if_o thou_o object_n but_o sir_n these_o remedy_n be_v in_o vain_a prescribe_v to_o i_o who_o if_o i_o can_v do_v these_o thing_n shall_v have_v no_o need_n to_o complain_v of_o the_o disease_n see_v the_o very_a cure_n consist_v in_o be_v able_a to_o apply_v such_o mean_n to_o effect_v it_o if_o i_o can_v be_v sensible_a of_o this_o sin_n and_o be_v humble_v deep_o for_o it_o and_o wait_v upon_o mean_n as_o i_o ought_v my_o heart_n will_v be_v no_o long_o such_o as_o you_o speak_v of_o i_o complain_v of_o a_o hard_a heart_n and_o a_o impenitent_a heart_n and_o you_o seem_v to_o bid_v i_o get_v a_o penitent_a heart_n that_o i_o may_v get_v a_o penitent_a heart_n and_o this_o seem_v absurd_a answ_n 1._o it_o may_v be_v this_o very_a case_n serious_o take_v into_o consideration_n will_v affect_v the_o heart_n when_o no_o other_o thing_n will_n and_o we_o find_v it_o by_o the_o experience_n of_o god_n call_v once_o that_o they_o find_v nothing_o more_o usual_a then_o to_o be_v most_o sensible_a of_o their_o own_o hardness_n and_o insensibleness_n and_o it_o be_v so_o because_o hardness_n of_o heart_n be_v not_o only_o a_o sin_n but_o a_o judgement_n now_o sense_n of_o judgement_n may_v bring_v sense_n of_o sin_n i_o advise_v thou_o therefore_o to_o be_v sensible_a of_o it_o as_o a_o judgement_n that_o thou_o may_v be_v make_v sensible_a of_o it_o in_o time_n as_o a_o sin_n 2_o to_o one_o in_o thy_o condition_n this_o be_v the_o great_a and_o master_n sin_n and_o by_o consequence_n the_o most_o dangerous_a wound_n of_o thy_o soul_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v most_o suitable_a and_o likely_a to_o be_v successful_a to_o begin_v the_o work_n of_o sorrow_n and_o humiliation_n at_o that_o sin_n as_o in_o a_o complication_n of_o many_o disease_n in_o a_o patient_n the_o physician_n think_v it_o most_o proper_a to_o apply_v himself_o to_o the_o master-distemper_n primary_o and_o principal_o and_o the_o rest_n will_v abate_v with_o it_o they_o be_v but_o symptomatical_a 3._o when_o i_o bid_v thou_o labour_n for_o a_o spirit_n deep_o affect_v with_o this_o sin_n and_o to_o endeavour_v to_o reduce_v thyself_o to_o thy_o former_a conviction_n thereby_o i_o purposely_o prescribe_v this_o course_n because_o i_o know_v if_o thou_o can_v attain_v a_o heart_n sensible_a of_o its_o own_o resistance_n to_o the_o spirit_n of_o grace_n etc._n etc._n thou_o be_v so_o far_o recover_v and_o this_o advantage_n be_v peculiar_a to_o this_o condition_n that_o to_o be_v affect_v with_o it_o be_v to_o be_v recover_v out_o of_o it_o and_o this_o be_v a_o great_a encouragement_n to_o labour_v for_o this_o frame_n of_o spirit_n as_o one_o sin_n beget_v another_o so_o humiliation_n for_o one_o will_v beget_v humiliation_n for_o all_o for_o the_o same_o tenderness_n which_o render_v the_o heart_n capable_a of_o the_o impression_n of_o godly_a sorrow_n for_o one_o sin_n render_v it_o as_o penetrable_a by_o other_o 4._o when_o i_o bid_v thou_o labour_n to_o recover_v thy_o former_a tenderness_n i_o mean_v not_o as_o if_o i_o will_v have_v thou_o reduce_v thyself_o thereunto_o by_o a_o power_n in_o thyself_o but_o by_o address_v thyself_o to_o god_n by_o importunate_a prayer_n to_o take_v away_o that_o resistance_n hardness_n and_o impenitency_n of_o thy_o heart_n which_o so_o frequent_o repulse_v the_o spirit_n of_o god_n and_o reject_v its_o own_o salvation_n go_v to_o god_n and_o say_v lord_n i_o have_v a_o hard_a heart_n a_o heart_n that_o can_v repent_v according_a to_o promise_v give_v i_o a_o heart_n of_o flesh_n etc._n etc._n obj._n but_o i_o have_v a_o great_a deal_n of_o joy_n and_o peace_n and_o the_o course_n you_o advise_v to_o will_v put_v all_o out_o of_o order_n again_o ans_fw-fr 1._o i_o have_v tell_v thou_o before_o that_o it_o be_v better_a to_o break_v a_o unsound_a peace_n of_o conscience_n here_o then_o to_o continue_v it_o all_o our_o life_n till_o death_n and_o hell_n break_v it_o whether_o we_o will_v or_o no._n especial_o see_v 2._o the_o break_n of_o this_o false_a peace_n be_v a_o way_n to_o recover_v a_o true_a and_o sound_a peace_n then_o we_o be_v towards_o a_o peace_n with_o god_n when_o we_o fall_v out_o with_o ourselves_o and_o our_o sin_n when_o we_o combine_v against_o his_o enemy_n in_o that_o work_n he_o be_v engage_v to_o assist_v we_o and_o if_o we_o be_v once_o absolute_o break_v from_o they_o and_o engage_v to_o the_o destruction_n of_o they_o ipso_fw-la facto_fw-la we_o become_v his_o confederate_n obj._n but_o i_o have_v have_v a_o great_a name_n for_o religion_n and_o have_v bear_v myself_o high_a upon_o my_o comfortable_a attainement_n and_o enjoyment_n and_o i_o can_v bring_v myself_o to_o be_v willing_a to_o take_v the_o shame_n of_o a_o confession_n that_o i_o have_v be_v beguile_v myself_o and_o delude_v other_o answ_n therefore_o it_o be_v likely_a thy_o acknowledgement_n will_v do_v thou_o more_o good_a as_o on_o the_o other_o side_n thy_o example_n in_o go_v on_o in_o so_o delusive_a a_o way_n will_v do_v far_o more_o hurt_v peter_n dissimulation_n draw_v many_o to_o dissemble_v also_o gal._n 2._o when_o eminent_a professor_n profess_v glorious_a discovery_n in_o a_o way_n of_o defiance_n to_o ministry_n and_o ordinance_n no_o wonder_n if_o divers_a minorum_fw-la gentium_fw-la ambition_n be_v natural_a to_o man_n will_v either_o affirm_v the_o same_o thing_n that_o they_o may_v not_o seem_v inferior_a to_o they_o or_o else_o be_v apt_a to_o believe_v such_o thing_n attainable_a thus_o i_o remember_v in_o erasmus_n there_o be_v a_o story_n of_o a_o popish_a apparition_n which_o when_o one_o have_v confident_o affirm_v that_o he_o see_v divers_a other_o in_o the_o company_n will_v needs_o profess_v to_o see_v it_o too_o so_o do_v delude_v soul_n strengthen_v one_o another_o till_o the_o juggle_n of_o satan_n be_v discover_v 2._o here_o be_v thy_o glory_n and_o god_n put_v in_o the_o balance_n and_o it_o be_v a_o great_a trial_n of_o thy_o sincerity_n to_o see_v which_o thou_o will_v take_v my_o son_n give_v glory_n to_o god_n say_v joshua_n to_o achan_n and_o so_o i_o to_o thou_o friend_n give_v glory_n to_o god_n let_v the_o pride_n of_o thy_o heart_n be_v abase_v and_o thy_o high_a look_n be_v bring_v low_a that_o the_o lord_n alone_o may_v be_v exalt_v isa_n 2._o 17._o 3._o this_o be_v the_o way_n to_o thy_o own_o great_a esteem_n humble_a thyself_o and_o the_o lord_n will_v exalt_v thou_o in_o due_a time_n hereby_o will_v thou_o give_v to_o those_o that_o be_v true_o godly_a a_o firm_a proof_n of_o thy_o sincerity_n and_o such_o a_o return_n to_o they_o will_v speak_v more_o than_o thy_o stay_n among_o they_o possible_o will_v have_v do_v 4._o if_o god_n do_v not_o bring_v thou_o thus_o low_o now_o he_o will_v hereafter_o what_o be_v temporary_a shame_n and_o contempt_n to_o everlasting_a shame_n and_o contempt_n obj._n but_o god_n may_v save_v i_o without_o this_o way_n and_o i_o may_v be_v convert_v without_o the_o return_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o bondage_n answ_n 1._o no_o question_n by_o his_o royal_a prerogative_n he_o may_v do_v that_o which_o no_o earthly_a prince_n may_v act_v above_o and_o contrary_a to_o his_o own_o prescribe_a rule_n when_o he_o please_v but_o 2._o it_o be_v unlikely_a that_o he_o will_v and_o it_o be_v unusual_o that_o he_o do_v renew_v any_o man_n that_o be_v a_o apostate_n from_o former_a conviction_n without_o deeep_v humiliation_n and_o indeed_o if_o he_o shall_v this_o will_v encourage_v convince_v sinner_n to_o cast_v off_o their_o cord_n and_o break_v the_o bond_n of_o the_o spirit_n at_o their_o pleasure_n these_o be_v grievous_a affront_n to_o god_n himself_o and_o it_o be_v reason_n that_o he_o shall_v have_v reparation_n from_o we_o at_o our_o return_n to_o he_o now_o the_o only_a reparation_n in_o this_o kind_n be_v deep_a sense_n and_o humble_a selfe-condemning_a acknowledgement_n of_o our_o sin_n chap._n xxiv_o objection_n of_o another_o nature_n answer_v object_n yea_o but_o if_o this_o be_v so_o possible_o it_o may_v be_v as_o much_o for_o god_n honour_n to_o reject_v i_o if_o i_o do_v real_o submit_v myself_o to_o my_o old_a master_n and_o reduce_v my_o soul_n under_o the_o spirit_n bondage_n again_o so_o that_o here_o be_v a_o great_a discouragement_n i_o fear_v god_n will_v not_o receive_v so_o desperate_a a_o apostate_n as_o i_o have_v be_v though_o i_o can_v be_v humble_v never_o so_o much_o answ_n 1._o true_o it_o may_v be_v much_o for_o caution_n to_o other_o to_o take_v heed_n of_o affront_a resist_a quench_v the_o spirit_n of_o grace_n that_o he_o shall_v let_v thy_o conscience_n loose_v upon_o thou_o in_o damn_v terror_n here_o and_o send_v thou_o to_o hell_n with_o they_o upon_o thy_o spirit_n to_o be_v thy_o companion_n
be_v not_o enough_o here_o for_o he_o to_o reply_v thou_o have_v a_o deceitful_a heart_n and_o thou_o have_v have_v great_a experience_n of_o it_o and_o there_o be_v many_o hypocrite_n and_o there_o be_v much_o counterfeit_a gold_n etc._n etc._n these_o be_v general_n ask_v he_o by_o what_o warrant_v from_o the_o word_n he_o bid_v thou_o doubt_v whether_o thou_o be_v a_o hypocrite_n and_o thy_o gold_n be_v false_a if_o he_o show_v not_o his_o warrant_n fall_v pell_o mell_o upon_o he_o spare_v he_o not_o for_o a_o illegal_a assault_n and_o battery_n 3_o wordless_a scruple_n must_v be_v silence_v especial_o if_o i_o either_o have_v or_o have_v have_v to_o my_o best_a and_o most_o deliberate_a judgement_n sufficient_a ground_n to_o convince_v i_o of_o the_o contrary_n in_o such_o a_o case_n if_o i_o have_v be_v former_o satisfy_v upon_o scripture_n ground_n i_o be_o to_o rest_v in_o that_o satisfaction_n if_o not_o yet_o if_o now_o such_o ground_n be_v present_v to_o i_o i_o be_o bind_v to_o receive_v it_o and_o at_o least_o to_o silence_v all_o scruple_n to_o the_o contrary_n otherwise_o the_o authority_n of_o god_n word_n will_v be_v far_o less_o with_o i_o then_o that_o of_o my_o own_o groundless_a fancy_n or_o satan_n vexatious_a suggestion_n conscience_n be_v a_o officer_n of_o god_n his_o deputy-iudg_n in_o the_o soul_n and_o therefore_o it_o must_v determine_v from_o and_o according_a to_o the_o most_o preponderate_a evidence_n from_o the_o word_n of_o god_n as_o in_o matter_n of_o law_n a_o judge_n be_v not_o to_o hearken_v to_o every_o litigious_a lawyer_n that_o puzle_v and_o perplex_v a_o cause_n far_o than_o he_o speak_v law_n to_o justify_v his_o allegation_n but_o if_o he_o can_v bring_v none_o may_v and_o aught_o to_o proceed_v to_o sentence_n upon_o those_o rule_n of_o law_n and_o justice_n upon_o which_o he_o have_v former_o judge_v in_o the_o like_a case_n or_o such_o as_o be_v now_o urge_v on_o the_o behalf_n of_o the_o defendant_n have_v nothing_o of_o moment_n object_v to_o the_o contrary_n i_o know_v satan_n can_v and_o do_v often_o tempt_v with_o a_o word_n in_o his_o mouth_n as_o he_o do_v our_o saviour_n with_o it_o be_v write_v and_o so_o without_o all_o question_n do_v where_o he_o see_v the_o soul_n will_v not_o be_v take_v with_o chaff_n or_o baffle_v with_o mere_a scare-crow_n of_o groundless_a suggestion_n urge_v scripture_n in_o trouble_v the_o conscience_n and_o in_o such_o case_n we_o have_v need_n of_o a_o spiritual_a palate_n exercise_v to_o taste_v word_n as_o elihu_n lay_v the_o comparison_n between_o inward_a and_o outward_a sense_n job_n 33._o 3._o but_o if_o all_o the_o scruple_n of_o our_o spirit_n be_v reduce_v to_o this_o trial_n not_o one_o to_o a_o thousand_o but_o will_v let_v fall_n its_o suit_n rather_o than_o discover_v its_o weakness_n by_o the_o impertinency_n of_o its_o allegation_n object_n but_o if_o i_o have_v never_o so_o plain_a word_n urge_v upon_o i_o to_o satisfy_v i_o yet_o if_o the_o spirit_n do_v not_o make_v the_o word_n satisfy_v satan_n be_v a_o impudent_a accuser_n and_o my_o own_o heart_n be_v full_a of_o darkness_n and_o it_o will_v question_v whether_o it_o be_v day_n when_o the_o sun_n shine_v and_o with_o those_o that_o be_v resolve_v to_o conclude_v snow_n black_a rather_o condemn_v the_o most_o certain_a of_o the_o sense_n for_o a_o mistake_n in_o so_o clear_a a_o object_n then_o acknowledge_v a_o error_n in_o its_o own_o reason_n ans_fw-fr i_o grant_v it_o yet_o this_o i_o must_v do_v in_o the_o case_n in_o hand_n 1_o i_o must_v acknowledge_v that_o i_o ought_v or_o that_o i_o see_v no_o reason_n at_o least_o why_o i_o ought_v not_o to_o be_v satisfy_v with_o such_o clear_a evidence_n there_o be_v so_o little_o object_v that_o may_v reasonable_o disparage_v it_o 2_o i_o ought_v to_o condemn_v bewail_v and_o pray_v against_o such_o unwarrantable_a slowness_n of_o believe_v where_o i_o have_v so_o much_o apparent_a ground_n 3_o i_o ought_v at_o least_o to_o suspend_v those_o groundless_a scruple_n for_o the_o present_a and_o act_n upon_o the_o conclusion_n which_o i_o be_o convince_v appear_v most_o justifiable_a from_o scripture_n though_o i_o can_v apprehend_v it_o altogether_o beyond_o question_n at_o present_a as_o if_o it_o be_v unquestionable_a till_o some_o new_a ground_n of_o more_o considerable_a weight_n be_v urge_v to_o obstruct_v my_o proceed_n as_o in_o a_o case_n of_o law_n among_o man_n be_v clear_a a_o man_n have_v a_o title_n to_o such_o land_n as_o by_o the_o advice_n of_o lawyer_n and_o from_o law_n he_o conceive_v to_o be_v good_a or_o at_o least_o after_o many_o debate_n with_o a_o adversary_n that_o obstruct_v his_o quiet_a possession_n he_o see_v not_o by_o any_o thing_n that_o can_v be_v urge_v to_o the_o contrary_a but_o that_o his_o own_o be_v the_o most_o likely_a title_n if_o this_o man_n enter_v upon_o this_o estate_n and_o use_v it_o as_o his_o own_o till_o the_o advarsary_n produce_v a_o more_o legal_a evidence_n than_o he_o and_o justify_v it_o in_o court_n the_o man_n offend_v not_o so_o in_o conscience_n god_n minister_n that_o be_v the_o counselor_n in_o its_o case_n tell_v thou_o according_a to_o their_o best_a knowledge_n in_o the_o scripture_n that_o thou_o be_v a_o child_n of_o god_n and_o have_v a_o unquestionable_a title_n to_o he_o this_o they_o prove_v by_o scripture_n compare_v with_o the_o operation_n of_o god_n sanctify_a spirit_n in_o thy_o heart_n satan_n say_v not_o and_o thy_o own_o misgive_a heart_n fear_v lest_o he_o say_v true_a however_o thou_o see_v no_o reason_n he_o bring_v from_o scripture_n or_o at_o lest_o none_o so_o weighty_a as_o that_o thou_o see_v sufficient_a cause_n from_o his_o allegation_n to_o reject_v those_o other_o that_o make_v for_o thou_o nay_o it_o may_v be_v thy_o judgement_n incline_v to_o they_o but_o thy_o heart_n be_v yet_o fearful_a and_o tremble_a in_o such_o a_o case_n thou_o may_v safe_o practice_v as_o occasion_n serve_v upon_o that_o conclusion_n which_o thou_o see_v least_o to_o weaken_v i_o mean_v thou_o may_v act_v as_o a_o child_n of_o god_n apply_v promise_n urge_v they_o in_o prayer_n etc._n etc._n as_o if_o they_o be_v thou_o till_o some_o more_o considerable_a ground_n be_v offer_v to_o weaken_v the_o former_a upon_o which_o thou_o act_v this_o i_o say_v because_o i_o know_v it_o be_v the_o doubt_n of_o some_o precious_a soul_n whether_o they_o may_v pray_v or_o apply_v any_o promise_n till_o they_o be_v altogether_o out_o of_o doubt_n that_o they_o be_v the_o child_n of_o god_n 4_o nay_o let_v i_o say_v more_o if_o thou_o have_v but_o the_o least_o ground_n to_o hope_n that_o though_o thou_o be_v not_o a_o child_n of_o god_n for_o the_o present_a yet_o thou_o be_v not_o where_o exclude_v from_o a_o capacity_n of_o be_v so_o thou_o may_v lay_v hold_n upon_o the_o promise_n which_o belong_v to_o saint_n so_o far_o as_o to_o improve_v they_o to_o duty_n though_o thou_o may_v not_o so_o far_o as_o to_o build_v a_o assurance_n upon_o they_o and_o the_o reason_n be_v because_o the_o gospel_n become_v i_o by_o my_o lay_n hold_v upon_o it_o and_o claim_v it_o as_o i_o and_o god_n allow_v a_o christian_a a_o holy_a violence_n in_o enter_v upon_o the_o precious_a possession_n thereof_o the_o violent_a 12_o mat._n 11._o 12_o take_v it_o by_o force_n if_o a_o man_n shall_v never_o lay_v hold_n of_o a_o promise_n till_o he_o be_v assure_v that_o it_o belong_v to_o he_o he_o will_v never_o lay_v hold_n of_o any_o because_o as_o i_o shall_v tell_v you_o more_o hereafter_o assurance_n that_o the_o promise_n and_o the_o thing_n promise_v in_o they_o be_v i_o depend_v upon_o my_o lay_n hold_v of_o they_o and_o claim_v they_o as_o i_o and_o therefore_o can_v go_v before_o in_o a_o orderly_a and_o ordinary_a way_n 4._o sometime_o when_o my_o own_o scrupulous_a heart_n will_v take_v no_o satisfaction_n i_o ought_v to_o lay_v some_o weight_n of_o confidence_n upon_o the_o judgement_n of_o other_o godly_a minister_n and_o experience_a christian_a friend_n a_o slander_n by_o say_v we_o oftentimes_o see_v more_o than_o the_o party_n in_o action_n can_v see_v themselves_o i_o believe_v my_o physician_n concern_v the_o state_n of_o my_o body_n and_o my_o lawyer_n concern_v the_o state_n of_o my_o suit_n though_o it_o may_v be_v i_o have_v strong_a inclination_n of_o myself_o to_o make_v a_o contrary_a judgement_n and_o upon_o their_o judgement_n i_o follow_v the_o one_o physic_n and_o the_o other_o counsel_n it_o be_v not_o a_o matter_n of_o small_a moment_n when_o upon_o the_o sight_n of_o thy_o serious_a humiliation_n and_o sorrow_n for_o sin_n earnest_n and_o restless_a desire_n after_o christ_n and_o holiness_n and_o the_o like_a sign_n a_o minister_n
such_o a_o defile_n sully_a thing_n be_v the_o guilt_n of_o sin_n for_o sin_n make_v a_o man_n obnoxious_a to_o the_o law_n occasional_o engender_v to_o 12._o see_v in_o the_o case_n of_o david_n psalm_n 51._o 12._o bondage_n gal._n 4._o 24._o 2._o nor_o will_v the_o glory_n of_o god_n permit_v he_o to_o seal_v assure_v evidence_n of_o his_o love_n to_o such_o who_o conversation_n will_v reproach_v he_o for_o admit_v they_o to_o so_o much_o intimacy_n as_o to_o a_o covenant-interest_n in_o god_n so_o it_o be_v in_o covenant_n peace_n when_o a_o wicked_a man_n claim_v it_o god_n stand_v upon_o term_n of_o defiance_n psal_n 50._o 16._o what_o have_v thou_o to_o do_v to_o take_v my_o covenant_n in_o thy_o mouth_n see_v thou_o hate_v instruction_n and_o cast_v my_o word_n behind_o thy_o back_n to_o who_o then_o will_v god_n indulge_v such_o a_o boldness_n see_v ver_fw-la 5._o gather_v my_o saint_n together_o and_z vers_n 23._o who_o so_o order_v his_o conversation_n aright_o to_o he_o will_v i_o show_v the_o salvation_n of_o the_o lord_n 3._o regular_a assurance_n as_o i_o have_v tell_v you_o before_o arise_v from_o the_o discovery_n of_o grace_n now_o the_o more_o large_a the_o matter_n of_o my_o assurance_n be_v the_o more_o must_v my_o assurance_n be_v i_o think_v the_o connexion_n of_o these_o four_o verse_n in_o tit._n 2._o 11_o 12_o 13_o 14._o show_v this_o when_o grace_n that_o appear_v to_o we_o teach_v we_o to_o deny_v ungodliness_n and_o worldly_a lust_n etc._n etc._n see_v what_o follow_v than_o we_o be_v most_o likely_a to_o look_v for_o the_o bless_a hope_n and_o glorious_a appear_v of_o our_o lord_n and_o saviour_n jesus_n christ_n and_o that_o prayer_n of_o the_o apostle_n for_o his_o ephesian_n speak_v it_o as_o loud_o that_o god_n will_v grant_v they_o to_o be_v strengthen_v by_o the_o spirit_n etc._n etc._n to_o be_v root_v and_o ground_v in_o love_n and_o what_o then_o that_o 18._o eph._n 3._o 16_o 17_o 18._o you_o may_v comprehend_v with_o all_o saint_n the_o length_n and_o breadth_n of_o the_o love_n of_o god_n 5._o follow_v the_o guidance_n and_o conduct_n of_o the_o v._o direct_v v._o spirit_n in_o all_o thing_n stifle_v not_o any_o motion_n of_o the_o spirit_n quench_v not_o the_o spirit_n 1_o thes_n 5._o 19_o grieve_v not_o the_o spirit_n by_o unkind_a repulse_n and_o that_o be_v press_v upon_o this_o ground_n eph._n 4._o 30._o by_o which_o you_o be_v seal_v to_o the_o day_n of_o redemption_n certain_o if_o we_o sadden_fw-mi the_o spirit_n the_o spirit_n will_v not_o comfort_v we_o and_o there_o be_v nothing_o that_o sadden_v the_o spirit_n of_o god_n more_o than_o the_o dishonour_n and_o unkindness_n of_o a_o repulse_n great_a man_n if_o they_o show_v extraordinary_a favour_n to_o we_o they_o expect_v we_o shall_v observe_v they_o and_o be_v ready_a to_o serve_v they_o at_o every_o nod_v and_o beck_n 1._o he_o that_o will_v be_v a_o favourite_n in_o a_o prince_n court_n and_o enjoy_v his_o constant_a smile_n must_v be_v very_o careful_a of_o all_o punctilio_n of_o observance_n if_o you_o will_v obtain_v the_o holy_a spirit_n smile_n you_o can_v sure_o do_v no_o less_o then_o observe_v every_o breathe_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o follow_v he_o where_o ever_o he_o lead_v see_v v._o 14._o of_o this_o chapter_n in_o connexion_n with_o my_o text._n they_o that_o be_v lead_v by_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n those_o be_v they_o that_o receive_v this_o spirit_n of_o adoption_n to_o call_v god_n father_n 2._o the_o spirit_n best_o know_v the_o mind_n of_o god_n towards_o thou_o and_o the_o season_n and_o way_n wherein_o the_o love_n of_o god_n will_v break_v out_o to_o thou_o and_o if_o thou_o miss_v of_o follow_v any_o motion_n of_o the_o spirit_n thou_o may_v put_v thyself_o out_o of_o that_o very_a way_n wherein_o thou_o may_v have_v find_v comfort_n and_o assurance_n the_o spirit_n it_o may_v be_v urge_v such_o or_o such_o a_o duty_n and_o thou_o neglect_v it_o how_o know_v thou_o but_o have_v thou_o be_v guide_v by_o the_o spirit_n in_o such_o a_o motion_n thou_o may_v have_v obtain_v that_o that_o thou_o long_v for_o when_o the_o spirit_n blow_v thou_o must_v hoist_v thy_o sail_n and_o be_v assure_v that_o gale_n can_v carry_v thou_o not_o whither_o but_o to_o the_o region_n of_o peace_n and_o comfort_n when_o the_o angel_n conduct_v peter_n out_o of_o prison_n he_o follow_v his_o deliverer_n step-by-step_n so_o when_o the_o spirit_n come_v towards_o thou_o to_o deliver_v thou_o from_o the_o spirit_n of_o bondage_n take_v heed_n thou_o leave_v he_o not_o one_o step_n and_o the_o caution_n which_o god_n give_v to_o the_o israelite_n when_o he_o bring_v they_o out_o of_o egypt_n be_v very_o useful_a here_o exod._n 23._o 20_o 21._o behold_v i_o send_v a_o angel_n before_o thou_o to_o keep_v thou_o in_o the_o way_n and_o to_o bring_v thou_o into_o the_o place_n which_o i_o have_v prepare_v beware_v of_o he_o and_o obey_v his_o voice_n povoke_v he_o not_o etc._n etc._n apply_v it_o to_o the_o present_a case_n if_o god_n send_v his_o spirit_n before_o you_o beware_v obey_v his_o voice_n etc._n etc._n qu._n but_o how_o shall_v i_o know_v the_o motion_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n from_o temptation_n and_o the_o motion_n of_o my_o own_o heart_n answ_n 1._o thus_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n always_o move_v according_a to_o the_o word_n if_o i_o leave_v the_o word_n in_o any_o thing_n i_o can_v follow_v the_o spirit_n it_o be_v clear_a that_o that_o spirit_n be_v a_o spirit_n of_o truth_n and_o therefore_o can_v contradict_v 17._o joh._n 14._o 17._o himself_o and_o those_o thing_n which_o he_o deliver_v in_o the_o word_n he_o can_v deliver_v 21._o 2_o pet._n 1._o 19_o 20._o 21._o the_o contrary_a to_o they_o in_o my_o heart_n the_o true_a evidence_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n in_o the_o heart_n be_v dependence_n on_o the_o word_n of_o god_n 1_o john_n 4._o 6._o 2._o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n always_o press_v to_o some_o duty_n or_o other_o some_o exercise_n of_o holiness_n or_o other_o and_o when_o any_o motion_n arise_v in_o our_o heart_n prejudice_v it_o against_o any_o ordinance_n or_o duty_n of_o religion_n this_o prejudice_n be_v no_o motion_n of_o the_o spirit_n we_o receive_v the_o spirit_n in_o hear_v gal._n 2._o 1_o 2._o pray_v by_o the_o spirit_n eph._n 6._o 18._o 3._o the_o spirit_n move_v regular_o and_o orderly_o make_v not_o duty_n and_o ordinance_n to_o clash_n and_o enterfere_v the_o present_a opportunity_n of_o a_o ordinance_n be_v the_o season_n of_o the_o spirit_n if_o the_o spirit_n come_v in_o a_o private_a ordinance_n it_o be_v in_o its_o season_n if_o in_o a_o public_a in_o its_o season_n public_a ordinance_n separate_v from_o be_v not_o the_o badge_n of_o the_o person_n that_o have_v but_o that_o want_v the_o spirit_n judas_n 19_o chap._n xix_o a_o case_n what_o be_v to_o be_v think_v of_o a_o man_n that_o as_o to_o his_o own_o sense_n and_o other_o man_n live_v and_o die_v without_o any_o experience_n of_o this_o testimony_n qu._n suppose_v i_o never_o attain_v the_o testimony_n of_o the_o spirit_n but_o live_v and_o die_v in_o a_o state_n of_o darkness_n as_o to_o assurance_n of_o god_n love_n what_o think_v you_o of_o my_o case_n answ_n 1._o i_o suppose_v thou_o labour_v after_o it_o diligent_o and_o constant_o in_o the_o use_n of_o all_o the_o mean_v prescribe_v and_o other_o such_o otherwise_o i_o have_v nothing_o to_o say_v to_o thou_o in_o this_o case_n but_o this_o that_o that_o man_n be_v neither_o fit_n for_o assurance_n here_o or_o glory_n hereafter_o that_o think_v much_o of_o his_o pain_n to_o attain_v they_o but_o suppose_v as_o i_o say_v i_o say_v to_o thou_o far_o 2._o i_o know_v no_o place_n of_o scripture_n that_o say_v no_o man_n shall_v enter_v into_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n that_o know_v not_o of_o it_o before_o hand_n i_o ready_o yield_v the_o papist_n teach_v all_o believer_n a_o doctrine_n of_o desperation_n when_o they_o tell_v we_o that_o no_o man_n can_v be_v assure_v of_o salvation_n till_o he_o come_v to_o heaven_n and_o i_o be_o confident_a that_o occasion_v many_o of_o our_o protestant_a divine_n engage_v in_o the_o controversy_n against_o they_o to_o make_v persuasion_n of_o salvation_n of_o the_o essence_n of_o justistify_a faith_n but_o i_o conceive_v they_o need_v not_o to_o have_v bend_v the_o bough_n so_o much_o that_o way_n to_o set_v it_o straight_o it_o be_v no_o good_a rule_n for_o christian_a disputant_n which_o be_v observe_v by_o cunning_a tradesman_n iniquum_fw-la petere_fw-la ut_fw-la aequum_fw-la ferant_fw-la to_o ask_v double_a that_o they_o may_v persuade_v those_o with_o who_o they_o deal_v to_o give_v a_o sufficient_a price_n i_o believe_v this_o proposition_n
you_o have_v a_o tender_a heart_n that_o be_v deep_o affect_v with_o every_o know_a sin_n etc._n etc._n o_o sir_n will_n such_o a_o person_n oftentime_o say_v i_o find_v no_o such_o thing_n in_o i_o and_o if_o there_o be_v i_o fear_v it_o be_v all_o in_o hypocrisy_n friend_n you_o do_v well_o in_o fear_v hypocrisy_n but_o you_o do_v not_o well_o in_o not_o own_v what_o god_n have_v wrought_v in_o you_o for_o fear_n of_o hypocrisy_n indeed_o it_o be_v not_o good_a to_o boast_v of_o the_o good_a that_o be_v in_o we_o when_o we_o have_v temptation_n from_o the_o approbation_n of_o other_o to_o glory_v in_o it_o neither_o be_v it_o good_a to_o deny_v what_o be_v in_o we_o when_o we_o have_v a_o call_v thereunto_o by_o those_o who_o be_v send_v by_o god_n to_o examine_v our_o estate_n which_o they_o can_v never_o do_v nor_o can_v they_o know_v how_o to_o deal_v with_o we_o if_o we_o deal_v not_o plain_o in_o confess_v what_o we_o know_v and_o find_v in_o ourselves_o and_o it_o fall_v out_o too_o often_o that_o such_o denial_n as_o i_o say_v before_o be_v the_o fruit_n of_o unthankfulness_n which_o oftentimes_o cause_v we_o to_o overlook_v and_o in_o a_o kind_n of_o comparative_a way_n to_o deny_v what_o we_o have_v receive_v because_o we_o have_v not_o as_o much_o as_o we_o will_v have_v as_o it_o fall_v out_o in_o the_o covetous_a man_n of_o the_o world_n and_o there_o be_v a_o sinful_a spiritual_a covetousness_n too_o that_o be_v ever_o complain_v they_o have_v no_o money_n no_o bread_n to_o put_v in_o their_o mouth_n etc._n etc._n whereas_o indeed_o they_o mean_v they_o have_v not_o so_o much_o as_o they_o will_v have_v this_o be_v a_o unthankful_a denial_n of_o god_n providence_n towards_o they_o in_o bestow_v on_o they_o what_o they_o have_v and_o thou_o may_v judge_v the_o like_a of_o thyself_o in_o this_o case_n saint_n paul_n be_v of_o another_o temper_n rom._n 7._o he_o make_v many_o sad_a complaint_n of_o himself_o i_o be_o carnal_a sell_v under_o sin_n in_o i_o there_o dwell_v no_o good_a thing_n how_o to_o perform_v that_o that_o be_v good_a i_o find_v not_o when_o i_o will_v do_v good_a evil_a be_v present_a with_o i_o i_o see_v a_o law_n in_o my_o member_n war_a against_o the_o law_n of_o my_o mind_n etc._n etc._n o_o wretched_a man_n that_o i_o be_o etc._n etc._n yet_o still_o he_o mix_v acknowledgement_n of_o the_o grace_n that_o he_o have_v receive_v i_o be_o carnal_a say_v he_o sell_v under_o sin_n yet_o say_v he_o i_o bless_v god_n my_o judgement_n go_v with_o the_o law_n i_o think_v it_o holy_a just_a and_o good_a whence_o though_o i_o be_o over-byassed_n many_o time_n unto_o evil_n yet_o i_o allow_v it_o not_o i_o will_v do_v better_a than_o i_o do_v and_o i_o hate_v the_o evil_a that_o i_o be_o captive_v unto_o in_o i_o there_o dwell_v no_o good_a thing_n but_o mark_v the_o epanorthosis_fw-la or_o correction_n of_o himself_o as_o if_o he_o have_v speak_v a_o word_n too_o large_a what_o say_v i_o there_o be_v no_o good_a dwell_n in_o i_o let_v i_o not_o be_v mistake_v i_o mean_v in_o my_o flesh_n for_o so_o much_o the_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d ver_fw-la 18._o will_v bear_v for_o though_o i_o have_v no_o power_n to_o do_v yet_o i_o have_v some_o good_a in_o my_o spiritual_a part_n i_o can_v will_v that_o that_o be_v good_a and_o that_o will_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d be_v always_o at_o hand_n i_o have_v good_a wish_n and_o desire_n in_o readiness_n upon_o all_o occasion_n i_o do_v not_o the_o good_a that_o i_o ought_v to_o do_v yet_o i_o will_v do_v it_o i_o delight_v in_o the_o law_n of_o god_n in_o the_o inward_a man_n sin_n law_n it_o and_o lord_n it_o in_o my_o member_n but_o i_o have_v another_o law_n in_o my_o mind_n so_o that_o with_o my_o mind_n i._n e._n in_o my_o judgement_n and_o resolve_v bend_v of_o will_n i_o serve_v the_o law_n of_o god_n and_o there_o be_v a_o special_a emphasis_n in_o that_o pronoune_n my_o self_n that_o follow_v for_o 25._o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d i_o my_o self_n serve_v the_o law_n of_o god_n that_o be_v even_o i_o though_o i_o complain_v so_o against_o myself_o yet_o must_v needs_o say_v so_o much_o for_o myself_o to_o the_o praise_n of_o god_n i_o thank_v god_n through_o jesus_n christ_n our_o lord_n here_o be_v a_o excellent_a example_n for_o thou_o that_o sit_v in_o darkness_n and_o be_v ever_o complain_v against_o and_o defy_v thyself_o do_v not_o deny_v the_o grace_n of_o god_n that_o be_v not_o so_o much_o a_o denial_n of_o thyself_o as_o god_n goodness_n and_o the_o spirit_n of_o grace_n if_o thou_o witness_v against_o the_o spirit_n do_v thou_o think_v the_o spirit_n will_v witness_v for_o thou_o thou_o deny_v the_o spirit_n the_o very_a medium_n by_o which_o he_o will_v testify_v to_o thy_o good_a condition_n take_v notice_n also_o of_o the_o peevishness_n of_o thy_o spirit_n thou_o have_v long_o woo_v christ_n to_o accept_v of_o thou_o and_o be_v marry_v to_o thou_o and_o christ_n have_v send_v thou_o love-token_n by_o his_o spirit_n to_o assure_v thou_o that_o he_o own_v himself_o to_o be_v thy_o busband_n now_o christ_n expect_v the_o duty_n of_o a_o wife_n from_o thou_o now_o thou_o questione_v whether_o thou_o be_v marry_v or_o no_o and_o not_o only_o questione_v but_o peremptory_o deny_v all_o his_o love-token_n or_o at_o lest_o extenuate_v they_o and_o set_v light_n by_o they_o think_v what_o a_o sin_n this_o be_v no_o wonder_n now_o if_o the_o spirit_n that_o messenger_n that_o bring_v they_o take_v offence_n at_o such_o deal_n and_o refuse_v to_o testify_v to_o thou_o who_o be_v resolve_v to_o question_v his_o testimony_n be_v it_o never_o so_o clear_a 4._o a_o unwarrantable_a thrust_v off_o those_o promise_n and_o comfortable_a truth_n which_o god_n in_o the_o ministry_n of_o the_o word_n or_o otherwise_o bring_v home_n to_o our_o condition_n and_o snatch_v greedy_o at_o all_o the_o terrible_a place_n of_o scripture_n and_o denunciation_n of_o wrath_n as_o our_o portion_n i_o have_v know_v those_o that_o have_v thrust_v away_o with_o both_o hand_n all_o that_o may_v make_v for_o their_o comfort_n as_o that_o that_o belong_v not_o to_o they_o o_o the_o curse_a pride_n of_o our_o heart_n when_o will_v man_n leave_v prescribe_v to_o the_o infinite_a wise_a god_n when_o people_n please_v themselves_o in_o their_o sin_n than_o they_o will_v hear_v no_o minister_n except_o he_o sing_v a_o curse_a requiem_n to_o their_o spirit_n preach_v please_a thing_n and_o cry_v peace_n peace_n and_o when_o the_o soul_n be_v under_o trouble_n for_o sin_n than_o god_n must_v denounce_v judgement_n in_o every_o sermon_n speak_v to_o they_o in_o thunder_n and_o lightning_n from_o mount_n sinai_n answer_v they_o cut_v of_o the_o whirlwind_n or_o else_o they_o will_v not_o hear_v he_o believe_v it_o no_o soul_n receive_v good_a by_o the_o word_n but_o that_o soul_n that_o think_v every_o word_n of_o the_o lord_n good_a and_o labour_n as_o it_o be_v proper_a to_o its_o condition_n to_o apply_v it_o satan_n in_o time_n of_o unregeneracy_n have_v a_o art_n to_o make_v the_o word_n unfruitful_a by_o cause_v a_o man_n heart_n to_o stand_v loose_a from_o the_o law_n to_o rub_v off_o the_o eat_n corrode_a plaster_n and_o say_v this_o concern_v such_o a_o one_o and_o such_o a_o one_o but_o not_o i_o and_o after_o our_o conversion_n he_o keep_v the_o word_n from_o fasten_v comfort_n to_o the_o soul_n and_o assure_v the_o heart_n by_o a_o like_a artifice_n true_o these_o be_v comfortable_a truth_n and_o concern_v such_o and_o such_o but_o not_o i_o this_o be_v the_o psalmist_n case_n in_o desertion_n and_o be_v thou_o in_o the_o present_a darkness_n my_o sore_n run_v in_o the_o night_n my_o soul_n refuse_v to_o be_v comfort_v psal_n 77._o 2._o indeed_o friend_n if_o you_o refuse_v to_o receive_v comfort_n when_o the_o spirit_n offer_v it_o no_o wonder_n if_o when_o you_o will_v have_v it_o the_o spirit_n refuse_v to_o offer_v it_o none_o of_o god_n offer_n be_v refuse_v by_o the_o creature_n gratis_o god_n will_v stand_v upon_o other_o term_n when_o we_o come_v to_o his_o shop_n after_o we_o have_v once_o refuse_v a_o good_a bargain_n once_o offer_v 5_o a_o groundless_a surmise_v of_o a_o irrecoverablenesse_n in_o our_o condition_n from_o such_o and_o such_o threaten_n of_o scripture_n as_o concern_v we_o not_o this_o follow_v from_o the_o former_a when_o a_o soul_n be_v willing_a to_o hear_v all_o thunder_n and_o cannon_n shoot_v from_o the_o word_n ordinary_o the_o devil_n have_v two_o or_o three_o place_n of_o scripture_n from_o whence_o he_o play_v thick_a upon_o the_o soul_n those_o be_v two_o place_n in_o the_o
the_o wing_n of_o duty_n if_o you_o present_v unconquerable_a difficulty_n before_o it_o and_o when_o once_o the_o wing_n of_o duty_n be_v clip_v that_o it_o can_v fly_v abroad_o to_o gather_v sustenance_n for_o faith_n no_o wonder_n if_o that_o pine_n away_o and_o die_v too_o and_o if_o faith_n die_v assurance_n be_v hopeless_a chap._n xiii_o another_o hindrance_n remove_v there_o remain_v yet_o one_o hindrance_n more_o to_o be_v discover_v in_o this_o chapter_n which_o be_v eleventhly_o and_o last_o over-scrupulousness_a and_o scepticall-question-fulness_n in_o the_o business_n in_o hand_n satan_n policy_n in_o trouble_v soul_n be_v like_o that_o which_o he_o use_v in_o deceive_v they_o first_o he_o set_v they_o a_o gogge_n as_o we_o use_v to_o say_v persuade_v they_o they_o must_v try_v all_o thing_n therefore_o they_o must_v question_v all_o thing_n they_o must_v hold_v no_o principle_n mere_o by_o a_o tenure_n of_o faith_n but_o of_o their_o own_o reason_n and_o then_o he_o inveigle_v their_o snarl_a apprehension_n and_o make_v their_o entangle_a and_o immethodical_a reason_n to_o find_v knot_n in_o every_o bulrush_n and_o those_o knot_n be_v too_o difficult_a to_o be_v untie_v by_o their_o weak_a head_n he_o bring_v they_o at_o last_o to_o condemn_v all_o truth_n upon_o mere_a suspicion_n of_o error_n and_o render_v they_o so_o confident_a of_o the_o justice_n of_o that_o sentence_n that_o they_o become_v obstinate_a and_o irrecoverable_a heretic_n so_o in_o trouble_v the_o conscience_n or_o continue_v it_o in_o trouble_n he_o persuade_v the_o soul_n in_o the_o first_o place_n to_o question_v every_o thing_n that_o ever_o it_o have_v have_v experience_n of_o from_o the_o first_o moment_n of_o conviction_n nay_o those_o thing_n that_o have_v be_v as_o sensible_a and_o palpable_a as_o can_v be_v yet_o they_o must_v now_o be_v suspect_v whether_o in_o point_n of_o past_a and_o present_a practice_n or_o in_o point_n of_o comfort_n in_o point_n of_o past_a practice_n whether_o it_o have_v not_o sin_v in_o such_o or_o such_o thing_n which_o when_o do_v be_v do_v with_o the_o full_a assurance_n possible_a of_o their_o lawfulness_n and_o so_o in_o present_a practice_n he_o will_v scarce_o suffer_v a_o poor_a soul_n in_o such_o a_o trouble_a condition_n to_o eat_v drink_v or_o sleep_v without_o scruple_n a_o tender_a conscience_n be_v a_o great_a mercy_n but_o a_o scrupulous_a conscience_n be_v a_o great_a affliction_n such_o a_o conscience_n do_v not_o only_o hinder_v a_o man_n from_o that_o which_o be_v evil_a but_o abate_v much_o of_o the_o life_n activity_n and_o comfort_n that_o be_v in_o good_a action_n and_o so_o in_o point_n of_o comfort_n urge_v to_o a_o soul_n in_o trouble_n such_o and_o such_o gracious_a work_n god_n have_v wrought_v in_o you_o therefore_o sure_o you_o be_v one_o of_o he_o such_o experience_n you_o have_v have_v with_o which_o you_o have_v be_v former_o satisfy_v i_o question_v that_o say_v the_o soul_n whether_o there_o be_v any_o such_o thing_n or_o no._n i_o once_o believe_v that_o there_o be_v but_o i_o doubt_v i_o be_v then_o deceive_v etc._n etc._n and_o so_o i_o may_v be_v now_o if_o i_o grant_v any_o such_o thing_n as_o you_o say_v a_o soul_n under_o this_o frame_n although_o very_o well_o experience_v in_o the_o school_n of_o christ_n and_o who_o have_v be_v banquet_v in_o christ_n own_o parlour_n many_o time_n may_v be_v turn_v quite_o off_o the_o hinge_n mere_o by_o his_o own_o over-scrupulousnesse_a the_o disciple_n be_v well_o acquaint_v with_o christ_n yet_o when_o he_o come_v to_o they_o upon_o the_o sea_n they_o be_v afraid_a think_v it_o have_v be_v a_o spirit_n matth._n 14_o 26._o and_o the_o reason_n be_v they_o be_v then_o in_o such_o a_o tempest_n that_o they_o fear_v every_o thing_n and_o so_o suspect_v christ_n himself_o when_o he_o come_v to_o relieve_v they_o quest_n but_o what_o shall_v i_o do_v in_o such_o a_o case_n if_o i_o be_v over-credulous_a and_o too_o easy_a of_o belief_n i_o may_v ruin_v myself_o that_o way_n and_o if_o i_o be_v too_o scrupulous_a i_o may_v undo_v myself_o that_o way_n too_o ans_fw-fr 1_o labour_v for_o a_o distinct_a knowledge_n of_o the_o nature_n of_o grace_n in_o general_n and_o the_o know_a mark_n by_o which_o it_o be_v distinguish_v from_o hypocrisy_n and_o although_o you_o labour_v for_o the_o great_a mean_n of_o grace_n yet_o inquire_v diligent_o into_o the_o sign_n and_o token_n by_o which_o you_o may_v know_v the_o least_o i_o confess_v this_o will_v be_v better_o do_v before_o trouble_v of_o mind_n come_v there_o be_v a_o great_a advantage_n that_o a_o well_o catechize_v christian_n have_v of_o a_o ignorant_a person_n in_o this_o present_a case_n viz._n the_o discrimination_n and_o distinguish_v true_a grace_n from_o counterfeit_n it_o be_v bad_a lay_v principle_n in_o a_o mind_n full_a of_o confusion_n that_o by_o reason_n of_o darkness_n can_v see_v nothing_o distinct_o those_o shall_v be_v lay_v before_o in_o tender_a year_n or_o at_o least_o calm_a season_n but_o if_o there_o have_v be_v a_o neglect_n either_o in_o the_o person_n or_o those_o under_o who_o inspection_n he_o have_v live_v so_o that_o he_o be_v to_o learn_v to_o spell_v now_o when_o he_o have_v need_n be_v able_a to_o read_v the_o work_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n distinct_o then_o i_o will_v advise_v such_o a_o soul_n to_o search_v into_o the_o word_n with_o the_o advice_n of_o godly_a minister_n and_o christian_n after_o those_o proper_a distinguish_a mark_n between_o sincerity_n and_o hypocrisy_n upon_o which_o he_o may_v ground_v his_o own_o enquiry_n after_o his_o own_o condition_n if_o i_o shall_v make_v a_o hue_n and_o cry_n after_o a_o man_n or_o cry_v a_o horse_n or_o cow_n in_o â—e_a market_n and_o know_v not_o by_o what_o mark_n to_o describe_v he_o or_o if_o i_o search_v among_o many_o other_o cattle_n for_o my_o own_o and_o know_v not_o what_o ear-mark_a or_o flesh-mark_a or_o hair-mark_a they_o have_v i_o can_v hope_v but_o to_o spend_v my_o labour_n in_o vain_a i_o may_v say_v the_o like_o concern_v thy_o spiritual_a condition_n if_o thou_o be_v to_o seek_v what_o grace_n be_v under_o darkness_n no_o wonder_n if_o thou_o be_v scrupulous_a to_o own_v it_o when_o it_o be_v present_v to_o thou_o but_o thou_o must_v take_v heed_n here_o that_o thou_o do_v not_o inquire_v after_o the_o token_n of_o the_o least_o measure_n of_o grace_n that_o thou_o may_v rest_v in_o it_o and_o think_v thou_o be_v well_o enough_o secure_v to_o eternity_n if_o thou_o have_v but_o just_a so_o much_o as_o denominate_v thou_o a_o child_n of_o god_n for_o this_o be_v a_o shrewd_a sign_n that_o thou_o do_v not_o desire_v grace_n for_o its_o own_o sake_n but_o mere_o as_o a_o bridge_n to_o heaven_n and_o if_o thou_o do_v so_o it_o be_v a_o thousand_o to_o one_o but_o partly_o by_o god_n just_a judgement_n and_o partly_o by_o thy_o own_o spiritual_a sloth_n thou_o will_v be_v endanger_v to_o cut_v it_o a_o inch_n or_o two_o too_o short_a to_o reach_v the_o other_o side_n of_o the_o bank_n but_o if_o thou_o desire_v to_o know_v the_o least_o measure_n of_o grace_n mere_o for_o this_o reason_n that_o thou_o may_v not_o like_o a_o unskilful_a gardiner_n weed_v it_o up_o when_o it_o be_v tender_a for_o a_o weed_n of_o hypocrisy_n but_o cherish_v it_o and_o water_n it_o and_o improve_v it_o to_o great_a measure_n of_o perfection_n this_o be_v a_o good_a design_n 2._o give_v way_n to_o no_o scruple_n without_o a_o word_n inquire_v of_o thy_o own_o heart_n what_o word_n occasion_n such_o a_o doubt_n such_o a_o question_n and_o where_o thou_o find_v no_o word_n lay_v it_o by_o this_o be_v a_o good_a rule_n in_o our_o act_n there_o be_v much_o superstition_n oftentimes_o in_o scruple_n if_o that_o may_v be_v take_v for_o superstition_n which_o be_v supra_fw-la institutum_fw-la over_o and_o above_o god_n reveal_v will_n and_o the_o ground_n of_o superstitious_a fear_n be_v fancy_n the_o way_n to_o confute_v a_o superstitious_a worshipper_n be_v to_o require_v a_o word_n for_o his_o practice_n so_o the_o way_n to_o silence_v a_o superstitious_a scruple_n be_v to_o demand_v a_o scripture_n reason_n for_o it_o why_o be_v thou_o cast_v down_o o_o my_o soul_n and_o why_o be_v thou_o thus_o disquiet_v within_o i_o psa_fw-la 42._o 5_o 11._o and_o 43._o 5._o q_o d._n soul_n you_o be_v trouble_v but_o be_v that_o trouble_v a_o warrantable_a trouble_n be_v it_o a_o trouble_n that_o god_n allow_v if_o so_o show_v i_o his_o warrant_n for_o it_o so_o when_o satan_n pursue_v thou_o with_o scruple_n and_o fear_n and_o arrest_v thou_o as_o a_o prisoner_n in_o god_n name_n ask_v he_o present_o quo_fw-la warranto_fw-la as_o lawyer_n say_v satan_n let_v i_o see_v your_o warrant_n it_o
the_o long_o you_o go_v without_o the_o spirit_n testimony_n the_o more_o difficult_o will_v you_o obtain_v it_o the_o more_o will_v your_o heart_n be_v instruct_v in_o satan_n sophistry_n to_o elude_v argument_n of_o comfort_n if_o you_o be_v such_o as_o look_v towards_o god_n the_o more_o experience_n will_v you_o have_v of_o your_o own_o heart_n deceitfulness_n sothat_a you_o will_v deal_v with_o they_o as_o we_o ordinary_o do_v with_o common_a liar_n hardly_o be_v persuade_v to_o believe_v their_o testimony_n when_o they_o speak_v the_o truth_n concern_v you_o if_o you_o be_v such_o as_o neglect_v both_o grace_n and_o assurance_n know_v that_o the_o more_o difficult_o will_v you_o bring_v yourselves_o to_o accept_v of_o grace_n the_o long_a you_o delay_v it_o the_o heart_n will_v be_v harden_v by_o the_o deceitfulness_n of_o sin_n heb._n 3._o 13._o the_o spirit_n grieve_v etc._n etc._n and_o if_o you_o get_v grace_n a_o thousand_o to_o one_o if_o you_o get_v the_o witness_n of_o the_o spirit_n to_o testify_v that_o you_o have_v it_o though_o god_n give_v such_o man_n grace_v as_o put_v it_o off_o to_o the_o last_o yet_o it_o be_v too_o great_a a_o encouragement_n to_o other_o to_o delay_v in_o like_a manner_n if_o he_o shall_v ordinary_o let_v they_o know_v it_o it_o be_v no_o easy_a matter_n at_o any_o time_n to_o get_v it_o much_o more_o difficult_a when_o delay_v many_o soul_n for_o many_o year_n together_o eat_v no_o pleasant_a bread_n and_o when_o they_o drink_v mingle_v their_o drink_n with_o weep_v their_o sleep_n depart_v from_o they_o and_o all_o the_o comfort_n of_o their_o life_n be_v overcast_v with_o a_o sad_a cloud_n of_o darkness_n they_o go_v from_o sea_n to_o sea_n to_o wait_v on_o the_o ordinance_n rise_v many_o a_o night_n to_o pray_v when_o other_o sleep_n chasten_v their_o soul_n with_o fast_v and_o go_v heavy_o all_o the_o day_n long_o and_o this_o as_o i_o say_v for_o divers_a year_n together_o and_o this_o in_o the_o flower_n of_o their_o year_n and_o strength_n and_o yet_o with_o much_o ado_n can_v get_v little_a more_o than_o some_o flash_n of_o comfort_n now_o and_o then_o some_o gleam_n of_o light_n as_o i_o tell_v you_o before_o to_o save_v they_o at_o a_o desperate_a pinch_n and_o after_o long_a exercise_n in_o a_o doubtful_a medley_n of_o hope_n and_o fear_n a_o sad_a twilight_n of_o sorrow_n and_o support_n at_o last_o recover_v this_o testimony_n in_o and_o to_o their_o heart_n that_o they_o be_v the_o child_n of_o god_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v think_v that_o person_n who_o out_o of_o wilfulness_n or_o spiritual_a sloth_n put_v off_o the_o procure_n this_o bless_a certainty_n to_o themselves_o till_o old_a age_n or_o the_o approach_n of_o death_n shall_v sudden_o leap_v out_o of_o a_o certain_a damnable_a estate_n into_o a_o assure_a certainty_n of_o salvation_n sure_o the_o stream_n of_o promise_n in_o the_o word_n be_v least_o favourable_a to_o such_o person_n and_o it_o be_v a_o thing_n most_o righteous_a in_o the_o eye_n of_o reason_n itself_o that_o god_n shall_v be_v as_o slow_a in_o give_v as_o they_o be_v in_o seek_v this_o assure_v testimony_n chap._n xi_o certain_a hindrance_n of_o get_v assurance_n of_o our_o adoption_n remove_v quest_n but_o how_o shall_v i_o get_v the_o testimony_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o thereby_o be_v assure_v of_o my_o justification_n and_o adoption_n answ_n 1._o there_o be_v divers_a hindrance_n to_o be_v temove_v and_o then_o divers_a direction_n to_o be_v follow_v hindrance_n be_v 1_o a_o secret_a murmur_a frame_n of_o spirit_n against_o god_n present_a dispensation_n towards_o thou_o as_o if_o god_n deal_v very_o hardly_o and_o contrary_a to_o his_o wont_a course_n with_o thou_o as_o if_o god_n have_v set_v thou_o up_o as_o the_o only_a mark_n of_o his_o displeasure_n which_o discontent_n be_v secret_o augment_v by_o the_o enjoyment_n and_o attainment_n of_o other_o such_o and_o such_o have_v attain_v such_o and_o such_o comfort_n and_o walk_v cheerful_o but_o god_n keep_v i_o in_o the_o dark_a like_v they_o that_o be_v dead_a long_a ago_o and_o then_o as_o the_o child_n of_o israel_n in_o the_o wilderness_n the_o soul_n many_o time_n quarrel_n at_o god_n for_o do_v what_o he_o have_v do_v and_o wish_v any_o change_n even_o to_o what_o it_o be_v or_o the_o worst_a that_o can_v be_v will_v god_n say_v they_o we_o have_v dye_v in_o egypt_n nay_o will_v god_n we_o be_v out_o of_o the_o world_n any_o way_n rather_o than_o to_o be_v thus_o toss_v up_o and_o down_o in_o these_o tempest_n of_o spirit_n to_o be_v make_v satan_n tennis-bal_n the_o gaze_a stock_n of_o the_o world_n and_o a_o terror_n to_o ourselves_o etc._n etc._n friend_n who_o ever_o thou_o be_v that_o be_v in_o this_o frame_n of_o spirit_n know_v the_o holy_a spirit_n will_v not_o be_v wrought_v to_o smile_v on_o thy_o heart_n by_o these_o mean_n such_o a_o dogged_a sullen_a frame_n of_o spirit_n will_v but_o procure_v thou_o the_o more_o lash_n and_o continue_v thou_o the_o long_o in_o the_o wilderness_n israel_n murmur_n keep_v they_o forty_o year_n in_o the_o wilderness_n hereby_o they_o vex_v god_n holy_a spirit_n isai_n 63._o 10_o and_o so_o do_v thou_o and_o thou_o may_v expect_v a_o proportionable_a deal_n at_o god_n hand_n 2_o a_o kind_n of_o delight_n in_o complain_v against_o thyself_o and_o take_v satan_n part_n many_o time_n in_o bear_v false_a witness_n against_o thy_o own_o soul_n sometime_o a_o kind_n of_o sinful_a humility_n sometime_o a_o apprehension_n of_o ease_n in_o vent_v the_o cause_n of_o their_o trouble_n and_o sometime_o a_o design_n of_o provoke_v other_o to_o humour_v they_o in_o apply_v those_o corrosive_n and_o terror_n to_o they_o which_o they_o think_v be_v their_o portion_n make_v many_o person_n liberal_a in_o charge_v themselves_o in_o this_o sort_n and_o sometime_o satan_n help_v they_o they_o be_v apt_a to_o lay_v more_o load_n upon_o themselves_o then_o indeed_o belong_v to_o they_o aggravate_v their_o sin_n beyond_o measure_n and_o condemn_v themselves_o for_o the_o vile_a creature_n upon_o the_o face_n of_o the_o earth_n and_o by_o constant_a use_n i_o know_v not_o what_o kind_n of_o pleasure_n grow_v out_o of_o such_o libel_v themselves_o and_o they_o be_v never_o so_o well_o as_o when_o they_o be_v in_o that_o tune_n i_o grant_v a_o serious_a moderate_a and_o discreet_a complain_v of_o our_o sin_n and_o want_n to_o such_o from_o who_o advice_n and_o prayer_n we_o may_v expect_v good_a and_o for_o this_o reason_n that_o we_o may_v get_v their_o advice_n and_o prayer_n they_o know_v our_o condition_n particular_o and_o be_v thereby_o enable_v to_o help_v we_o by_o such_o a_o through_o knowledge_n of_o our_o case_n be_v not_o only_o lawful_a and_o expedient_a but_o necessary_a but_o to_o be_v always_o in_o season_n and_o out_o of_o season_n urge_v these_o indictment_n against_o one_o self_n and_o mere_o for_o this_o reason_n that_o we_o may_v put_v from_o ourselves_o those_o comfortable_a truth_n which_o be_v endeavour_v to_o be_v fasten_v upon_o we_o do_v but_o more_o indispose_v we_o to_o peace_n and_o satisfaction_n of_o spirit_n and_o teach_v satan_n a_o art_n of_o trouble_v we_o everlasting_o with_o our_o own_o like_n and_o approbation_n take_v this_o for_o a_o certain_a rule_n that_o soul_n that_o will_v not_o open_v to_o the_o spirit_n of_o adoption_n till_o he_o can_v find_v no_o matter_n of_o complaint_n against_o himself_o may_v go_v mourn_v all_o his_o day_n and_o thank_v himself_o for_o it_o 3._o a_o unthankful_a denial_n of_o the_o work_n of_o god_n sanctify_a spirit_n in_o the_o heart_n which_o be_v the_o material_a ground_n of_o all_o regular_a assurance_n from_o the_o spirit_n of_o adoption_n or_o at_o least_o mitigate_a qualify_a and_o extenuate_v they_o this_o ordinary_o accompany_v the_o former_a a_o soul_n that_o delight_v itself_o in_o pick_v quarrel_n against_o its_o own_o peace_n will_v not_o be_v easy_o bring_v to_o own_o any_o good_a concern_v itself_o tell_v a_o man_n in_o this_o frame_n sir_n you_o be_v one_o of_o god_n call_v once_o for_o you_o have_v have_v experience_n of_o a_o gracious_a change_n upon_o your_o heart_n you_o now_o hate_v sin_n &_o count_v it_o your_o great_a burden_n which_o once_o you_o love_v and_o judge_v it_o your_o great_a comfort_n you_o have_v a_o unsatisfiable_a longing_n after_o christ_n not_o only_o in_o his_o merit_n but_o in_o his_o grace_n and_o the_o communication_n of_o his_o holiness_n and_o all_o the_o world_n will_v not_o satisfy_v you_o without_o he_o you_o have_v a_o heart_n perfect_o break_v off_o from_o all_o your_o old_a company_n and_o all_o your_o delight_n be_v in_o the_o saint_n that_o be_v upon_o earth_n and_o they_o that_o excel_v in_o virtue_n