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spirit_n whereby_o we_o hearty_o believe_v the_o gospel_n and_o also_o believe_v on_o christ_n as_o he_o be_v reveal_v and_o free_o promise_v to_o we_o therein_o for_o all_o his_o salvation_n and_o i_o show_v in_o the_o explanation_n that_o believe_v on_o christ_n be_v the_o same_o with_o rest_v rely_v lean_v stay_v ourselves_o on_o christ_n or_o god_n through_o christ_n for_o our_o salvation_n it_o may_v be_v some_o will_n like_o that_o description_n the_o better_a because_o faith_n be_v there_o describe_v by_o term_n that_o be_v ordinary_o use_v even_o by_o those_o that_o deny_v the_o necessity_n of_o assurance_n but_o those_o ordinary_a term_n do_v sufficient_o include_v assurance_n in_o the_o nature_n of_o faith_n and_o they_o can_v stand_v without_o it_o and_o this_o show_v that_o many_o hold_v the_o doctrine_n of_o assurance_n implicit_o and_o profess_v it_o though_o they_o think_v the_o contrary_n believe_v on_o christ_n for_o salvation_n as_o free_o promise_v to_o we_o must_v 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believe_v on_o christ_n the_o soul_n must_v have_v its_o sufficient_a support_n to_o beat_v it_o up_o against_o oppress_v fear_n trouble_n care_n despair_n that_o it_o may_v thus_o trust_v and_o rest_n the_o right_a manner_n of_o trust_v and_o hope_v in_o the_o lord_n be_v by_o assure_v ourselves_o against_o all_o fear_n and_o doubt_n that_o the_o lord_n be_v our_o god_n and_o he_o be_v become_v our_o salvation_n i_o trust_v on_o thou_o o_o lord_n i_o say_v thou_o be_v my_o god_n psal_n 31.14_o the_o lord_n be_v my_o rock_n and_o my_o fortress_n and_o my_o deliverer_n my_o strength_n in_o who_o i_o will_v trust_v psal_n 18.2_o behold_v god_n be_v my_o salvation_n i_o will_v trust_v and_o not_o be_v afraid_a isa_n 12.2_o o_o my_o soul_n hope_v thou_o in_o god_n who_o be_v the_o health_n of_o my_o countenance_n and_o my_o god_n psal_n 42.16_o true_a hope_n be_v ground_v on_o god_n only_o that_o he_o will_v bless_v we_o that_o it_o may_v be_v a_o anchor_n for_o the_o soul_n sure_a and_o steadfast_a heb._n 6.17.18_o 19_o if_o you_o trust_v rely_v and_o stay_v yourselves_o on_o christ_n or_o hope_v in_o he_o without_o assure_v yourselves_o at_o all_o of_o salvation_n by_o he_o you_o make_v no_o better_o use_v of_o he_o than_o if_o he_o be_v a_o break_a reed_n and_o if_o you_o will_v stay_v yourselves_o on_o the_o lord_n you_o must_v look_v on_o he_o as_o your_o god_n as_o the_o prophet_n teach_v let_v he_o trust_v in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o stay_v upon_o his_o god_n isai_n 50._o 10._o if_o you_o will_v rest_v in_o the_o lord_n you_o must_v believe_v that_o he_o deal_v bountiful_o with_o you_o psal_n 116.7_o or_o else_o for_o aught_o you_o know_v you_o make_v your_o bed_n in_o hell_n and_o you_o will_v show_v little_a regard_n of_o christ_n and_o of_o your_o own_o soul_n if_o you_o dare_v to_o rest_v under_o the_o wrath_n of_o god_n without_o any_o persuasion_n of_o a_o sure_a interest_n in_o christ_n people_n may_v please_v themselves_o with_o such_o a_o trust_n or_o rest_v etc._n etc._n when_o they_o be_v at_o ease_n but_o in_o time_n of_o temptation_n it_o vanish_v away_o and_o appear_v to_o be_v no_o true_a faith_n but_o be_v turn_v into_o shame_n the_o soul_n that_o live_v in_o such_o waver_a and_o doubt_v concern_v salvation_n do_v not_o stay_v itself_o nor_o rest_n at_o all_o but_o be_v like_o a_o wave_n of_o the_o sea_n drive_v with_o the_o wind_n and_o toss_v he_o be_v a_o double_a mind_a man_n unstable_a in_o all_o his_o way_n jam._n 1.6_o if_o you_o continue_v in_o mere_a suspense_n and_o doubtfulness_n of_o salvation_n by_o christ_n your_o desire_n to_o trust_v be_v but_o a_o lazy_a would_n without_o any_o fix_a resolution_n and_o you_o dare_v not_o yet_o venture_v to_o trust_v on_o he_o steadfast_o if_o you_o call_v it_o only_o your_o desire_n to_o trust_v and_o rely_v on_o jesus_n christ_n i_o may_v answer_v that_o you_o can_v do_v thus_o much_o in_o a_o right_a manner_n except_o you_o desire_v and_o venture_v to_o persuade_v and_o assure_v yourselves_o of_o your_o salvation_n by_o christ_n notwithstanding_o all_o the_o cause_n that_o you_o have_v to_o doubt_v and_o fear_v the_o contrary_n if_o it_o be_v object_v that_o we_o may_v trust_v on_o christ_n only_o as_o a_o sufficient_a mean_n of_o salvation_n without_o any_o assurance_n of_o the_o effect_n i_o shall_v acknowledge_v that_o the_o sufficiency_n of_o god_n and_o christ_n be_v a_o good_a ground_n for_o we_o to_o rest_v on_o but_o we_o must_v understand_v by_o it_o not_o only_o a_o sufficiency_n of_o power_n but_o also_o of_o goodwill_n and_o mercy_n towards_o we_o for_o what_o have_v we_o to_o do_v more_o with_o the_o sufficiency_n of_o god_n and_o christ_n power_n than_o fall_v angel_n without_o his_o goodwill_n towards_o we_o and_o if_o
this_o be_v true_o believe_v it_o will_v exclude_v doubtfulness_n concern_v your_o salvation_n second_o several_a place_n of_o scripture_n declare_v positive_o and_o express_o that_o we_o be_v to_o be_v assure_v of_o our_o salvation_n in_o that_o faith_n whereby_o we_o be_v justify_v and_o save_v i_o shall_v produce_v some_o instance_n we_o be_v exhort_v to_o draw_v near_o to_o god_n with_o full_a assurance_n of_o faith_n heb._n 10.22_o many_o apply_v this_o text_n to_o that_o which_o they_o call_v the_o reflect_v act_n of_o faith_n because_o they_o imagine_v that_o all_o assurance_n must_v needs_o be_v by_o reflection_n but_o the_o word_n of_o the_o text_n do_v clear_o teach_v we_o to_o understand_v it_o of_o that_o act_n of_o faith_n whereby_o we_o draw_v near_o to_o god_n that_o be_v the_o direct_a act_n and_o it_o be_v that_o very_a faith_n whereby_o the_o just_a do_v live_v even_o justify_v save_v faith_n verse_n 38._o and_o this_o assurance_n must_v be_v full_a at_o least_o in_o the_o true_a and_o proper_a nature_n of_o it_o in_o opposition_n unto_o mere_a doubtfulness_n and_o uncertainty_n though_o we_o be_v yet_o further_o to_o labour_v for_o that_o which_o be_v full_a in_o the_o high_a degree_n of_o perfection_n and_o the_o same_o faith_n whereby_o we_o be_v exhort_v to_o draw_v nigh_o unto_o god_n and_o whereby_o the_o just_a live_v be_v a_o little_a after_o chap._n 11.1_o affirm_v to_o be_v the_o substance_n of_o thing_n hope_v for_o and_o the_o evidence_n of_o thing_n not_o see_v why_o shall_v save_a faith_n have_v these_o high_a title_n and_o attribute_n give_v to_o it_o if_o it_o do_v not_o contain_v in_o it_o a_o sure_a persuasion_n of_o the_o great_a thing_n of_o our_o salvation_n hope_v for_o which_o make_v they_o to_o be_v evident_a to_o the_o eye_n of_o our_o mind_n as_o if_o they_o be_v already_o present_a in_o their_o substance_n though_o yet_o not_o visible_a to_o our_o bodily_a eye_n that_o faith_n whereby_o we_o be_v make_v partaker_n of_o christ_n and_o to_o be_v christ_n house_n must_v be_v worthy_a to_o be_v call_v confidence_n and_o accompany_v with_o rejoice_a hope_n who_o house_n be_v we_o if_o we_o hold_v fast_o the_o confidence_n and_o rejoice_v of_o the_o hope_n firm_a unto_o the_o end_n heb._n 3.6.14_o what_o be_v confidence_n concern_v any_o thing_n but_o trust_v concern_v it_o with_o a_o firm_a persuasion_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o it_o if_o we_o have_v only_o a_o strong_a opinion_n concern_v a_o thing_n without_o any_o absolute_a certainty_n we_o use_v to_o say_v that_o we_o be_v not_o altogether_o confident_a of_o it_o the_o faith_n whereby_o we_o be_v justify_v must_v be_v in_o a_o measure_n like_o to_o the_o faith_n whereby_o abraham_n against_o hope_n believe_v in_o hope_n that_o his_o seed_n shall_v certain_o be_v multiply_v according_a to_o the_o promise_n of_o god_n though_o by_o reason_n of_o the_o deadness_n of_o his_o own_o body_n and_o of_o sarah_n womb_n he_o can_v have_v no_o evidence_n from_o his_o own_o qualification_n to_o assure_v himself_o of_o it_o but_o all_o appearance_n be_v rather_o to_o the_o contrary_a as_o the_o apostle_n teach_v clear_o rom._n 4.18_o 19_o 23.24_o as_o absolute_a as_o this_o promise_n be_v thus_o make_v abraham_n yet_o it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v fulfil_v without_o this_o assurance_n of_o faith_n and_o by_o the_o like_a faith_n the_o free_a promise_n of_o salvation_n by_o christ_n will_v be_v absolute_o fulfil_v to_o we_o the_o apostle_n james_n express_o require_v that_o we_o shall_v ask_v good_a thing_n of_o god_n in_o faith_n nothing_o doubt_v which_o include_v assurance_n manifest_o and_o he_o tell_v we_o plain_o that_o without_o it_o a_o man_n ought_v not_o to_o think_v that_o he_o shall_v receive_v any_o thing_n of_o the_o lord_n therefore_o we_o may_v firm_o conclude_v that_o without_o it_o we_o shall_v not_o receive_v the_o salvation_n of_o christ_n james_n 1.6_o 7._o and_o that_o which_o the_o apostle_n james_n require_v we_o not_o to_o doubt_v of_o be_v the_o obtain_v the_o thing_n that_o we_o ask_v as_o we_o may_v learn_v from_o a_o instruction_n to_o the_o same_o purpose_n give_v to_o we_o by_o christ_n himself_o what_o thing_n soever_o you_o desire_v when_o you_o pray_v believe_v that_o you_o receive_v they_o and_o you_o shall_v have_v they_o mark_v 11.24_o more_o place_n of_o scripture_n may_v be_v allege_v to_o the_o same_o purpose_n but_o these_o be_v sufficient_a to_o evince_v that_o we_o be_v bind_v to_o assure_v ourselves_o of_o our_o salvation_n in_o faith_n itself_o or_o else_o we_o be_v never_o likely_a to_o enjoy_v it_o and_o that_o it_o be_v not_o humility_n but_o rather_o proud_a disobedience_n to_o live_v in_o a_o state_n of_o mere_a suspense_n and_o doubtfulness_n concern_v our_o salvation_n and_o that_o this_o assurance_n must_v be_v in_o the_o direct_a act_n of_o faith_n whereby_o we_o be_v justify_v and_o save_v for_o as_o for_o that_o which_o be_v call_v the_o reflect_v act_n of_o faith_n it_o be_v a_o certain_a truth_n and_o general_o own_v that_o it_o be_v not_o absolute_o necessary_a to_o salvation_n to_o any_o and_o that_o it_o be_v sinful_a and_o pernicious_a to_o many_o to_o believe_v that_o they_o be_v already_o enter_v into_o a_o state_n of_o grace_n and_o salvation_n three_o god_n give_v we_o sufficient_a ground_n in_o scripture_n to_o come_v to_o christ_n with_o confident_a faith_n at_o the_o very_a first_o trust_v assure_o that_o christ_n and_o his_o salvation_n shall_v be_v give_v to_o we_o without_o any_o failing_n and_o delay_n however_o vile_a and_o sinful_a our_o condition_n have_v be_v hitherto_o the_o scripture_n speak_v to_o the_o vile_a sinner_n in_o such_o a_o manner_n as_o if_o it_o be_v frame_v on_o purpose_n to_o beget_v assurance_n of_o salvation_n in_o they_o immediate_o act_v 2.39_o chap._n 3.26_o this_o promise_n be_v unversal_a that_o whosoever_o believe_v on_o christ_n shall_v not_o be_v ashamed_a without_o make_v a_o difference_n between_o jew_n and_o greek_n rom._n 10.11_o 12._o and_o this_o promise_n be_v confirm_v by_o the_o blood_n of_o christ_n who_o be_v give_v for_o the_o world_n and_o lift_v up_o upon_o the_o cross_n for_o this_o very_a end_n that_o whosoever_o believe_v on_o he_o shall_v not_o perish_v but_o have_v everlasting_a life_n john_n 3.14_o 15_o 16._o his_o invitation_n be_v free_a to_o any_o if_o any_o man_n thirst_n let_v he_o come_v to_o i_o and_o drink_n and_o this_o drink_n be_v promise_v to_o every_o one_o that_o believe_v john_n 7.37_o 39_o the_o command_n of_o believe_v be_v propound_v not_o only_o in_o general_n but_o in_o particular_a and_o the_o promise_n of_o salvation_n upon_o believe_v be_v also_o apply_v personal_o and_o that_o to_o such_o as_o have_v be_v hitherto_o in_o a_o state_n of_o sin_n and_o wrath_n as_o to_o the_o wicked_a persecute_v self-murdering_a jailor_n act_v 16.31_o believe_v on_o the_o lord_n jesus_n and_o thou_o shall_v be_v save_v and_o thy_o house_n god_n command_v they_o that_o walk_v altogether_o in_o sin_n hitherto_o to_o call_v he_o their_o own_o father_n in_o their_o very_a first_o return_v jer._n 3.4_o so_o hos_n 2.23_o god_n say_v he_o will_v say_v thou_o be_v my_o people_n and_o they_o shall_v say_v thou_o be_v my_o god_n confident_o aver_v their_o personal_a interest_n in_o he_o god_n have_v join_v confidence_n and_o salvation_n inseparable_o together_o in_o return_v and_o rest_v you_o shall_v be_v save_v in_o quietness_n and_o in_o confidence_n shall_v be_v your_o strength_n isai_n 30.15_o what_o a_o poor_a slender_a use_n and_o improvement_n do_v many_o make_v of_o these_o discovery_n of_o the_o rich_a grace_n of_o god_n towards_o sinner_n who_o say_v that_o if_o we_o see_v that_o we_o have_v perform_v the_o condition_n of_o believe_v than_o we_o may_v take_v christ_n confident_o as_o our_o own_o they_o skip_v over_o the_o first_o and_o principal_n use_v they_o ought_v to_o make_v of_o they_o the_o very_a performance_n of_o the_o condition_n be_v to_o take_v christ_n as_o our_o own_o immediate_o and_o to_o eat_v he_o and_o drink_v he_o by_o believe_v consient_o on_o he_o for_o our_o salvation_n if_o a_o honest_a rich_a man_n say_v to_o a_o poor_a woman_n i_o promise_v to_o be_v thy_o husband_n if_o thou_o will_v have_v i_o say_v but_o the_o word_n and_o i_o be_o thou_o may_v not_o she_o present_o answer_v confident_o then_o thou_o be_v my_o husband_n and_o i_o claim_v thou_o for_o my_o husband_n and_o shall_v she_o not_o rather_o say_v so_o then_o say_v i_o believe_v not_o what_o thou_o say_v if_o a_o honest_a man_n say_v do_v but_o take_v this_o gift_n and_o it_o be_v your_o own_o do_v but_o eat_v and_o drink_v and_o you_o be_v free_o welcome_a may_v not_o i_o take_v the_o gift_n and_o eat_v and_o drink_v at_o first_o
long_o accustom_v to_o seek_v salvation_n by_o the_o procurement_n of_o our_o own_o work_n and_o to_o account_v the_o way_n of_o salvation_n by_o free_a grace_n foolish_a and_o pernicious_a when_o our_o lust_n incline_v we_o strong_o to_o the_o thing_n of_o the_o flesh_n and_o the_o world_n when_o satan_n do_v his_o utmost_a by_o his_o own_o suggestion_n and_o by_o false_a teacher_n and_o by_o worldly_a allurement_n and_o terror_n to_o hinder_v the_o sincere_a performance_n of_o this_o duty_n many_o work_n that_o be_v easy_a in_o their_o own_o nature_n prove_v difficult_a for_o we_o to_o perform_v in_o our_o circumstance_n to_o forgive_v our_o enemy_n and_o to_o love_v they_o as_o ourselves_o be_v but_o a_o motion_n of_o the_o mind_n easy_a to_o be_v perform_v in_o its_o own_o nature_n and_o yet_o many_o that_o be_v convince_v of_o their_o duty_n find_v it_o a_o hard_a matter_n to_o bring_v their_o heart_n to_o the_o performance_n of_o it_o it_o be_v but_o a_o motion_n of_o the_o mind_n to_o cast_v our_o care_n upon_o god_n for_o worldly_a thing_n and_o rich_a man_n may_v think_v that_o they_o can_v do_v it_o easy_o but_o poor_a man_n that_o have_v great_a family_n find_v it_o a_o hard_a matter_n that_o easy_a comfortable_a duty_n which_o moses_n exhort_v the_o israelite_n to_o when_o pharaoh_n with_o his_o chariot_n and_o horseman_n overtake_v they_o at_o the_o red_a sea_n be_v you_o not_o afraid_a stand_v still_o and_o see_v the_o salvation_n of_o the_o lord_n which_o he_o will_v show_v you_o this_o day_n exod._n 14.13_o be_v not_o easy_o perform_v the_o very_a easiness_n of_o some_o duty_n make_v their_o performance_n difficult_a as_o naaman_n the_o assyrian_a be_v hardly_o bring_v to_o wash_v and_o be_v clean_a because_o he_o think_v it_o to_o be_v too_o slight_a and_o easy_a a_o remedy_n for_o the_o cure_n of_o his_o leprosy_n 2_o king_n 5.12_o 13._o even_o in_o this_o very_a case_n people_n be_v offend_v at_o the_o duty_n of_o believe_v on_o christ_n as_o too_o slight_a and_o easy_a a_o remedy_n to_o cure_v the_o leprosy_n of_o the_o soul_n they_o will_v have_v some_o hard_a thing_n enjoin_v they_o to_o the_o attainment_n of_o so_o great_a a_o end_n as_o this_o everlasting_a salvation_n the_o performance_n of_o all_o the_o moral_a law_n be_v not_o account_v work_n enough_o for_o this_o end_n mat._n 19.17_o 20._o however_o easy_a the_o work_n of_o believe_v seem_v to_o many_o yet_o common_a experience_n have_v show_v that_o man_n be_v more_o easy_o bring_v to_o the_o most_o burdensome_a unreasonable_a and_o inhuman_a observation_n as_o the_o jow_n and_o christian_a galatian_n be_v more_o easy_o bring_v to_o take_v upon_o their_o neck_n the_o yoke_n of_o moses's_fw-fr la_fw-fr w_n which_o none_o be_v able_a to_o bear_v act_v 15.10_o the_o heathen_n be_v more_o easy_o bring_v to_o burn_v their_o son_n and_o their_o daughter_n in_o the_o fire_n to_o their_o god_n deut._n 12.31_o the_o papist_n be_v bring_v more_o easy_o to_o the_o vow_n of_o chastity_n and_o poverty_n and_o obedience_n to_o the_o most_o rigorous_a rule_n of_o monastic_a discipline_n to_o macerate_v and_o torture_v their_o body_n with_o fast_n scourge_n and_o pilgrimage_n and_o to_o bear_v all_o the_o excessive_a tyranny_n of_o the_o papal_a hierarchy_n in_o a_o multitude_n of_o burdensome_a superstitious_a and_o ridiculous_a devotion_n they_o that_o slight_a the_o work_n of_o faith_n for_o its_o easiness_n show_v that_o they_o be_v never_o yet_o make_v sensible_a of_o innumerable_a sin_n and_o terrible_a curse_n of_o the_o law_n and_o wrath_n of_o god_n that_o they_o lie_v under_o and_o of_o the_o darkness_n and_o vanity_n of_o their_o mind_n the_o corruption_n and_o hardness_n of_o their_o heart_n and_o their_o bondage_n under_o the_o power_n of_o sin_n and_o satan_n and_o have_v not_o be_v true_o humble_v without_o which_o they_o can_v believe_v in_o a_o right_a manner_n many_o sound_a believer_n have_v find_v by_o experience_n that_o it_o have_v be_v a_o very_a hard_a matter_n to_o bring_v their_o heart_n to_o the_o duty_n of_o believe_v it_o have_v cost_v they_o vigorous_a struggle_v and_o sharp_a conflict_n with_o their_o own_o corruption_n and_o satan_n temptation_n it_o be_v so_o difficult_a a_o work_n that_o we_o can_v perform_v it_o without_o the_o mighty_a work_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n in_o our_o heart_n who_o only_o can_v make_v it_o to_o be_v absolute_o easy_a to_o we_o and_o do_v make_v it_o easy_a or_o suffer_v it_o to_o be_v difficult_a according_a as_o he_o be_v please_v to_o communicate_v his_o grace_n in_o various_a degree_n unto_o our_o soul_n 3._o though_o we_o can_v possible_o perform_v this_o great_a work_n in_o a_o right_a manner_n until_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n work_n faith_n in_o our_o heart_n by_o his_o mighty_a power_n yet_o it_o be_v necessary_a that_o we_o shall_v endeavour_v and_o that_o before_o we_o can_v find_v the_o spirit_n of_o god_n work_v faith_n effectual_o in_o we_o or_o give_v strength_n to_o believe_v we_o can_v perform_v no_o holy_a duty_n acceptable_o except_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n work_v it_o in_o we_o and_o yet_o we_o be_v not_o hereby_o excuse_v from_o work_v ourselves_o but_o we_o be_v the_o rather_o stir_v up_o to_o the_o great_a diligence_n work_v out_o your_o salvation_n with_o fear_n and_o tremble_a for_o it_o be_v god_n that_o work_v in_o you_o both_o to_o will_v and_o to_o do_v of_o his_o good_a pleasure_n phil._n 2.12_o 13._o the_o way_n whereby_o the_o spirit_n work_v faith_n in_o the_o elect_n be_v by_o stir_v they_o up_o to_o endeavour_v to_o believe_v and_o this_o be_v a_o way_n suitable_a to_o the_o mean_n that_o the_o spirit_n use_v i._n e._n the_o exhortation_n command_n and_o invitation_n of_o the_o gospel_n which_o will_v be_v of_o no_o force_n if_o we_o be_v not_o to_o obey_v they_o until_o we_o find_v faith_n already_o wrought_v in_o we_o neither_o can_v we_o possible_o find_v that_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n do_v effectual_o work_v faith_n or_o give_v strength_n to_o believe_v until_o we_o act_n it_o for_o all_o inward_a grace_n as_o well_o as_o all_o other_o inward_a habit_n be_v discern_v by_o their_o act_n as_o seed_n in_o the_o ground_n by_o its_o spring_a we_o can_v see_v any_o such_o thing_n as_o love_n to_o god_n or_o man_n in_o our_o heart_n before_o we_o act_n it_o child_n know_v not_o their_o ability_n to_o stand_v upon_o their_o foot_n until_o they_o have_v make_v trial_n by_o endeavour_v so_o to_o do_v so_o we_o know_v not_o our_o spiritual_a strength_n until_o we_o have_v learn_v by_o experience_n from_o the_o use_n and_o exercise_v of_o it_o neither_o can_v we_o know_v or_o assure_v our_o seive_v absolute_o that_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n will_v give_v we_o strength_n to_o believe_v before_o we_o act_n faith_n for_o such_o a_o knowledge_n and_o assurance_n if_o it_o be_v right_a be_v save_v faith_n itself_o in_o part_n and_o whosoever_o trust_v on_o christ_n assure_o for_o strength_n to_o believe_v by_o his_o spirit_n do_v in_o effect_n trust_v on_o christ_n for_o his_o own_o salvation_n which_o be_v inseparable_o join_v with_o the_o grace_n of_o save_v faith_n though_o the_o spirit_n work_v other_o duty_n in_o we_o by_o faith_n yet_o he_o work_v faith_n in_o we_o immediate_o by_o hear_v know_v and_o understand_v the_o word_n faith_n come_v by_o hear_v and_o hear_v by_o the_o word_n of_o god_n rom._n 10.13_o and_o in_o the_o word_n he_o make_v no_o absolute_a promise_n or_o declaration_n that_o he_o will_v work_v faith_n in_o this_o or_o that_o unbelieving_a heart_n or_o that_o he_o will_v give_v strength_n to_o believe_v to_o any_o one_o in_o particular_a or_o begin_v the_o work_n of_o believe_v in_o christ_n for_o faith_n itself_o be_v the_o first_o grace_n whereby_o we_o have_v a_o particular_a interest_n in_o any_o save_a promise_n it_o be_v a_o thing_n hide_v in_o the_o secret_a counsel_n and_o purpose_n of_o god_n concern_v we_o whether_o he_o will_v give_v we_o his_o spirit_n and_o save_a faith_n until_o our_o election_n be_v discover_v by_o our_o believe_v actual_o therefore_o as_o soon_o as_o we_o know_v the_o duty_n of_o believe_v we_o be_v to_o apply_v ourselves_o immediate_o to_o the_o vigorous_a performance_n of_o the_o duty_n and_o in_o so_o do_v we_o shall_v find_v that_o the_o spirit_n of_o christ_n have_v strengthen_v we_o to_o believe_v though_o we_o know_v not_o certain_o that_o it_o will_v do_v it_o beforehand_o the_o spirit_n come_v undiscernable_o upon_o the_o elect_n to_o work_v faith_n within_o they_o like_o the_o wind_n that_o blow_v where_o it_o list_v and_o none_o know_v whence_o it_o come_v and_o whither_o it_o go_v but_o only_o we_o hear_v the_o sound_n of_o it_o and_o thereby_o know_v it_o when_o it_o be_v
past_a and_o go_v joh._n 3.8_o we_o must_v therefore_o begin_v the_o work_n before_o we_o know_v that_o the_o spirit_n do_v or_o will_v work_v in_o we_o save_o and_o we_o shall_v be_v willing_a to_o set_v upon_o the_o work_n if_o we_o believe_v for_o thy_o people_n shall_v be_v willing_a in_o the_o day_n of_o thy_o power_n psal_n 110.3_o it_o be_v enough_o that_o god_n discover_v to_o we_o beforehand_o in_o the_o gospel_n what_o faith_n be_v and_o the_o ground_n we_o have_v to_o believe_v on_o christ_n for_o our_o own_o salvation_n and_o that_o god_n require_v this_o duty_n of_o we_o and_o will_v help_v we_o in_o the_o performance_n of_o it_o if_o we_o apply_v ourselves_o hearty_o thereunto_o fear_v not_o i_o command_v thou_o to_o be_v strong_a and_o of_o good_a courage_n josh_n 1._o arise_v and_o be_v do_v and_o the_o lord_n will_v be_v with_o thou_o 1_o chron._n 22.16_o therefore_o whoso_o receive_v this_o gospel-discovery_n as_o the_o word_n of_o god_n in_o hearty_a love_n be_v teach_v by_o the_o spirit_n and_o will_v certain_o come_v to_o christ_n by_o believe_v joh._n 6.45_o every_o one_o that_o receive_v it_o not_o despise_v god_n make_v he_o a_o liar_n and_o deserve_v just_o to_o perish_v for_o his_o unbelief_n 4._o though_o the_o spirit_n work_v save_v faith_n only_o in_o the_o elect_n and_o other_o believe_v not_o because_o they_o be_v not_o of_o christ_n sheep_n joh._n 10.26_o and_o on_o that_o account_n be_v call_v the_o faith_n of_o god_n elect_n tit._n 1.1_o yet_o all_o that_o hear_v the_o gospel_n be_v oblige_v to_o the_o duty_n of_o believe_v as_o well_o as_o to_o all_o the_o duty_n of_o the_o moral_a law_n and_o that_o before_o they_o know_v their_o own_o particular_a election_n and_o they_o be_v liable_a to_o condemnation_n for_o unbelief_n as_o well_o as_o for_o any_o other_o sin_n he_o that_o believe_v not_o be_v condemn_v already_o because_o he_o have_v not_o believe_v on_o the_o navy_n of_o the_o only_o beget_v son_n of_o god_n joh._n 3.18_o the_o apostle_n paul_n show_v that_o the_o elect_a israelite_n obtain_v salvation_n and_o the_o rest_n that_o be_v not_o elect_v be_v blind_v and_o yet_o even_o these_o be_v break_v off_o from_o the_o good_a olive-tree_n because_o of_o their_o unbelief_n rom._n 11.7_o 20._o we_o can_v have_v a_o certain_a knowledge_n of_o our_o election_n to_o eternal_a life_n before_o we_o do_v believe_v it_o be_v a_o thing_n hide_v in_o the_o unsearchable_a counsel_n of_o god_n until_o it_o be_v manifest_a by_o our_o effectual_a call_v and_o believe_v on_o christ_n the_o apostle_n know_v the_o election_n of_o the_o thessalonian_o by_o find_v the_o evidence_n of_o their_o faith_n that_o the_o gospel_n come_v to_o they_o not_o in_o word_n only_o but_o also_o in_o power_n and_o in_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o in_o much_o assurance_n and_o that_o they_o have_v receive_v the_o word_n in_o much_o affliction_n with_o joy_n in_o the_o holy_a ghost_n 1_o thes_n 1.4_o 5_o 6._o we_o be_v to_o see_v our_o call_v if_o we_o will_v find_v out_o that_o god_n have_v choose_v we_o 1_o cor._n 1.26_o 27._o therefore_o we_o must_v believe_v on_o christ_n before_o we_o know_v our_o election_n or_o else_o we_o shall_v never_o know_v it_o and_o shall_v never_o believe_v and_o it_o be_v no_o presumption_n for_o we_o to_o trust_v confident_o on_o christ_n for_o everlasting_a life_n before_o we_o have_v any_o good_a evidence_n of_o our_o election_n because_o god_n that_o can_v lie_v have_v make_v a_o general_a promise_n that_o whosoever_o believe_v on_o he_o shall_v not_o be_v ashamed_a without_o make_v the_o least_o difference_n among_o they_o that_o perform_v this_o duty_n rom._n 10.11_o 12._o the_o promise_n be_v as_o firm_a and_o sure_a to_o be_v fulfil_v as_o any_o of_o god_n decree_n and_o purpose_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v a_o good_a and_o sufficient_a ground_n for_o our_o confidence_n it_o be_v certain_a that_o all_o that_o the_o father_n have_v give_v to_o christ_n by_o the_o decree_n of_o eternal_a election_n shall_v come_v to_o christ_n and_o it_o be_v as_o real_o certain_a that_o christ_n will_v in_o no_o wise_a cast_v out_o any_o that_o come_v to_o he_o whosoever_o he_o be_v joh._n 6.37_o and_o we_o need_v not_o fear_v that_o we_o shall_v infringe_v god_n decree_n of_o election_n by_o believe_v on_o christ_n confident_o for_o our_o salvation_n before_o we_o know_v what_o god_n have_v decree_v concern_v we_o for_o if_o we_o believe_v we_o shall_v at_o last_o be_v find_v among_o the_o number_n of_o the_o elect._n and_o if_o we_o refuse_v to_o believe_v we_o shall_v thereby_o wilful_o sort_v ourselves_o among_o the_o reprobate_n that_o stumble_v at_o the_o word_n be_v disobedient_a whereunto_o also_o they_o be_v appoint_v 1_o pet._n 2.8_o i_o shall_v add_v further_o that_o though_o we_o have_v no_o evidence_n of_o our_o particular_a election_n before_o we_o believe_v yet_o we_o be_v to_o trust_v on_o christ_n assure_o to_o make_v it_o evident_a to_o we_o by_o give_v we_o that_o salvation_n which_o be_v the_o peculiar_a portion_n of_o the_o elect_a only_o all_o spiritual_a save_a blessing_n wherewith_o god_n bless_v his_o people_n in_o christ_n be_v the_o peculiar_a portion_n of_o they_o who_o god_n have_v choose_v in_o christ_n before_o the_o foundation_n of_o the_o world_n eph._n 1.3_o 4._o yet_o we_o must_v necessary_o trust_v on_o christ_n for_o those_o save_a blessing_n or_o have_v none_o at_o all_o we_o be_v to_o pray_v in_o faith_n nothing_o doubt_v that_o god_n will_v remember_v we_o with_o the_o favour_n that_o he_o bear_v to_o his_o people_n that_o we_o may_v see_v the_o good_a of_o his_o choose_a and_o glory_n with_o his_o inheritance_n psal_n 106.4_o 5._o therefore_o we_o be_v to_o trust_v assure_o on_o god_n that_o he_o will_v deal_v with_o we_o as_o his_o choose_a people_n thus_o it_o appear_v that_o it_o be_v not_o presumption_n but_o your_o bind_a duty_n to_o apply_v yourselves_o to_o the_o great_a work_n of_o believe_v on_o christ_n for_o salvation_n without_o question_v at_o all_o beforehand_o whether_o you_o be_v elect_v or_o no_o secret_a thing_n belong_v to_o god_n but_o those_o thing_n that_o be_v reveal_v belong_v unto_o we_o that_o we_o may_v do_v they_o deut._n 29.29_o the_o second_o thing_n direct_v to_o be_v that_o you_o shall_v endeavour_v for_o a_o right_a manner_n of_o perform_v this_o duty_n this_o be_v a_o point_n of_o great_a concernment_n because_o the_o want_n of_o it_o will_v render_v your_o faith_n ineffectual_a to_o sanctification_n and_o salvation_n the_o great_a duty_n of_o love_n which_o be_v the_o end_n of_o the_o law_n and_o the_o principal_a fruit_n of_o sanctification_n must_v flow_v from_o faith_n unfeigned_a 1_o tim._n 1.5_o there_o be_v a_o feign_a faith_n that_o do_v not_o real_o receive_v christ_n into_o the_o heart_n and_o will_v not_o produce_v love_n or_o any_o true_a obedience_n such_o as_o simon_n magus_n have_v act_n 8.13.23_o for_o notwithstanding_o his_o faith_n he_o be_v in_o the_o gall_n of_o bitterness_n and_o in_o the_o bond_n of_o iniquity_n and_o such_o as_o those_o jew_n have_v to_o who_o christ_n will_v not_o commit_v himself_o who_o do_v not_o confess_v he_o lest_o they_o shall_v be_v put_v out_o of_o the_o synagogue_n joh._n 2.23_o and_o 12.42_o and_o such_o as_o the_o apostle_n james_n speak_v of_o what_o do_v it_o profit_v you_o my_o brethren_n if_o a_o man_n say_v he_o have_v faith_n and_o have_v not_o work_n can_v that_o faith_n save_v he_o the_o devil_n also_o believe_v and_o tremble_v jam._n 2.14_o 19_o take_v heed_n therefore_o lest_o you_o deceive_v your_o soul_n with_o a_o counterfeit_a faith_n instead_o of_o the_o precious_a faith_n of_o god_n elect._n the_o way_n to_o distinguish_v the_o one_o from_o the_o other_o be_v by_o consider_v well_o what_o be_v the_o right_a manner_n of_o that_o believe_v which_o be_v effectaal_a to_o salvation_n hypocrite_n may_v perform_v the_o same_o work_n for_o the_o matter_n with_o true_a saint_n but_o they_o be_v defective_a in_o the_o manner_n of_o performance_n wherein_o the_o excellency_n of_o the_o work_n do_v chief_o consist_v one_o great_a reason_n why_o many_o strive_v to_o enter_v in_o at_o the_o strait_a gate_n and_o be_v not_o able_a be_v because_o they_o be_v ignorant_a and_o defective_a in_o the_o right_a manner_n of_o act_v this_o faith_n whereby_o they_o be_v to_o enter_v now_o i_o confess_v that_o god_n only_o be_v able_a to_o guide_v we_o effectual_o in_o the_o right_a way_n of_o believe_v and_o we_o have_v this_o great_a consolation_n when_o we_o see_v our_o own_o folly_n and_o proneness_n to_o mistake_v our_o way_n that_o if_o we_o hearty_o desire_v and_o endeavour_v to_o believe_v on_o christ_n aright_o we_o may_v confident_o trust_v on_o christ_n to_o guide_v
by_o mere_a conviction_n of_o the_o truth_n such_o as_o wicked_a man_n and_o devil_n may_v be_v bring_v to_o when_o they_o have_v rather_o it_o be_v false_a neither_o must_v our_o believe_v on_o christ_n be_v only_o constrain_v for_o fear_n of_o damnation_n without_o any_o hearty_a love_n and_o desire_n towards_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o he_o but_o we_o must_v receive_v the_o love_n of_o the_o truth_n by_o relish_v the_o goodness_n and_o excellency_n of_o it_o and_o we_o must_v account_v all_o thing_n loss_n for_o the_o excellency_n of_o the_o knowledge_n of_o christ_n jesus_n our_o lord_n and_o count_v they_o but_o dung_n that_o we_o may_v win_v christ_n and_o be_v find_v in_o he_o 2_o thess_n 2.10_o phil._n 3.8_o 9_o esteem_v christ_n to_o be_v all_o our_o salvation_n and_o happiness_n col._n 3.11_o in_o who_o all_o fullness_n do_v dwell_v col._n 1.19_o and_o this_o love_n must_v be_v to_o every_o part_n of_o christ_n salvation_n to_o holiness_n as_o well_o as_o forgiveness_n of_o sin_n we_o must_v desire_v earnest_o that_o god_n will_v create_v in_o we_o a_o clean_a heart_n and_o right_a spirit_n as_o well_o as_o hide_v his_o face_n from_o our_o sin_n psal_n 51.9_o 10._o not_o like_o many_o that_o care_n for_o nothing_o in_o christ_n but_o only_a deliverance_n from_o hell_n bless_a be_v they_o that_o hunger_n and_o thirst_n after_o righteousness_n for_o they_o shall_v be_v fill_v mat._n 5.6_o the_o former_a of_o these_o act_n do_v not_o immediate_o unite_v we_o to_o christ_n because_o it_o be_v terminate_v only_o on_o the_o mean_n of_o conveyance_n the_o gospel_n yet_o it_o be_v a_o save_a act_n if_o it_o be_v right_o perform_v because_o it_o incline_v and_o dispose_v the_o soul_n to_o the_o latter_a act_n whereby_o christ_n himself_o be_v immediate_o receive_v into_o the_o heart_n he_o that_o believe_v the_o gospel_n with_o hearty_a love_n and_o like_n as_o the_o most_o excellent_a truth_n will_v certain_o with_o the_o like_a heartiness_n believe_v on_o christ_n for_o his_o salvation_n they_o that_o know_v the_o name_n of_o the_o lord_n will_v certain_o put_v their_o trust_n in_o he_o psal_n 9.10_o therefore_o in_o scripture_n saving-faith_n be_v sometime_o describe_v by_o the_o former_a of_o these_o act_n as_o if_o it_o be_v a_o mere_a believe_v the_o gospel_n sometime_o by_o the_o latter_a as_o a_o believe_v on_o christ_n or_o in_o christ_n rom._n 10.9_o if_o thou_o believe_v in_o thy_o heart_n that_o god_n raise_v he_o from_o the_o dead_a thou_o shall_v be_v save_v 11_o the_o scripture_n say_v whosoever_o believe_v on_o he_o shall_v not_o be_v ashamed_a 1_o john_n 5.1_o whosoever_o believe_v that_o jesus_n be_v the_o christ_n be_v bear_v of_o god_n 13_o these_o thing_n have_v i_o write_v unto_o you_o that_o believe_v on_o the_o name_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n that_o you_o may_v know_v you_o have_v eternal_a life_n and_o that_o you_o may_v believe_v on_o the_o name_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n for_o the_o better_a understanding_n of_o the_o nature_n of_o faith_n let_v it_o be_v further_o observe_v that_o the_o second_o and_o principal_a of_o it_o believe_v on_o christ_n include_v believe_v on_o god_n the_o father_n son_n and_o holy_a ghost_n because_o they_o be_v one_o and_o the_o same_o infinite_a god_n and_o they_o all_o concur_v in_o our_o salvation_n by_o christ_n as_o the_o only_a mediator_n betwixt_o god_n and_o we_o in_o who_o all_o the_o promise_n of_o god_n be_v yea_o and_o amen_o 2_o cor._n 1.20_o by_o he_o as_o mediator_n we_o believe_v on_o god_n that_o raise_v he_o from_o the_o dead_a and_o give_v he_o glory_n that_o our_o faith_n and_o hope_n may_v be_v in_o god_n 1_o pet._n 1.21_o and_o it_o be_v the_o same_o thing_n with_o trust_v on_o god_n or_o on_o the_o lord_n which_o be_v so_o high_o commend_v in_o the_o whole_a scripture_n especial_o in_o the_o old_a testament_n as_o may_v easy_o appear_v by_o consider_v that_o it_o have_v the_o same_o cause_n effect_n object_n adjunct_n opposite_n and_o all_o the_o same_o circumstance_n except_v only_o that_o it_o have_v a_o respect_n to_o christ_n as_o promise_v before_o his_o come_v and_o now_o it_o respect_v he_o as_o already_o come_v in_o the_o flesh_n believe_v in_o the_o lord_n and_o trust_v on_o his_o salvation_n be_v equivalent_a term_n that_o explain_v one_o another_o psal_n 78.22_o i_o confess_v that_o trust_v on_o thing_n see_v or_o know_v by_o the_o mere_a light_n of_o reason_n as_o on_o our_o own_o wisdom_n power_n riches_n on_o prince_n or_o any_o arm_n of_o flesh_n may_v not_o so_o proper_o be_v call_v believe_v on_o they_o but_o trust_v on_o a_o saviour_n as_o discover_v by_o a_o testimony_n be_v proper_o believe_v on_o he_o it_o be_v also_o the_o same_o thing_n that_o be_v express_v by_o the_o term_n of_o rest_v rely_v lean_v stay_v ourselves_o on_o the_o lord_n because_o it_o be_v the_o ground_n of_o that_o expectation_n that_o be_v the_o proper_a act_n of_o hope_n though_o our_o believe_v and_o trust_v be_v for_o the_o present_a as_o well_o as_o future_a benefit_n of_o this_o salvation_n the_o reason_n why_o it_o be_v so_o common_o express_v in_o the_o scripture_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n by_o the_o term_n of_o believe_v on_o christ_n may_v be_v probable_o because_o when_o that_o part_n of_o scripture_n be_v write_v there_o be_v cause_n in_o a_o special_a manner_n to_o urge_v believe_v the_o testimony_n that_o be_v then_o new_o reveal_v by_o the_o gospel_n have_v thus_o explain_v the_o nature_n of_o faith_n i_o come_v now_o to_o assert_v its_o proper_a use_n and_o office_n in_o our_o salvation_n that_o it_o be_v the_o mean_n and_o instrument_n whereby_o we_o receive_v christ_n and_o all_o his_o fullness_n actual_o into_o our_o heart_n this_o excellent_a use_n and_o office_n of_o faith_n be_v encounter_v by_o a_o multitude_n of_o error_n man_n natural_o esteem_v that_o it_o be_v too_o small_a and_o slight_a a_o thing_n to_o produce_v so_o great_a effect_n as_o naaman_n think_v wash_v in_o jordan_n too_o small_a a_o matter_n for_o the_o cure_n of_o his_o leprosy_n they_o contemn_v the_o true_a mean_n of_o enter_v in_o at_o the_o straight_a gate_n because_o they_o seem_v too_o easy_a for_o such_o purpose_n and_o thereby_o they_o make_v the_o entrance_n not_o only_o difficult_a but_o impossible_a to_o themselves_o some_o will_v allow_v that_o faith_n be_v the_o sole_a condition_n of_o our_o justification_n and_o the_o instrument_n to_o receive_v it_o according_a to_o the_o doctrine_n maintain_v former_o by_o the_o protestant_n against_o the_o papist_n but_o they_o account_v that_o it_o be_v not_o sufficient_a or_o effectual_a to_o sanctification_n but_o that_o it_o rather_o tend_v to_o licentiousness_n if_o it_o be_v not_o join_v with_o some_o other_o mean_n that_o may_v be_v powerful_a and_o effectual_a to_o procure_v a_o holy_a practice_n they_o commend_v this_o great_a doctrine_n of_o protestant_n as_o a_o comfortable_a cordial_n for_o person_n upon_o their_o deathbed_n or_o in_o agony_n under_o terror_n of_o conscience_n but_o they_o account_v that_o it_o be_v not_o good_a for_o ordinary_a food_n and_o that_o it_o be_v wisdom_n in_o minister_n to_o preach_v it_o seldom_o and_o spare_o and_o not_o without_o some_o antidote_n or_o corrective_a to_o prevent_v the_o licentiousness_n to_o which_o it_o tend_v their_o common_a antidote_n or_o corrective_a be_v that_o sanctification_n be_v necessary_a to_o salvation_n as_o well_o as_o justification_n and_o that_o though_o we_o be_v justify_v by_o faith_n yet_o we_o be_v sanctify_v by_o our_o own_o performance_n of_o the_o law_n and_o so_o they_o set_v up_o salvation_n by_o work_n and_o make_v the_o grace_n of_o justification_n to_o be_v of_o none_o effect_n and_o not_o at_o all_o comfortable_a if_o it_o have_v indeed_o such_o a_o malignant_a influence_n upon_o practice_n it_o can_v not_o be_v own_v as_o a_o doctrine_n proceed_v from_o the_o most_o holy_a god_n and_o all_o the_o comfort_n that_o it_o afford_v must_v needs_o be_v ungrounded_a and_o deceitful_a this_o consequence_n be_v well_o understand_v by_o some_o late_a refiner_n of_o the_o protestant_a religion_n and_o therefore_o they_o have_v think_v fit_a to_o new-model_n this_o doctrine_n and_o to_o make_v saving-faith_n to_o be_v only_o a_o condition_n to_o procure_v a_o right_n and_o title_n to_o our_o justification_n by_o the_o righteousness_n of_o christ_n which_o must_v be_v perform_v before_o we_o can_v lay_v any_o good_a claim_n to_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o it_o and_o before_o we_o have_v any_o right_n to_o the_o actual_a receive_n of_o it_o and_o this_o they_o call_v a_o accept_n of_o or_o receive_v christ_n and_o that_o they_o may_v the_o better_o secure_v the_o practice_n of_o holiness_n by_o their_o conditional_a faith_n they_o will_v not_o have_v trust_v on_o god_n
be_v not_o in_o vain_a in_o the_o lord_n 1_o cor._n 15.5_o they_o that_o be_v persuade_v of_o the_o freegrace_n of_o god_n towards_o they_o in_o christ_n be_v not_o indeed_o solicitous_a about_o earn_v their_o salvation_n by_o their_o own_o legal_a work_n and_o satan_n be_v ready_a to_o suggest_v to_o they_o that_o this_o be_v a_o sinful_a carelessness_n and_o tend_v to_o licentiousness_n but_o they_o that_o will_v believe_v this_o false_a suggestion_n of_o satan_n show_v plain_o that_o they_o do_v not_o yet_o know_v what_o it_o be_v to_o serve_v god_n in_o love_n and_o that_o they_o be_v hold_v in_o to_o all_o their_o obedience_n by_o the_o bit_n and_o bridle_n of_o slavish_a fear_n as_o the_o horse_n and_o mule_n that_o have_v no_o understanding_n psal_n 32.9_o three_o beware_v of_o think_v so_o high_o of_o this_o assurance_n as_o if_o it_o be_v inconsistent_a with_o any_o doubt_n in_o the_o same_o soul_n a_o great_a reason_n why_o many_o protestant_n have_v recede_v from_o the_o doctrine_n of_o their_o ancestor_n in_o this_o point_n be_v because_o they_o think_v there_o can_v be_v no_o true_a assurance_n of_o salvation_n in_o any_o that_o be_v trouble_v with_o doubt_n as_o they_o find_v many_o be_v who_o they_o can_v but_o own_o as_o true_a believer_n and_o precious_a saint_n of_o god_n true_a indeed_o this_o assurance_n must_v be_v contrary_a to_o doubt_n in_o the_o nature_n of_o it_o and_o so_o if_o it_o be_v perfect_a in_o the_o high_a degree_n it_o will_v exclude_v all_o doubt_v out_o of_o the_o soul_n and_o it_o do_v now_o exclude_v in_o some_o degree_n but_o be_v there_o not_o flesh_n as_o well_o as_o spirit_n in_o the_o best_a saint_n on_o earth_n gal._n 5.17_o be_v there_o not_o a_o law_n in_o their_o member_n war_a against_o the_o law_n of_o their_o mind_n rom._n 7.23_o may_v not_o one_o that_o true_o believe_v say_v lord_n help_v my_o unbelief_n mark_v 9.24_o can_v any_o on_o earth_n say_v they_o have_v receive_v any_o grace_n in_o the_o high_a degree_n and_o that_o they_o be_v whole_o free_a from_o the_o contrary_a corruption_n why_o then_o shall_v we_o think_v that_o assurance_n can_v be_v true_a except_o it_o be_v perfect_a and_o free_a the_o soul_n from_o all_o doubt_n the_o apostle_n account_v it_o a_o great_a blessing_n to_o the_o thessalonian_o that_o they_o have_v much_o assurance_n intimate_v that_o some_o true_a assurance_n may_v be_v in_o a_o less_o degree_n 1_o thess_n 1.5_o peter_n have_v some_o good_a assurance_n of_o christ_n help_n when_o he_o walk_v on_o the_o water_n at_o christ_n command_n and_o yet_o he_o have_v some_o doubtfulness_n in_o he_o as_o his_o fear_n show_v when_o he_o see_v the_o wind_n boisterous_a he_o have_v some_o faith_n contrary_a to_o doubt_v though_o it_o be_v but_o little_a as_o christ_n word_n to_o he_o show_v o_o thou_o of_o little_a faith_n wherefore_o do_v thou_o doubt_v matth._n 14.29_o 30_o 31._o it_o be_v strange_a if_o the_o flesh_n and_o the_o devil_n shall_v never_o oppose_v a_o true_a assurance_n and_o assault_v it_o with_o doubting_n a_o believer_n may_v be_v sometime_o so_o overwhelm_v with_o doubt_n that_o he_o may_v not_o be_v able_a to_o perceive_v a_o assurance_n in_o himself_o he_o be_v so_o far_o from_o know_v his_o place_n in_o heaven_n already_o as_o some_o scoff_o object_n that_o he_o will_v say_v that_o he_o know_v not_o any_o assurance_n that_o he_o have_v of_o be_v there_o and_o need_v diligent_a self-examination_n to_o find_v it_o out_o yet_o if_o at_o that_o time_n he_o can_v blame_v his_o soul_n for_o doubt_v why_o be_v thou_o cast_v down_o o_o my_o soul_n why_o be_v thou_o disquiet_v within_o i_o hope_v thou_o in_o god_n for_o i_o shall_v yet_o praise_v he_o psal_n 42.11_o if_o he_o can_v condemn_v his_o doubt_n as_o sinful_a and_o say_v with_o himself_o this_o be_v my_o infirmity_n psal_n 77.10_o these_o doubt_n be_v of_o the_o flesh_n and_o of_o the_o devil_n if_o he_o still_o endeavour_v to_o call_v god_n father_n and_o complain_v to_o he_o that_o he_o doubt_v whether_o he_o be_v his_o father_n and_o pray_v that_o god_n will_v give_v he_o the_o assurance_n of_o his_o fatherly_a love_n which_o he_o be_v not_o sensible_a of_o and_o dispel_v those_o fear_n and_o doubt_n i_o say_v that_o such_o a_o one_o have_v some_o true_a assurance_n though_o he_o must_v strive_v to_o grow_v to_o a_o high_a degree_n for_o if_o he_o be_v not_o persuade_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o love_n of_o god_n towards_o he_o he_o can_v not_o rational_o condemn_v his_o fear_n and_o doubt_n concern_v it_o as_o sinful_a neither_o can_v he_o rational_o pray_v to_o god_n as_o his_o father_n or_o that_o god_n will_v assure_v he_o of_o that_o love_n that_o he_o do_v not_o think_v to_o be_v true_a do_v but_o grant_v that_o it_o be_v the_o nature_n of_o save_a faith_n thus_o to_o resist_v and_o struggle_v with_o slavish_a fear_n of_o wrath_n and_o doubt_v of_o our_o own_o salvation_n and_o you_o grant_v in_o effect_n that_o there_o be_v and_o must_v be_v something_o of_o assurance_n of_o our_o salvation_n in_o save_v faith_n whereby_o it_o resist_v doubt_n and_o you_o be_v in_o effect_n of_o the_o same_o judgement_n with_o i_o in_o the_o assertion_n however_o strange_a my_o expression_n seem_v to_o you_o if_o this_o that_o i_o have_v say_v concern_v our_o imperfection_n in_o assurance_n as_o well_o as_o in_o other_o grace_n be_v well_o consider_v this_o ancient_a protestant_a doctrine_n will_v be_v free_v much_o from_o prejudice_n and_o gain_v more_o esteem_n among_o we_o four_o in_o the_o last_o place_n let_v it_o be_v well_o observe_v that_o the_o reason_n why_o we_o be_v to_o assure_v ourselves_o in_o our_o faith_n that_o god_n free_o give_v christ_n and_o his_o salvation_n to_o we_o particular_o be_v not_o because_o it_o be_v a_o truth_n before_o we_o believe_v it_o but_o because_o it_o become_v a_o certain_a truth_n when_o we_o believe_v it_o and_o because_o it_o will_v never_o be_v true_a except_o we_o do_v in_o some_o measure_n persuade_v and_o assure_v ourselves_o that_o it_o be_v so_o we_o have_v no_o absolute_a promise_n or_o declaration_n in_o scripture_n that_o god_n certain_o will_n or_o do_v give_v christ_n and_o his_o salvation_n to_o any_o one_o of_o we_o in_o particular_a neither_o do_v we_o know_v it_o to_o be_v true_a already_o by_o scripture_n or_o sense_n or_o reason_n before_o we_o assure_v ourselves_o absolute_o of_o it_o yea_o we_o be_v without_o christ_n salvation_n at_o present_a in_o a_o state_n of_o sin_n and_o misery_n under_o the_o curse_n and_o wrath_n of_o god_n only_o i_o shall_v prove_v that_o we_o be_v bind_v by_o the_o command_n of_o god_n thus_o to_o assure_v ourselves_o and_o the_o scripture_n do_v sufficient_o warrant_v we_o that_o we_o shall_v not_o deceive_v ourselves_o in_o believe_v a_o lie_n but_o according_a to_o our_o faith_n so_o it_o shall_v be_v to_o we_o matth._n 9.29_o this_o be_v a_o strange_a kind_n of_o assurance_n far_o different_a from_o other_o ordinary_a kind_n and_o therefore_o no_o wonder_n if_o it_o be_v find_v weak_a and_o imperfect_a and_o difficult_a to_o be_v obtain_v and_o it_o be_v assault_v with_o many_o doubt_n we_o be_v constrain_v to_o believe_v other_o thing_n on_o the_o clear_a evidence_n we_o have_v that_o they_o be_v true_a and_o will_v remain_v true_a whether_o we_o believe_v they_o or_o no_o so_o that_o we_o can_v deny_v our_o assent_n without_o rebel_n against_o the_o light_n of_o our_o sense_n reason_n or_o conscience_n but_o here_o our_o assurance_n be_v not_o impress_v on_o our_o thought_n by_o any_o evidence_n of_o the_o thing_n but_o we_o must_v work_v it_o out_o in_o ourselves_o by_o the_o assistance_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n and_o thereby_o we_o bring_v our_o own_o thought_n into_o captivity_n to_o the_o obedience_n of_o christ_n none_o but_o god_n can_v just_o require_v of_o we_o this_o kind_n of_o assurance_n because_o he_o only_o call_v those_o thing_n that_o be_v not_o as_o though_o they_o be_v rom._n 4.17_o he_o only_o can_v give_v existence_n to_o thing_n that_o yet_o be_v not_o and_o make_v a_o thing_n to_o be_v true_a upon_o our_o believe_v it_o that_o be_v not_o true_a before_o he_o only_o can_v make_v good_a that_o promise_n what_o thing_n soever_o you_o desire_v when_o you_o pray_v believe_v that_o you_o receive_v they_o and_o you_o shall_v have_v they_o mark_v 11.24_o who_o be_v he_o that_o say_v and_o it_o come_v to_o pass_v when_o the_o lord_n command_v it_o not_o lament_v 3.37_o therefore_o this_o faith_n be_v due_a to_o god_n only_o and_o great_o redownd_v to_o his_o glory_n man_n will_v often_o require_v a_o believe_a something_o like_o it_o as_o when_o one_o say_v i_o will_v forgive_v your_o offence_n
without_o any_o further_a ado_n and_o with_o assurance_n that_o it_o be_v i_o free_o if_o i_o do_v it_o doubt_o i_o disparage_v the_o honesty_n and_o credit_n of_o the_o donor_n as_o if_o he_o be_v not_o a_o man_n of_o his_o word_n in_o like_a manner_n if_o fear_v to_o be_v too_o confident_a lest_o we_o shall_v believe_v a_o lie_n we_o shall_v come_v to_o christ_n doubt_o and_o in_o mere_a suspense_n whether_o we_o shall_v be_v free_o entertain_v after_o all_o god_n free_a invitation_n and_o promise_n shall_v we_o not_o disparage_v the_o faithfulness_n of_o god_n and_o shall_v we_o not_o be_v guilty_a of_o make_v god_n a_o liar_n as_o the_o apostle_n john_n teach_v because_o of_o our_o not_o believe_v the_o record_n which_o god_n give_v of_o his_o son_n and_o this_o be_v the_o record_n that_o god_n have_v give_v to_o we_o eternal_a life_n and_o this_o life_n be_v in_o his_o son_n 1_o john_n 5.10_o 11._o and_o what_o if_o the_o salvation_n promise_v be_v not_o absolute_o intend_v for_o all_o to_o who_o the_o gospel_n come_v it_o be_v enough_o that_o god_n give_v we_o his_o faithful_a word_n that_o they_o that_o believe_v shall_v have_v it_o and_o none_o else_o and_o have_v absolute_o intend_v to_o fulfil_v his_o word_n that_o none_o shall_v find_v it_o to_o be_v a_o lie_n to_o they_o and_o have_v join_v believe_v and_o salvation_n together_o inseparable_o on_o this_o ground_n god_n may_v just_o cause_v the_o promise_n of_o this_o salvation_n to_o be_v publish_v to_o all_o and_o may_v just_o require_v all_o to_o believe_v on_o he_o assure_o for_o their_o own_o salvation_n that_o so_o it_o may_v appear_v whether_o they_o will_v give_v he_o the_o glory_n of_o his_o truth_n and_o if_o they_o will_v not_o he_o may_v just_o reject_v they_o and_o punish_v they_o severe_o for_o dishonour_v he_o by_o their_o unbelief_n in_o this_o case_n we_o must_v not_o look_v to_o the_o secret_a decree_n of_o god_n but_o to_o his_o reveal_v promise_n and_o command_n thus_o god_n promise_v to_o the_o israelite_n in_o the_o wilderness_n that_o he_o will_v give_v they_o the_o land_n of_o canaan_n and_o will_v fight_v for_o they_o against_o their_o enemy_n and_o require_v they_o not_o to_o fear_v or_o be_v discourage_v that_o so_o the_o promise_n may_v be_v fulfil_v to_o they_o yet_o god_n never_o absolute_o decree_v or_o intend_v that_o those_o israelite_n shall_v enter_v in_o as_o the_o event_n do_v quick_o manifest_a deut._n 1.20_o 21_o 29.30_o yet_o be_v they_o not_o bind_v in_o this_o case_n to_o trust_v confident_o in_o god_n to_o give_v they_o victory_n over_o their_o enemy_n and_o to_o give_v they_o the_o possession_n of_o the_o land_n have_v they_o not_o sufficient_a ground_n for_o such_o a_o faith_n be_v it_o not_o just_a with_o god_n to_o consume_v they_o in_o the_o wilderness_n for_o their_o unbelief_n let_v we_o therefore_o fear_n lest_o a_o promise_n be_v make_v of_o enter_v into_o this_o everlasting_a rest_n through_o christ_n we_o shall_v come_v short_a of_o it_o and_o fall_v after_o the_o same_o example_n of_o unbelief_n heb._n 4.1_o 11._o four_o the_o professor_n of_o true_a godliness_n that_o we_o read_v of_o through_o the_o scripture_n of_o the_o old_a and_o new_a testament_n do_v common_o profess_v their_o assurance_n and_o persuasion_n of_o their_o interest_n in_o god_n and_o his_o salvation_n and_o be_v direct_v by_o the_o word_n of_o god_n so_o to_o do_v and_o true_a saint_n have_v still_o some_o true_a assurance_n of_o it_o and_o we_o have_v no_o cause_n to_o judge_v that_o this_o assurance_n be_v ground_v on_o the_o certainty_n of_o their_o own_o good_a qualification_n but_o rather_o on_o the_o promise_v of_o god_n by_o the_o direct_a act_n of_o faith_n we_o may_v judge_v of_o the_o ordinary_a profession_n of_o the_o frame_n of_o spirit_n that_o be_v in_o saint_n by_o some_o instance_n i_o shall_v begin_v with_o the_o profession_n that_o the_o church_n make_v when_o it_o be_v very_o corrupt_a at_o its_o first_o come_v out_o of_o egypt_n when_o few_o of_o they_o can_v assure_v themselves_o by_o their_o own_o good_a qualification_n that_o they_o be_v in_o a_o state_n of_o grace_n already_o which_o many_o now_o imagine_v to_o be_v the_o only_a way_n of_o assurance_n even_o in_o that_o corrupt_a time_n the_o child_n of_o israel_n sing_v that_o triuphant_a song_n of_o moses_n the_o lord_n be_v my_o strength_n and_o my_o song_n and_o he_o be_v become_v my_o salvation_n he_o be_v my_o god_n etc._n etc._n exod._n 15.2_o moses_n teach_v they_o in_o this_o song_n to_o assure_v themselves_o of_o their_o own_o personal_a interest_n in_o the_o salvation_n and_o he_o guide_v they_o to_o the_o practice_n of_o their_o duty_n and_o they_o do_v not_o find_v fault_n with_o moses_n as_o some_o do_v with_o minister_n in_o these_o day_n for_o put_v they_o to_o express_v more_o confidence_n in_o their_o song_n than_o they_o can_v find_v ground_n for_o in_o their_o qualification_n but_o they_o apply_v themselves_o to_o the_o exercise_n of_o their_o faith_n agreeable_o to_o the_o song_n and_o doubtless_o this_o faith_n be_v unfeigned_a in_o some_o sew_v of_o they_o though_o but_o feign_v in_o other_o for_o it_o be_v testify_v of_o they_o that_o then_o they_o believe_v his_o word_n they_o sing_v his_o praise_n psal_n 106.12_o several_a other_o psalm_n and_o song_n that_o be_v by_o divine_a appointment_n in_o common_a use_n under_o the_o old_a testament_n be_v as_o clear_v a_o evidence_n as_o we_o can_v desire_v of_o that_o assurance_n of_o faith_n that_o be_v common_o profess_v and_o that_o people_n be_v general_o bind_v to_o under_o the_o old_a testament_n as_o psal_n 23._o &_o 27._o &_o 46._o many_o other_o psalm_n or_o expression_n in_o psalm_n may_v be_v allege_v the_o spirit_n of_o few_o in_o comparison_n can_v have_v thorough_o comply_v with_o such_o psalm_n though_o they_o be_v true_a believer_n if_o all_o the_o assurance_n of_o the_o love_n of_o god_n must_v altogether_o depend_v upon_o the_o certain_a knowledge_n of_o the_o sincerity_n of_o their_o own_o heart_n we_o have_v a_o great_a cloud_n of_o witness_n gather_v out_o of_o the_o whole_a history_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n heb._n 11._o who_o do_v and_o suffer_v and_o obtain_v great_a thing_n by_o faith_n who_o example_n be_v produce_v on_o purpose_n that_o we_o may_v follow_v they_o in_o believe_v to_o the_o save_n of_o our_o soul_n heb._n 10.39_o and_o if_o we_o consider_v these_o example_n particular_o we_o shall_v find_v that_o many_o of_o they_o do_v evident_o guide_v we_o to_o such_o a_o save_a faith_n as_o have_v a_o assurance_n of_o the_o effect_v contain_v in_o the_o nature_n of_o it_o i_o confess_v we_o read_v several_a time_n of_o the_o fear_n and_o doubt_n of_o the_o saint_n under_o the_o old_a testament_n but_o we_o read_v also_o how_o their_o faith_n oppose_v such_o fear_n and_o doubt_n and_o how_o they_o themselves_o condemn_v they_o as_o contrary_a to_o faith_n as_o in_o the_o psalm_n psal_n 42.11_o psal_n 31.22_o &_o 77.7_o 10._o the_o most_o mournful_a psalm_n in_o scripture_n begin_v with_o a_o expression_n of_o some_o assurance_n psal_n 88.1_o and_o we_o may_v note_v that_o the_o doubt_n that_o we_o meet_v with_o of_o the_o saint_n of_o old_a be_v common_o occasion_v by_o some_o extraordinary_a affliction_n or_o some_o heinous_a transgression_n not_o by_o common_a fail_n or_o the_o common_a original_a depravation_n of_o nature_n or_o the_o uncertainty_n of_o their_o election_n or_o any_o thought_n that_o it_o be_v humility_n to_o doubt_v and_o that_o they_o be_v not_o bind_v to_o be_v confident_a of_o god_n salvation_n because_o then_o many_o may_v be_v bind_v to_o believe_v a_o lie_n it_o be_v hard_o to_o find_v any_o of_o these_o occasion_n of_o doubt_v under_o the_o old_a testament_n though_o they_o be_v grow_v so_o rise_v among_o we_o now_o under_o the_o new_a testament_n in_o the_o time_n of_o the_o apostle_n we_o may_v well_o expect_v that_o the_o assurance_n of_o faith_n grow_v high_a because_o the_o salvation_n of_o christ_n be_v reveal_v and_o the_o spirit_n of_o adoption_n pour_v forth_o plentiful_o and_o the_o church_n make_v free_a from_o its_o former_a bondage_n under_o the_o terrify_a legal_a covenant_n paul_n can_v prove_v to_o primitive_a christian_n by_o appeal_n to_o their_o own_o experience_n that_o they_o be_v the_o child_n and_o heir_n of_o god_n because_o they_o have_v not_o receive_v the_o spirit_n of_o bondage_n again_o to_o fear_v but_o the_o spirit_n of_o adoption_n whereby_o they_o cry_v abba_n father_n the_o spirit_n itself_o bear_v witness_n with_o our_o spirit_n or_o bear_v our_o spirit_n witness_v as_o the_o syriaok_n and_o vulgar_a latin_a render_v it_o and_o as_o the_o like_a greek_a phrase_n be_v render_v rom._n 9.1_o that_o
promise_v to_o we_o in_o the_o gospel_n for_o all_o his_o salvation_n the_o spirit_n of_o god_n do_v habitual_o dispose_v and_o incline_v our_o heart_n to_o a_o right_a performance_n of_o this_o act_n by_o enable_v we_o to_o perform_v the_o first_o act_n according_a to_o the_o former_a instruction_n by_o believe_v assure_o those_o great_a thing_n of_o the_o gospel_n whereby_o we_o be_v deliver_v into_o a_o form_n of_o doctrine_n rom._n 6.17_o which_o we_o be_v to_o obey_v from_o our_o heart_n and_o to_o follow_v as_o our_o pattern_n in_o the_o manner_n of_o our_o act_v faith_n in_o christ_n for_o salvation_n therefore_o i_o need_v only_o to_o exhort_v you_o brief_o to_o act_n your_o faith_n in_o christ_n according_a to_o that_o form_n and_o pattern_n in_o which_o you_o have_v be_v already_o so_o large_o instruct_v you_o be_v to_o believe_v in_o christ_n as_o alone_o sufficient_a and_o all-sufficient_a for_o your_o happiness_n and_o salvation_n despair_v altogether_o of_o any_o attainment_n of_o happiness_n by_o your_o own_o wisdom_n strength_n work_v of_o righteousness_n or_o any_o fleshly_a worldly_a confidence_n whatsoever_o we_o must_v be_v as_o dead_a people_n to_o all_o other_o confidence_n and_o account_v they_o to_o be_v loss_n for_o christ_n according_a to_o the_o example_n of_o the_o bless_a apostle_n phil._n 3.3_o 7_o 8._o we_o must_v not_o be_v grieve_v that_o we_o have_v nothing_o to_o trust_v upon_o beside_o christ_n for_o our_o salvation_n but_o rather_o we_o be_v to_o rejoice_v that_o we_o need_v nothing_o else_o and_o that_o we_o have_v a_o sure_a foundation_n to_o rely_v upon_o incomparable_o better_o than_o any_o other_o that_o can_v be_v imagine_v and_o we_o must_v resolve_v to_o cast_v the_o burden_n of_o our_o soul_n whole_o on_o christ_n and_o to_o seek_v salvation_n no_o other_o way_n whatsoever_o become_v of_o we_o if_o the_o cripple_n lie_v not_o the_o whole_a weight_n of_o his_o body_n upon_o a_o strong_a staff_n but_o part_n of_o it_o on_o a_o rot_a one_o he_o be_v like_a to_o receive_v a_o fall_n if_o the_o swimmer_n will_v not_o commit_v his_o body_n whole_o to_o the_o water_n to_o bear_v he_o up_o but_o catch_v at_o weed_n or_o struggle_v to_o feel_v out_o ground_n he_o may_v sink_v to_o the_o bottom_n christ_n will_v be_v all_o our_o salvation_n or_o nothing_o if_o we_o seek_v to_o be_v save_v by_o any_o other_o way_n as_o the_o galatian_n do_v by_o circumcision_n christ_n will_v profit_v we_o nothing_o gal._n 5.2_o you_o be_v also_o to_o receive_v christ_n mere_o as_o a_o free-gift_n give_v to_o the_o chief_a of_o sinner_n resolve_v that_o you_o will_v not_o perform_v any_o condition_n to_o procure_v yourselves_o a_o right_n and_o title_n to_o he_o but_o that_o you_o will_v come_v to_o he_o as_o a_o lose_a sinner_n a_o ungodly_a creature_n trust_v on_o he_o that_o justifi_v the_o ungodly_a and_o that_o you_o will_v buy_v he_o without_o money_n and_o without_o any_o price_n whatsoever_o rom._n 4.5_o isa_n 55.2_o look_v not_o on_o your_o own_o faith_n or_o love_n or_o any_o good_a qualification_n in_o yourselves_o as_o the_o ground_n of_o your_o trust_n in_o christ_n but_o only_o to_o the_o free_a grace_n and_o lovingkindness_n of_o god_n in_o christ_n how_o excellent_a be_v thy_o lovingkindness_n o_o god_n therefore_o the_o child_n of_o man_n put_v their_o trust_n under_o the_o shadow_n of_o thy_o wing_n psal_n 30.7_o for_o if_o you_o make_v your_o faith_n love_n or_o good_a qualification_n to_o be_v your_o first_o and_o principal_a foundation_n and_o you_o build_v christ_n upon_o they_o instead_o of_o building_n all_o upon_o christ_n you_o invert_v the_o order_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o christ_n will_v profit_v you_o nothing_o another_o thing_n to_o be_v observe_v diligent_o be_v that_o you_o must_v come_v to_o christ_n for_o a_o new_a holy_a heart_n and_o life_n and_o all_o thing_n necessary_a thereunto_o as_o well_o as_o for_o deliverance_n from_o the_o wrath_n of_o god_n and_o the_o torment_n of_o hell_n you_o must_v also_o come_v to_o he_o with_o a_o ardent_a love_n and_o affection_n to_o he_o and_o esteem_v he_o better_o than_o a_o thousand_o world_n and_o the_o only_a excellent_a portion_n loathe_v and_o abhor_v yourself_o as_o a_o vile_a sinful_a and_o miserable_a creature_n and_o account_v all_o thing_n dung_n in_o comparison_n of_o his_o excellency_n that_o you_o may_v be_v able_a to_o say_v from_o the_o bottom_n of_o your_o heart_n who_o have_v i_o in_o heaven_n but_o thou_o etc._n etc._n psal_n 73.23_o last_o you_o must_v endeavour_v to_o draw_v near_o with_o full_a assurance_n of_o faith_n heb._n 10.22_o trust_v on_o christ_n confident_o for_o your_o own_o particular_a salvation_n upon_o the_o account_n of_o that_o general_a promise_n that_o whosoever_o believe_v on_o christ_n shall_v not_o be_v ashamed_a rom._n 9.33_o you_o must_v check_v yourselves_o for_o all_o doubt_n fear_n staggering_n concern_v your_o own_o salvation_n by_o christ_n say_v with_o the_o psalmist_n why_o be_v thou_o cast_v down_o o_o my_o soul_n etc._n etc._n psal_n 42.11_o the_o three_o thing_n contain_v in_o the_o direction_n be_v the_o avoid_n of_o all_o delay_n in_o the_o performance_n of_o this_o great_a work_n of_o believe_v in_o christ_n until_o we_o have_v perform_v it_o we_o continue_v under_o the_o power_n of_o sin_n and_o satan_n and_o under_o the_o wrath_n of_o god_n and_o there_o be_v nothing_o betwixt_o hell_n and_o we_o beside_o the_o breath_n of_o our_o nostril_n it_o be_v dangerous_a for_o lot_n to_o linger_v in_o sodom_n lest_o fire_n and_o brimstone_n come_v down_o from_o heaven_n upon_o he_o the_o manslayer_n must_v flee_v with_o all_o haste_n to_o the_o city_n of_o refuge_n lest_o the_o avenger_n of_o blood_n pursue_v he_o while_o his_o heart_n be_v hot_a and_o slay_v he_o deut._n 19.5_o 6._o we_o shall_v make_v haste_n and_o not_o delay_n to_o keep_v god_n commandment_n psal_n 119.60_o and_o flee_v for_o refuge_n to_o the_o hope_v set_v before_o we_o heb._n 6.18_o and_o god_n command_v we_o to_o flee_v thus_o by_o faith_n without_o which_o it_o be_v impossible_a to_o please_v god_n in_o other_o duty_n the_o work_n be_v of_o such_o a_o nature_n that_o it_o may_v be_v perform_v as_o soon_o as_o you_o hear_v the_o gospel_n as_o soon_o as_o they_o hear_v of_o i_o they_o shall_v obey_v i_o psal_n 18.44_o as_o soon_o as_o zion_n travailde_v she_o bring_v forth_o her_o child_n isa_n 66.8_o we_o have_v many_o example_n of_o those_o that_o receive_v the_o word_n by_o faith_n at_o the_o first_o hear_v of_o it_o three_o thousand_o be_v add_v to_o the_o church_n on_o the_o very_a same_o day_n wherein_o peter_n first_o publish_v the_o gospel_n in_o jerusalem_n act_v 2.41_o so_o many_o jew_n and_o gentile_n be_v convert_v at_o the_o first_o hear_v of_o the_o apostle_n paul_n at_o antioch_n act_v 13.43_o the_o jailor_n with_o all_o his_o house_n believe_v and_o be_v baptize_v the_o same_o night_n wherein_o paul_n first_o preach_v to_o they_o act_v 16.33_o 34._o the_o gospel_n come_v at_o first_o to_o the_o thessalonian_o not_o in_o word_n only_o but_o in_o power_n and_o in_o the_o holy_a ghost_n 1_o thes_n 1.5_o 6._o if_o god_n open_v the_o heart_n of_o his_o people_n to_o attend_v diligent_o they_o may_v be_v instruct_v in_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o gospel_n by_o one_o brief_a sermon_n sufficient_o to_o begin_v the_o practice_n of_o save_a faith_n and_o when_o they_o know_v their_o duty_n god_n require_v immediate_a performance_n without_o allow_v we_o the_o least_o respite_n in_o the_o state_n of_o unbelief_n when_o satan_n can_v prevail_v with_o people_n to_o reject_v whole_o the_o duty_n of_o believe_v his_o next_o attempt_n for_o the_o ruin_n of_o their_o soul_n be_v to_o prevail_v with_o they_o at_o least_o to_o delay_v and_o shift_v off_o the_o performance_n of_o it_o from_o time_n to_o time_n by_o several_a false_a reason_n and_o imagination_n which_o he_o put_v into_o their_o mind_n the_o most_o ignorant_a and_o sensual_a be_v easy_o prevail_v with_o to_o defer_v this_o duty_n until_o they_o have_v take_v their_o fill_n of_o the_o pleasure_n profit_n and_o honour_n of_o this_o world_n and_o be_v summon_v to_o prepare_v for_o another_o world_n by_o infirmity_n age_n sickness_n pray_v and_o hope_v that_o a_o large_a time_n of_o repentance_n will_v be_v grant_v unto_o they_o before_o they_o die_v but_o such_o delay_n show_v that_o they_o be_v real_o unwilling_a to_o repent_v and_o believe_v until_o they_o be_v force_v by_o necessity_n and_o that_o they_o prefer_v the_o pleasure_n prosit_o and_o honour_n of_o the_o world_n above_o god_n and_o christ_n and_o their_o own_o soul_n thus_o they_o unfit_a themselves_o more_o and_o more_o for_o this_o great_a duty_n by_o their_o customary_a walk_n in_o sin_n and_o by_o