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part_n and_o hence_o it_o be_v that_o the_o conversation_n of_o believer_n fall_v so_o much_o below_o their_o holy_a and_o heavenly_a call_v 6._o consider_v what_o endowment_n privilege_n or_o property_n of_o your_o new_a state_n be_v most_o meet_a and_o forcible_a to_o incline_v and_o strengthen_v your_o heart_n to_o love_n god_n above_o all_o and_o to_o renounce_v all_o sin_n and_o to_o give_v up_o yourself_o to_o universal_a obedience_n to_o his_o command_n and_o strive_v to_o walk_v in_o the_o persuasion_n of_o they_o that_o you_o may_v attain_v to_o the_o practice_n of_o these_o great_a dutiesâ—_n i_o may_v well_o join_v these_o together_o because_o to_o love_v the_o lord_n with_o all_o our_o heart_n may_v and_o soul_n be_v the_o first_o and_o great_a commandment_n which_o influence_v we_o to_o all_o obedience_n with_o a_o hatred_n and_o detestation_n of_o all_o sin_n as_o it_o be_v contrary_a and_o hateful_a to_o god_n the_o same_o effectual_a mean_n that_o produce_v the_o one_o will_v also_o produce_v the_o other_o and_o holiness_n chief_o consist_v in_o these_o so_o the_o chief_a blessing_n of_o our_o holy_a state_n be_v most_o meet_a and_o forcible_a to_o enable_v we_o for_o the_o immediate_a performance_n of_o they_o and_o be_v to_o be_v make_v use_n of_o to_o this_o end_n by_o faith_n particular_o you_o must_v believe_v steadfast_o that_o all_o your_o sin_n be_v blot_v out_o and_o that_o you_o be_v reconcile_v to_o god_n and_o have_v access_n into_o his_o favour_n by_o the_o blood_n of_o christ_n and_o that_o he_o be_v your_o god_n and_o father_n and_o altogether_o love_n to_o you_o and_o your_o all-sufficient_a everlasting_a portion_n and_o happiness_n through_o christ_n such_o apprehension_n as_o these_o do_v present_a god_n as_o a_o very_a lovely_a object_n to_o our_o heart_n and_o do_v thereby_o allure_v and_o win_v our_o affection_n that_o can_v be_v force_v by_o command_n or_o threaten_n but_o must_v be_v sweet_o win_v and_o draw_v by_o allurement_n we_o must_v not_o harbour_v any_o suspicion_n that_o god_n will_v prove_v a_o terrible_a everlasting_a enemy_n to_o we_o if_o we_o will_v love_v he_o for_o there_o be_v no_o fear_n in_o love_n but_o perfect_a love_n cast_v out_o fear_n because_o fear_n have_v torment_n he_o that_o fear_v be_v not_o make_v perfect_a in_o love_n we_o love_v he_o because_o he_o first_o love_v we_o 1_o joh._n 4.18_o 19_o david_n love_v the_o lord_n because_o he_o be_v persuade_v that_o he_o be_v his_o strength_n rock_n fortress_n his_o god_n and_o the_o horn_n of_o his_o salvation_n psal_n 18.1_o 2._o love_n that_o cause_v obedience_n unto_o the_o law_n must_v proceed_v from_o a_o good_a conscience_n purge_v from_o sin_n and_o this_o good_a conscience_n must_v proceed_v from_o faith_n unfeigned_a whereby_o we_o apprehend_v the_o remission_n of_o our_o sin_n our_o reconciliation_n with_o god_n by_o the_o merit_n of_o the_o blood_n of_o christ_n 1_o tim._n 1.5_o with_o heb._n 9.14_o for_o the_o same_o end_n that_o your_o heart_n may_v be_v right_o fit_v and_o frame_v for_o the_o performance_n of_o these_o principal_a duty_n the_o holy_a scripture_n direct_v you_o to_o walk_v in_o the_o persuasion_n of_o other_o principal_a endowment_n of_o your_o new_a state_n as_o that_o you_o have_v fellowship_n with_o the_o father_n and_o the_o son_n 1_o joh._n 1.3_o that_o you_o be_v the_o temple_n of_o the_o live_a god_n 2_o cor._n 6.16_o that_o you_o live_v by_o the_o spirit_n gal._n 5.25_o that_o you_o be_v call_v to_o holiness_n and_o create_v in_o christ_n jesus_n unto_o good_a work_n that_o god_n will_v sanctisie_n you_o whole_o and_o make_v you_o perfect_a in_o holiness_n at_o the_o last_o 1_o thes_n 5.23_o 24._o eph._n 2.10_o that_o your_o old_a man_n be_v crucify_v with_o christ_n and_o through_o he_o you_o be_v dead_a unto_o sin_n and_o alive_a unto_o god_n and_o be_v make_v free_a from_o sin_n you_o be_v become_v the_o servant_n of_o righteousness_n and_o have_v your_o fruit_n unto_o holiness_n and_o the_o end_v everlasting_a life_n rom._n 6.6_o 22._o you_o be_v dead_a and_o your_o life_n be_v hide_v with_o christ_n in_o god_n when_o christ_n who_o be_v your_o life_n shall_v appear_v then_o shall_v you_o also_o appear_v with_o he_o in_o glory_n col._n 3.3_o 4._o such_o persuasion_n as_o these_o when_o they_o be_v deep_o root_v and_o constant_o maintain_v in_o our_o heart_n do_v strong_o arm_v and_o encourage_v we_o to_o practice_v universal_a obedience_n in_o opposition_n to_o every_o sinful_a lust_n because_o we_o look_v upon_o it_o not_o only_o as_o our_o duty_n but_o our_o great_a privilege_n to_o do_v all_o thing_n through_o christ_n strengthen_v of_o we_o and_o god_n do_v certain_o work_v in_o we_o both_o to_o will_v and_o to_o do_v by_o these_o principle_n because_o they_o proper_o belong_v to_o the_o gospel_n
we_o must_v perceive_v it_o to_o make_v we_o love_v he_o for_o if_o we_o look_v upon_o he_o as_o a_o god_n contrary_n to_o we_o that_o hate_v we_o and_o will_v damn_v we_o our_o own_o innate_a self-love_n will_v breed_v hatred_n and_o heart-rising_n against_o he_o in_o spite_n of_o our_o heart_n that_o love_n which_o be_v the_o end_n of_o the_o law_n must_v flow_v from_o faith_n unfeigned_a 1_o tim._n 1.5_o and_o if_o hatred_n work_v in_o thou_o more_o than_o love_n how_o can_v thou_o expect_v good_a thought_n of_o god_n or_o any_o other_o than_o blaspheme_v or_o at_o least_o murmur_a thought_n of_o he_o in_o this_o condition_n ill-will_n never_o speak_v or_o think_v well_o the_o first_o right_a holy_a thought_n thou_o can_v have_v of_o god_n be_v thought_n of_o his_o grace_n and_o mercy_n to_o thy_o soul_n in_o christ_n which_o be_v include_v in_o the_o grace_n of_o faith_n get_v these_o thought_n first_o by_o believe_v in_o christ_n and_o they_o will_v breed_v in_o thou_o love_n to_o god_n and_o all_o good_a thought_n of_o he_o and_o free_v thou_o from_o blasphemous_a and_o murmur_a thought_n by_o degree_n for_o love_n think_v no_o evil_a 1_o cor._n 13.9_o then_o will_v thou_o be_v able_a to_o account_n god_n just_a and_o merciful_a if_o he_o have_v damn_v thou_o and_o extend_v his_o grace_n to_o other_o and_o thou_o will_v be_v able_a to_o think_v well_o of_o his_o holiness_n and_o of_o his_o decree_n which_o many_o can_v endure_v to_o hear_v of_o the_o way_n to_o get_v rid_v of_o thy_o rage_a lust_n be_v by_o faith_n that_o purify_v the_o heart_n and_o work_v by_o love_n act._n 15.9_o gal._n 5.6_o the_o soul_n must_v be_v bring_v to_o take_v pleasure_n in_o god_n and_o christ_n by_o faith_n or_o else_o it_o will_v lust_n after_o fleshly_a and_o worldly_a pleasure_n and_o the_o more_o you_o strive_v against_o lust_n without_o faith_n the_o more_o they_o be_v stir_v up_o though_o you_o prevail_v so_o far_o as_o to_o restrain_v the_o fulfil_n of_o they_o beg_v a_o 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according_a to_o the_o proverb_n let_v we_o eat_v and_o drink_v for_o to_o morrow_n we_o shall_v die_v 1_o cor._n 15.32_o true_a humiliation_n for_o sin_n be_v either_o a_o part_n or_o fruit_n of_o faith_n for_o on_o our_o believe_v we_o shall_v remember_v our_o own_o evil_a way_n and_o do_n that_o be_v not_o good_a and_o shall_v loathe_v ourselves_o in_o our_o own_o sight_n for_o all_o our_o abomination_n ezek._n 36.31_o we_o shall_v also_o then_o willing_o renounce_v our_o own_o righteousness_n and_o account_v it_o but_o dung_n that_o we_o may_v win_v christ_n by_o faith_n phil._n 3.7_o 8._o but_o beggar_n will_v make_v the_o most_o of_o all_o their_o nasty_a rag_n till_o they_o be_v furnish_v with_o better_a clothes_n and_o cripple_n will_v not_o cast_v away_o their_o crutch_n until_o they_o have_v a_o better_a support_n to_o lean_v on_o godly_a sorrow_n for_o sin_n be_v wrought_v in_o we_o by_o believe_v the_o pardon_v grace_n of_o god_n as_o it_o be_v find_v by_o experience_n that_o a_o pardon_n from_o a_o prince_n will_v sometime_o soon_o draw_v tear_n from_o a_o stubborn_a malefactor_n than_o the_o fear_n of_o a_o halter_n will_n thus_o the_o sinful_a woman_n be_v bring_v to_o wash_v christ_n foot_n with_o her_o tear_n luke_n 7.37_o 38._o we_o be_v not_o like_a to_o be_v sorry_a for_o grieve_v god_n with_o our_o sin_n while_o we_o look_v upon_o he_o as_o a_o enemy_n that_o will_v ease_v himself_o well_o enough_o of_o his_o burden_n and_o right_v himself_o upon_o we_o by_o our_o everlasting_a destruction_n the_o belief_n of_o god_n pardon_v and_o accept_v grace_n be_v a_o necessary_a mean_n to_o bring_v we_o to_o a_o ingenuous_a confession_n of_o sin_n the_o people_n free_o confess_v their_o sin_n when_o they_o be_v baptize_v of_o john_n in_o jordan_n for_o the_o remission_n of_o sin_n mark_v 1.4_o 5._o the_o confession_n of_o despairer_n be_v force_v like_o the_o extort_a confession_n and_o cry_n out_o of_o malefactor_n upon_o the_o rack_n a_o pardon_n soon_o open_v the_o mouth_n to_o a_o ingenuous_a confession_n than_o confess_v and_o be_v hang_v or_o confess_v and_o be_v damn_v therefore_o if_o you_o will_v free_o confess_v your_o sin_n believe_v first_o that_o god_n be_v faithful_a and_o just_a to_o forgive_v your_o sin_n through_o christ_n 1_o joh._n 1.9_o and_o if_o you_o will_v pray_v to_o god_n or_o praise_v he_o with_o lively_a affection_n you_o must_v first_o believe_v that_o god_n will_v hear_v you_o and_o give_v you_o what_o be_v best_a for_o you_o for_o christ_n sake_n joh._n 16.23_o 24._o otherwise_o your_o pray_n will_v be_v only_o from_o the_o tooth_n outward_a for_o how_o shall_v you_o call_v on_o he_o on_o who_o you_o have_v not_o believe_v rom._n 10.14_o you_o must_v come_v first_o to_o christ_n the_o altar_n by_o faith_n that_o by_o he_o you_o may_v offer_v the_o sacrifice_n of_o praise_n to_o god_n continual_o heb._n 13.10_o 15._o final_o to_o pass_v from_o particular_n to_o the_o general_a assertion_n lay_v down_o in_o the_o direction_n if_o you_o ask_v what_o shall_v we_o do_v that_o we_o may_v work_v the_o work_n of_o god_n or_o get_v any_o save_a qualification_n i_o must_v direct_v you_o first_o to_o faith_n as_o the_o work_n of_o work_n and_o the_o great_a save_v preparatory_a to_o all_o good_a qualification_n by_o answer_v in_o our_o saviour_n word_n this_o be_v the_o work_n of_o god_n that_o you_o believe_v in_o he_o who_o he_o have_v send_v joh._n 6.28_o 29._o direct_v viii_o be_v sure_a to_o seek_v for_o holiness_n of_o heart_n and_o life_n only_o in_o its_o due_a order_n where_o god_n have_v place_v it_o after_o union_n with_o christ_n justification_n and_o the_o gift_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o in_o that_o order_n seek_v it_o earnest_o by_o faith_n as_o a_o very_a necessary_a part_n of_o your_o salvation_n explication_n i_o hope_v the_o reader_n will_v observe_v wary_o in_o all_o these_o direction_n that_o the_o holiness_n aim_v at_o as_o the_o great_a end_n in_o the_o whole_a discourse_n consist_v not_o in_o the_o grace_n or_o act_n of_o faith_n require_v peculiar_o by_o the_o gospel_n which_o though_o it_o be_v a_o save_a gift_n of_o christ_n yet_o be_v here_o consider_v rather_o as_o a_o mean_n precedent_n to_o the_o reception_n of_o christ_n and_o all_o his_o salvation_n than_o a_o part_n of_o his_o salvation_n receive_v but_o the_o holiness_n aim_v at_o consist_v in_o conformity_n to_o the_o whole_a moral_a law_n to_o which_o we_o be_v natural_o oblige_v if_o their_o have_v never_o be_v any_o gospel_n or_o any_o such_o duty_n as_o believe_v in_o christ_n for_o salvation_n now_o in_o this_o direction_n three_o thing_n be_v contain_v that_o be_v very_o necessary_a to_o guide_v we_o to_o the_o attainment_n of_o this_o great_a end_n and_o therefore_o worthy_a of_o our_o serious_a consideration_n first_o it_o be_v a_o matter_n of_o high_a concern_v to_o be_v acquaint_v with_o the_o due_a place_n and_o order_n wherein_o god_n have_v settle_v this_o holy_a practice_n in_o the_o mystery_n of_o our_o salvation_n and_o a_o great_a point_n of_o christian_a wisdom_n to_o seek_v it_o only_o in_o that_o order_n we_o know_v that_o god_n be_v the_o god_n of_o order_n and_o that_o his_o infinite_a wisdom_n have_v appear_v in_o appoint_v the_o order_n of_o his_o creature_n which_o we_o be_v force_v to_o observe_v for_o attainment_n of_o our_o end_n in_o worldly_a thing_n so_o also_o in_o spiritual_a thing_n god_n have_v make_v a_o everlasting_a covenant_n order_v in_o all_o thing_n and_o sure_a 2_o sam._n 23.5_o the_o benefit_n of_o it_o have_v a_o orderly_a dependence_n each_o upon_o other_o as_o link_n of_o the_o same_o golden_a chain_n though_o several_a of_o they_o and_o a_o title_n to_o they_o
person_n can_v receive_v inward_a comfort_n from_o outward_a thing_n as_o from_o worldly_a estate_n wife_n husband_n friend_n etc._n etc._n except_o it_o choose_v they_o as_o good_a and_o count_v they_o his_o own_o by_o a_o right_n and_o title_n this_o be_v the_o only_a rational_a way_n whereby_o the_o soul_n can_v active_o lay_v hold_n on_o christ_n and_o take_v actual_a possession_n of_o he_o and_o his_o salvation_n as_o he_o be_v free_o offer_v and_o promise_v to_o we_o in_o the_o gospel_n by_o the_o grace_n of_o faith_n which_o god_n have_v appoint_v to_o be_v our_o great_a instrument_n for_o the_o receive_n of_o he_o and_o close_v with_o he_o if_o we_o do_v not_o make_v choice_n of_o christ_n as_o our_o only_a salvation_n and_o happiness_n or_o if_o we_o be_v altogether_o in_o a_o slate_n of_o suspense_n and_o doubt_v whether_o god_n will_v be_v please_v to_o give_v christ_n to_o we_o or_o no_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o our_o soul_n be_v quite_o loose_a from_o christ_n and_o 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to_o be_v save_v by_o faith_n and_o do_v not_o seek_v to_o have_v assurance_n or_o confidence_n of_o his_o own_o salvation_n do_v but_o deceive_v himself_o and_o delude_v his_o soul_n with_o a_o mere_a fancy_n instead_o of_o save_v faith_n and_o do_v in_o effect_n seek_v to_o be_v save_v in_o his_o corrupt_a natural_a state_n without_o receive_v and_o lay_v actual_a hold_n of_o the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n and_o his_o salvation_n six_o it_o be_v also_o a_o great_a and_o necessary_a office_n of_o save_v faith_n to_o purify_v the_o heart_n and_o to_o enable_v we_o to_o live_v and_o walk_v in_o the_o practice_n of_o all_o holy_a duty_n by_o the_o grace_n of_o christ_n and_o by_o christ_n himself_o live_v in_o we_o as_o have_v be_v show_v before_o which_o office_n faith_n be_v not_o able_a to_o perform_v except_o some_o assurance_n of_o our_o own_o interest_n in_o christ_n and_o his_o salvation_n be_v comprehend_v in_o the_o nature_n of_o it_o if_o we_o will_v live_v to_o god_n not_o 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heaven_n offer_v up_o body_n and_o soul_n as_o a_o acceptable_a sacrifice_n to_o he_o cast_v all_o our_o care_n of_o body_n and_o soul_n upon_o he_o contentment_n and_o hearty_a thanksgiving_n in_o every_o condition_n make_v our_o boast_n in_o the_o lord_n triumph_v in_o his_o praise_n rejoice_v in_o tribulation_n put_v on_o christ_n in_o our_o baptism_n receive_v christ_n body_n as_o break_v for_o we_o and_o his_o blood_n as_o shed_v for_o we_o in_o the_o lord_n supper_n commit_v our_o soul_n willing_o to_o god_n as_o our_o redeemer_n when_o ever_o he_o shall_v be_v please_v to_o call_v for_o we_o love_v christ_n second_a appearance_n and_o look_v for_o it_o as_o that_o bless_a hope_n when_o we_o fall_v into_o any_o sudden_a doubt_v whether_o we_o be_v in_o a_o state_n of_o grace_n already_o when_o we_o be_v call_v to_o any_o present_a undertake_n as_o to_o partake_v of_o the_o lord_n supper_n or_o any_o duty_n that_o require_v assurance_n to_o the_o right_a performance_n of_o they_o we_o must_v relieve_v ourselves_o by_o trust_v confident_o in_o christ_n for_o the_o present_a gift_n of_o his_o salvation_n or_o else_o we_o shall_v be_v drive_v to_o omit_v the_o duty_n or_o not_o to_o perform_v it_o right_o or_o sincere_o can_v we_o judge_v ourselves_o already_o in_o a_o state_n of_o grace_n by_o the_o reflect_v act_n of_o faith_n if_o we_o do_v not_o find_v that_o we_o perform_v these_o duty_n at_o least_o several_a of_o they_o sincere_o or_o if_o we_o do_v not_o find_v that_o we_o have_v such_o a_o holy_a faith_n as_o do_v enable_v or_o incline_v we_o to_o the_o performance_n of_o they_o and_o can_v we_o be_v thus_o enable_v and_o incline_v by_o any_o faith_n that_o be_v without_o some_o true_a assurance_n of_o
proceed_v from_o god_n because_o it_o have_v the_o image_n of_o his_o holiness_n and_o righteousness_n engrave_v upon_o it_o this_o be_v a_o sure_a test_n and_o touchstone_n which_o those_o that_o be_v serious_o religious_a will_v use_v to_o try_v spirit_n and_o their_o doctrine_n whether_o they_o be_v of_o god_n or_o no_o and_o they_o can_v rational_o approve_v any_o doctrine_n as_o religious_a that_o be_v not_o according_a to_o godliness_n 1_o tim._n 6.3_o by_o this_o touchstone_n christ_n prove_v his_o doctrine_n to_o be_v of_o god_n because_o therein_o he_o seek_v the_o glory_n of_o god_n john_n 7.17_o 18._o and_o he_o teach_v we_o to_o know_v false_a prophet_n by_o their_o fruit_n mat._n 7._o v._n 15_o 16._o wherein_o the_o fruit_n which_o their_o doctrine_n tend_v unto_o be_v especial_o to_o be_v consider_v hence_o it_o appear_v that_o until_o we_o know_v what_o be_v the_o effectual_a mean_n of_o holiness_n and_o what_o not_o we_o want_v a_o necessary_a touchstone_n of_o divine_a truth_n and_o may_v be_v easy_o deceive_v by_o false_a doctrine_n or_o bring_v to_o live_v in_o mere_a suspense_n concern_v the_o truth_n of_o any_o religion_n like_o the_o seeker_n and_o if_o you_o mistake_v those_o mean_n to_o be_v effectual_a that_o be_v not_o and_o those_o that_o be_v effectual_a to_o be_v weak_a or_o of_o a_o contrary_a effect_n your_o error_n in_o this_o will_v be_v a_o false_a touchstone_n to_o try_v other_o doctrine_n whereby_o you_o will_v ready_o approve_v of_o error_n and_o refuse_v the_o truth_n which_o have_v be_v a_o pernicious_a occasion_n of_o many_o error_n in_o religion_n in_o late_a day_n get_v but_o a_o true_a touchstone_n by_o learn_v this_o lesson_n and_o you_o will_v be_v able_a to_o try_v the_o various_a doctrine_n of_o protestant_n papist_n arminian_o socinian_o antinomian_o quaker_n and_o to_o discover_v the_o truth_n and_o cleave_v to_o it_o with_o much_o satisfaction_n to_o your_o judgement_n among_o all_o the_o jangle_n and_o controversy_n of_o these_o time_n hereby_o you_o may_v discover_v whether_o the_o protestant_a religion_n establish_v among_o we_o have_v in_o it_o any_o sinew_n of_o antinomianism_n whether_o it_o be_v guilty_a of_o any_o insufferable_a defect_n in_o practical_a principle_n and_o deserve_v to_o be_v alter_v and_o turn_v almost_o upside_o down_o with_o new_a doctrine_n and_o method_n as_o some_o learned_a man_n in_o late_a time_n have_v judge_v by_o their_o touchstone_n 8_o it_o be_v also_o of_o great_a importance_n and_o necessity_n for_o our_o establishment_n in_o holy_a practice_n for_o we_o can_v apply_v ourselves_o to_o the_o practice_n of_o holiness_n with_o hope_n of_o success_n except_o we_o have_v some_o faith_n concern_v the_o divine_a assistance_n which_o we_o have_v no_o ground_n to_o expect_v if_o we_o use_v not_o such_o mean_n as_o god_n have_v appoint_v to_o work_v by_o god_n meet_v they_o that_o remember_v he_o in_o his_o own_o way_n isai_n 64.5_o and_o make_v a_o breach_n upon_o they_o that_o seek_v he_o not_o after_o the_o due_a order_n 1_o chron._n 15.13_o he_o have_v choose_v and_o ordain_v such_o mean_n of_o sanctification_n and_o salvation_n as_o be_v for_o his_o own_o glory_n and_o those_o only_o he_o bless_v to_o we_o and_o he_o crow_v no_o man_n that_o strive_v except_o he_o strive_v lawful_o 2_o tim._n 2.5_o experience_n show_v plentiful_o both_o of_o heathen_n and_o christian_n how_o pernicious_a ignorance_n or_o mistake_v of_o these_o effectual_a mean_n be_v to_o a_o holy_a practice_n the_o heathen_n general_o fall_v short_a of_o a_o acceptable_a performance_n of_o those_o duty_n of_o the_o law_n which_o they_o know_v because_o of_o their_o ignorance_n in_o this_o point_n many_o christian_n content_v themselves_o with_o external_a performance_n because_o they_o never_o know_v how_o they_o may_v attain_v to_o spiritual_a service_n and_o many_o reject_v the_o way_n of_o holiness_n as_o austere_a and_o unpleasant_a because_o they_o know_v not_o how_o to_o cut_v off_o a_o right-hand_a or_o pluck_v out_o a_o right-eye_n without_o intolerable_a pain_n whereas_o they_o will_v find_v the_o way_n of_o wisdom_n if_o they_o know_v they_o to_o be_v way_n of_o pleasantness_n and_o all_o her_o path_n to_o be_v peace_n prov._n 3.17_o this_o occasion_v the_o put_v off_o repentance_n from_o time_n to_o time_n as_o a_o uncouth_a thing_n many_o other_o set_v upon_o the_o practice_n of_o holiness_n with_o a_o fervent_a zeal_n and_o run_v very_o fast_o but_o tread_v not_o a_o step_n in_o the_o right_a way_n and_o find_v themselves_o frequent_o disappoint_v and_o overcome_v by_o their_o lust_n they_o at_o last_o give_v over_o the_o work_n and_o turn_v to_o wallow_v again_o in_o the_o mire_n which_o have_v occasion_v several_a treatise_n to_o show_v how_o far_o a_o reprobate_n may_v go_v in_o the_o way_n of_o religion_n whereby_o many_o weak_a saint_n be_v discourage_v account_v that_o these_o reprobate_n have_v go_v further_a than_o themselves_o whereas_o most_o of_o they_o never_o know_v the_o right_a way_n nor_o tread_v one_o step_n aright_o in_o it_o for_o few_o there_o be_v that_o find_v it_o mat._n 7.14_o some_o of_o these_o ignorant_a zealot_n do_v inhuman_o macerate_v their_o body_n with_o fast_v and_o other_o austerity_n to_o kill_v their_o lust_n and_o when_o they_o see_v their_o lust_n be_v still_o to_o hard_o for_o they_o they_o fall_v into_o despair_n and_o be_v drive_v by_o horror_n of_o conscience_n to_o make_v away_o themselves_o wicked_o to_o the_o scandal_n of_o religion_n peradventure_o god_n may_v bless_v my_o discovery_n of_o the_o powerful_a mean_n of_o holiness_n so_o far_o as_o to_o save_v some_o one_o or_o other_o from_o kill_v themselves_o and_o such_o a_o fruit_n as_o this_o will_v countervail_v my_o labour_n though_o i_o hope_v god_n will_v enlarge_v the_o heart_n of_o many_o by_o it_o to_o run_v with_o great_a cheerfulness_n joy_n and_o thanksgiving_n in_o the_o way_n of_o his_o commandment_n direct_v ii_o several_a endowment_n and_o qualification_n be_v necessary_a to_o enable_v we_o for_o the_o immediate_a practice_n of_o the_o law_n particular_o we_o must_v have_v a_o inclination_n and_o propensity_n of_o our_o heart_n thereunto_o and_o therefore_o we_o must_v be_v well_o persuade_v of_o our_o reconciliation_n with_o god_n and_o of_o our_o future_a enjoyment_n of_o the_o everlasting_a heavenly_a happiness_n and_o of_o sufficient_a strength_n both_o to_o will_v and_o perform_v all_o duty_n acceptable_o until_o we_o come_v to_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o that_o happiness_n explication_n those_o mean_n that_o be_v next_o to_o the_o attainment_n of_o the_o great_a end_n aim_v at_o be_v first_o to_o be_v discover_v that_o we_o may_v learn_v how_o to_o get_v they_o by_o other_o mean_v express_v in_o the_o follow_a direction_n therefore_o i_o have_v name_v here_o several_a qualification_n and_o endowment_n that_o be_v necessary_a to_o make_v up_o that_o holy_a frame_n and_o state_n of_o the_o soul_n whereby_o it_o be_v furnish_v and_o enable_v to_o practise_v the_o law_n immediate_o and_o that_o not_o only_o in_o the_o beginning_n but_o in_o the_o continuation_n of_o that_o practice_n and_o therefore_o note_v diligent_o that_o these_o endowment_n must_v continue_v in_o we_o during_o the_o present_a life_n or_o else_o our_o ability_n for_o a_o holy_a life_n will_v be_v lose_v and_o they_o must_v be_v before_o practice_n not_o in_o any_o distance_n of_o time_n but_o only_o as_o the_o cause_n be_v before_o the_o effect_n i_o do_v not_o say_v that_o i_o have_v name_v particular_o all_o such_o necessary_a qualification_n but_o thus_o much_o i_o dare_v say_v that_o he_o that_o gain_v these_o may_v by_o the_o same_o mean_n gain_v any_o other_o that_o shall_v be_v rank_v with_o they_o and_o this_o be_v a_o matter_n worthy_a of_o our_o serious_a consideration_n for_o few_o understand_v that_o any_o special_a endowment_n be_v require_v to_o furnish_v we_o for_o a_o holy_a practice_n more_o than_o for_o other_o voluntary_a action_n the_o first_o adam_n have_v excellent_a endowment_n bestow_v upon_o he_o for_o a_o holy_a practice_n when_o he_o be_v first_o create_v according_a to_o the_o image_n of_o god_n and_o the_o second_o adam_n have_v endowment_n more_o excellent_a to_o enable_v he_o for_o a_o hard_a task_n of_o obedience_n and_o see_v obedience_n be_v grow_v more_o difficult_a by_o reason_n of_o the_o opposition_n and_o temptation_n that_o it_o meet_v with_o since_o the_o fall_n of_o adam_n we_o that_o be_v to_o be_v imitator_n of_o christ_n have_v need_n have_v very_o choice_a endowment_n as_o christ_n have_v at_o least_o as_o good_a or_o something_o better_a than_o adam_n have_v at_o first_o as_o our_o work_n be_v hard_a than_o he_o what_o king_n go_v to_o make_v war_n against_o another_o king_n sit_v not_o down_o first_o and_o consult_v whether_o he_o be_v able_a with_o ten_o thousand_o to_o
rom._n 8.7_o 8._o therefore_o that_o they_o may_v be_v encourage_v and_o rational_o incline_v to_o holiness_n they_o must_v hope_v that_o god_n will_v work_v save_o in_o they_o now_o i_o leave_v it_o to_o considerate_a man_n to_o judge_v whether_o such_o a_o hope_n can_v be_v well_o ground_v without_o a_o good_a persuasion_n of_o such_o a_o reconciliation_n and_o saving-love_n of_o god_n to_o we_o as_o depend_v not_o upon_o any_o precedent_a goodness_n of_o our_o work_n but_o be_v a_o cause_n sufficient_a to_o produce_v they_o effectual_o in_o we_o yea_o we_o know_v further_o if_o we_o know_v ourselves_o sufficient_o that_o our_o death_n in_o sin_n proceed_v from_o the_o gild_n of_o the_o first_o sin_n of_o adam_n and_o the_o sentence_n denounce_v against_o it_o gen._n 2.17_o and_o that_o it_o be_v still_o maintain_v in_o we_o by_o the_o gild_n of_o sin_n and_o the_o curse_n of_o the_o law_n and_o that_o spiritual_a life_n will_v never_o be_v give_v we_o to_o free_v we_o from_o that_o dominion_n except_o this_o gild_n and_o curse_n be_v remove_v from_o we_o which_o be_v do_v by_o actual_a justification_n gal._n 3.13_o 14._o rom._n 6.14_o and_o this_o be_v sufficient_a to_o make_v we_o despair_v of_o live_v to_o god_n in_o holiness_n while_o we_o apprehend_v ourselves_o to_o be_v under_o the_o curse_n and_o wrath_n of_o god_n by_o reason_n of_o our_o transgression_n and_o sin_n still_o lie_v upon_o we_o ezek._n 33.10_o three_o the_o nature_n of_o duty_n of_o the_o law_n be_v such_o as_o require_v a_o apprehension_n of_o our_o reconciliation_n with_o god_n and_o his_o hearty_a love_n and_o favour_n towards_o we_o for_o the_o do_v of_o they_o the_o great_a duty_n be_v love_n to_o god_n with_o our_o whole_a heart_n and_o not_o such_o a_o contemplative_a love_n as_o philosopher_n may_v have_v to_o the_o object_n of_o science_n which_o they_o be_v concern_v in_o no_o further_a than_o to_o please_v their_o fancy_n in_o the_o knowledge_n of_o they_o but_o a_o practical_a love_n whereby_o we_o be_v willing_a that_o god_n shall_v be_v absolute_a lord_n and_o governor_n of_o we_o and_o all_o the_o world_n to_o dispose_v of_o we_o and_o all_o other_o according_a to_o his_o will_n as_o to_o our_o temporal_a and_o everlasting_a condition_n and_o that_o he_o shall_v be_v the_o only_a portion_n and_o happiness_n of_o all_o those_o that_o be_v happy_a a_o love_n whereby_o we_o like_v every_o thing_n in_o he_o as_o he_o be_v our_o lord_n his_o justice_n as_o well_o as_o any_o other_o attribute_n without_o wish_v or_o desire_v that_o he_o be_v better_a than_o he_o be_v and_o whereby_o we_o desire_v that_o his_o will_n may_v be_v do_v upon_o we_o and_o all_o other_o whether_o for_o prosperity_n or_o adversity_n life_n or_o death_n and_o whereby_o we_o can_v hearty_o praise_v he_o for_o all_o thing_n and_o delight_n in_o our_o obedience_n to_o he_o in_o do_v his_o will_n though_o we_o suffer_v that_o which_o be_v never_o so_o grievous_a to_o we_o even_o present_a death_n consider_v these_o thing_n well_o and_o you_o may_v easy_o perceive_v that_o our_o spirit_n be_v not_o in_o a_o fit_a frame_n for_o the_o do_v of_o they_o while_o we_o apprehend_v ourselves_o under_o the_o curse_n and_o wrath_n of_o god_n or_o while_o we_o be_v under_o prevail_a suspicion_n that_o god_n will_v prove_v a_o enemy_n to_o we_o at_o last_o slavish_a fear_n may_v extort_v some_o slavish_a hypocritical_a performance_n from_o we_o such_o as_o that_o of_o pharaoh_n in_o let_v the_o israelite_n go_v sore_o against_o his_o will_n but_o the_o duty_n of_o love_n can_v be_v extort_a and_o force_v by_o fear_n but_o it_o must_v be_v win_v and_o sweet_o allure_v by_o a_o apprehension_n of_o god_n love_n and_o goodness_n towards_o we_o as_o that_o eminent_a love_a and_o belove_a disciple_n testify_v 1_o job_n 4.18_o 19_o there_o be_v no_o fear_n in_o love_n but_o perfect_a love_n cast_v out_o fear_n because_o fear_n have_v torment_v he_o that_o fear_v be_v not_o make_v perfect_a in_o love_n we_o love_v he_o because_o he_o first_o love_v we_o observe_v here_o that_o we_o can_v be_v before_o hand_n with_o god_n in_o love_v he_o before_o we_o apprehend_v his_o love_n to_o we_o and_o consult_v your_o own_o experience_n if_o you_o have_v any_o true_a love_n to_o god_n whether_o it_o be_v not_o wrought_v in_o you_o by_o a_o sense_n of_o god_n love_n first_o towards_o you_o all_o the_o goodness_n and_o excellency_n of_o god_n can_v render_v he_o a_o amiable_a object_n to_o we_o except_o we_o apprehend_v he_o a_o agreeable_a good_a to_o we_o i_o question_v not_o but_o the_o devil_n know_v the_o excellency_n of_o god_n nature_n as_o well_o as_o our_o great_a metaphysical_a speculator_n and_o this_o do_v but_o fill_v they_o the_o more_o with_o torment_a horror_n and_o tremble_a that_o be_v contrary_a to_o love_n ja._n 2.19_o the_o great_a god_n excellency_n and_o perfection_n be_v the_o great_a evil_n he_o be_v to_o we_o if_o he_o hate_v we_o and_o curse_v we_o and_o therefore_o the_o principle_n of_o self-preservation_n deep_o root_v in_o our_o nature_n hinder_v we_o from_o love_v that_o which_o we_o apprehend_v as_o our_o own_o destruction_n if_o a_o man_n be_v a_o enemy_n to_o we_o we_o can_v love_v he_o for_o the_o sake_n of_o our_o love_a reconcile_v god_n because_o his_o love_n will_v make_v man_n hatred_n to_o work_v for_o our_o good_a but_o if_o god_n himself_o be_v our_o enemy_n for_o who_o sake_n can_v we_o love_v he_o who_o be_v there_o that_o can_v free_v we_o from_o the_o evil_n of_o his_o enemity_n and_o turn_v it_o to_o our_o advantage_n until_o he_o be_v please_v to_o reconcile_v himself_o to_o we_o four_o our_o conscience_n must_v of_o necessity_n be_v first_o purge_v from_o dead_a work_n that_o we_o may_v serve_v the_o live_a god_n and_o this_o be_v do_v by_o actual_a remission_n of_o sin_n procure_v by_o the_o blood_n of_o christ_n and_o manifest_v to_o our_o conscience_n as_o appear_v by_o christ_n die_v for_o this_o end_n heb._n 9.14_o 15._o and_o 10.1_o 2._o 4._o 14_o 17_o 22._o that_o conscience_n whereby_o we_o judge_v ourselves_o to_o be_v under_o the_o guilt_n of_o sin_n and_o wrath_n of_o god_n be_v account_v a_o evil_a conscience_n in_o scripture_n though_o it_o perform_v its_o office_n true_o because_o it_o be_v cause_v by_o the_o evil_n of_o sin_n and_o will_v itself_o be_v a_o cause_n of_o our_o commit_v more_o sin_n until_o it_o can_v judge_v we_o to_o be_v justify_v from_o all_o sin_n and_o receive_v into_o the_o favour_n of_o god_n love_n which_o be_v the_o end_n of_o the_o law_n must_v proceed_v from_o a_o good_a conscience_n as_o well_o as_o from_o any_o other_o cleanness_n of_o heart_n 1_o tim._n 1.5_o david_n mouth_n can_v not_o be_v open_v to_o show_v forth_o the_o praise_n of_o god_n until_o he_o be_v deliver_v from_o bloodguiltiness_n psal_n 51.14_o 15._o this_o evil_a guilty_a conscience_n whereby_o we_o judge_v that_o god_n be_v our_o enemy_n and_o that_o his_o justice_n be_v against_o we_o to_o our_o everlasting_a condemnation_n by_o reason_n of_o our_o sin_n do_v strong_o maintain_v and_o increase_v the_o dominion_n of_o sin_n and_o satan_n in_o we_o and_o work_v most_o mischievous_a effect_n in_o the_o soul_n against_o godliness_n even_o to_o bring_v the_o soul_n to_o hate_n god_n and_o to_o wish_v there_o be_v no_o god_n no_o heaven_n no_o hell_n so_o we_o may_v escape_v the_o punishment_n due_a to_o we_o it_o so_o disaffect_v people_n towards_o god_n that_o they_o can_v endure_v to_o think_v or_o speak_v or_o hear_v of_o he_o and_o his_o law_n but_o strive_v either_o to_o put_v he_o out_o of_o their_o mind_n by_o fleshly_a pleasure_n and_o worldly_a employment_n and_o thus_o they_o be_v alienate_v from_o all_o true_a religion_n only_o blind_n it_o and_o stop_v the_o mouth_n of_o it_o it_o produce_v zeal_n in_o many_o outside_n religious_a performance_n and_o also_o false_a religion_n idolatry_n and_o the_o most_o inhuman_a superstition_n in_o the_o world_n i_o have_v often_o consider_v by_o what_o manner_n of_o work_v any_o sin_n can_v effectual_o destroy_v the_o whole_a image_n of_o god_n in_o the_o first_o adam_n and_o i_o conclude_v it_o be_v by_o work_v first_o a_o evil_a guilty_a conscience_n in_o he_o whereby_o he_o judge_v that_o the_o just_a god_n be_v against_o he_o and_o curse_v he_o for_o that_o one_o sin_n and_o this_o be_v enough_o to_o work_v a_o shameful_a nakedness_n by_o disorderly_a lust_n a_o turn_v his_o love_n whole_o from_o god_n to_o the_o creature_n and_o a_o desire_n to_o be_v hide_v from_o the_o presence_n of_o god_n gen._n 3.8_o 10._o which_o be_v a_o total_a destruction_n of_o the_o image_n of_o god_n holiness_n and_o we_o have_v cause_n to_o
have_v be_v one_o occasion_n of_o the_o prevail_a of_o heathenish_a jewish_a and_o popish_a superslition_n in_o the_o world_n we_o find_v by_o experience_n how_o popery_n fall_v in_o several_a nation_n in_o late_a year_n when_o the_o great_a pillar_n of_o it_o the_o doctrine_n of_o justification_n by_o work_n be_v overthrow_v by_o the_o protestant_a doctrine_n of_o justification_n by_o faith_n alone_o if_o these_o legal_a zealot_n be_v force_v by_o strong_a conviction_n to_o endeavour_v the_o practice_n of_o spiritual_a duty_n for_o the_o quiet_v of_o their_o guilty_a conscience_n they_o may_v be_v bring_v to_o strive_v and_o labour_v earnest_o and_o even_o to_o macerate_v their_o body_n with_o fast_v that_o they_o may_v kill_v their_o lust_n but_o still_o their_o lust_n be_v alive_a and_o as_o strong_a as_o ever_o they_o be_v and_o do_v show_v forth_o their_o enmity_n against_o the_o law_n of_o god_n by_o inward_a fret_a repine_a and_o grudge_v at_o it_o as_o a_o grievous_a task-mastertho_a '_o a_o slavish_a fear_n restrain_v their_o gross_a outward_a act_n and_o if_o once_o these_o zealot_n be_v enlighten_v with_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o spiritual_a nature_n of_o the_o law_n to_o discern_v that_o god_n reject_v all_o their_o slavish_a service_n and_o will_v not_o own_v it_o for_o sincere_a obedience_n than_o they_o fall_v into_o despair_n of_o their_o salvation_n because_o they_o see_v they_o have_v fail_v in_o their_o high_a attempt_n to_o perform_v the_o condition_n and_o then_o they_o can_v easy_o discover_v themselves_o that_o their_o heart_n swell_v in_o anger_n and_o manifest_a hatred_n against_o the_o law_n yea_o and_o against_o god_n and_o christ_n for_o prescribe_v such_o hard_a condition_n of_o salvation_n which_o they_o can_v keep_v and_o yet_o expect_v to_o be_v damn_v eternal_o for_o break_v of_o they_o this_o fill_v they_o with_o blasphemous_a thought_n against_o god_n and_o christ_n and_o they_o can_v hardly_o refrain_v from_o blaspheme_v with_o their_o tongue_n and_o when_o they_o be_v bring_v to_o this_o horrible_a condition_n if_o god_n do_v not_o in_o mercy_n discover_v to_o they_o the_o way_n of_o salvation_n by_o freegrace_n through_o faith_n alone_o they_o will_v endeavour_v if_o they_o can_v to_o sear_v their_o conscience_n past_o feeling_n of_o sin_n and_o full_o to_o abandon_v all_o religion_n which_o have_v prove_v such_o a_o unsufferable_a torment_n to_o they_o or_o if_o they_o can_v sear_v their_o conscience_n some_o of_o they_o be_v easy_o prevail_v over_o by_o satan_n rather_o to_o murder_v themselves_o than_o to_o live_v long_o in_o the_o hatred_n of_o god_n the_o spirit_n of_o blasphemy_n and_o continual_a horror_n of_o conscience_n this_o be_v the_o pestilent_a effect_n of_o legal-doctrine_n upon_o a_o carnal_a heart_n that_o do_v but_o rouse_v up_o and_o terrible_o enrage_v the_o sleep_a lion_n our_o sinful_a gorruption_n instead_o of_o kill_v of_o it_o as_o be_v too_o evident_a by_o the_o sad_a experience_n of_o many_o that_o have_v endeavour_v with_o all_o their_o might_n to_o practise_v it_o and_o by_o the_o scripture_n that_o show_v a_o sufficient_a cause_n why_o it_o can_v be_v otherwise_o therefore_o the_o doctrine_n of_o salvation_n by_o sincere_a obedience_n that_o be_v invent_v against_o antinomianism_n may_v well_o be_v rank_v among_o the_o worst_a antinomian_a error_n for_o my_o part_n i_o hate_v it_o with_o perfect_a hatred_n and_o count_v it_o my_o enemy_n as_o i_o have_v find_v it_o to_o be_v and_o i_o have_v find_v by_o some_o good_a experience_n the_o truth_n of_o the_o lesson_n teach_v by_o the_o apostle_n that_o the_o way_n to_o be_v free_v from_o the_o mastery_n and_o dominion_n of_o sin_n be_v not_o to_o be_v under_o the_o law_n but_o under_o grace_n rom._n 6.15_o six_o the_o way_n of_o salvation_n by_o work_n be_v blast_v by_o the_o curse_n denounce_v against_o the_o first_o adam_n sin_n so_o that_o now_o it_o can_v work_v life_n in_o we_o or_o holiness_n but_o only_a death_n for_o the_o law_n which_o require_v both_o sincere_a and_o perfect_a obedience_n to_o god_n in_o all_o thing_n be_v make_v know_v to_o adam_n at_o his_o first_o creation_n as_o the_o mean_n of_o continue_v the_o happy_a life_n that_o be_v then_o bestow_v upon_o he_o and_o it_o will_v have_v be_v effectual_a for_o this_o end_n if_o he_o have_v not_o transgress_v in_o the_o forbid_a fruit_n but_o when_o he_o have_v once_o bring_v himself_o and_o his_o posterity_n under_o the_o terrible_a sentence_n thou_o shall_v sure_o die_v gen._n 2.17_o all_o that_o knowledge_n of_o god_n or_o his_o law_n that_o before_o wrought_v for_o continuance_n of_o life_n be_v turn_v by_o that_o curse_a sentence_n the_o contrary_a way_n to_o work_v for_o his_o death_n even_o for_o the_o death_n of_o his_o soul_n in_o sin_n as_o well_o as_o for_o the_o death_n of_o his_o body_n and_o therefore_o it_o quick_o move_v he_o to_o hide_v himself_o from_o god_n as_o a_o enemy_n it_o be_v as_o if_o god_n shall_v say_v all_z the_o light_n and_o knowledge_n that_o thou_o have_v shall_v not_o be_v able_a to_o continue_v thy_o life_n or_o restore_v it_o but_o it_o shall_v rather_o tend_v to_o thy_o death_n therefore_o while_o we_o continue_v in_o our_o natural_a state_n under_o the_o first_o adam_n gild_n and_o curse_n the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o law_n yea_o and_o all_o such_o knowledge_n of_o god_n and_o his_o attribute_n as_o natural_a man_n may_v attain_v to_o must_v needs_o be_v in_o like_a manner_n accurse_v to_o we_o and_o see_v man_n do_v not_o use_v his_o natural_a knowledge_n and_o wisdom_n aright_o god_n be_v resolve_v to_o revenge_v the_o abuse_n of_o it_o by_o give_v we_o salvation_n in_o a_o way_n contrary_a to_o it_o that_o seem_v foolishness_n to_o the_o natural_a man_n and_o whole_o to_o abolish_v the_o way_n of_o live_v by_o any_o of_o our_o work_n or_o by_o any_o wisdom_n or_o knowledge_n that_o the_o naturalman_n can_v attain_v unto_o for_o it_o be_v write_v i_o will_v destrey_v the_o wisdom_n of_o the_o wise_a and_o will_v bring_v to_o nothing_o the_o understanding_n of_o the_o prudent_a have_v not_o god_n make_v foolish_a the_o wisdom_n of_o the_o world_n for_o after_o that_o in_o the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n the_o world_n by_o wisdom_n know_v not_o god_n it_o please_v god_n by_o the_o foolishness_n of_o preach_v to_o save_v they_o that_o believe_v 1_o cor._n 1.19_o 20_o 21._o hence_o we_o may_v conclude_v that_o no_o truth_n know_v by_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n can_v be_v a_o effectual_a principle_n or_o motive_n to_o work_v holiness_n in_o we_o and_o gospel-principle_n and_o motive_n be_v but_o abuse_v when_o they_o be_v apply_v to_o a_o legal-way_n of_o salvation_n seven_o the_o end_n which_o god_n aim_v at_o in_o give_v the_o law_n by_o moses_n be_v not_o that_o any_o shall_v ever_o attain_v to_o holiness_n or_o salvation_n by_o the_o condition_n of_o perfect_a or_o sincere_a obedience_n to_o it_o though_o if_o there_o have_v be_v any_o such_o way_n of_o salvation_n at_o that_o time_n it_o must_v have_v consist_v in_o the_o performance_n of_o that_o law_n which_o be_v then_o give_v to_o the_o church_n to_o be_v a_o rule_n of_o life_n as_o well_o as_o a_o covenant_n there_o be_v another_o covenant_n make_v before_o that_o time_n with_o abraham_n isaac_n and_o jacob_n a_o covenant_n of_o grace_n promise_v all_o blessing_n free_o through_o christ_n the_o promise_a seed_n by_o which_o only_o they_o be_v to_o be_v save_v and_o the_o covenant_n of_o the_o law_n be_v add_v that_o they_o might-see_a their_o sinfulness_n and_o subjection_n to_o death_n and_o wrath_n and_o the_o impossibility_n of_o attain_v to_o life_n or_o holiness_n by_o their_o work_n and_o be_v force_v to_o trust_v on_o the_o free_a promise_n only_o for_o all_o their_o salvation_n and_o that_o sin_n may_v be_v restrain_v by_o the_o spirit_n of_o bondage_n until_o the_o come_n of_o that_o promise_a seed_n jesus_n christ_n and_o the_o more_o plentiful_a pour_v out_o of_o the_o sanctify_a spirit_n by_o he_o this_o the_o apostle_n paul_n show_v large_o gal._n 3.15_o to_o 24._o rom._n 5.20_o 21._o &_o rom._n 10.3_o 4._o none_o of_o the_o israelite_n under_o the_o old_a testament_n be_v ever_o save_v by_o the_o sinai-covenant_n neither_o do_v any_o of_o they_o ever_o attain_v to_o holiness_n by_o the_o term_n of_o it_o some_o of_o they_o do_v indeed_o perform_v the_o commandment_n of_o it_o sincere_o though_o imperfect_o but_o those_o be_v first_o justify_v and_o make_v partaker_n of_o life_n and_o holiness_n by_o virtue_n of_o that_o better_a covenant_n make_v with_o abraham_n isaac_n and_o jacob_n which_o be_v the_o same_o in_o substance_n with_o the_o new-covenant_n or_o testament_n establish_v by_o the_o blood_n of_o christ_n have_v it_o not_o be_v for_o that_o better_a covenant_n the_o
any_o present_a interest_n in_o christ_n and_o shall_v never_o attain_v unto_o holiness_n or_o happiness_n until_o they_o learn_v a_o better_a way_n of_o religion_n 4._o think_v not_o that_o you_o can_v effectual_o incline_v your_o heart_n to_o the_o immediate_a practice_n of_o holiness_n by_o any_o such_o practical_a principle_n as_o do_v only_o serve_v to_o bind_v press_v and_o urge_v you_o to_o the_o performance_n of_o holy_a duty_n but_o rather_o let_v such_o principle_n stir_v you_o up_o to_o go_v to_o christ_n first_o by_o faith_n that_o you_o may_v be_v effectual_o incline_v to_o the_o immediate_a practice_n of_o holiness_n in_o he_o by_o gospel_n principles_n that_o strengthen_v and_o enable_v you_o as_o well_o as_o oblige_v you_o thereunto_o there_o be_v some_o practical_a principle_n that_o do_v only_o bind_v press_v and_o urge_v we_o to_o holy_a duty_n by_o show_v the_o reasonableness_n equity_n and_o necessity_n of_o our_o obedience_n without_o show_v at_o all_o how_o we_o that_o be_v by_o nature_n dead_a in_o sin_n under_o the_o wrath_n of_o god_n may_v have_v any_o strength_n and_o ability_n for_o the_o performance_n of_o they_o as_o for_o instance_n the_o authority_n of_o god_n the_o lawgiver_n our_o absolute_a dependence_n on_o he_o as_o our_o creator_n preserver_n governor_n in_o who_o hand_n be_v our_o life_n breath_n and_o all_o our_o happiness_n here_o and_o for_o ever_o his_o all-feeing_a eye_n that_o search_v our_o heart_n discern_v our_o very_a thought_n and_o secret_a purpose_n his_o exact_a justice_n in_o render_v to_o all_o according_a to_o their_o work_n his_o almighty_a and_o eternal_a power_n to_o reward_v those_o that_o obey_v he_o and_o to_o punish_v transgressor_n for_o ever_o the_o unspeakable_a joy_n of_o heaven_n and_o terrible_a damnation_n of_o hell_n such_o principle_n as_o these_o do_v bind_v our_o conscience_n very_o strict_o and_o do_v work_v very_o strong_o upon_o the_o prevalent_a affection_n of_o hope_n and_o fear_v to_o pross_v and_o urge_v our_o heart_n to_o the_o performance_n of_o holy_a duty_n if_o we_o believe_v they_o assure_o and_o work_v they_o earnest_o upon_o our_o heart_n by_o frequent_a serious_a lively_a meditation_n and_o therefore_o some_o account_v they_o most_o forcible_a and_o effectual_a mean_n to_o form_v any_o virtue_n in_o the_o soul_n and_o to_o bring_v it_o to_o immediate_a performance_n of_o any_o duty_n though_o never_o so_o difficult_a and_o that_o the_o life_n of_o faith_n consist_v principal_o in_o our_o live_n to_o god_n in_o holiness_n by_o a_o constant_a belief_n and_o meditation_n on_o they_o and_o they_o account_v those_o thing_n that_o serve_v to_o mind_v they_o of_o such_o principle_n very_o effectual_a for_o holiness_n as_o look_v on_o the_o picture_n of_o death_n or_o on_o a_o deaths-head_n keep_v a_o coffin_n by_o they_o ready_o make_v walk_v about_o among_o the_o grave_n etc._n etc._n but_o this_o be_v not_o that_o manner_n of_o live_v to_o god_n whereof_o the_o apostle_n speak_v when_o he_o say_v i_o live_v yet_o not_o i_o but_o christ_n that_o live_v in_o i_o and_o the_o life_n that_o i_o live_v in_o the_o flesh_n i_o live_v by_o the_o faith_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n who_o love_v i_o and_o give_v himself_o for_o i_o if_o a_o man_n make_v use_n of_o these_o oblige_a principle_n to_o stir_v he_o to_o go_v to_o christ_n for_o strength_n to_o act_n holy_o he_o walk_v like_o one_o that_o have_v receive_v christ_n as_o his_o only_a life_n by_o faith_n otherwise_o he_o walk_v like_o other_o natural_a men._n for_o the_o natural_a man_n may_v be_v bring_v to_o act_n by_o these_o principle_n partly_o by_o natural_a light_n and_o more_o full_o by_o scripture-light_n without_o any_o true_a knowledge_n of_o the_o way_n of_o salvation_n by_o christ_n and_o as_o if_o christ_n have_v never_o come_v into_o the_o world_n and_o he_o may_v be_v strict_o bind_v by_o they_o and_o vehement_o urge_v and_o press_v to_o holy_a duty_n and_o yet_o all_o this_o while_n be_v leave_v to_o his_o own_o natural_a strength_n or_o weakness_n be_v not_o assure_v by_o any_o of_o these_o principle_n that_o god_n will_v give_v he_o strength_n to_o help_v he_o in_o the_o performance_n of_o these_o duty_n and_o can_v do_v nothing_o aright_o until_o he_o get_v new_a life_n and_o strength_n in_o christ_n by_o a_o more_o precious_a save_a faith_n there_o will_v be_v no_o need_n of_o a_o new_a life_n and_o strength_n by_o christ_n if_o these_o principle_n be_v sufficient_a to_o bring_v we_o to_o a_o holy_a conversation_n therefore_o this_o manner_n of_o practice_n be_v no_o better_a than_o walk_v after_o the_o flesh_n according_a to_o our_o corrupt_a state_n and_o a_o seek_v to_o be_v make_v perfect_a in_o the_o flesh_n no_o question_n but_o paul_n be_v very_o diligent_a in_o it_o while_o he_o be_v a_o blind_a pharisee_n yea_o the_o heathen_a philosopher_n may_v attain_v to_o it_o in_o some_o measure_n by_o the_o light_n of_o common_a reason_n the_o devil_n have_v such_o principle_n as_o they_o do_v believe_v assure_o yet_o they_o be_v never_o the_o better_a for_o they_o it_o be_v a_o part_n of_o that_o natural_a wisdom_n whereby_o the_o world_n know_v not_o god_n not_o that_o wisdom_n of_o god_n in_o a_o mystery_n discover_v in_o the_o gospel_n which_o be_v the_o only_a sanctify_a wisdom_n and_o power_n of_o god_n unto_o salvation_n what_o can_v you_o produce_v but_o corruption_n by_o press_v with_o motive_n to_o holiness_n one_o that_o have_v no_o soundness_n in_o he_o from_o the_o sole_a of_o the_o foot_n even_o to_o the_o head_n only_a wound_n and_o bruise_n and_o putrify_a sore_n he_o that_o be_v make_v true_o sensible_a of_o his_o own_o vileness_n and_o deadness_n by_o nature_n will_v despair_v of_o ever_o bring_v himself_o to_o holiness_n by_o principle_n that_o afford_v he_o no_o life_n and_o strength_n but_o only_o lay_v a_o obligation_n upon_o he_o and_o urge_v and_o press_v he_o to_o duty_n what_o be_v mere_a obligation_n to_o one_o that_o be_v dead_a in_o sin_n while_o the_o soul_n be_v without_o spiritual_a life_n sin_n be_v the_o more_o move_v and_o enrage_v by_o press_v and_o urge_v upon_o the_o soul_n the_o obligation_n of_o the_o law_n and_o its_o command_n the_o motion_n of_o sin_n be_v by_o the_o law_n and_o sin_n take_v occasion_n by_o the_o commandment_n work_v in_o we_o all_o manner_n of_o concupiscence_n rom._n 7.5_o 7_o 8._o and_o yet_o these_o oblige_a principle_n be_v very_o good_a and_o excellent_a in_o this_o right_a gospel_n use_v of_o they_o as_o the_o apostle_n say_v of_o the_o law_n that_o it_o be_v good_a if_o it_o be_v use_v lawful_o 1_o tim._n 1.7_o the_o humble_a sinner_n know_v well_o his_o obligation_n but_o it_o be_v life_n and_o strength_n that_o he_o want_v and_o despair_v of_o walk_v according_a to_o such_o obligation_n until_o he_o get_v this_o life_n and_o strength_n by_o faith_n in_o christ_n therefore_o these_o oblige_a principle_n do_v move_v he_o to_o go_v in_o the_o first_o place_n to_o christ_n that_o so_o he_o may_v be_v enable_v to_o answer_v their_o end_n by_o the_o strengthen_n and_o enliven_a principle_n of_o god_n grace_n in_o christ_n some_o there_o be_v that_o make_v use_v of_o gospel-principle_n only_o to_o oblige_v and_o urge_v to_o duty_n without_o afford_v any_o life_n and_o strength_n for_o the_o performance_n as_o they_o that_o think_v that_o christ_n die_v and_o rise_v again_o to_o establish_v a_o new_a covenant_n of_o work_n for_o our_o salvation_n and_o to_o give_v we_o a_o pattern_n of_o good_a work_n by_o his_o own_o obedience_n rather_o than_o to_o purchase_v life_n obedience_n and_o good_a work_n for_o we_o such_o as_o these_o do_v not_o understand_v and_o receive_v the_o principle_n of_o the_o gospel_n right_o but_o they_o pervert_v and_o abuse_v they_o contrary_a to_o their_o true_a nature_n and_o design_n and_o thereby_o they_o render_v they_o as_o ineffectual_a for_o their_o sanctification_n as_o any_o other_o natural_a or_o legal_a principle_n 5._o stir_v up_o and_o strengthen_v yourself_o to_o perform_v the_o duty_n of_o holiness_n by_o a_o firm_a persuasion_n of_o your_o enjoyment_n of_o jesus_n christ_n and_o all_o spiritual_a and_o everlasting_a benefit_n through_o he_o set_a not_o yourselves_o upon_o the_o performance_n of_o the_o law_n with_o any_o prevail_a thought_n or_o apprehension_n that_o you_o be_v yet_o without_o a_o interest_n in_o christ_n and_o the_o love_n of_o god_n through_o he_o under_o the_o curse_n of_o the_o law_n the_o power_n of_o sin_n and_o satan_n have_v no_o better_a portion_n than_o this_o present_a world_n no_o better_a strength_n than_o that_o which_o be_v in_o the_o purpose_n and_o resolution_n of_o your_o own_o freewill_n while_o such_o thought_n as_o these_o prevail_v and_o influence_n your_o act_n its_o evident_a that_o you_o
likewise_o your_o heart_n will_v be_v purify_v to_o unfeigned_a love_n of_o the_o brethren_n in_o christ_n and_o you_o will_v walk_v towards_o they_o with_o all_o lowliness_n meekness_n long-suffering_a forbear_v one_o another_o in_o love_n if_o you_o maintain_v a_o steadfast_a belief_n and_o persuasion_n of_o those_o manifold_a bond_n of_o love_n whereby_o you_o be_v inseparable_o join_v with_o they_o through_o christ_n as_o particular_o that_o there_o be_v one_o body_n and_o one_o spirit_n one_o hope_n of_o your_o call_v one_o lord_n one_o faith_n one_o baptism_n one_o god_n and_o father_n of_o all_o who_o be_v above_o all_o and_o through_o all_o and_o in_o you_o all_o final_o you_o will_v be_v able_a to_o abstain_v from_o all_o fleshly_a and_o worldly_a lust_n that_o war_n against_o the_o soul_n and_o hinder_v all_o godliness_n by_o a_o assure_a persuasion_n not_o mere_o that_o gluttony_n drunkenness_n lechery_n be_v filthy_a swinish_a abomination_n and_o that_o the_o pleasure_n profit_n and_o honour_n of_o the_o world_n be_v vain_a empty_a thing_n but_o that_o you_o be_v crucify_a to_o the_o flesh_n and_o the_o world_n and_o quicken_v raise_v and_o set_v in_o heavenly_a place_n through_o christ_n and_o that_o you_o have_v pleasure_n profit_n honour_n in_o christ_n to_o which_o the_o best_a thing_n in_o the_o world_n be_v not_o worthy_a to_o be_v compare_v and_o that_o you_o be_v member_n of_o christ_n the_o temple_n of_o his_o spirit_n citizen_n of_o heaven_n child_n of_o the_o day_n not_o of_o the_o night_n nor_o of_o darkness_n so_o that_o it_o be_v below_o your_o state_n and_o dignity_n to_o practice_v deed_n of_o darkness_n and_o mind_n fleshly_a worldly_a thing_n thus_o i_o have_v give_v instance_n enough_o to_o stir_v you_o up_o to_o acquaint_v yourselves_o with_o the_o manifold_a endowment_n privilege_n property_n of_o your_o new_a state_n in_o christ_n as_o they_o be_v discover_v in_o the_o gospel_n of_o your_o salvation_n whereby_o the_o new_a nature_n be_v fit_v for_o holy_a operation_n as_o the_o common_a nature_n of_o man_n be_v furnish_v with_o the_o endowment_n necessary_a for_o those_o function_n and_o operation_n to_o which_o it_o be_v design_v and_o also_o to_o stir_v you_o up_o to_o make_v use_n of_o they_o by_o faith_n as_o they_o serve_v to_o strengthen_v you_o either_o for_o universal_a obedience_n or_o for_o particular_a duty_n and_o by_o this_o manner_n of_o walk_v your_o heart_n will_v be_v comfort_v and_o establish_v in_o every_o good_a word_n and_o work_n and_o you_o will_v grow_v in_o holiness_n until_o you_o attain_v to_o perfection_n in_o jesus_n christ_n 8._o if_o you_o endeavour_v to_o grow_v in_o grace_n and_o in_o all_o holiness_n trust_v assure_o that_o god_n will_v enable_v you_o by_o this_o manner_n of_o walk_v to_o do_v every_o thing_n that_o be_v necessary_a for_o his_o glory_n and_o your_o own_o everlasting_a salvation_n and_o that_o he_o will_v gracious_o accept_v of_o that_o obedience_n through_o christ_n which_o you_o be_v enable_v to_o perform_v according_a to_o the_o measure_n of_o your_o faith_n and_o pardon_v your_o fail_n though_o you_o offend_v in_o many_o thing_n and_o fall_v short_a of_o many_o other_o as_o to_z degree_n of_o holiness_n and_o high_a act_n of_o obedience_n and_o therefore_o attempt_v not_o the_o performance_n of_o duty_n in_o any_o other_o way_n though_o you_o can_v yet_o attain_v to_o do_v so_o much_o as_o you_o will_v in_o this_o way_n this_o be_v a_o necessary_a instruction_n to_o establish_v we_o in_o the_o life_n of_o faith_n that_o the_o sense_n of_o our_o manifold_a fail_n and_o defect_n may_v not_o move_v we_o either_o to_o despair_n or_o to_o return_v to_o the_o use_n of_o carnal_a principle_n and_o mean_n for_o help_v against_o our_o corruption_n as_o account_v this_o way_n of_o live_v and_o act_v by_o faith_n to_o be_v in-sufficient_a for_o our_o sanctification_n and_o salvation_n the_o apostle_n paul_n exhort_v the_o galatian_n to_o walk_v in_o the_o spirit_n though_o the_o flesh_n lust_n against_o the_o spirit_n so_o that_o they_o can_v do_v the_o thing_n that_o they_o will_v gal._n 5_o 10_o 17._o we_o be_v to_o know_v that_o though_o the_o law_n require_v of_o we_o the_o utmost_a perfection_n of_o holiness_n yet_o the_o gospel_n make_v a_o allowance_n for_o our_o weakness_n and_o christ_n be_v so_o meek_a and_o lowly_a in_o heart_n that_o he_o accept_v of_o that_o which_o our_o weak_a faith_n can_v attain_v to_o by_o his_o grace_n and_o do_v not_o exact_a or_o expect_v any_o more_o of_o we_o for_o his_o glory_n and_o our_o salvation_n until_o we_o grow_v strong_a in_o grace_n god_n show_v his_o great_a indulgence_n to_o his_o people_n under_o the_o old_a testament_n that_o moses_n the_o lawgiver_n suffer_v they_o because_o of_o the_o hardness_n of_o their_o heart_n to_o put_v away_o their_o wife_n though_o from_o the_o beginning_n it_o be_v not_o so_o mat._n 19.8_o and_o also_o in_o tolerate_v the_o customary_a practice_n of_o polygamy_n though_o christ_n will_v not_o tolerate_v the_o continuance_n of_o such_o practice_n in_o his_o church_n since_o his_o spirit_n be_v more_o plentiful_o pour_v forth_o under_o the_o gospel_n yet_o he_o be_v as_o forward_o as_o ever_o to_o bear_v with_o the_o fail_n of_o his_o weak_a saint_n that_o desire_v to_o obey_v he_o sincere_o we_o have_v another_o instance_n of_o god_n indulgence_n more_o full_a to_o our_o present_a purpose_n in_o his_o command_v that_o the_o fearful_a and_o fainthearted_a shall_v not_o be_v force_v to_o enter_v into_o the_o battle_n against_o their_o enemy_n but_o suffer_v to_o return_v home_o to_o their_o house_n though_o sight_v in_o battle_n against_o enemy_n without_o fear_n and_o faint-heartedness_n be_v a_o duty_n that_o god_n do_v much_o exercise_v his_o people_n in_o at_o that_o time_n deut._n 20.3_o 8._o so_o under_o the_o gospel_n though_o it_o be_v a_o eminent_a part_n of_o christ_n service_n to_o endure_v the_o great_a fight_n of_o affliction_n and_o death_n itself_o courageous_o for_o his_o name_n sake_n yet_o if_o any_o be_v so_o weak_a in_o faith_n that_o they_o have_v not_o sufficient_a courage_n to_o venture_v into_o the_o battle_n no_o doubt_n but_o christ_n allow_v they_o to_o make_v use_n of_o any_o honest_a mean_n whereby_o they_o may_v escape_v the_o hand_n of_o persecutor_n with_o safety_n to_o their_o holy_a profession_n he_o will_v accept_v they_o in_o this_o weak_a kind_n of_o service_n and_o will_v approve_v of_o they_o better_o than_o if_o they_o shall_v hazard_v a_o denial_n of_o his_o name_n by_o venture_v themselves_o upon_o the_o trial_n of_o martyrdom_n when_o they_o may_v have_v escape_v it_o peter_n come_v off_o with_o sin_n and_o shame_n by_o venture_v beyond_o the_o measure_n of_o his_o faith_n into_o the_o hand_n of_o his_o persecutor_n when_o he_o go_v after_o christ_n to_o the_o high_a priest_n hall_n whereas_o he_o shall_v rather_o have_v make_v use_n of_o that_o indulgent_a dismission_n that_o christ_n give_v to_o he_o and_o the_o rest_n of_o his_o disciple_n let_v these_o go_v their_o way_n joh._n 18.8_o christ_n deal_v with_o his_o people_n as_o a_o good_a careful_a shepherd_n that_o will_v not_o over-drive_a his_o sheep_n he_o gather_v his_o lamb_n with_o his_o arm_n and_o carry_v they_o in_o his_o bosom_n and_o will_v gentle_o lead_v those_o that_o be_v with_o young_a isa_n 40.11_o he_o will_v not_o have_v his_o disciple_n urge_v rigorous_o upon_o the_o duty_n of_o fast_v when_o their_o spirit_n be_v unfit_a for_o it_o because_o he_o know_v that_o impose_v duty_n above_o their_o strength_n be_v like_o put_v a_o piece_n of_o new_a cloth_n into_o a_o old_a garment_n and_o new_a wine_n into_o old_a bottle_n which_o spoil_v all_o at_o last_o mat._n 9.14_o 17._o that_o precept_n of_o solomon_n be_v not_o righteous_a overmuch_o prov._n 7.10_o be_v very_o useful_a and_o necessary_a if_o right_o understand_v we_o be_v to_o beware_v of_o be_v too_o rigorous_a in_o exact_v righteousness_n of_o ourselves_o and_o other_o beyond_o the_o measure_n of_o faith_n and_o grace_n overdo_v common_o prove_v undo_n child_n that_o venture_v on_o their_o foot_n beyond_o their_o strength_n have_v many_o a_o fall_n and_o so_o have_v babe_n in_o christ_n when_o they_o venture_v unnecessary_o upon_o such_o duty_n as_o be_v beyond_o the_o strength_n of_o their_o faith_n we_o shall_v be_v content_a at_o present_a to_o do_v the_o best_a that_o we_o can_v according_a to_o the_o measure_n of_o the_o gift_n of_o christ_n though_o we_o know_v that_o other_o be_v enable_v to_o do_v much_o better_o and_o we_o be_v not_o to_o despise_v the_o day_n of_o small_a thing_n but_o to_o praise_n god_n that_o he_o work_v in_o we_o any_o thing_n that_o be_v well-pleasing_a in_o his_o sight_n hope_v that_o he_o will_v sanctify_v we_o throughout_o and_o
the_o testimony_n of_o a_o good_a conscience_n 1_o joh._n 3.19_o 21._o that_o so_o our_o heart_n may_v be_v more_o strong_o comfort_v by_o faith_n and_o establish_v in_o every_o good_a work_n and_o that_o if_o our_o way_n be_v evil_a we_o may_v turn_v from_o they_o to_o the_o lord_n our_o god_n through_o christ_n without_o who_o none_o come_v to_o the_o father_n lam._n 3.40_o joh._n 14.6_o but_o your_o great_a care_n in_o this_o work_n of_o self-examination_n must_v be_v to_o perform_v it_o in_o such_o a_o manner_n that_o it_o may_v not_o hinder_v and_o destroy_v the_o life_n of_o faith_n as_o it_o do_v in_o many_o instead_o of_o promote_a it_o therefore_o beware_v lest_o you_o trust_v upon_o your_o self-examination_n rather_o than_o upon_o christ_n as_o some_o do_v that_o think_v they_o have_v make_v their_o peace_n with_o god_n mere_o because_o they_o have_v examine_v themselves_o upon_o their_o sickbed_n or_o before_o the_o receive_v of_o the_o lord_n supper_n though_o they_o have_v 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people_n willing_a to_o think_v their_o own_o qualification_n better_a than_o they_o be_v lest_o they_o shall_v fall_v into_o a_o utter_a despair_n of_o their_o salvation_n and_o thus_o it_o whole_o mar_v the_o good_a work_n of_o self-examination_n and_o make_v it_o destructive_a to_o our_o soul_n for_o to_o they_o that_o be_v defile_v and_o unbelieving_a there_o be_v nothing_o pure_a tit._n 1.15_o you_o shall_v rather_o begin_v the_o work_n with_o much_o assurance_n of_o faith_n that_o though_o you_o find_v your_o heart_n never_o so_o wicked_a and_o reprobate_a at_o present_a as_o many_o of_o god_n choice_a servant_n do_v often_o find_v yet_o the_o door_n of_o mercy_n be_v open_a for_o you_o and_o that_o god_n will_v certain_o save_v you_o for_o ever_o if_o you_o put_v your_o trust_n in_o his_o grace_n through_o christ_n i_o have_v former_o show_v that_o this_o confident_a persuasion_n be_v of_o the_o nature_n of_o save_a faith_n and_o that_o we_o have_v sufficient_a ground_n for_o it_o in_o the_o free_a promise_n of_o the_o gospel_n when_o we_o walk_v in_o darkness_n and_o can_v see_v no_o light_n shine_v forth_o in_o our_o gracious_a qualification_n if_o we_o begin_v the_o work_n with_o this_o confidence_n it_o will_v make_v we_o impartial_a and_o not_o afraid_a to_o find_v out_o the_o worst_a by_o ourselves_o and_o willing_a to_o judge_v that_o our_o heart_n be_v deceitful_a above_o all_o thing_n and_o desperate_o wicked_a beyond_o what_o we_o can_v find_v out_o jer._n 17.9_o and_o if_o we_o have_v any_o holy_a qualification_n this_o confidence_n will_v preserve_v they_o in_o their_o vigour_n and_o brightness_n that_o they_o may_v be_v able_a to_o give_v clear_a evidence_n that_o we_o be_v at_o present_a in_o a_o state_n of_o grace_n mark_v well_o the_o difference_n betwixt_o these_o two_o question_n whether_o god_n will_v gracious_o accept_v and_o save_v i_o though_o a_o vile_a sinner_n through_o christ_n as_o before_o be_v say_v and_o whether_o i_o be_o 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praise_n and_o glory_n of_o it_o belong_v not_o to_o you_o but_o to_o god_n phil._n 1.11_o and_o you_o must_v try_v inherent_a grace_n by_o the_o touchstone_n not_o by_o the_o measure_n by_o its_o nature_n not_o its_o degree_n not_o deny_v any_o lusting_n of_o the_o spirit_n in_o you_o because_o of_o the_o strong_a lusting_n of_o the_o flesh_n against_o the_o spirit_n nor_o deny_v that_o you_o be_v spiritual_a in_o some_o degree_n and_o babe_n in_o christ_n because_o you_o find_v yourselves_o carnal_a in_o a_o more_o prevail_a degree_n and_o the_o old_a man_n big_a than_o the_o new_a gal._n 5.17_o 1_o cor._n 3.1_o especial_o you_o be_v to_o examine_v and_o prove_v whether_o you_o be_v in_o the_o faith_n for_o if_o you_o make_v sure_a of_o this_o you_o make_v sure_a of_o all_o the_o thing_n that_o pertain_v to_o life_n and_o godliness_n and_o if_o you_o doubt_v of_o this_o you_o will_v certain_o doubt_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o any_o other_o qualification_n and_o will_v suspect_v they_o 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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 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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
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