he_o will_v not_o rest_v till_o he_o have_v again_o reviue_v and_o quicken_v we_o with_o his_o holy_a spirit_n moreover_o our_o saviour_n have_v say_v 12.20_o math._n 12.20_o that_o he_o will_v not_o break_v the_o bruise_a reed_n nor_o quench_v the_o smoke_a flax_n matth._n 12.20_o but_o he_o will_v support_v our_o weakness_n with_o his_o almighty_a power_n so_o that_o though_o with_o the_o reed_n we_o be_v bear_v down_o to_o the_o ground_n with_o the_o boisterous_a blast_n of_o satan_n tentation_n yet_o we_o shall_v be_v raise_v up_o again_o 37.24_o psal_n 37.24_o according_a to_o that_o psal_n 37.24_o though_o he_o fall_v he_o shall_v not_o be_v cast_v off_o for_o the_o lord_n put_v under_o his_o hand_n and_o he_o will_v blow_v upon_o we_o with_o the_o breath_n of_o his_o holy_a spirit_n till_o he_o turn_v our_o small_a smoke_n to_o a_o great_a flame_n which_o shall_v never_o be_v quench_v by_o all_o the_o malice_n of_o our_o spiritual_a enemy_n so_o matth._n 13.12_o our_o saviour_n christ_n have_v promise_v 13.12_o math._n 13.12_o that_o whosoever_o have_v to_o he_o it_o shall_v be_v give_v and_o he_o shall_v have_v abundance_n neither_o do_v he_o limit_v or_o define_v any_o quantity_n less_o or_o more_o but_o indefinite_o promiss_v abundant_a increase_n even_o unto_o the_o least_o so_o far_o be_v he_o from_o take_v away_o that_o which_o he_o have_v once_o bestow_v and_o whereas_o we_o through_o our_o weakness_n and_o frailness_n be_v easy_o cast_v down_o and_o fall_v away_o and_o therefore_o have_v good_a cause_n if_o we_o shall_v only_o look_v upon_o our_o infirmity_n to_o doubt_n and_o despair_n of_o perseverance_n yet_o in_o respect_n of_o god_n omnipotent_a power_n watchful_a providence_n and_o promise_v assistance_n we_o may_v confirm_v ourselves_o in_o faith_n hope_n and_o certain_a assurance_n of_o continue_v unto_o the_o end_n for_o the_o lord_n uphold_v all_o that_o be_v fall_v and_z lifteth_z up_o those_o who_o be_v already_o down_o as_o the_o psalmist_n speak_v psal_n 145.14_o 145.14_o psal_n 145.14_o the_o power_n of_o god_n be_v manifest_v in_o our_o weakness_n 12.9_o 2._o cor._n 12.9_o his_o riches_n in_o our_o beggerlinesse_n his_o mercy_n and_o goodness_n in_o our_o frailness_n and_o manifold_a corruption_n and_o with_o his_o holy_a spirit_n he_o help_v our_o infirmity_n as_o it_o be_v rom._n 8.26_o 8.26_o ro._n 8.26_o we_o have_v not_o a_o high_a priest_n which_o can_v be_v touch_v with_o the_o feel_n of_o our_o infirmity_n but_o be_v in_o all_o thing_n tempt_v in_o like_a sort_n yet_o without_o sin_n and_o therefore_o he_o be_v able_a sufficient_o to_o have_v compassion_n on_o they_o that_o be_v ignorant_a and_o out_o of_o the_o way_n because_o that_o he_o also_o be_v compass_v with_o our_o infirmity_n and_o the_o apostle_n reason_v 5.2_o heb._n 4.15_o &_o 5.2_o heb._n 4.15_o and_o 5.2_o §_o sect._n 5_o second_o it_o appear_v manifest_o by_o god_n work_n example_n the_o foreman_n point_v illustrate_v by_o example_n administration_n and_o practice_v that_o he_o will_v not_o deprive_v any_o of_o that_o sanctify_a grace_n which_o he_o have_v once_o bestow_v though_o the_o measure_n thereof_o be_v never_o so_o small_a neither_o can_v we_o observe_v either_o by_o our_o read_v the_o whole_a book_n of_o god_n or_o by_o our_o own_o experience_n that_o any_o man_n have_v receive_v the_o least_o grain_n of_o true_a faith_n have_v utter_o be_v deprive_v of_o it_o and_o reject_v of_o god_n even_o the_o disciple_n themselves_o when_o they_o be_v reproove_v for_o their_o little_a faith_n be_v by_o he_o strengthen_v and_o confirm_v so_o that_o all_o the_o power_n of_o hell_n can_v not_o prevail_v against_o it_o and_o though_o satan_n endeavour_v to_o sift_v they_o as_o wheat_n yet_o christ_n intercession_n be_v more_o mighty_a to_o defend_v they_o than_o the_o devil_n to_o destroy_v they_o and_o his_o intercession_n a_o strong_a prop_n to_o uphould_v they_o than_o the_o weight_n of_o satan_n tentation_n to_o overthrow_v and_o bring_v they_o to_o ruin_n so_o he_o who_o cry_v out_o i_o believe_v lord_n help_v thou_o my_o unbelief_n though_o his_o faith_n be_v weak_a yet_o it_o perish_v not_o but_o rather_o receive_v a_o great_a increase_n yea_o he_o reject_v not_o thomas_n in_o his_o wilful_a doubt_v and_o obstinate_a incredulity_n but_o offer_v all_o occasion_n of_o confirm_v his_o weak_a faith_n and_o never_o cease_v till_o he_o have_v full_o assure_v he_o of_o his_o resurrection_n in_o a_o word_n all_o the_o saint_n of_o god_n at_o one_o time_n or_o other_o have_v have_v experience_n of_o this_o mercy_n power_n and_o goodness_n of_o god_n in_o support_v their_o weakness_n uphould_v they_o in_o their_o great_a infirmity_n and_o in_o raise_v they_o when_o they_o be_v fall_v to_o the_o ground_n and_o to_o this_o end_n our_o saviour_n be_v anoint_v by_o god_n spirit_n unto_o the_o office_n of_o his_o mediation_n that_o he_o shall_v preach_v the_o gospel_n unto_o the_o poor_a heal_v the_o break_a heart_a that_o he_o shall_v preach_v deliverance_n unto_o captive_n and_o recovery_n of_o sight_n to_o the_o blind_a and_o set_v at_o liberty_n they_o that_o be_v bruise_v luk._n 4.18_o 4.18_o luk._n 4.18_o to_o this_o end_n he_o have_v familiar_a society_n with_o the_o frail_a and_o weak_a with_o those_o who_o have_v little_a faith_n that_o he_o may_v increase_v it_o and_o no_o faith_n that_o he_o may_v beget_v it_o with_o publican_n and_o sinner_n and_o man_n full_a of_o infirmity_n to_o this_o purpose_n he_o call_v such_o as_o thirst_n and_o hunger_n feel_v their_o own_o emptiness_n of_o grace_n and_o earnest_o desire_v to_o be_v fill_v and_o satisfy_v and_o such_o also_o as_o labour_v and_o be_v heavy_a lade_v with_o the_o unsupportable_a weight_n of_o their_o corruption_n promise_v that_o he_o will_v ease_v they_o last_o to_o this_o end_n he_o have_v ordain_v the_o ministry_n of_o the_o word_n and_o administration_n of_o the_o sacrament_n not_o only_o to_o beget_v faith_n where_o it_o be_v not_o but_o to_o nourish_v and_o increase_v it_o where_o it_o be_v weak_a and_o feeble_a and_o therefore_o though_o our_o faith_n be_v never_o so_o weak_a and_o small_a let_v not_o satan_n persuade_v we_o that_o therefore_o it_o shall_v be_v overthrow_v and_o turn_v into_o infidelity_n for_o the_o lord_n have_v assure_v we_o both_o by_o his_o gracious_a promise_n in_o his_o word_n and_o also_o by_o the_o performance_n thereof_o in_o his_o work_n from_o the_o begin_n to_o this_o day_n that_o where_o he_o have_v give_v the_o least_o measure_n of_o faith_n or_o any_o other_o sanctify_a grace_n there_o he_o will_v also_o increase_v strengthen_v and_o confirm_v it_o and_o where_o he_o have_v begin_v any_o good_a work_n there_o he_o will_v finish_v and_o perfect_v it_o notwithstanding_o our_o frail_a weakness_n and_o the_o forcible_a violence_n of_o all_o our_o spiritual_a enemy_n chap._n xlviii_o of_o our_o justification_n and_o so_o much_o concern_v those_o tentation_n of_o satan_n which_o he_o sugge_v to_o the_o end_n that_o he_o may_v frustrate_v our_o effectual_a call_n §_o sect._n 1_o 8.30_o of_o the_o efficient_a cause_n of_o our_o justification_n rom._n 8.30_o the_o next_o subordinate_a cause_n and_o mean_n of_o our_o salvation_n be_v our_o justification_n for_o whosoever_o the_o lord_n effectual_o call_v those_o also_o he_o justifi_v as_o it_o be_v rom._n 8.30_o in_o speak_v whereof_o i_o will_v first_o show_v what_o it_o be_v and_o afterward_o answer_v such_o tentation_n of_o satan_n as_o he_o sugge_v into_o our_o mind_n to_o the_o end_n that_o he_o may_v infringe_v the_o doctrine_n of_o justification_n and_o make_v it_o vain_a and_o unprofitable_a unto_o us._n for_o the_o first_o justification_n be_v a_o action_n orworke_n of_o the_o whole_a trinity_n the_o father_n son_n and_o holy_a ghost_n whereby_o god_n gracious_o and_o free_o impute_v unto_o every_o faithful_a man_n the_o righteousness_n and_o obedience_n of_o christ_n the_o mediator_n do_v accept_v of_o he_o and_o pronounce_v he_o to_o be_v just_a and_o righteous_a for_o the_o glory_n of_o his_o name_n and_o salvation_n of_o the_o believer_n the_o efficient_a cause_n of_o our_o justification_n be_v god_n alone_o as_o appear_v by_o manifest_a testimony_n esa_n 43.25_o ay_o 16.8_o esa_n 43.25_o ezec._n 16.8_o even_o i_o be_o he_o that_o put_v away_o thy_o iniquity_n for_o my_o own_o sake_n and_o will_v not_o remember_v thy_o sin_n so_o ezech._n 16.8_o the_o lord_n thus_o speak_v to_o his_o church_n and_o people_n i_o spread_v my_o skirt_n over_o thou_o and_o cover_v thy_o filthiness_n 9_o then_o i_o wash_v thou_o with_o water_n yea_o i_o wash_v away_o thy_o blood_n from_o thou_o and_o anoint_v thou_o with_o oil_n 10._o 51.4_o rom._n 4.5_o and_o 8.33_o psal_n 51.4_o i_o clothe_v thou_o with_o broydred_a work_n etc._n etc._n whereby_o he_o signify_v
purpose_v present_o to_o publish_v his_o lecture_n upon_o the_o 15_o psalm_n wherein_o this_o controversy_n be_v large_o and_o much_o more_o excellent_o handle_v and_o determine_v than_o i_o be_v any_o way_n able_a to_o have_v write_v of_o it_o notwithstanding_o if_o my_o book_n seem_v maim_v in_o respect_n of_o this_o defect_n &_o if_o i_o see_v it_o be_v desire_v that_o it_o shall_v be_v entire_a and_o full_a in_o itself_o i_o will_v hereafter_o most_o willing_o supply_v that_o which_o yet_o be_v want_v if_o i_o perceive_v that_o my_o labour_n be_v approve_v as_o profitable_a for_o the_o church_n of_o god_n in_o the_o mean_a time_n i_o commend_v they_o to_o god_n blessing_n who_o only_o be_v able_a by_o the_o assistance_n of_o his_o holy_a spirit_n to_o make_v they_o effectual_a for_o those_o end_n for_o which_o i_o intend_v they_o he_o be_v the_o sole_a fountain_n of_o all_o true_a comfort_n and_o consolation_n desire_v the_o christian_a reader_n who_o shall_v find_v fruit_n and_o profit_n by_o these_o my_o labour_n that_o as_o i_o have_v not_o be_v want_v unto_o he_o in_o my_o pain_n and_o best_a endeavour_n so_o he_o will_v not_o be_v want_v to_o remember_v i_o in_o his_o prayer_n unto_o almighty_a god_n for_o the_o continuance_n increase_n and_o holy_a use_n of_o all_o his_o gift_n and_o grace_n which_o he_o have_v bestow_v on_o i_o to_o this_o god_n most_o wise_a most_o gracious_a and_o most_o infinite_a in_o all_o perfection_n the_o father_n son_n and_o holy_a ghost_n be_v ascribe_v all_o glory_n praise_n power_n and_o dominion_n both_o now_o and_o evermore_o amen_n finis_fw-la christian_n reader_n because_o there_o be_v some_o haste_n require_v in_o print_v of_o this_o book_n part_v thereof_o from_o pag._n 371_o to_o pag._n 578_o be_v commit_v to_o another_o printer_n who_o want_v a_o corrector_n suffer_v these_o fault_n to_o escape_v which_o be_v material_a as_o for_o other_o which_o be_v apparent_a at_o the_o first_o view_n i_o have_v leave_v unobserue_v the_o errata_fw-la pag._n 25._o line_n 14._o read_v must_v needs_o be_v pag._n 48_o l._n 13._o r._n another_o p._n 371._o l._n 4._o r._n fleshy_a p._n 375._o l._n 6._o r._n repeat_v p._n 378._o l._n 13_o r._n think_v you_o p._n 391._o l._n 30._o r._n self_n p._n 396._o l._n 5._o r._n all_o accompany_v p._n 399._o l._n 29._o r._n goodly_a show_n l._n 34._o r._n health_n p._n 405._o l._n 6._o r._n also_o have_v they_o p._n 408._o l._n 23._o r._n mock_v repentance_n p._n 409._o l_o 3._o r._n do_v not_o l._n 12._o r._n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d l._n 14._o r._n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d p._n 412._o r._n he_o free_v those_o p._n 418._o l._n 4._o r._n ho_o every_o l._n 18._o r._n and_o that_o he_o will_n l._n 24._o r._n and_o with_o all_o his_o heart_n desire_v to_o be_v p._n 420._o l_o 4_o 5._o r_o be_v proper_o to_o god_n p._n 425._o l._n 24._o r._n as_o of_o himself_o unwilling_a l._n 27._o r._n heinous_a no_o more_o then_o p._n 427._o l_o 5._o r._n mercy_n the._n l._n 27._o r._n heinous_a no_o more_o than_o p_o 438._o l._n 29._o r_o and_o rest_n p._n 440._o l._n 18._o r._n lord_n mercy_n p._n 442._o l_o 22._o r._n ho_o every_o p._n 446._o l_o 31._o r._n if_o when_o we_o be_v p._n 449._o l._n 10._o r._n that_o he_o who_o for_o l._n 30._o r._n of_o his_o bounty_n p_o 451_o l._n 27._o r._n honour_n and_o glory_n p._n 455._o l._n 6._o r._n and_o now_o he_o p._n 463._o l._n 30._o r._n true_a in_o thesi_fw-la yet_o false_a in_o hypothesi_fw-la p._n 473._o l._n 26._o r._n powerful_o l._n 33._o ministry_n p._n 474._o l._n 4._o r._n ministry_n p._n 475._o l._n 22._o r._n and_o mere_a cluill_n p._n 477._o l._n 10._o r._n and_o though_o l._n 13._o r._n entertain_v it_o p._n 479._o l_o 32._o r._n the_o hon_n of_o this_o lin_v last_o r._n work_n of_o sanctification_n p._n 481._o l._n 10._o r._n so_o the_o branch_n p._n 484._o l._n 5._o r._n it_o sear_v p._n 486._o l._n 4._o r._n sear_v l._n 29._o r._n sight_n and_o feeling_n p._n 487._o l._n 24._o r._n with_o a_o hard_a p._n 501._o l._n 29._o r._n in_o god_n at_o al._n p._n 507._o l._n 34._o r._n may_v seem_v to_o be_v p._n 510._o l._n 30._o r._n true_o sorry_a l._n 36._o r._n the_o case_n p._n 514._o l._n 25._o r._n destruction_n but._n p._n 522._o l._n 1._o r._n vanquish_v l._n 10._o r._n strive_v p._n 526._o l._n 8._o r._n similitude_n l._n 19_o r._n move_v and_o p._n 531._o l._n 20._o r._n the_o 5_o verse_n p._n 538._o l._n 10._o r._n up_o until_o it_o l._n 19_o r._n have_v any_o p._n 540._o l._n 7._o r._n more_o strong_a p._n 553._o l._n 29._o r._n alm_n aswell_o as_o l._n 33._o r._n strong_a our_o p._n 557._o l._n 9_o r._n see_v he_o p._n 566._o l._n 13._o r._n one_o oblation_n lin_v 21._o r._n where_o ho_o p._n 569._o l._n 7._o r._n and_o judge_v lin_v 8.1_o his_o own_o p._n 571._o l._n 26._o r._n imaginary_a p._n 574._o l._n 7._o r._n apostle_n p._n 578._o l._n 19_o r._n necessary_o
and_o raise_v up_o of_o a_o most_o faithful_a servant_n of_o god_n and_o my_o most_o dear_a friend_n who_o have_v bind_v i_o with_o many_o benefit_n to_o the_o performance_n of_o all_o christian_n duty_n but_o afterward_o find_v it_o to_o grow_v to_o such_o a_o volume_n that_o it_o be_v too_o great_a to_o pass_v in_o a_o write_a copy_n and_o hope_v that_o that_o which_o be_v profitable_a for_o one_o may_v be_v beneficial_a unto_o many_o at_o length_n i_o resolve_v to_o make_v my_o labour_n public_a by_o commit_v they_o to_o the_o press_n the_o principal_a thing_n that_o i_o propound_v to_o myself_o in_o this_o treatise_n be_v these_o first_o and_o especial_o i_o endeavour_v to_o comfort_v those_o who_o be_v afflict_v in_o conscience_n in_o the_o sight_n and_o sense_n of_o their_o sin_n by_o offer_v unto_o they_o certain_a assurance_n that_o their_o sin_n be_v remit_v and_o that_o themselves_o be_v elect_v to_o eternal_a life_n in_o the_o state_n of_o grace_n reconcile_v unto_o god_n in_o christ_n and_o receive_v in_o his_o love_n and_o favour_n second_o i_o labour_v to_o lead_v the_o christian_n in_o a_o even_a course_n unto_o the_o haven_n of_o eternal_a happiness_n that_o he_o may_v not_o run_v aside_o neither_o on_o the_o right_a hand_n and_o so_o fall_v upon_o the_o rock_n of_o presumption_n make_v shipwreck_n of_o his_o soul_n nor_o yet_o on_o the_o left_a hand_n and_o so_o plunge_v himself_o into_o the_o gulf_n of_o desperation_n wherein_o i_o have_v purposely_o and_o advise_o avoid_v their_o practice_n who_o scatter_v their_o consolation_n they_o know_v not_o where_o to_o be_v apply_v they_o care_v not_o by_o who_o whereof_o it_o come_v to_o pass_v that_o those_o that_o be_v most_o secure_a and_o presumptuous_a arrogate_v they_o to_o who_o they_o do_v not_o appertain_v and_o those_o that_o be_v afflict_v and_o humble_v dare_v not_o appropriate_v they_o to_o themselves_o because_o they_o be_v deliver_v indefinite_o to_o all_o without_o all_o caution_n or_o any_o condition_n whereby_o they_o may_v be_v restrain_v rather_o to_o they_o than_o any_o other_o in_o who_o sin_n yet_o live_v and_o reign_v wherein_o they_o resemble_v negligent_a physician_n who_o have_v make_v a_o good_a medicine_n for_o a_o sick_a man_n do_v not_o give_v it_o unto_o he_o but_o cast_v it_o careless_o into_o some_o corner_n whether_o the_o sick_a patient_a in_o respect_n of_o his_o faintness_n and_o weakness_n be_v likely_a never_o to_o come_v which_o be_v find_v and_o greedy_o drunken_a up_o by_o those_o who_o have_v no_o need_n of_o it_o in_o stead_n of_o do_v they_o good_a do_v turn_v to_o their_o bane_n and_o utter_v destruction_n last_o i_o have_v desire_v to_o give_v solid_a and_o substantial_a consolation_n which_o be_v firm_o ground_v upon_o god_n undoubted_a truth_n and_o such_o infallible_a reason_n as_o can_v be_v gainsay_v and_o have_v withal_o deliver_v the_o condition_n upon_o which_o they_o be_v to_o be_v receive_v and_o the_o undoubted_a sign_n and_o mark_n of_o those_o to_o who_o of_o right_n they_o appertain_v to_o the_o end_n that_o those_o who_o find_v these_o thing_n in_o themselves_o may_v not_o doubt_v to_o apply_v they_o to_o their_o wound_a conscience_n whereby_o they_o may_v be_v sound_o cure_v and_o thorough_o comfort_v and_o that_o those_o who_o find_v no_o such_o condition_n observe_v by_o they_o nor_o any_o such_o sign_n or_o mark_n in_o they_o may_v be_v debar_v from_o participate_v of_o these_o consolation_n which_o will_v nourish_v in_o they_o security_n and_o presumption_n and_o contrariwise_o examine_v themselves_o according_a to_o these_o rule_n and_o find_v no_o correspondency_n between_o themselves_o and_o they_o may_v hereby_o be_v awaken_v out_o of_o their_o lethargy_n of_o security_n and_o attain_v unto_o a_o sight_n and_o sense_n of_o their_o miserable_a estate_n may_v never_o be_v at_o rest_n till_o by_o use_v all_o good_a mean_n for_o this_o purpose_n they_o may_v find_v these_o mark_n and_o sign_n of_o their_o election_n vocation_n justification_n and_o sanctification_n in_o they_o that_o so_o they_o may_v bold_o and_o fit_o apply_v unto_o themselves_o these_o comfort_n and_o consolation_n as_o right_o and_o true_o appertain_v unto_o they_o all_o which_o my_o labour_n i_o think_v good_a to_o dedicate_v unto_o your_o worship_n partly_o because_o i_o desire_v to_o give_v this_o testimony_n of_o my_o true_a thankfulness_n for_o those_o manifold_a benefit_n which_o from_o some_o of_o you_o i_o have_v receive_v and_o of_o my_o unfeigned_a love_n which_o i_o bear_v to_o you_o all_o for_o your_o virtue_n and_o approve_a godliness_n and_o partly_o because_o i_o think_v none_o fit_a to_o who_o i_o may_v commend_v this_o discourse_n of_o the_o christian_a warfare_n than_o yourselves_o who_o be_v old_a experience_a soldier_n in_o fight_v these_o spiritual_a battle_n and_o therefore_o have_v judicial_a feel_n and_o sensible_a apprehension_n of_o those_o thing_n which_o i_o have_v write_v and_o commend_v to_o your_o patronage_n now_o the_o lord_n our_o god_n who_o be_v the_o fountain_n of_o all_o goodness_n and_o the_o sole_a giver_n of_o all_o true_a consolation_n increase_n in_o you_o more_o and_o more_o the_o gift_n and_o grace_n of_o his_o sanctify_a spirit_n and_o so_o fill_v your_o heart_n with_o all_o sound_a spiritual_a comfort_n and_o the_o joy_n in_o the_o holy_a ghost_n that_o you_o may_v through_o the_o course_n of_o your_o whole_a life_n cheerful_o go_v forward_o in_o the_o profession_n and_o sincere_a practice_n of_o his_o religion_n and_o true_a godliness_n and_o after_o this_o life_n may_v receive_v that_o crown_n of_o righteounsnesse_n which_o be_v prepare_v and_o lay_v up_o for_o you_o in_o his_o kingdom_n of_o eternal_a glory_n amen_n your_o worship_n in_o the_o lord_n most_o assure_v john_n downame_n the_o content_n of_o this_o book_n the_o chief_a point_n handle_v in_o the_o first_o book_n chap._n i._n that_o all_o god_n servant_n be_v assault_v with_o the_o spiritual_a enemy_n of_o their_o salvation_n pag._n 1_o that_o the_o strong_a faith_n whereof_o worldling_n boast_v be_v nothing_o else_o but_o security_n and_o vain_a presumption_n pag._n 3.4_o that_o god_n servant_n may_v rather_o be_v comfort_v than_o dismay_v by_o the_o assault_n of_o their_o spiritual_a enemy_n pag._n 6_o chap._n ii_o why_o god_n suffer_v his_o servant_n to_o be_v exercise_v in_o the_o spiritual_a conflict_n of_o temptation_n namely_o for_o his_o own_o glory_n and_o their_o everlasting_a good_a pag._n 7_o chap._n iii_o argument_n to_o encourage_v the_o weak_a christian_a to_o enter_v into_o this_o spiritual_a conflict_n pag._n 10_o chap._n four_o of_o the_o malice_n of_o our_o spiritual_a enemy_n satan_n join_v with_o violence_n and_o falsehood_n and_o how_o we_o may_v withstand_v it_o pag._n 16_o chap._n v._o of_o his_o strength_n courage_n and_o audaciousness_n and_o how_o we_o may_v withstand_v they_o pag._n 23_o chap._n vi_o of_o satan_n aide_n and_o first_o of_o the_o world_n pag._n 31_o how_o the_o world_n tempt_v by_o prosperity_n and_o how_o we_o may_v resist_v these_o temptation_n pag._n 32_o how_o it_o tempt_v by_o adversity_n and_o of_o the_o mean_n whereby_o we_o may_v resist_v these_o temptation_n 34_o chap._n vii_o of_o the_o flesh_n what_o it_o be_v and_o how_o we_o may_v subdue_v it_o 39_o chap._n viii_o of_o satan_n policy_n and_o how_o we_o may_v defeat_v it_o 40_o chap._n ix_o of_o the_o spiritual_a armour_n describe_v eph._n 6.44_o chap._n x._o of_o the_o particular_a part_n of_o the_o christian_a armour_n and_o first_o of_o the_o girdle_n of_o verity_n 48_o chap._n xi_o of_o the_o breastplate_n of_o righteousness_n 51_o chap._n xii_o of_o the_o preparation_n of_o the_o gospel_n of_o peace_n 54_o chap._n xiii_o of_o the_o shield_n of_o faith_n and_o what_o be_v mean_v by_o quench_v satan_n dart_n 55_o chap._n xiiii_o of_o the_o helmet_n of_o salvation_n 57_o chap._n xv._o of_o the_o sword_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o how_o we_o must_v use_v it_o in_o the_o conflict_n of_o temptation_n 59_o chap._n xvi_o of_o prayer_n and_o the_o necessity_n thereof_o in_o the_o spiritual_a conflict_n 64_o of_o the_o property_n require_v in_o prayer_n 65_o of_o watchfulness_n in_o prayer_n 67_o of_o perseverance_n in_o prayer_n where_o be_v also_o show_v why_o the_o lord_n delai_v to_o grant_v the_o petition_n of_o his_o child_n 69_o chap._n xvii_o of_o satan_n stratagem_n first_o how_o he_o fit_v his_o temptation_n according_a to_o our_o affection_n and_o natural_a inclination_n and_o how_o we_o may_v defeat_v this_o policy_n 72_o chap._n xviii_o how_o satan_n fit_v his_o temptation_n according_a to_o our_o state_n and_o condition_n and_o how_o we_o may_v withstand_v these_o temptation_n 78_o how_o satan_n tempt_v professor_n of_o religion_n who_o profession_n be_v only_o in_o show_n 82_o how_o he_o tempt_v the_o sincere_a
substance_n in_o the_o proper_a and_o special_a truth_n than_o in_o the_o common_a and_o general_a and_o though_o in_o one_o place_n they_o do_v not_o so_o clear_a the_o truth_n as_o they_o shall_v yet_o they_o do_v it_o in_o many_o other_o and_o therefore_o let_v not_o satan_n persuade_v we_o to_o neglect_v the_o scripture_n because_o there_o be_v want_n and_o imperfection_n in_o the_o translation_n for_o if_o we_o study_v and_o meditate_v even_o in_o the_o mean_a and_o conform_v and_o frame_v our_o life_n according_a to_o that_o truth_n which_o we_o learn_v out_o of_o they_o we_o shall_v attain_v unto_o everlasting_a life_n and_o happiness_n man_n do_v not_o use_v to_o neglect_v their_o business_n because_o by_o reason_n of_o some_o cloud_n the_o sun_n do_v not_o shine_v upon_o they_o in_o his_o full_a brightness_n for_o that_o light_n which_o they_o enjoy_v be_v sufficient_a though_o not_o so_o glorious_o bright_a as_o when_o it_o shine_v in_o his_o full_a clearness_n so_o we_o must_v not_o neglect_v the_o conform_v of_o ourselves_o to_o the_o scripture_n because_o we_o can_v see_v they_o shine_v in_o their_o own_o glorious_a brightness_n as_o they_o be_v pen_v by_o the_o inspiration_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n in_o the_o original_a language_n for_o as_o well_o may_v a_o painter_n express_v in_o his_o table_n with_o artificial_a colour_n the_o glory_n of_o the_o sun_n as_o any_o man_n live_v can_v express_v that_o perfect_a beauty_n and_o divine_a glory_n which_o shine_v in_o the_o natural_a phrase_n of_o holy_a scripture_n in_o a_o translation_n but_o rather_o we_o be_v to_o enjoy_v the_o benefit_n of_o this_o glorious_a shine_a sun_n of_o god_n word_n though_o the_o brightness_n be_v as_o it_o be_v veil_a and_o somewhat_o shadow_v with_o the_o cloud_n of_o another_o language_n for_o notwithstanding_o through_o it_o they_o shine_v and_o afford_v we_o such_o light_n as_o may_v be_v sufficient_a to_o guide_v and_o direct_v we_o in_o the_o way_n of_o holiness_n and_o righteousness_n which_o will_v bring_v we_o in_o the_o end_n to_o eternal_a glory_n and_o endless_a felicity_n chap._n xxiii_o satan_n temptation_n take_v from_o the_o evil_a life_n of_o the_o minister_n answer_v §_o sect._n 1_o and_o so_o much_o concern_v the_o objection_n which_o satan_n make_v against_o the_o scripture_n themselves_o also_o that_o satan_n by_o disgrace_v the_o minister_n seek_v to_o disgrace_v their_o ministry_n also_o to_o the_o end_n he_o may_v make_v man_n neglect_v to_o hear_v and_o read_v they_o but_o if_o this_o will_v not_o prevail_v than_o he_o leave_v to_o disgrace_v the_o word_n itself_o and_o seek_v by_o discredit_v the_o minister_n thereof_o to_o make_v they_o to_o contemn_v their_o ministry_n and_o to_o this_o end_n he_o use_v all_o his_o skill_n to_o draw_v they_o into_o some_o gross_a and_o scandalous_a sin_n and_o to_o neglect_v that_o doctrine_n themselves_o which_o they_o teach_v unto_o other_o show_v in_o their_o life_n and_o conversation_n neither_o zeal_n of_o god_n glory_n nor_o desire_n of_o their_o neighbour_n good_a and_o when_o he_o have_v attain_v unto_o his_o purpose_n in_o some_o he_o think_v it_o a_o sufficient_a ground_n for_o the_o slander_n of_o all_o and_o a_o notable_a foundation_n whereupon_o he_o may_v build_v a_o most_o pernicious_a temptation_n be_v thou_o so_o foolish_a will_n he_o say_v as_o to_o think_v all_o gospel_n which_o the_o minister_n teach_v that_o all_o truth_n come_v from_o their_o mouth_n &_o that_o there_o be_v not_o a_o more_o easy_a way_n of_o attain_v to_o everlasting_a life_n then_o that_o which_o they_o show_v unto_o thou_o why_o do_v but_o look_v upon_o themselves_o and_o thoushalt_v find_v their_o life_n far_o dissonant_n from_o their_o word_n that_o while_o they_o exhort_v thou_o to_o stricktnes_n they_o take_v their_o liberty_n while_o they_o dissuade_v thou_o from_o take_v thy_o pleasure_n affect_v honour_n set_v thy_o heart_n upon_o riches_n themselves_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n be_v as_o voluptuous_a ambitious_a and_o covetous_a as_o any_o other_o and_o while_o they_o endeavour_v to_o make_v sin_n to_o appear_v unto_o thou_o as_o black_a as_o hell_n themselves_o embrace_v it_o with_o pleasure_n and_o delight_n as_o though_o it_o be_v the_o joy_n of_o heaven_n who_o therefore_o can_v imagine_v that_o they_o think_v as_o they_o speak_v or_o that_o they_o be_v persuade_v that_o heaven_n gate_n be_v so_o straight_o and_o the_o way_n so_o troublesome_a and_o hard_a to_o find_v as_o they_o go_v about_o to_o persuade_v thou_o see_v themselves_o take_v the_o least_o pain_n in_o walk_v in_o this_o way_n which_o they_o prescribe_v unto_o other_o or_o if_o it_o be_v the_o truth_n which_o they_o teach_v then_o sure_o they_o be_v not_o worth_a the_o hear_n who_o in_o their_o life_n deny_v this_o truth_n which_o in_o their_o word_n they_o profess_v for_o what_o hope_n can_v thou_o have_v that_o it_o will_v be_v powerful_a to_o work_v grace_n in_o thou_o see_v it_o have_v no_o power_n to_o work_v it_o in_o themselves_o or_o that_o they_o can_v persuade_v thou_o to_o that_o holiness_n to_o which_o themselves_o be_v not_o persuade_v §_o sect._n 2_o and_o thus_o do_v satan_n seek_v to_o keep_v man_n from_o hear_v of_o god_n word_n temptation_n the_o answer_n to_o the_o former_a temptation_n that_o so_o be_v weaken_v and_o hunger-starve_v for_o want_n of_o this_o heavenly_a manna_n he_o may_v vanquish_v they_o at_o the_o first_o onset_n and_o lead_v they_o captive_a unto_o all_o sin_n and_o be_v still_o hoodwink_v with_o the_o thick_a veil_n of_o ignorance_n he_o may_v lead_v they_o the_o direct_a way_n to_o hell_n and_o utter_a destruction_n and_o therefore_o it_o behove_v every_o one_o to_o arm_v themselves_o that_o so_o they_o may_v beat_v back_o the_o violence_n of_o this_o temptation_n first_o therefore_o imperfection_n minister_n subject_n to_o all_o human_a imperfection_n whereas_o he_o say_v that_o the_o minister_n speak_v not_o as_o they_o think_v because_o they_o do_v not_o as_o the_o speak_v we_o be_v to_o know_v for_o the_o answer_n of_o this_o temptation_n that_o minister_n be_v subject_a to_o the_o same_o corruption_n and_o infirmity_n which_o be_v incident_a unto_o other_o man_n and_o though_o they_o be_v call_v in_o the_o scripture_n angel_n in_o respect_n that_o they_o be_v god_n messenger_n to_o bring_v and_o publish_v the_o glad_a tiding_n of_o the_o gospel_n yet_o be_v they_o not_o angel_n in_o respect_n of_o their_o purity_n and_o perfection_n but_o as_o they_o be_v flesh_n and_o blood_n subject_a to_o all_o humane_a frailty_n as_o they_o be_v bear_v in_o sin_n and_o defile_v with_o original_a corruption_n so_o be_v they_o as_o prone_a as_o other_o to_o fall_v into_o all_o actual_a transgression_n if_o the_o lord_n restrain_v they_o not_o neither_o must_v we_o imagine_v that_o learning_n and_o knowledge_n do_v endue_v man_n with_o sanctification_n and_o the_o save_a grace_n of_o god_n spirit_n for_o than_o we_o may_v attain_v unto_o they_o by_o our_o study_n labour_n and_o industry_n whereas_o the_o scripture_n teach_v we_o that_o they_o be_v god_n free_a gift_n which_o he_o bestow_v on_o who_o he_o will_v than_o it_o will_v follow_v that_o he_o who_o be_v endue_v with_o most_o knowledge_n and_o learning_n shall_v also_o have_v most_o grace_n and_o sanctification_n whereas_o our_o own_o experience_n teach_v we_o that_o many_o of_o the_o great_a doctor_n of_o the_o world_n spend_v their_o life_n in_o all_o voluptuous_a pleasure_n and_o licentiousness_n what_o then_o do_v these_o man_n teach_v one_o thing_n and_o believe_v another_o sure_o it_o may_v be_v the_o case_n of_o many_o for_o faith_n come_v not_o by_o variety_n of_o knowledge_n neither_o be_v it_o tie_v to_o learning_n but_o it_o be_v the_o free_a gift_n of_o god_n bestow_v as_o well_o yea_o and_o as_o often_o also_o upon_o the_o simple_a fisherman_n as_o upon_o the_o learned_a pharisee_n and_o therefore_o though_o they_o have_v such_o great_a learning_n and_o knowledge_n that_o they_o be_v able_a to_o instruct_v other_o and_o defend_v the_o truth_n against_o all_o opposer_n yet_o may_v they_o be_v as_o hard_o heart_a and_o full_a of_o infidelity_n as_o the_o most_o ignorant_a and_o sottish_a in_o the_o world_n shall_v then_o their_o hardness_n of_o heart_n and_o infidelity_n move_v we_o to_o call_v the_o truth_n of_o god_n which_o they_o deliver_v into_o question_n as_o though_o it_o be_v a_o matter_n doubtful_a whether_o it_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n or_o no_o god_n forbid_v nay_o let_v god_n be_v true_a and_o every_o man_n a_o liar_n for_o their_o own_o conscience_n be_v convince_v of_o this_o truth_n though_o not_o persuade_v and_o the_o lord_n have_v give_v they_o eye_n to_o see_v it_o though_o not_o heart_n to_o believe_v it_o to_o the_o end_n that_o the_o praise_n of_o our_o salvation_n
tedious_a if_o the_o ox_n while_o he_o be_v young_a be_v accustom_v to_o the_o yoke_n he_o draw_v in_o it_o quiet_o and_o with_o no_o great_a pain_n but_o if_o he_o run_v long_o in_o the_o pasture_n unbroken_a and_o untamed_a when_o he_o be_v bring_v to_o the_o yoke_n he_o struggle_v and_o strive_v and_o therewith_o gall_v his_o neck_n draw_v with_o exceed_a pain_n and_o irksomeness_n and_o so_o if_o in_o our_o youth_n we_o accustom_v ourselves_o to_o bear_v the_o yoke_n of_o obedience_n it_o will_v be_v easy_a and_o pleasant_a but_o if_o we_o use_v delay_n we_o shall_v grow_v stubborn_a and_o stifnecked_a like_o untamed_a ox_n and_o the_o bear_n of_o christ_n yoke_n through_o our_o impatiency_n and_o the_o rebellion_n of_o our_o nature_n will_v gall_n and_o vex_v us._n three_o the_o soon_o we_o turn_v unto_o god_n the_o more_o joy_n peace_n and_o comfort_n shall_v we_o have_v in_o the_o whole_a course_n of_o our_o life_n for_o what_o joy_n may_v be_v compare_v with_o the_o joy_n in_o the_o holy_a ghost_n 15.15_o pro._n 15.15_o what_o peace_n be_v like_o the_o peace_n with_o god_n &_o the_o peace_n of_o conscience_n when_o as_o we_o be_v sure_a that_o we_o be_v now_o friend_n who_o before_o we_o be_v enemy_n and_o child_n of_o god_n and_o heir_n of_o his_o everlasting_a kingdom_n of_o glory_n who_o in_o time_n past_o be_v child_n of_o wrath_n and_o fire_n brand_v of_o hell_n what_o comfort_n in_o the_o world_n can_v be_v imagine_v like_o unto_o the_o consolation_n of_o god_n spirit_n which_o be_v able_a to_o make_v all_o affliction_n light_a and_o even_o death_n itself_o sweet_a and_o pleasant_a unto_o we_o but_o this_o joy_n peace_n &_o comfort_n do_v all_o company_n our_o true_a conversion_n unto_o god_n and_o therefore_o who_o will_v defer_v it_o for_o one_o day_n see_v it_o bring_v such_o inestimable_a benefit_n and_o such_o surpass_a pleasure_n as_o none_o sufficient_o understand_v they_o but_o they_o who_o feel_v &_o enjoy_v they_o whereas_o on_o the_o other_o side_n if_o we_o defer_v our_o conversion_n in_o the_o mean_a while_o we_o be_v continual_o subject_a to_o the_o check_n and_o terror_n of_o a_o evil_a conscience_n in_o fear_n of_o god_n judgement_n and_o eternal_a damnation_n and_o though_o in_o outward_a show_n we_o may_v be_v exceed_o merry_a and_o pleasant_a yet_o our_o mirth_n be_v full_a of_o sorrow_n and_o our_o joy_n of_o bitterness_n and_o of_o such_o laughter_n we_o may_v say_v thou_o be_v mad_a and_o of_o this_o joy_n what_o be_v that_o which_o thou_o do_v as_o the_o wise_a man_n speak_v eccle_n 2.2_o for_o it_o be_v but_o sardonicus_n risus_fw-la laughter_n from_o the_o tooth_n outward_a which_o be_v straight_o control_v with_o some_o inward_a pang_n or_o check_n of_o conscience_n four_o the_o soon_o we_o turn_v unto_o the_o lord_n the_o long_a time_n we_o shall_v spend_v in_o his_o service_n which_o in_o truth_n be_v perfect_a liberty_n now_o what_o can_v be_v more_o delightful_a unto_o any_o christian_a heart_n then_o to_o serve_v our_o creator_n from_o the_o day_n of_o our_o youth_n &_o to_o show_v our_o thankfulness_n to_o god_n our_o redeemer_n for_o all_o the_o inestimable_a benefit_n which_o he_o have_v bestow_v upon_o we_o by_o cause_v our_o light_n to_o shine_v before_o man_n and_o by_o glorify_v his_o name_n in_o our_o godly_a &_o christian_a life_n what_o can_v be_v more_o please_v to_o a_o thankful_a mind_n then_o to_o take_v all_o occasion_n of_o express_v thankfulfulnesse_n to_o he_o unto_o who_o we_o be_v so_o much_o bind_v last_o as_o by_o our_o speedy_a conversion_n unto_o god_n we_o live_v in_o sweet_a comfort_n and_o joyful_a peace_n so_o also_o we_o secure_o expect_v death_n and_o give_v it_o entertainment_n when_o it_o come_v with_o cheerful_a countenance_n for_o be_v convert_v unto_o god_n we_o be_v at_o peace_n with_o he_o and_o in_o his_o love_n and_o favour_n we_o be_v assure_v that_o the_o curse_n of_o the_o law_n be_v nail_v to_o christ_n cross_n that_o he_o be_v condemn_v that_o we_o may_v be_v justify_v and_o put_v to_o death_n that_o we_o may_v live_v eternal_o that_o he_o be_v go_v before_o we_o into_o heaven_n to_o prepare_v we_o a_o place_n there_o and_o now_o sit_v at_o the_o right_a hand_n of_o his_o father_n to_o give_v we_o joyful_a entertainment_n when_o we_o come_v unto_o he_o that_o he_o have_v take_v away_o the_o sting_n of_o death_n which_o be_v sin_n and_o have_v make_v a_o sovereign_a medicine_n against_o this_o poison_n with_o his_o precious_a blood_n and_o therefore_o be_v convert_v unto_o god_n we_o need_v not_o to_o fear_v death_n nay_o rather_o we_o may_v wish_v with_o the_o apostle_n to_o be_v speedy_o dissolve_v that_o we_o may_v be_v with_o christ_n see_v that_o be_v best_a of_o all_o as_o it_o be_v phil._n 1.23_o neither_o need_n we_o to_o fear_v the_o destruction_n of_o this_o earthly_a tabernacle_n see_v we_o be_v assure_v that_o we_o have_v a_o building_n give_v we_o of_o god_n a_o house_n not_o make_v with_o hand_n but_o eternal_a in_o the_o heaven_n as_o it_o be_v 2._o cor._n 5.1_o moreover_o we_o shall_v not_o need_v to_o fear_v either_o sudden_a death_n or_o a_o evil_a death_n for_o it_o can_v be_v sudden_a to_o they_o who_o be_v always_o prepare_v ne_n potest_fw-la malè_fw-la mori_fw-la qui_fw-la benè_fw-la vixit_fw-la august_n august_n neither_o can_v he_o die_v ill_o who_o have_v live_v well_o on_o the_o other_o side_n those_o who_o defer_v their_o repentance_n and_o turn_n unto_o god_n when_o death_n approach_v be_v fill_v with_o horror_n &_o fear_n when_o as_o they_o see_v that_o they_o be_v still_o subject_a to_o the_o curse_n of_o the_o law_n and_o every_o minute_n in_o danger_n of_o god_n fearful_a judgement_n when_o as_o the_o weight_n of_o sin_n press_v they_o satan_n and_o their_o own_o conscience_n accuse_v they_o death_n wait_v on_o they_o to_o bring_v they_o to_o everlasting_a death_n hell_n and_o destruction_n and_o therefore_o see_v so_o many_o benefit_n accompany_v our_o speedy_a conversion_n both_o in_o life_n and_o death_n and_o so_o many_o evil_n follow_v our_o delay_n let_v we_o not_o be_v move_v by_o satan_n tentation_n the_o sweetness_n of_o sin_n nor_o with_o the_o allure_a vanity_n of_o this_o deceitful_a world_n to_o defer_v our_o repentance_n from_o day_n to_o day_n but_o let_v we_o now_o harken_v while_o god_n yet_o call_v we_o and_o take_v the_o good_a and_o acceptable_a time_n when_o he_o offer_v it_o unto_o us._n §_o sect._n 4_o the_o eight_o motive_n to_o persuade_v we_o to_o speedy_a conversion_n acceptable_a the_o 8._o motive_n because_o repentance_n defer_v to_o old_a age_n be_v not_o so_o excellent_a or_o acceptable_a be_v that_o our_o turn_n unto_o god_n be_v defer_v to_o our_o old_a age_n or_o till_o the_o time_n we_o lie_v sick_a on_o our_o deathbedde_n be_v not_o so_o excellent_a in_o it_o one_o nature_n nor_o so_o acceptable_a unto_o god_n as_o if_o it_o be_v perform_v in_o the_o time_n of_o our_o youth_n for_o what_o great_a matter_n be_v it_o if_o we_o leave_v our_o sin_n when_o they_o be_v ready_a to_o leave_v we_o to_o renounce_v the_o world_n with_o the_o riches_n honour_v and_o pleasure_n thereof_o when_o they_o be_v ready_a to_o abandon_v we_o to_o embrace_v mortification_n when_o as_o our_o body_n be_v mortify_v with_o sickness_n and_o bring_v to_o the_o gate_n of_o death_n to_o give_v to_o the_o poor_a when_o we_o can_v keep_v our_o good_n no_o long_o to_o forgive_v our_o enemy_n when_o as_o we_o can_v not_o offer_v they_o any_o further_a wrong_n or_o violence_n to_o commend_v our_o wife_n and_o child_n into_o the_o hand_n of_o god_n when_o as_o we_o ourselves_o can_v no_o long_o defend_v and_o provide_v for_o they_o to_o cease_v to_o swear_v and_o blaspheme_v god_n name_n when_o as_o soon_o after_o we_o shall_v cease_v to_o speak_v moreover_o how_o can_v we_o think_v that_o this_o will_v be_v acceptable_a unto_o god_n when_o as_o we_o do_v not_o come_v unto_o he_o before_o all_o the_o world_n forsake_v we_o nor_o crave_v his_o help_n till_o we_o be_v abandon_v of_o all_o other_o succour_n nor_o offer_v to_o come_v into_o his_o service_n before_o we_o be_v ready_a to_o go_v out_o of_o the_o world_n and_o that_o rather_o for_o fear_v of_o punishment_n and_o hope_v of_o reward_n then_o for_o any_o love_n we_o bear_v to_o our_o lord_n and_o master_n but_o let_v it_o be_v grant_v as_o in_o truth_n it_o can_v be_v deny_v that_o whensoever_o we_o true_o repent_v we_o of_o our_o sin_n and_o turn_v unto_o god_n he_o will_v receive_v we_o to_o mercy_n shall_v we_o take_v occasion_n hereof_o to_o defer_v our_o conversion_n and_o to_o continue_v in_o our_o sin_n shall_v his_o love_n and_o mercy_n towards_o
own_o sense_n and_o feeling_n he_o apprehend_v nothing_o but_o god_n wrath_n and_o grievous_a displeasure_n and_o lamentable_o complain_v as_o a_o man_n abandon_v and_o cast_v out_o of_o all_o love_n and_o favour_n my_o god_n my_o god_n why_o have_v thou_o forsake_v i_o which_o word_n show_v both_o christ_n affiance_n in_o god_n and_o his_o present_a apprehension_n in_o his_o sense_n and_o feeling_n for_o in_o respect_n of_o his_o affiance_n and_o trust_n in_o god_n he_o call_v he_o still_o his_o god_n in_o respect_n of_o his_o sense_n and_o feeling_n he_o complain_v that_o he_o be_v forsake_v whereby_o it_o be_v manifest_a that_o a_o man_n may_v be_v dear_o belove_v of_o god_n and_o yet_o for_o a_o time_n apprehend_v nothing_o but_o his_o wrath_n and_o displeasure_n that_o he_o may_v have_v faith_n and_o affiance_n in_o god_n yet_o at_o the_o same_o time_n be_v deprive_v of_o all_o sense_n and_o feel_n of_o his_o love_n and_o favour_n and_o therefore_o when_o we_o be_v exercise_v in_o the_o combat_n of_o tentation_n let_v not_o sathan_n persuade_v we_o that_o we_o be_v utter_o deprive_v of_o the_o love_n &_o favour_n of_o god_n because_o through_o the_o violence_n of_o his_o tentation_n and_o greevousnesse_n of_o our_o affliction_n we_o do_v not_o apprehend_v it_o nor_o that_o we_o be_v destitute_a of_o faith_n and_o all_o other_o spiritual_a grace_n because_o we_o do_v not_o sensible_o discern_v they_o in_o our_o feel_n for_o this_o have_v be_v the_o state_n of_o the_o dear_a child_n of_o god_n from_o the_o begin_n of_o the_o world_n and_o shall_v be_v to_o the_o end_n thereof_o chap._n xlv_o of_o the_o mean_n whereby_o our_o faith_n may_v be_v strengthen_v and_o increase_v §_o sect._n 1_o and_o so_o much_o concern_v those_o reason_n whereby_o we_o may_v prove_v that_o we_o have_v faith_n increase_v that_o all_o who_o be_v endue_v with_o true_a faith_n use_v the_o mean_n whereby_o it_o may_v be_v increase_v and_o also_o answer_v satan_n tentation_n whereby_o he_o labour_v to_o persuade_v we_o that_o we_o be_v destitute_a thereof_o the_o second_o mean_n whereby_o we_o may_v arm_v ourselves_o against_o satan_n and_o his_o suggestion_n be_v that_o we_o most_o earnest_o labour_v and_o endeavour_n after_o we_o have_v find_v that_o we_o have_v some_o faith_n to_o increase_v therein_o and_o grow_v up_o from_o say_v to_o say_v until_o we_o come_v to_o that_o fullness_n of_o persuasion_n which_o will_v bring_v such_o peace_n of_o conscience_n as_o satan_n and_o all_o his_o tentation_n shall_v not_o be_v able_a to_o disturb_v otherwise_o we_o shall_v be_v continual_o subject_a to_o fear_n and_o doubt_n and_o exceed_o shake_v with_o satan_n tentation_n and_o in_o truth_n not_o without_o cause_n if_o we_o stand_v still_o at_o a_o state_n for_o howsoever_o satan_n and_o all_o the_o power_n of_o hell_n can_v prevail_v against_o the_o least_o measure_n of_o true_a faith_n to_o quench_v and_o utter_o to_o destroy_v it_o yet_o this_o will_v bring_v no_o sound_a comfort_n unto_o those_o which_o rest_v content_v with_o this_o little_a quantity_n and_o never_o labour_v after_o increase_v because_o this_o be_v a_o shrewd_a presumption_n that_o their_o faith_n be_v false_a and_o counterfeit_n for_o assoon_o as_o the_o seed_n of_o true_a faith_n be_v sow_v in_o we_o and_o have_v take_v root_n it_o sproot_v up_o and_o till_o it_o come_v to_o full_a ripeness_n in_o which_o respect_n our_o saviour_n compare_v it_o to_o agraine_v of_o mustard_n seed_n which_o though_o it_o be_v one_o of_o the_o least_o seed_n of_o the_o garden_n yet_o it_o grow_v to_o a_o great_a tree_n neither_o in_o truth_n be_v it_o possible_a that_o any_o who_o have_v taste_v of_o true_a faith_n and_o of_o those_o inestimable_a benefit_n which_o it_o assure_v we_o of_o shall_v content_v themselves_o with_o a_o small_a pittance_n and_o never_o labour_v after_o more_o for_o who_o be_v it_o that_o have_v taste_v and_o eat_v a_o little_a bit_n of_o some_o delicious_a meat_n do_v not_o with_o a_o hunger_a appetite_n desire_v more_o till_o he_o be_v fill_v and_o satisfy_v who_o be_v it_o that_o have_v any_o weak_a title_n and_o assurance_n of_o some_o goodly_a inheritance_n do_v not_o earnest_o desire_v and_o use_v all_o good_a &_o lawful_a mean_n whereby_o his_o title_n may_v be_v strengthen_v and_o his_o assurance_n confirm_v and_o can_v we_o think_v that_o any_o have_v true_o taste_v of_o faith_n and_o the_o excellent_a benefit_n which_o accompany_v it_o as_o namely_o assurance_n of_o god_n love_n and_o the_o remission_n of_o our_o sin_n peace_n of_o conscience_n joy_n in_o the_o holy_a ghost_n who_o content_n themselves_o with_o a_o little_a modicum_fw-la and_o never_o hunger_n after_o more_o or_o can_v we_o imagine_v that_o we_o have_v any_o small_a title_n or_o true_a assurance_n of_o those_o unspeakable_a joy_n of_o god_n kingdom_n and_o that_o unluable_a patrimony_n of_o everlasting_a glory_n if_o we_o never_o use_v mean_n to_o confirm_v our_o title_n and_o strengthen_v our_o assurance_n sure_o it_o be_v impossible_a and_o therefore_o if_o we_o will_v have_v any_o sound_a comfort_n and_o peace_n of_o conscience_n if_o we_o will_v ever_o attain_v to_o a_o certain_a persuasion_n that_o we_o have_v true_a faith_n indeed_o let_v we_o use_v most_o careful_o and_o diligent_o all_o good_a mean_n whereby_o we_o may_v strengthen_v and_o confirm_v our_o faith_n until_o it_o grow_v from_o a_o small_a seed_n to_o a_o great_a tree_n which_o will_v bring_v forth_o plentiful_a fruit_n of_o godliness_n and_o righteousness_n and_o until_o it_o wax_v of_o a_o small_a spark_n unto_o a_o great_a flame_n which_o will_v thorough_o warm_v our_o heart_n with_o true_a comfort_n which_o be_v natural_o freeze_v with_o fear_n and_o doubt_v for_o howsoever_o satan_n can_v quench_v the_o least_o spark_n of_o lively_a faith_n yet_o he_o will_v so_o cover_v it_o with_o the_o ash_n of_o his_o tentation_n that_o we_o shall_v neither_o discern_v the_o light_n nor_o feel_v the_o heat_n thereof_o §_o sect._n 2_o now_o the_o mean_n which_o we_o be_v thus_o careful_o to_o use_v be_v of_o two_o sort_n word_n the_o 1._o mean_n to_o increase_v faith_n be_v the_o diligent_a hear_v god_n word_n the_o first_o tend_v to_o the_o increase_n and_o strengthen_v of_o our_o faith_n the_o other_o serve_v to_o preserve_v we_o from_o doubt_v and_o desperation_n the_o mean_n to_o strengthen_v and_o increase_v our_o faith_n be_v diverse_a the_o first_o be_v the_o frequent_a and_o attentive_a hear_n of_o god_n word_n for_o as_o this_o be_v the_o ordinary_a mean_n whereby_o faith_n be_v beget_v and_o begin_v in_o we_o so_o be_v it_o a_o chief_a mean_n to_o strengthen_v and_o confirm_v it_o as_o it_o be_v that_o lively_a seed_n from_o which_o faith_n do_v spring_n so_o be_v it_o that_o heavenly_a dew_n whereby_o it_o be_v water_v and_o increase_v from_o a_o little_a plant_n to_o a_o great_a tree_n and_o therefore_o as_o it_o be_v not_o sufficient_a for_o a_o fruitful_a harvest_n that_o the_o blade_n or_o branch_n shall_v sprout_v up_o unless_o it_o be_v water_v continual_o with_o sweet_a dew_n and_o shower_n from_o heaven_n and_o so_o preserve_v from_o die_v and_o wither_v so_o if_o ever_o we_o mean_v to_o reap_v the_o ripe_a fruit_n of_o faith_n to_o our_o everlasting_a comfort_n we_o must_v be_v careful_a that_o not_o only_o it_o take_v root_n and_o bring_v forth_o a_o blade_n of_o a_o outward_a profession_n but_o also_o that_o it_o may_v be_v water_v with_o this_o heavenly_a dew_n of_o god_n word_n otherwise_o when_o the_o sun_n of_o affliction_n and_o persecution_n arise_v it_o will_v die_v and_o wither_v word_n the_o 2._o mean_n meditation_n in_o god_n word_n the_o second_o mean_n to_o strengthen_v our_o faith_n be_v diligent_o to_o read_v and_o mediate_v in_o god_n word_n especial_o the_o gospel_n wherein_o be_v contain_v those_o sweet_a and_o gracious_a promise_n which_o be_v make_v in_o definite_o unto_o all_o who_o repent_v of_o their_o sin_n and_o believe_v in_o jesus_n christ_n rest_v and_o rely_v upon_o he_o alone_o for_o their_o salvation_n and_o to_o this_o purpose_n our_o saviour_n will_v the_o jew_n to_o search_v the_o scripture_n 5.39_o joh_n 5.39_o because_o they_o be_v they_o which_o testify_v of_o he_o joh._n 5.39_o and_o hereby_o david_n say_v that_o he_o be_v comfort_v in_o his_o trouble_n &_o even_o quicken_v when_o he_o be_v dead_a psal_n 119.50_o 119.50_o psal_n 119.50_o conferece_n the_o 3._o mean_n holy_a conferece_n the_o three_o mean_n be_v holy_a conference_n with_o our_o godly_a brethren_n for_o hereby_o those_o which_o be_v fall_v be_v confirm_v and_o the_o weary_a hand_n and_o weak_a knee_n strengthen_v as_o eliphas_n speak_v job._n 43.4_o 4.3.4_o job._n 4.3.4_o and_o those_o who_o be_v weak_a in_o faith_n be_v comfort_v and_o establish_v