what_o we_o believe_v both_o these_o be_v again_o divine_a or_o humane_a 3._o it_o be_v one_o thing_n to_o believe_v as_o probable_a another_o thing_n to_o believe_v it_o as_o certain_a 4._o it_o be_v one_o thing_n to_o believe_v it_o to_o be_v true_a conditional_o another_o to_o believe_v it_o absolute_o 5._o we_o must_v distinguish_v betwixt_o the_o bare_a assent_n of_o the_o understanding_n to_o the_o truth_n of_o a_o axiom_n when_o it_o be_v only_o silence_v by_o force_n of_o argument_n which_o will_v be_v strong_a or_o weak_a as_o the_o argument_n seem_v more_o or_o less_o demonstrative_a and_o second_o that_o deep_a apprehension_n and_o firm_a assent_n which_o proceed_v from_o a_o well_o establish_v confirm_a faith_n back_v by_o experience_n 6._o it_o be_v one_o thing_n to_o assent_v to_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o axiom_n another_o to_o taste_v and_o choose_v the_o good_a contain_v in_o it_o which_o be_v the_o work_n of_o the_o will._n sect_n ii_o 2._o the_o use_v i_o shall_v make_v of_o these_o distinction_n be_v to_o open_v the_o way_n to_o these_o follow_a position_n which_o will_v resolve_v the_o great_a question_n on_o foot_n how_o far_o the_o belief_n of_o the_o write_a word_n be_v of_o necessity_n to_o salvation_n and_o whether_o it_o be_v the_o foundation_n of_o our_o faith_n and_o whether_o this_o foundation_n have_v be_v always_o the_o same_o pos._n 1._o the_o object_n of_o belief_n be_v the_o will_n of_o god_n reveal_v or_o a_o divine_a testimony_n where_o two_o thing_n be_v absolute_o necessary_a first_o the_o matter_n second_o the_o revelation_n 2._o all_o this_o reveal_v will_n be_v necessary_a perfectionem_fw-la to_o the_o complete_n of_o our_o faith_n praecepti_fw-la and_o it_o be_v our_o duty_n to_o believe_v it_o but_o it_o be_v only_o the_o substance_n and_o tenor_n of_o the_o covenant_n and_o the_o thing_n necessary_o suppose_v to_o the_o know_v and_o keep_v of_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n which_o be_v of_o absolute_a necessity_n to_o the_o be_v of_o faith_n and_o to_o salvation_n a_o man_n may_v be_v save_v though_o he_o shall_v not_o believe_v many_o thing_n which_o yet_o he_o be_v bind_v by_o god_n to_o believe_v 3._o yet_o this_o must_v be_v only_o through_o ignorance_n of_o the_o divineness_n of_o the_o testimony_n for_o a_o flat_a unbelief_n of_o the_o small_a truth_n when_o we_o know_v the_o testimony_n to_o be_v of_o god_n will_v not_o stand_v with_o the_o be_v of_o true_a faith_n nor_o with_o salvation_n for_o reason_n lay_v this_o ground_n that_o god_n can_v speak_v nothing_o but_o truth_n and_o faith_n proceed_v upon_o that_o supposition_n 4._o this_o doctrine_n so_o absolute_o necessary_a have_v not_o be_v ever_o from_o the_o beginning_n the_o same_o but_o have_v differ_v according_a to_o the_o different_a covenant_n and_o administration_n that_o doctrine_n which_o be_v now_o so_o necessary_a be_v not_o so_o before_o the_o fall_n and_o that_o which_o be_v so_o necessary_a since_o the_o come_n of_o christ_n be_v not_o so_o before_o his_o come_n then_o they_o may_v be_v save_v in_o believe_v in_o the_o messiah_n to_o come_v of_o the_o seed_n of_o david_n but_o now_o it_o be_v of_o necessity_n to_o believe_v that_o this_o jesus_n the_o son_n of_o mary_n be_v he_o and_o that_o we_o look_v not_o for_o another_o i_o prove_v it_o thus_o that_o which_o be_v not_o reveal_v can_v be_v no_o object_n for_o faith_n much_o less_o so_o necessary_a but_o christ_n be_v not_o reveal_v before_o the_o fall_n nor_o this_o jesus_n reveal_v to_o be_v he_o before_o his_o come_n therefore_o these_o be_v not_o of_o necessity_n to_o be_v believe_v or_o as_o some_o metaphorical_o speak_v they_o be_v then_o to_o fundamental_a doctrine_n perhaps_o also_o some_o thing_n will_v be_v find_v of_o absolute_a necessity_n to_o we_o which_o be_v not_o so_o to_o indian_n and_o turk_n 5._o god_n have_v make_v this_o substance_n of_o scripture-doctrine_n to_o be_v thus_o necessary_a aliud_fw-la primary_o and_o for_o itself_o 6._o that_o it_o be_v reveal_v be_v also_o of_o absolute_a necessity_n but_o secondary_o and_o for_o the_o doctrine_n sake_n as_o a_o mean_n without_o which_o believe_v be_v neither_o possible_a nor_o a_o duty_n and_o though_o where_o there_o be_v no_o revelation_n faith_n be_v not_o necessary_a as_o a_o duty_n yet_o it_o may_v be_v necessary_a i_o think_v as_o a_o mean_n that_o be_v our_o natural_a misery_n may_v be_v such_o as_o can_v no_o other_o way_n be_v cure_v but_o this_o concern_v not_o we_o that_o have_v hear_v of_o christ_n 7._o nature_n creature_n and_o providence_n be_v no_o sufficient_a revelation_n of_o this_o tenor_n of_o the_o covenant_n 8._o it_o be_v necessary_a not_o only_o that_o this_o doctrine_n be_v reveal_v but_o also_o that_o it_o be_v reveal_v with_o ground_n or_o argument_n rational_o sufficient_a to_o evince_v the_o verity_n of_o the_o doctrine_n or_o the_o divineness_n of_o the_o testimony_n that_o from_o it_o we_o may_v conclude_v the_o former_a 9_o the_o revelation_n of_o truth_n be_v to_o be_v consider_v in_o respect_n of_o the_o first_o immediate_a delivery_n from_o god_n or_o second_o in_o respect_n of_o the_o way_n of_o its_o come_n down_o to_o we_o it_o be_v deliver_v by_o god_n immediate_o either_o by_o writing_n as_o the_o two_o table_n or_o by_o inform_v angel_n who_o may_v be_v his_o messenger_n or_o by_o inspire_v some_o choice_n particular_a man_n so_o that_o few_o in_o the_o world_n have_v receive_v it_o from_o god_n at_o the_o first_o hand_n 10._o the_o only_a way_n of_o revelation_n that_o for_o aught_o i_o know_v be_v now_o leave_v be_v scripture_n and_o tradition_n for_o though_o god_n have_v not_o tie_v himself_o from_o revelation_n by_o the_o spirit_n yet_o he_o have_v cease_v they_o and_o perfect_v his_o scripture_n revelation_n so_o that_o the_o spirit_n only_o reveal_v what_o be_v reveal_v already_o in_o the_o word_n by_o illuminate_v we_o to_o understand_v it_o 11._o the_o more_o immediate_a the_o revelation_n caeteris_fw-la paribus_fw-la the_o more_o sure_a and_o the_o more_o succession_n of_o hand_n it_o pass_v through_o the_o more_o uncertain_a especial_o in_o matter_n of_o doctrine_n 12._o when_o we_o receive_v from_o man_n by_o tradition_n the_o doctrine_n of_o god_n as_o in_o the_o word_n of_o god_n there_o be_v less_o danger_n of_o corruption_n then_o when_o they_o deliver_v we_o that_o doctrine_n in_o their_o own_o word_n because_o here_o take_v liberty_n to_o vary_v the_o expression_n it_o will_v represent_v the_o truth_n more_o uncertain_o and_o in_o more_o various_a shape_n 13._o therefore_o have_v god_n be_v please_v when_o he_o cease_v immediate_a revelation_n to_o leave_v his_o will_n write_v in_o a_o form_n of_o word_n which_o shall_v be_v his_o stand_a law_n and_o a_o rule_n to_o try_v all_o other_o man_n expression_n by_o 14._o in_o all_o the_o forementioned_a respect_n therefore_o the_o write_a word_n do_v excel_v the_o unwritten_a tradition_n of_o the_o same_o doctrine_n 15._o yet_o unwritten_a tradition_n or_o any_o sure_a way_n of_o reveal_v this_o doctrine_n may_v suffice_v to_o save_v he_o who_o thereby_o be_v bring_v to_o believe_v as_o if_o there_o be_v any_o among_o the_o abaâ—sines_n of_o ethiopia_n the_o coply_n in_o egypt_n or_o elsewhere_o that_o have_v the_o substance_n of_o the_o covenant_n deliver_v they_o by_o unwritten_a tradition_n or_o by_o other_o write_n if_o hereby_o they_o come_v to_o believe_v they_o shall_v be_v save_v for_o so_o the_o promise_n of_o the_o gospel_n run_v giving_z salvation_n to_o all_o that_o believe_v by_o what_o mean_v soever_o they_o be_v bring_v to_o it_o the_o like_a may_v be_v say_v of_o true_a believer_n in_o those_o part_n of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n where_o the_o scripture_n be_v whole_o hide_v from_o the_o vulgar_a if_o there_o be_v any_o such_o part_n 16._o yet_o where_o the_o write_a word_n be_v want_v salvation_n must_v needs_o be_v more_o difficult_a and_o more_o rare_a and_o faith_n more_o feeble_a and_o man_n conversation_n worse_o order_v because_o they_o want_v that_o clear_a revelation_n that_o sure_a rule_n of_o faith_n and_o life_n which_o may_v make_v the_o way_n of_o salvation_n more_o easy_a 17._o when_o tradition_n arise_v no_o high_a or_o come_v original_o but_o from_o this_o write_a word_n and_o not_o from_o the_o verbal_a testimony_n of_o the_o apostle_n before_o the_o word_n be_v write_v there_o that_o tradition_n be_v but_o the_o preach_n of_o the_o word_n and_o not_o a_o distinct_a way_n of_o reveal_v 18._o such_o be_v most_o of_o the_o tradition_n for_o aught_o i_o can_v learn_v that_o be_v now_o afoot_a in_o the_o world_n for_o matter_n of_o doctrine_n but_o not_o for_o matter_n of_o fact_n 17._o therefore_o the_o scripture_n be_v not_o only_o necessary_a to_o the_o well-being_a of_o the_o church_n and_o to_o the_o
give_v they_o such_o rejoice_n in_o it_o 5.5_o and_o yet_o never_o bestow_v it_o on_o they_o it_o can_v be_v nay_o do_v he_o give_v they_o the_o earnest_n of_o the_o inheritance_n eph._n 1.14_o and_o seal_v they_o with_o the_o holy_a spirit_n of_o promise_n eph._n 1.13_o and_o yet_o will_v he_o deny_v the_o full_a possession_n these_o absurdity_n may_v not_o be_v charge_v on_o a_o ordinary_a man_n much_o less_o on_o the_o faithful_a and_o righteous_a god_n sect_n vi_o 6._o six_o already_o and_o last_o the_o scripture_n mention_v particular_o and_o by_o name_n those_o who_o have_v enter_v into_o this_o rest._n as_o henoch_n who_o be_v take_v up_o to_o god_n so_o abraham_n lazarus_n the_o thief_n that_o be_v crucify_v with_o christ_n etc._n etc._n and_o if_o there_o be_v a_o rest_n for_o these_o sure_o there_o be_v a_o rest_n for_o all_o believer_n chap._n ii_o motive_n to_o study_v and_o preach_v the_o divine_a authority_n of_o scripture_n 1._o sect_n i._o thus_o much_o may_v suffice_v where_o the_o scripture_n be_v believe_v to_o confirm_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o point_n in_o hand_n viz._n the_o certain_a futurity_n of_o the_o saint_n rest._n and_o for_o pagan_n and_o infidel_n who_o believe_v not_o scripture_n it_o be_v beside_o the_o intention_n of_o this_o discourse_n to_o endeavour_v their_o conviction_n i_o be_o endeavour_v the_o consolation_n and_o edification_n of_o saint_n and_o not_o the_o information_n and_o conversion_n of_o pagan_n yet_o do_v i_o acknowledge_v the_o subject_n exceed_v necessary_a even_o to_o the_o saint_n themselves_o for_o satan_n assault_n be_v oft_o make_v at_o the_o foundation_n and_o if_o he_o can_v persuade_v they_o to_o question_v the_o verity_n of_o scripture_n they_o will_v soon_o cast_v away_o their_o hope_n of_o heaven_n but_o if_o i_o shall_v here_o enter_v upon_o that_o task_n to_o prove_v scripture_n to_o be_v the_o infallible_a word_n of_o god_n i_o shall_v make_v too_o broad_a a_o digression_n and_o set_v upon_o a_o work_n as_o large_a as_o the_o main_a for_o who_o sake_n i_o shall_v undertake_v it_o neither_o be_o i_o insensible_a of_o how_o great_a difficulty_n it_o will_v prove_v to_o manage_v it_o satisfactory_o and_o how_o much_o more_o than_o my_o ability_n be_v thereto_o requisite_a yet_o lest_o the_o tempt_a christian_n shall_v have_v no_o relief_n nor_o any_o argument_n at_o hand_n against_o the_o temptation_n i_o shall_v adventure_v upon_o a_o confirm_a argument_n or_o two_o but_o i_o shall_v premise_v first_o a_o word_n of_o entreaty_n to_o my_o brethren_n of_o the_o ministry_n to_o preach_v this_o a_o little_a more_o to_o their_o people_n ☜_o and_o that_o not_o any_o body_n but_o some_o of_o the_o choice_a who_o god_n have_v especial_o furnish_v for_o such_o a_o task_n will_v be_v please_v in_o a_o full_a treatise_n to_o undertake_v it_o to_o which_o end_n i_o give_v they_o some_o of_o the_o reason_n of_o my_o request_n entreat_v the_o lord_n to_o enable_v and_o persuade_v some_o of_o they_o to_o the_o work_n 1._o i_o desire_v they_o to_o consider_v whether_o any_o thing_n yet_o publish_v be_v near_o complete_a or_o such_o as_o the_o weight_n of_o the_o subject_n require_v whether_o much_o more_o may_v not_o be_v say_v and_o be_v convince_a necessary_a to_o be_v say_v then_o be_v yet_o say_v by_o any_o that_o have_v write_v on_o this_o subject_n 2._o whether_o if_o christian_n who_o have_v opportunity_n do_v their_o duty_n will_v it_o not_o be_v a_o singular_a part_n of_o their_o work_n to_o endeavour_v the_o thing_n conversion_n of_o pagan_n and_o infidel_n and_o as_o i_o say_v before_o without_o some_o argument_n to_o demonstrate_v to_o they_o the_o verity_n of_o scripture_n how_o be_v we_o furnish_v for_o such_o a_o work_n or_o what_o have_v we_o to_o say_v but_o naked_a affirmation_n yea_o how_o can_v we_o maintain_v the_o credit_n of_o christianity_n if_o we_o be_v put_v to_o dispute_v the_o case_n with_o a_o unbeliever_n 3._o whether_o the_o assertion_n of_o some_o of_o our_o divine_n that_o a_o natural_a man_n without_o the_o extraordinary_a 57_o testimony_n of_o the_o spirit_n can_v be_v persuade_v of_o the_o verity_n of_o scripture_n notwithstanding_o all_o argument_n that_o can_v be_v produce_v be_v not_o very_a derogatory_n to_o the_o authority_n of_o scripture_n and_o do_v not_o justify_v the_o world_n in_o their_o unbelief_n for_o it_o be_v not_o their_o sin_n to_o deny_v assent_n to_o that_o which_o have_v not_o sufficient_a evidence_n as_o if_o we_o confess_v to_o they_o we_o have_v not_o argument_n to_o convince_v you_o but_o you_o must_v be_v convince_v by_o the_o spirit_n without_o argument_n as_o if_o the_o spirit_n do_v not_o deal_v with_o we_o as_o rational_a creature_n and_o do_v persuade_v without_o argument_n and_o not_o by_o it_o as_o if_o many_o wicked_a man_n do_v not_o believe_v the_o truth_n of_o scripture_n yet_o i_o confess_v there_o be_v great_a difference_n betwixt_o natural_a and_o spiritual_a belief_n 4._o be_v not_o this_o the_o groundwork_n of_o the_o whole_a fabric_n of_o christianity_n and_o the_o very_a christ._n foundation_n of_o our_o faith_n and_o therefore_o shall_v it_o not_o be_v timely_a and_o sound_o lay_v and_o frequent_o and_o clear_o teach_v etc._n 5._o be_v not_o faith_n a_o rational_a act_n of_o a_o rational_a creature_n and_o so_o the_o understanding_n proceed_v discursive_o in_o its_o production_n and_o be_v not_o that_o the_o strong_a faith_n which_o have_v the_o strong_a reason_n to_o prove_v the_o testimony_n to_o be_v valid_a upon_o which_o it_o rest_v and_o the_o clear_a apprehension_n and_o use_n of_o those_o reason_n and_o the_o true_a faith_n which_o have_v the_o true_a reason_n true_o apprehend_v and_o use_v and_o must_v not_o that_o on_o the_o contrary_n be_v a_o weak_a or_o false_a faith_n which_o receive_v the_o verity_n and_o validity_n of_o the_o testimony_n from_o weak_a or_o false_a ground_n though_o the_o testimony_n of_o itself_o be_v the_o true_a in_o the_o world_n our_o divine_n use_v to_o say_v concern_v love_n to_o christ_n that_o it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v measure_v by_o the_o degree_n of_o fervour_n so_o much_o as_o by_o the_o ground_n and_o motive_n so_o that_o if_o a_o man_n shall_v love_v christ_n upon_o the_o same_o reason_n as_o a_o turk_n love_v mahomet_n it_o be_v no_o true_a love_n if_o he_o love_v he_o upon_o false_a ground_n it_o must_v needs_o be_v a_o false_a love_n and_o if_o upon_o common_a ground_n it_o can_v be_v but_o a_o common_a love_n and_o be_v it_o not_o then_o as_o clear_v that_o to_o believe_v in_o jesus_n christ_n upon_o the_o ground_n that_o a_o turk_n believe_v in_o mahomet_n or_o to_o believe_v scripture_n upon_o the_o same_o reason_n that_o the_o turk_n believe_v the_o alcoran_n be_v no_o true_a faith_n suppose_v that_o both_o have_v the_o like_a verity_n of_o their_o reason_n 6._o be_v the_o generality_n of_o christian_n able_a to_o give_v any_o better_a than_o some_o such_o common_a reason_n to_o prove_v the_o verity_n of_o scripture_n nay_o be_v the_o more_o exercise_v understanding_n sort_n of_o christian_n able_a by_o sound_a argument_n to_o make_v it_o good_a if_o a_o enemy_n or_o a_o temptation_n put_v they_o to_o it_o nay_o be_v the_o ordinary_a sort_n of_o minister_n in_o england_n able_a to_o do_v this_o let_v they_o that_o have_v try_v judge_v 7._o can_v the_o superstructure_n be_v firm_a where_o the_o foundation_n be_v sandy_a and_o can_v our_o affection_n and_o action_n be_v sound_a and_o strong_a when_o our_o belief_n of_o scripture_n be_v unsound_a or_o infirm_a sure_o this_o faith_n will_v have_v influence_n into_o all_o for_o my_o own_o part_n i_o take_v it_o to_o be_v the_o great_a cause_n of_o coldness_n in_o duty_n weakness_n in_o grace_n boldness_n in_o sin_v and_o unwillingness_n to_o die_v etc._n etc._n that_o our_o faith_n be_v either_o unsound_a or_o infirm_a in_o this_o point_n few_o christian_n among_o we_o for_o aught_o i_o find_v have_v any_o better_a than_o the_o popish_a implicit_a faith_n in_o this_o point_n 64._o nor_o any_o better_a argument_n than_o the_o papist_n have_v to_o prove_v scripture_n the_o word_n of_o god_n they_o have_v receive_v it_o by_o tradition_n godly_a minister_n and_o christian_n tell_v they_o so_o it_o be_v impious_a to_o doubt_v of_o it_o and_o therefore_o they_o believe_v it_o and_o this_o worm_n lie_v at_o the_o root_n cause_v the_o languish_a and_o decay_n of_o the_o whole_a yet_o be_v it_o usual_o undiscerned_a 204._o for_o the_o root_n lie_v secret_a under_o ground_n but_o i_o be_o apt_a to_o judge_n that_o though_o the_o most_o complain_v of_o their_o uncertainty_n of_o salvation_n through_o want_n of_o assurance_n of_o their_o own_o interest_n and_o of_o the_o weakness_n of_o the_o apply_v act_n of_o faith_n yet_o the_o great_a cause_n of_o all_o
that_o such_o a_o latin_a or_o greek_a word_n have_v such_o a_o signification_n when_o will_v he_o learn_v or_o how_o will_v he_o know_v nay_o how_o do_v the_o most_o learned_a linguist_n know_v the_o signification_n of_o word_n in_o any_o language_n and_o so_o in_o the_o hebrew_n and_o greek_a scripture_n but_o only_o upon_o the_o credit_n of_o their_o teacher_n and_o author_n and_o yet_o certain_a enough_o too_o in_o the_o main_a tradition_n be_v not_o so_o useless_a to_o the_o world_n or_o the_o church_n as_o some_o will_v have_v it_o though_o the_o papist_n do_v sinful_o plead_v it_o against_o the_o sufficiency_n of_o scripture_n yet_o scripture_n sufficiency_n or_o perfection_n be_v only_o in_o svo_fw-la genere_fw-la in_o its_o own_o kind_a and_o not_o in_o omni_fw-la genere_fw-la not_o sufficient_a for_o every_o purpose_n scripture_n be_v a_o sufficient_a rule_n of_o faith_n and_o life_n but_o not_o a_o sufficient_a mean_n of_o convey_v itself_o to_o all_o generation_n and_o person_n if_o humane_a testimony_n have_v not_o be_v necessary_a why_o shall_v christ_n have_v man_n to_o be_v witness_n in_o the_o beginning_n and_o also_o still_o instrument_n of_o persuade_v other_o and_o attest_v the_o verity_n of_o these_o sacred_a record_n to_o those_o that_o can_v otherwise_o come_v to_o know_v they_o and_o doubtless_o this_o be_v a_o chief_a obey_v use_n of_o minister_n in_o the_o church_n and_o the_o great_a end_n of_o god_n in_o the_o state_v and_o continue_v that_o function_n that_o what_o man_n be_v uncapable_a of_o believe_v explicit_o with_o a_o faith_n proper_o divine_a that_o they_o may_v receive_v implicit_o and_o upon_o the_o word_n of_o their_o teacher_n with_o a_o humane_a faith_n every_o man_n shall_v labour_v indeed_o to_o see_v with_o his_o own_o eye_n post_fw-la and_o to_o know_v all_o that_o god_n have_v reveal_v and_o to_o be_v wise_a eâ—en_n his_o teacher_n but_o every_o man_n can_v bestow_v that_o time_n and_o pain_n in_o the_o study_n of_o language_n and_o science_n without_o which_o that_o knowledge_n be_v not_o now_o attain_v we_o may_v rather_o wish_v than_o hope_n 4.15_o that_o all_o the_o lord_n people_n be_v prophet_n the_o church_n of_o christ_n have_v be_v long_o in_o a_o very_a doleful_a plight_n betwixt_o these_o two_o extreme_n take_v all_o thing_n upon_o trust_n from_o our_o teacher_n and_o take_v nothing_o upon_o trust_n and_o yet_o those_o very_a man_n who_o so_o disclaim_v take_v upon_o trust_n do_v themselves_o take_v as_o much_o upon_o trust_n as_o other_o why_o else_o be_v minister_n call_v the_o eye_n and_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o body_n steward_n of_o the_o mystery_n and_o of_o the_o house_n of_o god_n overseer_n ruler_n and_o governor_n of_o the_o church_n and_o such_o as_o must_v give_v the_o child_n their_o meat_n in_o due_a season_n father_n of_o their_o people_n etc._n etc._n sure_o the_o clear_o know_a truth_n and_o duty_n must_v be_v receive_v from_o any_o one_o though_o but_o a_o child_n and_o know_v error_n and_o iniquity_n must_v be_v receive_v from_o none_o though_o a_o angel_n from_o heaven_n what_o then_o be_v that_o we_o be_v so_o often_o require_v to_o obey_v our_o teach_v ruler_n in_o sure_o it_o be_v not_o so_o much_o in_o the_o receive_n of_o new_a institute_v ceremony_n from_o they_o which_o they_o call_v thing_n indifferent_a but_o as_o in_o all_o profession_n the_o scholar_n must_v take_v his_o master_n word_n in_o learning_n till_o he_o can_v grow_v up_o to_o know_v the_o thing_n in_o their_o own_o evidence_n and_o as_o man_n will_v take_v the_o word_n of_o any_o 6._o aâ—tificers_n in_o the_o matter_n that_o concern_v their_o own_o trade_n and_o as_o every_o wise_a patient_n will_v trust_v the_o judgement_n of_o his_o physician_n except_o he_o know_v as_o much_o himself_o and_o the_o client_n will_v take_v the_o word_n of_o his_o lawyer_n so_o also_o christ_n have_v order_v that_o the_o more_o strong_a and_o know_a shall_v be_v teacher_n in_o his_o school_n and_o the_o young_a and_o ignorant_a shall_v believe_v they_o and_o obey_v they_o till_o they_o can_v reach_v to_o understand_v the_o thing_n themselves_o so_o that_o the_o matter_n which_o we_o must_v receive_v upon_o trust_n from_o our_o teacher_n be_v those_o which_o we_o can_v reach_v to_o know_v ourselves_o and_o therefore_o must_v either_o take_v they_o upon_o the_o word_n of_o other_o or_o not_o receive_v they_o at_o all_o so_o that_o if_o these_o ruler_n and_o steward_n do_v require_v we_o to_o believe_v when_o we_o know_v not_o ourselves_o whether_o it_o be_v truth_n or_o not_o or_o if_o they_o require_v we_o to_o obey_v when_o we_o know_v not_o ourselves_o whether_o it_o be_v a_o duty_n command_v by_o god_n or_o not_o here_o it_o be_v that_o we_o ought_v to_o obey_v they_o for_o though_o we_o know_v not_o whether_o god_n have_v reveal_v such_o a_o point_n or_o command_v such_o a_o action_n yet_o that_o he_o have_v command_v we_o to_o obey_v they_o that_o rule_n over_o we_o who_o preach_v to_o we_o the_o word_n of_o god_n this_o we_o certain_o know_v heb._n 13.7_o yet_o i_o think_v not_o we_o be_v so_o strict_o tie_v to_o the_o judgement_n of_o a_o weak_a minister_n of_o our_o own_o as_o to_o take_v his_o word_n before_o another_o that_n be_v more_o judicious_a in_o a_o neighbour_n congregation_n nor_o do_v i_o think_v if_o we_o see_v but_o a_o appearance_n of_o his_o err_a that_o we_o shall_v careless_o go_v on_o in_o believe_v and_o obey_v he_o without_o a_o diligent_a search_n after_o the_o truth_n even_o a_o liklyhood_n of_o his_o mistake_n must_v quicken_v we_o to_o further_a enquiry_n and_o may_v during_o that_o enquiry_n suspend_v our_o belief_n and_o obedience_n for_o where_o we_o be_v able_a to_o reach_v to_o know_v probability_n in_o divine_a thing_n we_o may_v with_o diligence_n light_o reach_v to_o that_o degree_n of_o certainty_n which_o our_o teacher_n themselves_o have_v attain_v or_o at_o least_o to_o understand_v the_o reason_n of_o their_o doctrine_n but_o still_o remember_v what_o i_o say_v before_o that_o fundamental_o must_v be_v believe_v with_o a_o faith_n explicit_a absolute_a and_o divine_a and_o thus_o i_o have_v show_v you_o the_o flat_a necessity_n of_o take_v much_o upon_o the_o testimony_n of_o man_n and_o that_o some_o of_o these_o humane_a testimony_n be_v so_o certain_a that_o they_o may_v well_o be_v call_v divine_a i_o conclude_v all_o with_o this_o intimation_n you_o may_v see_v by_o this_o of_o what_o singular_a use_n be_v the_o monument_n of_o antiquity_n and_o the_o knowledge_n thereof_o for_o the_o breed_n and_o strengthen_v of_o the_o christian_a faith_n especial_o the_o history_n of_o those_o time_n authority_n i_o will_v not_o persuade_v you_o to_o bestow_v much_o time_n in_o the_o read_n of_o the_o father_n in_o reference_n to_o their_o judgement_n in_o matter_n of_o doctrine_n god_n word_n be_v a_o sufficient_a rule_n and_o latter_a time_n have_v afford_v far_o better_a expositor_n but_o in_o reference_n to_o matter_n of_o fact_n for_o confirm_v the_o miracle_n mention_v in_o scripture_n and_o relate_v the_o wonderful_a providence_n since_o i_o will_v they_o be_v read_v a_o hundred_o time_n more_o not_o only_o the_o writer_n of_o the_o church_n but_o even_o the_o history_n of_o the_o enemy_n and_o all_o other_o antiquity_n little_o do_v most_o consider_v how_o useful_a these_o be_v to_o the_o christian_a faith_n chap._n v._o the_o second_o argument_n sect_n i._o 2._o 1._o i_o come_v now_o to_o my_o second_o argument_n to_o prove_v scripture_n to_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o it_o be_v this_o if_o the_o scripture_n be_v neither_o the_o invention_n of_o devil_n scripture_n nor_o of_o man_n than_o it_o can_v be_v from_o none_o but_o god_n but_o that_o it_o be_v neither_o of_o devil_n nor_o mere_o of_o man_n i_o shall_v now_o prove_v for_o i_o suppose_v none_o will_v question_v the_o major_a proposition_n first_o not_o from_o devil_n for_o first_o they_o can_v work_v miracle_n to_o confirm_v they_o second_o it_o will_v not_o stand_v with_o god_n sovereignty_n over_o they_o or_o with_o his_o goodness_n wisdom_n and_o faithfulness_n in_o govern_v the_o world_n to_o suffer_v satan_n to_o make_v law_n and_o confirm_v they_o with_o wonder_n and_o obtrude_v they_o upon_o the_o world_n in_o the_o name_n of_o god_n and_o all_o this_o without_o his_o disclaim_v they_o or_o give_v the_o world_n any_o notice_n of_o the_o forgery_n three_o will_v satan_n speak_v so_o much_o for_o god_n so_o seek_v his_o glory_n as_o the_o scripture_n do_v will_v he_o so_o vilify_v and_o reproach_v himself_o and_o make_v know_v himself_o to_o be_v the_o hatefull_a and_o most_o miserable_a of_o all_o creature_n will_v he_o so_o full_o discover_v his_o own_o wile_n his_o temptation_n his_o method_n of_o deceive_v and_o
sincere_o shall_v be_v justify_v and_o save_v there_o be_v requisite_a in_o we_o 1._o a_o certainty_n of_o knowledge_n that_o such_o a_o proposition_n be_v write_v in_o scripture_n 2._o a_o certainty_n of_o assent_n or_o faith_n that_o this_o scripture_n be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o true_a also_o in_o respect_n of_o the_o minor_a proposition_n but_o i_o do_v sincere_o believe_v or_o love_n etc._n etc._n there_o be_v requisite_a 1._o a_o certainty_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o our_o faith_n in_o point_n of_o be_v 2._o and_o a_o certainty_n of_o its_o truth_n in_o point_n of_o morality_n or_o congruence_n with_o the_o rule_n or_o its_o right-being_a and_o then_o follow_v assurance_n which_o be_v the_o certainty_n that_o the_o conclusion_n therefore_o i_o be_o justify_v etc._n etc._n follow_v necessary_o upon_o the_o former_a premise_n 4._o here_o also_o you_o must_v careful_o distinguish_v betwixt_o the_o several_a degree_n of_o assurance_n all_o assurance_n be_v not_o of_o the_o high_a degree_n it_o differ_v in_o strength_n according_a to_o the_o different_a degree_n of_o apprehension_n in_o all_o the_o forementioned_a point_n of_o certainty_n which_o be_v necessary_a thereunto_o he_o that_o can_v true_o raise_v the_o foresay_a conclusion_n that_o he_o be_v justify_v etc._n etc._n from_o the_o premise_n have_v some_o degree_n of_o assurance_n though_o he_o do_v it_o with_o much_o weakness_n and_o stagger_v and_o doubt_v the_o weakness_n of_o our_o assurance_n in_o any_o one_o point_n of_o the_o premise_n will_n according_o weaken_v our_o assurance_n in_o the_o conclusion_n some_o when_o they_o speak_v of_o certainty_n of_o salvation_n do_v mean_v only_o such_o a_o certainty_n as_o exclude_v all_o doubt_v and_o think_v nothing_o else_o can_v be_v call_v certainty_n but_o this_o high_a degree_n perhaps_o some_o papist_n mean_v this_o when_o they_o deny_v a_o certainty_n some_o also_o maintain_v that_o saint_n paul_n plerophory_n or_o full_a assurance_n be_v this_o high_a degree_n of_o assurance_n and_o that_o some_o christian_n do_v in_o this_o life_n attain_v to_o it_o but_o paul_n call_v it_o full_a assurance_n in_o comparison_n of_o low_a degree_n and_o not_o because_o it_o be_v perfect_a for_o if_o assurance_n be_v perfect_a then_o also_o our_o certainty_n of_o knowledge_n faith_n and_o sense_n in_o the_o â—â—â—mises_n must_v be_v perfect_a and_o if_o some_o grace_n perfect_a why_o not_o all_o and_o so_o we_o turn_v novatian_o catharist_n perfectionist_n perhaps_o in_o some_o their_o certainty_n may_v be_v so_o great_a that_o it_o may_v overcome_v all_o sensible_a doubt_n or_o sensible_a stir_n of_o unbelief_n by_o reason_n of_o the_o sweet_a and_o powerful_a act_n and_o effect_n of_o that_o certainty_n and_o yet_o it_o do_v not_o overcome_v all_o unbelief_n and_o uncertainty_n so_o as_o to_o expel_v or_o nullify_v they_o but_o a_o certain_a measure_n of_o they_o remain_v still_o even_o as_o when_o you_o will_v heat_v cold_a water_n by_o the_o mixture_n of_o hot_a you_o may_v pour_v in_o the_o hot_a so_o long_o till_o no_o coldness_n be_v feel_v and_o yet_o the_o water_n may_v be_v far_o from_o the_o high_a degree_n of_o heat_n so_o faith_n may_v suppress_v the_o sensible_a stir_n of_o unbelief_n and_o certainty_n prevail_v against_o all_o the_o trouble_n of_o uncertainty_n and_o yet_o be_v far_o from_o the_o high_a degree_n so_o that_o by_o this_o which_o be_v say_v you_o may_v answer_v the_o question_n what_o certainty_n be_v to_o be_v attain_v in_o this_o life_n and_o what_o certainty_n it_o be_v that_o we_o press_v man_n to_o labour_n for_o and_o expect_v furthermore_o you_o must_v be_v sure_a to_o distinguish_v betwixt_o assurance_n itself_o and_o the_o joy_n and_o strength_n and_o other_o sweet_a effect_n which_o follow_v assurance_n or_o which_o immediate_o accompany_v it_o it_o be_v possible_a that_o there_o may_v be_v assurance_n and_o yet_o no_o comfort_n or_o little_a there_o be_v many_o unskilful_a but_o self-conceited_a disputer_n of_o late_a fit_a to_o manage_v a_o club_n than_o a_o argument_n who_o tell_v we_o that_o it_o must_v be_v the_o spirit_n that_o must_v assure_v we_o of_o our_o salvation_n and_o not_o our_o mark_n and_o evidence_n of_o grace_n that_o our_o comfort_n must_v not_o be_v take_v from_o any_o thing_n in_o ourselves_o that_o our_o etc._n justification_n must_v be_v immediate_o believe_v and_o not_o prove_v by_o our_o sign_n or_o sanctification_n etc._n etc._n of_o these_o in_o order_n 1._o it_o be_v as_o wise_a a_o question_n to_o ask_v whether_o our_o assurance_n come_v from_o the_o spirit_n or_o our_o evidence_n or_o our_o faith_n &_o c_o as_o to_o ask_v whether_o it_o be_v our_o meat_n or_o our_o stomach_n or_o our_o tooth_n or_o our_o hand_n that_o feed_v we_o or_o whether_o it_o be_v our_o eyesight_n or_o the_o sun-light_n by_o which_o we_o see_v thing_n they_o be_v distinct_a cause_n all_o necessary_a to_o the_o produce_v of_o the_o same_o effect_n so_o that_o by_o what_o have_v be_v say_v you_o may_v discern_v that_o the_o spirit_n and_o knowledge_n and_o faith_n and_o scripture_n &_o inward_a holiness_n and_o reason_n and_o inward_a sense_n or_o conscience_n have_v all_o several_a part_n and_o necessary_a use_n in_o produce_v our_o assurance_n which_o i_o will_v show_v you_o distinct_o 1._o to_o the_o spirit_n belong_v these_o particular_n 1._o he_o have_v indict_v those_o scripture_n which_o contain_v the_o promise_n of_o our_o pardon_n and_o salvation_n 2._o he_o give_v we_o the_o habit_n or_o power_n of_o believe_v 3._o he_o help_v we_o also_o to_o believe_v actual_o that_o the_o word_n be_v true_a and_o to_o receive_v christ_n and_o the_o privilege_n offer_v in_o the_o promise_n 4._o he_o work_v in_o we_o those_o grace_n and_o excit_v those_o gracious_a act_n within_o we_o which_o be_v the_o do_v evidence_n or_o mark_n of_o our_o interest_n pardon_n and_o life_n he_o help_v we_o to_o perform_v those_o act_n which_o god_n have_v make_v to_o be_v the_o condition_n of_o pardon_n and_o glory_n 5._o he_o help_v we_o to_o feel_v and_o discover_v these_o act_n in_o ourselves_o 6._o he_o help_v we_o to_o compare_v they_o with_o the_o rule_n and_o find_a out_o their_o qualification_n to_o judge_n of_o their_o sincerity_n and_o acceptation_n with_o god_n 7._o he_o help_v our_o reason_n to_o conclude_v right_o of_o our_o state_n from_o our_o acts._n 8._o he_o enliven_v and_o heighten_v our_o apprehension_n in_o these_o particular_n that_o our_o assurance_n may_v according_o be_v strong_a and_o lively_a 9_o he_o excit_v our_o joy_n and_o fill_v with_o comfort_n when_o he_o please_v upon_o this_o assurance_n none_o of_o all_o these_o can_v we_o perform_v well_o of_o ourselves_o 2._o the_o part_n which_o the_o scripture_n have_v in_o this_o work_n be_v 1._o it_o afford_v we_o the_o major_a proposition_n that_o whosoever_o believe_v sincere_o shall_v be_v save_v 2._o it_o be_v the_o rule_n by_o which_o our_o act_n must_v be_v try_v that_o we_o may_v judge_n of_o their_o moral_a truth_n 3._o the_o part_n that_o knowledge_n have_v in_o it_o be_v to_o know_v that_o the_o foresay_a proposition_n be_v write_v in_o scripture_n 4._o the_o work_n of_o faith_n be_v to_o believe_v the_o truth_n of_o that_o scripture_n and_o to_o be_v the_o matter_n of_o one_o of_o our_o chief_a evidence_n 5._o our_o holiness_n and_o true_a faith_n as_o they_o be_v mark_n and_o evidence_n be_v the_o very_a medium_fw-la of_o our_o argument_n from_o which_o we_o conclude_v 6._o our_o conscience_n and_o internal_a sense_n do_v acquaint_v we_o with_o both_o the_o be_v and_o qualification_n of_o our_o inward_a act_n which_o be_v this_o medium_fw-la and_o which_o be_v call_v mark_n 7._o our_o reason_n or_o discourse_n be_v necessary_a to_o form_v the_o argument_n and_o raise_v the_o conclusion_n from_o the_o premise_n and_o to_o compare_v our_o act_n with_o the_o rule_n and_o judge_n of_o their_o sincerity_n etc._n etc._n sense_n so_o that_o you_o see_v our_o assurance_n be_v not_o a_o effect_n of_o any_o one_o single_a cause_n alone_o and_o so_o neither_o mere_o of_o faith_n by_o sign_n or_o by_o the_o spirit_n from_o all_o this_o you_o may_v gather_v 1._o 84._o what_o the_o seal_n of_o the_o spirit_n be_v to_o wit_n the_o work_n or_o fruit_n of_o the_o spirit_n in_o we_o 2._o what_o the_o testimony_n of_o the_o spirit_n be_v for_o if_o it_o be_v not_o some_o of_o the_o forementioned_a act_n i_o yet_o know_v it_o not_o 3._o what_o the_o testimony_n of_o conscience_n be_v and_o if_o i_o be_v not_o mistake_v the_o testimony_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o the_o testimony_n of_o conscience_n be_v two_o concurrent_a testimony_n or_o cause_n to_o produce_v one_o and_o the_o same_o effect_n and_o to_o afford_v the_o premise_n to_o the_o same_o conclusion_n and_o then_o to_o raise_v our_o joy_n thereupon_o so_o
enough_o before_o they_o have_v it_o in_o god_n ordinary_a way_n of_o conveyance_n god_n work_v upon_o man_n as_o man_n as_o reasonable_a creature_n the_o joy_n of_o the_o promise_n and_o the_o joy_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n be_v one_o joy_n and_o those_o seducer_n who_o in_o their_o ignorance_n misguide_a poor_a soul_n in_o this_o point_n do_v exceed_o wrong_v they_o while_o they_o persuade_v they_o so_o to_o expect_v their_o comfort_n from_o the_o spirit_n as_o not_o to_o be_v any_o author_n of_o they_o themselves_o nor_o to_o raise_v up_o their_o own_o heart_n by_o argumentative_a mean_n tell_v they_o that_o such_o comfort_n be_v but_o hammer_v by_o themselves_o and_o not_o the_o genuine_a comfort_n of_o the_o spirit_n how_o contrary_a be_v this_o to_o the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n sect_n fourteen_o 5._o another_o cause_n of_o the_o trouble_n of_o their_o soul_n be_v 507._o their_o expect_v a_o great_a measure_n of_o assurance_n than_o god_n do_v usual_o bestow_v upon_o his_o people_n most_o think_v as_o long_o as_o they_o have_v any_o doubt_v they_o have_v no_o assurance_n they_o consider_v not_o that_o there_o be_v many_o degree_n of_o infallible_a certainty_n below_o a_o perfect_a or_o a_o undoubting_a certainty_n they_o must_v know_v that_o while_o they_o be_v here_o they_o shall_v know_v but_o in_o part_n they_o shall_v be_v imperfect_a in_o their_o knowledge_n of_o scripture_n which_o be_v their_o rule_n in_o try_v and_o imperfect_a in_o the_o knowledge_n of_o their_o own_o obscure_a deceitful_a heart_n some_o strangeness_n to_o god_n and_o themselves_o there_o will_v still_o remain_v some_o darkness_n will_v overspread_v the_o face_n of_o their_o soul_n some_o unbelief_n will_v be_v make_v head_n against_o their_o faith_n and_o some_o of_o their_o grieving_n of_o the_o spirit_n will_v be_v grieve_v themselves_o and_o make_v a_o breach_n in_o their_o peace_n and_o joy_n yet_o as_o long_o as_o their_o faith_n be_v prevail_v and_o their_o assurance_n do_v tread_v down_o and_o subdue_v their_o doubt_n though_o not_o quite_o expel_v they_o they_o may_v walk_v in_o comfort_n and_o maintain_v their_o peace_n but_o as_o long_o as_o they_o be_v resolve_v to_o lie_v down_o in_o sorrow_n till_o their_o assurance_n be_v perfect_a their_o day_n on_o earth_n must_v then_o be_v day_n of_o sorrow_n sect_n xv._o there_o 6._o again_o many_o a_o soul_n lie_v long_o in_o trouble_n by_o take_v up_o their_o comfort_n in_o the_o begin_n upon_o unsound_a or_o uncertain_a ground_n this_o may_v be_v the_o case_n of_o a_o gracious_a soul_n who_o have_v better_a ground_n and_o do_v not_o see_v they_o and_o then_o when_o they_o grow_v to_o more_o ripeness_n of_o understanding_n and_o come_v to_o find_v out_o the_o insufficiency_n of_o their_o former_a ground_n of_o comfort_n they_o cast_v away_o their_o comfort_n whole_o when_o they_o shall_v only_o cast_v away_o their_o rot_a prop_n of_o it_o and_o search_v for_o better_a to_o support_v it_o with_o as_o if_o their_o comfort_n and_o their_o safety_n be_v both_o of_o a_o nature_n and_o both_o build_v on_o the_o same_o foundation_n they_o conclude_v against_o their_o safety_n because_o they_o have_v discover_v the_o mistake_n of_o their_o former_a comfort_n and_o there_o be_v many_o much_o applaud_a book_n and_o teacher_n of_o late_a who_o further_o the_o delusion_n of_o poor_a soul_n in_o this_o point_n and_o make_v they_o believe_v that_o because_o their_o former_a comfort_n be_v too_o legal_a and_o their_o persuasion_n of_o their_o good_a estate_n be_v ill_o ground_v therefore_o themselves_o be_v under_o the_o covenant_n of_o work_n only_o and_o their_o spiritual_a condition_n as_o unsound_a as_o their_o comfort_n these_o man_n observe_v not_o that_o while_o they_o deny_v we_o the_o use_n of_o mark_n to_o know_v our_o own_o state_n yet_o they_o make_v use_v of_o they_o themselves_o to_o know_v the_o state_n of_o other_o yea_o and_o of_o false_a and_o insufficient_a mark_n too_o for_o to_o argue_v from_o the_o motive_n of_o our_o persuasion_n of_o a_o good_a estate_n to_o the_o goodness_n or_o badness_n of_o that_o estate_n be_v no_o sound_n argue_v it_o follow_v not_o that_o a_o man_n be_v unregenerate_a because_o he_o judge_v himself_o regenerate_v upon_o wrong_a ground_n for_o perhaps_o he_o may_v have_v better_a ground_n and_o not_o know_v it_o or_o else_o not_o know_v which_o be_v good_a and_o which_o bad_a safety_n and_o comfort_n stand_v not_o always_o on_o the_o same_o bottom_n bad_a ground_n do_v prove_v the_o assurance_n bid_v which_o be_v build_v upon_o they_o but_o not_o always_o the_o estate_n bad_a these_o teacher_n do_v but_o toss_v poor_a soul_n up_o and_o down_o as_o the_o wave_n of_o the_o sea_n make_v they_o believe_v that_o their_o estate_n be_v alter_v as_o oft_o as_o their_o conceit_n of_o it_o alter_v alas_o few_o christian_n do_v come_v to_o know_v either_o what_o be_v solid_a ground_n of_o comfort_n or_o whether_o they_o have_v any_o such_o ground_n themselves_o in_o the_o infancy_n of_o christianity_n but_o as_o a_o infant_n have_v life_n before_o he_o know_v it_o and_o as_o he_o have_v misapprehension_n of_o himself_o and_o most_o other_o thing_n for_o certain_a year_n together_o and_o yet_o it_o will_v not_o follow_v that_o therefore_o he_o have_v no_o life_n or_o reason_n so_o be_v it_o in_o the_o case_n in_o hand_n yet_o this_o shall_v persuade_v both_o minister_n and_o believer_n themselves_o to_o lay_v right_a ground_n for_o their_o comfort_n in_o the_o beginning_n as_o far_o as_o may_v be_v for_o else_o usual_o when_o they_o find_v the_o flaw_n in_o their_o comfort_n and_o assurance_n they_o will_v judge_v it_o to_o be_v a_o flaw_n in_o their_o safety_n and_o real_a estate_n just_o as_o i_o observe_v most_o person_n do_v who_o turn_n to_o error_n or_o heresy_n they_o take_v up_o the_o truth_n in_o the_o begin_n upon_o either_o false_a or_o doubtful_a ground_n and_o then_o when_o their_o ground_n be_v overthrow_v or_o shake_v they_o think_v the_o doctrine_n be_v also_o overthrow_v and_o so_o they_o let_v go_v both_o together_o as_o if_o none_o have_v solid_a argument_n because_o they_o have_v not_o or_o none_o can_v manage_v they_o better_o than_o they._n even_o so_o when_o they_o perceive_v that_o their_o argument_n for_o their_o good_a estate_n be_v unsound_a they_o think_v that_o their_o estate_n must_v needs_o be_v as_o unsound_a sect_n xvi_o 7._o moreover_o 16._o many_o a_o soul_n lie_v long_o under_o doubt_v through_o the_o great_a imperfection_n of_o their_o very_a reason_n and_o exceed_a weakness_n of_o their_o natural_a part_n grace_n do_v usual_o rather_o turn_v our_o part_n to_o their_o most_o necessary_a use_n and_o employ_v our_o faculty_n on_o better_a object_n then_o add_v to_o the_o degree_n of_o their_o natural_a strength_n many_o honest_a heart_n have_v such_o weak_a head_n that_o they_o know_v not_o how_o to_o perform_v the_o work_n of_o self-tryal_n they_o be_v not_o able_a rational_o to_o argue_v the_o case_n they_o will_v acknowledge_v the_o premise_n and_o yet_o deny_v the_o apparent_a conclusion_n or_o if_o they_o be_v bring_v to_o acknowledge_v the_o conclusion_n yet_o they_o do_v but_o fluctuate_v and_o stagger_v in_o their_o concession_n and_o hold_v it_o so_o weak_o that_o every_o assault_n may_v take_v it_o from_o they_o if_o god_n do_v not_o some_o other_o way_n supply_v to_o these_o man_n the_o defect_n of_o their_o reason_n i_o see_v not_o how_o they_o shall_v have_v clear_a and_o settle_a peace_n sect_n xvii_o 17._o 8._o another_o great_a and_o too_o common_a cause_n of_o doubt_v and_o discomfort_n be_v the_o secret_a maintain_n of_o some_o know_a sin_n when_o a_o man_n live_v in_o some_o unwarrantantable_a practice_n and_o god_n have_v oft_o touch_v he_o for_o it_o and_o conscience_n be_v gall_v and_o yet_o he_o continue_v it_o 521.522_o it_o be_v no_o wonder_n if_o this_o person_n want_v both_o assurance_n and_o comfort_n one_o will_v think_v that_o a_o soul_n that_o lie_v under_o the_o fear_n of_o wrath_n and_o be_v so_o tender_a as_o to_o tremble_v and_o complain_v shall_v be_v as_o tender_v of_o sin_v and_o scarce_o adventure_v upon_o the_o appearance_n of_o evil_n and_o yet_o sad_a experience_n tell_v we_o that_o it_o be_v frequent_o otherwise_o i_o have_v know_v too_o many_o such_o that_o will_v complain_v and_o yet_o sin_n and_o accuse_v themselves_o and_o yet_o sin_n still_o yea_o and_o despair_n and_o yet_o proceed_v in_o sin_v and_o all_o argument_n and_o mean_n can_v not_o keep_v they_o from_o the_o wilful_a commit_n of_o that_o sin_n again_o and_o again_o which_o yet_o they_o do_v think_v themselves_o will_v prove_v their_o destruction_n yea_o some_o will_v be_v carry_v away_o with_o those_o sin_n which_o seem_v most_o contrary_a to_o their_o deject_a temper_n i_o have_v know_v they_o that_o
their_o sorrow_n and_o that_o which_o shake_v the_o whole_a building_n be_v the_o weakness_n of_o their_o faith_n about_o the_o truth_n of_o scripture_n though_o perhaps_o the_o other_o be_v more_o perceive_v and_o this_o take_a notice_n of_o by_o few_o there_o may_v be_v great_a weakness_n and_o unsoundness_n of_o belief_n where_o yet_o no_o doubt_n be_v perceive_v to_o stir_v therefore_o though_o we_o can_v persuade_v people_n to_o believe_v never_o so_o confident_o that_o scripture_n be_v the_o very_a word_n of_o god_n and_o yet_o teach_v they_o no_o more_o reason_n why_o they_o shall_v believe_v this_o then_o any_o other_o book_n to_o be_v that_o word_n as_o it_o will_v prove_v in_o they_o no_o right_a way_n of_o believe_v so_o be_v it_o in_o we_o no_o right_a way_n of_o teach_v 8._o there_o be_v many_o a_o one_o who_o feel_v his_o faith_n shake_v here_o who_o never_o discover_v it_o to_o doubt_v of_o our_o evidence_n be_v take_v for_o no_o great_a disgrace_n and_o therefore_o man_n more_o free_o profess_v such_o doubt_n nay_o and_o some_o perhaps_o who_o be_v not_o much_o trouble_v with_o they_o because_o they_o will_v be_v think_v to_o be_v humble_a christian_n but_o to_o question_v the_o truth_n of_o scripture_n be_v a_o reproachful_a blalphemy_n and_o therefore_o all_o that_o be_v guilty_a here_o speak_v not_o their_o doubt_n 9_o be_v not_o the_o great_a battery_n by_o all_o sort_n of_o enemy_n especial_o make_v against_o this_o foundation_n the_o first_o place_n that_o the_o praelatos_fw-la papist_n assault_n you_o in_o be_v here_o how_o know_v you_o the_o scripture_n to_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n the_o seeker_n who_o be_v the_o jesuit_n by_o blow_n though_o they_o yet_o know_v not_o their_o own_o father_n will_v accost_v you_o with_o the_o like_a question_n how_o know_v you_o that_o your_o scripture_n and_o your_o ministry_n be_v of_o god_n the_o familist_n and_o libertine_n do_v spit_v their_o venom_n here_o and_o some_o christian_n by_o experience_n be_v able_a to_o testify_v that_o satan_n temptation_n be_v most_o violent_a here_o yea_o and_o our_o own_o carnal_a delude_a reason_n be_v apt_a of_o all_o to_o stumble_v here_o they_o talk_v of_o a_o toleration_n of_o all_o religion_n and_o some_o desire_n that_o the_o 170._o jew_n may_v have_v free_a commerce_n among_o we_o it_o will_v then_o be_v time_n for_o we_o i_o think_v to_o be_v well_o arm_v at_o this_o point_n let_v the_o ordinary_a professor_n of_o our_o time_n who_o be_v of_o weak_a judgement_n and_o fiery_a spirit_n look_v to_o it_o how_o they_o will_v stand_v in_o such_o assault_n lest_o as_o now_o when_o they_o can_v answer_v a_o separatist_n they_o yield_v to_o he_o and_o when_o they_o can_v answer_v a_o antinomian_a they_o turn_v antinomian_o so_o then_o when_o they_o can_v much_o less_o answer_v the_o subtle_a argument_n of_o a_o jew_n against_o christ_n and_o the_o gospel_n they_o shall_v as_o easy_o turn_v jew_n and_o deny_v christ_n and_o the_o verity_n of_o the_o gospel_n the_o libertine_n among_o we_o think_v it_o necessary_a that_o we_o shall_v have_v such_o a_o toleration_n to_o discover_v the_o unsound_a who_o hold_v their_o faith_n upon_o tradition_n and_o custom_n i_o be_o no_o more_o of_o their_o mind_n in_o this_o then_o of_o his_o who_o will_v have_v a_o fair_a virgin_n to_o lie_v with_o he_o and_o try_v his_o chastity_n and_o make_v its_o victory_n more_o honourable_a but_o if_o we_o must_v needs_o have_v such_o a_o trial_n its_o time_n to_o look_v to_o the_o ground_n of_o our_o belief_n 3.15_o that_o we_o may_v be_v ready_a to_o give_v a_o reason_n of_o our_o hope_n 10._o however_o though_o i_o be_v mistake_v in_o all_o this_o yet_o certain_a i_o be_o that_o the_o strengthen_n of_o our_o faith_n in_o the_o verity_n of_o scripture_n will_v be_v a_o exceed_a help_n to_o the_o joy_n of_o the_o saint_n and_o will_v advance_v their_o confident_a hope_n of_o rest._n for_o myself_o if_o my_o faith_n in_o this_o point_n have_v no_o imperfection_n if_o i_o do_v as_o very_o believe_v the_o glory_n to_o come_v as_o i_o do_v believe_v that_o the_o sun_n will_v rise_v again_o when_o it_o be_v set_v o_o how_o will_v it_o raise_v my_o desire_n and_o my_o joy_n what_o haste_n shall_v i_o make_v how_o serious_a shall_v i_o be_v how_o shall_v i_o trample_v on_o these_o earthly_a vanity_n and_o even_o forget_v the_o thing_n below_o how_o restless_a shall_v i_o be_v till_o i_o be_v assure_v of_o this_o rest_n and_o then_o how_o restless_a till_o i_o do_v possess_v it_o how_o shall_v i_o delight_v in_o the_o thought_n of_o death_n and_o my_o heart_n leap_v at_o the_o tiding_n of_o its_o approach_n how_o graseri_fw-la glad_a shall_v i_o be_v of_o the_o body_n decay_n to_o feel_v my_o prison_n moulder_v to_o dust_n sure_o this_o will_v be_v the_o fruit_n of_o a_o perfect_a belief_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o promise_n of_o our_o eternal_a rest._n which_o though_o it_o can_v be_v here_o expect_v yet_o shall_v we_o use_v the_o most_o strengthen_v mean_n and_o press_v on_o till_o we_o have_v attain_v sect_n ii_o 2._o thus_o much_o i_o have_v purposely_o speak_v as_o to_o stir_v up_o christian_n to_o look_v to_o their_o faith_n so_o especialiy_v to_o provoke_v some_o choice_n servant_n of_o christ_n among_o the_o multitude_n of_o book_n that_o be_v write_v to_o bestow_v their_o labour_n on_o this_o most_o needful_a subject_n and_o all_o minister_n to_o preach_v it_o more_o frequent_o and_o clear_o to_o their_o people_n some_o think_v it_o be_v faith_n honour_n to_o be_v as_o credulous_a as_o may_v be_v and_o the_o weak_a be_v the_o rational_a ground_n the_o strong_a be_v the_o faith_n and_o therefore_o we_o must_v believe_v and_o not_o dispute_v indeed_o when_o it_o be_v once_o know_v to_o be_v a_o divine_a testimony_n than_o the_o most_o credulous_a soul_n be_v the_o best_a but_o when_o the_o doubt_n be_v whether_o it_o be_v the_o testimony_n of_o god_n or_o no_o a_o man_n may_v easy_o be_v over-credulous_a else_o why_o be_v we_o bid_v believe_v not_o every_o spirit_n but_o try_v they_o whether_o they_o be_v of_o god_n or_o not_o and_o how_o shall_v the_o false_a christ_n and_o false_a prophet_n be_v know_v who_o will_v deceive_v be_v it_o possible_a the_o very_a elect_n to_o be_v give_v up_o of_o god_n to_o believe_v a_o lie_n be_v one_o of_o the_o sore_a of_o god_n judgement_n some_o think_v august_n the_o only_a way_n to_o deal_v with_o such_o temptation_n to_o blasphemy_n be_v to_o cast_v they_o away_o and_o not_o to_o dispute_v they_o and_o i_o think_v the_o direction_n be_v very_o good_a so_o it_o be_v use_v with_o some_o distinction_n and_o caution_n the_o rule_n hold_v good_a against_o real_a blasphemy_n know_v to_o be_v such_o but_o if_o the_o person_n know_v it_o not_o how_o shall_v he_o make_v use_n of_o this_o rule_n against_o it_o further_o it_o be_v suppose_v that_o he_o who_o know_v it_o to_o be_v blasphemy_n have_v argument_n whereby_o to_o prove_v it_o such_o else_o how_o do_v he_o know_v it_o therefore_o here_o lie_v the_o sin_n when_o a_o man_n be_v by_o sufficient_a evidence_n convince_v or_o at_o least_o have_v evidence_n sufficient_a for_o conviction_n that_o it_o be_v a_o divine_a testimony_n and_o yet_o be_v still_o cherish_v doubt_n or_o harken_v to_o temptation_n which_o may_v feed_v those_o doubt_n when_o a_o man_n like_a balaam_n will_v take_v no_o answer_n but_o he_o who_o will_v therefore_o cast_v away_o all_o doubt_n before_o he_o have_v argument_n sufficient_a against_o they_o or_o can_v ever_o prove_v the_o thing_n in_o question_n he_o do_v indeed_o cast_v aside_o the_o temptation_n but_o not_o overcome_v it_o and_o may_v expect_v it_o shall_v short_o return_v again_o it_o be_v a_o methodical_a cure_n which_o prevent_v a_o relapse_n such_o a_o neglecter_n of_o temptation_n may_v be_v in_o the_o right_n and_o may_v as_o well_o be_v in_o the_o wrong_n but_o however_o it_o be_v not_o right_a to_o he_o because_o not_o right_o believe_v i'faith_o always_o imply_v a_o testimony_n and_o the_o knowledge_n usual_o of_o the_o matter_n and_o author_n of_o that_o testimony_n divine_a faith_n have_v ever_o a_o divine_a 〈…〉_o testimony_n and_o suppose_v the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o matter_n when_o the_o faith_n be_v particular_a but_o always_o of_o the_o author_n of_o that_o testimony_n a_o implicit_a faith_n in_o god_n that_o be_v a_o believe_a that_o all_o be_v true_a which_o he_o testify_v though_o we_o see_v no_o reason_n for_o it_o from_o the_o evidence_n of_o the_o matter_n this_o be_v necessary_a to_o every_o true_a believer_n but_o to_o believe_v implicit_o that_o the_o testimony_n be_v divine_a or_o that_o scripture_n be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n this_o be_v not_o to_o believe_v god_n
officer_n and_o order_n of_o church_n be_v to_o we_o as_o law_n still_o bind_v with_o those_o limitation_n as_o positives_n only_o which_o give_v way_n to_o great_a 43._o the_o ground_n of_o this_o position_n be_v because_o it_o be_v inconsistent_a with_o the_o wisdom_n and_o faithfulness_n of_o god_n to_o send_v man_n to_o a_o work_n and_o promise_v to_o be_v with_o they_o and_o yet_o to_o forsake_v they_o and_o suffer_v they_o to_o err_v in_o the_o build_n of_o that_o house_n which_o must_v endure_v till_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n 44._o yet_o if_o any_o of_o these_o commissioner_n do_v err_v in_o their_o own_o particular_a conversation_n or_o in_o matter_n without_o the_o extent_n of_o their_o commission_n 12.13_o this_o may_v consist_v with_o the_o faithfulness_n of_o god_n god_n have_v not_o promise_v they_o infallibility_n and_o perfection_n the_o disgrace_n be_v their_o own_o but_o if_o they_o shall_v miscarry_v in_o that_o wherein_o they_o be_v send_v to_o be_v a_o rule_n to_o other_o the_o church_n will_v then_o have_v a_o imperfect_a rule_n and_o the_o dishonour_n will_v redound_v to_o god_n 45._o yet_o i_o find_v not_o that_o ever_o god_n authorize_v any_o mere_a man_n to_o be_v a_o lawgiver_n to_o the_o church_n in_o substantial_o but_o only_o to_o deliver_v the_o law_n which_o he_o have_v give_v to_o interpret_v they_o and_o to_o determine_v circumstantial_n not_o by_o he_o determine_v 46._o where_o god_n ow_v man_n doctrine_n and_o example_n by_o miracle_n they_o be_v to_o be_v take_v as_o infallible_o divine_a much_o more_o when_o commission_n promise_v and_o miracle_n do_v concur_v which_o confirm_v the_o apostle_n example_n for_o currant_n 47._o so_o that_o if_o any_o of_o the_o â—ings_n or_o prophet_n have_v give_v law_n and_o form_v the_o church_n as_o moses_n they_o have_v not_o be_v bind_v because_o without_o the_o say_a commission_n or_o if_o any_o other_o minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n shall_v by_o word_n or_o action_n arrogate_v a_o apostolical_a privilege_n 48._o there_o be_v no_o verity_n about_o god_n or_o the_o chief_a happiness_n of_o man_n write_v in_o nature_n but_o it_o be_v to_o be_v find_v write_v in_o scripture_n 49._o so_o that_o the_o same_o thing_n may_v in_o these_o several_a respect_n be_v the_o object_n both_o of_o knowledge_n and_o of_o faith_n 50._o the_o scripture_n be_v so_o perfect_a a_o transcript_n of_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n or_o reason_n be_v much_o more_o to_o be_v credit_v in_o its_o supernatural_a revelation_n 51._o the_o probability_n of_o most_o thing_n and_o the_o possibility_n of_o all_o thing_n contain_v in_o the_o scripture_n may_v well_o be_v discern_v by_o reason_n itself_o which_o make_v their_o existence_n or_o futurity_n the_o more_o easy_a to_o be_v believe_v 52._o yet_o before_o this_o existence_n or_o futurity_n of_o any_o thing_n beyond_o the_o reach_n of_o reason_n can_v be_v sound_o believe_v the_o testimony_n must_v be_v know_v to_o be_v true_o divine_a 53._o yet_o a_o belief_n of_o scripture_n doctrine_n as_o probable_a do_v usual_o go_v before_o a_o belief_n of_o certainty_n and_o be_v a_o good_a preparative_n thereto_o 54._o the_o direct_a express_a sense_n must_v be_v believe_v direct_o and_o absolute_o as_o infallible_a and_o the_o consequence_n where_o they_o may_v be_v clear_o and_o certain_o raise_v but_o where_o there_o be_v danger_n of_o err_v in_o raise_v consequence_n the_o assent_n can_v be_v but_o weak_a and_o conditional_a 55._o a_o consequence_n raise_v from_o scripture_n be_v no_o part_n of_o the_o immediate_a sense_n can_v be_v call_v any_o part_n of_o scripture_n 56._o where_o one_o of_o the_o premise_n be_v in_o nature_n and_o the_o other_o only_o in_o scripture_n there_o the_o conclusion_n be_v mix_v partly_o know_v and_o partly_o believe_v that_o it_o be_v the_o consequence_n of_o those_o premise_n be_v know_v but_o that_o it_o be_v a_o truth_n be_v as_o i_o say_v apprehend_v by_o a_o mix_a act._n such_o be_v a_o christian_n conclude_v himself_o to_o be_v justify_v and_o sanctify_v etc._n etc._n 57_o where_o through_o weakness_n we_o be_v unable_a to_o discern_v the_o consequence_n there_o be_v enough_o in_o the_o express_a direct_a sense_n for_o salvation_n 58._o where_o the_o sense_n be_v not_o unstood_v there_o the_o belief_n can_v be_v but_o implicit_a 59_o where_o the_o sense_n be_v partly_o understand_v but_o with_o some_o doubt_v the_o belief_n can_v be_v but_o conditional_o explicit_a that_o be_v we_o believe_v it_o if_o it_o be_v the_o sense_n of_o the_o word_n 60._o fundamental_o must_v be_v believe_v explicit_o and_o absolute_o chap._n four_o the_o first_o argument_n to_o prove_v scripture_n to_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n sect_n four_o 1._o have_v thus_o show_v you_o in_o what_o sense_n the_o scripture_n be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o how_o far_o to_o be_v believe_v and_o what_o be_v the_o excellency_n necessity_n and_o authority_n of_o they_o 3.16_o i_o shall_v now_o add_v three_o or_o four_o argument_n to_o help_v your_o faith_n which_o i_o hope_v will_v not_o only_o prove_v they_o to_o be_v divine_a testimony_n to_o the_o substance_n of_o doctrine_n though_o that_o be_v a_o useful_a work_n against_o our_o unbelief_n but_o also_o that_o they_o be_v the_o very_a write_v law_n of_o god_n and_o a_o perfect_a rule_n of_o faith_n and_o duty_n my_o argument_n shall_v be_v but_o few_o because_o i_o handle_v it_o but_o on_o the_o by_o and_o those_o such_o as_o i_o find_v little_a of_o in_o other_o writing_n lest_o i_o shall_v waste_v time_n in_o do_v what_o be_v do_v to_o my_o hand_n 1._o those_o writing_n and_o that_o doctrine_n which_o be_v confirm_v by_o many_o &_o real_a 443._o miracle_n must_v needs_o be_v of_o god_n and_o consequent_o of_o undoubted_a truth_n but_o the_o book_n and_o doctrine_n of_o canonical_a scripture_n be_v so_o confirm_v therefore_o etc._n etc._n against_o the_o major_a proposition_n nothing_o of_o any_o moment_n can_v be_v say_v for_o it_o be_v a_o truth_n apparent_a enough_o to_o nature_n that_o none_o but_o god_n can_v work_v real_a miracle_n or_o at_o lest_o none_o but_o those_o who_o he_o do_v especial_o enable_v thereto_o and_o it_o be_v as_o manifest_v that_o the_o righteous_a and_o faithful_a god_n will_v not_o give_v this_o power_n for_o a_o seal_n to_o any_o falsehood_n or_o deceit_n the_o usual_a objection_n be_v these_o first_o antichrist_n shall_v come_v with_o lie_v wonder_n answ._n they_o be_v no_o true_a 20._o miracle_n as_o they_o be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 2_o thess._n 2.9_o lie_v in_o seal_v to_o a_o lie_a doctrine_n so_o also_o in_o be_v but_o seem_v and_o counterfeit_a miracle_n the_o like_a may_v be_v say_v to_o those_o of_o pharaoh_n magician_n and_o all_o other_o sorcerer_n and_o witch_n and_o those_o that_o may_v be_v wrought_v by_o satan_n himself_o they_o may_v be_v wonder_n but_o not_o miracle_n object_n 2._o god_n may_v enable_v false_a prophet_n to_o work_v miracle_n to_o try_v the_o world_n without_o any_o derogation_n to_o his_o faithfulness_n answ._n no_o for_o divine_a power_n be_v proper_o the_o attendant_n of_o divine_a revelation_n if_o it_o shall_v be_v annex_v to_o diabolical_a delusion_n it_o will_v be_v a_o sufficient_a excuse_n to_o the_o world_n for_o their_o believe_v those_o delusion_n and_o if_o miracle_n shall_v not_o be_v a_o sufficient_a seal_n to_o prove_v the_o authority_n of_o the_o witness_n to_o be_v divine_a then_o be_v there_o nothing_o in_o the_o world_n sufficient_a and_o so_o our_o faith_n will_v be_v quite_o overthrow_v object_n but_o however_o miracle_n will_v no_o more_o prove_v christ_n to_o be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n than_o they_o will_v prove_v moses_n elias_n or_o elisha_n to_o be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n for_o they_o wrought_v miracle_n as_o well_o as_o christ._n answ._n miracle_n be_v god_n seal_v not_o to_o extol_v the_o person_n that_o be_v instrumental_a nor_o for_o his_o glory_n but_o to_o extol_v god_n and_o for_o his_o own_o glory_n god_n do_v not_o entrust_v any_o creature_n with_o this_o seal_n so_o absolute_o as_o that_o they_o may_v use_v it_o when_o and_o in_o what_o case_n they_o please_v if_o moses_n or_o elias_n have_v affirm_v themselves_o to_o be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n they_o can_v never_o have_v confirm_v that_o affirmation_n with_o a_o miracle_n for_o god_n will_v not_o have_v seal_v to_o a_o lie_n christ_n power_n of_o work_a miracle_n do_v not_o immediate_o prove_v he_o to_o be_v the_o christ._n but_o it_o immediate_o prove_v his_o testimony_n to_o be_v divine_a and_o that_o testimony_n speak_v his_o nature_n and_o office_n so_o that_o the_o power_n of_o miracle_n in_o the_o prophet_n and_o apostle_n be_v not_o to_o aâ—â—est_v to_o their_o own_o greatness_n but_o to_o the_o truth_n of_o their_o testimony_n concern_v christ._n
will_v fill_v man_n ear_n with_o the_o constant_a lamentation_n of_o their_o miserable_a state_n and_o despair_a accusation_n against_o themselves_o as_o if_o they_o have_v be_v the_o most_o humble_a people_n in_o the_o world_n and_o yet_o be_v as_o passionate_a in_o the_o maintain_v their_o innocency_n when_o another_o accuse_v they_o and_o as_o intolerable_o peevish_a and_o tender_a of_o their_o own_o reputation_n in_o any_o thing_n they_o be_v blame_v for_o as_o if_o they_o be_v the_o proud_a person_n on_o earth_n still_o deny_v or_o extenuate_v every_o disgraceful_a fault_n that_o they_o be_v charge_v with_o this_o cherish_n of_o sin_n do_v hinder_v assurance_n these_o four_o way_n 1._o it_o do_v abate_v the_o degree_n of_o our_o grace_n and_o so_o make_v they_o more_o undiscernible_a 2._o it_o obscure_v that_o which_o it_o destroy_v not_o for_o it_o bear_v such_o sway_n that_o grace_n be_v not_o in_o action_n nor_o see_v to_o stir_v nor_o scarce_o hear_v speak_v for_o the_o noise_n of_o this_o corruption_n 3._o it_o put_v out_o or_o dim_v the_o eye_n of_o the_o soul_n that_o it_o can_v see_v its_o own_o condition_n and_o it_o benumb_v and_o stupifi_v that_o he_o can_v feel_v its_o own_o case_n 4._o but_o especial_o it_o provoke_v god_n to_o withdraw_v himself_o his_o comfort_n and_o the_o assistance_n of_o the_o spirit_n without_o which_o we_o may_v search_v long_o enough_o before_o we_o have_v assurance_n god_n have_v make_v a_o separation_n betwixt_o sin_n and_o peace_n preface_n though_o they_o may_v consist_v together_o in_o remiss_a degree_n yet_o so_o much_o as_o sin_n prevail_v in_o the_o soul_n so_o much_o will_v the_o peace_n of_o that_o soul_n be_v defective_a as_o long_o as_o thou_o do_v favour_n or_o cherish_v thy_o pride_n and_o self-esteem_a thy_o aspire_a project_n and_o love_n of_o the_o world_n thy_o secret_a lust_n and_o please_a the_o desire_n of_o the_o flesh_n or_o any_o the_o like_a unchristian_a practice_n thou_o expect_v assurance_n and_o comfort_n in_o vain_a god_n will_v not_o encourage_v thou_o by_o his_o precious_a gift_n in_o a_o course_n of_o sin_v this_o worm_n will_v be_v crawl_v and_o gnaw_v upon_o thy_o conscience_n it_o will_v be_v a_o frete_n devour_a canker_n to_o thy_o consolation_n thou_o may_v steal_v a_o spark_n of_o false_a comfort_n from_o thy_o worldly_a prosperity_n or_o delight_n or_o thou_o may_v have_v it_o from_o some_o false_a opinion_n or_o from_o the_o delusion_n of_o satan_n but_o from_o god_n thou_o will_v have_v no_o more_o comfort_n than_o thou_o make_v conscience_n of_o sin_v however_o a_o antinomian_n may_v tell_v thou_o that_o thy_o comfort_n have_v no_o such_o dependence_n upon_o thy_o obedience_n nor_o thy_o discomfort_n upon_o thy_o disobedience_n and_o therefore_o may_v speak_v as_o much_o peace_n to_o thou_o in_o the_o course_n of_o thy_o sin_v as_o in_o thy_o most_o conscionable_a walk_n yet_o thou_o shall_v find_v by_o experience_n that_o god_n will_v not_o do_v so_o if_o any_o man_n set_v up_o his_o idol_n in_o his_o heart_n and_o put_v the_o stumble_a block_n of_o his_o iniquity_n before_o his_o face_n and_o come_v to_o a_o minister_n or_o to_o god_n to_o inquire_v for_o assurance_n and_o comfort_n god_n will_v answer_v that_o man_n by_o himself_o and_o in_o stead_n of_o comfort_v he_o he_o will_v set_v his_o face_n against_o he_o he_o will_v answer_v he_o according_a to_o the_o multitude_n of_o his_o idol_n read_v ezek._n 14.3_o 4_o 5_o 6_o 7_o 8_o 9_o sect_n xviii_o 9_o another_o very_a great_a and_o common_a cause_n of_o want_n of_o assurance_n and_o comfort_n 18._o be_v when_o man_n grow_v lazy_a in_o the_o spiritual_a part_n of_o duty_n and_o keep_v not_o up_o their_o grace_n in_o constant_a and_o lively_a action_n as_o dr_n sibbs_n say_v true_o it_o be_v the_o lazy_a christian_a common_o that_o lack_v assurance_n the_o way_n of_o painful_a duty_n be_v the_o way_n of_o full_a comfort_n christ_n carry_v all_o our_o comfort_n in_o his_o hand_n if_o we_o be_v out_o of_o that_o way_n where_o christ_n be_v to_o be_v meet_v we_o be_v out_o of_o the_o way_n where_o comfort_n be_v to_o be_v have_v these_o three_o way_n do_v this_o laziness_n debar_v we_o of_o our_o comfort_n 1._o by_o stop_v the_o fountain_n and_o cause_v christ_n to_o withhold_v this_o blessing_n from_o we_o 481._o parent_n use_v not_o to_o smile_v upon_o child_n in_o their_o neglect_n and_o disobedience_n so_o far_o as_o the_o spirit_n be_v grieve_v he_o will_v suspend_v his_o consolation_n assurance_n and_o peace_n be_v christ_n great_a encouragement_n to_o faithfulness_n and_o obedience_n and_o therefore_o though_o our_o obedience_n do_v not_o merit_v they_o yet_o they_o usual_o rise_v and_o fall_v with_o our_o diligence_n in_o duty_n they_o that_o have_v entertain_v the_o antinomian_a dotage_n to_o cover_v their_o idleness_n and_o viciousness_n may_v talk_v their_o nonsense_n against_o this_o at_o pleasure_n but_o the_o laborious_a christian_a know_v it_o by_o experience_n as_o prayer_n must_v have_v faith_n and_o fervency_n to_o procure_v its_o success_n beside_o the_o bloodshed_n and_o intercession_n of_o christ_n jam._n 5.15_o 16._o so_o must_v all_o other_o part_n of_o our_o obedience_n he_o that_o will_v say_v to_o we_o in_o that_o triumph_v day_n well_o do_v good_a and_o faithful_a servant_n etc._n etc._n enter_z thou_o into_o the_o joy_n of_o thy_o lord_n will_v also_o clap_v his_o servant_n upon_o the_o back_n in_o their_o most_o affectionate_a and_o spiritual_a duty_n and_o say_v well_o do_v good_a and_o faithful_a servant_n take_v this_o fore-taste_a of_o thy_o everlasting_a joy_n if_o thou_o grow_v seldom_o and_o customary_a and_o cold_a in_o duty_n especial_o in_o thy_o secret_a prayer_n to_o god_n and_o yet_o find_v no_o abatement_n in_o thy_o joy_n i_o can_v but_o fear_n that_o thy_o joy_n be_v either_o carnal_a or_o diabolical_a 2._o grace_n be_v never_o apparent_a and_o sensible_a to_o the_o soul_n but_o while_o it_o be_v in_o action_n therefore_o want_v of_o action_n must_v needs_o cause_v want_n of_o assurance_n habit_n be_v not_o feel_v immediate_o but_o by_o the_o freeness_n and_o facility_n of_o their_o act_n of_o the_o very_a be_v of_o the_o soul_n itself_o nothing_o be_v feel_v or_o perceive_v if_o any_o more_o be_v but_o only_a its_o acts._n the_o fire_n that_o lie_v still_o in_o the_o flint_n be_v neither_o see_v nor_o feel_v but_o when_o you_o smite_v it_o and_o force_v it_o into_o act_n it_o be_v easy_o discern_v the_o great_a action_n do_v force_v the_o great_a observation_n whereas_o the_o dead_a or_o unactive_a be_v not_o remember_v or_o take_v notice_n of_o those_o that_o have_v long_o lie_v still_o in_o their_o grave_n be_v out_o of_o man_n thought_n as_o well_o as_o their_o sight_n but_o those_o that_o walk_v their_o street_n and_o bear_v rule_n among_o they_o be_v note_v by_o all_o it_o be_v so_o with_o our_o grace_n that_o you_o have_v a_o habit_n of_o love_n or_o faith_n you_o can_v not_o otherwise_o know_v but_o as_o a_o consequence_n by_o reason_v but_o that_o you_o may_v have_v the_o act_v you_o may_v know_v by_o feel_v if_o you_o see_v a_o man_n lie_v still_o in_o the_o way_n what_o will_v you_o do_v to_o know_v whether_o he_o be_v drink_v or_o in_o a_o swoon_n or_o dead_a will_v you_o not_o stir_v he_o or_o speak_v to_o he_o to_o see_v whether_o he_o can_v go_v or_o feel_v his_o pulse_n or_o observe_v his_o breath_n know_v that_o where_o there_o be_v life_n their_o be_v some_o kind_n of_o motion_n i_o earnest_o beseech_v thou_o christian_n observe_v and_o practice_v this_o excellent_a rule_n thou_o now_o know_v not_o whether_o thou_o have_v repentance_n or_o faith_n or_o love_n or_o joy_n why_o be_v more_o in_o the_o act_n of_o these_o and_o thou_o will_v easy_o know_v it_o ☜_o draw_v forth_o a_o object_n for_o godly_a sorrow_n or_o faith_n or_o love_n or_o joy_n and_o lay_v thy_o heart_n flat_a unto_o it_o and_o take_v pain_n to_o provoke_v it_o into_o suitable_a action_n and_o then_o see_v whether_o thou_o have_v these_o grace_n or_o no._n as_o doctor_n sibbs_n observe_v there_o be_v sometime_o grief_n for_o sin_n in_o we_o when_o we_o think_v there_o be_v none_o 481._o it_o want_v but_o stirâ—ing_v up_o by_o some_o quicken_a word_n the_o like_a he_o say_v of_o love_n and_o may_v be_v say_v of_o every_o other_o grace_n you_o may_v go_v seek_v for_o the_o hare_n or_o partridge_n many_o hour_n and_o never_o find_v they_o while_o they_o lie_v close_o and_o stir_v not_o but_o when_o once_o the_o hare_n betake_v himself_o to_o his_o leg_n and_o the_o bird_n to_o her_o wing_n than_o you_o see_v they_o present_o so_o long_o as_o a_o christian_a have_v his_o grace_n in_o lively_a action_n so_o long_o for_o the_o most_o
they_o come_v to_o their_o reckon_n one_o sumptuous_a feast_n or_o one_o costly_a suit_n of_o apparel_n will_v maintain_v a_o poor_a boy_n a_o year_n or_o two_o at_o the_o university_n who_o perhaps_o may_v come_v to_o have_v more_o true_a worth_n in_o he_o than_o many_o a_o glitter_a sensual_a lord_n and_o to_o do_v god_n more_o service_n in_o his_o church_n than_o ever_o they_o do_v with_o all_o their_o estate_n and_o power_n sect_n xvi_o 3._o and_o when_o you_o do_v enjoy_v the_o blessing_n of_o the_o gospel_n 16._o you_o must_v yet_o use_v your_o utmost_a diligence_n to_o help_v poor_a soul_n to_o receive_v the_o fruit_n of_o it_o to_o which_o end_n you_o must_v draw_v they_o constant_o to_o hear_v and_o attend_v it_o mind_v they_o often_o of_o what_o they_o have_v hear_v draw_v they_o if_o it_o be_v possible_a to_o repeat_v it_o in_o their_o family_n if_o that_o can_v be_v then_o draw_v they_o to_o come_v to_o other_o that_o do_v repeat_v it_o that_o so_o it_o may_v not_o die_v in_o the_o hear_n the_o very_a draw_v of_o man_n into_o the_o company_n and_o acquaintance_n of_o the_o godly_a beside_o the_o benefit_n they_o have_v by_o their_o endeavour_n be_v of_o singular_a use_n to_o the_o recovery_n of_o their_o soul_n association_n breed_v familiarity_n and_o familiarity_n breed_v love_n and_o familiarity_n and_o love_n to_o the_o godly_a do_v lead_v to_o familiarity_n and_o love_n to_o god_n and_o godliness_n it_o be_v also_o a_o mean_n to_o take_v off_o prejudice_n by_o confute_v the_o world_n slander_n of_o the_o way_n and_o people_n of_o god_n use_v therefore_o often_o to_o meet_v together_o beside_o the_o more_o public_a meeting_n in_o the_o congregation_n not_o to_o vent_v any_o unsound_a opinion_n nor_o yet_o in_o distaste_n of_o the_o public_a meeting_n nor_o in_o opposition_n to_o it_o nor_o at_o the_o time_n of_o public_a worship_n nor_o yet_o to_o make_v a_o groundless_a schism_n or_o to_o separate_v from_o the_o church_n whereof_o you_o be_v member_n nor_o to_o destroy_v the_o old_a that_o you_o may_v gather_v a_o new_a church_n out_o of_o its_o ruin_n as_o long_o as_o it_o have_v the_o essential_o and_o there_o be_v hope_n of_o reform_v it_o nor_o yet_o will_v i_o have_v you_o forward_o to_o vent_v your_o own_o suppose_a gift_n and_o part_n in_o teach_v where_o there_o be_v no_o necessity_n of_o it_o nor_o to_o attempt_v that_o in_o the_o interpretation_n of_o difficult_a scripture_n or_o explication_n of_o difficult_a controversy_n which_o be_v beyond_o your_o ability_n though_o perhaps_o pride_n will_v tell_v you_o that_o you_o be_v as_o able_a as_o any_o but_o the_o work_n which_o i_o will_v have_v you_o meet_v about_o be_v this_o to_o repeat_v together_o the_o word_n which_o you_o have_v hear_v in_o public_a to_o pour_v out_o your_o joint_a prayer_n for_o the_o church_n and_o pour_v self_n to_o join_v in_o cheerful_a sing_v the_o praise_n of_o god_n to_o open_v your_o scruple_n and_o doubt_n and_o fear_n and_o get_v resolution_n to_o quicken_v each_o other_o in_o love_n and_o heavenliness_n and_o holy_a walk_n and_o all_o this_o not_o as_o a_o separate_a church_n but_o as_o a_o part_n of_o the_o church_n more_o diligent_a than_o the_o rest_n in_o redeem_v time_n and_o help_v the_o soul_n of_o each_o other_o heaven-ward_n i_o know_v some_o careless_a one_o think_v this_o course_n needless_a and_o i_o know_v some_o formalist_n do_v think_v it_o schismatical_a who_o have_v nothing_o of_o any_o moment_n to_o say_v against_o it_o against_o both_o these_o if_o i_o dare_v so_o far_o digress_v i_o can_v easy_o prove_v it_o warrantable_a and_o useful_a i_o know_v also_o that_o many_o of_o late_o do_v abuse_v private_a meeting_n to_o schism_n and_o to_o vilify_v god_n ordinance_n and_o vent_v the_o windy_a issue_n of_o their_o empty_a brain_n but_o betwixt_o these_o extreme_n i_o advise_v you_o to_o walk_v and_o neither_o to_o forsake_v the_o assemble_v of_o yourselves_o together_o as_o the_o manner_n of_o some_o be_v but_o exhort_v one_o another_o heb._n 10.25_o nor_o yet_o to_o be_v carry_v about_o with_o divers_a and_o strange_a doctrine_n but_o let_v all_o your_o private_a meeting_n be_v in_o subordination_n to_o the_o public_a and_o by_o the_o approbation_n and_o consent_n of_o your_o spiritual_a guide_n and_o not_o without_o they_o of_o your_o own_o head_n where_o such_o guide_n be_v man_n of_o knowledge_n and_o godliness_n remember_v they_o which_o have_v the_o rule_n over_o you_o which_o speak_v to_o you_o the_o word_n of_o god_n follow_v their_o faith_n and_o as_o man_n who_o heart_n be_v establish_v with_o grace_n consider_v the_o whole_a end_n of_o a_o christian_n conversation_n jesus_n christ_n the_o same_o yesterday_o and_o to_o day_n and_o for_o ever_o heb._n 13.7_o 8_o 9_o 17._o and_o i_o beseech_v you_o brethren_n mark_v they_o which_o cause_n division_n and_o offence_n contrary_a to_o the_o doctrine_n which_o you_o have_v learn_v and_o avoid_v they_o for_o they_o that_o be_v such_o serve_v not_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n but_o their_o own_o belly_n and_o by_o good_a word_n and_o fair_a speech_n deceive_v the_o heart_n of_o the_o simple_a rom._n 16.17_o 18._o i_o will_v you_o will_v ponder_v every_o one_o of_o these_o word_n for_o they_o be_v the_o precious_a advice_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n and_o necessary_a now_o as_o well_o as_o then_o sect_n xvii_o 4._o one_o thing_n more_o i_o advise_v you_o concern_v this_o 17._o if_o you_o will_v have_v soul_n convert_v and_o save_v by_o the_o ordinance_n labour_v still_o to_o keep_v the_o ordinance_n and_o ministry_n in_o esteem_n no_o man_n will_v be_v much_o wrought_v on_o by_o that_o which_o he_o despise_v the_o great_a cause_n of_o this_o contempt_n be_v a_o pervert_v judgement_n and_o a_o graceless_a heart_n it_o be_v no_o more_o wonder_n for_o a_o soul_n to_o loathe_v the_o ordinance_n that_o savour_v not_o their_o spiritual_a nature_n nor_o see_v god_n in_o they_o nor_o be_v thorough_o wrought_v on_o by_o they_o than_o it_o be_v for_o a_o sick_a man_n to_o loathe_v his_o food_n nor_o be_v it_o any_o wonder_n for_o a_o pervert_v understanding_n to_o make_v a_o jest_n of_o god_n himself_o much_o less_o to_o set_v light_n by_o his_o ordinance_n oh_o what_o a_o rare_a blessing_n be_v a_o clear_a sound_a sanctify_a judgement_n where_o this_o be_v want_v the_o most_o hellish_a vice_n may_v seem_v a_o virtue_n and_o the_o most_o sacred_a ordinance_n of_o divine_a institution_n may_v seem_v as_o the_o water_n of_o jordan_n to_o naaman_n if_o any_o enemy_n to_o god_n ordinance_n assault_v you_o i_o refer_v you_o to_o the_o read_n of_o mr_n hen_n lawrence_n late_a book_n for_o ordinance_n the_o profane_a scorner_n of_o ministry_n and_o worship_n heretofore_o be_v the_o mean_n of_o keep_v many_o a_o soul_n from_o heaven_n but_o the_o late_a generation_n specâ—â—vi_fw-la of_o proud_a ignorant_a sectary_n among_o we_o have_v quite_o outstripped_n in_o this_o the_o vile_a persecutor_n oh_o how_o many_o soul_n may_v curse_v these_o wretch_n in_o hell_n for_o ever_o that_o have_v by_o they_o be_v bring_v to_o contemn_v the_o mean_n that_o shall_v save_v they_o by_o many_o year_n experience_n in_o my_o converse_v with_o these_o man_n i_o can_v speak_v it_o know_o that_o the_o chief_a of_o their_o zeal_n be_v let_v out_o against_o the_o faithful_a minister_n of_o christ_n he_o be_v the_o able_a of_o their_o preacher_n that_o can_v rail_v at_o they_o in_o the_o most_o devilish_a language_n it_o be_v their_o most_o common_a discourse_n in_o all_o company_n both_o godly_a and_o profane_a to_o vilify_v the_o ministry_n and_o make_v they_o odious_a to_o all_o partly_o by_o slander_n and_o partly_o by_o scorn_n be_v this_o the_o way_n to_o win_v soul_n whereas_o former_o they_o think_v that_o if_o a_o man_n be_v win_v to_o a_o love_n of_o the_o ministry_n and_o ordinance_n he_o be_v in_o a_o hopeful_a way_n of_o be_v win_v to_o god_n now_o these_o man_n be_v as_o diligent_a to_o bring_v all_o man_n to_o scorn_v they_o as_o if_o this_o be_v all_o that_o be_v necessary_a to_o the_o save_n of_o their_o soul_n and_o he_o only_o shall_v be_v happy_a that_o can_v deride_v at_o minister_n and_o discipline_n if_o any_o doubt_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o what_o i_o say_v he_o be_v a_o stranger_n in_o england_n and_o for_o his_o satisfaction_n let_v he_o read_v all_o the_o book_n of_o martin_n marpriest_n and_o tell_v i_o whether_o the_o devil_n ever_o speak_v so_o with_o a_o tongue_n of_o flesh_n before_o for_o you_o my_o dear_a friend_n i_o acknowledge_v to_o god_n praise_n that_o you_o be_v as_o far_o from_o the_o contempt_n of_o ordinance_n or_o ministry_n as_o any_o people_n i_o know_v in_o the_o land_n i_o shall_v confirm_v you_o herein_o not_o