call_v christian_n so_o name_v from_o he_o do_v remain_v thus_o far_o josephus_n a_o jew_n by_o nation_n and_o religion_n who_o write_v this_o about_o eighty_o six_o year_n after_o christ_n and_o fourteen_o year_n before_o the_o death_n of_o st._n john_n himself_o be_v bear_v about_o five_o or_o six_o year_n after_o christ._n 20._o consider_v also_o how_o that_o every_o age_n have_v afford_v multitude_n of_o tryphon_n witness_n who_o before_o be_v most_o bitter_a and_o violent_a enemy_n and_o divers_a of_o these_o man_n of_o note_n for_o learning_n and_o place_n in_o the_o world_n how_o mad_a be_v saul_n against_o the_o truth_n sure_o it_o can_v be_v no_o favour_n to_o the_o cause_n nor_o overmuch_o credulity_n that_o cause_v such_o man_n to_o witness_v to_o the_o death_n the_o truth_n of_o that_o for_o which_o they_o have_v persecute_v other_o to_o the_o death_n but_o a_o little_a before_o nor_o can_v childish_a fable_n or_o common_a fly_a tale_n have_v so_o mighty_o wrought_v with_o 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in_o their_o belief_n and_o to_o silence_v the_o several_a enemy_n of_o the_o faith_n and_o therefore_o i_o advise_v those_o who_o in_o their_o inconsiderate_a zeal_n be_v apt_a to_o reject_v all_o these_o history_n of_o providence_n mere_o because_o they_o be_v write_v by_o papist_n or_o because_o some_o witness_n to_o the_o truth_n be_v a_o little_a leaven_a with_o some_o popish_a error_n that_o they_o will_v first_o view_v they_o and_o consider_v of_o their_o probability_n of_o truth_n or_o falsehood_n that_o so_o they_o may_v pick_v out_o the_o truth_n and_o not_o reject_v all_o together_o in_o the_o lump_n lest_o otherwise_o in_o their_o zeal_n against_o popery_n they_o shall_v injure_v christianity_n and_o now_o i_o leave_v any_o man_n to_o judge_n whether_o we_o have_v not_o have_v a_o infallible_a way_n of_o receive_v these_o record_n from_o the_o first_o witness_n not_o that_o every_o of_o the_o particular_n before_o mention_v be_v necessary_a to_o the_o prove_v or_o certain_a receive_v the_o authentic_a record_n without_o depravation_n for_o you_o may_v perceive_v that_o almost_o any_o two_o or_o three_o of_o they_o may_v suffice_v and_o that_o divers_a of_o they_o be_v from_o abundance_n for_o full_a confirmation_n 4._o sect_n iv_o and_o thus_o i_o have_v do_v with_o this_o first_o argument_n draw_v from_o the_o miracle_n which_o prove_v the_o doctrine_n and_o write_n to_o be_v of_o god_n answer_v but_o i_o must_v satisfy_v the_o scruple_n of_o some_o before_o i_o proceed_v first_o some_o will_v question_v whether_o this_o be_v not_o 1._o to_o resolve_v our_o faith_n into_o the_o testimony_n of_o man_n 2._o and_o so_o to_o make_v it_o a_o humane_a faith_n and_o so_o 3._o to_o jump_v in_o this_o with_o the_o papist_n answ._n who_o believe_v the_o scripture_n for_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o church_n and_o to_o argue_v circular_o in_o this_o as_o they_o to_o this_o i_o answer_v first_o i_o make_v in_o this_o argument_n the_o last_o resolution_n of_o my_o faith_n into_o the_o ibidem_fw-la miracle_n wrought_v to_o confirm_v the_o doctrine_n if_o you_o ask_v why_o i_o believe_v the_o doctrine_n to_o be_v of_o god_n i_o answer_v because_o it_o be_v confirm_v by_o many_o undeniable_a miracle_n if_o you_o ask_v why_o i_o believe_v those_o miracle_n to_o be_v from_o god_n i_o answer_v because_o no_o create_a power_n can_v work_v a_o miracle_n so_o that_o the_o testimony_n of_o man_n be_v not_o the_o reason_n of_o my_o believe_v but_o only_o the_o mean_n by_o which_o this_o matter_n of_o fact_n be_v bring_v down_o to_o my_o knowledge_n again_o our_o faith_n can_v be_v say_v to_o be_v resolve_v into_o that_o which_o we_o give_v in_o answer_n to_o your_o last_o interrogation_n except_o your_o question_n be_v only_o still_o of_o the_o proper_a ground_n of_o faith_n but_o if_o you_o change_v your_o question_n from_o what_o be_v the_o ground_n of_o my_o faith_n to_o what_o be_v the_o 1._o mean_n of_o convey_v down_o the_o history_n to_o i_o then_o my_o faith_n be_v not_o resolve_v into_o this_o mean_n yet_o this_o mean_n or_o some_o other_o equivalent_a i_o acknowledge_v so_o necessary_a that_o without_o it_o i_o have_v never_o be_v like_o to_o have_v believe_v 2._o this_o show_v you_o also_o that_o i_o argue_v not_o in_o the_o popish_a circle_n nor_o take_v my_o faith_n on_o their_o common_a ground_n for_o first_o when_o you_o ask_v they_o how_o know_v you_o the_o testimony_n of_o the_o church_n to_o be_v infallible_a they_o prove_v it_o again_o by_o scripture_n and_o there_o be_v their_o circle_n but_o as_o i_o trust_v not_o on_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o romish_a church_n only_o as_o they_o do_v no_o nor_o proper_o to_o the_o authority_n of_o any_o church_n no_o nor_o only_o to_o the_o testimony_n of_o the_o church_n but_o also_o to_o the_o testimony_n of_o the_o enemy_n themselves_o so_o do_v i_o prove_v the_o validity_n of_o the_o testimony_n i_o bring_v from_o nature_n and_o well_o know_v principle_n in_o reason_n and_o not_o from_o scripture_n itself_o as_o you_o may_v see_v before_o 3._o there_o be_v a_o humane_a testimony_n which_o be_v also_o divine_a and_o so_o a_o humane_a faith_n which_o be_v also_o divine_a few_o of_o god_n extraordinary_a revelation_n have_v be_v immediate_a the_o c._n best_a schoolman_n think_v none_o of_o all_o but_o either_o by_o angel_n or_o by_o jesus_n himself_o who_o be_v man_n as_o well_o as_o god_n you_o will_v acknowledge_v if_o god_n reveal_v it_o to_o a_o angel_n and_o the_o angel_n to_o moses_n and_o moses_n to_o israel_n this_o be_v a_o divine_a revelation_n to_o israel_n for_o that_o be_v call_v a_o divine_a revelation_n which_o we_o be_v certain_a that_o god_n do_v any_o way_n reveal_v now_o i_o will_v fain_o know_v why_o that_o which_o god_n do_v natural_o and_o certain_o reveal_v to_o all_o man_n may_v not_o as_o proper_o be_v call_v a_o divine_a revelation_n as_o that_o which_o he_o reveal_v by_o the_o spirit_n to_o a_o few_o be_v not_o this_o truth_n from_o god_n that_o the_o sense_n apprehension_n of_o their_o object_n right_o state_v be_v certain_a as_o well_o as_o this_o jesus_n christ_n be_v bear_v of_o a_o virgin_n etc._n etc._n though_o a_o saint_n or_o angel_n be_v a_o fit_a messenger_n to_o reveal_v the_o thing_n of_o the_o spirit_n yet_o any_o man_n may_v be_v a_o messenger_n to_o reveal_v the_o thing_n of_o the_o flesh_n a_o ungodly_a man_n if_o he_o have_v better_a eye_n and_o ear_n may_v be_v a_o better_a messenger_n or_o witness_n of_o that_o matter_n of_o fact_n which_o he_o see_v and_o hear_v than_o a_o godly_a man_n that_o be_v blind_a or_o deaf_a especial_o in_o case_n wherein_o that_o ungodly_a man_n have_v no_o provocation_n to_o speak_v false_o and_o most_o of_o all_o if_o his_o testimony_n be_v against_o himself_o i_o take_v that_o revelation_n whereby_o i_o know_v
but_o to_o resolve_v our_o faith_n into_o some_o humane_a testimony_n even_o to_o lay_v our_o foundation_n upon_o the_o sand_n where_o all_o will_v fall_v at_o the_o next_o assault_n it_o be_v strange_a to_o consider_v how_o we_o all_o abhor_v that_o piece_n of_o popery_n as_o most_o injurious_a to_o god_n of_o all_o the_o rest_n which_o resolve_v our_o faith_n into_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o church_n and_o yet_o that_o we_o do_v for_o the_o generality_n of_o professor_n content_v ourselves_o with_o the_o same_o kind_n of_o faith_n only_o with_o this_o difference_n the_o papist_n believe_v scripture_n to_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n because_o their_o church_n say_v so_o exercit_fw-la and_o we_o because_o our_o church_n or_o our_o leader_n say_v so_o yea_o and_o many_o miinister_n never_o yet_o give_v their_o people_n better_a ground_n but_o tell_v they_o which_o be_v true_a that_o it_o be_v damnable_a to_o deny_v it_o but_o help_v they_o not_o to_o the_o necessary_a antecedent_n of_o faith_n if_o any_o think_v that_o these_o word_n tend_v to_o the_o shake_n of_o man_n faith_n i_o answer_v first_o only_o of_o that_o which_o will_v fall_v of_o itself_o second_o and_o that_o it_o may_v in_o time_n be_v build_v again_o more_o strong_o three_o or_o at_o least_o that_o the_o sound_n may_v be_v sure_a settle_v christ_n it_o be_v to_o be_v understand_v that_o many_o a_o thousand_o do_v profess_v christianity_n and_o zealous_o hate_v the_o enemy_n thereof_o upon_o the_o same_o ground_n to_o the_o same_o end_n and_o from_o the_o same_o inward_a corrupt_a principle_n as_o the_o jew_n do_v hate_n and_o kill_v christ_n it_o be_v the_o religion_n of_o the_o country_n where_o every_o man_n be_v reproach_v that_o believe_v otherwise_o they_o be_v bear_v and_o bring_v up_o in_o this_o belief_n and_o it_o have_v increase_v in_o they_o upon_o the_o like_a occasion_n have_v they_o be_v bear_v and_o breed_v in_o the_o religion_n of_o mahomet_n they_o will_v have_v beeen_n as_o zealous_a for_o he_o the_o difference_n betwixt_o he_o and_o a_o mahometan_a be_v more_o that_o he_o live_v where_o better_a law_n and_o religion_n dwell_v then_o that_o he_o have_v more_o knowledge_n or_o soundness_n of_o apprehension_n yet_o will_v i_o not_o drive_v into_o causeless_a doubt_n the_o soul_n of_o any_o true_a believer_n or_o make_v they_o believe_v their_o faith_n be_v unsound_a because_o it_o be_v not_o so_o strong_a as_o some_o other_o therefore_o i_o add_v some_o may_v perhaps_o have_v ground_n for_o their_o belief_n though_o they_o be_v not_o able_a to_o express_v it_o by_o argumentation_n and_o may_v have_v argument_n in_o their_o heart_n to_o persuade_v themselves_o though_o they_o have_v none_o in_o their_o mouth_n to_o persuade_v another_o yea_o and_o those_o argument_n in_o themselves_o may_v be_v solid_a and_o convince_a some_o may_v be_v strengthen_v by_o some_o one_o sound_a argument_n and_o yet_o be_v ignorant_a of_o all_o the_o rest_n without_o overthrow_v the_o truth_n of_o their_o faith_n some_o also_o may_v have_v weak_a apprehension_n of_o the_o divine_a authority_n of_o 4.5_o scripture_n than_o other_o and_z as_o weak_a ground_n for_o their_o faith_n so_o a_o less_o degree_n of_o assent_n and_o yet_o that_o assent_n may_v be_v sincere_a and_o save_a so_o it_o have_v these_o two_o qualification_n first_o if_o the_o argument_n which_o we_o have_v for_o believe_v the_o scripture_n be_v in_o themselves_o more_o sufficient_a to_o convince_v of_o its_o truth_n than_o any_o argument_n of_o the_o enemy_n of_o scripture_n can_v be_v to_o persuade_v a_o man_n of_o the_o contrary_a and_o do_v according_o discover_v to_o we_o a_o high_a degree_n at_o least_o of_o probability_n second_o and_o if_o be_v thus_o far_o convince_v it_o prevail_v with_o we_o to_o choose_v this_o as_o the_o only_a way_n of_o life_n and_o to_o adventure_v our_o soul_n upon_o this_o way_n deny_v all_o other_o and_o adhere_v though_o to_o the_o loss_n of_o estate_n and_o life_n to_o the_o truth_n of_o christ_n thus_o weak_o apprehend_v this_o i_o think_v god_n will_v accept_v as_o a_o true_a belief_n but_o though_o such_o a_o faith_n may_v serve_v to_o salvation_n yet_o when_o the_o christian_a shall_v use_v it_o for_o his_o consolation_n he_o will_v find_v it_o much_o fail_v he_o even_o as_o leg_n or_o arm_n of_o the_o weak_a or_o lame_a which_o when_o a_o man_n shall_v use_v they_o do_v fail_v he_o according_a to_o the_o degree_n of_o their_o weakness_n or_o lameness_n so_o much_o doubt_v as_o there_o remain_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o word_n or_o so_o much_o weakness_n as_o there_o be_v in_o our_o believe_v or_o so_o much_o darkness_n or_o uncertainty_n as_o there_o be_v in_o the_o evidence_n which_o persuade_v we_o to_o believe_v so_o much_o will_v be_v want_v to_o our_o love_n desire_n labour_n adventure_n and_o especial_o to_o our_o joy_n therefore_o i_o think_v it_o necessary_a to_o speak_v a_o little_a and_o but_o a_o little_a to_o fortify_v the_o believer_n against_o temptation_n and_o to_o confirm_v his_o faith_n in_o the_o certain_a truth_n of_o that_o scripture_n which_o contain_v the_o promise_n of_o his_o rest._n chap._n iii_o sect_n i._o 1._o and_o here_o it_o be_v necessary_a that_o we_o first_o distinguish_v betwixt_o 1._o the_o subject_a matter_n of_o scripture_n or_o the_o doctrine_n which_o it_o contain_v 2._o and_o the_o word_n or_o writing_n contain_v or_o express_v this_o doctrine_n the_o one_o be_v as_o the_o blood_n the_o other_o as_o the_o vein_n in_o which_o it_o run_v second_o we_o must_v distinguish_v betwixt_o 1._o the_o substantial_a and_o fundamental_a part_n of_o scriptureâ—_n doctrine_n without_o which_o there_o be_v no_o salvation_n and_o 2._o the_o circumstantial_a and_o less_o necessary_a part_n as_o genealogy_n succession_n chronology_n etc._n etc._n three_o of_o the_o substantial_a fundamental_a part_n 1._o some_o may_v be_v know_v and_o prove_v even_o without_o scripture_n as_o be_v write_v in_o nature_n itself_o 2._o some_o can_v be_v know_v only_o by_o the_o assent_n of_o faith_n to_o divine_a revelation_n four_o of_o this_o last_o sort_n 1._o some_o thing_n be_v above_o reason_n as_o it_o be_v without_o divine_a revelation_n both_o in_o respect_n of_o their_o probability_n existence_n and_o futurity_n 2._o other_o may_v be_v know_v by_o mere_a reason_n without_o divine_a testimony_n in_o regard_n of_o their_o possibility_n and_o probability_n but_o not_o in_o regard_n of_o their_o existence_n or_o futurity_n five_o again_o matter_n of_o doctrine_n must_v be_v distinguish_v from_o matter_n of_o fact_n six_o matter_n of_o fact_n be_v either_o 1._o such_o as_o god_n produce_v in_o a_o ordinary_a way_n or_o 2._o extrordinary_a and_o miraculous_a seven_o history_n and_o phophesie_n must_v be_v distinguish_v eight_o we_o must_v distinguish_v also_o the_o book_n and_o writing_n themselves_o 1._o between_o the_o main_a scope_n and_o those_o part_n which_o express_v the_o chief_a content_n and_o 2._o particular_a word_n and_o phrase_n not_o express_v any_o substantial_o nine_o also_o it_o be_v one_o question_n 1._o whether_o there_o be_v a_o certain_a number_n of_o book_n which_o be_v canonical_a or_o of_o divine_a authority_n and_o 2._o another_o question_n what_o number_n there_o be_v of_o these_o and_o which_o particular_a book_n they_o be_v ten_o the_o direct_a express_a sense_n must_v be_v distinguish_v from_o that_o which_o be_v only_o employ_v or_o consequential_a eleven_o we_o must_v distinguish_v revelation_n unwriten_v from_o that_o which_o be_v write_v twelve_o and_o last_o we_o must_v distinguish_v that_o scripture_n which_o be_v speak_v or_o write_v by_o god_n immediate_o from_o that_o which_o be_v speak_v or_o write_v immediate_o by_o man_n and_o but_o mediate_o by_o god_n and_o of_o this_o last_o sort_n 1._o some_o of_o the_o instrument_n or_o penman_n be_v know_v 2._o some_z not_o know_v of_o those_o know_a 1._o some_o that_o speak_v much_o in_o scripture_n be_v bad_a man_n 3._o other_o be_v godly_a and_o of_o these_o some_o be_v 1._o more_o eminent_a and_o extraordinary_a as_o prophet_n and_o apostle_n 2._o other_o be_v person_n more_o inferior_a and_o ordinary_a again_o as_o we_o must_v distinguish_v of_o scripture_n and_o divine_a testimony_n so_o must_v we_o also_o distinguish_v the_o apprehension_n or_o faith_n by_o which_o we_o do_v receive_v it_o 1._o there_o be_v a_o divine_a faith_n when_o we_o take_v the_o testimony_n to_o be_v god_n own_o and_o so_o believe_v the_o thing_n testify_v as_o upon_o god_n word_n second_o there_o be_v a_o human_a faith_n when_o we_o believe_v it_o mere_o upon_o the_o credit_n of_o man_n 2._o faith_n be_v either_o first_o implicit_a when_o we_o believe_v the_o thing_n be_v true_a though_o we_o understand_v not_o what_o it_o be_v or_o second_o explicit_a when_o we_o believe_v and_o understand_v
strength_n of_o faith_n but_o ordinary_o to_o the_o very_o be_v of_o faith_n and_o churches_n 20._o not_o that_o the_o present_a possession_n of_o scripture_n be_v of_o absolute_a necessity_n to_o the_o present_a be_v of_o a_o church_n not_o that_o it_o be_v so_o absolute_a necessary_a to_o every_o man_n salvation_n that_o he_o read_v or_o know_v this_o scripture_n himself_o but_o that_o it_o either_o be_v at_o present_a or_o have_v be_v former_o in_o the_o church_n that_o some_o know_v it_o may_v teach_v it_o to_o other_o be_v of_o absolute_a necessity_n to_o most_o person_n and_o church_n and_o necessary_a to_o the_o well-being_a of_o all_o 21._o though_o negative_a unbelief_n of_o the_o authority_n of_o scripture_n may_v stand_v with_o salvation_n yet_o positive_a and_o universal_a i_o think_v can_v or_o though_o tradition_n may_v save_v where_o scripture_n be_v not_o know_v yet_o he_o that_o read_v or_o hear_v the_o scripture_n and_o will_v not_o believe_v it_o to_o be_v the_o testimony_n of_o god_n i_o think_v can_v be_v save_v because_o this_o be_v now_o the_o clear_a and_o sure_a revelation_n and_o he_o that_o will_v not_o believe_v it_o will_v muchless_a believe_v a_o revelation_n more_o uncertain_a and_o obscure_a 22._o though_o all_o scripture_n be_v of_o divine_a authority_n yet_o he_o that_o believe_v but_o some_o one_o book_n which_o contain_v the_o substance_n of_o the_o doctrine_n of_o salvation_n may_v be_v save_v much_o more_o they_o that_o have_v doubt_v but_o of_o some_o particular_a book_n 23._o they_o that_o take_v the_o scripture_n to_o be_v but_o the_o write_n of_o godly_a honest_a man_n and_o so_o to_o be_v only_o a_o mean_n of_o make_v know_v christ_n have_v a_o gradual_a precedency_n to_o the_o write_n of_o other_o godly_a man_n and_o do_v believe_v in_o christ_n upon_o those_o strong_a ground_n which_o be_v draw_v from_o his_o doctrine_n miracle_n etc._n etc._n rather_o than_o upon_o the_o testimony_n of_o the_o write_n as_o be_v pure_o infallible_a and_o divine_a may_v yet_o have_v a_o divine_a and_o save_a faith_n 24._o much_o more_o those_o that_o believe_v the_o whole_a write_n to_o be_v of_o divine_a inspiration_n where_o it_o handle_v the_o substance_n but_o doubt_v whether_o god_n infallible_o guide_v they_o in_o every_o circumstance_n 25._o and_o yet_o more_o those_o that_o believe_v that_o the_o spirit_n do_v guide_v the_o writer_n to_o truth_n both_o in_o substance_n and_o circumstance_n but_o doubt_v whether_o he_o guide_v they_o in_o orthography_n or_o whether_o their_o pen_n be_v as_o perfect_o guide_v as_o their_o mind_n 26._o and_o yet_o more_o may_v those_o have_v save_v faith_n who_o only_o doubt_v whether_o providence_n infallible_o guide_v any_o transcriber_n or_o printer_n as_o to_o retain_v any_o copy_n that_o perfect_o agree_v with_o the_o autograph_n 27._o yet_o do_v all_o these_o in_o my_o judgement_n cast_v away_o a_o singular_a prop_n to_o their_o faith_n and_o lay_v it_o open_v to_o dangerous_a assault_n and_o doubt_v of_o that_o which_o be_v a_o certain_a truth_n 28._o as_o the_o translation_n be_v no_o further_a scripture_n than_o they_o agree_v with_o the_o copy_n in_o the_o original_a tongue_n so_o neither_o be_v those_o copy_n further_o than_o they_o agree_v with_o the_o autograph_n or_o original_a copy_n or_o with_o some_o copy_n peruse_v and_o approve_v by_o the_o apostle_n 29._o yet_o be_v there_o not_o the_o like_a necessity_n of_o have_v the_o autograph_n to_o try_v the_o transcript_n by_o as_o there_o be_v of_o have_v the_o original_a transcript_n to_o try_v the_o translation_n by_o for_o there_o be_v a_o impossibility_n that_o any_o translation_n shall_v perfect_o express_v the_o sense_n of_o the_o original_a but_o there_o be_v a_o possibility_n probability_n and_o facility_n of_o true_a transcribe_v and_o ground_n to_o prove_v it_o true_a de_fw-fr facto_fw-la as_o we_o shall_v touch_v anon_o 30._o that_o part_n which_o be_v write_v by_o the_o finger_n of_o god_n as_o also_o the_o substance_n of_o doctrine_n through_o the_o whole_a scripture_n be_v so_o pure_o divine_a that_o they_o have_v not_o in_o they_o any_o thing_n humane_a 31._o the_o next_o to_o these_o be_v the_o word_n that_o be_v speak_v by_o the_o mouth_n of_o christ_n and_o then_o those_o that_o be_v speak_v by_o angel_n 32._o the_o circumstantial_o be_v many_o of_o they_o so_o divine_a as_o yet_o they_o have_v in_o they_o something_o humane_a as_o the_o bring_n of_o paul_n cloak_n and_o parchment_n and_o as_o it_o seem_v his_o counsel_n about_o marriage_n etc._n etc._n 33._o much_o more_o be_v there_o something_o humane_a in_o the_o method_n and_o phrase_n which_o be_v not_o so_o immediate_o divine_a as_o the_o doctrine_n 34._o yet_o be_v there_o nothing_o sinful_o humane_a and_o therefore_o nothing_o false_a in_o all_o 35._o but_o a_o innocent_a imperfection_n there_o be_v in_o the_o method_n and_o phrase_n which_o if_o we_o deny_v we_o must_v renounce_v most_o of_o our_o logic_n and_o rhetoric_n 36._o yet_o be_v this_o imperfect_a way_n at_o that_o time_n all_o thing_n consider_v the_o fit_a way_n to_o divulge_v the_o gospel_n that_o be_v the_o best_a language_n which_o be_v best_a suit_v to_o the_o hearer_n and_o not_o that_o which_o be_v best_a simple_o in_o itself_o and_o suppose_v that_o understanding_n in_o the_o hearer_n which_o they_o have_v not_o therefore_o it_o be_v wisdom_n and_o mercy_n to_o fit_v the_o scripture_n to_o the_o capacity_n of_o all_o yet_o will_v it_o not_o therefore_o follow_v that_o all_o preacher_n at_o all_o time_n shall_v as_o much_o neglect_n definition_n distinction_n syllogism_n etc._n etc._n as_o scripture_n do_v 37._o some_o doctrinal_a passage_n in_o scripture_n be_v only_o historical_o relate_v and_o therefore_o the_o relate_v they_o be_v no_o assert_v they_o for_o truth_n and_o therefore_o those_o sentence_n may_v be_v false_a and_o yet_o not_o the_o scripture_n false_a yea_o some_o falsehood_n be_v write_v by_o way_n of_o reprove_v they_o as_o gehezies_n lie_n saul_n excuse_v etc._n etc._n 38._o every_o doctrine_n that_o be_v thus_o relate_v only_o historical_o be_v therefore_o of_o doubtful_a credit_n because_o it_o be_v not_o a_o divine_a assertion_n except_o christ_n himself_o be_v the_o speaker_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v to_o be_v try_v by_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o scripture_n 39_o where_o ordinary_a man_n be_v the_o speaker_n the_o credit_n of_o such_o doctrine_n be_v the_o more_o doubtful_a and_o yet_o much_o more_o when_o the_o speaker_n be_v wicked_a of_o the_o former_a sort_n be_v the_o speech_n of_o job_n friend_n and_z divers_z other_o of_o the_o late_a sort_n be_v the_o speech_n of_o the_o pharisee_n etc._n etc._n and_o perhaps_o gamaliels_n counsel_n act._n 5.34_o 40._o yet_o where_o god_n do_v testify_v his_o inspiration_n or_o approbation_n the_o doctrine_n be_v of_o divine_a authority_n though_o the_o speaker_n be_v wicked_a as_o in_o balaams_n prophecy_n argum._n 41._o the_o like_a may_v be_v say_v of_o matter_n of_o fact_n for_o it_o be_v not_o either_o necessary_a or_o lawful_a to_o speak_v such_o word_n or_o do_v such_o action_n mere_o because_o man_n in_o scripture_n do_v so_o speak_v or_o do_v no_o not_o though_o they_o be_v the_o best_a saint_n for_o their_o own_o speech_n or_o action_n be_v to_o be_v judge_v by_o the_o law_n and_o therefore_o be_v no_o part_n of_o the_o law_n themselves_o and_o as_o they_o be_v evil_a where_o they_o cross_v the_o law_n as_o joseph_n swear_v the_o ancient_n polygamy_n etc._n etc._n so_o be_v they_o doubtful_a where_o their_o congruence_n with_o the_o law_n be_v doubtful_a 42._o but_o here_o be_v one_o most_o observable_a exception_n conduce_v much_o to_o resolve_v the_o great_a doubt_n whether_o example_n bind_v where_o man_n be_v design_v by_o god_n to_o such_o a_o office_n and_o act_n by_o commission_n and_o with_o a_o promise_n of_o direction_n their_o doctrine_n be_v of_o divine_a authority_n though_o we_o find_v not_o where_o god_n do_v dictate_v and_o their_o action_n do_v by_o that_o commission_n be_v currant_n and_o exemplary_a so_o far_o as_o they_o be_v intend_v or_o perform_v for_o example_n and_o so_o example_n may_v be_v equivalent_a to_o a_o law_n and_o the_o argument_n a_o facto_fw-la ad_fw-la jus_o may_v hold_v so_o moses_n be_v appoint_v to_o the_o form_n of_o the_o old_a church_n and_o commonwealth_n of_o the_o jew_n to_o the_o build_n of_o the_o tabernacle_n etc._n etc._n his_o precept_n and_o example_n in_o these_o work_n though_o we_o can_v not_o find_v his_o particular_a direction_n be_v to_o be_v take_v as_o divine_a so_o also_o the_o apostle_n have_v commission_n to_o form_n and_o order_n the_o gospel_n church_n their_o doctrine_n and_o example_n therein_o be_v by_o their_o general_a commission_n warrant_v and_o their_o practice_n in_o stablish_v the_o lord_n day_n in_o settle_v the_o
daily_a expectation_n of_o renew_a help_n or_o of_o grow_v insensible_a of_o the_o necessity_n of_o the_o continual_a influence_n and_o assistance_n of_o the_o spirit_n when_o you_o once_o begin_v to_o trust_v to_o your_o stock_n of_o habitual_a grace_n and_o to_o depend_v on_o your_o own_o understanding_n or_o resolution_n for_o duty_n and_o holy_a walk_n you_o be_v then_o in_o a_o dangerous_a decline_a state_n in_o every_o duty_n remember_v christ_n word_n joh._n 15.5_o without_o i_o you_o can_v do_v nothing_o and_o 2_o cor._n 3.5_o not_o that_o we_o be_v sufficient_a of_o ourselves_o to_o think_v any_o thing_n as_o of_o ourselves_o but_o our_o sufficiency_n be_v of_o god_n sect_n vii_o 7._o 7._o here_o be_v suppose_v a_o internal_a principle_n of_o life_n in_o the_o person_n god_n move_v not_o man_n like_o a_o stone_n but_o by_o indue_a he_o first_o with_o life_n not_o to_o enable_v he_o to_o move_v without_o god_n but_o thereby_o to_o qualify_v he_o to_o move_v himself_o in_o subordination_n to_o god_n the_o first_o mover_n what_o the_o nature_n of_o this_o spiritual_a life_n be_v be_v a_o question_n exceed_o difficult_a whether_o as_o some_o think_v but_o as_o i_o judge_v erroneous_o it_o be_v christ_n himself_o in_o person_n or_o essence_n or_o the_o holy_a ghost_n personal_o or_o as_o some_o will_v distinguish_v with_o what_o sense_n i_o know_v not_o it_o be_v the_o person_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n but_o not_o personal_o whether_o it_o be_v a_o accident_n or_o quality_n or_o whether_o it_o be_v a_o spiritual_a substance_n as_o the_o soul_n itself_o whether_o it_o be_v only_o a_o act_n or_o a_o disposition_n or_o a_o habit_n as_o it_o be_v general_o take_v whether_o a_o habit_n infuse_v or_o acquire_v by_o frequent_a act_n to_o which_o the_o soul_n have_v be_v moral_o persuade_v or_o whether_o it_o be_v somewhat_o low_a than_o a_o habit_n i._n e._n a_o power_n viz._n potentia_fw-la proxima_fw-la intelligendi_fw-la credendi_fw-la volendi_fw-la etc._n etc._n in_o spiritualibus_fw-la thesis_n which_o some_o think_v the_o most_o probable_a and_o that_o it_o be_v such_o a_o power_n that_o adam_n lose_v and_o that_o the_o natural_a man_n as_o experience_n tell_v we_o be_v still_o devoid_a of_o whether_o such_o a_o power_n can_v be_v conceive_v which_o be_v not_o reason_n itself_o and_o whether_o reason_n be_v not_o the_o soul_n itself_o and_o so_o we_o shall_v make_v the_o soul_n diminish_v and_o increase_v as_o body_n whether_o spirit_n have_v accident_n as_o corporal_a substance_n have_v a_o multitude_n of_o such_o difficulty_n occur_v which_o will_v be_v difficulty_n while_o the_o doctrine_n of_o spirit_n and_o spiritual_n be_v so_o dark_a to_o we_o and_o that_o will_v be_v while_o the_o dust_n of_o mortality_n and_o corruption_n be_v in_o our_o eye_n this_o be_v my_o comfort_n that_o death_n will_v short_o blow_v out_o this_o dust_n and_o then_o i_o shall_v be_v resolve_v of_o these_o and_o many_o more_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n i_o be_o a_o sceptic_a and_o know_v little_a in_o this_o whole_a doctrine_n of_o spirit_n and_o spiritual_a working_n further_o than_o scripture_n clear_o reveal_v sect_n viii_o 8._o here_o be_v presuppose_v before_o rest_n 8._o a_o actual_a motion_n rest_n be_v the_o end_n of_o motion_n no_o motion_n no_o rest._n christianity_n be_v not_o a_o sedentary_a profession_n and_o employment_n nor_o do_v it_o consist_v in_o mere_a negative_n it_o be_v for_o not_o feed_v not_o clothe_v etc._n etc._n that_o christ_n condemn_v not_o do_v good_a be_v not_o the_o least_o evil_a sit_v still_o will_v lose_v you_o heaven_n as_o well_o as_o if_o you_o run_v from_o it_o it_o be_v a_o great_a question_n whether_o the_o elicit_a act_n of_o the_o will_v be_v by_o motion_n or_o by_o subitaneous_a mutation_n but_o it_o be_v a_o logomachy_n sect_n ix_o 9_o here_o be_v presuppose_v also_o 9_o as_o motion_n so_o such_o motion_n as_o be_v right_o order_v and_o direct_v towards_o the_o end_n not_o all_o motion_n labour_n seek_v that_o bring_v to_o rest._n every_o way_n lead_v not_o to_o this_o end_n but_o he_o who_o goodness_n have_v appoint_v the_o end_n have_v in_o his_o wisdom_n and_o by_o his_o sovereign_a authority_n appoint_v the_o way_n our_o own_o invent_a way_n may_v seem_v to_o we_o more_o wise_a comely_a equal_a pleasant_a but_o that_o be_v the_o best_a key_n that_o will_v open_v the_o lock_n which_o none_o but_o that_o of_o god_n appoint_v will_v do_v oh_o the_o pain_n that_o sinner_n take_v and_o worldling_n take_v but_o not_o for_o this_o rest_n oh_o the_o pain_n and_o cost_n that_o many_o a_o ignorant_a and_o superstitious_a soul_n be_v at_o for_o this_o rest_n but_o all_o in_o vain_a how_o many_o have_v a_o zeal_n of_o god_n but_o not_o according_a to_o knowledge_n who_o be_v ignorant_a of_o god_n righteousness_n and_o go_v about_o to_o establish_v their_o own_o righteousness_n have_v not_o submit_v themselves_o to_o the_o righteousness_n of_o god_n nor_o know_v that_o christ_n be_v the_o end_n of_o the_o law_n for_o righteousness_n to_o every_o one_o that_o believe_v rom._n 10.2_o 3_o 4._o christ_n be_v the_o door_n the_o only_a way_n to_o this_o rest._n some_o will_v allow_v nothing_o else_o to_o be_v call_v the_o way_n crispe_n lest_o it_o derogate_v from_o christ_n the_o truth_n be_v christ_n be_v the_o only_a way_n to_o the_o father_n yet_o faith_n be_v the_o way_n to_o christ_n and_o gospel_n obedience_n or_o faith_n and_o work_n the_o way_n for_o those_o to_o walk_v in_o that_o be_v in_o christ._n there_o be_v as_o before_o many_o way_n requisite_a in_o subordination_n to_o christ_n but_o none_o in_o co-ordination_a with_o he_o so_o then_o it_o be_v only_a god_n way_n that_o will_v lead_v to_o this_o end_n and_o rest._n sect_n x._o 10._o there_o be_v suppose_v also_o 10._o as_o motion_n right_o order_v so_o strong_a and_o constant_a motion_n which_o may_v reach_v the_o end_n if_o there_o be_v not_o strength_n put_v to_o the_o bow_n the_o arrow_n will_v not_o reach_v the_o mark_n the_o lazy_a world_n that_o think_v all_o too_o much_o will_v find_v this_o to_o their_o cost_n one_o day_n they_o that_o think_v less_o ado_n may_v have_v serve_v do_v but_o reproach_n christ_n for_o make_v we_o so_o much_o to_o do_v they_o that_o have_v be_v most_o holy_a watchful_a painful_a to_o get_v faith_n and_o assurance_n do_v find_v when_o they_o come_v to_o die_v all_o too_o little_a we_o see_v daily_o the_o best_a christian_n when_o die_v repent_v their_o negligence_n i_o never_o know_v any_o than_o repent_v his_o holiness_n and_o diligence_n it_o will_v grieve_v a_o man_n soul_n to_o see_v a_o multitude_n of_o mistake_a sinner_n lay_v out_o their_o wit_n and_o care_n and_o pain_n for_o a_o thing_n of_o nought_o and_o think_v to_o have_v eternal_a salvation_n with_o a_o wish_n if_o the_o way_n to_o heaven_n be_v not_o far_o hard_a than_o the_o world_n imagine_v than_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n know_v not_o the_o way_n or_o else_o have_v deceive_v we_o for_o they_o have_v tell_v we_o that_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n suffer_v violence_n that_o the_o gate_n be_v straight_o and_o the_o way_n narrow_a and_o we_o must_v strive_v if_o we_o will_v enter_v 13.24.25_o for_o many_o shall_v seek_v to_o enter_v and_o not_o be_v able_a which_o imply_v the_o faintness_n of_o their_o seek_n and_o that_o they_o put_v not_o strength_n to_o the_o work_n and_o that_o the_o righteous_a themselves_o be_v scarce_o save_v 18_o if_o ever_o soul_n obtain_v salvation_n in_o the_o world_n common_a careless_a easy_a way_n then_o i_o will_v say_v there_o be_v a_o near_a way_n find_v out_o then_o ever_o god_n in_o scripture_n have_v reveal_v to_o the_o son_n of_o man_n but_o when_o they_o have_v obtain_v life_n and_o rest_n in_o this_o way_n let_v they_o boast_v of_o it_o till_o then_o let_v they_o give_v we_o leave_v who_o will_v fain_o go_v upon_o sure_a ground_n in_o point_n of_o eternal_a salvation_n to_o believe_v that_o god_n know_v the_o way_n better_o than_o they_o and_o that_o his_o word_n be_v a_o true_a and_o infallible_a discovery_n thereof_o i_o have_v see_v this_o doctrine_n also_o throw_v by_o with_o contempt_n by_o other_o who_o say_v what_o do_v you_o set_v we_o a_o work_n for_o heaven_n do_v our_o duty_n do_v any_o thing_n have_v not_o christ_n do_v all_o be_v not_o this_o to_o make_v he_o a_o half_a saviour_n and_o to_o preach_v law_n ans._n it_o be_v to_o preach_v the_o law_n of_o christ_n his_o subject_n be_v not_o lawless_a it_o be_v to_o preach_v duty_n to_o christ_n no_o more_o exact_a requirer_n of_o duty_n or_o hater_n of_o sin_n than_o christ._n christ_n have_v do_v and_o will_v do_v all_o his_o work_n and_o therefore_o be_v a_o perfect_a saviour_n but_o yet_o leave_v for_o we_o a_o
give_v they_o such_o rejoice_n in_o it_o 5.5_o and_o yet_o never_o bestow_v it_o on_o they_o it_o can_v be_v nay_o do_v he_o give_v they_o the_o earnest_n of_o the_o inheritance_n eph._n 1.14_o and_o seal_v they_o with_o the_o holy_a spirit_n of_o promise_n eph._n 1.13_o and_o yet_o will_v he_o deny_v the_o full_a possession_n these_o absurdity_n may_v not_o be_v charge_v on_o a_o ordinary_a man_n much_o less_o on_o the_o faithful_a and_o righteous_a god_n sect_n vi_o 6._o six_o already_o and_o last_o the_o scripture_n mention_v particular_o and_o by_o name_n those_o who_o have_v enter_v into_o this_o rest._n as_o henoch_n who_o be_v take_v up_o to_o god_n so_o abraham_n lazarus_n the_o thief_n that_o be_v crucify_v with_o christ_n etc._n etc._n and_o if_o there_o be_v a_o rest_n for_o these_o sure_o there_o be_v a_o rest_n for_o all_o believer_n chap._n ii_o motive_n to_o study_v and_o preach_v the_o divine_a authority_n of_o scripture_n 1._o sect_n i._o thus_o much_o may_v suffice_v where_o the_o scripture_n be_v believe_v to_o confirm_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o point_n in_o hand_n viz._n the_o certain_a futurity_n of_o the_o saint_n rest._n and_o for_o pagan_n and_o infidel_n who_o believe_v not_o scripture_n it_o be_v beside_o the_o intention_n of_o this_o discourse_n to_o endeavour_v their_o conviction_n i_o be_o endeavour_v the_o consolation_n and_o edification_n of_o saint_n and_o not_o the_o information_n and_o conversion_n of_o pagan_n yet_o do_v i_o acknowledge_v the_o subject_n exceed_v necessary_a even_o to_o the_o saint_n themselves_o for_o satan_n assault_n be_v oft_o make_v at_o the_o foundation_n and_o if_o he_o can_v persuade_v they_o to_o question_v the_o verity_n of_o scripture_n they_o will_v soon_o cast_v away_o their_o hope_n of_o heaven_n but_o if_o i_o shall_v here_o enter_v upon_o that_o task_n to_o prove_v scripture_n to_o be_v the_o infallible_a word_n of_o god_n i_o shall_v make_v too_o broad_a a_o digression_n and_o set_v upon_o a_o work_n as_o large_a as_o the_o main_a for_o who_o sake_n i_o shall_v undertake_v it_o neither_o be_o i_o insensible_a of_o how_o great_a difficulty_n it_o will_v prove_v to_o manage_v it_o satisfactory_o and_o how_o much_o more_o than_o my_o ability_n be_v thereto_o requisite_a yet_o lest_o the_o tempt_a christian_n shall_v have_v no_o relief_n nor_o any_o argument_n at_o hand_n against_o the_o temptation_n i_o shall_v adventure_v upon_o a_o confirm_a argument_n or_o two_o but_o i_o shall_v premise_v first_o a_o word_n of_o entreaty_n to_o my_o brethren_n of_o the_o ministry_n to_o preach_v this_o a_o little_a more_o to_o their_o people_n ☜_o and_o that_o not_o any_o body_n but_o some_o of_o the_o choice_a who_o god_n have_v especial_o furnish_v for_o such_o a_o task_n will_v be_v please_v in_o a_o full_a treatise_n to_o undertake_v it_o to_o which_o end_n i_o give_v they_o some_o of_o the_o reason_n of_o my_o request_n entreat_v the_o lord_n to_o enable_v and_o persuade_v some_o of_o they_o to_o the_o work_n 1._o i_o desire_v they_o to_o consider_v whether_o any_o thing_n yet_o publish_v be_v near_o complete_a or_o such_o as_o the_o weight_n of_o the_o subject_n require_v whether_o much_o more_o may_v not_o be_v say_v and_o be_v convince_a necessary_a to_o be_v say_v then_o be_v yet_o say_v by_o any_o that_o have_v write_v on_o this_o subject_n 2._o whether_o if_o christian_n who_o have_v opportunity_n do_v their_o duty_n will_v it_o not_o be_v a_o singular_a part_n of_o their_o work_n to_o endeavour_v the_o thing_n conversion_n of_o pagan_n and_o infidel_n and_o as_o i_o say_v before_o without_o some_o argument_n to_o demonstrate_v to_o they_o the_o verity_n of_o scripture_n how_o be_v we_o furnish_v for_o such_o a_o work_n or_o what_o have_v we_o to_o say_v but_o naked_a affirmation_n yea_o how_o can_v we_o maintain_v the_o credit_n of_o christianity_n if_o we_o be_v put_v to_o dispute_v the_o case_n with_o a_o unbeliever_n 3._o whether_o the_o assertion_n of_o some_o of_o our_o divine_n that_o a_o natural_a man_n without_o the_o extraordinary_a 57_o testimony_n of_o the_o spirit_n can_v be_v persuade_v of_o the_o verity_n of_o scripture_n notwithstanding_o all_o argument_n that_o can_v be_v produce_v be_v not_o very_a derogatory_n to_o the_o authority_n of_o scripture_n and_o do_v not_o justify_v the_o world_n in_o their_o unbelief_n for_o it_o be_v not_o their_o sin_n to_o deny_v assent_n to_o that_o which_o have_v not_o sufficient_a evidence_n as_o if_o we_o confess_v to_o they_o we_o have_v not_o argument_n to_o convince_v you_o but_o you_o must_v be_v convince_v by_o the_o spirit_n without_o argument_n as_o if_o the_o spirit_n do_v not_o deal_v with_o we_o as_o rational_a creature_n and_o do_v persuade_v without_o argument_n and_o not_o by_o it_o as_o if_o many_o wicked_a man_n do_v not_o believe_v the_o truth_n of_o scripture_n yet_o i_o confess_v there_o be_v great_a difference_n betwixt_o natural_a and_o spiritual_a belief_n 4._o be_v not_o this_o the_o groundwork_n of_o the_o whole_a fabric_n of_o christianity_n and_o the_o very_a christ._n foundation_n of_o our_o faith_n and_o therefore_o shall_v it_o not_o be_v timely_a and_o sound_o lay_v and_o frequent_o and_o clear_o teach_v etc._n 5._o be_v not_o faith_n a_o rational_a act_n of_o a_o rational_a creature_n and_o so_o the_o understanding_n proceed_v discursive_o in_o its_o production_n and_o be_v not_o that_o the_o strong_a faith_n which_o have_v the_o strong_a reason_n to_o prove_v the_o testimony_n to_o be_v valid_a upon_o which_o it_o rest_v and_o the_o clear_a apprehension_n and_o use_n of_o those_o reason_n and_o the_o true_a faith_n which_o have_v the_o true_a reason_n true_o apprehend_v and_o use_v and_o must_v not_o that_o on_o the_o contrary_n be_v a_o weak_a or_o false_a faith_n which_o receive_v the_o verity_n and_o validity_n of_o the_o testimony_n from_o weak_a or_o false_a ground_n though_o the_o testimony_n of_o itself_o be_v the_o true_a in_o the_o world_n our_o divine_n use_v to_o say_v concern_v love_n to_o christ_n that_o it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v measure_v by_o the_o degree_n of_o fervour_n so_o much_o as_o by_o the_o ground_n and_o motive_n so_o that_o if_o a_o man_n shall_v love_v christ_n upon_o the_o same_o reason_n as_o a_o turk_n love_v mahomet_n it_o be_v no_o true_a love_n if_o he_o love_v he_o upon_o false_a ground_n it_o must_v needs_o be_v a_o false_a love_n and_o if_o upon_o common_a ground_n it_o can_v be_v but_o a_o common_a love_n and_o be_v it_o not_o then_o as_o clear_v that_o to_o believe_v in_o jesus_n christ_n upon_o the_o ground_n that_o a_o turk_n believe_v in_o mahomet_n or_o to_o believe_v scripture_n upon_o the_o same_o reason_n that_o the_o turk_n believe_v the_o alcoran_n be_v no_o true_a faith_n suppose_v that_o both_o have_v the_o like_a verity_n of_o their_o reason_n 6._o be_v the_o generality_n of_o christian_n able_a to_o give_v any_o better_a than_o some_o such_o common_a reason_n to_o prove_v the_o verity_n of_o scripture_n nay_o be_v the_o more_o exercise_v understanding_n sort_n of_o christian_n able_a by_o sound_a argument_n to_o make_v it_o good_a if_o a_o enemy_n or_o a_o temptation_n put_v they_o to_o it_o nay_o be_v the_o ordinary_a sort_n of_o minister_n in_o england_n able_a to_o do_v this_o let_v they_o that_o have_v try_v judge_v 7._o can_v the_o superstructure_n be_v firm_a where_o the_o foundation_n be_v sandy_a and_o can_v our_o affection_n and_o action_n be_v sound_a and_o strong_a when_o our_o belief_n of_o scripture_n be_v unsound_a or_o infirm_a sure_o this_o faith_n will_v have_v influence_n into_o all_o for_o my_o own_o part_n i_o take_v it_o to_o be_v the_o great_a cause_n of_o coldness_n in_o duty_n weakness_n in_o grace_n boldness_n in_o sin_v and_o unwillingness_n to_o die_v etc._n etc._n that_o our_o faith_n be_v either_o unsound_a or_o infirm_a in_o this_o point_n few_o christian_n among_o we_o for_o aught_o i_o find_v have_v any_o better_a than_o the_o popish_a implicit_a faith_n in_o this_o point_n 64._o nor_o any_o better_a argument_n than_o the_o papist_n have_v to_o prove_v scripture_n the_o word_n of_o god_n they_o have_v receive_v it_o by_o tradition_n godly_a minister_n and_o christian_n tell_v they_o so_o it_o be_v impious_a to_o doubt_v of_o it_o and_o therefore_o they_o believe_v it_o and_o this_o worm_n lie_v at_o the_o root_n cause_v the_o languish_a and_o decay_n of_o the_o whole_a yet_o be_v it_o usual_o undiscerned_a 204._o for_o the_o root_n lie_v secret_a under_o ground_n but_o i_o be_o apt_a to_o judge_n that_o though_o the_o most_o complain_v of_o their_o uncertainty_n of_o salvation_n through_o want_n of_o assurance_n of_o their_o own_o interest_n and_o of_o the_o weakness_n of_o the_o apply_v act_n of_o faith_n yet_o the_o great_a cause_n of_o all_o
what_o we_o believe_v both_o these_o be_v again_o divine_a or_o humane_a 3._o it_o be_v one_o thing_n to_o believe_v as_o probable_a another_o thing_n to_o believe_v it_o as_o certain_a 4._o it_o be_v one_o thing_n to_o believe_v it_o to_o be_v true_a conditional_o another_o to_o believe_v it_o absolute_o 5._o we_o must_v distinguish_v betwixt_o the_o bare_a assent_n of_o the_o understanding_n to_o the_o truth_n of_o a_o axiom_n when_o it_o be_v only_o silence_v by_o force_n of_o argument_n which_o will_v be_v strong_a or_o weak_a as_o the_o argument_n seem_v more_o or_o less_o demonstrative_a and_o second_o that_o deep_a apprehension_n and_o firm_a assent_n which_o proceed_v from_o a_o well_o establish_v confirm_a faith_n back_v by_o experience_n 6._o it_o be_v one_o thing_n to_o assent_v to_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o axiom_n another_o to_o taste_v and_o choose_v the_o good_a contain_v in_o it_o which_o be_v the_o work_n of_o the_o will._n sect_n ii_o 2._o the_o use_v i_o shall_v make_v of_o these_o distinction_n be_v to_o open_v the_o way_n to_o these_o follow_a position_n which_o will_v resolve_v the_o great_a question_n on_o foot_n how_o far_o the_o belief_n of_o the_o write_a word_n be_v of_o necessity_n to_o salvation_n and_o whether_o it_o be_v the_o foundation_n of_o our_o faith_n and_o whether_o this_o foundation_n have_v be_v always_o the_o same_o pos._n 1._o the_o object_n of_o belief_n be_v the_o will_n of_o god_n reveal_v or_o a_o divine_a testimony_n where_o two_o thing_n be_v absolute_o necessary_a first_o the_o matter_n second_o the_o revelation_n 2._o all_o this_o reveal_v will_n be_v necessary_a perfectionem_fw-la to_o the_o complete_n of_o our_o faith_n praecepti_fw-la and_o it_o be_v our_o duty_n to_o believe_v it_o but_o it_o be_v only_o the_o substance_n and_o tenor_n of_o the_o covenant_n and_o the_o thing_n necessary_o suppose_v to_o the_o know_v and_o keep_v of_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n which_o be_v of_o absolute_a necessity_n to_o the_o be_v of_o faith_n and_o to_o salvation_n a_o man_n may_v be_v save_v though_o he_o shall_v not_o believe_v many_o thing_n which_o yet_o he_o be_v bind_v by_o god_n to_o believe_v 3._o yet_o this_o must_v be_v only_o through_o ignorance_n of_o the_o divineness_n of_o the_o testimony_n for_o a_o flat_a unbelief_n of_o the_o small_a truth_n when_o we_o know_v the_o testimony_n to_o be_v of_o god_n will_v not_o stand_v with_o the_o be_v of_o true_a faith_n nor_o with_o salvation_n for_o reason_n lay_v this_o ground_n that_o god_n can_v speak_v nothing_o but_o truth_n and_o faith_n proceed_v upon_o that_o supposition_n 4._o this_o doctrine_n so_o absolute_o necessary_a have_v not_o be_v ever_o from_o the_o beginning_n the_o same_o but_o have_v differ_v according_a to_o the_o different_a covenant_n and_o administration_n that_o doctrine_n which_o be_v now_o so_o necessary_a be_v not_o so_o before_o the_o fall_n and_o that_o which_o be_v so_o necessary_a since_o the_o come_n of_o christ_n be_v not_o so_o before_o his_o come_n then_o they_o may_v be_v save_v in_o believe_v in_o the_o messiah_n to_o come_v of_o the_o seed_n of_o david_n but_o now_o it_o be_v of_o necessity_n to_o believe_v that_o this_o jesus_n the_o son_n of_o mary_n be_v he_o and_o that_o we_o look_v not_o for_o another_o i_o prove_v it_o thus_o that_o which_o be_v not_o reveal_v can_v be_v no_o object_n for_o faith_n much_o less_o so_o necessary_a but_o christ_n be_v not_o reveal_v before_o the_o fall_n nor_o this_o jesus_n reveal_v to_o be_v he_o before_o his_o come_n therefore_o these_o be_v not_o of_o necessity_n to_o be_v believe_v or_o as_o some_o metaphorical_o speak_v they_o be_v then_o to_o fundamental_a doctrine_n perhaps_o also_o some_o thing_n will_v be_v find_v of_o absolute_a necessity_n to_o we_o which_o be_v not_o so_o to_o indian_n and_o turk_n 5._o god_n have_v make_v this_o substance_n of_o scripture-doctrine_n to_o be_v thus_o necessary_a aliud_fw-la primary_o and_o for_o itself_o 6._o that_o it_o be_v reveal_v be_v also_o of_o absolute_a necessity_n but_o secondary_o and_o for_o the_o doctrine_n sake_n as_o a_o mean_n without_o which_o believe_v be_v neither_o possible_a nor_o a_o duty_n and_o though_o where_o there_o be_v no_o revelation_n faith_n be_v not_o necessary_a as_o a_o duty_n yet_o it_o may_v be_v necessary_a i_o think_v as_o a_o mean_n that_o be_v our_o natural_a misery_n may_v be_v such_o as_o can_v no_o other_o way_n be_v cure_v but_o this_o concern_v not_o we_o that_o have_v hear_v of_o christ_n 7._o nature_n creature_n and_o providence_n be_v no_o sufficient_a revelation_n of_o this_o tenor_n of_o the_o covenant_n 8._o it_o be_v necessary_a not_o only_o that_o this_o doctrine_n be_v reveal_v but_o also_o that_o it_o be_v reveal_v with_o ground_n or_o argument_n rational_o sufficient_a to_o evince_v the_o verity_n of_o the_o doctrine_n or_o the_o divineness_n of_o the_o testimony_n that_o from_o it_o we_o may_v conclude_v the_o former_a 9_o the_o revelation_n of_o truth_n be_v to_o be_v consider_v in_o respect_n of_o the_o first_o immediate_a delivery_n from_o god_n or_o second_o in_o respect_n of_o the_o way_n of_o its_o come_n down_o to_o we_o it_o be_v deliver_v by_o god_n immediate_o either_o by_o writing_n as_o the_o two_o table_n or_o by_o inform_v angel_n who_o may_v be_v his_o messenger_n or_o by_o inspire_v some_o choice_n particular_a man_n so_o that_o few_o in_o the_o world_n have_v receive_v it_o from_o god_n at_o the_o first_o hand_n 10._o the_o only_a way_n of_o revelation_n that_o for_o aught_o i_o know_v be_v now_o leave_v be_v scripture_n and_o tradition_n for_o though_o god_n have_v not_o tie_v himself_o from_o revelation_n by_o the_o spirit_n yet_o he_o have_v cease_v they_o and_o perfect_v his_o scripture_n revelation_n so_o that_o the_o spirit_n only_o reveal_v what_o be_v reveal_v already_o in_o the_o word_n by_o illuminate_v we_o to_o understand_v it_o 11._o the_o more_o immediate_a the_o revelation_n caeteris_fw-la paribus_fw-la the_o more_o sure_a and_o the_o more_o succession_n of_o hand_n it_o pass_v through_o the_o more_o uncertain_a especial_o in_o matter_n of_o doctrine_n 12._o when_o we_o receive_v from_o man_n by_o tradition_n the_o doctrine_n of_o god_n as_o in_o the_o word_n of_o god_n there_o be_v less_o danger_n of_o corruption_n then_o when_o they_o deliver_v we_o that_o doctrine_n in_o their_o own_o word_n because_o here_o take_v liberty_n to_o vary_v the_o expression_n it_o will_v represent_v the_o truth_n more_o uncertain_o and_o in_o more_o various_a shape_n 13._o therefore_o have_v god_n be_v please_v when_o he_o cease_v immediate_a revelation_n to_o leave_v his_o will_n write_v in_o a_o form_n of_o word_n which_o shall_v be_v his_o stand_a law_n and_o a_o rule_n to_o try_v all_o other_o man_n expression_n by_o 14._o in_o all_o the_o forementioned_a respect_n therefore_o the_o write_a word_n do_v excel_v the_o unwritten_a tradition_n of_o the_o same_o doctrine_n 15._o yet_o unwritten_a tradition_n or_o any_o sure_a way_n of_o reveal_v this_o doctrine_n may_v suffice_v to_o save_v he_o who_o thereby_o be_v bring_v to_o believe_v as_o if_o there_o be_v any_o among_o the_o abaâ—sines_n of_o ethiopia_n the_o coply_n in_o egypt_n or_o elsewhere_o that_o have_v the_o substance_n of_o the_o covenant_n deliver_v they_o by_o unwritten_a tradition_n or_o by_o other_o write_n if_o hereby_o they_o come_v to_o believe_v they_o shall_v be_v save_v for_o so_o the_o promise_n of_o the_o gospel_n run_v giving_z salvation_n to_o all_o that_o believe_v by_o what_o mean_v soever_o they_o be_v bring_v to_o it_o the_o like_a may_v be_v say_v of_o true_a believer_n in_o those_o part_n of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n where_o the_o scripture_n be_v whole_o hide_v from_o the_o vulgar_a if_o there_o be_v any_o such_o part_n 16._o yet_o where_o the_o write_a word_n be_v want_v salvation_n must_v needs_o be_v more_o difficult_a and_o more_o rare_a and_o faith_n more_o feeble_a and_o man_n conversation_n worse_o order_v because_o they_o want_v that_o clear_a revelation_n that_o sure_a rule_n of_o faith_n and_o life_n which_o may_v make_v the_o way_n of_o salvation_n more_o easy_a 17._o when_o tradition_n arise_v no_o high_a or_o come_v original_o but_o from_o this_o write_a word_n and_o not_o from_o the_o verbal_a testimony_n of_o the_o apostle_n before_o the_o word_n be_v write_v there_o that_o tradition_n be_v but_o the_o preach_n of_o the_o word_n and_o not_o a_o distinct_a way_n of_o reveal_v 18._o such_o be_v most_o of_o the_o tradition_n for_o aught_o i_o can_v learn_v that_o be_v now_o afoot_a in_o the_o world_n for_o matter_n of_o doctrine_n but_o not_o for_o matter_n of_o fact_n 17._o therefore_o the_o scripture_n be_v not_o only_o necessary_a to_o the_o well-being_a of_o the_o church_n and_o to_o the_o
tittle_n sect_n viii_o 8._o 8._o but_o the_o great_a aggravation_n of_o this_o misery_n will_v be_v its_o eternity_n that_o when_o a_o thousand_o million_o of_o age_n be_v past_a their_o torment_n be_v as_o fresh_a to_o begin_v as_o the_o first_o day_n if_o there_o be_v any_o hope_n of_o a_o end_n it_o will_v ease_v they_o to_o foresee_v it_o but_o when_o it_o must_v be_v for_o ever_o 9_o that_o thought_n be_v intolerable_a much_o more_o will_v the_o misery_n itself_o be_v so_o they_o be_v never_o weary_a of_o sin_v nor_o ever_o will_v have_v be_v if_o they_o have_v live_v eternal_o upon_o earth_n and_o now_o god_n will_v not_o be_v weary_a of_o plague_v they_o they_o never_o hearty_o repent_v of_o their_o sin_n and_o god_n will_v never_o repent_v he_o of_o their_o suffering_n they_o break_v the_o law_n of_o the_o eternal_a god_n and_o therefore_o shall_v suffer_v eternal_a punishment_n they_o know_v it_o be_v a_o everlasting_a kingdom_n which_o they_o refuse_v when_o it_o be_v offer_v they_o and_o therefore_o what_o wonder_n if_o they_o be_v everlasting_o shut_v out_o of_o it_o it_o be_v their_o immortal_a soul_n that_o be_v guilty_a of_o the_o trespass_n and_o therefore_o must_v immortal_o suffer_v the_o pain_n o_o now_o what_o happy_a man_n will_v they_o think_v themselves_o if_o they_o may_v have_v lie_v still_o in_o their_o grave_n or_o continue_a dust_n or_o suffer_v no_o worse_a than_o the_o gnaw_a of_o those_o worm_n o_o that_o they_o may_v but_o there_o lie_v down_o again_o what_o a_o mercy_n now_o will_v it_o be_v to_o die_v and_o how_o will_v they_o call_v and_o cry_v out_o for_o it_o o_o death_n whither_o be_v thou_o now_o go_v now_o come_v and_o cut_v off_o thâ—s_v doleful_a life_n o_o that_o these_o pain_n will_v break_v my_o heart_n and_o end_v my_o being_n o_o that_o i_o may_v once_o at_o last_o dye_n o_o that_o i_o have_v never_o have_v a_o be_v these_o groan_n will_v the_o thought_n of_o eternity_n wring_v from_o their_o heart_n they_o be_v wont_a to_o think_v the_o sermon_n long_o and_o prayer_n long_o how_o long_o then_o will_v they_o think_v these_o endless_a torment_n what_o difference_n be_v there_o betwixt_o the_o length_n of_o their_o pleasure_n and_o of_o their_o pain_n the_o one_o continue_a but_o a_o moment_n but_o the_o other_o endure_v through_o all_o eternity_n o_o that_o sinner_n will_v lay_v this_o thought_n to_o heart_n remember_v how_o time_n be_v almost_o go_v thou_o be_v stand_v all_o this_o while_n at_o the_o door_n of_o eternity_n and_o death_n be_v wait_v to_o open_v the_o door_n and_o put_v thou_o in_o go_v sleep_n out_o yet_o but_o a_o few_o more_o night_n and_o stir_v up_o and_o down_o on_o earth_n a_o few_o more_o day_n and_o then_o thy_o night_n and_o day_n shall_v end_v thy_o thought_n and_o care_n and_o pleasure_n sand_n all_o shall_v be_v devour_v by_o eternity_n thou_o must_v enter_v upon_o that_o state_n which_o shall_v never_o be_v change_v as_o the_o joy_n of_o heaven_n be_v beyond_o our_o conceive_n so_o also_o be_v the_o pain_n of_o hell_n everlasting_a torment_n be_v unconceivable_a torment_n sect_n ix_o but_o i_o know_v if_o it_o be_v a_o sensual_a unbeliever_n that_o read_v all_o this_o he_o will_v cast_v it_o by_o with_o disdain_n object_n and_o say_v i_o will_v never_o believe_v that_o god_n will_v thus_o torment_v his_o creature_n what_o to_o delight_v in_o their_o torture_n and_o that_o for_o everlasting_a and_o all_o for_o the_o fault_n of_o a_o short_a time_n it_o be_v incredible_a how_o can_v this_o stand_v with_o the_o infiniteness_n of_o his_o mercy_n i_o will_v not_o thus_o torment_v the_o worst_a enemy_n that_o i_o have_v in_o the_o world_n and_o yet_o my_o mercifulness_n be_v nothing_o to_o go_n these_o be_v but_o threat_n to_o awe_v man_n i_o will_v not_o believe_v they_o answ._n answ._n will_v thou_o not_o believe_v i_o do_v not_o wonder_v if_o thou_o be_v loath_a to_o believe_v so_o terrible_a tiding_n to_o thy_o soul_n as_o these_o be_v which_o if_o they_o be_v believe_v and_o apprehend_v indeed_o according_a to_o their_o weight_n will_v set_v thou_o a_o tremble_a and_o roar_v in_o the_o anguish_n of_o horror_n day_n and_o night_n papistarum_fw-la and_o i_o do_v as_o little_a wonder_n that_o the_o devil_n who_o rule_v thou_o shall_v be_v loath_a if_o he_o can_v hinder_v it_o to_o suffer_v thou_o to_o believe_v it_o for_o if_o thou_o do_v believe_v it_o thou_o will_v spare_v no_o cost_n or_o pain_n to_o escape_v it_o but_o go_v to_o if_o thou_o will_v read_v on_o either_o thou_o shall_v believe_v it_o before_o thou_o stir_v or_o prove_v thyself_o a_o infidel_n or_o pagan_a tell_v i_o then_o do_v thou_o believe_v scripture_n to_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n if_o thou_o do_v not_o thou_o be_v no_o more_o a_o christian_a then_o thy_o horse_n be_v or_o then_o a_o turk_n be_v for_o what_o ground_n have_v we_o beside_o scripture_n to_o believe_v that_o jesus_n christ_n do_v come_v into_o the_o world_n or_o die_v for_o man_n if_o thou_o believe_v not_o these_o i_o have_v nothing_o here_o to_o do_v with_o thou_o but_o refer_v thou_o to_o the_o second_o part_n of_o this_o book_n where_o i_o have_v prove_v scripture_n to_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n but_o if_o thou_o do_v believe_v this_o to_o be_v so_o and_o yet_o do_v not_o believe_v that_o the_o same_o scripture_n be_v true_a thou_o be_v far_o worse_o than_o either_o infidel_n or_o pagan_a for_o the_o vile_a pagan_n dare_v hardly_o charge_v their_o idol_n god_n to_o be_v liar_n and_o dare_v thou_o give_v the_o lie_n to_o the_o god_n of_o heaven_n and_o accuse_v he_o of_o speak_v that_o which_o shall_v not_o come_v to_o pass_v and_o that_o in_o such_o absolute_a threat_n and_o plain_a expression_n but_o if_o thou_o dare_v not_o stand_v to_o this_o but_o do_v believe_v scripture_n both_o to_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o to_o be_v true_a then_o i_o shall_v present_o convince_v thou_o of_o the_o truth_n of_o these_o eternal_a torment_n will_v thou_o believe_v if_o a_o prophet_n shall_v tell_v it_o thou_o why_o read_v it_o then_o in_o the_o great_a prophet_n moses_n david_n and_o isaiah_n deut._n 32.22_o psal._n 11.6_o &_o 9_o 17._o isai._n 30.33_o or_o will_v thou_o believe_v one_o that_o be_v more_o than_o a_o prophet_n why_o hear_v then_o what_o john_n baptist_n say_v mat._n 3.10_o luk._n 3.17_o or_o will_v thou_o believe_v if_o a_o apostle_n shall_v tell_v thou_o why_o hear_v what_o one_o say_v jud._n 7.13_o where_o he_o call_v it_o the_o vengeance_n of_o eternal_a fire_n and_o the_o blackness_n of_o darness_n for_o ever_o or_o what_o if_o thou_o have_v it_o from_o a_o apostle_n that_o have_v be_v rapt_v up_o in_o revelation_n into_o the_o three_o heaven_n and_o see_v thing_n unutterable_a will_v thou_o believe_v then_o why_o take_v it_o then_o from_o paul_n 2_o thess._n 1.7_o 8_o 9_o the_o lord_n jesus_n shall_v be_v reveal_v from_o heaven_n with_o his_o mighty_a angel_n in_o flame_a fire_n take_v vengeance_n on_o they_o that_o know_v not_o god_n and_o that_o obey_v not_o the_o gospel_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n who_o shall_v be_v punish_v with_o everlasting_a destruction_n from_o the_o presence_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o from_o the_o glory_n of_o his_o power_n and_o 2_o thess._n 2.12_o that_o they_o all_o may_v be_v damn_v who_o believe_v not_o the_o truth_n but_o have_v pleasure_n in_o unrighteousness_n so_o rom._n 2.5_o 6_o 7_o 8_o 9_o 10._o or_o will_v thou_o believe_v it_o from_o the_o belove_a apostle_n who_o be_v so_o take_v up_o in_o revelation_n and_o see_v it_o as_o it_o be_v in_o his_o vision_n why_o see_v then_o rev._n 20.10_o 15._o they_o be_v say_v there_o to_o be_v cast_v into_o the_o lake_n of_o fire_n and_o torment_a day_n and_o night_n for_o ever_o so_o rev._n 21.8_o so_o 2_o pet._n 2.17_o or_o will_v thou_o believe_v it_o from_o the_o mouth_n of_o christ_n himself_o the_o judge_n why_o read_v it_o then_o mat._n 7.19_o &_o 13.40_o 41_o 42_o 49_o 50._o as_o therefore_o the_o tare_n be_v gather_v and_o burn_v in_o the_o fire_n so_o shall_v it_o be_v in_o the_o end_n of_o this_o world_n the_o son_n of_o man_n shall_v send_v forth_o his_o angel_n and_o they_o shall_v gather_v out_o of_o his_o kingdom_n all_o thing_n that_o offend_v and_o they_o which_o do_v iniquity_n and_o shall_v cast_v they_o into_o a_o furnace_n of_o fire_n there_o shall_v be_v weep_v and_o gnash_n of_o tooth_n etc._n etc._n so_o mat._n 18.8_o 9_o so_o mark_v 9.43_o 44_o 46_o 48._o where_o he_o repeat_v it_o three_o time_n over_o where_o their_o worm_n never_o die_v and_o their_o fire_n be_v not_o quench_v and_o mat._n 25.41_o 46._o then_o shall_v he_o say_v to_o
enough_o before_o they_o have_v it_o in_o god_n ordinary_a way_n of_o conveyance_n god_n work_v upon_o man_n as_o man_n as_o reasonable_a creature_n the_o joy_n of_o the_o promise_n and_o the_o joy_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n be_v one_o joy_n and_o those_o seducer_n who_o in_o their_o ignorance_n misguide_a poor_a soul_n in_o this_o point_n do_v exceed_o wrong_v they_o while_o they_o persuade_v they_o so_o to_o expect_v their_o comfort_n from_o the_o spirit_n as_o not_o to_o be_v any_o author_n of_o they_o themselves_o nor_o to_o raise_v up_o their_o own_o heart_n by_o argumentative_a mean_n tell_v they_o that_o such_o comfort_n be_v but_o hammer_v by_o themselves_o and_o not_o the_o genuine_a comfort_n of_o the_o spirit_n how_o contrary_a be_v this_o to_o the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n sect_n fourteen_o 5._o another_o cause_n of_o the_o trouble_n of_o their_o soul_n be_v 507._o their_o expect_v a_o great_a measure_n of_o assurance_n than_o god_n do_v usual_o bestow_v upon_o his_o people_n most_o think_v as_o long_o as_o they_o have_v any_o doubt_v they_o have_v no_o assurance_n they_o consider_v not_o that_o there_o be_v many_o degree_n of_o infallible_a certainty_n below_o a_o perfect_a or_o a_o undoubting_a certainty_n they_o must_v know_v that_o while_o they_o be_v here_o they_o shall_v know_v but_o in_o part_n they_o shall_v be_v imperfect_a in_o their_o knowledge_n of_o scripture_n which_o be_v their_o rule_n in_o try_v and_o imperfect_a in_o the_o knowledge_n of_o their_o own_o obscure_a deceitful_a heart_n some_o strangeness_n to_o god_n and_o themselves_o there_o will_v still_o remain_v some_o darkness_n will_v overspread_v the_o face_n of_o their_o soul_n some_o unbelief_n will_v be_v make_v head_n against_o their_o faith_n and_o some_o of_o their_o grieving_n of_o the_o spirit_n will_v be_v grieve_v themselves_o and_o make_v a_o breach_n in_o their_o peace_n and_o joy_n yet_o as_o long_o as_o their_o faith_n be_v prevail_v and_o their_o assurance_n do_v tread_v down_o and_o subdue_v their_o doubt_n though_o not_o quite_o expel_v they_o they_o may_v walk_v in_o comfort_n and_o maintain_v their_o peace_n but_o as_o long_o as_o they_o be_v resolve_v to_o lie_v down_o in_o sorrow_n till_o their_o assurance_n be_v perfect_a their_o day_n on_o earth_n must_v then_o be_v day_n of_o sorrow_n sect_n xv._o there_o 6._o again_o many_o a_o soul_n lie_v long_o in_o trouble_n by_o take_v up_o their_o comfort_n in_o the_o begin_n upon_o unsound_a or_o uncertain_a ground_n this_o may_v be_v the_o case_n of_o a_o gracious_a soul_n who_o have_v better_a ground_n and_o do_v not_o see_v they_o and_o then_o when_o they_o grow_v to_o more_o ripeness_n of_o understanding_n and_o come_v to_o find_v out_o the_o insufficiency_n of_o their_o former_a ground_n of_o comfort_n they_o cast_v away_o their_o comfort_n whole_o when_o they_o shall_v only_o cast_v away_o their_o rot_a prop_n of_o it_o and_o search_v for_o better_a to_o support_v it_o with_o as_o if_o their_o comfort_n and_o their_o safety_n be_v both_o of_o a_o nature_n and_o both_o build_v on_o the_o same_o foundation_n they_o conclude_v against_o their_o safety_n because_o they_o have_v discover_v the_o mistake_n of_o their_o former_a comfort_n and_o there_o be_v many_o much_o applaud_a book_n and_o teacher_n of_o late_a who_o further_o the_o delusion_n of_o poor_a soul_n in_o this_o point_n and_o make_v they_o believe_v that_o because_o their_o former_a comfort_n be_v too_o legal_a and_o their_o persuasion_n of_o their_o good_a estate_n be_v ill_o ground_v therefore_o themselves_o be_v under_o the_o covenant_n of_o work_n only_o and_o their_o spiritual_a condition_n as_o unsound_a as_o their_o comfort_n these_o man_n observe_v not_o that_o while_o they_o deny_v we_o the_o use_n of_o mark_n to_o know_v our_o own_o state_n yet_o they_o make_v use_v of_o they_o themselves_o to_o know_v the_o state_n of_o other_o yea_o and_o of_o false_a and_o insufficient_a mark_n too_o for_o to_o argue_v from_o the_o motive_n of_o our_o persuasion_n of_o a_o good_a estate_n to_o the_o goodness_n or_o badness_n of_o that_o estate_n be_v no_o sound_n argue_v it_o follow_v not_o that_o a_o man_n be_v unregenerate_a because_o he_o judge_v himself_o regenerate_v upon_o wrong_a ground_n for_o perhaps_o he_o may_v have_v better_a ground_n and_o not_o know_v it_o or_o else_o not_o know_v which_o be_v good_a and_o which_o bad_a safety_n and_o comfort_n stand_v not_o always_o on_o the_o same_o bottom_n bad_a ground_n do_v prove_v the_o assurance_n bid_v which_o be_v build_v upon_o they_o but_o not_o always_o the_o estate_n bad_a these_o teacher_n do_v but_o toss_v poor_a soul_n up_o and_o down_o as_o the_o wave_n of_o the_o sea_n make_v they_o believe_v that_o their_o estate_n be_v alter_v as_o oft_o as_o their_o conceit_n of_o it_o alter_v alas_o few_o christian_n do_v come_v to_o know_v either_o what_o be_v solid_a ground_n of_o comfort_n or_o whether_o they_o have_v any_o such_o ground_n themselves_o in_o the_o infancy_n of_o christianity_n but_o as_o a_o infant_n have_v life_n before_o he_o know_v it_o and_o as_o he_o have_v misapprehension_n of_o himself_o and_o most_o other_o thing_n for_o certain_a year_n together_o and_o yet_o it_o will_v not_o follow_v that_o therefore_o he_o have_v no_o life_n or_o reason_n so_o be_v it_o in_o the_o case_n in_o hand_n yet_o this_o shall_v persuade_v both_o minister_n and_o believer_n themselves_o to_o lay_v right_a ground_n for_o their_o comfort_n in_o the_o beginning_n as_o far_o as_o may_v be_v for_o else_o usual_o when_o they_o find_v the_o flaw_n in_o their_o comfort_n and_o assurance_n they_o will_v judge_v it_o to_o be_v a_o flaw_n in_o their_o safety_n and_o real_a estate_n just_o as_o i_o observe_v most_o person_n do_v who_o turn_n to_o error_n or_o heresy_n they_o take_v up_o the_o truth_n in_o the_o begin_n upon_o either_o false_a or_o doubtful_a ground_n and_o then_o when_o their_o ground_n be_v overthrow_v or_o shake_v they_o think_v the_o doctrine_n be_v also_o overthrow_v and_o so_o they_o let_v go_v both_o together_o as_o if_o none_o have_v solid_a argument_n because_o they_o have_v not_o or_o none_o can_v manage_v they_o better_o than_o they._n even_o so_o when_o they_o perceive_v that_o their_o argument_n for_o their_o good_a estate_n be_v unsound_a they_o think_v that_o their_o estate_n must_v needs_o be_v as_o unsound_a sect_n xvi_o 7._o moreover_o 16._o many_o a_o soul_n lie_v long_o under_o doubt_v through_o the_o great_a imperfection_n of_o their_o very_a reason_n and_o exceed_a weakness_n of_o their_o natural_a part_n grace_n do_v usual_o rather_o turn_v our_o part_n to_o their_o most_o necessary_a use_n and_o employ_v our_o faculty_n on_o better_a object_n then_o add_v to_o the_o degree_n of_o their_o natural_a strength_n many_o honest_a heart_n have_v such_o weak_a head_n that_o they_o know_v not_o how_o to_o perform_v the_o work_n of_o self-tryal_n they_o be_v not_o able_a rational_o to_o argue_v the_o case_n they_o will_v acknowledge_v the_o premise_n and_o yet_o deny_v the_o apparent_a conclusion_n or_o if_o they_o be_v bring_v to_o acknowledge_v the_o conclusion_n yet_o they_o do_v but_o fluctuate_v and_o stagger_v in_o their_o concession_n and_o hold_v it_o so_o weak_o that_o every_o assault_n may_v take_v it_o from_o they_o if_o god_n do_v not_o some_o other_o way_n supply_v to_o these_o man_n the_o defect_n of_o their_o reason_n i_o see_v not_o how_o they_o shall_v have_v clear_a and_o settle_a peace_n sect_n xvii_o 17._o 8._o another_o great_a and_o too_o common_a cause_n of_o doubt_v and_o discomfort_n be_v the_o secret_a maintain_n of_o some_o know_a sin_n when_o a_o man_n live_v in_o some_o unwarrantantable_a practice_n and_o god_n have_v oft_o touch_v he_o for_o it_o and_o conscience_n be_v gall_v and_o yet_o he_o continue_v it_o 521.522_o it_o be_v no_o wonder_n if_o this_o person_n want_v both_o assurance_n and_o comfort_n one_o will_v think_v that_o a_o soul_n that_o lie_v under_o the_o fear_n of_o wrath_n and_o be_v so_o tender_a as_o to_o tremble_v and_o complain_v shall_v be_v as_o tender_v of_o sin_v and_o scarce_o adventure_v upon_o the_o appearance_n of_o evil_n and_o yet_o sad_a experience_n tell_v we_o that_o it_o be_v frequent_o otherwise_o i_o have_v know_v too_o many_o such_o that_o will_v complain_v and_o yet_o sin_n and_o accuse_v themselves_o and_o yet_o sin_n still_o yea_o and_o despair_n and_o yet_o proceed_v in_o sin_v and_o all_o argument_n and_o mean_n can_v not_o keep_v they_o from_o the_o wilful_a commit_n of_o that_o sin_n again_o and_o again_o which_o yet_o they_o do_v think_v themselves_o will_v prove_v their_o destruction_n yea_o some_o will_v be_v carry_v away_o with_o those_o sin_n which_o seem_v most_o contrary_a to_o their_o deject_a temper_n i_o have_v know_v they_o that_o
his_o chariot_n so_o long_o a_o come_n why_o tarry_v the_o wheel_n of_o his_o chariot_n how_o long_o lord_n how_o long_o 20._o sect_n xx._n 11._o consider_v what_o if_o god_n shall_v grant_v thy_o desire_n and_o let_v thou_o live_v yet_o many_o year_n but_o withal_n shall_v strip_v thou_o of_o the_o comfort_n of_o life_n and_o deny_v thou_o the_o mercy_n which_o thou_o have_v hitherto_o enjoy_v will_v this_o be_v a_o blessing_n worth_a the_o beg_n for_o may_v not_o god_n in_o judgement_n give_v thou_o life_n as_o he_o give_v the_o murmur_a israelites_n quail_n or_o as_o he_o oft_o time_n give_v man_n riches_n and_o honour_n when_o he_o see_v they_o over-earnest_a for_o it_o may_v he_o not_o just_o say_v to_o thou_o see_v thou_o have_v rather_o linger_v on_o earth_n then_o come_v away_o and_o enjoy_v my_o presence_n see_v thou_o be_v so_o greedy_a of_o life_n take_v it_o and_o a_o curse_n with_o it_o never_o let_v fruit_n grow_v on_o it_o more_o nor_o the_o sun_n of_o comfort_n shine_v upon_o it_o nor_o the_o dew_n of_o my_o blessing_n ever_o water_n it_o 3._o let_v thy_o table_n be_v a_o snare_n let_v thy_o friend_n be_v thy_o sorrow_n let_v thy_o riches_n be_v corrupt_v and_o the_o rust_n of_o thy_o silver_n eat_v thy_o flesh_n go_v hear_v sermon_n as_o long_o as_o thou_o will_v but_o let_v never_o sermon_n do_v thou_o good_a more_o let_v all_o thou_o hear_v make_v against_o thou_o and_o increase_v the_o smart_n of_o thy_o wound_a spirit_n if_o thou_o love_v preach_v better_o than_o heaven_n go_v and_o preach_v till_o thou_o be_v weary_a but_o never_o profit_v soul_n more_o sir_n what_o if_o god_n shall_v thus_o chastise_v our_o inordinate_a desire_n of_o live_v be_v it_o not_o just_a and_o what_o good_a will_v our_o life_n then_o do_v we_o see_v thou_o not_o some_o that_o spend_v their_o day_n on_o their_o couch_n in_o groan_v and_o some_o in_o beg_v by_o the_o highway_n side_n and_o other_o in_o seek_v bread_n from_o door_n to_o door_n and_o most_o of_o the_o world_n in_o labour_v for_o food_n and_o raiment_n and_o live_v only_o that_o they_o may_v live_v and_o lose_v the_o end_n and_o benefit_n of_o life_n why_o what_o good_a will_v such_o a_o life_n do_v thou_o be_v it_o never_o so_o long_o when_o thy_o soul_n shall_v serve_v thou_o only_o in_o stead_n of_o salt_n to_o keep_v thy_o body_n from_o stink_a god_n may_v give_v thou_o life_n till_o thou_o be_v weary_a of_o live_v and_o as_o glad_a to_o be_v rid_v of_o it_o as_o judas_z or_o ahitophel_n and_o make_v thou_o like_o many_o miserable_a creature_n in_o the_o world_n who_o can_v hardly_o forbear_v lay_v violent_a hand_n on_o themselves_o be_v not_o therefore_o so_o importunate_a for_o life_n which_o may_v prove_v a_o judgement_n in_o stead_n of_o a_o blessing_n sect_n xxi_o 21._o 12._o consider_v how_o many_o of_o the_o precious_a saint_n of_o god_n of_o all_o age_n and_o place_n have_v go_v before_o thou_o thou_o be_v not_o to_o enter_v a_o untrodden_a path_n nor_o appoint_v first_o to_o break_v the_o ice_n except_o only_a henoch_n and_o elias_n which_o of_o the_o saint_n have_v escape_v death_n and_o be_v thou_o better_o than_o they_o there_o be_v many_o million_o of_o saint_n dead_a more_o than_o do_v now_o remain_v on_o earth_n what_o a_o number_n of_o thy_o own_o bosom_n friend_n and_o intimate_a acquaintance_n and_o companion_n in_o duty_n be_v now_o there_o and_o why_o shall_v thou_o be_v so_o loath_a to_o follow_v nay_o have_v not_o jesus_n christ_n himself_o go_v this_o way_n have_v he_o not_o sanctify_v the_o grave_n to_o we_o and_o perfume_v the_o dust_n with_o his_o own_o body_n and_o be_v thou_o loath_a to_o follow_v he_o too_o o_o rather_o let_v we_o say_v as_o thomas_n 8.17_o let_v we_o also_o go_v and_o die_v with_o he_o or_o rather_o let_v we_o suffer_v with_o he_o that_o we_o may_v be_v glorify_v together_o with_o he_o many_o such_o like_a consideration_n may_v be_v add_v as_o that_o christ_n have_v take_v out_o the_o sting_n how_o light_a the_o saint_n have_v make_v of_o it_o how_o cheerful_o the_o very_a pagan_n have_v entertain_v it_o etc._n etc._n but_o because_o all_o that_o be_v hitherto_o speak_v be_v also_o conducible_a to_o the_o same_o purpose_n i_o pass_v they_o by_o if_o what_o have_v be_v say_v will_v not_o persuade_v scripture_n and_o reason_n have_v little_a force_n i_o have_v say_v the_o more_o on_o this_o subject_n find_v it_o so_o needful_a to_o myself_o and_o other_o find_v that_o among_o so_o many_o christian_n who_o can_v do_v and_o suffer_v much_o for_o christ_n there_o be_v yet_o so_o few_o that_o can_v willing_o die_v and_o of_o many_o who_o have_v somewhat_o subdue_v other_o corruption_n so_o few_o have_v get_v the_o conquest_n of_o this_o this_o cause_v i_o to_o drawforth_o these_o arrow_n from_o the_o quiver_n of_o scripture_n and_o spend_v they_o against_o it_o 22._o sect_n xxii_o i_o will_v only_o yet_o answer_v some_o objection_n and_o so_o conclude_v this_o use._n 1._o object_n o_o if_o i_o be_v but_o certain_a of_o heaven_n i_o shall_v then_o never_o stick_v at_o die_v answ._n 1._o search_v for_o all_o that_o whether_o some_o of_o the_o forementioned_a cause_n may_v not_o be_v in_o fault_n as_o well_o as_o this_o 2._o do_v thou_o not_o say_v so_o long_o ago_o have_v you_o not_o be_v in_o this_o song_n this_o many_o year_n if_o you_o be_v yet_o uncertain_a who_o fault_n be_v it_o you_o have_v have_v nothing_o else_o to_o do_v with_o your_o life_n nor_o no_o great_a matter_n than_o this_o to_o mind_n be_v you_o not_o better_o present_o fall_v to_o the_o trial_n till_o you_o have_v put_v the_o question_n out_o of_o doubt_n must_v god_n stay_v while_o you_o trifle_n and_o must_v his_o patience_n be_v continue_v to_o cherish_v your_o negligence_n if_o thou_o have_v play_v the_o loiterer_n do_v so_o no_o long_o go_v search_v thy_o soul_n and_o follow_v the_o search_n close_o till_o theâ—_n come_v to_o a_o clear_a discovery_n begin_v to_o night_n stay_v not_o till_o the_o next_o morning_n certainty_n come_v not_o by_o length_n of_o time_n but_o by_o the_o blessing_n of_o the_o spirit_n upon_o wise_a and_o faithful_a trial_n you_o may_v linger_v out_o thus_o twenty_o year_n more_o and_o be_v still_o as_o uncertain_a as_o now_o you_o be_v 3._o a_o perfect_a certainty_n may_v not_o be_v expect_v we_o shall_v still_o be_v deficient_a in_o that_o as_o well_o as_o in_o other_o thing_n they_o who_o think_v the_o apostle_n speak_v absolute_o and_o not_o comparative_o of_o a_o perfect_a assurance_n in_o the_o very_a degree_n when_o he_o mention_n a_o plerophory_n or_o full_a assurance_n i_o know_v no_o reason_n but_o they_o may_v expect_v perfection_n in_o all_o thing_n else_o as_o well_o as_o this_o when_o you_o have_v do_v all_o you_o will_v know_v this_o but_o in_o part_n if_o your_o belief_n of_o that_o scripture_n which_o say_v believe_v and_o be_v save_v be_v imperfect_a and_o if_o your_o knowledge_n whether_o your_o own_o deceitful_a heart_n do_v sincere_o believe_v or_o not_o be_v imperfect_a or_o if_o but_o one_o of_o these_o two_o be_v imperfect_a the_o result_n or_o conclusion_n must_v needs_o be_v so_o too_o if_o you_o will_v then_o stay_v till_o you_o be_v perfect_o certain_a you_o may_v stay_v for_o ever_o if_o you_o have_v obtain_v assurance_n but_o in_o some_o degree_n or_o get_v but_o the_o ground_n for_o assurance_n say_v it_o be_v then_o the_o speedy_a and_o sure_a way_n to_o desire_v rather_o to_o be_v quick_o in_o rest_n for_o then_o and_o never_o till_o then_o will_v both_o the_o ground_n and_o assurance_n be_v full_o perfect_a 4._o both_o your_o assurance_n and_o the_o comfort_n thereof_o be_v the_o gift_n of_o the_o spirit_n who_o be_v a_o free_a bestower_n and_o god_n usual_a time_n to_o be_v large_a in_o mercy_n be_v when_o his_o people_n be_v deep_a in_o necessity_n a_o mercy_n in_o season_n be_v the_o sweet_a mercy_n i_o can_v give_v you_o here_o abundance_n of_o late_a example_n of_o those_o who_o have_v languish_v for_o assurance_n and_o comfort_n some_o all_o their_o sickness_n and_o some_o most_o of_o their_o life_n and_o when_o they_o have_v be_v near_o to_o death_n they_o have_v receive_v in_o abundance_n never_o fear_v death_n then_o through_o imperfection_n of_o assurance_n for_o that_o be_v the_o most_o usual_a time_n of_o all_o when_o god_n most_o full_o and_o sweet_o bestow_n it_o sect_n xxiii_o 23._o object_n 2._o o_o but_o the_o church_n necessity_n be_v great_a and_o god_n have_v make_v i_o useful_a in_o my_o place_n so_o that_o the_o loss_n will_v be_v to_o many_o or_o else_o i_o think_v i_o can_v willing_o die_v answ._n this_o may_v be_v the_o case_n of_o some_o but_o
heart_n more_o glad_a than_o they_o that_o have_v corn_n and_o wine_n and_o oil_n psal._n 4.6_o 7._o &_o act._n 2.28_o out_o of_o psal._n 16._o thou_o shall_v fill_v i_o full_a of_o joy_n with_o thy_o countenance_n if_o it_o be_v the_o countenance_n of_o god_n that_o fill_v we_o with_o joy_n then_o sure_o they_o that_o draw_v near_o and_o most_o behold_v it_o must_v needs_o be_v full_a of_o these_o joy_n sir_n if_o you_o never_o try_v this_o art_n nor_o live_v this_o life_n of_o heavenly_a contemplation_n i_o never_o wonder_v that_o you_o walk_v uncomfortable_o that_o you_o be_v all_o complain_v and_o live_v in_o sorrow_n &_o know_v not_o what_o the_o joy_n of_o the_o saint_n mean_n can_v you_o have_v comfort_n from_o god_n and_o never_o think_v of_o he_o can_v heaven_n rejoice_v you_o when_o you_o do_v not_o re-member_v it_o do_v any_o thing_n in_o the_o world_n glad_a you_o when_o you_o think_v not_o on_o it_o must_v not_o every_o thing_n first_o enter_v your_o judgement_n and_o consideration_n before_o it_o can_v delight_v your_o heart_n and_o affection_n if_o you_o be_v possess_v of_o all_o the_o treasure_n of_o the_o earth_n if_o you_o have_v title_n to_o the_o high_a dignity_n and_o dominion_n and_o never_o think_v on_o it_o sure_o it_o will_v never_o rejoice_v you_o who_o shall_v we_o blame_v then_o that_o we_o be_v so_o void_a of_o consolation_n but_o our_o own_o negligent_a unskilful_a heart_n god_n have_v provide_v we_o a_o crown_n of_o glory_n and_o promise_v to_o set_v it_o short_o on_o our_o head_n and_o we_o will_v so_o much_o as_o think_v on_o it_o he_o hold_v it_o out_o in_o the_o gospel_n to_o we_o and_o bid_v we_o behold_v and_o rejoice_v &_o we_o will_v not_o so_o much_o as_o look_v at_o it_o and_o yet_o we_o complain_v for_o want_v of_o comfort_n what_o a_o perverse_a course_n be_v this_o both_o against_o god_n and_o our_o own_o joy_n i_o confess_v though_o in_o fleshly_a thing_n the_o present_v of_o a_o comfort_a object_n be_v sufficient_a to_o produce_v a_o answerable_a delight_n yet_o in_o spiritual_n we_o be_v more_o disable_v god_n must_v give_v the_o joy_n itself_o as_o well_o as_o afford_v we_o matter_n for_o joy_n but_o yet_o withal_o it_o must_v be_v remember_v that_o god_n do_v work_v upon_o we_o as_o man_n and_o in_o a_o rational_a way_n do_v raise_v our_o comfort_n he_o enable_v and_o excit_v we_o to_o mind_n and_o study_v these_o delightful_a object_n and_o from_o thence_o to_o gather_v our_o own_o comfort_n as_o the_o bee_n do_v gather_v her_o honey_n from_o the_o flower_n therefore_o he_o that_o be_v most_o skilful_a and_o painful_a in_o this_o gather_a act_n be_v usual_o the_o full_a of_o this_o spiritual_a sweetness_n where_o be_v the_o man_n that_o can_v tell_v i_o from_o experience_n that_o he_o have_v have_v solid_a and_o usual_a joy_n in_o any_o other_o way_n but_o this_o and_o that_o god_n work_v it_o immediate_o on_o his_o affection_n without_o the_o mean_n of_o his_o understanding_n and_o consider_v it_o be_v by_o believe_v that_o we_o be_v fill_v with_o joy_n &_o peace_n rom._n 15.13_o and_o no_o long_a than_o we_o continue_v our_o believe_v 1.8_o it_o be_v in_o hope_n that_o the_o saint_n rejoice_v yea_o in_o this_o hope_n of_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n rom._n 5.2_o and_o no_o long_a than_o they_o continue_v hope_v and_o here_o let_v i_o warn_v you_o of_o a_o dangerous_a snare_n a_o opinion_n which_o will_v rob_v you_o of_o all_o your_o comfort_n some_o think_v if_o they_o shall_v thus_o fetch_v in_o their_o own_o comfort_n by_o believe_v and_o hope_v and_o work_v it_o out_o of_o scripture_n promise_n and_o extract_v it_o by_o their_o own_o think_v and_o study_v that_o then_o it_o will_v be_v a_o comfort_n only_o of_o their_o own_o hammer_v out_o as_o they_o say_v and_o not_o the_o genuine_a joy_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n a_o desperate_a mistake_n raise_v upon_o a_o ground_n that_o will_v overthrow_v almost_o all_o duty_n as_o well_o as_o this_o which_o be_v their_o set_v the_o working_n of_o god_n spirit_n and_o their_o own_o spirit_n in_o opposition_n when_o their_o spirit_n must_v stand_v in_o subordination_n to_o god_n they_o be_v conjunct_a cause_n cooperate_n to_o the_o produce_v of_o one_o and_o the_o same_o effect_n god_n spirit_n work_v our_o comfort_n by_o set_v our_o own_o spirit_n a-work_o upon_o the_o promise_n and_o raise_v our_o thought_n to_o the_o place_n of_o our_o comfort_n as_o you_o will_v delight_v a_o covetous_a man_n by_o show_v he_o gold_n or_o a_o voluptuous_a man_n with_o fleshly_a delight_n so_o god_n use_v to_o delight_v his_o people_n by_o take_v they_o as_o it_o be_v by_o the_o hand_n and_o lead_v they_o into_o heaven_n and_o show_v they_o himself_o and_o their_o rest_n with_o he_o god_n use_v not_o to_o cast_v in_o our_o joy_n while_o we_o be_v idle_a or_o take_v up_o with_o other_o thing_n it_o be_v true_a he_o sometime_o do_v it_o sudden_o but_o yet_o usual_o in_o the_o foresay_a order_n lead_v it_o into_o our_o heart_n by_o our_o judgement_n and_o thought_n and_o his_o sometime_o sudden_a extraordinary_a cast_v of_o comfort_v thought_n into_o our_o heart_n shall_v be_v so_o far_o from_o hinder_v our_o endeavour_n in_o a_o meditate_v way_n that_o it_o shall_v be_v a_o singular_a motive_n to_o quicken_v we_o to_o it_o even_o as_o a_o taste_n give_v we_o of_o some_o cordial_a or_o choice_a food_n will_v make_v we_o desire_v and_o seek_v the_o rest._n god_n feed_v not_o saint_n as_o bird_n do_v their_o young_a bring_v it_o to_o they_o and_o put_v it_o into_o their_o mouth_n while_o they_o lie_v still_o in_o the_o nest_n and_o only_o gape_v to_o receive_v it_o but_o as_o he_o give_v to_o man_n the_o fruit_n of_o the_o earth_n the_o increase_n of_o their_o land_n in_o corn_n and_o wine_n while_o we_o plough_v and_o sow_v and_o weed_n and_o water_n and_o dung_n and_o dress_v and_o then_o with_o patience_n expect_v his_o blessing_n so_o do_v he_o give_v the_o joy_n of_o the_o soul._n yet_o i_o deny_v not_o that_o if_o any_o shall_v so_o think_v to_o work_v out_o his_o own_o comfort_n by_o meditation_n as_o to_o attempt_v the_o work_n in_o his_o own_o strength_n and_o not_o do_v all_o in_o subordination_n to_o god_n nor_o perceive_v a_o necessity_n of_o the_o spirit_n assistance_n the_o work_n will_v prove_v to_o be_v like_o the_o workman_n and_o the_o comfort_n he_o will_v gather_v will_v be_v like_o both_o even_o mere_a vanity_n even_o as_o the_o husband_n man_n labour_n without_o the_o sun_n and_o rain_n and_o blessing_n of_o god_n so_o than_o you_o may_v easy_o see_v that_o close_a meditation_n on_o the_o matter_n and_o cause_n of_o our_o joy_n be_v god_n way_n to_o procure_v solid_a joy_n for_o my_o part_n if_o i_o shall_v find_v my_o joy_n of_o another_o kind_n i_o shall_v be_v very_o prone_a to_o doubt_v of_o its_o sincerity_n if_o i_o find_v a_o great_a deal_n of_o comfort_n in_o my_o heart_n and_o know_v not_o how_o it_o come_v thither_o nor_o upon_o what_o rational_a ground_n it_o be_v raise_v nor_o what_o consideration_n do_v feed_v and_o continue_v it_o i_o shall_v be_v ready_a to_o question_v how_o i_o know_v whether_o this_o be_v from_o god_n and_o though_o as_o the_o cup_n in_o benjamins_n sack_n it_o may_v come_v from_o love_n yet_o it_o will_v leave_v i_o but_o in_o fear_n and_o amazement_n because_o of_o the_o uncertainty_n as_o i_o think_v our_o love_n to_o god_n shall_v not_o be_v like_o that_o of_o fond_a lover_n who_o love_v violent_o but_o they_o know_v not_o why_o so_o i_o think_v a_o christian_n joy_n shall_v be_v a_o ground_a rational_a joy_n &_o not_o to_o rejoice_v &_o know_v not_o why_o though_o perhaps_o in_o some_o extraordinary_a case_n god_n may_v cast_v in_o such_o a_o extraordinary_a kind_n of_o joy_n yet_o i_o think_v it_o be_v not_o his_o usual_a way_n and_o if_o you_o observe_v the_o spirit_n of_o most_o forlorn_a uncomfortable_a despair_v christian_n you_o shall_v find_v the_o reason_n to_o be_v their_o ungrounded_a expectation_n of_o such_o unusual_a kind_n of_o joy_n ovid._n and_o according_o be_v their_o spirit_n various_o toss_v and_o most_o unconstant_o temper_v sometime_o when_o they_o meet_v with_o such_o joy_n or_o at_o least_o think_v so_o than_o they_o be_v cheerful_a and_o lift_v up_o but_o because_o these_o be_v usual_o short-lived_a joy_n therefore_o they_o be_v straight_o as_o low_o as_o hell_n and_o ordinary_o that_o be_v their_o more_o last_a temper_n and_o thus_o they_o be_v toss_v as_o a_o vessel_n at_o sea_n up_o and_o down_o but_o still_o in_o extreme_a whereas_o alas_o god_n be_v most_o constant_a christ_n the_o same_o heaven_n the_o same_o and_o the_o promise_v the_o