor_n 4_o we_o shall_v never_o be_v able_a to_o hold_v the_o truth_n and_o keep_v ourselves_o from_o be_v deceive_v and_o seduce_v by_o they_o unless_o by_o live_v under_o a_o sound_n and_o constant_a ministry_n we_o ground_n ourselves_o well_o in_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o truth_n so_o the_o apostle_n speak_v of_o some_o that_o pervert_v the_o write_n of_o paul_n 2_o pet._n 3.16_o say_v they_o be_v such_o as_o be_v unlearned_a and_o unstable_a man_n unlearned_a man_n and_o such_o as_o want_v knowledge_n must_v needs_o be_v unstable_a man_n they_o can_v continue_v constant_a and_o steady_a in_o the_o profession_n of_o the_o truth_n so_o our_o saviour_n give_v the_o reason_n why_o those_o hearer_n who_o he_o compare_v to_o stony_a ground_n prove_v temporary_n endure_v but_o for_o a_o time_n say_v of_o they_o mar._n 4.16_o 17._o 1_o that_o they_o have_v no_o root_n in_o themselves_o they_o be_v never_o well_o ground_v in_o the_o truth_n 2_o that_o they_o do_v receive_v the_o word_n immediate_o with_o gladness_n they_o be_v somewhat_o too_o hasty_a in_o receive_v the_o truth_n if_o they_o have_v first_o take_v pain_n to_o examine_v well_o the_o ground_n of_o it_o as_o those_o berean_n do_v act_n 17.11_o before_o they_o have_v receive_v it_o they_o will_v not_o so_o soon_o have_v fall_v from_o it_o certain_o no_o constancy_n in_o religion_n can_v be_v expect_v from_o those_o man_n that_o be_v not_o well_o ground_v in_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o truth_n three_o and_o last_o patience_n and_o comfort_n in_o affliction_n will_v never_o hold_v out_o nor_o continue_v when_o the_o fiery_a trial_n shall_v come_v unless_o it_o be_v well_o ground_v upon_o knowledge_n this_o be_v plain_a by_o that_o prayer_n which_o the_o apostle_n make_v for_o the_o colossian_n col._n 1.9_o 11._o i_o cease_v not_o to_o pray_v for_o you_o and_o to_o desire_v that_o you_o may_v be_v fill_v with_o the_o knowledge_n
bondslave_n that_o be_v to_o say_v to_o they_o that_o by_o the_o spirit_n of_o bondage_n be_v trouble_v with_o fear_n and_o terror_n in_o their_o heart_n and_o as_o he_o use_v not_o to_o sprinkle_v christ_n blood_n upon_o any_o heart_n that_o be_v not_o first_o trouble_v with_o these_o fear_n and_o terror_n so_o they_o who_o he_o have_v thus_o besprinkle_v be_v never_o perfect_o free_v from_o these_o doubt_n while_o they_o live_v here_o the_o flesh_n lust_v against_o the_o spirit_n as_o the_o apostle_n speak_v gal._n 5.17_o and_o they_o have_v in_o they_o a_o combat_n oft_o time_n between_o faith_n and_o infidelity_n the_o spirit_n indeed_o of_o just_a man_n that_o be_v translate_v into_o heaven_n be_v make_v perfect_a as_o the_o apostle_n teach_v we_o heb._n 12.23_o but_o the_o regeneration_n of_o the_o just_a man_n while_o he_o be_v upon_o earth_n be_v not_o so_o perfect_v but_o that_o even_a after_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n have_v sprinkle_v the_o blood_n of_o christ_n upon_o he_o and_o give_v he_o a_o comfortable_a assurance_n of_o god_n special_a love_n to_o he_o in_o christ_n yet_o there_o will_v be_v doubt_v and_o infidelity_n remain_v in_o he_o still_o yea_o he_o be_v subject_a also_o oft_o to_o such_o spiritual_a desertion_n that_o he_o lose_v the_o sense_n of_o his_o assurance_n and_o be_v visit_v ever_o and_o anon_o with_o his_o old_a fear_n and_o terror_n and_o trouble_a with_o they_o again_o david_n be_v so_o when_o he_o cry_v psal._n â—2_n 1_o that_o god_n have_v forsake_v he_o and_o heman_n be_v so_o when_o he_o complain_v psal._n 88.15_o that_o by_o suffer_v these_o terror_n he_o be_v even_o distract_v and_o paul_n be_v so_o when_o he_o say_v 2_o cor._n 7.5_o without_o be_v fight_n that_o be_v strong_a and_o violent_a opposition_n of_o persecuter_n and_o heretic_n and_o within_o be_v fear_n through_o the_o doubt_n and_o infidelity_n that_o he_o find_v in_o his_o own_o heart_n final_o the_o church_n the_o dear_a spouse_n of_o christ_n be_v so_o more_o than_o once_o when_o cant._n 3.1_o she_o seek_v he_o who_o he_o soul_n love_v she_o seek_v he_o but_o she_o find_v he_o not_o and_o again_o when_o cant_n 5.6_o her_o belove_a have_v with_o draw_v himself_o she_o seek_v he_o but_o she_o can_v not_o find_v he_o applic._n let_v we_o then_o make_v application_n of_o this_o and_o try_v our_o assurance_n by_o this_o first_o note_n many_o man_n there_o be_v that_o never_o doubt_v of_o their_o salvation_n in_o their_o life_n be_v never_o acquaint_v with_o these_o fear_n and_o terror_n that_o you_o have_v hear_v of_o they_o be_v and_o ever_o be_v most_o confident_a that_o god_n be_v their_o god_n they_o be_v in_o his_o favour_n they_o wonder_v to_o see_v many_o christian_n so_o full_a of_o doubt_n and_o fear_v this_o way_n and_o be_v apt_a to_o conclude_v from_o thence_o that_o certain_o they_o be_v hypocrite_n and_o guilty_a of_o some_o gross_a sin_n according_a to_o that_o complaint_n of_o job_n 12.5_o he_o that_o be_v ready_a to_o slip_v with_o his_o foot_n be_v as_o a_o lamp_n despise_v in_o the_o thought_n of_o he_o that_o be_v at_o ease_n to_o such_o man_n i_o may_v fit_o say_v of_o their_o freedom_n from_o all_o doubt_n and_o fear_n as_o the_o apostle_n speak_v to_o they_o that_o be_v free_a from_o all_o affliction_n hebrew_n 12_o 8._o if_o you_o be_v and_o ever_o have_v be_v without_o doubt_n and_o fear_n whereof_o all_o be_v partaker_n thou_o be_v you_o bastard_n and_o not_o son_n if_o thy_o assurance_n of_o thy_o salvation_n be_v breed_v and_o bear_v with_o thou_o and_o thou_o be_v never_o without_o it_o if_o it_o be_v so_o perfect_a that_o thou_o have_v no_o doubt_n no_o motion_n of_o infidelity_n this_o way_n than_o thou_o have_v just_a cause_n to_o judge_v thy_o assurance_n not_o of_o god_n make_v it_o be_v but_o a_o counterfeit_a assurance_n and_o a_o very_a delusion_n of_o the_o devil_n and_o i_o will_v apply_v to_o thou_o that_o say_n of_o eliphaz_n job_n 15.31_o let_v not_o he_o that_o be_v deceive_v trust_v in_o vanity_n for_o vanity_n shall_v be_v his_o recompense_n 2._o second_o by_o the_o ground_n upon_o which_o our_o assurance_n be_v build_v we_o may_v judge_v whether_o it_o be_v sound_a or_o no._n that_o assurance_n of_o god_n favour_n which_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n work_v in_o any_o heart_n as_o it_o be_v wrought_v by_o the_o word_n so_o it_o be_v ground_v only_o upon_o the_o most_o sure_a and_o infallible_a testimony_n of_o god_n holy_a word_n the_o testimony_n that_o a_o false_a and_o erroneous_a spirit_n give_v be_v to_o be_v discern_v from_o that_o which_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n give_v by_o this_o note_n if_o they_o speak_v not_o according_a to_o this_o word_n say_v the_o lord_n isaiah_n 8.20_o it_o be_v because_o there_o be_v no_o light_n in_o they_o whatsoever_o be_v wrought_v in_o we_o by_o god_n spirit_n be_v agreeable_a to_o god_n word_n the_o spirit_n and_o the_o word_n go_v always_o together_o my_o spirit_n which_o be_v upon_o thou_o and_o my_o word_n which_o i_o have_v put_v into_o thy_o mouth_n say_v the_o lord_n esa._n 59.21_o shall_v not_o depart_v out_o of_o thy_o mouth_n nor_o out_o of_o the_o mouth_n of_o thy_o seed_n so_o that_o that_o assurance_n of_o god_n favour_n that_o be_v wrought_v in_o any_o heart_n by_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n be_v ground_v upon_o the_o word_n of_o god_n only_o in_o which_o respect_n the_o apostle_n call_v it_o the_o word_n of_o faith_n roman_n 10_o 8_o because_o all_o true_a faith_n be_v ground_v upon_o it_o and_o upon_o it_o alone_o i_o trust_v in_o thy_o word_n say_v david_n psalm_n 119.42_o as_o if_o he_o have_v say_v upon_o that_o do_v i_o build_v that_o confidence_n that_o i_o have_v in_o thy_o mercy_n the_o papist_n tell_v we_o that_o no_o man_n can_v be_v sure_a certitudine_fw-la fidei_fw-la with_o the_o assurance_n of_o faith_n of_o his_o own_o particular_a estate_n of_o grace_n because_o faith_n must_v have_v the_o word_n to_o ground_n itself_o upon_o and_o no_o particular_a man_n have_v any_o word_n of_o god_n to_o assure_v he_o that_o he_o be_v in_o christ._n and_o indeed_o if_o this_o be_v true_a that_o they_o do_v assume_v that_o no_o particular_a man_n have_v any_o word_n of_o god_n to_o assure_v he_o that_o he_o be_v in_o god_n favour_n their_o argument_n be_v unanswerable_a but_o bless_v be_v god_n that_o every_o true_a christian_a have_v god_n express_a word_n to_o assure_v he_o in_o particular_a that_o he_o be_v in_o the_o state_n of_o salvation_n i_o can_v now_o stand_v upon_o all_o those_o ground_n that_o he_o have_v in_o the_o word_n to_o build_v this_o assurance_n upon_o i_o will_v mention_v but_o four_o only_a first_o the_o scripture_n express_o say_v that_o whosoever_o have_v true_o repent_v and_o lead_v a_o new_a life_n how_o lewd_a soever_o he_o be_v before_o he_o shall_v certain_o be_v save_v if_o the_o wicked_a will_v turn_v from_o all_o his_o sin_n that_o he_o have_v commit_v say_v the_o lord_n ezek._n 18.21_o and_o keep_v all_o my_o statute_n and_o do_v that_o which_o be_v lawful_a and_o right_a he_o shall_v sure_o live_v he_o shall_v not_o die_v second_o the_o scripture_n express_o speak_v that_o whosoever_o love_v the_o lord_n obey_v and_o serve_v he_o out_o of_o love_n shall_v certain_o be_v save_v if_o any_o man_n love_n god_n say_v the_o apostle_n 1_o cor._n 8.3_o the_o same_o be_v know_v that_o be_v approve_v and_o belove_v of_o he_o three_o the_o scripture_n express_o say_v that_o whosoever_o love_v the_o godly_a because_o they_o be_v godly_a shall_v certain_o be_v save_v hereby_o we_o know_v that_o we_o be_v of_o the_o truth_n â—aith_o the_o apostle_n 1_o joh._n 3.19_o and_o shall_v assure_v our_o heart_n before_o he_o four_o and_o last_o the_o scripture_n express_o say_v that_o whosoever_o with_o a_o humble_a soul_n that_o despair_v of_o all_o help_n by_o any_o other_o mean_n believe_v and_o put_v his_o affiance_n in_o christ_n alone_o rest_v and_o rely_v whole_o upon_o he_o shall_v certain_o be_v save_v whosoever_o believe_v in_o he_o say_v our_o saviour_n john_n 3.16_o shall_v not_o perish_v but_o have_v everlasting_a life_n two_o thing_n i_o know_v be_v object_v against_o this_o first_o 1_o that_o these_o be_v general_a speech_n and_o here_o be_v no_o word_n of_o god_n bring_v to_o assure_v such_o and_o such_o a_o particular_a of_o his_o personal_a estate_n i_o answer_v that_o because_o these_o speech_n be_v so_o general_a therefore_o every_o particular_a man_n that_o find_v himself_o thus_o qualify_v answ._n may_v assure_v himself_o even_o by_o the_o certainty_n of_o faith_n that_o he_o shall_v be_v save_v as_o very_o as_o if_o god_n shall_v have_v say_v to_o he_o by_o name_n as_o once_o christ_n do_v
also_o but_o not_o else_o 3._o last_o the_o lord_n himself_o will_v judge_v thou_o at_o the_o last_o day_n by_o his_o word_n and_o by_o that_o only_a the_o word_n that_o i_o have_v speak_v say_v our_o saviour_n joâ—_a 12.48_o the_o same_o shall_v judge_v he_o at_o the_o last_o day_n and_o therefore_o it_o stand_v thou_o upon_o to_o judge_v thyself_o by_o that_o too_o second_o now_o alas_o most_o man_n though_o they_o say_v they_o be_v undoubted_o assure_v of_o their_o salvation_n have_v no_o ground_n at_o all_o in_o god_n word_n for_o this_o assurance_n they_o boast_v of_o nay_o though_o the_o word_n give_v most_o express_a and_o direct_a evidence_n against_o they_o yet_o be_v they_o most_o confident_a that_o they_o shall_v be_v save_v for_o all_o that_o though_o god_n word_n say_v express_o psal._n 119.155_o salvation_n be_v far_o from_o the_o wicked_a for_o they_o seek_v not_o thy_o statute_n yet_o many_o a_o one_o that_o never_o seek_v after_o god_n statute_n take_v no_o pain_n for_o the_o word_n nay_o shun_v it_o all_o that_o ever_o he_o can_v and_o though_o he_o may_v enjoy_v it_o without_o any_o labour_n or_o charge_n at_o all_o will_v not_o stir_v out_o of_o his_o door_n for_o it_o nay_o that_o count_v you_o all_o arrant_a fool_n and_o hypocrite_n that_o take_v so_o much_o pain_n for_o it_o as_o many_o of_o you_o do_v yet_o be_v this_o man_n i_o say_v as_o sure_o of_o his_o own_o salvation_n as_o any_o of_o you_o can_v be_v though_o the_o scripture_n say_v express_o yea_o though_o he_o that_o must_v judge_v we_o all_o at_o the_o last_o day_n say_v express_o matth._n 5.37_o whatsoever_o be_v more_o than_o yea_o and_o nay_o the_o least_o oath_n that_o be_v in_o our_o ordinary_a communication_n come_v of_o that_o evil_a one_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d from_o the_o devil_n and_o though_o the_o apostle_n say_v jam._n 5.12_o above_o all_o thing_n my_o brethren_n swear_v not_o by_o any_o oath_n lest_o you_o fall_v into_o condemnation_n lest_o you_o be_v damn_v yet_o have_v we_o many_o a_o one_o that_o swear_v ordinary_o not_o by_o faith_n and_o troth_n only_o but_o by_o foul_a oath_n a_o great_a deal_n that_o yet_o never_o doubt_v of_o their_o salvation_n but_o be_v confident_a christ_n die_v for_o they_o his_o blood_n have_v be_v sprinkle_v upon_o their_o heart_n though_o the_o scripture_n say_v express_o 1_o cor._n 6.9_o 10._o neither_o fornicator_n nor_o wantoness_n nor_o thief_n nor_o drunkard_n nor_o raylor_n nor_o extortioner_n shall_v inherit_v the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n yet_o where_o have_v you_o any_o in_o god_n church_n that_o be_v more_o confident_o assure_v that_o have_v less_o doubt_n of_o their_o salvation_n than_o these_o man_n have_v but_o let_v god_n be_v true_a say_v the_o apostle_n rom._n 3.4_o and_o every_o man_n a_o liar_n thou_o will_v one_o day_n find_v that_o the_o lord_n testimony_n against_o thou_o be_v very_o sure_a as_o the_o psalmist_n call_v they_o psal._n 93.5_o and_o that_o thy_o own_o heart_n have_v prophesy_v a_o lie_n unto_o thou_o that_o thou_o may_v perish_v as_o the_o lord_n say_v of_o they_o that_o prophesy_v peace_n unto_o the_o jew_n jer._n 27.10_o i_o know_v thou_o be_v apt_a to_o allege_v that_o thou_o have_v repent_v and_o that_o thou_o do_v believe_v in_o christ_n and_o therefore_o thou_o have_v the_o word_n to_o build_v thy_o assurance_n upon_o but_o because_o neither_o thy_o faith_n nor_o thy_o repentance_n be_v according_a to_o the_o pattern_n according_a to_o the_o word_n i_o may_v say_v of_o thy_o confidence_n thou_o repose_a therein_o as_o bildad_n do_v of_o the_o hope_n of_o all_o hypocrite_n job_n 8.14_o thy_o hope_n shall_v be_v cut_v off_o and_o thy_o trust_n shall_v be_v as_o the_o spider_n web_n lecture_n cxxiii_o on_o psalm_n 51.7_o july_n 21._o 1629._o 3._o the_o three_o and_o last_o sign_n whereby_o we_o may_v judge_v of_o our_o assurance_n and_o discern_v whether_o god_n by_o his_o holy_a spirit_n have_v sprinkle_v upon_o our_o heart_n the_o blood_n of_o his_o son_n and_o certify_v we_o that_o it_o be_v shed_v for_o we_o whether_o that_o assurance_n we_o seem_v to_o have_v be_v of_o god_n or_o no_o be_v to_o be_v take_v from_o the_o effect_n that_o this_o assurance_n have_v wrought_v in_o we_o it_o be_v not_o possible_a for_o any_o man_n that_o know_v before_o his_o own_o wretchedness_n by_o nature_n to_o be_v assure_v by_o god_n spirit_n that_o god_n have_v so_o dear_o love_v he_o as_o to_o send_v his_o own_o son_n to_o shed_v his_o blood_n for_o he_o but_o this_o must_v needs_o work_v a_o great_a change_n and_o alteration_n in_o he_o it_o must_v needs_o kindle_v in_o his_o heart_n a_o unfeigned_a love_n to_o god_n faith_n work_v by_o love_n say_v the_o apostle_n galat._n 5_o 6._o as_o if_o he_o shall_v say_v it_o can_v be_v idle_a but_o it_o be_v operative_a and_o full_a of_o virtue_n and_o the_o hand_n and_o instrument_n it_o work_v by_o be_v love_n it_o must_v needs_o make_v he_o that_o have_v it_o desirous_a and_o studious_a to_o express_v his_o love_n to_o god_n by_o all_o mean_v he_o can_v and_o to_o say_v with_o david_n psalm_n 116.12_o what_o shall_v i_o render_v unto_o the_o lord_n yea_o the_o deep_a sense_n a_o man_n have_v have_v of_o his_o own_o sin_n and_o wretchedness_n before_o the_o more_o will_v his_o heart_n be_v inflame_v with_o love_n to_o god_n when_o once_o he_o feel_v the_o blood_n of_o christ_n sprinkle_v upon_o his_o heart_n by_o god_n spirit_n the_o more_o studious_a will_v he_o be_v to_o express_v his_o love_n by_o any_o duty_n he_o be_v able_a to_o perform_v marry_o have_v have_v many_o sin_n forgive_v unto_o she_o and_o therefore_o she_o love_v much_o as_o our_o saviour_n say_v luke_n 7_o 47._o she_o think_v no_o service_n too_o base_a too_o much_o for_o she_o to_o do_v unto_o christ_n who_o have_v so_o dear_o love_v she_o she_o wash_v his_o foot_n with_o her_o tear_n and_o wipe_v they_o with_o the_o hair_n of_o her_o head_n as_o you_o may_v see_v verse_n 38._o of_o that_o chapter_n the_o papist_n blaspheme_v our_o doctrine_n touch_v this_o certainty_n a_o man_n may_v have_v of_o god_n favour_n and_o say_v it_o tend_v to_o looseness_n of_o life_n and_o liberty_n but_o they_o speak_v of_o it_o by_o hearsay_n as_o stranger_n do_v of_o a_o thing_n that_o they_o never_o know_v or_o have_v experience_n of_o in_o themselves_o for_o the_o true_a assurance_n of_o salvation_n which_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n have_v wrought_v in_o any_o heart_n have_v that_o force_n to_o restrain_v he_o from_o looseness_n of_o life_n and_o to_o knit_v his_o heart_n in_o love_n and_o obedience_n to_o god_n as_o nothing_o else_o have_v in_o all_o the_o world_n it_o be_v certain_o either_o the_o want_n of_o faith_n and_o assurance_n of_o god_n love_n or_o a_o false_a and_o carnal_a assurance_n of_o it_o that_o be_v the_o true_a cause_n of_o all_o that_o licentiousness_n and_o lewdness_n that_o reign_v in_o the_o world_n but_o to_o speak_v distinct_o yet_o brief_o of_o this_o point_n you_o shall_v see_v the_o effect_n that_o true_a assurance_n will_v work_v both_o in_o the_o inward_a and_o outward_a man_n first_o true_a faith_n whereby_o we_o receive_v and_o apply_v christ_n unto_o ourselves_o will_v purify_v the_o heart_n as_o the_o apostle_n speak_v act_n 15.9_o it_o will_v work_v a_o thorough_a change_n and_o reformation_n even_o in_o the_o hide_a part_n this_o difference_n the_o apostle_n observe_v hebr._n 9.13_o 74._o between_o the_o sprinkle_n of_o the_o blood_n of_o the_o sacrifice_n upon_o the_o people_n by_o the_o priest_n under_o the_o law_n and_o the_o sprinkle_n of_o christ_n blood_n upon_o the_o heart_n by_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n that_o sanctify_v to_o the_o purify_n of_o the_o flesh_n say_v he_o that_o be_v that_o make_v a_o man_n legal_o in_o the_o judgement_n of_o man_n clean_o from_o all_o outward_a pollution_n but_o christ_n blood_n be_v sprinkle_v by_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n upon_o any_o heart_n will_v purge_v the_o conscience_n from_o dead_a work_n that_o be_v from_o all_o sin_n which_o as_o they_o deserve_v so_o will_v they_o certain_o bring_v death_n eternal_a upon_o all_o that_o be_v not_o purge_v from_o they_o this_z say_v he_o will_v purge_v the_o conscience_n from_o dead_a work_n to_o serve_v the_o live_a god_n there_o be_v certain_o a_o admirable_a virtue_n in_o the_o blood_n of_o christ_n when_o it_o be_v once_o by_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n sprinkle_v and_o apply_v to_o the_o heart_n of_o any_o man_n it_o will_v purge_v and_o heal_v it_o from_o all_o the_o corruption_n that_o be_v in_o it_o before_o unto_o you_o that_o fear_v my_o name_n say_v the_o lord_n malachi_n 4.2_o shall_v the_o sun_n of_o righteousness_n arise_v with_o
thou_o be_v that_o be_v most_o bitter_a and_o violent_a of_o either_o side_n then_o be_v thou_o certain_o thyself_o most_o wilful_o blind_v and_o i_o do_v assure_v thou_o in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o by_o good_a warrant_n out_o of_o his_o word_n that_o if_o thou_o can_v not_o unfeigned_o love_v every_o one_o that_o true_o fear_v god_n whither_o he_o conform_v or_o not_o conform_v if_o thou_o can_v not_o bewail_v and_o strive_v against_o these_o hard_a conceit_n thou_o have_v be_v wont_a to_o entertain_v against_o such_o thou_o can_v have_v no_o comfort_n at_o all_o in_o thy_o own_o estate_n before_o god_n let_v there_o be_v no_o strife_n i_o pray_v thou_o say_v abraham_n unto_o lot_n gen._n 13.8_o between_o i_o and_o thou_o for_o we_o be_v brethren_n and_o it_o be_v note_v by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n verse_n 7._o for_o a_o circumstance_n that_o do_v much_o aggravate_v the_o sin_n of_o lot_n and_o the_o grief_n of_o abraham_n for_o that_o variance_n that_o the_o cananite_n and_o the_o perizzite_n dwell_v then_o in_o the_o land_n certain_o all_o that_o true_o fear_v god_n be_v brethren_n and_o have_v not_o we_o canaanite_n and_o perizzites_n enough_o in_o our_o land_n papist_n and_o atheist_n and_o profane_a person_n that_o do_v mortal_o hate_v we_o all_o that_o have_v any_o true_a fear_n of_o god_n in_o we_o and_o rejoice_v much_o in_o our_o variance_n or_o be_v the_o number_n of_o they_o that_o true_o fear_v god_n so_o great_a that_o we_o must_v dishearten_v and_o weaken_v one_o another_o by_o nourish_a heart_n burn_v and_o discord_n among_o ourselves_o but_o the_o time_n will_v not_o permit_v i_o to_o enlarge_v myself_o in_o this_o point_n as_o i_o desire_v to_o do_v i_o will_v therefore_o conclude_v my_o speech_n with_o the_o word_n of_o the_o apostle_n jam._n 5.9_o grudge_v not_o one_o against_o another_o brethren_n lest_o you_o be_v condemn_v lecture_n cxliv_o on_o psalm_n 51.7_o august_n 2._o 1631._o it_o follow_v now_o that_o we_o proceed_v unto_o the_o second_o of_o those_o four_o effect_n and_o fruit_n whereby_o a_o man_n may_v certain_o know_v whether_o he_o have_v the_o spirit_n of_o christ_n and_o consequent_o whether_o he_o have_v christ_n and_o be_v by_o his_o death_n and_o obedience_n perfect_o justify_v in_o the_o sight_n of_o god_n and_o that_o be_v constancy_n in_o religion_n this_o be_v then_o the_o doctrine_n that_o i_o be_o now_o to_o insist_v upon_o that_o he_o that_o have_v the_o spirit_n of_o christ_n in_o he_o will_v be_v constant_a in_o his_o religion_n above_o all_o thing_n now_o before_o i_o give_v you_o the_o proof_n of_o the_o point_n i_o must_v explain_v first_o and_o prevent_v the_o mistake_n of_o it_o by_o answer_v three_o question_n and_o remove_v three_o doubt_n that_o may_v rise_v in_o your_o mind_n against_o it_o 1._o first_o you_o may_v ask_v i_o be_v it_o a_o certain_a note_n of_o a_o man_n that_o have_v the_o spirit_n of_o christ_n to_o be_v constant_a in_o his_o religion_n answ._n i_o answer_v no_o unless_o it_o be_v the_o true_a religion_n that_o he_o do_v profess_v it_o be_v indeed_o a_o moral_a virtue_n and_o one_o of_o the_o best_a thing_n that_o be_v to_o be_v find_v in_o a_o natural_a man_n to_o be_v constant_a in_o his_o religion_n be_v it_o true_a or_o false_a and_o so_o the_o lord_n note_v it_o to_o be_v jer._n 2.10_o 11._o pass_v over_o the_o isle_n of_o chittim_n and_o see_v and_o send_v unto_o kedar_n and_o consider_v diligent_o and_o see_v of_o there_o be_v such_o a_o thing_n and_o to_o be_v find_v even_o among_o they_o have_v a_o nation_n have_v any_o nation_n change_v their_o god_n as_o if_o he_o shall_v have_v say_v have_v not_o even_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n discover_v thus_o much_o unto_o all_o nation_n that_o it_o be_v a_o shameful_a and_o odious_a thing_n for_o a_o people_n to_o be_v variable_a and_o unconstant_a in_o their_o religion_n but_o my_o people_n have_v change_v their_o glory_n their_o religion_n he_o mean_v for_o this_o constancy_n in_o a_o man_n religion_n which_o he_o be_v persuade_v be_v true_a though_o it_o be_v false_a argue_v a_o zeal_n of_o god_n in_o he_o though_o it_o be_v not_o according_a unto_o knowledge_n and_o that_o the_o apostle_n speak_v of_o you_o know_v ro._n 10.2_o as_o of_o a_o good_a thing_n iâ—_n itself_o as_o of_o one_o of_o the_o best_a thing_n that_o can_v be_v in_o a_o natural_a man_n but_o yet_o this_o be_v no_o sign_n of_o grace_n no_o fruit_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o christ_n to_o be_v constant_a in_o a_o erroneous_a and_o false_a way_n it_o be_v no_o commendation_n either_o to_o jeroboam_fw-la himself_o or_o to_o jehu_n or_o to_o any_o other_o of_o the_o king_n and_o people_n of_o israel_n that_o they_o abide_v even_o to_o the_o dissolution_n of_o that_o state_n in_o that_o religion_n that_o jeroboam_fw-la do_v at_o the_o first_o establish_v and_o will_v by_o no_o mean_n be_v draw_v to_o forsake_v it_o the_o child_n of_o israel_n say_v the_o holy_a ghost_n 2_o king_n 17.22_o walk_v in_o all_o the_o sin_n of_o jeroboam_fw-la that_o he_o do_v they_o depart_v not_o from_o they_o this_o constancy_n in_o their_o religion_n be_v oft_o mention_v in_o the_o story_n to_o their_o great_a shame_n and_o reproach_n it_o be_v no_o praise_n at_o all_o nor_o sign_n of_o grace_n in_o a_o papist_n or_o any_o other_o heretic_n or_o schismatic_a whatsoever_o that_o they_o have_v be_v constant_a in_o their_o religion_n even_o unto_o death_n it_o be_v not_o the_o punishment_n that_o a_o man_n endure_v but_o the_o cause_n for_o which_o he_o suffer_v that_o make_v he_o a_o martyr_n it_o be_v not_o constancy_n but_o obstinacy_n in_o a_o man_n to_o abide_v so_o resolute_a and_o unmoveable_a in_o any_o error_n as_o he_o will_v admit_v of_o no_o mean_n that_o may_v inform_v he_o better_o to_o be_v like_o the_o aâ—afe_a adder_n psal._n 58.4_o 5._o that_o stop_v her_o ear_n which_o will_v not_o hearken_v to_o the_o voice_n of_o the_o charmer_n charm_v never_o so_o wise_o yea_o it_o be_v not_o only_o a_o great_a sin_n but_o a_o fearful_a judgement_n and_o curse_v of_o god_n too_o he_o have_v blind_v their_o eye_n say_v our_o bless_a saviour_n joh._n 12.40_o and_o harden_v their_o heart_n that_o they_o shall_v not_o so_o with_o their_o eye_n and_o understand_v with_o their_o heart_n and_o be_v convert_v and_o i_o shall_v hâ—â—le_v they_o so_o that_o when_o i_o say_v constancy_n in_o religion_n be_v a_o note_n of_o he_o that_o have_v the_o spirit_n of_o christ_n i_o mean_v constancy_n in_o the_o true_a religion_n it_o be_v the_o cleave_v to_o the_o truth_n of_o god_n that_o be_v such_o a_o note_n but_o than_o you_o will_v ask_v i_o second_o 2._o how_o shall_v i_o know_v in_o that_o great_a difference_n of_o opinion_n in_o religion_n that_o be_v in_o the_o church_n and_o that_o even_o among_o learned_a and_o good_a man_n too_o which_o be_v the_o truth_n whether_o that_o that_o i_o hold_v and_o profess_v be_v the_o truth_n that_o so_o i_o may_v constant_o hold_v it_o and_o cleave_v unto_o it_o when_o our_o saviour_n have_v say_v joh._n 18.37_o 38._o and_o it_o be_v that_o good_a confession_n that_o the_o apostle_n 1_o tim._n 6.13_o say_v he_o witness_v before_o poncius_fw-la pilate_n to_o this_o end_n be_v i_o bear_v and_o for_o this_o cause_n come_v i_o into_o the_o world_n that_o i_o shall_v bear_v witness_n unto_o the_o truth_n pilate_n say_v unto_o he_o what_o be_v truth_n and_o certain_o we_o have_v many_o now_o that_o be_v bear_v and_o bread_n in_o the_o church_n that_o know_v no_o more_o what_o the_o truth_n be_v than_o pilate_n do_v but_o like_o man_n utter_o ignorant_a and_o unsettle_a in_o religion_n be_v as_o ready_a to_o say_v as_o he_o he_o be_v answ._n what_o be_v truth_n now_o to_o these_o man_n i_o answer_v with_o the_o word_n of_o our_o saviour_n joh._n 17.17_o sanctify_v they_o with_o thy_o truth_n thy_o word_n be_v truth_n if_o that_o religion_n that_o thou_o profess_v be_v no_o other_o then_o that_o which_o god_n have_v teach_v thou_o in_o his_o holy_a word_n then_o be_v it_o doubtless_o the_o true_a religion_n if_o thou_o hold_v nothing_o in_o religion_n but_o that_o thou_o can_v warrant_v and_o prove_v by_o god_n word_n than_o hold_v thou_o the_o truth_n and_o thou_o must_v hold_v it_o fast_o and_o cleave_v constant_o to_o it_o it_o be_v the_o word_n of_o truth_n eph._n 1.13_o it_o can_v never_o deceive_v thou_o thy_o testimony_n be_v very_o sure_a say_v david_n psalm_n 93.5_o this_o sacred_a book_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n and_o write_n of_o the_o prophet_n and_o apostle_n be_v the_o foundation_n upon_o which_o god_n build_v his_o church_n as_o the_o apostle_n teach_v we_o eph._n 2.20_o if_o thou_o
build_v thy_o faith_n and_o religion_n upon_o this_o foundation_n thou_o be_v sure_a enough_o but_o yet_o there_o be_v another_o doubt_n apt_a to_o rise_v in_o your_o mind_n 3._o and_o you_o will_v ask_v i_o this_o three_o and_o last_o question_n how_o can_v i_o be_v certain_a that_o that_o which_o i_o hold_v in_o religion_n be_v ground_v upon_o the_o holy_a scripture_n right_o understand_v the_o scripture_n be_v obscure_a and_o hard_o to_o be_v understand_v and_o all_o religion_n papist_n and_o pelagian_n and_o anabaptist_n answ._n all_z do_v allege_v scripture_n for_o that_o that_o they_o hold_v to_o this_o i_o answer_v first_o that_o there_o be_v indeed_o some_o thing_n in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n hard_o to_o be_v understand_v as_o the_o apostle_n say_v 2_o pet._n 3.16_o there_o be_v in_o that_o epistle_n that_o paul_n write_v unto_o the_o hebrew_n second_o there_o be_v nothing_o no_o one_o article_n of_o faith_n so_o plain_o set_v down_o in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n but_o wrangle_v and_o profane_a wit_n have_v be_v apt_a to_o pervert_v and_o wrest_v the_o word_n to_o a_o quite_o contrary_a sense_n unto_o that_o that_o the_o holy_a ghost_n intend_v you_o shall_v see_v the_o prophet_n jeremy_n 23.36_o charge_v the_o prophet_n and_o priest_n of_o his_o time_n with_o this_o and_o i_o pray_v you_o mark_v how_o emphatical_o he_o express_v the_o heinousnesse_n of_o this_o their_o sin_n you_o have_v pervert_v say_v he_o the_o word_n of_o the_o live_a god_n of_o the_o lord_n of_o host_n our_o god_n but_o yet_o for_o all_o this_o every_o point_n of_o religion_n the_o knowledge_n whereof_o be_v necessary_a to_o the_o salvation_n of_o god_n people_n be_v so_o plain_o express_v and_o teach_v in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n in_o one_o place_n or_o other_o that_o not_o only_o learned_a man_n but_o the_o simply_a christian_a may_v clear_o understand_v it_o and_o be_v undoubted_o certain_a that_o it_o be_v indeed_o the_o infallible_a truth_n of_o god_n i_o pray_v you_o mark_v the_o proof_n of_o this_o point_n in_o five_o dgree_n first_o in_o all_o these_o necessary_a point_n of_o religion_n the_o scripture_n be_v in_o itself_o most_o clear_a and_o lightsome_a the_o commandment_n be_v a_o lamp_n say_v solomon_n prov._n 6.23_o and_o the_o law_n be_v light_a yea_o the_o apostle_n call_v the_o very_a scripture_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n which_o yet_o be_v much_o dark_a than_o the_o new_a be_v 2_o pet._n 1.19_o a_o light_n that_o shine_v in_o a_o dark_a place_n second_o it_o be_v not_o only_o lightsome_a in_o itself_o as_o you_o know_v the_o sun_n be_v though_o they_o that_o be_v blind_a have_v no_o benefit_n by_o it_o but_o it_o do_v also_o give_v light_n unto_o we_o and_o make_v we_o who_o be_v all_o of_o we_o blind_a by_o nature_n able_a to_o see_v clear_o the_o true_a meaning_n of_o it_o this_o be_v therefore_o note_v to_o express_v the_o divine_a excellency_n of_o it_o psal._n 19.8_o the_o commandment_n of_o the_o lord_n be_v pure_a enlighten_v the_o eye_n it_o give_v light_a and_o sight_n to_o the_o eye_n of_o god_n people_n that_o be_v dim_a and_o blind_a before_o three_o it_o be_v not_o only_o lightsome_a and_o clear_a in_o all_o these_o necessary_a point_n of_o religion_n to_o scholar_n and_o learned_a man_n but_o even_o to_o the_o simply_a christian_a that_o bring_v a_o good_a heart_n to_o the_o read_n and_o hear_v of_o it_o psal._n 119.130_o the_o entrance_n into_o the_o word_n give_v light_a mark_v it_o be_v not_o only_a light_n but_o it_o give_v light_a yea_o so_o soon_o as_o a_o man_n with_o a_o good_a heart_n be_v enter_v into_o it_o he_o shall_v receive_v that_o light_n by_o it_o but_o to_o who_o give_v it_o this_o light_n it_o give_v understanding_n to_o the_o simple_a four_o what_o kind_n and_o measure_n of_o understanding_n will_v the_o scripture_n give_v to_o they_o that_o with_o honest_a heart_n will_v exercise_v themselves_o in_o it_o sure_o a_o clear_a a_o certain_a and_o undoubted_a knowledge_n my_o people_n they_o that_o belong_v to_o i_o my_o elect_a say_v the_o lord_n esa._n 52.6_o shall_v know_v my_o name_n my_o word_n and_o will_v they_o shall_v know_v in_o that_o day_n that_o i_o be_o he_o that_o do_v speak_v behold_v it_o be_v i._o the_o sheep_n of_o christ_n know_v his_o voice_n joh._n 10.4_o they_o understand_v his_o language_n well_o and_o understand_v his_o meaning_n too_o you_o know_v the_o truth_n say_v the_o apostle_n 1_o joh._n 2.21_o not_o to_o the_o clergy_n but_o even_o to_o the_o mean_a christian_n such_o as_o verse_n 18._o he_o have_v call_v little_a child_n you_o know_v the_o truth_n say_v he_o and_o that_o no_o lie_n be_v of_o the_o truth_n the_o mean_a christian_n be_v one_o of_o god_n elect_v and_o have_v a_o good_a heart_n may_v clear_o understand_v the_o scripture_n in_o those_o point_n that_o be_v necessary_a unto_o salvation_n and_o attain_v to_o a_o certain_a knowledge_n of_o they_o as_o the_o apostle_n say_v of_o the_o thessalonian_n 1_o thes._n 1.5_o that_o the_o word_n come_v unto_o they_o and_o be_v receive_v by_o they_o in_o much_o assurance_n five_o and_o last_o the_o lord_n have_v so_o reveal_v his_o will_n in_o his_o holy_a word_n that_o a_o unlearned_a man_n that_o fear_v god_n and_o have_v a_o good_a heart_n may_v in_o these_o necessary_a point_n understand_v the_o scripture_n better_o more_o feel_o and_o effectual_o and_o attain_v to_o more_o certainty_n of_o knowledge_n in_o they_o than_o the_o great_a scholar_n in_o the_o world_n with_o all_o the_o help_n of_o art_n and_o learning_n and_o interpreter_n that_o he_o have_v shall_v do_v if_o he_o want_v grace_n for_o so_o stand_v the_o promise_n psal._n 25.12_o what_o man_n be_v he_o that_o fear_v the_o lord_n he_o shall_v he_o teach_v in_o the_o way_n that_o he_o shall_v choose_v if_o any_o man_n will_v do_v his_o will_n and_o resolve_v to_o practise_v what_o he_o know_v say_v our_o saviour_n joh._n 7.17_o he_o shall_v know_v of_o the_o doctrine_n concern_v the_o doctrine_n which_o i_o teach_v whether_o it_o be_v of_o god_n or_o whether_o i_o speak_v of_o myself_o so_o that_o to_o conclude_v my_o answer_n to_o this_o three_o and_o last_o question_n let_v no_o man_n pretend_v for_o his_o profane_a ignorance_n and_o unsettledness_n in_o the_o matter_n of_o religion_n the_o obscurity_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n or_o say_v thus_o in_o his_o heart_n i_o mean_v well_o and_o i_o will_v do_v well_o and_o i_o will_v hope_v well_o but_o i_o will_v never_o trouble_v my_o brain_n with_o the_o matter_n of_o religion_n to_o that_o side_n that_o i_o see_v to_o be_v strong_a and_o that_o the_o time_n shall_v favour_v most_o i_o will_v most_o incline_v but_o to_o attain_v to_o any_o settle_a judgement_n in_o these_o matter_n i_o need_v not_o i_o can_v our_o preacher_n and_o learned_a man_n can_v agree_v about_o point_n of_o religion_n and_o i_o be_o glad_a with_o all_o my_o heart_n that_o it_o be_v so_o for_o that_o will_v be_v a_o good_a excuse_n for_o i_o i_o hope_v let_v no_o man_n i_o say_v please_v himself_o in_o these_o conceit_n for_o thou_o have_v hear_v that_o the_o scripture_n be_v not_o so_o obscure_a in_o these_o necessary_a point_n as_o thou_o will_v fain_o have_v it_o to_o be_v but_o if_o thou_o have_v any_o true_a fear_n of_o god_n in_o thou_o if_o thou_o do_v belong_v to_o god_n thou_o may_v clear_o and_o certain_o know_v the_o truth_n and_o it_o be_v a_o more_o fearful_a sign_n against_o thou_o than_o thou_o be_v aware_a of_o that_o the_o word_n of_o god_n be_v so_o obscure_a to_o thou_o that_o thou_o can_v attain_v to_o no_o certainty_n of_o knowledge_n in_o the_o matter_n of_o religion_n by_o it_o to_o they_o that_o be_v without_o that_o belong_v not_o to_o god_n kingdom_n say_v our_o saviour_n mar._n 4.11_o all_o these_o thing_n be_v do_v in_o parable_n all_o the_o doctrine_n of_o god_n word_n be_v parable_n and_o hide_a mystery_n to_o they_o that_o be_v without_o and_o shall_v never_o go_v to_o heaven_n and_o now_o have_v remove_v these_o doubt_n and_o take_v away_o these_o stumble_a block_n out_o of_o your_o way_n i_o will_v come_v to_o the_o proof_n and_o confirmation_n of_o the_o doctrine_n that_o i_o propound_v that_o he_o that_o have_v the_o spirit_n of_o christ_n will_v be_v constant_a in_o the_o religion_n of_o christ_n he_o will_v firm_o cleave_v to_o the_o truth_n that_o he_o have_v learn_v out_o of_o god_n word_n two_o evident_a proof_n i_o will_v give_v you_o for_o this_o and_o then_o i_o will_v show_v the_o reason_n and_o ground_n of_o it_o for_o so_o must_v i_o lay_v the_o foundation_n of_o that_o application_n and_o use_v that_o we_o must_v make_v of_o this_o so_o necessary_a a_o truth_n to_o be_v insist_v
and_o wonder_n that_o they_o do_v yet_o may_v they_o be_v false_a prophet_n for_o all_o that_o false_a prophet_n say_v our_o saviour_n shall_v show_v great_a sign_n and_o wonder_n in_o so_o much_o that_o if_o it_o be_v possible_a they_o shall_v deceive_v the_o very_a elect_a if_o it_o be_v possible_a say_v he_o it_o be_v not_o possible_a for_o any_o of_o god_n elect_v to_o be_v so_o deceive_v by_o any_o false_a teacher_n as_o that_o they_o shall_v fall_v into_o those_o error_n that_o be_v fundamental_a and_o persist_v in_o they_o the_o foundation_n of_o god_n say_v the_o apostle_n 2_o timothy_n 2.19_o this_o decree_n of_o god_n which_o be_v the_o main_a foundation_n of_o our_o whole_a salvation_n that_o stand_v sure_a and_o can_v never_o be_v move_v or_o alter_v and_o second_o we_o be_v keep_v say_v the_o apostle_n 1_o peter_n 1.5_o by_o the_o power_n of_o god_n through_o faith_n unto_o salvation_n and_o by_o our_o faith_n we_o have_v in_o these_o thing_n and_o in_o other_o the_o promise_n of_o god_n we_o stand_v as_o the_o apostle_n say_v 2_o corith_n 1.24_o and_o not_o by_o any_o thing_n that_o be_v in_o ourselves_o but_o though_o this_o be_v so_o yet_o have_v the_o lord_n appoint_v some_o thing_n for_o we_o to_o do_v to_o preserve_v ourselves_o from_o fall_v away_o from_o the_o truth_n and_o though_o he_o at_o the_o first_o make_v we_o without_o ourselves_o not_o of_o our_o first_o creation_n only_o but_o of_o the_o first_o form_v of_o the_o new_a creature_n principal_o be_v that_o to_o be_v understand_v which_o the_o church_n speak_v psalm_n 100.3_o it_o be_v he_o that_o make_v we_o and_o not_o we_o ourselves_o as_o appear_v by_o the_o word_n that_o follow_v we_o be_v his_o people_n and_o the_o sheep_n of_o his_o pasture_n we_o be_v mere_a patient_n in_o both_o those_o first_o work_n of_o god_n yet_o will_v he_o not_o save_v we_o without_o ourselves_o he_o will_v not_o preserve_v we_o in_o the_o state_n of_o grace_n nor_o bring_v we_o unto_o glory_n without_o our_o own_o endeavour_n he_o will_v have_v we_o to_o be_v agent_n in_o this_o work_n ourselves_o and_o co-worker_n with_o he_o work_v out_o your_o own_o salvation_n say_v the_o apostle_n phil._n 2.12_o and_o jude_n 20_o â—1_n build_v up_o yourselves_o in_o your_o most_o holy_a faith_n and_o keep_v yourselves_o in_o the_o love_n of_o god_n and_o whosoever_o god_n have_v elect_v and_o decree_v to_o preserve_v so_o as_o they_o shall_v never_o be_v deceive_v and_o draw_v from_o the_o truth_n in_o they_o he_o will_v work_v a_o care_n and_o endeavour_v to_o use_v all_o mean_n to_o preserve_v themselves_o yea_o he_o will_v make_v they_o to_o be_v diligent_a and_o painful_a in_o work_v for_o themselves_o this_o way_n in_o do_v their_o endeavour_n and_o use_v of_o the_o mean_n whereby_o they_o may_v be_v keep_v from_o fall_v away_o from_o the_o truth_n the_o apostle_n write_v to_o the_o hebrew_n that_o have_v do_v much_o already_o to_o make_v sure_a to_o themselves_o their_o own_o election_n and_o calling_n and_o we_o desire_v say_v he_o hebrew_n 6.11_o 12._o that_o every_o one_o of_o you_o do_v show_v the_o same_o diligence_n to_o the_o full_a assurance_n of_o hope_n unto_o the_o end_n that_o you_o be_v not_o slothful_a but_o follower_n of_o they_o who_o through_o faith_n and_o patience_n inherit_v the_o promise_n no_o man_n can_v have_v full_a assurance_n of_o hope_n to_o be_v preserve_v from_o fall_v away_o unless_o even_o to_o the_o end_n of_o his_o day_n he_o be_v diligent_a in_o use_v the_o mean_n to_o preserve_v himself_o no_o man_n may_v look_v to_o inherit_v god_n promise_n that_o be_v a_o slothful_a man_n that_o rely_v whole_o upon_o god_n mercy_n and_o power_n and_o gracious_a promise_n and_o will_v use_v no_o endeavour_n take_v no_o pain_n to_o keep_v himself_o from_o fall_v from_o god_n on_o the_o other_o side_n he_o that_o will_v diligent_o endeavour_v himself_o to_o do_v that_o that_o god_n have_v direct_v he_o to_o do_v and_o to_o use_v god_n mean_n shall_v not_o need_v to_o doubt_v but_o that_o god_n will_v uphold_v he_o though_o the_o time_n be_v far_o more_o dangerous_a than_o they_o be_v he_o that_o uphold_v noah_n genesis_n 6.9_o and_o obadiah_n 1_o king_n 18.3_o in_o such_o time_n as_o these_o be_v can_v certain_o uphold_v we_o in_o these_o time_n god_n be_v able_a to_o make_v he_o stand_v say_v the_o apostle_n roman_n 14.4_o yea_o and_o he_o will_v cetaine_o do_v it_o if_o we_o be_v not_o want_v to_o ourselves_o arise_v and_o be_v do_v say_v david_n to_o solomon_n 1_o chron._n 22.16_o and_o the_o lord_n will_v be_v with_o thou_o do_v thy_o endeavour_n in_o the_o use_n of_o god_n mean_n conscionable_o and_o thou_o shall_v not_o need_v to_o doubt_v of_o success_n in_o all_o labour_n there_o be_v profit_n say_v the_o holy_a ghost_n prov._n 14.23_o which_o be_v to_o be_v understand_v as_o well_o of_o the_o pain_n we_o be_v to_o take_v for_o our_o soul_n and_o for_o heaven_n as_o for_o that_o we_o take_v for_o our_o 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great_o by_o they_o also_o as_o appear_v by_o that_o protestation_n and_o vow_v they_o make_v josh._n 24.16_o 18.24_o but_o when_o they_o have_v want_v those_o mean_n but_o a_o while_o they_o turn_v quick_o out_o of_o the_o way_n judg._n 2.17_o and_o fall_v into_o gross_a idolatry_n now_o sound_v preach_v be_v not_o only_o the_o seed_n whereby_o we_o be_v first_o beget_v unto_o god_n but_o it_o be_v also_o the_o food_n whereby_o our_o soul_n be_v nourish_v and_o strengthen_v both_o milk_n for_o babe_n and_o strong_a meat_n for_o such_o as_o be_v of_o more_o growth_n as_o the_o apostle_n call_v it_o heb._n 5.12_o they_o that_o have_v more_o profit_v by_o it_o have_v great_a need_n of_o it_o as_o well_o as_o any_o other_o have_v i_o will_v not_o be_v negligent_a say_v the_o apostle_n 2_o pet._n 1.12_o to_o put_v you_o always_o in_o remembrance_n of_o these_o thing_n though_o you_o know_v they_o and_o be_v establish_v in_o the_o present_a truth_n three_o and_o last_o the_o long_a that_o any_o people_n have_v enjoy_v a_o good_a ministry_n and_o the_o more_o they_o have_v profit_v by_o it_o the_o more_o pity_n it_o be_v that_o they_o shall_v want_v it_o for_o as_o they_o be_v dear_a unto_o god_n so_o their_o decay_n will_v more_o dishonour_n god_n than_o the_o sin_n of_o other_o man_n i_o have_v not_o write_v unto_o you_o say_v the_o apostle_n 1_o job._n 12.21_o because_o you_o know_v not_o the_o truth_n but_o because_o you_o know_v it_o and_o that_o no_o lie_n be_v of_o the_o truth_n as_o if_o he_o shall_v say_v therefore_o have_v i_o have_v more_o care_n of_o you_o than_o otherwise_o i_o will_v have_v have_v see_v this_o also_o in_o the_o example_n of_o other_o of_o the_o apostle_n and_o servant_n of_o god_n antioch_n be_v the_o place_n that_o of_o all_o the_o city_n of_o the_o gentile_n have_v enjoy_v the_o best_a ministry_n and_o have_v profit_v most_o by_o it_o and_o the_o disciple_n be_v call_v christian_n first_o in_o antioch_n act_v 11.26_o and_o there_o be_v no_o place_n in_o the_o world_n that_o the_o apostle_n show_v so_o much_o care_n of_o nor_o spend_v so_o much_o time_n in_o as_o they_o do_v there_o when_o barnabas_n come_v and_o see_v how_o the_o gospel_n prosper_v there_o he_o do_v not_o only_o rejoice_v in_o it_o and_o take_v great_a pain_n there_o himself_o but_o seek_v out_o paul_n and_o bring_v he_o thither_o too_o and_o they_o both_o take_v pain_n there_o a_o whole_a year_n together_o act._n 11.23_o 26._o and_o act._n 14.28_o they_o come_v thither_o again_o and_o abode_n there_o a_o long_a time_n with_o the_o disciple_n and_o so_o do_v they_o again_o and_o with_o they_o silas_n also_o act._n 15.34_o 35._o and_o spend_v a_o good_a time_n there_o two_o objection_n more_o there_o be_v that_o be_v make_v against_o the_o necessity_n of_o preach_v which_o i_o will_v pass_v over_o very_o brief_o 3_o admit_v say_v they_o three_o that_o preach_v be_v the_o best_a mean_n to_o feed_v the_o soul_n yet_o as_o the_o stomach_n special_o of_o 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only_o but_o physic_n to_o the_o soul_n it_o be_v the_o best_a mean_n to_o cure_v this_o nausea_n this_o disease_n of_o the_o soul_n that_o make_v it_o so_o apt_a for_o to_o loathe_v the_o word_n and_o therefore_o the_o apostle_n speak_v to_o timothy_n 2_o tim._n 4.2_o 3._o of_o such_o as_o can_v not_o endure_v â—ound_v doctrine_n wholesome_a food_n prescribe_v he_o this_o for_o the_o remedy_n against_o it_o therefore_o preach_v the_o more_o say_v he_o and_o the_o more_o profitable_o be_v instant_a in_o season_n and_o out_o of_o season_n reprove_v rebuke_n exhort_v with_o all_o long_a