faith_n and_o do_v believe_v and_o therefore_o i_o be_o assure_v also_o that_o i_o shall_v be_v save_v so_o that_o the_o general_a proposition_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v most_o sure_a and_o certain_a that_o all_o and_o every_o one_o that_o have_v faith_n and_o do_v believe_v in_o christ_n shall_v be_v save_v and_o therefore_o be_v elect_v for_o none_o can_v be_v save_v but_o one'y_v they_o that_o be_v elect_v predestmate_v and_o appoint_v hereunto_o in_o the_o eternal_a decree_n and_o purpose_n of_o god_n now_o if_o after_o a_o due_a search_n and_o sound_v into_o thyself_o thou_o find_v that_o thou_o have_v this_o faith_n in_o christ_n rest_v upon_o his_o grace_n and_o promise_n and_o that_o thou_o be_v resolve_v in_o thy_o heart_n that_o remission_n of_o sin_n reconciliation_n unto_o god_n and_o all_o the_o other_o benefit_n and_o effect_n of_o christ_n death_n and_o passion_n do_v appertain_v and_o belong_v unto_o thou_o this_o testimony_n be_v sure_a and_o certain_a whereon_o thou_o may_v build_v this_o conclusion_n that_o thou_o be_v the_o son_n and_o elect_a child_n of_o god_n and_o that_o the_o witness_n and_o testimony_n of_o these_o thing_n to_o be_v within_o we_o may_v be_v have_v and_o derive_v from_o our_o own_o spirit_n beside_o that_o place_n before_o allege_a rom._n 8._o that_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n and_o our_o spirit_n do_v witness_v together_o the_o same_o apostle_n also_o seem_v to_o intimate_v no_o less_o 2._o cor._n 13.5_o bid_v we_o prove_v ourselves_o whether_o we_o be_v in_o the_o faith_n and_o that_o we_o shall_v examine_v ourselves_o know_v you_o not_o 13.5_o 2._o cor._n 13.5_o say_v he_o even_o your_o own_o self_n how_o that_o christ_n be_v in_o you_o except_o you_o be_v reprobate_n now_o how_o shall_v this_o proof_n trial_n examination_n and_o knowledge_n of_o ourselves_o by_o ourselves_o be_v have_v but_o by_o our_o own_o spirit_n 2.11_o 1._o cor._n 2.11_o for_o what_o man_n say_v the_o same_o apostle_n know_v the_o thing_n of_o a_o man_n save_o the_o spirit_n of_o a_o man_n which_o be_v in_o he_o but_o here_o it_o may_v be_v some_o will_v object_v against_o i_o that_o these_o thing_n be_v spiritual_a and_o of_o god_n for_o faith_n come_v not_o of_o ourselves_o but_o be_v effect_v in_o we_o by_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n and_o therefore_o by_o the_o same_o spirit_n of_o god_n only_o these_o must_v be_v discern_v for_o that_o it_o follow_v immediate_o in_o the_o same_o verse_n that_o these_o thing_n of_o god_n know_v no_o man_n but_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n whereunto_o i_o answer_v that_o although_o we_o can_v judge_v and_o discern_v of_o the_o thing_n of_o god_n either_o concern_v his_o excellent_a nature_n or_o the_o mystery_n of_o his_o will_n in_o the_o way_n of_o life_n and_o salvation_n what_o and_o how_o it_o shall_v be_v but_o by_o the_o spirit_n reveal_v and_o manifest_v the_o same_o in_o the_o sacred_a scripture_n by_o the_o ministry_n of_o his_o prophet_n and_o apostle_n yet_o the_o knowledge_n of_o these_o thing_n be_v have_v it_o hinder_v not_o but_o that_o by_o our_o own_o spirit_n we_o may_v judge_v the_o presence_n of_o those_o thing_n in_o ourselves_o which_o the_o spirit_n have_v thus_o general_o set_v down_o as_o thing_n necessary_a in_o the_o elect_a of_o god_n so_o then_o be_v by_o the_o word_n and_o out_o of_o the_o scripture_n which_o be_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n school_v and_o instruct_v in_o the_o nature_n of_o these_o gift_n and_o effect_n of_o the_o spirit_n be_v it_o faith_n or_o other_o spiritual_a gift_n whatsoever_o it_o shall_v be_v a_o matter_n within_o the_o compass_n of_o our_o own_o spirit_n be_v thus_o beforehand_o furnish_v and_o provide_v to_o judge_v and_o discern_v whether_o these_o thing_n be_v wrought_v and_o effect_v in_o we_o as_o yet_o or_o not_o which_o be_v sufficient_a for_o my_o purpose_n and_o all_o that_o i_o require_v if_o therefore_o thou_o will_v know_v if_o thou_o be_v elect_v and_o consequent_o such_o a_o one_o as_o shall_v be_v save_v enter_v first_o into_o thy_o own_o heart_n and_o soul_n and_o see_v whether_o thy_o own_o spirit_n and_o conscience_n do_v not_o testify_v unto_o thou_o and_o bear_v thou_o witness_v that_o that_o be_v verify_v and_o find_v to_o be_v true_o and_o indeed_o within_o thyself_o which_o the_o word_n of_o god_n have_v set_v down_o as_o a_o most_o assure_a and_o undoubted_a mark_n of_o the_o child_n and_o elect_a of_o god_n chap._n xxix_o of_o the_o second_o argument_n whereby_o the_o certainty_n of_o a_o man_n election_n be_v prove_v the_o second_o argument_n for_o proof_n of_o a_o man_n election_n be_v bring_v from_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n that_o dwell_v in_o us._n for_o as_o our_o own_o spirit_n do_v testify_v so_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n also_o do_v bear_v witness_n together_o with_o our_o spirit_n that_o we_o be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n if_o son_n than_o heir_n also_o even_o the_o heir_n of_o god_n and_o heir_n annex_v with_o christ_n hereupon_o it_o be_v that_o this_o spirit_n of_o god_n that_o thus_o give_v evidence_n and_o witness_n with_o we_o be_v call_v the_o spirit_n of_o adoption_n the_o spirit_n of_o promise_n and_o the_o very_a earnest_n of_o our_o inheritance_n it_o be_v call_v the_o spirit_n of_o adoption_n 14._o rom._n 8.15_o ephes_n 1.13_o 14._o because_o it_o do_v approve_v unto_o we_o our_o adoption_n that_o we_o be_v single_v out_o from_o the_o world_n and_o by_o grace_n in_o christ_n adopt_v to_o be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n and_o this_o so_o full_o and_o effectual_o that_o it_o make_v we_o confident_o and_o bold_o to_o cry_v and_o call_v upon_o god_n by_o the_o name_n of_o father_n it_o be_v call_v the_o spirit_n of_o promise_n because_o it_o seal_v unto_o our_o heart_n the_o use_n of_o all_o god_n promise_n in_o christ_n contain_v at_o large_a in_o the_o gospel_n to_o be_v our_o own_o and_o to_o appertain_v and_o belong_v unto_o us._n and_o it_o be_v call_v the_o earnest_a of_o our_o inheritance_n for_o that_o it_o be_v as_o a_o pledge_n and_o pawn_n unto_o we_o whereby_o we_o be_v assure_v that_o god_n will_v perfect_v and_o perform_v his_o covenant_n of_o life_n in_o christ_n that_o he_o have_v make_v and_o indent_v with_o we_o that_o be_v his_o faithful_a child_n although_o this_o testimony_n of_o the_o spirit_n be_v most_o true_a and_o in_o the_o due_a and_o appoint_a time_n of_o god_n 1.13_o ephes_n 1.13_o that_o be_v after_o that_o they_o do_v believe_v be_v certain_o find_v in_o all_o the_o elect_a of_o god_n ephes_n 1.13_o yet_o i_o think_v it_o not_o sufficient_a this_o to_o affirm_v but_o also_o more_o at_o large_a to_o show_v what_o this_o witness_n and_o this_o seal_n be_v in_o the_o elect_a of_o god_n that_o so_o every_o man_n may_v the_o better_o discern_v and_o judge_v of_o it_o in_o himself_o for_o though_o the_o spirit_n itself_o be_v say_v to_o be_v the_o earnest_a of_o our_o inheritance_n because_o that_o the_o spirit_n which_o thus_o in_o part_n work_v in_o we_o be_v a_o part_n of_o our_o glorification_n which_o be_v here_o in_o this_o life_n begin_v and_o that_o we_o be_v by_o this_o part_n as_o by_o a_o earnest_a penny_n assure_v that_o god_n in_o his_o time_n appoint_v will_v bring_v this_o work_n in_o we_o unto_o perfection_n for_o that_o he_o be_v faithful_a and_o just_a of_o his_o promise_n and_o will_v not_o let_v pass_v this_o good_a work_n which_o he_o have_v thus_o begin_v in_o we_o but_o will_v perfect_v and_o perform_v it_o until_o the_o day_n of_o christ_n yet_o in_o that_o the_o spirit_n be_v say_v thus_o to_o witness_v and_o to_o seal_v unto_o we_o the_o very_a word_n do_v sufficient_o intimate_v a_o further_a thing_n than_o the_o spirit_n itself_o for_o it_o be_v certain_a that_o these_o be_v thing_n even_o in_o common_a speech_n and_o reason_n distinct_a and_o differ_v one_o from_o another_o the_o testimony_n or_o witness_n and_o the_o person_n witness_v the_o seal_n and_o impression_n of_o the_o seal_n and_o the_o seal_n itself_o this_o testimony_n and_o print_n or_o impression_n of_o the_o spirit_n i_o take_v not_o to_o be_v diverse_a but_o to_o be_v one_o and_o the_o self_n same_o thing_n and_o do_v judge_v it_o to_o be_v nothing_o else_o but_o the_o reparation_n or_o a_o new_a impression_n of_o the_o image_n of_o god_n in_o we_o which_o be_v before_o cancel_v and_o deface_v in_o we_o by_o reason_n of_o the_o fall_n of_o adam_n so_o that_o when_o the_o spirit_n be_v thus_o say_v to_o seal_v nothing_o else_o be_v mean_v thereby_o but_o that_o it_o do_v again_o instamp_n and_o engrave_v and_o set_v upon_o we_o even_o upon_o our_o heart_n and_o soul_n that_o image_n of_o goodness_n purity_n holiness_n wisdom_n sanctity_n truth_n and_o
love_n that_o be_v of_o god_n for_o this_o be_v the_o very_a stamp_n of_o the_o spirit_n which_o otherwise_o in_o other_o place_n be_v call_v our_o regeneration_n and_o this_o be_v the_o testimony_n and_o witness_n that_o it_o give_v wherefore_o that_o we_o may_v now_o the_o better_a see_v and_o understand_v how_o this_o spirit_n of_o god_n in_o this_o sort_n do_v witness_v and_o give_v testimony_n with_o our_o spirit_n of_o nor_o adoption_n into_o the_o number_n and_o fellowship_n of_o the_o child_n of_o god_n i_o think_v it_o good_a that_o we_o proceed_v a_o little_a further_o in_o the_o apostle_n similitude_n this_o phrase_n and_o manner_n of_o speak_v be_v draw_v from_o the_o manner_n of_o man_n use_v for_o confirmation_n of_o contract_n and_o bargain_n make_v who_o have_v in_o speech_n conclude_v upon_o their_o covenant_n straightway_o cause_v the_o same_o to_o be_v first_o write_v and_o ingross_v and_o after_o their_o seal_n to_o be_v to_o the_o same_o annex_v to_o witness_v and_o assure_v both_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o bargain_n and_o also_o the_o performance_n thereof_o so_o that_o the_o very_a print_n and_o impression_n abide_v still_o in_o the_o wax_n be_v a_o sufficient_a witness_n that_o those_o writing_n be_v his_o act_n and_o deed_n who_o seal_n be_v there_o annex_v and_o that_o therefore_o also_o he_o will_v in_o truth_n sure_o perform_v the_o covenant_n therein_o contain_v now_o for_o a_o further_a explanation_n hereof_o and_o to_o apply_v this_o according_a to_o the_o several_a circumstance_n to_o our_o present_a purpose_n it_o be_v diligent_o to_o be_v observe_v and_o note_v that_o the_o covenant_n or_o matter_n of_o the_o writing_n betwixt_o god_n and_o his_o child_n be_v the_o promise_n of_o grace_n in_o christ_n through_o faith_n comprise_v in_o the_o gospel_n these_o say_a promise_n be_v write_v and_o ingross_v in_o the_o table_n of_o every_o faithful_a man_n heart_n according_a to_o that_o say_n i_o will_v write_v my_o law_n in_o their_o heart_n 31.33_o jer._n 31.33_o and_o this_o writing_n be_v when_o as_o by_o faith_n we_o do_v apprehend_v the_o same_o whereupon_o as_o be_v aforesaid_a our_o heart_n and_o conscience_n do_v witness_n to_o we_o that_o they_o do_v belong_v unto_o we_o and_o that_o we_o be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n then_o together_o with_o this_o also_o come_v the_o seal_n and_o witness_v of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n bear_v witness_n as_o i_o have_v say_v with_o our_o spirit_n also_o of_o the_o truth_n hereof_o by_o set_v his_o stamp_n and_o seal_v upon_o our_o soul_n and_o heart_n wherein_o as_o in_o table_n these_o covenant_n be_v write_v confirm_v most_o effectual_o and_o assure_v we_o that_o we_o be_v indeed_o of_o the_o number_n of_o those_o in_o who_o these_o promise_n shall_v be_v fulfil_v that_o we_o be_v elect_v of_o god_n and_o such_o as_o be_v ordain_v unto_o eternal_a life_n because_o this_o image_n and_o impression_n of_o the_o spirit_n be_v give_v and_o impart_v unto_o none_o but_o those_o only_a that_o be_v in_o the_o number_n of_o god_n adopt_a child_n see_v therefore_o i_o pray_v thou_o now_o in_o what_o manner_n the_o spirit_n of_o god_n do_v witness_n and_o seal_v unto_o thou_o that_o thou_o be_v one_o of_o god_n elect_n even_o by_o set_v &_o engrave_v upon_o we_o such_o a_o stamp_n mark_v and_o impression_n as_o be_v only_o proper_a and_o pecuilar_v unto_o those_o that_o shall_v be_v save_v so_o that_o we_o see_v and_o behold_v this_o within_o ourselves_o be_v thereby_o to_o our_o exceed_a comfort_n assure_v and_o confirm_v that_o we_o be_v god_n child_n and_o therefore_o also_o heir_n and_o coheir_n with_o christ_n of_o eternal_a life_n 8.17_o rom._n 8.17_o of_o this_o testimony_n then_o we_o be_v not_o in_o any_o wise_a to_o doubt_v but_o to_o account_v it_o unto_o we_o most_o sure_a and_o certain_a for_o that_o it_o have_v the_o spirit_n of_o truth_n to_o be_v the_o author_n of_o it_o which_o spirit_n always_o speak_v truth_n and_o nothing_o but_o truth_n and_o so_o much_o the_o rather_o also_o shall_v we_o have_v in_o we_o this_o assurance_n because_o this_o be_v apply_v even_o unto_o our_o heart_n and_o spirit_n and_o that_o with_o such_o efficacy_n and_o force_n as_o that_o it_o cry_v that_o be_v to_o say_v it_o cause_v we_o in_o sight_n and_o feel_n of_o the_o same_o to_o cry_v and_o call_v upon_o our_o god_n by_o the_o love_a and_o comfortable_a name_n of_o father_n so_o that_o if_o the_o testimony_n of_o thy_o own_o spirit_n can_v content_v or_o suffice_v thou_o in_o this_o point_n but_o that_o thou_o do_v desire_v to_o have_v a_o further_a witness_n of_o thy_o election_n see_v if_o in_o thy_o heart_n thou_o can_v find_v this_o seal_n and_o impression_n this_o witness_n of_o the_o spirit_n if_o thou_o can_v this_o also_o will_v testify_v with_o thy_o spirit_n that_o thou_o be_v a_o elect_a child_n of_o god_n chap._n xxx_o of_o the_o three_o argument_n whereby_o the_o certainty_n of_o a_o man_n election_n be_v prove_v the_o three_o argument_n for_o the_o proof_n of_o this_o doctrine_n concern_v man_n election_n and_o the_o knowledge_n &_o assurance_n thereof_o be_v bring_v from_o the_o notable_a effect_n and_o fruit_n follow_v upon_o our_o regeneration_n in_o the_o course_n and_o race_n of_o our_o life_n for_o these_o also_o do_v witness_n and_o approve_v unto_o we_o our_o election_n as_o may_v very_o well_o be_v gather_v by_o the_o word_n of_o the_o apostle_n say_v 8.1_o rom._n 8.1_o there_o be_v no_o condemnation_n say_v he_o unto_o they_o that_o be_v in_o christ_n jesus_n that_o walk_v not_o after_o the_o flesh_n but_o after_o the_o spirit_n who_o be_v they_o that_o walk_v not_o after_o the_o flesh_n but_o after_o the_o spirit_n but_o even_o they_o that_o show_v forth_o the_o fruit_n of_o regeneration_n by_o newness_n that_o be_v sanctuy_v and_o righteousness_n of_o life_n and_o what_o be_v it_o to_o be_v free_a from_o condemnation_n but_o to_o be_v one_o that_o shall_v in_o the_o end_n be_v save_v and_o who_o be_v those_o that_o shall_v be_v save_v but_o only_o they_o which_o before_o all_o time_n be_v hereunto_o elect_a and_o ordain_v this_o also_o be_v prove_v effectual_o by_o the_o apostle_n peter_n who_o exhort_v we_o unto_o these_o fruit_n will_v we_o to_o join_v virtue_n with_o faith_n with_o virtue_n knowledge_n 10._o 2._o pet._n 1.5_o 6_o 7_o 8_o 9_o 10._o with_o knowledge_n temperance_n with_o temperance_n patience_n and_o with_o patience_n godliness_n etc._n etc._n and_o after_o in_o the_o ten_o verse_n for_o a_o conclusion_n he_o add_v wherefore_o brethren_n give_v rather_o diligence_n to_o make_v your_o call_n and_o election_n sure_a for_o if_o you_o do_v these_o thing_n you_o shall_v never_o fall_v now_o how_o be_v our_o election_n make_v sure_a by_o our_o work_n but_o because_o that_o these_o good_a work_n and_o gift_n of_o the_o spirit_n do_v certify_v and_o assure_v we_o that_o we_o be_v in_o the_o number_n of_o god_n elect_n in_o that_o he_o vouch_v safe_v in_o this_o sort_n by_o his_o spirit_n to_o work_v in_o we_o and_o the_o reason_n be_v because_o that_o f_o we_o do_v these_o thing_n that_o be_v see_v god_n have_v so_o far_o communicate_v his_o grace_n unto_o we_o no_o doubt_n he_o that_o have_v begin_v so_o good_a a_o work_n in_o we_o will_v continue_v and_o hold_v on_o still_o and_o that_o in_o such_o a_o manner_n that_o we_o shall_v never_o fall_v to_o these_o let_v we_o add_v the_o testimony_n of_o christ_n 13.35_o joh._n 13.35_o by_o this_o shall_v all_o man_n know_v that_o you_o be_v my_o disciple_n if_o you_o have_v love_v one_o to_o another_o and_o the_o apostle_n john_n in_o his_o first_o epistle_n 1.7_o 1._o joh._n 1.7_o be_v pregnant_a to_o this_o effect_n if_o we_o walk_v in_o the_o light_n as_o he_o be_v in_o the_o light_n we_o have_v fellowship_n one_o with_o another_o and_o the_o blood_n of_o christ_n cleanse_v we_o from_o all_o sin_n 5._o 1._o joh._n 2.3_o 5._o again_o hereby_o be_v we_o sure_a that_o we_o know_v he_o if_o we_o keep_v his_o commandment_n 3.14_o 1._o joh._n 3.14_o he_o that_o keep_v his_o word_n in_o he_o be_v the_o love_n of_o god_n perfect_a indeed_o hereby_o we_o know_v that_o we_o be_v in_o he_o and_o again_o we_o know_v that_o we_o be_v translate_v from_o death_n to_o life_n because_o we_o love_v the_o brethren_n etc._n etc._n many_o such_o like_a place_n of_o scripture_n may_v be_v bring_v tend_v to_o like_a effect_n and_o purpose_n so_o that_o as_o by_o the_o fruit_n the_o good_a or_o bad_a nature_n of_o the_o tree_n be_v know_v so_o by_o thy_o work_n as_o fruit_n thy_o condition_n and_o estate_n may_v be_v discern_v for_o man_n do_v not_o gather_v grape_n of_o thorn_n 7.16_o math._n 7.16_o nor_o fig_n of_o
repentance_n 3._o he_o must_v not_o so_o much_o consider_v the_o greatness_n of_o the_o measure_n as_o the_o truth_n of_o his_o repentance_n &_o that_o with_o good_a advice_n what_o the_o thing_n be_v whereat_o we_o do_v aim_n and_o which_o we_o labour_v especial_o to_o search_v after_o and_o to_o find_v out_o in_o this_o trial_n and_o examination_n for_o even_o in_o this_o point_n also_o there_o be_v oftentimes_o error_n find_v by_o reason_n whereof_o among_o man_n there_o arise_v no_o small_a inconvenience_n the_o thing_n therefore_o that_o herein_o we_o be_v to_o have_v a_o special_a eye_n unto_o be_v not_o the_o great_a measure_n and_o quantity_n but_o rather_o the_o truth_n of_o repentance_n for_o although_o it_o be_v never_o so_o slender_a and_o weak_a in_o our_o conceit_n yet_o if_o it_o be_v true_a and_o from_o the_o heart_n we_o shall_v thereby_o find_v even_o in_o the_o midst_n of_o sorrow_n sufficient_a cause_n of_o great_a and_o exceed_a comfort_n it_o may_v be_v that_o the_o spirit_n sometime_o may_v appear_v unto_o we_o to_o be_v as_o you_o will_v say_v but_o very_o weak_a in_o work_v and_o faith_n also_o may_v seem_v to_o be_v faint_a and_o feeble_a in_o show_v forth_o the_o fruit_n of_o true_a repentance_n in_o such_o abundant_a and_o plentiful_a manner_n as_o thou_o haply_o do_v dream_v of_o yet_o do_v not_o this_o let_v any_o thing_n at_o all_o but_o that_o both_o thy_o faith_n and_o thy_o repentance_n may_v be_v true_a and_o therefore_o such_o whereupon_o thou_o may_v settle_v and_o ground_n thyself_o and_o whereby_o thou_o may_v assure_v thyself_o that_o thou_o be_v the_o child_n of_o god_n and_o if_o his_o child_n then_o sure_o free_v from_o condemnation_n and_o make_v a_o heir_n even_o a_o coheyre_n with_o christ_n our_o head_n of_o everlasting_a glory_n for_o god_n be_v so_o far_o from_o reject_v and_o cast_v off_o such_o small_a and_o slender_a beginning_n that_o he_o be_v rather_o give_v to_o nourish_v and_o increase_v the_o same_o in_o his_o child_n 42.3_o esay_n 42.3_o the_o bruise_a reed_n he_o will_v not_o break_v 12.20_o mat._n 12.20_o and_o the_o smoke_a flax_n he_o will_v not_o quench_v and_o therefore_o if_o thou_o find_v never_o so_o great_a imperfection_n in_o this_o thy_o repentance_n so_o that_o it_o seem_v to_o be_v craze_v like_o a_o break_a reed_n and_o almost_o extinguish_v as_o the_o flax_n that_o do_v but_o sinoke_n yet_o herein_o be_v there_o no_o cause_n of_o discomfort_n first_o for_o that_o as_o faith_n so_o likewise_o true_a repentance_n be_v the_o gift_n of_o god_n who_o be_v not_o to_o be_v prescribe_v and_o appoint_v in_o what_o mcasure_n he_o shall_v give_v the_o same_o to_o every_o one_o and_o second_o for_o that_o it_o please_v he_o to_o be_v so_o gracious_a and_o favourable_a as_o to_o accept_v these_o imperfection_n in_o good_a part_n at_o thy_o hand_n for_o the_o which_o thou_o be_v not_o only_o to_o be_v thankful_a to_o he_o at_o all_o time_n but_o have_v also_o a_o reason_n offer_v thou_o here_o he_o must_v consider_v what_o he_o be_v by_o nature_n and_o know_v that_o he_o shall_v never_o be_v free_a from_o imperfection_n while_o he_o live_v here_o to_o move_v thou_o continual_o to_o pray_v to_o god_n for_o the_o good_a increase_n of_o these_o his_o gift_n in_o thou_o four_o thou_o be_v to_o consider_v diligent_o with_o thyself_o and_o to_o look_v well_o upon_o thy_o own_o estate_n i_o mean_v what_o thou_o be_v of_o thyself_o and_o by_o nature_n which_o if_o thou_o do_v thou_o shall_v sure_o find_v that_o thou_o be_v one_o of_o adam_n brood_n one_o that_o haste_v suck_v corruption_n 51.5_o psal_n 51.5_o and_o that_o in_o great_a measure_n from_o the_o breast_n of_o thy_o first_o parent_n as_o well_o as_o other_o for_o not_o only_o thy_o life_n 51.1_o psal_n 51.1_o but_o also_o thy_o conception_n and_o birth_n will_v be_v find_v and_o prove_v to_o be_v in_o sin_n since_o than_o that_o thou_o be_v a_o man_n and_o therefore_o by_o nature_n subject_a to_o all_o kind_n of_o infirmity_n as_o well_o as_o other_o during_o the_o time_n of_o thy_o continuance_n in_o this_o corrupt_a tabernacle_n do_v not_o deceive_v thyself_o but_o be_v thou_o assure_v that_o thy_o flesh_n will_v never_o give_v over_o but_o still_o will_v be_v find_v to_o be_v a_o flesh_n that_o be_v a_o rebellious_a and_o a_o grievous_a enemy_n continual_o rebel_a contend_v and_o strive_v against_o the_o spirit_n until_o such_o time_n as_o it_o shall_v by_o god_n appointment_n either_o receive_v the_o stroke_n of_o death_n to_o subdue_v it_o and_o put_v a_o end_n to_o the_o rebellion_n thereof_o or_o that_o wonderful_a and_o sudden_a change_n be_v make_v at_o the_o last_o day_n 15.53_o 1._o cor._n 15.53_o when_o this_o corruptible_a shall_v put_v on_o incorruption_n this_o vile_a body_n shall_v be_v change_v that_o it_o may_v be_v fashion_v like_o unto_o the_o glorious_a body_n of_o christ_n since_o now_o the_o state_n stand_v so_o with_o thou_o thou_o be_v to_o make_v none_o other_o reckon_n but_o that_o thou_o must_v and_o shall_v of_o necessity_n find_v although_o it_o be_v to_o thy_o great_a grief_n many_o infirmity_n and_o imperfection_n in_o thy_o flesh_n so_o long_o as_o thou_o shall_v have_v thy_o abode_n here_o on_o earth_n as_o well_o as_o other_o yet_o can_v it_o not_o therefore_o be_v thereupon_o infer_v and_o conclude_v that_o the_o same_o imperfection_n shall_v exclude_v thou_o from_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n and_o shut_v thou_o out_o from_o the_o number_n of_o god_n elect_a child_n nay_o it_o be_v so_o far_o off_o from_o work_v or_o compass_v this_o evil_a unto_o thou_o that_o i_o may_v say_v unto_o thou_o with_o the_o apostle_n 5.20_o rom._n 5.20_o where_o sin_n abound_v there_o grace_v abound_v much_o more_o so_o that_o as_o no_o doubt_n upon_o thy_o true_a repentance_n thou_o shall_v easy_o find_v the_o further_a that_o thy_o sin_n extend_v itself_o as_o thou_o suppose_v to_o thy_o condemnation_n the_o further_a also_o this_o mercy_n and_o grace_n of_o god_n do_v stretch_v forth_o itself_o in_o give_v remission_n of_o thy_o sin_n to_o thy_o salvation_n but_o here_o beware_v and_o take_v heed_n of_o satan_n lest_o he_o deceive_v thou_o by_o bring_v thou_o into_o this_o vain_a and_o wicked_a conceit_n as_o though_o this_o remistion_n be_v due_a unto_o thou_o by_o merit_n of_o thy_o work_n when_o as_o it_o be_v only_o of_o grace_n for_o of_o this_o be_v thou_o assure_v that_o if_o thou_o have_v never_o so_o great_a a_o measure_n of_o uprightness_n and_o integrity_n if_o thou_o live_v never_o so_o holy_o if_o thou_o lead_v as_o pure_a a_o life_n as_o ever_o do_v any_o of_o the_o faithful_a servant_n of_o god_n that_o have_v be_v since_o the_o fall_n of_o adam_n christ_n jesus_n only_o except_v yet_o as_o those_o faithful_a servant_n can_v never_o find_v salvation_n in_o their_o own_o deed_n but_o do_v clean_o forsake_v themselves_o and_o cleave_v fast_o to_o the_o grace_n and_o mercy_n of_o god_n so_o thou_o also_o although_o thou_o seek_v it_o shall_v never_o find_v salvation_n in_o thy_o own_o work_n &_o merit_v thereof_o but_o must_v be_v content_a with_o the_o godly_a to_o renounce_v thyself_o and_o lean_v fast_o to_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n in_o christ_n in_o who_o sure_o thou_o must_v seek_v it_o in_o seek_v thou_o shall_v find_v it_o and_o find_v thou_o shall_v doubtless_o possess_v it_o quest_n whereunto_o then_o will_v thou_o say_v do_v serve_v the_o fruit_n of_o repentance_n answ_n no_o doubt_n to_o very_o good_a and_o comfortable_a purpose_n for_o these_o say_a fruit_n be_v as_o sign_n and_o seal_n to_o testify_v they_o be_v no_o cause_n to_o procure_v and_o effect_v salvation_n and_o life_n unto_o thou_o quest_n but_o thou_o will_v say_v again_o see_v the_o case_n be_v thus_o it_o be_v no_o matter_n how_o i_o line_n and_o how_o i_o do_v here_o behave_v myself_o answ_n god_n forbid_v that_o any_o such_o motion_n shall_v ever_o creep_v into_o the_o heart_n of_o god_n elect_n or_o that_o any_o man_n shall_v hereby_o take_v occasion_n to_o become_v secure_a and_o careless_a to_o show_v forth_o his_o christian_a duty_n for_o though_o in_o ourselves_o we_o can_v indeed_o find_v any_o possibility_n to_o deserve_v life_n but_o possibility_n too_o much_o to_o merit_v death_n yet_o be_v we_o bind_v to_o exercise_v ourselves_o in_o these_o fruit_n for_o these_o cause_n follow_v first_o lise_fw-fr the_o first_o cause_n of_o show_v godly_a lise_fw-fr for_o that_o god_n himself_o command_v it_o in_o wonderful_a many_o place_n of_o the_o scripture_n second_o that_o thereby_o his_o glory_n may_v be_v manifest_v mat._n 5.16_o three_o cause_n 2.3_o cause_n for_o that_o by_o they_o man_n be_v in_o his_o conscience_n assure_v of_o his_o election_n and_o vocation_n cause_n
and_o therefore_o they_o have_v common_o use_v it_o as_o a_o most_o strong_a and_o forcible_a argument_n to_o encourage_v and_o strengthen_v the_o faithful_a against_o the_o bitter_a storm_n of_o affliction_n that_o may_v arise_v against_o they_o in_o this_o present_a life_n now_o whereas_o the_o enemy_n of_o this_o perseverance_n of_o the_o faithful_a do_v common_o for_o their_o help_n in_o this_o their_o opinion_n bring_v these_o place_n of_o scripture_n 10.12_o 1._o cor._n 10.12_o let_v he_o that_o think_v he_o stand_v take_v heed_n lest_o he_o fall_v and_o again_o 3.11_o reu._n 3.11_o hold_v fast_o that_o which_o thou_o have_v that_o no_o man_n take_v thy_o crown_n and_o such_o like_a the_o answer_n be_v easy_a unto_o the_o place_n reu._n 3.11_o it_o be_v answer_v by_o some_o that_o it_o concern_v the_o crown_n or_o dignity_n of_o the_o function_n of_o the_o ministry_n which_o may_v be_v take_v away_o but_o not_o the_o glory_n of_o the_o life_n to_o come_v but_o unto_o both_o these_o and_o all_o the_o rest_n such_o like_a place_n be_v it_o brief_o answer_v that_o the_o scripture_n speak_v in_o this_o manner_n speak_v according_a to_o the_o extent_n of_o our_o ability_n and_o power_n who_o every_o day_n indeed_o be_v ready_a in_o ourselves_o to_o fall_v away_o from_o grace_n such_o be_v the_o imperfection_n and_o frailty_n of_o our_o nature_n but_o they_o be_v not_o to_o be_v understand_v of_o the_o purpose_n and_o decree_n of_o god_n wherein_o our_o salvation_n be_v most_o sure_o seal_v up_o if_o we_o consider_v ourselves_o alone_o there_o be_v no_o doubt_n but_o that_o we_o may_v fall_v and_o lose_v our_o crown_n but_o if_o we_o fix_v our_o eye_n on_o god_n and_o on_o his_o eternal_a purpose_n uphold_v and_o maintain_v by_o those_o mean_n of_o perseverance_n as_o he_o have_v appoint_v thereunto_o hell-gate_n shall_v not_o prevail_v against_o we_o neither_o shall_v any_o thing_n be_v able_a to_o deprive_v we_o of_o our_o hope_n and_o therefore_o though_o the_o scripture_n do_v speak_v in_o this_o manner_n to_o warn_v we_o of_o our_o infirmity_n that_o we_o shall_v not_o in_o any_o hand_n trust_v too_o much_o unto_o our_o own_o strength_n but_o shall_v whole_o and_o altogether_o put_v our_o confidence_n in_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n who_o work_v all_o in_o all_o his_o choose_a yet_o it_o do_v nothing_o prejudice_n the_o truth_n of_o this_o doctrine_n of_o perseverance_n which_o be_v not_o seat_v in_o ourselves_o but_o whole_o and_o alone_o in_o the_o continual_a help_n and_o assistance_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n i_o will_v not_o now_o have_v any_o to_o think_v that_o by_o this_o doctrine_n thus_o deliver_v i_o do_v go_v about_o to_o bring_v in_o the_o fatal_a necessity_n of_o the_o stork_n when_o as_o i_o maintain_v the_o decree_n of_o god_n in_o the_o save_n of_o his_o servant_n to_o be_v perform_v by_o such_o a_o necessary_a consequence_n of_o second_o cause_n in_o perform_v of_o his_o will_n and_o uphold_v of_o his_o choose_a so_o that_o as_o have_v be_v prove_v it_o be_v of_o necessity_n that_o they_o shall_v continue_v and_o those_o thing_n that_o do_v concur_v as_o help_n &_o second_o cause_n hereunto_o must_v of_o necessity_n so_o come_v to_o pass_v for_o first_o it_o be_v to_o be_v understand_v that_o in_o all_o this_o which_o have_v be_v say_v we_o do_v not_o make_v the_o connexion_n and_o order_n of_o these_o cause_n in_o themselves_o and_o in_o their_o own_o nature_n to_o be_v eternal_a as_o do_v those_o profane_a philosopher_n although_o in_o respect_n of_o god_n purpose_n and_o foreknowledge_n i_o do_v affirm_v they_o to_o be_v eternal_a and_o second_o i_o say_v that_o i_o do_v not_o attribute_v this_o necessity_n unto_o nature_n alone_o as_o do_v the_o same_o philosopher_n by_o their_o assertion_n clean_o exclude_v god_n but_o rather_o both_o in_o nature_n &_o in_o themselves_o we_o place_v a_o mere_a contingencie_n and_o in_o god_n decree_n we_o do_v only_o place_v this_o inevitable_a necessity_n but_o to_o sound_v to_o the_o bottom_n of_o these_o thing_n will_v require_v a_o large_a discourse_n let_v this_o therefore_o suffice_v to_o show_v the_o falsehood_n of_o this_o objection_n and_o let_v it_o now_o upon_o this_o which_o i_o have_v say_v be_v conclude_v to_o the_o consolation_n and_o comfort_n of_o all_o god_n elect_n and_o choose_a that_o they_o may_v in_o time_n be_v assure_v both_o of_o their_o regeneration_n present_a their_o election_n before_o all_o time_n and_o of_o their_o assure_a glorification_n hereafter_o without_o time_n and_o for_o all_o eternity_n in_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n with_o the_o bless_a company_n of_o all_o the_o elect_a angel_n and_o saint_n of_o god_n finis_fw-la laus_fw-la deo_fw-la optimo_fw-la maximo_fw-la