careful_a in_o withstand_v this_o dangerous_a assault_n for_o there_o be_v not_o any_o one_o temptation_n wherewith_o satan_n prevail_v more_o than_o by_o persuade_v man_n to_o content_v themselves_o with_o a_o civil_a kind_n of_o honesty_n which_o be_v destitute_a of_o religion_n and_o the_o true_a fear_n of_o god_n and_o to_o this_o end_n let_v we_o consider_v that_o civil_a honesty_n sever_v from_o true_a piety_n be_v but_o glorious_a iniquity_n for_o when_o we_o have_v attain_v to_o as_o great_a a_o measure_n thereof_o as_o possible_o we_o can_v in_o this_o age_n of_o corruption_n we_o shall_v come_v short_a in_o diverse_a duty_n of_o many_o of_o the_o heathen_n who_o have_v excel_v in_o these_o moral_a and_o civil_a virtue_n and_o consequent_o when_o we_o be_v at_o the_o best_a we_o shall_v be_v but_o honest_a infidel_n and_o good_a nature_a worldling_n if_o we_o do_v not_o join_v thereunto_o the_o duty_n of_o piety_n and_o how_o goodly_a a_o show_n soever_o our_o work_n make_v in_o the_o eye_n of_o man_n yet_o be_v they_o odious_a in_o god_n sight_n if_o they_o be_v not_o do_v in_o knowledge_n and_o ground_v on_o god_n word_n and_o commandment_n but_o in_o ignorance_n and_o according_a to_o our_o own_o invention_n and_o the_o fond_a conceit_n of_o our_o blind_a understanding_n if_o they_o proceed_v not_o from_o the_o true_a love_n of_o god_n which_o be_v the_o only_a fountain_n of_o all_o acceptable_a obedience_n but_o from_o the_o love_n of_o ourselves_o and_o other_o carnal_a respect_n if_o they_o be_v not_o the_o fruit_n of_o a_o lively_a faith_n but_o do_v in_o ignorance_n and_o infidelity_n for_o what_o soever_o be_v not_o do_v in_o faith_n be_v sin_n 11.6_o rom._n 14.23_o heb._n 11.6_o as_o it_o be_v rom._n 14.23_o and_o therefore_o can_v please_v god_n heb._n 11.6_o by_o which_o we_o be_v not_o to_o understand_v a_o historical_a faith_n whereby_o we_o know_v and_o be_v assure_v that_o those_o work_n we_o do_v be_v command_v in_o god_n word_n but_o a_o true_a justify_n faith_n which_o do_v apply_v unto_o we_o christ_n jesus_n and_o all_o god_n merciful_a promise_n make_v in_o he_o for_o that_o our_o work_n may_v be_v acceptable_a before_o god_n there_o be_v require_v first_o that_o our_o person_n be_v acceptable_a unto_o he_o neither_o can_v any_o thing_n we_o do_v please_v he_o so_o long_o as_o we_o remain_v his_o enemy_n in_o which_o state_n we_o be_v by_o nature_n till_o we_o be_v reconcile_v in_o christ_n our_o mediator_n as_o appear_v rom._n 5.10_o 1.20_o rom._n 5.10_o col._n 1.20_o now_o unless_o we_o have_v faith_n we_o can_v apply_v unto_o we_o christ_n nor_o his_o merit_n and_o righteousness_n by_o who_o only_o we_o be_v reconcile_v unto_o god_n and_o consequent_o we_o remain_v god_n enemy_n who_o can_v do_v nothing_o please_v in_o his_o sight_n second_o the_o best_a of_o our_o work_n be_v imperfect_a and_o mingle_v with_o many_o corruption_n and_o therefore_o can_v abide_v the_o examination_n of_o god_n exact_a justice_n till_o their_o imperfection_n be_v cover_v by_o christ_n righteousness_n and_o their_o corruption_n wash_v away_o with_o his_o most_o precious_a blood_n now_o christ_n and_o his_o merit_n can_v by_o any_o other_o mean_n be_v apply_v unto_o we_o but_o by_o the_o hand_n of_o a_o lively_a faith_n last_o if_o all_o our_o work_n and_o honest_a deal_n be_v not_o do_v in_o zeal_n of_o god_n glory_n &_o refer_v to_o this_o end_n that_o god_n name_n may_v be_v magnify_v they_o be_v not_o acceptable_a before_o god_n for_o the_o cause_n why_o he_o will_v have_v our_o light_n shine_v before_o man_n be_v that_o he_o our_o heavenly_a father_n may_v be_v glorify_v 3.16_o matth._n 3.16_o as_o it_o be_v matth_n 5._o 16._o and_o the_o main_a and_o wherefore_o we_o shall_v have_v our_o conversation_n honest_a among_o the_o gentile_n and_o unbeliever_n be_v that_o they_o which_o speak_v evil_a of_o we_o as_o of_o evil_a doer_n may_v by_o our_o good_a work_n which_o they_o shall_v see_v glorify_v god_n in_o the_o day_n of_o their_o visitation_n 2.12_o 1._o pet._n 2.12_o as_o it_o be_v 1._o pet._n 2.12_o and_o therefore_o let_v not_o satan_n deceive_v we_o in_o persuade_v we_o to_o rest_v in_o civil_a honesty_n for_o if_o it_o be_v sever_v from_o true_a piety_n from_o save_v knowledge_n from_o sincere_a love_n of_o god_n justify_v faith_n and_o a_o zeal_n of_o god_n glory_n it_o will_v not_o be_v acceptable_a in_o god_n sight_n as_o proceed_v from_o the_o love_n of_o ourselves_o and_o other_o carnal_a respect_n namely_o to_o obtain_v praise_n or_o profit_n thereby_o §_o sect._n 5_o and_o thus_o satan_n deal_v with_o civil_a worldling_n but_o if_o those_o which_o he_o incounter_v be_v professor_n of_o religion_n religion_n how_o satan_n deal_v with_o professor_n of_o religion_n than_o he_o seek_v to_o persuade_v they_o that_o if_o they_o outward_o perform_v the_o duty_n of_o piety_n as_o the_o hear_n of_o god_n word_n the_o public_a and_o private_a call_n upon_o god_n name_n the_o frequent_a receive_n of_o the_o sacrament_n if_o they_o attain_v to_o the_o knowledge_n and_o profession_n of_o religion_n and_o can_v tip_v their_o tongue_n with_o godliness_n then_o they_o may_v live_v how_o they_o listen_v among_o their_o brethren_n neglect_v all_o the_o duty_n of_o the_o second_o table_n so_o they_o outward_o observe_v the_o first_o for_o though_o they_o be_v barren_a of_o good_a work_n destitute_a of_o charity_n fill_v with_o pride_n addict_v to_o covetousness_n oppression_n and_o all_o deceitful_a deal_n yet_o they_o shall_v be_v justify_v by_o their_o faith_n and_o approve_v of_o god_n for_o their_o outward_a profession_n sake_n but_o let_v such_o man_n know_v that_o this_o be_v a_o notable_a stratagem_n of_o satan_n to_o cause_v we_o to_o fall_v into_o his_o secret_a ambushment_n to_o our_o destruction_n inseparable_a that_o piety_n and_o honesty_n be_v inseparable_a which_o if_o they_o will_v prevent_v and_o avoid_v let_v they_o consider_v that_o piety_n and_o charitable_a honesty_n be_v two_o such_o twin_n as_o be_v bear_v live_v and_o die_v both_o together_o that_o they_o be_v the_o life_n and_o soul_n of_o a_o christian_n which_o can_v possible_o be_v sever_v that_o it_o be_v as_o possible_a for_o the_o good_a tree_n to_o bring_v forth_o bad_a fruit_n for_o the_o fire_n to_o be_v without_o heat_n and_o the_o sun_n without_o light_n as_o it_o be_v for_o a_o lively_a faith_n to_o be_v void_a of_o good_a work_n true_a profession_n to_o be_v sever_v from_o holy_a practice_n and_o justification_n before_o god_n from_o sanctification_n and_o holiness_n of_o life_n before_o man_n that_o whosoever_o brag_v of_o his_o love_n to_o god_n and_o love_v not_o his_o brethren_n be_v a_o liar_n and_o there_o be_v no_o truth_n in_o he_o 4.20_o 1._o joh._n 4.20_o 1._o joh._n 4.20_o that_o though_o they_o profess_v themselves_o the_o child_n of_o god_n yet_o if_o they_o do_v not_o the_o work_n of_o righteousness_n as_o well_o as_o the_o work_n of_o piety_n and_o love_v their_o brethren_n they_o be_v in_o truth_n the_o child_n of_o the_o devil_n 2.13_o 1._o joh._n 3.10_o rom._n 2.13_o as_o appear_v 1._o joh._n 3.10_o that_o not_o the_o hearer_n of_o the_o word_n but_o the_o doer_n thereof_o be_v justify_v rom._n 2.13_o that_o not_o every_o one_o who_o say_v lord_n lord_n shall_v enter_v into_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n 7.21_o matth._n 7.21_o but_o they_o who_o do_v the_o will_n of_o the_o father_n which_o be_v in_o heaven_n matth._n 7.21_o that_o they_o deceive_v themselves_o who_o look_v to_o be_v save_v by_o hear_v the_o word_n 1.22_o jam._n 1.22_o if_o they_o practise_v not_o that_o which_o they_o hear_v jam._n 1.22_o for_o in_o stead_n thereof_o they_o shall_v plunge_v themselves_o into_o deep_a condemnation_n for_o the_o servant_n that_o know_v his_o master_n will_v and_o do_v it_o not_o 12.47_o luk._n 12.47_o shall_v be_v beat_v with_o many_o stripe_n luk._n 12.47_o and_o it_o shall_v be_v more_o easy_a for_o tyre_n and_o sidon_n sodom_n and_o gomorrah_n 11.21_o mat._n 11.21_o who_o have_v not_o the_o gospel_n preach_v among_o they_o nor_o see_v christ_n miracle_n than_o for_o corazin_n and_o bethsaida_n which_o enjoy_v both_o matth._n 11.21_o for_o there_o as_o he_o give_v great_a mean_n of_o knowledge_n there_o he_o expect_v great_a fruit_n in_o practice_n and_o as_o he_o will_v be_v honour_v in_o all_o so_o especial_o in_o those_o that_o come_v nigh_o unto_o he_o as_o it_o be_v levit._n 10.3_o last_o 10.3_o leu._n 10.3_o that_o the_o sentence_n of_o salvation_n and_o damnation_n shall_v not_o be_v give_v according_a to_o our_o word_n and_o profession_n but_o according_a to_o our_o deed_n and_o the_o holy_a practice_n of_o the_o work_n of_o mercy_n and_o christianity_n which_o be_v the_o inseparable_a fruit_n and_o
believe_v indeed_o yea_o as_o much_o more_o certain_a be_v this_o knowledge_n as_o the_o knowledge_n of_o faith_n ground_v upon_o god_n word_n which_o be_v infallible_a be_v more_o certain_a than_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o sense_n which_o be_v often_o deceive_v furthermore_o if_o we_o can_v not_o be_v assure_v that_o we_o have_v faith_n then_o to_o what_o purpose_n serve_v the_o admonition_n of_o the_o apostle_n 2._o cor._n 13.5_o 13.5_o 2._o cor._n 13.5_o try_v yourselves_o whether_o you_o be_v in_o the_o faith_n examine_v yourselves_o know_v you_o not_o your_o own_o self_n how_o that_o jesus_n christ_n be_v in_o you_o except_o you_o be_v reprobate_n in_o which_o word_n the_o apostle_n plain_o impli_v that_o we_o may_v know_v that_o we_o have_v a_o true_a and_o lively_a faith_n or_o else_o this_o trial_n and_o examination_n be_v vain_a nay_o he_o plain_o say_v that_o we_o may_v know_v that_o christ_n be_v in_o we_o except_o we_o be_v reprobate_n and_o consequent_o that_o we_o have_v faith_n for_o this_o only_a be_v the_o hand_n whereby_o we_o apply_v christ_n unto_o we_o and_o all_o his_o benefit_n 11.28_o 1._o cor._n 11.28_o so_o 1_o cor._n 11.28_o the_o apostle_n will_v we_o to_o examine_v ourselves_o before_o we_o come_v to_o the_o lord_n table_n that_o so_o we_o be_v not_o unworthy_a guest_n in_o which_o examination_n the_o chief_a thing_n which_o we_o be_v to_o respect_n be_v whether_o we_o have_v a_o true_a faith_n for_o this_o be_v the_o mouth_n of_o the_o soul_n whereby_o we_o feed_v upon_o the_o body_n and_o blood_n of_o our_o saviour_n christ_n and_o therefore_o unless_o we_o can_v know_v whether_o we_o have_v faith_n when_o we_o be_v true_o endue_v therewith_o this_o admonition_n of_o the_o apostle_n be_v to_o no_o purpose_n neither_o can_v we_o have_v any_o assurance_n to_o our_o own_o soul_n that_o we_o be_v worthy_a guest_n of_o the_o lord_n table_n and_o consequent_o we_o rest_v doubtful_a whether_o we_o receive_v the_o sacrament_n to_o our_o spiritual_a good_a and_o salvation_n or_o to_o our_o judgement_n and_o condemnation_n three_o we_o be_v assure_v of_o this_o by_o god_n word_n that_o whatsoever_o be_v not_o do_v of_o 14.23_o rom._n 14.23_o faith_n be_v sin_n rom._n 14.23_o 11.6_o heb._n 11.6_o and_o without_o faith_n it_o be_v impossible_a to_o please_v god_n heb._n 11.6_o if_o therefore_o we_o can_v be_v assure_v that_o we_o have_v faith_n we_o can_v have_v no_o assurance_n that_o our_o best_a action_n our_o call_n upon_o god_n name_n our_o hear_n of_o his_o word_n and_o all_o other_o duty_n of_o piety_n and_o justice_n be_v any_o better_a than_o sin_n and_o odious_a in_o god_n sight_n whereof_o it_o must_v needs_o follow_v that_o these_o action_n how_o good_a so_o ever_o in_o themselves_o will_v be_v do_v of_o we_o in_o doubt_v because_o we_o know_v not_o whether_o they_o be_v do_v in_o faith_n and_o be_v do_v doubt_o they_o become_v sin_n indeed_o and_o therefore_o displease_v in_o god_n sight_n last_o if_o i_o can_v know_v whether_o i_o believe_v a_o man_n upon_o his_o word_n and_o whether_o i_o trust_v and_o rely_v myself_o upon_o his_o promise_n or_o no_o why_o may_v i_o not_o much_o more_o know_v whether_o i_o believe_v god_n gracious_a promise_n make_v unto_o all_o repentant_a sinner_n and_o among_o the_o rest_n unto_o myself_o namely_o that_o for_o the_o obedience_n and_o merit_n of_o christ_n i_o shall_v have_v remission_n of_o my_o sin_n and_o everlasting_a life_n see_v this_o faith_n be_v not_o out_o of_o ourselves_o but_o a_o gift_n of_o god_n wrought_v in_o we_o by_o his_o holy_a spirit_n which_o be_v not_o idle_a in_o we_o for_o it_o purifi_v the_o heart_n and_o work_v by_o love_n it_o move_v we_o to_o hate_v and_o fly_v from_o those_o sin_n we_o have_v love_v and_o to_o embrace_v and_o love_v that_o holiness_n and_o righteousness_n of_o life_n which_o heretofore_o have_v be_v loathsome_a unto_o us._n as_o therefore_o the_o fire_n be_v know_v by_o his_o heat_n the_o sun_n by_o the_o light_n the_o good_a tree_n by_o his_o fruit_n so_o when_o our_o cold_a heart_n be_v inflame_v with_o the_o love_n of_o god_n and_o a_o fervent_a zeal_n of_o his_o glory_n when_o our_o blind_a understanding_n be_v enlighten_v with_o the_o knowledge_n of_o god_n and_o of_o the_o true_a religion_n when_o we_o bring_v forth_o the_o fruit_n of_o our_o profession_n in_o a_o godly_a and_o christian_n life_n then_o may_v we_o certain_o know_v that_o we_o be_v endue_v with_o a_o true_a and_o lively_a faith_n §_o sect._n 7_o but_o here_o the_o tempter_n will_v take_v occasion_n to_o persuade_v the_o weak_a christian_n and_o the_o trouble_a conscience_n answer_v a_o temptation_n ground_v upon_o our_o assurance_n of_o faith_n answer_v that_o he_o have_v no_o faith_n see_v he_o do_v not_o certain_o know_v that_o he_o have_v it_o nor_o discern_v these_o sign_n and_o fruit_n of_o faith_n in_o himself_o to_o this_o suggestion_n we_o be_v to_o answer_v that_o we_o do_v not_o say_v that_o the_o weak_a christian_n may_v be_v assure_v at_o all_o time_n that_o he_o have_v faith_n by_o his_o present_a sense_n for_o first_o when_o we_o be_v new_o convert_v and_o the_o seed_n of_o faith_n be_v sow_v in_o our_o heart_n we_o do_v not_o present_o discern_v it_o but_o as_o the_o corn_n which_o be_v cast_v into_o the_o ground_n be_v for_o a_o time_n cover_v and_o after_o spring_v up_o the_o blade_n and_o then_o the_o ear_n so_o faith_n be_v sow_v in_o our_o heart_n which_o first_o like_o fallow_a ground_n be_v plough_v up_o and_o as_o it_o be_v harrow_v and_o break_v with_o the_o threaten_n of_o the_o law_n and_o apprehension_n of_o god_n anger_n due_a unto_o our_o sin_n do_v in_o the_o time_n of_o our_o humiliation_n and_o contrition_n lie_v cover_v so_o as_o we_o can_v discern_v it_o till_o be_v more_o and_o more_o water_v with_o the_o water_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o the_o heavenly_a promise_n of_o the_o gospel_n which_o in_o the_o preach_n of_o the_o word_n like_o sweet_a dew_n and_o pleasant_a shower_n distil_v upon_o it_o it_o send_v forth_o the_o blade_n namely_o a_o holy_a desire_n and_o earnest_a endeavour_n to_o serve_v god_n and_o afterward_o the_o fruit_n even_o a_o plentiful_a harvest_n in_o godliness_n and_o righteousness_n of_o life_n and_o second_o sometime_o after_o that_o faith_n be_v begin_v in_o we_o and_o we_o have_v see_v the_o fruit_n thereof_o to_o our_o comfort_n it_o be_v after_o hide_v from_o we_o again_o as_o when_o either_o we_o wound_n our_o conscience_n by_o commit_v some_o grievous_a sin_n against_o knowledge_n witting_o and_o willing_o or_o when_o it_o please_v the_o lord_n to_o exercise_v we_o in_o the_o spiritual_a conflict_n of_o temptation_n for_o then_o sometime_o it_o come_v to_o pass_v that_o our_o faith_n for_o a_o time_n lie_v hide_v under_o the_o ash_n of_o our_o corruption_n and_o the_o cloud_n of_o our_o sin_n and_o the_o apprehension_n of_o god_n anger_n do_v so_o overshadow_v the_o eye_n of_o our_o understanding_n that_o we_o can_v discern_v the_o beam_n of_o god_n love_n and_o favour_n shine_v upon_o we_o although_o when_o the_o conflict_n be_v end_v our_o faith_n again_o flame_v out_o in_o the_o love_n of_o god_n and_o zeal_n of_o his_o glory_n and_o the_o love_a countenance_n of_o the_o lord_n shine_v gracious_o upon_o we_o when_o these_o cloud_n of_o temptation_n be_v overpast_v and_o therefore_o though_o we_o do_v not_o certain_o know_v our_o faith_n by_o the_o fruit_n thereof_o either_o soon_o after_o our_o conversion_n or_o in_o the_o time_n of_o temptation_n yet_o this_o must_v not_o discourage_v we_o because_o these_o be_v no_o fit_a time_n to_o judge_v thereof_o only_o when_o we_o want_v this_o knowledge_n and_o full_a assurance_n let_v we_o use_v all_o good_a mean_n ordain_v of_o god_n that_o we_o may_v attain_v thereunto_o if_o we_o never_o have_v it_o or_o recover_v and_o again_o renew_v it_o if_o after_o we_o have_v once_o have_v it_o we_o lose_v the_o sense_n and_o feel_n thereof_o either_o by_o fall_v into_o heinous_a sin_n or_o by_o the_o violence_n of_o satan_n temptation_n chap._n vii_o that_o we_o may_v be_v assure_v of_o our_o election_n prove_v by_o diverse_a argument_n §_o sect._n 1_o and_o thus_o have_v i_o show_v by_o plain_a testimony_n of_o scripture_n elect_v first_o because_o the_o gospel_n manifest_o show_v that_o we_o be_v elect_v that_o we_o may_v infallible_o be_v assure_v of_o our_o election_n now_o i_o will_v also_o prove_v the_o same_o by_o strong_a argument_n draw_v from_o the_o same_o fountain_n first_o therefore_o we_o may_v thus_o reason_n whatsoever_o be_v manifest_o show_v unto_o we_o in_o the_o gospel_n that_o we_o be_v bind_v to_o believe_v and_o of_o that_o we_o may_v be_v assure_v but_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
the_o which_o may_v minister_v unto_o every_o penitent_a sinner_n most_o sweet_a consolation_n for_o when_o they_o see_v that_o god_n be_v angry_a by_o reason_n of_o their_o sin_n &_o that_o he_o do_v greevous_o afflict_v they_o &_o even_o bring_v they_o as_o it_o be_v to_o the_o gate_n of_o hell_n this_o must_v not_o make_v the_o to_o cast_v of_o all_o hope_n &_o to_o fall_v into_o utter_a desperation_n but_o they_o must_v remember_v that_o these_o be_v not_o the_o lord_n proper_a work_n but_o strange_a unto_o he_o which_o he_o do_v to_o this_o end_n that_o he_o may_v bring_v to_o pass_v his_o own_o proper_a work_n which_o be_v agreeable_a to_o his_o nature_n that_o be_v that_o he_o may_v again_o show_v unto_o we_o the_o glorious_a beam_n of_o his_o love_a countenance_n in_o more_o full_a brightness_n &_o bring_v we_o from_o death_n to_o life_n from_o affliction_n to_o joy_n from_o the_o gate_n of_o hell_n to_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n according_a to_o that_o 1._o sam._n 2.6_o the_o lord_n kill_v &_o make_v alive_a he_o bring_v down_o unto_o hell_n and_o bring_v up_o again_o as_o therefore_o when_o we_o see_v carpenter_n pull_v down_o a_o ruinous_a building_n our_o mind_n do_v not_o rest_v there_o because_o we_o know_v that_o this_o they_o do_v be_v not_o their_o proper_a work_n but_o we_o go_v further_o in_o our_o cogitation_n think_v of_o a_o new_a house_n which_o they_o will_v build_v in_o the_o place_n of_o the_o old_a for_o as_o much_o as_o we_o know_v that_o it_o be_v not_o their_o proper_a work_n to_o race_n down_o but_o to_o build_v or_o to_o race_n down_o that_o they_o may_v build_v so_o when_o we_o see_v the_o lord_n angry_a and_o inflict_a correction_n let_v we_o not_o rest_v here_o but_o with_o the_o like_a foresight_n of_o mind_n let_v we_o consider_v that_o he_o do_v these_o his_o strange_a and_o improper_a work_n that_o afterward_o he_o may_v do_v those_o which_o be_v proper_a and_o natural_a that_o be_v that_o he_o afflict_v that_o he_o may_v bring_v the_o more_o true_a comfort_n that_o he_o bring_v we_o to_o the_o gate_n of_o hell_n to_o the_o end_n he_o may_v raise_v we_o up_o to_o be_v partaker_n of_o the_o joy_n of_o heaven_n but_o let_v we_o consider_v of_o some_o more_o testimony_n of_o god_n infinite_a mercy_n as_o the_o prophet_n david_n likewise_o say_v psalm_n 103.8_o that_o the_o lord_n be_v full_a of_o compassion_n and_o mercy_n slow_a to_o anger_n and_o of_o great_a kindness_n and_o psal_n 86.5_o thou_o lord_n be_v good_a and_o merciful_a and_o of_o great_a kindness_n unto_o all_o they_o that_o call_v upon_o thou_o so_o the_o prophet_n joel_n 2.13_o testify_v of_o the_o lord_n that_o he_o be_v gracious_a and_o merciful_a slow_a to_o anger_n and_o of_o great_a kindness_n and_o the_o apostle_n say_v that_o he_o be_v rich_a in_o mercy_n eph._n 2.4_o and_o 2._o cor._n 1.3_o he_o call_v he_o the_o father_n of_o mercy_n and_o god_n of_o all_o comfort_n §_o sect._n 4_o seeing_n then_o mercy_n be_v one_o of_o god_n attribute_n mercy_n that_o god_n be_v delight_v in_o exercise_v his_o mercy_n therefore_o it_o be_v also_o of_o his_o essence_n and_o be_v for_o there_o be_v not_o in_o god_n most_o perfect_a nature_n any_o quality_n or_o accident_n but_o whatsoever_o be_v in_o god_n be_v god_n so_o that_o god_n be_v mercy_n itself_o and_o consequent_o to_o show_v and_o excercise_n his_o mercy_n be_v to_o show_v and_o exercise_v his_o own_o nature_n now_o we_o know_v that_o natural_a action_n be_v not_o troublesome_a norirksome_a neither_o be_v the_o sun_n trouble_v with_o give_v light_n nor_o the_o fire_n with_o give_v heat_n nor_o the_o tree_n with_o yield_a fruit_n nor_o the_o beast_n with_o nourish_v his_o young_a nor_o man_n with_o receive_v nourishment_n and_o sleep_v because_o it_o be_v their_o nature_n to_o be_v exercise_v in_o these_o action_n and_o therefore_o see_v mercy_n be_v of_o god_n essence_n it_o be_v not_o painful_a and_o troublesome_a to_o excercise_n it_o towards_o all_o repentant_a sinner_n be_v their_o sin_n never_o so_o many_o and_o heinous_a no_o more_o than_o it_o be_v troublesome_a to_o exercise_v his_o justice_n in_o punish_v of_o those_o who_o be_v obstinate_a and_o rebellious_a nay_o it_o be_v not_o only_o not_o troublesome_a and_o painful_a but_o also_o pleasant_a and_o delightful_a for_o god_n to_o show_v mercy_n unto_o all_o those_o who_o true_o turn_v unto_o he_o and_o contrariwise_o it_o shall_v be_v troublesome_a and_o irksome_a if_o i_o may_v so_o speak_v for_o god_n not_o to_o show_v and_o exercise_v his_o nature_n and_o mercy_n towards_o repentant_a sinner_n for_o as_o the_o eye_n be_v deligh_v with_o see_v and_o to_o be_v restrain_v there_o from_o be_v grievous_a unto_o it_o as_o the_o care_n be_v deligh_v with_o hear_v and_o be_v much_o molest_v if_o it_o be_v stop_v and_o as_o every_o part_n and_o faculty_n of_o the_o body_n and_o soul_n be_v delight_v in_o excercise_v their_o several_a action_n and_o function_n and_o be_v much_o vex_v and_o cumber_v if_o by_o any_o mean_n they_o shall_v be_v hinder_v so_o be_v the_o lord_n delight_v and_o well_o please_v in_o show_v and_o excercise_v his_o own_o nature_n and_o attribute_n as_o his_o power_n and_o providence_n in_o govern_v the_o world_n his_o justice_n in_o punish_v wicked_a obstinate_a and_o rebellious_a sinner_n and_o his_o mercy_n in_o pardon_v and_o remit_v the_o sin_n of_o those_o who_o be_v of_o a_o humble_a spirit_n and_o break_a heart_n and_o be_v weary_a of_o this_o intolerable_a burden_n desire_v nothing_o more_o then_o to_o be_v ease_v and_o free_v from_o it_o and_o not_o to_o thus_o excercise_n his_o nature_n and_o attribute_n will_v rather_o that_o i_o may_v speak_v after_o the_o manner_n of_o man_n be_v unto_o the_o lord_n tedious_a and_o troublesome_a of_o this_o pleasure_n and_o delight_n which_o the_o lord_n take_v in_o pardon_v repentant_a sinner_n the_o prophet_n micha_n speak_v chap._n 7.10.18_o who_o say_v he_o be_v a_o god_n like_o unto_o thou_o that_o take_v away_o iniquity_n and_o pass_v by_o transgression_n of_o the_o remnant_n of_o his_o heritage_n he_o retain_v not_o his_o wrath_n for_o ever_o because_o mercy_n please_v he_o so_o the_o prophet_n david_n psal_n 147.11_o say_v that_o the_o lord_n be_v delight_v in_o they_o that_o fear_v he_o and_o attend_v upon_o his_o mercy_n even_o as_o though_o he_o rejoice_v much_o to_o have_v a_o occasion_n offer_v of_o excercise_v his_o mercy_n and_o goodness_n towards_o those_o who_o earnest_o desire_v it_o wait_v upon_o he_o that_o they_o may_v be_v make_v partaker_n of_o of_o it_o for_o the_o object_n of_o god_n mercy_n about_o which_o it_o be_v exercise_v be_v man_n misery_n and_o the_o action_n thereof_o be_v to_o pity_v and_o help_v he_o out_o of_o his_o wretched_a and_o miserable_a estate_n and_o therefore_o if_o there_o be_v no_o misery_n and_o wretchedness_n and_o no_o sin_n to_o be_v forgive_v there_o will_v be_v want_v that_o external_a object_n about_o which_o god_n mercy_n shall_v be_v exercise_v and_o manifest_v to_o all_o the_o world_n and_o hence_o it_o be_v that_o the_o lord_n willing_o permit_v the_o fall_n of_o our_o first_o parent_n to_o the_o end_n that_o he_o may_v make_v a_o way_n for_o the_o manifestation_n of_o his_o mercy_n in_o pardon_v repentant_a sinner_n and_o his_o justice_n in_o punish_v the_o contemner_n of_o his_o grace_n and_o as_o the_o apostle_n say_v rom._n 11.32_o god_n have_v shut_v up_o all_o in_o unbelief_n that_o he_o may_v have_v mercy_n on_o all_o that_o be_v to_o say_v on_o all_o the_o elect_a both_o jew_n and_o gentile_n see_v therefore_o god_n delight_v himself_o in_o excercise_v &_o manifest_v his_o mercy_n to_o the_o praise_n of_o the_o glory_n of_o his_o grace_n by_o pardon_v &_o forgive_a repentant_a sinner_n let_v not_o any_o who_o be_v grievous_o lade_v &_o groan_v for_o weariness_n under_o the_o heavy_a burden_n of_o their_o sin_n fear_v to_o come_v unto_o the_o lord_n and_o to_o implore_v his_o mercy_n for_o the_o forgiveness_n of_o their_o sin_n though_o never_o so_o grievous_a and_o manifold_a neither_o let_v they_o doubt_v lest_o god_n will_v reject_v their_o suit_n and_o refuse_v to_o receive_v they_o into_o his_o grace_n and_o favour_n because_o of_o their_o great_a rebellion_n and_o unworthiness_n for_o although_o there_o be_v not_o as_o in_o truth_n there_o be_v not_o any_o thing_n to_o be_v respect_v in_o we_o save_v that_o we_o be_v the_o creature_n of_o god_n and_o work_v of_o his_o hand_n yet_o the_o lord_n will_v have_v compassion_n upon_o we_o even_o for_o his_o own_o sake_n because_o he_o be_v exceed_o delight_v in_o show_v mercy_n to_o all_o those_o who_o turn_v unto_o he_o and_o this_o the_o lord_n
his_o testimony_n who_o be_v the_o father_n of_o lie_n we_o will_v add_v thereunto_o another_o of_o undoubted_a authority_n 12.10_o apoc._n 12.10_o for_o apoc._n 12.10_o it_o be_v say_v that_o the_o saint_n rejoice_v because_o satan_n who_o be_v the_o accuser_n of_o their_o brethren_n be_v cast_v down_o which_o accuse_v they_o before_o god_n day_n and_o night_n so_o that_o satan_n can_v spare_v no_o time_n from_o accuse_v we_o for_o sin_n but_o that_o which_o he_o employ_v in_o tempt_v we_o thereunto_o or_o in_o inflict_v those_o punishment_n which_o god_n permit_v he_o to_o lay_v upon_o us._n whereby_o we_o may_v perceive_v the_o malice_n and_o treachery_n of_o our_o enemy_n who_o though_o he_o be_v the_o chief_a cause_n which_o move_v we_o to_o sin_n yet_o himself_o be_v the_o first_o that_o accuse_v we_o for_o it_o and_o that_o incessant_o which_o may_v serve_v as_o a_o strong_a argument_n to_o make_v we_o wary_a of_o our_o way_n least_o fall_v into_o sin_n we_o give_v satan_n occasion_n to_o insult_v over_o we_o and_o to_o prefer_v bill_n of_o indictment_n before_o our_o heavenly_a judge_n who_o exact_a justice_n will_v not_o let_v sin_n go_v unpunished_a if_o there_o be_v a_o promoter_n continual_o pry_v into_o all_o our_o action_n who_o be_v most_o malicious_o dispose_v against_o we_o and_o ready_a to_o infourme_v of_o all_o our_o misdemeanour_n unto_o the_o magistrate_n how_o fearful_a will_v we_o be_v to_o do_v any_o thing_n which_o will_v bring_v we_o within_o the_o compass_n of_o the_o law_n but_o such_o a_o informer_n continual_o observe_v all_o our_o behaviour_n even_o in_o our_o secret_a chamber_n who_o will_v not_o fail_v to_o accuse_v we_o even_o of_o those_o sin_n which_o he_o himself_o have_v tempt_v we_o unto_o and_o therefore_o see_v this_o malicious_a blab_n still_o pri_v into_o our_o action_n this_o shall_v be_v of_o more_o force_n to_o withhold_v we_o from_o all_o sin_n then_o if_o all_o the_o world_n do_v look_v upon_o us._n but_o he_o be_v not_o only_o a_o accuser_n but_o a_o slanderer_n also_o and_o thereof_o he_o have_v his_o name_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d if_o therefore_o he_o can_v spy_v but_o a_o appearance_n of_o evil_n in_o we_o he_o will_v not_o stick_v to_o say_v that_o we_o have_v or_o will_v commit_v that_o evil_n which_o he_o suspect_v we_o of_o for_o he_o will_v wrest_v and_o misconstrue_v all_o we_o do_v to_o the_o worst_a sense_n and_o make_v of_o every_o molehill_n a_o huge_a mountain_n thus_o wrongful_o do_v he_o slander_v job_n that_o he_o serve_v god_n for_o that_o end_n for_o which_o demetrius_n serve_v his_o goddess_n namely_o for_o advantage_n because_o he_o preserve_v he_o and_o bless_v all_o he_o have_v affirm_v that_o if_o he_o will_v take_v away_o his_o good_n and_o a_o little_a afflict_v his_o body_n he_o will_v blaspheme_v he_o to_o his_o face_n job._n 1.10_o and_o this_o also_o teach_v we_o to_o look_v wary_o to_o our_o action_n 1.10_o job._n 1.10_o abstain_v not_o only_a from_o evil_n but_o also_o from_o all_o appearance_n thereof_o as_o the_o apostle_n exhort_v 5.22_o 1._o thess_n 5.22_o that_o so_o we_o give_v not_o to_o our_o malicious_a enemy_n the_o least_o advantage_n neither_o be_v satan_n only_o a_o accuser_n and_o slanderer_n but_o also_o a_o executioner_n or_o hangman_n ready_a with_o all_o alacrity_n and_o savage_a cruelty_n to_o inflict_v that_o punishment_n the_o which_o the_o lord_n adjudge_v we_o unto_o as_o we_o may_v see_v in_o the_o history_n of_o job_n and_o this_o also_o show_v unto_o we_o the_o extreme_a malice_n of_o our_o enemy_n which_o make_v he_o to_o forget_v that_o glorious_a state_n wherein_o he_o be_v create_v &_o with_o all_o willingness_n to_o execute_v so_o base_a a_o office_n §_o sect._n 5_o by_o all_o which_o appear_v that_o our_o enemy_n satan_n be_v most_o malicious_a 6.12_o eph._n 6.12_o yea_o maliciousness_n itself_o as_o he_o be_v call_v eph._n 6.12_o that_o be_v the_o father_n and_o author_n of_o all_o malice_n and_o envy_n who_o labour_v might_n and_o main_a to_o dishonour_n god_n and_o work_v our_o destruction_n the_o consideration_n whereof_o shall_v rouse_v we_o out_o of_o our_o carnal_a security_n whereby_o man_n behave_v themselves_o as_o though_o either_o they_o have_v no_o enemy_n at_o all_o or_o else_o such_o a_o gentle_a nature_a one_o that_o they_o may_v have_v peace_n with_o he_o at_o their_o own_o pleasure_n see_v there_o be_v no_o hope_n of_o peace_n and_o truce_n unless_o we_o can_v be_v content_a to_o live_v in_o his_o thraldom_n to_o our_o utter_a destruction_n for_o whosoever_o he_o keep_v as_o his_o prisoner_n in_o this_o life_n he_o will_v at_o the_o hour_n of_o death_n and_o judgement_n bring_v out_o to_o execution_n let_v we_o therefore_o oppose_v against_o satan_n malice_n christian_a resolution_n steadfast_o purpose_v and_o endeavour_v to_o continue_v our_o fight_n in_o resist_a satan_n to_o our_o life_n end_n how_o troublesome_a soever_o it_o seem_v to_o flesh_n and_o blood_n for_o see_v there_o be_v no_o truce_n to_o be_v hope_v for_o nor_o to_o be_v desire_v if_o it_o be_v offer_v by_o reason_n of_o the_o enmity_n which_o be_v between_o we_o and_o our_o enemy_n see_v his_o malice_n be_v so_o inveterate_a and_o mortal_a that_o there_o be_v no_o mercy_n to_o be_v expect_v but_o all_o barbarous_a and_o rage_a cruelty_n see_v also_o we_o fight_v the_o lord_n battle_n who_o have_v assure_v we_o of_o victory_n in_o the_o end_n this_o shall_v make_v we_o so_o resolute_a that_o though_o we_o be_v foil_v wound_a and_o as_o it_o be_v beat_v down_o on_o our_o knee_n yet_o we_o shall_v never_o yield_v but_o make_v resistance_n even_o to_o the_o last_o gasp_n for_o what_o more_o honourable_a death_n then_o to_o die_v in_o fight_v the_o lord_n battle_n what_o death_n more_o profitable_a see_v by_o die_v we_o shall_v overcome_v and_o obtain_v a_o final_a victoric_n over_o all_o our_o enemy_n and_o receive_v the_o crown_n of_o glory_n everlasting_a happiness_n promise_v to_o all_o those_o who_o fight_v valiant_o in_o this_o combat_n unto_o the_o end_n chap._n v._o of_o the_o strength_n of_o our_o spiritual_a enemy_n satan_n §_o sect._n 1_o and_o thus_o have_v i_o show_v the_o malicious_a will_n of_o our_o enemy_n let_v we_o now_o consider_v of_o his_o power_n for_o though_o he_o be_v most_o malicious_a yet_o if_o he_o want_v power_n to_o execute_v his_o malice_n we_o may_v well_o contemn_v he_o and_o rest_v secure_a make_v no_o great_a preparation_n to_o resist_v his_o weak_a assault_n but_o with_o our_o enemy_n it_o be_v far_o otherwise_o for_o as_o his_o will_n be_v most_o malicious_o bend_v to_o hurt_v so_o be_v he_o strong_a and_o mighty_a to_o effect_v his_o will_n and_o this_o his_o power_n and_o ability_n to_o execute_v his_o will_n consist_v partly_o in_o his_o strength_n and_o partly_o in_o his_o skill_n and_o warlike_a policy_n whereby_o he_o employ_v all_o his_o strength_n to_o his_o best_a advantage_n his_o strength_n may_v be_v consider_v both_o in_o himself_o and_o in_o his_o aide_n in_o respect_n of_o his_o own_o strength_n he_o be_v very_o mighty_a himself_o of_o satan_n strength_n consider_v in_o himself_o so_o that_o if_o the_o lord_n permit_v he_o he_o be_v able_a to_o raise_v the_o wind_n stir_v up_o tempest_n bring_v down_o fire_n from_o heaven_n and_o utter_o destroy_v we_o in_o a_o moment_n and_o this_o his_o strength_n the_o holy_a ghost_n express_v by_o compare_v he_o to_o thing_n most_o strong_a either_o in_o the_o sea_n or_o on_o the_o land_n that_o so_o we_o may_v be_v more_o careful_a to_o arm_v ourselves_o against_o he_o he_o be_v compare_v to_o the_o great_a leviathan_n or_o whale_n esa_n 27.1_o 41._o esa_fw-la 27.1_o job._n 41._o who_o invincible_a force_n be_v describe_v by_o the_o lord_n himself_o job._n 41._o he_o be_v compare_v to_o a_o lion_n yea_o to_o a_o roar_a lion_n 5.8_o 1._o pet._n 5.8_o 1._o pet._n 5.8_o which_o ravenous_o hunt_v after_o his_o prey_n have_v his_o force_n redouble_v with_o his_o hunger_n and_o also_o to_o a_o great_a red_a dragon_n have_v seven_o head_n and_o ten_o horn_n who_o strength_n be_v so_o great_a that_o with_o his_o very_a tail_n he_o draw_v the_o three_o part_n of_o the_o star_n of_o heaven_n and_o cast_v they_o to_o the_o earth_n apoc._n 12.4_o 12.4_o apoc._n 12.4_o that_o be_v he_o vanquisheth_z and_o subdue_v many_o in_o the_o visible_a church_n which_o make_v some_o profession_n of_o religion_n but_o in_o their_o life_n deny_v the_o power_n thereof_o and_o this_o his_o strength_n be_v so_o much_o the_o more_o dangerous_a by_o reason_n of_o his_o mortal_a malice_n and_o deadly_a poison_n which_o he_o cast_v out_o of_o his_o mouth_n in_o great_a abundance_n §_o sect._n 2_o and_o lest_o we_o shall_v contemn_v
grace_n of_o god_n spirit_n to_o the_o praise_n of_o his_o glory_n who_o have_v bestow_v they_o and_o to_o the_o comfort_n of_o our_o own_o soul_n who_o have_v receive_v they_o and_o as_o they_o be_v chastisement_n they_o serve_v for_o sharp_a eye-salue_n to_o clear_v our_o dim_a sight_n so_o as_o we_o may_v see_v our_o sin_n and_o true_o repent_v of_o they_o they_o serve_v for_o sour_a sauce_n to_o bring_v we_o out_o of_o love_n with_o our_o sweet_a sin_n and_o for_o fire_n and_o file_n whereby_o we_o be_v purge_v and_o scour_v from_o the_o dross_n and_o rust_n of_o our_o corruption_n they_o be_v sharp_a prune_a knife_n to_o lop_v and_o trim_a we_o that_o we_o may_v bring_v forth_o plentiful_a fruit_n in_o godliness_n they_o be_v spur_n to_o prick_v we_o forward_o in_o the_o christian_a race_n and_o hedge_n to_o keep_v we_o from_o wander_v out_o of_o the_o way_n they_o be_v sharp_a salve_n to_o draw_v out_o our_o secret_a corruption_n and_o bitter_a potion_n to_o cure_v our_o desperate_a disease_n they_o be_v that_o wormwood_n whereby_o the_o lord_n wean_v we_o from_o the_o love_n of_o the_o world_n who_o please_a delight_n we_o will_v ever_o suck_v without_o weariness_n if_o our_o mouth_n be_v not_o distaste_v with_o some_o affliction_n they_o be_v rod_n wherewith_o be_v scourge_v we_o be_v make_v more_o circumspect_a in_o our_o way_n and_o more_o careful_a to_o perform_v obedience_n unto_o all_o the_o commandment_n of_o our_o heavenly_a father_n in_o a_o word_n they_o be_v the_o straight_a path_n which_o lead_v to_o everlasting_a happiness_n and_o a_o bridle_n to_o restrain_v we_o from_o run_v headlong_o in_o the_o broad_a way_n which_o lead_v to_o endless_a woe_n and_o misery_n and_o therefore_o see_v our_o momentany_a affliction_n do_v serve_v for_o the_o manifest_v of_o god_n glory_n for_o the_o increase_n of_o spiritual_a grace_n and_o the_o further_a of_o our_o eternal_a salvation_n let_v not_o satan_n persuade_v we_o that_o we_o be_v out_o of_o god_n love_n and_o favour_n because_o of_o our_o affliction_n but_o rather_o let_v we_o repute_v they_o as_o they_o be_v indeed_o sign_n of_o his_o gracious_a providence_n and_o fatherly_a care_n which_o he_o have_v over_o us._n §_o sect._n 3_o but_o here_o the_o tempter_n will_v object_v that_o this_o i_o speak_v be_v true_a of_o the_o outward_a affliction_n of_o the_o body_n affliction_n satan_n temptation_n ground_v upon_o our_o spiritual_a affliction_n for_o thereby_o the_o flesh_n be_v mortify_v and_o subdue_v and_o the_o spiritual_a grace_n of_o god_n spirit_n exercise_v and_o increase_v in_o we_o but_o thy_o affliction_n will_v he_o say_v be_v far_o different_a for_o thy_o soul_n be_v fill_v with_o horror_n and_o fear_n thy_o conscience_n be_v mortal_o sting_v with_o sin_n and_o the_o weight_n thereof_o overwhelm_v thou_o thou_o see_v thyself_o subject_a to_o the_o curse_n of_o the_o law_n and_o be_v already_o torment_v with_o the_o pain_n of_o hell_n thy_o god_n who_o look_v upon_o his_o child_n with_o a_o amiable_a countenance_n frown_v upon_o thou_o like_o a_o severe_a judge_n and_o thou_o taste_v of_o nothing_o but_o of_o his_o heavy_a wrath_n and_o displeasure_n in_o a_o word_n thou_o have_v not_o one_o spark_n of_o true_a consolation_n wrought_v in_o thou_o by_o god_n spirit_n with_o which_o those_o that_o be_v god_n child_n be_v full_o replenish_v and_o whereby_o they_o be_v encourage_v patient_o to_o abide_v all_o affliction_n but_o thy_o inward_a vexation_n be_v the_o torment_n of_o a_o evil_a conscience_n and_o the_o flashing_n of_o hell_n fire_n wherewith_o hereafter_o thou_o shall_v eternal_o be_v burn_v to_o this_o temptation_n we_o must_v answer_v that_o it_o can_v be_v deny_v but_o that_o the_o affliction_n of_o the_o mind_n be_v far_o more_o grievous_a than_o the_o affliction_n of_o the_o body_n hatred_n that_o our_o spiritual_a affliction_n be_v no_o sign_n of_o god_n hatred_n and_o that_o the_o torment_n of_o conscience_n cause_v by_o the_o weight_n of_o sin_n and_o the_o apprehension_n of_o god_n fearful_a wrath_n be_v as_o it_o be_v god_n three-stringed_n whip_n in_o respect_n of_o the_o gentle_a rod_n of_o outward_a affliction_n for_o a_o sorrowful_a mind_n dry_v up_o the_o bone_n 18.14_o pro._n 17.12_o pro._n 18.14_o as_o it_o be_v pro._n 17.12_o and_o the_o spirit_n of_o a_o man_n may_v sustain_v his_o other_o infirmity_n but_o a_o wound_a spirit_n who_o can_v bear_v as_o the_o wise_a man_n speak_v prou._n 18.14_o nevertheless_o though_o these_o correction_n be_v more_o sharp_a and_o grievous_a than_o the_o outward_a affliction_n of_o the_o body_n yet_o it_o can_v be_v deny_v but_o that_o these_o also_o be_v the_o chastisement_n which_o our_o heavenly_a father_n inflict_v upon_o his_o child_n sometime_o for_o his_o own_o glory_n and_o sometime_o for_o their_o trial_n or_o chastisement_n when_o more_o light_a correction_n will_v not_o reclaim_v they_o for_o first_o those_o place_n of_o scripture_n before_o quote_v be_v speak_v general_o of_o all_o affliction_n whatsoever_o and_o therefore_o be_v not_o to_o be_v restrain_v to_o the_o outward_a affliction_n of_o the_o body_n see_v they_o extend_v themselves_o also_o to_o the_o affliction_n of_o the_o mind_n neither_o do_v our_o heavenly_a father_n correct_v all_o alike_o but_o some_o he_o rebuke_v only_o by_o his_o word_n and_o go_v no_o further_a when_o as_o this_o reclaim_v they_o but_o if_o this_o will_v not_o prevail_v he_o go_v a_o step_n further_o and_o chastize_v they_o with_o gentle_a correction_n as_o with_o outward_a cross_n and_o affliction_n but_o if_o this_o will_v not_o reform_v they_o he_o take_v his_o whip_n into_o his_o hand_n wherewith_o he_o grievous_o scourge_v they_o to_o the_o end_n they_o may_v more_o sensible_o taste_v of_o his_o displeasure_n and_o amend_v that_o which_o be_v amiss_o and_o this_o he_o do_v by_o make_v they_o feel_v the_o weight_n of_o sin_n 12.6_o reu._n 3.19_o heb._n 12.6_o and_o appehend_v his_o wrath_n and_o heavy_a displeasure_n which_o by_o their_o sin_n they_o have_v just_o incur_v and_o yet_o notwithstanding_o all_o this_o he_o still_o remain_v their_o gracious_a father_n who_o seek_v not_o their_o destruction_n but_o their_o reformation_n neither_o need_v this_o deal_n of_o our_o heavenly_a father_n seem_v strange_a unto_o we_o see_v earthly_a parent_n take_v the_o same_o course_n with_o their_o child_n who_o they_o tender_o love_v for_o when_o they_o offen_n they_o they_o first_o seek_v their_o amendment_n by_o word_n and_o fatherly_a admonition_n and_o when_o this_o will_v do_v no_o good_a they_o proceed_v to_o blow_n and_o in_o a_o gentle_a manner_n do_v correct_v they_o and_o if_o this_o prevail_v not_o with_o they_o than_o they_o use_v more_o sharp_a and_o severe_a chastisement_n but_o if_o all_o this_o be_v to_o no_o purpose_n then_o will_v they_o disguise_v their_o fatherly_a affection_n under_o the_o vizard_n of_o wrath_n and_o heavy_a displeasure_n they_o banish_v out_o of_o their_o countenance_n all_o sign_n of_o love_n and_o assume_v terrible_a look_n and_o bitter_a frown_n yea_o they_o will_v sometime_o thrust_v they_o out_o of_o door_n and_o reject_v they_o a_o while_n leave_v they_o to_o shift_v for_o themselves_o and_o to_o endure_v all_o misery_n and_o whence_o proceed_v all_o this_o sure_o not_o from_o hatred_n but_o from_o love_n and_o tender_a care_n which_o they_o have_v over_o they_o for_o their_o good_a and_o this_o make_v they_o use_v the_o bridle_n of_o correction_n to_o restrain_v they_o from_o run_v into_o all_o licentiousness_n this_o cause_v they_o to_o pretend_v wrath_n in_o the_o countenance_n that_o they_o be_v not_o by_o their_o lewdness_n force_v to_o entertain_v it_o into_o their_o heart_n this_o move_v they_o to_o reject_v they_o for_o a_o time_n that_o they_o may_v reclaim_v and_o retain_v they_o for_o ever_o neither_o do_v our_o heavenly_a father_n who_o be_v infinite_a in_o love_n deal_v otherwise_o with_o his_o disobedient_a child_n he_o use_v but_o his_o word_n if_o his_o word_n will_v suffice_v he_o go_v no_o further_a than_o gentle_a chastisement_n if_o that_o be_v enough_o but_o if_o he_o sharp_o scourge_v we_o yea_o if_o he_o look_v upon_o we_o with_o a_o frown_a countenance_n and_o show_v nothing_o in_o outward_a appearance_n but_o his_o wrath_n and_o heavy_a displeasure_n if_o he_o seem_v to_o reject_v we_o for_o a_o time_n and_o to_o give_v we_o over_o to_o be_v torment_v by_o satan_n yet_o undoubted_o all_o this_o proceed_v from_o his_o love_n and_o that_o fatherly_a care_n he_o have_v over_o we_o for_o our_o everlasting_a good_a and_o salvation_n he_o seek_v not_o our_o destruction_n but_o amendment_n he_o frown_v on_o we_o for_o a_o time_n that_o he_o may_v look_v gracious_o on_o we_o for_o ever_o he_o seem_v to_o reject_v we_o for_o a_o while_n that_o like_o the_o prodigal_a
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
be_v flat_o repugnant_a to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o testimony_n of_o the_o spirit_n we_o be_v to_o assure_v ourselves_o that_o they_o be_v the_o temptation_n of_o satan_n either_o immediate_o suggest_v by_o himself_o or_o mediate_o by_o his_o messenger_n our_o corrupt_a flesh_n see_v then_o these_o suggestion_n come_v from_o satan_n who_o be_v our_o malicious_a enemy_n deceive_v joh._n 8.44_o satan_n either_o lie_v or_o else_o speak_v the_o truth_n to_o deceive_v and_o a_o liar_n from_o the_o beginning_n yea_o the_o father_n of_o lie_n we_o be_v not_o to_o believe_v they_o nay_o rather_o we_o may_v gather_v certain_a assurance_n that_o the_o contrary_n be_v true_a for_o the_o speak_v only_a lie_n or_o if_o at_o any_o time_n he_o speak_v the_o truth_n it_o be_v to_o this_o end_n that_o he_o may_v deceive_v us._n for_o example_n he_o tell_v the_o secure_a carnal_a may_v that_o he_o be_v in_o the_o state_n of_o grace_n and_o high_o in_o god_n favour_n but_o unto_o the_o humble_a sinner_n he_o say_v that_o he_o be_v a_o reprobate_n &_o shall_v most_o certain_o be_v damn_v unto_o the_o worldly_a secure_a man_n he_o say_v that_o god_n be_v most_o merciful_a than_o the_o which_o nothing_o can_v be_v more_o true_a but_o do_v not_o speak_v this_o in_o his_o conscience_n because_o he_o will_v have_v he_o to_o taste_v thereof_o but_o to_o lull_v he_o a_o sleep_n with_o this_o sweet_a siren's_a song_n to_o his_o eternal_a perdition_n on_o the_o other_o side_n when_o he_o have_v to_o deal_v with_o the_o bruise_a heart_n and_o contrite_a spirit_n he_o tell_v he_o of_o nothing_o but_o of_o god_n exact_a justice_n to_o the_o end_n that_o he_o may_v plunge_v he_o into_o utter_a desperation_n in_o a_o word_n whatsoever_o he_o speak_v in_o the_o conscience_n of_o man_n it_o be_v either_o false_a in_o itself_o or_o if_o true_a in_o they_o yet_o false_a in_o hypocrisy_n if_o true_a in_o the_o general_a yet_o false_a in_o the_o particular_a application_n as_o what_o can_v be_v more_o true_a than_o that_o god_n be_v just_a and_o what_o more_o false_a than_o that_o he_o will_v excercise_n his_o justice_n in_o punish_v repentant_a and_o humble_a sinner_n what_o can_v be_v more_o true_a than_o that_o god_n be_v most_o merciful_a and_o what_o more_o false_a than_o that_o he_o will_v show_v this_o his_o mercy_n be_v save_v those_o who_o live_v and_o die_v in_o their_o sin_n without_o repentance_n &_o yet_o it_o be_v most_o usual_a with_o satan_n to_o affirm_v both_o the_o one_o and_o the_o other_o lie_v in_o both_o because_o he_o do_v misapply_v they_o and_o therefore_o see_v satan_n do_v never_o speak_v the_o truth_n or_o else_o do_v false_o apply_v it_o in_o respect_n of_o our_o estate_n let_v we_o acquaint_v ourselves_o with_o his_o false_a language_n and_o so_o by_o hear_v his_o lie_n we_o may_v be_v the_o better_o assure_v of_o the_o truth_n for_o example_n when_o he_o tell_v we_o that_o our_o sin_n be_v unpardonable_a that_o it_o be_v now_o too_o late_o to_o turn_v unto_o the_o lord_n that_o we_o be_v reprobate_n and_o damn_a wretch_n we_o know_v that_o our_o malicious_a enemy_n by_o his_o lie_n do_v continual_o seek_v our_o destruction_n be_v contrariwise_o to_o assure_v ourselves_o that_o god_n mercy_n and_o christ_n merit_n far_o exceed_v our_o sin_n that_o now_o be_v the_o acceptable_a time_n and_o day_n of_o salvation_n if_o we_o will_v turn_v unto_o god_n and_o hear_v his_o voice_n not_o harden_v our_o heart_n that_o we_o be_v in_o the_o state_n of_o salvation_n the_o vessel_n of_o mercy_n and_o belove_a child_n of_o god_n §_o sect._n 4_o last_o those_o who_o be_v heavy_a lade_v with_o the_o burden_n of_o their_o sin_n nation_n the_o last_o argument_n take_v from_o the_o experience_n of_o god_n mercy_n in_o pardon_v other_o and_o first_o of_o whole_a city_n and_o nation_n may_v gather_v unto_o themselves_o assurance_n of_o the_o forgiveness_n of_o they_o by_o the_o consideration_n of_o god_n mercy_n extend_v unto_o other_o repentant_a sinner_n for_o there_o be_v never_o any_o from_o the_o begin_n of_o the_o world_n to_o this_o day_n be_v their_o sin_n never_o so_o heinous_a or_o innumerable_a who_o have_v not_o be_v receive_v to_o mercy_n and_o pardon_v of_o our_o gracious_a god_n whensoever_o they_o do_v unfeigned_o turn_v unto_o he_o and_o this_o may_v appear_v whether_o we_o consider_v whole_a city_n or_o nation_n or_o else_o particular_a man_n of_o the_o first_o we_o have_v a_o notable_a example_n in_o the_o israelite_n which_o live_v in_o the_o time_n of_o the_o judge_n who_o though_o they_o do_v many_o time_n negligent_o forget_v the_o great_a mercy_n and_o inestimable_a benefit_n of_o god_n show_v to_o their_o forefather_n of_o which_o also_o themselves_o have_v be_v partaker_n though_o they_o forsake_v the_o lord_n not_o once_o or_o twice_o but_o very_o often_o even_o then_o when_o he_o most_o bind_v they_o unto_o he_o with_o multiply_v upon_o they_o the_o benefit_n of_o peace_n and_o plenty_n and_o though_o they_o let_v the_o reins_n lose_v unto_o all_o wickedness_n yea_o which_o be_v most_o abominable_a and_o odious_a in_o the_o sight_n of_o god_n though_o they_o worship_v and_o serve_v baal_n and_o asteroth_n and_o other_o idol_n of_o the_o curse_a nation_n for_o which_o horrible_a idolatry_n god_n have_v cast_v out_o the_o nation_n before_o they_o yet_o whensoever_o they_o turn_v unto_o the_o lord_n he_o pardon_v their_o sin_n receive_v they_o into_o his_o former_a love_n and_o favour_n and_o deliver_v they_o out_o of_o the_o hand_n of_o all_o their_o enemy_n so_o likewise_o in_o the_o time_n of_o the_o prophet_n esay_n 16._o the_o example_n of_o the_o israelit_v in_o the_o time_n of_o the_o prophet_n esay_n esay_n 1.5_o to_o the_o 16._o to_o what_o a_o notorious_a height_n of_o wickedness_n be_v the_o same_o people_n grow_v as_o the_o lord_n by_o his_o prophet_n do_v decipher_v and_o describe_v they_o in_o the_o first_o chapter_n of_o that_o prophecy_n in_o the_o 2._o ver_fw-la he_o call_v heaven_n and_o earth_n to_o witness_v their_o horrible_a rebellion_n in_o the_o 3._o verse_n he_o show_v that_o their_o unthankfulness_n for_o all_o his_o mercy_n far_o exceed_v the_o ungratitude_n of_o bruit_n beast_n in_o the_o 4._o verse_n he_o exclaym_v out_o against_o they_o call_v they_o a_o sinfullnation_n a_o people_n lade_v with_o iniquity_n a_o seed_n of_o the_o wicked_a corrupt_a child_n who_o have_v for_o saken_a the_o lord_n and_o provoke_v the_o holy_a one_o of_o israel_n to_o anger_n in_o the_o 5._o and_o 6._o verse_n he_o show_v their_o hardness_n of_o heart_n and_o obstinacy_n in_o their_o rebellion_n which_o be_v so_o great_a that_o though_o the_o lord_n send_v affliction_n &_o chastise_v mentes_fw-la upon_o they_o yet_o they_o be_v no_o whit_n reform_v but_o wax_v worse_a and_o worse_o and_o that_o this_o be_v not_o the_o case_n of_o some_o few_o but_o of_o all_o the_o whole_a body_n of_o the_o people_n for_o the_o whole_a head_n be_v sick_a and_o the_o whole_a heart_n be_v heaute_n and_o that_o from_o the_o soul_n of_o the_o foot_n to_o the_o crown_n of_o the_o head_n there_o be_v nothing_o sound_v therein_o but_o wound_n and_o swell_n and_o sore_n full_a of_o corruption_n the_o cure_n whereof_o they_o utter_o neglect_v in_o the_o 10._o verse_n he_o match_v the_o sin_n of_o both_o prince_n and_o people_n with_o those_o cry_a sin_n and_o outrageous_a wickedness_n of_o sodom_n and_o gomorah_n which_o bring_v down_o from_o heaven_n fire_n and_o brimstone_n to_o consume_v they_o in_o the_o 11.12.13_o and_o 14._o verse_n he_o complain_v of_o their_o filthy_a hypocrisy_n in_o god_n outward_a worship_n join_v with_o the_o utter_a neglect_n of_o true_a godliness_n and_o his_o spiritual_a service_n which_o cause_v the_o lord_n to_o detest_v all_o their_o sacrifice_n sabbothe_n and_o new_a moon_n so_o that_o their_o can_v not_o be_v imagine_v great_a wickedness_n in_o any_o people_n respect_v those_o notable_a mean_n which_o the_o lord_n continual_o grant_v unto_o they_o above_o all_o other_o nation_n for_o their_o own_o conversion_n and_o therefore_o who_o will_v not_o have_v think_v their_o state_n to_o be_v most_o desperate_a who_o will_v not_o have_v look_v daily_o that_o the_o lord_n shall_v have_v consume_v they_o with_o fire_n and_o brimstone_n or_o have_v cause_v the_o earth_n to_o have_v swallow_v they_o up_o alive_a as_o it_o do_v corah_n and_o he_o assotiat_v but_o behold_v the_o infinite_a mercy_n of_o our_o gracious_a god_n even_o when_o they_o wallow_v in_o this_o filthy_a sink_n of_o all_o impiety_n the_o lord_n call_v they_o to_o repentance_n and_o when_o as_o they_o have_v forsake_v he_o and_o flee_v from_o he_o desire_v nothing_o less_o than_o to_o make_v or_o meddle_v with_o he_o the_o lord_n
ourselves_o with_o these_o cartrope_n of_o iniquity_n god_n fearful_a plague_n and_o heavy_a judgement_n it_o be_v true_a indeed_o that_o god_n be_v long_o suffer_v and_o slow_a to_o anger_v but_o if_o hereby_o we_o take_v occasion_n to_o continue_v in_o our_o sin_n and_o do_v delay_v our_o repentance_n what_o do_v we_o else_o but_o treasure_n up_o against_o ourselves_o wrath_n against_o the_o day_n of_o wrath_n 2.5_o rom._n 2.5_o and_o the_o declaration_n of_o the_o just_a judgement_n of_o god_n it_o be_v most_o certain_a that_o god_n be_v not_o easy_o provoke_v to_o wrath_n and_o anger_n but_o let_v not_o this_o encourage_v we_o to_o continue_v in_o our_o sin_n for_o if_o it_o be_v once_o inflame_v it_o be_v so_o fierce_a and_o terrible_a that_o with_o the_o heat_n thereof_o it_o dry_v up_o the_o sea_n and_o so_o powerful_a that_o he_o make_v therewith_o the_o earth_n to_o tremble_v and_o the_o mountain_n to_o melt_v like_o wax_n in_o his_o presence_n and_o the_o voice_n of_o his_o fury_n do_v break_v and_o rent_n in_o sunder_o the_o ceader_n yea_o the_o mighty_a strong_a ceader_n of_o libanus_n as_o the_o scripture_n speak_v as_o therefore_o fire_n do_v burn_v more_o hot_o in_o such_o solid_a matter_n as_o be_v long_o in_o kindle_v then_o in_o flax_n or_o straw_n which_o be_v soon_o inflame_v and_o soon_o extinguish_v so_o the_o anger_n of_o god_n be_v not_o easy_o inflame_v but_o if_o it_o be_v once_o kindle_v it_o burn_v so_o furious_o that_o nothing_o will_v quench_v it_o but_o the_o blood_n of_o christ_n apply_v by_o faith_n and_o the_o stream_a tear_n of_o unfeigned_a repentance_n see_v then_o god_n judgement_n be_v so_o fearful_a and_o his_o anger_n so_o terrible_a let_v we_o careful_o take_v heed_n of_o provoke_v his_o wrath_n against_o we_o by_o our_o sin_n 2.10.31_o he_o 2.10.31_o for_o it_o be_v a_o fearful_a thing_n to_o fall_v into_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o live_a god_n §_o sect._n 4_o four_o let_v we_o meditate_v upon_o the_o day_n of_o judgement_n judgement_n the_o four_o reason_n take_v from_o they_o day_n of_o judgement_n when_o as_o we_o must_v give_v a_o account_n not_o only_o of_o our_o word_n and_o work_n but_o also_o of_o our_o secret_a thought_n before_o a_o most_o just_a judge_n who_o with_o the_o all-seeing_a eye_n of_o his_o divine_a knowledge_n search_v and_o behold_v the_o very_a heart_n and_o reins_n in_o the_o presence_n also_o of_o man_n and_o angel_n and_o this_o will_v restrain_v we_o from_o fall_v into_o sin_n though_o it_o may_v be_v so_o secret_o act_v that_o we_o need_v not_o to_o fear_v in_o this_o life_n either_o shame_n or_o punishment_n for_o let_v it_o be_v suppose_v that_o we_o can_v hide_v our_o sin_n from_o the_o sight_n of_o all_o man_n yet_o what_o will_v this_o benefit_v we_o if_o god_n against_o who_o we_o sin_n and_o before_o who_o as_o our_o supreme_a judge_n we_o must_v give_v a_o account_n do_v look_v upon_o we_o what_o will_v it_o profit_v we_o though_o time_n wear_v our_o offence_n out_o of_o man_n remembrance_n if_o god_n keep_v a_o faithful_a register_n of_o they_o and_o engrave_v our_o reckon_n with_o a_o pen_n of_o iron_n what_o will_v it_o help_v we_o if_o by_o our_o cunning_a conveyance_n we_o can_v hide_v our_o sin_n and_o avoid_v shame_n or_o with_o a_o impudent_a forehead_n can_v face_v they_o out_o without_o blush_v if_o our_o nakedness_n be_v discover_v and_o our_o shame_n proclaim_v in_o the_o presence_n of_o god_n and_o all_o his_o saint_n and_o angel_n what_o will_v it_o avail_v we_o to_o be_v exempt_v from_o punishment_n in_o this_o life_n through_o our_o great_a power_n and_o uncontrollable_a authority_n or_o to_o escape_v the_o penalty_n of_o human_a law_n by_o the_o intercession_n of_o friend_n or_o by_o corrupt_v the_o judge_n or_o by_o procure_v the_o prince_n pardon_v if_o again_o we_o must_v be_v arraign_v before_o such_o a_o upright_o judge_v as_o respect_v no_o person_n receive_v no_o reward_n and_o be_v find_v guilty_a be_v condemn_v unto_o the_o eternal_a torment_n of_o hell_n fire_n when_o therefore_o we_o hear_v the_o voice_n of_o satan_n temptation_n allure_a we_o to_o commit_v sin_n let_v we_o also_o have_v the_o voice_n of_o the_o archangel_n sound_v in_o our_o ear_n arise_v you_o dead_a and_o come_v unto_o judgement_n when_o the_o world_n tempt_v we_o unto_o sin_n on_o the_o one_o side_n by_o entice_a promise_n of_o honour_n pleasure_n and_o riches_n and_o on_o the_o otherside_n by_o terrify_v threaten_n of_o loss_n danger_n or_o punishment_n let_v we_o call_v to_o mind_v the_o day_n of_o judgement_n when_o either_o we_o must_v hear_v the_o sentence_n of_o salvation_n 25._o matth._n 25._o come_v you_o bless_v of_o my_o father_n and_o inherit_v the_o kingdom_n prepare_v for_o you_o &c_n &c_n or_o the_o sentence_n of_o condemnation_n depart_v you_o curse_v into_o hell_n fire_n which_o be_v prepare_v for_o the_o devil_n and_o his_o angel_n and_o then_o shall_v not_o the_o momentanie_n vanity_n of_o the_o world_n so_o forcible_o draw_v we_o into_o the_o snare_n of_o sin_n 14.15_o 2._o pet._n 3.11_o jude._n 14.15_o as_o the_o remembrance_n of_o the_o heavenly_a joy_n prepare_v for_o we_o in_o god_n kingdom_n will_v retain_v we_o in_o holy_a obedience_n then_o will_v not_o the_o world_n threat_n of_o temporary_a misery_n so_o strong_o urge_v we_o to_o wound_v our_o conscience_n with_o the_o sting_n of_o sin_n as_o the_o fear_n to_o hear_v the_o definitive_a sentence_n of_o eternal_a condemnation_n will_v restrain_v we_o from_o it_o §_o sect._n 5_o last_o sin_n the_o five_o reason_n take_v from_o the_o manifold_a evil_n of_o sin_n let_v we_o call_v to_o mind_v the_o manifold_a evil_n which_o sin_n cause_v both_o to_o body_n and_o soul_n in_o this_o life_n and_o the_o life_n to_o come_v and_o so_o though_o the_o ugliness_n of_o itself_o will_v not_o make_v we_o to_o flee_v from_o it_o yet_o the_o miserable_a effect_n which_o it_o produce_v may_v move_v we_o to_o abhor_v it_o consider_v therefore_o that_o there_o be_v no_o evil_a under_o the_o sun_n in_o this_o life_n or_o afterward_o which_o be_v not_o a_o fruit_n of_o this_o curse_a root_n it_o subiect_v the_o body_n to_o sickness_n and_o disease_n hunger_n and_o thirst_n cold_a and_o weariness_n the_o mind_n to_o ignorance_n and_o blindness_n the_o will_n to_o perverseness_n the_o affection_n to_o all_o preposterous_a disorder_n it_o ruinate_v the_o estate_n and_o bring_v a_o man_n to_o poverty_n and_o extreme_a misery_n it_o make_v the_o whole_a man_n obnoxious_a to_o the_o curse_n of_o the_o law_n the_o anger_n of_o god_n and_o all_o those_o innumerable_a evil_n which_o ever_o accompany_v they_o in_o this_o world_n it_o bring_v the_o body_n to_o death_n and_o corruption_n and_o in_o the_o world_n to_o come_v both_o body_n and_o soul_n to_o condemnation_n and_o endless_a destruction_n it_o deprive_v we_o of_o our_o heavenly_a inheritance_n and_o the_o everlasting_a joy_n of_o god_n kingdom_n and_o plunge_v we_o into_o the_o lake_n which_o burn_v with_o fire_n and_o brimstone_n in_o a_o word_n there_o be_v no_o evil_n which_o can_v be_v imagine_v which_o do_v not_o proceed_v from_o this_o evil_n of_o sin_n and_o therefore_o though_o it_o seem_v never_o so_o sweet_a to_o our_o carnal_a appetite_n yet_o be_v mix_v with_o this_o gall_n and_o wormwood_n of_o innumerable_a evil_n let_v we_o loath_a and_o abhor_v it_o when_o the_o vain_a and_o uncertain_a benefit_n which_o it_o promise_v move_v we_o to_o embrace_v it_o let_v the_o miserable_a evil_n which_o accompany_v it_o and_o the_o most_o assure_a and_o surpass_a joy_n which_o it_o deprive_v we_o of_o make_v we_o to_o avoid_v it_o as_o a_o deadly_a sting_a serpent_n chap._n vi_o of_o some_o special_a mean_n whereby_o we_o may_v be_v preserve_v from_o fall_v into_o sin_n §_o sect._n 1_o and_o these_o be_v the_o reason_n whereby_o every_o one_o may_v be_v arm_v against_o satan_n suggestion_n sin_n the_o first_o mean_n be_v to_o avoid_v the_o occasion_n of_o sin_n tempt_v he_o unto_o sin_n and_o be_v move_v unto_o a_o christian_n resolution_n of_o possess_v body_n and_o soul_n in_o holiness_n and_o purity_n now_o we_o be_v to_o speak_v of_o some_o special_a mean_n whereby_o the_o christian_n thus_o resolve_a may_v be_v preserve_v from_o fall_v into_o such_o grievous_a sin_n as_o wound_v the_o conscience_n and_o hinder_v he_o in_o the_o course_n of_o sanctification_n 5.22_o 1._o thes_n 5.22_o first_o he_o that_o will_v avoid_v sin_n must_v careful_o also_o avoid_v the_o occasion_n thereof_o which_o be_v strong_a inducement_n to_o draw_v he_o unto_o sin_n for_o as_o it_o be_v great_a folly_n for_o a_o man_n who_o dread_v burn_v to_o be_v always_o meddle_v with_o fire_n and_o gunpowder_n so_o be_v it_o no_o less_o