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temptation_n why_o christ_n be_v tempt_v to_o cast_v himself_o headlong_o and_o to_o worship_v the_o devil_n for_o worldly_a preferment_n yea_o the_o devil_n have_v power_n to_o carry_v his_o body_n up_o and_o down_o to_o the_o pinnacle_n of_o the_o temple_n and_o the_o top_n of_o a_o mountain_n if_o he_o have_v such_o power_n of_o you_o will_v you_o not_o think_v yourself_o certain_o his_o slave_n i_o conclude_v therefore_o as_o it_o be_v a_o exceed_a ground_n of_o comfort_n to_o all_o the_o sick_a people_n in_o a_o city_n to_o know_v that_o there_o be_v a_o most_o merciful_a and_o skilful_a physician_n that_o be_v easy_o able_a to_o cure_v they_o and_o have_v undertake_v to_o do_v it_o free_o for_o all_o that_o will_v take_v he_o for_o their_o physician_n so_o be_v it_o a_o ground_n of_o exceed_a comfort_n to_o the_o worst_a of_o sinner_n to_o all_o sinner_n that_o be_v yet_o alive_a and_o have_v not_o blaspheme_v the_o holy_a ghost_n to_o know_v what_o a_o merciful_a and_o 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what_o comfort_n even_o general_a mercy_n may_v afford_v so_o let_v i_o a_o little_a show_n it_o you_o in_o the_o effect_n i_o mean_v not_o only_o in_o that_o god_n be_v now_o satisfy_v but_o as_o to_o yourself_o and_o every_o sinner_n these_o three_o thing_n be_v produce_v hereby_o 1._o there_o be_v now_o a_o possibility_n of_o salvation_n to_o you_o and_o certain_o even_o that_o shall_v be_v a_o very_a great_a comfort_n i_o know_v you_o will_v meet_v with_o some_o divine_n who_o will_v tell_v you_o that_o this_o be_v no_o effect_n of_o christ_n death_n and_o that_o else_o christ_n shall_v die_v for_o god_n if_o he_o procure_v he_o a_o power_n to_o save_v which_o he_o have_v not_o before_o but_o this_o be_v no_o better_a than_o a_o reproach_v of_o our_o redeemer_n suppose_v that_o a_o traitor_n have_v so_o abuse_v a_o king_n that_o it_o will_v neither_o stand_v with_o his_o own_o honour_n nor_o justice_n nor_o law_n to_o pardon_v he_o if_o his_o compassion_n be_v so_o great_a that_o 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be_v easy_a and_o his_o burden_n light_n and_o his_o command_n be_v not_o grievous_a the_o word_n be_v nigh_o you_o even_o the_o offer_n of_o grace_n you_o need_v not_o say_v who_o shall_v ascend_v to_o heaven_n or_o go_v down_o to_o hell_n rom._n 10._o but_o this_o will_v appear_v in_o the_o next_o 3._o yea_o this_o exceed_a comfort_n there_o be_v even_o for_o they_o that_o be_v graceless_a that_o their_o salvation_n be_v conditional_o certain_a and_o the_o condition_n be_v but_o their_o own_o willingness_n they_o may_v all_o have_v christ_n and_o life_n if_o they_o will_n now_o i_o desire_v you_o in_o all_o your_o doubt_n that_o you_o will_v well_o consider_v and_o improve_v this_o one_o truth_n and_o ground_n of_o comfort_n will_v you_o in_o the_o midst_n of_o your_o groan_n and_o complaint_n and_o fear_n take_v it_o for_o a_o small_a mercy_n to_o be_v certain_a that_o you_o shall_v have_v christ_n if_o you_o will_v when_o you_o be_v pray_v for_o christ_n in_o fear_n and_o anguish_n of_o spirit_n if_o a_o angel_n or_o voice_n from_o heaven_n shall_v say_v to_o you_o it_o shall_v be_v unto_o thou_o according_a to_o thy_o will_n if_o thou_o will_v have_v christ_n and_o life_n in_o he_o thou_o shall_v will_v this_o be_v no_o comfort_n to_o you_o will_v it_o not_o revive_v you_o and_o overcome_v your_o fear_n by_o this_o time_n i_o hope_v you_o see_v what_o abundance_n of_o comfort_n general_n mercy_n or_o grace_n may_v afford_v the_o soul_n before_o it_o perceive_v yea_o or_o receive_v any_o special_a grace_n though_o few_o of_o those_o that_o receive_v not_o special_a grace_n can_v make_v much_o use_n of_o general_n yet_o it_o be_v propound_v to_o they_o as_o well_o as_o other_o 1._o all_o the_o terrify_a temptation_n which_o be_v ground_v on_o misrepresentation_n of_o god_n as_o if_o he_o be_v a_o cruel_a destroyer_n to_o be_v flee_v from_o be_v dispel_v by_o the_o due_a consideration_n of_o his_o goodness_n and_o the_o deep_a settle_a apprehension_n of_o his_o gracious_a merciful_a lovely_a nature_n which_o indeed_o be_v the_o first_o work_n of_o true_a religion_n and_o the_o very_a master_n radical_a act_n of_o true_a grace_n and_o the_o chief_a maintainer_n of_o spiritual_a life_n and_o motion_n 2._o all_o these_o temptation_n be_v yet_o more_o effectual_o dispel_v by_o consider_v this_o merciful_a divine_a nature_n dwell_v in_o flesh_n become_v man_n by_o condescend_v to_o the_o assumption_n of_o our_o humane_a nature_n and_o so_o come_v near_o we_o and_o assume_v the_o office_n of_o be_v the_o mediator_n the_o redeemer_n the_o saviour_n of_o the_o world_n 3._o all_o your_o doubt_n and_o fear_n that_o proceed_v from_o your_o former_a sin_n whether_o of_o youth_n or_o
supposition_n i_o explicate_v the_o point_n thus_o 1._o no_o man_n may_v look_v at_o his_o own_o grace_n or_o duty_n as_o his_o legal_a righteousness_n that_o be_v such_o as_o for_o which_o the_o law_n of_o work_n will_v pronounce_v he_o righteous_a 2._o nor_o yet_o may_v he_o take_v they_o for_o part_n of_o his_o legal_a righteousness_n in_o conjunction_n with_o christ_n righteousness_n as_o the_o other_o part_n but_o here_o we_o must_v go_v whole_o out_o of_o ourselves_o and_o deny_v and_o disclaim_v all_o such_o righteousness_n of_o our_o own_o we_o have_v no_o work_n which_o make_v the_o reward_n to_o be_v not_o of_o grace_n but_o of_o debt_n 3._o we_o must_v not_o once_o think_v that_o our_o grace_n duty_n or_o suffering_n can_v make_v satisfaction_n to_o god_n justice_n for_o our_o sin_n and_o unrighteousness_n nor_o yet_o that_o they_o be_v any_o part_n of_o that_o satisfaction_n here_o we_o ascribe_v all_o â—o_o christ_n who_o be_v the_o only_a sacrifice_n and_o ransom_n 4._o nor_o must_v we_o think_v that_o our_o duty_n or_o grace_n be_v proper_o meritorious_a this_o also_o be_v to_o be_v leave_v as_o the_o sole_a honour_n of_o christ_n â—_o yet_o that_o we_o may_v and_o must_v raise_v our_o assurance_n and_o comfort_n from_o our_o own_o graâ—es_n and_o duty_n shall_v appear_v in_o these_o clear_a reason_n follow_v which_o show_v also_o the_o ground_n on_o which_o we_o may_v do_v it_o 1._o pardon_v justification_n and_o adoption_n and_o salvation_n be_v all_o give_v to_o we_o in_o the_o gospel_n only_o conditional_o if_o we_o believe_v and_o the_o condition_n be_v a_o act_n or_o rather_o several_a act_n of_o our_o own_o now_o till_o the_o condition_n be_v perform_v no_o man_n can_v have_v any_o certainty_n that_o the_o benefit_n shall_v be_v he_o nor_o can_v he_o by_o any_o other_o mean_n ordinary_o be_v certain_a of_o the_o benefit_n but_o by_o that_o which_o ascertain_v he_o that_o he_o have_v perform_v the_o condition_n god_n say_v he_o that_o believe_v shall_v be_v save_v no_o man_n can_v know_v then_o that_o he_o shall_v be_v save_v till_o he_o first_o know_v that_o he_o believe_v else_o he_o shall_v know_v either_o contrary_a to_o that_o which_o be_v write_v or_o more_o than_o that_o which_o be_v write_v and_o justification_n and_o adoption_n shall_v be_v give_v some_o other_o way_n then_o by_o the_o gospel_n promise_v for_o that_o promise_n give_v they_o only_o conditional_o and_o so_o suspend_v the_o actual_a right_n upon_o the_o performance_n of_o the_o condition_n but_o if_o any_o can_v show_v any_o other_o way_n by_o which_o god_n make_v over_o pardon_n and_o adoption_n beside_o the_o gospel_n promise_n let_v they_o do_v it_o but_o i_o will_v not_o promise_v sudden_o to_o believe_v they_o for_o it_o be_v never_o yet_o show_v as_o i_o know_v of_o also_o if_o man_n must_v not_o look_v aâ—_n their_o own_o performance_n of_o the_o condition_n to_o prove_v their_o right_n to_o the_o benefit_n then_o either_o all_o or_o none_o must_v believe_v that_o they_o have_v thaâ—_n right_a for_o the_o promise_n say_v he_o that_o believe_v shall_v be_v save_v and_o this_o be_v a_o promise_n of_o lifâ—_n conditional_o to_o all_o if_o all_o must_v believe_v that_o they_o shall_v be_v save_v than_o most_o of_o the_o world_n must_v believe_v a_o lie_n if_o the_o true_a believer_n may_v not_o therefore_o conclude_v that_o he_o shall_v be_v save_v because_o he_o perform_v the_o condition_n of_o the_o promise_n than_o no_o man_n may_v believe_v it_o and_o for_o that_o absolute_a promise_n of_o the_o new_a heart_n no_o man_n can_v or_o may_v believe_v that_o it_o be_v he_o till_o he_o have_v that_o new_a heart_n which_o it_o promise_v that_o be_v till_o it_o be_v fulfil_v for_o there_o be_v no_o mark_n by_o which_o a_o man_n can_v know_v whether_o that_o promise_n belong_v to_o he_o or_o no_o beforehand_o and_o if_o all_o shall_v believe_v that_o it_o belong_v to_o they_o most_o will_v find_v it_o false_a 2._o god_n have_v not_o redeem_a we_o by_o his_o son_n to_o be_v lawless_a to_o be_v without_o law_n be_v to_o be_v without_o government_n we_o be_v without_o the_o law_n that_o be_v of_o work_n or_o of_o moses_n but_o not_o without_o law_n jesus_n christ_n be_v our_o ruler_n and_o he_o have_v make_v we_o a_o law_n of_o grace_n a_o easy_a yoke_n and_o command_n that_o be_v not_o grievous_a this_o law_n have_v precept_n promise_n and_o threat_n it_o must_v needs_o be_v either_o obey_v or_o disobey_v and_o so_o the_o paenalty_n must_v be_v due_a or_o not_o due_a and_o the_o reward_v due_a or_o not_o due_a he_o that_o perform_v the_o condition_n and_o so_o to_o who_o the_o reward_n be_v due_a and_o not_o the_o paenalty_n be_v righteous_a in_o the_o sense_n of_o this_o law_n as_o when_o we_o be_v accuse_v to_o be_v sinner_n against_o the_o law_n of_o work_n and_o so_o to_o deserve_v the_o paenalty_n of_o that_o law_n we_o must_v confess_v all_o and_o plead_v the_o righteousness_n of_o christ_n satisfaction_n for_o our_o justification_n so_o when_o we_o be_v accuse_v to_o be_v final_a unbeliever_n or_o impenitent_a and_o so_o not_o to_o have_v perform_v the_o condition_n of_o the_o new_a covenant_n we_o must_v be_v justify_v by_o our_o own_o faith_n and_o repentance_n the_o performance_n of_o that_o condition_n and_o must_v plead_v not_o guilty_a and_o so_o far_o our_o own_o act_n be_v our_o evangelical_n righteousness_n and_o that_o of_o such_o necessity_n that_o without_o it_o no_o man_n can_v have_v part_n in_o christ_n righteousness_n nor_o be_v save_v i_o will_v desire_v any_o man_n else_o to_o tell_v i_o what_o else_o he_o will_v plead_v at_o judgement_n when_o the_o accuseâ—_n charge_v he_o or_o if_o he_o do_v so_o charge_v he_o with_o final_a unbelief_n will_v he_o confess_v it_o and_o say_v christ_n have_v believe_v and_o repent_v for_o i_o that_o be_v as_o much_o as_o to_o say_v christ_n be_v a_o believer_n for_o infidel_n that_o he_o may_v save_v infidel_n all_o false_a if_o he_o will_v not_o say_v thus_o and_o lie_v will_v do_v no_o good_a then_o must_v he_o plead_v his_o own_o believe_v and_o repent_v as_o his_o righteousness_n in_o opposition_n to_o that_o accusation_n and_o if_o it_o be_v of_o such_o use_n then_o and_o be_v call_v a_o hundred_o time_n in_o scripture_n our_o righteousness_n and_o we_o righteous_a for_o it_o then_o doubtless_o we_o may_v according_o try_v by_o it_o now_o whether_o we_o shall_v then_o be_v able_a to_o come_v off_o and_o be_v justify_v or_o no_o and_o so_o may_v build_v our_o comfort_n on_o it_o 3._o conscience_n be_v a_o witness_n and_o judge_n within_o we_o and_o do_v as_o under_o god_n accuse_v and_o condemn_v or_o excuse_v and_o acquit_v now_o if_o conscience_n must_v absolve_v we_o only_o so_o far_o as_o we_o be_v innocent_a or_o do_v well_o or_o be_v qualify_v with_o grace_n than_o it_o be_v impossible_a but_o these_o our_o qualification_n and_o action_n shall_v be_v some_o ground_n of_o our_o comfort_n see_v act_n 24.16_o and_o 23.1_o rom._n 2.15_o 16._o 4._o those_o which_o be_v our_o grace_n and_o work_n as_o we_o be_v the_o subject_n and_o agent_n be_v the_o grace_n and_o work_n of_o god_n of_o christ_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n dwell_v in_o we_o if_o therefore_o we_o may_v not_o rejoice_v in_o our_o own_o work_n or_o grace_n than_o we_o may_v not_o rejoice_v in_o the_o work_n or_o gift_n of_o god_n christ_n or_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o 5._o our_o grace_n be_v the_o spiritual_a life_n or_o health_n of_o the_o soul_n and_o our_o holy_a action_n be_v the_o vital_a operation_n now_o life_n and_o health_n be_v necessary_a rejoice_v delight_v thing_n of_o themselves_o and_o vital_a action_n be_v necessary_o pleasant_a and_o delectable_a 6._o our_o grace_n and_o holy_a action_n must_v needs_o rejoice_v we_o in_o respect_n of_o their_o object_n for_o the_o object_n of_o our_o love_n trust_v hope_v meditation_n prayer_n conference_n etc._n etc._n be_v god_n himself_o and_o the_o lord_n jesus_n and_o the_o joy_n of_o heaven_n and_o how_o can_v such_o action_n choose_v but_o rejoice_v we_o 7._o yea_o rejoice_v itself_o and_o delight_v ourselves_o in_o god_n be_v not_o only_o one_o part_n of_o our_o duty_n but_o that_o great_a duty_n wherein_o lie_v the_o height_n of_o our_o christianity_n and_o how_o vain_a a_o speech_n be_v it_o to_o say_v that_o we_o may_v not_o take_v up_o our_o comfort_n from_o our_o own_o work_n nor_o rejoice_v in_o any_o thing_n of_o our_o own_o when_o even_o rejoice_v itself_o and_o delight_v and_o comfort_v ourselves_o be_v one_o part_n of_o our_o duty_n 8._o as_o god_n in_o christ_n be_v the_o chief_a object_n and_o ground_n of_o our_o comfort_n so_o that_o we_o must_v rejoice_v in_o nothing_o but_o
you_o my_o judgement_n before_o sure_o i_o be_o that_o the_o sudden_a looseness_n of_o their_o life_n answer_v their_o ignorant_a loose_a ungospel-like_a doctrine_n do_v certify_v i_o that_o the_o spirit_n of_o comfort_n be_v not_o their_o comforter_n for_o he_o be_v also_o a_o spirit_n of_o holiness_n and_o comfort_v man_n by_o the_o mean_n of_o a_o holy_a gospel_n which_o have_v precept_n and_o threaten_n as_o well_o as_o promise_n 2._o and_o as_o the_o experience_n of_o the_o state_n of_o believer_n assure_v we_o that_o few_o of_o they_o attain_v to_o certainty_n so_o experience_n of_o the_o imperfection_n of_o their_o understanding_n show_v we_o that_o few_o of_o they_o be_v immediate_o capable_a of_o it_o for_o how_o few_o believer_n be_v there_o that_o understand_v well_o what_o be_v a_o sound_a evidence_n and_o what_o not_o nay_o how_o many_o learned_a man_n have_v teach_v they_o that_o the_o least_o unfeigned_a desire_n of_o grace_n be_v the_o grace_n itself_o as_o some_o say_v or_o at_o least_o a_o certain_a evidence_n of_o it_o as_o other_o say_v whereas_o alas_o how_o many_o have_v unfeigned_o desire_v many_o grace_n and_o yet_o have_v desire_v the_o glory_n and_o profit_n of_o the_o world_n so_o much_o more_o that_o they_o have_v miscarry_v and_o perish_v how_o many_o have_v teach_v they_o that_o the_o least_o unfeigned_a love_n to_o god_n or_o to_o the_o brethren_n be_v a_o certain_a mark_n of_o save_a grace_n whenas_o many_o a_o one_o have_v unfeigned_o love_v god_n and_o the_o brethren_n who_o yet_o have_v love_v house_n land_n credit_n pleasure_n and_o life_n so_o much_o more_o that_o god_n have_v be_v thrust_v as_o it_o be_v into_o a_o corner_n and_o have_v have_v but_o the_o world_n leave_n and_o the_o poor_a saint_n have_v have_v little_a compassion_n or_o relief_n from_o they_o nor_o will_v be_v look_v on_o in_o time_n of_o danger_n and_o disgrace_n as_o austin_n and_o the_o schoolman_n use_v to_o say_v wicked_a man_n do_v uti_fw-la deo_fw-la &_o frui_fw-la creaturis_fw-la use_v god_n and_o enjoy_v the_o creature_n godly_a man_n do_v frui_fw-la deo_fw-la &_o uti_fw-la creaturis_fw-la enjoy_v god_n and_o use_v the_o creature_n the_o meaning_n be_v both_o regenerate_v and_o unregenerate_v have_v some_o will_n or_o love_n both_o to_o god_n and_o to_o the_o creature_n but_o the_o wicked_a do_v will_n or_o love_v the_o creature_n as_o their_o chief_a good_a with_o their_o chief_a love_n and_o they_o only_o love_v god_n as_o a_o mean_n to_o help_v they_o to_o the_o creature_n with_o a_o love_n subordinate_a to_o their_o love_n to_o the_o creature_n whereas_o the_o godly_a do_v will_n or_o love_n god_n as_o their_o chief_a good_a with_o their_o chief_a love_n or_o complacency_n and_o love_v the_o creature_n but_o as_o a_o mean_n to_o god_n with_o a_o inferior_a love_n if_o then_o the_o nature_n of_o sincerity_n be_v so_o little_o know_v than_o assurance_n of_o sincerity_n can_v be_v very_o common_a more_o may_v be_v say_v to_o prove_v that_o certainty_n of_o salvation_n be_v not_o common_a among_o true_a christian_n but_o that_o it_o be_v labour_n in_o vain_a as_o to_o they_o see_v experience_n and_o their_o own_o ready_a confession_n do_v witness_v it_o now_o what_o be_v the_o use_n that_o i_o will_v have_v you_o make_v of_o this_o why_o it_o be_v this_o if_o assurance_n of_o sincerity_n and_o justification_n much_o more_o of_o salvation_n be_v so_o rare_a among_o true_a christian_n than_o you_o have_v no_o cause_n to_o think_v that_o the_o want_n of_o it_o prove_v you_o to_o be_v no_o true_a christian_n you_o see_v then_o that_o a_o man_n may_v be_v in_o a_o state_n of_o salvation_n without_o it_o and_o that_o it_o be_v not_o justify_v faith_n as_o some_o have_v imagine_v nor_o yet_o a_o necessary_a concomitant_a of_o that_o faith_n you_o see_v that_o you_o be_v mistake_v in_o think_v that_o you_o have_v not_o the_o spirit_n of_o adoption_n because_o you_o have_v no_o assure_v witness_n within_o you_o effective_o testify_v to_o you_o that_o you_o be_v the_o child_n of_o god_n all_o god_n child_n have_v the_o spirit_n of_o adoption_n for_o because_o they_o be_v son_n therefore_o have_v god_n send_v the_o spirit_n of_o his_o son_n into_o their_o heart_n whereby_o they_o cry_v abba_n father_n gal._n 4.6_o but_o all_o god_n child_n have_v not_o assurance_n of_o their_o adoption_n therefore_o the_o spirit_n of_o adoption_n do_v not_o always_o assure_v those_o of_o their_o adoption_n in_o who_o it_o abide_v it_o be_v always_o a_o witness-bearer_n of_o their_o adoption_n but_o that_o be_v only_o objective_o by_o his_o grace_n and_o operation_n in_o they_o as_o a_o landmark_n be_v a_o witness_n who_o land_n it_o be_v where_o it_o stand_v or_o as_o your_o sheep-mark_a witness_v which_o be_v your_o sheep_n or_o rather_o as_o a_o sensible_a soul_n witness_v a_o live_a creature_n or_o a_o rational_a soul_n witness_v that_o we_o be_v man_n but_o efficient_o it_o do_v not_o always_o witness_v as_o a_o landmark_n or_o sheep-mark_a be_v not_o always_o discern_v and_o a_o bruit_n know_v not_o itself_o to_o be_v a_o bruit_n and_o a_o man_n be_v not_o always_o actual_o know_v his_o own_o humanity_n nor_o can_v know_v it_o at_o all_o in_o the_o womb_n in_o infancy_n in_o distraction_n in_o a_o epilepsy_n apoplexy_n or_o the_o like_a disease_n which_o deprive_v he_o of_o the_o use_n of_o reason_n beside_o it_o be_v no_o doubt_n but_o the_o apostle_n have_v some_o respect_n to_o the_o eminent_a gift_n of_o the_o spirit_n for_o tongue_n prophecy_n miracle_n and_o the_o like_o which_o be_v proper_a to_o that_o age_n though_o still_o as_o include_v the_o spirit_n of_o holiness_n you_o see_v then_o that_o you_o need_v not_o be_v always_o in_o disquiet_a when_o you_o want_v assurance_n for_o else_o how_o disquiet_a a_o life_n shall_v most_o christian_n live_v i_o shall_v show_v you_o more_o anon_o that_o all_o a_o man_n comfort_n depend_v not_o so_o on_o his_o assurance_n but_o that_o he_o may_v live_v a_o comfortable_a life_n without_o it_o trouble_v of_o mind_n may_v be_v overcome_v conscience_n may_v be_v quiet_v true_a peace_n attain_v yea_o a_o man_n may_v have_v that_o joy_n in_o the_o holy_a ghost_n wherein_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n be_v say_v to_o consist_v without_o certainty_n of_o salvation_n if_o there_o be_v any_o passage_n in_o my_o book_n of_o rest_n part_v 3_o d_o in_o press_v to_o get_v assurance_n which_o seem_v contrary_a to_o this_o i_o desire_v that_o they_o may_v be_v reduce_v to_o this_o sense_n and_o no_o otherwise_o understand_v this_o shall_v be_v further_o open_v anon_o and_o other_o ground_n of_o comfort_n manifest_v beside_o assurance_n direction_n xv._n 15._o yea_o this_o much_o more_o i_o will_v here_o inform_v you_o of_o that_o very_o many_o even_n of_o the_o strong_a holy_a watchful_a and_o obedient_a christian_n be_v yet_o uncertain_a of_o their_o salvation_n even_o then_o when_o they_o be_v certain_a of_o their_o justification_n and_o sanctification_n and_o that_o because_o they_o be_v uncertain_a of_o their_o perseverance_n and_o overcome_v for_o a_o man_n certainty_n of_o his_o salvation_n can_v be_v no_o strong_a than_o be_v his_o certainty_n of_o endure_v to_o the_o end_n and_o overcome_v that_o you_o may_v not_o misunderstand_v i_o in_o this_o observe_v 1._o that_o i_o do_v not_o say_v perseverance_n be_v a_o thing_n uncertain_a in_o itself_o 2._o nor_o that_o it_o be_v uncertain_a to_o all_o christian_n 3._o but_o that_o it_o be_v uncertain_a to_o many_o even_o strong_a and_o self-knowing_a christian_n divine_n use_v to_o distinguish_v of_o the_o certainty_n of_o the_o object_n and_o of_o the_o subject_a and_o the_o former_a be_v either_o of_o the_o object_n of_o god_n knowledge_n or_o of_o man_n i_o doubt_v not_o but_o god_n know_v certain_o who_o shall_v be_v save_v which_o with_o his_o decree_n do_v cause_n that_o which_o we_o call_v certainty_n of_o the_o object_n as_o to_o man_n understanding_n but_o man_n themselves_o do_v not_o always_o know_v it_o if_o a_o man_n have_v the_o full_a certainty_n in_o the_o world_n that_o he_o be_v god_n child_n yet_o if_o he_o be_v uncertain_a whether_o he_o shall_v so_o continue_v to_o the_o end_n it_o be_v impossible_a that_o he_o shall_v have_v a_o certainty_n of_o his_o salvation_n for_o it_o be_v he_o only_o that_o endure_v to_o the_o end_n that_o shall_v be_v save_v now_o that_o many_o eminent_a christian_n of_o great_a knowledge_n and_o much_o zeal_n and_o obedience_n be_v uncertain_a of_o their_o perseverance_n be_v prove_v by_o two_o infallible_a argument_n 1._o by_o experience_n if_o any_o shall_v be_v so_o censorious_a as_o to_o think_v that_o none_o of_o all_o those_o nation_n and_o church_n abroad_o that_o deny_v the_o doctrine_n of_o certain_a perseverance_n of_o all_o believer_n
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no_o great_a likelihood_n or_o hope_n yet_o that_o they_o be_v sincere_a if_o you_o do_v as_o i_o think_v many_o christian_n easy_o may_v that_o yet_o receive_v not_o a_o proportionable_a comfort_n remember_v that_o this_o be_v no_o small_a mercy_n but_o matter_n of_o great_a consolation_n but_o suppose_v the_o worst_a that_o you_o see_v no_o grace_n in_o yourself_o yet_o you_o can_v be_v sure_a you_o have_v none_o for_o it_o may_v be_v there_o and_o you_o not_o see_v it_o yea_o suppose_v the_o worst_a that_o you_o be_v sure_a that_o you_o have_v no_o true_a grace_n at_o all_o yet_o remember_v that_o you_o have_v still_o abundant_a cause_n of_o comfort_n in_o god_n general_n grace_n do_v you_o think_v you_o must_v needs_o despair_v or_o give_v up_o all_o hope_n and_o comfort_n or_o conclude_v yourself_o irrecoverable_o lose_v because_o you_o be_v graceless_a why_o be_v it_o know_v to_o you_o there_o be_v that_o ground_n of_o consolation_n in_o general_a grace_n that_o may_v make_v 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in_o desperation_n for_o all_o the_o pretence_n it_o have_v find_v and_o i_o have_v do_v more_o but_o that_o general_a redemption_n or_o satisfaction_n be_v common_o teach_v in_o the_o maintain_n of_o the_o general_n sufficiency_n of_o it_o though_o man_n understand_v not_o how_o they_o contradict_v themselves_o but_o perhaps_o you_o will_v say_v this_o be_v cold_a comfort_n for_o i_o may_v as_o well_o argue_v thus_o christ_n will_v damn_v sinner_n i_o be_o a_o sinner_n therefore_o he_o will_v damn_v i_o as_o to_o argue_v thus_o christ_n will_v save_v sinner_n i_o be_o a_o sinner_n therefore_o he_o will_v save_v i_o i_o answer_v there_o be_v no_o show_n of_o soundness_n in_o either_o of_o these_o argument_n it_o be_v not_o a_o certainty_n that_o christ_n will_v save_v you_o that_o can_v be_v gather_v from_o general_n grace_n alone_o that_o must_v be_v have_v from_o assurance_n of_o of_o special_a grace_n superad_v to_o the_o general_n but_o a_o conditional_a certainty_n you_o may_v 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such_o a_o work_n make_v use_n of_o some_o other_o minister_n of_o christ_n who_o be_v more_o meet_a here_o i_o have_v these_o several_a thing_n to_o open_a to_o you_o 1._o that_o it_o be_v your_o duty_n to_o seek_v this_o direction_n from_o the_o guide_n of_o the_o church_n 2._o when_o and_o in_o what_o case_n you_o shall_v do_v this_o 3._o to_o what_o end_n and_o how_o far_o 4._o what_o minister_n they_o be_v that_o you_o shall_v choose_v thereto_o 5._o in_o what_o manner_n you_o must_v open_v your_o case_n that_o you_o may_v receive_v satisfaction_n 1._o the_o first_o have_v two_o part_n 1._o that_o you_o must_v open_v your_o case_n 2._o and_o that_o to_o your_o pastor_n 1._o the_o devil_n have_v great_a advantage_n while_o you_o keep_v his_o counsel_n two_o be_v better_o than_o one_o for_o if_o one_o of_o they_o fall_v he_o have_v another_o to_o help_v he_o it_o be_v dangerous_a resist_v such_o a_o enemy_n alone_o a_o unite_n of_o force_n oft_o procure_v victory_n god_n give_v other_o knowledge_n prudence_n and_o other_o gift_n for_o our_o good_a that_o so_o every_o member_n of_o the_o body_n may_v have_v need_n of_o another_o and_o each_o be_v useful_a to_o the_o other_o a_o independency_n of_o christian_a upon_o christian_a be_v most_o unchristian_a much_o more_o of_o people_n on_o their_o guide_n it_o cease_v to_o be_v a_o member_n which_o be_v separate_v from_o the_o body_n and_o to_o make_v no_o use_n of_o the_o body_n or_o fellow_n member_n be_v next_o to_o separation_n from_o they_o sometime_o bashfulness_n be_v the_o cause_n sometime_o self-confidence_n a_o far_o worse_a cause_n but_o whatever_o be_v the_o cause_n of_o christian_n smother_a their_o doubt_n the_o effect_n be_v oft_o sad_a the_o disease_n be_v oft_o go_v so_o far_o that_o the_o cure_n be_v very_o difficult_a
god_n and_o the_o cross_n of_o christ_n in_o that_o kind_n or_o in_o coordination_n with_o they_o so_o it_o be_v the_o office_n of_o every_o grace_n and_o holy_a work_n and_o ordinance_n and_o mean_n to_o be_v subservient_fw-fr to_o christ_n either_o for_o the_o attain_n of_o christ_n or_o apply_v his_o merit_n or_o they_o be_v the_o effect_n of_o his_o merit_n now_o if_o we_o must_v love_n and_o rejoice_v in_o christ_n principal_o then_o must_v we_o need_v love_n and_o rejoice_v in_o all_o those_o thing_n that_o stand_v in_o a_o necessary_a subordination_n to_o he_o in_o their_o place_n and_o therefore_o to_o say_v we_o must_v rejoice_v in_o christ_n only_o and_o therefore_o not_o in_o any_o grace_n or_o duty_n of_o our_o own_o be_v as_o wife_n as_o if_o a_o wife_n shall_v cast_v her_o husband_n clothes_n and_o meat_n out_o of_o door_n and_o say_v you_o charge_v i_o to_o admit_v none_o into_o my_o chamber_n but_o yourself_o or_o as_o if_o a_o physician_n have_v tell_v his_o patient_n i_o will_v cure_v you_o if_o you_o will_v trust_v i_o only_o for_o the_o cure_n thereupon_o the_o patient_n shall_v cast_v away_o his_o medicine_n and_o shut_v the_o door_n against_o his_o servant_n and_o apothecary_n and_o say_v we_o must_v trust_v none_o but_o the_o physician_n 9_o all_o the_o fail_n of_o our_o duty_n be_v pardon_v and_o they_o accept_v in_o christ_n and_o therefore_o we_o may_v rejoice_v in_o they_o 10._o our_o duty_n have_v a_o double_a tendency_n to_o our_o salvation_n 1._o as_o the_o condition_n to_o which_o god_n have_v promise_v it_o as_o the_o crown_n and_o reward_n in_o a_o hundred_o text_n of_o scripture_n and_o may_v we_o not_o comfort_v ourselves_o in_o that_o which_o god_n promise_v heaven_n to_o 2._o as_o a_o natural_a mean_n to_o our_o obedience_n and_o further_a perfection_n as_o watchfulness_n meditation_n etc._n etc._n tend_v to_o destroy_v sin_n as_o paul_n say_v to_o timothy_n take_v heed_n to_o thyself_o and_o to_o thy_o doctrine_n and_o in_o so_o do_v thou_o shall_v both_o save_v thyself_o and_o they_o that_o hear_v theâ—_n 1_o tim._n 4.16_o and_o may_v we_o not_o take_v comfort_n in_o that_o which_o tend_v to_o save_v our_o own_o and_o our_o brethren_n soul_n 11._o we_o shall_v be_v judge_v according_a to_o our_o work_n therefore_o we_o must_v judge_v ourselves_o according_a to_o our_o work_n and_o so_o must_v judge_v our_o state_n good_a or_o bad_a according_a to_o our_o work_n for_o can_v man_n judge_v by_o a_o right_a way_n than_o god_n will_v at_o least_o be_v it_o not_o lawful_a for_o man_n to_o judge_v as_o god_n do_v 12._o we_o must_v judge_v of_o other_o in_o probability_n according_a to_o their_o external_a work_n even_o the_o tree_n by_o the_o fruit_n therefore_o we_o must_v judge_v of_o ourselves_o in_o certainty_n according_a to_o our_o internal_a and_o external_a work_n together_o which_o we_o may_v certain_o know_v 13._o if_o we_o may_v not_o rejoice_v in_o any_o of_o our_o grace_n than_o we_o may_v not_o be_v thankful_a for_o they_o for_o thanks_o be_v accompany_v with_o joy_n but_o we_o must_v be_v thankful_a 14._o if_o we_o may_v not_o rejoice_v in_o our_o duty_n we_o may_v not_o repent_v or_o sorrow_n for_o the_o neglect_n of_o they_o and_o if_o we_o may_v not_o rejoice_v in_o our_o grace_n we_o may_v not_o lament_v the_o want_n of_o they_o for_o these_o be_v as_o the_o two_o end_n of_o the_o balance_n that_o one_o go_v down_o when_o the_o other_o go_v up_o or_o as_o day_n and_o night_n light_a and_o darkness_n but_o the_o consequent_a be_v intolerable_a 15._o this_o will_v overthrow_v all_o religion_n for_o what_o a_o man_n can_v rejoice_v in_o he_o can_v love_v he_o can_v esteem_v regard_n be_v careful_a to_o obtain_v be_v fearful_a of_o lose_v etc._n etc._n 16._o god_n delight_v in_o our_o grace_n and_o holy_a duty_n and_o be_v well_o please_v with_o they_o and_o therefore_o it_o be_v lawful_a and_o needful_a that_o we_o do_v as_o god_n do_v jer._n 9.24_o heb._n 11.5_o abel_n sacrifice_n by_o faith_n obtain_v testimony_n that_o he_o please_v god_n heb._n 13.16_o to_o do_v good_a and_o to_o communicate_v forget_v not_o for_o with_o such_o sacrifice_n god_n be_v well_o please_v 17._o the_o saint_n of_o god_n have_v not_o only_o try_v themselves_o by_o their_o grace_n and_o duty_n and_o command_v other_o to_o try_v by_o they_o but_o have_v glory_v and_o rejoice_v in_o their_o duty_n and_o suffering_n 2_o cor._n 1.12_o this_o be_v our_o rejoice_v the_o testimony_n of_o our_o conscience_n that_o in_o simplicity_n and_o godly_a sincerity_n we_o have_v have_v our_o conversation_n among_o you_o act_n 5.41_o they_o glory_v that_o they_o be_v count_v worthy_a to_o suffer_v for_o christ_n rom._n 15.17_o i_o have_v therefore_o whereof_o i_o may_v glory_v in_o jesus_n christ_n in_o those_o thing_n which_o pertain_v to_o god_n rom._n 5.3_o we_o glory_v in_o tribulation_n etc._n etc._n 2_o cor._n 12.6_o 9_o though_o i_o shall_v desire_v to_o glory_n i_o shall_v not_o be_v a_o fool_n i_o glory_v in_o my_o infirmity_n jer._n 9.24_o let_v he_o that_o glori_v glory_n in_o this_o that_o he_o understand_v and_o know_v i_o 1_o cor._n 9.15_o i_o have_v rather_o die_v then_o any_o shall_v make_v my_o glory_v void_a gal._n 6.4_o let_v every_o man_n prove_v his_o own_o work_n so_o shall_v he_o have_v rejoice_v in_o himself_o alone_o and_o not_o in_o another_o 18._o scripture_n name_v many_o of_o our_o own_o grace_n and_o duty_n as_o the_o certain_a mark_n of_o our_o justification_n and_o right_a to_o glory_n even_o christ_n with_o his_o own_o mouth_n give_v we_o many_o matth._n 6.21_o where_o your_o treasure_n be_v there_o will_v your_o heart_n be_v also_o joh._n 3.20_o he_o that_o do_v evil_a hate_v the_o light_n etc._n etc._n but_o he_o that_o do_v good_a come_v to_o the_o light_n that_o etc._n etc._n mat._n 5._o be_v full_a of_o such_o bless_a be_v the_o poor_a in_o spirit_n the_o pure_a in_o heart_n etc._n etc._n 19_o we_o may_v rejoice_v in_o other_o man_n good_a work_n and_o grace_n and_o do_v if_o we_o be_v true_a christian_n therefore_o in_o our_o own_o 20._o we_o may_v rejoice_v in_o god_n outward_a mercy_n therefore_o much_o more_o in_o inward_a and_o such_o as_o accompany_v salvation_n all_o these_o argument_n prove_v that_o we_o may_v take_v up_o our_o comfort_n from_o our_o own_o gracious_a qualification_n and_o action_n not_o in_o opposition_n to_o christ_n but_o in_o subordination_n to_o he_o and_o most_o of_o they_o prove_v that_o we_o may_v fetch_v our_o assurance_n of_o salvation_n from_o they_o as_o undoubted_a evidence_n thereof_o i_o have_v say_v the_o more_o in_o answer_n to_o these_o objection_n 1._o because_o never_o any_o come_v with_o fair_a pretence_n of_o exalt_v christ_n and_o maintain_v the_o honour_n of_o his_o righteousness_n and_o free_a grace_n and_o of_o deny_v ourselves_o and_o our_o own_o righteousness_n 2._o and_o yet_o few_o doctrine_n more_o dishonour_n christ_n and_o destroy_v the_o very_a substance_n of_o all_o religion_n even_o as_o if_o a_o man_n shall_v cry_v down_o he_o that_o will_v praise_n and_o commend_v obedience_n to_o the_o king_n and_o say_v you_o must_v praise_v nothing_o but_o the_o king_n so_o do_v these_o cry_v down_o our_o look_v at_o and_o rejoice_v in_o our_o love_n to_o christ_n and_o our_o thankfulness_n to_o he_o and_o our_o obedience_n and_o all_o under_o pretence_n of_o honour_v he_o nay_o they_o will_v not_o have_v we_o rejoice_v in_o one_o part_n of_o christ_n salvation_n his_o save_v we_o from_o the_o power_n of_o sin_n and_o his_o sanctify_v we_o under_o pretence_n that_o we_o dishonour_v the_o other_o part_n of_o his_o salvation_n his_o justify_v we_o if_o ever_o satan_n transform_v himself_o into_o a_o angel_n of_o light_n and_o his_o minister_n into_o minister_n of_o light_n it_o be_v in_o the_o mistake_v of_o the_o antinomian_o and_o no_o people_n in_o the_o world_n except_o carnal_a libertine_n who_o this_o doctrine_n fit_v to_o a_o hair_n be_v in_o more_o danger_n of_o they_o then_o poor_a doubt_a christian_n under_o trouble_n of_o conscience_n special_o if_o they_o be_v not_o judicious_a and_o skilled_a in_o the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n for_o the_o very_a pretence_n of_o extol_v christ_n and_o free_a grace_n will_v take_v much_o with_o such_o and_o any_o new-way_n will_v sometime_o seem_v to_o give_v they_o comfort_n upon_o the_o very_a novelty_n and_o sudden_a change_n have_v thus_o prove_v that_o you_o may_v and_o must_v fetch_v your_o special_a comfort_n and_o assurance_n from_o evidence_n and_o that_o your_o first_o evidence_n be_v your_o faith_n i_o shall_v open_v this_o fullier_n under_o the_o next_o direction_n direction_n xi_o 11._o in_o the_o trial_n of_o your_o state_n be_v sure_a that_o you_o make_v