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Word A Word B Word C Word D Occurrence Frequency Band MI MI Band Prominent
faith_n covenant_n sacrament_n seal_n 4,627 5 9.5821 5 false
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ID Title Author Corrected Date of Publication (TCP Date of Publication) STC Words Pages
A20752 The Christian warfare wherein is first generally shewed the malice, power and politike stratagems of the spirituall ennemies of our saluation, Sathan and his assistants the world and the flesh, with the meanes also whereby the Christian may vvithstand and defeate them : and afterwards more speciallie their particvlar temptatiions, against the seuerall causes and meanes of our saluation, whereby on the one side they allure vs to security and presumption, and on the other side, draw vs to doubting and desperation, are expressed and answered : written especially for their sakes who are exercised in the spirituall conflict of temptations, and are afflicted in conscience in the sight and sense of their sinnes / by I. Dovvname ... Downame, John, d. 1652. 1604 (1604) STC 7133; ESTC S1536 575,484 731

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sin_n shall_v have_v they_o remit_v and_o be_v make_v a_o heir_n of_o everlasting_a life_n and_o the_o particular_a hearer_n do_v true_o assume_v that_o he_o believe_v and_o repent_v the_o minister_n have_v authority_n give_v he_o of_o god_n to_o make_v this_o conclusion_n therefore_o be_v thou_o assure_v that_o thy_o sin_n be_v forgive_v thou_o in_o christ_n and_o that_o thou_o be_v a_o undoubted_a heir_n of_o everlasting_a life_n second_o as_o the_o lord_n do_v offer_v unto_o we_o his_o gracious_a promise_n of_o life_n and_o salvation_n so_o do_v we_o receive_v they_o by_o faith_n but_o the_o lord_n do_v not_o only_o general_o in_o the_o word_n offer_v these_o his_o gracious_a promise_n to_o all_o that_o will_v receive_v they_o but_o also_o particular_o in_o the_o right_a use_n of_o the_o sacrament_n to_o every_o faithful_a receiver_n for_o in_o the_o sacrament_n we_o must_v consider_v a_o relation_n and_o correspondency_n between_o the_o outward_a sign_n and_o thing_n signify_v as_o therefore_o the_o minister_n do_v offer_v and_o give_v and_o i_o receive_v and_o eat_v the_o outward_a sign_n of_o bread_n and_o wine_n so_o be_o i_o as_o certain_o to_o believe_v that_o god_n do_v offer_v and_o give_v and_o that_o i_o do_v receive_v and_o feed_v upon_o christ_n jesus_n and_o all_o his_o benefit_n with_o the_o hand_n and_o mouth_n of_o faith_n unto_o the_o nourish_a of_o my_o particular_a soul_n to_o everlasting_a life_n as_o my_o body_n be_v nourish_v with_o these_o outward_a element_n of_o bread_n and_o wine_n last_o the_o apostle_n say_v that_o through_o faith_n we_o have_v entrance_n unto_o god_n with_o boldness_n and_o confidence_n 3.12_o eph._n 3.12_o and_o therefore_o by_o faith_n the_o believer_n be_v particular_o persuade_v of_o the_o remission_n of_o his_o sin_n and_o of_o his_o reconciliation_n with_o god_n for_o with_o what_o boldness_n or_o confidence_n can_v the_o poor_a sinner_n come_v before_o god_n who_o be_v terrify_v with_o the_o threaten_n of_o the_o law_n with_o the_o temptation_n of_o satan_n and_o with_o the_o consideration_n of_o his_o own_o unworthiness_n and_o selfe-guiltinesse_n if_o he_o be_v not_o particular_o assure_v that_o his_o curse_n be_v bear_v by_o christ_n that_o he_o be_v forgive_v the_o whole_a debt_n of_o his_o sin_n and_o reconcile_v unto_o god_n what_o assure_a comfort_n can_v he_o receive_v if_o he_o believe_v that_o god_n have_v elect_v peter_n and_o paul_n and_o all_o his_o church_n if_o he_o be_v not_o also_o assure_v that_o he_o be_v in_o this_o number_n if_o a_o whole_a city_n shall_v rebel_v and_o commit_v high_a treason_n against_o a_o prince_n and_o the_o prince_n shall_v send_v out_o a_o proclamation_n declare_v that_o upon_o some_o condition_n he_o will_v receive_v they_o to_o mercy_n with_o what_o boldness_n or_o confidence_n can_v any_o in_o this_o city_n come_v before_o he_o if_o he_o be_v not_o assure_v that_o he_o have_v perform_v these_o condition_n but_o this_o be_v our_o case_n we_o have_v rebel_v against_o god_n and_o he_o have_v proclaim_v in_o his_o gospel_n the_o pardon_n of_o our_o sin_n so_o we_o lay_v hold_v upon_o christ_n by_o a_o true_a and_o lively_a faith_n and_o repent_v we_o of_o our_o sin_n if_o therefore_o we_o can_v not_o be_v assure_v that_o we_o have_v a_o lively_a faith_n and_o true_a repentance_n and_o consequent_o that_o god_n merciful_a promise_n belong_v particular_o unto_o we_o with_o what_o boldness_n or_o confidence_n can_v we_o come_v before_o he_o but_o the_o apostle_n faith_n that_o by_o faith_n we_o have_v this_o boldness_n and_o confidence_n and_o therefore_o it_o follow_v that_o we_o may_v be_v assure_v that_o we_o have_v faith_n and_o repentance_n and_o thereby_o may_v certain_o be_v persuade_v of_o god_n love_n and_o our_o particular_a election_n §_o sect._n 7_o four_o that_o we_o may_v certain_o be_v assure_v of_o our_o election_n sacrament_n the_o four_o argument_n draw_v from_o the_o doctrine_n and_o use_n of_o the_o sacrament_n it_o may_v be_v prove_v by_o a_o argument_n draw_v from_o the_o doctrine_n and_o use_n of_o the_o sacrament_n for_o the_o lord_n have_v add_v to_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n his_o sacrament_n as_o seal_n not_o to_o confirm_v god_n promise_n in_o themselves_o which_o be_v so_o undoubted_o true_a that_o they_o need_v no_o confirmation_n but_o to_o strengthen_v our_o faith_n in_o this_o full_a assurance_n that_o they_o belong_v particular_o unto_o us._n for_o whereas_o in_o the_o word_n the_o promise_n of_o grace_n and_o salvation_n be_v general_o propound_v to_o all_o believer_n in_o the_o use_n of_o the_o sacrament_n they_o be_v particular_o apply_v to_o every_o worthy_a receiver_n to_o the_o end_n that_o all_o doubt_v be_v remoove_v they_o may_v certain_o be_v assure_v that_o all_o the_o promise_n of_o the_o gospel_n do_v belong_v particular_o unto_o themselves_o now_o if_o the_o lord_n will_v have_v we_o doubt_v of_o our_o election_n and_o salvation_n and_o if_o this_o doubt_n be_v a_o virtue_n of_o faith_n as_o the_o papist_n teach_v then_o sure_o there_o be_v no_o use_n of_o the_o sacrament_n for_o the_o word_n be_v sufficient_a to_o beget_v that_o general_a faith_n which_o be_v mix_v with_o doubt_v and_o the_o sacrament_n which_o do_v further_o assure_v we_o and_o apply_v unto_o we_o god_n promise_n will_v be_v rather_o hurtful_a than_o profitable_a because_o they_o take_v away_o doubt_v which_o be_v a_o virtue_n of_o their_o faith_n but_o we_o be_v otherwise_o instruct_v by_o god_n truth_n namely_o that_o the_o lord_n will_v not_o have_v we_o doubt_v of_o his_o promise_n and_o therefore_o he_o have_v not_o only_o write_v his_o covenant_n but_o also_o have_v confirm_v it_o by_o his_o seal_n and_o have_v thereby_o particular_o apply_v it_o to_o the_o use_n and_o benefit_n of_o every_o one_o who_o receive_v it_o by_o the_o hand_n of_o a_o lively_a faith_n that_o there_o may_v be_v no_o place_n leave_v to_o doubt_v and_o hence_o it_o be_v that_o the_o sacrament_n of_o circumcision_n be_v call_v the_o seal_n of_o the_o righteousness_n of_o faith_n 4.11_o rom._n 4.11_o rom._n 4.11_o because_o thereby_o as_o by_o a_o seal_n abraham_n be_v confirm_v in_o the_o truth_n of_o god_n promise_n and_o assure_v that_o the_o righteousness_n of_o faith_n that_o be_v the_o righteousness_n of_o christ_n who_o be_v the_o promise_a seed_n do_v belong_v unto_o he_o and_o answerable_a to_o this_o sacrament_n be_v baptism_n wherein_o christ_n and_o all_o the_o gracious_a promise_n of_o life_n and_o salvation_n make_v in_o he_o be_v particular_o apply_v to_o the_o party_n baptize_v and_o therefore_o the_o apostle_n say_v that_o all_o that_o be_v baptize_v into_o christ_n have_v put_v on_o christ_n 3.27_o gal._n 3.27_o gal._n 3.27_o where_o the_o apostle_n compare_v christ_n to_o a_o garment_n which_o by_o the_o hand_n of_o faith_n be_v put_v on_o by_o every_o particular_a believer_n so_o in_o the_o administration_n of_o the_o lord_n supper_n the_o bread_n and_o wine_n be_v particular_o deliver_v unto_o all_o the_o communicant_n to_o signify_v unto_o they_o that_o every_o one_o who_o stretch_v forth_o the_o hand_n of_o faith_n do_v receive_v christ_n and_o all_o his_o benefit_n whereby_o his_o soul_n be_v nourish_v unto_o everlasting_a life_n whosoever_o therefore_o have_v faith_n he_o may_v be_v assure_v that_o he_o receive_v christ_n and_o whosoever_o receive_v christ_n he_o may_v be_v assure_v of_o his_o election_n and_o salvation_n for_o to_o as_o many_o as_o receive_v he_o to_o they_o he_o give_v power_n to_o be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n and_o who_o be_v those_o 1.12_o joh._n 1.12_o even_o those_o that_o believe_v in_o his_o name_n as_o it_o be_v joh._n 1.12_o and_o whosoever_o eat_v his_o flesh_n and_o drink_v his_o blood_n have_v eternal_a life_n 6.54.47_o joh._n 6.54.47_o as_o our_o saviour_n say_v joh._n 6.54_o now_o if_o we_o will_v know_v how_o we_o feed_v upon_o he_o it_o be_v by_o the_o mouth_n of_o faith_n as_o he_o expound_v himself_o vers_n 47._o §_o sect._n 8_o five_o 5.14.15_o the_o five_o argument_n take_v from_o prayer_n 1._o joh._n 5.14.15_o whatsoever_o we_o be_v bind_v to_o pray_v for_o that_o we_o may_v be_v assure_v of_o 0198_o 0153_o nay_o we_o ought_v steadfast_o to_o believe_v that_o we_o shall_v receive_v it_o and_o this_o be_v evident_a 1._o joh._n 5.14_o this_o be_v the_o assurance_n that_o we_o have_v in_o he_o that_o if_o we_o ask_v any_o thing_n according_a to_o his_o will_n he_o hear_v us._n 15._o and_o if_o we_o know_v that_o he_o hear_v we_o whatsoever_o we_o ask_v we_o know_v that_o we_o have_v the_o petition_n that_o we_o have_v desire_v of_o he_o and_o the_o apostle_n james_n will_v have_v we_o to_o ask_v in_o faith_n without_o waver_v 6.12_o jam._n 1.5_o mat._n 6.12_o that_o be_v not_o doubt_v to_o receive_v that_o we_o
unrepentancie_n and_o therefore_o if_o the_o assurance_n which_o we_o have_v of_o our_o election_n and_o salvation_n be_v not_o join_v with_o a_o desire_n to_o leave_v our_o sin_n and_o with_o a_o earnest_a endeavour_n of_o serve_v god_n in_o the_o duty_n of_o holiness_n and_o righteousness_n than_o it_o do_v not_o proceed_v from_o the_o testimony_n of_o god_n spirit_n but_o from_o carnal_a security_n and_o fond_a presumption_n last_o presumption_n no_o long_o persuade_v man_n of_o god_n love_n and_o favour_n than_o they_o enjoy_v the_o outward_a benefit_n of_o this_o life_n but_o when_o the_o lord_n lay_v upon_o they_o any_o grievous_a affliction_n either_o outward_o in_o body_n and_o state_n or_o inward_o in_o mind_n then_o this_o persuasion_n vanish_v and_o nothing_o remain_v but_o doubt_v which_o common_o end_v in_o utter_a despair_n but_o the_o testimony_n of_o the_o spirit_n be_v constant_a and_o permanent_a and_o howsoever_o we_o can_v by_o reason_n of_o the_o grievousnesse_n of_o affliction_n and_o the_o violent_a noise_n of_o our_o own_o passion_n hear_v the_o voice_n thereof_o at_o some_o time_n yet_o afterward_o again_o it_o cry_v aloud_o in_o our_o heart_n abba_n father_n and_o witness_v unto_o our_o spirit_n that_o we_o be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n so_o that_o the_o chief_a mean_n whereby_o we_o be_v assure_v of_o our_o election_n be_v the_o spirit_n of_o god_n but_o see_v we_o have_v it_o not_o natural_o in_o ourselves_o how_o may_v we_o attain_v unto_o it_o sure_o we_o be_v to_o have_v our_o recourse_n unto_o the_o father_n of_o light_n by_o earnest_a prayer_n 11.13_o jam._n 1.17_o matth._n 7.7_o luk._n 11.13_o from_o who_o descend_v every_o good_a and_o perfect_a gift_n have_v our_o faith_n ground_v upon_o god_n gracious_a promise_n namely_o that_o if_o we_o ask_v we_o shall_v receive_v and_o more_o especial_o that_o he_o will_v give_v his_o holy_a spirit_n to_o they_o that_o ask_v it_o as_o it_o be_v luk._n 11.13_o §_o sect._n 2_o the_o second_o mean_n whereby_o we_o may_v attain_v to_o the_o certainty_n of_o our_o election_n word_n the_o second_o mean_n the_o hear_n of_o the_o word_n be_v the_o hear_n of_o the_o word_n wherein_o the_o lord_n manife_v his_o grace_n and_o goodwill_n to_o all_o believe_v and_o repentant_a sinner_n and_o whereby_o also_o he_o ordinary_o beget_v this_o faith_n and_o repentance_n in_o all_o his_o child_n for_o howsoever_o paul_n may_v plant_v and_o apollo_n may_v water_v but_o god_n alone_o give_v the_o increase_n yet_o god_n blessing_n ordinary_o accompany_v his_o own_o ordinance_n make_v it_o effectual_a by_o the_o inward_a operation_n of_o his_o spirit_n for_o those_o end_n for_o which_o he_o have_v ordain_v it_o and_o though_o the_o word_n may_v long_o sound_v in_o our_o ear_n before_o it_o pierce_v the_o heart_n or_o beget_v any_o save_a grace_n in_o we_o unless_o the_o lord_n open_v our_o heart_n and_o make_v the_o seed_n of_o his_o word_n fruitful_a yet_o those_o who_o make_v conscience_n of_o hear_v the_o word_n with_o diligence_n reverence_n and_o attention_n and_o pray_v for_o the_o assistance_n of_o god_n spirit_n whereby_o it_o may_v become_v profitable_a to_o their_o salvation_n may_v constant_o expect_v the_o blessing_n of_o god_n upon_o his_o own_o ordinance_n which_o they_o careful_o use_v in_o obedience_n to_o his_o will_n whereas_o those_o who_o neglect_n and_o contemn_v god_n word_n have_v no_o such_o assurance_n because_o it_o be_v the_o mean_n and_o instrument_n which_o be_v ordain_v of_o god_n for_o this_o purpose_n without_o which_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n do_v not_o ordinary_o beget_v faith_n or_o any_o save_a grace_n in_o us._n though_o therefore_o we_o do_v not_o after_o long_o hear_v of_o the_o word_n feel_v this_o assurance_n of_o god_n love_n and_o our_o election_n yet_o let_v we_o not_o give_v it_o over_o but_o expect_v god_n blessing_n upon_o it_o and_o wait_v his_o leisure_n assure_v ourselves_o that_o in_o the_o end_n he_o will_v make_v this_o his_o own_o ordinance_n effectual_a for_o those_o end_n for_o which_o he_o have_v ordain_v it_o §_o sect._n 3_o the_o three_o mean_n whereby_o we_o may_v attain_v to_o the_o assurance_n of_o our_o election_n sacrament_n the_o three_o mean_n the_o use_n of_o the_o sacrament_n be_v the_o frequent_a and_o religious_a use_n of_o the_o sacrament_n of_o the_o lord_n supper_n whereby_o our_o faith_n be_v more_o and_o more_o confirm_v the_o in_o truth_n of_o god_n promise_n for_o the_o lord_n to_o the_o preach_n of_o his_o word_n which_o be_v the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n have_v add_v these_o seal_n that_o we_o may_v be_v the_o more_o thorough_o assure_v of_o his_o love_n and_o favour_n and_o therefore_o if_o we_o conscionable_o frequent_v this_o holy_a sacrament_n the_o lord_n will_v bless_v also_o this_o his_o own_o ordinance_n moreover_o they_o who_o worthy_o receive_v these_o holy_a mystery_n do_v receive_v christ_n jesus_n and_o have_v the_o union_n and_o communion_n which_o be_v between_o he_o and_o they_o more_o and_o more_o strengthen_v and_o confirm_v for_o he_o that_o eat_v his_o flesh_n and_o drink_v his_o blood_n dwell_v in_o christ_n and_o christ_n in_o he_o 6.56_o joh._n 6.56_o as_o it_o be_v joh._n 6.56_o now_o there_o be_v no_o condemnation_n to_o those_o that_o be_v in_o christ_n jesus_n rom_n 8.1_o 8.1_o rom._n 8.1_o and_o therefore_o they_o need_v not_o doubt_v of_o their_o election_n and_o salvation_n §_o sect._n 4_o the_o four_o mean_n whereby_o we_o may_v be_v assure_v of_o our_o election_n 2._o the_o four_o mean_n the_o effect_n of_o our_o election_n zanch._n the_o attrib_n l._n 5._o c._n 2._o be_v the_o effect_n of_o god_n predestination_n which_o be_v the_o undoubted_a sign_n thereof_o for_o the_o effect_n argue_v the_o cause_n as_o the_o cause_n the_o effect_n and_o that_o not_o only_o in_o natural_a thing_n but_o also_o in_o those_o which_o be_v supernatural_a and_o spiritual_a and_o therefore_o as_o certain_o as_o we_o know_v that_o there_o be_v fire_n because_o it_o cast_v forth_o heat_n and_o the_o son_n by_o his_o cast_v forth_o of_o bright_a ray_n whereby_o the_o world_n be_v lighten_v and_o that_o a_o tree_n be_v good_a by_o the_o good_a fruit_n which_o it_o bring_v forth_o so_o also_o may_v we_o as_o certain_o be_v assure_v that_o we_o be_v elect_v of_o god_n when_o we_o find_v in_o ourselves_o the_o effect_n and_o undoubted_a sign_n of_o our_o election_n neither_o be_v these_o effect_n bare_a sign_n only_o of_o our_o election_n but_o also_o manifest_a seal_n which_o by_o their_o plain_a impression_n do_v evident_o assure_v we_o thereof_o so_o that_o though_o we_o do_v not_o direct_o and_o immediate_o know_v god_n election_n predestination_n and_o eternal_a decree_n of_o our_o salvation_n in_o god_n himself_o elect_v predestinate_v and_o decree_a that_o we_o shall_v be_v save_v yet_o we_o may_v plain_o see_v apparent_a seal_n and_o impression_n hereof_o in_o ourselves_o lively_o resemble_v that_o which_o be_v secret_a in_o god_n hide_a council_n and_o as_o we_o not_o see_v the_o seal_n which_o make_v the_o impression_n do_v easy_o discern_v the_o form_n fashion_n and_o quantity_n thereof_o by_o the_o print_n which_o it_o have_v make_v so_o we_o not_o see_v god_n secret_a decree_n of_o predestination_n may_v notwithstanding_o attain_v to_o the_o evedent_a knowledge_n thereof_o by_o that_o impression_n which_o it_o make_v in_o us._n this_o also_o may_v further_o be_v illustrate_v by_o a_o familiar_a similitude_n namely_o as_o the_o sun_n shine_v upon_o we_o with_o his_o bright_a beam_n do_v imprint_v as_o it_o be_v in_o our_o eye_n the_o image_n of_o his_o light_n whereby_o we_o see_v the_o sun_n and_o the_o light_n thereof_o the_o beam_n of_o the_o sun_n which_o be_v cast_v upon_o we_o be_v reflect_v back_o again_o to_o the_o sun_n itself_o so_o the_o foreknowledge_n of_o god_n whereby_o he_o have_v decree_v that_o we_o shall_v be_v save_v before_o all_o eternity_n be_v secret_a in_o itself_o so_o that_o we_o can_v see_v not_o understand_v it_o direct_o but_o yet_o while_o god_n do_v acknowledge_v we_o for_o his_o elect_a he_o do_v express_v the_o image_n and_o form_n of_o this_o his_o foreknowledge_n in_o those_o who_o he_o have_v elect_v whereby_o we_o do_v also_o acknowledge_v he_o our_o gracious_a god_n who_o have_v elect_v we_o and_o so_o it_o come_v to_o pass_v that_o by_o the_o true_a knowledge_n of_o god_n which_o be_v communicate_v unto_o we_o whereby_o we_o acknowledge_v he_o for_o our_o god_n and_o father_n we_o also_o know_v his_o foreknowledge_n whereby_o he_o know_v and_o acknowledge_v we_o for_o his_o son_n and_o child_n for_o first_o god_n know_v we_o and_o then_o by_o the_o light_n of_o this_o knowledge_n communicate_v unto_o we_o he_o inlightn_v our_o heart_n with_o the_o true_a knowledge_n of_o himself_o as_o
with_o the_o godly_a instruction_n profitable_a exhortation_n and_o sweet_a consolation_n of_o those_o who_o be_v more_o strong_a and_o therefore_o the_o apostle_n paul_n exhort_v those_o who_o have_v attain_a unto_o agreat_a measure_n of_o faith_n that_o they_o admit_v such_o as_o be_v weak_a into_o their_o company_n to_o be_v make_v partaker_n of_o their_o christian_a conference_n to_o the_o end_n that_o hereby_o they_o may_v be_v more_o and_o more_o strengthen_v and_o confirm_v rom._n 14.1_o 14.1_o rom._n 14.1_o sacrament_n the_o 4._o mean_n the_o use_n of_o the_o sacrament_n the_o four_o mean_n be_v the_o holy_a use_n of_o the_o sacrament_n for_o the_o lord_n have_v add_v they_o as_o seal_v to_o the_o handwriting_n of_o his_o covenant_n of_o grace_n to_o confirm_v our_o faith_n in_o the_o full_a assurance_n of_o his_o promise_n and_o to_o take_v away_o all_o doubt_v for_o whereas_o the_o weak_a conscience_n may_v make_v some_o scruple_n in_o respect_n that_o the_o promise_n of_o the_o gospel_n in_o the_o preach_n of_o the_o word_n be_v deliver_v indefinite_o and_o after_o a_o general_a manner_n in_o the_o use_n of_o the_o sacrament_n they_o be_v assure_v unto_o they_o particular_o and_o as_o it_o be_v by_o name_n and_o that_o not_o after_o some_o obscure_a and_o hide_a manner_n but_o most_o familiar_o by_o such_o common_a sign_n be_v be_v subject_a to_o the_o sense_n and_o within_o the_o reach_n of_o the_o shallow_a capacity_n work_n the_o 5._o mean_n good_a work_n a_o five_o mean_n to_o confirm_v our_o faith_n be_v to_o be_v continual_o conversant_a in_o good_a work_n and_o to_o bring_v forth_o the_o fruit_n of_o holy_a obedience_n for_o hereby_o our_o faith_n be_v exercise_v and_o by_o exercise_n strengthen_v and_o increase_v whereas_o contrariwise_o the_o neglect_n hereof_o do_v wound_v the_o conscience_n and_o so_o quench_v the_o lively_a heat_n of_o faith_n that_o though_o it_o be_v not_o quite_o extinguish_v yet_o it_o will_v not_o sensible_o be_v discern_v as_o therefore_o the_o strength_n of_o the_o body_n be_v increase_v by_o exercise_n and_o for_o want_v thereof_o wax_v faint_a and_o languish_v and_o as_o the_o stomach_n be_v by_o outward_a exercise_n of_o the_o body_n make_v more_o fit_a to_o perform_v his_o duty_n of_o concoction_n so_o our_o faith_n be_v exercise_v in_o good_a work_n be_v make_v more_o strong_a and_o fit_a to_o perform_v his_o duty_n in_o apply_v christ_n and_o the_o sweet_a promise_n of_o the_o gospel_n unto_o we_o and_o without_o this_o spiritual_a exercise_n it_o wax_v faint_a and_o the_o strength_n thereof_o abate_v prayer_n the_o 6._o mean_n fervent_a prayer_n the_o last_o mean_n to_o strengthen_v and_o increase_v our_o faith_n be_v continual_a and_o fervent_a prayer_n for_o faith_n be_v not_o in_o our_o own_o power_n but_o it_o be_v the_o free_a gift_n of_o god_n as_o the_o apostle_n teach_v we_o ephe._n 2.8_o neither_o can_v any_o man_n come_v unto_o our_o saviour_n christ_n by_o a_o lively_a faith_n except_o it_o be_v give_v he_o of_o the_o father_n 2.8_o ephe._n 2.8_o as_o himself_o speak_v 6.65_o joh._n 6.65_o joh._n 6.65_o and_o therefore_o when_o we_o see_v the_o small_a measure_n of_o our_o faith_n we_o be_v with_o the_o apostle_n to_o pray_v unto_o the_o lord_n that_o he_o will_v increase_v it_o 17.5_o luk._n 17.5_o luk._n 17.5_o and_o when_o we_o perceive_v that_o it_o be_v grievos_o assault_v with_o doubt_v and_o infidelity_n we_o be_v in_o fervency_n of_o spirit_n to_o cry_v out_o with_o the_o father_n of_o the_o possess_a child_n lord_n i_o believe_v help_v my_o unbelief_n mark_n 9.24_o mark_n 9.24_o 9.24_o and_o then_o we_o may_v be_v assure_v that_o the_o lord_n will_v hear_v we_o and_o satisfy_v our_o godly_a desire_n make_v we_o to_o grow_v up_o from_o faith_n to_o faith_n till_o at_o length_n we_o attain_v unto_o such_o a_o fullness_n of_o persuasion_n that_o we_o shall_v be_v able_a true_o to_o say_v with_o the_o apostle_n i_o be_o persuade_v that_o neither_o death_n nor_o life_n nor_o angel_n nor_o principality_n nor_o power_n nor_o thing_n present_a nor_o thing_n to_o come_v nor_o height_n nor_o depth_n nor_o any_o other_o creature_n shall_v be_v able_a to_o separate_v we_o from_o the_o love_n of_o god_n which_o be_v in_o christ_n jesus_n our_o lord_n as_o it_o be_v rom._n 8.38.39_o ro._n 8.38.39_o 8.38.39_o §_o sect._n 3_o and_o these_o be_v the_o mean_n which_o proper_o tend_v to_o the_o strengthen_n and_o increase_v of_o our_o faith_n desperation_n of_o the_o mean_n whereby_o we_o may_v be_v preserve_v from_o doubt_v and_o desperation_n which_o whosoever_o careful_o and_o conscionable_o use_v they_o shall_v assure_o find_v they_o effectual_a for_o this_o purpose_n now_o we_o be_v to_o speak_v of_o those_o mean_n whereby_o we_o may_v be_v preserve_v from_o doubt_v and_o desperation_n of_o which_o i_o shall_v not_o need_v to_o speak_v much_o see_v the_o most_o of_o these_o point_n be_v handle_v before_o mean_n the_o 1._o mean_n the_o first_o mean_n to_o preserve_v we_o from_o desperation_n be_v to_o call_v continual_o unto_o our_o remembrance_n that_o the_o promise_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v general_a and_o indefinite_a exclude_v none_o how_o unworthy_a and_o sinful_a soever_o they_o be_v if_o they_o do_v not_o exclude_v themselves_o through_o their_o own_o infidelity_n 11.28_o mat._n 11.28_o so_o mat._n 11.28_o our_o saviour_n call_v all_o humble_a and_o repentant_a sinner_n without_o exception_n say_v come_v unto_o i_o all_o you_o that_o labour_n and_o be_v heavy_a lade_v and_o i_o will_v ease_v you_o 3.16_o joh._n 3.16_o and_o joh._n 3.16_o god_n so_o love_v the_o world_n that_o he_o send_v his_o only_a béloved_a son_n that_o as_o many_o as_o believe_v in_o he_o shall_v not_o perish_v but_o have_v everlasting_a life_n 9.13_o mat._n 9.13_o so_o matth._n 9.13_o our_o saviour_n say_v that_o he_o come_v not_o to_o call_v the_o righteous_a but_o sinner_n to_o repentance_n either_o than_o refuse_v the_o name_n of_o repentant_a sinner_n or_o acknowledge_v that_o he_o come_v to_o save_v thou_o and_o joh._n 6.40_o our_o saviour_n say_v that_o it_o be_v his_o father_n will_n who_o send_v he_o that_o every_o man_n who_o believe_v in_o he_o shall_v have_v everlasting_a l_o fe_o see_v therefore_o god_n take_v no_o exception_n nor_o exclude_v any_o let_v we_o not_o exclude_v ourselves_o through_o our_o want_n of_o faith_n and_o infidelity_n mean_n the_o 2._o mean_n second_o we_o be_v to_o consider_v that_o the_o lord_n have_v not_o only_o propound_v his_o gracious_a promise_n unto_o we_o but_o also_o have_v command_v we_o to_o believe_v they_o 3.23_o mark_n 1.15_o 1._o joh._n 3.23_o so_o mark_n 1.15_o repent_v and_o believe_v the_o gospel_n and_o 1._o joh._n 3.23_o this_o then_o be_v his_o commandment_n that_o we_o believe_v in_o the_o name_n of_o his_o son_n jesus_n christ_n etc._n etc._n now_o to_o believe_v in_o christ_n be_v not_o only_o to_o believe_v that_o he_o be_v a_o saviour_n for_o this_o even_o the_o devil_n believe_v also_o but_o to_o believe_v that_o he_o be_v our_o saviour_n &_o to_o rest_v whole_o upon_o he_o for_o our_o salvation_n &_o to_o say_v with_o the_o apostle_n paul_n 2.20_o gal._n 2.20_o gal._n 2.20_o i_o live_v by_o the_o faith_n in_o the_o son_n of_o god_n who_o have_v love_v i_o and_o give_v himself_o for_o i_o and_o to_o the_o end_n that_o we_o may_v be_v arm_v against_o doubt_v and_o enable_v to_o perform_v this_o commandment_n it_o have_v please_v the_o lord_n to_o add_v unto_o his_o word_n his_o oath_n 6.18_o heb._n 6.18_o that_o by_o two_o immutable_a thing_n wherein_o it_o be_v impossible_a that_o god_n shall_v lie_v we_o shall_v have_v strong_a consolation_n as_o the_o apostle_n speak_v heb._n 6.18_o yea_o he_o have_v also_o unto_o his_o word_n and_o handwriting_n annex_v his_o sacrament_n as_o seal_n that_o there_o may_v be_v no_o place_n leave_v for_o doubt_v see_v therefore_o the_o lord_n have_v express_o command_v we_o to_o believe_v and_o use_v all_o mean_n to_o enable_v we_o to_o perform_v his_o commandment_n let_v we_o not_o now_o dispute_v the_o question_n whether_o we_o be_v worthy_a to_o believe_v or_o no_o or_o whether_o such_o grievous_a sinner_n be_v bind_v to_o this_o duty_n but_o set_v all_o excuse_n aside_o let_v we_o believe_v in_o obedience_n to_o god_n commandment_n mean_n the_o 3._o mean_n three_o we_o must_v not_o always_o set_v before_o we_o the_o innumerable_a multitude_n and_o huge_a weight_n of_o our_o sin_n but_o withal_o call_v to_o our_o remembrance_n the_o infinite_a mercy_n of_o god_n and_o merit_n of_o christ_n who_o have_v offer_v unto_o his_o father_n a_o propitiatory_a sacrifice_n and_o full_a satisfaction_n for_o all_o our_o sin_n 2.2_o 1._o john_n 2.2_o and_o not_o for_o we_o only_o but_o for_o the_o sin_n of_o all_o the_o world_n
god_n again_o and_o earnest_o labour_v after_o mortification_n and_o newness_n of_o life_n and_o whosoever_o be_v destitute_a of_o god_n love_n and_o live_v in_o his_o sin_n without_o any_o sorrow_n for_o those_o which_o be_v past_a or_o purpose_n to_o leave_v they_o for_o the_o time_n to_o come_v he_o may_v well_o brag_v of_o his_o faith_n and_o assurance_n of_o god_n love_n but_o in_o very_a truth_n there_o be_v as_o yet_o nothing_o in_o he_o but_o carnal_a security_n and_o vain_a presumption_n §_o sect._n 6_o second_o love_n that_o every_o particular_a christian_n may_v assure_v himself_o of_o god_n love_n the_o tempter_n will_v object_v that_o the_o lord_n have_v give_v all_o these_o testimony_n and_o pledge_n of_o his_o love_n unto_o his_o church_n and_o that_o it_o therefore_o may_v well_o be_v assure_v thereof_o but_o as_o for_o particular_a man_n they_o notwithstanding_o may_v just_o doubt_v of_o his_o love_n see_v they_o have_v no_o special_a reason_n to_o persuade_v they_o that_o these_o testimony_n and_o pledge_n be_v give_v unto_o they_o but_o i_o answer_v that_o this_o be_v a_o fond_a of_o objection_n for_o what_o be_v the_o church_n but_o the_o whole_a company_n of_o god_n saint_n what_o be_v it_o but_o a_o body_n consist_v of_o many_o member_n which_o be_v particular_a christian_n how_o therefore_o can_v the_o whole_a church_n be_v persuade_v of_o god_n love_n if_o all_o the_o several_a member_n doubt_v thereof_o how_o can_v any_o thing_n belong_v to_o the_o whole_a which_o belong_v not_o to_o the_o particular_a part_n as_o though_o a_o whole_a city_n can_v be_v assure_v of_o the_o prince_n favour_n and_o yet_o all_o the_o particular_a man_n in_o the_o city_n shall_v think_v themselves_o in_o his_o displeasure_n saint_n paul_n teach_v we_o another_o lesson_n in_o his_o own_o person_n say_v 2.20_o gal._n 2.20_o gal._n 2.20_o who_o have_v love_v i_o and_o give_v his_o life_n for_o i_o he_o say_v not_o who_o have_v love_v and_o give_v his_o life_n for_o the_o church_n but_o for_o himself_o neither_o do_v the_o apostle_n here_o speak_v this_o by_o revelation_n whereby_o he_o may_v extraordinary_o be_v assure_v of_o god_n love_n but_o he_o use_v for_o his_o argument_n a_o reason_n common_a to_o all_o christian_n namely_o that_o god_n love_v he_o because_o he_o have_v give_v himself_o to_o death_n for_o he_o whosoever_o therefore_o believe_v with_o paul_n that_o christ_n die_v for_o he_o may_v be_v assure_v also_o with_o he_o of_o god_n love_n §_o sect._n 7_o second_o if_o we_o do_v not_o believe_v that_o god_n love_v we_o he_o that_o doubt_v of_o god_n love_n be_v injurious_a unto_o he_o we_o make_v he_o a_o liar_n for_o he_o have_v profess_v his_o love_n and_o give_v we_o many_o testimony_n thereof_o in_o his_o word_n neither_o do_v he_o require_v any_o condition_n at_o our_o hand_n but_o that_o we_o believe_v he_o for_o his_o merciful_a promise_n do_v not_o exclude_v any_o for_o their_o unworthiness_n but_o for_o their_o unbelief_n according_a to_o that_o john_n 3.16_o so_o god_n love_v the_o world_n that_o he_o give_v his_o only_a beget_v son_n that_o whosoever_o believe_v in_o he_o shall_v not_o perish_v 3.16_o joh._n 3.16_o but_o have_v everlasting_a life_n see_v then_o there_o be_v no_o other_o condition_n require_v but_o faith_n for_o the_o assurance_n of_o god_n love_n and_o everlasting_a life_n sure_o most_o desperate_o do_v we_o sin_v against_o our_o own_o soul_n and_o most_o blasphemous_o against_o god_n if_o we_o will_v not_o believe_v his_o word_n confirm_v by_o his_o seal_n no_o not_o his_o oath_n whereby_o he_o have_v ratify_v his_o covenant_n between_o he_o and_o we_o but_o make_v he_o who_o be_v truth_n itself_o a_o liar_n a_o covenant_n breaker_n yea_o a_o perjure_a person_n for_o so_o the_o apostle_n speak_v 1._o john_n 5.10_o he_o that_o believe_v not_o god_n have_v make_v he_o a_o liar_n 5.10_o 1._o joh._n 5.10_o because_o he_o believe_v not_o the_o record_n that_o god_n witness_v of_o his_o son_n though_o therefore_o we_o sin_n yet_o let_v we_o not_o thus_o blaspheme_v though_o we_o be_v grievous_a sinner_n and_o unworthy_a god_n love_n yet_o let_v we_o not_o add_v this_o to_o all_o our_o other_o sin_n and_o unworthiness_n to_o distrust_v god_n truth_n in_o his_o gracious_a promise_n for_o if_o we_o put_v all_o our_o other_o sin_n into_o the_o one_o school_n and_o this_o alone_a into_o the_o other_o yet_o will_v it_o weigh_v down_o all_o the_o rest_n neither_o be_v we_o damn_v for_o our_o other_o sin_n if_o we_o do_v not_o add_v unto_o they_o infidelity_n for_o whereas_o the_o precious_a balm_n of_o our_o saviour_n blood_n be_v a_o sovereign_a salve_n to_o cure_v all_o other_o sore_n of_o sin_n yet_o this_o it_o can_v help_v because_o it_o do_v refuse_v the_o cure_n and_o as_o it_o be_v pull_v off_o this_o precious_a plaster_n when_o it_o be_v lay_v on_o it_o §_o sect._n 8_o but_o as_o this_o distrust_v and_o doubt_v of_o god_n love_n be_v injurious_a unto_o he_o ourselves_o doubt_v of_o god_n love_n pernicious_a unto_o ourselves_o so_o also_o it_o be_v pernicious_a unto_o our_o own_o soul_n for_o first_o it_o torment_v our_o mind_n and_o set_v our_o conscience_n upon_o the_o rack_n when_o as_o we_o have_v no_o other_o assurance_n of_o god_n love_n but_o only_o so_o far_o forth_o as_o we_o find_v ourselves_o worthy_a of_o it_o for_o so_o often_o as_o we_o fall_v and_o the_o sight_n of_o our_o sin_n come_v before_o our_o eye_n have_v no_o other_o ground_n of_o god_n love_n but_o our_o own_o desert_n we_o doubt_v and_o stagger_v like_o a_o ship_n toss_v with_o the_o billow_n of_o the_o sea_n and_o in_o the_o end_n sink_v into_o the_o gulf_n of_o despair_n be_v over_o balance_v and_o too_o heavy_o lade_v with_o the_o unsupportable_a weight_n of_o our_o sin_n whereas_o if_o we_o be_v thorough_o persuade_v of_o god_n free_a love_n and_o goodwill_n ground_v on_o his_o own_o good_a pleasure_n and_o not_o on_o our_o worthiness_n if_o we_o do_v fall_v we_o will_v be_v grieve_v in_o deed_n even_o at_o the_o very_a heart_n because_o we_o have_v displease_v our_o gracious_a god_n and_o love_a father_n but_o yet_o our_o sin_n will_v not_o make_v we_o despair_v or_o doubt_v of_o his_o love_n towards_o we_o because_o it_o have_v not_o it_o ground_n on_o our_o worthiness_n but_o upon_o god_n own_o free_a mercy_n grace_n and_o good_a will_n us._n that_o we_o can_v love_v god_n if_o we_o have_v no_o assurance_n of_o his_o love_n towards_o us._n second_o if_o we_o doubt_v and_o distrust_n of_o god_n love_n towards_o we_o we_o shall_v never_o love_v he_o from_o our_o heart_n for_o who_o love_v he_o entire_o of_o who_o love_n he_o be_v not_o persuade_v or_o who_o can_v perform_v the_o duty_n of_o love_n to_o such_o a_o one_o as_o hate_v and_o abhor_v he_o cos_n amoris_fw-la amor_fw-la love_n be_v the_o whetstone_n of_o love_n and_o if_o this_o be_v true_a among_o man_n then_o much_o more_o between_o god_n and_o we_o 4.19_o 1._o joh._n 4.19_o for_o we_o love_v he_o because_o he_o love_v we_o first_o as_o the_o apostle_n say_v 1._o joh._n 4.19_o as_o therefore_o the_o cold_a stone_n can_v of_o itself_o cast_v forth_o no_o heat_n till_o it_o be_v first_o warm_v by_o the_o sun_n beam_n and_o then_o it_o reflectsth_n again_o some_o of_o the_o heat_n which_o it_o receive_v so_o no_o more_o can_v our_o cold_a heart_n cast_v any_o beam_n of_o hearty_a love_n towards_o god_n till_o they_o be_v warm_v with_o the_o apprehension_n of_o his_o love_n towards_o we_o and_o then_o they_o begin_v to_o return_v some_o spark_n of_o love_n towards_o god_n after_o they_o be_v inflame_v with_o the_o beam_n of_o his_o love_n clear_o shine_v in_o they_o unless_o therefore_o we_o be_v assure_v of_o god_n love_n we_o can_v love_v he_o 13.8_o rom._n 13.8_o and_o consequent_o can_v perform_v any_o duty_n of_o love_n in_o obedience_n to_o his_o will_n for_o as_o love_n be_v the_o fulfil_n of_o the_o law_n as_o it_o be_v rom._n 13.8_o so_o the_o want_n of_o love_n be_v the_o transgress_a of_o all_o the_o commandment_n for_o all_o consist_v in_o the_o love_n of_o god_n which_o be_v the_o fountain_n of_o all_o true_a obedience_n and_o in_o the_o love_n of_o our_o neighbour_n which_o as_o a_o spring_n issue_v from_o it_o nay_o when_o we_o despair_v of_o god_n love_n then_o do_v we_o despair_v of_o our_o salvation_n and_o therefore_o have_v no_o hope_n of_o happiness_n in_o the_o life_n to_o come_v we_o be_v ready_a to_o seek_v all_o the_o pleasure_n and_o delight_n which_o this_o life_n will_v afford_v unto_o we_o give_v ourselves_o over_o to_o the_o satisfy_n of_o all_o the_o filthy_a lust_n of_o the_o flesh_n and_o spend_v our_o
god_n covenant_n second_o the_o covenant_n between_o god_n and_o we_o wherein_o he_o profess_v himself_o our_o god_n and_o take_v we_o for_o his_o people_n and_o heir_n of_o his_o promise_n be_v not_o the_o covenant_n of_o work_n but_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n in_o which_o he_o offer_v free_o in_o christ_n his_o grace_n and_o mercy_n to_o all_o who_o will_v receive_v it_o by_o the_o hand_n of_o a_o lively_a faith_n and_o this_o the_o lord_n himself_o express_v jerem._n 31.31_o behold_v the_o day_n come_v say_v the_o lord_n that_o i_o will_v make_v a_o new_a covenant_n with_o the_o house_n of_o israel_n that_o be_v my_o church_n 31.31_o jerem._n 31.31_o 32._o not_o according_a to_o the_o covenant_n which_o i_o make_v with_o their_o father_n that_o be_v the_o covenant_n of_o work_n the_o which_o my_o covenant_n they_o break_v etc._n etc._n but_o this_o shall_v be_v my_o covenant_n that_o i_o will_v make_v with_o the_o house_n of_o israel_n after_o those_o day_n say_v the_o lord_n i_o will_v put_v my_o law_n in_o their_o inward_a part_n and_o write_v it_o in_o their_o heart_n and_o will_v be_v their_o god_n and_o they_o shall_v be_v my_o people_n so_o the_o apostle_n paul_n say_v that_o the_o promise_v make_v to_o abraham_n and_o his_o seed_n be_v not_o give_v through_o the_o law_n but_o through_o the_o righteousness_n of_o faith_n 4.13_o rom._n 4.13_o rom._n 4.13_o and_o that_o it_o be_v therefore_o by_o faith_n that_o it_o may_v come_v by_o grace_n and_o the_o promise_n may_v be_v sure_a to_o all_o the_o seed_n for_o if_o the_o covenant_n be_v of_o work_n and_o not_o of_o faith_n of_o desert_n and_o not_o of_o grace_n we_o shall_v continual_o disannul_v and_o make_v it_o of_o no_o effect_n §_o sect._n 3_o three_o 8._o our_o redemption_n not_o cause_v by_o our_o worthiness_n eph._n 1.7_o 8._o as_o we_o be_v elect_v before_o all_o time_n so_o be_v we_o in_o time_n redeem_v free_o and_o without_o respect_n of_o our_o own_o worthiness_n of_o the_o mere_a mercy_n and_o love_n of_o god_n although_o our_o saviour_n christ_n pay_v the_o full_a price_n of_o our_o redemption_n unto_o god_n his_o father_n for_o we_o and_o this_o appear_v ephes_n 1.7_o by_o who_o we_o have_v redemption_n through_o his_o blood_n even_o the_o forgiveness_n of_o sin_n according_a to_o his_o rich_a grace_n 8._o whereby_o he_o have_v be_v abundant_a towards_o we_o in_o all_o wisdom_n and_o understanding_n so_o that_o our_o redemption_n be_v not_o free_a unto_o our_o saviour_n christ_n for_o it_o cost_v he_o the_o inestimable_a price_n of_o his_o most_o precious_a blood_n but_o it_o be_v free_a unto_o we_o without_o any_o respect_n of_o our_o work_n and_o worthiness_n for_o we_o be_v like_o desperate_a debtor_n deep_o engage_v unto_o god_n and_o not_o able_a to_o pay_v the_o least_o farthing_n and_o therefore_o be_v cast_v into_o the_o prison_n of_o everlasting_a death_n there_o to_o be_v detain_v till_o we_o have_v discharge_v the_o whole_a debt_n which_o be_v impossible_a unto_o we_o it_o please_v our_o saviour_n christ_n of_o his_o mere_a pity_n and_o free_a goodwill_n to_o become_v our_o surety_n and_o to_o make_v full_a satisfaction_n to_o his_o father_n even_o to_o the_o least_o mite_n that_o so_o we_o may_v be_v release_v and_o set_v free_a we_o be_v all_o of_o we_o miserable_a captive_n hold_v in_o the_o thraldom_n of_o sin_n satan_n and_o death_n unable_a to_o deserve_v in_o any_o measure_n to_o be_v set_v at_o liberty_n for_o we_o be_v the_o child_n of_o wrath_n who_o be_v not_o sick_a only_o but_o even_o dead_a in_o our_o sin_n 2.1.5_o eph._n 2.1.5_o as_o it_o be_v eph._n 2.1.5_o but_o our_o saviour_n christ_n of_o his_o undeserued_a love_n do_v pay_v the_o price_n of_o our_o redemption_n and_o set_v we_o out_o of_o our_o captivity_n quicken_a and_o raise_v we_o up_o from_o sin_n to_o newness_n of_o life_n as_o the_o apostle_n set_v it_o down_o eph._n 2.3_o and_o you_o be_v by_o nature_n the_o child_n of_o wrath_n as_o well_o as_o other_o 2.3.4_o eph._n 2.3.4_o 4._o but_o god_n which_o be_v rich_a in_o mercy_n through_o his_o great_a love_n wherewith_o he_o love_v we_o 5._o even_o when_o we_o be_v dead_a by_o sin_n have_v quicken_v we_o together_o in_o christ_n by_o who_o grace_n you_o be_v save_v 6._o and_o have_v raise_v we_o up_o together_o in_o heavenly_a place_n in_o christ_n jesus_n 7._o that_o he_o may_v show_v in_o age_n to_o come_v the_o exceed_a riches_n of_o his_o grace_n through_o his_o kindness_n towards_o we_o in_o christ_n jesus_n so_o that_o there_o be_v no_o worthiness_n in_o ourselves_o which_o the_o lord_n respect_v for_o we_o be_v all_o alike_o the_o child_n of_o wrath_n and_o dead_a in_o our_o sin_n but_o only_o of_o his_o free_a mercy_n and_o great_a love_n he_o have_v redeem_v we_o by_o christ_n §_o sect._n 4_o four_o call_n our_o worthiness_n no_o cause_n of_o our_o call_n as_o the_o lord_n have_v free_o redeem_v we_o so_o also_o he_o have_v free_o call_v we_o to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o mystery_n of_o our_o redemption_n wrought_v by_o jesus_n christ_n and_o choose_v we_o among_o all_o nation_n to_o be_v his_o church_n and_o peculiar_a people_n and_o that_o of_o his_o mere_a grace_n and_o free_a goodwill_n without_o any_o respect_n of_o our_o worthiness_n as_o appear_v 2._o tim._n 1.9_o who_o have_v save_v we_o 1.9_o 2._o tim._n 1.9_o and_o call_v we_o with_o a_o holy_a call_n not_o according_a to_o our_o work_n but_o according_a to_o his_o own_o purpose_n of_o grace_n which_o be_v give_v we_o through_o christ_n jesus_n before_o the_o world_n be_v so_o moses_n tell_v the_o child_n of_o israel_n that_o the_o lord_n have_v call_v and_o make_v choice_n of_o they_o above_o all_o other_o nation_n to_o be_v his_o church_n and_o people_n not_o for_o any_o respect_n of_o themselves_o or_o their_o own_o worthiness_n but_o of_o his_o free_a love_n and_o undeserued_a mercy_n 7.7.8_o deut._n 7.7.8_o as_o it_o be_v deut._n 7.7.8_o psal_n 44.3_o justification_n our_o work_n and_o worthiness_n no_o cause_n of_o our_o justification_n five_o as_o the_o lord_n have_v free_o call_v we_o so_o be_v call_v he_o have_v free_o justify_v we_o not_o for_o any_o inherent_a righteousness_n in_o ourselves_o but_o of_o his_o own_o grace_n and_o goodwill_n through_o the_o righteousness_n and_o obedience_n of_o jesus_n christ_n which_o he_o impute_v unto_o us._n and_o this_o be_v evident_a rom._n 3.24_o where_o it_o be_v say_v that_o we_o be_v justify_v free_o by_o god_n grace_n 3.24_o rom._n 3.24_o through_o the_o redemption_n which_o be_v in_o christ_n jesus_n and_o tit._n 3.7_o where_o the_o apostle_n say_v that_o we_o be_v justify_v by_o his_o grace_n 3.7_o tit._n 3.7_o and_o lest_o we_o shall_v join_v with_o god_n grace_n our_o own_o work_n and_o worthiness_n he_o tell_v we_o that_o abraham_n himself_o though_o a_o most_o righteous_a and_o holy_a man_n in_o respect_n of_o his_o sincerity_n and_o integrity_n of_o heart_n be_v notwithstanding_o not_o justify_v by_o his_o work_n but_o abraham_n believe_v god_n 4.3.5_o rom._n 4.3.5_o and_o that_o be_v impute_v unto_o he_o for_o righteousness_n rom._n 4.3_o &_o ver_fw-la 5._o he_o flat_o exclude_v work_n from_o be_v any_o cause_n of_o our_o justification_n to_o he_o say_v he_o that_o work_v not_o but_o believe_v in_o he_o that_o justifi_v the_o ungodly_a his_o faith_n be_v count_v for_o righteousness_n so_o that_o we_o be_v free_o justify_v of_o god_n grace_n and_o goodwill_n without_o any_o respect_n of_o our_o own_o work_n and_o worthiness_n as_o be_v any_o cause_n of_o our_o justification_n although_o they_o be_v necessary_a and_o inseparable_a fruit_n thereof_o for_o the_o same_o death_n and_o bloodshed_n of_o christ_n whereby_o we_o be_v free_v from_o the_o guilt_n and_o punishment_n of_o sin_n and_o everlasting_a death_n do_v free_v we_o also_o from_o the_o death_n of_o sin_n to_o newness_n of_o life_n and_o do_v not_o only_o justify_v but_o also_o sanctify_v we_o as_o the_o apostle_n plain_o show_v tit._n 2.14_o who_o give_v himself_o for_o we_o that_o he_o may_v redeem_v we_o from_o all_o iniquity_n 2.14_o tit._n 2.14_o that_o be_v free_v we_o from_o the_o guilt_n and_o punishment_n of_o sin_n to_o which_o we_o be_v subject_a and_o purge_v we_o to_o be_v a_o peculiar_a people_n unto_o himself_o zealous_a of_o good_a work_n six_o our_o sanctification_n and_o inherent_a righteousness_n itself_o what_o be_v it_o else_o but_o the_o free_a gift_n of_o god_n begin_v increase_v and_o finish_v by_o his_o gracious_a spirit_n god_n that_o our_o sanctification_n be_v the_o free_a gift_n of_o god_n what_o be_v the_o grace_n in_o we_o but_o god_n free_a and_o undeserued_a gift_n what_o be_v our_o best_a work_n but_o the_o fruit_n of_o his_o
that_o which_o be_v gather_v from_o his_o own_o worthiness_n and_o work_n he_o still_o doubt_v whether_o yet_o he_o be_v worthy_a or_o have_v fulfil_v the_o measure_n of_o work_n require_v and_o then_o further_o examine_v himself_o to_o clear_v his_o doubt_n and_o find_v his_o best_a work_n exceed_v imperfect_a and_o that_o his_o sin_n and_o corruption_n be_v innumerable_a then_o be_v his_o conscience_n set_v upon_o the_o rack_n and_o his_o soul_n plunge_v into_o deep_a despair_n have_v no_o other_o stay_n but_o the_o break_a staff_n of_o his_o own_o righteousness_n which_o most_o deceive_v he_o when_o he_o most_o trust_v to_o it_o §_o sect._n 3_o and_o that_o we_o may_v be_v confirm_v against_o satan_n temptation_n controversy_n the_o point_n to_o be_v consider_v of_o in_o this_o controversy_n and_o the_o subtle_a sophistry_n of_o these_o his_o doctor_n i_o will_v handle_v this_o point_n at_o large_a and_o will_v plain_o prove_v first_o that_o the_o child_n of_o god_n be_v convert_v justify_v and_o sanctify_v may_v be_v certain_o assure_v of_o his_o particular_a election_n and_o that_o without_o any_o special_a revelation_n after_o a_o ordinary_a manner_n second_o i_o will_v show_v the_o mean_n whereby_o we_o may_v attain_v unto_o this_o assurance_n and_o the_o infallible_a sign_n of_o our_o election_n last_o i_o will_v answer_v such_o objection_n as_o be_v make_v against_o it_o by_o sathan_n and_o his_o adherent_n scripture_n that_o we_o may_v be_v certain_o assure_v of_o our_o election_n prove_v by_o the_o testimony_n of_o the_o scripture_n concern_v the_o first_o namely_o that_o we_o may_v be_v certain_o assure_v of_o our_o election_n and_o salvation_n it_o may_v be_v prove_v by_o testimony_n of_o scripture_n and_o also_o by_o infallible_a reason_n ground_v upon_o they_o for_o we_o must_v not_o think_v that_o we_o can_v have_v this_o assurance_n by_o ascend_v into_o heaven_n and_o there_o search_v into_o god_n secret_a decree_n but_o we_o must_v gather_v it_o out_o of_o god_n word_n wherein_o the_o lord_n have_v reveal_v his_o will_n unto_o we_o and_o in_o regard_n hereof_o though_o god_n will_v in_o itself_o be_v secret_a so_o that_o we_o may_v ask_v who_o have_v know_v the_o will_n of_o the_o lord_n 2.16_o 1._o cor._n 2.16_o yet_o see_v the_o lord_n have_v reveal_v his_o hide_a will_n in_o his_o word_n we_o may_v say_v with_o paul_n that_o we_o have_v know_v the_o mind_n of_o christ._n now_o this_o knowledge_n of_o god_n will_v concern_v our_o election_n be_v not_o to_o be_v gather_v out_o of_o the_o law_n as_o the_o papist_n will_v have_v it_o for_o by_o reason_n of_o the_o condition_n annex_v to_o the_o promise_n of_o everlasting_a life_n do_v this_o and_o live_v it_o leave_v our_o conscience_n in_o perpetual_a doubt_v nay_o rather_o in_o utter_a desperation_n because_o we_o know_v that_o we_o be_v far_o from_o the_o exact_a obedience_n thereof_o but_o out_o of_o the_o gracious_a promise_n of_o the_o gospel_n election_n the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n make_v to_o assure_v we_o of_o our_o election_n free_o make_v to_o every_o one_o who_o believe_v without_o any_o condition_n of_o our_o own_o work_n and_o worthiness_n and_o therefore_o if_o we_o believe_v the_o promise_n of_o the_o gospel_n make_v in_o christ_n we_o may_v be_v assure_v of_o our_o election_n and_o salvation_n though_o in_o ourselves_o we_o be_v miserable_a sinner_n who_o have_v transgress_v all_o god_n commandment_n for_o the_o covenant_n and_o promise_n of_o god_n make_v to_o abraham_n and_o his_o seed_n be_v not_o through_o the_o law_n but_o through_o the_o righteousness_n of_o faith_n as_o it_o be_v rom_n 4.13_o and_o therefore_o it_o be_v by_o faith_n that_o it_o may_v come_v by_o grace_n and_o the_o promise_n may_v be_v sure_a not_o in_o self_n only_o and_o in_o respect_n of_o the_o sufficiency_n of_o god_n mercy_n and_o christ_n merit_n as_o the_o papist_n dream_n but_o to_o all_o the_o seed_n that_o be_v to_o all_o that_o believe_v and_o be_v the_o child_n of_o abraham_n who_o be_v the_o father_n of_o the_o faithful_a both_o jew_n and_o gentille_n for_o otherwise_o we_o shall_v have_v no_o better_a assurance_n of_o salvation_n by_o the_o gospel_n than_o by_o the_o law_n for_o even_o the_o promise_n of_o the_o law_n be_v most_o sure_o in_o itself_o and_o on_o god_n part_n yet_o not_o sure_a to_o we_o who_o can_v not_o perform_v the_o condition_n and_o therefore_o the_o lord_n make_v a_o new_a covenant_n not_o of_o work_n but_o of_o grace_n only_o on_o the_o condition_n of_o faith_n that_o so_o the_o promise_n may_v be_v sure_a not_o only_o in_o itself_o and_o on_o god_n behalf_n but_o also_o unto_o we_o who_o be_v abraham_n seed_n that_o be_v true_a believer_n as_o appear_v rom._n 4.16_o and_o this_o also_o notable_o appear_v heb._n 6.17.18_o where_o the_o apostle_n say_v 6.17.18_o rom._n 4.16_o heb._n 6.17.18_o that_o god_n will_v more_o abundant_o to_o show_v unto_o the_o heir_n of_o promise_n the_o stableness_n of_o his_o counsel_n bind_v himself_o by_o a_o oath_n 18._o that_o by_o two_o immutable_a thing_n wherein_o it_o be_v impossible_a that_o god_n shall_v lie_v we_o may_v have_v strong_a consolation_n which_o have_v our_o refuge_n to_o hold_v fast_o the_o hope_n that_o be_v set_v before_o we_o 19_o which_o we_o have_v as_o a_o anchor_n of_o the_o soul_n both_o sure_a and_o steadfast_a in_o which_o word_n the_o apostle_n plain_o show_v that_o the_o lord_n have_v add_v his_o oath_n to_o his_o promise_n not_o to_o the_o end_n that_o in_o itself_o it_o shall_v be_v confirm_v or_o need_v any_o confirmation_n on_o god_n part_n for_o his_o bare_a word_n be_v yea_o and_o amen_o so_o infallible_a and_o sure_a that_o though_o heaven_n and_o earth_n pass_v away_o and_o perish_v yet_o not_o one_o jot_n or_o title_n of_o his_o word_n shall_v fail_v till_o all_o thing_n be_v fulfil_v but_o to_o the_o end_n that_o we_o to_o who_o the_o promise_n be_v make_v 5.18_o mat._n 5.18_o may_v be_v assure_v of_o the_o stableness_n of_o his_o counsel_n and_o thereby_o receive_v strong_a consolation_n and_o may_v rest_v our_o soul_n in_o the_o tempest_n of_o temptation_n upon_o firm_a hope_n as_o it_o be_v upon_o a_o steadfast_a and_o sure_a anchor_n now_o what_o stability_n what_o strong_a consolation_n what_o steadfastness_n of_o hope_n if_o we_o be_v still_o uncertain_a of_o our_o election_n sometime_o hope_v as_o when_o we_o look_v upon_o god_n mercy_n and_o christ_n merit_n and_o sometime_o doubt_v as_o when_o we_o look_v upon_o our_o own_o sin_n and_o unworthiness_n for_o what_o be_v this_o but_o to_o be_v shake_v from_o our_o anchor_n hold_v and_o to_o be_v toss_v up_o and_o down_o with_o the_o wave_n of_o doubt_v till_o at_o last_o we_o dash_v against_o the_o rock_n of_o despair_n and_o so_o make_v shipwreck_n of_o our_o soul_n §_o sect._n 4_o and_o thus_o you_o see_v that_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n be_v therefore_o make_v with_o we_o point_n particular_a testimony_n prove_v this_o point_n that_o we_o may_v be_v assure_v of_o our_o election_n and_o that_o the_o whole_a gospel_n be_v nothing_o else_o but_o god_n ambassage_n whereby_o he_o certifi_v we_o of_o his_o free_a and_o undeserued_a love_n in_o jesus_n christ_n but_o let_v we_o further_o consider_v of_o some_o special_a testimony_n whereby_o this_o assurance_n be_v confirm_v rom._n 5.1_o it_o be_v say_v 5.1_o rom._n 5.1_o that_o be_v justify_v by_o faith_n we_o have_v peace_n towards_o god_n through_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n but_o what_o peace_n can_v we_o have_v if_o we_o be_v not_o assure_v of_o our_o election_n but_o have_v our_o mind_n distract_v and_o rack_v between_o faith_n and_o doubt_v hope_v and_o despair_v rom._n 8.38_o the_o apostle_n profess_v 8.38_o rom._n 8.38_o that_o he_o be_v persuade_v that_o neither_o death_n nor_o life_n nor_o angel_n nor_o principality_n etc._n etc._n nor_o any_o other_o creature_n shall_v be_v able_a to_o separate_v we_o from_o the_o love_n of_o god_n which_o be_v in_o christ_n jesus_n our_o lord_n it_o be_v true_a will_n the_o tempter_n say_v that_o paul_n have_v this_o assurance_n of_o his_o election_n and_o salvation_n but_o it_o be_v by_o some_o special_a revelation_n and_o nor_o ordinary_o and_o therefore_o it_o follow_v not_o hereof_o that_o every_o particular_a christian_a can_v have_v this_o assurance_n i_o answer_v that_o the_o apostle_n ground_v not_o his_o faith_n on_o revelation_n in_o that_o place_n but_o on_o a_o foundation_n common_a to_o he_o with_o all_o true_a christian_n namely_o on_o the_o death_n of_o christ_n vers_fw-la 32._o 23.33.34_o verse_n 23.33.34_o on_o god_n free_a justification_n ver_fw-la 33._o and_o upon_o christ_n intercession_n ver_fw-la 34._o and_o from_o hence_o he_o confirm_v he_o and_o our_o resolution_n that_o nothing_o shall_v separate_v we_o
which_o the_o lord_n wilimprint_v in_o they_o and_o we_o be_v move_v to_o deny_v ourselves_o and_o to_o cast_v away_o our_o own_o righteousness_n and_o to_o rest_n and_o rely_v upon_o christ_n jesus_n alone_o for_o our_o justification_n and_o salvation_n which_o be_v quite_o contrary_a to_o our_o natural_a disposition_n but_o it_o be_v a_o miracle_n of_o miracle_n that_o all_o these_o thing_n shall_v be_v wrought_v in_o we_o by_o sickness_n which_o the_o lord_n have_v not_o ordain_v for_o this_o purpose_n when_o as_o the_o mean_v appoint_v by_o god_n himself_o the_o ministry_n of_o his_o word_n which_o be_v god_n own_o ordinance_n can_v never_o work_v they_o in_o us._n it_o may_v be_v indeed_o that_o god_n hand_n lie_v heavy_a upon_o we_o in_o the_o time_n of_o sickness_n and_o fear_v worse_o judgement_n in_o the_o life_n to_o come_v we_o may_v be_v move_v hereby_o to_o make_v a_o goodly_a show_n and_o to_o vow_v great_a reformation_n if_o we_o may_v be_v restore_v to_o our_o health_n it_o may_v be_v that_o with_o pharaoh_n we_o may_v make_v a_o feign_a confession_n of_o our_o sin_n and_o promise_v to_o amend_v if_o this_o judgement_n may_v be_v remove_v or_o that_o we_o may_v with_o achab_n outward_o humble_v ourselves_o before_o god_n to_o the_o end_n we_o may_v escape_v those_o fearful_a punishment_n which_o be_v threaten_v in_o his_o word_n but_o it_o be_v a_o thousand_o to_o one_o if_o we_o then_o true_o repent_v who_o have_v live_v our_o whole_a time_n in_o impenitency_n or_o then_o turn_v unto_o god_n if_o we_o be_v not_o before_o that_o time_n effectual_o call_v and_o convert_v for_o as_o we_o live_v so_o we_o common_o die_v neither_o be_v it_o likely_a that_o have_v lead_v our_o life_n like_o wicked_a balaam_n we_o shall_v die_v the_o death_n of_o the_o righteous_a that_o have_v always_o hitherto_o be_v thorn_n and_o thistle_n we_o shall_v now_o bring_v forth_o sweet_a fig_n and_o pleasant_a grape_n when_o we_o be_v ready_a to_o be_v cut_v down_o and_o to_o be_v cast_v into_o the_o fire_n that_o have_v all_o our_o life_n sow_v the_o seed_n of_o wickedness_n we_o shall_v at_o our_o death_n reap_v the_o fruit_n of_o godliness_n and_o therefore_o as_o the_o apostle_n exhort_v let_v we_o not_o be_v deceive_v god_n be_v not_o mock_v for_o whatsoever_o a_o man_n sow_v that_o shall_v he_o also_o reap_v for_o he_o that_o sow_v to_o his_o flesh_n shall_v of_o the_o flesh_n reap_v corruption_n but_o he_o that_o sow_v to_o the_o spirit_n shall_v of_o the_o spirit_n reap_v life_n everlasting_a as_o it_o be_v gal._n 6.7.8_o let_v we_o now_o turn_v unto_o god_n while_o he_o call_v we_o and_o grant_v we_o the_o mean_n of_o our_o conversion_n the_o ministry_n of_o his_o word_n now_o be_v the_o acceptable_a time_n now_o be_v the_o day_n of_o our_o salvation_n and_o if_o we_o will_v now_o turn_v unto_o god_n and_o true_o repent_v while_o we_o may_v continue_v in_o our_o sin_n we_o may_v be_v assure_v our_o repentance_n be_v true_a and_o unfeigned_a and_o not_o press_v out_o of_o we_o with_o sense_n of_o present_a pain_n nor_o force_v with_o fear_n of_o future_a punishment_n and_o that_o turn_n to_o god_n we_o shall_v be_v receive_v to_o grace_n and_o mercy_n see_v we_o then_o offer_v to_o serve_v he_o when_o we_o may_v have_v serve_v satan_n the_o world_n and_o our_o own_o corrupt_a flesh_n chap._n xxx_o two_o let_n which_o hinder_v worldling_n from_o speedy_a repentance_n remoove_v §_o sect._n 1_o and_o so_o much_o concern_v these_o motive_n whereby_o we_o may_v be_v persuade_v to_o speedy_a repentance_n promisee_fw-mi the_o first_o let_v be_v the_o misaply_v of_o god_n mercy_n and_o gracious_a promisee_fw-mi all_o which_o the_o worldly_a secure_a man_n ward_v and_o bear_v of_o with_o a_o double_a fence_n so_o as_o they_o can_v never_o beat_v he_o down_o with_o true_a humility_n nor_o pierce_v his_o heart_n with_o unfeigned_a sorrow_n for_o sin_n the_o one_o be_v by_o allege_v god_n mercy_n manifest_o declare_v unto_o we_o in_o the_o sweet_a promise_n of_o the_o gospel_n the_o other_o by_o object_v the_o example_n of_o the_o convert_a thief_n who_o though_o he_o have_v spend_v his_o whole_a life_n in_o sin_n and_o wickedness_n yet_o at_o the_o last_o hour_n be_v receive_v to_o mercy_n for_o the_o first_o 11.28_o ezech._n 13.32_o &_o 33.11_o math._n 9.13_o math._n 11.28_o have_v not_o the_o lord_n will_v they_o say_v protest_v in_o his_o word_n that_o he_o desire_v not_o the_o death_n of_o a_o sinner_n but_o that_o he_o turn_v from_o his_o way_n and_o live_v have_v not_o our_o saviour_n tell_v we_o that_o he_o come_v not_o to_o call_v the_o righteous_a but_o sinner_n to_o repentance_n and_o do_v he_o not_o invite_v such_o unto_o he_o as_o labour_v under_o the_o heavy_a burden_n of_o sin_n promise_v that_o he_o will_v ease_v they_o and_o have_v not_o the_o apostle_n paul_n teach_v we_o 2.4_o 1._o tim._n 2.4_o that_o god_n will_v be_v that_o all_o man_n shall_v be_v save_v and_o come_v to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o his_o truth_n see_v therefore_o god_n be_v so_o merciful_a why_o shall_v we_o doubt_v of_o our_o salvation_n why_o shall_v we_o fear_v to_o defer_v our_o repentance_n &_o follow_v our_o pleasure_n and_o delight_n for_o a_o time_n see_v the_o lord_n will_v receive_v we_o to_o mercy_n whensoever_o we_o turn_v unto_o he_o remove_v the_o first_o let_v remove_v i_o answer_v first_o that_o though_o all_o this_o be_v certain_a true_a and_o not_o to_o be_v doubt_v of_o yet_o it_o be_v a_o most_o unthankful_a part_n and_o horrible_a ingratitude_n against_o our_o gracious_a god_n and_o love_a father_n to_o take_v occasion_n of_o his_o mercy_n the_o more_o to_o offend_v he_o as_o before_o i_o have_v show_v second_o i_o answer_v that_o as_o god_n have_v show_v his_o mercy_n in_o the_o gracious_a promise_n of_o the_o gospel_n so_o also_o he_o have_v as_o plain_o declare_v his_o justice_n in_o the_o severe_a threaten_n of_o the_o law_n and_o he_o be_v as_o true_a in_o the_o one_o as_o in_o the_o other_o and_o therefore_o all_o the_o question_n be_v who_o shall_v taste_v of_o his_o mercy_n and_o who_o of_o his_o justice_n see_v that_o be_v promise_v to_o some_o and_o this_o threaten_a against_o other_o or_o rather_o in_o truth_n it_o be_v without_o all_o question_n for_o the_o lord_n have_v plain_o show_v in_o his_o word_n that_o he_o will_v extend_v his_o mercy_n to_o all_o repentant_a sinner_n and_o to_o they_o only_o and_o that_o he_o will_v declare_v his_o justice_n in_o pour_v out_o his_o just_a judgement_n upon_o the_o wicked_a who_o live_v in_o their_o sin_n and_o especial_o upon_o those_o who_o take_v occasion_n of_o god_n mercy_n to_o continue_v in_o their_o unrepentancie_n despise_v the_o riches_n of_o his_o bountifulness_n his_o patience_n &_o long_o suffer_v for_o hereby_o they_o heap_v unto_o themselves_o wrath_n against_o the_o day_n of_o wrath_n and_o the_o declaration_n of_o the_o just_a judgement_n of_o god_n as_o the_o apostle_n speak_v rom._n 2.4.5_o though_o then_o there_o be_v never_o so_o many_o sweet_a promise_n in_o the_o gospel_n yet_o they_o who_o continue_v in_o their_o sin_n without_o repentance_n can_v reap_v no_o true_a comfort_n by_o they_o because_o they_o be_v not_o make_v to_o they_o but_o to_o repentant_a sinner_n and_o on_o the_o other_o side_n though_o there_o be_v never_o so_o many_o terrible_a threaten_n denounce_v in_o the_o law_n yet_o the_o penitent_a sinner_n need_v not_o to_o fear_v they_o see_v they_o be_v threaten_v only_o against_o those_o who_o continue_v in_o their_o impaenitencie_n though_o god_n be_v of_o infinite_a mercy_n let_v not_o the_o wicked_a man_n who_o live_v in_o his_o sin_n presume_v see_v it_o be_v sufficient_o declare_v in_o pardon_v the_o sin_n of_o repentant_a sinner_n neither_o let_v he_o who_o be_v true_o penitent_a despair_n because_o god_n be_v of_o infinite_a justice_n see_v it_o be_v sufficient_o manifest_v in_o punish_v the_o sin_n of_o those_o who_o continue_v in_o their_o unrepentancie_n let_v not_o he_o who_o be_v turn_v unto_o god_n from_o his_o wicked_a way_n fear_v god_n justice_n for_o it_o be_v full_o satisfy_v in_o christ_n and_o therefore_o it_o shall_v never_o attach_v he_o neither_o let_v he_o who_o continue_v in_o his_o sin_n without_o repentance_n hope_v in_o god_n mercy_n for_o it_o do_v not_o belong_v unto_o he_o nor_o yet_o in_o the_o sweet_a promise_n of_o the_o gospel_n which_o though_o they_o be_v never_o so_o general_a yet_o be_v they_o always_o to_o be_v restrain_v to_o the_o condition_n of_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n faith_n and_o repentance_n and_o this_o be_v manifest_a in_o the_o place_n before_o allege_v which_o worldly_a man_n so_o much_o abuse_v to_o nourish_v in_o they_o carnal_a
if_o they_o be_v not_o support_v and_o free_v from_o this_o burden_n by_o our_o saviour_n jesus_n christ_n but_o such_o as_o these_o be_v not_o call_v by_o our_o saviour_n neither_o will_v he_o ease_v they_o though_o their_o burden_n be_v never_o so_o intolerable_a but_o he_o invit_v those_o only_o who_o be_v heavy_a lade_v and_o find_v their_o burden_n irksome_a be_v weary_a of_o it_o and_o desire_n to_o be_v ease_v he_o harken_v only_o unto_o those_o who_o from_o their_o heart_n cry_v out_o with_o david_n psal_n 38.4_o my_o iniquity_n be_v go_v over_o my_o head_n and_o as_o a_o weighty_a burden_n they_o be_v to_o heavy_a for_o i_o 6._o i_o be_o bow_v and_o crooked_a very_a sore_n i_o go_v mourn_v all_o the_o day_n he_o respect_v only_o those_o who_o be_v of_o a_o break_a heart_n and_o contrite_a spirit_n 66.2_o psal_n 51.17_o esay_n 66.2_o for_o these_o only_o perform_v the_o condition_n of_o the_o covenant_n and_o consequent_o to_o they_o alone_o the_o promise_v contain_v in_o the_o covenant_n do_v appertain_v §_o sect._n 3_o the_o condition_n of_o the_o covenant_n be_v faith_n and_o repentance_n repentance_n that_o he_o who_o feel_v not_o his_o sin_n have_v neither_o faith_n nor_o repentance_n neither_o of_o which_o do_v he_o perform_v who_o do_v not_o see_v nor_o feel_v the_o burden_n of_o his_o sin_n for_o we_o will_v never_o rest_v upon_o christ_n for_o our_o salvation_n unless_o we_o see_v that_o we_o have_v no_o mean_n of_o our_o own_o to_o escape_v condemnation_n we_o will_v never_o seek_v unto_o christ_n to_o be_v our_o redeemer_n unless_o we_o perceive_v that_o we_o be_v the_o bondslave_n of_o sin_n and_o satan_n we_o will_v never_o labour_v to_o obtain_v the_o riches_n of_o his_o righteousness_n unless_o we_o discern_v our_o own_o nakedness_n and_o beggary_n we_o will_v never_o come_v unto_o christ_n to_o be_v wash_v and_o purge_v from_o the_o pollution_n of_o our_o sin_n and_o corruption_n with_o his_o blood_n unless_o we_o see_v our_o natural_a filthiness_n we_o will_v never_o desire_v to_o be_v ease_v of_o the_o heavy_a burden_n of_o our_o sin_n unless_o we_o feel_v the_o weight_n of_o they_o we_o will_v never_o entreat_v christ_n to_o be_v our_o physician_n unless_o we_o find_v that_o our_o soul_n be_v sick_a in_o sin_n we_o will_v never_o go_v unto_o he_o who_o be_v the_o author_n of_o life_n unless_o we_o see_v that_o we_o be_v dead_a in_o our_o sin_n in_o a_o word_n we_o will_v never_o entreat_v god_n mercy_n until_o we_o feel_v our_o own_o misery_n if_o therefore_o without_o this_o sense_n of_o sin_n we_o will_v never_o come_v unto_o christ_n then_o consequent_o without_o it_o we_o shall_v never_o be_v ease_v for_o he●●●●th_v those_o only_a from_o condemnation_n who_o rely_v themselves_o whole_o upon_o he_o for_o their_o salvation_n he_o come_v to_o be_v their_o redeemer_n alone_o who_o feel_v their_o miserable_a captivity_n and_o earnest_o desire_v to_o be_v release_v he_o will_v not_o enrich_v any_o but_o those_o who_o perceive_v their_o own_o beggary_n and_o crave_v relief_n he_o will_v not_o wash_v any_o with_o his_o precious_a blood_n but_o those_o who_o see_v their_o pollution_n and_o filthiness_n and_o come_v unto_o he_o entreat_v he_o to_o purge_v and_o cleanse_v they_o he_o will_v not_o ease_v any_o but_o those_o who_o find_v their_o sin_n to_o be_v a_o heavy_a burden_n be_v weary_a and_o come_v unto_o he_o to_o be_v free_v from_o they_o he_o come_v into_o the_o world_n to_o be_v a_o physician_n not_o to_o those_o who_o feel_v no_o infirmity_n but_o to_o those_o who_o be_v sick_a and_o disease_a he_o come_v to_o give_v life_n to_o those_o alone_o who_o be_v dead_a in_o their_o sin_n and_o trespass_n neither_o will_v the_o lord_n show_v mercy_n unto_o any_o but_o unto_o those_o alone_o who_o perceive_v their_o estate_n to_o be_v most_o wretched_a and_o miserable_a for_o who_o can_v imagine_v that_o the_o lord_n who_o be_v most_o infinite_a in_o wisdom_n shall_v unaduised_o bestow_v his_o benefit_n upon_o such_o as_o find_v no_o want_n of_o they_o do_v not_o desire_v they_o when_o they_o be_v without_o they_o nor_o esteem_v they_o though_o they_o have_v they_o and_o consequent_o will_v never_o be_v true_o thankful_a for_o that_o which_o they_o neither_o want_v desire_v nor_o esteem_n who_o can_v in_o reason_n conceive_v that_o he_o will_v offer_v himself_o to_o be_v a_o saviour_n to_o such_o as_o do_v not_o think_v themselves_o lose_v and_o condemn_v or_o to_o be_v their_o redeemer_n who_o will_v not_o acknowledge_v that_o they_o be_v in_o captivity_n or_o that_o he_o will_v bestow_v the_o riches_n of_o his_o righteousness_n upon_o such_o proud_a beggar_n as_o find_v no_o need_n thereof_o be_v righteous_a enough_o themselves_o in_o their_o own_o conceit_n that_o he_o will_v vain_o spend_v his_o precious_a blood_n in_o wash_v of_o those_o who_o think_v themselves_o clean_o already_o and_o need_v no_o such_o purge_n that_o he_o will_v in_o compassion_n ease_v those_o of_o the_o burden_n of_o their_o sin_n who_o be_v never_o trouble_v with_o bear_v of_o they_o that_o he_o will_v offer_v they_o any_o physic_n who_o will_v not_o acknowledge_v themselves_o sick_a or_o to_o give_v life_n to_o those_o who_o will_v not_o confess_v that_o they_o be_v dead_a in_o sin_n and_o who_o can_v imagine_v that_o the_o lord_n will_v ever_o show_v to_o those_o his_o mercy_n who_o will_v never_o show_v to_o the_o lord_n their_o wretched_a misery_n whosoever_o therefore_o have_v not_o a_o true_a sense_n and_o feel_n of_o the_o heavy_a burden_n of_o their_o sin_n they_o will_v never_o come_v unto_o christ_n neither_o can_v they_o ever_o have_v any_o assurance_n that_o he_o will_v ease_v they_o &_o consequent_o they_o be_v destiture_n of_o a_o true_a faith_n which_o be_v the_o chief_a condition_n of_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n but_o as_o they_o want_v faith_n so_o also_o they_o can_v never_o attain_v unto_o true_a repentance_n for_o so_o long_o as_o they_o have_v not_o the_o sense_n of_o their_o sin_n they_o be_v not_o grieve_v with_o they_o neither_o do_v they_o desire_v to_o leave_v and_o forsake_v they_o and_o as_o those_o who_o bear_v a_o burden_n and_o be_v not_o vex_v with_o the_o weight_n they_o be_v not_o weary_a of_o bear_v it_o nor_o desirous_a to_o leave_v it_o so_o those_o who_o be_v load_v with_o the_o unsupportable_a burden_n of_o their_o sin_n and_o have_v no_o sense_n of_o the_o weight_n they_o be_v not_o grieve_v with_o weariness_n nor_o desirous_a to_o be_v free_v from_o it_o and_o consequent_o they_o be_v destitute_a of_o true_a repentance_n which_o be_v nothing_o else_o but_o a_o hearty_a grief_n and_o a_o true_a sorrow_n for_o our_o sin_n past_a and_o a_o earnest_a desire_n and_o endeavour_n to_o leave_v and_o forsake_v they_o in_o the_o time_n to_o come_v §_o sect._n 4_o so_o that_o whosoever_o have_v not_o a_o true_a sense_n and_o feel_n of_o the_o unsupportable_a weight_n of_o sin_n testimony_n the_o former_a point_n prove_v by_o particular_a testimony_n they_o be_v destitute_a of_o true_a faith_n and_o repentance_n and_o therefore_o the_o promise_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v make_v only_o to_o the_o faithful_a &_o repentant_a sinner_n do_v not_o appertain_v unto_o they_o which_o may_v more_o evident_o appear_v if_o we_o consider_v some_o of_o the_o particular_n esay_n 61.1_o it_o be_v say_v that_o our_o saviour_n christ_n be_v send_v to_o preach_v glad_a tiding_n unto_o the_o poor_a to_o bind_v up_o the_o break_a heart_a to_o preach_v liberty_n to_o the_o captive_n and_o to_o they_o that_o be_v bind_v the_o open_n of_o the_o prison_n 2._o to_o comfort_v all_o that_o mourn_n and_o to_o give_v unto_o they_o beauty_n for_o ash_n the_o oil_n of_o joy_n for_o mourning_n and_o the_o garment_n of_o gladness_n for_o the_o spirit_n of_o heaviness_n math._n 9.13_o our_o saviour_n say_v that_o he_o come_v not_o to_o call_v the_o righteous_a but_o sinner_n to_o repentance_n and_o the_o apostle_n witness_v of_o he_o that_o he_o come_v into_o the_o world_n to_o save_v sinner_n 1._o tim._n 1.15_o if_o therefore_o we_o be_v not_o poor_a in_o spirit_n and_o break_a heart_a if_o we_o be_v not_o miserable_a captive_n heavy_a mourner_n &_o wretched_a sinner_n our_o saviour_n christ_n be_v not_o send_v to_o preach_v the_o glad_a tiding_n of_o the_o gospel_n unto_o we_o he_o will_v not_o give_v we_o liberty_n nor_o afford_v we_o any_o comfort_n he_o come_v not_o to_o call_v we_o neither_o will_v he_o save_v us._n so_o our_o saviour_n profess_v math._n 18.11_o that_o he_o come_v to_o save_v that_o which_o be_v lose_v and_o to_o fetch_v home_o the_o wander_a sheep_n if_o therefore_o we_o be_v not_o lose_v in_o ourselves_o we_o shall_v never_o be_v find_v of_o christ_n if_o we_o do_v
not_o how_o to_o pray_v as_o we_o ought_v the_o spirit_n itself_o help_v our_o infirmity_n and_o make_v request_n for_o we_o with_o sigh_n which_o can_v be_v express_v but_o god_n who_o scarch_v the_o heart_n know_v what_o be_v the_o meaning_n of_o the_o spirit_n for_o he_o make_v request_n for_o the_o saint_n according_a to_o the_o will_n of_o god_n as_o the_o apostle_n speak_v rom._n 8.26.27_o who_o therefore_o can_v doubt_v of_o obtain_v his_o suit_n even_o the_o remission_n of_o his_o sin_n and_o reconciliation_n with_o god_n see_v his_o suit_n be_v frame_v and_o indict_v by_o god_n spirit_n and_o consequent_o be_v most_o wise_a just_a and_o as_o the_o apostle_n say_v according_a to_o the_o will_n of_o god_n yea_o it_o be_v solicit_v and_o follow_v with_o great_a earnestness_n by_o the_o same_o spirit_n and_o therefore_o our_o suit_n be_v wise_a just_a and_o frame_v by_o the_o spirit_n according_a to_o the_o will_n of_o god_n and_o by_o the_o same_o spirit_n in_o most_o earnest_a manner_n solicit_v and_o further_v there_o be_v no_o question_n but_o we_o shall_v obtain_v it_o chap._n xxxvi_o other_o reason_n to_o persuade_v the_o weak_a christian_n of_o the_o remission_n of_o his_o sin_n §_o sect._n 1_o and_o these_o be_v the_o reason_n which_o may_v be_v draw_v from_o every_o of_o the_o person_n of_o the_o trinity_n creed_n 1._o that_o we_o be_v to_o believe_v the_o remission_n of_o our_o sin_n because_o it_o be_v a_o article_n of_o our_o creed_n to_o assure_v we_o of_o the_o remission_n of_o our_o sin_n to_o which_o we_o may_v add_v diverse_a other_o first_o the_o believe_v of_o the_o remission_n of_o our_o sin_n in_o a_o article_n of_o our_o creed_n which_o we_o do_v daily_o confess_v and_o profess_v which_o be_v not_o leave_v unto_o our_o choice_n to_o believe_v or_o not_o to_o believe_v but_o as_o we_o confess_v it_o with_o the_o mouth_n so_o we_o be_v bind_v to_o believe_v it_o with_o the_o heart_n if_o we_o will_v be_v reckon_v in_o the_o number_n of_o christian_n why_o then_o shall_v we_o doubt_v of_o that_o which_o we_o be_v bind_v to_o perform_v and_o if_o we_o do_v not_o we_o grievous_o sin_n through_o infidelity_n which_o be_v more_o dangerous_a &_o damnable_a than_o all_o our_o other_o sin_n whatsoever_o and_o therefore_o though_o there_o be_v no_o other_o reason_n to_o move_v we_o though_o our_o heinous_a and_o manifold_a sin_n shall_v make_v it_o seem_v unto_o we_o never_o so_o incredible_a yet_o let_v we_o set_v aside_o all_o impediment_n and_o break_v through_o the_o violence_n of_o all_o objection_n and_o believe_v in_o obedience_n to_o god_n commandment_n and_o because_o it_o be_v our_o duty_n the_o performance_n whereof_o be_v very_o acceptable_a unto_o god_n and_o the_o neglect_n whereof_o be_v a_o sin_n most_o dangerous_a and_o damnable_a which_o that_o we_o may_v perform_v let_v we_o careful_o observe_v the_o condition_n of_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n that_o be_v let_v we_o rest_v and_o rely_v upon_o christ_n jesus_n alone_o for_o our_o salvation_n by_o a_o lively_a faith_n and_o turn_v unto_o god_n by_o unfeigned_a repentance_n and_o then_o there_o be_v no_o place_n leave_v to_o doubt_v of_o that_o which_o in_o duty_n we_o be_v bind_v to_o believe_v §_o sect._n 2_o second_o the_o afflict_a soul_n labour_v under_o sin_n may_v receive_v no_o small_a assurance_n by_o the_o testimony_n of_o god_n faithful_a minister_n 16._o 2._o the_o testimony_n of_o god_n faithful_a minister_n matth._n 16._o for_o the_o key_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n be_v commit_v unto_o they_o and_o they_o have_v power_n give_v they_o of_o god_n here_o on_o earth_n to_o bind_v and_o loose_v not_o as_o though_o they_o can_v by_o their_o own_o authority_n and_o in_o their_o own_o name_n give_v pardon_n of_o sin_n to_o who_o they_o listen_v as_o the_o papi_v teach_v and_o practice_v for_o this_o be_v proper_a and_o peculiar_a unto_o god_n alone_o as_o even_o the_o pharisee_n well_o know_v whereof_o it_o be_v that_o see_v our_o saviour_n christ_n take_v upon_o he_o to_o forgive_v sin_n who_o they_o imagine_v to_o be_v a_o mere_a man_n they_o affirm_v that_o he_o blaspheme_v for_o who_o say_v they_o can_v forgive_v sin_n but_o god_n only_o but_o they_o have_v authority_n give_v they_o of_o god_n upon_o due_a examination_n and_o trial_n of_o their_o faith_n by_o the_o fruit_n thereof_o unfeigned_a repentance_n certain_o to_o declare_v and_o pronounce_v unto_o they_o that_o their_o sin_n be_v forgive_v whosoever_o therefore_o have_v this_o testimony_n of_o god_n faithful_a minister_n who_o be_v well_o acquaint_v with_o their_o estate_n give_v unto_o they_o they_o may_v assure_v themselves_o that_o it_o be_v undoubted_o true_a and_o most_o certain_a for_o who_o be_v it_o that_o dare_v oppose_v himself_o and_o contradict_v the_o testimony_n of_o god_n spirit_n in_o the_o mouth_n of_o so_o many_o his_o faithful_a ambassador_n who_o dare_v be_v so_o presumptuous_a as_o to_o take_v upon_o he_o the_o discern_a of_o his_o state_n better_o than_o the_o minister_n of_o god_n who_o be_v appoint_v of_o god_n to_o this_o function_n be_v endue_v with_o a_o great_a measure_n of_o his_o spirit_n whereby_o they_o be_v enable_v to_o discern_v and_o judge_v of_o man_n estate_n better_o than_o they_o themselves_o for_o he_o that_o be_v spiritual_a discern_v all_o thing_n and_o be_v make_v acquaint_v with_o the_o mind_n of_o christ_n as_o the_o apostle_n speak_v 1._o cor_fw-la 2.15.16_o and_o therefore_o if_o diverse_a of_o god_n faithful_a minister_n with_o one_o consent_n pronounce_v unto_o any_o penitent_a sinner_n the_o remission_n of_o their_o sin_n and_o assure_v they_o after_o the_o examination_n of_o their_o estate_n that_o they_o be_v in_o the_o love_n and_o favour_n of_o god_n it_o shall_v be_v unto_o they_o ten_o thousand_o time_n more_o forcible_a a_o argument_n to_o persuade_v they_o &_o to_o confirm_v their_o faith_n in_o the_o assurance_n of_o god_n love_n than_o the_o contrary_a testimony_n of_o satan_n or_o their_o timorous_a unbelieve_a flesh_n to_o move_v they_o to_o doubt_v thereof_o if_o our_o body_n be_v sick_a we_o commit_v ourselves_o to_o the_o skill_n and_o care_n of_o the_o physician_n and_o good_a reason_n because_o we_o know_v he_o be_v better_a able_a to_o discern_v of_o our_o estate_n than_o we_o ourselves_o and_o believe_v his_o judgement_n to_o be_v good_a we_o suffer_v he_o to_o apply_v such_o remedy_n as_o he_o think_v most_o fit_a why_o then_o shall_v we_o not_o commit_v the_o discern_a of_o our_o estate_n to_o the_o physician_n of_o the_o soul_n no_o less_o careful_a and_o in_o this_o respect_n much_o more_o skilful_a for_o the_o other_o rule_n in_o some_o patient_n may_v fail_v he_o but_o the_o ground_n whereupon_o the_o spiritual_a physician_n build_v be_v most_o infallible_a be_v the_o undoubted_a truth_n of_o god_n why_o shall_v we_o not_o rather_o believe_v their_o often_o approve_a judgement_n than_o our_o own_o timorous_a fantasy_n or_o satan_n testimony_n who_o be_v our_o malicious_a enemy_n §_o sect._n 3_o three_o the_o afflict_a soul_n may_v gather_v assurance_n of_o the_o remission_n of_o sin_n from_o the_o contrary_a testimony_n of_o the_o devil_n satan_n the_o 3._o reason_n draw_v from_o the_o contrary_a testimony_n of_o satan_n for_o when_o there_o be_v any_o suggestion_n cast_v into_o our_o mind_n which_o be_v repugnant_a to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o the_o testimony_n of_o god_n spirit_n in_o the_o heart_n of_o the_o faithful_a we_o may_v assure_v ourselves_o that_o it_o be_v the_o speech_n of_o satan_n or_o of_o our_o corrupt_a flesh_n the_o messenger_n of_o satan_n both_o which_o come_v to_o one_o end_n but_o those_o motive_n and_o suggestion_n that_o god_n will_v not_o receive_v we_o to_o mercy_n that_o our_o sin_n be_v unpardonable_a that_o we_o be_v reprobate_n and_o castawaye_n that_o now_o it_o be_v too_o late_o to_o turn_v unto_o god_n proceed_v not_o from_o god_n spirit_n for_o they_o be_v quite_o contrary_a to_o that_o which_o the_o scripture_n teach_v we_o namely_o that_o the_o mercy_n of_o god_n be_v infinite_a and_o he_o always_o ready_a to_o receive_v we_o to_o grace_v when_o we_o turn_v unto_o he_o that_o if_o we_o will_v earnest_o repent_v and_o in_o the_o mediation_n of_o christ_n sue_v for_o mercy_n he_o will_v make_v our_o scarlet_a sin_n as_o white_a as_o snow_n that_o it_o be_v never_o to_o late_a to_o turn_v unto_o god_n for_o if_o we_o repent_v he_o have_v promise_v to_o remit_v our_o sin_n and_o to_o receive_v we_o into_o his_o favour_n neither_o be_v we_o to_o imagine_v that_o the_o testimony_n of_o god_n spirit_n in_o our_o conscience_n be_v contrary_a to_o the_o testimony_n of_o the_o same_o spirit_n in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n and_o therefore_o see_v these_o suggestion_n
of_o life_n as_o the_o soul_n which_o be_v the_o cause_n thereof_o and_o so_o to_o a_o justify_v man_n there_o be_v necessary_o require_v as_o well_o good_a work_n which_o be_v the_o effect_n of_o justification_n as_o faith_n which_o be_v the_o instrumental_a cause_n thereof_o for_o faith_n and_o work_n be_v never_o sever_v in_o the_o subject_n or_o party_n justify_v although_o they_o be_v disjoin_v in_o the_o act_n of_o justify_v so_o the_o eye_n only_o see_v and_o not_o the_o forehead_n but_o yet_o the_o eye_n sever_v from_o the_o forehead_n see_v not_o because_o it_o be_v but_o a_o dead_a eye_n the_o hand_n write_v and_o not_o the_o body_n but_o the_o hand_n sever_v from_o the_o body_n write_v not_o because_o it_o be_v a_o dead_a hand_n the_o foot_n go_v and_o not_o the_o head_n or_o heart_n but_o the_o foot_n which_o be_v sever_v from_o the_o head_n or_o heart_n go_v not_o and_o so_o faith_n only_o justifi_v and_o not_o hope_n not_o charity_n not_o work_n but_o the_o faith_n that_o be_v sever_v from_o hope_n charity_n and_o work_n justifi_v not_o because_o it_o be_v but_o a_o dead_a faith_n as_o therefore_o when_o we_o say_v the_o eye_n only_o see_v the_o hand_n only_o write_v the_o foot_n only_o walk_v our_o meaning_n be_v not_o that_o these_o part_n be_v alone_o and_o sever_v from_o the_o rest_n see_v write_v and_o walk_v but_o that_o among_o all_o other_o part_n the_o action_n or_o function_n of_o see_v belong_v peculiarly_a unto_o the_o eye_n write_v to_o the_o hand_n walk_v to_o the_o foot_n so_o when_o we_o say_v that_o only_a faith_n justifi_v our_o meaning_n be_v not_o that_o the_o faith_n which_o be_v alone_o and_o sever_v from_o other_o grace_n and_o the_o fruit_n of_o they_o good_a work_n justifi_v but_o that_o among_o all_o other_o grace_n this_o act_n of_o justify_v peculiarly_a and_o proper_o belong_v unto_o faith_n and_o not_o to_o any_o other_o grace_n virtue_n or_o work_n §_o sect._n 2_o now_o that_o that_o faith_n alone_o in_o this_o sense_n understand_v justifi_v appear_v plain_o 3.28_o testimony_n to_o prove_v that_o faith_n alone_o justifi_v us._n rom._n 3.28_o both_o by_o testimony_n of_o scripture_n and_o apparent_a reason_n for_o the_o first_o it_o be_v manifest_a rom._n 3.28_o where_o after_o long_a disputation_n concern_v this_o point_n the_o apostle_n express_o conclude_v thus_o therefore_o we_o conclude_v that_o a_o man_n be_v justify_v by_o faith_n without_o the_o work_n of_o the_o law_n and_o chap._n 4._o vers_fw-la 5._o to_o he_o that_o work_v not_o but_o believe_v in_o he_o that_o justifi_v the_o ungodly_a his_o faith_n be_v count_v for_o righteousness_n 4.5_o and_o 4.5_o so_o gal._n 2.16_o know_v that_o a_o man_n be_v not_o justify_v by_o the_o work_n of_o the_o law_n but_o by_o the_o faith_n of_o jesus_n christ_n 2.16_o gal._n 2.16_o even_o we_o i_o say_v have_v believe_v in_o jesus_n christ_n that_o we_o may_v be_v justify_v by_o the_o faith_n of_o christ_n and_o not_o by_o the_o work_n of_o the_o law_n because_o by_o the_o work_n of_o the_o law_n no_o flesh_n shall_v be_v justify_v and_o cap._n 3.11_o and_o that_o no_o man_n be_v justify_v by_o the_o law_n in_o the_o sight_n of_o god_n it_o be_v evident_a 3.11_o gal._n 3.11_o for_o the_o just_a shall_v live_v by_o faith_n 12._o and_o the_o law_n be_v not_o of_o faith_n and_o hence_o it_o be_v that_o the_o righteousness_n of_o christ_n whereby_o we_o be_v justify_v be_v call_v the_o righteousness_n of_o faith_n 9.30_o rom._n 9.30_o because_o faith_n be_v the_o only_a instrument_n which_o appehend_v and_o apply_v this_o righteousness_n unto_o we_o for_o our_o justification_n §_o sect._n 3_o the_o reason_n to_o prove_v that_o faith_n alone_o justifi_v be_v diverse_a justifi_v reason_n to_o prove_v that_o faith_n alone_o justifi_v first_o that_o which_o alone_o apply_v unto_o we_o christ_n jesus_n and_o his_o righteousness_n that_o only_o justifi_v we_o but_o faith_n alone_o appli_v unto_o we_o christ_n jesus_n and_o his_o righteousness_n and_o not_o hope_n charity_n or_o any_o other_o grace_n and_o therefore_o faith_n alone_o justifi_v second_o that_o which_o only_o make_v the_o promise_n of_o the_o gospel_n firm_a and_o sure_a unto_o we_o that_o alone_o justifi_v we_o but_o faith_n alone_o rest_v upon_o god_n mercy_n and_o christ_n merit_n make_v the_o promise_n of_o the_o gospel_n firm_a and_o sure_a unto_o we_o which_o will_v be_v most_o uncertain_a if_o they_o shall_v depend_v on_o the_o condition_n of_o our_o work_n and_o worthiness_n see_v they_o be_v most_o imperfect_a and_o we_o most_o corrupt_a and_o unworthy_a of_o god_n lest_o mercy_n as_o the_o apostle_n plain_o show_v rom._n 4.16_o therefore_o it_o be_v namely_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n by_o faith_n 4.16_o rom._n 4.16_o that_o it_o may_v come_v by_o grace_n and_o the_o promise_n may_v be_v sure_a to_o all_o the_o seed_n and_o therefore_o faith_n alone_o justifi_v us._n last_o 3.14.15_o joh._n 3.14.15_o our_o saviour_n christ_n joh._n 3.14.15_o make_v this_o comparison_n as_o moses_n lift_v up_o the_o serpent_n in_o the_o wilderness_n so_o must_v the_o son_n of_o man_n be_v lift_v up_o that_o whosoever_o believe_v in_o he_o shall_v not_o perish_v but_o have_v eternal_a life_n from_o which_o we_o may_v thus_o reason_n as_o the_o isralite_n who_o be_v sting_v with_o fiery_a serpent_n be_v cure_v not_o by_o any_o outward_a mean_n of_o physic_n and_o surgery_n or_o any_o thing_n in_o themselves_o save_v only_o by_o look_v upon_o the_o brazen_a serpent_n which_o for_o this_o purpose_n be_v set_v up_o by_o god_n commandment_n so_o we_o be_v sting_v of_o the_o old_a serpent_n with_o the_o sting_n of_o sin_n can_v be_v cure_v by_o any_o mean_n without_o or_o within_o ourselves_o but_o by_o behold_v the_o true_a substance_n christ_n jesus_n signify_v by_o this_o shadow_n with_o the_o eye_n of_o faith_n and_o thus_o have_v i_o prove_v first_o that_o we_o be_v not_o justify_v by_o our_o work_n and_o inherent_a righteousness_n and_o second_o that_o we_o be_v justify_v by_o faith_n alone_o not_o as_o it_o be_v the_o chief_a and_o principal_a cause_n for_o in_o this_o respect_n god_n justifi_v not_o as_o it_o be_v the_o matter_n or_o meritorious_a cause_n of_o our_o justification_n for_o in_o this_o respect_n the_o merit_n and_o righteousness_n of_o jesus_n christ_n justifi_v we_o but_o as_o it_o be_v the_o alone_a instrument_n and_o only_a cause_n in_o we_o which_o appli_v that_o meritorious_a cause_n unto_o we_o whereby_o alone_o we_o be_v justify_v in_o god_n sight_n §_o sect._n 4_o second_o the_o tempter_n will_v object_v that_o this_o impute_a righteousness_n we_o speak_v of_o be_v but_o imaginary_a imaginary_a that_o the_o imputation_n of_o christ_n righteousness_n be_v not_o putative_a and_o imaginary_a and_o a_o vain_a fantasy_n as_o if_o a_o man_n who_o be_v defile_v with_o dirt_n shall_v be_v repute_v clean_o by_o the_o imputation_n of_o another_o cleanesse_n or_o as_o if_o a_o beggar_n shall_v be_v esteem_v rich_a by_o imputation_n of_o another_o wealth_n to_o which_o we_o be_v to_o answer_v that_o the_o imputation_n of_o christ_n righteousness_n unto_o we_o be_v no_o imaginary_a dream_n but_o a_o matter_n plain_o express_v in_o god_n word_n as_o also_o the_o not_o imputation_n of_o our_o sin_n be_v therein_o specify_v in_o the_o four_o of_o the_o roman_n this_o word_n be_v use_v by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n a_o eleven_o time_n 3.4_o rom._n 4_o 3.4_o so_o vers_fw-la 3._o abraham_n believe_v god_n and_o it_o be_v impute_v unto_o he_o for_o righteousness_n and_o vers_fw-la 4._o to_o he_o that_o work_v not_o but_o believe_v in_o he_o that_o justifi_v the_o ungodly_a his_o faith_n be_v impute_v for_o righteousness_n and_o vers_fw-la 6._o even_o as_o david_n declare_v the_o blessedness_n of_o the_o man_n unto_o who_o god_n impute_v righteousness_n without_o work_n and_o vers_fw-la 8._o bless_a be_v the_o man_n to_o who_o the_o lord_n impute_v not_o sin_n etc._n etc._n §_o sect._n 5_o yea_o will_v the_o tempter_n say_v justification_n that_o not_o our_o own_o but_o christ_n righteousness_n be_v impute_v unto_o we_o for_o our_o justification_n it_o be_v true_a that_o we_o be_v justify_v by_o impute_a righteousness_n but_o not_o by_o the_o righteousness_n of_o christ_n which_o be_v out_o of_o ourselves_o but_o our_o faith_n which_o be_v form_v and_o perfect_v with_o charity_n and_o other_o grace_n and_o good_a work_n be_v impute_v for_o righteousness_n or_o more_o plain_o god_n accept_v of_o the_o work_n of_o the_o faithful_a and_o their_o inherent_a righteousness_n though_o imperfect_a and_o unworthy_a in_o themselves_o for_o and_o through_o christ_n for_o such_o righteousness_n which_o may_v justify_v we_o in_o his_o sight_n for_o the_o answer_n of_o which_o objection_n we_o be_v to_o
be_v make_v void_a and_o frustrate_a i_o answer_v that_o so_o likewise_o the_o covenant_n make_v with_o the_o israelite_n be_v firm_a on_o god_n part_n but_o make_v frustrate_v by_o their_o sin_n but_o the_o lord_n have_v make_v a_o new_a covenant_n with_o we_o not_o of_o work_n but_o of_o grace_n upon_o the_o condition_n of_o faith_n and_o repentance_n which_o be_v observe_v on_o our_o part_n our_o sin_n and_o unworthiness_n can_v make_v it_o frustrate_v and_o of_o none_o effect_n as_o before_o i_o have_v show_v more_o at_o large_a §_o sect._n 4_o second_o we_o be_v assure_v of_o our_o perseverance_n 47.12_o of_o the_o particular_a promise_n of_o our_o perseverance_n psal_n 1.3_o ezech._n 47.12_o by_o god_n particular_a promise_n make_v to_o his_o faithful_a one_o psal_n 1.3_o it_o be_v say_v of_o the_o righteous_a man_n that_o he_o shall_v be_v like_o a_o tree_n plant_v by_o the_o river_n of_o water_n that_o will_v bring_v forth_o her_o fruit_n in_o due_a season_n who_o leaf_n shall_v not_o faid_fw-we etc._n etc._n as_o therefore_o the_o tree_n plant_v by_o the_o river_n side_n do_v not_o wither_v because_o continual_o it_o suck_v moisture_n whereby_o it_o be_v quicken_v and_o refresh_v so_o the_o righteous_a man_n persever_v in_o his_o righteousness_n because_o he_o be_v continual_o reviue_v and_o quicken_v with_o that_o spiritual_a moisture_n which_o he_o suck_v from_o christ_n who_o be_v the_o lively_a root_n whereof_o he_o be_v a_o branch_n psal_n 15.5_o 37.24_o psal_n 15.5_o psal_n 37.24_o he_o that_o do_v these_o thing_n shall_v never_o be_v move_v psal_n 37.24_o though_o the_o righteous_a man_n fall_v he_o shall_v not_o be_v cast_v off_o for_o the_o lord_n put_v under_o his_o hand_n psal_n 112.6_o sure_o he_o shall_v never_o be_v move_v 112.6_o psal_n 112.6_o but_o the_o righteous_a shall_v be_v have_v in_o everlasting_a remembrance_n and_o vers_fw-la 9_o 125.1_o verse_n 9_o psal_n 125.1_o his_o righteousness_n remain_v for_o ever_o psal_n 125.1_o they_o that_o trust_v in_o the_o lord_n shall_v be_v as_o mount_v zion_n which_o can_v be_v remove_v 4.14_o joh_n 4.14_o but_o remain_v for_o ever_o joh._n 4.14_o whosoever_o drink_v of_o the_o water_n that_o i_o shall_v give_v he_o shall_v never_o be_v more_o a_o thirst_n but_o the_o water_n which_o i_o shall_v give_v he_o shall_v be_v in_o he_o a_o well_o of_o water_n spring_v up_o to_o everlasting_a life_n where_o by_o this_o water_n we_o be_v to_o understand_v the_o holy_a ghost_n 39_o joh._n 7.38_o 39_o as_o appeareth_z joh._n 7.38_o he_o that_o believe_v in_o i_o as_o say_v the_o scripture_n out_o of_o his_o belly_n shall_v flow_v river_n of_o the_o water_n of_o life_n 39_o this_o say_v the_o evangelist_n speak_v he_o of_o the_o spirit_n which_o they_o that_o believe_v in_o he_o shall_v receive_v so_o that_o to_o drink_v of_o this_o water_n be_v through_o faith_n in_o christ_n to_o be_v make_v partaker_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n who_o whosoever_o receive_v shall_v retain_v he_o unto_o the_o end_n as_o therefore_o he_o that_o have_v a_o live_a fountain_n continual_o spring_v in_o he_o can_v be_v a_o thirst_n so_o they_o who_o have_v this_o fountain_n of_o life_n perpetual_o spring_v in_o they_o they_o shall_v never_o thirst_v any_o more_o but_o it_o shall_v continual_o refresh_v and_o quicken_v they_o till_o they_o have_v attain_v unto_o everlasting_a life_n 54_o joh._n 6.35.37_o ●●_o 54_o i_o be_o the_o bread_n of_o life_n he_o that_o come_v to_o i_o shall_v not_o hunger_n and_o he_o that_o believe_v in_o i_o shall_v never_o thirst_v and_o vers_fw-la 37._o all_o that_o the_o father_n give_v i_o shall_v come_v unto_o i_o and_o he_o that_o come_v to_o i_o i_o cast_v not_o away_o and_o vers_fw-la 51._o i_o be_o the_o live_a bread_n which_o come_v down_o from_o heaven_n if_o any_o man_n eat_v of_o this_o bread_n he_o shall_v live_v for_o ever_o and_o vers_fw-la 54._o whosoever_o eat_v my_o flesh_n and_o drink_v my_o blood_n have_v eternal_a life_n and_o i_o will_v raise_v he_o up_o at_o the_o last_o day_n etc._n etc._n now_o whosoever_o believe_v in_o christ_n they_o eat_v his_o flesh_n and_o drink_v his_o blood_n for_o faith_n be_v the_o mouth_n of_o the_o soul_n whereby_o we_o feed_v on_o this_o heavenly_a food_n and_o therefore_o all_o the_o faithful_a shall_v have_v everlasting_a life_n nay_o as_o he_o say_v they_o have_v it_o already_o and_o shall_v not_o come_v into_o condemnation_n but_o have_v pass_v from_o death_n to_o life_n 10.28_o joh._n 5.24_o and_o 10.28_o as_o it_o be_v joh._n 5.24_o and_o joh._n 10.28_o i_o will_v give_v unto_o they_o eternal_a life_n and_o they_o shall_v never_o perish_v neither_o shall_v any_o pluck_v they_o out_o of_o my_o hand_n 29._o my_o father_n which_o give_v they_o i_o be_v great_a than_o all_o and_o none_o be_v able_a to_o take_v they_o out_o of_o my_o father_n hand_n in_o which_o word_n he_o both_o show_v his_o will_n in_o his_o promise_n and_o his_o power_n to_o perform_v it_o and_o therefore_o whosoever_o be_v the_o sheep_n of_o christ_n they_o can_v be_v take_v from_o he_o neither_o for_o a_o time_n nor_o eternal_o for_o so_o it_o shall_v follow_v if_o christ_n reason_n be_v of_o any_o force_n that_o they_o who_o take_v they_o from_o he_o shall_v be_v strong_a than_o christ_n and_o his_o father_n which_o be_v a_o horrible_a blasphemy_n for_o any_o to_o imagine_v §_o sect._n 5_o but_o here_o it_o be_v object_v that_o these_o promise_n be_v make_v to_o all_o the_o faithful_a so_o long_o as_o they_o continue_v faithful_a answer_v a_o objection_n tend_v to_o frustrate_v the_o former_a promise_n answer_v and_o to_o the_o sheep_n of_o christ_n so_o long_o as_o they_o be_v his_o sheep_n who_o abide_v in_o his_o word_n and_o follow_v he_o but_o when_o they_o cease_v to_o believe_v and_o to_o be_v his_o sheep_n they_o do_v not_o appertain_v unto_o he_o for_o they_o only_o remain_v the_o disciple_n of_o christ_n who_o abide_v in_o his_o word_n and_o have_v his_o word_n abide_v in_o they_o joh._n 8_o 31._o 15.7_o joh._n 8.31_o and_o 15.7_o and_o 15.7_o to_o which_o i_o answer_v that_o this_o be_v a_o idle_a trifle_n in_o a_o circular_a disputation_n and_o a_o vain_a beg_n of_o the_o question_n in_o controversy_n for_o the_o question_n be_v whether_o the_o faithful_a may_v be_v assure_v of_o their_o perseverance_n in_o faith_n whether_o a_o member_n of_o christ_n may_v be_v assure_v to_o continue_v a_o member_n of_o christ_n whether_o a_o sheep_n of_o christ_n may_v assure_v himself_o that_o he_o be_v to_o remain_v for_o ever_o a_o sheep_n of_o christ_n we_o hold_v the_o affirmative_a part_n and_o prove_v it_o by_o diverse_a testimony_n they_o deny_v that_o these_o promise_n be_v absolute_a but_o on_o this_o condition_n that_o we_o be_v assure_v none_o can_v pluck_v we_o from_o christ_n so_o long_o as_o we_o continue_v and_o retain_v the_o nature_n of_o the_o member_n and_o sheep_n of_o christ_n but_o i_o will_v fain_o know_v what_o it_o be_v to_o be_v pluck_v from_o christ_n but_o to_o cease_v to_o be_v a_o member_n or_o sheep_n of_o christ_n and_o to_o loose_v their_o nature_n and_o what_o it_o be_v to_o be_v a_o sheep_n of_o christ_n but_o to_o hear_v his_o word_n and_o to_o follow_v he_o when_o as_o then_o our_o saviour_n christ_n promise_v that_o none_o shall_v pluck_v his_o sheep_n from_o he_o he_o promise_v that_o none_o shall_v be_v able_a to_o make_v they_o cease_v to_o be_v his_o sheep_n nor_o deprive_v they_o of_o their_o nature_n which_o be_v the_o essential_a form_n which_o make_v they_o to_o be_v sheep_n rather_o than_o other_o who_o neither_o hear_v his_o word_n nor_o follow_v he_o whereas_o therefore_o they_o affirm_v that_o these_o promise_n do_v assure_v we_o to_o persevere_v so_o long_o as_o we_o continue_v and_o retain_v the_o nature_n of_o the_o sheep_n and_o member_n of_o christ_n what_o be_v it_o but_o idle_o to_o repeat_v the_o same_o thing_n namely_o that_o god_n promise_n do_v assure_v we_o to_o persevere_v so_o long_o as_o we_o do_v persevere_v that_o we_o shall_v not_o be_v pluck_v from_o christ_n so_o long_o as_o we_o remain_v with_o christ_n that_o we_o shall_v continue_v the_o member_n and_o sheep_n of_o christ_n so_o long_o as_o we_o continue_v to_o be_v his_o sheep_n and_o member_n that_o we_o shall_v not_o loose_v our_o faith_n so_o long_o as_o we_o continue_v faithful_a and_o what_o be_v it_o to_o say_v that_o the_o sheep_n of_o christ_n shall_v so_o long_o continue_v to_o be_v his_o sheep_n as_o they_o retain_v their_o nature_n but_o to_o grant_v also_o that_o they_o may_v loose_v their_o nature_n &_o consequent_o cease_v to_o be_v christ_n sheep_n and_o so_o be_v pluck_v from_o he_o which_o be_v quite_o contrary_a to_o his_o
fort_n we_o have_v bestow_v his_o rich_a treasure_n &_o therefore_o in_o his_o justice_n he_o send_v his_o sergeant_a death_n to_o arrest_v we_o and_o to_o cast_v we_o in_o the_o prison_n of_o utter_a darkness_n there_o to_o remain_v in_o the_o custody_n of_o sathan_n our_o most_o malicious_a jailer_n till_o we_o have_v full_o discharge_v our_o debt_n and_o make_v full_a satisfaction_n to_o his_o justice_n which_o when_o we_o be_v altogether_o unable_a to_o perform_v it_o please_v our_o saviour_n christ_n in_o his_o infinite_a love_n towards_o we_o to_o become_v our_o surety_n and_o to_o take_v upon_o he_o the_o answer_v of_o our_o debt_n which_o he_o full_o discharge_v in_o as_o exact_v a_o manner_n and_o measure_n as_o the_o justice_n of_o god_n require_v for_o whereas_o we_o be_v bind_v to_o perform_v perfect_a obedience_n to_o the_o law_n he_o perform_v it_o for_o we_o where_o as_o we_o for_o our_o disobedience_n be_v subject_a to_o the_o sentence_n of_o condemnation_n the_o curse_n of_o the_o law_n and_o death_n of_o body_n and_o soul_n he_o be_v condemn_v for_o we_o and_o bear_v the_o curse_n of_o the_o law_n and_o die_v in_o our_o stead_n a_o ignominious_a death_n whereas_o we_o deserve_v the_o anger_n of_o god_n and_o to_o be_v keep_v prisoner_n in_o the_o grave_n under_o the_o dominion_n of_o death_n he_o endure_v his_o father_n wrathful_a displeasure_n and_o himself_o be_v for_o a_o time_n hold_v captive_a of_o death_n in_o the_o grave_n that_o so_o he_o may_v reconcile_v we_o to_o his_o father_n and_o set_v we_o at_o liberty_n in_o a_o word_n whatsoever_o we_o owe_v christ_n discharge_v whatsoever_o we_o deserve_v he_o suffer_v if_o not_o in_o the_o self_n same_o punishment_n for_o he_o can_v not_o suffer_v the_o eternal_a torment_n of_o hell_n yet_o in_o proportion_n the_o dignity_n of_o his_o person_n give_v value_n unto_o his_o temporary_a punishment_n and_o make_v they_o of_o more_o value_n and_o worth_n then_o if_o all_o the_o world_n shall_v have_v suffer_v the_o eternal_a torment_n of_o hell_n see_v therefore_o our_o saviour_n christ_n have_v full_o discharge_v our_o debt_n and_o make_v full_a satisfaction_n to_o his_o father_n justice_n god_n can_v in_o equity_n exact_a of_o we_o a_o second_o payment_n no_o more_o than_o the_o creditor_n may_v just_o require_v that_o his_o debt_n shall_v be_v twice_o pay_v once_o of_o the_o surety_n and_o again_o of_o the_o principal_n neither_o now_o have_v god_n justice_n any_o thing_n to_o show_v against_o we_o for_o the_o law_n which_o be_v the_o hand_n write_v of_o ordinance_n which_o make_v against_o we_o and_o as_o it_o be_v a_o bond_n whereby_o we_o be_v oblige_v and_o bind_v to_o god_n the_o father_n either_o to_o perform_v obedience_n or_o to_o undergo_v the_o penalty_n even_o everlasting_a death_n and_o condemnation_n be_v now_o cancel_v take_v away_o and_o fasten_v to_o the_o cross_n of_o christ_n as_o the_o apostle_n affirm_v col._n 2.14_o so_o that_o now_o the_o lord_n can_v in_o his_o justice_n put_v we_o in_o suit_n nor_o recover_v any_o debt_n of_o we_o see_v our_o saviour_n christ_n our_o good_a and_o all_o sufficient_a surety_n have_v undertake_v the_o matter_n in_o our_o behalf_n discharge_v our_o debt_n to_o the_o utmost_a farthing_n cancel_v the_o handwriting_n or_o bond_n in_o which_o we_o be_v oblige_v and_o by_o the_o law_n acquit_v we_o of_o all_o paimente_n which_o god_n justice_n by_o virtue_n of_o the_o law_n may_v require_v of_o us._n and_o therefore_o if_o we_o turn_v unto_o god_n by_o unfeigned_a repentance_n and_o lie_v hold_v upon_o our_o saviour_n christ_n and_o his_o merit_n by_o a_o lively_a faith_n we_o have_v our_o quietus_n est_fw-la and_o general_a acquittance_n which_o god_n himself_o have_v pronounce_v from_o heaven_n in_o the_o presence_n of_o many_o witness_n say_v this_o be_v may_v well-beloved_a son_n in_o who_o i_o be_o well_o please_v that_o be_v in_o who_o i_o be_o delight_v &_o restful_o satisfy_v &_o well_o content_v mat._n 3.17_o chap._n xxxiiii_o of_o the_o three_o argument_n ground_v upon_o god_n truth_n §_o sect._n 1_o the_o three_o argument_n promise_n of_o god_n truth_n in_o his_o promise_n whereby_o all_o those_o who_o repent_v and_o believe_v may_v be_v assure_v of_o the_o pardon_n &_o remission_n of_o their_o sin_n be_v ground_v upon_o god_n truth_n for_o the_o lord_n be_v most_o true_a yea_o truth_n itself_o and_o all_o his_o promise_n in_o christ_n be_v yea_o and_o amen_n 1.7_o 2._o cor._n 1.20_o apoc._n 1.7_o he_o be_v a_o faithful_a and_o true_a witness_n and_o whatsoever_o he_o have_v speak_v shall_v be_v accomplish_v so_o that_o though_o the_o heaven_n decay_n and_o wax_v old_a like_o a_o garment_n though_o the_o sun_n lose_v his_o light_n and_o the_o moon_n be_v turn_v into_o blood_n though_o the_o earth_n tremble_v and_o quake_v and_o the_o foundation_n of_o the_o mountain_n be_v move_v and_o shake_v yea_o though_o heaven_n and_o earth_n and_o all_o thing_n therein_o contain_v perish_v and_o pass_v away_o 1●_n matth._n 5_o 1●_n yet_o shall_v not_o one_o jot_n or_o title_n of_o his_o word_n fall_v to_o the_o ground_n unaccomplish_v and_o therefore_o whatsoever_o the_o lord_n have_v promise_v in_o his_o word_n that_o he_o will_v most_o undoubted_o perform_v for_o he_o be_v jehova_n who_o have_v his_o essence_n and_o be_v in_o and_o from_o himself_o alone_o give_v be_v unto_o all_o thing_n else_o especial_o to_o his_o word_n and_o promise_n but_o he_o have_v promise_v to_o all_o believer_n and_o repentant_a sinner_n that_o he_o will_v in_o christ_n jesus_n pardon_v all_o their_o sin_n and_o will_v receive_v they_o into_o his_o grace_n and_o favour_n and_o therefore_o if_o we_o believe_v and_o rest_v upon_o our_o saviour_n christ_n alone_o for_o our_o salvation_n true_o repent_v we_o of_o all_o our_o sin_n we_o may_v assure_v ourselves_o that_o though_o our_o sin_n be_v never_o so_o many_o and_o grievous_a yet_o the_o lord_n will_v receive_v we_o to_o mercy_n and_o pardon_n and_o forgive_v they_o §_o sect._n 2_o but_o that_o the_o poor_a soul_n wound_v with_o sin_n and_o groan_v for_o weariness_n under_o this_o unsupportable_a burden_n forgiveness_n that_o god_n regal_a stile_n assure_v we_o of_o mercy_n and_o forgiveness_n may_v have_v some_o ground_n whereupon_o to_o rest_v when_o it_o be_v ready_a to_o faint_v &_o some_o spiritual_a weapon_n whereby_o it_o may_v defend_v itself_o and_o beat_v back_o the_o violence_n of_o satan_n tentation_n i_o will_v make_v choice_n of_o some_o among_o many_o of_o the_o comfortable_a promise_n of_o the_o gospel_n make_v unto_o all_o repentant_a sinner_n first_o therefore_o let_v we_o consider_v that_o when_o the_o lord_n like_o a_o mighty_a monarch_n will_v set_v out_o his_o own_o stile_n as_o it_o be_v in_o fair_a text_n letter_n to_o be_v read_v of_o all_o his_o subject_n he_o thus_o proclaym_v it_o exod._n 34.6_o the_o lord_n the_o lord_n strong_a merciful_a and_o gracious_a slow_a to_o anger_n and_o abundant_a in_o goodness_n and_o truth_n 7._o reserve_v mercy_n for_o thousand_o forgive_a iniquity_n and_o transgression_n and_o sinner_n where_o we_o may_v observe_v that_o the_o great_a part_n of_o his_o stile_n consist_v of_o his_o mercy_n gratiousnes_n long_o suffer_v goodness_n &_o readiness_n to_o forgive_v the_o iniquity_n of_o repentant_a sinner_n as_o therefore_o we_o can_v offer_v a_o great_a disgrace_n to_o a_o mighty_a prince_n then_o to_o deny_v or_o call_v into_o question_n any_o part_n of_o his_o title_n or_o regal_a stile_n so_o we_o can_v more_o dishonour_v the_o prince_n of_o prince_n and_o sovereign_a king_n of_o heaven_n &_o earth_n then_o by_o doubt_v of_o or_o deny_v any_o of_o these_o his_o title_n which_o in_o his_o own_o stile_n he_o have_v attribute_v unto_o himself_o see_v then_o he_o profess_v and_o proclaym_v himself_o to_o be_v a_o gracious_a merciful_a long_a suffering_n god_n who_o be_v always_o ready_a to_o forgive_v repentant_a sinner_n when_o they_o implore_v his_o mercy_n let_v we_o not_o offer_v god_n that_o disgrace_n to_o rob_v he_o of_o any_o part_n of_o his_o glorious_a title_n nor_o deprive_v our_o soul_n of_o that_o true_a comfort_n which_o the_o lord_n by_o they_o in_o his_o infinite_a goodness_n have_v grant_v unto_o us._n §_o sect._n 3_o moreover_o this_o be_v one_o main_a part_n of_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n sin_n that_o god_n ●ovenant_n assure_v we_o of_o the_o remission_n of_o our_o sin_n which_o the_o lord_n profess_v that_o he_o will_v make_v with_o his_o church_n and_o people_n namely_o that_o he_o will_v forgive_v their_o iniquity_n and_o remember_v their_o sin_n no_o more_o jer._n 31.34_o the_o counterpane_n of_o which_o covenant_n we_o have_v heb._n 10.16.17_o and_o therefore_o if_o we_o on_o our_o part_n perform_v the_o condition_n of_o this_o covenant_n
between_o god_n and_o we_o that_o be_v if_o we_o true_o and_o unfeigned_o repent_v we_o of_o our_o sin_n and_o a_o rest_n and_o rely_v on_o jesus_n christ_n for_o our_o salvation_n by_o a_o lively_a faith_n we_o may_v be_v assure_v that_o god_n on_o his_o part_n will_v not_o go_v one_o jot_n from_o his_o word_n nor_o break_v the_o covenant_n which_o he_o have_v make_v with_o us._n for_o he_o have_v not_o only_o make_v this_o his_o covenant_n with_o we_o by_o word_n of_o mouth_n but_o he_o have_v also_o commit_v it_o to_o writing_n and_o not_o content_v himself_o herewith_o that_o there_o may_v be_v no_o place_n leave_v to_o doubt_v he_o have_v confirm_v and_o ratify_v his_o hand_n write_v by_o add_v thereunto_o his_o seal_n which_o be_v the_o sacrament_n as_o first_o the_o seal_n of_o baptism_n whereby_o he_o assure_v we_o that_o be_v outward_o receive_v into_o the_o body_n of_o the_o church_n and_o inward_o ingraft_v into_o the_o body_n of_o christ_n we_o have_v all_o our_o sin_n and_o filthy_a corruption_n wash_v away_o with_o his_o precious_a blood_n as_o the_o outward_a filth_n of_o the_o body_n be_v wash_v and_o purge_v by_o the_o wash_n of_o water_n the_o virtue_n of_o which_o spiritual_a wash_n be_v not_o limit_v and_o restrain_v to_o the_o time_n past_a or_o present_a as_o though_o it_o wash_v away_o only_o our_o original_a corruption_n as_o some_o have_v foolish_o imagine_v but_o extend_v itself_o to_o the_o whole_a course_n of_o our_o life_n so_o that_o if_o fall_v into_o many_o and_o grievous_a sin_n we_o unfeigned_o repent_v we_o of_o they_o and_o apply_v christ_n jesus_n and_o his_o merit_n unto_o we_o by_o a_o true_a and_o lively_a faith_n we_o may_v be_v assure_v of_o the_o pardon_n and_o forgiveness_n of_o they_o all_o for_o this_o be_v promise_v seal_v and_o confirm_v unto_o we_o in_o our_o baptism_n second_o the_o lord_n have_v further_a confirm_v this_o his_o covenant_n by_o the_o sacrament_n of_o his_o supper_n for_o he_o have_v therefore_o institute_v and_o ordain_v it_o that_o thereby_o we_o shall_v be_v put_v in_o mind_n of_o our_o saviour_n christ_n death_n and_o suffering_n to_o the_o end_n that_o we_o may_v gather_v more_o and_o more_o assurance_n that_o our_o saviour_n give_v his_o bless_a body_n to_o be_v crucify_v and_o shed_v his_o most_o precious_a blood_n that_o he_o may_v take_v away_o the_o curse_n of_o the_o law_n and_o nail_v it_o unto_o his_o cross_n free_v we_o from_o his_o father_n anger_n by_o bear_v it_o himself_o and_o by_o his_o death_n deliver_v we_o from_o everlasting_a death_n and_o by_o his_o bloodshed_n wash_v away_o all_o our_o sin_n and_o corruption_n and_o hence_o it_o be_v that_o the_o apostle_n call_v the_o wine_n in_o the_o lord_n supper_n the_o new_a testament_n in_o christ_n blood_n 11.25_o 1._o cor._n 11.25_o because_o thereby_o the_o new_a testament_n be_v seal_v and_o confirm_v unto_o us._n and_o therefore_o whensoever_o we_o receive_v the_o sacrament_n of_o the_o lord_n supper_n the_o lord_n do_v thereby_o certain_o assure_v we_o that_o our_o sin_n in_o christ_n be_v pardon_v and_o forgive_v and_o that_o he_o have_v receive_v we_o into_o his_o love_n and_o favour_n yea_o the_o lord_n have_v not_o only_o ratify_v &_o confirm_v his_o covenant_n with_o we_o concern_v the_o remission_n of_o our_o sin_n with_o his_o own_o hand_n writing_n and_o seal_v annex_v but_o also_o by_o his_o oath_n for_o god_n will_v more_o abundant_o to_o show_v unto_o the_o heir_n of_o promise_n the_o stableness_n of_o his_o counsel_n bind_v himself_o by_o a_o oath_n that_o by_o two_o immutable_a thing_n wherein_o it_o be_v impossible_a that_o god_n shall_v lie_v we_o may_v have_v strong_a consolation_n as_o the_o apostle_n speak_v heb._n 6.17.18_o and_o therefore_o unless_o we_o will_v conceive_v of_o god_n that_o he_o be_v untrue_a of_o his_o word_n a_o covenant_n breaker_n yea_o a_o perjure_a person_n which_o be_v most_o horrible_a blasphemy_n once_o to_o imagine_v we_o may_v undoubted_o assure_v ourselves_o that_o he_o will_v pardon_v and_o forgive_v we_o all_o our_o sin_n be_v they_o in_o number_n never_o so_o innumerable_a nor_o so_o heinous_a in_o their_o nature_n and_o quality_n if_o we_o will_v turn_v unto_o he_o by_o unfeigned_a repentanee_n and_o lie_v hold_v upon_o christ_n jesus_n our_o saviour_n by_o a_o true_a and_o lively_a faith_n §_o sect._n 4_o but_o let_v we_o more_o particular_o consider_v of_o some_o of_o the_o special_a promise_n of_o god_n sin_n of_o particular_a promise_n whereby_o we_o may_v be_v assure_v of_o the_o remission_n of_o our_o sin_n contain_v in_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n that_o so_o we_o may_v gather_v unto_o ourselves_o more_o full_a consolation_n and_o firm_a assurance_n of_o the_o pardon_n and_o forgiveness_n of_o our_o sin_n the_o prophet_n david_n who_o have_v in_o himself_o often_o experience_n of_o god_n mercy_n tell_v we_o psal_n 32.10_o that_o whosoever_o trust_v in_o the_o lord_n mercy_n shall_v compass_v he_o the_o prophet_n esay_n exhort_v the_o wicked_a to_o forsake_v his_o way_n and_o the_o unrighteous_a his_o own_o imagination_n and_o to_o return_v unto_o the_o lord_n assure_v they_o that_o he_o will_v have_v mercy_n upon_o they_o for_o he_o be_v very_o ready_a to_o forgive_v esay_n 55.7_o the_o lord_n himself_o also_o do_v make_v this_o gracious_a promise_n ezech._n 18.21_o but_o say_v he_o if_o the_o wicked_a will_v return_v from_o all_o his_o sin_n which_o he_o have_v commit_v 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 and_o not_o die_v 22._o all_o his_o transgression_n that_o he_o have_v commit_v shall_v not_o be_v mention_v unto_o he_o but_o in_o his_o righteousness_n that_o he_o have_v do_v he_o shall_v live_v 23._o have_v i_o any_o desire_n that_o the_o wicked_a shall_v die_v say_v the_o lord_n god_n or_o shall_v he_o not_o live_v if_o he_o return_v from_o his_o way_n vers_fw-la 32._o for_o i_o desire_v not_o the_o death_n of_o he_o that_o die_v say_v the_o lord_n god_n cause_n therefore_o one_o another_o to_o return_v and_o live_v you_o and_o cap._n 33._o ver_fw-la 11._o as_o i_o live_v say_v the_o lord_n i_o desire_v not_o the_o death_n of_o the_o wicked_a but_o that_o the_o wicked_a turn_n from_o his_o way_n and_o live_v so_o mal._n 3.17_o the_o lord_n profess_v that_o he_o will_v spare_v his_o people_n and_o child_n as_o a_o man_n spare_v his_o own_o son_n that_o serve_v he_o now_o we_o know_v that_o a_o love_a father_n be_v ready_a to_o forgive_v &_o to_o receive_v into_o his_o grace_n and_o favour_v his_o repentant_a son_n though_o he_o have_v very_o often_o offend_v he_o &_o so_o sure_o the_o lord_n who_o be_v infinite_o rich_a in_o mercy_n will_v much_o more_o forgive_v his_o child_n when_o they_o turn_v unto_o he_o nay_o he_o be_v not_o only_o ready_a to_o receive_v they_o into_o his_o grace_n and_o favour_n but_o it_o fill_v he_o as_o i_o may_v say_v with_o exceed_v joy_n and_o delight_n when_o his_o repentant_a child_n forsake_v their_o sin_n and_o evil_a way_n and_o turn_v unto_o he_o by_o unfeigned_a repentance_n as_o it_o appear_v most_o evident_o in_o the_o parable_n of_o the_o prodigal_a son_n of_o the_o stray_a sheep_n and_o the_o lose_a groat_n moreover_o our_o saviour_n christ_n have_v his_o name_n jesus_n give_v he_o of_o god_n by_o the_o minister_n of_o a_o angel_n because_o he_o save_v his_o people_n from_o their_o sin_n as_o appear_v math._n 1.21_o &_o he_o therefore_o come_v into_o the_o world_n not_o to_o call_v the_o righteous_a but_o sinner_n to_o repentance_n as_o it_o be_v matt._n 9.13_o and_o he_o invit_v and_o call_v unto_o he_o all_o those_o who_o be_v weary_a and_o heavy_a lade_v with_o the_o burden_n of_o their_o sin_n promise_v that_o he_o will_v ease_v they_o matt_n 11.28_o yea_o so_o certain_a it_o be_v that_o they_o shall_v have_v remission_n of_o their_o sin_n and_o everlasting_a happiness_n who_o true_o repent_v and_o believe_v that_o our_o saviour_n christ_n say_v they_o have_v it_o already_o as_o though_o they_o be_v in_o present_a possession_n john_n 5.24_o very_o very_o i_o say_v unto_o you_o he_o that_o hear_v my_o word_n and_o believe_v in_o he_o that_o send_v i_o have_v everlasting_a life_n and_o shall_v not_o come_v into_o condemnation_n but_o have_v pass_v from_o death_n to_o life_n so_o chap._n 6.47_o and_o chap._n 11.26_o whosoever_o live_v and_o believe_v in_o i_o shall_v never_o die_v the_o apostle_n peter_n also_o plain_o affirm_v that_o god_n will_v have_v no_o man_n to_o perish_v but_o will_v have_v all_o man_n to_o come_v to_o repentance_n see_v therefore_o the_o lord_n have_v make_v so_o many_o gracious_a promise_n in_o the_o gospel_n to_o all_o