by_o mere_a conviction_n of_o the_o truth_n such_o as_o wicked_a man_n and_o devil_n may_v be_v bring_v to_o when_o they_o have_v rather_o it_o be_v false_a neither_o must_v our_o believe_v on_o christ_n be_v only_o constrain_v for_o fear_n of_o damnation_n without_o any_o hearty_a love_n and_o desire_n towards_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o he_o but_o we_o must_v receive_v the_o love_n of_o the_o truth_n by_o relish_v the_o goodness_n and_o excellency_n of_o it_o and_o we_o must_v account_v all_o thing_n loss_n for_o the_o excellency_n of_o the_o knowledge_n of_o christ_n jesus_n our_o lord_n and_o count_v they_o but_o dung_n that_o we_o may_v win_v christ_n and_o be_v find_v in_o he_o 2_o thess_n 2.10_o phil._n 3.8_o 9_o esteem_v christ_n to_o be_v all_o our_o salvation_n and_o happiness_n col._n 3.11_o in_o who_o all_o fullness_n do_v dwell_v col._n 1.19_o and_o this_o love_n must_v be_v to_o every_o part_n of_o christ_n salvation_n to_o holiness_n as_o well_o as_o forgiveness_n of_o sin_n we_o must_v desire_v earnest_o that_o god_n will_v create_v in_o we_o a_o clean_a heart_n and_o right_a spirit_n as_o well_o as_o hide_v his_o face_n from_o our_o sin_n psal_n 51.9_o 10._o not_o like_o many_o that_o care_n for_o nothing_o in_o christ_n but_o only_a deliverance_n from_o hell_n bless_a be_v they_o that_o hunger_n and_o thirst_n after_o righteousness_n for_o they_o shall_v be_v fill_v mat._n 5.6_o the_o former_a of_o these_o act_n do_v not_o immediate_o unite_v we_o to_o christ_n because_o it_o be_v terminate_v only_o on_o the_o mean_n of_o conveyance_n the_o gospel_n yet_o it_o be_v a_o save_a act_n if_o it_o be_v right_o perform_v because_o it_o incline_v and_o dispose_v the_o soul_n to_o the_o latter_a act_n whereby_o christ_n himself_o be_v immediate_o receive_v into_o the_o heart_n he_o that_o believe_v the_o gospel_n with_o hearty_a love_n and_o like_n as_o the_o most_o excellent_a truth_n will_v certain_o with_o the_o like_a heartiness_n believe_v on_o christ_n for_o his_o salvation_n they_o that_o know_v the_o name_n of_o the_o lord_n will_v certain_o put_v their_o trust_n in_o he_o psal_n 9.10_o therefore_o in_o scripture_n saving-faith_n be_v sometime_o describe_v by_o the_o former_a of_o these_o act_n as_o if_o it_o be_v a_o mere_a believe_v the_o gospel_n sometime_o by_o the_o latter_a as_o a_o believe_v on_o christ_n or_o in_o christ_n rom._n 10.9_o if_o thou_o believe_v in_o thy_o heart_n that_o god_n raise_v he_o from_o the_o dead_a thou_o shall_v be_v save_v 11_o the_o scripture_n say_v whosoever_o believe_v on_o he_o shall_v not_o be_v ashamed_a 1_o john_n 5.1_o whosoever_o believe_v that_o jesus_n be_v the_o christ_n be_v bear_v of_o god_n 13_o these_o thing_n have_v i_o write_v unto_o you_o that_o believe_v on_o the_o name_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n that_o you_o may_v know_v you_o have_v eternal_a life_n and_o that_o you_o may_v believe_v on_o the_o name_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n for_o the_o better_a understanding_n of_o the_o nature_n of_o faith_n let_v it_o be_v further_o observe_v that_o the_o second_o and_o principal_a of_o it_o believe_v on_o christ_n include_v believe_v on_o god_n the_o father_n son_n and_o holy_a ghost_n because_o they_o be_v one_o and_o the_o same_o infinite_a god_n and_o they_o all_o concur_v in_o our_o salvation_n by_o christ_n as_o the_o only_a mediator_n betwixt_o god_n and_o we_o in_o who_o all_o the_o promise_n of_o god_n be_v yea_o and_o amen_o 2_o cor._n 1.20_o by_o he_o as_o mediator_n we_o believe_v on_o god_n that_o raise_v he_o from_o the_o dead_a and_o give_v he_o glory_n that_o our_o faith_n and_o hope_n may_v be_v in_o god_n 1_o pet._n 1.21_o and_o it_o be_v the_o same_o thing_n with_o trust_v on_o god_n or_o on_o the_o lord_n which_o be_v so_o high_o commend_v in_o the_o whole_a scripture_n especial_o in_o the_o old_a testament_n as_o may_v easy_o appear_v by_o consider_v that_o it_o have_v the_o same_o cause_n effect_n object_n adjunct_n opposite_n and_o all_o the_o same_o circumstance_n except_v only_o that_o it_o have_v a_o respect_n to_o christ_n as_o promise_v before_o his_o come_v and_o now_o it_o respect_v he_o as_o already_o come_v in_o the_o flesh_n believe_v in_o the_o lord_n and_o trust_v on_o his_o salvation_n be_v equivalent_a term_n that_o explain_v one_o another_o psal_n 78.22_o i_o confess_v that_o trust_v on_o thing_n see_v or_o know_v by_o the_o mere_a light_n of_o reason_n as_o on_o our_o own_o wisdom_n power_n riches_n on_o prince_n or_o any_o arm_n of_o flesh_n may_v not_o so_o proper_o be_v call_v believe_v on_o they_o but_o trust_v on_o a_o saviour_n as_o discover_v by_o a_o testimony_n be_v proper_o believe_v on_o he_o it_o be_v also_o the_o same_o thing_n that_o be_v express_v by_o the_o term_n of_o rest_v rely_v lean_v stay_v ourselves_o on_o the_o lord_n because_o it_o be_v the_o ground_n of_o that_o expectation_n that_o be_v the_o proper_a act_n of_o hope_n though_o our_o believe_v and_o trust_v be_v for_o the_o present_a as_o well_o as_o future_a benefit_n of_o this_o salvation_n the_o reason_n why_o it_o be_v so_o common_o express_v in_o the_o scripture_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n by_o the_o term_n of_o believe_v on_o christ_n may_v be_v probable_o because_o when_o that_o part_n of_o scripture_n be_v write_v there_o be_v cause_n in_o a_o special_a manner_n to_o urge_v believe_v the_o testimony_n that_o be_v then_o new_o reveal_v by_o the_o gospel_n have_v thus_o explain_v the_o nature_n of_o faith_n i_o come_v now_o to_o assert_v its_o proper_a use_n and_o office_n in_o our_o salvation_n that_o it_o be_v the_o mean_n and_o instrument_n whereby_o we_o receive_v christ_n and_o all_o his_o fullness_n actual_o into_o our_o heart_n this_o excellent_a use_n and_o office_n of_o faith_n be_v encounter_v by_o a_o multitude_n of_o error_n man_n natural_o esteem_v that_o it_o be_v too_o small_a and_o slight_a a_o thing_n to_o produce_v so_o great_a effect_n as_o naaman_n think_v wash_v in_o jordan_n too_o small_a a_o matter_n for_o the_o cure_n of_o his_o leprosy_n they_o contemn_v the_o true_a mean_n of_o enter_v in_o at_o the_o straight_a gate_n because_o they_o seem_v too_o easy_a for_o such_o purpose_n and_o thereby_o they_o make_v the_o entrance_n not_o only_o difficult_a but_o impossible_a to_o themselves_o some_o will_v allow_v that_o faith_n be_v the_o sole_a condition_n of_o our_o justification_n and_o the_o instrument_n to_o receive_v it_o according_a to_o the_o doctrine_n maintain_v former_o by_o the_o protestant_n against_o the_o papist_n but_o they_o account_v that_o it_o be_v not_o sufficient_a or_o effectual_a to_o sanctification_n but_o that_o it_o rather_o tend_v to_o licentiousness_n if_o it_o be_v not_o join_v with_o some_o other_o mean_n that_o may_v be_v powerful_a and_o effectual_a to_o procure_v a_o holy_a practice_n they_o commend_v this_o great_a doctrine_n of_o protestant_n as_o a_o comfortable_a cordial_n for_o person_n upon_o their_o deathbed_n or_o in_o agony_n under_o terror_n of_o conscience_n but_o they_o account_v that_o it_o be_v not_o good_a for_o ordinary_a food_n and_o that_o it_o be_v wisdom_n in_o minister_n to_o preach_v it_o seldom_o and_o spare_o and_o not_o without_o some_o antidote_n or_o corrective_a to_o prevent_v the_o licentiousness_n to_o which_o it_o tend_v their_o common_a antidote_n or_o corrective_a be_v that_o sanctification_n be_v necessary_a to_o salvation_n as_o well_o as_o justification_n and_o that_o though_o we_o be_v justify_v by_o faith_n yet_o we_o be_v sanctify_v by_o our_o own_o performance_n of_o the_o law_n and_o so_o they_o set_v up_o salvation_n by_o work_n and_o make_v the_o grace_n of_o justification_n to_o be_v of_o none_o effect_n and_o not_o at_o all_o comfortable_a if_o it_o have_v indeed_o such_o a_o malignant_a influence_n upon_o practice_n it_o can_v not_o be_v own_v as_o a_o doctrine_n proceed_v from_o the_o most_o holy_a god_n and_o all_o the_o comfort_n that_o it_o afford_v must_v needs_o be_v ungrounded_a and_o deceitful_a this_o consequence_n be_v well_o understand_v by_o some_o late_a refiner_n of_o the_o protestant_a religion_n and_o therefore_o they_o have_v think_v fit_a to_o new-model_n this_o doctrine_n and_o to_o make_v saving-faith_n to_o be_v only_o a_o condition_n to_o procure_v a_o right_n and_o title_n to_o our_o justification_n by_o the_o righteousness_n of_o christ_n which_o must_v be_v perform_v before_o we_o can_v lay_v any_o good_a claim_n to_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o it_o and_o before_o we_o have_v any_o right_n to_o the_o actual_a receive_n of_o it_o and_o this_o they_o call_v a_o accept_n of_o or_o receive_v christ_n and_o that_o they_o may_v the_o better_o secure_v the_o practice_n of_o holiness_n by_o their_o conditional_a faith_n they_o will_v not_o have_v trust_v on_o god_n
be_v as_o unfit_a for_o the_o glorious_a presence_n as_o swine_n for_o the_o presence-chamber_n of_o a_o earthly_a prince_n i_o confess_v some_o may_v be_v convert_v when_o they_o be_v so_o near_o the_o point_n of_o death_n that_o they_o may_v have_v little_a time_n to_o practice_n holiness_n in_o this_o world_n but_o the_o grace_n of_o the_o spirit_n be_v active_a like_o fire_n mat._n 3.11_o and_o as_o soon_o as_o it_o be_v give_v it_o will_v immediate_o produce_v good_a inward_a working_n of_o love_n to_o god_n and_o christ_n and_o his_o people_n which_o will_v be_v sufficient_a to_o manifest_v the_o righteous_a judgement_n of_o god_n in_o save_v they_o at_o the_o great_a day_n when_o he_o shall_v judge_v every_o man_n according_a to_o his_o work_n though_o some_o possible_o may_v not_o have_v so_o much_o time_n to_o discover_v their_o inward_a grace_n in_o any_o outward_a good_a work_n as_o the_o thief_n upon_o the_o cross_n luke_n 23.40.43_o the_o three_o and_o last_o thing_n to_o be_v note_v in_o this_o direction_n be_v that_o holiness_n of_o heart_n and_o life_n be_v to_o be_v seek_v for_o earnest_o by_o faith_n as_o a_o very_a necessary_a part_n of_o our_o salvation_n great_a multitude_n of_o ignorant_a people_n that_o live_v under_o the_o gospel_n harden_v their_o heart_n in_o sin_n and_o ruin_v their_o soul_n for_o ever_o by_o trust_v on_o christ_n for_o such_o a_o imaginary_a salvation_n as_o consist_v not_o at_o all_o in_o holiness_n but_o only_o in_o forgiveness_n of_o sin_n and_o deliverance_n from_o everlasting_a torment_n they_o will_v be_v free_a from_o the_o punishment_n due_a to_o sin_n but_o they_o love_v their_o lust_n so_o well_o that_o they_o hate_v holiness_n and_o will_v not_o be_v save_v from_o the_o service_n of_o sin_n the_o way_n to_o oppose_v this_o pernicious_a delusion_n be_v not_o to_o deny_v as_o some_o do_v that_o trust_v on_o christ_n for_o salvation_n be_v a_o save_a act_n of_o faith_n but_o rather_o to_o show_v that_o none_o do_v or_o can_v trust_v on_o christ_n for_o true_a salvation_n except_o they_o trust_v on_o he_o for_o holiness_n neither_o do_v they_o hearty_o desire_v true_a salvation_n if_o they_o do_v not_o desire_v to_o be_v make_v holy_a and_o righteous_a in_o their_o heart_n and_o life_n if_o ever_o god_n and_o christ_n give_v you_o salvation_n holiness_n will_v be_v one_o part_n of_o it_o if_o christ_n wash_v you_o not_o from_o the_o filth_n of_o your_o sin_n you_o have_v no_o part_n in_o he_o joh._n 13.8_o what_o a_o strange_a kind_n of_o salvation_n do_v they_o desire_v that_o care_v not_o for_o holiness_n they_o will_v be_v save_v and_o yet_o be_v altogether_o dead_a in_o sin_n alien_n from_o the_o life_n of_o god_n bereave_v of_o the_o image_n of_o god_n deform_v by_o the_o image_n of_o satan_n his_o slave_n and_o vassal_n to_o their_o own_o filthy_a lust_n utter_o unmeet_a for_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o god_n in_o glory_n such_o a_o salvation_n as_o that_o be_v never_o purchase_v by_o the_o blood_n of_o christ_n and_o those_o that_o seek_v it_o abuse_v the_o grace_n of_o god_n in_o christ_n and_o turn_v it_o into_o lasciviousness_n they_o will_v be_v save_v by_o christ_n and_o yet_o out_o of_o christ_n in_o a_o fleshly_a state_n whereas_o god_n do_v free_a none_o from_o condemnation_n but_o those_o that_o be_v in_o christ_n that_o walk_v not_o after_o the_o flesh_n but_o after_o the_o spirit_n or_o else_o they_o will_v divide_v christ_n and_o take_v a_o part_n of_o his_o salvation_n and_o leave_v out_o the_o rest_n but_o christ_n be_v not_o divide_v 1_o cor._n 1.13_o they_o will_v have_v their_o sin_n forgive_v not_o that_o they_o may_v walk_v with_o god_n in_o love_n in_o time_n to_o come_v but_o that_o they_o may_v practise_v their_o enmity_n against_o he_o without_o any_o fear_n of_o punishment_n but_o let_v they_o not_o be_v deceive_v god_n be_v not_o mock_v they_o understand_v not_o what_o true_a salvation_n be_v neither_o be_v they_o ever_o yet_o thorough_o sensible_a of_o their_o lose_a estate_n and_o of_o the_o great_a evil_n of_o sin_n and_o that_o which_o they_o trust_v on_o christ_n for_o be_v but_o a_o imagination_n of_o their_o own_o brain_n and_o therefore_o their_o trust_v be_v gross_a presumption_n true_a gospel_n faith_n make_v we_o to_o come_v to_o christ_n with_o a_o thirsty_a appetite_n that_o we_o may_v drink_v of_o live_a water_n even_o of_o his_o sanctify_a spirit_n john_n 7.37_o 38._o and_o to_o cry_v out_o earnest_o to_o save_v we_o not_o only_o from_o hell_n but_o from_o sin_n say_v teach_v we_o to_o do_v thy_o will_n thy_o spirit_n be_v good_a psal_n 143.10_o turn_v thou_o i_o and_o i_o shall_v be_v turn_v jer._n 31.18_o create_v in_o i_o a_o clean_a heart_n o_o god_n and_o renew_v a_o right_a spirit_n within_o i_o psal_n 51.10_o this_o be_v the_o way_n whereby_o the_o doctrine_n of_o salvation_n by_o grace_n do_v necessitate_v we_o to_o holiness_n of_o life_n by_o constrain_a we_o to_o seek_v for_o it_o by_o faith_n in_o christ_n as_o a_o substantial_a part_n of_o that_o salvation_n which_o be_v free_o give_v to_o we_o through_o christ_n direct_v ix_o we_o must_v first_o receive_v the_o comfort_n of_o the_o gospel_n that_o we_o may_v be_v able_a to_o perform_v sincere_o the_o duty_n of_o the_o law_n explication_n since_o man_n fall_v from_o obedience_n to_o god_n which_o he_o be_v enable_v and_o engage_v to_o perform_v by_o the_o comfort_n of_o his_o first_o happy_a state_n in_o paradise_n god_n may_v have_v just_o refuse_v ever_o to_o give_v man_n again_o any_o comfort_n beforehand_o to_o encourage_v he_o to_o his_o duty_n that_o the_o way_n to_o holiness_n be_v hedge_v up_o against_o he_o with_o the_o thorn_n and_o briar_n of_o fear_n grief_n and_o despair_n he_o may_v never_o be_v able_a to_o escape_v the_o sentence_n of_o death_n which_o be_v denounce_v against_o his_o first_o transgression_n this_o justice_n of_o god_n be_v manifest_a in_o the_o method_n of_o the_o legal_a covenant_n wherein_o god_n promise_v we_o no_o life_n comfort_n or_o happiness_n until_o we_o have_v thorough_o perform_v his_o law_n and_o may_v be_v see_v in_o the_o mount_n sinai_n promulgation_n explicate_v levit._n 26._o throughout_o and_o we_o be_v by_o nature_n so_o strong_o addict_v to_o this_o legal_a method_n of_o salvation_n that_o it_o be_v a_o hard_a matter_n to_o dissuade_v those_o that_o live_v under_o the_o light_n of_o the_o gospel_n from_o place_v the_o duty_n of_o the_o law_n before_o the_o comfort_n of_o the_o gospel_n if_o they_o can_v make_v salvation_n itself_o yet_o they_o will_v be_v sure_a to_o make_v all_o the_o comfort_n of_o it_o to_o depend_v upon_o their_o own_o work_n they_o think_v it_o as_o unreasonable_a to_o expect_v comfort_n before_o duty_n as_o wage_n before_o work_n or_o the_o fruit_n of_o the_o earth_n before_o the_o husband_n man_n labour_n 2_o tim._n 2.6_o they_o account_v the_o only_a effectual_a way_n to_o secure_v the_o obedience_n we_o owe_v to_o the_o law_n of_o god_n be_v to_o ground_v all_o our_o comfort_n on_o the_o performance_n of_o it_o and_o that_o the_o contrary_a doctrine_n strengthen_v the_o hand_n of_o the_o wicked_a by_o prophesy_a peace_n to_o they_o where_o there_o be_v no_o peace_n ezek._n 13.16_o 22._o and_o open_v the_o floodgate_n to_o all_o licentiousness_n therefore_o some_o preacher_n will_v advise_v man_n not_o to_o be_v solicitous_a and_o hasty_a of_o get_v of_o comfort_n but_o that_o they_o shall_v rather_o exercise_v themselves_o diligent_o in_o the_o performance_n of_o their_o duty_n and_o they_o tell_v they_o that_o in_o so_o do_v their_o condition_n will_v be_v safe_a and_o happy_a at_o last_o though_o they_o never_o enjoy_v any_o comfort_n of_o their_o salvation_n as_o long_o as_o they_o live_v in_o this_o world_n that_o you_o may_v right_o understand_v what_o i_o have_v assert_v in_o the_o direction_n against_o such_o vulgar_a error_n take_v notice_n that_o i_o do_v not_o make_v the_o only_a place_n of_o gospel-comfort_n to_o be_v before_o the_o duty_n of_o the_o law_n i_o acknowledge_v that_o god_n comfort_v his_o people_n on_o every_o side_n psal_n 71.21_o both_o before_o and_o after_o the_o performance_n of_o their_o duty_n and_o that_o the_o great_a consolation_n do_v follow_v after_o duty_n yet_o some_o comfort_n god_n give_v to_o his_o people_n before_o hand_n as_o advance-money_n to_o furnish_v they_o for_o his_o service_n though_o most_o of_o the_o pay_n come_v in_o afterward_o neither_o do_v i_o hereby_o speak_v any_o peace_n to_o those_o that_o continue_v in_o their_o sinful_a natural_a state_n for_o the_o comfort_n that_o i_o speak_v of_o can_v be_v receive_v without_o reject_v those_o false_a confidence_n whereby_o natural_a man_n harden_v themselves_o in_o sin_n and_o without_o that_o effectual_a work_n of_o
past_a and_o go_v joh._n 3.8_o we_o must_v therefore_o begin_v the_o work_n before_o we_o know_v that_o the_o spirit_n do_v or_o will_v work_v in_o we_o save_o and_o we_o shall_v be_v willing_a to_o set_v upon_o the_o work_n if_o we_o believe_v for_o thy_o people_n shall_v be_v willing_a in_o the_o day_n of_o thy_o power_n psal_n 110.3_o it_o be_v enough_o that_o god_n discover_v to_o we_o beforehand_o in_o the_o gospel_n what_o faith_n be_v and_o the_o ground_n we_o have_v to_o believe_v on_o christ_n for_o our_o own_o salvation_n and_o that_o god_n require_v this_o duty_n of_o we_o and_o will_v help_v we_o in_o the_o performance_n of_o it_o if_o we_o apply_v ourselves_o hearty_o thereunto_o fear_v not_o i_o command_v thou_o to_o be_v strong_a and_o of_o good_a courage_n josh_n 1._o arise_v and_o be_v do_v and_o the_o lord_n will_v be_v with_o thou_o 1_o chron._n 22.16_o therefore_o whoso_o receive_v this_o gospel-discovery_n as_o the_o word_n of_o god_n in_o hearty_a love_n be_v teach_v by_o the_o spirit_n and_o will_v certain_o come_v to_o christ_n by_o believe_v joh._n 6.45_o every_o one_o that_o receive_v it_o not_o despise_v god_n make_v he_o a_o liar_n and_o deserve_v just_o to_o perish_v for_o his_o unbelief_n 4._o though_o the_o spirit_n work_v save_v faith_n only_o in_o the_o elect_n and_o other_o believe_v not_o because_o they_o be_v not_o of_o christ_n sheep_n joh._n 10.26_o and_o on_o that_o account_n be_v call_v the_o faith_n of_o god_n elect_n tit._n 1.1_o yet_o all_o that_o hear_v the_o gospel_n be_v oblige_v to_o the_o duty_n of_o believe_v as_o well_o as_o to_o all_o the_o duty_n of_o the_o moral_a law_n and_o that_o before_o they_o know_v their_o own_o particular_a election_n and_o they_o be_v liable_a to_o condemnation_n for_o unbelief_n as_o well_o as_o for_o any_o other_o sin_n he_o that_o believe_v not_o be_v condemn_v already_o because_o he_o have_v not_o believe_v on_o the_o navy_n of_o the_o only_o beget_v son_n of_o god_n joh._n 3.18_o the_o apostle_n paul_n show_v that_o the_o elect_a israelite_n obtain_v salvation_n and_o the_o rest_n that_o be_v not_o elect_v be_v blind_v and_o yet_o even_o these_o be_v break_v off_o from_o the_o good_a olive-tree_n because_o of_o their_o unbelief_n rom._n 11.7_o 20._o we_o can_v have_v a_o certain_a knowledge_n of_o our_o election_n to_o eternal_a life_n before_o we_o do_v believe_v it_o be_v a_o thing_n hide_v in_o the_o unsearchable_a counsel_n of_o god_n until_o it_o be_v manifest_a by_o our_o effectual_a call_v and_o believe_v on_o christ_n the_o apostle_n know_v the_o election_n of_o the_o thessalonian_o by_o find_v the_o evidence_n of_o their_o faith_n that_o the_o gospel_n come_v to_o they_o not_o in_o word_n only_o but_o also_o in_o power_n and_o in_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o in_o much_o assurance_n and_o that_o they_o have_v receive_v the_o word_n in_o much_o affliction_n with_o joy_n in_o the_o holy_a ghost_n 1_o thes_n 1.4_o 5_o 6._o we_o be_v to_o see_v our_o call_v if_o we_o will_v find_v out_o that_o god_n have_v choose_v we_o 1_o cor._n 1.26_o 27._o therefore_o we_o must_v believe_v on_o christ_n before_o we_o know_v our_o election_n or_o else_o we_o shall_v never_o know_v it_o and_o shall_v never_o believe_v and_o it_o be_v no_o presumption_n for_o we_o to_o trust_v confident_o on_o christ_n for_o everlasting_a life_n before_o we_o have_v any_o good_a evidence_n of_o our_o election_n because_o god_n that_o can_v lie_v have_v make_v a_o general_a promise_n that_o whosoever_o believe_v on_o he_o shall_v not_o be_v ashamed_a without_o make_v the_o least_o difference_n among_o they_o that_o perform_v this_o duty_n rom._n 10.11_o 12._o the_o promise_n be_v as_o firm_a and_o sure_a to_o be_v fulfil_v as_o any_o of_o god_n decree_n and_o purpose_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v a_o good_a and_o sufficient_a ground_n for_o our_o confidence_n it_o be_v certain_a that_o all_o that_o the_o father_n have_v give_v to_o christ_n by_o the_o decree_n of_o eternal_a election_n shall_v come_v to_o christ_n and_o it_o be_v as_o real_o certain_a that_o christ_n will_v in_o no_o wise_a cast_v out_o any_o that_o come_v to_o he_o whosoever_o he_o be_v joh._n 6.37_o and_o we_o need_v not_o fear_v that_o we_o shall_v infringe_v god_n decree_n of_o election_n by_o believe_v on_o christ_n confident_o for_o our_o salvation_n before_o we_o know_v what_o god_n have_v decree_v concern_v we_o for_o if_o we_o believe_v we_o shall_v at_o last_o be_v find_v among_o the_o number_n of_o the_o elect._n and_o if_o we_o refuse_v to_o believe_v we_o shall_v thereby_o wilful_o sort_v ourselves_o among_o the_o reprobate_n that_o stumble_v at_o the_o word_n be_v disobedient_a whereunto_o also_o they_o be_v appoint_v 1_o pet._n 2.8_o i_o shall_v add_v further_o that_o though_o we_o have_v no_o evidence_n of_o our_o particular_a election_n before_o we_o believe_v yet_o we_o be_v to_o trust_v on_o christ_n assure_o to_o make_v it_o evident_a to_o we_o by_o give_v we_o that_o salvation_n which_o be_v the_o peculiar_a portion_n of_o the_o elect_a only_o all_o spiritual_a save_a blessing_n wherewith_o god_n bless_v his_o people_n in_o christ_n be_v the_o peculiar_a portion_n of_o they_o who_o god_n have_v choose_v in_o christ_n before_o the_o foundation_n of_o the_o world_n eph._n 1.3_o 4._o yet_o we_o must_v necessary_o trust_v on_o christ_n for_o those_o save_a blessing_n or_o have_v none_o at_o all_o we_o be_v to_o pray_v in_o faith_n nothing_o doubt_v that_o god_n will_v remember_v we_o with_o the_o favour_n that_o he_o bear_v to_o his_o people_n that_o we_o may_v see_v the_o good_a of_o his_o choose_a and_o glory_n with_o his_o inheritance_n psal_n 106.4_o 5._o therefore_o we_o be_v to_o trust_v assure_o on_o god_n that_o he_o will_v deal_v with_o we_o as_o his_o choose_a people_n thus_o it_o appear_v that_o it_o be_v not_o presumption_n but_o your_o bind_a duty_n to_o apply_v yourselves_o to_o the_o great_a work_n of_o believe_v on_o christ_n for_o salvation_n without_o question_v at_o all_o beforehand_o whether_o you_o be_v elect_v or_o no_o secret_a thing_n belong_v to_o god_n but_o those_o thing_n that_o be_v reveal_v belong_v unto_o we_o that_o we_o may_v do_v they_o deut._n 29.29_o the_o second_o thing_n direct_v to_o be_v that_o you_o shall_v endeavour_v for_o a_o right_a manner_n of_o perform_v this_o duty_n this_o be_v a_o point_n of_o great_a concernment_n because_o the_o want_n of_o it_o will_v render_v your_o faith_n ineffectual_a to_o sanctification_n and_o salvation_n the_o great_a duty_n of_o love_n which_o be_v the_o end_n of_o the_o law_n and_o the_o principal_a fruit_n of_o sanctification_n must_v flow_v from_o faith_n unfeigned_a 1_o tim._n 1.5_o there_o be_v a_o feign_a faith_n that_o do_v not_o real_o receive_v christ_n into_o the_o heart_n and_o will_v not_o produce_v love_n or_o any_o true_a obedience_n such_o as_o simon_n magus_n have_v act_n 8.13.23_o for_o notwithstanding_o his_o faith_n he_o be_v in_o the_o gall_n of_o bitterness_n and_o in_o the_o bond_n of_o iniquity_n and_o such_o as_o those_o jew_n have_v to_o who_o christ_n will_v not_o commit_v himself_o who_o do_v not_o confess_v he_o lest_o they_o shall_v be_v put_v out_o of_o the_o synagogue_n joh._n 2.23_o and_o 12.42_o and_o such_o as_o the_o apostle_n james_n speak_v of_o what_o do_v it_o profit_v you_o my_o brethren_n if_o a_o man_n say_v he_o have_v faith_n and_o have_v not_o work_n can_v that_o faith_n save_v he_o the_o devil_n also_o believe_v and_o tremble_v jam._n 2.14_o 19_o take_v heed_n therefore_o lest_o you_o deceive_v your_o soul_n with_o a_o counterfeit_a faith_n instead_o of_o the_o precious_a faith_n of_o god_n elect._n the_o way_n to_o distinguish_v the_o one_o from_o the_o other_o be_v by_o consider_v well_o what_o be_v the_o right_a manner_n of_o that_o believe_v which_o be_v effectaal_a to_o salvation_n hypocrite_n may_v perform_v the_o same_o work_n for_o the_o matter_n with_o true_a saint_n but_o they_o be_v defective_a in_o the_o manner_n of_o performance_n wherein_o the_o excellency_n of_o the_o work_n do_v chief_o consist_v one_o great_a reason_n why_o many_o strive_v to_o enter_v in_o at_o the_o strait_a gate_n and_o be_v not_o able_a be_v because_o they_o be_v ignorant_a and_o defective_a in_o the_o right_a manner_n of_o act_v this_o faith_n whereby_o they_o be_v to_o enter_v now_o i_o confess_v that_o god_n only_o be_v able_a to_o guide_v we_o effectual_o in_o the_o right_a way_n of_o believe_v and_o we_o have_v this_o great_a consolation_n when_o we_o see_v our_o own_o folly_n and_o proneness_n to_o mistake_v our_o way_n that_o if_o we_o hearty_o desire_v and_o endeavour_v to_o believe_v on_o christ_n aright_o we_o may_v confident_o trust_v on_o christ_n to_o guide_v
from_o your_o evil_a way_n for_o why_o will_v you_o die_v o_o house_n of_o israel_n ezek._n 33.11_o christ_n testify_v that_o he_o will_v often_o have_v gather_v the_o child_n of_o jerusalem_n as_o a_o hen_n etc._n etc._n and_o they_o will_v not_o mat._n 23.37_o and_o the_o apostle_n paul_n testify_v that_o god_n will_v have_v all_o man_n to_o be_v save_v etc._n etc._n 1_o tim._n 1.4_o you_o be_v to_o reject_v and_o abandon_v all_o thought_n that_o be_v contrary_a to_o this_o persuasion_n what_o if_o few_o be_v save_v thy_o salvation_n will_v not_o make_v the_o number_n too_o great_a for_o few_o will_v follow_v thou_o in_o the_o duty_n of_o believe_v what_o if_o the_o wrath_n of_o god_n be_v reveal_v from_o heaven_n against_o thou_o in_o many_o terrible_a judgement_n and_o the_o word_n and_o thy_o own_o conscience_n condemn_v thou_o and_o christ_n seem_v to_o reckon_v thou_o no_o better_o than_o a_o dog_n as_o he_o do_v the_o woman_n of_o canaan_n mat._n 15.26_o thou_o be_v to_o make_v a_o good_a interpretation_n of_o all_o these_o thing_n that_o the_o end_n of_o they_o be_v to_o drive_v thou_o to_o christ_n as_o this_o be_v the_o end_n of_o the_o curse_n of_o the_o law_n and_o all_o the_o terrible_a dispensation_n of_o they_o rom._n 10.4_o if_o a_o prophet_n or_o angel_n from_o heaven_n send_v of_o god_n on_o purpose_n to_o declare_v that_o the_o sentence_n of_o everlasting_a damnation_n be_v declare_v against_o thou_o it_o will_v be_v thy_o duty_n to_o believe_v that_o god_n send_v he_o to_o give_v thou_o timely_a warning_n for_o this_o very_a end_n that_o thou_o may_v believe_v and_o turn_v to_o god_n by_o faith_n and_o repentance_n jeremiah_n prophesy_v against_o the_o jew_n that_o god_n will_v pluck_v they_o up_o pull_v they_o down_o and_o destroy_v they_o for_o their_o sin_n yet_o he_o himself_o teach_v they_o if_o they_o turn_v from_o their_o evil_a way_n god_n will_v repent_v of_o the_o evil_a jer._n 18.7_o 8_o 11._o jonah_n preach_v nothing_o but_o certain_a destruction_n of_o nineveh_n to_o be_v execute_v upon_o they_o within_o 40_o day_n chap._n 3.4_o yet_o the_o intent_n of_o that_o terrible_a message_n be_v that_o those_o heathenish_a people_n may_v escape_v destruction_n by_o repentance_n the_o most_o absolute_a and_o peremptory_a denunciation_n of_o divine_a vengeance_n against_o we_o while_o we_o be_v in_o this_o world_n must_v be_v always_o understand_v with_o a_o secret_a reserve_n of_o salvation_n for_o we_o upon_o our_o faith_n and_o repentance_n and_o we_o be_v to_o account_v that_o the_o reason_n why_o god_n do_v so_o terrible_o denounce_v his_o judgement_n against_o we_o by_o his_o word_n be_v that_o we_o may_v escape_v they_o by_o fly_v for_o refuge_n to_o his_o free_a mercy_n in_o christ_n take_v heed_n of_o foster_a any_o thought_n that_o god_n have_v absolute_o decree_v to_o show_v no_o save_a mercy_n to_o you_o or_o that_o you_o have_v already_o commit_v the_o unpardonable_a sin_n or_o that_o it_o be_v in_o vain_a for_o you_o to_o attempt_v the_o work_n of_o believe_v because_o god_n will_v not_o help_v you_o in_o it_o if_o such_o thought_n prevail_v in_o your_o heart_n they_o will_v do_v you_o more_o hurt_v than_o the_o worst_a blasphemous_a thought_n that_o terrify_v you_o or_o any_o of_o the_o gross_a abomination_n that_o ever_o you_o be_v guilty_a of_o because_o they_o obstruct_v your_o believe_v on_o christ_n for_o salvation_n the_o spirit_n and_o the_o bride_n say_v come_v christ_n say_v whosoever_o will_v let_v he_o take_v of_o the_o water_n of_o life_n free_o rev._n 22.17_o therefore_o we_o be_v to_o abandon_v all_o thought_n that_o hinder_v our_o come_n to_o christ_n as_o very_o sinful_a and_o pernicious_a arise_v in_o we_o from_o our_o own_o corruption_n and_o satan_n delusion_n and_o utter_o opposite_a to_o the_o mind_n of_o christ_n and_o teach_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o what_o ground_n can_v we_o have_v to_o entertain_v such_o unbelieve_a thought_n have_v god_n make_v we_o of_o his_o privy-council_n that_o we_o shall_v be_v able_a to_o know_v that_o god_n have_v decree_v we_o to_o damnation_n before_o it_o be_v manifest_a by_o our_o final_a unbelief_n and_o impenitence_n as_o for_o the_o unpardonable_a sin_n it_o consist_v in_o renounce_v the_o way_n of_o salvation_n by_o christ_n with_o the_o whole_a heart_n after_o we_o have_v attain_v to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o it_o and_o be_v convince_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o it_o by_o the_o gospel_n it_o be_v the_o sin_n that_o the_o christian_a hebrew_n will_v have_v be_v guilty_a of_o if_o they_o have_v revolt_v from_o christianity_n to_o the_o religion_n of_o the_o unbelieve_a jew_n that_o account_v christ_n to_o be_v a_o impostor_n and_o be_v most_o rancorous_a persecutor_n of_o he_o and_o his_o way_n heb._n 6.4_o 5._o they_o that_o have_v commit_v that_o sin_n continue_v implacable_a malicious_a enemy_n to_o christ_n and_o his_o way_n to_o the_o end_n without_o any_o repentance_n therefore_o if_o you_o can_v but_o find_v that_o you_o desire_v serious_o to_o get_v a_o interest_n in_o christ_n and_o to_o be_v better_a christian_n than_o you_o be_v if_o you_o be_v trouble_v and_o grieve_v that_o your_o heart_n and_o life_n be_v so_o wicked_a and_o that_o you_o want_v faith_n love_n and_o true_a obedience_n yea_o if_o your_o heart_n be_v not_o malicious_o bend_v to_o persecute_v the_o gospel_n and_o prefer_v atheism_n licentiousness_n or_o any_o false_a religion_n before_o it_o you_o have_v no_o cause_n to_o suspect_v yourselves_o to_o be_v guilty_a of_o this_o unpardonable_a sin_n 6._o add_v to_o all_o these_o a_o full_a persuasion_n of_o the_o incomparable_a glorious_a excellency_n of_o christ_n and_o of_o the_o way_n of_o salvation_n by_o he_o you_o be_v to_o esteem_v the_o enjoyment_n of_o christ_n as_o the_o only_a salvation_n and_o true_a happiness_n and_o such_o a_o happiness_n as_o have_v in_o it_o unsearchable_a riches_n of_o glory_n and_o will_v make_v our_o cup_n to_o run_v over_o with_o exceed_a abundance_n of_o peace_n and_o joy_n and_o full_a of_o glory_n to_o all_o eternity_n we_o must_v account_v all_o thing_n but_o loss_n for_o the_o excellency_n of_o the_o knowledge_n of_o christ_n jesus_n our_o lord_n etc._n etc._n phil._n 3.8_o incline_v your_o will_n and_o affection_n to_o choose_v and_o embrace_v christ_n as_o the_o chief_a good_a and_o never_o to_o rest_v satisfy_v without_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o he_o and_o to_o reject_v every_o thing_n that_o stand_v in_o competition_n with_o he_o or_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o he_o christ_n be_v precious_a in_o the_o esteem_n of_o all_o true_a believer_n 1_o pet._n 2.7_o their_o high_a esteem_n of_o his_o incomparable_a preciousness_n and_o excellency_n induce_v they_o to_o sell_v all_o that_o they_o may_v buy_v this_o pearl_n of_o great_a price_n mat._n 13.46_o this_o make_v they_o to_o say_v lord_z evermore_o give_v we_o of_o this_o bread_n that_o come_v down_o from_o heaven_n and_o give_v life_n to_o the_o world_n lord_n to_o who_o shall_v we_o go_v thou_o have_v the_o word_n of_o eternal_a life_n joh._n 6.32_o 33_o 68_o because_o of_o the_o savour_n of_o his_o good_a ointment_n his_o name_n be_v as_o ointment_n pour_v forth_o therefore_o do_v the_o virgin_n love_v he_o cant._n 1.3_o they_o be_v sick_a of_o love_n to_o he_o because_o he_o be_v in_o their_o eye_n the_o chief_a of_o ten_o thousand_o cant._n 5.8_o 10._o as_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n that_o appear_v in_o the_o wonderful_a beauty_n of_o the_o temple_n and_o in_o the_o wisdom_n and_o glory_n of_o solomon_n draw_v worshipper_n to_o god_n from_o the_o utmost_a part_n of_o the_o earth_n so_o the_o unparalleled_a excellency_n of_o christ_n which_o be_v prefigure_v by_o the_o glory_n of_o solomon_n and_o the_o temple_n do_v more_o powerful_o draw_v believer_n in_o these_o gospel-day_n the_o devil_n who_o be_v the_o god_n of_o this_o world_n know_v how_o necessary_a it_o be_v for_o our_o salvation_n to_o discern_v all_o the_o glory_n and_o excellency_n of_o christ_n and_o therefore_o where_o the_o gospel_n be_v preach_v he_o make_v it_o his_o great_a work_n to_o eclipse_n the_o glory_n of_o christ_n in_o the_o ministry_n and_o to_o blind_v the_o mind_n of_o the_o people_n lest_o the_o light_n of_o the_o glorious_a gospel_n of_o christ_n shall_v shine_v into_o they_o 2_o cor._n 4.4_o one_o that_o be_v convince_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n may_v be_v averse_a to_o the_o embrace_v of_o it_o until_o he_o see_v also_o the_o goodness_n of_o it_o that_o christ_n be_v altogether_o lovely_a and_o excellent_a i_o come_v now_o to_o the_o second_o principal_a act_n of_o faith_n whereby_o christ_n himself_o and_o his_o spirit_n and_o all_o his_o save_a benefit_n be_v actual_o receive_v into_o the_o heart_n which_o be_v believe_v on_o christ_n as_o reveal_v and_o free_o
we_o be_v the_o child_n of_o god_n and_o if_o child_n than_o heir_n rom._n 8.15_o 16._o gal._n 4.6_o and_o the_o apostle_n tell_v the_o ephesian_n that_o after_o they_o believe_v they_o be_v seal_v with_o the_o holy_a spirit_n which_o be_v the_o earnest_a of_o their_o inheritance_n eph._n 1.13_o 14._o i_o e._n they_o be_v seal_v from_o the_o same_o time_n that_o they_o believe_v for_o the_o original_a word_n be_v in_o the_o same_o tense_n if_o this_o witness_n seal_v and_o earnest_n of_o the_o spirit_n have_v not_o be_v ordinary_a to_o believer_n it_o will_v not_o have_v be_v sufficient_a to_o prove_v that_o they_o be_v the_o child_n of_o god_n and_o such_o manner_n of_o argue_v may_v have_v drive_v some_o to_o despair_n that_o want_v this_o witness_n seal_v and_o earnest_n let_v we_o inquire_v now_o whether_o the_o spirit_n bear_v witness_v that_o we_o be_v the_o child_n of_o god_n and_o enable_v we_o to_o cry_v abba_n father_n by_o the_o direct_a act_n or_o by_o that_o which_o they_o call_v the_o reflect_v act_n of_o faith_n for_o we_o must_v not_o think_v that_o it_o be_v do_v by_o a_o enthusiasm_n without_o any_o ordinary_a mean_n nor_o can_v we_o reasonable_o imagine_v that_o no_o true_a believer_n can_v call_v god_n father_n by_o the_o guidance_n of_o the_o spirit_n but_o only_o those_o few_o that_o be_v so_o sure_a of_o their_o own_o sincerity_n that_o by_o reflect_v upon_o it_o they_o can_v ground_v a_o act_n of_o faith_n concern_v their_o own_o interest_n in_o christ_n no_o sure_o therefore_o we_o may_v judge_v rather_o that_o the_o spirit_n work_v this_o in_o we_o by_o give_v we_o save_v faith_n itself_o whereby_o all_o true_a believer_n be_v enable_v to_o trust_v assure_o on_o christ_n for_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o the_o adoption_n of_o child_n and_o all_o his_o salvation_n according_a to_o the_o free_a promise_n of_o god_n and_o to_o call_v god_n father_n without_o reflect_v on_o any_o good_a qualification_n in_o ourselves_o and_o by_o the_o direct_a act_n of_o it_o for_o the_o spirit_n be_v receive_v by_o the_o direct_a act_n of_o faith_n gal._n 3.2_o and_o so_o he_o be_v the_o spirit_n of_o adoption_n and_o comfort_n to_o all_o that_o receive_v he_o they_o that_o assert_v that_o the_o spirit_n witness_v our_o adoption_n only_o by_o assure_v we_o of_o the_o sincerity_n of_o our_o faith_n love_n and_o other_o gracious_a qualification_n and_o by_o the_o reflect_v act_n of_o faith_n do_v teach_v also_o common_o that_o you_o must_v again_o try_v whether_o the_o spirit_n thus_o witness_v be_v the_o spirit_n of_o truth_n or_o of_o delusion_n by_o search_v narrow_o whether_o our_o inward_a grace_n be_v sincere_a or_o counterfeit_a so_o that_o hereby_o the_o testimony_n of_o the_o spirit_n be_v render_v so_o hard_o to_o be_v discern_v that_o it_o stand_v we_o in_o no_o stead_n but_o all_o our_o assurance_n be_v make_v at_o last_o to_o depend_v on_o our_o own_o certain_a knowledge_n of_o our_o own_o sincerity_n there_o be_v several_a other_o evidence_n to_o show_v that_o believer_n general_o be_v persuade_v of_o their_o salvation_n in_o the_o apostle_n time_n they_o love_v and_o wait_v for_o the_o come_n of_o christ_n to_o judge_v the_o world_n 1_o cor._n 1.7_o 2_o tim._n 4.8_o they_o love_v all_o the_o saint_n for_o the_o hope_n that_o be_v lay_v up_o for_o they_o in_o heaven_n col._n 1.3_o 4._o the_o corinthian_n that_o be_v very_o carnal_a and_o but_o babe_n in_o christ_n be_v persuade_v that_o they_o shall_v judge_v the_o world_n and_o angel_n and_o that_o their_o body_n be_v member_n of_o christ_n and_o the_o temple_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n 1_o cor._n 6.2_o 3_o 15_o 19_o the_o very_a first_o come_n of_o the_o gospel_n to_o the_o thessalonian_o be_v in_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o much_o assurance_n so_o that_o they_o receive_v it_o with_o much_o affliction_n with_o joy_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n when_o as_o yet_o they_o have_v no_o considerable_a time_n to_o get_v assurance_n by_o reflect_v on_o their_o good_a qualification_n 1_o thess_n 1.5_o 6._o likewise_o the_o believe_a hebrew_n when_o they_o be_v illuminate_v at_o their_o first_o conversion_n take_v joyful_o the_o spoil_n of_o their_o good_n know_v that_o they_o have_v in_o heaven_n a_o better_a and_o more_o endure_a substance_n and_o this_o be_v their_o confidence_n which_o they_o be_v not_o to_o cast_v off_o because_o the_o just_a live_v by_o faith_n and_o therefore_o it_o appear_v that_o this_o confidence_n belong_v necessary_o to_o justify_v save_v faith_n heb._n 10_o 32_o 34_o 35_o 38._o now_o let_v those_o that_o allege_v the_o example_n or_o experience_n of_o many_o modern_a christian_n to_o disprove_v all_o that_o i_o have_v assert_v and_o consider_v well_o whether_o these_o be_v fit_a to_o be_v lay_v in_o the_o balance_n against_o all_o the_o scripture_n example_n and_o experience_n that_o i_o have_v produce_v out_o of_o the_o old_a and_o new_a testament_n i_o confess_v that_o assurance_n of_o salvation_n be_v more_o rare_o profess_v by_o christian_n in_o these_o time_n than_o former_o and_o we_o may_v thank_v some_o teacher_n for_o it_o that_o have_v desert_v the_o doctrine_n of_o former_a protestant_n in_o this_o point_n and_o vent_v against_o it_o several_a error_n such_o as_o have_v be_v already_o name_v and_o now_o will_v take_v advantage_n to_o confirm_v the_o truth_n of_o their_o doctrine_n from_o those_o doubt_n in_o christian_n that_o have_v be_v chief_o occasion_v by_o it_o but_o however_o the_o nature_n of_o save_a faith_n be_v still_o the_o same_o and_o i_o assert_v that_o in_o these_o day_n as_o well_o as_o former_o it_o always_o have_v in_o it_o some_o assurance_n of_o salvation_n by_o christ_n which_o do_v and_o will_v appear_v at_o least_o in_o resist_v and_o condemn_v all_o doubt_n and_o pray_v against_o they_o and_o endeavour_v to_o trust_v assure_o and_o to_o call_v god_n father_n except_o in_o extraordinary_a desertion_n by_o which_o our_o gaze_v must_v not_o be_v try_v we_o be_v not_o to_o trust_v the_o judgement_n of_o many_o concern_v themselves_o they_o will_v judge_v false_o that_o they_o have_v no_o assurance_n at_o all_o because_o they_o know_v not_o yet_o by_o mark_n and_o sign_n that_o they_o be_v in_o a_o state_n of_o grace_n already_o or_o because_o they_o think_v that_o there_o be_v no_o assurance_n when_o there_o be_v many_o doubt_n and_o because_o it_o be_v so_o weak_a and_o so_o much_o oppress_v with_o doubt_v that_o it_o can_v hardly_o be_v discern_v as_o life_n in_o a_o faint_a fit_a but_o if_o their_o judgement_n be_v better_a inform_v they_o may_v be_v bring_v to_o discern_v some_o assurance_n in_o themselves_o we_o be_v also_o to_o take_v heed_n of_o mistake_v those_o for_o true_a believer_n that_o be_v not_o so_o and_o of_o judge_v this_o point_n by_o their_o experience_n which_o be_v a_o vulgar_a error_n the_o blind_a charity_n of_o some_o move_v they_o to_o take_v all_o for_o true_a believer_n which_o be_v full_a of_o doubt_n and_o trouble_v concern_v their_o salvation_n though_o it_o may_v be_v they_o only_o be_v convince_v of_o sin_n and_o bring_v to_o some_o zeal_n of_o god_n that_o be_v not_o according_a to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o way_n of_o salvation_n by_o christ_n and_o they_o think_v it_o duty_n to_o comfort_v such_o ignorant_a person_n by_o persuade_v of_o they_o that_o their_o state_n be_v good_a and_o their_o faith_n right_a though_o they_o have_v no_o assurance_n of_o salvation_n thus_o they_o be_v bring_v to_o judge_v false_o concern_v the_o nature_n of_o faith_n out_o of_o their_o blind_a charity_n to_o such_o as_o be_v yet_o in_o ignorance_n and_o unbelief_n and_o instead_o of_o comfort_v such_o they_o rather_o take_v the_o direct_a way_n to_o harden_v they_o in_o their_o natural_a state_n and_o to_o divert_v they_o from_o seek_v consolation_n by_o save_v faith_n in_o christ_n and_o to_o ruin_v their_o soul_n for_o ever_o five_o the_o chief_a office_n of_o this_o faith_n in_o its_o direct_a save_a act_n be_v to_o receive_v christ_n and_o his_o salvation_n actual_o into_o our_o heart_n as_o have_v be_v prove_v which_o office_n can_v be_v rational_o perform_v except_o we_o do_v in_o some_o measure_n persuade_v our_o heart_n and_o assure_v ourselves_o of_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o he_o as_o the_o body_n receive_v thing_n into_o itself_o by_o the_o hand_n and_o mouth_n so_o the_o soul_n receive_v these_o thing_n to_o itself_o and_o lay_v actual_a hold_n on_o they_o by_o the_o faculty_n of_o the_o will_n make_v choice_n of_o they_o and_o embrace_v they_o in_o a_o way_n of_o present_a enjoyment_n and_o possession_n as_o it_o do_v by_o the_o faculty_n of_o the_o understanding_n see_v and_o apprehend_v they_o thus_o the_o soul_n receive_v comfort_n from_o outward_a thing_n as_o a_o righteous_a
long_o accustom_v to_o seek_v salvation_n by_o the_o procurement_n of_o our_o own_o work_n and_o to_o account_v the_o way_n of_o salvation_n by_o free_a grace_n foolish_a and_o pernicious_a when_o our_o lust_n incline_v we_o strong_o to_o the_o thing_n of_o the_o flesh_n and_o the_o world_n when_o satan_n do_v his_o utmost_a by_o his_o own_o suggestion_n and_o by_o false_a teacher_n and_o by_o worldly_a allurement_n and_o terror_n to_o hinder_v the_o sincere_a performance_n of_o this_o duty_n many_o work_n that_o be_v easy_a in_o their_o own_o nature_n prove_v difficult_a for_o we_o to_o perform_v in_o our_o circumstance_n to_o forgive_v our_o enemy_n and_o to_o love_v they_o as_o ourselves_o be_v but_o a_o motion_n of_o the_o mind_n easy_a to_o be_v perform_v in_o its_o own_o nature_n and_o yet_o many_o that_o be_v convince_v of_o their_o duty_n find_v it_o a_o hard_a matter_n to_o bring_v their_o heart_n to_o the_o performance_n of_o it_o it_o be_v but_o a_o motion_n of_o the_o mind_n to_o cast_v our_o care_n upon_o god_n for_o worldly_a thing_n and_o rich_a man_n may_v think_v that_o they_o can_v do_v it_o easy_o but_o poor_a man_n that_o have_v great_a family_n find_v it_o a_o hard_a matter_n that_o easy_a comfortable_a duty_n which_o moses_n exhort_v the_o israelite_n to_o when_o pharaoh_n with_o his_o chariot_n and_o horseman_n overtake_v they_o at_o the_o red_a sea_n be_v you_o not_o afraid_a stand_v still_o and_o see_v the_o salvation_n of_o the_o lord_n which_o he_o will_v show_v you_o this_o day_n exod._n 14.13_o be_v not_o easy_o perform_v the_o very_a easiness_n of_o some_o duty_n make_v their_o performance_n difficult_a as_o naaman_n the_o assyrian_a be_v hardly_o bring_v to_o wash_v and_o be_v clean_a because_o he_o think_v it_o to_o be_v too_o slight_a and_o easy_a a_o remedy_n for_o the_o cure_n of_o his_o leprosy_n 2_o king_n 5.12_o 13._o even_o in_o this_o very_a case_n people_n be_v offend_v at_o the_o duty_n of_o believe_v on_o christ_n as_o too_o slight_a and_o easy_a a_o remedy_n to_o cure_v the_o leprosy_n of_o the_o soul_n they_o will_v have_v some_o hard_a thing_n enjoin_v they_o to_o the_o attainment_n of_o so_o great_a a_o end_n as_o this_o everlasting_a salvation_n the_o performance_n of_o all_o the_o moral_a law_n be_v not_o account_v work_n enough_o for_o this_o end_n mat._n 19.17_o 20._o however_o easy_a the_o work_n of_o believe_v seem_v to_o many_o yet_o common_a experience_n have_v show_v that_o man_n be_v more_o easy_o bring_v to_o the_o most_o burdensome_a unreasonable_a and_o inhuman_a observation_n as_o the_o jow_n and_o christian_a galatian_n be_v more_o easy_o bring_v to_o take_v upon_o their_o neck_n the_o yoke_n of_o moses's_fw-fr la_fw-fr w_n which_o none_o be_v able_a to_o bear_v act_v 15.10_o the_o heathen_n be_v more_o easy_o bring_v to_o burn_v their_o son_n and_o their_o daughter_n in_o the_o fire_n to_o their_o god_n deut._n 12.31_o the_o papist_n be_v bring_v more_o easy_o to_o the_o vow_n of_o chastity_n and_o poverty_n and_o obedience_n to_o the_o most_o rigorous_a rule_n of_o monastic_a discipline_n to_o macerate_v and_o torture_v their_o body_n with_o fast_n scourge_n and_o pilgrimage_n and_o to_o bear_v all_o the_o excessive_a tyranny_n of_o the_o papal_a hierarchy_n in_o a_o multitude_n of_o burdensome_a superstitious_a and_o ridiculous_a devotion_n they_o that_o slight_a the_o work_n of_o faith_n for_o its_o easiness_n show_v that_o they_o be_v never_o yet_o make_v sensible_a of_o innumerable_a sin_n and_o terrible_a curse_n of_o the_o law_n and_o wrath_n of_o god_n that_o they_o lie_v under_o and_o of_o the_o darkness_n and_o vanity_n of_o their_o mind_n the_o corruption_n and_o hardness_n of_o their_o heart_n and_o their_o bondage_n under_o the_o power_n of_o sin_n and_o satan_n and_o have_v not_o be_v true_o humble_v without_o which_o they_o can_v believe_v in_o a_o right_a manner_n many_o sound_a believer_n have_v find_v by_o experience_n that_o it_o have_v be_v a_o very_a hard_a matter_n to_o bring_v their_o heart_n to_o the_o duty_n of_o believe_v it_o have_v cost_v they_o vigorous_a struggle_v and_o sharp_a conflict_n with_o their_o own_o corruption_n and_o satan_n temptation_n it_o be_v so_o difficult_a a_o work_n that_o we_o can_v perform_v it_o without_o the_o mighty_a work_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n in_o our_o heart_n who_o only_o can_v make_v it_o to_o be_v absolute_o easy_a to_o we_o and_o do_v make_v it_o easy_a or_o suffer_v it_o to_o be_v difficult_a according_a as_o he_o be_v please_v to_o communicate_v his_o grace_n in_o various_a degree_n unto_o our_o soul_n 3._o though_o we_o can_v possible_o perform_v this_o great_a work_n in_o a_o right_a manner_n until_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n work_n faith_n in_o our_o heart_n by_o his_o mighty_a power_n yet_o it_o be_v necessary_a that_o we_o shall_v endeavour_v and_o that_o before_o we_o can_v find_v the_o spirit_n of_o god_n work_v faith_n effectual_o in_o we_o or_o give_v strength_n to_o believe_v we_o can_v perform_v no_o holy_a duty_n acceptable_o except_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n work_v it_o in_o we_o and_o yet_o we_o be_v not_o hereby_o excuse_v from_o work_v ourselves_o but_o we_o be_v the_o rather_o stir_v up_o to_o the_o great_a diligence_n work_v out_o your_o salvation_n with_o fear_n and_o tremble_a for_o it_o be_v god_n that_o work_v in_o you_o both_o to_o will_v and_o to_o do_v of_o his_o good_a pleasure_n phil._n 2.12_o 13._o the_o way_n whereby_o the_o spirit_n work_v faith_n in_o the_o elect_n be_v by_o stir_v they_o up_o to_o endeavour_v to_o believe_v and_o this_o be_v a_o way_n suitable_a to_o the_o mean_n that_o the_o spirit_n use_v i._n e._n the_o exhortation_n command_n and_o invitation_n of_o the_o gospel_n which_o will_v be_v of_o no_o force_n if_o we_o be_v not_o to_o obey_v they_o until_o we_o find_v faith_n already_o wrought_v in_o we_o neither_o can_v we_o possible_o find_v that_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n do_v effectual_o work_v faith_n or_o give_v strength_n to_o believe_v until_o we_o act_n it_o for_o all_o inward_a grace_n as_o well_o as_o all_o other_o inward_a habit_n be_v discern_v by_o their_o act_n as_o seed_n in_o the_o ground_n by_o its_o spring_a we_o can_v see_v any_o such_o thing_n as_o love_n to_o god_n or_o man_n in_o our_o heart_n before_o we_o act_n it_o child_n know_v not_o their_o ability_n to_o stand_v upon_o their_o foot_n until_o they_o have_v make_v trial_n by_o endeavour_v so_o to_o do_v so_o we_o know_v not_o our_o spiritual_a strength_n until_o we_o have_v learn_v by_o experience_n from_o the_o use_n and_o exercise_v of_o it_o neither_o can_v we_o know_v or_o assure_v our_o seive_v absolute_o that_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n will_v give_v we_o strength_n to_o believe_v before_o we_o act_n faith_n for_o such_o a_o knowledge_n and_o assurance_n if_o it_o be_v right_a be_v save_v faith_n itself_o in_o part_n and_o whosoever_o trust_v on_o christ_n assure_o for_o strength_n to_o believe_v by_o his_o spirit_n do_v in_o effect_n trust_v on_o christ_n for_o his_o own_o salvation_n which_o be_v inseparable_o join_v with_o the_o grace_n of_o save_v faith_n though_o the_o spirit_n work_v other_o duty_n in_o we_o by_o faith_n yet_o he_o work_v faith_n in_o we_o immediate_o by_o hear_v know_v and_o understand_v the_o word_n faith_n come_v by_o hear_v and_o hear_v by_o the_o word_n of_o god_n rom._n 10.13_o and_o in_o the_o word_n he_o make_v no_o absolute_a promise_n or_o declaration_n that_o he_o will_v work_v faith_n in_o this_o or_o that_o unbelieving_a heart_n or_o that_o he_o will_v give_v strength_n to_o believe_v to_o any_o one_o in_o particular_a or_o begin_v the_o work_n of_o believe_v in_o christ_n for_o faith_n itself_o be_v the_o first_o grace_n whereby_o we_o have_v a_o particular_a interest_n in_o any_o save_a promise_n it_o be_v a_o thing_n hide_v in_o the_o secret_a counsel_n and_o purpose_n of_o god_n concern_v we_o whether_o he_o will_v give_v we_o his_o spirit_n and_o save_a faith_n until_o our_o election_n be_v discover_v by_o our_o believe_v actual_o therefore_o as_o soon_o as_o we_o know_v the_o duty_n of_o believe_v we_o be_v to_o apply_v ourselves_o immediate_o to_o the_o vigorous_a performance_n of_o the_o duty_n and_o in_o so_o do_v we_o shall_v find_v that_o the_o spirit_n of_o christ_n have_v strengthen_v we_o to_o believe_v though_o we_o know_v not_o certain_o that_o it_o will_v do_v it_o beforehand_o the_o spirit_n come_v undiscernable_o upon_o the_o elect_n to_o work_v faith_n within_o they_o like_o the_o wind_n that_o blow_v where_o it_o list_v and_o none_o know_v whence_o it_o come_v and_o whither_o it_o go_v but_o only_o we_o hear_v the_o sound_n of_o it_o and_o thereby_o know_v it_o when_o it_o be_v
bring_v we_o at_o last_o to_o perfection_n of_o holiness_n through_o jesus_n christ_n our_o lord_n and_o we_o shall_v careful_o observe_v in_o all_o thing_n that_o good_a lesson_n of_o the_o apostle_n not_o to_o think_v of_o ourselves_o more_o high_o than_o we_o ought_v to_o think_v but_o to_o think_v sober_o according_a as_o god_n have_v deal_v to_o every_o man_n the_o measure_n of_o faith_n rom._n 12.3_o direct_v xiii_o endeavour_v diligent_o to_o make_v the_o right_a use_n of_o all_o meansappoint_v in_o the_o word_n of_o god_n for_o the_o obtain_n and_o practise_v of_o holiness_n only_o in_o this_o way_n of_o believe_v in_o christ_n and_o walk_v in_o he_o according_a to_o your_o new_a state_n by_o faith_n explication_n this_o may_v have_v be_v add_v to_o the_o instruction_n in_o the_o explication_n of_o the_o former_a direction_n because_o its_o use_n be_v the_o same_o to_o guide_v we_o in_o the_o mysterious_a manner_n of_o practise_v holiness_n in_o christ_n by_o the_o life_n of_o faith_n but_o the_o weight_n and_o comprehensiveness_n of_o it_o make_v it_o worthy_a to_o be_v treat_v of_o by_o itself_o as_o a_o distinct_a direction_n two_o thing_n be_v observable_a in_o it_o first_o that_o though_o all_o holiness_n be_v effectual_o attain_v unto_o by_o the_o life_n of_o faith_n in_o christ_n yet_o the_o use_n of_o any_o mean_n appoint_v in_o the_o word_n for_o attain_v and_o promote_a holiness_n be_v not_o hereby_o make_v void_a but_o rather_o establish_v this_o be_v needful_a to_o be_v observe_v against_o the_o pride_n and_o ignorance_n of_o some_o carnal_a gospeler_n that_o be_v puff_v up_o with_o a_o conceit_n of_o their_o feign_a faith_n imagine_v themselves_o to_o be_v in_o such_o a_o state_n of_o perfection_n that_o they_o be_v above_o all_o ordinance_n except_o sing_v halelujah_n and_o also_o against_o the_o papist_n that_o run_v into_o the_o contrary_a extreme_a by_o heap_v together_o a_o multitude_n of_o mean_n of_o holiness_n which_o god_n never_o command_v neither_o ever_o come_v they_o into_o his_o heart_n and_o that_o slander_v the_o protestant_a doctrine_n of_o faith_n and_o free_a grace_n as_o if_o it_o tend_v to_o destroy_v all_o diligent_a use_n of_o the_o mean_n of_o holiness_n and_o salvation_n and_o to_o breed_v up_o a_o company_n of_o lazy_a solifidian_o we_o do_v indeed_o assert_v and_o profess_v that_o a_o true_a and_o lively_a faith_n in_o christ_n be_v alone_o sufficient_a and_o effectual_a through_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n to_o receive_v christ_n and_o all_o his_o fullness_n so_o far_o as_o be_v necessary_a in_o this_o life_n for_o our_o justification_n sanctification_n and_o eternal_a salvation_n but_o yet_o we_o also_o assert_v and_o profess_v that_o several_a mean_n be_v appoint_v of_o god_n for_o the_o beget_v maintain_v and_o increase_v of_o this_o faith_n and_o the_o act_n and_o exercise_v of_o it_o in_o order_n to_o the_o attainment_n of_o its_o end_n and_o that_o these_o mean_n be_v to_o be_v use_v diligent_o which_o be_v mention_v in_o the_o sequel_n true_a believer_n find_v by_o experience_n that_o their_o faith_n need_v such_o help_n and_o they_o that_o think_v themselves_o above_o any_o need_n of_o they_o do_v reject_v the_o counsel_n of_o god_n against_o themselves_o like_v to_o those_o prond_n pharisees_n and_o lawyer_n that_o think_v it_o a_o thing_n beneath_o they_o and_o refuse_v to_o be_v baptize_v of_o john_n luk._n 7.30_o yet_o we_o account_v no_o mean_n necessary_a or_o lawful_a to_o be_v use_v for_o the_o attainment_n of_o holiness_n beside_o they_o that_o be_v appoint_v by_o god_n in_o his_o word_n we_o know_v that_o holiness_n be_v a_o part_n of_o our_o salvation_n and_o therefore_o they_o that_o think_v that_o man_n may_v or_o can_v invent_v any_o mean_n effectual_a for_o the_o attainment_n of_o it_o do_v ascribe_v their_o salvation_n partly_o to_o man_n and_o rob_v god_n of_o his_o glory_n in_o be_v our_o only_a saviour_n and_o they_o do_v thereby_o plain_o show_v that_o though_o they_o draw_v nigh_o unto_o god_n with_o their_o mouth_n and_o honour_v he_o with_o their_o lip_n yet_o their_o heart_n be_v far_o from_o he_o and_o in_o vain_a do_v they_o worship_v he_o teach_v for_o doctrine_n the_o commandment_n of_o man_n mat._n 15.7_o 8_o 9_o the_o second_o thing_n observable_a and_o principal_o design_v in_o this_o direction_n be_v the_o right_a manner_n of_o use_v all_o the_o mean_n of_o holiness_n for_o the_o obtain_n and_o practise_v of_o it_o in_o no_o other_o way_n beside_o that_o of_o believe_v in_o christ_n and_o walk_v in_o he_o according_a to_o our_o new_a state_n by_o faith_n which_o have_v be_v already_o demonstrate_v to_o be_v the_o only_a way_n whereby_o we_o may_v effectual_o attain_v to_o this_o great_a end_n we_o must_v use_v they_o as_o help_v to_o the_o life_n of_o faith_n in_o its_o beginning_n continuance_n and_o growth_n and_o as_o instrument_n subservient_fw-fr to_o faith_n the_o principal_a instrument_n in_o all_o its_o act_n and_o exercise_n whereby_o the_o soul_n receive_v christ_n and_o walk_v in_o all_o holiness_n by_o he_o we_o must_v beware_v lest_o we_o use_v they_o rather_o in_o opposition_n than_o in_o subordination_n to_o the_o way_n of_o sanctification_n and_o salvation_n by_o free_a grace_n in_o christ_n through_o faith_n and_o lest_o by_o our_o abuse_n of_o they_o they_o be_v make_v rather_o hindrance_n than_o help_v to_o our_o faith_n we_o must_v not_o idolise_v any_o of_o the_o mean_n and_o put_v they_o into_o the_o place_n of_o christ_n as_o the_o papist_n do_v by_o trust_v in_o they_o as_o if_o they_o be_v effectual_a to_o confer_v grace_n to_o the_o soul_n by_o the_o work_n that_o be_v do_v in_o the_o use_n of_o they_o neither_o may_v we_o use_v they_o as_o work_v of_o righteousness_n to_o be_v perform_v as_o condition_n for_o the_o procure_n of_o the_o favour_n of_o god_n and_o the_o salvation_n of_o christ_n neither_o must_v they_o be_v account_v so_o absolute_o necessary_a to_o salvation_n as_o if_o a_o true_a faith_n be_v void_a and_o of_o none_o effect_n when_o we_o be_v debar_v from_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o several_a of_o they_o the_o holy_a scripture_n with_o all_o the_o mean_n of_o grace_n appoint_v therein_o be_v able_a to_o make_v we_o wise_a unto_o salvation_n no_o other_o way_n than_o by_o faith_n in_o jesus_n christ_n 2_o tim._n 3.18_o and_o therefore_o our_o wise_a endeavour_n must_v be_v not_o to_o use_v â—hem_fw-mi in_o any_o opposition_n to_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n in_o christ_n for_o god_n ordinance_n be_v like_o the_o cherubim_v of_o glory_n make_v with_o their_o face_n look_v towards_o the_o mercy-seat_n they_o be_v make_v to_o guide_v we_o to_o christ_n for_o salvation_n by_o faith_n alone_o if_o any_o turn_v they_o to_o another_o use_n it_o be_v a_o great_a violation_n of_o divine_a institution_n as_o if_o any_o sacrilegious_a person_n have_v presume_v to_o turn_v the_o face_n of_o the_o cherubim_n from_o the_o mercy-seat_n some_o other_o way_n this_o right_a use_n of_o the_o mean_n of_o grace_n be_v a_o point_n wherein_o many_o be_v ignorant_a that_o use_v they_o with_o great_a zeal_n and_o diligence_n and_o thereby_o they_o do_v not_o only_o lose_v their_o labour_n and_o the_o benefit_n of_o the_o mean_n but_o also_o they_o wrest_v and_o pervert_v they_o to_o their_o own_o destruction_n the_o jew_n under_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n enjoy_v many_o more_o ordinance_n of_o divine_a worship_n than_o we_o do_v under_o the_o gospel_n but_o their_o table_n become_v their_o snare_n and_o they_o fall_v miserable_o from_o god_n and_o christ_n because_o the_o veil_n of_o ignorance_n be_v upon_o their_o heart_n that_o they_o can_v not_o look_v to_o the_o end_n of_o those_o ordinance_n even_o to_o the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n and_o they_o seek_v not_o salvation_n by_o faith_n but_o by_o the_o ordinance_n as_o work_n of_o righteousness_n and_o by_o other_o work_n of_o the_o law_n for_o they_o stumble_v at_o the_o stumble_a stone_n rom._n 9.31_o 32_o and_o 10.4_o 5._o 2_o cor._n 3.13_o 14._o that_o you_o may_v not_o stumble_v and_o fall_v by_o the_o same_o pernicious_a error_n i_o shall_v show_v particular_o how_o several_a of_o the_o principal_a mean_n of_o holiness_n appoint_v in_o the_o word_n of_o god_n be_v to_o be_v make_v use_n of_o in_o that_o right_a manner_n express_v in_o the_o direction_n 1._o we_o must_v endeavour_v diligent_o to_o know_v the_o word_n of_o god_n contain_v in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n and_o to_o improve_v it_o to_o this_o end_n that_o we_o may_v be_v make_v wise_a unto_o salvation_n through_o say_v which_o be_v in_o christ_n jesus_n 2_o tim._n 3.15_o other_o mean_n of_o salvation_n be_v necessary_a to_o the_o more_o abundant_a well-being_n of_o our_o faith_n and_o of_o our_o new_a state_n in_o christ_n but_o this_o be_v absolute_o
they_o know_v at_o what_o time_n and_o by_o what_o text_n of_o scripture_n they_o be_v convert_v and_o can_v make_v large_a discourse_n of_o the_o working_n of_o god_n upon_o their_o heart_n and_o be_v prone_a to_o talk_v unreasonable_o with_o vain-glorying_a of_o their_o own_o experience_n when_o at_o last_o all_o their_o experience_n be_v not_o sufficient_a to_o evidence_n that_o they_o ever_o attain_v to_o the_o least_o measure_n of_o true_a save_a faith_n therefore_o that_o we_o may_v not_o unjust_o condemn_v or_o justify_v our_o faith_n by_o proceed_v on_o in-sufficient_a evidence_n in_o its_o trial_n our_o best_a way_n be_v to_o examine_v it_o by_o the_o inseparable_a property_n of_o a_o true_a save_a faith_n by_o put_v to_o ourselves_o such_o question_n as_o these_o be_v we_o make_v thorough_o sensible_a of_o our_o sinfulness_n and_o of_o the_o deadness_n and_o misery_n of_o our_o natural_a state_n so_o as_o to_o despair_v absolute_o of_o ever_o attain_v to_o any_o righteousness_n holiness_n or_o true_a happiness_n while_o we_o continue_v in_o it_o be_v the_o eye_n of_o our_o understanding_n enlighten_v to_o see_v the_o excellency_n of_o christ_n and_o the_o alone_a sufficiency_n and_o all-sufficiency_n of_o his_o grace_n for_o our_o salvation_n do_v we_o prefer_v the_o enjoyment_n of_o he_o above_o all_o thing_n and_o desire_v it_o with_o our_o whole_a heart_n as_o our_o only_a happiness_n whatsoever_o we_o may_v suffer_v for_o his_o sake_n do_v we_o desire_v with_o our_o whole_a heart_n to_o be_v deliver_v from_o the_o power_n and_o practice_n of_o sin_n as_o well_o as_o from_o the_o wrath_n of_o god_n and_o the_o pain_n of_o hell_n do_v our_o heart_n come_v to_o christ_n and_o lay_v hold_v on_o he_o for_o salvation_n by_o trust_v he_o only_o and_o endeavour_v to_o trust_v on_o he_o confident_o notwithstanding_o all_o fear_n and_o doubt_n that_o assault_v we_o if_o you_o find_v in_o yourself_o a_o faith_n that_o have_v these_o property_n though_o as_o small_a as_o a_o grain_n of_o mustardseed_n and_o oppose_v with_o much_o unbelief_n and_o manifold_a corruption_n in_o your_o soul_n you_o may_v conclude_v that_o you_o be_v in_o a_o state_n of_o salvation_n at_o present_a and_o that_o your_o remain_a work_n be_v to_o continue_v and_o grow_v in_o it_o more_o and_o more_o and_o to_o walk_v worthy_a of_o it_o you_o shall_v also_o examine_v the_o fruit_n of_o your_o faith_n and_o try_v whether_o you_o can_v show_v your_o faith_n by_o your_o work_n as_o you_o be_v teach_v jam._n 2.18_o that_o you_o may_v be_v sure_a not_o to_o be_v deceive_v in_o your_o judgement_n concern_v it_o and_o though_o it_o be_v true_a as_o i_o have_v note_v that_o doubt_n concern_v your_o faith_n will_v breed_v doubt_v concern_v the_o sincerity_n of_o other_o qualification_n that_o be_v fruit_n thereof_o yet_o possible_o you_o may_v get_v such_o clear_a evidence_n of_o your_o sincerity_n as_o may_v overcome_v and_o expel_v all_o your_o doubt_n and_o here_o you_o be_v not_o only_o to_o inquire_v whether_o your_o inclination_n purpose_n affection_n and_o action_n be_v material_o good_a and_o holy_a but_o also_o by_o what_o principle_n they_o be_v breed_v and_o influence_v whether_o it_o be_v by_o slavish_a fear_n of_o hell_n and_o mercenary_a hope_n of_o get_v heaven_n by_o your_o work_n which_o be_v legal_a and_o carnal_a principle_n that_o can_v never_o breed_v true_a holiness_n or_o by_o gospel_n principle_n as_o by_o love_n to_o god_n because_o god_n have_v love_v you_o first_o and_o to_o christ_n because_o he_o have_v dye_v and_o by_o the_o hope_n of_o eternal_a life_n as_o the_o free_a gift_n of_o god_n through_o christ_n and_o dependence_n on_o god_n to_o sanctify_v you_o by_o his_o spirit_n according_a to_o his_o promise_n remember_v that_o the_o new_a testament_n be_v the_o ministration_n of_o the_o spirit_n 2_o cor._n 3.6_o and_o the_o spirit_n will_v sanctify_v we_o not_o by_o legal_a but_o by_o gospel_n principles_n take_v notice_n further_o that_o you_o need_v not_o trouble_v yourself_o to_o find_v out_o a_o multitude_n of_o mark_n and_o sign_n of_o true_a grace_n if_o you_o can_v find_v a_o few_o good_a one_o particular_o you_o may_v know_v that_o you_o be_v pass_v from_o death_n to_o life_n if_o you_o love_v the_o brethren_n 1_o joh._n 3.14_o i_o e._n if_o you_o love_v all_o who_o you_o can_v in_o charity_n judge_v to_o be_v true_a believer_n and_o that_o because_o they_o be_v true_a believer_n and_o for_o the_o truth_n sake_n that_o dwell_v in_o they_o as_o solomon_n discern_v the_o true_a mother_n of_o the_o child_n by_o her_o affection_n towards_o her_o child_n so_o the_o mother_n grace_n of_o faith_n may_v be_v discern_v by_o the_o love_n that_o it_o breed_v in_o we_o towards_o all_o true_a believer_n to_o conclude_v this_o point_n happy_a be_v you_o if_o you_o can_v find_v so_o much_o evidence_n of_o the_o fruit_n of_o your_o faith_n as_o may_v enable_v you_o to_o express_v your_o sincerity_n in_o these_o moderate_a term_n pray_v for_o we_o for_o we_o trust_v we_o have_v a_o good_a conscience_n in_o all_o thing_n willing_a to_o live_v honest_o heb._n 13.18_o 3._o meditation_n on_o the_o word_n of_o god_n be_v of_o very_o great_a use_n and_o advantage_n for_o the_o attainment_n and_o practice_n of_o holiness_n through_o faith_n in_o christ_n it_o be_v a_o duty_n whereby_o the_o soul_n do_v feed_v and_o ruminate_v upon_o the_o word_n as_o its_o spiritual_a food_n and_o dige_v it_o and_o turn_v it_o into_o nourishment_n whereby_o we_o be_v strengthen_v for_o every_o good_a work_n our_o soul_n be_v satisfy_v therewith_o as_o with_o marrow_n and_o fatness_n when_o we_o remember_v god_n upon_o our_o bed_n and_o meditate_v on_o he_o in_o the_o night-watche_n psal_n 68.5_o 6._o the_o new_a nature_n may_v well_o be_v call_v the_o mind_n rom._n 7.25_o because_o it_o live_v and_o act_v by_o mind_v of_o and_o meditate_v on_o spiritual_a thing_n therefore_o it_o be_v a_o duty_n to_o be_v practise_v not_o only_o at_o some_o limit_a time_n but_o all_o the_o day_n psal_n 119.97_o yea_o day_n and_o night_n psal_n 1.2_o even_o in_o our_o ordinary_a employment_n at_o home_n and_o abroad_o a_o habitual_a knowledge_n of_o the_o word_n will_v not_o profit_v we_o without_o a_o active_a mind_v it_o by_o frequent_a meditation_n some_o think_v that_o much_o preach_v of_o the_o word_n be_v not_o needful_a where_o a_o people_n be_v already_o bring_v to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o those_o thing_n that_o be_v necessary_a to_o salvation_n but_o they_o that_o be_v regenerate_v by_o the_o word_n find_v by_o experience_n that_o their_o spiritual_a life_n be_v maintain_v and_o increase_v by_o often_o mind_v the_o same_o word_n and_o therefore_o as_o new_o bear_v babe_n they_o desire_v the_o sincere_a milk_n of_o the_o word_n that_o they_o may_v grow_v thereby_o 1_o pet._n 2.2_o and_o will_v by_o the_o preacher_n be_v put_v often_o in_o remembrance_n of_o the_o same_o thing_n that_o they_o may_v feed_v upon_o they_o by_o meditation_n though_o they_o know_v they_o already_o and_o be_v establish_v in_o the_o present_a truth_n 2_o pet._n 1.12_o but_o here_o our_o great_a skill_n and_o chief_a concernment_n lie_v in_o practise_v this_o duty_n in_o such_o a_o manner_n as_o that_o it_o may_v be_v subservient_fw-fr and_o not_o at_o all_o opposite_a to_o the_o life_n of_o faith_n we_o must_v not_o rely_v upon_o the_o performance_n of_o a_o daily_a task_n of_o meditation_n as_o a_o work_n of_o righteousness_n for_o the_o procurement_n of_o the_o favour_n of_o god_n instead_o of_o rely_v on_o the_o righteousness_n of_o christ_n as_o indeed_o we_o be_v prone_a to_o do_v to_o catch_v at_o any_o straw_n rather_o than_o to_o trust_v only_o on_o the_o free_a grace_n of_o god_n in_o christ_n for_o our_o salvation_n and_o the_o end_n of_o our_o meditation_n must_v not_o be_v mere_a speculation_n and_o knowledge_n of_o the_o truth_n but_o rather_o the_o vigorous_a press_v it_o upon_o our_o conscience_n and_o the_o stir_v up_o our_o heart_n and_o affection_n to_o the_o practice_n of_o it_o and_o in_o stir_v up_o ourselves_o to_o holy_a practice_n we_o must_v wary_o observe_v how_o far_o the_o several_a part_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o god_n be_v powerful_a and_o effectual_a for_o the_o attainment_n of_o this_o end_n that_o we_o may_v make_v use_n of_o they_o according_o we_o must_v not_o imagine_v as_o too_o many_o do_v yea_o and_o some_o great_a master_n in_o the_o art_n of_o meditation_n that_o we_o can_v bring_v our_o heart_n effectual_o to_o the_o love_n of_o god_n and_o holiness_n and_o can_v work_v strange_a metamorphosis_n and_o work_v or_o frame_v in_o our_o heart_n any_o holy_a qualification_n or_o virtue_n mere_o by_o work_v in_o ourselves_o strong_a apprehension_n of_o god_n eternal_a power_n and_o godhead_n his_o
meet_v he_o that_o come_v against_o he_o with_o twenty_o thousand_o and_o shall_v we_o dare_v to_o rush_v into_o battle_n against_o all_o the_o power_n of_o darkness_n all_o worldly_a terror_n and_o allurement_n and_o our_o own_o inbred_a domineer_a corruption_n without_o consider_v whether_o we_o have_v sufficient_a spiritual_a furniture_n to_o stand_v in_o the_o evil_a day_n yet_o many_o content_n themselves_o with_o such_o a_o ability_n to_o will_n and_o do_v their_o duty_n as_o they_o will_v have_v to_o be_v give_v to_o man_n universal_o whereby_o they_o be_v no_o better_o enable_v for_o the_o spiritual_a battle_n than_o the_o generality_n of_o the_o world_n that_o lie_v vanquish_v under_o the_o wicked_a one_o and_o therefore_o their_o stand_n be_v not_o at_o all_o secure_v by_o it_o it_o be_v a_o hard_a matter_n to_o find_v what_o this_o universal_a ability_n be_v that_o so_o many_o contend_v so_o earnest_o for_o of_o what_o it_o consist_v by_o what_o mean_v it_o be_v convey_v to_o we_o and_o maintain_v bodily_a ability_n have_v spirit_n nerve_n ligament_n bone_n to_o subsist_v by_o but_o this_o spiritual_a universal_a ability_n seem_v to_o be_v some_o occult_a quality_n that_o no_o sufficient_a account_n can_v be_v give_v how_o it_o be_v convey_v or_o of_o what_o it_o be_v constitute_v that_o none_o may_v deceive_v themselves_o and_o miscarry_v in_o their_o erterprise_n for_o holiness_n by_o depend_v on_o such_o a_o weak_a occult_a quality_n i_o have_v here_o show_v four_o endowment_n of_o which_o a_o true_a ability_n for_o the_o practice_n of_o holiness_n must_v necessary_o be_v constitute_v and_o by_o which_o it_o must_v subsist_v and_o be_v maintain_v intend_v to_o show_v afterward_o by_o what_o mean_v they_o be_v give_v unto_o we_o and_o whether_o the_o inclination_n or_o persuasion_n here_o mention_v be_v perfect_a or_o imperfect_a and_o they_o be_v of_o such_o a_o mysterious_a nature_n that_o such_o as_o own_o the_o necessity_n of_o endowment_n to_o frame_v they_o for_o holiness_n be_v prone_a to_o think_v that_o less_o than_o these_o will_v serve_v and_o that_o some_o of_o these_o frame_n we_o rather_o for_o licentiousness_n than_o holiness_n as_o they_o be_v here_o place_v before_o any_o actual_a performance_n of_o the_o moral_a law_n and_o that_o some_o thing_n contrary_a to_o they_o will_v put_v we_o into_o a_o better_a frame_n for_o holiness_n against_o all_o such_o surmise_n i_o shall_v endeavour_v such_o a_o demonstration_n of_o these_o endowment_n particular_o as_o may_v gain_v the_o assent_n of_o right_a reason_n insist_v on_o they_o in_o the_o same_o order_n wherein_o i_o have_v place_v they_o in_o the_o direction_n in_o the_o first_o place_n i_o assert_v that_o a_o inclination_n and_o propensity_n of_o the_o heart_n to_o the_o duty_n of_o the_o law_n be_v necessary_a to_o frame_v and_o enable_v we_o for_o the_o immediate_a practice_n of_o they_o and_o i_o mean_v not_o such_o a_o blind_a propensity_n as_o inanimate_a creature_n and_o brute_n have_v to_o their_o natural_a operation_n but_o such_o a_o one_o as_o be_v meet_v for_o intelligent_a creature_n whereby_o they_o be_v by_o the_o conduct_n of_o reason_n prone_a and_o bend_v to_o approve_v and_o choose_v their_o duty_n and_o averse_a to_o the_o practice_n of_o sin_n and_o therefore_o i_o have_v intimate_v that_o the_o three_o other_o endowment_n mention_v in_o the_o direction_n be_v subservient_fw-fr to_o this_o as_o the_o chief_a of_o all_o which_o be_v sufficient_a to_o make_v it_o a_o rational_a propensity_n this_o be_v contrary_a to_o those_o that_o out_o of_o zeal_n for_o obedience_n according_a to_o knowledge_n contend_v so_o earnest_o for_o freewill_n as_o a_o necessary_a and_o sufficient_a endowment_n to_o enable_v we_o to_o perform_v our_o duty_n when_o once_o we_o be_v convince_v of_o it_o and_o of_o our_o obligation_n to_o it_o and_o that_o extol_v this_o endowment_n as_o the_o great_a benefit_n that_o universal_a redemption_n have_v bless_v all_o mankind_n with_o though_o they_o consider_v this_o freewill_n without_o any_o actual_a inclination_n to_o good_a yea_o they_o can_v but_o acknowledge_v that_o in_o most_o of_o mankind_n that_o have_v it_o it_o be_v encumber_a with_o a_o actual_a bent_n and_o propensity_n of_o the_o heart_n altogether_o to_o evil_a such_o a_o freewill_n as_o this_o be_v can_v never_o free_v we_o from_o slavery_n to_o sin_n and_o satan_n and_o fit_v we_o for_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o law_n and_o therefore_o be_v not_o worthy_a the_o pain_n of_o those_o that_o contend_v so_o hot_o for_o it_o neither_o be_v the_o will_v so_o free_a as_o be_v necessary_a for_o the_o practice_n of_o holiness_n until_o it_o be_v endue_v with_o a_o inclination_n and_o propensity_n thereunto_o as_o may_v appear_v by_o the_o follow_v argument_n first_o the_o duty_n of_o the_o law_n be_v of_o such_o a_o nature_n that_o they_o can_v possible_o be_v perform_v while_n there_o be_v whole_o a_o averseness_n or_o mere_a indifferency_n of_o the_o heart_n to_o the_o performance_n of_o they_o and_o no_o good_a inclination_n and_o propensity_n towards_o the_o practice_n of_o they_o because_o the_o chief_a of_o all_o the_o commandment_n be_v to_o love_v the_o lord_n with_o our_o whole_a heart_n may_v and_o soul_n to_o love_v every_o thing_n that_o be_v in_o he_o to_o love_v his_o will_n and_o all_o his_o way_n and_o to_o like_v they_o as_o good_a and_o all_o duty_n must_v be_v influence_v in_o their_o performance_n by_o this_o love_n we_o must_v delight_v to_o do_v the_o will_n of_o god_n it_o must_v be_v to_o we_o as_o our_o meat_n and_o drink_n we_o must_v long_o and_o thirst_v for_o it_o it_o must_v be_v sweet_a to_o we_o than_o the_o honey_n or_o honey_n comb_n psal_n 40.8.30.4_o 34._o psal_n 63_o 1._o and_o 119.20_o and_o 19.10_o and_o this_o love_n like_n delight_n long_v thirst_v sweet-relishing_a must_v be_v continue_v to_o the_o end_n and_o the_o first_o indeliberate_a motion_n of_o lust_n must_v be_v regulate_v by_o love_n to_o god_n and_o our_o neighbour_n and_o sin_n must_v be_v lust_v against_o gal._n 5.17_o and_o abhor_v psal_n 36.8_o if_o it_o be_v true_a obedience_n as_o some_o will_v have_v it_o to_o love_v our_o duty_n only_o as_o a_o market-man_n love_v foul_a way_n to_o the_o market_n or_o as_o a_o sick_a man_n love_v a_o unpleasant_a medicinal_a potion_n or_o as_o a_o captive_a slave_n love_v his_o hard_a work_n for_o fear_n of_o a_o great_a evil_n than_o it_o may_v be_v perform_v with_o averseness_n of_o inclination_n but_o we_o must_v love_v it_o as_o the_o market-man_n gain_n as_o the_o sick_a man_n health_n as_o pleasant_a meat_n and-drink_a as_o the_o captive_a liberty_n doubtless_o there_o can_v be_v no_o power_n in_o the_o will_n for_o this_o kind_n of_o service_n without_o a_o agreeableness_n of_o our_o inclination_n to_o the_o will_n of_o god_n a_o heart_n according_a to_o his_o own_o heart_n a_o averseness_n of_o our_o heart_n from_o sin_n and_o a_o kind_n of_o antipathy_n against_o sin_n for_o we_o know_v the_o proverb_n like_a love_v like_a there_o must_v be_v a_o agreeableness_n of_o the_o person_n or_o thing_n belove_v to_o the_o disposition_n of_o the_o lover_n love_n to_o god_n must_v flow_v from_o a_o clean_a heart_n 1_o tim._n 1.5_o cleanse_v from_o evil_a propensity_n and_o inclination_n and_o reason_n will_v tell_v we_o that_o the_o first_o motion_n of_o lust_n which_o fall_v not_o under_o our_o choice_n and_o deliberation_n can_v be_v avoid_v without_o a_o fix_a propensity_n of_o the_o heart_n to_o holiness_n 2_o the_o image_n of_o god_n wherein_o god_n according_a to_o his_o infinite_a wisdom_n judge_v it_o meet_v to_o frame_v the_o first_o adam_n in_o righteousness_n and_o true_a holiness_n and_o uprightness_n gen._n 1.27_o ephes_n 4.24_o eccles_n 7.29_o consist_v in_o a_o actual_a bent_n and_o propensity_n of_o his_o heart_n to_o the_o practice_n of_o holiness_n not_o in_o a_o mere_a power_n of_o will_n to_o choose_v good_a or_o evil_a for_o this_o in_o itself_o be_v neither_o holy_a nor_o unholy_a but_o only_o a_o groundwork_n on_o which_o either_o the_o image_n of_o god_n or_o of_o satan_n may_v be_v draw_v nor_o in_o a_o indifference_n of_o propensity_n to_o the_o choice_n of_o sin_n or_o duty_n for_o this_o be_v a_o wicked_a disposition_n in_o a_o intelligent_a creature_n that_o know_v his_o duty_n and_o fit_v we_o only_o to_o halt_v betwixt_o god_n and_o baal_n god_n set_v adam_n soul_n at_o first_o whole_o in_o a_o right_a bent_n and_o inclination_n though_o adam_n may_v act_v contrary_a to_o it_o if_o he_o will_v as_o we_o may_v be_v prevail_v upon_o to_o do_v some_o thing_n contrary_a to_o our_o natural_a or_o rational_a inclination_n and_o it_o be_v easy_a to_o fail_v of_o our_o duty_n though_o great_a preparation_n and_o furniture_n be_v require_v for_o the_o performance_n
way_n to_o the_o father_n before_o they_o clear_o know_v he_o to_o be_v the_o way_n john_n 14.5_o and_o the_o best_a of_o we_o know_v it_o but_o in_o part_n and_o must_v wait_v for_o the_o perfect_a knowledge_n of_o it_o in_o another_o world_n one_o great_a mystery_n be_v that_o the_o holy_a frame_n and_o disposition_n whereby_o our_o soul_n be_v furnish_v and_o enable_v for_o immediate_a practice_n of_o the_o law_n must_v be_v get_v by_o receive_v it_o out_o of_o christ_n fullness_n as_o a_o thing_n already_o prepare_v and_o bring_v to_o a_o existence_n for_o we_o in_o christ_n and_o treasure_v up_o in_o he_o and_o that_o as_o we_o be_v justify_v by_o a_o righteousness_n wrought_v out_o in_o christ_n and_o impute_v to_o we_o so_o we_o be_v sanctify_v by_o such_o a_o holy_a frame_n and_o qualification_n as_o be_v first_o wrought_v out_o and_o complete_v in_o christ_n for_o we_o and_o then_o impart_v to_o we_o and_o as_o our_o natural_a corruption_n be_v produce_v original_o in_o the_o first_o adam_n and_o propagate_v from_o he_o to_o we_o so_o our_o new_a nature_n and_o holiness_n be_v first_o produce_v in_o christ_n and_o derive_v from_o he_o to_o we_o or_o as_o it_o be_v propagate_v so_o that_o we_o be_v not_o at_o all_o to_o work_v together_o with_o christ_n in_o make_v or_o produce_v that_o holy_a frame_n in_o we_o but_o only_o to_o take_v it_o to_o ourselves_o and_o use_v it_o in_o our_o holy_a practice_n as_o make_v ready_a to_o our_o hand_n thus_o we_o have_v fellowship_n with_o christ_n in_o recover_v that_o holy_a frame_n of_o spirit_n that_o be_v original_o in_o he_o for_o fellowship_n be_v when_o several_a person_n have_v the_o same_o thing_n in_o common_a 1_o jo._n 1._o this_o mystery_n be_v so_o great_a that_o notwithstanding_o all_o the_o light_n of_o the_o gospel_n we_o common_o think_v that_o we_o must_v get_v a_o holy_a frame_n by_o produce_v it_o a_o new_a in_o ourselves_o and_o by_o form_v and_o work_v it_o out_o of_o our_o own_o heart_n therefore_o many_o that_o be_v serious_o devout_a take_v a_o great_a deal_n of_o pain_n to_o mortify_v their_o corrupt_a nature_n and_o beget_v a_o holy_a frame_n of_o heart_n in_o themselves_o by_o strive_v earnest_o to_o master_v their_o sinful_a lust_n and_o by_o press_v vehement_o upon_o their_o heart_n many_o motive_n to_o godliness_n labour_v importunate_o to_o squeeze_v good_a qualification_n out_o of_o they_o as_o oil_n out_o of_o a_o flint_n they_o account_v that_o though_o they_o be_v justify_v by_o a_o righteousness_n wrought_v out_o by_o christ_n yet_o they_o must_v be_v sanctify_v by_o a_o holiness_n wrought_v out_o by_o themselves_o and_o tho'_o out_o of_o humility_n they_o be_v willing_a to_o call_v it_o infuse_v grace_n yet_o they_o think_v they_o must_v get_v the_o infusion_n of_o it_o by_o the_o same_o manner_n of_o work_v as_o if_o it_o be_v whole_o acquire_v by_o their_o endeavour_n on_o this_o account_n they_o acknowledge_v the_o entrance_n into_o a_o godly_a life_n to_o be_v harsh_a and_o unpleasing_a because_o it_o cost_v so_o much_o struggle_v with_o their_o own_o heart_n and_o affection_n to_o new_a frame_n they_o if_o they_o know_v that_o this_o way_n of_o entrance_n be_v not_o only_o harsh_a and_o unpleasant_a but_o altogether_o impossible_a and_o that_o the_o true_a way_n of_o mortify_a sin_n and_o quicken_a themselves_o to_o holiness_n be_v by_o receive_v a_o new_a nature_n out_o of_o the_o fullness_n of_o christ_n and_o that_o we_o do_v no_o more_o to_o the_o production_n of_o a_o new_a nature_n than_o of_o original_a sin_n though_o we_o do_v more_o to_o the_o reception_n of_o it_o if_o they_o know_v this_o they_o may_v save_v themselves_o many_o a_o bitter_a agony_n and_o a_o great_a deal_n of_o misspend_v burdensome_a labour_n and_o employ_v their_o endeavour_n to_o enter_v in_o at_o the_o strait_a gate_n in_o such_o a_o way_n as_o will_v be_v more_o pleasant_a and_o successful_a another_o great_a mystery_n in_o the_o way_n of_o sanctification_n be_v the_o glorious_a manner_n of_o our_o fellowship_n with_o christ_n in_o receive_v a_o holy_a frame_n of_o heart_n from_o he_o it_o be_v by_o our_o be_v in_o christ_n and_o have_v christ_n himself_o in_o we_o and_o that_o not_o mere_o by_o his_o universal_a presence_n as_o he_o be_v god_n but_o by_o such_o a_o close_a union_n as_o that_o we_o be_v one_o spirit_n and_o one_o flesh_n with_o he_o which_o be_v a_o privilege_n peculiar_a to_o those_o that_o be_v true_o sanctify_v i_o may_v well_o call_v this_o a_o mystical_a union_n because_o the_o apostle_n call_v it_o a_o great_a mystery_n in_o a_o epistle_n full_a of_o mystery_n eph._n 5.20_o intimate_v that_o it_o be_v great_a eminent_o above_o many_o other_o mystery_n it_o be_v one_o of_o the_o three_o mystical_a union_n that_o be_v the_o chief_a mystery_n in_o religion_n the_o other_o two_o be_v the_o union_n of_o the_o trinity_n of_o person_n in_o one_o godhead_n and_o the_o union_n of_o the_o divine_a and_o human_a nature_n in_o one_o person_n jesus_n christ_n god_n and_o man._n though_o we_o can_v frame_v a_o exact_a idea_n of_o the_o manner_n of_o any_o of_o these_o three_o union_n in_o our_o imagination_n because_o the_o depth_n of_o these_o mystery_n be_v beyond_o our_o comprehension_n yet_o we_o have_v cause_n to_o believe_v they_o all_o because_o they_o be_v clear_o reveal_v in_o scripture_n and_o be_v a_o necessary_a foundation_n for_o other_o point_n of_o christian_a doctrine_n particular_o this_o union_n betwixt_o christ_n and_o believer_n be_v plain_o in_o several_a place_n of_o scripture_n affirm_v that_o christ_n be_v and_o dwell_v in_o believer_n and_o they_o in_o he_o joh._n 6.56_o and_o 14.20_o and_o that_o they_o be_v so_o join_v together_o as_o to_o become_v one_o spirit_n 1_o cor._n 6.17_o and_o that_o believer_n be_v member_n of_o christ_n body_n of_o his_o flesh_n and_o of_o his_o bone_n and_o they_o two_o christ_n and_o the_o church_n be_v one_o flesh_n eph._n 5.30_o 31._o furthermore_o this_o union_n be_v illustrate_v in_o scripture_n by_o various_a resemblance_n which_o will_v be_v very_o much_o unlike_o the_o thing_n which_o they_o be_v make_v use_n of_o to_o resemble_v and_o will_v rather_o seem_v to_o beguile_v we_o by_o obscure_v the_o truth_n than_o instruct_v we_o by_o illustrate_v of_o it_o if_o there_o be_v no_o true_a proper_a union_n betwixt_o christ_n and_o believer_n it_o be_v resemble_v by_o the_o union_n betwixt_o god_n the_o father_n and_o christ_n jo._n 14.20_o and_o 17.21_o 22_o 23._o betwixt_o the_o vine_n and_o its_o branch_n joh._n 15.4_o 5._o betwixt_o the_o head_n and_o body_n ephes_n 1.22.23_o betwixt_o bread_n and_o the_o eater_n joh._n 6.51_o 53_o 54._o it_o be_v not_o only_o resemble_v but_o seal_v in_o the_o lord_n supper_n where_o neither_o the_o popish_a transubstantiation_n nor_o the_o lutheran_n consubstantiation_n nor_o the_o protestant_n spiritual_a presence_n of_o christ_n body_n and_o blood_n to_o the_o true_a receiver_n can_v stand_v without_o it_o and_o if_o we_o can_v imagine_v that_o christ_n body_n and_o blood_n be_v not_o true_o eat_v and_o drink_v by_o believer_n either_o spiritual_o or_o corporal_o we_o shall_v make_v the_o bread_n and_o wine_n join_v with_o the_o word_n of_o institution_n not_o only_o naked_a sign_n but_o such_o sign_n as_o be_v much_o more_o apt_a to_o breed_v false_a notion_n in_o we_o than_o to_o establish_v we_o in_o the_o truth_n and_o there_o be_v nothing_o in_o this_o union_n so_o impossible_a or_o repugnant_a to_o reason_n as_o may_v force_v we_o to_o depart_v from_o the_o plain_a and_o familiar_a sense_n of_o those_o scripture_n that_o express_v and_o illustrate_v it_o though_o christ_n be_v in_o heaven_n and_o we_o on_o earth_n yet_o he_o can_v join_v our_o soul_n and_o body_n to_o he_o at_o such_o a_o distance_n without_o any_o substantial_a change_n of_o either_o by_o the_o same_o insinite_a spirit_n dwell_v in_o he_o and_o we_o and_o so_o our_o flesh_n will_v become_v he_o when_o it_o be_v quicken_v by_o his_o spirit_n and_o his_o flesh_n we_o as_o true_o as_o if_o we_o do_v eat_v his_o flesh_n and_o drink_v his_o blood_n and_o he_o will_v be_v in_o we_o himself_o by_o his_o spirit_n who_o be_v one_o with_o he_o and_o who_o can_v unite_v more_o close_o to_o christ_n than_o any_o material_a substance_n can_v do_v or_o who_o can_v make_v a_o more_o close_a and_o intimate_a union_n betwixt_o christ_n and_o we_o and_o it_o will_v not_o follow_v from_o hence_o that_o a_o believer_n be_v one_o person_n with_o christ_n any_o more_o than_o that_o christ_n be_v one_o person_n with_o the_o father_n by_o that_o great_a mystical_a union_n neither_o will_v a_o believer_n be_v hereby_o make_v god_n but_o only_o the_o temple_n of_o god_n as_o christ_n body_n
we_o god_n have_v promise_v that_o the_o wayfaring_a man_n though_o fool_n shall_v not_o err_v in_o the_o way_n of_o holiness_n and_o that_o he_o will_v teach_v sinner_n in_o the_o way_n the_o meek_n will_v he_o guide_v in_o judgement_n and_o the_o meek_n will_v he_o teach_v his_o way_n psal_n 25.8_o 9_o and_o he_o command_v they_o that_o lack_v wisdom_n to_o ask_v it_o of_o god_n in_o faith_n nothing_o doubt_v jam._n 1.5_o 6._o but_o however_o we_o be_v to_o know_v that_o god_n guide_v we_o only_o according_a to_o the_o rule_n of_o his_o word_n and_o we_o must_v endeavour_v to_o learn_v the_o right_a way_n of_o believe_v out_o of_o the_o word_n or_o else_o we_o be_v not_o able_a so_o much_o as_o to_o trust_v right_o on_o god_n for_o guidance_n and_o direction_n in_o this_o great_a work_n to_o help_v you_o herein_o i_o have_v give_v you_o before_o in_o this_o treatise_n a_o description_n of_o save_a faith_n and_o have_v show_v that_o it_o contain_v two_o act_n in_o it_o the_o one_o be_v believe_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n the_o other_o be_v believe_v on_o christ_n as_o reveal_v and_o free_o promise_v to_o we_o in_o the_o gospel_n for_o all_o his_o salvation_n now_o your_o great_a endeavour_n must_v be_v to_o perform_v both_o these_o act_n in_o a_o right_a manner_n as_o i_o shall_v show_v concern_v each_o of_o they_o in_o particular_a in_o the_o first_o place_n you_o be_v high_o concern_v to_o endeavour_v for_o a_o right_a belief_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n that_o so_o you_o may_v be_v well_o furnish_v dispose_v and_o encourage_v to_o believe_v on_o christ_n as_o reveal_v and_o promise_v in_o the_o gospel_n hereby_o you_o be_v to_o remove_v all_o uncomfortable_a thought_n and_o objection_n of_o satan_n and_o your_o own_o conscience_n and_o to_o overcome_v all_o corrupt_a inclination_n that_o hinder_v a_o cheerful_a embrace_v of_o christ_n and_o his_o salvation_n it_o be_v find_v by_o experience_n that_o when_o any_o fail_n in_o the_o second_o act_n of_o faith_n the_o reason_n of_o the_o fail_n be_v common_o some_o defect_n in_o this_o first_o act._n there_o be_v some_o false_a imagination_n or_o other_o in_o they_o contrary_a to_o the_o belief_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n which_o be_v a_o strong_a hold_n of_o sin_n and_o satan_n that_o must_v be_v pull_v down_o before_o they_o can_v receive_v christ_n into_o their_o heart_n by_o believe_v on_o he_o if_o they_o know_v the_o name_n of_o christ_n as_o he_o be_v discover_v in_o the_o gospel_n and_o judge_v aright_o of_o the_o truth_n and_o excellency_n of_o it_o they_o will_v not_o fail_v to_o put_v their_o trust_n in_o he_o and_o we_o be_v in_o great_a danger_n of_o entertain_v such_o false_a imagination_n and_o to_o account_v many_o truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n strange_a paradox_n yea_o foolish_a and_o pernicious_a because_o of_o our_o ignorance_n self-conceitedness_a guilty_a conscience_n corrupt_a affection_n and_o manifold_a error_n wherewith_o our_o judgement_n be_v prepossess_v in_o matter_n of_o salvation_n and_o because_o satan_n labour_v to_o beguile_v we_o as_o he_o do_v eve_n through_o his_o subtlety_n to_o corrupt_v our_o mind_n from_o the_o simplicity_n of_o the_o gospel_n that_o be_v in_o christ_n 2_o cor._n 11.3_o i_o shall_v therefore_o give_v you_o some_o particular_a instruction_n that_o be_v of_o great_a moment_n to_o prevent_v such_o defect_n as_o we_o be_v most_o liable_a to_o in_o the_o first_o act_n of_o our_o faith_n 1._o you_o must_v believe_v with_o a_o full_a persuasion_n that_o you_o be_v a_o child_n of_o wrath_n by_o nature_n as_o well_o as_o other_o fall_v from_o god_n by_o the_o sin_n of_o the_o first_o adam_n dead_a in_o trespass_n and_o sin_n subject_n to_o the_o curse_n of_o the_o law_n of_o god_n and_o to_o the_o power_n of_o satan_n and_o to_o insupportable_a misery_n to_o all_o eternity_n and_o that_o you_o can_v possible_o procure_v your_o reconciliation_n with_o god_n or_o any_o spiritual_a life_n and_o strength_n to_o do_v any_o good_a work_n by_o any_o endeavour_v to_o get_v salvation_n according_a to_o the_o term_n of_o the_o legal_a covenant_n and_o that_o you_o can_v find_v any_o way_n to_o escape_v out_o of_o this_o sinful_a and_o miserable_a condition_n by_o your_o own_o reason_n and_o understanding_n without_o supernatural_a revelation_n nor_o be_v free_v from_o it_o except_o by_o that_o infinite_a power_n that_o raise_v the_o dead_a we_o must_v not_o be_v afraid_a as_o some_o be_v to_o know_v our_o own_o vileness_n and_o sinfulness_n neither_o must_v we_o be_v willing_a to_o think_v ourselves_o better_a than_o we_o be_v but_o must_v be_v hearty_o desirous_a and_o glad_a to_o know_v the_o worst_a of_o our_o own_o condition_n yea_o when_o we_o have_v find_v out_o the_o worst_a that_o we_o can_v of_o ourselves_o yea_o we_o must_v be_v willing_a to_o believe_v that_o our_o heart_n be_v deceitful_a and_o desperate_o wicked_a beyond_o all_o that_o we_o can_v know_v and_o find_v out_o jer._n 17.9_o this_o be_v all_o necessary_a to_o work_v in_o we_o true_a humiliation_n self-despair_n and_o self-loathing_a that_o we_o may_v high_o esteem_v and_o earnest_o seek_v the_o salvation_n of_o christ_n as_o the_o one_o thing_n necessary_a it_o make_v we_o sick_a of_o sin_n and_o sensible_a of_o our_o need_n of_o the_o great_a physician_n and_o willing_a to_o be_v order_v according_a to_o any_o of_o his_o prescription_n whatsoever_o we_o suffer_v rather_o than_o to_o follow_v our_o own_o wisdom_n mat._n 9.12_o it_o be_v for_o want_v of_o this_o humiliation_n that_o the_o scribe_n and_o pharisee_n be_v not_o so_o forward_o to_o enter_v into_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n as_o the_o publican_n and_o harlot_n mat._n 21.31_o 2._o you_o be_v to_o believe_v assure_o that_o there_o be_v no_o way_n to_o be_v save_v without_o receive_v all_o the_o save_a benesit_n of_o christ_n his_o spirit_n as_o well_o as_o his_o merit_n sanctification_n as_o well_o as_o remission_n of_o sin_n by_o faith_n it_o be_v the_o ruin_n of_o many_o soul_n that_o they_o trust_v on_o christ_n for_o remission_n of_o sin_n without_o any_o regard_n to_o holiness_n whenas_o these_o two_o benefit_n be_v inseparable_o join_v in_o christ_n so_o that_o none_o be_v free_v from_o condemnation_n by_o christ_n but_o those_o that_o be_v enable_v to_o walk_v holy_o i._n e._n not_o after_o the_o flesh_n but_o after_o the_o spirit_n rom._n 8.1_o it_o be_v also_o the_o ruin_n of_o soul_n to_o seek_v only_a remission_n of_o sin_n by_o faith_n in_o christ_n and_o holiness_n by_o our_o endeavour_n according_a to_o the_o term_n of_o the_o law_n whereas_o we_o can_v never_o live_v to_o god_n in_o holiness_n except_o we_o be_v dead_a to_o the_o law_n and_o live_v only_o by_o christ_n live_v in_o we_o by_o faith_n that_o faith_n that_o receive_v not_o holiness_n as_o well_o as_o remission_n of_o sin_n from_o christ_n will_v never_o sanctify_v we_o and_o therefore_o it_o will_v never_o bring_v we_o to_o heavenly_a glory_n heb._n 12.14_o 3._o you_o be_v to_o be_v full_o persuade_v of_o the_o all-sufficiency_n of_o christ_n for_o the_o salvation_n of_o yourself_o and_o of_o all_o that_o believe_v on_o he_o that_o his_o blood_n cleanse_v from_o all_o sin_n 1_o joh._n 1.7_o though_o our_o sin_n be_v never_o so_o great_a and_o horrible_a and_o continue_v in_o never_o so_o long_o yet_o he_o be_v able_a to_o deliver_v we_o from_o the_o body_n of_o death_n and_o mortify_v our_o corruption_n be_v they_o never_o so_o strong_a we_o find_v in_o scripture_n that_o abominable_a wicked_a person_n have_v be_v save_v by_o he_o idolater_n adulterer_n effeminate_a covetous_a drunkard_n extortioner_n etc._n etc._n 1_o cor._n 6.9_o 10._o such_o as_o have_v sin_v against_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n as_o the_o heathen_a and_o the_o light_n of_o scripture_n as_o the_o jew_n such_o as_o have_v deny_v christ_n as_o peter_n and_o persecute_v and_o blasphame_v he_o as_o paul_n many_o that_o have_v fall_v into_o great_a sin_n be_v ruin_v for_o ever_o because_o they_o do_v not_o account_v the_o grace_n of_o christ_n sufficient_a for_o their_o pardon_n and_o sanctification_n when_o they_o think_v they_o be_v go_v and_o pass_v all_o hope_n of_o recovery_n that_o their_o sin_n be_v upon_o they_o and_o they_o pine_v away_o in_o they_o and_o how_o shall_v they_o live_v ezek._n 33.10_o this_o despair_n work_v secret_o in_o many_o soul_n without_o much_o trouble_n and_o horror_n and_o make_v they_o careless_a of_o their_o soul_n and_o true_a religion_n the_o devil_n sill_n some_o with_o horrid_a filthy_a blasphemous_a thought_n on_o purpose_n that_o they_o may_v think_v their_o sin_n too_o great_a to_o be_v forgive_v though_o common_o such_o thought_n be_v the_o least_o of_o the_o sin_n of_o those_o that_o be_v pester_v
with_o they_o and_o rather_o the_o devil_n sin_n than_o they_o because_o they_o be_v hurry_v into_o they_o sore_o against_o their_o will_n but_o if_o their_o heart_n be_v somewhat_o pollute_v with_o they_o christ_n testify_v that_o all_o manner_n of_o sin_n and_o blasphemy_n shall_v be_v forgive_v beside_o blasphemy_n against_o the_o holy_a ghost_n mat._n 10.31_o and_o as_o for_o those_o that_o be_v guilty_a of_o blasphemy_n against_o the_o holy_a ghost_n the_o reason_n why_o they_o be_v never_o forgive_v be_v not_o because_o of_o any_o want_n of_o sufficiency_n in_o the_o blood_n of_o christ_n or_o in_o the_o pardon_v mercy_n of_o god_n but_o because_o they_o never_o repent_v of_o that_o sin_n and_o never_o seek_v to_o god_n for_o mercy_n through_o christ_n but_o continue_v obstinate_a until_o death_n for_o the_o scripture_n testify_v that_o it_o be_v impossible_a to_o renew_v they_o again_o by_o repentance_n heb._n 6.5_o 6._o so_o that_o the_o merit_n of_o christ_n be_v sufficient_a for_o all_o that_o seek_v to_o he_o for_o mercy_n by_o believe_v there_o be_v other_o that_o despair_n of_o ever_o get_v any_o victory_n over_o their_o lust_n because_o they_o have_v former_o make_v many_o vow_n and_o resolution_n and_o have_v use_v many_o vigorous_a endeavour_n against_o they_o in_o vain_a such_o be_v to_o persuade_v themselves_o that_o the_o grace_n of_o christ_n be_v sufficient_a for_o they_o when_o all_o other_o mean_n have_v fail_v as_o the_o woman_n that_o have_v the_o issue_n of_o blood_n and_o be_v nothing_o better_v but_o rather_o grow_v worse_o by_o any_o remedy_n that_o physician_n can_v prescribe_v yet_o persuade_v herself_o that_o if_o she_o may_v but_o touch_v the_o clothes_n of_o christ_n she_o shall_v be_v whole_a mar._n 5.25_o 28._o those_o that_o despair_n by_o reason_n of_o the_o greatness_n of_o their_o gild_n and_o corruption_n do_v great_o dishonour_v and_o undervalue_v the_o grace_n of_o god_n his_o infinite_a mercy_n and_o the_o infinite_a merit_n of_o christ_n blood_n and_o power_n of_o his_o spirit_n and_o deserve_v to_o perish_v with_o cain_n and_o judas_n abundance_n of_o people_n that_o give_v up_o themselves_o to_o all_o licentiousness_n in_o this_o wicked_a generation_n lie_v under_o secret_a despair_n which_o make_v they_o so_o desperate_a in_o swear_v blaspheme_v whore_v drunkenness_n and_o all_o manner_n of_o wickedness_n how_o horrid_a and_o heinous_a soever_o our_o sin_n and_o corruption_n have_v be_v we_o shall_v learn_v to_o account_v they_o a_o small_a matter_n in_o comparison_n to_o the_o grace_n of_o christ_n who_o be_v god_n as_o well_o as_o man_n and_o offer_v himself_o by_o the_o eternal_a spirit_n as_o a_o sacrifice_n of_o a_o infinite_a value_n for_o our_o salvation_n and_o can_v create_v anew_o as_o easy_o as_o he_o create_v the_o world_n by_o a_o word_n speak_v 4._o you_o be_v to_o be_v full_o persuade_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o general_n free_a promise_n in_o your_o own_o particular_a case_n that_o if_o you_o believe_v on_o christ_n sincere_o you_o shall_v have_v everlasting_a life_n as_o well_o as_o any_o other_o in_o the_o world_n without_o perform_v any_o condition_n of_o work_n to_o procure_v a_o interest_n in_o christ_n for_o the_o promise_n be_v universal_a whosoever_o believe_v on_o he_o shall_v not_o be_v ashant_v rom._n 9.32_o without_o any_o exception_n and_o if_o god_n exclude_v you_o not_o you_o must_v not_o exclude_v yourselves_o but_o rather_o conclude_v peremptory_o that_o how_o vile_a wicked_a and_o unworthy_a soever_o you_o be_v yet_o if_o you_o come_v you_o shall_v be_v accept_v as_o well_o as_o any_o other_o in_o the_o world_n you_o be_v to_o believe_v the_o great_a article_n of_o the_o creed_n the_o remission_n of_o sin_n in_o your_o own_o case_n when_o you_o be_v principal_o concern_v or_o else_o it_o will_v little_o profit_v you_o to_o believe_v it_o in_o the_o case_n of_o other_o this_o be_v that_o which_o hinder_v many_o break_a wound_a spirit_n from_o come_v to_o the_o great_a physician_n when_o they_o be_v convince_v of_o the_o abominable_a filthiness_n of_o their_o heart_n that_o they_o be_v dead_a in_o sin_n without_o the_o least_o spark_n of_o true_a grace_n and_o holiness_n in_o they_o they_o think_v that_o it_o be_v in_o vain_a for_o such_o as_o they_o be_v to_o trust_v on_o christ_n for_o salvation_n and_o that_o christ_n will_v never_o save_v such_o as_o they_o be_v why_o so_o they_o can_v be_v but_o lose_v creature_n at_o worst_a and_o christ_n come_v to_o seek_v and_o save_v those_o that_o be_v lose_v if_o they_o that_o be_v dead_a in_o sin_n can_v be_v save_v than_o all_o must_v despair_v and_o perish_v for_o none_o have_v any_o spiritual_a life_n until_o they_o receive_v it_o by_o believe_v on_o christ_n some_o think_v themselves_o to_o be_v worse_o than_o any_o other_o and_o that_o none_o have_v such_o wicked_a heart_n as_o they_o and_o though_o other_o be_v accept_v yet_o they_o shall_v be_v reject_v but_o they_o shall_v know_v that_o christ_n come_v to_o save_v the_o chief_a of_o sinner_n 1_o tim._n 1.15_o and_o that_o the_o design_n of_o god_n be_v to_o show_v the_o exceed_a riches_n of_o his_o grace_n in_o our_o salvation_n eph._n 2.7_o which_o be_v most_o glorify_a by_o pardon_v the_o great_a sinner_n and_o it_o be_v but_o our_o ignorance_n to_o think_v ourselves_o like_o no_o body_n for_o all_o other_o as_o well_o as_o we_o be_v natural_o dead_a in_o trespass_n and_o sin_n their_o mind_n be_v enmity_n to_o god_n and_o be_v not_o subject_a to_o his_o law_n nor_o can_v be_v rom._n 8.8_o and_o every_o imagination_n of_o the_o thought_n of_o their_o heart_n be_v only_o evil_a and_o continual_o so_o gen._n 6.5_o they_o have_v all_o the_o same_o corrupt_a fountain_n of_o all_o abomination_n in_o their_o heart_n though_o we_o may_v have_v exceed_v many_o other_o in_o several_a actual_a sin_n other_o think_v that_o they_o have_v outstay_v their_o time_n and_o therefore_o now_o they_o shall_v find_v no_o place_n for_o repentance_n though_o they_o shall_v seek_v it_o careful_o with_o tear_n heb._n 12._o but_o behold_v now_o be_v 〈◊〉_d accept_v time_n now_o the_o day_n of_o salvation_n 2_o cor._n 6._o â—_o even_o as_o long_o as_o god_n call_v upon_o you_o by_o the_o gospel_n and_o although_o esau_n be_v reject_v that_o seek_v rather_o the_o earthly_a than_o spiritual_a blessing_n of_o the_o birthright_n yet_o they_o shall_v not_o be_v reject_v that_o seek_v the_o enjoyment_n of_o christ_n and_o his_o salvation_n as_o their_o only_a happiness_n if_o you_o come_v into_o christ_n vinyard_n at_o the_o eleven_o hour_n of_o the_o day_n you_o shall_v have_v your_o penny_n as_o well_o as_o those_o that_o come_v early_o in_o the_o morning_n because_o the_o reward_n be_v of_o grace_n and_o not_o of_o merit_n matt._n 20.9_o 10._o and_o here_o you_o must_v be_v sure_a to_o believe_v steadfast_o that_o christ_n and_o all_o his_o salvation_n be_v bestow_v as_o a_o free_a gift_n upon_o those_o that_o do_v not_o work_v to_o procure_v any_o right_a or_o title_n to_o he_o or_o meetness_n or_o worthiness_n to_o receive_v he_o but_o only_o believe_v on_o he_o that_o justifi_v the_o ungodly_a rom._n 4.5_o if_o you_o put_v any_o condition_n of_o work_n or_o good_a qualification_n betwixt_o yourselves_o and_o christ_n it_o will_v be_v a_o partition_n wall_n that_o you_o can_v never_o climb_v over_o 5._o you_o be_v to_o believe_v assure_o that_o it_o be_v the_o will_n of_o god_n that_o you_o shall_v believe_v in_o christ_n and_o have_v eternal_a life_n by_o he_o as_o well_o as_o any_o other_o and_o that_o your_o believe_v be_v a_o duty_n very_o acceptable_a to_o god_n and_o that_o he_o will_v help_v you_o as_o well_o as_o any_o other_o in_o this_o work_n because_o he_o call_v and_o command_v you_o by_o the_o gospel_n to_o believe_v in_o christ_n this_o make_v we_o to_o set_v careful_o upon_o the_o work_n of_o believe_v as_o when_o jesus_n command_v the_o blind_a man_n to_o be_v call_v they_o say_v unto_o he_o be_v of_o good_a comfort_n and_o rise_v he_o call_v thou_o mat._n 10.29_o a_o command_n of_o christ_n make_v peter_n to_o walk_v upon_o the_o water_n mat._n 14.29_o and_o here_o we_o be_v not_o to_o meddle_v with_o god_n secret_a of_o predestination_n or_o the_o purpose_n of_o his_o will_n to_o give_v the_o grace_n of_o faith_n to_o some_o rather_o than_o other_o but_o only_o with_o his_o reveal_v will_n in_o his_o gracious_a invitation_n and_o command_n by_o which_o we_o be_v require_v to_o believe_v on_o christ_n this_o will_n of_o god_n be_v confirm_v by_o his_o oath_n as_o i_o live_v say_v the_o lord_n god_n i_o have_v no_o pleasure_n in_o the_o death_n of_o a_o sinner_n but_o that_o the_o wicked_a turn_n from_o his_o way_n and_o live_v turn_v you_o turn_v you_o
promise_v to_o we_o in_o the_o gospel_n for_o all_o his_o salvation_n the_o spirit_n of_o god_n do_v habitual_o dispose_v and_o incline_v our_o heart_n to_o a_o right_a performance_n of_o this_o act_n by_o enable_v we_o to_o perform_v the_o first_o act_n according_a to_o the_o former_a instruction_n by_o believe_v assure_o those_o great_a thing_n of_o the_o gospel_n whereby_o we_o be_v deliver_v into_o a_o form_n of_o doctrine_n rom._n 6.17_o which_o we_o be_v to_o obey_v from_o our_o heart_n and_o to_o follow_v as_o our_o pattern_n in_o the_o manner_n of_o our_o act_v faith_n in_o christ_n for_o salvation_n therefore_o i_o need_v only_o to_o exhort_v you_o brief_o to_o act_n your_o faith_n in_o christ_n according_a to_o that_o form_n and_o pattern_n in_o which_o you_o have_v be_v already_o so_o large_o instruct_v you_o be_v to_o believe_v in_o christ_n as_o alone_o sufficient_a and_o all-sufficient_a for_o your_o happiness_n and_o salvation_n despair_v altogether_o of_o any_o attainment_n of_o happiness_n by_o your_o own_o wisdom_n strength_n work_v of_o righteousness_n or_o any_o fleshly_a worldly_a confidence_n whatsoever_o we_o must_v be_v as_o dead_a people_n to_o all_o other_o confidence_n and_o account_v they_o to_o be_v loss_n for_o christ_n according_a to_o the_o example_n of_o the_o bless_a apostle_n phil._n 3.3_o 7_o 8._o we_o must_v not_o be_v grieve_v that_o we_o have_v nothing_o to_o trust_v upon_o beside_o christ_n for_o our_o salvation_n but_o rather_o we_o be_v to_o rejoice_v that_o we_o need_v nothing_o else_o and_o that_o we_o have_v a_o sure_a foundation_n to_o rely_v upon_o incomparable_o better_o than_o any_o other_o that_o can_v be_v imagine_v and_o we_o must_v resolve_v to_o cast_v the_o burden_n of_o our_o soul_n whole_o on_o christ_n and_o to_o seek_v salvation_n no_o other_o way_n whatsoever_o become_v of_o we_o if_o the_o cripple_n lie_v not_o the_o whole_a weight_n of_o his_o body_n upon_o a_o strong_a staff_n but_o part_n of_o it_o on_o a_o rot_a one_o he_o be_v like_a to_o receive_v a_o fall_n if_o the_o swimmer_n will_v not_o commit_v his_o body_n whole_o to_o the_o water_n to_o bear_v he_o up_o but_o catch_v at_o weed_n or_o struggle_v to_o feel_v out_o ground_n he_o may_v sink_v to_o the_o bottom_n christ_n will_v be_v all_o our_o salvation_n or_o nothing_o if_o we_o seek_v to_o be_v save_v by_o any_o other_o way_n as_o the_o galatian_n do_v by_o circumcision_n christ_n will_v profit_v we_o nothing_o gal._n 5.2_o you_o be_v also_o to_o receive_v christ_n mere_o as_o a_o free-gift_n give_v to_o the_o chief_a of_o sinner_n resolve_v that_o you_o will_v not_o perform_v any_o condition_n to_o procure_v yourselves_o a_o right_n and_o title_n to_o he_o but_o that_o you_o will_v come_v to_o he_o as_o a_o lose_a sinner_n a_o ungodly_a creature_n trust_v on_o he_o that_o justifi_v the_o ungodly_a and_o that_o you_o will_v buy_v he_o without_o money_n and_o without_o any_o price_n whatsoever_o rom._n 4.5_o isa_n 55.2_o look_v not_o on_o your_o own_o faith_n or_o love_n or_o any_o good_a qualification_n in_o yourselves_o as_o the_o ground_n of_o your_o trust_n in_o christ_n but_o only_o to_o the_o free_a grace_n and_o lovingkindness_n of_o god_n in_o christ_n how_o excellent_a be_v thy_o lovingkindness_n o_o god_n therefore_o the_o child_n of_o man_n put_v their_o trust_n under_o the_o shadow_n of_o thy_o wing_n psal_n 30.7_o for_o if_o you_o make_v your_o faith_n love_n or_o good_a qualification_n to_o be_v your_o first_o and_o principal_a foundation_n and_o you_o build_v christ_n upon_o they_o instead_o of_o building_n all_o upon_o christ_n you_o invert_v the_o order_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o christ_n will_v profit_v you_o nothing_o another_o thing_n to_o be_v observe_v diligent_o be_v that_o you_o must_v come_v to_o christ_n for_o a_o new_a holy_a heart_n and_o life_n and_o all_o thing_n necessary_a thereunto_o as_o well_o as_o for_o deliverance_n from_o the_o wrath_n of_o god_n and_o the_o torment_n of_o hell_n you_o must_v also_o come_v to_o he_o with_o a_o ardent_a love_n and_o affection_n to_o he_o and_o esteem_v he_o better_o than_o a_o thousand_o world_n and_o the_o only_a excellent_a portion_n loathe_v and_o abhor_v yourself_o as_o a_o vile_a sinful_a and_o miserable_a creature_n and_o account_v all_o thing_n dung_n in_o comparison_n of_o his_o excellency_n that_o you_o may_v be_v able_a to_o say_v from_o the_o bottom_n of_o your_o heart_n who_o have_v i_o in_o heaven_n but_o thou_o etc._n etc._n psal_n 73.23_o last_o you_o must_v endeavour_v to_o draw_v near_o with_o full_a assurance_n of_o faith_n heb._n 10.22_o trust_v on_o christ_n confident_o for_o your_o own_o particular_a salvation_n upon_o the_o account_n of_o that_o general_a promise_n that_o whosoever_o believe_v on_o christ_n shall_v not_o be_v ashamed_a rom._n 9.33_o you_o must_v check_v yourselves_o for_o all_o doubt_n fear_n staggering_n concern_v your_o own_o salvation_n by_o christ_n say_v with_o the_o psalmist_n why_o be_v thou_o cast_v down_o o_o my_o soul_n etc._n etc._n psal_n 42.11_o the_o three_o thing_n contain_v in_o the_o direction_n be_v the_o avoid_n of_o all_o delay_n in_o the_o performance_n of_o this_o great_a work_n of_o believe_v in_o christ_n until_o we_o have_v perform_v it_o we_o continue_v under_o the_o power_n of_o sin_n and_o satan_n and_o under_o the_o wrath_n of_o god_n and_o there_o be_v nothing_o betwixt_o hell_n and_o we_o beside_o the_o breath_n of_o our_o nostril_n it_o be_v dangerous_a for_o lot_n to_o linger_v in_o sodom_n lest_o fire_n and_o brimstone_n come_v down_o from_o heaven_n upon_o he_o the_o manslayer_n must_v flee_v with_o all_o haste_n to_o the_o city_n of_o refuge_n lest_o the_o avenger_n of_o blood_n pursue_v he_o while_o his_o heart_n be_v hot_a and_o slay_v he_o deut._n 19.5_o 6._o we_o shall_v make_v haste_n and_o not_o delay_n to_o keep_v god_n commandment_n psal_n 119.60_o and_o flee_v for_o refuge_n to_o the_o hope_v set_v before_o we_o heb._n 6.18_o and_o god_n command_v we_o to_o flee_v thus_o by_o faith_n without_o which_o it_o be_v impossible_a to_o please_v god_n in_o other_o duty_n the_o work_n be_v of_o such_o a_o nature_n that_o it_o may_v be_v perform_v as_o soon_o as_o you_o hear_v the_o gospel_n as_o soon_o as_o they_o hear_v of_o i_o they_o shall_v obey_v i_o psal_n 18.44_o as_o soon_o as_o zion_n travailde_v she_o bring_v forth_o her_o child_n isa_n 66.8_o we_o have_v many_o example_n of_o those_o that_o receive_v the_o word_n by_o faith_n at_o the_o first_o hear_v of_o it_o three_o thousand_o be_v add_v to_o the_o church_n on_o the_o very_a same_o day_n wherein_o peter_n first_o publish_v the_o gospel_n in_o jerusalem_n act_v 2.41_o so_o many_o jew_n and_o gentile_n be_v convert_v at_o the_o first_o hear_v of_o the_o apostle_n paul_n at_o antioch_n act_v 13.43_o the_o jailor_n with_o all_o his_o house_n believe_v and_o be_v baptize_v the_o same_o night_n wherein_o paul_n first_o preach_v to_o they_o act_v 16.33_o 34._o the_o gospel_n come_v at_o first_o to_o the_o thessalonian_o not_o in_o word_n only_o but_o in_o power_n and_o in_o the_o holy_a ghost_n 1_o thes_n 1.5_o 6._o if_o god_n open_v the_o heart_n of_o his_o people_n to_o attend_v diligent_o they_o may_v be_v instruct_v in_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o gospel_n by_o one_o brief_a sermon_n sufficient_o to_o begin_v the_o practice_n of_o save_a faith_n and_o when_o they_o know_v their_o duty_n god_n require_v immediate_a performance_n without_o allow_v we_o the_o least_o respite_n in_o the_o state_n of_o unbelief_n when_o satan_n can_v prevail_v with_o people_n to_o reject_v whole_o the_o duty_n of_o believe_v his_o next_o attempt_n for_o the_o ruin_n of_o their_o soul_n be_v to_o prevail_v with_o they_o at_o least_o to_o delay_v and_o shift_v off_o the_o performance_n of_o it_o from_o time_n to_o time_n by_o several_a false_a reason_n and_o imagination_n which_o he_o put_v into_o their_o mind_n the_o most_o ignorant_a and_o sensual_a be_v easy_o prevail_v with_o to_o defer_v this_o duty_n until_o they_o have_v take_v their_o fill_n of_o the_o pleasure_n profit_n and_o honour_n of_o this_o world_n and_o be_v summon_v to_o prepare_v for_o another_o world_n by_o infirmity_n age_n sickness_n pray_v and_o hope_v that_o a_o large_a time_n of_o repentance_n will_v be_v grant_v unto_o they_o before_o they_o die_v but_o such_o delay_n show_v that_o they_o be_v real_o unwilling_a to_o repent_v and_o believe_v until_o they_o be_v force_v by_o necessity_n and_o that_o they_o prefer_v the_o pleasure_n prosit_o and_o honour_n of_o the_o world_n above_o god_n and_o christ_n and_o their_o own_o soul_n thus_o they_o unfit_a themselves_o more_o and_o more_o for_o this_o great_a duty_n by_o their_o customary_a walk_n in_o sin_n and_o by_o
in_o vain_a when_o you_o utter_a petition_n for_o the_o come_n of_o his_o kingdom_n and_o do_v of_o his_o will_n and_o yet_o hate_v godliness_n in_o your_o heart_n this_o be_v lie_v to_o god_n and_o slatter_v with_o your_o lip_n but_o no_o true_a prayer_n and_o so_o god_n take_v it_o psal_n 78.36_o and_o you_o must_v have_v a_o sense_n of_o your_o want_n and_o necessity_n and_o that_o god_n only_o can_v supply_v 2_o chron._n 20.12_o and_o fervency_n in_o those_o desire_n be_v require_v jam._n 5.16_o and_o you_o must_v pray_v with_o attention_n mind_v yourselves_o what_o you_o pray_v or_o else_o you_o can_v expect_v that_o god_n shall_v mind_v it_o 1_o pet._n 4.7_o watch_v to_o it_o dan._n 9.3_o set_a yourselves_o to_o this_o duty_n intent_o god_n see_v where_o your_o heart_n be_v wander_v when_o you_o pray_v without_o attention_n ezek._n 33.31_o when_o you_o say_v never_o so_o many_o prayer_n without_o understanding_n attention_n affection_n it_o be_v not_o pray_v at_o all_o but_o sin_v and_o play_v the_o hypocrite_n as_o papist_n mumble_v over_o their_o latin_a prayer_n upon_o the_o bead_n by_o tale_n prate_v like_o parrot_n what_o they_o can_v understand_v and_o thus_o ignorant_a people_n say_v over_o their_o form_n of_o english_a prayer_n and_o account_v they_o have_v well-discharged_n their_o duty_n though_o their_o heart_n pray_v not_o at_o all_o and_o be_v mind_v other_o thing_n this_o be_v a_o mere_a lip-labour_n and_o bodily_a exercise_n offer_v a_o dead_a carcase_n to_o god_n plain_a deceit_n mal._n 1.13_o 14._o a_o form_n of_o godliness_n with_o deny_v the_o power_n 2_o tim._n 3.5_o whereby_o popery_n have_v cheat_v the_o world_n of_o the_o power_n of_o this_o and_o all_o other_o holy_a ordinance_n they_o say_v god_n mind_n and_o know_v what_o they_o speak_v and_o approve_v it_o i_o answer_v he_o do_v so_o as_o to_o judge_n they_o for_o hypocrite_n and_o profane_a person_n for_o not_o know_v mind_v and_o approve_v what_o they_o utter_v themselves_o he_o have_v no_o pleasure_n in_o fool_n eccles_n 5.1_o 2._o they_o will_v not_o deal_v so_o with_o a_o earthly_a prince_n 2._o you_o must_v pray_v in_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n for_o the_o spirit_n glorify_v christ_n joh._n 16._o and_o lead_v we_o to_o god_n through_o christ_n eph._n 2.18_o as_o i_o have_v show_v that_o walk_n in_o the_o spirit_n and_o walk_v in_o christ_n be_v all_o one_o so_o pray_v in_o the_o spirit_n and_o by_o and_o through_o christ_n and_o as_o we_o be_v to_o walk_v in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o to_o do_v all_o thing_n in_o his_o name_n as_o be_v command_v joh._n 14.13_o 14._o it_o be_v not_o enough_o to_o conclude_v our_o prayer_n through_o jesus_n christ_n our_o lord_n but_o we_o must_v come_v for_o blessing_n in_o the_o garment_n of_o our_o elder_a brother_n and_o must_v depend_v upon_o his_o worthyness_n and_o strength_n for_o all_o so_o also_o we_o must_v praise_v god_n for_o all_o thing_n in_o his_o name_n as_o thing_n receive_v for_o his_o sake_n and_o by_o he_o eph._n 5.20_o we_o must_v lay_v hold_v on_o his_o strength_n only_o and_o plead_v nothing_o and_o own_o nothing_o for_o our_o acceptance_n but_o he_o we_o must_v not_o plead_v our_o own_o work_n arrogant_o like_o the_o proud_a pharisee_fw-mi luk._n 18.11.12_o except_o only_o as_o fruit_n of_o grace_n and_o reward_n of_o grace_n isa_n 38.1_o 2._o pray_v in_o the_o spirit_n be_v upon_o gospel_n not_o legal_a principle_n rom._n 7.6_o with_o 2_o cor._n 6.3_o with_o great_a humiliation_n and_o sense_n of_o unworthiness_n psal_n 51._o with_o a_o break_a spirit_n with_o despair_n of_o acceptance_n otherwise_o than_o upon_o christ_n account_n dan._n 9.18_o if_o your_o enlargement_n struggle_n melt_n have_v be_v never_o so_o great_a yet_o without_o this_o all_o be_v abominable_a 3._o hence_o you_o must_v not_o think_v to_o be_v accept_v for_o the_o goodness_n of_o your_o prayer_n and_o trust_v on_o they_o as_o work_n of_o righteousness_n which_o be_v make_v idol_n of_o your_o prayer_n and_o put_v they_o into_o the_o place_n of_o christ_n quite_o contrary_a to_o pray_v in_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n thus_o papist_n hope_v to_o be_v save_v by_o say_v their_o tale_n of_o prayer_n upon_o their_o bead-rows_a and_o they_o have_v indulgence_n grant_v upon_o their_o say_n so_o many_o prayer_n and_o of_o such_o a_o sort_n yea_o some_o ignorant_a protestant_n trust_v on_o their_o prayer_n as_o duty_n of_o righteousness_n and_o they_o think_v one_o prayer_n to_o be_v more_o acceptable_a than_o another_o by_o reason_n of_o the_o holiness_n of_o the_o form_n if_o it_o be_v make_v by_o holy_a man_n especial_o the_o lord_n prayer_n which_o they_o use_v to_o help_v they_o in_o any_o exigence_n or_o danger_n how_o little_a soever_o they_o can_v apply_v it_o to_o their_o own_o case_n they_o make_v a_o idol_n of_o it_o and_o some_o use_n it_o and_o other_o place_n of_o scripture_n as_o a_o spell_n or_o charm_n to_o drive_v away_o the_o devil_n and_o other_o think_v their_o prayer_n more_o acceptable_a in_o one_o place_n than_o in_o another_o by_o reason_n of_o the_o holiness_n of_o the_o place_n joh._n 4.21_o 24.1_o tim._n 2.8_o other_o trust_v on_o their_o much_o speak_n mat._n 6._o which_o they_o call_v the_o enlarge_n of_o their_o heart_n they_o think_v to_o put_v off_o god_n and_o stop_v the_o mouth_n of_o conscience_n with_o a_o few_o prayer_n and_o so_o to_o live_v as_o they_o listen_v 4._o pray_v to_o god_n as_o your_o father_n through_o christ_n as_o your_o saviour_n in_o faith_n of_o remission_n of_o sin_n and_o your_o acceptance_n with_o god_n and_o the_o obta_n of_o all_o other_o thing_n which_o you_o desire_v of_o he_o as_o far_o as_o be_v necessary_a for_o your_o salvation_n jam._n 1.5_o 6_o 7._o ch_z 5.15_o 1_o joh._n 5.14_o 15._o mar._n 11.24_o heb._n 10.24_o and_o psal_n 62.8_o and_o 86.7_o and_o 55.16_o and_o 57.1_o 2._o and_o 17.6_o this_o be_v pray_v in_o christ_n eph._n 3.12_o and_o by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n the_o spirit_n of_o adoption_n rom._n 8.16_o gal._n 4.6_o without_o this_o prayer_n be_v lifeless_a and_o heartless_a and_o but_o a_o dead_a carcase_n rom._n 10.14_o psal_n 77.4_o by_o this_o you_o may_v judge_v whether_o you_o have_v pray_v right_o more_o than_o by_o your_o melt_a affection_n or_o largeness_n in_o expression_n though_o you_o be_v not_o assure_v that_o you_o shall_v have_v every_o thing_n that_o you_o ask_v yet_o every_o thing_n that_o be_v good_a this_o faith_n you_o must_v endeavour_v to_o act_v and_o therefore_o if_o any_o sin_n lie_v on_o conscience_n you_o must_v strive_v first_o to_o get_v the_o pardon_n of_o it_o psal_n 32.1.5_o and_o 51.14_o 15._o and_o purisication_n from_o it_o by_o faith_n that_o you_o may_v lift_v up_o holy_a hand_n without_o wrath_n and_o doubt_v 1_o tim._n 2.8_o the_o sin_n of_o wrath_n there_o be_v especial_o mention_v because_o that_o be_v contrary_a to_o love_n and_o forgive_a other_o here_o lie_v the_o strength_n life_n and_o powerfulness_n of_o prayer_n set_v faith_n on_o work_n and_o you_o will_v be_v powerful_a and_o prevail_v 5._o you_o must_v strive_v in_o prayer_n to_o stir_v up_o and_o act_v every_o other_o sanctify_a grace_n through_o faith_n move_v you_o thereunto_o thus_o your_o spikenard_n will_v yield_v their_o smell_n as_o godly_a sorrow_n psal_n 38.18_o peace_n isa_n 27.8_o joy_n psal_n 105.3_o hope_v psal_n 71.5_o desire_n and_o love_n to_o god_n psal_n 4.6_o and_o love_v to_o all_o his_o command_n psal_n 119.4_o 5._o and_o to_o his_o people_n out_o of_o love_n to_o he_o psal_n 122._o you_o must_v seek_v the_o spirit_n itself_o in_o the_o first_o place_n luk._n 11.13_o psal_n 37.5_o and_o all_o spiritual_a thing_n mat._n 6.33_o pray_v only_o for_o carnal_a thing_n show_v a_o carnal_a heart_n and_o leave_v it_o carnal_a pray_v for_o faith_n mar._n 9.24_o and_o for_o such_o thing_n as_o may_v serve_v most_o for_o the_o glorify_v god_n 2_o chron._n 1.11_o 12._o and_o for_o outward_a thing_n you_o must_v act_v in_o submission_n to_o his_o will_n and_o thus_o prayer_n set_v you_o in_o a_o holy_a frame_n mat._n 26.42_o luk._n 22.42_o 43._o hallow_v god_n name_v must_v be_v your_o aim_n mat._n 6._o not_o your_o lust_n jam._n 4.3_o 6._o strive_v to_o bring_v your_o soul_n into_o order_n by_o this_o duty_n however_o disorder_v by_o gild_n anguish_n inordinate_a care_n or_o fear_n psal_n 32.1_o 5._o and_o 55.16_o 17_o 20_o 22._o and_o 69.32_o phil._n 4.6_o 7.1_o sam._n 1._o a_o watch_n must_v be_v often_o wind_v up_o you_o must_v wrestle_v in_o prayer_n against_o your_o unbelief_n doubt_v fear_n care_n reluctancy_n of_o the_o flesh_n to_o that_o which_o be_v good_a against_o all_o evil_a lust_n and_o desire_n coldness_n of_o affection_n impatience_n trouble_v of_o spirit_n every_o
but_o the_o right_a manner_n of_o this_o duty_n be_v chief_o to_o be_v note_v and_o here_o 1._o trust_v not_o upon_o the_o melody_n of_o the_o voice_n as_o if_o that_o please_v god_n who_o delight_v only_o in_o the_o melody_n of_o the_o heart_n col._n 3.16_o neither_o let_v the_o recreate_v your_o sense_n be_v your_o end_n which_o be_v but_o a_o carnal_a work_n non_fw-la musica_fw-la chordula_fw-la sed_fw-la cor._n this_o spiritual_a music_n be_v typify_v by_o musical_a instrument_n of_o old_a 2._o you_o must_v use_v it_o for_o the_o same_o end_n as_o meditation_n and_o prayer_n according_a to_o the_o nature_n of_o what_o be_v sing_v i._n e._n to_o quicken_v faith_n 2_o chron._n 20.21_o 22._o act._n 16.25_o 26._o and_o joy_n and_o delight_n in_o the_o lord_n glory_v in_o he_o psal_n 104.33_o 34._o and_o 105.3_o and_o 149.1_o 2._o and_o 33.1_o 2_o 3._o you_o be_v never_o right_a until_o you_o can_v be_v hearty_o merry_a in_o the_o lord_n to_o act_v joy_n and_o mirth_n holy_o jam._n 5.13_o eph._n 5.19_o and_o also_o to_o get_v more_o knowledge_n and_o instruction_n in_o heavenly_a mystery_n and_o in_o your_o duty_n teach_v and_o admonish_v col._n 3.16_o many_o psalm_n be_v maschills_n as_o their_o title_n be_v i._n e._n psalm_n of_o instruction_n thus_o we_o be_v to_o sing_v such_o psalm_n as_o speak_v in_o the_o first_o person_n though_o we_o can_v apply_v they_o to_o ourselves_o as_o word_n utter_v by_o ourselves_o concern_v ourselves_o and_o in_o this_o we_o do_v not_o lie_v david_n speak_v of_o christ_n as_o of_o himself_o as_o a_o pattern_n of_o affliction_n and_o virtue_n to_o instruct_v other_o and_o we_o sing_v such_o psalm_n not_o as_o our_o word_n but_o word_n foâ—_n our_o instruction_n and_o therein_o we_o do_v not_o lie_v anâ—_n more_o than_o the_o levite_n the_o son_n of_o corah_n or_o jâ—duthun_n or_o other_o musician_n bind_v to_o sing_v theâ—_n psal_n 5._o and_o 39_o and_o 42._o though_o it_o be_v good_a personate_v all_o good_a that_o we_o can_v yet_o we_o have_v much_o liberty_n in_o the_o use_n of_o psalm_n that_o thoâ—_n we_o can_v apply_v all_o to_o ourselves_o as_o speak_v and_o think_v the_o same_o yet_o we_o shall_v answer_v the_o end_n if_o we_o sing_v for_o our_o instruction_n as_o in_o psal_n 6._o &_o 26._o &_o 46._o &_o 101._o &_o 131._o and_o psalm_n have_v a_o peculiar_a fitness_n for_o teach_v and_o instruct_v because_o the_o pleasantness_n of_o metre_n say_v or_o sing_v be_v very_o helpful_a to_o the_o memory_n see_v deut._n 31.19_o 21._o and_o there_o be_v a_o variety_n of_o curious_a artifice_n in_o the_o place_n of_o word_n in_o the_o psalm_n upon_o this_o account_n and_o there_o be_v some_o alphabetical_a psalm_n as_o psal_n 25._o &_o 34._o &_o 37._o &_o 111._o &_o 112._o &_o 119._o &_o 145._o and_o by_o the_o melody_n of_o the_o sound_n the_o instruction_n come_v in_o with_o delight_n as_o a_o physical_a dose_n sugar_v and_o sorrow_n be_v natural_o allay_v to_o fit_v the_o mind_n for_o spiritual_a joy_n and_o distemper_a passion_n appease_v 2_o king_n 3.15_o 1_o sam._n 16.14_o 15_o 16._o so_o that_o orpheus_n amphion_n and_o other_o be_v famous_a for_o civilise_v rude_a barbarous_a people_n by_o music_n 8._o fast_v be_v also_o a_o ordinance_n of_o god_n to_o be_v use_v for_o the_o same_o purpose_n and_o end_n and_o be_v commend_v to_o we_o under_o the_o new_a testament_n mat._n 9.15_o and_o 17.21_o 1_o cor._n 7.5_o and_o we_o have_v example_n of_o it_o act_n 13.2_o 3._o and_o 14.23_o under_o the_o old_a testament_n there_o be_v frequent_a command_n for_o it_o and_o example_n chief_o upon_o occasion_n of_o extraordinary_a affliction_n 1_o sam._n 7.6_o neh._n 9.1_o dan._n 9.3_o and_o 10.2_o 3._o 2_o sam._n 12.16_o psal_n 35.13_o 2_o sam._n 3.31_o joel_n 2.13_o beside_o the_o anniversary_n great_a day_n of_o atonement_n leu._n 16.29_o 31._o when_o every_o one_o be_v to_o fast_o on_o pain_n of_o cut_v off_o there_o be_v a_o prophecy_n of_o the_o same_o for_o the_o time_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n zech._n 12.12_o it_o be_v use_v most_o on_o extraordinary_a occasion_n and_o it_o be_v a_o help_n to_o holiness_n by_o faith_n because_o it_o be_v a_o meet_a help_n for_o extraordinary_a prayer_n and_o humiliation_n joel_n 1.14_o and_o 2.12_o but_o the_o great_a matter_n be_v to_o use_v it_o right_o as_o follow_v 1._o trust_v not_o in_o it_o as_o merit_v or_o satisfy_v as_o papist_n and_o pharisee_n do_v luke_n 18.11_o put_v it_o in_o the_o place_n of_o christ_n or_o as_o a_o mean_n of_o its_o self_n confer_v grace_n and_o mortify_a lust_n as_o many_o do_v who_o may_v soon_o kill_v their_o body_n than_o their_o lust_n or_o any_o purify_n rite_n yea_o or_o in_o or_o for_o itself_o acceptable_a to_o god_n 1_o tim._n 4.8_o heb._n 12.9_o col._n 2.16_o 17_o 20_o 23._o imagine_v not_o that_o prayer_n be_v not_o acceptable_a without_o it_o for_o this_o be_v against_o faith_n fast_n as_o well_o as_o feast_n be_v no_o substantial_a part_n of_o worship_n because_o not_o spiritual_a but_o bodily_a though_o under_o the_o old_a testament_n they_o be_v part_n as_o institute_v rite_n figurative_a and_o teach_v but_o that_o use_n be_v now_o cease_v as_o that_o on_o the_o day_n of_o atonement_n and_o so_o many_o significative_a rite_n adjoin_v to_o fast_v as_o sackcloth_n ash_n rend_v garment_n pour_v out_o water_n lie_v on_o the_o earth_n the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n consist_v not_o in_o these_o thing_n rom._n 14._o the_o soul_n be_v harden_v by_o trust_v in_o they_o isa_n 58.3_o 6._o zech._n 7.5_o 10._o 2._o use_v they_o as_o help_v to_o extraordinary_a prayer_n and_o humiliation_n that_o the_o mind-may_a not_o be_v unsuit_v for_o it_o by_o eat_v drink_v or_o bodily_a pleasure_n joel_n 2.13_o isa_n 22_o 12-13_a zech._n 12.10_o 14._o it_o be_v good_a only_o as_o a_o help_n to_o the_o soul_n remove_v impediment_n the_o best_a fast_n be_v when_o the_o mind_n be_v take_v off_o from_o delight_n as_o in_o john_n the_o baptist_n case_n mat._n 3.4_o when_o heaven_n and_o godly_a sorrow_n take_v off_o the_o soul_n zach._n 12.10_o 14._o 3._o use_v it_o in_o such_o a_o measure_n as_o may_v be_v proper_a for_o its_o end_n without_o which_o its_o worth_a nothing_o if_o abstinence_n divert_v your_o mind_n by_o reason_n of_o a_o gnaw_a appetite_n than_o you_o have_v better_o eat_v spare_o as_o daniel_n in_o his_o great_a fast_a ch_n 10._o some_o have_v not_o enough_o of_o spiritual-mindedness_a to_o give_v up_o themselves_o to_o fast_v and_o prayer_n without_o great_a distraction_n and_o such_o have_v better_o eat_v than_o go_v beyond_o their_o strength_n in_o a_o thing_n not_o absolute_o necessary_a which_o produce_v only_o a_o slavish_a act_n as_o in_o the_o case_n of_o virginity_n 1_o cor._n 7.7_o 8_o 9_o 34_o 35_o 36._o christ_n will_v not_o have_v his_o weak_a disciple_n necessitate_v to_o the_o duty_n mat._n 9.14_o 15._o in_o the_o mean_a time_n such_o shall_v strive_v to_o be_v sensible_a of_o the_o weakness_n and_o carnality_n that_o hinder_v their_o use_n of_o this_o excellent_a help_n 4._o you_o may_v expect_v here_o something_o to_o be_v speak_v of_o vow_n but_o i_o shall_v only_o say_v this_o of_o they_o think_v not_o to_o bring_v yourselves_o to_o good_a by_o vow_n and_o promise_n as_o if_o the_o strength_n of_o your_o own_o law_n can_v do_v it_o when_o the_o strength_n of_o god_n law_n do_v it_o not_o we_o bring_v child_n to_o make_v promise_n of_o amendment_n but_o we_o know_v how_o well_o they_o keep_v they_o the_o devil_n will_v urge_v to_o vow_n and_o then_o to_o break_v that_o he_o may_v perplex_v your_o conscience_n the_o more_o 8_o another_o great_a mean_n be_v fellowship_n and_o communion_n with_o the_o saint_n act_n 2.42_o 1._o this_o mean_n must_v be_v use_v diligent_o whosoever_o god_n save_v shall_v be_v add_v to_o some_o visible_a church_n and_o come_v into_o communion_n of_o other_o saint_n and_o if_o they_o have_v not_o opportunity_n for_o it_o their_o heart_n shall_v be_v bend_v towards_o it_o sometime_o the_o church_n be_v in_o the_o wilderness_n and_o hinder_v from_o visible_a communion_n and_o ordinance_n but_o they_o that_o believe_v in_o christ_n be_v always_o willing_a and_o desirous_a so_o to_o add_v and_o join_v themselves_o act_v 2.41_o 44_o 47._o and_o they_o continue_v steadfast_o in_o fellowship_n 1_o joh._n 2.19_o and_o god_n bind_v his_o people_n to_o leave_v the_o fellowship_n and_o society_n of_o the_o wicked_a as_o much_o as_o may_v be_v 2_o cor._n 6.17_o and_o so_o far_o as_o we_o be_v necessitate_v to_o accompany_v with_o they_o we_o ought_v to_o show_v charity_n to_o their_o soul_n and_o body_n 1_o cor._n 5.9_o this_o communion_n with_o saint_n be_v to_o be_v exercise_v in_o private_a converse_n psal_n 101.4_o