rather_o and_o if_o you_o tell_v the_o humble_a soul_n that_o they_o that_o sin_n against_o the_o holy_a ghost_n never_o hearty_o repent_v of_o it_o and_o no_o man_n in_o this_o life_n can_v certain_o conclude_v himself_o reprobate_v because_o for_o aught_o any_o know_v he_o may_v repent_v and_o turn_v to_o god_n he_o will_v yet_o object_v object_n 6._o it_o may_v be_v god_n will_v be_v so_o merciful_a as_o to_o save_v sinner_n that_o be_v deep_o and_o kind_o humble_v for_o their_o sin_n and_o full_a of_o the_o spirit_n of_o mourning_n and_o it_o be_v mercy_n indeed_o if_o he_o will_v save_v such_o but_o i_o have_v a_o hard_a heart_n and_o a_o uncontrite_a spirit_n i_o can_v grieve_v for_o sin_n to_o any_o purpose_n though_o i_o know_v myself_o to_o be_v one_o of_o the_o chief_a of_o sinner_n all_o these_o and_o many_o more_o such_o objection_n will_v be_v unanswerable_a if_o the_o soul_n consider_v only_o the_o absolute_a mercy_n of_o god_n for_o god_n may_v indeed_o be_v merciful_a and_o glorious_o merciful_a in_o save_v sinner_n though_o he_o shall_v only_o save_v some_o of_o the_o most_o restrain_v and_o least_o provoke_v the_o soon_a yield_v and_o most_o signal_o humble_v and_o mourn_a sinner_n and_o so_o the_o soul_n that_o judge_n worse_o of_o himself_o can_v have_v no_o hope_n of_o his_o salvation_n but_o the_o mercy_n of_o god_n in_o christ_n be_v such_o as_o that_o he_o free_o offer_v his_o salvation_n to_o all_o even_o the_o worst_a of_o sinner_n to_o who_o the_o gospel_n be_v preach_v invite_v and_o command_v they_o to_o accept_v it_o and_o rely_v upon_o he_o for_o it_o and_o this_o answer_v all_o objection_n the_o worst_a the_o soul_n can_v say_v against_o himself_o exempt_v he_o not_o from_o the_o number_n of_o sinner_n and_o salvation_n be_v free_o offer_v to_o all_o sinner_n in_o general_n he_o be_v one_o of_o they_o let_v he_o make_v as_o bad_a of_o himself_o as_o he_o can_v and_o though_o he_o think_v it_o never_o so_o unreasonable_a for_o he_o to_o hope_v for_o mercy_n yet_o no_o reason_n in_o the_o world_n can_v have_v any_o force_n against_o the_o command_n of_o the_o most_o high_a god_n which_o require_v he_o to_o repose_v his_o hope_n and_o trust_v in_o christ_n for_o his_o salvation_n thus_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o the_o ground_n of_o a_o christian_n hope_n or_o that_o which_o he_o rely_v and_o rest_v upon_o in_o his_o hope_n of_o salvation_n be_v the_o free_a mercy_n of_o god_n in_o christ_n and_o therefore_o be_v faith_n common_o in_o scripture_n call_v a_o trust_n or_o believe_v in_o jesus_n christ_n because_o the_o satisfaction_n which_o he_o have_v give_v to_o the_o law_n and_o the_o free_a tender_a of_o salvation_n which_o he_o make_v in_o the_o gospel_n to_o sinner_n in_o general_a be_v the_o only_a sufficient_a ground_n that_o any_o soul_n have_v to_o stay_v and_o rest_n upon_o in_o hope_n of_o his_o salvation_n john_n 3.15_o 16_o 18_o 36._o john_n 6.35_o 1_o pet._n 2.6_o act_n 11.17_o act_n 16.31_o and_o many_o other_o place_n faith_n be_v a_o believe_v in_o god_n but_o it_o be_v a_o believe_a on_o he_o look_v upon_o and_o consider_v as_o he_o be_v in_o jesus_n christ_n the_o soul_n can_v believe_v or_o trust_v in_o god_n for_o salvation_n but_o as_o he_o trust_v in_o christ_n 1_o pet._n 1.21_o who_o by_o he_o believe_v on_o god_n who_o raise_v he_o from_o the_o dead_a etc._n etc._n it_o be_v a_o trust_n or_o hope_v in_o the_o mercy_n of_o god_n psalm_n 15.5_o psalm_n 147.11_o but_o it_o be_v a_o trust_n in_o mercy_n only_o as_o it_o be_v express_v display_v and_o offer_v to_o sinner_n in_o jesus_n christ_n it_o be_v a_o trust_n or_o hope_v in_o the_o word_n psalm_n 119.42_o 74._o in_o as_o much_o as_o it_o declare_v and_o propound_v that_o mercy_n of_o god_n in_o christ_n on_o which_o alone_o the_o soul_n may_v rest_v itself_o in_o hope_n of_o salvation_n thus_o have_v we_o see_v the_o sinner_n bring_v by_o the_o several_a step_n of_o consideration_n conviction_n humiliation_n etc._n etc._n to_o a_o fiducial_a faith_n or_o believe_v on_o jesus_n christ_n and_o now_o be_v he_o in_o the_o state_n of_o effectual_a call_v or_o conversion_n 1_o thess_n 2.13_o then_o man_n be_v call_v and_o convert_v when_o they_o believe_v in_o jesus_n christ_n as_o it_o be_v full_o prove_v in_o rom._n 1.16_o with_o 1_o cor._n 1.24_o now_o be_v the_o soul_n set_v safe_a from_o condemnation_n and_o therefore_o be_v this_o faith_n call_v justify_v faith_n rom._n 5.1_o now_o be_v the_o soul_n adopt_v and_o entitle_v to_o everlasting_a life_n and_o therefore_o be_v faith_n call_v save_v faith_n or_o believe_v to_o salvation_n heb._n 10._o yea_o now_o the_o soul_n be_v by_o the_o work_n of_o the_o spirit_n possess_v of_o all_o grace_n necessary_a to_o qualify_v and_o prepare_v he_o for_o heaven_n the_o heart_n be_v purify_v by_o faith_n act_v 15.9_o and_o take_v up_o by_o the_o lord_n jesus_n for_o his_o habitation_n ephes_n 2.22_o with_o ephes_n 2.17_o wherever_o there_o be_v faith_n in_o christ_n there_o be_v also_o love_n to_o god_n obedience_n patience_n humility_n self-denial_n and_o all_o other_o grace_n in_o which_o the_o law_n be_v write_v on_o renew_a heart_n the_o exercise_n and_o increase_v whereof_o come_v next_o to_o be_v consider_v the_o sum_n of_o all_o be_v 1._o the_o sinner_n take_v the_o estate_n of_o his_o soul_n into_o serious_a consideration_n ezek._n 18.28_o he_o consider_v and_o turn_v away_o from_o his_o transgression_n 2._o he_o find_v himself_o to_o be_v in_o a_o lose_a and_o perish_a condition_n luke_n 15.17_o i_o perish_v for_o hunger_n 3._o the_o sight_n of_o himself_o in_o this_o estate_n affect_v his_o soul_n with_o deep_a sorrow_n and_o distress_n trouble_v act_n 2.37_o when_o they_o hear_v this_o they_o be_v pierce_v at_o the_o heart_n 4._o this_o distress_n put_v he_o upon_o a_o studious_a consultation_n and_o enquiry_n for_o a_o remedy_n of_o his_o estate_n and_o they_o say_v man_n and_o brethren_n what_o shall_v we_o do_v 5._o upon_o this_o enquiry_n god_n direct_v he_o to_o a_o serious_a and_o heedful_a attention_n to_o the_o gospel_n act_n 11.14_o send_v for_o peter_n he_o shall_v tell_v thou_o word_n whereby_o thou_o and_o all_o thy_o house_n shall_v be_v save_v and_o act_v 10.33_o we_o be_v all_o etc._n etc._n 6._o thus_o attend_v the_o gospel_n he_o come_v to_o understand_v and_o believe_v the_o doctrine_n therein_o contain_v and_o to_o receive_v it_o for_o certain_a truth_n upon_o god_n testimony_n act_n 2.41_o they_o that_o glad_o receive_v his_o word_n be_v baptize_v john_n 6.45_o they_o shall_v be_v all_o teach_v of_o god_n every_o one_o therefore_o that_o have_v hear_v and_o learn_v of_o the_o father_n come_v to_o i_o 7._o upon_o the_o belief_n of_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n he_o proceed_v to_o a_o hearty_a reliance_n on_o the_o free_a mercy_n of_o god_n in_o christ_n in_o hope_n of_o his_o salvation_n for_o gal._n 2.16_o know_v that_o a_o man_n be_v not_o justify_v by_o the_o work_n of_o the_o law_n but_o by_o the_o faith_n of_o christ_n even_o we_o have_v believe_v in_o jesus_n christ_n that_o we_o may_v be_v justify_v by_o the_o faith_n of_o christ_n 1._o believe_v the_o gospel_n he_o be_v inform_v of_o the_o excellency_n of_o christ_n salvation_n and_o so_o desire_v it_o earnest_o for_o himself_o 2._o believe_v the_o gospel_n he_o see_v this_o salvation_n be_v free_o offer_v to_o sinner_n in_o general_a and_o so_o conceive_v hope_n that_o he_o may_v have_v it_o 3._o believe_v the_o gospel_n he_o see_v that_o salvation_n be_v procure_v and_o grant_v only_o through_o the_o mercy_n of_o god_n in_o christ_n and_o therefore_o he_o rest_v only_o upon_o that_o mercy_n in_o hope_n of_o his_o salvation_n part_n ii_o of_o the_o progress_n of_o a_o believer_n from_o his_o conversion_n to_o his_o perfection_n under_o the_o work_n of_o sanctification_n 1_o peter_z ii_o 2._o as_o newborn_a babe_n desire_v the_o sincere_a milk_n of_o the_o word_n that_o you_o may_v grow_v thereby_o the_o text_n be_v a_o exhortation_n to_o a_o earnest_a desire_n after_o the_o word_n where_o note_n first_o 1._o the_o person_n exhort_v they_o be_v late_o convert_v christian_n compare_v to_o newborn_a babe_n so_o young_a and_o incomplete_a christian_n be_v call_v 1_o cor._n 3.1_o and_o i_o brethren_n can_v not_o speak_v unto_o you_o as_o unto_o spiritual_a but_o as_o unto_o carnal_a even_o as_o unto_o babe_n in_o christ_n babe_n in_o christ_n because_o the_o work_n of_o sanctification_n have_v go_v on_o but_o a_o little_a way_n in_o they_o they_o be_v hitherto_o very_o carnal_a 2._o the_o matter_n of_o the_o exhortation_n a_o desire_n after_o the_o word_n where_o note_n first_o first_o the_o object_n of_o this_o desire_n
life_n rev._n 22.17_o and_o that_o ask_n of_o which_o our_o saviour_n speak_v john_n 4.10_o if_o thou_o have_v know_v the_o gift_n etc._n etc._n thou_o will_v have_v ask_v god_n make_v the_o humble_a soul_n in_o the_o former_a act_n of_o faith_n to_o know_v his_o gift_n and_o to_o believe_v the_o worth_n and_o goodness_n of_o it_o and_o therefore_o now_o he_o earnest_o desire_v and_o ask_v it_o and_o here_o we_o see_v at_o the_o very_a entrance_n how_o far_o man_n be_v from_o saving-faith_n and_o hope_n in_o christ_n that_o do_v not_o earnest_o desire_v after_o god_n and_o holiness_n a_o man_n can_v never_o hope_v for_o that_o which_o he_o desire_v not_o and_o to_o desire_v after_o god_n and_o not_o hate_v sin_n and_o all_o unrighteousness_n be_v utter_o impossible_a as_o for_o a_o man_n to_o desire_v to_o be_v in_o the_o light_n and_o yet_o not_o be_v out_o of_o love_n with_o darkness_n no_o wicked_a man_n while_o he_o continue_v so_o have_v any_o true_a desire_n after_o the_o salvation_n of_o god_n in_o christ_n freedom_n from_o punishment_n he_o may_v desire_v but_o holiness_n and_o union_n with_o god_n he_o desire_v not_o nor_o can_v he_o have_v any_o good_a affection_n towards_o it_o yea_o he_o say_v to_o god_n depart_v from_o i_o i_o desire_v not_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o most_o high_a job_n 21.14_o now_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o most_o high_a be_v life_n eternal_a john_n 17.3_o so_o that_o wicked_a man_n whatsoever_o profession_n they_o may_v make_v of_o faith_n and_o hope_n in_o christ_n for_o life_n eternal_a do_v not_o so_o much_o as_o desire_v life_n eternal_a no_o you_o will_v say_v be_v there_o any_o that_o do_v not_o desire_v eternal_a life_n god_n that_o know_v the_o language_n of_o their_o heart_n and_o will_v not_o wrong_v they_o in_o the_o interpretation_n of_o it_o give_v we_o this_o account_n of_o what_o be_v say_v by_o wicked_a man_n in_o general_a within_o themselves_o we_o desire_v not_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o almighty_a we_o desire_v not_o his_o acquaintance_n no_o communion_n with_o he_o they_o have_v rather_o starve_v than_o go_v and_o dwell_v in_o the_o father_n house_n to_o eat_v bread_n there_o and_o live_v 2._o as_o the_o belief_n of_o the_o gospel_n make_v the_o humble_a soul_n earnest_o desire_v the_o salvation_n of_o god_n so_o it_o give_v he_o a_o persuasion_n that_o he_o may_v attain_v it_o and_o this_o make_v his_o desire_n a_o hopeful_a desire_n i._n e._n it_o give_v it_o the_o nature_n of_o hope_n a_o man_n that_o right_o understand_v and_o believe_v the_o gospel_n and_o earnest_o desire_v the_o salvation_n propound_v in_o it_o must_v needs_o apprehend_v a_o possibility_n at_o least_o of_o his_o own_o salvation_n while_o he_o remain_v under_o the_o dispensation_n of_o the_o gospel_n for_o say_v the_o soul_n if_o the_o salvation_n of_o christ_n be_v free_o offer_v to_o all_o to_o who_o the_o gospel_n be_v preach_v i._n e._n if_o it_o be_v the_o good_a pleasure_n of_o god_n that_o whosoever_o accept_v this_o salvation_n shall_v have_v it_o and_o if_o he_o invite_v and_o command_v all_o to_o accept_v it_o without_o any_o other_o condition_n or_o any_o exception_n than_o there_o be_v fair_a probability_n that_o i_o may_v have_v my_o part_n in_o it_o i_o be_o sure_a i_o desire_v it_o more_o than_o any_o thing_n in_o the_o world_n and_o though_o i_o be_v never_o so_o unworthy_a yet_o the_o gift_n be_v free_a and_o though_o the_o law_n condemn_v i_o yet_o christ_n have_v so_o answer_v the_o law_n that_o god_n may_v with_o honour_n save_o i_o if_o he_o will_n who_o know_v then_o but_o even_o i_o may_v attain_v everlasting_a life_n by_o jesus_n christ_n under_o this_o persuasion_n now_o the_o humble_a soul_n earnest_o desire_v the_o salvation_n of_o christ_n and_o this_o be_v hope_n so_o the_o prodigal_n as_o he_o hungry_o desire_v to_o eat_v of_o his_o father_n bread_n so_o he_o have_v a_o good_a persuasion_n that_o at_o his_o father_n house_n he_o may_v have_v entertainment_n that_o his_o father_n will_v not_o shut_v the_o door_n against_o he_o but_o receive_v he_o and_o in_o this_o hope_n he_o go_v the_o merchant_n matth._n 13._o have_v not_o only_o a_o desire_n to_o be_v owner_n of_o the_o pearl_n but_o a_o persuasion_n that_o sell_v all_o that_o he_o have_v he_o may_v certain_o entitle_v himself_o to_o it_o so_o he_o that_o come_v to_o the_o water_n of_o life_n come_v not_o only_o in_o a_o thirst_a desire_n after_o it_o but_o under_o a_o hopeful_a apprehension_n that_o he_o may_v take_v and_o have_v it_o free_o for_o his_o own_o refreshment_n that_o his_o soul_n may_v live_v this_o be_v very_o ample_o express_v in_o those_o word_n of_o the_o apostle_n gal._n 2.16_o we_o know_v that_o a_o man_n be_v not_o justify_v by_o the_o work_n of_o the_o law_n but_o by_o the_o faith_n of_o jesus_n christ_n even_o we_o have_v believe_v in_o jesus_n christ_n that_o we_o may_v be_v justify_v by_o the_o faith_n of_o christ_n 1._o they_o know_v and_o believe_v the_o gospel_n that_o justification_n pardon_v of_o sin_n and_o so_o salvation_n be_v to_o be_v attain_v only_o through_o jesus_n christ_n 2._o this_o justification_n or_o pardon_v and_o salvation_n they_o earnest_o desire_v else_o they_o will_v not_o have_v prosecute_v it_o 3._o they_o have_v a_o persuasion_n that_o they_o may_v possible_o attain_v it_o as_o well_o as_o other_o and_o so_o they_o believe_v in_o jesus_n christ_n that_o they_o may_v actual_o attain_v it_o this_o persuasion_n be_v utter_o want_v in_o devil_n and_o despair_a sinner_n though_o they_o shall_v be_v never_o so_o earnest_a in_o desire_n of_o salvation_n yet_o they_o have_v no_o persuasion_n that_o they_o shall_v or_o may_v obtain_v it_o the_o former_a have_v no_o gospel_n for_o it_o the_o latter_a no_o right_a understanding_n nor_o true_a belief_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o therefore_o they_o have_v no_o hope_n no_o trust_n in_o jesus_n christ_n and_o as_o this_o persuasion_n grow_v strong_a and_o strong_a in_o he_o that_o sincere_o hunger_n and_o thirst_v after_o christ_n so_o his_o hope_n get_v up_o to_o better_a measure_n and_o degree_n in_o these_o two_o thing_n we_o see_v the_o father_n draw_v of_o soul_n to_o jesus_n christ_n john_n 4.44_o it_o be_v a_o work_n do_v by_o the_o gospel_n 1._o man_n hear_v the_o gospel_n 2._o hear_v it_o they_o learn_v it_o i._n e._n they_o believe_v it_o with_o a_o assent_v faith_n they_o believe_v 1._o the_o excellency_n of_o salvation_n as_o propound_v in_o the_o gospel_n and_o so_o they_o desire_v it_o 2._o they_o believe_v the_o free_a offer_n and_o grant_v that_o be_v there_o make_v of_o it_o to_o poor_a sinner_n without_o exception_n and_o so_o they_o get_v a_o persuasion_n that_o they_o themselves_o may_v attain_v it_o and_o thus_o they_o come_v to_o he_o for_o it_o they_o come_v to_o he_o in_o their_o hopeful_a desire_n of_o his_o salvation_n thus_o much_o of_o the_o end_n of_o faith_n which_o be_v salvation_n and_o the_o tendency_n of_o faith_n to_o that_o end_n in_o a_o way_n of_o hope_n three_o the_o next_o thing_n to_o be_v consider_v be_v the_o ground_n or_o foundation_n of_o this_o hope_n the_o free_a mercy_n of_o god_n in_o jesus_n christ_n in_o all_o hope_n the_o expect_a soul_n have_v somewhat_o to_o rest_n and_o bear_v upon_o as_o the_o foundation_n and_o basis_n of_o its_o hope_n and_o that_o rest_v and_o lean_v be_v the_o formal_a proper_a act_n of_o a_o fiducial_a faith_n the_o lame_a man_n act_n 5._o hope_v that_o the_o apostle_n will_v give_v he_o money_n and_o ground_v that_o hope_n in_o their_o suppose_a liberality_n so_o he_o trust_v in_o their_o liberality_n in_o hope_n of_o a_o alms._n the_o governor_n act_v 24.26_o hope_a for_o a_o bribe_n and_o ground_v that_o hope_n upon_o the_o love_n it_o be_v likely_a which_o he_o suppose_v paul_n friend_n have_v for_o he_o so_o he_o trust_v in_o the_o interest_n that_o paul_n have_v in_o his_o money_a friend_n in_o hope_n of_o a_o bribe_n thus_o believer_n hope_v for_o the_o salvation_n of_o god_n propound_v in_o the_o gospel_n and_o ground_n their_o hope_n on_o his_o free_a mercy_n in_o christ_n i._n e._n they_o trust_v on_o the_o free_a mercy_n of_o god_n in_o christ_n in_o hope_n of_o salvation_n as_o in_o faith_n of_o assent_n there_o be_v a_o persuasion_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o doctrine_n contain_v in_o the_o gospel_n and_o a_o rest_v on_o the_o testimony_n of_o god_n in_o that_o persuasion_n so_o in_o fiducial_a faith_n there_o be_v a_o hope_v for_o salvation_n propound_v in_o the_o gospel_n and_o a_o rest_v on_o the_o mercy_n of_o god_n in_o christ_n in_o that_o hope_n now_o that_o the_o mercy_n of_o god_n in_o christ_n be_v the_o proper_a ground_n whereon_o the_o soul_n
rest_v itself_o in_o the_o act_n of_o save_v faith_n may_v thus_o appear_v 1._o man_n be_v a_o offender_n and_o guilty_a of_o death_n eternal_a can_v be_v save_v but_o in_o a_o way_n of_o pardon_n which_o be_v a_o act_n of_o mercy_n and_o thereforefore_o he_o can_v have_v no_o hope_n of_o salvation_n from_o god_n but_o as_o he_o be_v a_o merciful_a god_n he_o that_o be_v bind_v over_o to_o the_o punishment_n of_o eternal_a death_n must_v either_o suffer_v it_o or_o be_v forgive_v it_o now_o nothing_o forgive_v but_o mercy_n look_v upon_o god_n as_o almighty_a and_o it_o speak_v terror_n to_o the_o guilty_a soul_n power_n make_v he_o able_a to_o destroy_v both_o soul_n and_o body_n in_o hell_n look_v upon_o he_o as_o just_o and_o justice_n speak_v terror_n as_o that_o which_o make_v he_o hate_v sin_n and_o punish_v sinner_n but_o consider_v he_o as_o he_o be_v merciful_a and_o pitiful_a to_o poor_a creature_n in_o their_o misery_n and_o there_o you_o have_v some_o ground_n of_o hope_n hope_n can_v never_o find_v whereon_o to_o rest_v the_o sole_a of_o its_o foot_n till_o you_o come_v to_o a_o sight_n of_o god_n as_o merciful_a god_n be_v merciful_a to_o i_o a_o sinner_n luke_n 18.13_o he_o can_v light_v on_o nothing_o in_o all_o the_o world_n to_o stay_v his_o hope_n upon_o but_o mercy_n the_o poor_a leper_n matth._n 8._o urge_v our_o saviour_n with_o his_o power_n to_o make_v he_o clean_o but_o if_o he_o have_v not_o have_v some_o hopeful_a conceit_n of_o his_o willingness_n to_o relieve_v poor_a supplicant_n in_o such_o a_o case_n he_o will_v never_o have_v ask_v he_o for_o the_o cure_n he_o that_o expect_v a_o debt_n may_v trust_v in_o the_o justice_n of_o he_o that_o owe_v it_o but_o he_o that_o expect_v a_o act_n of_o grace_n must_v rest_v on_o the_o mercy_n of_o he_o from_o who_o he_o expect_v it_o or_o he_o have_v nothing_o to_o trust_v to_o obj._n you_o will_v say_v a_o believer_n hope_n in_o the_o faithfulness_n of_o god_n and_o the_o infallible_a truth_n of_o his_o word_n as_o well_o as_o in_o his_o mercy_n ans_fw-fr i_o grant_v it_o a_o believer_n hope_n in_o the_o truth_n of_o god_n but_o it_o be_v only_a as_o his_o truth_n and_o faithfulness_n do_v assure_v the_o soul_n of_o his_o mercifulness_n god_n profess_v and_o declare_v himself_o merciful_a the_o soul_n believe_v that_o he_o be_v so_o and_o will_v approve_v himself_o so_o because_o it_o judge_v he_o faithful_a and_o therefore_o hope_n in_o mercy_n so_o declare_v so_o the_o soul_n rely_v on_o mercy_n rely_v upon_o the_o power_n of_o god_n but_o only_o as_o mercy_n turn_v and_o use_v it_o to_o the_o save_n of_o sinner_n otherwise_o he_o be_v true_a to_o punish_v according_a to_o his_o threaten_n as_o well_o as_o he_o be_v true_a to_o save_v according_a to_o his_o promise_n so_o he_o be_v mighty_a to_o destroy_v as_o well_o as_o to_o save_v yea_o the_o soul_n rely_v on_o mercy_n rely_v also_o on_o the_o justice_n of_o god_n as_o he_o be_v just_a in_o show_v mercy_n but_o all_o this_o while_n mercy_n lie_v at_o the_o bottom_n as_o the_o foundation_n of_o a_o believer_n hope_n let_v god_n be_v never_o so_o mighty_a never_o so_o wise_a never_o so_o faithful_a never_o so_o righteous_a all_o this_o speak_v no_o encouragement_n to_o the_o poor_a humble_a sinner_n but_o all_o against_o he_o till_o mercy_n be_v discover_v and_o then_o some_o ground_n appear_v for_o he_o to_o build_v his_o hope_n upon_o and_o now_o the_o other_o attribute_n of_o god_n give_v their_o assistance_n and_o bear_v up_o expectation_n 2._o but_o yet_o no_o man_n can_v safe_o hope_v in_o the_o absolute_a mercy_n of_o god_n for_o salvation_n but_o only_o in_o the_o mercy_n of_o god_n consider_v as_o he_o be_v merciful_a in_o jesus_n christ_n i._n e._n as_o he_o be_v merciful_a so_o as_o to_o provide_v and_o accept_v a_o satisfaction_n to_o justice_n in_o the_o death_n of_o his_o son_n and_o so_o to_o offer_v salvation_n free_o to_o sinner_n or_o in_o the_o word_n of_o scripture_n as_o love_v the_o world_n so_o as_o to_o give_v his_o only_o beget_v son_n that_o whosoever_o believe_v on_o he_o shall_v not_o perish_v but_o have_v everlasting_a life_n for_o 1._o if_o the_o humble_a sinner_n consider_v mercy_n absolute_o justice_n present_o come_v in_o and_o damp_n his_o hope_n of_o salvation_n for_o as_o it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v expect_v that_o god_n though_o he_o be_v almighty_a shall_v do_v any_o thing_n which_o his_o wisdom_n do_v not_o allow_v of_o because_o he_o be_v infinite_o wise_a as_o well_o as_o almighty_a so_o neither_o can_v it_o be_v hope_v though_o he_o be_v infinite_a in_o mercy_n that_o he_o shall_v do_v any_o thing_n in_o a_o way_n of_o pity_n to_o a_o sinner_n which_o his_o justice_n will_v not_o bear_v because_o he_o be_v just_a as_o he_o be_v merciful_a now_o justice_n require_v that_o the_o law_n shall_v proceed_v and_o that_o the_o soul_n that_o have_v sin_v shall_v die_v gal._n 3.10_o deut._n 27.26_o but_o god_n in_o give_v his_o son_n to_o die_v for_o sinner_n have_v so_o satisfy_v the_o law_n that_o justice_n have_v nothing_o at_o all_o to_o plead_v against_o the_o salvation_n of_o any_o one_o sinner_n who_o god_n will_v please_v to_o save_v rom._n 3.25_o 26._o by_o this_o mean_v god_n have_v so_o order_v it_o that_o he_o be_v high_o just_a in_o show_v mercy_n to_o the_o sinner_n as_o have_v lay_v the_o punishment_n which_o belong_v to_o he_o upon_o his_o own_o son_n and_o therefore_o mercy_n thus_o consider_v be_v a_o sufficient_a ground_n of_o hope_n but_o not_o otherwise_o as_o heb._n 9.21_o without_o shed_v of_o blood_n there_o be_v no_o remission_n no_o hope_n of_o pardon_n and_o salvation_n but_o through_o the_o death_n of_o christ_n though_o god_n be_v never_o so_o merciful_a second_o if_o the_o humble_a soul_n consider_v mercy_n absolute_o he_o can_v have_v no_o assurance_n of_o the_o term_n on_o which_o he_o will_v save_v sinner_n suppose_v that_o he_o will_v save_v any_o of_o they_o and_o so_o the_o soul_n may_v object_v against_o his_o own_o hope_n of_o salvation_n obj._n 1_o it_o may_v be_v god_n will_v be_v so_o merciful_a as_o to_o save_v sinner_n that_o have_v not_o break_v out_o into_o gross_a wickedness_n but_o have_v restrain_v themselves_o to_o some_o bound_n of_o fairness_n and_o morality_n and_o it_o be_v great_a mercy_n if_o he_o will_v save_v such_o but_o i_o have_v exceed_v in_o sin_n and_o do_v evil_a with_o a_o high_a hand_n obj._n 2._o it_o may_v be_v he_o will_v be_v so_o merciful_a as_o to_o save_v sinner_n that_o have_v sin_v out_o of_o ignorance_n as_o be_v uninform_v and_o unconvince_v of_o the_o evil_a of_o the_o thing_n wherein_o they_o have_v offend_v and_o it_o be_v great_a mercy_n if_o he_o will_v save_v such_o but_o i_o have_v rebel_v against_o the_o light_n and_o sin_v against_o knowledge_n and_o the_o express_a dictate_v of_o my_o own_o conscience_n obj._n 3_o it_o may_v be_v god_n will_v be_v so_o merciful_a as_o to_o save_v sinner_n that_o accept_v the_o first_o or_o second_o call_v that_o he_o give_v they_o to_o repentance_n and_o close_o with_o offer_a grace_n betimes_o and_o it_o be_v great_a mercy_n if_o he_o will_v save_v such_o sinner_n but_o alas_o i_o have_v withstand_v many_o gracious_a invitation_n and_o neglect_a salvation_n when_o it_o have_v be_v offer_v to_o i_o god_n know_v how_o many_o time_n and_o so_o my_o day_n may_v be_v expire_v it_o may_v be_v god_n will_v be_v so_o merciful_a as_o to_o save_v sinner_n that_o have_v not_o signal_o contradict_v their_o profession_n in_o the_o course_n of_o their_o life_n who_o as_o they_o have_v not_o practise_v godliness_n so_o have_v never_o much_o pretend_v to_o it_o and_o it_o be_v great_a mercy_n if_o he_o will_v save_v such_o or_o some_o of_o they_o but_o i_o have_v dissemble_v with_o he_o and_o live_v the_o life_n of_o the_o ungodly_a under_o the_o profession_n of_o godliness_n yea_o i_o have_v give_v up_o my_o name_n to_o christ_n and_o yet_o have_v give_v my_o hand_n to_o satan_n and_o my_o own_o lust_n object_n 4._o it_o may_v be_v god_n will_v be_v so_o merciful_a as_o to_o save_v sinner_n that_o have_v not_o sin_v against_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o it_o be_v great_a mercy_n if_o he_o will_v vouchsafe_v to_o save_v some_o of_o they_o but_o i_o fear_v i_o have_v sin_v the_o sin_n that_o be_v never_o to_o be_v pardon_v object_n 5._o it_o may_v be_v god_n will_v save_v some_o great_a and_o eminent_a sinner_n but_o they_o be_v such_o only_a as_o be_v within_o the_o eternal_a purpose_n of_o election_n and_o he_o show_v great_a mercy_n in_o save_v they_o but_o i_o fear_v i_o be_o under_o the_o decree_n of_o reprobation_n
convert_v pardon_v and_o renew_v grace_n and_o the_o person_n return_v unto_o union_n with_o god_n that_o be_v into_o life_n and_o this_o life_n once_o begin_v by_o jesus_n christ_n be_v eternal_a thus_o christ_n salvation_n be_v set_v forth_o in_o plain_a term_n act._n 3._o god_n send_v christ_n to_o bless_v man_n to_o bless_v they_o i._n e._n to_o save_v they_o and_o make_v they_o happy_a to_o save_v they_o from_o the_o curse_n which_o they_o be_v under_o by_o nature_n by_o turn_v they_o from_o their_o iniquity_n that_o they_o may_v receive_v remission_n of_o sin_n and_o a_o inheritance_n among_o they_o that_o be_v sanctify_v act._n 26.18_o by_o which_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o as_o man_n can_v be_v save_v without_o pardon_n which_o free_v from_o punishment_n so_o neither_o can_v they_o be_v save_v by_o pardon_n without_o be_v turn_v from_o sin_n itself_o let_v pardon_n go_v as_o far_o as_o it_o can_v without_o holiness_n and_o the_o person_n be_v miserable_a still_o and_o dead_a still_o because_o separate_v from_o god_n this_o be_v the_o salvation_n which_o the_o gospel_n treat_v of_o and_o which_o be_v free_o offer_v to_o all_o sinner_n without_o exception_n to_o offer_v a_o thing_n free_o be_v to_o say_v here_o it_o be_v take_v it_o and_o it_o shall_v be_v thou_o so_o the_o gospel_n offer_v salvation_n by_o jesus_n christ_n as_o appear_v if_o we_o consider_v these_o two_o thing_n first_o it_o be_v the_o good_a pleasure_n of_o god_n that_o whosoever_o accept_v this_o salvation_n shall_v have_v it_o that_o whosoever_o will_v take_v of_o the_o water_n of_o life_n shall_v have_v it_o without_o money_n and_o without_o price_n rev._n 21._o isa_n 55.1_o to_o as_o many_o as_o receive_v jesus_n christ_n he_o give_v power_n to_o be_v call_v the_o son_n of_o god_n john_n 1.12_o 2._o he_o invite_v and_o command_v all_o to_o accept_v it_o without_o condition_n or_o exception_n whosoever_o will_v let_v he_o take_v etc._n etc._n ho_o every_o one_o that_o thirst_v come_v etc._n etc._n that_o word_n that_o thirst_v be_v no_o limitation_n at_o all_o it_o be_v but_o every_o one_o that_o list_v or_o be_v hearty_o willing_a and_o acceptance_n can_v be_v against_o or_o without_o the_o will._n as_o when_o a_o man_n offer_v meat_n at_o a_o table_n to_o all_o that_o have_v a_o appetite_n it_o be_v all_o one_o as_o to_o offer_v it_o to_o all_o so_o rest_n be_v promise_v to_o the_o weary_a matth._n 11._o i._n e._n to_o all_o that_o will_v come_v for_o it_o so_o the_o grant_n of_o salvation_n in_o the_o gospel_n be_v absolute_a and_o unconditional_a unless_o you_o will_v as_o some_o do_v call_v acceptance_n itself_o the_o condition_n and_o so_o it_o be_v a_o question_n whether_o any_o gift_n can_v possible_o be_v unconditional_a and_o certain_o no_o gift_n that_o be_v give_v oblative_o by_o way_n of_o offer_n can_v be_v without_o condition_n thus_o we_o see_v the_o sum_n of_o the_o gospel_n that_o must_v be_v understand_v and_o believe_v to_o salvation_n second_o the_o humble_a soul_n serious_o attend_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n not_o only_o understand_v what_o be_v the_o sum_n and_o substance_n of_o it_o but_o also_o discover_v the_o authority_n of_o god_n impress_v upon_o it_o and_o perceive_v his_o voice_n in_o it_o and_o so_o receive_v it_o for_o certain_a truth_n upon_o his_o testimony_n and_o this_o give_v form_n and_o be_v to_o the_o faith_n of_o assent_n viz._n a_o humble_a and_o reverential_a acquiescency_n in_o the_o testimony_n of_o god_n for_o the_o infallible_a certainty_n of_o the_o thing_n that_o be_v affirm_v 1_o john_n 5.10_o he_o that_o believe_v not_o god_n have_v make_v he_o a_o liar_n because_o he_o believe_v not_o the_o testimony_n that_o god_n have_v give_v of_o his_o son_n which_o imply_v immediate_o that_o he_o that_o do_v believe_v the_o testimony_n believe_v god_n in_o it_o and_o ground_n upon_o his_o veracity_n and_o never-failing_a truth_n believe_v be_v ground_v on_o the_o veracity_n of_o he_o who_o we_o believe_v and_o consequent_o to_o deny_v belief_n be_v to_o deny_v or_o question_v at_o least_o the_o veracity_n of_o the_o speaker_n john_n 3.33_o when_o we_o hearty_o assent_v to_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o be_v full_o persuade_v that_o it_o be_v certain_a truth_n and_o that_o persuasion_n be_v ground_v on_o the_o truth_n of_o god_n because_o we_o receive_v it_o as_o from_o his_o mouth_n who_o can_v deceive_v we_o this_o be_v believe_v the_o gospel_n and_o this_o be_v the_o six_o step_v or_o degree_n of_o this_o great_a work_n of_o salvation_n when_o god_n by_o make_v the_o soul_n heedful_o attend_v to_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n cause_v he_o so_o to_o understand_v it_o and_o comprehend_v the_o substance_n of_o it_o and_o so_o to_o apprehend_v and_o perceive_v the_o very_a voice_n and_o authority_n of_o god_n in_o it_o that_o he_o threupon_o sit_v down_o conclude_v in_o it_o as_o undeniable_a and_o undubitable_a because_o god_n affirm_v it_o see_v 1_o thess_n 2.13_o the_o man_n have_v often_o hear_v the_o gospel_n before_o it_o may_v be_v and_o know_v the_o content_n of_o it_o and_o do_v not_o deny_v the_o truth_n of_o they_o but_o let_v they_o pass_v for_o thing_n as_o common_o receive_v for_o truth_n in_o the_o place_n where_o he_o live_v maintain_v by_o learned_a man_n and_o deliver_v down_o from_o generation_n to_o generation_n so_o that_o it_o will_v have_v be_v matter_n of_o shame_n to_o he_o to_o have_v call_v they_o into_o question_n but_o now_o he_o have_v another_o sense_n and_o relish_v of_o the_o thing_n themselves_o than_o he_o have_v before_o and_o be_v strong_o persuade_v of_o the_o certain_a truth_n of_o they_o by_o the_o invincible_a authority_n of_o god_n from_o who_o as_o his_o oracle_n he_o receive_v they_o the_o seven_o step_n or_o degree_n of_o this_o great_a work_n be_v fiducial_a faith_n a_o rest_a or_o trust_v on_o the_o mercy_n of_o god_n in_o christ_n in_o hope_n of_o his_o salvation_n tender_v to_o sinner_n in_o the_o gospel_n these_o two_o grace_n if_o indeed_o they_o be_v two_o faith_n and_o hope_n be_v so_o near_o unite_v and_o conjoin_v that_o the_o one_o can_v neither_o be_v nor_o be_v define_v without_o the_o other_o rom._n 4.18_o abraham_n believe_v in_o hope_n and_o heb._n 11.1_o faith_n be_v the_o substance_n or_o subsistence_n of_o thing_n hope_v for_o hope_n be_v the_o intention_n of_o the_o soul_n to_o that_o good_a which_o a_o man_n be_v persuade_v he_o may_v attain_v faith_n fiducial_a be_v a_o man_n rest_v or_o trust_v in_o that_o thing_n or_o person_n by_o mean_n or_o help_v or_o favour_n whereof_o he_o hope_v to_o attain_v the_o good_a which_o he_o intend_v as_o act._n 3.5_o the_o impotent_a man_n expect_v to_o receive_v a_o alm_n from_o the_o apostle_n and_o trust_v in_o their_o suppose_a liberality_n so_o rom._n 4.18_o abraham_n hope_v to_o become_v a_o father_n of_o many_o nation_n and_o trust_v in_o the_o alsufficiency_n and_o faithfulness_n of_o god_n so_o all_o hope_n be_v ground_v in_o fiducial_a faith_n and_o all_o fiducial_a faith_n exert_v itself_o in_o hope_n hope_v look_n at_o the_o end_n which_o be_v intend_v and_o faith_n at_o that_o by_o mean_n and_o help_n whereof_o it_o be_v to_o be_v attain_v d._n ward_n de_fw-fr fide_fw-la justificante_fw-la but_o notwithstanding_o this_o distinction_n it_o be_v common_o observe_v that_o the_o scripture_n ofttimes_o express_v both_o faith_n and_o hope_n by_o one_o and_o the_o same_o word_n and_o refer_v hope_n as_o well_o to_o the_o mean_n as_o to_o the_o end_n as_o when_o we_o read_v of_o hope_v in_o god_n hope_v in_o christ_n and_o hope_v in_o mercy_n which_o be_v certain_o all_o one_o with_o trust_v in_o god_n and_o trust_v in_o christ_n and_o trust_v in_o mercy_n etc._n etc._n as_o the_o learned_a dr._n ward_n observe_v again_o trust_v be_v common_o refer_v to_o the_o end_n as_o well_o as_o to_o the_o mean_n as_o psal_n 22.8_o he_o trust_v in_o god_n that_o he_o will_v deliver_v he_o he_o trust_v that_o god_n will_v deliver_v he_o there_o be_v that_o which_o be_v distinct_o call_v hope_n and_o he_o trust_v in_o god_n there_o be_v that_o which_o be_v more_o precise_o call_v faith_n so_o phil._n 2.24_o i_o trust_v in_o the_o lord_n etc._n etc._n whereas_o in_o v._o 19_o it_o be_v i_o hope_v in_o the_o lord_n as_o the_o original_a word_n signify_v and_o beside_o our_o english_a translation_n common_o render_v the_o word_n hope_v by_o trust_n as_o rom._n 15.24_o 1_o cor._n 16.7_o 2_o cor._n 13.6_o etc._n etc._n plain_o imply_v that_o there_o be_v no_o absurdity_n in_o take_v they_o both_o for_o one_o and_o the_o same_o act_n of_o the_o soul_n which_o as_o it_o be_v refer_v to_o the_o end_n be_v call_v hope_n and_o as_o refer_v