hence_o it_o be_v that_o the_o apostle_n do_v exhort_v to_o a_o full_a persuasion_n of_o mind_n even_o in_o those_o point_n that_o be_v more_o controversal_a and_o disputeable_a rom._n 14._o 5._o how_o much_o more_o than_o be_v we_o to_o be_v persuade_v full_o in_o our_o mind_n concern_v those_o truth_n that_o be_v fundamental_a and_o do_v so_o immediate_o concern_v our_o salvation_n this_o uncertainty_n then_o this_o yea_o and_o nay_o in_o matter_n of_o faith_n arise_v from_o a_o mere_a humane_a faith_n whereby_o we_o be_v carry_v out_o to_o believe_v these_o thing_n upon_o no_o better_a ground_n than_o the_o turk_n do_v his_o alcoran_n education_n custom_n and_o universality_n this_o be_v the_o whole_a reason_n of_o our_o faith_n whereas_o a_o divine_a faith_n be_v wrought_v by_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n as_o the_o efficient_a it_o be_v that_o which_o lift_v up_o the_o heart_n to_o receive_v the_o word_n as_o god_n word_n though_o man_n have_v never_o such_o part_n and_o understanding_n in_o the_o sense_n of_o the_o scripture_n yet_o they_o can_v believe_v it_o unless_o enable_v thereunto_o by_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n and_o again_o divine_a faith_n have_v also_o a_o divine_a motive_n the_o authority_n and_o testimony_n of_o god_n reveal_v in_o the_o scripture_n so_o that_o we_o believe_v not_o because_o man_n say_v so_o but_o because_o it_o be_v the_o lord_n that_o speak_v thus_o the_o thessalonian_n chap._n 2_o 13._o be_v commend_v that_o they_o receive_v the_o word_n not_o as_o the_o word_n of_o man_n but_o as_o it_o be_v indeed_o the_o word_n of_o god_n now_o then_o when_o a_o man_n faith_n be_v wrought_v by_o god_n spirit_n and_o establish_v upon_o divine_a authority_n than_o it_o become_v more_o immovable_a than_o the_o heaven_n and_o earth_n for_o as_o god_n be_v always_o the_o same_o his_o word_n be_v always_o the_o same_o so_o be_v divine_a faith_n this_o then_o all_o be_v to_o labour_v for_o be_v even_o a_o full_a persuasion_n in_o their_o own_o mind_n about_o the_o truth_n of_o religion_n to_o take_v heed_n of_o inconstancy_n and_o instability_n herein_o we_o see_v the_o martyr_n can_v not_o by_o any_o terrible_a menace_n or_o fair_a promise_n be_v draw_v of_o from_o the_o truth_n of_o god_n they_o have_v embrace_v and_o be_v it_o not_o because_o they_o have_v a_o powerful_a assurance_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o they_o from_o divine_a motive_n such_o as_o can_v not_o fail_v 2._o in_o matter_n of_o our_o conversion_n and_o repentance_n for_o our_o sin_n it_o be_v very_o sad_a repentance_n and_o dreadful_a to_o show_v inconstancy_n to_o be_v yea_o and_o nay_o in_o this_o respect_n sometime_o to_o mourn_v and_o complain_v of_o they_o and_o at_o another_o time_n to_o wallow_v ourselves_o in_o the_o mire_n again_o how_o terrible_a be_v this_o but_o yet_o how_o frequent_o do_v it_o fall_v out_o so_o what_o be_v this_o but_o to_o mock_v god_n and_o dally_v with_o our_o soul_n in_o time_n of_o affliction_n or_o under_o quick_a conviction_n of_o conscience_n to_o be_v then_o afraid_a of_o sin_n then_o to_o bewail_v sin_n then_o to_o resolve_v against_o sin_n but_o when_o this_o fear_n be_v over_o then_o to_o embrace_v our_o dalilah_n again_o there_o be_v few_o sinner_n but_o they_o come_v under_o this_o crime_n of_o inconstancy_n in_o this_o respect_n for_o many_o do_v not_o always_o continue_v in_o a_o obstinate_a senseless_a way_n they_o find_v some_o thawing_n and_o melt_n of_o heart_n with_o pharaoh_n and_o therefore_o cry_v out_o that_o god_n be_v righteous_a and_o they_o be_v sinner_n and_o they_o resolve_v to_o let_v their_o lust_n go_v as_o pharaoh_n do_v the_o people_n of_o israel_n but_o they_o quick_o change_v their_o resolution_n again_o such_o therefore_o as_o find_v these_o yea_o and_o nay_o these_o ebbing_n and_o flow_n let_v they_o serious_o consider_v what_o a_o high_a provocation_n this_o inconstancy_n be_v of_o god_n against_o their_o soul_n this_o unsteadfastness_n be_v often_o complain_v of_o by_o the_o prophet_n in_o the_o people_n of_o israel_n they_o be_v as_o so_o many_o grasshopper_n that_o leap_v up_o on_o high_a from_o the_o ground_n but_o then_o settle_v on_o it_o present_o again_o in_o their_o affliction_n they_o cry_v out_o of_o their_o idol_n they_o call_v upon_o god_n but_o then_o prove_v like_o a_o deceitful_a bow_n and_o be_v not_o this_o a_o epidemical_a sin_n what_o be_v more_o ordinary_a than_o to_o be_v soul-sick_a to_o be_v conscience-smitten_a under_o some_o sermon_n or_o some_o sad_a affliction_n and_o fear_n but_o in_o all_o these_o thing_n to_o have_v reubens_n curse_v upon_o their_o soul_n unstable_a like_o water_n upon_o which_o you_o make_v any_o impression_n but_o it_o receive_v none_o it_o be_v one_o of_o solomon_n wonderful_a thing_n that_o leave_v no_o footstep_n to_o be_v observe_v a_o ship_n in_o the_o sea_n none_o can_v tell_v which_o way_n it_o pass_v thus_o it_o be_v with_o many_o they_o sin_n and_o they_o repent_v and_o they_o repent_v and_o sin_n insomuch_o that_o when_o you_o see_v they_o overcome_v with_o their_o old_a lust_n and_o passion_n will_v you_o think_v they_o be_v ever_o the_o man_n that_o pray_v so_o that_o resolve_v so_o you_o can_v see_v the_o least_o footstep_n of_o any_o such_o repentance_n now_o that_o all_o may_v be_v afraid_a of_o such_o lightness_n sin_n and_o uncertainty_n it_o be_v good_a to_o consider_v these_o particular_n first_o if_o there_o be_v reason_n at_o any_o time_n for_o thou_o to_o look_v upon_o thy_o sin_n as_o bitter_a and_o terrible_a the_o same_o will_v hold_v at_o all_o time_n oh_o the_o time_n have_v be_v when_o in_o thy_o thought_n such_o sin_n thou_o have_v commit_v be_v intolerable_a the_o memory_n of_o they_o be_v as_o gall_v and_o wormwood_n thou_o do_v cry_v out_o take_v they_o away_o or_o that_o the_o lord_n will_v pardon_v they_o now_o do_v but_o consider_v be_v there_o not_o the_o same_o reason_n still_o to_o think_v so_o be_v sin_n grow_v any_o better_a be_v it_o less_o damn_v be_v it_o less_o sinful_a to_o god_n then_o it_o be_v former_o know_v then_o sin_n be_v not_o alter_v that_o be_v have_v as_o terrible_a guilt_n as_o ever_o but_o thou_o be_v change_v those_o conviction_n those_o powerful_a operation_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n be_v not_o happy_o now_o upon_o thou_o they_o be_v witdraw_v and_o thou_o be_v leave_v to_o thy_o own_o natural_a corrupt_a self_n remember_v then_o thyself_o say_v the_o time_n be_v no_o serpent_n or_o toad_n be_v more_o odious_a to_o i_o than_o my_o sin_n the_o time_n be_v when_o night_n and_o day_n they_o be_v a_o burden_n and_o torment_v to_o i_o but_o now_o they_o grieve_v i_o not_o they_o trouble_v i_o not_o sin_n be_v not_o change_v but_o i_o be_o change_v 2._o consider_v this_o for_o thou_o to_o sin_n after_o such_o conviction_n and_o terror_n do_v admit_v great_a of_o the_o great_a aggravation_n because_o it_o be_v do_v against_o sense_n and_o experience_n of_o the_o bitterness_n thereof_o it_o be_v commit_v against_o more_o experimental_a and_o practical_a knowledge_n which_o make_v any_o sin_n to_o be_v exceed_o sinful_a those_o senseless_a wicked_a man_n who_o run_v into_o all_o excess_n of_o impiety_n and_o have_v no_o trouble_n of_o heart_n they_o know_v not_o what_o they_o do_v they_o can_v tell_v whether_o it_o be_v a_o bitter_a and_o evil_a thing_n or_o no_o to_o depart_v from_o god_n they_o indeed_o hear_v the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o the_o minister_n of_o god_n say_v that_o though_o sin_n be_v sweet_a yet_o at_o last_o it_o will_v bite_v like_o a_o adder_n and_o sting_v like_o a_o serpent_n they_o hear_v they_o say_v that_o the_o evil_n of_o sin_n be_v far_o great_a than_o the_o evil_n of_o any_o punishment_n and_o torment_n but_o they_o think_v they_o word_n only_o they_o never_o have_v any_o experience_n or_o taste_v of_o any_o sech_v bitterness_n but_o it_o be_v otherwise_o with_o thou_o thou_o have_v have_v wound_n in_o thy_o heart_n the_o terror_n of_o god_n have_v fall_v upon_o thou_o the_o law_n have_v appear_v in_o its_o accuse_v and_o condemn_v power_n therefore_o thou_o be_v the_o more_o inexcusable_a who_o will_v run_v into_o this_o fire_n when_o thou_o have_v be_v burn_v with_o it_o yea_o with_o this_o taste_n there_o have_v be_v practical_a light_n and_o experimental_a knowleg_n and_o therefore_o thy_o sin_n be_v the_o great_a a_o general_a knowledge_n of_o any_o thing_n be_v but_o confuse_a and_o weak_a in_o respect_n of_o a_o practical_a and_o experimental_a one_o hence_o wicked_a man_n be_v say_v not_o to_o know_v god_n because_o they_o have_v only_o a_o general_a knowledge_n they_o do_v not_o practical_o improve_v this_o so_o as_o to_o love_n god_n to_o fear_v he_o and_o obey_v he_o if_o then_o thou_o have_v be_v in_o the_o
in_o christ_n and_o submission_n unto_o his_o will_n for_o a_o church_n be_v a_o visible_a society_n there_o must_v be_v some_o external_a and_o visible_a sign_n whereby_o we_o may_v demonstrate_v ourselves_o to_o be_v of_o the_o church_n hence_o rom._n 10._o it_o be_v say_v that_o with_o the_o mouth_n confession_n be_v make_v to_o salvation_n there_o may_v be_v many_o secret_a and_o hide_a atheist_n in_o the_o church_n of_o god_n yet_o because_o they_o do_v external_o profess_v the_o christian_a religion_n therefore_o it_o be_v that_o they_o be_v of_o the_o church_n in_o respect_n of_o the_o external_a and_o visible_a state_n of_o it_o thus_o simon_n magus_n and_o other_o while_o they_o do_v profess_v their_o faith_n in_o christ_n they_o be_v under_o the_o name_n of_o a_o church_n and_o believer_n and_o so_o of_o saint_n 4._o there_o be_v yet_o a_o further_a degree_n in_o this_o church-saintship_a and_o that_o be_v when_o beside_o this_o sacramental_a and_o external_a holiness_n there_o be_v some_o work_n of_o god_n spirit_n upon_o their_o soul_n so_o that_o the_o christian_a religion_n have_v some_o kind_n of_o influence_n upon_o they_o they_o be_v not_o only_o titular_a saint_n but_o they_o have_v some_o kind_n of_o inchoate_n and_o imperfect_a work_n of_o god_n spirit_n upon_o their_o soul_n which_o have_v a_o tendency_n to_o godliness_n or_o at_o least_o a_o resemblance_n and_o show_v of_o it_o so_o that_o in_o the_o opinion_n of_o other_o and_o many_o time_n in_o their_o own_o persuasion_n likewise_o they_o be_v true_a saint_n now_o these_o may_v well_o enough_o be_v style_v saint_n because_o the_o scripture_n attribute_n to_o they_o such_o act_n as_o have_v the_o name_n of_o holiness_n so_o mat._n 13._o the_o temporary_a believer_n liken_v to_o the_o thorny_a ground_n be_v say_v to_o have_v faith_n and_o to_o receive_v the_o word_n with_o joy_n some_o be_v say_v in_o 2_o pet._n 2._o to_o escape_v the_o pollution_n of_o the_o world_n yea_o heb._n 6._o some_o be_v say_v to_o be_v enlighten_v to_o have_v taste_v the_o good_a word_n of_o god_n to_o partake_v of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n etc._n etc._n and_o yet_o for_o all_o that_o such_o be_v never_o true_a saint_n for_o such_o that_o be_v so_o can_v no_o more_o final_o apostatise_v than_o true_a star_n can_v fall_v from_o the_o heaven_n comet_n and_o blaze_a star_n may_v have_v a_o great_a lustre_n for_o a_o while_n but_o be_v compose_v of_o terrestrial_a exhalation_n at_o last_o they_o fall_v into_o the_o womb_n of_o that_o earth_n from_o whence_o they_o spring_v thus_o those_o who_o have_v only_o some_o imperfect_a common_a work_n of_o god_n spirit_n abound_v in_o gift_n and_o many_o admirable_a ability_n these_o may_v seem_v in_o saintship_n to_o exceed_v many_o that_o be_v true_o so_o but_o because_o there_o be_v never_o true_a and_o deep_a root_n when_o the_o storm_n and_o tempest_n shall_v arise_v this_o glorious_a building_n will_v not_o have_v so_o much_o as_o a_o stone_n leave_v upon_o a_o stone_n those_o uncomfortable_a teacher_n injurious_a to_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n that_o do_v so_o peremptory_o dogmatise_v the_o apostasy_n of_o the_o saint_n do_v yet_o never_o bring_v such_o text_n of_o scripture_n or_o instance_n that_o do_v necessary_o prove_v those_o to_o be_v true_a saint_n that_o be_v speak_v of_o saul_n be_v never_o a_o true_a saint_n judas_n be_v never_o a_o true_a saint_n and_o so_o no_o wonder_n of_o hopeful_a beginning_n degenerate_v into_o such_o tragical_a and_o horrid_a beginning_n now_o whereas_o the_o former_a mention_v viz._n those_o that_o be_v only_o baptize_v that_o give_v a_o external_a submission_n to_o christ_n law_n especial_o if_o as_o too_o many_o do_v wallow_v in_o all_o the_o way_n of_o the_o flesh_n and_o carnal_a excess_n if_o these_o i_o say_v may_v by_o all_o be_v proclaim_v to_o be_v no_o real_a but_o nominal_a saint_n all_o the_o world_n see_v they_o be_v christian_n in_o name_n but_o beast_n and_o devil_n in_o respect_n of_o real_a saintship_n yet_o the_o great_a difficulty_n and_o the_o constant_a wisdom_n of_o a_o christian_a be_v exercise_v about_o the_o discern_a this_o late_a holiness_n from_o that_o which_o be_v true_a to_o know_v when_o i_o be_o go_v further_o than_o any_o hypocrite_n or_o reprobate_n can_v attain_v unto_o this_o as_o we_o be_v great_o to_o study_v and_o examine_v ourselves_o in_o so_o we_o be_v to_o know_v that_o it_o be_v better_a to_o be_v deceive_v in_o any_o worldly_a matter_n than_o in_o this_o last_o the_o ultimate_a and_o most_o complete_a step_n of_o church-saintship_a in_o this_o life_n be_v when_o we_o go_v beyond_o all_o the_o former_a and_o be_v make_v partaker_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n in_o the_o powerful_a renovation_n of_o we_o so_o that_o from_o that_o holy_a and_o new_a creature_n within_o we_o our_o life_n and_o action_n be_v make_v real_o and_o solid_o holy_a and_o this_o be_v indeed_o the_o true_a and_o proper_a saintship_n to_o which_o only_o the_o promise_n of_o justification_n and_o glorification_n be_v make_v so_o that_o if_o thou_o do_v enjoy_v the_o great_a church-priviledge_n yea_o and_o the_o most_o admirable_a gift_n therein_o yet_o if_o destitute_a of_o this_o saintship_n thou_o be_v but_o a_o tinkle_a cymbal_n and_o the_o hot_a place_n in_o hell_n will_v be_v fill_v with_o such_o seem_a saint_n serm_n xx._n external_n holiness_n be_v not_o enough_o to_o bring_v we_o to_o heaven_n without_o the_o inward_a renovation_n of_o the_o heart_n 2_o cor._n 1._o 1._o with_o all_o the_o saint_n that_o be_v in_o all_o achaia_n we_o have_v hear_v what_o be_v the_o last_o and_o ultimate_a step_n in_o church-saintship_a without_o which_o all_o the_o former_a though_o they_o be_v in_o themselves_o great_a mercy_n yet_o because_o we_o take_v they_o in_o vain_a do_v become_v in_o some_o respect_n in_o the_o number_n of_o those_o who_o god_n will_v not_o hold_v guiltless_a they_o be_v i_o say_v man_n in_o themselves_o great_a mercy_n for_o when_o we_o be_v thus_o call_v by_o god_n unto_o the_o external_a mean_n of_o holiness_n there_o be_v some_o hope_n and_o a_o possible_a way_n for_o salvation_n whereas_o without_o this_o there_o be_v necessary_a destruction_n it_o be_v here_o as_o in_o blind_a bartimeus_n his_o case_n mark_v 10._o 49._o for_o when_o christ_n command_v he_o to_o be_v call_v to_o he_o present_o some_o say_v to_o the_o blind_a man_n be_v of_o good_a comfort_n he_o call_v thou_o that_o be_v a_o good_a encouragement_n christ_n call_v he_o so_o whereas_o there_o be_v many_o thousand_o in_o the_o world_n that_o be_v leave_v alone_o in_o their_o state_n of_o darkness_n but_o he_o vouchsafe_v the_o mean_n of_o grace_n to_o thou_o we_o may_v say_v be_v of_o good_a comfort_n there_o be_v some_o hope_n christ_n call_v thou_o yet_o because_o many_o be_v call_v and_o of_o those_o many_o call_v few_o be_v choose_v therefore_o this_o external_a holiness_n and_o saintship_n be_v not_o enough_o unless_o there_o be_v the_o inward_a renovation_n of_o the_o whole_a man_n unless_o thou_o be_v holy_a inward_o as_o well_o as_o outward_o this_o will_v make_v to_o thy_o great_a condemnation_n that_o therefore_o which_o be_v the_o essential_a form_n and_o give_v a_o constrtutive_a be_v to_o church-saintship_a be_v regeneration_n or_o the_o work_n of_o grace_n upon_o a_o man_n heart_n indeed_o to_o a_o external_a state_n and_o visible_a condition_n of_o church-holiness_n a_o profession_n of_o faith_n with_o submission_n unto_o christ_n way_n be_v enough_o but_o that_o which_o make_v we_o indeed_o member_n of_o the_o body_n of_o christ_n and_o invest_v we_o with_o right_a to_o all_o save_a benefit_n that_o be_v only_o this_o inward_a real_a saintship_n and_o to_o clear_v this_o more_o you_o must_v take_v notice_n first_o that_o even_o in_o real_a saintship_n there_o be_v a_o great_a latitude_n and_o difference_n saintship_n all_o be_v not_o saint_n alike_o the_o scripture_n speak_v of_o babe_n of_o young_a man_n of_o old_a man_n it_o speak_v of_o some_o that_o be_v spiritual_a and_o perfect_a other_o be_v imperfect_a and_o even_o carnal_a 1_o cor._n 3._o comparative_o so_o that_o we_o must_v always_o distinguish_v between_o the_o truth_n of_o grace_n and_o the_o degree_n of_o it_o a_o saint_n be_v a_o saint_n though_o but_o a_o bruise_a reed_n and_o a_o smoke_a flax_n this_o be_v good_a to_o be_v observe_v that_o we_o may_v not_o judge_v of_o saintship_n by_o such_o degree_n and_o high_a attainment_n but_o by_o truth_n and_o sincerity_n no_o there_o will_v be_v always_o difference_n both_o in_o illumination_n and_o sanctification_n and_o that_o among_o the_o saint_n themselves_o and_o this_o shall_v teach_v a_o mutual_a bear_n and_o forbear_v of_o one_o another_o let_v not_o he_o that_o be_v strong_a who_o do_v far_o surpass_v other_o though_o
persuade_v this_o as_o a_o special_a help_n to_o premeditate_v on_o evil_n before_o they_o come_v other_o they_o refuse_v this_o as_o make_v a_o man_n miserable_a before_o he_o be_v so_o other_o support_v themselves_o with_o the_o thought_n of_o necessity_n and_o that_o it_o can_v not_o be_v otherwise_o but_o of_o all_o these_o we_o may_v say_v as_o job_n to_o his_o friend_n you_o be_v miserable_a comforter_n and_o be_v of_o no_o more_o advantage_n than_o the_o rend_n of_o garment_n or_o pull_v off_o the_o hair_n in_o grief_n which_o bion_n deride_v in_o one_o as_o if_o a_o bald_a head_n will_v take_v away_o grief_n we_o therefore_o conclude_v that_o no_o philosopher_n have_v the_o true_a art_n comfort_n or_o ground_n of_o comfort_n and_o that_o 1._o because_o they_o be_v whole_o ignorant_a of_o jesus_n christ_n in_o who_o alone_o be_v all_o the_o cause_n of_o comfort_n therefore_o he_o be_v call_v our_o peace_n and_o he_o be_v say_v to_o be_v the_o prince_n of_o peace_n 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it_o be_v that_o it_o be_v a_o art_n of_o art_n and_o much_o heavenly_a wisdom_n be_v require_v to_o administer_v the_o proper_a comfort_n for_o such_o a_o grief_n this_o make_v casuistical_a divinity_n which_o be_v apply_v whole_o to_o rectify_v and_o comfort_v a_o wound_a conscience_n more_o difficult_a than_o polemical_a be_v the_o afflict_a soul_n have_v its_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d its_o deep_n and_o satan_n also_o in_o their_o temptation_n have_v his_o deep_n likewise_o insomuch_o that_o it_o be_v choice_a prudence_n to_o give_v the_o proper_a cordial_a and_o to_o find_v out_o the_o true_a way_n of_o comfort_v such_o yet_o though_o there_o be_v special_a comfort_n in_o special_a case_n yet_o all_o the_o godly_a that_o be_v in_o like_a temptation_n may_v and_o aught_o to_o take_v the_o like_a comfort_n that_o which_o have_v do_v any_o godly_a man_n good_a under_o such_o a_o exercise_n may_v do_v thou_o also_o good_a if_o thou_o be_v not_o froward_a and_o unbelieving_a in_o the_o next_o place_n let_v we_o consider_v why_o those_o argument_n which_o some_o godly_a point_n man_n have_v find_v powerful_a to_o comfort_v they_o shall_v also_o be_v very_o conducible_a to_o other_o and_o first_o because_o all_o the_o godly_a they_o be_v as_o i_o may_v so_o say_v ejusdem_fw-la speciei_fw-la nature_n they_o have_v all_o the_o same_o substantial_a sundamentall_a work_n of_o grace_n in_o their_o heart_n that_o as_o you_o see_v all_o man_n have_v the_o same_o specifical_a humane_a nature_n though_o there_o be_v many_o individual_a property_n and_o difference_n thus_o all_o the_o godly_a do_v partake_v of_o the_o same_o divine_a nature_n they_o be_v all_o bear_v of_o god_n they_o be_v all_o become_v new_a creature_n although_o indeed_o for_o the_o manner_n of_o conversion_n and_o the_o degree_n of_o grace_n as_o also_o experience_n of_o god_n favour_n and_o love_n in_o these_o thing_n there_o may_v be_v much_o variation_n yet_o in_o the_o main_a as_o they_o all_o 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show_v the_o falsehood_n and_o deceitfulness_n of_o man_n heart_n that_o as_o in_o water_n there_o be_v not_o a_o true_a representation_n of_o the_o face_n so_o one_o man_n heart_n be_v not_o true_o know_v to_o another_o other_o they_o go_v on_o the_o contrary_a as_o say_v they_o the_o face_n of_o a_o man_n and_o the_o reflection_n of_o it_o in_o the_o water_n be_v alike_o so_o be_v the_o heart_n of_o man_n to_o man_n that_o be_v of_o one_o friend_n to_o another_o therefore_o a_o friend_n be_v alter_fw-la ego_fw-la they_o have_v all_o thing_n common_a one_o soul_n as_o it_o be_v and_o one_o heart_n now_o if_o this_o be_v true_a of_o moral_a friendship_n that_o their_o heart_n be_v for_n alike_o how_o much_o more_o of_o the_o people_n of_o god_n who_o be_v all_o make_v one_o in_o the_o lord_n cis_fw-la not_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d gal._n 3._o 21._o they_o be_v all_o but_o one_o person_n their_o heart_n must_v needs_o answer_v one_o another_o let_v a_o godly_a man_n read_v david_n psalm_n wherein_o he_o do_v experimental_o declare_v what_o the_o work_n of_o his_o soul_n be_v will_v not_o a_o godly_a man_n say_v he_o speak_v his_o heart_n his_o doubt_n his_o complaint_n see_v then_o there_o be_v the_o same_o fundamental_a work_n of_o grace_n in_o all_o no_o wonder_n if_o what_o be_v suitable_a to_o one_o be_v also_o to_o another_o second_o another_o ground_n of_o the_o doctrine_n be_v from_o the_o sameness_n and_o spirit_n identity_n of_o that_o spirit_n of_o god_n which_o enliven_v all_o and_o work_v in_o all_o for_o as_o it_o be_v with_o the_o body_n though_o it_o have_v different_a part_n yet_o all_o those_o be_v inform_v and_o animate_v by_o the_o same_o soul_n it_o be_v not_o one_o soul_n that_o inform_v the_o arm_n another_o the_o foot_n but_o it_o be_v one_o and_o the_o same_o soul_n that_o inform_v all_o thus_o it_o be_v also_o with_o all_o the_o people_n of_o god_n they_o may_v differ_v much_o in_o external_o their_o condition_n their_o estate_n yea_o 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the_o same_o spirit_n of_o faith_n as_o it_o be_v write_v i_o believe_v and_o therefore_o have_v speak_v we_o also_o believe_v and_o therefore_o speak_v so_o we_o also_o believe_v and_o therefore_o rejoice_v three_o another_o ground_n of_o the_o doctrine_n be_v because_o the_o main_a argument_n all_o of_o comfort_n promise_v in_o the_o word_n be_v not_o upon_o personal_a consideration_n neither_o be_v particular_a privilege_n but_o from_o that_o common_a reason_n which_o belong_v to_o every_o believer_n paul_n be_v comfort_v not_o because_o paul_n not_o because_o a_o apostle_n so_o david_n find_v god_n put_v gladness_n into_o his_o heart_n not_o because_o a_o king_n not_o because_o a_o prophet_n but_o because_o godly_a if_o therefore_o comfort_n fundamental_a i_o mean_v be_v give_v upon_o a_o
mutable_a and_o inconstant_a principle_n he_o can_v never_o be_v serviceable_a to_o god_n for_o this_o debase_v he_o before_o man_n this_o make_v he_o vile_a and_o contemptible_a and_o thereby_o like_o a_o break_a vessel_n that_o be_v of_o no_o use_n four_o it_o be_v a_o great_a sin_n to_o be_v thus_o inconstant_a in_o our_o word_n because_o it_o be_v a_o tongue_n abuse_n of_o our_o tongue_n which_o the_o scripture_n call_v a_o man_n glory_n though_o some_o apply_v it_o to_o the_o soul_n now_o for_o thy_o glory_n to_o be_v a_o shame_n to_o have_v thy_o tongue_n account_v a_o lie_a tongue_n a_o double_a tongue_n a_o false_a tongue_n this_o be_v a_o aggravation_n of_o thy_o wickedness_n last_o as_o god_n do_v threaten_v to_o punish_v lie_v and_o deceitful_a tongue_n so_o he_o do_v sincerity_n gracious_o encourage_v all_o such_o as_o be_v of_o sincerity_n in_o all_o their_o word_n and_o work_n a_o lie_a tongue_n be_v one_o of_o the_o seven_o abomination_n which_o god_n hate_v prov._n 6._o 17._o as_o on_o the_o other_o side_n how_o merciful_o do_v god_n encourage_v some_o isa_n 63._o 8._o for_o he_o say_v sure_o they_o be_v my_o people_n child_n that_o will_v not_o lie_v so_o he_o be_v their_o saviour_n so_o that_o if_o all_o these_o particular_n be_v lay_v together_o we_o may_v see_v how_o necessary_a it_o be_v to_o add_v righteousness_n to_o our_o religion_n to_o be_v as_o christ_n who_o lip_n be_v without_o guile_n in_o respect_n of_o god_n and_o man_n oh_o this_o will_v afford_v thou_o great_a comfort_n this_o will_v assure_v thou_o that_o thy_o religion_n be_v not_o hypocrisy_n it_o be_v easy_a perform_n multitude_n of_o duty_n then_o to_o walk_v thus_o upright_o towards_o man_n they_o may_v be_v do_v with_o more_o ease_n to_o flesh_n and_o blood_n yea_o they_o may_v be_v the_o fuel_n to_o thy_o hearts-pride_n and_o self-applause_n but_o this_o tend_v real_o to_o mortify_v sin_n within_o thou_o and_o to_o cause_v thou_o to_o have_v respect_n to_o all_o god_n commandment_n serm._n cxi_o of_o the_o sinfulness_n of_o inconstancy_n and_o lightness_n in_o matter_n of_o religion_n 2_o cor._n 1._o 17._o when_o i_o therefore_o be_v thus_o mind_v do_v i_o use_v lightness_n we_o have_v treat_v of_o lightness_n and_o inconstarcy_n as_o it_o be_v express_v in_o civil_a thing_n whether_o in_o our_o word_n promise_n or_o deal_n between_o man_n and_o man_n this_o you_o hear_v be_v both_o a_o sin_n towards_o god_n and_o a_o reproach_n to_o religion_n yea_o unrighteousness_n and_o falsehood_n in_o these_o outward_a affair_n be_v so_o great_a sin_n that_o many_o time_n they_o make_v the_o great_a wound_n in_o our_o conscience_n and_o experience_n confirm_v it_o that_o when_o a_o man_n be_v convert_v to_o god_n and_o make_v sensible_a of_o sin_n the_o sin_n of_o his_o unrighteousness_n do_v most_o trouble_n his_o conscience_n it_o be_v long_a ever_o he_o get_v the_o pardon_n of_o these_o in_o his_o own_o soul_n and_o the_o reason_n may_v be_v because_o such_o unfaithfulness_n in_o word_n and_o deal_n be_v condemn_v by_o the_o natural_a light_n of_o our_o conscience_n even_o heathen_n have_v be_v able_a to_o judge_n such_o thing_n great_a sin_n now_o what_o be_v do_v against_o natural_a light_n that_o make_v a_o great_a gash_n in_o the_o conscience_n hence_o the_o omission_n of_o those_o duty_n which_o be_v mere_o know_v by_o supernatural_a light_n be_v not_o so_o grievous_a to_o we_o as_o when_o a_o humble_a brokenhearted_a sinner_n be_v call_v upon_o to_o believe_v in_o christ_n to_o rest_v his_o soul_n upon_o he_o for_o justification_n how_o hardly_o be_v such_o a_o contrite_a spirit_n bring_v to_o judge_v that_o unbelief_n herein_o be_v a_o great_a and_o heinous_a sin_n that_o god_n be_v provoke_v hereby_o that_o as_o much_o as_o lie_v in_o we_o we_o make_v christ_n of_o none_o effect_v so_o that_o when_o such_o a_o wound_a conscience_n can_v complain_v of_o its_o former_a unrighteous_a unjust_a and_o sinful_a way_n it_o once_o live_v in_o yet_o it_o do_v not_o at_o the_o same_o time_n bewail_v that_o great_a sin_n of_o unbelief_n its_o frowardness_n and_o slavishness_n that_o it_o do_v not_o receive_v christ_n as_o a_o saviour_n yea_o it_o rather_o judge_v it_o a_o duty_n to_o keep_v off_o from_o a_o promise_n and_o to_o question_v whether_o christ_n will_v receive_v such_o a_o wretched_a sinner_n as_o he_o feel_v himself_o to_o be_v by_o which_o we_o see_v what_o cause_n the_o people_n of_o god_n have_v to_o take_v heed_n of_o sin_n in_o this_o kind_n for_o how_o hardly_o be_v they_o heal_v how_o long_o may_v it_o be_v ere_o thy_o conscience_n may_v be_v pacify_v through_o the_o blood_n of_o christ_n but_o i_o proceed_v to_o a_o second_o kind_n of_o inconstancy_n which_o be_v of_o a_o great_a guilt_n faith_n because_o express_v in_o matter_n of_o great_a concernment_n and_o relation_n even_o to_o god_n himself_o to_o be_v yea_o and_o nay_o off_o and_o on_o in_o matter_n of_o religion_n this_o proclaim_v our_o wretchedness_n and_o first_o there_o be_v a_o inconstancy_n in_o our_o faith_n when_o we_o do_v light_o and_o uncertain_o receive_v the_o truth_n of_o god_n so_o that_o we_o be_v ready_a for_o one_o faith_n one_o week_n and_o another_o faith_n another_o week_n this_o be_v a_o very_a dangerous_a frame_n of_o soul_n when_o a_o man_n be_v not_o of_o a_o sound_a judgement_n neither_o have_v lay_v a_o good_a foundation_n in_o christian_a religion_n but_o as_o the_o apostle_n say_v ephes_n 4._o 4._o be_v like_o a_o child_n toss_v up_o and_o down_o with_o every_o wind_n of_o doctrine_n such_o be_v call_v by_o the_o apostle_n peter_n 2_o pet._n 3._o 16._o unlearned_a and_o unstable_a in_o the_o number_n of_o these_o light_n and_o inconstant_a person_n we_o may_v reckon_v the_o galatian_n when_o he_o charge_v they_o with_o their_o sudden_a apostasy_n gal._n 1._o 6._o i_o marvel_v that_o you_o be_v so_o soon_o remove_v from_o he_o that_o call_v you_o unto_o another_o gospel_n they_o be_v ready_a for_o another_o gospel_n for_o other_o teacher_n who_o former_o have_v receive_v the_o apostle_n as_o a_o angel_n of_o god_n yea_o as_o jesus_n christ_n this_o lightness_n also_o be_v manifest_v in_o some_o of_o christ_n disciple_n john_n 6._o 60_o 61._o who_o upon_o their_o misunderstanding_n of_o some_o passage_n in_o our_o saviour_n sermon_n judge_v they_o hard_o and_o absurd_a from_o that_o time_n go_v back_o from_o he_o and_o walk_v no_o more_o with_o he_o and_o true_o be_v not_o these_o time_n a_o sad_a instance_n of_o the_o lightness_n and_o uncertainty_n of_o many_o man_n in_o the_o doctrine_n of_o their_o faith_n in_o how_o many_o man_n religion_n may_v you_o find_v yea_o and_o nay_o how_o many_o be_v destroy_v that_o which_o once_o they_o do_v build_v now_o nothing_o be_v more_o contrary_a to_o the_o nature_n of_o faith_n than_o this_o inconstancy_n for_o if_o we_o do_v consider_v what_o the_o nature_n of_o faith_n be_v we_o shall_v find_v that_o it_o do_v so_o autoritative_o bring_v the_o understanding_n into_o obedience_n of_o the_o divine_a truth_n that_o it_o dare_v not_o give_v way_n to_o doubt_n and_o plausible_a objection_n of_o deceitful_a man_n any_o more_o the_o apostle_n heb._n 11._o 1._o give_v we_o a_o full_a description_n of_o faith_n as_o to_o this_o matter_n of_o quiet_v and_o satisfy_v the_o soul_n for_o he_o say_v it_o be_v the_o substance_n of_o thing_n hope_v for_o and_o ehe_fw-ge evidence_n of_o thing_n not_o see_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d which_o be_v oppose_v to_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d that_o which_o have_v but_o a_o mere_a apearancy_n as_o meteor_n or_o rather_o as_o colour_n in_o the_o rainbow_n and_o true_o many_o man_n faith_n have_v no_o subsistency_n at_o all_o it_o be_v only_o in_o their_o fancy_n hence_o it_o be_v that_o there_o be_v almost_o a_o scepticism_n introduce_v into_o religion_n as_o be_v once_o into_o philosophy_n but_o faith_n do_v consolidate_v the_o soul_n and_o establish_v it_o upon_o scripture-ground_n which_o be_v sure_a and_o unmoveable_a the_o other_o word_n be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d which_o be_v apply_v to_o a_o demonstration_n that_o do_v even_o necessitate_v the_o understanding_n to_o give_v assent_n to_o it_o so_o that_o it_o have_v no_o power_n to_o refuse_v it_o thus_o also_o it_o be_v when_o the_o soul_n believe_v the_o spirit_n of_o god_n through_o the_o word_n so_o convince_v the_o heart_n that_o no_o demonstration_n in_o science_n nor_o object_n to_o sense_n can_v be_v more_o potent_a to_o persuade_v oh_o then_o take_v heed_n of_o inconstancy_n in_o principle_n of_o faith_n this_o will_v argue_v thou_o be_v build_v upon_o a_o sandy_a foundation_n that_o thou_o do_v believe_v such_o doctrine_n only_o upon_o humane_a motive_n and_o deceitful_a ground_n
be_v apply_v to_o you_o how_o can_v you_o have_v comfort_n if_o you_o live_v in_o the_o way_n of_o sin_n do_v not_o any_o thing_n that_o may_v chase_v away_o this_o comfort_n if_o we_o preach_v never_o such_o comfortable_a truth_n if_o thou_o by_o thy_o negligence_n and_o unmortified_a walk_v do_v deprive_v thyself_o of_o consolation_n then_o know_v the_o blame_n lie_v in_o thyself_o and_o not_o in_o the_o ministry_n thou_o cry_v give_v i_o a_o word_n of_o comfort_n how_o can_v we_o comfort_v he_o who_o god_n will_v not_o have_v comfort_v serm._n cxlvii_o god_n only_o the_o lord_n of_o our_o christian_n faith_n 2_o cor._n 1._o 24._o for_o by_o faith_n you_o stand_v this_o last_o clause_n say_v calvin_n other_o interpreter_n either_o take_v no_o notice_n of_o or_o else_o do_v not_o clear_o instruct_v about_o it_o for_o whereas_o it_o be_v plain_a by_o the_o causal_n particle_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d it_o be_v bring_v in_o as_o a_o argument_n of_o something_o precede_v it_o be_v very_o difficult_a to_o find_v out_o the_o reason_n those_o interpreter_n that_o take_v notice_n of_o it_o be_v divide_v some_o do_v make_v it_o a_o reason_n of_o the_o word_n immediate_o forego_v paul_n be_v a_o helper_n of_o their_o joy_n because_o they_o stand_v firm_o in_o the_o faith_n for_o although_o there_o be_v some_o who_o deny_v the_o resurrection_n yet_o that_o be_v not_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o church_n in_o general_n nor_o be_v it_o puhlike_o profess_v by_o they_o it_o be_v true_a many_o abuse_n there_o be_v in_o practice_n both_o civil_a and_o religious_a yet_o because_o they_o do_v firm_o retain_v the_o true_a faith_n therefore_o it_o be_v that_o he_o will_v not_o whole_o cast_v they_o off_o as_o no_o church_n their_o true_a doctrine_n which_o they_o profess_v make_v he_o the_o more_o hopeful_a of_o they_o and_o certain_o the_o pure_a sound_a faith_n profess_v by_o a_o church_n though_o otherwise_o great_o corrupt_v make_v it_o to_o have_v the_o essence_n and_o life_n of_o a_o church_n and_o withal_o suggest_v hope_n that_o god_n in_o time_n will_v make_v they_o a_o holy_a practical_a church_n as_o well_o as_o a_o sound_a orthodox_n one_o hence_o paul_n in_o his_o first_o epistle_n to_o the_o thessalonian_n c._n 3._o v._n 5_o 6_o 7._o do_v much_o rejoice_v in_o their_o faith_n that_o they_o stand_v steadfast_a therein_o when_o i_o can_v no_o long_o forbear_v i_o send_v to_o know_v your_o faith_n as_o also_o timotheus_n bring_v he_o glad_a tiding_n of_o their_o faith_n and_o again_o we_o be_v comfort_v in_o our_o affliction_n by_o your_o faith_n and_o this_o interpretation_n be_v very_o probable_a and_o not_o to_o be_v whole_o reject_v but_o then_o a_o second_o be_v more_o probable_a and_o that_o make_v it_o a_o reason_n of_o the_o former_a part_n of_o the_o verse_n we_o have_v not_o dominion_n over_o your_o faith_n for_o by_o faith_n you_o stand_v steadfast_a insomuch_o that_o if_o i_o paul_n or_o a_o angel_n from_o heaven_n shall_v preach_v unto_o you_o another_o doctrine_n yet_o you_o believe_v in_o the_o truth_n as_o god_n truth_n and_o not_o man_n truth_n so_o that_o god_n alone_o have_v the_o dominion_n over_o your_o heart_n in_o believe_v thus_o it_o be_v a_o very_a fit_a and_o proper_a reason_n hence_o heinsius_n think_v there_o be_v a_o transposition_n of_o the_o word_n which_o be_v usual_a with_o paul_n and_o that_o they_o shall_v be_v insert_v before_o the_o late_a clause_n thus_o not_o that_o we_o have_v dominion_n over_o your_o faith_n for_o by_o faith_n you_o stand_v whether_o we_o read_v it_o objective_o you_o stand_v in_o the_o faith_n or_o instrumental_o by_o faith_n you_o stand_v it_o be_v not_o much_o material_a neither_o be_v we_o to_o render_v it_o in_o the_o past_a signification_n you_o have_v stand_v because_o it_o be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d in_o the_o greek_a as_o if_o the_o apostle_n do_v imply_v they_o former_o have_v indeed_o stand_v in_o the_o faith_n though_o late_o they_o grow_v waver_v for_o it_o be_v usual_a to_o use_v the_o preterperfect_a for_o the_o present_a especial_o when_o a_o continuance_n or_o perseverance_n be_v intend_v as_o matth._n 20_o why_o stand_v you_o here_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d idle_a all_o the_o day_n long_o both_o these_o interpretation_n may_v be_v conjoin_v but_o because_o the_o latter_a be_v the_o most_o considerable_a therefore_o i_o shall_v insist_v on_o that_o and_o observe_v that_o the_o christian_a faith_n be_v of_o that_o nature_n that_o it_o do_v respect_n and_o relate_v god_n unto_o god_n only_o we_o believe_v not_o in_o man_n but_o in_o god_n whether_o we_o speak_v of_o dogmatical_a or_o fiducial_a faith_n they_o can_v have_v any_o other_o bottom_n to_o stand_v upon_o but_o the_o authority_n of_o god_n himself_o thus_o say_v the_o lord_n thus_o it_o be_v write_v be_v the_o ground_n of_o all_o true_a christian_a faith_n which_o truth_n deserve_v explication_n in_o some_o particular_a proposition_n as_o first_o there_o be_v a_o humane_a and_o there_o be_v a_o divine_a faith_n which_o only_o deserve_v faith_n the_o name_n of_o christian_a faith_n and_o to_o which_o only_o the_o promise_n of_o god_n do_v belong_v a_o humane_a faith_n i_o call_v that_o when_o man_n do_v believe_v principle_n of_o religion_n mere_o upon_o humane_a motive_n that_o be_v the_o ultimate_a reason_n and_o motive_n into_o which_o their_o faith_n be_v resolve_v these_o humane_a motive_n be_v manifold_a as_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o church_n the_o authority_n of_o minister_n and_o pastor_n our_o education_n by_o parent_n custom_n and_o universality_n as_o also_o the_o law_n and_o edict_n of_o a_o magistrate_n command_v such_o a_o religion_n to_o be_v receive_v and_o no_o other_o now_o whosoever_o make_v this_o the_o chief_a reason_n of_o the_o profession_n of_o his_o faith_n be_v upon_o no_o better_a ground_n than_o the_o turk_n be_v for_o their_o mahometan_a the_o papist_n for_o their_o popish_a faith_n insomuch_o that_o many_o protestant_n turk_n and_o papist_n though_o they_o exceed_o differ_v in_o the_o material_n of_o religion_n yet_o agree_v in_o the_o formali_fw-la motivo_fw-la they_o believe_v so_o and_o so_o because_o bring_v up_o in_o it_o because_o command_v by_o their_o civil_a magistrate_n it_o be_v that_o which_o the_o papist_n upbraid_v we_o with_o that_o our_o religion_n be_v but_o a_o parliament-religion_n or_o a_o queen_n elizabeths-religion_n because_o when_o they_o establish_v it_o the_o land_n general_o receive_v it_o now_o to_o this_o we_o say_v that_o no_o doubt_n the_o generality_n of_o people_n except_o such_o as_o be_v enlighten_v by_o god_n spirit_n do_v receive_v even_o the_o christian_n or_o true_a religion_n but_o upon_o civil_a and_o humane_a respect_n and_o therefore_o when_o emperor_n have_v be_v arrian_n the_o people_n have_v be_v arrian_n when_o the_o king_n of_o israel_n be_v idolater_n the_o inhabitant_n become_v idolater_n and_o thus_o when_o the_o king_n of_o the_o earth_n have_v be_v papist_n the_o people_n have_v be_v papist_n also_o so_o that_o they_o can_v object_v any_o thing_n more_o against_o the_o protestant_a religion_n than_o we_o may_v against_o the_o papist_n only_o we_o add_v a_o further_a position_n which_o introduce_v a_o divirâ—e_a faith_n which_o they_o overthrow_n and_o so_o by_o consequence_n teach_v no_o more_o than_o a_o lumane_a faith_n for_o we_o hold_v that_o every_o private_a believer_n be_v bind_v to_o have_v a_o explicit_a faith_n of_o the_o thing_n necessary_a to_o salvation_n and_o this_o faith_n we_o say_v be_v knowledge_n the_o ground_n whereof_o be_v the_o authority_n and_o testimony_n of_o god_n in_o the_o scripture_n so_o that_o we_o do_v not_o believe_v in_o magistrate_n nor_o in_o minister_n nor_o in_o the_o church_n trust_v our_o faith_n and_o salvation_n upon_o they_o but_o the_o word_n of_o god_n only_o whereas_o the_o papist_n do_v express_o affirm_v that_o a_o private_a christian_n faith_n be_v enough_o 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and_o the_o fontal_a cause_n of_o all_o who_o be_v say_v to_o be_v god_n of_o this_o late_a we_o have_v say_v enough_o already_o we_o shall_v therefore_o at_o this_o time_n dispatch_v the_o former_a that_o comfort_n by_o which_o the_o apostle_n themselves_o be_v refresh_v by_o that_o do_v they_o revive_v other_o even_o those_o that_o be_v far_o inferior_a to_o they_o both_o in_o gift_n and_o grace_n so_o that_o as_o by_o the_o same_o sun_n both_o the_o rich_a and_o the_o poor_a do_v see_v one_o find_v the_o sweetness_n of_o the_o light_n as_o well_o as_o the_o other_o thus_o also_o by_o the_o same_o ground_n of_o comfort_n that_o any_o godly_a man_n may_v be_v support_v all_o may_v be_v observe_v that_o those_o ground_n of_o comfort_n which_o revive_v the_o heart_n of_o one_o godly_a man_n may_v too_o also_o do_v another_o that_o which_o be_v wine_n to_o make_v glad_a the_o heart_n of_o paul_n will_v also_o exhilarate_v the_o heart_n of_o other_o who_o believe_v in_o christ_n that_o which_o be_v honey_n to_o one_o can_v be_v gall_n to_o another_o this_o truth_n have_v its_o great_a practical_a use_n and_o first_o let_v we_o consider_v that_o there_o be_v general_a ground_n of_o comfort_n for_o all_o the_o comfort_n godly_a in_o all_o their_o tribulation_n and_o there_o be_v special_a particular_a one_o the_o general_a ground_n of_o comfort_n be_v such_o that_o all_o the_o godly_a may_v make_v use_n of_o at_o all_o time_n be_v they_o jew_n or_o gentile_n bond_n or_o free_a eye_n or_o foot_n in_o the_o body_n of_o christ_n there_o be_v no_o difference_n no_o exemption_n this_o fountain_n be_v set_v open_a neither_o be_v it_o like_o the_o pool_n of_o bethesda_n wherein_o the_o first_o only_a that_o step_v in_o can_v be_v heal_v for_o here_o all_o be_v invite_v to_o drink_v first_o and_o last_o and_o that_o abundant_o there_o be_v catholicon_n comfort_v that_o let_v our_o disease_n be_v what_o they_o will_v be_v these_o be_v proper_a to_o cure_v we_o there_o be_v some_o promise_n so_o full_a of_o general_a comfort_n for_o every_o condition_n that_o they_o be_v make_v for_o the_o meridian_n of_o every_o godly_a man_n let_v we_o give_v you_o some_o summary_n draught_n of_o they_o as_o 1._o that_o all_o affliction_n do_v come_v from_o the_o love_n of_o a_o father_n to_o such_o as_o believe_v father_n so_o that_o although_o they_o be_v grievous_a to_o flesh_n and_o blood_n and_o have_v a_o bitter_a taste_n yet_o they_o come_v from_o a_o sweet_a root_n these_o thorn_n do_v grow_v upon_o a_o vine_n these_o bitter_a stream_n come_v from_o a_o sweet_a fountain_n now_o this_o ground_n of_o comfort_n belong_v to_o all_o that_o have_v a_o unfeigned_a love_n to_o god_n can_v thou_o make_v out_o thy_o evidence_n of_o be_v in_o christ_n be_v thy_o name_n to_o be_v find_v in_o the_o book_n of_o life_n then_o this_o comfort_n thou_o may_v apply_v to_o thyself_o be_v thy_o condition_n or_o quality_n what_o it_o can_v be_v thou_o may_v bold_o take_v this_o cordial_a and_o it_o be_v as_o proper_a for_o thou_o as_o a_o david_n or_o paul_n any_o of_o those_o who_o be_v pillar_n in_o godliness_n heb._n 12._o 6._o for_o who_o he_o love_v he_o chasten_v so_o that_o you_o see_v here_o be_v such_o a_o argument_n of_o comfort_n that_o every_o member_n of_o the_o body_n of_o christ_n may_v use_v 2._o another_o general_a ground_n of_o comfort_n be_v the_o end_n and_o fruit_n of_o affliction_n as_o they_o come_v from_o god_n love_n so_o they_o be_v to_o subdue_v sin_n to_o bring_v we_o near_o good_a to_o god_n hence_o affliction_n be_v compare_v to_o the_o fire_n that_o purge_v away_o the_o dross_n to_o winnow_v that_o drive_v away_o the_o chaff_n to_o prune_v that_o cut_v off_o the_o luxuriant_a branch_n and_o make_v the_o other_o branch_n more_o fruitful_a they_o be_v give_v by_o christ_n the_o wise_a physician_n of_o our_o soul_n as_o heavenly_a physic_n and_o admirable_a remedy_n to_o crucify_v to_o sin_n and_o to_o quicken_v to_o righteousness_n if_o god_n deny_v thou_o such_o outward_a comfort_n thou_o desire_v know_v that_o this_o very_a denial_n be_v for_o thy_o good_a and_o dare_v thou_o say_v lord_n let_v i_o have_v they_o though_o they_o damn_v i_o let_v i_o not_o be_v afflict_v though_o it_o will_v do_v i_o good_a quid_fw-la â—…sit_fw-la uâ—l_fw-la prosit_fw-la novit_fw-la medice_fw-la non_fw-la egrotus_fw-la thus_o the_o apostle_n rom._n 8._o all_o thing_n shall_v work_v together_o for_o the_o good_a of_o those_o who_o love_n god_n the_o apostle_n also_o speak_v notable_o of_o these_o affliction_n in_o respect_n of_o the_o issue_n of_o they_o as_o well_o as_o of_o the_o original_n whence_o they_o flow_v heb._n 12._o 9_o 10_o 11._o where_o a_o threefold_a advantage_n be_v say_v to_o come_v by_o they_o 1._o by_o yield_v to_o the_o father_n of_o spirit_n chastise_v we_o we_o live_v tribulation_n therefore_o be_v the_o way_n to_o make_v we_o live_v spiritual_o here_o and_o eternal_o hereafter_o if_o it_o be_v not_o for_o affliction_n thou_o may_v die_v and_o be_v damn_v they_o have_v prevent_v much_o sin_n they_o have_v be_v like_o a_o file_n to_o the_o iron_n to_o get_v off_o the_o rust_n they_o have_v be_v like_o the_o plow_a and_o harrow_n of_o the_o ground_n to_o fit_v thou_o to_o bring_v forth_o fruit_n and_o 2._o god_n be_v say_v to_o chastise_v we_o for_o our_o profit_n which_o be_v express_v to_o be_v that_o we_o may_v be_v partaker_n of_o holiness_n tribulation_n than_o be_v very_o profitable_a and_o advantageous_a thing_n though_o flesh_n and_o blood_n can_v hardly_o say_v so_o it_o may_v be_v thy_o affliction_n have_v do_v thou_o more_o good_a than_o all_o the_o mercy_n thou_o ever_o have_v and_o therefore_o under_o every_o exercise_n examine_v what_o profit_n have_v i_o get_v wherein_o be_o i_o make_v more_o holy_a and_o then_o 3._o at_o the_o 11_o verse_n after_o the_o grievous_a and_o burdensome_a way_n of_o they_o for_o the_o present_a afterward_o they_o will_v yield_v a_o peaceable_a fruit_n of_o righteousness_n the_o chasten_n do_v but_o seem_v grievous_a and_o that_o for_o the_o present_a but_o afterward_o it_o make_v more_o holy_a which_o be_v say_v to_o be_v the_o peaceable_a fruit_n of_o it_o the_o soul_n that_o rage_v and_o fret_v find_v the_o benefit_n begin_v then_o in_o a_o peaceable_a quiet_a manner_n to_o bless_v and_o praise_n god_n for_o it_o this_o be_v a_o general_n comfort_n every_o godly_a man_n may_v say_v this_o belong_v to_o i_o in_o my_o affliction_n as_o well_o as_o to_o any_o other_o 3._o not_o to_o be_v too_o large_a here_o the_o benefit_n and_o heavenly_a advantage_n christ_n which_o come_v from_o christ_n be_v we_o these_o also_o be_v comfort_n in_o common_a there_o be_v no_o fiery_a sword_n to_o keep_v out_o of_o this_o paradise_n rom._n 8._o do_v not_o the_o apostle_n conclude_v those_o great_a privilege_n of_o justification_n of_o perseverance_n in_o that_o state_n of_o conquest_n over_o all_o spiritual_a enemy_n and_o that_o from_o such_o general_a ground_n as_o all_o the_o people_n of_o god_n may_v claim_v to_o it_o because_o christ_n die_v and_o because_o christ_n be_v rise_v because_o he_o have_v give_v we_o christ_n and_o how_o then_o not_o with_o he_o all_o thing_n else_o be_v there_o any_o believer_n so_o weak_a so_o contemptible_a that_o christ_n do_v not_o die_v for_o and_o rise_v for_o be_v there_o any_o to_o who_o the_o father_n have_v not_o give_v christ_n if_o so_o you_o see_v that_o what_o comfort_v paul_n may_v comfort_v you_o it_o be_v a_o vain_a position_n of_o papist_n that_o paul_n speak_v so_o assure_o in_o that_o condition_n because_o of_o a_o extraordinary_a revelation_n that_o he_o have_v that_o christ_n be_v his_o for_o he_o ground_n his_o persuasion_n upon_o those_o general_a argument_n which_o belong_v to_o every_o godly_a man_n christ_n then_o and_o his_o presence_n with_o all_o his_o benefit_n be_v a_o cordial_a to_o every_o believer_n this_o sun_n of_o righteousness_n arise_v with_o heal_v in_o his_o wing_n to_o the_o least_o believer_n as_o well_o as_o the_o great_a the_o the_o dwarf_n as_o well_o as_o the_o giant_n may_v hold_v this_o pearl_n in_o his_o hand_n but_o in_o the_o second_o place_n beside_o such_o general_a comfort_n which_o be_v as_o some_o comfort_n say_v of_o manna_n answer_v all_o dainty_n and_o be_v to_o every_o man_n palate_n that_o which_o he_o most_o delight_v in_o there_o be_v special_a and_o particular_a comfort_n for_o special_a and_o particular_a temptation_n so_o that_o as_o every_o disease_n need_v a_o peculiar_a remedy_n so_o every_o temptation_n a_o proper_a comfort_n and_o therefore_o that_o special_a comfort_n will_v not_o serve_v one_o in_o his_o temptation_n which_o do_v another_o in_o a_o different_a one_o and_o hence_o
be_v a_o improper_a foundation_n for_o thy_o faith_n as_o thy_o faith_n be_v hereby_o a_o blind_a faith_n so_o thy_o comfort_n be_v but_o a_o blind_a comfort_n how_o great_o do_v the_o popish_a casuist_n perplex_v their_o people_n with_o such_o case_n of_o conscience_n and_o about_o such_o superstitious_a thing_n that_o they_o have_v only_a tradition_n for_o and_o that_o it_o may_v be_v not_o many_o year_n neither_o without_o any_o stamp_n or_o superscription_n of_o the_o scripture_n have_v not_o they_o comfort_v in_o their_o penance_n in_o their_o indulgence_n will_v not_o their_o friar_n and_o monk_n not_o those_o slow_a beast_n and_o idle_a belly_n who_o from_o delude_a principle_n of_o conscience_n do_v severe_o and_o austeer_o mortify_v themselves_o say_v they_o have_v the_o testimony_n of_o their_o conscience_n and_o make_v a_o bulwark_n from_o thence_o but_o where_o be_v the_o rule_n they_o go_v by_o be_v it_o not_o tradition_n on_o the_o contrary_a side_n in_o another_o extreme_a there_o be_v the_o enthusiast_n who_o reject_v the_o scripture_n as_o a_o dead_a letter_n and_o do_v adhere_v only_o to_o revelation_n to_o pretend_a work_n of_o god_n spirit_n to_o the_o manifest_a light_n within_o they_o do_v not_o these_o even_a boast_n in_o their_o joy_n and_o ravishment_n do_v they_o not_o when_o unable_a to_o answer_v argument_n fly_v to_o a_o light_n within_o they_o but_o what_o ground_n be_v there_o for_o this_o be_v not_o the_o apostle_n command_v that_o we_o shall_v not_o believe_v every_o spirit_n but_o try_v they_o 1_o john_n 4._o 1._o and_o how_o must_v that_o be_v but_o by_o the_o scripture_n you_o see_v then_o that_o it_o be_v not_o conscience_n simple_o and_o alone_o but_o a_o scripture-conscience_n that_o be_v the_o ground_n of_o comfort_n to_o leave_v that_o and_o to_o trust_v in_o our_o conscience_n be_v to_o make_v our_o conscience_n a_o bible_n to_o attribute_v infallibility_n to_o ourselves_o now_o this_o scrigture_n be_v not_o only_o a_o rule_n for_o our_o conscience_n in_o matter_n of_o faith_n but_o also_o of_o manner_n of_o righteousness_n towards_o man_n conscience_n must_v witness_v to_o thou_o not_o only_o that_o thou_o be_v in_o the_o true_a religion_n but_o also_o do_v walk_v in_o holy_a conversation_n it_o must_v testify_v of_o thy_o righteousness_n towards_o man_n as_o well_o as_o of_o religion_n towards_o god_n this_o be_v paul_n continual_a exercise_n act._n 24._o 26._o to_o have_v a_o conscience_n void_a of_o offence_n towards_o god_n and_o towards_o man_n there_o be_v many_o voluminous_a tractate_v of_o case_n of_o conscience_n de_fw-fr jure_fw-la &_o justitiâ_fw-la of_o righteousness_n towards_o man_n and_o although_o the_o scripture_n do_v not_o particular_o decide_v lawcase_n yet_o it_o lay_v down_o such_o general_a rule_n that_o by_o they_o particular_n may_v easy_o be_v decide_v if_o our_o heart_n be_v not_o corrupt_v as_o for_o example_n that_o famous_a rule_n what_o you_o will_v have_v man_n do_v to_o you_o do_v you_o to_o they_o mat._n 7._o 12._o our_o saviour_n after_o he_o have_v give_v religious_a precept_n about_o prayer_n etc._n etc._n he_o add_v this_o to_o show_v that_o religion_n and_o righteousness_n must_v always_o go_v together_o and_o adrian_n the_o emperor_n be_v so_o affect_v with_o this_o rule_n say_v he_o have_v it_o from_o the_o jew_n or_o christian_n that_o he_o command_v it_o to_o be_v write_v on_o the_o door_n and_o gate_n of_o his_o palace_n and_o before_o he_o will_v punish_v any_o offender_n will_v inform_v he_o of_o this_o rule_n and_o our_o saviour_n say_v this_o be_v the_o law_n and_o the_o prophet_n a_o great_a expression_n look_v then_o to_o thy_o conscience_n that_o it_o take_v the_o scripture_n for_o a_o rule_n in_o its_o adequate_a nature_n for_o faith_n and_o conversation_n this_o be_v no_o rule_n for_o conscience_n to_o go_v by_o other_o do_v say_v every_o word_n one_o be_v to_o look_v to_o himself_o but_o the_o word_n of_o god_n that_o must_v bear_v evidence_n to_o thou_o by_o thy_o conscience_n second_o to_o the_o right_a guidance_n of_o our_o conscience_n in_o witness_v to_o we_o there_o be_v not_o only_o require_v the_o word_n as_o a_o rule_n but_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n to_o enlighten_v thy_o mind_n to_o receive_v the_o true_a meaning_n thereof_o such_o be_v the_o powerful_a delusion_n of_o satan_n that_o when_o he_o can_v no_o long_o dethrone_v the_o scripture_n from_o its_o authority_n but_o man_n will_v appeal_v to_o that_o than_o he_o look_v about_o to_o advance_v his_o kingdom_n by_o the_o scripture_n ill_o handle_v and_o wrest_v to_o corrupt_a opinion_n and_o by_o this_o mean_n man_n be_v bring_v into_o a_o worse_a condition_n and_o more_o incurable_a than_o those_o who_o walk_v by_o no_o scripture_n at_o all_o for_o if_o a_o man_n be_v deliver_v up_o to_o this_o persuasion_n that_o his_o opinion_n and_o way_n be_v allow_v by_o scripture_n warrant_v by_o scripture_n what_o way_n shall_v we_o take_v to_o reduce_v he_o the_o apostle_n peter_n tell_v we_o of_o some_o unstable_a and_o unlearned_a man_n 2_o pet._n 3._o 16._o which_o do_v wrest_v the_o scripture_n to_o their_o own_o perdition_n and_o nothing_o be_v more_o ordinary_a which_o make_v luther_n say_v that_o the_o bible_n be_v the_o heretic_n book_n not_o in_o the_o sense_n the_o papist_n do_v accuse_v it_o thereby_o of_o insufficiency_n and_o imperfection_n but_o for_o the_o dignity_n of_o it_o have_v such_o authority_n that_o every_o heretic_n will_v glad_o run_v to_o this_o sanctuary_n the_o scripture_n then_o though_o a_o perfect_a rule_n yet_o be_v not_o enough_o to_o guide_v our_o conscience_n unless_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n as_o be_v promise_v lead_v we_o into_o truth_n as_o the_o sun_n though_o never_o so_o full_a of_o light_n yet_o can_v guide_v a_o blind_a man_n we_o grant_v indeed_o that_o the_o scripture_n be_v but_o a_o dead_a letter_n and_o of_o itself_o without_o god_n spirit_n do_v not_o enlighten_v the_o mind_n and_o convert_v the_o heart_n only_o we_o say_v the_o spirit_n do_v this_o in_o and_o by_o the_o scripture_n and_o that_o all_o man_n conscience_n impulse_n light_n revelation_n and_o joy_n must_v be_v examine_v and_o stand_v or_o fall_v according_a to_o this_o rule_n let_v this_o be_v grant_v and_o then_o we_o plead_v as_o fervent_o as_o any_o can_v for_o the_o work_n of_o god_n spirit_n this_o must_v enlighten_v the_o conscience_n to_o be_v able_a to_o understand_v and_o believe_v the_o thing_n reveal_v there_o hence_o the_o disciple_n can_v not_o attempt_v their_o office_n of_o publish_v the_o gospel_n without_o this_o assistance_n from_o the_o holy_a ghost_n john_n 16._o 13._o he_o be_v say_v to_o guide_v they_o into_o all_o truth_n to_o guide_v they_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d this_o signify_v that_o they_o do_v not_o know_v the_o way_n or_o if_o they_o be_v in_o they_o will_v quick_o divert_v into_o by-path_n if_o this_o spirit_n do_v not_o guide_v they_o when_o david_n say_v the_o word_n be_v a_o lamp_n and_o light_n to_o his_o foot_n if_o we_o understand_v it_o effectual_o so_o that_o it_o do_v not_o only_o propound_v the_o light_n objective_o but_o that_o also_o he_o be_v subjective_o thereby_o illuminate_v this_o do_v necessary_o presuppose_v the_o work_n of_o god_n spirit_n no_o wonder_n then_o if_o so_o many_o may_v be_v exceed_o acquaint_v with_o scripture_n be_v ready_a with_o some_o text_n upon_o every_o occasion_n yet_o for_o all_o that_o be_v delude_v with_o error_n because_o they_o want_v god_n spirit_n to_o enlighten_v they_o and_o instruct_v they_o thereby_o let_v we_o look_v upon_o the_o jew_n the_o sad_a do_v object_v in_o the_o world_n at_o this_o day_n they_o have_v be_v so_o skilful_a in_o the_o old_a testament_n that_o some_o can_v remember_v how_o many_o word_n and_o syllable_n be_v therein_o and_o that_o be_v read_v to_o they_o daily_o yet_o who_o more_o malicious_o opposite_a unto_o the_o lord_n christ_n promise_v in_o the_o old_a testament_n than_o they_o be_v but_o the_o scripture_n give_v a_o full_a reason_n thereof_o the_o veil_n be_v upon_o their_o eye_n and_o long_o before_o there_o be_v such_o a_o prediction_n of_o this_o spiritual_a judgement_n upon_o they_o that_o see_v they_o shall_v not_o see_v hear_v not_o hear_v lest_o they_o understand_v and_o be_v convert_v therefore_o to_o have_v a_o pure_a and_o true_a conscience_n we_o must_v be_v sure_a to_o pray_v and_o exercise_v ourselves_o herein_o that_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n will_v direct_v we_o into_o the_o true_a sense_n and_o meaning_n of_o the_o word_n which_o be_v to_o be_v expect_v in_o the_o holy_a use_n of_o those_o mean_n which_o be_v necessary_a to_o find_v out_o the_o sense_n thereof_o for_o you_o must_v not_o expect_v that_o god_n spirit_n will_v immediate_o reveal_v the_o sense_n of_o the_o scripture_n without_o
the_o understanding_n be_v first_o in_o the_o sense_n the_o more_o expedite_a they_o be_v the_o more_o vigorous_a be_v the_o understanding_n second_o there_o be_v require_v a_o particular_a application_n of_o christ_n and_o the_o promise_n to_o ourselves_o by_o faith_n for_o herein_o lie_v the_o efficacy_n of_o faith_n when_o with_o themselves_o thomas_n it_o say_v my_o lord_n my_o god_n or_o with_o paul_n who_o love_v i_o and_o give_v himself_o for_o i_o for_o as_o the_o see_n of_o meat_n though_o never_o so_o excellent_a and_o wholesome_a do_v not_o nourish_v but_o the_o eat_n of_o it_o so_o the_o behold_v of_o christ_n reveal_v in_o the_o word_n as_o a_o saviour_n in_o the_o general_n do_v not_o justify_v and_o pardon_v but_o the_o apply_v of_o he_o to_o be_v my_o christ_n and_o my_o saviour_n for_o this_o reason_n faith_n be_v call_v john_n 6._o the_o eat_n of_o christ_n flesh_n and_o drink_v of_o christ_n blood_n and_o the_o sacrament_n of_o the_o lord_n supper_n do_v require_v this_o particular_a apply_v act_n of_o faith_n and_o this_o be_v the_o foundation_n for_o our_o future_a knowledge_n till_o christ_n be_v we_o we_o can_v know_v he_o be_v we_o till_o christ_n be_v receive_v by_o faith_n to_o dwell_v in_o our_o heart_n we_o can_v perceive_v that_o he_o do_v dwell_v there_o happy_o then_o the_o apostle_n peter_n exhort_v we_o 2_o pet._n 1._o 5._o to_o add_v to_o faith_n virtue_n by_o that_o be_v mean_v the_o efficacy_n and_o liveliness_n of_o faith_n in_o receive_v of_o christ_n and_o then_o to_o this_o we_o must_v add_v knowledge_n knowledge_n be_v to_o follow_v this_o efficacious_a application_n of_o christ_n now_o this_o be_v the_o great_a work_n of_o our_o faith_n as_o to_o our_o justification_n this_o be_v that_o which_o the_o papist_n do_v so_o declaim_v against_o and_o for_o which_o estius_n call_v we_o specialistas_n specialists_n but_o certain_o this_o be_v the_o act_n of_o faith_n that_o make_v we_o rich_a that_o bring_v christ_n the_o treasure_n into_o our_o soul_n and_o it_o be_v this_o which_o the_o devil_n do_v so_o oppose_v in_o all_o the_o godly_a hence_o be_v all_o those_o fiery_a dart_n of_o satan_n all_o those_o sad_a and_o black_a aggravation_n of_o sin_n whereby_o the_o soul_n like_o that_o woman_n with_o the_o bloody_a flux_n be_v afraid_a and_o tremble_v to_o come_v direct_o to_o christ_n it_o be_v that_o apply_v act_n of_o faith_n that_o the_o devil_n so_o diligent_o will_v keep_v thou_o off_o whereas_o if_o thou_o do_v but_o taste_v of_o this_o honey_n as_o jonathan_n or_o rather_o plentiful_o fill_v thyself_o with_o it_o thou_o will_v with_o much_o spiritual_a fortitude_n pursue_v and_o conquer_v all_o thy_o spiritual_a enemy_n this_o be_v the_o bless_a truth_n that_o our_o reformer_n rescue_v out_o of_o popery_n be_v enable_v thereunto_o by_o the_o word_n of_o god_n as_o a_o rule_n and_o the_o experimental_a work_n of_o grace_n upon_o their_o soul_n as_o a_o sure_a witness_n to_o confirm_v they_o therein_o but_o this_o be_v not_o all_o therefore_o to_o obtain_v this_o knowledge_n there_o be_v require_v a_o internal_a sense_n and_o feel_n of_o the_o fit_a frame_n of_o our_o heart_n whereby_o we_o perceive_v that_o we_o be_v such_o who_o do_v believe_v and_o do_v love_n god_n who_o do_v repent_v of_o our_o sin_n upon_o firm_a and_o pure_a ground_n for_o unless_o there_o be_v this_o inward_a discern_v of_o what_o be_v in_o we_o how_o be_v it_o possible_a to_o arrive_v at_o any_o certainty_n now_o it_o be_v this_o that_o the_o popish_a adversary_n do_v most_o batter_v suppose_v it_o to_o be_v the_o weak_a part_n in_o the_o wall_n it_o be_v true_a say_v they_o we_o believe_v the_o scripture_n that_o speak_v general_o whosoever_o believe_v and_o repent_v shall_v have_v his_o sin_n pardon_v but_o when_o you_o come_v to_o the_o assumption_n but_o i_o believe_v i_o repent_v here_o you_o be_v subject_a to_o many_o mistake_n here_o you_o may_v be_v deceive_v and_o certain_o all_o hypocrite_n be_v delude_v in_o this_o respect_n they_o make_v false_a application_n to_o themselves_o through_o self-love_n they_o deceive_v themselves_o think_v they_o have_v good_a heart_n when_o they_o have_v they_o not_o but_o this_o do_v not_o infer_v that_o the_o true_o godly_a be_v therefore_o deceive_v no_o more_o than_o because_o a_o heretic_n have_v great_a confidence_n that_o he_o be_v in_o the_o truth_n yet_o be_v deceive_v it_o follow_v that_o therefore_o the_o orthodox_n man_n be_v also_o in_o a_o error_n because_o man_n in_o a_o dream_n be_v delude_v do_v it_o follow_v that_o man_n can_v tell_v when_o they_o be_v indeed_o awake_a we_o must_v know_v then_o that_o as_o we_o have_v a_o certain_a knowledge_n by_o the_o bodily_a sense_n we_o be_v certain_a we_o hear_v we_o see_v so_o the_o soul_n in_o her_o immaterial_a operation_n have_v a_o sense_n and_o feel_n of_o they_o we_o feel_v we_o know_v we_o understand_v we_o love_v we_o delight_v these_o internal_a motion_n of_o the_o soul_n be_v perceive_v as_o well_o as_o the_o thing_n of_o sense_n and_o to_o say_v we_o may_v be_v decive_v here_o and_o no_o truth_n can_v be_v discover_v be_v to_o turn_v all_o knowledge_n into_o scepticism_n and_o to_o hold_v nihil_fw-la scitur_fw-la yea_o that_o that_o also_o be_v not_o know_v that_o nothing_o be_v know_v and_o beside_o it_o be_v direct_o against_o scripture_n no_o man_n know_v the_o thing_n of_o a_o man_n save_o the_o spirit_n of_o a_o man_n 1_o cor._n 2._o 11._o this_o then_o be_v lay_v as_o a_o foundation_n that_o a_o man_n own_o spirit_n do_v feel_v and_o perceive_v what_o be_v the_o motion_n thereof_o it_o follow_v that_o when_o a_o man_n do_v upright_o and_o sincere_o love_n god_n and_o walk_v in_o his_o way_n he_o do_v experimental_o discern_v this_o he_o know_v he_o believe_v he_o know_v he_o love_v god_n but_o heart_n that_o this_o may_v be_v do_v there_o be_v require_v first_o a_o humble_a break_a heart_n and_o poverty_n of_o spirit_n whereby_o we_o be_v empty_v of_o all_o our_o own_o righteousness_n renounce_v every_o thing_n that_o be_v we_o hunger_a and_o thirst_v after_o christ_n and_o his_o righteousness_n every_o gracious_a heart_n that_o come_v to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o its_o sincerity_n have_v this_o concomitant_a disposition_n there_o be_v a_o humble_a lowly_a break_a spirit_n it_o feel_v itself_o undo_v and_o lose_v it_o fear_v all_o that_o it_o have_v do_v and_o therefore_o can_v rest_v no_o where_o but_o on_o christ_n only_o now_o although_o many_o do_v deceive_v themselves_o many_o do_v flatter_v and_o delude_v their_o own_o soul_n yet_o where_o there_o be_v this_o frame_n of_o heart_n there_o will_v never_o be_v any_o miscarriage_n second_o beside_o this_o brokenness_n of_o heart_n there_o be_v require_v a_o regular_a soul_n and_o undistempered_a disposition_n in_o the_o soul_n for_o though_o the_o sense_n can_v be_v deceive_v about_o its_o proper_a object_n hence_o be_v that_o say_n non_fw-la est_fw-la disputandum_fw-la de_fw-fr gustu_fw-la we_o must_v not_o dispute_v about_o taste_n yet_o if_o the_o palate_n be_v disease_v nothing_o be_v more_o ordinary_a than_o to_o judge_v that_o bitter_a which_o be_v sweet_a and_o this_o fall_v out_o sometime_o to_o the_o choice_a people_n of_o god_n there_o be_v troublesome_a and_o disquiet_v temptation_n upon_o they_o they_o be_v in_o blackness_n and_o sadness_n now_o in_o such_o a_o case_n we_o be_v no_o more_o able_a to_o know_v what_o we_o be_v than_o we_o can_v see_v our_o face_n in_o trouble_a water_n so_o that_o this_o due_a and_o prepare_a qualification_n of_o the_o soul_n must_v be_v always_o present_a in_o the_o judge_n of_o ourselves_o as_o in_o all_o faculty_n whether_o the_o intellective_a or_o visive_a if_o they_o have_v any_o impediment_n in_o their_o operation_n they_o can_v produce_v their_o convenient_a operation_n the_o understanding_n in_o a_o mad_a man_n and_o in_o a_o man_n fast_o asleep_a be_v whole_o hinder_v in_o its_o work_n so_o may_v the_o sense_n be_v either_o by_o some_o hurt_n upon_o the_o sensitive_a power_n or_o by_o the_o indisposition_n of_o the_o medium_n or_o through_o the_o distance_n of_o the_o object_n thus_o it_o be_v in_o the_o soul_n when_o sanctify_v there_o may_v be_v many_o distemper_n several_a impediment_n which_o may_v hinder_v it_o from_o pass_v a_o true_a judgement_n about_o its_o state_n and_o therefore_o the_o advice_n of_o casuist_n in_o such_o case_n be_v not_o to_o seek_v for_o this_o assurance_n and_o evidence_n but_o to_o put_v forth_o act_n of_o faith_n by_o mere_a dependence_n and_o recumbance_n on_o the_o promise_n of_o the_o gospel_n even_o as_o david_n and_o job_n sometime_o do_v for_o job_n say_v though_o he_o kill_v i_o yet_o will_v i_o trust_v in_o he_o job_n 13._o 15._o three_o this_o frame_n
concern_v i_o we_o may_v very_o well_o take_v in_o both_o together_o for_o the_o latter_a do_v necessary_o suppose_v the_o former_a they_o can_v not_o continue_v in_o their_o acknowledgement_n of_o his_o integrity_n unless_o paul_n also_o do_v persist_v in_o his_o uprightness_n now_o in_o that_o paul_n say_v he_o trust_v viz._n in_o god_n that_o he_o shall_v be_v thus_o preserve_v you_o see_v the_o humble_a and_o holy_a frame_n of_o his_o heart_n he_o do_v not_o put_v confidence_n in_o his_o own_o strength_n in_o his_o own_o gift_n and_o grace_n but_o alone_o in_o god_n which_o may_v teach_v we_o that_o though_o never_o so_o godly_a yet_o we_o be_v to_o depend_v upon_o god_n alone_o for_o our_o perseverance_n in_o the_o way_n to_o heaven_n but_o we_o have_v already_o speak_v to_o this_o in_o the_o general_n that_o it_o be_v the_o property_n of_o the_o godly_a to_o acknowledge_v the_o grace_n of_o god_n towards_o they_o in_o all_o thing_n we_o shall_v therefore_o pitch_v upon_o another_o which_o flow_v from_o both_o the_o interpretation_n join_v together_o viz._n that_o hopeful_a beginning_n in_o the_o way_n of_o religion_n be_v not_o enough_o without_o perseverance_n a_o faithful_a perseverance_n therein_o it_o be_v not_o enough_o for_o a_o man_n that_o run_v a_o race_n to_o set_v out_o at_o first_o with_o all_o speed_n and_o swiftness_n unless_o also_o he_o hold_v out_o to_o the_o end_n neither_o do_v it_o avail_v a_o traveller_n to_o get_v up_o betimes_o and_o to_o begin_v his_o journey_n with_o all_o haste_n if_o afterward_o he_o loiter_v or_o come_v back_o again_o now_o this_o fall_v out_o too_o often_o very_o sad_o in_o our_o course_n of_o christianity_n many_o that_o be_v once_o first_o be_v now_o last_o yea_o be_v now_o nothing_o at_o all_o but_o turn_v clear_a out_o of_o the_o narrow_a way_n into_o the_o broad_a way_n that_o lead_v to_o hell_n and_o destruction_n thus_o the_o apostle_n upbraid_v the_o galatian_n galat._n 3._o 3._o for_o ginning_n in_o the_o spirit_n and_o end_v in_o â—he_n flesh_n be_v you_o so_o foolish_a say_v he_o it_o be_v the_o great_a folly_n that_o can_v be_v for_o hereby_o all_o our_o former_a zeal_n all_o our_o bypass_a activity_n for_o god_n be_v forget_v all_o be_v in_o vain_a have_v you_o suffer_v so_o many_o thing_n in_o vain_a as_o it_o follow_v in_o the_o next_o verse_n and_o again_o it_o be_v extreme_a folly_n because_o we_o part_v with_o god_n for_o sin_n with_o heaven_n for_o hell_n with_o honey_n for_o gall_n we_o lose_v our_o sweetness_n and_o fatness_n to_o become_v brier_n and_o bramble_n that_o be_v fit_a for_o nothing_o but_o to_o be_v burn_v to_o enlarge_v this_o consider_v first_o that_o a_o man_n who_o do_v first_o set_v upon_o the_o way_n of_o religion_n who_o will_v foundation_n become_v a_o disciple_n of_o christ_n must_v above_o all_o thing_n look_v to_o his_o foundation_n well_o he_o must_v have_v a_o special_a care_n that_o he_o lay_v a_o good_a beginning_n otherwise_o though_o he_o may_v make_v a_o glorious_a show_n for_o a_o while_n his_o fall_n at_o last_o will_v be_v very_o great_a and_o terrible_a therefore_o our_o saviour_n know_v the_o hypocrisy_n and_o inconstancy_n of_o man_n heart_n do_v much_o press_n this_o point_n and_o that_o to_o such_o hearer_n who_o do_v show_v exceed_v great_a zeal_n and_o forwardness_n in_o follow_v after_o he_o witness_v the_o parable_n of_o the_o several_a kind_n of_o ground_n that_o receive_v the_o good_a seed_n matth._n 13._o and_o luke_n 8._o the_o difference_n between_o the_o good_a and_o bad_a lay_n in_o this_o that_o one_o have_v a_o good_a and_o honest_a heart_n wherein_o the_o word_n of_o god_n have_v deep_a root_n the_o other_o have_v only_o a_o superficial_a work_n and_o therefore_o when_o hardship_n come_v can_v not_o endure_v so_o likewise_o the_o parable_n of_o the_o foolish_a and_o wise_a builder_n luke_n 6._o 47._o be_v express_o to_o this_o purpose_n that_o none_o shall_v please_v themselves_o in_o hear_v of_o the_o word_n in_o public_a duty_n and_o profession_n but_o look_v to_o their_o foundation_n to_o observe_v what_o all_o their_o duty_n and_o expression_n be_v build_v upon_o for_o what_o be_v build_v only_o upon_o a_o rock_n will_v endure_v when_o storm_n and_o tempest_n shall_v arise_v it_o be_v necessary_a to_o instance_n in_o some_o of_o those_o particular_n that_o will_v thus_o qualify_v our_o beginning_n for_o as_o in_o disease_n yea_o and_o in_o sin_n the_o rule_n be_v to_o look_v to_o the_o beginning_n so_o in_o another_o sense_n it_o be_v good_a counsel_n to_o observe_v what_o be_v the_o first_o beginning_n that_o ever_o bring_v you_o into_o the_o way_n of_o god_n how_o come_v you_o to_o leave_v off_o what_o be_v former_o do_v by_o you_o and_o to_o appear_v in_o a_o contrary_a way_n for_o in_o some_o sense_n we_o may_v say_v here_o not_o dimidium_fw-la but_o principium_fw-la est_fw-la plus_fw-la toto_fw-la and_o first_o we_o be_v to_o look_v to_o our_o motive_n whether_o 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the_o same_o and_o godliness_n be_v the_o same_o thou_o will_v also_o be_v the_o same_o but_o if_o to_o get_v the_o favour_n of_o man_n to_o get_v wealth_n to_o obtain_v pace_n of_o credit_n and_o profit_n than_o thou_o be_v but_o a_o meteor_n compound_v of_o terrestrial_a material_n and_o so_o will_v be_v toss_v up_o and_o down_o as_o any_o wind_n drive_v thou_o a_o second_o thing_n necessary_a to_o look_v to_o in_o thy_o beginning_n be_v to_o see_v that_o the_o work_n of_o god_n spirit_n make_v impression_n deep_a enough_o that_o it_o have_v full_a root_n for_o matth._n 13._o and_o in_o many_o other_o place_n we_o read_v of_o many_o common_a gift_n of_o god_n spirit_n bestow_v upon_o man_n whereby_o they_o may_v make_v very_o hopeful_a beginning_n they_o may_v be_v furnish_v with_o excellent_a gift_n and_o ability_n so_o as_o to_o be_v able_a to_o work_v miracle_n they_o may_v taste_v of_o the_o good_a word_n of_o god_n they_o may_v be_v enlighten_v they_o may_v believe_v they_o may_v receive_v the_o word_n with_o joy_n and_o be_v not_o these_o great_a and_o rare_a thing_n how_o few_o be_v there_o that_o attain_v to_o thus_o much_o they_o have_v not_o that_o common_a illumination_n nor_o those_o transitory_a affection_n whereby_o we_o may_v say_v they_o do_v for_o a_o season_n rejoice_v in_o the_o light_n when_o therefore_o we_o begin_v to_o take_v the_o first_o step_n to_o heaven_n we_o be_v to_o consider_v whether_o we_o have_v any_o more_o than_o the_o common_a breathe_n and_o inspiration_n of_o god_n spirit_n whether_o we_o have_v more_o than_o gift_n or_o ability_n more_o than_o some_o bodily_a ravishment_n or_o ecstasy_n for_o all_o these_o do_v not_o necessary_o infer_v the_o new_a creature_n oâ—_n a_o divine_a nature_n within_o we_o indeed_o we_o can_v not_o have_v these_o thing_n without_o the_o assistance_n of_o god_n spirit_n and_o therefore_o when_o carnal_a and_o natural_a man_n be_v partaker_n of_o these_o they_o admire_v they_o they_o take_v these_o for_o grace_n they_o never_o have_v such_o work_n upon_o their_o soul_n before_o there_o be_v a_o vast_a difference_n in_o themselves_o as_o they_o find_v between_o what_o they_o be_v once_o and_o what_o they_o now_o feel_v and_o this_o make_v they_o very_o secure_a and_o confident_a but_o because_o a_o good_a foundation_n be_v not_o at_o first_o lay_v therefore_o many_o of_o such_o a_o frame_n of_o spirit_n go_v no_o further_o do_v great_o apostatise_v and_o be_v more_o take_v with_o their_o opinion_n experience_n and_o apprehension_n than_o christ_n dwell_v in_o they_o they_o be_v affect_v with_o they_o and_o not_o renounce_v all_o go_v out_o of_o every_o thing_n that_o christ_n may_v be_v exalt_v and_o they_o debase_v three_o and_o i_o will_v instance_n in_o no_o more_o it_o behove_v those_o who_o be_v
beginner_n in_o christianity_n deliberate_o and_o serious_o to_o consider_v how_o much_o it_o will_v câ—st_v tâ—_n be_v godly_a they_o be_v not_o only_o to_o look_v to_o their_o motive_n but_o to_o the_o nature_n of_o such_o duty_n as_o they_o must_v be_v continual_o exercise_v in_o for_o when_o a_o man_n find_v that_o the_o way_n of_o godliness_n be_v a_o more_o self-denying_a mortify_a way_n a_o more_o oppose_v and_o persecute_a way_n than_o he_o expect_v this_o make_v he_o to_o be_v offend_v and_o he_o be_v ready_a with_o judas_n to_o betray_v christ_n for_o a_o piece_n of_o silver_n or_o with_o esau_n to_o sell_v his_o birthright_n for_o a_o mess_n of_o pottage_n our_o saviour_n speak_v full_o to_o this_o luke_n 14._o 28_o 29_o 31_o 32._o where_n press_v those_o who_o be_v to_o be_v his_o disciple_n to_o these_o great_a and_o difficult_a duty_n of_o hate_v father_n and_o mother_n and_o life_n itself_o for_o he_o yea_o to_o take_v up_o his_o cross_n and_o to_o follow_v he_o no_o more_o for_o ever_o to_o own_o any_o object_n as_o the_o chief_a delight_n of_o his_o soul_n but_o christ_n he_o illustrate_v this_o by_o two_o similitude_n one_o of_o a_o builder_n who_o if_o he_o be_v wise_a will_v consider_v what_o expense_n he_o be_v able_a to_o bear_v before_o he_o set_v upon_o it_o lest_o his_o folly_n be_v know_v to_o all_o and_o another_o of_o a_o king_n go_v to_o war_n who_o will_v first_o consider_v what_o his_o strength_n be_v and_o whether_o he_o be_v able_a to_o meet_v his_o adversary_n or_o no._n thus_o it_o ought_v to_o be_v with_o every_o one_o that_o will_v profess_v the_o name_n of_o christ_n how_o come_v you_o to_o to_o do_v it_o have_v you_o serious_o consider_v what_o it_o be_v to_o be_v a_o christian_a indeed_o can_v you_o hate_v all_o leave_v all_o if_o christ_n require_v can_v you_o part_v with_o your_o lust_n your_o pleasure_n and_o profit_n if_o you_o can_v have_v these_o and_o christ_n too_o than_o the_o way_n to_o heaven_n will_v not_o be_v so_o difficult_a than_o many_o will_v be_v save_v but_o this_o be_v that_o which_o make_v so_o many_o apostasy_n so_o many_o revolting_n and_o scandal_n in_o the_o way_n of_o religion_n that_o man_n come_v on_o a_o sudden_a into_o the_o profession_n of_o christ_n either_o for_o education_n only_o or_o the_o national_a example_n or_o some_o external_a encouragement_n and_o then_o when_o they_o meet_v with_o hard_a brunt_n than_o they_o look_v for_o when_o they_o see_v christ_n will_v have_v they_o to_o be_v godly_a in_o good_a earnest_n to_o be_v self-denying_a indeed_o else_o they_o shall_v not_o be_v own_v by_o he_o than_o they_o discover_v that_o insipientis_fw-la est_fw-la dicere_fw-la non_fw-la putabam_fw-la the_o language_n of_o the_o unwise_a i_o do_v not_o look_v for_o this_o i_o will_v go_v back_o into_o egypt_n again_o rather_o than_o endure_v in_o this_o wilderness_n thus_o you_o see_v that_o a_o man_n beginning_n in_o religion_n be_v all_o in_o all_o it_o be_v not_o so_o much_o to_o ask_v do_v he_o pray_v do_v he_o hear_v do_v he_o walk_v otherwise_o then_o he_o do_v but_o what_o be_v the_o cause_n of_o this_o how_o come_v it_o about_o that_o he_o do_v so_o hence_o the_o second_o particular_a to_o clear_v this_o truth_n be_v that_o true_a solid_a and_o sincere_a perseverance_n beginning_n be_v the_o cause_n of_o our_o perseverance_n and_o continuance_n in_o what_o be_v holy_a wheresoever_o a_o principle_n of_o supernatural_a life_n be_v infuse_v whosoever_o be_v bear_v of_o god_n the_o man_n who_o have_v the_o fear_n of_o god_n put_v into_o his_o inward_a part_n this_o man_n will_v be_v preserve_v that_o nothing_o shall_v either_o total_o or_o final_o separate_v that_o soul_n and_o christ_n so_o that_o good_a and_o true_a beginning_n will_v be_v sure_a to_o have_v holy_a and_o comfortable_a end_n that_o place_n shall_v suffice_v for_o the_o present_a john_n 10._o 27_o 28_o 29_o 30._o my_o sheep_n hear_v my_o voice_n and_o i_o give_v unto_o they_o eternal_a life_n and_o they_o shall_v never_o perish_v neither_o shall_v any_o man_n pluck_v they_o out_o of_o my_o hand_n etc._n etc._n to_o say_v they_o may_v by_o their_o own_o negligence_n throw_v themselves_o out_o of_o god_n hand_n be_v to_o thwart_v the_o comfort_n intend_v there_o for_o true_a believer_n for_o if_o the_o devil_n or_o wicked_a man_n can_v not_o make_v they_o to_o perish_v yet_o if_o they_o shall_v do_v it_o themselves_o if_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n do_v not_o keep_v back_o their_o own_o corrupt_a inclination_n as_o well_o as_o keep_v off_o the_o devil_n they_o shall_v remain_v in_o continual_a perplex_v fear_n and_o uncertainty_n where_o then_o the_o foundation-stone_n of_o this_o spiritual_a building_n be_v true_o and_o sound_o lay_v there_o no_o tempest_n can_v whole_o overwhelm_v though_o they_o may_v cause_v terrible_a shake_n and_o therefore_o perseverance_n be_v not_o the_o condition_n upon_o which_o the_o truth_n of_o grace_n depend_v but_o it_o be_v the_o effect_n of_o it_o that_o be_v we_o be_v not_o to_o say_v as_o arminian_n do_v if_o you_o persevere_v in_o believe_v if_o you_o continue_v in_o love_v of_o god_n than_o this_o will_v make_v your_o grace_n effectual_a then_o this_o will_v make_v you_o to_o be_v sincere_a and_o not_o hypocrite_n for_o if_o so_o then_o till_o we_o die_v we_o can_v have_v any_o true_a ground_n of_o comfort_n because_o we_o know_v not_o how_o irrecoverable_o we_o may_v fall_v off_o from_o christ_n before_o that_o time_n come_v and_o this_o be_v to_o thwart_v the_o general_a torrent_n of_o the_o scripture_n who_o call_v upon_o the_o people_n of_o god_n to_o rejoice_v and_o to_o have_v peace_n with_o god_n as_o a_o father_n and_o to_o encourage_v ourselves_o from_o the_o present_a state_n of_o grace_n we_o be_v in_o so_o that_o we_o shall_v never_o be_v deprive_v thereof_o perseverance_n then_o do_v not_o make_v our_o grace_n to_o be_v true_a but_o true_a grace_n make_v we_o to_o persevere_v as_o the_o wheel_n run_v round_o which_o be_v augustine_n comparison_n not_o that_o it_o may_v be_v round_o but_o because_o it_o be_v round_o it_o be_v true_a our_o saviour_n say_v john_n 8._o 31._o if_o you_o continue_v in_o my_o word_n then_o be_v you_o my_o disciple_n indeed_o not_o that_o this_o make_v they_o so_o but_o because_o this_o will_v declare_v and_o manifest_v they_o to_o be_v so_o three_o therefore_o it_o be_v not_o enough_o for_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n once_o to_o put_v we_o into_o we_o a_o state_n of_o holiness_n and_o then_o to_o leave_v we_o to_o ourselves_o but_o it_o be_v necessary_a that_o we_o shall_v have_v his_o constant_a quicken_a grace_n to_o enable_v we_o to_o hold_v out_o to_o the_o end_n christ_n be_v not_o only_o the_o author_n but_o the_o finisher_n of_o our_o faith_n heb._n 12._o 2._o and_o therefore_o we_o have_v the_o godly_a so_o often_o pray_v that_o god_n will_v keep_v they_o that_o he_o will_v teach_v they_o that_o he_o will_v increase_v their_o say_v that_o he_o will_v not_o lead_v they_o into_o temptation_n which_o necessary_o suppose_v that_o the_o same_o grace_n of_o god_n which_o begin_v the_o foundation_n must_v also_o build_v up_o all_o and_o finish_v whatsoever_o be_v begin_v it_o be_v not_o then_o from_o ourselves_o or_o from_o the_o nature_n of_o grace_n as_o if_o it_o be_v not_o amissible_a adam_n and_o the_o apostate_n angel_n be_v a_o clear_a instance_n to_o the_o contrary_a but_o from_o the_o assistance_n and_o help_n of_o christ_n without_o we_o last_o though_o perseverance_n to_o the_o end_n be_v thus_o the_o promise_a effect_n of_o god_n grace_n yet_o that_o do_v not_o exclude_v but_o include_v a_o holy_a fear_n lose_v we_o that_o stand_n diligence_n shall_v fall_v a_o diligent_a work_n out_o of_o our_o salvation_n with_o fear_n and_o tremble_a a_o constant_a watch_v over_o our_o heart_n and_o a_o daily_o keep_v down_o of_o our_o body_n lest_o after_o we_o have_v appear_v so_o long_o in_o the_o way_n of_o christ_n we_o afterward_o turn_v aside_o into_o the_o devil_n path_n for_o there_o be_v sad_a instance_n in_o scripture_n of_o such_o who_o in_o outward_a appearance_n be_v eminent_a in_o the_o church_n of_o god_n as_o judas_n be_v but_o have_v not_o a_o sure_a bottom_n and_o neglect_v such_o mean_n which_o christ_n require_v of_o they_o they_o become_v sad_a scandal_n in_o the_o church_n of_o god_n for_o their_o fall_n be_v great_a use_v of_o exhortation_n not_o to_o rest_v upon_o what_o we_o have_v be_v what_o though_o so_o many_o year_n thou_o have_v appear_v a_o disciple_n of_o christ_n for_o if_o the_o foundation_n be_v not_o well_o lay_v at_o first_o one_o time_n or_o other_o there_o will_v be_v a_o break_n upon_o thou_o what_o move_v thou_o what_o prevail_v
people_n 1_o cor._n 1._o 14._o that_o we_o be_v your_o rejoice_v as_o you_o also_o be_v we_o this_o be_v the_o second_o particular_a in_o the_o text_n and_o do_v contain_v the_o specification_n wherein_o this_o acknowledgement_n of_o the_o corinthian_n do_v consist_v viz._n that_o he_o be_v their_o rejoice_v however_o some_o false_a teacher_n have_v endeavour_v to_o take_v off_o their_o affection_n from_o he_o yet_o they_o have_v acknowledge_v he_o to_o be_v their_o father_n and_o master_n by_o who_o they_o be_v faithful_o instruct_v in_o the_o way_n of_o godliness_n and_o for_o this_o they_o do_v bless_v god_n and_o rejoice_v that_o they_o have_v such_o a_o teacher_n which_o be_v so_o great_a a_o mercy_n that_o few_o do_v enjoy_v the_o like_a now_o the_o apostle_n add_v that_o this_o rejoice_v be_v mutual_a he_o do_v as_o well_o rejoice_v in_o such_o apt_a and_o obedient_a scholar_n chrysostome_n observe_v this_o addition_n to_o be_v a_o great_a expression_n of_o paul_n modesty_n and_o humility_n for_o that_o the_o corinthian_n shall_v glory_v and_o rejoice_v in_o such_o a_o eminent_a teacher_n as_o paul_n be_v it_o be_v no_o wonder_n but_o that_o he_o shall_v rejoice_v in_o they_o who_o be_v so_o inconstant_a and_o so_o uncertain_a in_o their_o affection_n to_o he_o yea_o who_o be_v to_o be_v blame_v so_o much_o in_o doctrinall_n and_o practicall_n this_o may_v make_v we_o admire_v but_o say_v chrysostome_n this_o paul_n do_v for_o humility_n sake_n that_o he_o may_v not_o procure_v envy_n we_o if_o he_o think_v two_o arrogant_o of_o himself_o therefore_o he_o assume_v they_o into_o a_o co-partnership_n with_o his_o glory_n and_o rejoice_v the_o original_a word_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d lie_v already_o bear_v open_v there_o be_v nothing_o difficult_a in_o the_o word_n only_o when_o paul_n and_o the_o corinthian_n be_v thus_o say_v to_o be_v one_o another_o rejoice_v we_o be_v to_o understand_v that_o the_o act_n be_v here_o put_v for_o the_o object_n of_o it_o as_o often_o in_o the_o scripture_n thus_o rejoice_v be_v put_v for_o the_o object_n matter_n and_o cause_n of_o our_o rejoice_v and_o if_o you_o say_v we_o be_v to_o rejoice_v in_o god_n only_o in_o the_o lord_n not_o in_o man_n that_o be_v true_a we_o be_v to_o rejoice_v in_o god_n only_o as_o the_o author_n of_o all_o our_o good_a yet_o we_o may_v in_o man_n as_o they_o be_v instrument_n use_v by_o god_n to_o communicate_v his_o benefit_n to_o we_o thus_o a_o people_n may_v rejoice_v in_o a_o faithful_a minister_n not_o principal_o and_o original_o but_o secondary_o as_o the_o instrument_n which_o god_n have_v make_v very_o successful_a to_o their_o soul_n the_o observation_n than_o be_v that_o it_o be_v a_o most_o happy_a and_o bless_a thing_n when_o minister_n and_o people_n can_v another_o upon_o just_a and_o holy_a ground_n rejoice_v mutual_o in_o each_o other_o when_o the_o people_n can_v bless_v god_n for_o the_o ministerial_a gift_n and_o grace_n bestow_v upon_o their_o pastor_n and_o he_o again_o can_v praise_v god_n that_o he_o have_v a_o willing_a teachable_a and_o obedient_a people_n ready_a to_o receive_v the_o ordinance_n of_o christ_n in_o the_o power_n and_o purity_n of_o they_o this_o be_v a_o rare_a privilege_n oh_o there_o be_v but_o few_o church_n of_o which_o the_o minister_n may_v say_v as_o paul_n to_o the_o colossian_n chap._n 2._o that_o he_o do_v rejoice_v in_o behold_v their_o order_n and_o faith_n in_o christ_n to_o meet_v with_o a_o people_n that_o be_v neither_o ignorant_a heretical_a nor_o profane_a but_o willing_a to_o walk_v according_a to_o christ_n rule_n and_o his_o order_n this_o be_v to_o see_v heaven_n upon_o earth_n the_o apostle_n find_v such_o matter_n of_o joy_n not_o only_o in_o those_o corinthian_n but_o in_o many_o other_o church_n for_o as_o he_o have_v more_o labour_n more_o opposition_n more_o persecution_n than_o other_o so_o also_o god_n give_v he_o more_o joy_n and_o comefort_n in_o behold_v the_o spiritual_a success_n of_o his_o labour_n for_o this_o be_v the_o only_a comefort_n of_o his_o spiritual_a heart_n to_o see_v man_n embrace_v christ_n and_o to_o live_v worthy_a of_o the_o gospel_n it_o be_v not_o his_o own_o glory_n honour_n and_o greatness_n that_o he_o aim_v at_o which_o be_v a_o excellent_a example_n to_o we_o minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n that_o our_o matter_n of_o joy_n shall_v not_o be_v any_o earthly_a riches_n or_o wealth_n any_o great_a fame_n or_o worldly_a esteem_n but_o that_o we_o be_v to_o win_v people_n to_o christ_n alone_o not_o ourselves_o thus_o the_o apostle_n call_v the_o philipian_o his_o joy_n and_o crown_n phil._n 4._o 1._o and_o 1_o thes_n 2._o 19_o 20._o speak_v of_o his_o ardent_a affection_n to_o see_v their_o face_n by_o way_n of_o interrogation_n the_o more_o emphatical_o to_o express_v himself_o he_o say_v what_o be_v our_o hope_n or_o joy_n or_o crown_n of_o rejoice_v be_v not_o even_o you_o and_o then_o add_v positive_o the_o same_o thing_n for_o or_o rather_o sure_o certain_o you_o be_v our_o rejoice_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d be_v not_o a_o note_n of_o reason_v for_o then_o the_o apostle_n will_v prove_v idem_n for_o idem_fw-la as_o they_o say_v but_o of_o affirmation_n and_o asseveration_n you_o be_v our_o crown_n of_o rejoice_v grotius_n say_v it_o be_v a_o allusion_n to_o king_n who_o on_o their_o solemn_a festival_n day_n have_v not_o a_o ordinary_a but_o extraordinary_a crown_n to_o wear_v for_o the_o great_a pomp_n and_o glory_n such_o extraordinary_a honour_n will_v the_o thessalonian_n be_v to_o christ_n at_o the_o great_a day_n but_o let_v we_o consider_v this_o in_o the_o general_n and_o then_o amplify_v it_o respective_o to_o minister_v and_o people_n and_o first_o the_o relation_n of_o pastor_n and_o people_n be_v by_o divine_a institution_n christ_n himself_o have_v appoint_v the_o office_n itself_o and_o the_o application_n of_o it_o to_o institution_n this_o or_o that_o man_n through_o the_o desire_n of_o the_o church_n so_o that_o as_o church_n be_v of_o god_n gather_v they_o be_v his_o creature_n in_o a_o more_o special_a manner_n than_o the_o world_n be_v so_o likewise_o be_v the_o officer_n and_o spiritual_a guide_n to_o teach_v they_o 1_o cor._n 12._o 28._o god_n have_v set_v in_o his_o church_n apostle_n and_o teacher_n thus_o act_n 20._o 28._o the_o holy_a ghost_n be_v say_v to_o set_v they_o overseer_n over_o their_o flock_n â—eeing_v therefore_o that_o this_o relation_n be_v build_v on_o a_o divine_a foundation_n no_o wonder_n if_o manage_v according_a to_o divine_a rule_n that_o it_o be_v the_o cause_n of_o exceed_v great_a joy_n these_o relation_n be_v respective_o for_o supernatural_a and_o spiritual_a end_n and_o effect_n the_o minister_n be_v for_o illumination_n conversion_n edification_n for_o the_o destroy_n of_o the_o power_n and_o kingdom_n of_o satan_n as_o also_o the_o establish_n and_o promote_a the_o kingdom_n of_o grace_n in_o the_o heart_n of_o the_o people_n the_o people_n also_o they_o be_v to_o be_v matter_n of_o encouragement_n to_o he_o they_o be_v to_o be_v helpful_a and_o assistant_n in_o their_o way_n that_o godliness_n may_v flourish_v that_o the_o end_n of_o the_o ministry_n may_v not_o be_v frustrate_v the_o apostle_n sometime_o take_v notice_n of_o the_o great_a usefulness_n and_o serviceableness_n even_o of_o some_o woman_n in_o that_o kind_n for_o though_o minister_n be_v compare_v to_o light_n to_o the_o sun_n and_o star_n yet_o in_o this_o there_o be_v a_o difference_n the_o star_n give_v light_a and_o influence_n into_o these_o sublunary_a thing_n but_o receive_v no_o benefit_n at_o all_o from_o they_o again_o but_o the_o minister_n of_o the_o church_n even_o though_o as_o eminent_a as_o paul_n yet_o they_o acknowledge_v the_o manifold_a benefit_n and_o that_o in_o a_o spiritual_a way_n which_o they_o may_v receive_v from_o their_o people_n again_o now_o then_o how_o happy_a be_v it_o when_o there_o be_v a_o reciprocal_a and_o circular_a help_v of_o each_o other_o when_o spiritual_a guide_n do_v convert_v edify_v and_o quicken_v up_o their_o people_n and_o again_o the_o people_n do_v assist_v help_v and_o quicken_v up_o their_o officer_n certain_o as_o spiritual_a delight_n be_v great_a than_o any_o bodily_a one_o because_o the_o object_n be_v more_o excellent_a and_o useful_a so_o shall_v this_o mutual_a rejoice_v in_o our_o spiritual_a joy_n surpass_v all_o the_o delight_n that_o we_o take_v in_o our_o natural_a and_o civil_a relation_n neither_o the_o delight_n of_o a_o wife_n in_o her_o husband_n or_o of_o a_o child_n in_o his_o father_n shall_v be_v equal_a to_o the_o joy_n of_o a_o people_n in_o faithful_a officer_n and_o so_o è_fw-la contra_fw-la the_o reason_n be_v evident_a because_o the_o effect_n of_o this_o relation_n be_v spiritual_a heavenly_a and_o
22._o how_o miserable_a be_v such_o a_o people_n who_o rejoice_v in_o the_o great_a judgement_n that_o can_v befall_v they_o rejoice_v not_o in_o this_o but_o weep_v and_o mourn_v rather_o when_o those_o who_o shall_v deal_v faithful_o with_o thou_o do_v flatter_v and_o seduce_v thou_o daub_v with_o untempered_a mortar_n for_o god_n will_v destroy_v both_o such_o prophet_n and_o such_o a_o people_n three_o we_o be_v to_o rejoice_v in_o the_o spiritual_a success_n and_o prosperity_n of_o their_o work_n minister_n it_o be_v very_o sad_a to_o hear_v those_o complaint_n in_o the_o scripture_n who_o have_v believe_v our_o report_n and_o all_o the_o day_n long_o have_v we_o stretch_v out_o our_o hand_n unto_o a_o rebellious_a people_n to_o have_v much_o rain_n fall_v upon_o the_o ground_n and_o nothing_o but_o briar_n and_o thorn_n come_v up_o thereupon_o when_o therefore_o we_o shall_v find_v that_o god_n make_v the_o ministry_n a_o savour_n of_o life_n and_o not_o of_o death_n unto_o many_o this_o aught_o great_o to_o rejoice_v we_o when_o thou_o find_v it_o to_o be_v a_o mighty_a word_n upon_o thy_o own_o heart_n or_o upon_o the_o heart_n of_o other_o wherein_o we_o ought_v to_o be_v exceed_o glad_a for_o be_v there_o any_o great_a mercy_n can_v befall_v thou_o than_o to_o have_v the_o word_n thus_o a_o convert_n and_o save_v word_n to_o thou_o thou_o may_v admire_v thy_o pleasure_n thy_o profit_n thy_o lust_n and_o judge_v they_o sweet_a but_o know_v that_o the_o save_v efficacy_n of_o the_o ministry_n upon_o thy_o soul_n will_v be_v the_o blessedness_n indeed_o that_o shall_v endure_v for_o ever_o and_o therefore_o when_o you_o hear_v man_n praise_v a_o ministry_n admire_v that_o examine_v what_o be_v the_o spiritual_a good_a they_o have_v find_v thereby_o what_o reformation_n what_o a_o change_n have_v it_o make_v the_o apostle_n tell_v these_o very_a corinthian_n 1_o cor._n 5._o 6._o that_o their_o glory_v be_v not_o good_a why_o so_o because_o they_o do_v not_o purge_v out_o the_o old_a leaven_n they_o do_v not_o cast_v out_o that_o wicked_a person_n from_o among_o they_o now_o all_o this_o while_n they_o glory_v in_o their_o able_a teacher_n they_o magnify_v the_o wisdom_n and_o eloquence_n of_o many_o that_o preach_v among_o they_o but_o say_v he_o your_o glory_v be_v not_o good_a where_o be_v the_o holy_a order_n the_o godly_a discipline_n the_o spiritual_a reformation_n that_o you_o shall_v have_v attain_v unto_o by_o the_o gift_n and_o ministry_n of_o your_o teacher_n this_o alone_a will_v cause_v we_o true_o and_o solid_o to_o rejoice_v use_v of_o instruction_n how_o impossible_a be_v it_o for_o man_n upon_o true_a and_o spiritual_a ground_n to_o rejoice_v in_o the_o ministry_n unless_o they_o have_v feel_v some_o special_a efficacy_n upon_o it_o in_o their_o heart_n they_o may_v glory_v in_o the_o part_n in_o the_o eloquence_n in_o the_o ability_n of_o man_n but_o not_o for_o the_o spiritual_a success_n of_o the_o work_n in_o popery_n they_o will_v have_v their_o people_n glory_n in_o their_o church-officer_n because_o of_o the_o external_a pomp_n and_o stateliness_n they_o live_v in_o and_o so_o they_o become_v reverence_v for_o their_o outward_a glory_n but_o this_o be_v whole_o unsuitable_a with_o the_o scripture-glory_n and_o the_o scripture-rejoycing_a for_o this_o alone_a will_v make_v thou_o praise_n god_n if_o thou_o have_v find_v his_o minister_n to_o be_v the_o happy_a instrument_n of_o grace_n and_o peace_n to_o thy_o soul_n serm._n ciii_o of_o the_o rejoice_v a_o faithful_a minister_n have_v in_o a_o obedient_a people_n 2_o cor._n 1._o 14._o that_o we_o be_v your_o rejoye_v as_o you_o also_o be_v we_o in_o the_o day_n of_o the_o lord_n jesus_n there_o remain_v the_o second_o part_n of_o the_o doctrine_n to_o be_v dispatch_v which_o be_v the_o minister_n rejoice_v upon_o good_a ground_n in_o his_o people_n for_o you_o hear_v how_o happy_a and_o bless_a a_o thing_n it_o be_v when_o there_o be_v cause_n for_o a_o mutual_a and_o reciprocal_a rejoice_v in_o one_o another_o between_o minister_n and_o people_n for_o god_n many_o time_n upon_o wise_a end_n do_v divide_v those_o who_o shall_v be_v conjoin_v sometime_o he_o send_v faithful_a ambassador_n to_o a_o froward_a and_o rebellious_a people_n as_o god_n in_o ezekiel_n that_o the_o people_n be_v briar_n and_o thorn_n to_o he_o and_o that_o he_o do_v dwell_v among_o scorpion_n yet_o he_o must_v not_o be_v afraid_a or_o dismay_v at_o their_o look_n though_o they_o be_v a_o rebellious_a house_n chap._n 2._o 6._o now_o what_o comefort_n can_v ezekiel_n have_v from_o such_o a_o people_n they_o be_v so_o many_o briar_n and_o thorn_n scratch_v and_o tear_v of_o he_o so_o many_o scorpion_n that_o have_v sting_n and_o what_o danger_n be_v it_o to_o dwell_v with_o such_o sometime_o again_o there_o may_v be_v a_o godly_a and_o holy_a people_n high_o prise_v the_o mean_n of_o grace_n and_o yet_o god_n set_v over_o they_o dumb_a or_o wicked_a pastor_n that_o be_v idol_n and_o no_o shepherd_n now_o when_o this_o be_v so_o their_o be_v little_o rejoice_v in_o one_o another_o and_o if_o jehoash_n the_o king_n of_o israel_n 2_o king_n 13._o 9_o compare_v a_o unequal_a war_n to_o a_o unequal_a and_o unfit_a marriage_n the_o thistle_n in_o lebanon_n with_o the_o cedar_n in_o lebanon_n which_o prove_v destructive_a immediate_o for_o the_o wild_a beast_n in_o lebanon_n come_v and_o tread_v down_o the_o thistle_n how_o much_o more_o now_o be_v this_o true_a in_o this_o spiritual_a relation_n when_o a_o ignorant_a or_o profane_a minister_n be_v over_o a_o gracious_a people_n than_o the_o thistle_n be_v marry_v to_o the_o cedar_n but_o but_o this_o can_v hold_v long_o for_o the_o devil_n which_o be_v like_o the_o wild_a beast_n the_o roar_a lion_n he_o will_v come_v and_o devour_v all_o so_o that_o what_o the_o apostle_n speak_v 2_o cor._n 6._o 14._o may_v well_o be_v apply_v here_o be_v not_o unequal_o yoke_v what_o communion_n have_v light_a with_o darkness_n it_o be_v then_o very_a uncomfortable_a when_o a_o godly_a people_n have_v a_o unfaithful_a minister_n or_o a_o faithful_a minister_n a_o ungodly_a and_o a_o froward_a people_n this_o will_v make_v he_o sad_o to_o bewail_v his_o condition_n cry_v out_o with_o isaiah_n woe_n unto_o i_o for_o i_o dwell_v among_o man_n of_o pollute_a lip_n isaiah_n chap._n 6._o 12._o this_o make_v he_o like_o lot_n to_o torment_v his_o righteous_a soul_n by_o see_v and_o hear_v the_o wickedness_n of_o those_o he_o dwell_v among_o 2_o pet._n 2._o 8._o this_o be_v a_o bitter_a and_o sad_a persecution_n as_o it_o be_v thou_o do_v not_o only_o persecute_v a_o minister_n by_o the_o malicious_a opposition_n and_o violent_a course_n against_o he_o but_o even_o thy_o ungodly_a life_n that_o thou_o will_v not_o be_v reform_v that_o thou_o will_v not_o hear_v and_o humble_o receive_v the_o word_n of_o god_n this_o make_v they_o grieve_v and_o weary_v in_o their_o work_n this_o be_v a_o perfecution_n of_o their_o righteous_a soul_n as_o jeremy_n say_v chap._n 13._o 17._o if_o you_o will_v not_o here_o it_o my_o soul_n shall_v weep_v in_o secret_a place_n for_o your_o pride_n thus_o the_o wickedness_n and_o ungodly_a way_n of_o a_o stubborn_a people_n be_v the_o very_a heart-breaking_n of_o a_o godly_a minister_n while_o they_o deride_v and_o scorn_v his_o soul_n mourn_v for_o they_o while_o they_o revile_v and_o reproach_v he_o malicious_o he_o give_v himself_o to_o prayer_n for_o they_o even_o as_o it_o be_v with_o some_o tender_a father_n who_o have_v a_o son_n grievous_o distract_v and_o bereave_v of_o his_o wit_n while_o he_o rage_v and_o rave_v at_o his_o father_n while_o he_o miscal_v he_o and_o strike_v at_o he_o the_o father_n stand_v by_o sad_o affect_v weep_v and_o pray_v for_o his_o child_n that_o he_o may_v be_v bring_v to_o his_o sound_a mind_n again_o thus_o do_v a_o godly_a tender_a pastor_n mourn_v over_o a_o wicked_a scornful_a and_o rebellious_a people_n but_o let_v we_o proceed_v to_o show_v wherein_o a_o faithful_a minister_n of_o christ_n have_v cause_n teachable_a to_o rejoice_v over_o his_o people_n and_o first_o when_o they_o be_v a_o teachable_a and_o learn_a people_n very_o tractable_a and_o ready_a to_o receive_v instruction_n this_o be_v a_o great_a joy_n and_o encouragement_n there_o be_v many_o who_o as_o they_o be_v sottish_o ignorant_a in_o matter_n of_o religion_n so_o they_o will_v continue_v obstinate_o therein_o they_o be_v not_o desirous_a and_o harken_v after_o knowledge_n that_o say_v with_o those_o in_o job_n 21._o 14._o unto_o god_n depart_v from_o we_o for_o we_o desire_v not_o the_o knowledge_n of_o thy_o way_n now_o it_o be_v for_o want_v of_o a_o true_a knowledge_n of_o god_n that_o iniquity_n and_o profaneness_n do_v abound_v every_o where_o
grace_n so_o a_o god_n of_o all_o consolation_n and_o gal._n 5._o joy_n be_v the_o fruit_n of_o god_n spirit_n as_o well_o as_o faith_n love_n and_o repentance_n be_v in_o other_o place_n attribute_v to_o god_n but_o you_o will_v say_v it_o may_v easy_o be_v grant_v that_o a_o man_n be_v dead_a in_o sin_n he_o need_v the_o mighty_a work_n of_o god_n spirit_n to_o raise_v he_o up_o and_o to_o give_v spiritual_a life_n but_o do_v it_o follow_v that_o he_o need_v the_o same_o spirit_n to_o establish_v and_o assure_v he_o of_o god_n love_n yes_o no_o doubt_n but_o that_o the_o same_o spirit_n of_o god_n which_o bring_v thou_o out_o of_o the_o gulf_n of_o thy_o lust_n must_v also_o out_o of_o the_o gulf_n of_o thy_o doubt_n and_o fear_n it_o be_v as_o impossible_a for_o thou_o to_o have_v comfort_n of_o thyself_o as_o grace_v of_o thyself_o and_o therefore_o you_o see_v the_o scripture_n speak_v of_o this_o twofold_a operation_n of_o god_n spirit_n as_o be_v necessary_a to_o antidote_n against_o our_o twofold_a corruption_n and_o the_o ground_n of_o this_o necessity_n of_o god_n spirit_n be_v these_o first_o the_o heart_n of_o a_o man_n be_v natural_o opposite_a to_o any_o thing_n that_o be_v spiritual_a 〈◊〉_d whatsoever_o be_v of_o god_n though_o never_o so_o desirable_a in_o itself_o yet_o meet_v with_o our_o corrupt_a nature_n it_o find_v opposition_n therefore_o we_o can_v of_o ourselves_o any_o more_o receive_v the_o promise_n though_o infinite_o need_v of_o they_o than_o we_o can_v obey_v the_o command_n we_o can_v endure_v honey_n any_o more_o than_o gall_n the_o way_n of_o gospel-joy_n be_v contrary_a to_o a_o trouble_a heart_n as_o well_o as_o gospel-obedience_n to_o a_o secure_a carnal_a heart_n second_o we_o need_v the_o spirit_n of_o god_n to_o this_o seal_n because_o that_o which_o do_v oppose_v this_o be_v indeed_o nothing_o but_o the_o fruit_n of_o sin_n run_v down_o another_o channel_n he_o that_o once_o live_v in_o divers_a pleasure_n do_v continual_o grieve_v the_o holy_a spirit_n of_o god_n let_v this_o man_n find_v the_o guilt_n of_o sin_n let_v the_o law_n wound_n and_o sting_v he_o than_o he_o grieve_v the_o comfort_a spirit_n of_o god_n by_o fear_n and_o doubt_n no_o wonder_n then_o if_o it_o must_v be_v god_n spirit_n only_o that_o seal_v because_o that_o alone_o can_v remove_v the_o guilt_n within_o thou_o that_o only_o can_v take_v off_o these_o objection_n these_o discouragement_n that_o be_v upon_o the_o soul_n as_o god_n raise_v a_o east-winde_n that_o sudden_o deliver_v pharaoh_n from_o those_o locust_n that_o molest_v he_o this_o be_v miraculous_a none_o can_v do_v it_o but_o god_n so_o it_o be_v the_o spirit_n of_o god_n that_o alone_o can_v take_v off_o the_o heavy_a burden_n of_o sin_n upon_o thou_o it_o be_v god_n spirit_n alone_o that_o can_v over-rule_v thy_o conscience_n that_o can_v pacify_v it_o that_o can_v comfort_v it_o it_o be_v the_o spirit_n of_o adoption_n that_o make_v we_o cry_v abba_n father_n but_o more_o of_o this_o may_v come_v in_o afterward_o serm._n cxxxv_o a_o further_a discovery_n of_o the_o spirit_n seal_v the_o people_n of_o god_n 2_o cor._n 1._o 22._o who_o have_v also_o seal_v we_o the_o three_o particular_a in_o the_o description_n of_o the_o spirit_n seal_v come_v to_o sanctify_a be_v consider_v and_o that_o be_v the_o subject_n thereof_o which_o be_v twofold_a 1._o of_o inhesion_n and_o 2._o of_o predication_n first_o of_o inhesion_n so_o it_o be_v say_v to_o be_v the_o work_n of_o god_n spirit_n upon_o the_o heart_n of_o the_o godly_a for_o after_o this_o manner_n the_o scripture_n speak_v he_o have_v send_v his_o spirit_n into_o our_o heart_n gal._n 4._o 6._o and_o in_o this_o text_n he_o have_v give_v the_o earnest_n of_o the_o spirit_n in_o our_o heart_n by_o this_o expression_n be_v denote_v that_o deep_a radicate_v and_o full_a possession_n which_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n have_v upon_o the_o heart_n of_o true_a believer_n so_o that_o hereby_o be_v exclude_v that_o vanish_v and_o superficial_a persuasion_n which_o may_v be_v in_o a_o temporary_a believer_n of_o his_o interest_n in_o christ_n as_o a_o temporary_a believer_n have_v something_o like_o true_a faith_n like_o true_a joy_n and_o like_o true_a grace_n upon_o the_o soul_n so_o he_o have_v also_o something_o like_o this_o seal_n and_o like_o this_o assure_a persuasion_n upon_o his_o heart_n therefore_o as_o the_o former_a be_v much_o dispute_v and_o it_o do_v great_o exercise_v tender_a heart_n viz._n how_o they_o may_v know_v when_o they_o be_v carry_v on_o in_o the_o work_n of_o sanctification_n beyond_o those_o inchoate_n and_o imperfect_a work_n which_o a_o hypocrite_n may_v have_v so_o this_o latter_a also_o do_v cause_n great_a solicitude_n and_o care_n of_o spirit_n in_o many_o gracious_a soul_n how_o shall_v they_o know_v their_o assurance_n be_v not_o a_o delusion_n be_v not_o a_o false_a persuasion_n arise_v out_o of_o a_o inordinate_a love_n to_o their_o own_o self_n for_o the_o devil_n do_v not_o only_o transform_v himself_o into_o a_o angel_n of_o light_n as_o light_n be_v take_v for_o holiness_n but_o also_o as_o it_o be_v take_v for_o comfort_n now_o among_o other_o characteristical_a difference_n this_o be_v one_o the_o persuasion_n of_o a_o godly_a man_n be_v more_o full_a plenary_a and_o powerful_a even_o as_o sanctify_a grace_n enter_v efficacious_o into_o the_o heart_n so_o also_o do_v this_o seal_a grace_n whereas_o what_o hypocrite_n feel_v be_v in_o a_o confuse_a general_n and_o flashy_a way_n neither_o be_v it_o draw_v out_o upon_o permanent_a and_o endure_a motive_n although_o doctrinal_a character_n give_v by_o the_o most_o able_a minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v not_o enough_o to_o make_v we_o find_v out_o this_o difference_n in_o ourselves_o without_o a_o rectify_a constitution_n of_o the_o power_n of_o the_o soul_n within_o unless_o we_o attain_v to_o that_o qualification_n speak_v of_o by_o the_o apostle_n heb._n 5._o 14._o who_o by_o reason_n of_o use_n or_o habit_n or_o perfection_n as_o the_o word_n may_v be_v render_v have_v their_o sense_n exercise_v to_o discern_v between_o good_a and_o evil_n this_o text_n be_v much_o to_o be_v press_v upon_o you_o for_o it_o be_v not_o every_o godly_a man_n at_o first_o that_o can_v separate_v the_o precious_a from_o the_o vile_a in_o his_o soul_n but_o there_o must_v be_v a_o habitual_a use_n of_o the_o sense_n this_o way_n where_o mark_v also_o the_o apostle_n attribute_v to_o the_o soul_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d in_o a_o metaphorical_a manner_n that_o as_o the_o taste_n when_o well_o constitute_v be_v able_a to_o discern_v between_o bitter_a and_o sweet_a the_o eye_n between_o white_a and_o black_a the_o ear_n between_o what_o be_v melodious_a and_o what_o be_v harsh_a and_o displease_a thus_o the_o soul_n of_o a_o godly_a man_n be_v use_v to_o heavenly_a and_o spiritual_a thing_n can_v know_v what_o be_v of_o god_n and_o what_o be_v of_o satan_n or_o of_o nature_n in_o he_o for_o you_o must_v know_v there_o may_v be_v four_o principle_n of_o operation_n in_o we_o 1._o nature_n and_o that_o when_o polish_a with_o education_n and_o moral_a principle_n may_v appear_v very_o glorious_a 2._o satan_n insinuate_v himself_o as_o a_o subtle_a serpent_n as_o a_o angel_n of_o light_n imitate_v the_o work_n of_o god_n though_o he_o can_v efficacious_o work_v the_o heart_n to_o any_o thing_n all_o that_o he_o do_v be_v by_o suggestion_n and_o move_v the_o imaginative_a and_o sensitive_a part_n of_o a_o man_n 3._o there_o be_v the_o spirit_n of_o god_n and_o that_o work_v in_o we_o either_o in_o a_o common_a way_n by_o gift_n and_o assistance_n or_o by_o a_o sanctify_a way_n now_o be_v there_o not_o require_v much_o spiritual_a skill_n and_o experience_n to_o discern_v which_o be_v which_o of_o all_o these_o so_o that_o it_o be_v no_o wonder_n if_o he_o require_v these_o sense_n to_o be_v exercise_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d a_o word_n from_o those_o who_o do_v exercise_v themselves_o in_o the_o heathenish_a game_n and_o that_o naked_a thereby_o to_o fit_v and_o prepare_v themselves_o to_o be_v more_o agile_a and_o expedite_v for_o that_o service_n in_o this_o dispute_n therefore_o inquire_v not_o only_o for_o doctrinal_a symptom_n and_o sign_n of_o this_o seal_n of_o god_n spirit_n but_o hearty_o pray_v for_o these_o exercise_v sense_n in_o spiritual_a thing_n the_o other_o subject_n be_v the_o subject_n of_o predication_n of_o who_o it_o be_v affirm_v that_o they_o have_v this_o seal_n of_o god_n spirit_n and_o that_o be_v sanctify_v person_n we_o speak_v of_o adult_n person_n for_o it_o be_v plain_a that_o infant_n though_o they_o may_v be_v sanctify_v yet_o because_o not_o have_v actual_a faith_n they_o neither_o have_v this_o seal_n and_o
the_o lord_n live_v therefore_o not_o by_o any_o creature_n 1._o in_o truth_n that_o be_v be_v sure_a that_o the_o thing_n thou_o swear_v be_v true_a not_o only_o in_o itself_o but_o to_o thy_o conscience_n that_o thou_o know_v the_o truth_n of_o it_o or_o if_o thou_o have_v not_o the_o certainty_n of_o it_o that_o thou_o believe_v it_o to_o be_v so_o upon_o good_a ground_n and_o against_o this_o offend_v all_o those_o who_o swear_v false_o and_o will_v bring_v as_o much_o as_o lie_v in_o they_o god_n to_o witness_v a_o lie_n 2._o in_o judgement_n that_o be_v with_o prudence_n deliberation_n and_o caution_n be_v well_o advise_v before_o thou_o swear_v and_o against_o this_o offend_v all_o common_a swearer_n that_o swear_v rash_o and_o for_o ordinary_a thing_n as_o also_o those_o who_o swear_v in_o passion_n and_o when_o move_v by_o anger_n 3._o in_o righteousness_n that_o be_v be_v sure_o the_o matter_n thou_o swear_v especial_o in_o promissory_a oath_n be_v lawful_a and_o just_a such_o which_o be_v agreeable_a to_o god_n word_n to_o these_o we_o may_v add_v two_o more_o 1._o that_o we_o swear_v in_o faith_n believe_v not_o only_a that_o there_o be_v a_o god_n but_o also_o that_o he_o be_v a_o observer_n of_o all_o that_o we_o speak_v or_o do_v and_o a_o avenger_n of_o such_o who_o shall_v pollute_v his_o name_n and_o then_o 2._o that_o we_o do_v it_o with_o holy_a awe_n and_o reverence_n of_o god_n upon_o our_o spirit_n we_o be_v to_o fear_v a_o oath_n oh_o what_o tremble_a and_o confusion_n may_v this_o work_n upon_o rash_a and_o passionate_a common_a swearer_n how_o often_o have_v the_o name_n of_o god_n be_v take_v into_o thy_o mouth_n rash_o and_o profane_o thou_o who_o when_o thou_o be_v to_o do_v with_o a_o great_a man_n in_o place_n and_o honour_n do_v with_o all_o reverence_n approach_v to_o he_o how_o come_v the_o majesty_n of_o the_o great_a god_n to_o be_v thus_o contemn_v by_o thou_o in_o the_o last_o place_n when_o may_v we_o swear_v and_o that_o be_v in_o the_o general_a when_o necessity_n swear_v do_v compel_v when_o the_o truth_n can_v be_v find_v out_o any_o other_o way_n for_o a_o oath_n be_v to_o be_v use_v when_o other_o mean_n be_v deficient_a and_o more_o particular_o we_o be_v then_o only_o to_o swear_v when_o the_o honour_n of_o god_n be_v concern_v or_o religion_n and_o christianity_n be_v false_o accuse_v and_o these_o be_v public_a ground_n to_o which_o we_o may_v add_v the_o good_a of_o the_o commonwealth_n or_o we_o be_v to_o swear_v upon_o a_o particular_a occasion_n to_o clear_v ourselves_o from_o false_a accusation_n and_o crime_n charge_v upon_o we_o if_o otherwise_o our_o innocency_n can_v appear_v or_o in_o the_o behalf_n of_o other_o when_o they_o shall_v suffer_v either_o in_o name_n life_n or_o estate_n and_o we_o be_v require_v 〈◊〉_d unto_o by_o the_o magistrate_n that_o so_o justice_n may_v proceed_v serm._n cxliii_o ordinary_a swear_v reprove_v and_o put_v to_o silence_n 2_o cor._n 1._o 23._o moreover_o i_o call_v god_n to_o record_v upon_o my_o soul_n etc._n etc._n i_o shall_v now_o conclude_v the_o subject_a which_o the_o former_a part_n of_o this_o verse_n have_v swear_v afford_v unto_o we_o from_o what_o have_v be_v deliver_v concern_v a_o oath_n i_o proceed_v to_o a_o use_v of_o severe_a reproof_n against_o that_o common_a epidemical_a sin_n of_o ordinary_a swear_n it_o be_v a_o national_n sin_n it_o be_v the_o city-sinne_n it_o be_v the_o village-sinne_n it_o be_v the_o family-sinne_n it_o be_v the_o rich_a man_n sin_n the_o poor_a man_n sin_n the_o old_a man_n sin_n the_o young_a man_n yea_o the_o child_n sin_n who_o learn_v to_o speak_v and_o swear_v together_o but_o if_o a_o oath_n be_v a_o religious_a call_n upon_o god_n as_o a_o witness_n if_o it_o be_v a_o sacred_a worship_n of_o his_o holy_a name_n where_o will_v such_o profane_a contemner_n of_o the_o honour_n and_o glory_n of_o god_n appear_v what_o mountain_n shall_v cover_v they_o from_o the_o wrath_n of_o god_n what_o shall_v be_v do_v unto_o thou_o thou_o curse_v swear_v tongue_n not_o coal_n of_o juniper_n but_o of_o hell_n fire_n shall_v be_v pour_v upon_o thou_o we_o may_v be_v amaze_v and_o wonder_v why_o such_o a_o sin_n shall_v be_v thus_o universal_a for_o other_o sin_n have_v either_o pleasure_n or_o profit_n but_o this_o have_v none_o at_o all_o certain_o the_o custom_n of_o such_o a_o sin_n come_v from_o the_o mere_a wickedness_n and_o profaneness_n of_o a_o man_n heart_n have_v no_o fear_n of_o god_n in_o our_o soul_n for_o there_o be_v no_o earthly_a advantage_n that_o tempt_v to_o this_o common_a ordinary_a swear_n yet_o it_o have_v be_v a_o general_a sin_n in_o the_o former_a age_n of_o the_o church_n as_o well_o as_o now_o how_o zealous_a and_o frequent_a be_v chrysostome_n against_o that_o ungodly_a custom_n of_o swear_v adhuc_fw-la timeo_fw-la quia_fw-la nullus_fw-la timet_fw-la say_v he_o with_o no_o less_o godly_a affection_n do_v austin_n also_o set_v himself_o against_o it_o yea_o it_o seem_v there_o be_v such_o profane_a wretch_n in_o his_o day_n as_o be_v in_o ouâ—s_n who_o do_v account_n juramentum_fw-la in_o ore_fw-la magnum_fw-la &_o suave_fw-la aliquid_fw-la and_o have_v not_o we_o many_o who_o judge_v a_o oath_n to_o be_v a_o grace_n to_o their_o language_n and_o deride_v at_o such_o who_o be_v so_o precise_a as_o to_o be_v offend_v at_o such_o passage_n oh_o therefore_o that_o god_n will_v so_o bless_v this_o discourse_n at_o this_o time_n to_o you_o that_o the_o profane_a swear_a tongue_n may_v be_v convert_v into_o a_o pray_a tongue_n a_o repent_v and_o confess_v tongue_n that_o he_o who_o have_v swear_v may_v never_o do_v so_o more_o but_o fear_v a_o oath_n as_o much_o as_o hellfire_n and_o for_o this_o purpose_n consider_v these_o motive_n thereunto_o first_o that_o there_o be_v a_o express_a precept_n and_o command_n against_o such_o ordinary_a rash_a it_o swear_n and_o therefore_o you_o can_v with_o any_o forehead_n plead_v for_o the_o lawfulness_n of_o it_o neither_o can_v you_o say_v we_o do_v not_o know_v that_o it_o be_v a_o sin_n to_o do_v thus_o for_o christ_n have_v set_v a_o command_n like_o a_o beacon_n upon_o a_o hill_n none_o can_v but_o see_v it_o and_o it_o speak_v almost_o as_o loud_o as_o the_o trumpet_n at_o the_o day_n of_o judgement_n none_o can_v but_o hear_v it_o it_o be_v mat._n 5._o 34._o but_o i_o say_v unto_o you_o swear_v not_o at_o all_o and_o ver_fw-la 37._o let_v your_o communication_n be_v yea_o yea_o nay_o nay_o he_o say_v swear_v not_o at_o all_o so_o that_o if_o it_o be_v but_o once_o a_o unlawful_a swear_n in_o all_o thy_o life_n thou_o have_v transgress_v this_o command_n and_o as_o one_o tile_n of_o the_o house_n neglect_v may_v in_o time_n make_v the_o whole_a cover_n consume_v and_o one_o rend_v in_o the_o garment_n let_v alone_o may_v at_o last_o destroy_v the_o whole_a so_o even_o one_o sinful_a oath_n not_o repent_v of_o or_o humble_v for_o may_v bring_v on_o the_o damnation_n of_o the_o whole_a man_n you_o see_v this_o command_n be_v lay_v down_o so_o strict_o both_o in_o the_o negative_a and_o affirmative_a part_n that_o some_o have_v judge_v it_o whole_o unlawful_a to_o swear_v in_o any_o case_n but_o that_o you_o hear_v be_v a_o error_n on_o the_o right_a hand_n yet_o so_o far_o the_o command_n extend_v as_o to_o forbid_v all_o customary_a idle_a rash_a and_o unnecessary_a swear_n so_o that_o the_o common_a swearer_n may_v as_o much_o fear_n to_o come_v near_o this_o command_n as_o the_o israelite_n do_v to_o the_o mount_n when_o the_o law_n be_v give_v shall_v not_o this_o command_n of_o christ_n be_v more_o to_o thou_o than_o all_o custom_n and_o example_n but_o i_o say_v unto_o you_o say_v christ_n swear_v not_o at_o all_o who_o dare_v then_o thus_o contradict_v christ_n why_o do_v thou_o not_o all_o the_o day-long_a mind_n thyself_o of_o this_o why_o do_v not_o thy_o conscience_n put_v thou_o in_o remembrance_n of_o this_o command_n say_v when_o thou_o rise_v when_o thou_o walk_v when_o thou_o go_v to_o bed_n this_o commandment_n to_o thyself_o swear_v not_o the_o apostle_n james_n also_o because_o of_o the_o great_a necessity_n and_o utility_n of_o this_o precept_n do_v repeat_v it_o to_o believer_n for_o as_o luther_n saying_n be_v principum_fw-la literae_fw-la sunt_fw-la bis_fw-la vel_fw-la ter_z legendae_fw-la prince_n letter_n and_o command_n be_v to_o be_v read_v twice_o or_o thrice_o and_o thus_o we_o be_v daily_o to_o meditate_v on_o this_o duty_n by_o this_o gemination_n it_o shall_v appear_v that_o the_o heart_n of_o man_n be_v very_o ready_a to_o break_v out_o into_o this_o filthy_a profaneness_n though_o there_o be_v no_o allure_a motive_n therefore_o he_o