touchstone_n or_o rule_n for_o trial_n see_v isa_n 8.20_o to_o the_o law_n and_o to_o the_o testimony_n if_o they_o speak_v not_o according_a to_o this_o word_n it_o be_v because_o there_o be_v no_o light_n in_o they_o 1_o cor._n 14.37_o if_o any_o man_n think_v himself_o a_o prophet_n or_o spiritual_a let_v he_o acknowledge_v that_o the_o thing_n i_o write_v unto_o you_o be_v the_o commandment_n of_o the_o lord_n act._n 17.11_o though_o the_o spirit_n do_v give_v evidence_n to_o itself_o especial_o in_o the_o more_o immediate_a way_n of_o witness_v and_o act_v so_o irresistible_o as_o the_o soul_n while_o that_o work_n continue_v can_v be_v otherwise_o persuade_v yet_o all_o the_o improvement_n of_o this_o immediate_a testimony_n be_v to_o be_v try_v by_o the_o write_a word_n of_o god_n i._n e._n both_o that_o faith_n which_o receive_v it_o and_o those_o effect_n that_o follow_v it_o or_o those_o operation_n it_o have_v in_o and_o upon_o the_o soul_n and_o the_o end_v it_o aim_v at_o if_o these_o be_v not_o according_a to_o the_o gospel_n account_v it_o a_o delusion_n though_o the_o persuasion_n be_v very_o strong_a isa_n 8.20_o gal._n 1._o v._n 7_o 8._o &_o 6._o v._o 16._o it_o be_v dangerous_a with_o zacharias_n from_o a_o unbelieved_a suspicion_n upon_o non_fw-fr scripturall_a ground_n to_o doubt_v yet_o it_o be_v a_o duty_n with_o mary_n for_o information_n to_o inquire_v how_o shall_v i_o know_v luk._n 1.18_o 19_o 20.34_o 35_o 38._o though_o your_o confidence_n continue_v yet_o you_o be_v to_o weigh_v they_o afterward_o in_o the_o balance_n of_o the_o sanctuary_n but_o that_o i_o may_v clear_o resolve_v the_o doubt_n i_o shall_v proceed_v by_o these_o step_n 1._o a_o power_n of_o judgement_n and_o discern_a or_o a_o certain_a knowledge_n whither_o any_o and_o what_o work_n have_v pass_v upon_o the_o heart_n be_v attaineable_a and_o ordinary_o grant_v unto_o soul_n this_o may_v appear_v 1._o from_o the_o lord_n require_v selfe-examination_n 2_o cor._n 13.5_o examine_v yourselves_o whither_o you_o be_v in_o the_o faith_n prove_v yourselves_o now_o what_o be_v that_o but_o to_o look_v into_o the_o heart_n and_o take_v a_o survey_n of_o that_o purposely_o to_o gain_v a_o knowledge_n what_o the_o state_n be_v this_o duty_n can_v be_v perform_v with_o fruit_n or_o advantage_n if_o there_o be_v not_o a_o possibility_n to_o be_v ascertain_v by_o inquire_v what_o the_o soul_n have_v meet_v withal_o and_o so_o the_o end_n of_o it_o will_v be_v lose_v so_o 1_o cor._n 11.31_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o heart_n be_v necessary_o require_v to_o make_v water_n or_o blood_n effectual_o witness_v for_o without_o that_o there_o be_v no_o ground_n for_o a_o act_n of_o judgement_n to_o pass_v upon_o 2._o from_o clear_a scripture_n 1_o cor._n 2._o v._n 12.15_o the_o spiritual_a man_n judge_v all_o thing_n ezek_n 16._o v._n 61._o 1_o cor._n 14.25_o and_o thus_o be_v the_o secret_n of_o his_o heart_n make_v manifest_a 3._o from_o experience_n christian_n that_o at_o some_o time_n through_o temptation_n be_v ready_a to_o deny_v such_o dispensation_n of_o god_n towards_o they_o yet_o at_o other_o time_n can_v make_v large_a narration_n of_o many_o passage_n they_o have_v meet_v withal_o they_o can_v declare_v how_o and_o in_o what_o manner_n the_o word_n have_v wrought_v within_o they_o and_o yet_o such_o soul_n under_o miserable_a questioning_n of_o their_o interest_n in_o christ_n still_o it_o be_v out_o of_o doubt_n with_o they_o and_o they_o be_v beyond_o question_v whither_o they_o have_v be_v under_o such_o working_n or_o no_o but_o here_o they_o stick_v they_o know_v not_o wither_v these_o be_v witnessing_n or_o not_o beware_v therefore_o of_o harbour_v any_o imagination_n that_o either_o the_o deceitfulness_n of_o thy_o own_o heart_n or_o the_o counterfeit_a working_n of_o satan_n shall_v render_v it_o impossible_a for_o thou_o to_o attain_v a_o knowledge_n of_o thy_o own_o heart_n or_o of_o what_o work_n have_v pass_v upon_o that_o this_o conceit_n raise_v by_o satan_n keep_v many_o a_o soul_n on_o this_o side_n assurance_n a_o great_a while_n 2._o the_o work_n that_o have_v pass_v upon_o thy_o heart_n be_v discern_v thou_o may_v examine_v and_o measure_v they_o by_o the_o write_a word_n whither_o they_o be_v special_a or_o common_a if_o thou_o be_v ready_a to_o doubt_v and_o question_v whither_o these_o be_v sufficient_a to_o testify_v adoption_n or_o not_o by_o renew_a recourse_n to_o the_o word_n thou_o may_v find_v what_o they_o be_v whether_o they_o be_v such_o as_o that_o call_v grace_n or_o not_o etc._n etc._n it_o be_v say_v of_o the_o chemic_n that_o they_o will_v so_o counterfeit_a gold_n that_o no_o touchstone_n can_v discover_v it_o satan_n have_v a_o great_a deal_n of_o chemistry_n he_o have_v many_o thing_n like_o grace_n as_o faith_n hope_n humility_n etc._n etc._n which_o be_v not_o those_o grace_n and_o therefore_o it_o behove_v the_o most_o confident_a soul_n often_o to_o try_v their_o ground_n and_o here_o be_v a_o touchstone_n the_o write_a word_n that_o will_v never_o fail_v this_o will_v discover_v his_o most_o glister_a counterfeit_a coin_n 3._o a_o knowledge_n or_o real_a discern_v that_o those_o special_a work_n have_v pass_v upon_o the_o heart_n be_v enough_o to_o render_v infallible_o assure_v of_o the_o spirit_n witness_v or_o may_v give_v a_o certainty_n that_o a_o right_a judgement_n be_v pass_v upon_o the_o condition_n you_o may_v undoubted_o know_v that_o it_o be_v the_o spirit_n which_o witness_v if_o you_o can_v clear_o see_v know_v or_o find_v that_o those_o work_n be_v wrought_v in_o your_o heart_n which_o be_v warrant_v in_o the_o write_a word_n to_o be_v witness_v for_o the_o spirit_n only_o can_v create_v they_o there_o and_o hence_o they_o be_v call_v fruit_n of_o the_o spirit_n gal._n 5.22_o this_o be_v a_o great_a perplex_v thing_n to_o many_o a_o saint_n can_v it_o but_o see_v that_o the_o spirit_n be_v the_o author_n of_o a_o work_n that_o it_o have_v be_v under_o than_o it_o can_v conclude_v of_o its_o adoption_n from_o it_o whereas_o there_o be_v common_a work_n of_o the_o spirit_n which_o a_o saul_n a_o judas_n a_o reprobate_n may_v have_v and_o therefore_o bare_o the_o proceed_n from_o the_o spirit_n be_v not_o enough_o but_o it_o be_v necessary_a to_o know_v that_o the_o work_n thou_o have_v experience_n of_o be_v a_o testimony_n as_o well_o as_o that_o the_o spirit_n be_v the_o agent_n there_o be_v many_o work_n of_o the_o spirit_n which_o can_v be_v denominate_v testimony_n of_o adoption_n now_o for_o the_o spirit_n to_o bear_v witness_n plain_o import_v these_o two_o thing_n 1._o the_o give_v of_o a_o testimony_n 2._o that_o the_o spirit_n be_v the_o giver_n of_o it_o if_o thou_o best_o wrought_v into_o a_o persuasion_n of_o adoption_n by_o the_o application_n of_o a_o word_n there_o be_v a_o testimony_n and_o if_o thou_o can_v find_v that_o the_o spirit_n have_v raise_v this_o that_o be_v sufficient_a and_o if_o blood_n be_v so_o apply_v as_o it_o be_v warrant_v to_o be_v a_o witness_n and_o so_o for_o water_n than_o the_o knowledge_n that_o they_o come_v from_o the_o spirit_n with_o that_o be_v evidence_v when_o work_n be_v of_o such_o a_o nature_n as_o they_o do_v witness_v adoption_n it_o be_v my_o scope_n and_o drift_n to_o discover_v in_o the_o forego_n question_n in_o those_o i_o have_v endeavour_v to_o difference_n the_o special_a work_n of_o the_o spirit_n from_o those_o counterfeit_a work_n whereby_o satan_n and_o mens_fw-la own_o treachourous_a heart_n do_v prevail_v to_o the_o deceive_a of_o they_o as_o the_o spirit_n do_v evidence_n its_o own_o presence_n in_o the_o immediate_a way_n of_o witness_v so_o the_o special_a nature_n and_o quality_n of_o the_o work_n themselves_o may_v ascertain_v thou_o that_o they_o come_v from_o the_o spirit_n in_o the_o testimony_n of_o water_n and_o blood_n if_o thou_o can_v descry_v those_o operation_n within_o thyself_o they_o may_v assure_v thou_o that_o the_o spirit_n be_v their_o author_n and_o that_o thy_o heart_n have_v not_o deceive_v thou_o in_o thy_o conclusion_n about_o thy_o adoption_n and_o hence_o 1_o joh._n 5.10_o he_o that_o beleive_v have_v the_o witness_n within_o himself_o some_o may_v inquire_v how_o shall_v we_o know_v that_o the_o spirit_n and_o none_o else_o be_v the_o witness_n to_o we_o the_o apostle_n answer_v he_o that_o beleive_v believe_a do_v evidence_n the_o inhabitation_n of_o the_o spirit_n if_o the_o ground_n of_o thy_o judgement_n be_v certain_a than_o the_o act_n of_o thy_o judgement_n must_v needs_o be_v infallible_a that_o be_v true_a or_o false_a according_a to_o the_o truth_n or_o falseness_n of_o the_o ground_n the_o act_n can_v be_v try_v without_o another_o act_n of_o judgement_n &_o so_o there_o will_v be_v no_o end_n and_o
lead_v i_o in_o the_o way_n everlasting_a then_o the_o defectiveness_n of_o thy_o knowledge_n be_v such_o as_o be_v common_a to_o thou_o with_o the_o choice_a saint_n and_o be_v assure_v that_o no_o secret_a sin_n have_v dominion_n over_o thou_o but_o thou_o be_v a_o hair_n of_o the_o everlasting_a kingdom_n for_o joh._n 17.3_o this_o be_v life_n eternal_a to_o know_v the_o only_a true_a god_n and_o jesus_n christ_n who_o he_o have_v send_v object_n 4._o i_o have_v find_v a_o great_a impression_n make_v upon_o my_o spirit_n by_o a_o word_n or_o promise_n but_o upon_o a_o serious_a search_n i_o can_v conclude_v whither_o it_o be_v from_o satan_n or_o a_o testimony_n of_o the_o divine_a spirit_n what_o be_o i_o to_o do_v in_o such_o a_o case_n answ_n 1._o observe_v what_o duty_n thy_o present_a condition_n call_v for_o and_o walk_v up_o to_o that_o that_o impression_n may_v be_v but_o a_o forerunner_n of_o the_o mercy_n which_o be_v a_o come_n hab._n 2._o v._n 3._o the_o vision_n be_v for_o a_o appoint_a time_n thou_o must_v wait_v for_o it_o and_o at_o last_o it_o will_v come_v and_o will_v not_o tarry_v thou_o may_v be_v as_o successful_a in_o press_v forward_o towards_o what_o be_v before_o as_o in_o ponder_v upon_o what_o be_v past_a or_o present_a christ_n do_v often_o speak_v in_o parable_n and_o the_o interpretation_n come_v afterward_o christ_n warm_v the_o heart_n of_o his_o disciple_n in_o his_o talk_n with_o they_o and_o expound_v the_o scripture_n to_o they_o but_o yet_o they_o know_v not_o that_o it_o be_v his_o voice_n until_o they_o come_v up_o to_o some_o other_o duty_n luk._n 24._o v._n 29_o 30_o 31_o 32._o 2._o conclude_v not_o either_o way_n upon_o slighty_a ground_n if_o it_o be_v the_o voice_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o thou_o call_v it_o the_o voice_n of_o satan_n thou_o offere_v a_o great_a unkindness_n to_o the_o spirit_n if_o it_o be_v from_o satan_n and_o thou_o call_v it_o the_o voice_n of_o the_o spirit_n thou_o deceive_v thy_o own_o soul_n better_o to_o leave_v it_o dubious_a then_o to_o conclude_v either_o way_n unsafe_o yet_o have_v sufficient_a ground_n neglect_v not_o the_o conclusion_n 3._o be_v careful_a to_o make_v some_o improvement_n of_o it_o for_o christ_n and_o against_o satan_n say_v thus_o with_o thyself_o this_o dispensation_n have_v a_o great_a stamp_n upon_o it_o whither_o it_o be_v by_o the_o finger_n of_o the_o spirit_n or_o not_o i_o can_v tell_v i_o will_v see_v if_o it_o may_v not_o be_v of_o advantage_n towards_o the_o exercise_n of_o some_o gospel_n grace_n as_o faith_n patience_n humility_n if_o thou_o can_v not_o tell_v but_o christ_n may_v have_v say_v to_o thou_o i_o be_o thou_o be_v sure_a thou_o make_v use_v of_o this_o towards_o selfe-resignation_n let_v thy_o heart_n answer_v this_o voice_n and_o echo_v back_o again_o lord_n i_o be_o thou_o zech._n 13.9_o and_o here_o satan_n will_v loose_v ground_n though_o it_o shall_v be_v he_o that_o speak_v to_o thou_o if_o christian_n do_v soon_o break_v off_o those_o distract_n perplex_v thought_n about_o that_o question_n whither_o those_o work_n they_o have_v feel_v proceed_v from_o satan_n or_o the_o spirit_n of_o christ_n when_o it_o lie_v dark_a and_o do_v seek_v to_o find_v out_o his_o name_n that_o speak_v unto_o they_o by_o pursue_v gracious_a resolution_n not_o to_o let_v he_o go_v until_o they_o have_v obtain_v a_o blessing_n o_o how_o may_v they_o be_v free_v from_o a_o great_a many_o of_o those_o toss_n fear_n faint_n unsettlement_n which_o they_o labour_v under_o if_o they_o do_v improve_v such_o dispensation_n to_o the_o contradict_v the_o end_n of_o satan_n 27.30_o gen._n 32._o v._n 26_o 27.30_o they_o may_v at_o last_o see_v god_n as_o it_o be_v face_n to_o face_n and_o so_o the_o issue_n will_v be_v glorious_a chap._n xxiii_o of_o the_o mean_n to_o the_o attain_n strengthen_v and_o preserve_v the_o witnessing_n of_o the_o spirit_n qu_n 5._o by_o what_o mean_n may_v the_o witnessing_n of_o the_o spirit_n be_v attain_v strengthen_v and_o preserve_v in_o a_o soul_n answ_n 1._o wait_v for_o the_o spirit_n the_o lord_n be_v free_a and_o ready_a to_o afford_v it_o unto_o those_o he_o have_v own_v as_o his_o child_n luk._n 11._o v._n 13._o how_o much_o more_o shall_v your_o heavenly_a father_n give_v the_o holy_a spirit_n to_o they_o that_o ask_v he_o here_o be_v the_o great_a reason_n that_o so_o many_o christian_n be_v so_o much_o without_o assurance_n because_o they_o look_v so_o little_a to_o the_o spirit_n for_o it_o neither_o promise_n nor_o grace_n without_o the_o irradiation_n of_o the_o spirit_n can_v be_v effectual_o witness_v 1_o cor._n 2._o v._n 10.12_o a_o true_a dial_n have_v a_o aptitude_n to_o give_v the_o hour_n of_o the_o day_n but_o unless_o the_o sun_n shine_v you_o can_v know_v nothing_o by_o it_o so_o it_o may_v be_v daylight_n with_o your_o soul_n and_o you_o may_v have_v precious_a grace_n that_o have_v a_o aptitude_n to_o witness_v adoption_n but_o they_o can_v do_v it_o without_o the_o shineing_n of_o the_o spirit_n upon_o its_o own_o work_n in_o your_o soul_n it_o be_v report_v that_o the_o sabine_a stone_n be_v of_o a_o dark_a duskish_a colour_n till_o it_o be_v sprinkle_v with_o oil_n 588._o plin._n part_n 2._o p._n 588._o and_o then_o it_o will_v burn_v of_o a_o light_a fire_n so_o grace_n and_o experience_n be_v of_o a_o duskish_a colour_n till_o the_o oil_n of_o the_o spirit_n be_v pour_v on_o they_o and_o then_o they_o will_v burn_v forth_o with_o brightness_n so_o as_o to_o witness_v unto_o soul_n their_o adoption_n and_o therefore_o this_o direction_n must_v run_v through_o all_o those_o that_o follow_v 2._o maintain_v a_o firm_a persuasion_n that_o it_o be_v your_o duty_n to_o seek_v after_o the_o witnessing_n of_o the_o spirit_n some_o account_n it_o their_o duty_n to_o live_v in_o a_o doubt_n and_o question_v condition_n and_o be_v apt_a to_o think_v they_o shall_v sin_v if_o they_o shall_v seek_v for_o assurance_n other_o breathe_v out_o sad_a complaint_n for_o their_o be_v without_o it_o and_o yet_o look_v not_o upon_o the_o seek_n after_o it_o under_o the_o notion_n of_o duty_n whereas_o they_o ought_v to_o be_v very_o studious_a about_o that_o as_o well_o as_o other_o duty_n 2_o pet._n 1.10_o give_v diligence_n to_o make_v your_o call_n and_o election_n sure_a it_o be_v not_o bare_o a_o permission_n but_o a_o injunction_n and_o so_o it_o will_v be_v a_o act_n of_o disobedience_n and_o your_o great_a sin_n to_o neglect_v the_o press_n after_o assurance_n 3._o beware_v of_o those_o thing_n that_o tend_v to_o keep_v off_o from_o assurance_n 1._o beware_v of_o suppose_v it_o impossible_a to_o attain_v it_o many_o labour_n under_o discouragement_n from_o hence_o and_o thereupon_o seek_v but_o little_a after_o it_o that_o it_o be_v attaineable_a see_v isai_n 45._o v._n 24._o &_o 63._o v._o 16._o 2_o cor._n 5._o v._n 1.6_o 2._o beware_v of_o limit_v the_o lord_n to_o your_o time_n some_o will_v fain_o enjoy_v it_o but_o they_o tie_v up_o the_o lord_n to_o this_o duty_n and_o that_o time_n and_o will_v not_o wait_v his_o ley_fw-fr sure_a for_o it_o 3._o beware_v of_o grieve_v the_o spirit_n ephes_n 4.30_o if_o you_o have_v any_o motion_n from_o the_o spirit_n o_o cherish_v improve_v follow_v up_o these_o for_o if_o the_o spirit_n suspend_v its_o operation_n you_o will_v be_v at_o a_o loss_n indeed_o for_o assurance_n 4._o beware_v of_o yield_v to_o carnal_a and_o unbelieved_a reason_n many_o dispute_v themselves_o into_o unbelief_n but_o he_o psal_n 42.5_o reason_v his_o own_o heart_n out_o of_o it_o why_o be_v thou_o cast_v down_o o_o my_o soul_n 5._o beware_v of_o nourish_v any_o sin_n heb._n 10._o v._o 22._o let_v we_o draw_v near_o with_o a_o true_a heart_n in_o full_a assurance_n of_o faith_n but_o how_o shall_v we_o do_v that_o have_v our_o heart_n sprinkle_v from_o a_o evil_a conscience_n what_o be_v a_o evil_a conscience_n but_o one_o just_o accuse_v for_o or_o charge_v with_o sin_n and_o there_o be_v no_o way_n to_o be_v deliver_v from_o that_o evil_a conscience_n but_o by_o a_o hearty_a application_n of_o the_o blood_n of_o christ_n for_o remission_n and_o putification_n that_o be_v the_o blood_n of_o sprinkle_v 1_o pet._n 1.2_o many_o set_v pore_v upon_o and_o complain_v of_o some_o corruption_n and_o that_o because_o of_o these_o they_o be_v without_o assurance_n but_o if_o you_o will_v have_v full_a assurance_n then_o seek_v to_o be_v sprinkle_v from_o they_o by_o the_o blood_n of_o christ_n 6._o beware_v of_o spiritual_a sloth_n and_o carnal_a security_n heb._n 6.11_o show_v the_o same_o diligence_n to_o the_o full_a assurance_n of_o hope_n 2_o pet._n 1.10_o negligence_n be_v a_o great_a enemy_n to_o
as_o well_o as_o grace_n within_o we_o i_o take_v blood_n to_o be_v a_o clear_a evidence_n than_o water_n which_o be_v often_o muddy_a and_o full_a of_o imperfection_n and_o hence_o such_o a_o emphasis_n be_v put_v upon_o blood_n 1_o joh._n 5.6_o he_o come_v not_o hy_z water_n only_o but_o by_o water_n and_o blood_n his_o say_n not_o by_o water_n only_o argue_v that_o it_o be_v the_o blood_n he_o will_v have_v especial_o take_v notice_n of_o and_o that_o it_o be_v for_o the_o sake_n of_o blood_n that_o this_o be_v iterate_v man_n be_v apt_a to_o slight_a blood_n as_o if_o that_o deserve_v not_o the_o name_n of_o a_o witness_n whereas_o although_o water_n be_v not_o to_o be_v neglect_v yet_o blood_n be_v most_o to_o be_v mind_v or_o more_o than_o water_n in_o this_o witness_v work_n for_o he_o strive_v most_o to_o advance_v that_o witness_n not_o by_o water_n only_o chap._n ix_o show_v who_o be_v capable_a of_o attain_v the_o witnessing_n of_o the_o spirit_n qu_n 3._o who_o be_v capable_a of_o attain_v the_o witnessing_n of_o the_o spirit_n answ_n 1._o only_o believer_n be_v in_o a_o capacity_n to_o enjoy_v such_o a_o testimony_n from_o the_o spirit_n for_o only_o they_o be_v adopt_v joh._n 1.12_o 1_o joh._n 3.1_o gal._n 4.26_o you_o be_v the_o child_n of_o god_n by_o faith_n there_o must_v be_v adoption_n before_o it_o can_v be_v witness_v to_o a_o soul_n that_o it_o be_v adopt_a else_o there_o be_v a_o bear_v false_a witness_n which_o can_v without_o blasphemy_n be_v charge_v upon_o the_o spirit_n of_o truth_n who_o be_v the_o witness_n 1_o joh._n 5.6_o that_o some_o eminent_a believer_n may_v and_o do_v attain_v the_o witnessing_n of_o the_o spirit_n be_v evident_a rom._n 8.16_o job_n 19.25_o 2_o tim._n 1.12_o and_o often_o we_o read_v of_o confidence_n and_o assurance_n 2._o weak_a believer_n be_v capable_a of_o attain_v the_o witnessing_n of_o the_o spirit_n about_o their_o adoption_n this_o position_n be_v question_v by_o some_o yet_o because_o the_o denial_n of_o it_o do_v direct_o tend_v to_o raise_v discouragement_n in_o their_o way_n to_o seek_v after_o it_o because_o it_o be_v in_o vain_a to_o attempt_v thing_n impossible_a and_o see_v the_o very_a knowledge_n of_o a_o possibility_n of_o attain_v it_o be_v very_o comfortable_a and_o the_o thing_n itself_o much_o more_o hence_o i_o think_v good_a to_o offer_v some_o reason_n which_o for_o the_o present_a satisfy_v i_o that_o it_o be_v not_o a_o privilege_n intend_v by_o christ_n only_o for_o the_o tall_a cedar_n in_o christianity_n or_o those_o that_o be_v strong_a one_o but_o also_o such_o as_o be_v weak_a in_o the_o faith_n have_v this_o legacy_n bequeath_v to_o they_o by_o the_o will_n of_o christ_n yet_o before_o i_o lay_v down_o my_o ground_n i_o shall_v premise_v some_o thing_n which_o will_v make_v way_n for_o they_o prem_n 1._o the_o witnessing_n of_o the_o spirit_n may_v be_v attaineable_a and_o yet_o not_o be_v attain_v christian_n be_v without_o much_o of_o that_o sweet_a communion_n which_o they_o may_v enjoy_v with_o the_o lord_n christ_n he_o knock_v call_v &_o cry_v to_o the_o spouse_n open_v to_o i_o my_o sister_n my_o love_n cant._n 5.2_o but_o spiritual_a sloth_n and_o carnal_a security_n shut_v the_o door_n against_o he_o and_o he_o withdraw_v himself_o ver_fw-la 3.6_o here_o fellowship_n with_o christ_n be_v not_o attain_v and_o yet_o be_v attaineable_a i_o do_v not_o undertake_v to_o prove_v that_o every_o weak_a believer_n do_v enjoy_v effectual_a witnessing_n though_o much_o may_v be_v say_v for_o that_o but_o i_o be_o only_a to_o prove_v that_o they_o be_v attaineable_a even_o by_o babe_n in_o christ_n if_o they_o choke_v smother_v and_o quench_v the_o motion_n of_o the_o spirit_n that_o if_o follow_v up_o and_o cherish_v may_v have_v be_v witness_v and_o through_o negligence_n about_o the_o use_n of_o mean_n or_o temptation_n etc._n etc._n may_v go_v without_o they_o yet_o this_o speak_v not_o their_o incapacity_n for_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o they_o 2._o i_o shall_v endeavour_v to_o prove_v that_o those_o which_o be_v real_o weak_a not_o only_o in_o gift_n and_o natural_a ability_n but_o even_o in_o grace_n also_o yet_o be_v in_o a_o capacity_n to_o attain_v the_o witnessing_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v very_o dangerous_a for_o man_n to_o despair_v of_o they_o because_o they_o be_v weak_a in_o their_o own_o apprehension_n see_v they_o may_v mis-judge_n about_o their_o measure_n and_o may_v be_v strong_a in_o the_o grace_n of_o christ_n and_o however_o real_a weakness_n afford_v not_o matter_n of_o discouragement_n 3._o the_o witnessing_n of_o the_o spirit_n may_v admit_v of_o degree_n as_o its_o operation_n be_v at_o one_o time_n more_o potent_a conspicuous_a and_o manifest_a then_o at_o another_o so_o may_v the_o soul_n persuasion_n of_o its_o adoption_n be_v which_o be_v raise_v by_o these_o the_o appearance_n of_o the_o spirit_n at_o one_o time_n may_v be_v so_o glorious_a and_o its_o act_n so_o powerful_a as_o all_o doubt_n fear_n or_o questioning_n about_o its_o state_n may_v be_v crush_v suppress_v and_o banish_v that_o if_o man_n and_o angel_n shall_v labour_v to_o bring_v under_o a_o contrary_a persuasion_n yet_o it_o dare_v not_o it_o can_v not_o subscribe_v to_o they_o rom._n 8.38_o 39_o yet_o at_o other_o time_n they_o may_v not_o be_v so_o clear_a or_o irresistible_a but_o liable_a to_o quenching_n by_o small_a mean_n i_o shall_v not_o at_o present_a assert_v that_o witnessing_n in_o those_o high_a degree_n be_v attaineable_a by_o weak_a believer_n these_o may_v seem_v to_o be_v too_o strong_a meat_n for_o they_o to_o bear_v but_o that_o they_o be_v capable_a of_o freedom_n in_o some_o measure_n from_o their_o doubt_n and_o of_o attain_v some_o degree_n of_o persuasion_n that_o christ_n be_v they_o this_o i_o be_o to_o prove_v the_o rich_a man_n window_n may_v be_v wide_a than_o the_o poor_a man_n and_o so_o the_o sun_n may_v make_v his_o house_n more_o lightsome_a that_o the_o thing_n within_o it_o may_v be_v more_o clear_o discern_v there_o but_o the_o poor_a man_n may_v real_o enjoy_v the_o beam_n of_o the_o sun_n and_o know_v that_o they_o come_v from_o it_o and_o may_v see_v what_o be_v in_o his_o house_n as_o well_o as_o he_o so_o the_o poor_a saint_n may_v know_v that_o the_o spirit_n have_v shine_v in_o his_o heart_n as_o well_o as_o other_o that_o be_v behold_v to_o it_o for_o bright_a beam_n than_o he_o have_v be_v acquaint_v with_o 4._o a_o eminent_a measure_n of_o grace_n be_v of_o great_a advantage_n towards_o assurance_n 2_o pet._n 1._o v._n 5_o 6.8.10_o therefore_o this_o afford_v no_o encouragement_n unto_o any_o to_o content_n themselves_o with_o that_o measure_n which_o they_o be_v come_v up_o to_o nay_o the_o witnessing_n of_o the_o spirit_n will_v be_v furtherance_n and_o provocation_n unto_o growth_n in_o grace_n if_o real_o enjoy_v rom._n 13._o v._n 11_o 12._o but_o yet_o a_o high_a measure_n of_o grace_n be_v not_o so_o necessary_a to_o assurance_n but_o that_o a_o weak_a believer_n in_o the_o use_n of_o mean_n may_v actaine_v it_o as_o well_o as_o other_o mercy_n that_o concern_v he_o in_o his_o well-being_n 5._o i_o deny_v not_o that_o a_o weak_a christian_n at_o some_o particular_a time_n may_v hinder_v himself_o of_o such_o a_o mercy_n but_o this_o be_v common_a to_o he_o with_o eminent_a saint_n for_o they_o may_v by_o nourish_v some_o curruption_n weaken_v if_o not_o loose_v these_o witnessing_n of_o the_o spirit_n when_o they_o have_v enjoy_v they_o psal_n 51.8.12_o these_o be_v extraordinary_a hindrance_n i_o be_o to_o prove_v a_o ordinary_a capacity_n neither_o do_v these_o so_o incapacitate_v as_o to_o forbid_v seek_v after_o witnessing_n for_o david_n when_o upon_o such_o a_o occasion_n he_o have_v lose_v the_o joy_n of_o his_o salvation_n yet_o with_o that_o intermediate_v duty_n of_o repentance_n and_o plead_n for_o cleanse_v psal_n 51._o v._n 2.7_o he_o beg_v also_o that_o his_o joy_n may_v be_v restore_v v._o 12._o 6._o i_o be_o not_o about_o to_o prove_v the_o duration_n of_o these_o witnessing_n but_o the_o capability_n of_o weak_a believer_n to_o attain_v they_o how_o little_a while_n soever_o they_o last_v i_o do_v not_o assert_v their_o have_v such_o a_o constant_a certainty_n of_o salvation_n as_o shall_v perpetual_o put_v they_o beyond_o doubt_n the_o multiplicity_n and_o variety_n of_o temptation_n which_o they_o be_v subject_a to_o and_o their_o weakness_n and_o unskilfulnes_n to_o resist_v the_o tempter_n may_v occasion_v a_o speedy_a loss_n of_o it_o again_o their_o want_n of_o experience_n in_o those_o way_n which_o tend_v to_o the_o strengthen_n and_o cherish_v of_o this_o persuasion_n together_o with_o that_o great_a suspicion_n which_o they_o have_v
only_o to_o have_v a_o probable_a opinion_n but_o a_o certain_a knowledge_n that_o the_o spirit_n dwell_v in_o they_o which_o be_v to_o know_v their_o adoption_n rom._n 8._o v._n 9_o and_o 1_o joh._n 3.24_o hereby_o we_o know_v he_o abide_v in_o we_o by_o the_o spirit_n and_o those_o he_o write_v to_o be_v little_a child_n v._o 18._o &_o 1_o joh._n 2.12_o he_o tell_v they_o that_o their_o sin_n be_v forgive_v they_o which_o may_v assure_v we_o that_o it_o do_v not_o make_v to_o the_o hurt_n of_o weak_a believer_n to_o know_v they_o be_v forgive_v arg._n 4._o weak_a christian_n ought_v to_o exercise_v themselves_o unto_o selfe-examination_n ergo_fw-la they_o be_v in_o a_o capacity_n to_o attain_v a_o knowledge_n of_o their_o state_n thereby_o 2_o cor._n 13.5_o examine_v yourselves_o prove_v yourselves_o the_o ingemination_n of_o the_o exhortation_n argue_v it_o to_o be_v a_o duty_n of_o high_a concernment_n else_o he_o will_v not_o use_v so_o much_o earnestness_n in_o exciting_a to_o it_o and_o it_o be_v their_o station_n they_o be_v to_o inquire_v about_o 1._o whither_o they_o be_v in_o the_o faith_n 2._o whither_o christ_n be_v in_o they_o or_o not_o and_o that_o weak_a believer_n be_v not_o exempt_v from_o this_o duty_n be_v undeniable_a for_o 1._o it_o extend_v or_o reach_v to_o unbeliever_n those_o that_o have_v not_o christ_n in_o they_o be_v to_o find_v it_o out_o hereby_o they_o be_v to_o try_v whither_o they_o be_v in_o the_o faith_n or_o no_o 2._o it_o have_v no_o limitation_n unto_o strong_a believer_n let_v they_o prove_v it_o that_o will_v assert_v it_o 3._o these_o be_v weak_a in_o the_o faith_n which_o be_v here_o twice_o over_o require_v to_o come_v up_o to_o it_o 2_o corin._n 12._o v._n 20_o 21._o prone_a to_o envy_n strife_n backbiting_n whisper_n swell_n &c._n &c._n which_o be_v make_v the_o symptom_n of_o but_o babe_n in_o christ_n 1_o cor._n 3._o v._n 1_o 2_o 3._o yet_o these_o be_v enjoin_v to_o examine_v 2_o cor._n 13.5_o there_o be_v some_o season_n then_o which_o all_o christian_n even_o the_o weak_a aught_o to_o take_v for_o self-examination_n about_o their_o union_n with_o christ_n ergo_fw-la they_o be_v capable_a of_o do_v it_o with_o good_a success_n either_o weak_a christian_n must_v always_o give_v in_o this_o verdict_n that_o they_o be_v without_o christ_n and_o this_o be_v false_a and_o the_o lord_n do_v not_o command_v they_o to_o a_o false_a conclusion_n or_o else_o they_o must_v give_v in_o no_o verdict_n and_o then_o the_o duty_n be_v fruitless_a as_o to_o its_o proper_a end_n or_o else_o they_o must_v conclude_v that_o they_o be_v in_o the_o faith_n and_o the_o text_n call_v for_o one_o of_o these_o conclusion_n either_o 1._o that_o they_o be_v in_o the_o faith_n or_o 2._o reprobate_n i.e._n unsound_a hypocrite_n without_o the_o spirit_n unto_o all_o which_o i_o may_v add_v that_o these_o roman_n be_v many_o of_o they_o weak_a in_o the_o faith_n rom._n 14._o v._n 1_o 2._o etc._n etc._n and_o yet_o in_o the_o text_n he_o except_v and_o exclude_v none_o but_o seem_v to_o conclude_v all_o under_o the_o witnessing_n of_o the_o spirit_n by_o all_o which_o i_o can_v but_o apprehend_v assurance_n to_o be_v ordinary_o attaineable_a even_o by_o weak_a believer_n chap._n xi_o show_v how_o a_o soul_n may_v know_v whether_o it_o enjoy_v the_o witnessing_n of_o the_o spirit_n or_o not_o and_o first_o the_o immediate_a witnessing_n of_o the_o spirit_n qu_n 4._o how_o may_v a_o soul_n know_v whither_o it_o enjoy_v the_o witnessing_n of_o the_o spirit_n or_o not_o before_o i_o give_v a_o direct_a answer_n to_o this_o question_n i_o shall_v premise_v that_o the_o answer_n to_o it_o will_v be_v useful_a to_o such_o end_n as_o these_o 1._o to_o give_v satisfaction_n unto_o doubt_v soul_n many_o precious_a son_n of_o zion_n be_v full_a of_o fear_n about_o their_o adoption_n can_v they_o but_o know_v that_o god_n be_v their_o father_n they_o shall_v account_v it_o a_o favour_n of_o great_a value_n whereas_o the_o spirit_n have_v witness_v this_o to_o they_o but_o they_o know_v not_o its_o voice_n or_o understand_v not_o that_o these_o operation_n which_o they_o have_v find_v do_v amount_v to_o a_o testimony_n of_o divine_a love_n they_o question_v whither_o they_o be_v from_o the_o spirit_n or_o not_o or_o else_o whither_o they_o be_v witness_v and_o intend_v by_o the_o lord_n for_o that_o end_n by_o a_o due_a observation_n of_o what_o i_o shall_v here_o lay_v down_o and_o the_o shining_n of_o the_o spirit_n on_o its_o own_o work_n without_o which_o nothing_o will_v be_v witness_v those_o that_o never_o have_v assurance_n way_n attain_v it_o and_o those_o that_o have_v lose_v it_o may_v recover_v it_o again_o if_o by_o reflection_n they_o can_v find_v that_o such_o work_n have_v pass_v upon_o their_o heart_n as_o i_o shall_v speak_v of_o 2._o to_o difference_n the_o testimony_n of_o the_o spirit_n from_o delusion_n of_o satan_n and_o the_o single_a testimony_n of_o our_o own_o spirit_n that_o so_o the_o voice_n of_o the_o spirit_n may_v be_v own_v and_o satanical_a delusion_n reject_v 3._o to_o confirm_v and_o establish_v those_o that_o do_v enjoy_v witnessing_n in_o the_o persuasion_n of_o their_o adoption_n and_o the_o better_a to_o attain_v these_o end_n i_o shall_v 1_o speak_v particular_o unto_o the_o feverall_a way_n of_o witness_v how_o a_o soul_n may_v know_v that_o 1._o the_o spirit_n 2._o water_n 3._o blood_n have_v witness_v 2._o add_v some_o general_n discovery_n or_o secondary_a evidence_n which_o will_v respect_v all_o those_o way_n of_o witness_v according_a unto_o the_o threefold_a way_n of_o the_o spirit_n witness_v so_o must_v i_o divide_v the_o question_n into_o three_o qu_n 1._o how_o may_v a_o soul_n know_v whither_o the_o spirit_n have_v witness_v its_o adoption_n to_o it_o in_o that_o more_o immediate_a way_n or_o not_o before_o i_o reply_v to_o this_o question_n i_o shall_v give_v these_o preconsideration_n preconsid_n 1._o that_o there_o must_v be_v some_o great_a and_o remarkable_a impression_n and_o alteration_n make_v upon_o the_o heart_n work_v it_o into_o some_o strong_a persuasion_n of_o adoption_n else_o there_o be_v not_o the_o least_o ground_n for_o a_o pretend_v to_o a_o immediate_a testimony_n those_o that_o never_o find_v any_o thing_n of_o this_o nature_n be_v not_o concern_v in_o this_o question_n for_o there_o must_v be_v something_o like_o the_o testimony_n to_o make_v capable_a of_o trial_n the_o nature_n of_o a_o immediate_a presence_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o the_o application_n of_o a_o word_n require_v that_o there_o be_v some_o great_a impression_n when_o ever_o they_o be_v enjoy_v jam._n 1.21_o 1_o thes_n 2.13_o 2_o corin_z 3.3_o so_o that_o if_o a_o man_n shall_v read_v over_o witness_v word_n never_o so_o often_o and_o his_o thought_n shall_v run_v this_o way_n that_o god_n be_v his_o god_n and_o christ_n and_o eternal_a life_n his_o yet_o if_o no_o power_n come_v alongst_o with_o the_o word_n to_o fix_v fasten_v and_o set_v it_o upon_o the_o heart_n there_o be_v not_o any_o colour_n for_o a_o immediate_a testimony_n the_o word_n must_v take_v deep_a root_n in_o the_o heart_n matth._n 13._o v._n 21.23_o else_o no_o gracious_a effect_n at_o all_o be_v accomplish_v by_o it_o much_o less_o can_v it_o be_v witness_v but_o if_o a_o man_n have_v find_v some_o great_a alteration_n make_v upon_o his_o spirit_n that_o have_v wrought_v towards_o a_o persuasion_n of_o adoption_n our_o enquiry_n be_v how_o he_o may_v know_v whither_o it_o be_v mere_o a_o strong_a flashy_a opinion_n and_o fancy_n of_o his_o own_o spirit_n a_o delusion_n of_o satan_n or_o indeed_o a_o testimony_n from_o the_o divine_a spirit_n precons_n 2._o that_o my_o design_n in_o answer_v this_o question_n be_v not_o to_o discover_v who_o be_v interest_v in_o christ_n and_o who_o not_o that_o will_v be_v the_o thing_n drive_v at_o when_o i_o come_v to_o speak_v of_o the_o spirit_n witness_v by_o water_n &_o blood_n but_o if_o a_o man_n have_v a_o testimony_n of_o interest_n in_o christ_n by_o some_o eminent_a impression_n make_v upon_o his_o spirit_n our_o enquiry_n be_v whither_o it_o be_v from_o the_o divine_a spirit_n or_o be_v a_o delusion_n i_o suppose_v that_o many_o real_a believer_n may_v through_o their_o own_o default_n want_v this_o immediate_a testimony_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o may_v be_v under_o false_a confidence_n through_o the_o delusion_n of_o satan_n i._n e._n confidence_n take_v up_o from_o such_o ground_n as_o be_v not_o evidence_v revel_v 3.17_o psal_n 30.6_o when_o by_o a_o due_a search_n they_o may_v find_v infallible_a ground_n for_o the_o same_o conclusion_n this_o question_n be_v not_o for_o the_o trial_n of_o christianity_n but_o of_o some_o confidence_n thereof_o
it_o psal_n 42.8_o the_o lord_n will_v command_v his_o love_a kindness_n he_o not_o only_o offer_v it_o to_o the_o soul_n and_o leave_v it_o to_o freedom_n whither_o it_o will_v own_v it_o or_o not_o but_o he_o exercise_v his_o sovereignty_n and_o use_v a_o command_a voice_n that_o his_o love_a kindness_n must_v visit_v it_o and_o that_o in_o a_o sensible_a way_n for_z he_o add_v his_o song_n shall_v be_v with_o i_o psal_n 111._o v._n 9_o he_o have_v send_v redemption_n to_o his_o people_n he_o have_v command_v his_o covenant_n as_o when_o he_o come_v with_o a_o word_n of_o conviction_n he_o command_v stouthearted_a one_o to_o a_o submission_n so_o he_o command_v his_o covenant_n i.e._n his_o promise_n unto_o his_o people_n by_o cause_v they_o to_o own_v he_o therein_o psal_n 133.3_o he_o command_v blessing_n thus_o the_o spirit_n command_v assurance_n into_o the_o saint_n by_o promise_n and_o command_v faith_n to_o own_o his_o love_a kindness_n and_o so_o not_o bare_o a_o persuasion_n that_o this_o promise_n or_o that_o mercy_n be_v i_o do_v make_v the_o act_n of_o faith_n evidence_v but_o that_o divine_a authority_n that_o attend_v the_o word_n to_o the_o heart_n and_o cause_v it_o to_o give_v credit_n thereunto_o out_o of_o respect_n and_o reverence_n to_o the_o lord_n the_o speaker_n not_o every_o one_o that_o have_v a_o persuasion_n that_o christ_n be_v he_o do_v enjoy_v the_o witnessing_n of_o the_o spirit_n for_o baalim_fw-la say_fw-la my_o god_n numb_a 22.18_o and_o yet_o have_v not_o interest_n in_o god_n as_o his_o god_n and_o they_o matth._n 7.22_o shall_v be_v confident_a of_o their_o interest_n in_o christ_n and_o yet_o shall_v be_v find_v without_o it_o satan_n do_v raise_v such_o false_a confidence_n in_o many_o profane_a wretch_n and_o back_v they_o with_o some_o scripture_n as_o that_o god_n will_v not_o the_o death_n of_o a_o sinner_n and_o christ_n come_v to_o save_v sinner_n etc._n etc._n and_o their_o own_o spirit_n conclude_v that_o they_o be_v the_o sinner_n he_o come_v to_o save_v but_o unless_o such_o word_n have_v command_v the_o heart_n into_o such_o a_o persuasion_n out_o of_o respect_n to_o the_o lord_n they_o be_v not_o evidence_v 2._o when_o those_o undoubted_o sinful_a objection_n that_o swarm_v in_o the_o soul_n before_o be_v suppress_v by_o the_o reception_n of_o the_o word_n unbelief_n be_v the_o great_a sin_n yet_o soul_n be_v more_o unapt_a to_o be_v sensible_a of_o and_o affect_v with_o that_o then_o with_o other_o sin_n but_o if_o the_o spirit_n have_v act_v faith_n upon_o christ_n in_o any_o promise_n than_o it_o be_v pain_v and_o afflict_v with_o the_o remembrance_n of_o its_o former_a mistrustfulness_n and_o rise_v up_o in_o opposition_n against_o it_o as_o psal_n 42._o v._n 5.8_o 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 in_o god_n before_o it_o give_v way_n to_o and_o feed_v the_o carnal_a reason_n of_o its_o own_o spirit_n against_o the_o free_a promise_n of_o god_n but_o now_o it_o call_v off_o its_o heart_n from_o these_o and_o call_v it_o up_o to_o trust_v in_o god_n faith_n be_v call_v a_o evidence_n heb._n 11.1_o it_o be_v a_o logical_a term_n import_v a_o conviction_n by_o way_n of_o dispute_n as_o reason_n do_v by_o premise_n draw_v up_o certain_a conclusion_n about_o matter_n within_o its_o sphere_n so_o faith_n do_v something_o answerable_a though_o the_o thing_n it_o be_v conversant_a about_o be_v out_o of_o the_o reach_n of_o sense_n and_o reason_n that_o do_v in_o able_a the_o soul_n by_o scriptural_a principle_n and_o ground_n to_o dispute_v down_o cavil_n and_o carnal_a reason_n against_o the_o free_a promise_n and_o thus_o it_o be_v a_o evidence_n delusion_n do_v stupefy_v man_n that_o they_o seek_v not_o for_o a_o satisfactory_a deliverance_n from_o objection_n but_o the_o spirit_n like_o the_o sun_n cause_v such_o mist_n of_o darkness_n to_o flee_v away_o and_o put_v enough_o into_o the_o mouth_n to_o answer_v satan_n in_o all_o 3._o when_o its_o reception_n of_o the_o word_n or_o promise_n cause_v selfe-abasement_n matth._n 15.27_o the_o woman_n be_v so_o deep_o sensible_a of_o her_o unworthines_n that_o she_o acknowledge_v herself_o to_o be_v a_o dog_n and_o then_o present_o christ_n ow_v her_o faith_n v._o 28._o o_o woman_n great_a be_v thy_o faith_n great_a faith_n cause_v great_a selfe-abasement_n when_o all_o matter_n of_o discouragement_n that_o be_v throw_v in_o the_o soul_n way_n to_o its_o mercy_n tend_v to_o the_o make_v it_o sensible_a of_o its_o own_o nothingnes_n and_o yet_o cause_v it_o to_o lay_v fast_o hold_v of_o the_o promise_n and_o when_o the_o strong_a its_o assurance_n of_o the_o mercy_n be_v the_o great_a selfe-annihilation_a and_o the_o less_o selfe-confidence_n than_o faith_n be_v act_v and_o christ_n take_v notice_n of_o and_o set_v a_o character_n of_o respect_n upon_o such_o act_n of_o faith_n but_o that_o which_o cause_v selfe-advancement_n be_v the_o voice_n of_o thy_o own_o spirit_n or_o a_o delusion_n of_o satan_n mark_n 14.31_o peter_n be_v carry_v out_o with_o vehemency_n of_o affection_n and_o resolution_n for_o christ_n he_o declare_v his_o prefer_v christ_n before_o his_o own_o life_n and_o yet_o this_o be_v but_o the_o voice_n of_o his_o own_o spirit_n because_o it_o do_v spring_n from_o selfe-confidence_n which_o be_v opposite_a unto_o faith_n 4._o when_o the_o heart_n be_v carry_v out_o christ-ward_n by_o the_o reception_n of_o any_o promise_n believe_v be_v often_o call_v a_o come_n to_o christ_n as_o joh._n 6._o v._n 35.37_o and_o on_o the_o other_o side_n soul_n departure_n from_o god_n be_v resolve_v into_o unbelief_n heb._n 3.12_o when_o there_o be_v not_o only_o a_o persuasion_n wrought_v by_o the_o promise_n that_o christ_n be_v i_o etc._n etc._n but_o the_o whole_a heart_n run_v out_o after_o christ_n upon_o the_o application_n of_o it_o if_o it_o take_v the_o promise_n as_o from_o his_o hand_n eph._n 3.6_o and_o ow_v he_o in_o the_o purchase_n of_o the_o mercy_n it_o be_v assure_v of_o &_o build_v its_o confidence_n upon_o he_o for_o the_o communication_n of_o they_o and_o be_v lay_v under_o strong_a obligation_n &_o engagement_n to_o christ_n for_o they_o it_o cry_v out_o what_o shall_v i_o render_v to_o he_o psal_n 116.12_o account_v nothing_o too_o dear_a for_o he_o and_o make_v improvement_n of_o they_o by_o and_o for_o christ_n than_o the_o word_n be_v from_o christ_n so_o rom._n 8._o v._n 35._o who_o shall_v separate_v we_o from_o the_o love_n of_o christ_n i.e._n from_o that_o love_n wherewith_o we_o love_v christ_n and_o thence_o he_o add_v shall_v tribulation_n or_o distress_n or_o persecution_n or_o famine_n etc._n etc._n i._n e._n none_o of_o these_o hardship_n shall_v break_v off_o our_o love_n to_o he_o v._o 36._o as_o it_o be_v write_v for_o thy_o sake_n we_o be_v kill_v all_o the_o day_n long_o and_o when_o be_v their_o love_n to_o christ_n so_o strong_a v._o 33.38_o 39_o it_o be_v when_o their_o persuasion_n be_v as_o strong_a of_o the_o love_n of_o god_n in_o christ_n to_o they_o and_o now_o they_o oppose_v christ_n without_o they_o against_o all_o charge_n v._o 33._o and_o not_o the_o persuasion_n within_o themselves_o yet_o that_o persuasion_n be_v useful_a that_o way_n not_o abstractive_o from_o christ_n but_o as_o it_o be_v a_o furtherance_n to_o their_o hearty_a own_n of_o he_o faith_n make_v use_v of_o such_o a_o general_a as_o that_o christ_n die_v against_o all_o charge_n that_o be_v bring_v in_o against_o a_o particular_a soul_n you_o may_v have_v such_o strong_a confidence_n of_o your_o interest_n in_o the_o love_n of_o god_n in_o christ_n as_o no_o argument_n a_o man_n can_v use_v can_v beat_v you_o off_o from_o these_o and_o yet_o you_o may_v be_v delude_v if_o your_o heart_n be_v not_o answerable_o draw_v out_o after_o christ_n to_o the_o strength_n of_o your_o confidence_n but_o if_o they_o be_v build_v and_o botrome_v upon_o he_o and_o his_o free_a favour_n in_o the_o free_a promise_n as_o psal_n 30.7_o and_o if_o your_o affection_n to_o christ_n rise_v as_o high_a and_o be_v as_o strong_a as_o your_o persuasion_n of_o his_o love_n than_o you_o have_v enjoy_v the_o witnessing_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o thus_o there_o be_v many_o thing_n in_o that_o faith_n which_o receive_v witness_v word_n beside_o the_o persuasion_n of_o the_o thing_n witness_v which_o may_v difference_n a_o testimony_n of_o the_o spirit_n in_o this_o more_o immediate_a way_n from_o a_o delusion_n of_o satan_n or_o our_o own_o spirit_n object_n 2._o but_o may_v i_o not_o be_v very_o liable_a to_o be_v deceive_v about_o such_o act_n of_o faith_n see_v no_o scripture_n either_o express_o or_o by_o consequence_n say_v of_o any_o particular_a man_n that_o
interest_n or_o procure_v some_o outward_a disadvantage_n and_o may_v be_v incense_v against_o it_o upon_o that_o account_n as_o because_o a_o inordinate_a use_n of_o the_o creature_n procure_v disease_n to_o the_o body_n etc._n etc._n a_o parent_n may_v hate_v drunkenness_n or_o unlawful_a game_n because_o his_o child_n be_v like_a to_o become_v a_o bankrupt_a by_o such_o practice_n a_o child_n be_v threaten_v to_o be_v disinherited_a if_o he_o follow_v such_o way_n may_v hereupon_o bridle_v his_o affection_n and_o yet_o may_v be_v under_o the_o reign_a power_n of_o sin_n still_o but_o if_o its_o hinder_v in_o the_o exercise_n of_o some_o grace_n or_o in_o the_o performance_n of_o some_o duty_n or_o in_o the_o attainment_n of_o communion_n with_o christ_n etc._n etc._n raise_v its_o fear_n of_o sorrow_n for_o and_o hatred_n against_o sin_n than_o it_o act_v evangelical_o psal_n 51._o v._n 2.7.13_o hebr._n 12.1_o 6._o when_o it_o be_v by_o the_o application_n of_o the_o death_n of_o christ_n in_o a_o promise_n that_o it_o make_v resistance_n against_o sin_n rom._n 6._o v._n 4.14_o heb._n 9.14_o act._n 5.31_o revel_v 12._o v._n 9.11_o and_o they_o overcome_v by_o the_o blood_n of_o the_o lamb_n and_o by_o the_o word_n of_o their_o testimony_n joh._n 8._o v._n 34.36_o if_o the_o son_n shall_v make_v you_o free_a than_o you_o shall_v be_v free_a indeed_o this_o must_v be_v a_o ingredient_n in_o all_o the_o former_a particular_n no_o freedom_n from_o sin_n but_o by_o christ_n luk._n 1.71_o 72.74_o 75._o 7._o when_o sin_n itself_o be_v in_o subjection_n there_o be_v a_o inconsistency_n between_o sin_n reign_v and_o its_o be_v in_o subjection_n it_o can_v be_v both_o king_n and_o subject_a in_o the_o same_o soul_n at_o the_o same_o time_n there_o may_v be_v a_o conflict_n with_o sin_n and_o yet_o it_o may_v seem_v to_o get_v the_o upperhand_n for_o a_o time_n but_o when_o the_o soul_n have_v get_v sin_n beneath_o it_o than_o it_o be_v most_o conspicuous_a that_o sin_n do_v not_o reign_v as_o 1._o when_o the_o soul_n be_v enable_v to_o a_o speedy_a mortification_n of_o it_o upon_o all_o its_o rebellion_n it_o be_v like_o a_o conquer_a enemy_n that_o be_v not_o able_a to_o keep_v the_o field_n any_o long_o some_o party_n may_v rally_v and_o make_v some_o resistance_n but_o they_o do_v but_o hasten_v their_o own_o ruin_n thereby_o so_o the_o motion_n and_o stir_n of_o sin_n may_v be_v feel_v but_o the_o soul_n be_v enable_v to_o look_v unto_o christ_n and_o to_o oppose_v the_o word_n and_o blood_n of_o christ_n to_o these_o and_o it_o be_v speedy_o save_v revel_v 12._o v._n 8_o 9.11_o sin_n in_o the_o lusting_n of_o it_o be_v speedy_o crush_v suppress_v and_o conquer_v it_o can_v prevail_v upon_o the_o heart_n as_o former_o it_o have_v do_v but_o be_v lay_v low_a by_o every_o onset_n this_o be_v the_o report_n that_o may_v be_v give_v upon_o their_o fight_n corruption_n be_v cast_v out_o cast_v out_o this_o argue_v it_o have_v not_o dominion_n 2._o when_o even_o the_o former_a prevailing_n of_o corruption_n be_v make_v serviceable_a towards_o spiritual_a end_n as_o when_o they_o produce_v soule-humiliation_n selfe-abasement_n and_o fill_v it_o with_o the_o more_o admiration_n of_o and_o cause_v it_o to_o be_v so_o much_o the_o more_o studious_a for_o the_o advancement_n of_o the_o exceed_a riches_n of_o grace_n in_o open_v a_o way_n to_o deliverance_n from_o sin_n ezek._n 16.61.63_o eph._n 2._o v._n 5_o 6_o 7._o that_o it_o can_v triumph_v over_o sin_n through_o christ_n 1_o cor._n 15.56_o 57_o then_o sin_n be_v in_o subjection_n and_o thus_o i_o have_v discover_v when_o a_o soul_n be_v free_v from_o the_o dominion_n of_o sin_n but_o before_o i_o leave_v this_o i_o shall_v answer_v one_o objection_n chap._n xviii_o of_o the_o soul_n retain_v assurance_n notwithstanding_o the_o prevailing_n of_o corruption_n object_n but_o be_v it_o possible_a that_o a_o soul_n may_v retain_v assurance_n after_o it_o have_v find_v the_o prevailing_n of_o corruption_n if_o it_o former_o have_v it_o yet_o must_v it_o not_o avoidable_o loose_v it_o after_o a_o fall_n into_o sin_n premise_v 1._o sin_n be_v either_o of_o infirmity_n only_o or_o grosser_n sin_n which_o be_v the_o fall_v of_o the_o saint_n prem_n 2._o either_o there_o be_v a_o nourish_v of_o these_o sin_n or_o a_o endeavour_n to_o the_o utmost_a after_o the_o mortification_n of_o they_o answ_n 1._o assurance_n in_o the_o donation_n and_o continuation_n of_o it_o have_v a_o dependence_n on_o the_o free_a act_n of_o the_o divine_a spirit_n rom._n 8.16_o 1_o joh._n 5.6_o and_o hence_o if_o the_o spirit_n please_v that_o can_v continue_v such_o a_o work_n upon_o the_o heart_n at_o such_o a_o time_n and_o if_o that_o will_v suspend_v its_o operation_n though_o no_o such_o provocation_n be_v give_v it_o to_o withdraw_v yet_o it_o be_v not_o in_o the_o power_n of_o man_n to_o continue_v it_o one_o moment_n long_o 2._o a_o man_n ought_v not_o to_o throw_v or_o cast_v away_o his_o confidence_n so_o long_o as_o scripturall_a ground_n be_v afford_v to_o found_v it_o upon_o it_o be_v the_o gross_a mistake_n of_o too_o many_o christian_n if_o they_o fall_v into_o sin_n they_o reckon_v it_o their_o duty_n then_o to_o question_v their_o estate_n &_o to_o throw_v up_o all_o former_a persuasion_n of_o interest_n in_o christ_n whereas_o this_o be_v very_o sinful_a it_o not_o only_o want_v a_o word_n to_o warrant_v it_o for_o a_o duty_n but_o it_o be_v deny_v by_o the_o word_n to_o be_v one_o they_o ought_v to_o hold_v fast_o their_o confidence_n firm_a unto_o the_o end_n hebr._n 3.6_o &_o isai_n 49.14_o she_o be_v upbraid_v for_o say_v the_o lord_n have_v forsake_v she_o etc._n etc._n you_o be_v not_o to_o cast_v it_o away_o but_o upon_o a_o scripture-ground_n and_o see_v it_o be_v evident_a that_o fall_n be_v consistent_a with_o interest_n in_o christ_n as_o in_o the_o case_n of_o david_n and_o peter_n hence_o you_o can_v have_v a_o warrant_n from_o the_o word_n to_o make_v this_o a_o argument_n of_o be_v without_o christ_n 3._o the_o nourish_v of_o corruption_n have_v a_o tendency_n to_o deprive_v the_o soul_n of_o assurance_n heb._n 10.22_o psal_n 51.12_o and_o therefore_o it_o be_v extreme_o dangerous_a to_o cherish_v the_o least_o sin_n 4._o if_o thou_o enquire_v whither_o assurance_n may_v stand_v with_o the_o nourish_a any_o sin_n either_o thy_o question_n must_v look_v to_o the_o time_n past_a present_a or_o to_o come_v if_o to_o the_o time_n present_a or_o to_o come_v know_v that_o the_o lord_n have_v not_o grant_v thou_o liberty_n one_o moment_n for_o the_o nourish_a any_o corruption_n and_o so_o it_o be_v a_o sin_n to_o be_v studious_a to_o make_v assurance_n and_o any_o sin_n dwell_v together_o put_v a_o end_n to_o this_o question_n by_o cease_v to_o nourish_v for_o the_o present_a and_o by_o seek_v to_o prevent_v nourish_v any_o sin_n for_o the_o future_a but_o if_o it_o respect_v the_o time_n past_a that_o former_o thou_o do_v nourish_v some_o corruption_n thy_o after_o mortification_n of_o it_o be_v witness_v 5._o i_o suppose_v assurance_n may_v be_v retain_v after_o not_o only_o sin_n of_o infirmity_n but_o also_o after_o the_o fall_v of_o the_o saint_n when_o those_o sin_n be_v not_o nourish_v that_o it_o may_v continue_v after_o sin_n of_o infirmity_n be_v undeniable_a because_o else_o it_o be_v impossible_a for_o any_o to_o retain_v it_o see_v the_o best_a of_o saint_n be_v subject_a to_o these_o daily_o rom._n 7.15.24_o and_o for_o other_o sin_n see_v 1_o sam._n 12._o v._n 19_o 20.22_o they_o have_v make_v themselves_o guilty_a of_o great_a wickedness_n and_o be_v afraid_a of_o death_n for_o it_o but_o samuel_n forbid_v this_o fear_n and_o call_v they_o up_o unto_o confidence_n that_o the_o lord_n will_v not_o forsake_v they_o v._o 22._o for_o his_o own_o name_n sake_n micah_n 7._o v._o 8.9_o though_o i_o fall_v yet_o i_o shall_v arise_v here_o be_v assurance_n and_o yet_o under_o a_o fall_n and_o it_o be_v into_o sin_n v._o 9_o i_o have_v sin_v i_o say_v when_v sin_n be_v not_o nourish_v else_o the_o confidence_n be_v very_o suspicious_a for_o if_o there_o be_v sensible_a assurance_n this_o will_v make_v opposition_n against_o sin_n in_o the_o soul_n 1_o sam._n 12._o v._n 20.24_o 1_o joh._n 3.3_o every_o man_n that_o have_v this_o hope_n purify_v himself_o chap._n xix_o of_o separation_n of_o the_o heart_n to_o god_n and_o christ_n qu_n 2._o how_o may_v one_o know_v that_o his_o heart_n be_v separate_v to_o god_n and_o christ_n answ_n 1._o from_o his_o esteem_v of_o god_n and_o christ_n above_o all_o other_o thing_n psal_n 73.26_o 27._o who_o have_v i_o in_o heaven_n but_o thou_o a_o believer_n will_v account_v even_o heaven_n itself_o
assurance_n 4._o be_v much_o in_o selfe-examination_n it_o be_v the_o proper_a end_n of_o this_o duty_n to_o help_v a_o soul_n into_o a_o right_a understanding_n about_o its_o condition_n 2_o cor._n 13.5_o and_o hence_o it_o be_v that_o satan_n seek_v to_o beat_v off_o so_o much_o from_o this_o duty_n but_o exercise_n yourselves_o much_o to_o it_o at_o seasonable_a time_n i_o e._n when_o the_o eye_n of_o your_o soul_n be_v clear_a in_o a_o day_n of_o desertion_n they_o be_v dim_a and_o so_o you_o will_v be_v liable_a to_o mis-judge_n about_o your_o state_n and_o you_o be_v principal_o then_o to_o attend_v upon_o other_o duty_n as_o the_o inquire_n into_o the_o cause_n of_o the_o lord_n withdraw_v and_o a_o come_n up_o to_o his_o end_n therein_o and_o a_o seek_n for_o its_o return_n etc._n etc._n but_o selfe-judging_a act_n be_v of_o great_a use_n towards_o assurance_n when_o the_o soul_n be_v not_o disable_v for_o know_v its_o condition_n 5._o be_v much_o in_o the_o observation_n of_o god_n deal_n with_o your_o own_o soul_n god_n end_n towards_o the_o israelite_n in_o all_o their_o temptation_n and_o miraculous_a preservation_n be_v that_o they_o may_v know_v that_o he_o be_v the_o lord_n their_o god_n deut._n 29._o v._o 3_o 4_o 5_o 6._o and_o it_o be_v charge_v upon_o they_o as_o a_o great_a evil_n that_o they_o soon_o forget_v god_n work_n psal_n 106.13_o christian_n know_v not_o what_o they_o lose_v by_o bury_v their_o experience_n they_o disable_v themselves_o for_o strengthen_v the_o weak_a hand_n and_o confirm_v the_o feeble_a knee_n of_o other_o and_o it_o be_v a_o great_a disadvantage_n to_o themselves_o the_o apostle_n exhort_v to_o add_v one_o grace_n to_o another_o as_o one_o mean_v to_o make_v their_o call_n and_o election_n sure_a 2_o pet._n 1._o v._n 5_o 6.10_o a_o heap_n of_o experience_n must_v needs_o conduce_v much_o to_o the_o clear_n up_o the_o state_n though_o you_o can_v keep_v but_o the_o shell_n the_o carcase_n of_o your_o experience_n yet_o have_v they_o upon_o record_n and_o afterward_o the_o lord_n may_v cause_v dry_a bone_n to_o live_v 6._o be_v often_o renew_v act_n of_o faith_n especial_o take_v all_o opportunity_n that_o be_v offer_v for_o the_o most_o eminent_a act_n of_o it_o when_o abraham_n by_o a_o eminent_a act_n of_o faith_n have_v declare_v his_o willingness_n to_o follow_v god_n call_v in_o the_o offer_n up_o of_o isaac_n then_o he_o obtain_v a_o double_a testimony_n of_o acceptation_n with_o god_n gen._n 22._o five_o 11_o 12._o a_o angel_n call_v to_o he_o out_o of_o heaven_n this_o angel_n be_v christ_n for_o he_o speak_v as_o god_n v._o 12.16_o and_o his_o speak_v to_o abraham_n be_v for_o a_o double_a end_n 1._o to_o stay_v his_o hand_n v._o 12.2_o to_o manifest_v the_o acceptation_n of_o the_o person_n v._o 12._o now_o i_o know_v thou_o fear_v god_n see_v thou_o have_v not_o withhold_v thy_o son_n thy_o only_a son_n from_o i_o and_o the_o lord_n be_v not_o content_a with_o this_o but_o v._o 15_o 16._o the_o angel_n of_o the_o lord_n call_v unto_o abraham_n out_o of_o heaven_n the_o second_o time_n if_o isaac_n have_v die_v one_o sight_n of_o christ_n will_v abundant_o have_v recompense_v abraham_n for_o his_o great_a loss_n but_o behold_v after_o this_o eminent_a act_n of_o grace_n he_o come_v again_o the_o second_o time_n there_o be_v many_o thing_n that_o doubtless_o do_v endear_v isaac_n to_o he_o he_o be_v his_o son_n and_o only_a son_n v._o 16._o and_o a_o son_n of_o promise_n too_o heb._n 11.17_o and_o the_o slay_v of_o he_o seem_v to_o cross_v both_o god_n command_n that_o he_o shall_v not_o kill_v and_o that_o promise_v in_o isaac_n shall_v thy_o seed_n be_v call_v v._o 18._o and_o yet_o his_o faith_n get_v above_o all_o and_o he_o have_v a_o double_a appearance_n of_o christ_n after_o it_o object_n but_o the_o dispensation_n of_o god_n towards_o i_o seem_v to_o run_v cross_a to_o the_o promise_v that_o faith_n shall_v act_v upon_o and_o so_o do_v forbid_v my_o believe_a however_o i_o find_v my_o heart_n so_o out_o of_o frame_n and_o my_o condition_n so_o sad_a that_o i_o dare_v not_o act_v faith_n on_o promise_n answ_n 1._o it_o be_v thy_o duty_n to_o believe_v on_o christ_n whatever_o thy_o condition_n be_v if_o thou_o have_v not_o commit_v the_o unpardonable_a sin_n thou_o can_v not_o tell_v but_o that_o thou_o may_v find_v mercy_n if_o thou_o want_v interest_n in_o christ_n it_o be_v high_a time_n for_o thou_o to_o seek_v after_o it_o by_o believe_v trouble_v and_o perplex_v not_o thy_o soul_n so_o much_o about_o that_o question_n whither_o thou_o have_v believe_v or_o not_o but_o put_v it_o out_o of_o doubt_n by_o a_o fresh_a act_n of_o faith_n a_o repetition_n of_o act_n of_o faith_n be_v very_o suitable_a to_o a_o saint_n in_o his_o dark_a condition_n isai_n 50.10_o he_o that_o walk_v in_o such_o darkness_n that_o be_v have_v no_o light_n be_v enjoin_v then_o to_o trust_v in_o the_o name_n of_o god_n if_o particular_a promise_n fail_v or_o be_v out_o of_o sight_n and_o sensible_a experience_n fail_v that_o it_o be_v a_o midnight_n of_o darkness_n with_o the_o soul_n yet_o there_o be_v the_o name_n of_o god_n to_o run_v to_o and_o trust_v in_o still_o what_o his_o name_n be_v see_v exod._n 34._o v._o 5_o 6._o the_o lord_n god_n merciful_a gracious_a long-suffering_a abundant_a in_o goodness_n and_o truth_n forgive_a iniquity_n and_o transgression_n and_o sin_n etc._n etc._n when_o thou_o can_v not_o see_v that_o he_o be_v gracious_a to_o thou_o or_o that_o he_o have_v forgive_v thy_o sin_n yet_o put_v forth_o a_o act_n of_o faith_n upon_o he_o through_o christ_n and_o in_o that_o way_n wait_v for_o his_o be_v gracious_a and_o for_o his_o forgive_n thy_o sin_n i_o will_v not_o have_v a_o soul_n upon_o slighty_a ground_n cast_v away_o all_o former_a experience_n but_o if_o egyptian_a darkness_n seem_v to_o cover_v it_o the_o best_a way_n to_o recover_v all_o again_o be_v by_o a_o new_a act_n of_o faith_n psal_n 56.3_o what_o time_n i_o be_o afraid_a i_o will_v trust_v in_o thou_o when_o it_o be_v afraid_a of_o unsoundnes_n of_o heart_n than_o it_o ought_v to_o trust_v in_o god_n as_o well_o as_o under_o other_o fear_n 2._o oftentimes_o the_o lord_n do_v cast_v in_o matter_n of_o discouragement_n in_o a_o soul_n way_n to_o believe_a purposely_o to_o draw_v out_o act_n of_o faith_n rom._n 4._o v._n 19_o 20._o abraham_n body_n be_v dead_a and_o sarahs_n womb_n dead_a before_o the_o son_n of_o promise_n be_v give_v math._n 15.24_o i_o come_v not_o but_o to_o the_o lose_a sheep_n of_o the_o house_n of_o israel_n here_o be_v a_o word_n to_o appearance_n against_o she_o so_o that_o a_o man_n may_v have_v seem_a impossibility_n in_o the_o way_n to_o his_o mercy_n yea_o a_o word_n may_v be_v cast_v in_o and_o that_o by_o christ_n that_o may_v seem_v to_o speak_v against_o he_o and_o yet_o it_o may_v be_v intend_v by_o christ_n but_o for_o the_o trial_n of_o faith_n not_o to_o hinder_v believe_v but_o usual_o in_o such_o case_n the_o lord_n give_v clearness_n about_o what_o be_v duty_n before_o he_o block_v up_o the_o way_n to_o it_o yea_o and_o hold_v up_o the_o heart_n to_o it_o in_o the_o midst_n of_o such_o discouragement_n this_o woman_n be_v the_o more_o importunate_a the_o more_o repulse_n and_o seem_a denial_n she_o have_v from_o christ_n what_o the_o word_n do_v undoubted_o warrant_v to_o be_v thy_o duty_n in_o that_o condition_n thou_o be_v in_o though_o thou_o may_v seem_v to_o have_v a_o word_n and_o never_o so_o much_o against_o there_o yet_o thou_o ought_v the_o more_o eager_o to_o own_o thy_o duty_n and_o believe_v be_v the_o great_a command_n of_o christ_n to_o all_o that_o hear_v the_o sound_n of_o the_o gospel_n mark_n 16._o v._n 15_o 16._o rom._n 10.9_o 1_o joh._n 3.23_o yea_o it_o be_v a_o duty_n at_o all_o time_n â—or_a in_o all_o condition_n psal_n 62.8_o and_o know_v that_o christ_n do_v never_o contradict_v his_o own_o command_n to_o forbid_v any_o soul_n believe_v and_o therefore_o nothing_o shall_v beat_v thou_o off_o from_o this_o it_o be_v thy_o duty_n to_o live_v a_o life_n offaith_n when_o thou_o want_v feeling_n christ_n be_v without_o feel_v when_o he_o cry_v out_o why_o have_v thou_o forsake_v i_o and_o yet_o not_o without_o a_o faith_n of_o assurance_n for_o he_o say_v my_o god_n my_o god_n so_o psal_n 89._o v._n 34_o 35_o 36._o the_o lord_n engage_v himself_o by_o covenant_n and_o oath_n that_o the_o throne_n of_o david_n shall_v be_v astablish_v for_o ever_o and_o present_o he_o be_v rush_v under_o such_o dispensation_n as_o do_v threaten_v the_o non-accomplishment_n of_o what_o be_v promise_v v._o 38_o
39_o etc._n etc._n but_o the_o lord_n end_v herein_o be_v not_o to_o lead_v he_o into_o contradictory_n apprehension_n to_o his_o oath_n that_o he_o have_v pass_v just_a before_o but_o to_o give_v he_o a_o opportunity_n to_o believe_v above_o and_o against_o hope_n 7._o in_o all_o importunity_n with_o god_n for_o the_o testimony_n of_o his_o spirit_n make_v use_n of_o argument_n draw_v from_o god_n himself_o do_v not_o present_v the_o lord_n with_o your_o prayer_n or_o any_o performance_n of_o your_o own_o but_o urge_v his_o name_n nature_n word_n or_o free_a promise_n etc._n etc._n isai_n 63._o v._n 15._o he_o plead_v and_o expostulate_v with_o the_o lord_n where_o be_v thy_o zeal_n and_o strength_n the_o sound_v of_o thy_o bowel_n and_o of_o thy_o mercy_n towards_o i_o be_v they_o restrain_v and_o present_o there_o be_v assurance_n v._o 16._o doubtless_o thou_o be_v our_o father_n so_o exod._n 34.6_o the_o lord_n proclaim_v that_o he_o pardon_v iniquity_n transgression_n and_o sin_n and_o moses_n take_v advantage_n to_o challenge_v god_n of_o his_o word_n a_o long_a time_n after_o numb_a 14._o v._n 17_o 18._o as_o thou_o have_v speak_v say_v the_o lord_n be_v long-suffering_a and_o of_o great_a mercy_n forgive_a iniquity_n and_o at_o last_o he_o draw_v out_o a_o testimony_n from_o the_o lord_n v._o 20._o i_o have_v pardon_v according_a to_o thy_o word_n 8._o seek_v for_o much_o inward_a acquaintance_n with_o the_o write_a word_n the_o word_n declare_v what_o faith_n be_v and_o so_o for_o other_o grace_n it_o be_v the_o touchstone_n to_o try_v a_o testimony_n by_o that_o be_v attain_v it_o be_v a_o preservative_n against_o sin_n and_o temptation_n if_o hide_v in_o the_o heart_n psal_n 119.11_o math._n 4.10_o and_o these_o yield_v to_o do_v tend_v to_o weaken_v and_o darken_v assurance_n here_o i_o shall_v add_v a_o few_o rule_n about_o make_v use_n of_o scripture_n that_o may_v be_v profitable_a not_o only_o towards_o assurance_n but_o to_o other_o end_n also_o 1._o some_o spiritual_a consideration_n see_v to_o arise_v from_o the_o word_n may_v be_v make_v use_n of_o as_o well_o as_o express_v scripture_n if_o thou_o have_v a_o temptation_n that_o thou_o can_v not_o find_v any_o express_a scripture_n to_o help_v thou_o against_o it_o yet_o some_o scripturall_a consideration_n may_v be_v beneficial_a towards_o thy_o relief_n and_o soule-establishment_n psal_n 73._o he_o be_v tempt_v by_o the_o prosperity_n of_o the_o wicked_a and_o the_o adversity_n of_o the_o saint_n to_o say_v v._o 13._o very_o have_v cleanse_v my_o heart_n in_o vain_a and_o he_o be_v at_o a_o great_a loss_n v._o 16_o 17._o when_o i_o think_v to_o know_v this_o it_o be_v too_o painful_a for_o i_o until_o i_o go_v into_o the_o sanctuary_n but_o how_o be_v he_o keep_v up_o against_o the_o temptation_n before_o his_o go_v into_o the_o sanctuary_n v._o 15._o if_o i_o say_v i_o will_v speak_v thus_o behold_v i_o shall_v offend_v against_o the_o generation_n of_o thy_o child_n this_o spiritual_a consideration_n keep_v it_o from_o prevail_a viz._n that_o if_o he_o shall_v affirm_v it_o he_o must_v say_v that_o the_o lord_n never_o have_v a_o people_n on_o earth_n for_o adam_n noah_n abraham_n isaac_n jacob_n and_o all_o the_o son_n of_o god_n that_o ever_o be_v have_v be_v exercise_v with_o affliction_n and_o cross_n 2._o that_o which_o be_v agreeable_a to_o the_o drift_n and_o consonant_n to_o the_o mind_n of_o god_n or_o his_o main_a end_n in_o any_o scripture_n it_o to_o he_o own_v as_o of_o god_n though_o not_o contain_v in_o express_a word_n in_o scripture_n a_o christian_a be_v apt_a to_o be_v stumble_v when_o some_o part_n of_o a_o scripture_n though_o of_o a_o perfect_a and_o entire_a sense_n be_v cast_v in_o if_o there_o be_v a_o variation_n in_o some_o term_n from_o the_o word_n of_o scripture_n and_o hereupon_o he_o be_v ready_a to_o reject_v it_o and_o to_o reckon_v it_o not_o from_o god_n whereas_o if_o it_o bear_v the_o sense_n of_o some_o one_o place_n or_o have_v the_o drift_n of_o the_o lord_n in_o it_o thou_o ought_v to_o improve_v it_o if_o suitable_a to_o thy_o condition_n else_o all_o interpretation_n of_o the_o word_n be_v useless_a math._n 4._o v._n 9_o satan_n tempt_v christ_n to_o worship_v he_o and_o christ_n oppose_v he_o with_o deut._n 6.13_o &_o 10.20_o thou_o shall_v fear_v the_o lord_n thy_o god_n and_o serve_v he_o by_o fear_v here_o be_v mean_v worship_n as_o fear_v isa_n 29.13_o be_v expound_v by_o worship_n math._n 15.9_o and_o serve_v he_o be_v intend_v exclusive_o of_o service_n to_o any_o other_o as_o appeareth_z deut._n 6.14_o and_o though_o neither_o worship_n nor_o only_a be_v find_v in_o the_o place_n he_o allege_v and_o the_o chief_a stress_n of_o the_o answer_n rest_v upon_o those_o two_o word_n yet_o because_o that_o be_v the_o true_a sense_n &_o meaning_n of_o they_o hence_o christ_n say_v it_o be_v write_v thou_o shall_v worship_v the_o lord_n thy_o god_n and_o he_o only_o shall_v thou_o serve_v so_o that_o scripture_n in_o the_o true_a sense_n of_o they_o be_v useful_a against_o temptation_n and_o towards_o comfort_n or_o any_o spiritual_a end_n though_o the_o very_a term_n be_v not_o find_v in_o the_o word_n that_o be_v in_o thy_o thought_n 3._o a_o scripture_n make_v use_v of_o in_o one_o condition_n may_v have_v much_o deducible_a from_o it_o that_o may_v be_v succour_v to_o a_o soul_n in_o another_o condition_n or_o that_o which_o be_v use_v upon_o one_o occasion_n may_v be_v useful_a on_o another_o occasion_n math._n 4._o v._n 7._o it_o be_v write_v thou_o shall_v not_o tempt_v the_o lord_n christ_n make_v use_v of_o that_o scripture_n deut._n 6.16_o here_o it_o be_v speak_v to_o israel_n christ_n allege_v it_o against_o satan_n here_o israel_n be_v forbid_v tempt_a god_n as_o at_o massab_n of_o which_o see_v exod._n 17._o v._o 1.7_o in_o their_o distress_n and_o want_v they_o tempt_v god_n by_o say_v be_v god_n among_o we_o their_o not_o trust_v god_n for_o extraordinary_a preservation_n and_o provision_n be_v their_o tempt_a of_o he_o and_o yet_o christ_n allege_v it_o against_o trust_v of_o god_n for_o extraordinary_a preservation_n without_o a_o call_v to_o it_o or_o when_o ordinary_a mean_n be_v afford_v 4._o a_o part_n of_o a_o scripture_n may_v be_v intend_v for_o thy_o present_a advantage_n &_o not_o the_o whole_a math._n 4._o v._n 7._o christ_n make_v use_v of_o but_o part_n of_o that_o deut._n 6.16_o so_o much_o of_o it_o as_o waâ—_n suitable_a to_o his_o present_a occasion_n so_o one_o part_n of_o a_o promise_n may_v be_v fulfil_v to_o thou_o and_o it_o be_v no_o ground_n of_o question_v whither_o it_o be_v from_o the_o lord_n or_o no_o because_o the_o whole_a of_o it_o be_v not_o accomplish_v to_o thou_o 5._o a_o bare_a give_v in_o of_o a_o word_n be_v not_o a_o safe_a ground_n for_o conclusion_n about_o what_o be_v a_o soul_n duty_n or_o condition_n i_o observe_v that_o christian_n in_o these_o day_n build_v much_o upon_o the_o give_v or_o bint_v in_o of_o word_n when_o they_o be_v in_o a_o great_a ftreight_o about_o what_o be_v their_o duty_n or_o what_o they_o be_v call_v to_o if_o a_o write_a word_n be_v hint_v though_o it_o speak_v nothing_o to_o the_o case_n in_o hand_n neither_o express_o nor_o by_o consequence_n yet_o if_o they_o have_v inclination_n thereupon_o to_o one_o way_n more_o than_o another_o they_o be_v apt_a to_o conclude_v their_o call_n to_o lie_v there_o whereas_o if_o the_o word_n which_o be_v give_v in_o do_v evidence_n this_o to_o be_v duty_n at_o this_o time_n or_o in_o this_o condition_n then_o they_o have_v cause_n to_o bless_v the_o lord_n for_o the_o bring_n to_o remembrance_n a_o word_n which_o be_v of_o directive_n use_v to_o they_o but_o then_o they_o be_v to_o make_v not_o the_o give_v in_o of_o the_o word_n but_o the_o word_n it_o felse_a the_o rule_n and_o warrant_v that_o this_o be_v their_o duty_n other_o that_o know_v this_o or_o that_o to_o be_v the_o duty_n of_o believer_n yet_o they_o do_v not_o set_v about_o it_o until_o they_o have_v some_o particular_a word_n hint_v in_o to_o encourage_v thereunto_o and_o they_o wait_v for_o this_o bless_v god_n when_o you_o have_v one_o but_o if_o the_o spirit_n have_v enjoin_v it_o once_o by_o the_o word_n which_o be_v its_o own_o voice_n it_o must_v needs_o be_v sin_n and_o disobedience_n to_o neglect_v the_o duty_n though_o he_o do_v not_o add_v inward_a impulsion_n to_o it_o other_o upon_o the_o give_n in_o of_o some_o consolatory_a or_o witness_v word_n be_v apt_a to_o conciude_v about_o their_o in_o to_o dit_fw-fr in_o christ_n thence_o but_o all_o these_o act_n very_o 〈…〉_o 1._o because_o satan_n 〈◊〉_d a_o hand_n in_o the_o
use_n solicitation_n by_o a_o word_n as_o well_o we_o the_o divine_a spirit_n meth._n 4._o v._o 6._o satan_n it_o 〈◊〉_d christ_n with_o a_o it_o be_v write_v 〈…〉_o excite_v thou_o to_o that_o which_o as_o not_o thy_o duty_n by_o a_o word_n therefore_o unless_o thou_o can_v certain_o promise_v thyself_o that_o it_o proceed_v from_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n it_o can_v be_v evident_v either_o of_o what_o be_v thy_o duty_n or_o condition_n unless_o the_o word_n it_o false_a give_v in_o do_v evidence_n it_o 2._o because_o i_o finder_n no_o rule_n to_o evidence_n that_o the_o spirit_n hime_v in_o of_o word_n be_v a_o ground_n for_o such_o conclusion_n i_o have_v hear_v many_o relate_v extraordinary_a passage_n of_o providence_n that_o attend_v the_o come_n in_o of_o the_o word_n as_o they_o do_v not_o know_v that_o there_o be_v any_o such_o scripture_n on_o where_o it_o be_v and_o yet_o open_v the_o book_n it_o be_v the_o first_o plâ—â—â—_n the_o eye_n be_v cast_v upon_o etc._n etc._n now_o they_o ought_v to_o take_v notice_n of_o and_o own_v 〈…〉_o markable_a way_n as_o these_o be_v 〈…〉_o of_o the_o spirit_n be_v not_o hereby_o to_o 〈…〉_o conclude_v about_o their_o own_o condition_n for_o mediate_o from_o the_o hint_n 〈◊〉_d the_o word_n but_o mediate_o by_o their_o come_n upon_o 〈◊〉_d end_n that_o the_o word_n itself_o which_o be_v hinâ—ed_v in_o point_v at_o a_o believer_n shall_v think_v thus_o with_o himself_o sure_o it_o be_v of_o great_a concernment_n to_o i_o to_o improve_v this_o word_n lesser_a providence_n ought_v to_o be_v follow_v up_o towards_o gospel_n end_n but_o great_a much_o more_o and_o therefore_o it_o stand_v i_o in_o hand_n to_o look_v about_o i_o that_o these_o remarkable_a one_o pass_v not_o away_o without_o attain_v some_o special_a end_n and_o if_o the_o word_n be_v improve_v for_o the_o end_v it_o aim_v at_o as_o quicken_a supportment_n the_o act_n of_o some_o grace_n etc._n etc._n these_o improvement_n of_o it_o be_v witness_v but_o if_o these_o be_v neglect_v the_o end_n of_o the_o spirit_n in_o cast_v it_o in_o be_v unattain_v and_o so_o the_o conclusion_n draw_v from_o it_o be_v ungrounded_a 3._o because_o the_o prophet_n david_n ascribe_v all_o such_o effect_n to_o the_o word_n itself_o psal_n 119._o v._n 24.50.105.133_o it_o be_v the_o word_n that_o direct_v counsel_v quicken_v and_o comsort_v he_o doubtless_o there_o be_v a_o application_n of_o the_o word_n else_o it_o will_v not_o have_v accomplish_v these_o end_n but_o application_n denote_v the_o conveyance_n of_o the_o word_n into_o the_o heart_n and_o its_o implantation_n engraft_v and_o work_v mighty_o there_o which_o be_v sarre_o more_o then_o a_o hint_n of_o it_o in_o or_o the_o bring_n it_o to_o mind_n and_o yet_o he_o resolve_v all_o into_o the_o word_n itself_o apply_v rather_o than_o into_o the_o application_n 4._o because_o of_o the_o inconvenience_n and_o dangerous_a consequence_n that_o usual_o attend_v build_a conclusion_n about_o its_o duty_n or_o condition_n upon_o the_o bare_a hint_n in_o of_o word_n as_o hence_o a_o foul_a be_v often_o ready_a to_o reject_v a_o word_n suitable_a to_o its_o condition_n which_o if_o own_a might_n be_v of_o great_a advantage_n to_o it_o o_o say_v the_o soul_n i_o know_v not_o whither_o it_o only_o come_v to_o my_o remembrance_n by_o often_o read_v of_o it_o or_o be_v give_v in_o by_o the_o spirit_n whereas_o thou_o ought_v to_o have_v familiar_a acquaintance_n with_o the_o word_n deut._n 6._o v._o 7._o and_o it_o be_v thy_o mercy_n if_o thy_o mind_n be_v fill_v with_o variety_n of_o word_n suitable_a to_o the_o several_a exigency_n necessity_n and_o temptation_n thou_o meet_v withal_o their_o be_v familiarize_v to_o thou_o shall_v be_v so_o far_o from_o occasion_v perplexity_n that_o it_o ought_v to_o be_v reckon_v thy_o great_a mercy_n that_o thou_o have_v they_o at_o hand_n when_o many_o be_v much_o at_o a_o loss_n for_o want_v of_o suitable_a word_n to_o their_o condition_n but_o know_v that_o the_o lord_n have_v bundle_v up_o the_o promise_n in_o the_o word_n that_o upon_o all_o occasion_n thou_o may_v have_v recourse_n to_o he_o by_o they_o for_o what_o thou_o want_v and_o so_o thou_o shall_v be_v so_o far_o from_o disow_v a_o suitable_a word_n when_o hint_v in_o that_o thou_o ought_v to_o go_v and_o take_v a_o word_n when_o it_o be_v not_o give_v in_o it_o be_v thy_o duty_n to_o search_v the_o scripture_n when_o thou_o be_v at_o a_o loss_n about_o any_o matter_n and_o to_o improve_v any_o word_n futable_a to_o thy_o condition_n that_o thou_o find_v as_o well_o as_o if_o it_o be_v hint_v in_o john_n 5.39_o search_v the_o scripture_n act_n 17._o v._o 11._o again_o some_o have_v persist_v in_o the_o neglect_n of_o their_o duty_n a_o great_a while_n for_o the_o want_n of_o the_o give_v in_o of_o a_o word_n and_o have_v lose_v much_o communion_n with_o god_n hereby_o other_o seeing_z themselves_o mistake_v in_o their_o conclusion_n from_o the_o hint_n in_o of_o word_n have_v be_v lead_v into_o a_o question_n of_o all_o their_o other_o experience_n therefore_o if_o a_o word_n suitable_a to_o thy_o condition_n be_v give_v in_o bless_v the_o lord_n for_o it_o if_o not_o find_v out_o one_o and_o take_v it_o whether_o it_o be_v a_o witness_v quicken_a support_v or_o comfort_v word_n and_o pray_v over_o it_o yea_o give_v the_o lord_n no_o rest_n until_o he_o have_v make_v a_o powerful_a application_n of_o thy_o heart_n so_o as_o to_o draw_v that_o out_o after_o christ_n by_o it_o and_o without_o this_o improvement_n of_o it_o for_o its_o proper_a end_n it_o point_v at_o the_o hint_n of_o it_o in_o will_v prove_v of_o but_o little_a advantage_n to_o there_o though_o by_o the_o spirit_n 9_o last_o hold_v fast_o the_o doctrine_n of_o perseverance_n the_o lord_n have_v promise_v that_o he_o will_v put_v his_o fear_n in_o their_o heart_n that_o he_o ow_v in_o the_o everlasting_a covenant_n that_o they_o shall_v not_o depart_v from_o he_o jere._n 32._o v._o 40._o and_o see_v psal_n 89_o v._n 30_o 31_o 32_o 33_o 34._o if_o his_o child_n forsake_v my_o law_n if_o they_o break_v my_o statute_n then_o will_v i_o visit_v their_o transgression_n with_o a_o rod_n and_o their_o iniquity_n with_o stripe_n nevertheless_o my_o love_a kindness_n will_v i_o not_o utter_o take_v from_o he_o my_o covenant_n will_v i_o not_o break_v here_o the_o lord_n declare_v what_o he_o will_v do_v if_o his_o people_n sin_n not_o cast_v they_o off_o but_o correct_v they_o so_o isa_n 54._o v._n 8_o 9_o 10._o as_o i_o have_v swear_v that_o the_o water_n of_o noah_n shall_v no_o more_o go_v over_o the_o earth_n so_o have_v i_o swear_v that_o i_o will_v not_o be_v wroth_a with_o thou_o nor_o rebuke_v thou_o for_o the_o mountain_n shall_v depart_v and_o the_o hill_n be_v remove_v but_o my_o kindness_n shall_v not_o depart_v from_o thou_o neither_o shall_v the_o covenant_n of_o my_o peace_n be_v remove_v say_v the_o lord_n that_o have_v mercy_n on_o thou_o a_o saint_n may_v fall_v into_o sin_n but_o he_o can_v fall_v from_o his_o faith_n see_v luke_n 22.32_o comp_n with_o john_n 17.20_o let_v go_v the_o doctrine_n of_o perseverance_n and_o thy_o peace_n will_v be_v like_o a_o morning_n dew_n that_o pass_v away_o but_o retain_v this_o and_o then_o thou_o may_v rejoice_v in_o the_o hope_n of_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n finis_fw-la rose_n from_z sharon_n or_o sweet_a experience_n gather_v up_o by_o some_o precious_a heart_n whilst_o they_o follow_v on_o to_o know_v the_o lord_n publish_a for_o public_a soul-advantage_n cant._n 4.16_o awake_v o_o northwind_n and_o come_v thou_o south_n blow_v upon_o my_o garden_n that_o the_o spice_n thereof_o may_v flow_v out_o let_v my_o belove_a come_v into_o his_o garden_n and_o eat_v his_o pleasant_a fruit_n cant._n 7.12_o let_v we_o get_v up_o early_o to_o the_o vineyard_n let_v we_o see_v if_o the_o vine_n flourish_n whither_o the_o tender_a grape_n appear_v and_o the_o pomegranate_n bud_v forth_o there_o will_v i_o give_v thou_o my_o love_n london_n print_v by_o m._n s._n for_o livewell_n chapman_n 1654._o the_o epistle_n to_o the_o reader_n christian_n reader_n as_o christ_n the_o spiritual_a aaron_n do_v bear_v the_o name_n of_o spiritual_a israelite_n on_o his_o heart_n so_o they_o also_o do_v bear_v his_o name_n on_o they_o they_o be_v the_o epistle_n of_o christ_n and_o have_v his_o will_n write_v by_o the_o finger_n of_o the_o spirit_n on_o their_o inward_a man_n there_o be_v much_o intercourse_n and_o communion_n between_o christ_n and_o they_o and_o many_o sweet_a pussage_n which_o carnal_a heart_n know_v not_o of_o there_o be_v many_o outgoing_n of_o their_o joule_n towards_o christ_n and_o incoming_n of_o christ_n into_o