convince_v they_o of_o their_o need_n of_o christ_n and_o duty_n of_o follow_v he_o to_o fix_v and_o strengthen_v their_o hearty_a purpose_n to_o cleave_v unto_o the_o lord_n such_o as_o be_v the_o lord_n command_v to_o believe_v in_o christ_n and_o love_n one_o another_o 1_o joh._n 3._o 23._o and_o his_o threaten_n if_o they_o believe_v not_o joh._n 3._o 18._o and_o 1_o joh._n 5._o 10._o 11._o the_o four_o mean_v be_v the_o gather_n of_o these_o that_o have_v embrace_v this_o covenant_n into_o all_o lawful_a and_o possible_a church-communion_n with_o other_o his_o disciple_n and_o fix_v they_o in_o their_o several_a congregation_n that_o they_o may_v be_v edify_v under_o their_o officer_n appoint_v by_o christ_n in_o his_o testament_n in_o their_o most_o holy_a faith_n and_o obedience_n of_o all_o his_o ordinance_n and_o for_o further_a clear_v the_o way_n of_o god_n bring_v the_o visible_a church_n of_o christ_n into_o this_o covenant_n with_o himself_o let_v it_o be_v consider_v 1._o albeit_o of_o those_o that_o be_v come_v to_o the_o use_n of_o reason_n with_o who_o god_n do_v formal_o and_o solemn_o make_v this_o covenant_n of_o grace_n and_o reconciliation_n many_o be_v external_o only_o call_v and_o few_o in_o comparison_n choose_v matth._n 20._o 21._o yet_o it_o be_v not_o the_o will_n of_o god_n otherways_o then_o by_o doctrine_n to_o separat_fw-la the_o elect_a from_o the_o rest_n of_o they_o that_o be_v external_o call_v or_o to_o make_v the_o elect_v name_n know_v to_o the_o world_n for_o the_o church_n know_v not_o but_o god_n only_o know_v who_o be_v his_o 2_o tim._n 2._o 19_o and_o therefore_o he_o have_v ordain_v mean_n common_a to_o the_o elect_a and_o reprobat_fw-la to_o bring_v both_o unto_o the_o external_a embrace_v of_o his_o covenant_n and_o continue_v external_o therein_o and_o he_o do_v bestow_v gift_n both_o to_o the_o one_o sort_n and_o to_o the_o other_o and_o he_o work_v in_o both_o the_o one_o sort_n and_o the_o other_o according_a to_o his_o own_o will_n but_o as_o for_o inward_a and_o effectual_a call_n or_o special_a save_a grace_n which_o do_v accompany_v salvation_n and_o the_o special_a operation_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n he_o reserve_v to_o the_o elect_a and_o redeem_v only_o to_o who_o in_o a_o time_n acceptable_a he_o reveal_v himself_o and_o seal_v they_o for_o his_o own_o service_n 2._o by_o this_o wise_a and_o holy_a deal_n with_o the_o hearer_n of_o the_o gospel_n whereby_o the_o lord_n so_o make_v good_a the_o covenant_n of_o redemption_n and_o bring_v his_o decree_n to_o pass_v as_o none_o shall_v have_v just_a reason_n to_o stumble_v no_o wonder_n that_o many_o be_v compass_v within_o the_o draught-net_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o be_v move_v to_o enter_v into_o this_o holy_a and_o bless_a covenant_n of_o who_o there_o may_v be_v elect_a not_o as_o yet_o convert_v whereup_v on_o by_o god_n appointment_n follow_v a_o solemn_a covenant_v of_o all_o that_o consent_n to_o the_o condition_n of_o the_o covenant_n and_o profess_v their_o faith_n in_o christ_n all_o who_o with_o their_o child_n christ_n translate_v from_o the_o pagan_a world_n into_o his_o visible_a kingdom_n and_o fellowship_n of_o his_o church_n militant_a and_o grant_v unto_o they_o right_o to_o the_o common_a privilege_n of_o citizen_n in_o the_o order_n appoint_v in_o his_o word_n that_o keep_v all_o lawful_a and_o possible_a communion_n with_o the_o catholic_n visible_a church_n of_o christ_n they_o may_v be_v edify_v in_o their_o particular_a congregaâ—ions_n and_o govern_v with_o other_o by_o ecclesiastical_a discipline_n 3._o together_o with_o these_o external_a mean_n serve_v for_o draw_v on_o the_o covenant_n and_o go_v on_o in_o it_o the_o common_a operation_n of_o god_n do_v concur_v common_a to_o all_o the_o call_v both_o elect_a and_o reprobat_fw-la and_o gift_n common_a to_o both_o be_v bestow_v such_o as_o illumination_n moral_a persuasion_n historycall_a dogmatic_a and_o temporary_a faith_n moral_a change_n of_o affection_n and_o some_o sort_n of_o external_a amendment_n of_o their_o outward_a conversation_n save_v grace_n be_v the_o special_a gift_n of_o god_n to_o his_o own_o 4._o of_o this_o manner_n of_o covenant_v and_o take_v into_o church-fellowship_n all_o the_o call_v that_o consent_n in_o a_o moral_a way_n to_o the_o condition_n of_o the_o covenant_n regenerate_v and_o unregenerat_a we_o have_v a_o pattern_n in_o the_o lord_n covenant_v with_o all_o israel_n exod._n 19_o the_o covenant_n be_v offer_v to_o all_o the_o israelite_n without_o exception_n all_o be_v invite_v to_o enter_v in_o covenant_n without_o exception_n argument_n motive_n and_o moral_a inducement_n be_v make_v use_n of_o from_o their_o experience_n of_o the_o lord_n goodness_n and_o gift_n give_v to_o they_o before_o most_o ample_a promise_n of_o spiritual_a benefit_n be_v make_v unto_o they_o conditional_o to_o be_v bestow_v on_o they_o both_o in_o this_o life_n and_o in_o the_o life_n to_o come_v vers_n 4._o 5._o 6._o the_o people_n embrace_v the_o condition_n of_o the_o covenant_n v._o 7._o 8._o the_o people_n be_v sanctify_v and_o prepare_v to_o receive_v the_o holy_a command_n and_o will_v of_o god_n in_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o chapter_n then_o in_o the_o 20._o chapter_n and_o in_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o book_n the_o duty_n of_o the_o covenanter_n be_v propound_v which_o concern_v the_o acknowledgement_n of_o sin_n and_o deserve_a death_n and_o these_o also_o which_o concern_v obtain_v of_o justification_n and_o sanctification_n by_o christ_n and_o which_o concern_v their_o show_v forth_o their_o thankfulness_n all_o the_o day_n of_o their_o life_n the_o same_o covenant_n after_o forty_o year_n be_v repeat_v and_o renew_v by_o moses_n a_o little_a before_o his_o death_n in_o the_o land_n of_o moab_n deut._n 29._o the_o lord_n command_v moses_n to_o renew_v the_o covenant_n with_o all_o the_o people_n vers_fw-la 1._o all_o the_o people_n of_o israel_n be_v gather_v together_o regenerate_v and_o unregenerat_a vers_fw-la 2._o the_o sum_n of_o argument_n and_o motive_n to_o enter_v in_o covenant_n of_o new_a be_v short_o set_v down_o vers_n 3._o the_o great_a part_n of_o the_o people_n to_o be_v join_v to_o god_n in_o covenant_n be_v open_o declare_v by_o moses_n to_o be_v unregenerat_a vers_fw-la 4._o after_o that_o argument_n be_v use_v to_o move_v they_o in_o all_o time_n come_v to_o trust_v in_o the_o lord_n and_o to_o obey_v he_o to_z vers_n 9_o the_o covenant_n be_v make_v with_o the_o head_n of_o the_o tribe_n and_o elder_n of_o the_o people_n and_o their_o governor_n and_o with_o all_o the_o man_n of_o israel_n with_o their_o little_a one_o with_o the_o woman_n and_o with_o the_o stranger_n that_o be_v in_o the_o midst_n of_o their_o camp_n vers_fw-la 10._o 11._o the_o covenant_n be_v solemnize_v with_o adjuration_n of_o all_o to_o keep_v the_o condition_n thereof_o vers_fw-la 12._o 13._o the_o covenant_n be_v extend_v with_o adjuration_n to_o the_o posterity_n vers_fw-la 14._o 15._o neither_o be_v there_o any_o exception_n make_v or_o exclusion_n of_o any_o that_o consent_v to_o the_o covenant_n whether_o unregenerat_a israelite_n or_o stranger_n but_o all_o be_v admit_v within_o this_o covenant_n the_o same_o way_n of_o covenant_v do_v john_n baptist_n follow_v admit_v to_o his_o baptism_n the_o seal_n of_o this_o covenant_n all_o those_o that_o come_v from_o jerusalem_n and_o out_o of_o all_o judea_n and_o from_o the_o border_n of_o jordan_n without_o exception_n whosoever_o confess_v their_o sin_n or_o that_o they_o be_v sinner_n and_o profess_v they_o do_v receive_v the_o offer_n of_o grace_n make_v in_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n jesus_n the_o true_a lamb_n of_o god_n that_o take_v away_o the_o sin_n of_o the_o world_n matth._n 3._o 5_o 6._o and_o so_o far_o be_v john_n from_o wait_v for_o evidence_n of_o save_a grace_n and_o regeneration_n before_o he_o admit_v they_o that_o come_v to_o his_o baptism_n into_o the_o fellowship_n of_o the_o external_a covenant_n of_o grace_n and_o reconciliation_n that_o on_o the_o contrair_a he_o make_v public_a profession_n that_o the_o fan_n whereby_o the_o chaff_n be_v separate_v from_o the_o wheat_n and_o the_o hypocrite_n discern_v from_o the_o sincere_a christian_a be_v not_o in_o his_o hand_n or_o in_o any_o other_o man_n or_o man_n hand_n but_o in_o the_o hand_n of_o christ_n jesus_n himself_o only_o and_o therefore_o which_o be_v worthy_a to_o be_v observe_v after_o he_o have_v public_o testify_v his_o suspicion_n of_o the_o hypocrisy_n and_o old_a poysonable_v be_v position_n in_o the_o pharisee_n and_o sadduâ—es_n that_o come_v to_o his_o baptism_n and_o offer_v to_o receive_v the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n and_o the_o seal_n thereof_o vers_fw-la 7._o forthwith_o without_o inquire_v into_o their_o regeneration_n and_o sincerity_n of_o heart_n he_o baptize_v they_o among_o the_o
and_o of_o the_o duty_n require_v of_o they_o that_o be_v deliver_v by_o christ._n the_o second_o be_v a_o false_a religion_n or_o damnable_a error_n in_o judgement_n about_o the_o matter_n of_o salvation_n and_o god_n worship_n in_o which_o error_n so_o long_o as_o a_o sinner_n do_v lie_v he_o can_v be_v humble_v for_o the_o damnable_a course_n he_o be_v in_o or_o put_v question_n about_o his_o way_n the_o three_o be_v dissemble_v unbelief_n and_o atheism_n cover_v over_o with_o gross_a hypocrisy_n which_o under_o hand_n do_v reject_v the_o rule_n of_o examination_n the_o four_o be_v the_o brutish_a stupidity_n of_o the_o cauterised_a conscience_n the_o five_o be_v a_o vain_a pretence_n of_o fear_n to_o examine_v themselves_o lest_o it_o drive_v they_o to_o desperation_n the_o six_o be_v a_o lazy_a delay_n of_o examination_n from_o day_n to_o day_n the_o seven_o be_v immoderate_a care_n for_o thing_n of_o this_o life_n 4._o concern_v all_o these_o impediment_n hinder_v self-examination_n these_o three_o thing_n be_v observable_a in_o general_n 1._o albeit_o all_o or_o some_o of_o these_o evil_n may_v fall_v upon_o the_o reprobat_fw-la yet_o be_v they_o not_o their_o proper_a malady_n for_o some_o of_o the_o elect_a before_o their_o regeneration_n may_v lie_v for_o a_o time_n under_o one_o or_o more_o of_o these_o evil_n wherefore_o the_o pastor_n hope_v the_o best_a of_o all_o because_o he_o know_v not_o the_o mark_n of_o reprobation_n must_v deal_v with_o all_o his_o hearer_n to_o guard_v they_o against_o all_o these_o evil_n that_o the_o elect_v who_o god_n will_v bless_v with_o the_o faith_n and_o obedience_n of_o his_o command_n may_v be_v save_v second_o we_o must_v distinguish_v between_o a_o voluntary_a examination_n of_o the_o conscience_n whereunto_o the_o godly_a do_v in_o their_o best_a condition_n set_v themselves_o daily_o and_o a_o force_a examination_n and_o wakn_n up_o of_o the_o conscience_n whether_o the_o sinner_n will_v or_o not_o this_o sort_n of_o examination_n may_v come_v either_o by_o preach_v of_o the_o word_n a_o example_n whereof_o we_o have_v in_o â—elix_fw-la the_o governor_n who_o at_o the_o hear_n paul_n discourse_n of_o virtue_n and_o vice_n fall_v a_o tremble_a act._n 24._o 25._o or_o this_o waken_n of_o the_o conscience_n may_v come_v by_o affliction_n whereof_o we_o have_v a_o example_n of_o ioseph_n brethren_n who_o conscience_n do_v lie_v sleep_v secure_o under_o the_o guilt_n of_o distress_v their_o brother_n joseph_n but_o by_o affliction_n at_o length_n be_v waken_v gen._n 42._o 21._o the_o pastor_n part_n here_o be_v not_o only_o to_o exhort_v man_n to_o a_o voluntair_n examination_n of_o themselves_o but_o also_o by_o the_o sword_n of_o the_o spirit_n must_v labour_v to_o open_v the_o apostum_n of_o proud_a sinner_n discover_v unto_o they_o as_o occasion_n serve_v their_o wickedness_n and_o denounce_v the_o wrath_n of_o god_n against_o they_o if_o possible_o the_o lord_n shall_v give_v they_o repentance_n as_o he_o do_v to_o the_o hearer_n of_o peter_n act._n 2._o 37._o three_o let_v not_o a_o preacher_n be_v too_o solicit_v and_o anxious_a about_o the_o success_n of_o his_o labour_n when_o he_o have_v to_o do_v with_o obstinate_a sinner_n who_o conscience_n can_v be_v waken_v neither_o by_o challenge_n nor_o threaten_n nor_o exhortation_n but_o after_o he_o have_v use_v mean_n public_o and_o private_o let_v he_o commit_v the_o mater_fw-la unto_o god_n who_o will_v have_v mercy_n on_o who_o he_o will_v have_v mercy_n and_o who_o he_o will_v he_o harden_v it_o may_v suffice_v he_o that_o all_o christ_n sheep_n will_v at_o length_n hear_v his_o voice_n only_o let_v not_o the_o pastor_n despair_v utter_o of_o any_o man_n but_o even_o towards_o those_o that_o be_v excommunicate_a let_v he_o follow_v such_o a_o course_n as_o may_v reduce_v they_o unto_o repentance_n as_o the_o apostle_n give_v direction_n 2_o thess._n 3_o 14_o 15._o for_o remove_v of_o the_o first_o impediment_n of_o self-examination_n but_o that_o we_o may_v speak_v more_o particular_o of_o the_o cure_n of_o these_o seven_o evil_a disease_n for_o remove_v of_o the_o first_o impediment_n to_o wit_n gross_a ignorance_n it_o be_v not_o needful_a to_o say_v much_o of_o catechetick_a instruction_n see_v in_o all_o church_n it_o be_v presuppose_v there_o be_v some_o form_n of_o a_o catechise_v wherein_o the_o rudiment_n of_o save_a knowledge_n be_v set_v down_o by_o way_n of_o question_n and_o answer_v for_o the_o use_n of_o child_n and_o of_o the_o rude_a sort_n come_v to_o year_n only_o we_o offer_v to_o those_o that_o intend_v the_o holy_a ministry_n this_o overture_n for_o dispose_v and_o prepare_v people_n for_o a_o more_o easy_a up-taking_a of_o some_o form_v catechise_v because_o most_o part_n of_o form_v catechises_n be_v somewhat_o large_a than_o they_o can_v be_v read_v at_o one_o time_n or_o be_v read_v can_v be_v explicat_fw-la any_o other_o way_n then_o by_o parcel_n so_o many_o question_n and_o answer_n at_o one_o time_n and_o so_o many_o at_o another_o time_n which_o how_o hardly_o it_o can_v be_v all_o explicat_fw-la to_o the_o whole_a congregation_n in_o a_o long_a time_n experience_n may_v bear_v witness_n therefore_o it_o may_v serve_v to_o good_a purpose_n if_o so_o many_o of_o the_o rude_a and_o ignorant_a sort_n as_o may_v well_o be_v gather_v together_o into_o one_o place_n at_o one_o time_n the_o pastor_n shall_v profess_v before_o they_o all_o that_o he_o purpose_v to_o hold_v forth_o unto_o they_o a_o short_a sum_n of_o save_a doctrine_n in_o six_o or_o seven_o head_n of_o doctrine_n so_o that_o in_o the_o space_n of_o a_o hour_n or_o thereby_o before_o they_o dissolve_v their_o meeting_n they_o may_v if_o they_o be_v attentive_a and_o willing_a to_o learn_v have_v some_o measure_n of_o find_a light_n and_o understanding_n of_o the_o ground_n of_o true_a religion_n after_o which_o preface_n use_v let_v he_o so_o short_o or_o plain_o as_o he_o be_v able_a speak_v something_o first_o of_o the_o creation_n of_o the_o world_n by_o god_n the_o father_n god_n the_o son_n and_o god_n the_o holy_a ghost_n the_o only_a one_o true_a god_n in_o three_o person_n and_o something_o also_o of_o the_o creation_n of_o adam_n and_o eve_n our_o first_o parent_n according_a to_o god_n image_n in_o wisdom_n holiness_n and_o happiness_n and_o something_o of_o the_o covenant_n of_o work_n make_v between_o god_n and_o they_o including_z their_o posterity_n the_o sum_n of_o which_o covenant_n be_v this_o do_v this_o and_o live_v but_o if_o thou_o sin_n thou_o shall_v die_v second_o let_v he_o speak_v somewhat_o of_o the_o breach_n of_o the_o covenant_n of_o work_n by_o our_o first_o parent_n in_o who_o loin_n we_o be_v all_o make_v guilty_a of_o death_n according_a to_o the_o tenor_n of_o that_o covenant_n three_o let_v he_o speak_v of_o the_o remedy_n provide_v in_o the_o counsel_n of_o god_n before_o time_n but_o reveal_v timous_o after_o the_o fall_n of_o our_o first_o parent_n to_o wit_n the_o covenant_n of_o redemption_n between_o god_n and_o god_n the_o son_n design_v mediator_n christ_n jesus_n our_o lord_n the_o sum_n whereof_o be_v gen._n 3._o 15._o the_o seed_n of_o the_o woman_n shall_v tread_v down_o the_o head_n of_o the_o serpent_n etc._n etc._n that_o be_v to_o say_v it_o be_v agree_v in_o the_o counsel_n of_o god_n that_o the_o second_o person_n shall_v be_v bear_v of_o a_o woman_n and_o suffer_v for_o the_o sin_n of_o the_o elect_a and_o destroy_v sin_n and_o death_n the_o work_n of_o the_o devil_n four_o let_v he_o speak_v of_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n and_o reconciliation_n between_o god_n and_o believer_n in_o christ_n the_o sum_n whereof_o be_v this_o whosoever_o do_v acknowledge_v their_o sin_n and_o fly_v to_o jesus_n christ_n for_o relief_n from_o sin_n and_o wrath_n shall_v not_o perish_v but_o have_v eternal_a life_n five_o let_v he_o speak_v of_o the_o two_o seal_n of_o this_o covenant_n to_o wit_n baptism_n and_o the_o lord_n supper_n whereby_o the_o covenant_n with_o the_o benefit_n hold_v out_o therein_o to_o all_o believer_n be_v seal_v six_o let_v he_o speak_v of_o the_o necessity_n of_o amendment_n of_o life_n and_o bring_v forth_o of_o good_a work_n for_o glorify_v god_n and_o probation_n of_o the_o sincerity_n of_o their_o â—aith_n last_o of_o all_o let_v he_o speak_v of_o the_o day_n of_o judgement_n when_o christ_n shall_v come_v in_o the_o cloud_n and_o perfect_a to_o all_o his_o elect_a and_o believer_n in_o he_o all_o his_o promise_n of_o righteousness_n and_o eternal_a life_n and_o cast_v all_o the_o wicked_a and_o unreconciled_a into_o the_o fire_n of_o hell_n the_o same_o course_n may_v be_v take_v with_o rude_a ignorant_o in_o private_a who_o conscience_n be_v waken_v with_o terror_n after_o that_o about_o the_o space_n of_o a_o hour_n
creature_n presuppose_v innocent_a be_v call_v grace_n because_o it_o be_v impossible_a that_o a_o mere_a creature_n can_v proper_o merit_v any_o good_a thing_n of_o god_n because_o the_o creature_n neither_o have_v nor_o can_v have_v that_o which_o it_o have_v not_o receive_v rom._n 11._o 35._o who_o have_v first_o give_v to_o he_o and_o it_o shall_v be_v recompense_v to_o he_o again_o sometime_o grace_n be_v take_v for_o every_o gift_n or_o good_a bestow_v by_o god_n upon_o the_o ill_a deserver_n in_o which_o sense_n gist_n common_a to_o elect_v and_o reprobat_fw-la be_v call_v by_o the_o name_n of_o grace_n rom._n 1._o 5._o ephes._n 4._o 7._o sometime_o grace_n be_v take_v in_o opposition_n to_o the_o pactioâ—all_a merit_n of_o work_n or_o to_o the_o reward_n due_a by_o debt_n covenant_v as_o rom._n 4._o 4._o to_o he_o that_o work_v the_o reward_n be_v not_o reckon_v of_o grace_n but_o of_o debt_n in_o which_o sense_n that_o which_o be_v give_v for_o work_n be_v not_o give_v of_o grace_n rom._n 11._o 16._o and_o in_o this_o sense_n we_o take_v grace_n as_o it_o be_v oppose_v to_o the_o covenant_n of_o work_n for_o the_o condition_n of_o the_o covenant_n of_o work_n be_v the_o give_v perfect_a obedience_n to_o the_o law_n but_o the_o condition_n of_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n be_v the_o receive_n of_o christ_n by_o faith_n unto_o righteousness_n and_o life_n offer_v in_o the_o gospel_n without_o the_o work_n of_o the_o law_n which_o covenant_n may_v thus_o be_v describe_v the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n be_v a_o contract_n between_o god_n and_o man_n procure_v by_o christ_n upon_o these_o term_n that_o whosoever_o in_o the_o sense_n of_o their_o own_o sinfulness_n shall_v receive_v christ_n jesus_n offer_v in_o the_o gospel_n for_o righteousness_n and_o life_n shall_v have_v he_o and_o all_o the_o benefit_n purchase_v by_o he_o according_a to_o the_o covenant_n of_o redemption_n and_o that_o god_n will_v be_v his_o god_n and_o the_o god_n of_o his_o child_n this_o covenant_n of_o grace_n be_v found_v upon_o the_o covenant_n of_o redemption_n pass_v between_o god_n and_o christ_n wherein_o it_o be_v agree_v that_o all_o the_o elect_v give_v unto_o christ_n shall_v be_v reconcile_v in_o due_a time_n to_o god_n and_o that_o to_o this_o end_n this_o grace_n shall_v be_v preach_v to_o bring_v about_o the_o reconciliation_n and_o therefore_o christ_n be_v call_v the_o mediator_n of_o the_o new_a covenant_n heb._n 12._o 22._o of_o infant_n interest_n in_o this_o covenant_n quest._n what_o interest_n have_v infant_n in_o this_o covenant_n ans._n the_o same_o which_o they_o have_v since_o the_o first_o express_v and_o formal_a make_v thereof_o with_o abraham_n to_o who_o god_n promise_v to_o be_v his_o god_n and_o the_o god_n of_o his_o child_n who_o child_n all_o be_v who_o be_v in_o christ_n gal._n 3._o 27_o 28_o 29._o for_o of_o the_o redeem_v some_o come_v to_o age_n who_o god_n have_v call_v by_o the_o preach_n of_o the_o gospel_n do_v induce_v and_o effectual_o move_v to_o embrace_v solemn_o the_o offer_a fellowship_n with_o god_n and_o his_o saint_n in_o christ_n and_o to_o consecrat_v themselves_o and_o their_o child_n unto_o the_o service_n of_o god_n there_o be_v other_o redeem_v one_o who_o die_v in_o their_o infancy_n before_o they_o come_v to_o the_o use_n of_o reason_n to_o who_o salvation_n god_n have_v express_v respect_n in_o make_v his_o covenant_n with_o their_o parent_n that_o he_o will_v not_o have_v they_o exclude_v from_o the_o blessing_n when_o he_o call_v their_o parent_n to_o he_o but_o in_o the_o common_a offer_n of_o grace_n and_o reconciliation_n by_o christ_n he_o make_v the_o promise_n joint_o to_o the_o parent_n and_o the_o child_n for_o in_o one_o sentence_n and_o as_o it_o be_v with_o one_o breath_n he_o say_v i_o will_v be_v thy_o god_n and_o thy_o seed_n after_o thou_o gen._n 15._o 17._o whereof_o the_o apostle_n make_v good_a use_n act_v 2._o 39_o declare_v the_o promise_n to_o be_v make_v to_o the_o jew_n and_o their_o child_n and_o to_o the_o call_v gentile_n and_o their_o child_n and_o upon_o this_o ground_n paul_n and_o silas_n timeous_o do_v offer_v consolation_n to_o the_o jailor_n tremble_v and_o anxious_a what_o way_n he_o shall_v be_v save_v act_v 16._o 31._o saying_n believe_v in_o christ_n jesus_n and_o thou_o shall_v be_v save_v thou_o and_o thy_o house_n as_o for_o the_o manner_n how_o the_o lord_n deal_v with_o the_o soul_n of_o infant_n in_o convert_v they_o the_o scripture_n do_v not_o speak_v for_o this_o lie_v among_o the_o secret_n of_o god_n which_o do_v not_o concern_v we_o to_o search_v after_o deut._n 29._o 29._o it_o shall_v be_v sufficient_a to_o we_o that_o god_n in_o covenant_v with_o the_o parent_n promise_v to_o be_v the_o god_n of_o their_o child_n and_o according_a to_o this_o covenant_n the_o lord_n complain_v of_o their_o stay_n and_o offer_v their_o child_n unto_o idol_n call_v they_o his_o own_o son_n and_o daughter_n ezek._n 16._o 20._o and_o upon_o this_o ground_n in_o the_o second_o command_n the_o lord_n promise_v to_o show_v mercy_n to_o the_o thousand_o generation_n of_o believe_a parent_n and_o 1_o cor._n 7._o 14._o the_o apostle_n do_v call_v the_o child_n of_o one_o of_o the_o parent_n believe_v holy_a child_n because_o of_o their_o consecration_n unto_o god_n by_o the_o believe_a confederate_a parent_n and_o in_o regard_n of_o god_n right_a and_o interest_n in_o they_o as_o the_o child_n of_o his_o own_o family_n by_o covenant_n and_o christ_n our_o lord_n upon_o this_o ground_n do_v call_v the_o child_n of_o confederate_a parent_n burgess_n of_o heaven_n of_o such_o be_v the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n matth._n 19_o 13_o 14._o and_o because_o infant_n be_v dedicat_fw-la to_o christ_n to_o be_v teach_v and_o govern_v by_o he_o in_o his_o own_o way_n and_o order_n they_o be_v call_v disciple_n act_n 15._o 10._o as_o the_o disputer_n for_o the_o circumcision_n of_o christian_n child_n as_o well_o as_o of_o their_o parent_n after_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n do_v make_v it_o manifest_a and_o in_o the_o institution_n of_o baptism_n our_o lord_n give_v the_o privilege_n of_o the_o covenant_n unto_o every_o nation_n no_o less_o then_o to_o the_o jew_n that_o by_o covenant_n whole_a nation_n may_v be_v draw_v in_o and_o give_v up_o as_o disciple_n to_o his_o doctrine_n matth._n 28._o 29._o make_v all_o nation_n disciple_n by_o your_o doctrine_n baptise_v they_o etc._n etc._n that_o the_o child_n with_o the_o parent_n may_v be_v partaker_n by_o baptism_n of_o the_o seal_n of_o the_o covenant_n for_o the_o righteousness_n of_o faith_n no_o less_o than_o the_o child_n of_o israelite_n be_v by_o circumcision_n of_o the_o mean_n to_o draw_v on_o the_o make_n of_o this_o covenant_n of_o these_o mean_v we_o have_v speak_v in_o the_o four_o article_n of_o the_o covenant_n of_o redemption_n and_o need_v not_o to_o insist_v more_o about_o they_o then_o to_o name_v they_o the_o first_o mean_v to_o draw_v man_n into_o this_o bless_a covenant_n and_o to_o keep_v they_o in_o it_o be_v the_o external_a revelation_n of_o the_o will_n of_o god_n for_o teach_v man_n how_o great_a their_o sin_n and_o misery_n be_v and_o how_o they_o may_v be_v reconcile_v and_o deliver_v by_o the_o grace_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n and_o how_o they_o may_v testify_v their_o thankfulness_n be_v reconcile_v for_o such_o a_o mercy_n which_o ground_n of_o save_a knowledge_n be_v full_o and_o faithful_o set_v down_o in_o holy_a scripture_n and_o commit_v to_o his_o servant_n in_o the_o ministry_n who_o shall_v in_o preach_v of_o the_o gospel_n inform_v and_o persuade_v man_n to_o repent_v and_o embrace_v the_o grace_n of_o christ_n and_o put_v on_o his_o sweet_a yoke_n of_o obedience_n upon_o they_o the_o second_o mean_n be_v after_o application_n of_o the_o lord_n word_n to_o the_o hearer_n for_o convince_a they_o of_o sin_n in_o they_o and_o righteousness_n in_o christ_n and_o judgement_n to_o follow_v to_o wit_n of_o absolution_n of_o the_o believer_n and_o of_o condemnation_n of_o such_o as_o believe_v not_o to_o receive_v into_o the_o bond_n of_o this_o covenant_n of_o grace_n all_o that_o appear_v serious_o to_o consecrat_v themselves_o and_o their_o child_n to_o the_o faith_n and_o obedience_n of_o the_o doctrine_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n without_o determine_v whether_o they_o be_v regenerate_v for_o the_o present_a or_o not_o the_o three_o mean_v be_v the_o solemn_a seal_n of_o this_o covenant_n for_o righteousness_n of_o faith_n and_o salvation_n through_o christ_n by_o baptise_v both_o the_o parent_n that_o accept_v the_o covenant_n and_o their_o child_n also_o and_o by_o exhortation_n promise_n and_o commination_n and_o all_o other_o argument_n which_o may_v more_o and_o more_o
every_o one_o that_o thirst_v come_v to_o these_o water_n etc._n etc._n isa._n 55._o and_o beside_o these_o promise_n which_o contain_v the_o condition_n of_o the_o covenant_n make_v to_o they_o who_o embrace_v the_o condition_n and_o do_v already_o believe_v such_o as_o be_v they_o that_o believe_v in_o i_o shall_v not_o perish_v but_o shall_v inherit_v eternal_a life_n there_o be_v also_o promise_v conditional_a serve_v to_o make_v man_n who_o profess_v faith_n in_o christ_n to_o be_v real_a and_o steadfast_a in_o the_o covenant_n wherein_o they_o be_v at_o least_o outward_o and_o solemn_o enter_v such_o as_o joh._n 15._o 7_o 10._o if_o you_o abide_v in_o i_o and_o my_o word_n abide_v in_o you_o you_o shall_v ask_v what_o you_o will_v and_o it_o shall_v be_v do_v unto_o you_o and_o if_o you_o keep_v my_o command_n you_o shall_v abide_v in_o my_o love_n etc._n etc._n and_o joh._n 12._o 26._o if_o any_o man_n serve_v i_o he_o will_v my_o father_n honour_n and_o joh._n 14._o 21._o he_o that_o love_v i_o shall_v be_v love_v of_o my_o father_n and_o i_o will_v love_v he_o and_o manifest_v myself_o unto_o he_o obj._n see_v it_o be_v certain_a that_o the_o condition_n of_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n be_v not_o the_o do_v of_o one_o or_o more_o work_n but_o faith_n receive_v christ_n offer_v without_o respect_n to_o our_o work_n as_o any_o part_n of_o the_o condition_n and_o see_v the_o condition_n of_o the_o covenant_n be_v not_o the_o have_v or_o exercise_v of_o such_o and_o such_o virtue_n but_o the_o receive_n of_o christ_n through_o faith_n unto_o righteousness_n and_o eternal_a life_n by_o the_o man_n who_o have_v renounce_v all_o confidence_n in_o his_o own_o work_n how_o come_v it_o to_o pass_v that_o such_o conditional_a promise_n be_v make_v to_o they_o that_o be_v endue_v with_o and_o do_v exercise_n such_o virtue_n ans._n albeit_o the_o endeavour_n to_o work_v good_a work_n or_o the_o exercise_n of_o such_o and_o such_o virtue_n prescribe_v by_o christ_n can_v be_v the_o condition_n of_o the_o covenant_n for_o then_o no_o man_n can_v close_v covenant_n with_o christ_n till_o first_o he_o shall_v find_v these_o virtue_n in_o himself_o and_o have_v give_v proof_n of_o his_o constant_a exercise_n thereof_o yet_o such_o conditional_a promise_n be_v make_v use_n of_o after_o a_o man_n have_v close_v covenant_n with_o christ_n by_o faith_n as_o condition_n require_v in_o a_o true_a believer_n to_o evidence_n the_o sincerity_n of_o his_o faith_n and_o that_o because_o many_o make_v pretence_n of_o their_o faith_n in_o christ_n and_o yet_o do_v turn_v the_o grace_n of_o god_n into_o wantonness_n and_o do_v no_o way_n set_v themselves_o to_o new_a obedience_n unto_o god_n law_n and_o be_v no_o way_n careful_a to_o bring_v forth_o fruit_n suitable_a to_o profess_a repentance_n but_o be_v indulgent_a to_o their_o vicious_a and_o fleshly_a lust_n and_o in_o effect_n do_v renounce_v all_o endeavour_n to_o exercise_v good_a work_n in_o stead_n of_o renounce_v a_o carnal_a confidence_n in_o good_a work_n therefore_o god_n do_v put_v the_o endeavour_n to_o exercise_v christian_a virtue_n on_o all_o profess_a believer_n as_o a_o condition_n distinguish_v a_o sincere_a believer_n from_o a_o hypocrite_n lest_o any_o man_n shall_v please_v himself_o because_o he_o be_v external_o in_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n while_n it_o may_v be_v as_o yet_o his_o faith_n be_v but_o a_o dead_a faith_n not_o work_v by_o love_n against_o which_o sort_n of_o pretend_a believer_n jame_v chap._n 2._o dispute_v such_o conditional_a promise_n be_v direct_v towards_o they_o that_o be_v outward_o already_o in_o covenant_n and_o do_v serve_v for_o these_o several_a use_n first_o that_o such_o as_o both_o profess_v faith_n in_o christ_n and_o be_v endeavour_v the_o duty_n require_v in_o such_o conditional_a promise_n may_v acknowledge_v that_o they_o have_v obtain_v of_o the_o lord_n grace_n for_o grace_n grace_v to_o believe_v and_o grace_v to_o bring_v forth_o the_o fruit_n of_o faith_n second_o that_o the_o honest_a heart_a may_v be_v encourage_v te_fw-la set_v upon_o these_o duty_n and_o may_v hope_v to_o be_v furnish_v for_o they_o out_o of_o the_o rich_a fountain_n of_o christ_n grace_n john_n 1._o 16._o three_o they_o serve_v to_o make_v such_o as_o believe_v in_o christ_n when_o they_o feel_v the_o in-lake_n of_o any_o such_o command_v duty_n or_o the_o bitter_a root_n of_o any_o vice_n in_o themselves_o to_o humble_v themselves_o in_o the_o sense_n thereof_o aâ—d_v to_o fly_v more_o earnest_o to_o christ_n the_o redeemer_n that_o first_o they_o may_v be_v cover_v with_o his_o righteousness_n and_o then_o from_o he_o receive_v the_o power_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n to_o bring_v forth_o good_a fruit_n as_o he_o have_v promise_v joh._n 15._o 5._o if_o you_o abide_v in_o i_o you_o shall_v bring_v forth_o much_o fruit_n four_o they_o serve_v to_o make_v believer_n in_o christ_n subject_v themselves_o to_o the_o order_n of_o the_o operation_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n who_o give_v grace_n for_o grace_n and_o work_v one_o grace_n before_o another_o in_o his_o own_o order_n as_o the_o foresay_a promise_n do_v import_v five_o they_o serve_v to_o stir_v up_o believer_n in_o christ_n to_o the_o love_n and_o exercise_v of_o such_o and_o such_o virtue_n in_o the_o hope_n of_o the_o promise_a reward_n six_o they_o serve_v to_o move_v believer_n to_o join_v one_o virtue_n to_o another_o for_o certify_v themselves_o of_o their_o own_o call_n and_o election_n by_o their_o growth_n therein_o 2_o pet._n 1._o 3_o 4._o 12._o last_o of_o all_o they_o serve_v to_o make_v these_o who_o be_v destitute_a and_o void_a of_o such_o qualification_n and_o be_v careless_a to_o have_v they_o manifest_a to_o themselves_o and_o other_o that_o they_o be_v blind_a and_o can_v see_v a_o far_o off_o and_o that_o they_o have_v forget_v that_o they_o be_v in_o baptism_n ecclesiastical_o purge_v form_n their_o old_a sin_n 2_o pet._n 1._o 9_o obj._n how_o can_v this_o offer_n of_o grace_n to_o all_o the_o hearer_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o the_o solemn_a make_n of_o a_o covenant_n with_o all_o that_o profess_v they_o do_v accept_v of_o the_o offer_n stand_v with_o the_o doctrine_n of_o election_n of_o some_o and_o reprobation_n of_o other_o or_o with_o the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n redeem_n of_o the_o elect_a only_o and_o not_o of_o all_o and_o every_o man_n ans._n the_o election_n of_o some_o and_o reprobation_n of_o other_o be_v make_v clear_a of_o old_a by_o god_n make_v offer_n of_o grace_n unto_o and_o covenant_v with_o one_o nation_n only_o and_o not_o with_o any_o other_o psa._n 147._o 19_o 20._o he_o show_v his_o word_n unto_o jacob_n his_o statute_n and_o his_o judgement_n unto_o israel_n he_o have_v not_o deal_v so_o with_o any_o nation_n anâ—_n as_o for_o his_o judgement_n they_o have_v not_o know_v they_o 2._o and_o the_o offer_n of_o grace_n to_o all_o hearer_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o covenant_v with_o all_o that_o profess_v to_o accept_v the_o offer_n do_v consist_v with_o the_o election_n of_o some_o only_a as_o well_o now_o as_o of_o old_a when_o god_n make_v a_o covenant_n external_a and_o conditional_a with_o all_o israel_n of_o who_o the_o great_a part_n be_v not_o elect_v to_o life_n and_o of_o who_o it_o be_v say_v albeit_o they_o be_v in_o number_n as_o the_o sand_n of_o the_o sea_n yet_o a_o remnant_n of_o they_o only_o be_v to_o be_v save_v isa._n 10._o 22._o for_o by_o this_o course_n god_n be_v not_o frustrate_v of_o his_o purpose_n and_o fruit_n of_o his_o covenant_v with_o the_o mix_a multitude_n of_o israelit_n for_o the_o elect_a by_o faith_n obtain_v righteousness_n and_o life_n but_o the_o rest_n be_v blind_v rom._n 11._o 7._o 3._o this_o common_a offer_n of_o grace_n to_o all_o the_o hearer_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o the_o make_n of_o a_o moral_a covenant_n with_o all_o that_o do_v profess_v that_o they_o accept_v the_o offer_n may_v stand_v with_o the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n redeem_v the_o elect_a only_o no_o less_o now_o then_o of_o old_a when_o christ_n do_v make_v offer_n of_o grace_n to_o they_o that_o be_v not_o his_o sheep_n joh._n 10._o 26._o and_o do_v receive_v sundry_a in_o among_o his_o disciple_n in_o external_a covenant_n who_o do_v afterward_o forsake_v he_o joh._n 6._o 66._o but_o yet_o he_o do_v save_v and_o do_v save_o all_o his_o elect_a sheep_n who_o the_o father_n have_v give_v unto_o he_o joh._n 10._o 65._o and_o however_o this_o doctrine_n sound_v harsh_a in_o the_o ear_n of_o many_o when_o they_o hear_v of_o any_o reprobat_fw-la or_o not_o elect_v or_o when_o they_o hear_v that_o christ_n do_v not_o lay_v down_o his_o life_n for_o all_o and_o every_o man_n but_o for_o the_o elect_a only_o and_o proud_a man_n
set_v to_o his_o seal_n to_o the_o truth_n of_o god_n without_o a_o hink_v or_o fear_v and_o suspicion_n of_o his_o right_n to_o apply_v the_o grace_n offer_v in_o which_o case_n so_o long_o as_o he_o doubt_v and_o do_v not_o rest_v his_o sinful_a soul_n on_o the_o word_n of_o god_n offer_v grace_n to_o every_o soul_n sensible_a of_o sin_n who_o shall_v fly_v to_o jesus_n christ_n what_o wonder_v the_o holy_a spirit_n do_v withhold_v the_o seal_n of_o the_o man_n faith_n for_o this_o be_v god_n order_n hold_v forth_o ephes._n 1._o 13._o that_o a_o sinner_n shall_v first_o six_z his_o faith_n on_o christ_n offer_v in_o the_o gospel_n and_o after_o he_o have_v believe_v not_o before_o he_o do_v believe_v wait_v for_o the_o seal_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n for_o remove_v this_o cause_n 1._o let_v the_o afflict_a acknowledge_v that_o his_o hesitation_n doubt_v and_o suspicion_n be_v just_o chastise_v of_o god_n because_o he_o have_v not_o firm_o adhere_v to_o the_o covenant_n embrace_v by_o he_o and_o because_o he_o have_v not_o give_v unto_o god_n the_o glory_n of_o his_o truth_n without_o a_o pawn_n and_o yet_o do_v in_o effect_n quarrel_n and_o complain_v that_o he_o do_v not_o find_v these_o consolation_n which_o be_v give_v and_o but_o rare_o it_o may_v be_v even_o to_o the_o sound_n and_o strong_a in_o the_o faith_n 2._o let_v he_o for_o the_o confirmation_n of_o his_o faith_n hereafter_o consider_v well_o how_o strong_a and_o solid_a a_o foundation_n faith_n have_v to_o lean_v unto_o even_o god_n promise_n and_o oath_n give_v unto_o all_o that_o do_v fly_v to_o christ_n for_o refuge_n and_o relief_n from_o sin_n and_o misery_n heb._n â—_o 17_o 18._o that_o the_o afflict_a may_v with_o the_o psalmist_n ps._n 56._o 10._o sing_v in_o god_n i_o will_v praise_v his_o word_n 3._o let_v the_o afflict_a study_n to_o be_v so_o fast_o glue_v unto_o christ_n in_o every_o condition_n and_o case_n he_o find_v himself_o and_o go_v about_o the_o exercise_n of_o repentance_n and_o faith_n and_o new_a obedience_n in_o his_o call_n submit_v himself_o to_o the_o will_n of_o god_n in_o every_o dispensation_n which_o direction_n if_o he_o shall_v aim_v to_o follow_v he_o shall_v not_o want_v the_o fruit_n of_o his_o faith_n and_o honest_a endeavour_n to_o please_v god_n for_o psal._n 97._o 11._o light_n be_v sow_v for_o the_o righteous_a and_o joy_n for_o the_o upright_a in_o heart_n chap._n xxi_o wherein_o be_v solve_v the_o doubt_n of_o the_o true_a convert_n whether_o he_o be_v indeed_o convert_v because_o he_o can_v confident_o apply_v to_o himself_o the_o promise_n of_o the_o gospel_n there_o be_v some_o true_a convert_n who_o albeit_o for_o fear_n of_o the_o wrath_n of_o god_n for_o their_o sin_n be_v already_o flee_v unto_o christ_n and_o have_v hide_v themselves_o under_o the_o wing_n of_o the_o propitiatory_a in_o the_o shadow_n of_o the_o almighty_a mediator_n and_o be_v already_o begin_v in_o earnest_a to_o give_v new_a obedience_n to_o the_o law_n of_o god_n yet_o from_o time_n to_o time_n they_o fall_v in_o fear_n and_o tremble_a suspicion_n that_o all_o be_v not_o a_o sound_a work_n of_o grace_n in_o they_o and_o that_o partly_o because_o they_o can_v confident_o apply_v to_o themselves_o the_o promise_n of_o the_o gospel_n whether_o absolute_a such_o as_o be_v make_v to_o the_o elect_n jer._n 31_o 31._o or_o conditional_a such_o as_o be_v make_v to_o believer_n in_o christ_n offer_v in_o the_o gospel_n or_o qualify_v promise_n such_o as_o be_v make_v to_o the_o meek_a and_o merciful_a mat._n 5._o which_o qualify_v promise_n they_o look_v upon_o as_o conditional_a exclude_v they_o as_o they_o conceive_v who_o do_v not_o find_v in_o themselves_o such_o qualification_n and_o partly_o because_o they_o be_v not_o clear_a about_o their_o right_n to_o receive_v the_o offer_n of_o the_o gospel_n because_o they_o want_v as_o they_o conceive_v fitness_n in_o themselves_o to_o receive_v the_o same_o and_o thus_o be_v they_o ofttimes_o vex_v with_o doubt_n whether_o they_o be_v in_o the_o state_n of_o grace_n or_o not_o 2._o for_o louse_v of_o this_o doubt_n sundry_a thing_n be_v already_o say_v by_o the_o way_n in_o answer_v other_o doubtful_a case_n but_o because_o many_o do_v meet_v with_o this_o difficulty_n we_o shall_v speak_v a_o little_a more_o particular_o to_o the_o case_n and_o first_o it_o be_v needful_a that_o the_o afflict_a be_v confirm_v about_o that_o which_o be_v right_a in_o he_o that_o the_o thing_n which_o remain_v and_o be_v ready_a to_o die_v may_v be_v strengthen_v to_o this_o intent_n we_o commend_v the_o afflict_a that_o be_v sensible_a of_o sin_n and_o fear_v for-wrath_n he_o have_v flee_v unto_o christ_n for_o refuge_n next_o we_o commend_v he_o that_o he_o have_v begin_v to_o give_v new_a obedience_n to_o god_n law_n and_o do_v purpose_n to_o follow_v on_o as_o he_o shall_v be_v enable_v and_o three_o we_o commend_v he_o that_o albeit_o he_o can_v attain_v that_o near_a conjunction_n with_o christ_n which_o he_o will_v yet_o he_o neither_o will_v nor_o dare_v forsake_v christ_n nor_o put_v himself_o out_o of_o the_o number_n of_o weak_a believer_n in_o christ_n for_o he_o have_v say_v in_o his_o heart_n with_o peter_n joh._n 6._o 68_o to_o who_o shall_v i_o go_v for_o christ_n have_v the_o word_n of_o eternal_a life_n hitherto_o all_o be_v right_a and_o the_o afflict_a must_v resolve_v to_o cleave_v close_o to_o this_o foundation_n because_o christ_n have_v say_v joh._n 6._o 37._o these_o that_o come_v unto_o i_o i_o will_v in_o no_o case_n cast_v out_o 3._o for_o his_o doubt_n arise_v from_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o promise_n absolute_a conditional_a and_o qualify_v look_v upon_o by_o he_o as_o if_o they_o be_v conditional_a we_o answer_v 1._o that_o these_o qualify_a promise_n have_v some_o mark_n in_o they_o of_o true_a believer_n be_v not_o exclusive_a of_o these_o believer_n who_o find_v in_o themselves_o a_o defect_n of_o the_o qualification_n but_o they_o be_v inductive_a unto_o all_o believer_n to_o study_v the_o attain_n of_o that_o qualification_n and_o be_v corroborative_n of_o these_o believer_n who_o find_v in_o any_o sensible_a measure_n these_o qualification_n for_o example_n promise_v make_v to_o the_o merciful_a to_o the_o peacemaker_n to_o the_o upright_a in_o heart_n do_v not_o exclude_v these_o who_o find_v themselves_o short_a in_o these_o grace_n and_o yet_o be_v hungry_a and_o thirsty_a for_o righteousness_n yet_o be_v poor_a and_o indigent_a of_o all_o good_a in_o themselves_o and_o daily_a beggar_n at_o the_o throne_n of_o grace_n for_o what_o they_o want_v mat._n 5._o for_o these_o qualification_n sound_v in_o a_o weak_a believer_n be_v sign_n and_o effect_n of_o sound_n say_v in_o they_o and_o we_o must_v grant_v that_o of_o these_o grace_n specify_v in_o these_o qualify_a promise_n some_o of_o they_o be_v more_o eminent_a in_o some_o of_o the_o saint_n and_o other_o some_o of_o they_o more_o eminent_o see_v and_o feel_v in_o other_o some_o of_o the_o saint_n and_o in_o the_o same_o person_n one_o of_o these_o qualification_n may_v sometime_o shine_v more_o clear_o and_o at_o another_o time_n by_o some_o tentation_n or_o mistake_v be_v overclouded_n and_o not_o shine_v so_o clear_o as_o before_o yet_o the_o qualification_n be_v comfortable_a to_o all_o they_o who_o find_v the_o same_o in_o themselves_o and_o be_v inductive_a to_o make_v every_o believer_n to_o aim_v to_o excel_v in_o these_o grace_n and_o so_o to_o confirm_v their_o own_o faith_n more_o and_o more_o as_o 2_o pet._n 1._o 4_o 5_o 6_o 7._o we_o be_v exhort_v again_o these_o qualification_n be_v sign_n of_o a_o believer_n already_o enter_v in_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n by_o faith_n in_o christ_n and_o begin_v to_o bring_v forth_o good_a fruit_n but_o they_o be_v not_o the_o condition_n of_o enter_v into_o the_o covenant_n for_o than_o none_o can_v enter_v in_o covenant_n till_o first_o these_o qualification_n in_o exercise_n be_v sound_a in_o they_o and_o that_o be_v to_o disannul_a the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n and_o to_o set_v up_o a_o sort_n of_o covenant_n of_o work_n for_o there_o be_v not_o another_o condition_n of_o enter_v in_o the_o covenant_n but_o say_v in_o christ_n only_o whereby_o the_o humble_a sinner_n renounce_v all_o confidence_n in_o any_o good_a in_o himself_o or_o from_o himself_o do_v betake_v himself_o whole_o to_o the_o grace_n offer_v in_o jesus_n christ_n in_o who_o perfect_a righteousness_n be_v to_o be_v find_v now_o unto_o the_o man_n who_o shall_v believe_v in_o christ_n all_o the_o promise_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v make_v upon_o this_o condition_n that_o he_o do_v believe_v in_o jesus_n christ_n which_o condition_n of_o faith_n in_o christ_n when_o it_o be_v now_o perform_v and_o by_o the_o
christian_n with_o give_v they_o over_o to_o their_o own_o heart_n lust_n and_o let_v they_o not_o only_o walk_v in_o their_o own_o counsel_n and_o in_o the_o imagination_n of_o their_o own_o ill_a heart_n but_o also_o in_o his_o justice_n send_v to_o they_o strong_a delusion_n and_o false_a teacher_n to_o authorise_v their_o error_n and_o hold_v they_o on_o in_o the_o way_n to_o perdition_n what_o wonder_v to_o see_v god_n for_o the_o light_n esteem_v of_o baptism_n bestow_v on_o man_n in_o their_o infancy_n and_o the_o not_o make_v use_n thereof_o for_o mortification_n of_o lust_n and_o sanctification_n of_o life_n by_o faith_n in_o jesus_n christ_n to_o let_v loose_a fanatic_a anabaptist_n to_o teach_v man_n to_o renounce_v their_o baptism_n what_o wonder_v to_o see_v man_n loose-living_a in_o the_o service_n of_o their_o sensual_a lust_n punish_v with_o let_v loose_a antichristian_a antinomian_o who_o turn_v the_o grace_n of_o god_n in_o wantonness_n do_v avouch_v whatsoever_o they_o do_v it_o be_v no_o sin_n and_o that_o they_o be_v not_o bind_v to_o keep_v the_o law_n which_o christ_n profess_v he_o come_v not_o to_o dissolve_v but_o by_o the_o contrary_a to_o establish_v it_o what_o wonder_v to_o see_v man_n carnal_a confidence_n in_o their_o own_o wit_n worth_n strength_n and_o ability_n work_n and_o merit_n punish_v with_o let_v loose_a lie_a spirit_n to_o harden_v they_o in_o their_o error_n and_o what_o wonder_v to_o see_v god_n punish_v the_o abuse_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o refuse_v to_o receive_v the_o truth_n in_o love_n with_o give_v man_n over_o to_o the_o spirit_n of_o antichrist_n and_o strong_a delusion_n 2_o thess._n 2._o the_o patron_n and_o propagator_n of_o such_o error_n and_o delusion_n be_v call_v by_o the_o apostle_n minister_n of_o satan_n and_o false_a brethren_n 2_o cor_n 11._o 16._o deceiver_n 1_o tim._n 4._o 1._o and_o man_n who_o be_v of_o old_a ordain_v to_o this_o condemnation_n from_o who_o contagion_n and_o punishment_n let_v every_o mislead_a soul_n pray_v to_o god_n to_o be_v deliver_v chap._n viii_o concern_v the_o convert_n conscience_n mistake_v vice_n for_o virtue_n and_o please_v himself_o in_o this_o condition_n this_o case_n differ_v from_o the_o case_n of_o delusion_n which_o we_o have_v take_v for_o err_v in_o the_o matter_n of_o religion_n whether_o doctrine_n or_o worship_n pertain_v to_o the_o first_o table_n of_o the_o law_n but_o this_o mistake_a conscience_n be_v in_o the_o practice_n of_o duty_n of_o the_o second_o table_n when_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o duty_n be_v confess_v but_o in_o practice_n and_o action_n vice_n be_v practise_v under_o the_o notion_n and_o pretence_n of_o virtue_n and_o the_o man_n be_v please_v with_o himself_o in_o so_o do_v whereof_o it_o shall_v suffice_v to_o give_v three_o instance_n the_o first_o instance_n the_o first_o instance_n wherein_o a_o convert_n may_v be_v for_o a_o time_n mistake_v be_v when_o a_o man_n please_v himself_o in_o niggardly_a parsimony_n and_o narrow_a scrape_v together_o of_o money_n to_o the_o hindrance_n of_o spiritual_a duty_n under_o pretence_n of_o frugality_n and_o diligence_n in_o his_o call_n etc._n etc._n whereby_o he_o persuade_v himself_o that_o his_o practice_n be_v so_o far_o from_o sin_n as_o it_o be_v rather_o commendable_a and_o worthy_a to_o be_v imitat_fw-la for_o he_o conceive_v that_o according_a to_o god_n command_v he_o be_v not_o slow_a in_o the_o work_n of_o the_o lord_n but_o fervent_a in_o spirit_n serve_v the_o lord_n rom._n 12._o 11._o that_o he_o be_v work_v with_o his_o hand_n that_o which_o be_v good_a ephes._n 4._o 18._o that_o he_o be_v provide_v for_o the_o necessity_n of_o his_o family_n for_o which_o if_o he_o shall_v not_o provide_v he_o shall_v be_v worse_o than_o a_o infidel_n 1_o tim._n 5._o 8._o if_o the_o mater_fw-la be_v find_v so_o to_o be_v after_o examination_n true_a it_o be_v frugality_n diligence_n in_o a_o lawful_a call_n and_o provision_n for_o a_o man_n family_n be_v commendable_a but_o here_o be_v the_o deceit_n of_o the_o heart_n find_v when_o anxiety_n be_v find_v in_o stead_n of_o moderate_a carefulness_n when_o haste_v to_o be_v rich_a be_v find_v in_o stead_n of_o moderate_a diligence_n in_o his_o call_n when_o love_n of_o money_n and_o avarice_n be_v find_v in_o stead_n of_o honest_a provision_n for_o a_o man_n family_n we_o grant_v also_o that_o this_o mistake_n be_v not_o easy_o discern_v by_o beholder_n but_o yet_o the_o convert_n himself_o after_o examination_n may_v discern_v it_o when_o he_o look_v upon_o the_o effect_n sign_n and_o concomitant_a evil_n such_o as_o be_v feel_v impediment_n and_o hindrance_n of_o a_o spiritual_a disposition_n for_o this_o covetousness_n of_o thing_n earthly_a whereof_o we_o be_v speak_v do_v mar_v the_o study_n and_o endeavour_v for_o thing_n spiritual_a and_o diminish_v the_o fear_n of_o sin_v in_o the_o mater_fw-la of_o gain_n and_o take_v up_o the_o time_n due_a for_o spiritual_a exercise_n in_o this_o case_n carnal_a joy_n in_o the_o get_n gain_n be_v a_o sign_n and_o evidence_n of_o a_o deceive_a heart_n and_o so_o be_v also_o worldly_a grief_n for_o want_n of_o success_n or_o for_o not_o get_v expect_v and_o desire_a gain_n a_o proof_n of_o this_o mistake_n the_o cause_n of_o this_o evil_a be_v the_o too_o great_a fear_n of_o poverty_n a_o over-high_a estimation_n of_o riches_n a_o diffidence_n of_o god_n providence_n a_o doubt_v of_o god_n promise_n to_o furnish_v his_o own_o with_o food_n and_o raiment_n and_o thing_n necessary_a for_o this_o temporal_a life_n which_o diffidence_n christ_n do_v express_o discharge_v mat._n 6._o 24_o 25._o but_o for_o a_o remedy_n of_o this_o evil_a the_o person_n guilty_a can_v seek_v after_o nor_o embrace_v it_o so_o long_o as_o he_o be_v not_o convince_v of_o his_o sinful_a condition_n wherefore_o for_o clear_v a_o man_n mind_n in_o this_o point_n let_v he_o examine_v himself_o whether_o in_o follow_v gain_v his_o heart_n be_v ofttimes_o surfeit_v and_o overcharge_v with_o the_o care_n of_o this_o life_n and_o make_v frequent_o indispose_v for_o prayer_n and_o religious_a exercise_n whether_o he_o be_v too_o much_o take_v with_o gladness_n when_o he_o gain_v and_o grief_n when_o he_o suffer_v loss_n and_o worldly_a damage_n whether_o he_o use_v for_o hope_n of_o gain_n or_o fear_v of_o life_n to_o lie_v and_o flatter_v or_o dare_v deal_v injust_o in_o his_o bargain_n whether_o he_o find_v himself_o slow_a unto_o exercise_n of_o religion_n but_o prompt_a and_o ready_a for_o secular_a affair_n whether_o he_o spend_v the_o time_n heavy_o in_o religious_a exercise_n and_o be_v weary_a of_o they_o but_o can_v pass_v the_o time_n pleasant_o in_o the_o affair_n of_o this_o life_n if_o he_o find_v himself_o convince_v by_o shrewd_a sign_n of_o this_o evil_a let_v he_o humble_v himself_o in_o god_n sight_n fly_v unto_o christ_n for_o fasten_v his_o bargain_n for_o righteousness_n and_o eternal_a life_n through_o christ_n then_o let_v he_o not_o cast_v off_o his_o diligence_n in_o and_o faithful_a discharge_n of_o his_o lawful_a call_n but_o by_o a_o religious_a disposition_n of_o mind_n and_o observance_n of_o all_o religious_a exercise_n seasonable_o temper_n and_o moderate_a his_o diligence_n in_o secular_a affair_n and_o depend_v upon_o god_n more_o than_o he_o have_v do_v for_o the_o success_n of_o his_o labour_n and_o take_v from_o god_n loss_n or_o advantage_n as_o he_o give_v it_o so_o as_o he_o may_v be_v find_v in_o prosperity_n and_o adversity_n submissive_a unto_o god_n and_o ready_a for_o the_o discharge_n of_o charity_n and_o equity_n as_o occasion_n shall_v offer_v another_o instance_n there_o be_v another_o instance_n wherein_o a_o convert_n may_v be_v mistake_v to_o wit_n when_o a_o man_n please_v himself_o in_o in_o the_o prosecution_n of_o private_a revenge_n that_o he_o may_v pay_v home_o to_o such_o as_o have_v wrong_v he_o in_o the_o mater_fw-la of_o his_o credit_n and_o reputation_n or_o in_o his_o good_n or_o bodily_a harm_n do_v to_o he_o or_o his_o friend_n for_o this_o ungodly_a disposition_n he_o may_v pretend_v possible_o a_o care_n of_o follow_v retributive_a justice_n wherein_o he_o may_v seem_v to_o himself_o to_o come_v short_a except_o he_o shall_v watch_v for_o a_o recompence-giving_a to_o the_o person_n injurious_a he_o may_v possible_o pretend_v a_o dutiful_a respect_n to_o public_a peace_n and_o welfare_n of_o the_o commonwealth_n of_o the_o society_n wherein_o he_o live_v wherein_o he_o may_v seem_v to_o himself_o to_o come_v short_a if_o he_o shall_v suffer_v the_o person_n injurious_a to_o he_o to_o go_v away_o unpunished_a he_o may_v pretend_v also_o his_o own_o safety_n and_o security_n for_o time_n to_o come_v whereof_o he_o may_v seem_v to_o himself_o careless_a except_o he_o make_v it_o evident_a that_o whosoever_o do_v he_o wrong_v
not_o please_v god_n now_o it_o be_v a_o act_n of_o injustice_n not_o to_o give_v unto_o god_n the_o praise_n of_o every_o good_a thing_n in_o a_o man_n especial_o when_o the_o man_n be_v find_v to_o be_v cast_v down_o in_o himself_o and_o to_o be_v thirst_v in_o his_o soul_n for_o a_o more_o intimate_fw-la communion_n with_o christ_n as_o be_v presuppose_v in_o this_o case_n 3._o the_o second_o cause_n be_v or_o may_v be_v this_o that_o the_o afflict_a albeit_o he_o have_v have_v oft_o time_n sweet_a and_o sensible_a consolation_n and_o confirmation_n of_o the_o promise_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o have_v thereby_o be_v put_v out_o of_o doubt_n of_o his_o adoption_n for_o the_o time_n yet_o when_o new_a temptation_n do_v arise_v according_a to_o what_o be_v expedient_a for_o the_o exercise_n of_o his_o faith_n because_o the_o same_o sweetness_n be_v not_o feel_v but_o heaviness_n for_o the_o while_n 1_o pet._n 1._o 6_o 7._o he_o forget_v the_o consolation_n he_o have_v have_v or_o suffer_v they_o to_o be_v call_v in_o question_n for_o remove_v whereof_o whensoever_o the_o afflict_a be_v cut_v short_a in_o the_o point_n of_o sense_n or_o sensible_a consolation_n let_v he_o then_o strive_v to_o abound_v in_o the_o work_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o not_o slacken_v his_o hand_n in_o the_o exercise_n of_o religion_n and_o of_o his_o lawful_a call_n and_o his_o endeavour_n to_o please_v god_n in_o all_o thing_n for_o see_v the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n embrace_v be_v a_o firm_a and_o solid_a ground_n for_o â—aith_n to_o fix_v upon_o albeit_o full_a persuasion_n and_o victorious_a consolation_n be_v neither_o at_o all_o or_o but_o very_o rare_o â—elt_v in_o this_o life_n the_o afflict_a who_o we_o have_v to_o speak_v to_o here_o have_v no_o cause_n to_o stumble_v but_o reason_n to_o bless_v god_n who_o have_v in_o any_o measure_n at_o any_o time_n comfort_v he_o by_o the_o gospel_n for_o that_o condition_n which_o the_o afflict_a wish_v for_o be_v reserve_v unto_o we_o in_o heaven_n and_o promise_n such_o as_o be_v make_v to_o the_o meek_a and_o merciful_a mat._n 5._o which_o qualify_v promise_n they_o look_v upon_o as_o conditional_a exclude_v they_o as_o they_o conceive_v who_o do_v not_o find_v in_o themselves_o such_o qualification_n and_o partly_o because_o they_o be_v not_o clear_a about_o their_o right_n to_o receive_v the_o offer_n of_o the_o gospel_n because_o they_o want_v as_o they_o conceive_v fitness_n in_o themselves_o to_o receive_v the_o same_o and_o thus_o be_v they_o ofttimes_o vex_v with_o doubt_n whether_o they_o be_v in_o the_o state_n of_o grace_n or_o not_o 2._o for_o louse_v of_o this_o doubt_n sundry_a thing_n be_v already_o say_v by_o the_o way_n in_o answer_v other_o doubtful_a case_n but_o because_o many_o do_v meet_v with_o this_o difficulty_n we_o shall_v speak_v a_o little_a more_o particular_o to_o the_o case_n and_o first_o it_o be_v needful_a that_o the_o afflict_a be_v confirm_v about_o that_o which_o be_v right_a in_o he_o that_o the_o thing_n which_o remain_v and_o be_v ready_a to_o die_v may_v be_v strengthen_v to_o this_o intent_n we_o commend_v the_o afflict_a that_o be_v sensible_a of_o sin_n and_o fear_v for-wrath_n he_o have_v flee_v unto_o christ_n for_o refuge_n next_o we_o commend_v he_o that_o he_o have_v begin_v to_o give_v new_a obedience_n to_o god_n law_n and_o do_v purpose_n to_o follow_v on_o as_o he_o shall_v be_v enable_v and_o three_o we_o commend_v he_o that_o albeit_o he_o can_v attain_v that_o near_a conjunction_n with_o christ_n which_o he_o will_v yet_o he_o neither_o will_v nor_o dare_v forsake_v christ_n not_o put_v himself_o out_o of_o the_o number_n of_o weak_a believer_n in_o christ_n for_o he_o have_v say_v in_o his_o heart_n with_o peter_n joh._n 6._o 68_o to_o who_o shall_v i_o go_v for_o christ_n have_v the_o word_n of_o eternal_a life_n hitherto_o all_o be_v right_a and_o the_o afflict_a must_v resolve_v to_o cleave_v close_o to_o this_o foundation_n because_o christ_n have_v say_v joh._n 6._o 37._o these_o that_o come_v unto_o i_o i_o will_v in_o no_o case_n cast_v out_o 3._o for_o his_o doubt_n arise_v from_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o promise_n absolute_a conditional_a and_o qualify_v look_v upon_o by_o he_o as_o if_o they_o be_v conditional_a we_o answer_v â—_o that_o these_o qualify_a promise_n have_v some_o mark_n in_o they_o of_o true_a believer_n be_v not_o exclusive_a of_o these_o believer_n who_o find_v in_o themselves_o a_o defect_n of_o the_o qualification_n but_o they_o be_v inductive_a unto_o all_o believer_n to_o study_v the_o attain_n of_o that_o qualification_n and_o be_v corroborative_n of_o these_o beliver_v who_o find_v in_o any_o sensible_a measure_n these_o qualification_n for_o example_n promise_v make_v to_o the_o merciful_a to_o the_o peacemaker_n to_o the_o upright_a in_o heart_n do_v not_o exclude_v these_o who_o find_v themselves_o short_a in_o these_o grace_n and_o yet_o be_v hungry_a and_o thirsty_a for_o righteousness_n yet_o be_v poor_a and_o indigent_a of_o all_o good_a in_o themselves_o and_o daily_a beggar_n at_o the_o throne_n of_o grace_n for_o what_o they_o want_v mat._n 5._o for_o these_o qualification_n find_v in_o a_o weak_a believer_n be_v sign_n and_o effect_n of_o sound_a faith_n in_o they_o and_o we_o must_v grant_v that_o of_o these_o grace_n specify_v in_o these_o qualify_a promise_n some_o of_o they_o be_v more_o eminent_a in_o some_o of_o the_o saint_n and_o other_o some_o of_o they_o more_o eminent_o see_v and_o feel_v in_o other_o some_o of_o the_o saint_n and_o in_o the_o same_o person_n one_o of_o these_o qualification_n may_v sometime_o shine_v more_o clear_o and_o at_o another_o time_n by_o some_o tentation_n or_o mistake_v be_v overclouded_n and_o not_o shine_v so_o clear_o as_o before_o yet_o the_o qualification_n be_v comfortable_a to_o all_o they_o who_o find_v the_o same_o in_o themselves_o and_o be_v inductive_a to_o make_v every_o believer_n to_o aim_v to_o excel_v in_o these_o grace_n and_o so_o to_o confirm_v their_o own_o faith_n more_o and_o more_o as_o 2_o pet._n 1._o 4_o 5_o 6_o 7._o we_o be_v exhort_v again_o these_o qualification_n be_v sign_n of_o a_o believer_n already_o enter_v in_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n by_o faith_n in_o christ_n and_o begin_v to_o bring_v forth_o good_a fruit_n but_o they_o be_v not_o the_o condition_n of_o enter_v into_o the_o covenant_n for_o than_o none_o can_v enter_v in_o covenant_n till_o first_o these_o qualification_n in_o exercise_n be_v sound_a in_o they_o and_o that_o be_v to_o disannul_a the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n and_o to_o set_v up_o a_o sort_n of_o covenant_n of_o work_n for_o there_o be_v not_o another_o condition_n of_o enter_v in_o the_o covenant_n but_o faith_n in_o christ_n only_o whereby_o the_o humble_a sinner_n renounce_v all_o confidence_n in_o any_o good_a in_o himself_o or_o from_o himself_o do_v betake_v himself_o whole_o to_o the_o grace_n offer_v in_o jesus_n christ_n in_o who_o perfect_a righteousness_n be_v to_o be_v find_v now_o unto_o the_o man_n who_o shall_v believe_v in_o christ_n all_o the_o promise_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v make_v upon_o this_o condition_n that_o he_o do_v believe_v in_o jesus_n christ_n which_o condition_n of_o presuppose_v the_o afflict_a shall_v have_v what_o he_o wish_v consolation_n always_o run_v like_o a_o river_n where_o be_v place_n for_o try_v exercise_v and_o train_n of_o he_o in_o his_o faith_n but_o let_v he_o work_v and_o wrestle_v on_o and_o among_o hand_n he_o shall_v have_v as_o much_o peace_n as_o may_v suffice_v a_o pilgrim_n 4._o the_o three_o cause_n be_v or_o may_v be_v this_o that_o the_o afflict_a have_v grieve_v the_o spirit_n of_o god_n either_o by_o ascribe_v his_o gracious_a operation_n to_o some_o other_o cause_n then_o grace_n or_o count_v his_o consolation_n to_o be_v but_o flash_n and_o like_v unto_o delusion_n or_o that_o the_o afflict_a by_o corrupt_a communication_n or_o gross_a offence_n have_v provoke_v god_n to_o anger_n as_o befall_v david_n psal._n 51._o for_o remove_v of_o this_o cause_n whether_o the_o sin_n of_o the_o afflict_a have_v be_v more_o or_o less_o provoke_v let_v he_o with_o david_n ps._n 51._o renew_v the_o exercise_n of_o repentance_n and_o faith_n in_o god_n mercy_n who_o only_o can_v renew_v a_o right_a spirit_n in_o he_o or_o rather_o restore_v he_o to_o the_o formerly-felt_a consolation_n and_o joy_n of_o his_o spirit_n and_o let_v he_o walk_v more_o wary_o hereafter_o that_o he_o provoke_v not_o to_o wrath_n so_o merciful_a a_o father_n 5._o the_o four_o cause_n be_v or_o may_v be_v this_o that_o the_o afflict_a albeit_o he_o have_v consent_v to_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n and_o have_v embrace_v christ_n jesus_n offer_v in_o the_o evangel_n yet_o he_o do_v not_o