as_o i_o can_v and_o yet_o find_v but_o little_a increase_n either_o of_o faith_n itself_o or_o of_o these_o mark_v of_o faith_n a._n whereas_o you_o say_v that_o you_o have_v not_o pray_v so_o frequent_o nor_o so_o fervent_o as_o you_o shall_v this_o be_v a_o great_a and_o ordinary_a fault_n and_o shall_v be_v help_v for_o the_o lord_n do_v great_o require_v fervency_n james_n 5._o in_o pray_v seek_v with_o the_o whole_a heart_n ask_v seek_v knock_v yea_o the_o matter_n themselves_o require_v it_o also_o for_o these_o thing_n concern_v both_o the_o salvation_n of_o our_o own_o soul_n the_o make_n of_o our_o call_n and_o election_n sure_a the_o good_a holy_a and_o acceptable_a will_n of_o the_o lord_n our_o god_n and_o can_v there_o be_v matter_n of_o great_a consequence_n and_o importance_n whereas_o you_o say_v that_o you_o have_v thus_o pray_v and_o so_o fear_v that_o see_v the_o lord_n will_v be_v seek_v for_o these_o thing_n and_o that_o he_o have_v promise_v they_o upon_o the_o condition_n of_o seek_v and_o of_o fervent_a seek_n that_o therefore_o you_o shall_v want_v they_o consider_v that_o the_o grace_n of_o seek_v he_o promise_v it_o also_o zach._n 12.10_o i_o will_v pour_v upon_o they_o the_o spirit_n of_o grace_n and_o supplication_n and_o rom._n 8._o the_o spirit_n help_v our_o infirmity_n yea_o for_o thy_o comfort_n he_o be_v find_v of_o they_o who_o seek_v he_o not_o much_o more_o will_v he_o be_v find_v of_o thou_o who_o seek_v he_o though_o weak_o but_o for_o the_o last_o a_o main_a point_n that_o you_o say_v you_o have_v pray_v often_o and_o fervent_o but_o find_v no_o success_n remember_v that_o thou_o must_v not_o limit_v the_o holy_a one_o of_o israel_n how_o often_o do_v he_o call_v and_o you_o do_v not_o hear_v by_o faith_n and_o patience_n we_o inherit_v the_o promise_n but_o one_o thing_n i_o will_v inquire_v if_o with_o pray_v thou_o have_v join_v the_o use_n of_o the_o mean_n for_o otherways_o pray_v thou_o never_o so_o much_o thou_o shall_v not_o obtain_v for_o as_o in_o thing_n that_o concern_v the_o natural_a life_n it_o be_v but_o idleness_n and_o scorn_n to_o pray_v and_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n not_o to_o use_v the_o mean_n even_o so_o be_v it_o in_o thing_n concern_v the_o spiritual_a life_n the_o lord_n will_v no_o more_o work_n without_o mean_n in_o regard_n of_o the_o one_o then_o in_o regard_n of_o the_o other_o to_o pray_v and_o to_o neglect_v to_o use_v the_o mean_n in_o either_o of_o these_o be_v to_o tempt_v god_n and_o to_o put_v he_o to_o the_o work_n of_o wonder_n and_o miracle_n it_o be_v true_a that_o prayer_n be_v the_o main_a thing_n and_o bring_v a_o blessing_n upon_o our_o use_v the_o mean_n use_v we_o the_o mean_n never_o so_o diligent_o unless_o by_o prayer_n we_o get_v the_o lord_n to_o bless_v they_o he_o that_o build_v build_v in_o vain_a but_o on_o the_o other_o side_n as_o our_o use_n of_o the_o mean_n can_v serve_v the_o turn_n without_o the_o lord_n blessing_n and_o work_v of_o his_o spirit_n obtain_v by_o prayer_n so_o the_o lord_n although_o he_o can_v yet_o will_v he_o not_o give_v any_o grace_n without_o we_o use_v the_o mean_n for_o ordinary_o he_o work_v by_o mean_n hence_o be_v it_o work_v out_o your_o salvation_n plough_v up_o the_o fallow_a ground_n of_o your_o heart_n edify_v one_o another_o in_o your_o most_o holy_a faith_n which_o be_v the_o point_n in_o hand_n q._n if_o i_o do_v not_o with_o prayer_n use_v also_o other_o mean_n i_o be_v great_o to_o be_v blame_v but_o i_o use_v they_o according_a to_o my_o power_n i_o frequent_a the_o word_n sacrament_n etc._n etc._n a._n this_o be_v good_a and_o commendable_a to_o use_v the_o mean_n in_o general_a but_o if_o thou_o think_v to_o speed_v in_o that_o great_a work_n thou_o must_v not_o only_o do_v so_o but_o shall_v in_o special_a take_v heed_n to_o this_o point_n to_o wit_n not_o only_o to_o use_v the_o mean_n in_o general_a but_o to_o observe_v what_o be_v the_o proper_a peculiar_a particular_a most_o fit_v and_o convenient_a mean_n of_o that_o grace_n that_o thou_o do_v want_v to_o beget_v and_o entertain_v it_o and_o careful_o to_o be_v meditate_v about_o they_o and_o feed_v upon_o they_o especial_o so_o feed_v yourself_o with_o food_n convenient_a for_o every_o grace_n both_o the_o own_o proper_a &_o peculiar_a mean_n this_o be_v to_o be_v as_o the_o apostle_n speak_v a_o wise_a masterbuilder_n as_o we_o have_v need_n of_o wise_a master_n bvilder_n so_o we_o have_v need_v ourselves_o to_o be_v wise_a bvilder_n one_o that_o be_v build_v a_o house_n or_o wall_n he_o will_v not_o take_v any_o stone_n that_o be_v near_a by_o he_o but_o he_o will_v look_v what_o stone_n will_v fit_v such_o a_o place_n and_o this_o he_o take_v even_o so_o we_o shall_v not_o think_v it_o enough_o in_o the_o work_n of_o the_o work_n of_o our_o own_o salvation_n we_o shall_v not_o think_v it_o enough_o i_o say_v to_o use_v the_o mean_n in_o general_a for_o thus_o want_v of_o wit_n may_v make_v much_o work_n and_o we_o may_v be_v long_o enough_o ere_o we_o come_v to_o the_o point_n but_o we_o shall_v use_v the_o near_a most_o commodious_a and_o most_o convenient_a mean_n for_o the_o beget_n of_o that_o grace_n we_o stand_v in_o need_n of_o for_o example_n feel_v we_o want_v or_o weakness_n of_o the_o love_n of_o god_n then_o shall_v we_o meditate_v upon_o his_o goodness_n kindness_n bounty_n patience_n pity_n truth_n mercy_n and_o the_o rest_n of_o his_o amiable_a property_n his_o favour_n deliverance_n benefit_n in_o a_o word_n how_o good_a he_o be_v in_o himself_o and_o how_o good_a he_o be_v towards_o thou_o or_o do_v thou_o find_v the_o want_n of_o the_o fear_n of_o god_n or_o of_o reverence_n towards_o he_o meditate_v serious_o of_o the_o glory_n majesty_n of_o god_n and_o the_o rest_n of_o his_o awful_a property_n especial_o if_o thou_o have_v find_v any_o touch_n of_o his_o justice_n so_o find_v we_o that_o the_o work_n of_o humiliation_n be_v but_o small_a and_o weak_a this_o be_v the_o groundwork_n and_o shall_v be_v well_o look_v to_o you_o feed_v upon_o the_o threaten_n and_o curse_n of_o the_o law_n the_o severity_n of_o they_o and_o their_o universality_n how_o none_o escape_v they_o be_v guilty_a of_o the_o same_o sin_n my_o heart_n tremble_v for_o fear_n of_o thou_o and_o i_o be_o afraid_a because_o of_o thy_o judgement_n upon_o the_o fierceness_n of_o god_n anger_n against_o sin_n who_o know_v the_o power_n of_o his_o wrath_n the_o infiniteness_n and_o strange_a extent_n of_o his_o justice_n his_o judgement_n be_v past_o find_v out_o especial_o haste_v thou_o find_v a_o touch_n of_o these_o by_o experience_n and_o to_o come_v to_o the_o point_n in_o hand_n fear_v thou_o the_o want_n or_o feel_v thou_o the_o weakness_n of_o faith_n then_o betake_v thyself_o to_o the_o particular_a mean_n of_o faith_n as_o namely_o the_o precious_a promise_n of_o the_o remission_n of_o sin_n the_o sure_a invitation_n to_o accept_v of_o mercy_n the_o pregnant_a passage_n of_o god_n merciful_a nature_n the_o covenant_n oath_n etc._n etc._n this_o be_v proper_o and_o wise_o to_o work_v out_o the_o work_n of_o your_o salvation_n to_o work_v and_o to_o work_v it_o out_o even_o first_o of_o all_o to_o search_v and_o try_v how_o it_o fare_v with_o thou_o in_o regard_n of_o this_o work_n whether_o this_o work_n be_v at_o all_o begin_v in_o we_o or_o not_o if_o the_o ground_n work_v be_v lay_v or_o not_o the_o groundwork_n of_o humiliation_n and_o if_o that_o be_v lay_v how_o far_o be_v it_o go_v on_o whether_o we_o have_v get_v faith_n love_n etc._n etc._n and_o where_o we_o find_v it_o at_o a_o stand_n or_o stay_v there_o i_o say_v we_o shall_v set_v too_o careful_o and_o advance_v the_o work_n than_o we_o shall_v pray_v most_o earnest_o and_o use_v the_o mean_n most_o diligent_o i_o mean_v the_o proper_a and_o particular_a and_o most_o convenient_a mean_n as_o wise_a bvilder_n and_o as_o in_o building_n so_o in_o repair_v our_o spiritual_a building_n we_o be_v to_o take_v the_o same_o course_n for_o what_o we_o have_v get_v before_o the_o stamp_n of_o they_o will_v be_v ready_a to_o slip_v out_o of_o our_o heart_n and_o memory_n and_o we_o be_v not_o busy_a in_o building_n than_o satan_n be_v in_o breach_a and_o therefore_o as_o we_o be_v bvilder_n so_o we_o must_v be_v repairer_n also_o and_o sure_o whosoever_o will_v keep_v this_o course_n of_o diligence_n use_v feed_v and_o meditate_v upon_o the_o particular_a mean_n not_o lean_v to_o they_o but_o upon_o the_o blessing_n of_o the_o lord_n spirit_n procure_v by_o prayer_n no_o doubt_n shall_v find_v a_o happy_a progress_n in_o the_o
drive_v we_o from_o infidelity_n so_o do_v they_o clear_o testify_v the_o lord_n great_a willingness_n to_o have_v poor_a sinner_n save_v which_o be_v also_o a_o great_a encouragement_n to_o believe_v for_o not_o only_o say_v the_o lord_n i_o will_v not_o the_o death_n of_o a_o sinner_n but_o here_o be_v our_o fault_n about_o this_o point_n of_o the_o lord_n willingness_n to_o save_v we_o we_o will_v not_o rest_v upon_o the_o lord_n reveal_v will_n as_o we_o ought_v to_o do_v but_o run_v to_o his_o secret_a will_n so_o weaken_v our_o confidence_n for_o which_o his_o revealed_z will_n afford_v we_o such_o plentiful_a ground_n and_o so_o needless_o perplex_v ourselves_o for_o secret_a it_o be_v and_o secret_a it_o must_v be_v we_o shall_v hold_v ourselves_o then_o to_o the_o lord_n reveal_v will_n and_o not_o pry_v into_o his_o secret_n this_o seem_v to_o be_v enjoin_v by_o these_o two_o place_n especial_o to_o wit_n deut._n 29._o v._n last_o secret_a thing_n belong_v to_o the_o lord_n but_o thing_n reveal_v to_o we_o and_o to_o our_o child_n even_o all_o the_o word_n of_o his_o law_n that_o we_o shall_v do_v they_o as_o also_o rom._n 10._o cite_v out_o of_o deut._n 30._o say_v not_o in_o thy_o heaâ—t_n who_o shall_v go_v up_o to_o heaven_n etc._n etc._n but_o what_o say_v it_o the_o word_n be_v nigh_o unto_o thou_o even_o in_o thy_o mouth_n and_o in_o thy_o heart_n even_o the_o word_n of_o faith_n which_o we_o preach_v so_o that_o in_o the_o point_n of_o our_o believe_a or_o persuasion_n concern_v our_o election_n and_o salvation_n or_o of_o the_o lord_n willingness_n to_o save_v we_o we_o shall_v not_o look_v to_o the_o secret_a will_n of_o god_n thus_o perplex_v ourselves_o but_o we_o shall_v betake_v we_o to_o god_n reveal_v will_n and_o word_n and_o that_o two_o way_n to_o wit_n 1._o to_o the_o word_n of_o faith_n rom._n 10._o or_o of_o promise_n cleave_v unto_o it_o for_o it_o be_v the_o ground_n and_o warrant_v of_o our_o faith_n 2._o to_o the_o word_n of_o the_o law_n deut._n 29._o thus_o make_v our_o call_n and_o election_n sure_a by_o well_o do_v and_o evidence_v to_o our_o own_o conscience_n the_o truth_n of_o our_o faith_n it_o work_v by_o love_n 2_o pet._n 2._o for_o if_o you_o do_v these_o thing_n entrance_n shall_v be_v minister_v unto_o you_o abundant_o etc._n etc._n will_v you_o then_o be_v wise_a to_o salvation_n this_o be_v the_o way_n of_o it_o the_o way_n to_o be_v save_v be_v to_o believe_v the_o word_n of_o promise_n whosoever_o believe_v in_o he_o shall_v not_o be_v ashamed_a the_o way_n to_o know_v if_o thou_o believe_v be_v by_o some_o effect_n of_o faith_n whosoever_o call_v upon_o the_o name_n of_o the_o lord_n shall_v be_v save_v look_v if_o thou_o be_v such_o a_o one_o both_o these_o two_o be_v set_v down_o in_o the_o former_a place_n rom._n 10._o this_o be_v also_o clear_a that_o such_o a_o course_n as_o this_o be_v to_o be_v take_v to_o leave_v the_o lord_n secret_a will_n and_o to_o hold_v we_o to_o his_o reveal_v will_v 2_o tim._n 2._o where_o the_o apostle_n say_v the_o lord_n foundation_n stand_v sure_a the_o lord_n know_v who_o be_v he_o q._n but_o you_o will_v say_v the_o lord_n know_v it_o be_v true_a who_o be_v his_o but_o how_o shall_v i_o know_v this_o also_o myself_o if_o i_o be_v one_o of_o he_o a._n this_o be_v his_o seal_n let_v he_o that_o love_v christ_n depart_v from_o iniquity_n try_v thyself_o by_o this_o his_o seal_n so_o then_o perplex_v not_o thyself_o with_o the_o lord_n secret_a will_n but_o 1_o believe_v thou_o the_o word_n of_o faith_n which_o be_v near_o unto_o thou_o then_o thy_o faith_n have_v save_v thou_o be_v of_o good_a comfort_n will_v thou_o again_o know_v whether_o thy_o faith_n be_v true_a see_v if_o thou_o call_v upon_o the_o name_n of_o the_o lord_n 2._o if_o thou_o depart_v from_o iniquity_n for_o than_o thou_o be_v a_o seal_a soul_n but_o if_o thou_o cast_v off_o fear_n and_o restraine_v prayer_n job_n 15._o then_o thou_o be_v not_o right_a a_o four_o notable_a mean_a and_o prop_n and_o seed_n of_o faith_n to_o obtain_v it_o and_o to_o strengthen_v it_o be_v the_o plentiful_a promise_n of_o mercy_n and_o forgiveness_n of_o sin_n set_v down_o unto_o we_o in_o the_o word_n even_o as_o the_o apostle_n call_v they_o exceed_o great_a and_o precious_a promise_n these_o well_o consider_v shall_v mighty_o strengthen_v our_o faith_n have_v we_o but_o the_o promise_n of_o a_o honest_a man_n for_o any_o business_n will_v we_o not_o rest_n and_o repose_v upon_o it_o and_o will_v it_o not_o breed_v in_o we_o and_o beget_v a_o great_a measure_n of_o assurance_n about_o the_o thing_n promise_v and_o shall_v we_o not_o then_o be_v make_v sure_a of_o this_o point_n of_o the_o remission_n of_o our_o sin_n by_o so_o many_o promise_n so_o often_o renew_v of_o the_o faithful_a and_o true_a god_n who_o be_v truth_n itself_o and_o not_o only_o will_v not_o but_o can_v lie_v as_o the_o apostle_n speak_v will_v we_o rest_v upon_o the_o word_n of_o a_o faithful_a man_n and_o will_v not_o we_o rest_v upon_o the_o write_a word_n of_o the_o true_a god_n so_o that_o we_o have_v both_o his_o word_n and_o his_o writ_n for_o it_o he_o be_v a_o god_n of_o truth_n so_o call_v by_o moses_n deut._n 32.4_o and_o 7._o v._o 9_o say_v emphatical_o know_v that_o the_o lord_n thy_o god_n be_v a_o faithful_a god_n who_o keep_v covenant_n and_o mercy_n he_o style_v himself_o abundant_a in_o truth_n exod._n 34._o great_a be_v his_o faithfulness_n and_o love_n who_o keep_v truth_n for_o ever_o psal_n 46._o he_o be_v a_o god_n of_o truth_n christ_n be_v call_v truth_n itself_o the_o way_n the_o truth_n and_o the_o life_n the_o faithful_a witness_n the_o holy_a ghost_n the_o spirit_n of_o truth_n the_o word_n of_o truth_n and_o shall_v we_o doubt_v of_o the_o performance_n of_o these_o promise_n no_o let_v we_o with_o sarah_n judge_v he_o faithful_a who_o have_v promise_v that_o so_o we_o may_v by_o faith_n also_o with_o she_o obtain_v the_o thing_n promise_v his_o truth_n shall_v be_v thy_o shield_n and_o buckler_n this_o may_v be_v sufficient_a for_o this_o mean_a but_o for_o the_o further_o stir_v up_o of_o our_o backward_a heart_n of_o unbelief_n to_o believe_v let_v we_o consider_v these_o two_o thing_n about_o the_o promise_n of_o forgiveness_n 1._o their_o pregnancy_n and_o pithinesse_n 2._o their_o largeness_n and_o extent_n 1._o then_o the_o promise_n of_o mercy_n and_o forgiveness_n of_o sin_n be_v very_o pregnant_a and_o pithy_a the_o more_o to_o persuade_v and_o win_v upon_o our_o untoward_a heart_n of_o unbelief_n for_o not_o only_o do_v the_o lord_n simple_o promise_v to_o pardon_v our_o iniquity_n but_o he_o promise_v to_o blot_v they_o out_o isa_n 43._o and_o col._n 3._o the_o same_o phrase_n be_v use_v to_o blot_v out_o the_o hand-writing_n of_o ordinance_n which_o be_v contrary_a unto_o we_o that_o he_o be_v not_o only_o content_a to_o give_v we_o a_o discharge_n of_o the_o debt_n of_o our_o sin_n but_o because_o that_o may_v seem_v not_o sure_a for_o that_o may_v haply_o be_v lose_v therefore_o he_o will_v destroy_v the_o bond_n itself_o that_o it_o be_v not_o bring_v forth_o against_o we_o even_o blot_v it_o out_o moreover_o lest_o blot_v out_o shall_v not_o seem_v sufficient_o sure_a for_o some_o letter_n may_v remain_v and_o the_o whole_a purpose_n may_v be_v take_v up_o by_o these_o few_o he_o have_v promise_v to_o wash_v away_o our_o sin_n ezek._n 36._o i_o will_v cleanse_v you_o from_o your_o filthiness_n etc._n etc._n isa_n 1._o i_o will_v make_v you_o as_o the_o wool_n further_o lest_o even_o after_o wash_v some_o stain_n shall_v remain_v in_o the_o three_o room_n he_o be_v say_v to_o cover_v our_o transgression_n psal_n 32._o as_o also_o 85._o o_o but_o will_v you_o say_v he_o have_v a_o pierce_a eye_n and_o will_v see_v through_o any_o cover_n therefore_o the_o scripture_n speak_v of_o his_o cast_v our_o sin_n behind_o his_o back_n that_o be_v out_o of_o his_o sight_n obj._n but_o you_o will_v say_v what_o can_v be_v see_v may_v yet_o be_v remember_v what_o can_v be_v see_v by_o the_o eye_n of_o the_o body_n may_v be_v see_v by_o the_o eye_n of_o the_o mind_n a._n this_o he_o promise_v and_o it_o be_v a_o part_n of_o the_o covenant_n that_o he_o will_v not_o remember_v our_o iniquity_n the_o word_n be_v very_o emphatical_a lest_o we_o shall_v think_v that_o fault_n once_o forget_v may_v be_v again_o call_v to_o memory_n therefore_o he_o say_v express_o i_o will_v remember_v their_o sin_n no_o more_o once_o forget_v and_o ever_o forget_v in_o that_o day_n the_o iniquity_n of_o jacob_n shall_v be_v seek_v for_o
thou_o harbour_v some_o sin_n and_o will_v not_o submit_v thy_o neck_n to_o the_o yoke_n of_o some_o duty_n or_o other_o o_o than_o thy_o desire_n thy_o care_n thy_o waken_n thy_o wound_n have_v not_o be_v serious_a have_v not_o be_v deep_o enough_o to_o bruise_v out_o all_o corruption_n thou_o shall_v be_v ashamed_a and_o disappoint_v of_o the_o religion_n thou_o have_v because_o thou_o have_v not_o respect_n unto_o all_o god_n commandment_n he_o that_o offend_v in_o one_o be_v guilty_a of_o all_o thou_o regard_v iniquity_n in_o thy_o heart_n the_o lord_n will_v not_o hear_v thy_o prayer_n thou_o be_v but_o counterfeit_a coin_n for_o thou_o want_v the_o lord_n stamp_n and_o seal_v to_o wit_n to_o depart_v from_o iniquity_n even_o every_o iniquity_n thou_o give_v not_o all_o diligence_n to_o make_v thy_o call_n and_o election_n sure_a by_o well_o do_v even_o every_o sort_n of_o well_o do_v add_v to_o thy_o faith_n virtue_n etc._n etc._n which_o thou_o will_v do_v be_v thy_o desire_n and_o care_v but_o serious_a last_o be_v thy_o thought_n heart_n affection_n otherways_o take_v up_o all_o the_o day_n long_o and_o run_v more_o upon_o other_o thing_n then_o upon_o the_o pleal_n of_o god_n the_o make_n of_o thy_o own_o call_n and_o election_n sure_a the_o keep_n of_o a_o good_a conscience_n and_o do_v thy_o contentment_n or_o discontentment_n thy_o grief_n and_o joy_n peace_n or_o unquietness_n arise_v from_o other_o ground_n at_o night_n then_o be_v sure_a some_o other_o thing_n go_v near_o thy_o heart_n then_o god_n or_o christ_n or_o thy_o own_o soul_n thy_o care_n be_v not_o serious_a thou_o fulfille_v not_o the_o rule_n thou_o seek_v not_o first_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n thou_o be_v not_o herein_o exercise_v always_o to_o keep_v a_o good_a conscience_n thou_o do_v not_o set_v the_o lord_n always_o before_o thou_o and_o so_o can_v not_o conclude_v that_o he_o be_v at_o thy_o right_a hand_n and_o so_o shall_v not_o be_v move_v mean_n of_o humiliation_n we_o have_v already_o speak_v of_o the_o general_a direction_n concern_v the_o work_n of_o god_n spirit_n in_o the_o heart_n of_o his_o child_n how_o we_o ought_v to_o carry_v ourselves_o upon_o the_o discovery_n of_o the_o want_n or_o weakness_n of_o any_o grace_n or_o work_v of_o god_n spirit_n in_o our_o soul_n to_o wit_n not_o to_o give_v place_n to_o despair_v but_o first_o of_o all_o by_o earnest_n and_o frequent_a prayer_n to_o have_v our_o recourse_n to_o god_n who_o give_v liberal_o to_o all_o and_o upbraid_v none_o and_o who_o have_v promise_v not_o to_o deny_v his_o holy_a spirit_n to_o they_o that_o ask_v it_o now_o although_o this_o be_v a_o good_a and_o main_a way_n to_o obtain_v what_o we_o want_v yet_o we_o must_v not_o rest_v here_o but_z to_o prayer_n must_v join_v the_o use_n of_o the_o mean_n or_o else_o we_o shall_v not_o speed_v pray_v we_o never_o so_o diligent_o the_o lord_n will_v have_v we_o put_v to_o our_o hand_n and_o therefore_o command_v we_o work_v out_o etc._n etc._n and_o to_o this_o we_o be_v command_v even_o to_o humble_v ourselves_o although_o it_o be_v the_o work_n of_o god_n spirit_n i_o tell_v you_o that_o a_o point_n very_o much_o to_o be_v take_v heed_n to_o be_v that_o in_o use_v the_o mean_n it_o be_v not_o enough_o to_o use_v the_o mean_n in_o general_a the_o word_n and_o the_o sacrament_n but_o we_o shall_v consider_v the_o particular_a mean_n the_o fit_a and_o near_a mean_n to_o beget_v or_o strengthen_v such_o a_o grace_n and_o for_o want_v of_o this_o we_o may_v take_v very_o great_a pain_n in_o general_a and_o we_o shall_v hardly_o speed_v and_o therefore_o we_o shall_v see_v how_o far_o the_o work_n be_v proceed_v in_o etc._n etc._n and_o as_o what_o our_o want_n be_v and_o where_o the_o stop_n lie_v and_o then_o to_o pray_v and_o to_o use_n mean_v most_o diligent_o and_o to_o use_v the_o particular_a and_o near_a mean_n and_o therefore_o i_o think_v it_o most_o needful_a to_o lay_v out_o the_o near_a and_o most_o particular_a mean_n of_o this_o work_n of_o humiliation_n that_o so_o we_o use_v they_o the_o lord_n blessing_n and_o concur_v by_o his_o spirit_n those_o who_o have_v not_o find_v this_o humiliation_n at_o all_o as_o yet_o may_v have_v it_o wrought_v in_o they_o and_o such_o of_o we_o who_o have_v find_v it_o in_o some_o measure_n may_v get_v it_o increase_v and_o strengthen_v and_o so_o all_o of_o we_o may_v be_v teach_v how_o to_o give_v obedience_n unto_o this_o exhortation_n humble_v yourselves_o under_o the_o mighty_a hand_n of_o god_n i._o the_o first_o and_o indeed_o a_o main_a mean_a to_o work_v humiliation_n in_o we_o be_v serious_o to_o miditatâ—_n upon_o the_o law_n &_o the_o threaten_n thereof_o and_o to_o apply_v they_o to_o ourselves_o in_o particular_a consider_v withal_o the_o truth_n of_o he_o that_o have_v pronounce_v they_o this_o by_o the_o concurrence_n of_o god_n spirit_n will_v be_v a_o notable_a means_n both_o to_o bring_v we_o to_o a_o right_a sight_n of_o our_o sin_n and_o to_o humiliation_n for_o they_o for_o as_o the_o apostle_n say_v by_o the_o law_n be_v the_o knowledge_n of_o sin_n it_o be_v the_o glass_n and_o mirror_n that_o only_o can_v let_v we_o see_v the_o foul_a spot_n of_o our_o soul_n and_o again_o to_o consider_v the_o threaten_n will_v bring_v we_o to_o humiliation_n while_o i_o be_v without_o the_o law_n i_o live_v but_o when_o the_o commandment_n come_v sin_n revive_v and_o i_o die_v will_v you_o then_o take_v a_o course_n to_o get_v this_o work_n of_o humiliation_n wrought_v first_o of_o all_o get_v the_o clear_a knowledge_n of_o god_n law_n and_o examine_v thyself_o by_o it_o lay_v the_o rule_n of_o the_o law_n to_o thy_o own_o heart_n and_o so_o see_v how_o great_a a_o transgressor_n thou_o be_v for_o want_n of_o this_o the_o most_o part_n of_o man_n and_o woman_n live_v in_o sin_n without_o know_v that_o they_o sin_n and_o so_o without_o either_o repentance_n or_o amendment_n which_o be_v both_o pitiful_a and_o dangerous_a pitiful_a in_o regard_n of_o the_o lord_n holy_a will_n dangerous_a to_o your_o own_o soul_n all_o will_v say_v they_o be_v great_a sinner_n but_o i_o fear_v they_o see_v not_o wherein_o and_o so_o can_v neither_o repent_v nor_o amend_v o_o but_o if_o thou_o will_v apply_v the_o law_n to_o thyself_o thou_o will_v see_v that_o thou_o have_v be_v and_o still_o be_v a_o exceed_a great_a transgressor_n consider_v the_o first_o command_n and_o see_v if_o thou_o do_v not_o sin_v exceed_o against_o it_o if_o thy_o heart_n do_v not_o whore_n and_o commit_v spiritual_a adultery_n with_o the_o creature_n delight_v and_o trust_v more_o in_o it_o then_o in_o the_o creator_n god_n bless_v for_o ever_o and_o thou_o shall_v find_v also_o that_o thou_o put_v thyself_o most_o frequent_o in_o god_n place_n make_v thyself_o the_o utmost_a end_n of_o all_o thy_o action_n which_o how_o horrible_a sin_n they_o be_v i_o leave_v to_o thyself_o to_o judge_v be_v not_o this_o last_o herod_n fault_n who_o the_o lord_n destroy_v consider_v the_o second_o command_n and_o thou_o shall_v see_v there_o be_v many_o point_n of_o god_n worship_n that_o thou_o i_o fear_v do_v altogether_o neglect_v as_o that_o of_o meditation_n and_o conference_n and_o that_o all_o of_o they_o be_v for_o the_o most_o part_n superficial_o and_o slight_o discharge_v by_o thou_o and_o that_o thou_o come_v within_o the_o compass_n of_o that_o curse_n woe_n be_v unto_o they_o that_o do_v the_o work_n of_o the_o lord_n negligent_o consider_v the_o three_o command_n and_o not_o to_o speak_v of_o thy_o frequent_a profane_v of_o god_n name_n see_v what_o either_o thou_o have_v do_v or_o speak_v to_o the_o honour_n of_o god_n name_n notwithstanding_o it_o be_v the_o many_o thing_n that_o thou_o be_v make_v for_o look_v to_o the_o four_o command_v and_o see_v how_o thou_o have_v sanctify_v the_o sabbath_n in_o thy_o thought_n and_o discourse_n yea_o see_v if_o thou_o have_v not_o do_v in_o this_o point_n against_o thy_o light_n and_o even_o refuse_v to_o return_v and_o have_v hate_v to_o be_v reform_v choose_v rather_o to_o displease_v the_o immortal_a god_n then_o mortal_a man_n choose_v rather_o to_o follow_v thy_o own_o will_n than_o the_o will_n of_o god_n and_o that_o notwithstanding_o he_o have_v recommend_v it_o as_o a_o special_a point_n of_o his_o will_n unto_o thou_o and_o have_v bid_v thou_o remember_v to_o keep_v it_o holy_a consider_v the_o five_o command_v you_o that_o be_v superior_n whether_o you_o render_v to_o those_o that_o be_v under_o you_o that_o which_o be_v just_a and_o equal_a and_o you_o that_o be_v inferior_n if_o you_o give_v your_o superior_n that_o honour_n and_o respect_n in_o your_o heart_n
to_o pardon_v all_o former_a sin_n and_o rebellion_n whereas_o just_o he_o may_v have_v punish_v they_o before_o let_v the_o wicked_a man_n forsake_v his_o way_n etc._n etc._n and_o yet_o for_o all_o this_o they_o neglect_v so_o great_a salvation_n they_o despise_v the_o offer_n of_o mercy_n and_o sin_n against_o the_o lord_n clemency_n these_o be_v our_o own_o actual_a sin_n that_o we_o ought_v to_o humble_v ourselves_o for_o but_o there_o be_v other_o sin_n that_o we_o ought_v in_o no_o wise_a to_o pass_v by_o in_o our_o humiliation_n to_o wit_n 1._o for_o our_o original_a corruption_n that_o loathsome_a leprosy_n that_o ugly_a filthy_a corruption_n that_o fall_a sickness_n of_o our_o sin_n the_o fountain_n of_o all_o our_o natural_a sin_n which_o defile_v not_o only_o our_o action_n but_o our_o very_a person_n in_o the_o sight_n of_o god_n and_o be_v so_o much_o to_o be_v deplore_v be_v a_o disease_n incurable_a in_o the_o inward_a or_o noble_a part_n and_o be_v to_o be_v lament_v above_o any_o out-breaking_n in_o the_o outward_a part_n of_o the_o body_n we_o see_v how_o david_n how_o paul_n bewail_v it_o 2._o for_o that_o first_o sin_n of_o our_o first_o parent_n we_o ought_v great_o to_o humble_v ourselves_o for_o this_o sin_n if_o well_o weigh_v we_o shall_v find_v to_o be_v a_o exceed_o great_a sin_n and_o that_o it_o be_v our_o sin_n and_o that_o the_o guiltiness_n belong_v to_o we_o be_v clear_a out_o of_o rom._n 5.12.17_o 18._o 3._o for_o the_o sin_n of_o our_o predecessor_n for_o so_o we_o see_v do_v daniel_n nehemiah_n ezra_n etc._n etc._n we_o have_v sin_v and_o our_o father_n and_o the_o lord_n say_v i_o will_v visit_v the_o sin_n of_o the_o father_n upon_o the_o child_n 4._o for_o the_o sin_n of_o the_o land_n we_o live_v in_o so_o david_n psal_n 119._o river_n of_o tear_n run_v down_o my_o eye_n because_o they_o make_v void_a thy_o law_n and_o ezek._n 9_o they_o be_v mark_v who_o sigh_n and_o cry_v for_o the_o abomination_n of_o the_o land_n vi_o the_o last_o and_o a_o notable_a mean_n of_o humiliation_n be_v well_o to_o consider_v the_o person_n against_o who_o thou_o have_v sin_v and_o that_o both_o in_o his_o greatness_n and_o in_o his_o goodness_n towards_o thou_o this_o do_v david_n weigh_v and_o consider_v while_o he_o say_v so_o emphatical_o against_o thou_o even_o against_o thou_o have_v i_o sin_v and_o indeed_o without_o weigh_v this_o point_n we_o can_v hardly_o either_o be_v humble_v in_o ourselves_o or_o can_v we_o comprehend_v or_o with_o our_o heart_n acknowledge_v the_o justice_n of_o god_n but_o see_v and_o consider_v this_o point_n to_o wit_n against_o who_o we_o have_v sin_v our_o conscience_n will_v then_o exceed_o both_o condemn_v ourselves_o and_o justify_v the_o lord_n in_o his_o justice_n there_o be_v nothing_o that_o do_v aggravate_v a_o offence_n more_o than_o do_v the_o quality_n of_o the_o person_n against_o who_o it_o be_v commit_v that_o which_o be_v do_v by_o a_o man_n against_o a_o ordinary_a person_n one_o of_o his_o neighbour_n will_v be_v but_o a_o ordinary_a offence_n yet_o if_o he_o shall_v do_v it_o to_o his_o father_n it_o will_v turn_v to_o a_o heinous_a crime_n and_o if_o it_o be_v do_v to_o his_o prince_n it_o will_v be_v high_a treason_n deserve_v and_o procure_v the_o utmost_a degree_n of_o punishment_n that_o can_v be_v devise_v how_o great_a then_o must_v be_v the_o offence_n and_o what_o shall_v be_v the_o punishment_n of_o that_o offence_n which_o be_v commit_v against_o the_o great_a god_n and_o sovereign_a lord_n of_o all_o the_o earth_n the_o king_n of_o king_n who_o be_v able_a to_o cast_v both_o soul_n and_o body_n into_o hell_n fire_n but_o especial_o i_o will_v have_v thou_o to_o consider_v the_o goodness_n of_o god_n that_o so_o thou_o may_v see_v the_o foulness_n and_o ingratitude_n of_o thy_o sin_v against_o he_o and_o so_o may_v justify_v the_o lord_n in_o his_o justice_n if_o a_o man_n shall_v go_v &_o wrong_v or_o offend_v his_o father_n that_o beget_v he_o and_o give_v he_o his_o life_n or_o one_o that_o at_o any_o time_n have_v preserve_v his_o life_n or_o one_o that_o have_v bestow_v some_o great_a favour_n upon_o he_o and_o have_v be_v beneficial_a to_o he_o we_o will_v abhor_v such_o a_o man_n for_o the_o foulnes_n the_o unnaturalness_n the_o ingratitude_n of_o his_o offence_n but_o what_o be_v this_o to_o the_o offence_n of_o the_o lord_n our_o god_n he_o be_v our_o father_n indeed_o and_o the_o father_n not_o only_o of_o our_o body_n but_z as_o he_o be_v call_v of_o our_o spirit_n it_o be_v he_o that_o have_v make_v we_o and_o not_o we_o ourselves_o he_o have_v preserve_v our_o life_n not_o once_o but_o many_o time_n yea_o always_o in_o he_o we_o live_v we_o move_v we_o have_v our_o be_v and_o final_o he_o have_v bestow_v upon_o we_o favour_n innumerable_a be_v so_o beneficial_a that_o he_o load_v we_o daily_o with_o his_o benefit_n what_o vile_a ingratitude_n than_o must_v it_o be_v to_o fin_n against_o he_o i_o pray_v thou_o how_o mighty_a and_o withal_o how_o just_a a_o challenge_n shall_v it_o be_v when_o the_o lord_n shall_v accuse_v thou_o in_o these_o term_n i_o do_v make_v thou_o who_o may_v have_v deny_v thou_o a_o be_v and_o i_o make_v thou_o according_a to_o my_o own_o image_n whereas_o i_o may_v have_v make_v thou_o a_o beast_n or_o a_o senseless_a creature_n and_o i_o make_v thou_o and_o bring_v thou_o into_o the_o world_n with_o all_o the_o perfection_n of_o thy_o body_n and_o mind_n and_o have_v continue_v they_o with_o thou_o this_o i_o have_v not_o do_v unto_o many_o other_o i_o have_v preserve_v thou_o from_o innumerable_a inconvenience_n which_o befall_v unto_o other_o by_o day_n and_o by_o night_n i_o load_v thou_o with_o benefit_n which_o i_o deny_v to_o other_o thou_o never_o enjoy_v any_o thing_n useful_a or_o profitable_a whereof_o i_o be_v not_o the_o bestower_n i_o make_v the_o rest_n of_o my_o creature_n serve_v thou_o my_o angel_n guard_v thou_o my_o own_o son_n redeem_v thou_o for_o all_o this_o what_o do_v i_o require_v but_o that_o such_o thing_n thou_o shall_v do_v and_o such_o and_o such_o thing_n thou_o shall_v not_o do_v earnest_o i_o beseech_v thou_o to_o obey_v as_o a_o matter_n of_o eternal_a concernment_n to_o thyself_o and_o of_o high_a displeasure_n to_o i_o and_o yet_o thou_o take_v not_o the_o matter_n to_o heart_n thou_o will_v not_o obey_v do_v thou_o thus_o requite_v i_o o_o foolish_a person_n and_o unkind_a how_o can_v thy_o own_o conscience_n but_o concur_v with_o the_o lord_n and_o say_v thou_o be_v just_a when_o thou_o judge_v mark_v that_o accompany_v faith_n q._n what_o be_v the_o mark_n that_o accompany_v faith_n or_o be_v take_v from_o the_o concomitant_n of_o faith_n a._n i._n they_o be_v these_o three_o especial_o the_o first_o be_v this_o true_a faith_n lean_v to_o the_o mean_n and_o be_v ground_v upon_o they_o even_o upon_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o in_o special_a upon_o the_o promise_n of_o forgiveness_n of_o sin_n the_o new_a and_o everlasting_a covenant_n the_o passage_n of_o god_n merciful_a nature_n christ_n readiness_n to_o receive_v sinner_n the_o oath_n that_o ground_n of_o strong_a consolation_n and_o such_o like_a ground_n and_o mean_n of_o confidence_n lay_v down_o in_o the_o word_n it_o be_v beget_v and_o breed_v by_o these_o at_o first_o it_o be_v feed_v cherish_v and_o strengthen_v by_o these_o and_o last_o it_o be_v defend_v by_o these_o against_o all_o assault_n doubt_n and_o tentation_n of_o the_o soul_n so_o that_o the_o word_n and_o these_o thing_n in_o the_o word_n be_v the_o seed_n the_o food_n the_o fortress_n or_o refuge_n of_o faith_n whereunto_o it_o retire_v so_o that_o faith_n altogether_o stand_v by_o the_o word_n faith_n be_v by_o hear_v and_o hear_v by_o the_o word_n of_o god_n rom._n 10.27_o so_o then_o will_v thou_o know_v whether_o thy_o faith_n be_v of_o the_o right_a stamp_n or_o no_o 1._o be_v thy_o faith_n at_o first_o beget_v by_o the_o word_n and_o the_o foresay_a mean_n either_o hear_v read_v or_o meditate_a upon_o 2._o do_v thou_o find_v thy_o faith_n to_o be_v strengthen_v cherish_v and_o cheer_v by_o use_v the_o same_o mean_n so_o that_o upon_o your_o diligent_a use_v and_o feed_v upon_o they_o you_o find_v your_o faith_n more_o lively_a and_o strong_a and_o again_o upon_o your_o neglect_n of_o the_o mean_n you_o find_v it_o more_o dead_a weak_a and_o remiss_a this_o be_v very_o considerable_a and_o 3._o when_o your_o faith_n be_v put_v to_o it_o and_o assault_v do_v it_o and_o thy_o heart_n fly_v to_o the_o foresay_a mean_n and_o passage_n of_o god_n word_n all_o this_o evidence_n thy_o faith_n to_o be_v of_o the_o
work_n of_o his_o salvation_n but_o above_o all_o we_o shall_v remember_v not_o to_o lean_v to_o the_o mean_n but_o to_o the_o lord_n spirit_n for_o if_o it_o be_v true_a of_o the_o temporal_a much_o more_o of_o the_o spiritual_a unless_o the_o lord_n build_v the_o house_n he_o that_o build_v build_v but_o in_o vain_a true_a it_o be_v that_o the_o lord_n pity_v our_o foolishness_n and_o as_o he_o have_v a_o gracious_a care_n and_o providence_n of_o the_o salvation_n of_o man_n body_n so_o much_o more_o have_v he_o a_o gracious_a providence_n over_o the_o soul_n of_o his_o own_o though_o they_o be_v not_o so_o thrifty_a and_o wise_a in_o their_o own_o generation_n as_o they_o shall_v make_v they_o meet_v with_o such_o doctrine_n book_n conference_n that_o be_v most_o suitable_a to_o their_o present_a case_n but_o for_o all_o this_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o use_n of_o the_o particular_a mean_n be_v much_o to_o be_v observe_v q_o how_o then_o will_v you_o have_v i_o go_v about_o the_o particular_a mean_n of_o faith_n to_o get_v to_o the_o promise_n the_o covenant_n etc._n etc._n and_o to_o apply_v they_o to_o myself_o for_o this_o i_o will_v glad_o do_v but_o while_o i_o be_o about_o the_o do_v of_o it_o i_o dare_v not_o apply_v they_o to_o myself_o i_o think_v they_o do_v not_o belong_v to_o i_o although_o very_o sweet_a in_o themselves_o and_o that_o because_o i_o find_v not_o these_o mark_n in_o i_o which_o be_v in_o god_n child_n now_o the_o promise_n only_o belong_v to_o such_o i_o see_v no_o thing_n in_o i_o but_o corruption_n want_n etc._n etc._n and_o miss_v all_o these_o mark_n that_o you_o be_v speak_v of_o that_o flow_v from_o faith_n a._n this_o be_v one_o of_o satan_n great_a stratagem_n and_o wile_n as_o be_v to_o be_v see_v by_o the_o experience_n of_o god_n child_n for_o exceed_v many_o be_v bear_v back_o from_o lay_v hold_n on_o the_o promise_n and_o other_o ground_n of_o confidence_n upon_o the_o very_a same_o consideration_n and_o all_o by_o the_o subtlety_n of_o satan_n and_o their_o own_o ignorance_n not_o consider_v the_o order_n and_o nature_n of_o thing_n and_o so_o very_o dangerous_o and_o preposterous_o run_v first_o to_o the_o mark_n of_o faith_n which_o they_o will_v not_o fail_v to_o miss_v and_o so_o be_v discourage_v or_o else_o if_o any_o do_v seem_v to_o find_v do_v build_v upon_o a_o wrong_a ground_n and_o so_o be_v ready_a to_o be_v deceive_v whereas_o indeed_o they_o shall_v first_o betake_v themselves_o to_o the_o mean_n that_o so_o they_o may_v get_v both_o a_o sound_n and_o a_o strong_a faith_n first_o i_o say_v then_o that_o this_o preposterous_a run_v to_o the_o mark_n and_o effect_n of_o faith_n so_o incident_a to_o many_o instead_o of_o the_o mean_n it_o come_v from_o not_o consider_v right_o what_o be_v the_o very_a true_a nature_n of_o faith_n to_o wit_n that_o it_o be_v a_o rest_v upon_o the_o word_n and_o promise_n of_o the_o faithful_a and_o powerful_a god_n alone_o faith_n be_v by_o hear_v and_o hear_v be_v by_o the_o word_n of_o god_n even_o as_o believe_v of_o a_o man_n be_v a_o rely_v upon_o his_o word_n and_o promise_n this_o be_v a_o easy_a point_n but_o for_o all_o that_o not_o due_o consider_v by_o many_o which_o make_v they_o take_v this_o wrong_a course_n for_o let_v sundry_a be_v pose_v especial_o those_o who_o run_v so_o hasty_o to_o the_o mark_n of_o faith_n and_o so_o discourage_v themselves_o to_o look_v to_o the_o mean_n let_v sundry_a i_o say_v be_v right_o examine_v it_o shall_v be_v find_v that_o they_o make_v not_o their_o faith_n to_o rest_v upon_o any_o thing_n in_o god_n his_o truth_n etc._n etc._n but_o upon_o something_o in_o themselves_o or_o to_o give_v it_o the_o most_o favourable_a expression_n they_o make_v their_o faith_n not_o to_o be_v a_o rest_v upon_o god_n word_n but_o upon_o his_o work_n shall_v some_o be_v ask_v what_o do_v first_o induce_v they_o to_o believe_v and_o consequent_o what_o be_v the_o ground_n of_o their_o faith_n they_o will_v answer_v because_o they_o do_v find_v such_o a_o change_n in_o their_o life_n and_o so_o forth_o now_o this_o be_v a_o very_a dangerous_a mistake_n for_o this_o sort_n of_o faith_n that_o lean_v only_a &_o primary_o to_o such_o a_o ground_n must_v be_v a_o very_a unstable_a faith_n man_n life_n be_v so_o changeable_a but_o also_o if_o this_o be_v the_o first_o and_o only_a ground_n of_o their_o faith_n it_o must_v be_v a_o very_a false_a and_o unsound_a faith_n and_o not_o partake_v of_o the_o very_a nature_n of_o faith_n which_o be_v to_o rest_v on_o god_n word_n and_o not_o on_o his_o work_n upon_o the_o faithfulness_n and_o power_n of_o god_n and_o not_o upon_o any_o holiness_n in_o we_o obj._n but_o you_o will_v say_v be_v not_o this_o a_o very_a good_a ground_n to_o strengthen_v our_o faith_n and_o assurance_n to_o wit_n by_o our_o good_a work_n and_o sanctification_n of_o life_n a._n i_o grant_v it_o be_v a_o good_a way_n to_o strengthen_v faith_n in_o its_o own_o place_n but_o i_o say_v that_o this_o assurance_n be_v not_o the_o assurance_n of_o faith_n and_o believe_v proper_o and_o that_o it_o be_v not_o that_o to_o the_o which_o in_o the_o first_o instance_n we_o shall_v betake_v we_o and_o that_o it_o be_v not_o the_o chief_a prop_n of_o our_o confidence_n much_o less_o the_o only_a and_o that_o those_o who_o make_v it_o the_o only_a have_v not_o true_a faith_n at_o all_o for_o the_o further_a clear_v of_o this_o consider_v that_o divine_n have_v well_o observe_v that_o there_o be_v in_o the_o point_n of_o confidence_n a_o twofold_a assurance_n one_o of_o adherence_n the_o rest_a on_o god_n word_n which_o be_v faith_n another_o which_o they_o call_v the_o certainty_n of_o evidence_n take_v from_o the_o mark_n and_o effect_n of_o faith_n by_o the_o one_o we_o believe_v by_o the_o other_o we_o know_v that_o we_o believe_v the_o one_o be_v a_o act_n of_o faith_n whereby_o a_o man_n believe_v and_o be_v justify_v the_o other_o be_v a_o act_n of_o experience_n in_o a_o old_a believer_n whereby_o he_o see_v and_o know_v that_o he_o believe_v the_o one_o be_v a_o direct_a act_n of_o the_o soul_n the_o other_o be_v a_o reflect_v act_n of_o the_o soul_n whereby_o look_v back_o upon_o itself_o it_o find_v by_o clear_a mark_n and_o effect_n that_o this_o mark_n of_o faith_n be_v wrought_v in_o it_o and_o great_o rejoice_v therein_o both_o these_o assurance_n the_o scripture_n recommend_v unto_o we_o the_o one_o while_o we_o be_v command_v to_o believe_v and_o rest_v upon_o god_n word_n the_o other_o while_o we_o be_v enjoin_v to_o try_v whether_o we_o be_v in_o the_o faith_n or_o not_o to_o make_v our_o call_n and_o election_n sure_a by_o well_o do_v and_o further_o the_o scripture_n be_v write_v to_o beget_v both_o these_o assurance_n in_o we_o joh._n 20.31_o and_o again_o for_o the_o other_o 1_o joh._n 5.13_o now_o if_o you_o will_v ask_v which_o of_o these_o assurance_n have_v the_o pre-eminence_n sure_o the_o first_o in_o these_o respect_n 1._o because_o that_o be_v it_o alone_o that_o make_v up_o faith_n for_o it_o be_v a_o rest_v upon_o god_n word_n and_o so_o that_o which_o save_v the_o soul_n and_o glorify_v god_n most_o 2._o it_o be_v most_o sure_a as_o lean_v to_o the_o most_o sure_a ground_n immutable_a strong_a consolation_n to_o wit_n divine_a testimony_n even_o the_o promise_n of_o he_o who_o can_v lie_v whereas_o the_o other_o be_v deduce_v by_o way_n of_o application_n assume_v conclusion_n reason_v all_o which_o all_o be_v subject_a to_o be_v deceive_v can_v be_v so_o infallible_a 3._o and_o last_o the_o first_o be_v the_o more_o constant_a assurance_n for_o it_o lean_v upon_o the_o truth_n mercy_n goodness_n of_o god_n and_o upon_o his_o promise_n all_o which_o admit_v no_o change_n whereas_o the_o latter_a assurance_n be_v take_v from_o some_o effect_n in_o we_o which_o be_v very_o changeable_a it_o can_v choose_v but_o vary_v also_o so_o that_o it_o be_v the_o first_o that_o hold_v out_o in_o the_o storm_n of_o tentation_n desertion_n and_o affliction_n and_o that_o be_v our_o sure_a anchor_n in_o all_o these_o storm_n be_v it_o not_o for_o thy_o word_n i_o have_v perish_v etc._n etc._n it_o be_v the_o first_o assurance_n then_o that_o both_o save_v the_o soul_n and_o that_o can_v make_v a_o man_n most_o constant_o to_o have_v comfort_n in_o himself_o or_o to_o go_v on_o in_o the_o service_n of_o god_n and_o which_o be_v chief_o to_o be_v mark_v that_o it_o be_v the_o first_o assurance_n only_o that_o make_v faith_n now_o although_o the_o first_o assurance_n in_o these_o respect_n have_v the_o pre-eminence_n yet_o nevertheless_o the_o other_o be_v not_o
civil_a action_n his_o pray_v be_v sin_n and_o so_o all_o his_o religion_n exercise_n yea_o every_o imagination_n of_o his_o heart_n be_v evil_a continual_o thus_o be_v it_o wiâ—h_v the_o person_n or_o â—_z that_o want_n faith_n 2._o again_o for_o temporal_a judgement_n though_o he_o may_v be_v for_o a_o time_n without_o they_o yet_o it_o be_v but_o for_o his_o further_a conviction_n and_o more_o fearful_a torment_n in_o the_o life_n to_o come_v nor_o be_v he_o sure_a of_o a_o freedom_n from_o they_o in_o this_o life_n they_o be_v hang_v over_o his_o head_n as_o it_o be_v by_o a_o hair_n he_o know_v not_o how_o soon_o they_o shall_v overtake_v he_o for_o they_o come_v sudden_o as_o travel_v on_o a_o woman_n with_o child_n as_o a_o whirlwind_n or_o as_o a_o inundation_n of_o water_n as_o the_o scripture_n express_v it_o he_o know_v not_o when_o the_o angel_n will_v pour_v out_o the_o vial_n of_o god_n wrath_n upon_o he_o yea_o the_o angel_n may_v have_v the_o sword_n already_o draw_v though_o he_o like_o blind_a balaam_n do_v not_o see_v it_o and_o then_o last_o for_o eternal_a judgement_n when_o this_o life_n shall_v have_v a_o end_n which_o may_v be_v in_o a_o moment_n there_o be_v nothing_o attend_v he_o but_o instant_o utter_v darkness_n where_o there_o be_v weep_v and_o gnash_n of_o tooth_n everlasting_a burn_n the_o lake_n that_o burn_v with_o fire_n and_o brimstone_n everlasting_a fiâ—e_n prepare_v for_o the_o devil_n and_o his_o angel_n mat._n 25_o 41._o revel_v 21._o this_o be_v the_o doleful_a and_o dreadful_a condition_n of_o the_o person_n that_o want_v true_a faith_n which_o consideration_n alone_o may_v serve_v to_o awaken_v we_o out_o of_o our_o security_n and_o to_o stir_v we_o up_o without_o delay_n with_o all_o diligence_n to_o prove_v &_o try_v whither_o we_o be_v in_o the_o faith_n or_o not_o but_o for_o your_o further_a stir_v up_o ii_o in_o the_o second_o place_n consider_v how_o that_o notwithstanding_o the_o case_n of_o these_o that_o want_v this_o true_a save_a faith_n be_v most_o lamentable_a yet_o nevertheless_o there_o be_v but_o very_a few_o that_o either_o have_v or_o shall_v have_v this_o precious_a jewel_n of_o faith_n unfeigned_a this_o to_o be_v true_a the_o scripture_n the_o ground_n of_o all_o truth_n make_v clear_o good_a many_o be_v call_v and_o few_o choose_v straight_a and_o narrow_a be_v the_o way_n that_o lead_v to_o life_n &_o few_o there_o be_v that_o enter_v therein_o christ_n when_o he_o shall_v come_v shall_v scarce_o find_v faith_n on_o the_o earth_n this_o serious_o consider_v will_v make_v man_n look_v more_o narrow_o to_o themselves_o than_o they_o do_v iii_o to_o stir_v you_o up_o yet_o further_o to_o this_o trial_n consider_v that_o notwithstanding_o the_o scripture_n be_v clear_a in_o this_o point_n that_o true_a faith_n belong_v to_o very_a few_o yet_o every_o one_o think_v he_o have_v it_o whereby_o alas_o it_o be_v most_o evident_a by_o compare_v the_o truth_n of_o scripture_n with_o the_o opinion_n of_o man_n that_o the_o most_o part_n be_v pitiful_o deceive_v in_o this_o matter_n of_o high_a concernment_n and_o that_o the_o faith_n of_o most_o man_n be_v but_o a_o fantasy_n and_o sure_o there_o be_v nothing_o more_o incident_a to_o we_o then_o presumption_n &_o that_o by_o reason_n of_o the_o blindness_n which_o be_v in_o our_o mind_n the_o deceitfulness_n of_o our_o heart_n and_o that_o self-love_n which_o be_v in_o our_o affection_n as_o be_v to_o be_v see_v in_o the_o pharisee_fw-mi the_o laodicean_n yea_o in_o those_o who_o preach_v prophesy_v and_o wrought_v miracle_n in_o christ_n name_n which_o be_v fearful_a yea_o the_o very_a gross_a sinner_n think_v they_o true_o believe_v which_o be_v strange_a and_o show_v the_o great_a power_n of_o presumption_n q._n i_o grant_v you_o that_o all_o this_o shall_v stir_v we_o up_o to_o be_v about_o this_o present_a duty_n of_o try_v whether_o we_o be_v in_o the_o faith_n or_o not_o and_o that_o both_o diligent_o and_o due_o lest_o we_o be_v deceive_v with_o so_o many_o other_o and_o also_o without_o delay_n the_o point_n be_v of_o so_o great_a consequence_n and_o our_o life_n of_o so_o short_a and_o uncertain_a continuance_n and_o not_o to_o be_v at_o a_o point_n in_o a_o point_n of_o such_o importance_n which_o betoken_v wonderful_a security_n madness_n yea_o spiritual_a deadness_n tell_v i_o therefore_o i_o pray_v you_o some_o of_o the_o clear_a and_o sure_a mark_n of_o faith_n that_o i_o may_v try_v myself_o thereby_o a._n for_o your_o better_a remember_v of_o they_o you_o may_v take_v they_o up_o in_o 3._o sort_n to_o wit_n they_o be_v either_o take_v from_o these_o thing_n which_o go_v before_o faith_n or_o from_o these_o thing_n that_o accompany_v faith_n or_o from_o these_o thing_n that_o follow_v after_o it_o from_o the_o antecedent_n from_o the_o concomitant_n and_o from_o the_o effect_n or_o consequent_n q._n what_o be_v the_o mark_n that_o go_v before_o faith_n a._n first_o of_o all_o in_o the_o general_a where_o the_o lord_n have_v a_o purpose_n to_o work_v true_a faith_n in_o the_o heart_n of_o any_o before_o it_o he_o work_v in_o they_o that_o preparatorie_n and_o groundwork_n of_o humiliation_n in_o the_o soul_n and_o consequent_o a_o very_a sensible_a change_n a_o work_n indeed_o painful_a &_o not_o joyous_a for_o the_o present_a but_o most_o necessary_a for_o those_o who_o be_v dead_a in_o sin_n and_o trespass_n as_o all_o by_o nature_n be_v this_o he_o do_v by_o send_v his_o spirit_n according_a to_o his_o promise_n thereby_o to_o convince_v they_o of_o their_o sinfulness_n guiltiness_n and_o want_n john_n 16.8_o and_o it_o be_v usual_o call_v the_o spirit_n of_o bondage_n rom._n 8._o v._n 15._o now_o this_o work_n of_o humiliation_n i_o say_v be_v a_o very_a sensible_a work_n and_o make_v a_o great_a and_o a_o sensible_a change_n in_o the_o soul_n for_o it_o put_v a_o stir_n in_o the_o soul_n &_o a_o awaken_n in_o the_o conscience_n which_o before_o be_v dead_a in_o sin_n and_o trespass_n &_o so_o need_v some_o strong_a alarm_n it_o be_v the_o very_a pain_n and_o pang_n of_o the_o new_a birth_n which_o can_v choose_v but_o be_v both_o painful_a and_o sensible_a it_o be_v the_o cast_v out_o of_o the_o strong_a man_n who_o although_o while_o he_o hold_v the_o house_n all_o thing_n be_v at_o peace_n yet_o will_v not_o be_v cast_v out_o without_o sensible_a unquietness_n see_v then_o the_o change_n be_v great_a and_o sensible_a see_v and_o consider_v if_o ever_o thou_o have_v find_v any_o such_o change_n in_o thy_o soul_n or_o not_o qu._n but_o what_o be_v the_o particular_a change_n that_o be_v wrought_v upon_o a_o man_n by_o this_o work_n of_o humiliation_n a._n they_o be_v many_o but_o these_o three_o chief_o as_o both_o scripture_n and_o the_o experience_n of_o god_n own_o child_n do_v testify_v i._o the_o first_o great_a change_n that_o be_v wrought_v upon_o a_o man_n in_o the_o work_n of_o humiliation_n be_v by_o reason_n of_o the_o discovery_n of_o his_o guiltiness_n and_o of_o his_o be_v convince_v thereof_o for_o whereas_o before_o his_o mind_n &_o heart_n be_v fill_v with_o false_a presumption_n &_o apprehension_n of_o god_n mercy_n nothing_o but_o mercy_n before_o his_o eye_n and_o no_o see_v of_o god_n in_o his_o justice_n now_o be_v they_o quite_o contrary_a in_o this_o work_n of_o humiliation_n the_o case_n be_v change_v nothing_o so_o much_o before_o his_o eye_n as_o the_o justice_n of_o god_n and_o his_o anger_n against_o sin_n the_o sight_n of_o mercy_n almost_o be_v quite_o eclipse_v he_o be_v uphold_v only_o with_o a_o glimmer_a as_o it_o be_v thereof_o a_o possibility_n of_o pardon_n and_o hang_n as_o it_o be_v by_o a_o very_a hair_n of_o hope_n jona_n 2._o v._n 4._o nothing_o sound_v in_o his_o ear_n so_o much_o as_o justice_n and_o wrath_n hence_o these_o say_n lord_n rebuke_v i_o not_o in_o thy_o anger_n enter_v not_o into_o judgement_n etc._n etc._n his_o former_a and_o forget_a sin_n be_v 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to_o be_v neglect_v but_o great_o to_o be_v labour_v for_o for_o be_v join_v with_o the_o former_a it_o fortify_v it_o strengthen_v the_o anchor_n of_o the_o soul_n it_o fill_v a_o man_n with_o christian_a courage_n comfort_n and_o cheerfulness_n and_o make_v he_o fruitful_a in_o good_a work_n as_o be_v evident_a 2_o pet._n 1.8_o and_o 10._o only_o about_o these_o two_o assurance_n we_o be_v to_o beware_v of_o these_o two_o thing_n 1._o that_o we_o betake_v we_o not_o to_o this_o last_o assurance_n only_o for_o thus_o we_o will_v deceive_v ourselves_o for_o it_o can_v be_v upright_o unless_o we_o have_v the_o other_o first_o we_o may_v well_o have_v a_o show_n or_o form_n of_o it_o for_o we_o may_v have_v some_o change_n of_o life_n without_o faith_n but_o no_o true_a change_n without_o it_o we_o shall_v not_o then_o betake_v we_o to_o it_o only_o for_o than_o we_o both_o mistake_v the_o nature_n of_o faith_n and_o as_o i_o be_v say_v can_v but_o deceive_v ourselves_o which_o be_v 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you_o have_v it_o may_v be_v some_o reason_n for_o this_o complaint_n but_o see_v they_o come_v from_o these_o thing_n that_o follow_v faith_n and_o be_v the_o effect_n of_o faith_n why_o shall_v the_o want_n of_o they_o discourage_v you_o to_o believe_v yea_o rather_o they_o shall_v stir_v you_o up_o to_o believe_v that_o so_o you_o may_v come_v by_o they_o for_o they_o be_v the_o effect_n of_o faith_n how_o shall_v you_o think_v to_o obtain_v they_o unless_o you_o first_o believe_v that_o be_v take_v and_o apply_v the_o promise_n i_o pray_v you_o wherehence_a flow_v victory_n over_o corruption_n but_o from_o faith_n be_v it_o not_o faith_n that_o purify_v the_o heart_n and_o wherehence_a flow_v the_o love_n of_o god_n but_o even_o also_o from_o faith_n apprehend_v the_o love_n of_o god_n towards_o we_o according_a to_o that_o of_o the_o apostle_n we_o love_v he_o because_o he_o love_v we_o first_o and_o for_o repentance_n or_o godly_a sorrow_n it_o flow_v from_o that_o love_n and_o 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