may_v be_v object_v object_n that_o paul_n himself_o seem_v to_o want_v this_o for_o he_o find_v no_o mean_n to_o perform_v that_o which_o be_v good_a as_o he_o complain_v rom._n 7.18_o i_o answer_v hereunto_o that_o he_o complain_v not_o that_o he_o have_v no_o promise_n of_o strength_n answ_n or_o that_o he_o have_v no_o faith_n in_o the_o same_o for_o he_o say_v the_o contrary_a phil._n 4_o 13._o but_o he_o complain_v that_o for_o all_o the_o hope_n of_o help_n that_o he_o have_v yet_o the_o rebellion_n of_o his_o flesh_n do_v mighty_o strive_v and_o resist_v the_o spirit_n and_o this_o must_v every_o faithful_a man_n look_v for_o while_o he_o live_v now_o for_o the_o fountain_n from_o whence_o a_o godly_a life_n do_v proceed_v it_o be_v from_o the_o heart_n which_o therefore_o must_v be_v purge_v and_o cleanse_v for_o this_o we_o be_v to_o know_v that_o the_o heart_n of_o man_n before_o it_o be_v empty_v be_v a_o dungeon_n of_o iniquity_n before_o it_o be_v enlighten_v a_o den_n of_o darkness_n before_o it_o be_v cleanse_v a_o puddle_n of_o filthiness_n and_o that_o which_o saint_n james_n speak_v of_o the_o tongue_n may_v much_o more_o be_v say_v of_o the_o heart_n that_o before_o it_o be_v tame_v it_o be_v a_o unruly_a evil_n now_o if_o such_o a_o heart_n be_v the_o guide_n of_o our_o life_n how_o monstrous_a and_o loathsome_a must_v that_o life_n need_v be_v of_o necessity_n than_o the_o heart_n must_v be_v purge_v and_o change_v this_o purge_n of_o the_o heart_n be_v a_o renew_n in_o holiness_n and_o righteousness_n by_o little_a and_o little_a of_o all_o true_a believer_n they_o be_v first_o deliver_v and_o free_v from_o the_o tyranny_n of_o sin_n and_o fear_n of_o damnation_n for_o than_o do_v sin_n receive_v a_o deadly_a wound_n and_o the_o power_n thereof_o be_v abate_v and_o crucify_v which_o be_v show_v by_o the_o hatred_n of_o sin_n and_o a_o delight_v in_o goodness_n although_o this_o change_n be_v but_o weak_a at_o the_o first_o yet_o if_o it_o be_v in_o truth_n in_o will_n and_o desire_n it_o be_v a_o infallible_a mark_n of_o god_n election_n and_o love_n towards_o he_o this_o grace_n be_v often_o dim_v and_o even_o choke_v in_o many_o because_o god_n do_v strengthen_v and_o continue_v this_o gift_n of_o holiness_n and_o sanctification_n as_o it_o be_v nourish_v esteem_v set_v by_o and_z as_o man_n do_v stir_v it_o up_o in_o themselves_o by_o ask_v after_o it_o when_o they_o do_v miss_v it_o and_o provoke_v themselves_o to_o pray_v for_o such_o good_a affection_n and_o can_v be_v satisfy_v without_o they_o as_o david_n do_v psal_n 43_o 5.103.1_o thus_o we_o ought_v to_o cherish_v and_o blow_v up_o the_o sparkle_n within_o we_o which_o will_v not_o ordinary_o fail_v we_o especial_o for_o any_o long_a time_n except_o in_o time_n of_o temptation_n unless_o it_o be_v through_o our_o default_n and_o folly_n as_o for_o the_o manner_n how_o this_o be_v do_v we_o be_v to_o know_v it_o be_v the_o proper_a and_o wonderful_a work_n of_o god_n by_o the_o power_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n act_v 15.9_o isa_n 11.2_o he_o that_o have_v with_o faith_n unfeigned_a a_o heart_n sanctify_v and_o purify_v from_o his_o natural_a corruption_n and_o wicked_a disposition_n as_o he_o be_v not_o to_o account_v it_o mean_v and_o little_a worth_n it_o be_v a_o evident_a work_n of_o the_o spirit_n so_o neither_o be_v he_o to_o stand_v at_o a_o stay_n in_o this_o it_o be_v but_o the_o begin_n of_o that_o work_n which_o shall_v follow_v it_o but_o object_n how_o do_v god_n purge_v our_o heart_n when_o as_o faith_n be_v say_v to_o do_v it_o acts._n 15.9_o 1._o joh._n 3.5_o answ_n faith_n be_v true_o say_v to_o do_v it_o because_o that_o man_n not_o yet_o assure_v of_o the_o happiness_n of_o heaven_n not_o know_v nor_o feel_v any_o better_a delight_n do_v seek_v after_o those_o which_o their_o blind_a and_o deceitful_a heart_n do_v dream_n of_o here_o on_o earth_n but_o as_o soon_o as_o they_o be_v assure_v of_o god_n favour_n through_o faith_n so_o soon_o be_v their_o heart_n change_v and_o their_o affection_n set_v another_o way_n so_o that_o faith_n may_v well_o be_v say_v to_o purify_v and_o cleanse_v the_o heart_n 1_o pet._n 1.4_o but_o not_o as_o the_o chief_a and_o high_a cause_n for_o that_o be_v the_o holy_a ghost_n but_o as_o the_o instrument_n thus_o from_o faith_n and_o a_o pure_a heart_n do_v arise_v a_o good_a conscience_n a_o sweet_a peace_n and_o holy_a security_n have_v receive_v from_o god_n a_o mind_n to_o know_v he_o a_o heart_n to_o love_v he_o a_o will_v to_o please_v he_o and_o strength_n also_o in_o some_o measure_n acceptable_a to_o obey_v he_o from_o hence_o do_v proceed_v that_o true_a repentance_n which_o be_v a_o purpose_n of_o the_o heart_n act_v 11.23_o a_o inclination_n in_o the_o will_n psal_n 119.44.57_o and_o a_o continual_a endeavour_v in_o the_o life_n act_v 24.16_o to_o cast_v off_o all_o evil_a and_o obey_v god_n both_o inward_o and_o outward_o according_a â—o_o the_o measure_n of_o knowledge_n in_o every_o one_o so_o that_o this_o sound_a purge_n of_o the_o â—eart_n be_v that_o strong_a foundation_n â—pon_n which_o only_o a_o good_a life_n come_v â—o_o be_v build_v for_o god_n will_v have_v â—ur_n whole_a heart_n not_o a_o piece_n of_o 〈◊〉_d for_o that_o be_v neither_o beseem_v his_o neatness_n neither_o fit_a for_o they_o to_o â—fer_v who_o receive_v so_o great_a good_a â—ings_n at_o his_o hand_n many_o indeed_o 〈◊〉_d hardly_o bring_v to_o this_o and_o therefore_o all_o their_o fair_a show_n and_o colour_n do_v vanish_v away_o and_o come_v to_o nothing_o for_o rash_a and_o hasty_a purpose_n be_v no_o sufficient_a foundation_n to_o bear_v up_o so_o great_a and_o weighty_a building_n as_o the_o whole_a course_n of_o their_o life_n to_o be_v whole_o pass_v but_o if_o man_n at_o their_o first_o embrace_v of_o the_o gopsell_n do_v give_v their_o heart_n whole_o to_o the_o lord_n then_o shall_v god_n have_v more_o honour_n and_o themselves_o more_o abide_v comfort_n now_o have_v show_v the_o ground_n and_o root_n of_o a_o godly_a life_n viz._n faith_n and_o a_o pure_a heart_n it_o remain_v to_o speak_v of_o the_o part_n of_o it_o which_o be_v a_o renounce_n of_o all_o sin_n and_o a_o care_n to_o walk_v in_o a_o new_a life_n and_o first_o of_o the_o former_a the_o party_n believe_v be_v bring_v to_o this_o power_n and_o grace_n that_o he_o be_v out_o of_o love_n with_o all_o ungodliness_n and_o not_o with_o some_o part_n or_o kind_n only_o but_o loathe_v the_o whole_a course_n of_o iniquity_n which_o be_v his_o only_a delight_n and_o pleasure_n before_o neither_o do_v he_o this_o in_o some_o good_a mood_n only_o or_o when_o some_o shame_n or_o danger_n approach_n then_o to_o show_v some_o mislike_n of_o it_o but_o in_o good_a advisement_n he_o be_v resolve_v to_o cast_v off_o such_o behaviour_n as_o a_o loathsome_a and_z and_o ragged_a garment_n hos_fw-la 4.9_o eph._n 4.24_o math_n 16.24_o for_o want_v of_o this_o settle_a deny_v of_o ourselves_o divers_a never_o attain_v true_a godliness_n some_o never_o conceive_v the_o doctrine_n other_o forget_v and_o some_o scorn_v it_o but_o the_o most_o receive_v it_o cold_o and_o go_v about_o it_o preposterous_o whereas_o the_o servant_n of_o god_n leave_v not_o sin_n for_o a_o time_n nor_o by_o constraint_n for_o or_o company_n and_o fear_v etc._n etc._n but_o be_v at_o utter_a defiance_n with_o it_o do_v abjure_v it_o for_o ever_o nehem._n 10.29_o but_o in_o all_o these_o they_o trust_v not_o to_o their_o own_o strength_n but_o daily_o consider_v what_o cause_n they_o have_v to_o do_v so_o how_o infinite_o they_o be_v bind_v to_o god_n to_o discharge_v it_o become_v firm_o persuade_v that_o god_n who_o have_v make_v they_o willing_a will_v also_o make_v they_o able_a to_o do_v it_o phil._n 4.13_o rom._n 9.31_o and_o therefore_o although_o they_o see_v not_o that_o help_n present_a with_o their_o eye_n yet_o they_o hope_v for_o that_o which_o they_o see_v not_o and_o therefore_o wait_v patient_o for_o it_o till_o it_o can_v be_v grant_v they_o thus_o both_o both_o faith_n and_o hope_n be_v nourish_v and_o strengthen_v in_o they_o from_o day_n to_o day_n they_o do_v find_v both_o will_n and_o desire_n &_o strength_n though_o imperfect_a to_o accomplish_v to_o the_o peace_n of_o their_o heart_n that_o which_o they_o set_v upon_o and_o attempt_v indeed_o it_o be_v not_o obtain_v without_o strive_v but_o it_o be_v no_o just_a cause_n of_o discouragement_n to_o we_o to_o take_v pain_n for_o so_o great_a a_o profit_n when_o we_o be_v sure_a of_o it_o before_o we_o go_v about_o it_o and_o if_o object_n the_o faithful_a do_v not_o always_o prevail_v therein_o answ_n as_o
fit_a he_o be_v also_o full_a of_o malice_n and_o of_o unsearchable_a subtlety_n with_o exceed_a strength_n and_o therefore_o ready_a thus_o to_o trouble_v we_o thus_o he_o entice_v we_o to_o sin_n not_o only_o which_o by_o nature_n we_o love_v but_o even_o to_o those_o which_o we_o have_v no_o inclination_n unto_o and_o when_o he_o have_v thus_o fasten_v upon_o many_o a_o man_n than_o he_o labour_v to_o dim_v his_o knowledge_n and_o understanding_n that_o he_o may_v lay_v no_o hold_n on_o any_o truth_n that_o may_v comfort_v he_o or_o make_v benefit_n of_o any_o promise_n second_o by_o outward_a object_n and_o occasion_n forcible_o persuade_v to_o sin_n now_o because_o these_o thing_n proceed_v rather_o from_o satan_n than_o from_o themselves_o there_o be_v no_o cause_n why_o they_o shall_v be_v discourage_v three_o they_o must_v call_v to_o mind_n that_o god_n call_v and_o encourage_v we_o to_o trust_v and_o believe_v in_o he_o and_o therefore_o it_o must_v needs_o displease_v he_o that_o they_o be_v remove_v from_o their_o faith_n to_o give_v place_n to_o the_o spirit_n of_o error_n object_n and_o how_o if_o they_o feel_v not_o the_o sweet_a taste_n of_o god_n grace_n 1._o answ_n yet_o they_o must_v not_o measure_v themselves_o by_o that_o they_o present_o feel_v when_o the_o soul_n have_v lose_v her_o feel_n but_o by_o the_o time_n past_a when_o they_o be_v free_a from_o temptation_n 2._o the_o fruit_n of_o their_o faith_n be_v often_o evident_a to_o the_o eye_n of_o other_o when_o themselves_o can_v see_v they_o 3._o they_o must_v be_v acquaint_v with_o the_o way_n of_o god_n who_o often_o do_v hide_v himself_o for_o a_o season_n that_o they_o may_v with_o more_o earnest_n desire_v seek_v for_o his_o wont_a grace_n and_o with_o more_o joyfulness_n of_o heart_n praise_v he_o when_o they_o have_v obtain_v it_o again_o and_o if_o this_o hinder_v they_o because_o object_n they_o can_v live_v as_o god_n child_n do_v or_o as_o he_o require_v they_o be_v to_o be_v encourage_v herewith_o that_o answ_n they_o be_v plant_n which_o take_v not_o theâ—r_o full_a perfection_n at_o once_o but_o by_o little_a and_o little_a with_o daily_o water_v and_o dress_v and_o that_o patience_n and_o constancy_n with_o a_o resolute_a mind_n to_o bear_v god_n trial_n will_v bring_v a_o good_a end_n in_o all_o temptation_n that_o every_o christian_a may_v see_v his_o estate_n to_o be_v good_a it_o shall_v be_v profitable_a to_o consider_v how_o far_o a_o unbeliever_n may_v go_v and_o so_o whether_o he_o have_v go_v further_a 1._o a_o unbeliever_n may_v be_v terrify_v with_o his_o sin_n his_o conscience_n terrify_v by_o the_o spirit_n of_o bondage_n matth._n 27.3_o 2._o he_o may_v be_v pensive_a after_o sin_n commit_v 1_o king_n 21.7_o 3._o he_o may_v find_v joy_n and_o delight_n in_o the_o gospel_n and_o in_o the_o exercise_n of_o religion_n mat._n 13.20_o 4._o he_o may_v have_v a_o taste_n of_o the_o life_n to_o come_v with_o balaam_n 5._o he_o may_v reverence_v the_o minister_n and_o obey_v they_o in_o many_o thing_n as_o herod_n do_v and_o yet_o never_o be_v seal_v up_o to_o eternal_a life_n many_o that_o have_v make_v great_a and_o glorious_a show_n and_o seem_v to_o have_v be_v very_o forward_o have_v after_o either_o in_o prosperity_n wax_v wanton_a or_o in_o affliction_n weary_a nay_o many_o which_o have_v shine_v as_o light_n for_o a_o season_n have_v fall_v away_o even_o before_o trouble_n come_v many_o have_v have_v great_a grief_n of_o mind_n and_o so_o seem_v unto_o themselves_o to_o have_v repent_v but_o yet_o have_v deceive_v themselves_o because_o they_o never_o furnish_v themselves_o with_o true_a faith_n a_o pure_a heart_n a_o good_a conscience_n change_n of_o their_o life_n through_o the_o love_n of_o god_n their_o heart_n be_v not_o upright_o nor_o they_o will_v not_o deal_v plain_o with_o the_o lord_n but_o if_o we_o will_v not_o lose_v all_o our_o labour_n we_o must_v go_v further_a than_o any_o unrepentant_a person_n can_v go_v we_o must_v never_o cease_v till_o we_o have_v more_o humility_n sincerity_n and_o truth_n of_o heart_n and_o certain_a mark_n and_o testimony_n of_o our_o salvation_n they_o will_v hear_v the_o gospel_n diligent_o but_o we_o must_v lay_v our_o estate_n with_o it_o and_o receive_v the_o print_n of_o it_o upon_o our_o heart_n and_o life_n and_o be_v cast_v into_o the_o mould_n of_o it_o and_o so_o find_v it_o the_o power_n of_o salvation_n they_o will_v refrain_v from_o themselves_z and_o drive_v out_o of_o their_o family_n many_o sin_n but_o we_o must_v willing_o be_v reform_v in_o what_o part_n of_o our_o life_n soever_o we_o can_v be_v just_o challenge_v and_o not_o blemish_v our_o profession_n in_o any_o thing_n although_o the_o love_n of_o god_n &_o christ_n the_o work_n of_o the_o spirit_n apply_v they_o and_o faith_n apprehend_v they_o be_v the_o chief_a cause_n of_o our_o conversion_n yet_o because_o they_o be_v not_o so_o easy_o feel_v of_o we_o as_o they_o be_v sure_a and_o infallible_a ground_n in_o themselves_o of_o salvation_n therefore_o it_o be_v necessary_a to_o add_v some_o other_o effect_n or_o rather_o property_n of_o true_a faith_n that_o do_v accompany_v the_o love_n of_o god_n and_o of_o christ_n jesus_n in_o we_o and_o be_v the_o work_n or_o fruit_n of_o the_o holy-ghost_n by_o the_o gospel_n which_o may_v more_o clear_o be_v perceive_v and_o discern_v than_o faith_n itself_o and_o will_v clear_o testify_v that_o where_o these_o be_v there_o shall_v that_o be_v find_v also_o the_o first_o inseparable_a companion_n of_o faith_n be_v joy_n and_o comfort_n glorious_a and_o unspeakable_a act._n 8.8.39_o but_o it_o will_v be_v say_v that_o object_n some_o true_a believer_n be_v even_o sad_a and_o sorrowful_a answ_n indeed_o they_o mourn_v and_o groan_n for_o a_o while_n after_o that_o which_o may_v make_v they_o merry_a for_o ever_o and_o in_o this_o mourning_n they_o be_v bless_v math._n 5.4_o and_o their_o estate_n far_o to_o be_v prefer_v before_o the_o laughter_n of_o the_o ungodly_a which_o be_v but_o madness_n 1._o the_o child_n of_o god_n be_v convert_v can_v but_o admire_v this_o change_n of_o estate_n and_o even_o be_v astonish_v at_o the_o love_n and_o mercy_n of_o god_n what_o shall_v move_v he_o to_o bestow_v such_o happiness_n upon_o so_o unworthy_a a_o creature_n joh._n 14.22_o psal_n 116.8.139.34_o 2._o this_o holy_a and_o reverend_a admiration_n must_v not_o be_v only_o at_o our_o first_o conversion_n but_o aught_o every_o day_n to_o be_v renew_a in_o the_o lord_n who_o do_v every_o day_n pardon_v our_o sin_n psal_n 118.8_o and_o do_v also_o uphold_v we_o in_o our_o confidence_n and_o integrity_n 3._o the_o true_a believer_n feel_v the_o love_n of_o god_n to_o be_v shed_v abroad_o in_o his_o heart_n have_v also_o within_o he_o unfeigned_a love_n kindle_v towards_o god_n psalm_n 116.1_o luke_n 7.47_o which_o love_n of_o god_n must_v shadow_v the_o love_n of_o all_o other_o thing_n whatsoever_o 4_o he_o can_v but_o have_v his_o heart_n enlarge_v unto_o thankfulness_n and_o praise_n god_n even_o in_o affliction_n themselves_o psal_n 116.12_o 5._o there_o be_v beget_v a_o holy_a and_o earnest_a desire_n to_o have_v more_o communion_n with_o god_n even_o to_o enjoy_v his_o bless_a presence_n and_o to_o see_v his_o glory_n 2._o corinthian_n 5.1_o 6._o the_o former_a grace_n make_v he_o to_o forsake_v this_o world_n to_o become_v a_o stranger_n and_o a_o pilgrim_n here_o and_o so_o to_o have_v no_o more_o to_o do_v in_o this_o world_n than_o he_o needs_o must_v not_o that_o he_o leave_v the_o necessary_a duty_n or_o forsake_v his_o call_n but_o that_o he_o be_v not_o so_o tie_v to_o these_o thing_n but_o that_o he_o can_v willing_o leave_v they_o and_o so_o be_v ready_a to_o die_v be_v make_v fit_a to_o live_v 7._o he_o can_v but_o lament_v and_o be_v ashamed_a of_o his_o former_a unkindness_n to_o god_n and_o be_v ready_a to_o be_v revenge_v on_o himself_o for_o it_o 8._o it_o can_v be_v but_o know_v out_o of_o what_o misery_n he_o have_v escape_v and_o unto_o what_o happiness_n he_o have_v attain_v he_o pity_v other_o that_o be_v as_o he_o be_v and_o wish_v and_o labour_n to_o make_v they_o as_o he_o be_v one_o mean_v whereof_o be_v edify_v conference_n pro._n 10.21_o if_o any_o man_n have_v taste_v of_o that_o happiness_n which_o come_v by_o a_o true_a faith_n and_o do_v therefore_o desire_v to_o keep_v the_o same_o and_o fear_v the_o lose_n of_o it_o he_o must_v for_o his_o confirmation_n 1._o nourish_v within_o himself_o daily_o that_o high_a estimation_n and_o account_n make_v of_o his_o grace_n he_o must_v think_v it_o his_o chief_a happiness_n and_o most_o precious_a treasure_n which_o they_o that_o do_v have_v their_o heart_n ever_o
upon_o it_o they_o fear_v the_o forego_v of_o it_o they_o regard_v it_o most_o of_o all_o other_o thing_n 2._o he_o must_v both_o by_o prayer_n daily_o and_o oft_o beg_v this_o of_o god_n and_o also_o serious_o meditate_v on_o the_o gracious_a promise_n of_o god_n their_o nature_n truth_n and_o perpetuity_n for_o want_n of_o this_o call_n to_o mind_n of_o thing_n many_o do_v let_v slip_v out_o of_o their_o mind_n those_o ground_n of_o faith_n by_o which_o sometime_o they_o have_v find_v comfort_n 3._o he_o must_v help_v himself_o by_o ordinary_a and_o reverend_a hear_v the_o glad_a tiding_n of_o salvation_n preach_v unto_o he_o as_o also_o by_o the_o holy_a use_n of_o the_o sacrament_n 4._o he_o must_v careful_o retain_v a_o view_n of_o his_o sin_n by_o right_a examination_n the_o sight_n of_o they_o will_v keep_v he_o from_o take_v offence_n at_o the_o cross_n of_o christ_n nay_o the_o tartness_n and_o bitterness_n of_o his_o sin_n will_v make_v christ_n death_n most_o sweet_a and_o pleasant_a unto_o he_o 5._o he_o must_v labour_v to_o settle_v himself_o even_o by_o the_o experience_n which_o he_o himself_o have_v find_v of_o god_n his_o goodness_n towards_o he_o and_o his_o work_n in_o he_o 6._o he_o may_v confirm_v himself_o even_o by_o the_o example_n of_o other_o who_o of_o weak_a have_v become_v strong_a and_o of_o such_o as_o he_o be_v have_v become_v such_o as_o he_o desire_v to_o be_v by_o these_o mean_v god_n child_n come_v to_o have_v a_o holy_a acquaintance_n with_o god_n and_o to_o know_v his_o will_n towards_o they_o the_o lord_n dispose_v even_o their_o weakness_n unto_o their_o good_a that_o they_o may_v by_o their_o fall_n be_v humble_v and_o god_n by_o their_o uphold_v may_v be_v glorify_v one_o especial_a thing_n be_v always_o to_o begin_v the_o day_n with_o deep_a consideration_n of_o god_n his_o gracious_a favour_n towards_o we_o which_o if_o we_o do_v not_o little_o can_v be_v look_v for_o in_o the_o day_n but_o either_o unfavory_a lightness_n and_o so_o to_o be_v deceive_v or_o unprofitable_a care_n and_o so_o to_o be_v disquiet_v by_o that_o which_o have_v be_v say_v before_o it_o be_v to_o be_v observe_v that_o although_o true_a faith_n be_v in_o substance_n one_o and_o the_o same_o yet_o that_o there_o be_v three_o degree_n of_o it_o it_o be_v plain_a 1._o the_o first_o be_v the_o weak_a and_o least_o measure_n when_o there_o be_v as_o yet_o no_o assurance_n in_o the_o believer_n and_o yet_o inseparable_a fruit_n and_o infallible_a token_n of_o it_o 2._o the_o second_o degree_n be_v when_o some_o assurance_n be_v wrought_v in_o the_o believer_n at_o some_o time_n but_o very_o weak_a and_o be_v often_o to_o seek_v and_o want_v and_o recover_v again_o by_o enter_v into_o due_a consideration_n of_o his_o estate_n and_o of_o the_o truth_n of_o god_n who_o have_v promise_v it_o 3._o the_o three_o be_v the_o high_a degree_n of_o it_o though_o more_o strong_a and_o better_o settle_v in_o some_o than_o in_o other_o and_o this_o have_v assurance_n accompany_v it_o for_o the_o most_o part_n usual_o unless_o the_o believer_n do_v quench_v the_o spirit_n in_o himself_o or_o the_o lord_n to_o show_v he_o that_o he_o stand_v by_o grace_n do_v leave_v he_o to_o himself_o for_o his_o own_o glory_n and_o the_o better_a establish_n of_o he_o afterward_o it_o have_v be_v show_v hitherto_o who_o be_v true_a believer_n it_o follow_v to_o show_v how_o a_o believer_n be_v to_o behave_v himself_o throughout_o his_o whole_a conversation_n 1._o wherein_o be_v to_o be_v lay_v down_o first_o the_o ground_n of_o a_o godly_a life_n viz._n that_o it_o be_v ground_v on_o faith_n and_o proceed_v from_o a_o pure_a heart_n 2._o the_o part_n of_o it_o which_o be_v to_o fly_v evil_a and_o do_v good_a unfeigned_a faith_n and_o a_o godly_a life_n be_v inseparable_a companion_n 1._o first_o godliness_n can_v be_v without_o true_a faith_n jam._n 2.18_o heb._n 11.6_o gen._n 6.5_o the_o fountain_n be_v evil_a the_o river_n which_o run_v from_o it_o can_v be_v good_a so_o where_o say_v be_v not_o in_o the_o heart_n there_o can_v no_o godliness_n be_v in_o the_o life_n by_o which_o we_o see_v how_o many_o do_v deceive_v themselves_o think_v they_o fear_v love_n and_o serve_v god_n and_o yet_o have_v no_o faith_n nor_o no_o constant_a desire_n of_o it_o 2._o neither_o can_v faith_n be_v without_o godliness_n for_o as_o no_o man_n live_v godly_a which_o believe_v not_o so_o no_o man_n which_o believe_v can_v live_v wicked_o but_o as_o he_o be_v new_o bear_v so_o like_o a_o new_a creature_n follow_v newness_n of_o life_n and_o obedience_n although_o this_o do_v not_o appear_v neither_o at_o the_o first_o beginning_n of_o his_o conversion_n nor_o in_o the_o vehemency_n of_o temptation_n tit._n 2_o 12._o neither_o do_v faith_n work_v a_o bare_a wander_a desire_n to_o please_v god_n but_o it_o frame_v also_o the_o man_n unto_o it_o and_o teach_v he_o in_o some_o true_a and_o acceptable_a measure_n to_o go_v about_o it_o and_o when_o it_o be_v overmatch_v wiâ—h_o fleshly_a corruption_n yet_o it_o raise_v sigh_n and_o strive_n in_o the_o heart_n till_o it_o be_v subdue_v so_o that_o as_o they_o be_v deceive_v which_o pass_v from_o a_o little_a sorrow_n for_o sin_n to_o newness_n of_o life_n as_o they_o imagine_v without_o faith_n the_o beginning_n and_o worker_n of_o all_o new_a life_n so_o they_o also_o be_v no_o less_o delude_v that_o please_v themselves_o think_v they_o have_v faith_n when_o their_o life_n be_v not_o only_o fill_v with_o offensive_a action_n but_o also_o with_o custom_n &_o commonness_n in_o the_o same_o for_o he_o that_o be_v honour_v with_o the_o title_n of_o a_o believer_n must_v be_v know_v by_o the_o livery_n of_o a_o uncorrupt_a life_n and_o the_o true_a servant_n of_o god_n dare_v no_o otherwise_o believe_v their_o sin_n to_o be_v forgive_v they_o than_o they_o walk_v humble_o before_o god_n and_o man_n when_o faith_n be_v say_v to_o be_v necessary_a to_o a_o godly_a life_n we_o must_v not_o only_o understand_v by_o faith_n to_o be_v save_v but_o that_o the_o godly_a man_n must_v labour_v to_o believe_v that_o all_o the_o promise_n of_o this_o life_n and_o of_o the_o life_n to_o come_v whether_o the_o great_a and_o principal_a as_o of_o the_o grace_n of_o the_o spirit_n or_o the_o small_a as_o of_o bodily_a safety_n and_o preservation_n from_o danger_n so_o far_o as_o they_o shall_v be_v good_a for_o he_o do_v belong_v unto_o he_o and_o beside_o he_o must_v believe_v that_o both_o all_o the_o commandment_n which_o teach_v obedience_n and_o the_o threaten_n because_o they_o restrain_v the_o contrary_a be_v set_v down_o for_o he_o particular_o to_o bind_v his_o conscience_n thereunto_o rom._n 15.4_o thus_o he_o must_v depend_v upon_o the_o whole_a word_n of_o god_n many_o who_o have_v hope_n to_o be_v save_v do_v not_o thus_o some_o sin_n they_o make_v no_o conscience_n of_o some_o promise_n they_o look_v not_o at_o by_o mean_n whereof_o they_o be_v not_o so_o well_o fence_v as_o they_o may_v be_v but_o hold_v the_o very_a promise_n of_o salvation_n itself_o very_o weak_o this_o come_v to_o pass_v partly_o because_o they_o be_v not_o teach_v these_o thing_n aright_o partly_o because_o be_v teach_v they_o do_v not_o digest_v and_o work_v they_o upon_o their_o conscience_n this_o bring_v doubt_v and_o unsettledness_n even_o to_o good_a christian_n therefore_o he_o that_o believe_v to_o be_v save_v must_v believe_v also_o that_o he_o shall_v be_v sanctify_v 1_o cor._n 1.30_o that_o he_o shall_v receive_v grace_n from_o god_n to_o bring_v forth_o fruit_n of_o amendment_n of_o life_n and_o that_o he_o shall_v be_v enable_v to_o cast_v off_o his_o old_a conversation_n and_o also_o have_v grace_n to_o go_v through_o trouble_n and_o deliverance_n from_o they_o for_o assistance_n and_o blessing_n in_o god_n he_o must_v depend_v on_o god_n his_o word_n this_o be_v the_o obedience_n of_o faith_n rom._n 1.5_o which_o if_o we_o have_v as_o a_o foundato_fw-mi uphold_v and_o encourage_v we_o it_o will_v great_o avail_v for_o the_o further_a of_o we_o in_o a_o godly_a course_n by_o this_o we_o shall_v soon_o wade_v through_o doubt_n and_o grow_v out_o of_o fear_n whereas_o otherwise_o we_o faint_v and_o fear_v ofttimes_o and_o be_v without_o help_n many_o example_n we_o have_v in_o scripture_n of_o such_o as_o thus_o believe_v especial_o set_v down_o in_o the_o 11._o to_o the_o hebrew_n heb._n 11.16.38_o gal._n 2.19_o when_o man_n do_v not_o thus_o walk_v in_o the_o strength_n of_o god_n his_o word_n it_o cause_v tedious_a trouble_n in_o they_o and_o indeed_o the_o offensive_a life_n of_o many_o and_o the_o start_n aside_o of_o sundry_a come_v from_o this_o want_n but_o it_o
and_o reward_n psal_n 1.2_o and_o 50.16_o 1_o thes_n 19_o and_o the_o end_n of_o the_o ministry_n be_v to_o shoal_n god_n elect_n and_o belove_a one_o from_o the_o world_n and_o to_o bring_v they_o to_o his_o sheepfold_n where_o it_o be_v demand_v if_o they_o be_v not_o partaker_n of_o the_o same_o sin_n that_o other_o man_n be_v it_o can_v be_v deny_v but_o the_o godly_a be_v somewhat_o infect_v with_o common_a corruption_n live_v where_o satan_n be_v and_o further_o it_o be_v possible_a they_o may_v also_o lie_v still_o in_o the_o same_o loathsomenesse_n for_o a_o season_n but_o yet_o so_o as_o it_o appear_v plain_o that_o they_o be_v not_o give_v over_o like_o wicked_a man_n for_o when_o they_o come_v to_o themselves_o again_o we_o see_v how_o strange_o they_o be_v amaze_v at_o their_o offence_n how_o they_o tremble_v to_o think_v what_o they_o have_v do_v and_o can_v have_v no_o peace_n within_o themselves_o till_o they_o return_v home_o again_o after_o they_o be_v go_v out_o of_o the_o way_n and_o so_o be_v make_v more_o vigilant_a and_o wary_a against_o the_o like_a another_o time_n the_o which_o of_o the_o wicked_a can_v be_v say_v beside_o the_o fall_v of_o the_o godly_a be_v but_o when_o they_o be_v secure_a and_o take_v liberty_n unto_o themselves_o 2_o sam._n 11.4_o and_o give_v over_o to_o fence_v themselves_o as_o they_o be_v charge_v heb._n 4.1_o and_o 3.12_o as_o for_o reproachful_a and_o flagitious_a fall_n we_o must_v know_v that_o it_o be_v possible_a for_o we_o to_o be_v preserve_v from_o they_o 2_o pet._n 1.5.10_o so_o be_v enoch_n abraham_n caleb_n and_o joshua_n with_o many_o other_o but_o yet_o as_o many_o rare_a and_o dear_a servant_n of_o god_n have_v fall_v into_o shameful_a sin_n so_o may_v we_o for_o god_n suffer_v his_o servant_n to_o fall_v so_o dangerous_o for_o these_o cause_n 1._o for_o the_o humble_v of_o they_o 2._o that_o they_o see_v his_o exceed_a bountifulness_n in_o pardon_v so_o great_a sin_n and_o so_o love_v he_o the_o more_o luke_n 7.47_o john_n 21.15_o and_o 3._o that_o other_o far_o weak_a than_o they_o yet_o faithful_a may_v be_v encourage_v to_o believe_v that_o their_o sin_n shall_v be_v pardon_v and_o their_o weak_a service_n accept_v of_o he_o as_o 1_o tim._n 1.16_o which_o otherwise_o may_v be_v discourage_v out_o of_o these_o case_n if_o we_o hold_v fast_o our_o faith_n and_o stand_v upon_o our_o watch_n we_o need_v not_o fear_v fall_v for_o god_n take_v no_o pleasure_n to_o cast_v they_o down_o who_o desire_n to_o stand_v but_o to_o raise_v up_o they_o that_o be_v fall_v psal_n 130.3_o to_o help_v our_o weakness_n to_o supply_v our_o want_n and_o to_o deliver_v we_o from_o such_o danger_n as_o we_o fear_v so_o far_o as_o it_o be_v expedient_a or_o else_o make_v we_o able_a to_o bear_v they_o now_o concern_v infirmity_n it_o must_v be_v grant_v that_o because_o they_o have_v still_o a_o body_n of_o sin_n within_o they_o they_o must_v needs_o be_v subject_a to_o infirmity_n and_o this_o be_v proper_o a_o siâ—ne_n of_o infirmity_n when_o partly_o of_o knowledge_n and_o more_o through_o frailty_n a_o offence_n be_v wrought_v to_o the_o displease_v of_o god_n and_o when_o of_o such_o a_o one_o it_o be_v commit_v as_o because_o he_o have_v his_o heart_n sanctify_v will_v not_o do_v it_o and_o yet_o because_o the_o power_n of_o corruption_n at_o that_o time_n be_v great_a in_o he_o than_o the_o strength_n of_o grace_n therefore_o he_o be_v force_v to_o yield_v to_o it_o so_o that_o in_o these_o also_o the_o godly_a do_v much_o differ_v from_o all_o wicked_a for_o it_o be_v their_o great_a care_n that_o they_o may_v not_o fall_v their_o great_a sorrow_n when_o they_o be_v overcome_v and_o their_o great_a joy_n when_o they_o do_v prevail_v over_o their_o sin_n none_o of_o which_o be_v to_o be_v find_v in_o the_o wicked_a the_o heart_n once_o purge_v as_o have_v before_o be_v show_v do_v require_v great_a care_n for_o the_o keep_n of_o it_o so_o in_o good_a plight_n afterward_o prov._n 4.23_o which_o be_v do_v by_o watch_v try_v and_o purge_v we_o must_v watch_v lest_o we_o shall_v for_o the_o want_n thereof_o be_v deceive_v with_o the_o bait_n of_o sin_n we_o must_v examine_v and_o try_v it_o because_o no_o man_n can_v watch_v so_o careful_o but_o that_o much_o evil_a will_v creep_v in_o and_o we_o must_v purge_v out_o that_o filthy_a dross_n of_o concupiscence_n which_o we_o find_v by_o examine_v that_o it_o set_v not_o our_o will_n on_o fire_n to_o satisfy_v and_o perform_v the_o desire_n thereof_o psal_n 119.9_o this_o indeed_o be_v no_o idle_a work_n for_o he_o that_o go_v about_o it_o must_v be_v content_a and_o glad_a to_o wean_v his_o heart_n from_o many_o unprofitable_a and_o wander_a thought_n and_o desire_n and_o so_o season_v they_o with_o holy_a and_o heavenly_a meditation_n but_o we_o may_v see_v by_o scripture_n psal_n 32.4_o 5_o 6._o heb._n 10.38_o and_o by_o experience_n notwithstanding_o our_o affection_n be_v strong_a unruly_a and_o most_o hard_o subdue_v wiâ—h_v what_o ease_n we_o may_v renounce_v and_o forsake_v they_o and_o have_v power_n over_o our_o will_n and_o appetite_n when_o our_o heart_n be_v thus_o renew_a and_o keep_v master_v whereas_o the_o little_a acquaintance_n and_o ill_a govern_n of_o the_o heart_n by_o let_v it_o loose_a to_o folly_n wander_v and_o needless_a fantasy_n be_v that_o which_o cause_v it_o to_o be_v surfeit_v with_o all_o manner_n of_o iniquity_n again_o if_o our_o heart_n be_v not_o thus_o careful_o look_v unto_o we_o shall_v not_o have_v they_o ready_a to_o any_o duty_n and_o from_o hence_o it_o be_v that_o many_o man_n heart_n be_v swarve_v usual_o with_o vain_a thought_n even_o while_o they_o be_v in_o hear_v and_o pray_v because_o they_o do_v not_o constant_o throughout_o the_o day_n watch_v over_o they_o for_o the_o only_a way_n to_o curb_v our_o lust_n be_v to_o look_v to_o our_o heart_n by_o it_o we_o shall_v not_o only_o have_v help_n and_o furtherance_n to_o worship_n god_n aright_o but_o in_o our_o common_a action_n affair_n and_o business_n we_o shall_v so_o behave_v ourselves_o as_o will_v be_v a_o joy_n unto_o those_o that_o shall_v behold_v we_o and_o a_o ornament_n and_o beauty_n to_o the_o gospel_n which_o we_o do_v profess_v thus_o therefore_o we_o ought_v to_o look_v to_o our_o heart_n in_o all_o that_o we_o do_v both_o keep_n out_o evil_a that_o will_v enter_v and_o purge_v out_o that_o which_o by_o stealth_n shall_v creep_v in_o and_o not_o by_o fit_n only_o when_o the_o good_a mood_n take_v we_o which_o as_o it_o be_v too_o common_a so_o it_o be_v most_o dangerous_a but_o always_o psal_n 1.2_o 1_o eph._n 5.16_o which_o if_o we_o shall_v do_v although_o our_o heart_n be_v purify_v and_o cleanse_v but_o in_o part_n our_o desire_n therefore_o can_v be_v all_o good_a and_o please_a to_o god_n but_o unperfect_a that_o be_v to_o say_v many_o of_o they_o evil_a and_o many_o which_o be_v whole_o mix_v with_o evil_a and_o corruption_n yet_o to_o have_v our_o heart_n thus_o change_v but_o in_o weak_a measure_n so_o as_o it_o be_v in_o truth_n be_v a_o benefit_n of_o great_a value_n than_o the_o whole_a world_n and_o he_o that_o have_v it_o be_v by_o infinite_a degree_n happy_a than_o the_o most_o gloss_a professor_n that_o want_v it_o thus_o far_o of_o the_o eschew_v of_o evil_a now_o for_o the_o do_v of_o good_a where_o first_o certain_a rule_n must_v be_v learned_a and_o observe_v which_o because_o they_o be_v not_o follow_v many_o that_o will_v glad_o live_v well_o attain_v to_o it_o in_o no_o good_a sort_n to_o bring_v it_o in_o credit_n with_o other_o but_o meet_v with_o many_o unsetling_n discouragement_n and_o cool_v of_o their_o zeal_n yea_o oftentimes_o dangerous_a out-strayings_a neither_o find_v the_o go_n about_o it_o so_o pleasant_a as_o toilsome_a and_o tedious_a now_o the_o general_a rule_n be_v these_o first_o knowledge_n of_o duty_n with_o a_o delight_v therein_o second_o practise_v of_o that_o which_o we_o know_v which_o be_v that_o live_n by_o faith_n or_o labour_v to_o keep_v a_o good_a conscience_n so_o often_o commend_v unto_o we_o in_o scripture_n for_o the_o first_o we_o must_v understand_v by_o knowledge_n such_o a_o enlighten_v of_o the_o mind_n to_o understand_v the_o will_n of_o god_n about_o good_a evil_n that_o we_o have_v with_o it_o spiritual_a wisdom_n to_o apply_v and_o and_o refer_v the_o same_o to_o the_o well_o order_v of_o our_o particular_a action_n that_o we_o rest_v not_o in_o see_v the_o truth_n only_o but_o approve_v and_o allow_v of_o it_o as_o that_o which_o be_v fit_a to_o counsel_n and_o guide_v we_o but_o yet_o so_o as_o he_o that_o have_v most_o of_o
and_o long_v after_o christ_n be_v very_o earnest_a and_o fervent_a though_o in_o some_o with_o more_o timorousness_n than_o in_o other_o this_o make_v the_o gospel_n to_o be_v glad_a tiding_n and_o the_o foot_n of_o they_o that_o bring_v it_o to_o be_v beautiful_a to_o he_o five_o with_o earnest_n humble_a and_o particular_a confession_n of_o his_o sin_n he_o pour_v out_o prayer_n to_o god_n for_o the_o pardon_n of_o they_o in_o christ_n six_o he_o have_v find_v out_o this_o pearl_n prize_v it_o as_o it_o be_v worth_a and_o therefore_o sell_v all_o that_o he_o have_v bid_v farewell_n to_o his_o sweet_a delight_n for_o the_o attain_n of_o it_o which_o affection_n be_v not_o for_o a_o moment_n but_o be_v write_v as_o it_o be_v with_o the_o point_n of_o a_o diamond_n never_o to_o be_v raze_v out_o again_o seven_o then_o he_o come_v to_o apply_v the_o gospel_n to_o himself_o as_o before_o he_o do_v the_o law_n and_o seal_v up_o his_o salvation_n in_o his_o heart_n reason_v from_o those_o gracious_a promise_n which_o god_n have_v make_v to_o such_o as_o he_o be_v thus_o by_o often_o and_o deep_o weigh_v the_o truth_n unchangeableness_n and_o perpetuity_n of_o the_o promise_n he_o come_v at_o length_n to_o be_v settle_v in_o faith_n this_o faith_n unit_v he_o to_o christ_n and_o bring_v he_o to_o happiness_n and_o it_o be_v wrought_v inward_o by_o the_o spirit_n while_o man_n obey_v god_n ordinance_n in_o the_o hear_n of_o the_o word_n the_o outward_a mean_n of_o salvation_n now_o the_o mark_n of_o faith_n to_o be_v see_v in_o the_o believer_n by_o himself_o or_o other_o be_v 1._o if_o he_o strive_v against_o doubt_v judg._n 6.17_o 2._o if_o not_o feel_v faith_n he_o complain_v bitter_o of_o the_o want_n of_o it_o 3._o if_o he_o seek_v fervent_o to_o be_v settle_v in_o believe_v 4._o if_o he_o desire_v to_o search_v out_o the_o sin_n which_o may_v possible_o hinder_v he_o and_o endeavour_v to_o expel_v it_o the_o main_a cause_n why_o so_o many_o do_v want_v faith_n be_v the_o devil_n bewitch_a and_o blind_n of_o man_n 2_o cor._n 4.3_o 4._o wherein_o man_n fault_n be_v that_o he_o open_v his_o ear_n and_o give_v credit_n to_o satan_n deceitful_a suggestion_n for_o the_o prevent_n therefore_o of_o this_o danger_n the_o lord_n have_v give_v watchman_n to_o warn_v the_o people_n of_o the_o peril_n the_o reason_n therefore_o why_o man_n do_v not_o avoid_v it_o be_v either_o in_o the_o minister_n that_o he_o do_v not_o warn_v they_o aright_o or_o else_o in_o the_o people_n that_o they_o do_v not_o receive_v it_o in_o the_o minister_n 1._o if_o they_o teach_v not_o at_o all_o 2._o if_o they_o teach_v seldom_o 3._o if_o they_o teach_v but_o not_o plain_o to_o the_o capacity_n of_o the_o hearer_n 4._o if_o by_o catechise_v they_o do_v not_o teach_v the_o ground_n of_o faith_n in_o right_n and_o good_a order_n 5._o if_o they_o be_v not_o ready_a by_o private_a conference_n to_o satisfy_v their_o doubt_n 6._o if_o they_o have_v not_o a_o christian_a care_n of_o give_v good_a example_n by_o a_o holy_a and_o blameless_a life_n but_o the_o minister_n must_v consider_v their_o duty_n lay_v forth_o first_o by_o title_n as_o watchman_n labourer_n matth._n 9.37_o salt_n and_o light_n mat._n 5.13.14_o shepherd_n joh._n 21.15_o good_a scribe_n matth._n 13._o steward_n 1_o cor._n 4.1_o nurse_n 1_o thess_n 2.7_o second_o in_o commandment_n act_n 20.28_o 2_o timoth._n 4.2_o for_o their_o better_a encouragement_n they_o must_v consider_v first_o the_o honour_n vouchsafe_v to_o they_o to_o be_v god_n his_o ambassador_n second_o the_o comfort_n of_o this_o labour_n three_o the_o good_a that_o they_o may_v do_v four_o the_o great_a reward_n prepare_v for_o they_o dan._n 12.3_o the_o let_n that_o be_v in_o the_o people_n be_v first_o if_o they_o esteem_v light_o of_o the_o gospel_n prefer_v other_o thing_n before_o it_o luke_n 24._o second_o if_o they_o imagine_v it_o a_o impossible_a thing_n to_o get_v assurance_n of_o salvation_n in_o this_o life_n three_o if_o they_o think_v it_o though_o not_o impossible_a yet_o not_o any_o way_n necessary_a four_o if_o they_o think_v it_o both_o possible_a and_o necessary_a but_o too_o hard_a to_o come_v by_o five_o if_o they_o be_v careless_a and_o ignorant_a six_o if_o for_o fear_n of_o lose_v other_o pleasure_n they_o forbear_v to_o seek_v after_o this_o seven_o if_o they_o presume_v of_o their_o faith_n live_v still_o in_o their_o sin_n eight_o if_o there_o be_v never_o through_o brokennesse_n of_o heart_n prepare_v to_o receive_v the_o gospel_n nine_o if_o for_o fear_n of_o not_o continue_v they_o will_v not_o begin_v ten_o if_o they_o do_v work_v it_o upon_o themselves_o but_o do_v deal_v slight_o with_o it_o eleven_o if_o they_o content_v themselves_o with_o sudden_a flash_n that_o soon_o be_v out_o and_o do_v not_o seek_v to_o be_v settle_v a_o naked_a and_o bare_a desire_n of_o salvation_n now_o and_o then_o stir_v up_o in_o a_o man_n be_v not_o to_o believe_v first_o true_a desire_n can_v be_v satisfy_v without_o it_o and_o therefore_o give_v not_o over_o till_o it_o obtain_v it_o second_o it_o make_v high_a account_n of_o it_o as_o of_o a_o precious_a faith_n and_o value_v of_o it_o according_a to_o the_o worthiness_n of_o it_o he_o seek_v willing_o and_o ready_o he_o settle_v his_o heart_n upon_o the_o promise_n of_o god_n he_o meditate_v on_o god_n commandment_n that_o he_o shall_v believe_v by_o these_o mean_v he_o come_v to_o be_v settle_v which_o do_v he_o must_v beware_v of_o all_o occasion_n that_o may_v unsettle_v he_o again_o espcial_o that_o he_o do_v not_o give_v too_o much_o place_n to_o fleshly_a reason_n and_o carnal_a doubt_n nor_o hearken_v to_o evil_a suggestion_n because_o the_o child_n of_o god_n after_o they_o have_v believe_v be_v often_o draw_v from_o their_o hold_n and_o cause_v to_o suspect_v themselves_o and_o so_o fall_v into_o much_o fear_n and_o doubt_v that_o they_o be_v none_o of_o the_o lord_n they_o must_v therefore_o learn_v to_o strengthen_v themselves_o thus_o 1._o they_o must_v know_v that_o in_o god_n there_o be_v no_o shadow_n of_o change_n and_o therefore_o that_o it_o be_v their_o weakness_n to_o entertain_v such_o thought_n psalm_n 77.13_o for_o he_o ought_v not_o to_o cast_v away_o his_o confidence_n heb._n 10.35_o 2._o he_o may_v persuade_v himself_o that_o he_o labour_v after_o and_o groan_v to_o rest_v his_o weary_a heart_n on_o the_o promise_n of_o god_n shall_v never_o be_v whole_o forsake_v though_o sometime_o destitute_a of_o feeling_n now_o if_o any_o ask_v why_o do_v god_n suffer_v his_o child_n to_o fall_v into_o such_o fear_n quest_n it_o be_v for_o this_o lest_o by_o a_o sudden_a absolute_a change_n answ_n they_o shall_v become_v secure_a or_o presumptuous_a 3._o they_o must_v know_v that_o the_o root_n of_o our_o comfort_n be_v not_o in_o the_o strength_n of_o our_o christian_a life_n but_o in_o the_o free_a grace_n of_o god_n in_o christ_n and_o therefore_o the_o weakness_n therein_o ought_v not_o to_o bring_v we_o into_o doubt_v of_o our_o salvation_n it_o may_v be_v weak_a but_o it_o shall_v never_o be_v extinguish_v for_o he_o that_o be_v new_o bear_v can_v never_o die_v 4._o they_o must_v call_v to_o mind_n that_o they_o be_v yet_o but_o child_n subject_a to_o many_o disease_n and_o some_o of_o those_o such_o as_o may_v take_v away_o sense_n of_o life_n which_o must_v move_v we_o not_o to_o despair_v but_o to_o seek_v which_o the_o all_o diligence_n for_o the_o cure_n of_o they_o whereas_o if_o any_o object_n quest_n many_o of_o the_o faithful_a be_v bring_v to_o that_o pass_n that_o be_v persuade_v that_o they_o be_v reprobate_n be_v near_o unto_o desperation_n they_o have_v a_o sense_n of_o god_n his_o wrath_n and_o be_v in_o great_a anguish_n of_o conscience_n how_o shall_v they_o stay_v themselves_o in_o this_o estate_n i_o answer_v they_o answ_n 1._o they_o may_v be_v assure_v of_o this_o that_o they_o be_v not_o without_o hope_n of_o mercy_n because_o they_o have_v not_o sin_v against_o the_o holy_a ghost_n for_o they_o have_v not_o malicious_o set_v themselves_o against_o the_o truth_n of_o god_n they_o have_v not_o wilful_o persecute_v it_o against_o their_o conscience_n but_o do_v love_v the_o same_o and_o desire_n to_o be_v partaker_n of_o it_o 2._o they_o must_v learn_v to_o know_v from_o who_o this_o delusion_n come_v even_o from_o satan_n who_o labour_v either_o to_o wring_v their_o hope_n from_o they_o or_o else_o to_o weary_v their_o life_n with_o heaviness_n and_o discomfort_n this_o he_o attempt_v first_o by_o spiritual_a suggestion_n he_o be_v a_o spirit_n and_o help_v also_o with_o the_o long_a experience_n which_o he_o have_v have_v of_o this_o trade_n and_o therefore_o
they_o have_v in_o they_o they_o watch_v their_o heart_n diligent_o they_o pray_v against_o they_o oft_o and_o earnest_o they_o be_v always_o in_o fear_n lest_o they_o shall_v be_v overcome_v and_o cast_v how_o they_o may_v avoid_v the_o occasion_n of_o sin_n so_o that_o sin_n become_v odious_a unto_o they_o yet_o not_o ever_o overcome_v of_o they_o but_o often_o unsettle_a and_o distemper_a and_o as_o often_o renew_v the_o covenant_n with_o the_o lord_n to_o please_v he_o better_o sometime_o discourage_v but_o rise_v again_o glad_a to_o use_v all_o good_a help_n both_o public_a and_o private_a and_o have_v prevail_v against_o great_a corruption_n be_v earnest_o set_v against_o the_o small_a and_o such_o as_o seem_v less_o dangerous_a as_o the_o idle_a roving_n of_o their_o brain_n which_o do_v not_o direct_o so_o much_o carry_v they_o after_o evil_a as_o hinder_v they_o from_o good_a they_o be_v hold_v under_o some_o infirmity_n that_o they_o may_v be_v more_o humble_a and_o not_o forget_v what_o they_o be_v in_o time_n past_a so_o that_o this_o second_o age_n and_o growth_n in_o christianity_n be_v a_o strive_v rather_o betwixt_o fear_n and_o hope_n sorrow_n and_o joy_n than_o a_o superiority_n over_o unruly_a affection_n a_o estate_n stand_v in_o need_n of_o counsel_n and_o help_v rather_o than_o fit_v and_o experience_v to_o counsel_n direct_a &_o settle_v other_o but_o the_o more_o sure_o they_o be_v of_o their_o salvation_n the_o more_o expert_a they_o shall_v be_v in_o the_o battle_n the_o three_o sort_n compare_v to_o little_a child_n who_o hang_v upon_o the_o breast_n and_o do_v labour_n for_o knowledge_n of_o their_o father_n in_o christ_n and_o desire_v the_o mean_n of_o their_o spiritual_a nourishment_n 1_o pet._n 2.2_o their_o thought_n be_v take_v up_o in_o these_o thing_n and_o their_o keep_a themselves_o that_o they_o may_v not_o offend_v or_o displease_v their_o father_n they_o be_v cheerful_a while_o their_o small_a faith_n be_v uphold_v by_o cleave_v to_o the_o promise_n and_o as_o uncheerfull_a when_o as_o faith_n fail_v moan_v and_o pine_v if_o it_o be_v long_o want_v where_o they_o must_v take_v heed_n of_o two_o peril_n the_o first_o be_v lest_o upon_o pretence_n of_o seek_v continuance_n of_o comfort_n they_o neglect_v their_o lawful_a business_n for_o satan_n appear_v as_o a_o angel_n of_o light_n the_o second_o lest_o in_o want_n of_o comfort_n they_o be_v drive_v to_o any_o distrustful_a or_o desperate_a fear_n for_o so_o the_o devil_n appear_v as_o a_o roar_a lyon_n these_o must_v grow_v daily_o out_o of_o their_o childishness_n mislike_v all_o such_o fault_n as_o they_o spy_v in_o themselves_o and_o purge_v themselves_o from_o they_o with_o these_o the_o lord_n deal_v most_o kind_o not_o show_v they_o all_o their_o corruption_n at_o once_o which_o be_v enough_o to_o dismay_v they_o nor_o how_o many_o affliction_n abide_v they_o which_o be_v like_a to_o confound_v they_o thus_o we_o may_v see_v in_o these_o three_o degree_n how_o for_o the_o most_o part_n the_o purge_v heart_n of_o god_n child_n be_v take_v up_o the_o weak_a of_o which_o do_v far_o differ_v from_o the_o secret_a hypocrite_n which_o of_o all_o unreformed_a we_o come_v near_o they_o thus_o have_v speak_v of_o inward_a lust_n and_o sin_n of_o the_o heart_n and_o show_v how_o they_o be_v dislike_v and_o renounce_v of_o all_o the_o believer_n the_o like_a be_v to_o be_v show_v of_o outward_a sin_n of_o the_o life_n that_o they_o be_v abhor_v and_o shun_v also_o which_o be_v the_o rather_o to_o be_v consider_v because_o many_o boast_n they_o have_v true_a heart_n to_o god_n when_o their_o life_n be_v wicked_a but_o to_o rejoice_v either_o about_o their_o salvation_n or_o the_o goodness_n of_o their_o heart_n if_o their_o behaviour_n be_v stain_v with_o outward_a wickedness_n and_o their_o holy_a profession_n blemish_v with_o open_a and_o shameful_a sin_n be_v vain_a for_o none_o can_v be_v true_o godly_a that_o do_v not_o endeavour_v to_o walk_v free_a from_o offensive_a evil_n if_o he_o do_v know_v they_o to_o be_v sin_n which_o may_v be_v show_v abundant_o in_o the_o scripture_n by_o doctrine_n 1_o samuel_n 7.4_o hos_fw-la 14.9_o 2_o cor._n 7.1_o 2_o pet._n 2.20_o jam._n 1.25_o rom._n 6.2_o by_o example_n joseph_n gen._n 39.10_o moses_n heb._n 11.24_o zacheus_n luk._n 19.2_o of_o the_o sinful_a woman_n luk._n 7.37_o these_o forsake_v those_o sin_n which_o by_o nature_n they_o love_v and_o by_o custom_n they_o have_v long_o lie_v in_o do_v plain_o show_v that_o they_o believe_v in_o christ_n forsake_v their_o old_a sin_n though_o they_o be_v never_o so_o pleasant_a unto_o they_o notwithstanding_o the_o former_a doctrine_n be_v most_o plain_a for_o scripture_n and_o reason_n yet_o there_o be_v many_o that_o hope_v for_o salvation_n and_o yet_o renounce_v not_o open_a sin_n and_o outward_a offence_n these_o be_v refer_v to_o four_o sort_n the_o first_o be_v gross_a offender_n who_o every_o vile_a person_n do_v scorn_n because_o he_o do_v see_v their_o hypocrisy_n by_o open_a and_o often_o commit_v evil_n and_o have_v christian_a religion_n itself_o in_o mean_a account_n for_o their_o cause_n for_o profane_a man_n when_o they_o see_v any_o walk_n sincere_o indeed_o &_o without_o just_a cause_n of_o rebuke_n be_v little_o move_v at_o their_o example_n neither_o great_o reverence_v they_o or_o take_v any_o good_a by_o they_o but_o reproach_n they_o rather_o but_o that_o be_v because_o they_o see_v so_o many_o who_o beside_o some_o outward_a appearance_n of_o zeal_n be_v little_o better_o in_o their_o life_n than_o themselves_o and_o therefore_o they_o be_v harden_v to_o think_v so_o of_o all_o the_o rest_n which_o wilful_a blindness_n and_o hardness_n of_o heart_n though_o it_o be_v a_o fearful_a sign_n of_o god_n his_o vengeance_n to_o they_o yet_o this_o in_o great_a part_n may_v be_v just_o ascribe_v to_o the_o life_n of_o those_o who_o profess_v godliness_n in_o their_o deed_n deny_v the_o same_o 2_o tim._n 5_o 6._o for_o who_o it_o have_v be_v better_a they_o have_v never_o make_v any_o profession_n at_o all_o such_o as_o saul_n 1_o sam._n 22.18_o the_o second_o sort_n be_v such_o as_o be_v rude_a and_o ignorant_a be_v altogether_o careless_a flatter_a themselves_o in_o that_o gross_a and_o brutish_a estate_n who_o have_v many_o speech_n also_o suitable_a to_o their_o life_n which_o lie_v open_v their_o heart_n to_o all_o a_o three_o sort_n be_v such_o as_o because_o they_o keep_v within_o some_o civil_a course_n of_o honesty_n and_o be_v free_a from_o gross_a crime_n think_v themselves_o to_o be_v in_o very_o good_a estate_n though_o their_o open_a fault_n be_v many_o some_o of_o these_o as_o also_o of_o the_o former_a be_v sometime_o prick_v in_o conscience_n for_o sin_n or_o rather_o for_o the_o punishment_n of_o it_o exod._n 9.27_o and_o some_o kind_n of_o change_n mark_n 6.19_o hos_fw-la 6.4_o mich._n 6.6_o they_o will_v sometime_o make_v vow_n and_o covenant_n to_o do_v well_o psal_n 78.36_o they_o will_v sharp_o reprove_v other_o ps_n 50.16_o they_o have_v some_o sudden_a flash_n of_o grace_n &_o yet_o do_v want_v true_a godliness_n and_o therefore_o have_v their_o sentence_n pronounce_v by_o our_o saviour_n matth._n 21.31_o and_o 5.20_o a_o four_o sort_n of_o professer_n be_v such_o as_o for_o their_o seem_a zeal_n do_v think_v so_o well_o of_o themselves_o that_o they_o can_v brook_v or_o abide_v any_o other_o that_o differ_v from_o they_o in_o judgement_n they_o be_v taunter_n railer_n and_o slanderer_n of_o their_o brethren_n yea_o most_o sharp_a and_o uncharitable_a and_o proud_a censurer_n of_o their_o brethren_n and_o better_n who_o be_v so_o soon_o ripe_a in_o their_o own_o conceit_n that_o none_o be_v meet_a enough_o or_o sufficient_a to_o teach_v they_o some_o also_o inordinate_a liver_n tit._n 3._o worse_n in_o their_o deal_n than_o man_n who_o profess_v no_o religion_n earthly_a unquiet_a and_o such_o like_a the_o life_n thus_o lead_v be_v not_o the_o life_n which_o god_n require_v neither_o be_v those_o work_n which_o faith_n afford_v so_o that_o howsoever_o god_n gather_v his_o elect_n out_o of_o all_o these_o kind_n yet_o be_v none_o of_o they_o to_o be_v account_v as_o he_o while_o their_o heart_n abide_v stain_v with_o such_o corruption_n or_o their_o life_n defile_v with_o such_o treachery_n against_o this_o that_o have_v be_v say_v some_o will_v be_v object_v and_o ask_v why_o such_o difference_n be_v make_v of_o man_n have_v the_o godly_a not_o fault_n be_v they_o without_o infirmity_n be_v they_o not_o like_v unto_o other_o man_n in_o sin_v if_o it_o be_v so_o why_o shall_v they_o be_v shoal_v from_o the_o other_o i_o answer_v that_o as_o for_o difference_n of_o man_n they_o be_v put_v by_o the_o lord_n himself_o both_o in_o name_n conversation_z
ordinary_a and_o partly_o extraordinary_a and_o both_o of_o these_o either_o public_a or_o private_a the_o public_a be_v such_o as_o be_v use_v in_o our_o open_a assembly_n ordinary_o these_o be_v three_o first_o the_o ministry_n of_o the_o word_n second_o the_o administration_n of_o the_o sacrament_n three_o the_o exercise_n of_o prayer_n with_o thanksgiving_n and_o sing_v of_o psalm_n of_o private_a some_o be_v to_o be_v use_v alone_o by_o ourselves_o as_o watchfulness_n meditation_n and_o the_o armour_n of_o a_o christian_a with_o experience_n some_o be_v to_o be_v use_v with_o other_o as_o society_n of_o conference_n and_o family-exercise_n some_o be_v common_a to_o both_o as_o prayer_z and_z reading_z the_o first_o and_o principal_n be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n read_v preach_v and_o hear_v as_o the_o lord_n prescribe_v that_o this_o be_v a_o singular_a help_n we_o may_v see_v if_o we_o consider_v the_o truth_n authority_n sufficiency_n and_o plainness_n through_o the_o ministry_n and_o translation_n which_o be_v in_o the_o scripture_n to_o speak_v therefore_o nothing_o of_o the_o benefit_n which_o it_o bring_v unto_o the_o unregenerate_a unto_o who_o it_o be_v of_o might_n to_o convert_v they_o the_o use_n be_v many_o and_o daily_a which_o the_o regenerate_a people_n of_o god_n have_v by_o it_o first_o by_o it_o they_o be_v clear_v from_o error_n and_o darkness_n about_o religion_n and_o manner_n and_o be_v make_v more_o sound_a in_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o truth_n and_o see_v more_o particular_o into_o the_o way_n and_o whole_a course_n of_o christianity_n 2._o they_o grow_v settle_v and_o establish_v in_o their_o knowledge_n from_o day_n to_o day_n 3._o they_o be_v by_o this_o quicken_a in_o their_o drowsiness_n cheer_v in_o their_o heaviness_n call_v back_o from_o their_o wander_n raise_v up_o when_o they_o be_v fall_v and_o counsel_v in_o their_o doubtful_a case_n of_o advice_n 4._o they_o be_v by_o it_o settle_v in_o a_o godly_a course_n and_o teach_v to_o keep_v well_o when_o they_o be_v well_o rather_o than_o to_o be_v fickle_a &_o inconstant_a in_o good_a carriage_n of_o themselves_o as_o many_o be_v for_o by_o it_o as_o by_o a_o sun_n that_o give_v light_a in_o all_o place_n they_o espy_v their_o weakness_n and_o how_o they_o be_v hold_v back_o when_o they_o be_v fall_v and_o which_o be_v the_o right_a way_n of_o proceed_v by_o it_o as_o by_o a_o rule_n they_o be_v teach_v to_o frame_v all_o their_o action_n 5._o they_o be_v bring_v to_o bestow_v some_o time_n in_o pofitable_a read_n 6._o they_o be_v frame_v so_o as_o they_o become_v light_n and_o example_n to_o other_o so_o that_o we_o may_v bold_o conclude_v that_o the_o ordinary_a preach_v of_o the_o word_n be_v a_o singular_a mean_n provide_v for_o the_o perfect_a of_o god_n elect_n and_o for_o their_o grow_v in_o a_o christian_a life_n and_o whosoever_o live_v where_o there_o be_v a_o good_a order_n of_o teach_v with_o diligence_n skill_n love_n and_o plainness_n if_o he_o find_v not_o this_o fruit_n by_o it_o it_o be_v because_o he_o be_v not_o attentik_a and_o reverend_a in_o hear_v he_o be_v not_o prepare_v before_o to_o hear_v or_o else_o do_v not_o apply_v unto_o himself_o nor_o willing_o digest_v that_o which_o he_o have_v hear_v but_o be_v surfeit_v of_o some_o dangerous_a quality_n in_o his_o life_n or_o corruption_n in_o his_o heart_n among_o which_o this_o be_v a_o special_a one_o among_o the_o people_n that_o as_o they_o think_v of_o the_o person_n that_o teach_v so_o they_o do_v of_o his_o doctrine_n and_o not_o otherwise_o as_o for_o the_o sacrament_n they_o be_v help_v necessary_o adjoin_v unto_o the_o former_a for_o they_o do_v visible_o confirm_v and_o ratify_v that_o which_o the_o word_n do_v teach_v and_o the_o covenant_n betwixt_o god_n and_o the_o believer_n make_v be_v most_o sure_o seal_v up_o and_o effectual_o on_o both_o party_n by_o they_o first_o the_o lord_n for_o his_o part_n have_v grant_v to_o every_o faithful_a person_n that_o he_o will_v never_o call_v his_o sin_n to_o a_o reckon_n but_o will_v be_v his_o god_n and_o love_v he_o to_o the_o end_n through_o christ_n for_o the_o ratify_v whereof_o he_o have_v put_v to_o his_o seal_n so_o that_o the_o sacrament_n must_v needs_o remain_v effectual_a to_o the_o faithful_a both_o for_o the_o strengthen_n of_o his_o faith_n in_o the_o promise_n and_o also_o for_o remove_v of_o all_o contrary_a doubt_n which_o through_o weakness_n may_v arise_v so_o on_o the_o other_o part_n every_o believer_n for_o his_o own_o part_n have_v covenant_v to_o trust_v in_o god_n always_o to_o endeavour_n to_o walk_v before_o he_o conscionable_o in_o righteousness_n of_o heart_n and_o innocence_n of_o hand_n now_o of_o the_o truth_n of_o his_o heart_n the_o sacrament_n be_v a_o sign_n which_o he_o have_v receive_v have_v open_o profess_v thereby_o that_o he_o have_v give_v and_o consecrate_v himself_o unto_o the_o lord_n and_o be_v now_o no_o more_o his_o own_o to_o live_v as_o his_o carnal_a will_n will_v desire_v so_o that_o either_o the_o present_a receive_n or_o the_o fresh_a remembrance_n of_o this_o do_v spur_v he_o forward_o to_o keep_v his_o covenant_n and_o encourage_v he_o against_o temptation_n wearisomeness_n and_o all_o hindrance_n especial_o believe_v that_o strength_n in_o measure_n shall_v be_v give_v he_o of_o god_n to_o perform_v that_o which_o he_o have_v promise_v and_o seal_v by_o all_o which_o we_o may_v see_v that_o howsoever_o the_o sacrament_n be_v unto_o the_o unbeliever_n even_o as_o a_o mystery_n or_o hide_a thing_n yet_o the_o believer_n have_v be_v sound_o instruct_v therein_o behold_v much_o both_o for_o the_o strengthen_n of_o his_o faith_n and_o his_o encouragement_n in_o a_o godly_a life_n first_o this_o may_v be_v see_v particular_o in_o the_o two_o sacrament_n for_o the_o faithful_a christian_a which_o have_v be_v baptize_v as_o he_o by_o his_o engraff_n into_o christ_n be_v one_o with_o he_o and_o therefore_o while_n christ_n live_v must_v live_v also_o so_o he_o have_v thereby_o prepare_v union_n and_o fellowship_n with_o he_o do_v draw_v strength_n and_o grace_n from_o he_o even_o as_o the_o branch_n from_o the_o vine_n viz._n the_o power_n of_o his_o death_n for_o the_o mortify_n of_o sin_n and_o the_o virtue_n of_o his_o resurrection_n in_o raise_v he_o up_o to_o newness_n of_o life_n so_o that_o baptism_n throughout_o his_o life_n must_v needs_o be_v a_o forcible_a mean_n to_o help_v he_o forward_o in_o a_o christian_a course_n as_o oft_o as_o he_o do_v due_o consider_v it_o 2._o likewise_o that_o the_o lord_n supper_n be_v a_o excellent_a help_n we_o may_v see_v in_o three_o specialty_n viz._n 1._o in_o the_o preparation_n to_o it_o 2._o in_o the_o present_a use_n of_o it_o 3._o in_o the_o time_n which_o follow_v after_o 1._o the_o first_o consist_v in_o the_o trial_n that_o every_o man_n ought_v to_o take_v of_o himself_o concern_v his_o knowledge_n both_o general_a and_o particular_a his_o faith_n in_o god_n promise_n his_o diligent_a endeavour_n for_o the_o remove_n and_o subdue_a of_o all_o sin_n and_o for_o readiness_n in_o any_o duty_n his_o love_n towards_o all_o man_n and_o last_o concern_v his_o hunger_a after_o this_o sacrament_n and_o the_o benefit_n which_o god_n offer_v by_o it_o these_o property_n if_o he_o find_v to_o be_v in_o himself_o he_o be_v a_o fit_a and_o welcome_a guest_n to_o the_o lord_n table_n but_o if_o through_o sloth_n forgetfulness_n darkness_n corruption_n and_o weakness_n these_o grace_n be_v weaken_v dim_a and_o decay_a he_o may_v not_o rash_o put_v forth_o himself_o in_o that_o case_n but_o speedy_o seek_v to_o recover_v himself_o again_o by_o search_v the_o ground_n and_o serious_a renew_n of_o his_o faith_n and_o repentance_n which_o thing_n be_v so_o it_o can_v be_v but_o that_o this_o kind_n of_o preparation_n must_v be_v a_o singular_a help_n to_o those_o that_o enjoy_v it_o so_o likewise_o at_o the_o supper_n itself_o where_o he_o may_v and_o aught_o to_o meditate_v on_o the_o dainty_n of_o the_o banquet_n and_o the_o love_n of_o he_o that_o ordain_v it_o on_o the_o communion_n he_o have_v with_o christ_n and_o his_o grace_n and_o on_o the_o outward_a sign_n what_o they_o assure_v he_o of_o and_o on_o the_o word_n preach_v which_o show_v he_o all_o this_o when_o as_o by_o the_o apply_v of_o these_o thing_n he_o come_v to_o be_v comfort_v and_o make_v glad_a or_o rather_o to_o be_v revive_v and_o quicken_v in_o his_o soul_n with_o the_o spiritual_a dainty_n which_o by_o true_a faith_n he_o feed_v upon_o how_o can_v he_o but_o praise_n and_o bless_v the_o author_n of_o this_o banquet_n how_o can_v he_o but_o be_v much_o hearten_v &_o set_v forward_o in_o a_o christian_a course_n it_o be_v also_o of_o
continual_a dog_v of_o they_o to_o do_v evil_a it_o shall_v teach_v they_o to_o trust_v better_o in_o their_o armour_n and_o less_o to_o themselves_o where_o we_o suspect_v that_o corruption_n grow_v if_o we_o go_v not_o about_o to_o pull_v they_o out_o and_o pluck_v they_o up_o they_o will_v be_v too_o deep_o fasten_v in_o a_o short_a time_n though_o man_n pray_v and_o meditate_v and_o keep_v a_o better_a course_n in_o his_o life_n than_o some_o do_v yet_o if_o he_o do_v it_o but_o slight_o that_o the_o flesh_n prevail_v much_o in_o hinder_v the_o well-performing_a of_o it_o all_o will_v soon_o come_v to_o nought_o it_o may_v be_v perceive_v in_o the_o sway_n it_o bear_v in_o other_o part_n of_o the_o life_n and_o then_o let_v it_o be_v speedy_o amend_v it_o be_v good_a so_o to_o taste_v ourselves_o with_o duty_n one_o or_o other_o at_o all_o time_n and_o in_o all_o place_n that_o so_o do_v we_o may_v cut_v off_o occasion_n of_o much_o sin_n let_v no_o sin_n be_v slight_o pass_v over_o or_o omit_v for_o when_o it_o come_v to_o remembrance_n in_o trouble_n it_o will_v be_v a_o heavy_a burden_n and_o pinch_v we_o to_o the_o heart_n the_o three_o private_a help_n be_v the_o armour_n of_o a_o christian_a concern_v which_o four_a point_n be_v fit_a to_o be_v know_v 1._o first_o what_o it_o be_v and_o which_o be_v the_o chief_a part_n of_o it_o it_o be_v that_o spiritual_a furniture_n of_o the_o gift_n and_o grace_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n by_o which_o god_n do_v deliver_v his_o from_o all_o adversary_n power_n and_o bring_v they_o to_o the_o obedience_n of_o his_o will_n 2_o cor._n 10.4_o the_o part_n be_v set_v down_o ephes_n 6.14_o 1_o whereof_o the_o first_o be_v sincerity_n which_o be_v the_o general_a grace_n whereby_o a_o christian_a be_v make_v simple_a and_o without_o fraud_n or_o hypocrisy_n bear_v sway_n in_o he_o both_o towards_o god_n and_o his_o neighbour_n psal_n 32_o 2._o matth._n 5.8_o pro._n 30.6_o 2_o the_o sâ—cond_o be_v righteousness_n which_o be_v that_o gift_n of_o the_o spirit_n whereby_o our_o heart_n be_v bend_v to_o all_o manner_n of_o goodness_n and_o righteous_a deal_n approve_v of_o it_o as_o most_o excellent_a desire_v fervent_o and_o delight_v in_o it_o and_o that_o because_o it_o be_v good_a and_o dislike_a and_o hate_v of_o all_o naughtiness_n and_o evil_a pro._n 28.1_o psal_n 1.7_o 3_o the_o three_o be_v the_o shoe_n of_o peace_n which_o be_v that_o have_v receive_v the_o gospel_n and_o find_v the_o sweetness_n of_o it_o we_o be_v now_o thereby_o as_o they_o who_o be_v ready_a to_o take_v a_o journey_n shod_a and_o prepare_v ready_a to_o deny_v ourselves_o and_o to_o take_v up_o our_o cross_n and_o follow_v christ_n through_o this_o our_o pilgrimage_n rom._n 5.1_o luk._n 22.33.57_o phil._n 4_o 7._o joh._n 16.33_o 4_o the_o four_o be_v the_o shield_n of_o faith_n which_o be_v to_o build_v our_o perwasion_n on_o god_n his_o faithful_a promise_n that_o christ_n jesus_n be_v we_o and_o that_o god_n have_v give_v he_o to_o we_o to_o obtain_v forgiveness_n of_o our_o sin_n and_o salvation_n by_o he_o yea_o and_o all_o other_o good_a thing_n also_o meet_v for_o this_o present_a life_n colos_n 1.33_o 5_o the_o five_o his_o hope_n which_o be_v a_o joyful_a longing_n and_o steadfast_a desire_n and_o look_v for_o the_o perform_n and_o accomplish_v of_o all_o those_o mercy_n temporal_a and_o eternal_a which_o god_n have_v promise_v and_o we_o by_o faith_n be_v assure_v of_o luk._n 2.30_o pet._n 1.13_o 6_o the_o six_o be_v the_o sword_n of_o the_o spirit_n which_o be_v to_o be_v well_o instruct_v in_o the_o sound_n and_o live_a knowledge_n of_o the_o scripture_n and_o to_o digest_v the_o same_o and_o also_o season_v our_o understanding_n within_o we_o in_o such_o wise_a that_o we_o may_v know_v the_o will_n of_o god_n and_o have_v the_o same_o in_o remembrance_n in_o the_o thing_n which_o most_o concern_v we_o as_o we_o can_v â—hat_n thereby_o we_o may_v at_o all_o time_n and_o in_o all_o case_n be_v ready_o lead_v by_o it_o psal_n 119.105_o where_o it_o be_v to_o be_v remember_v that_o he_o which_o have_v most_o knowledge_n if_o he_o be_v not_o guide_v by_o that_o he_o understand_v he_o know_v nothing_o as_o he_o ought_v 1_o cor._n 3.18_o prov._n 3.6_o joh._n 13.17_o the_o second_o general_a point_n be_v the_o necessity_n of_o this_o armour_n viz._n that_o we_o shall_v clothe_v and_o furnish_v our_o soul_n with_o every_o part_n of_o it_o which_o be_v so_o great_a that_o the_o right_a christian_a life_n can_v stand_v without_o it_o for_o to_o venture_v upon_o the_o manifold_a tribulation_n of_o this_o life_n without_o the_o shoe_n of_o preparation_n be_v as_o much_o as_o to_o go_v barefoot_a among_o thorn_n or_o to_o run_v naked_a upon_o the_o pike_n to_o be_v destitute_a of_o this_o shield_n of_o faith_n be_v the_o undoubted_a way_n either_o to_o despair_v utter_o or_o else_o in_o deadly_a presumption_n and_o security_n to_o drown_v ourselves_o in_o perdition_n to_o leave_v off_o the_o breastplate_n of_o righteousness_n be_v to_o expose_v himself_o into_o the_o danger_n of_o every_o temptation_n for_o he_o that_o do_v not_o from_o time_n to_o time_n afresh_o indent_v with_o his_o heart_n against_o all_o unrighteousness_n he_o may_v look_v to_o be_v carry_v into_o those_o unlawful_a action_n which_o shall_v bring_v disgace_z to_o himself_o and_o his_o holy_a profession_n also_o 1_o cor._n 6.4.5_o he_o that_o have_v not_o the_o sword_n of_o god_n spirit_n so_o that_o he_o be_v able_a to_o say_v in_o temptation_n it_o be_v write_v to_o the_o contrary_a shall_v never_o be_v able_a to_o cut_v in_o sunder_o those_o bond_n of_o sin_n wherewith_o he_o shall_v be_v compass_v he_o that_o have_v not_o all_o these_o gird_v to_o he_o with_o sincerity_n and_o truth_n shall_v but_o deceive_v himself_o and_o other_o also_o he_o that_o have_v not_o true_a hope_n of_o salvation_n to_o keep_v life_n in_o his_o soul_n how_o can_v he_o be_v void_a of_o faint_v irksomeness_n heaviness_n distraction_n dumpishnesse_n and_o sundry_a such_o discouragement_n or_o how_o can_v he_o have_v any_o cheerfulness_n in_o his_o life_n or_o contentedness_n that_o have_v not_o this_o hope_n of_o pass_v his_o afflict_a day_n under_o the_o wing_n of_o god_n his_o protection_n so_o that_o we_o may_v well_o affirm_v without_o this_o complete_a armour_n of_o god_n that_o the_o christian_a life_n can_v be_v continue_v the_o three_o point_n be_v how_o this_o armour_n shall_v be_v put_v on_o for_o the_o answer_n whereof_o we_o be_v to_o know_v that_o it_o be_v not_o whole_o want_v in_o any_o true_a christian_a for_o every_o true_a believer_n at_o his_o first_o conversion_n be_v make_v partaker_n though_o in_o weak_a measure_n of_o all_o thing_n appertain_v to_o life_n and_o godliness_n 1_o pet._n 1.4_o what_o then_o mean_v the_o apostle_n when_o he_o bid_v we_o put_v on_o this_o armour_n his_o meaning_n be_v that_o we_o shall_v not_o have_v it_o as_o man_n in_o the_o time_n of_o peace_n have_v their_o bodily_a armour_n hang_v by_o they_o unfit_a fâ—r_n use_v but_o as_o soldier_n have_v they_o in_o battle_n we_o must_v be_v sure_a that_o in_o all_o place_n and_o upon_o all_o occasion_n we_o have_v it_o with_o we_o so_o far_o as_o we_o be_v able_a we_o must_v lie_v down_o and_o rise_v up_o with_o it_o because_o our_o battle_n last_v all_o our_o life_n long_o and_o our_o enemy_n be_v deadly_a and_o all_o our_o strength_n be_v by_o our_o armour_n now_o to_o put_v on_o and_o also_o to_o keep_v on_o and_o to_o have_v the_o feel_n of_o every_o part_n of_o this_o armour_n faith_n against_o distrust_n hope_v against_o faint_v uprightness_n against_o hypocrisy_n knowledge_n against_o the_o deceitfulness_n of_o sin_n righteousness_n against_o all_o kind_n of_o iniquity_n and_o the_o preparation_n of_o the_o gospel_n of_o peace_n against_o cross_n to_o have_v i_o say_v this_o armour_n in_o a_o readiness_n we_o must_v use_v continual_a watch_v hearty_a prayer_n and_o frequent_a meditation_n about_o they_o matth._n 26.4_o here_o be_v to_o be_v observe_v that_o the_o sword_n of_o the_o spirit_n have_v two_o branch_n viz._n that_o knowledge_n which_o we_o get_v out_o of_o the_o letter_n of_o the_o scripture_n only_o and_o so_o have_v it_o but_o by_o rule_n and_o the_o knowledge_n which_o we_o learn_v by_o proof_n and_o trial_n for_o the_o better_n of_o we_o for_o as_o in_o all_o trade_n and_o science_n there_o be_v great_a difference_n betwixt_o the_o experimental_a knowledge_n of_o they_o and_o bare_a or_o naked_a skill_n of_o they_o so_o be_v there_o great_a distance_n betwixt_o one_o that_o have_v only_o attain_v so_o much_o knowledge_n as_o will_v enable_v he_o to_o give_v account_n of_o his_o faith_n
day_n be_v little_a enough_o psal_n 55._o dan._n 6.10_o 1_o first_o our_o necessity_n do_v require_v this_o daily_a serve_v of_o god_n though_o we_o be_v of_o the_o best_a sort_n 2_o second_o thy_o family_n be_v a_o little_a church_n there_o shall_v be_v a_o trim_v up_o and_o a_o fit_v for_o the_o public_a worship_n especial_o see_v that_o experience_n teach_v that_o all_o be_v little_a enough_o 3_o three_o by_o this_o mean_v we_o have_v communion_n with_o the_o lord_n and_o therefore_o we_o shall_v often_o and_o cheerful_o perform_v this_o duty_n 4_o four_o we_o shall_v cause_v our_o conversation_n to_o savour_v of_o the_o lord_n and_o his_o grace_n whereas_o otherwise_o earthly_a deal_n will_v cause_v earthly_a mind_n 5_o last_o we_o have_v many_o example_n gen._n 18.16_o josh_n 24.15_o act._n 10.2_o 9_o the_o nine_o and_o last_o duty_n be_v that_o we_o do_v at_o or_o before_o our_o lie_v down_o look_v back_o and_o view_v the_o day_n pass_v that_o where_o we_o have_v have_v blessing_n we_o may_v be_v thankful_a and_o proceed_v in_o the_o like_a course_n after_o where_o we_o have_v fault_v and_o fail_v we_o may_v reconcile_v our_o selveâ—_n to_o god_n and_o so_o lie_v down_o in_o peace_n ephes_n 4.26.27_o the_o use_n of_o all_o these_o duty_n be_v that_o every_o day_n we_o wean_v and_o withdraw_v our_o heart_n from_o any_o noisome_a baiâ—s_n or_o provocation_n as_o suffer_v we_o not_o to_o arise_v in_o the_o morning_n to_o walk_v through_o the_o day_n and_o to_o lie_v down_o at_o night_n in_o peace_n and_o safety_n under_o god_n protection_n of_o which_o we_o must_v be_v careful_a always_o but_o especial_o when_o unusual_a occasion_n fall_v out_o which_o may_v unsettle_v we_o the_o rule_n former_o describe_v if_o they_o be_v well_o follow_v will_v be_v sufficient_a to_o bring_v a_o christian_n though_o not_o to_o perfection_n in_o this_o life_n yet_o to_o such_o a_o estate_n as_o he_o shall_v find_v rest_n to_o his_o soul_n daily_o which_o other_o shall_v want_v yet_o because_o many_o danger_n will_v be_v in_o the_o way_n that_o may_v hinder_v the_o weak_a therefore_o it_o will_v be_v profitable_a to_o know_v the_o let_n and_o hindrance_n which_o may_v hold_v we_o back_o from_o peace_n with_o god_n that_o so_o we_o may_v learn_v how_o to_o prevent_v they_o before_o they_o come_v and_o hurt_v we_o or_o else_o how_o to_o rise_v when_o by_o they_o we_o be_v fall_v or_o how_o to_o turn_v into_o the_o way_n when_o by_o occasion_n we_o be_v go_v ouâ—_n now_o the_o main_a and_o chief_a let_n â—re_n the_o devil_n with_o all_o his_o force_n subtlety_n and_o malice_n and_o our_o evil_a heart_n so_o far_o as_o they_o be_v unreformed_a and_o by_o mean_n of_o both_o all_o thing_n in_o the_o world_n though_o not_o in_o their_o own_o nature_n but_o by_o they_o make_v occasion_n to_o we_o of_o fall_v and_o offend_v god_n first_o for_o the_o property_n of_o satan_n and_o his_o attempt_n against_o we_o in_o general_a he_o be_v a_o mighty_a enemy_n and_o cruel_a for_o which_o cause_n he_o be_v call_v a_o great_a red_a dragon_n and_o the_o accuser_n of_o the_o brethren_n and_o also_o subtle_a and_o vigilant_a and_o malicious_a as_o he_o be_v strong_a so_o he_o beset_v all_o people_n though_o he_o be_v little_o observe_v and_o most_o of_o all_o christian_n who_o he_o be_v open_o and_o resolve_o set_v against_o he_o do_v not_o only_o kindle_v the_o concupiscence_n that_o be_v within_o we_o and_o our_o own_o lust_n set_v they_o oâ—_n fire_n to_o do_v the_o evil_n which_o we_o be_v incline_v unto_o but_o also_o bait_v the_o outward_a thing_n with_o poison_n which_o we_o deal_v about_o that_o he_o may_v dazzle_v our_o eye_n and_o cast_v we_o from_o our_o hold_n that_o be_v that_o we_o may_v not_o keep_v still_o in_o the_o christian_a course_n our_o heart_n can_v so_o soon_o be_v range_v though_o it_o be_v never_o so_o little_a but_o he_o be_v ready_a to_o meet_v with_o they_o and_o set_v they_o forward_o in_o some_o evil_n fasten_v our_o affection_n upon_o it_o before_o we_o be_v aware_a we_o can_v be_v about_o any_o outward_a thing_n but_o he_o be_v ready_a to_o serve_v we_o with_o it_o know_v how_o to_o use_v all_o outward_a object_n to_o our_o heart_n yet_o for_o all_o this_o we_o ought_v not_o to_o be_v dismay_v for_o howsoever_o these_o thing_n vex_v we_o yet_o by_o god_n grace_n they_o shall_v turn_v to_o our_o good_a to_o make_v we_o set_v more_o store_n by_o god_n protection_n and_o more_o careful_o to_o keep_v under_o his_o wing_n he_o have_v not_o leave_v we_o unarm_v for_o his_o own_o strength_n be_v for_o our_o defence_n and_o preservation_n colos_n 1.11_o so_o that_o howsoever_o we_o may_v not_o presumptuous_o abuse_v yet_o we_o may_v with_o boldness_n sue_v unto_o he_o for_o help_v neither_o ought_v we_o to_o fear_v that_o for_o our_o infirmity_n we_o shall_v be_v shake_v off_o when_o as_o god_n have_v make_v know_v his_o will_n to_o the_o contrary_a luke_n 15.6_o rather_o they_o must_v remember_v that_o they_o be_v the_o child_n of_o god_n and_o therefore_o shall_v not_o be_v unnatural_o forsake_v or_o leave_v to_o themselves_o in_o their_o need_n and_o necessity_n but_o may_v persuade_v themselves_o that_o wait_v on_o god_n these_o combat_n shall_v rather_o turn_v to_o their_o further_a exercise_n than_o to_o their_o deadly_a overthrow_n thus_o depend_v on_o god_n in_o all_o evil_n they_o must_v by_o experience_n get_v wisdom_n in_o particular_a the_o assault_n of_o satan_n be_v either_o against_o our_o faith_n or_o else_o against_o godliness_n in_o our_o life_n first_o of_o the_o former_a how_o many_o have_v discouragement_n he_o press_v down_o the_o weak_a faith_n of_o newborn_a christian_n appear_v by_o that_o which_o our_o saviour_n say_v to_o peter_n luke_n 22.31_o sometime_o he_o terrifi_v they_o with_o their_o own_o want_n ignorances_n infirmity_n and_o unworthiness_n some_o with_o shame_n of_o fearful_a fall_n which_o it_o seem_v to_o they_o they_o be_v unlike_a to_o avoid_v to_o which_o end_n he_o bring_v to_o their_o remembrance_n such_o good_a servant_n of_o god_n as_o have_v fall_v in_o like_a manner_n before_o they_o and_o fear_v they_o that_o for_o all_o their_o care_n they_o shall_v never_o hold_v out_o in_o their_o faith_n and_o holy_a course_n of_o life_n unto_o the_o end_n but_o either_o by_o affliction_n or_o other_o provocation_n they_o shall_v be_v turn_v back_o by_o all_o these_o mean_n he_o labour_v instant_o to_o deprive_v they_o of_o all_o hope_n and_o confidence_n that_o they_o may_v conclude_v resolve_o that_o they_o have_v no_o faith_n for_o the_o resist_n of_o these_o assault_n they_o must_v grow_v better_o acquaint_v with_o the_o nature_n and_o property_n of_o god_n his_o promise_n viz._n how_o true_a unchangeable_a and_o perpetual_a they_o be_v even_o as_o god_n himself_o be_v they_o must_v prize_v they_o above_o all_o other_o thing_n and_o send_v up_o earnest_a prayer_n to_o god_n daily_o aâ—d_v oft_o for_o this_o faith_n to_o be_v root_v in_o they_o they_o must_v give_v daily_a attendance_n upon_o the_o ministry_n of_o the_o word_n ready_a also_o to_o receive_v help_n private_o from_o those_o which_o be_v experience_v meditate_v on_o god_n promise_n such_o as_o be_v matth._n 7.7_o &_o 9.20_o luk._n 22.31_o now_o when_o by_o god_n blessing_n upon_o their_o diligence_n they_o have_v get_v some_o stay_n or_o rest_n unto_o their_o soul_n they_o must_v beware_v that_o they_o be_v not_o carry_v on_o the_o other_o side_n to_o presumption_n or_o too_o bold_a trust_n in_o god_n without_o a_o certain_a ground_n of_o his_o promise_n for_o by_o this_o subtlety_n satan_n do_v prevail_v with_o many_o and_o by_o that_o mean_n bring_v they_o to_o desperate_a and_o dangerous_a fall_n but_o if_o he_o can_v prevail_v so_o far_o by_o his_o suggestion_n and_o temptation_n as_o to_o bring_v we_o to_o utter_v unbelief_n nor_o yet_o to_o presumption_n yet_o he_o will_v labour_v to_o hinder_v we_o that_o we_o shall_v never_o be_v root_v nor_o establish_v in_o faith_n we_o shall_v not_o feel_v the_o sweetness_n of_o it_o by_o possess_v it_o daily_o in_o which_o kind_n he_o do_v so_o far_o prevail_v with_o most_o even_o of_o the_o faithful_a themselves_o that_o they_o be_v oftentime_o so_o discourage_v as_o they_o have_v scarce_o any_o great_a use_n of_o faith_n in_o respect_n of_o that_o which_o they_o may_v have_v which_o deceit_n of_o our_o adversary_n we_o must_v wise_o espy_v and_o labour_n to_o arm_v ourselves_o against_o it_o as_o psal_n 22.4_o 5._o and_o 27.1_o job_n 13.15_o we_o must_v take_v heed_n that_o our_o heart_n be_v not_o steal_v away_o with_o worldly_a thing_n we_o must_v preserve_v and_o cherish_v a_o high_a estimation_n of_o the_o gospel_n we_o must_v deny_v
all_o worldly_a wisdom_n that_o we_o may_v be_v wise_a to_o the_o lord_n and_o keep_v our_o faith_n as_o we_o will_v our_o life_n the_o like_a malice_n do_v satan_n show_v in_o hinder_v believer_n from_o godliness_n of_o life_n for_o as_o he_o labour_v to_o keep_v the_o unregenerate_a altogether_o from_o practise_v godliness_n viz._n by_o keep_v in_o they_o a_o heart_n so_o accustom_v to_o evil_a that_o it_o can_v submit_v itself_o to_o the_o will_n of_o god_n in_o one_o thing_n as_o well_o as_o another_o by_o hold_v they_o in_o presumption_n by_o keep_v they_o from_o serious_a consideration_n of_o their_o estate_n and_o action_n by_o dissuade_v they_o from_o count_v the_o godly_a life_n best_o and_o final_o by_o snare_a they_o in_o dangerous_a opinion_n sottish_a ignorance_n or_o else_o in_o hollow_a loose_a and_o wilful_a mind_n so_o do_v he_o prevail_v so_o far_o even_o with_o god_n people_n as_o to_o hinder_v they_o from_o proceed_v in_o godliness_n and_o that_o chief_o by_o these_o mean_n 1._o by_o keep_v they_o in_o want_n of_o some_o good_a thing_n without_o which_o they_o can_v constant_o proceed_v in_o a_o godly_a life_n 2_o by_o press_v they_o with_o some_o evil_n 3_o by_o unsettle_v they_o through_o occasion_n of_o thing_n lawful_a of_o the_o first_o kind_n be_v three_o main_a let_n 1_o first_o when_o christian_n be_v hold_v from_o a_o constant_a course_n of_o godliness_n 2_o when_o they_o fall_v from_o their_o first_o estate_n or_o fi_fw-la st_o love_n 3_o wheâ—_n they_o want_v a_o sufficient_a ministry_n of_o the_o first_o sort_n there_o be_v many_o which_o think_v it_o not_o meet_v to_o tie_v themselves_o to_o any_o direction_n of_o lead_v their_o life_n but_o be_v content_a with_o some_o general_a care_n and_o good_a meaning_n than_o who_o these_o be_v not_o better_o which_o for_o a_o season_n keep_v some_o good_a order_n but_o by_o little_a and_o little_o they_o fall_v to_o do_v it_o slight_o even_o for_o fashion_n in_o a_o great_a part_n and_o rather_o through_o custom_n than_o with_o delight_n and_o comfort_n and_o all_o because_o their_o heart_n go_v not_o with_o their_o action_n constant_o neither_o do_v they_o regard_v or_o look_v to_o their_o conscience_n in_o one_o thing_n as_o in_o another_o that_o they_o may_v be_v keep_v in_o peace_n the_o remedy_n against_o this_o be_v faithful_o to_o endeavour_v every_o day_n to_o be_v well_o settle_v according_a to_o the_o rule_v former_o mention_v we_o must_v especial_o labour_v by_o faith_n even_o to_o feed_v upon_o the_o promise_n which_o god_n have_v make_v for_o the_o preservation_n and_o protection_n of_o his_o child_n hearty_a prayer_n must_v oft_o be_v use_v and_o watchfulness_n against_o our_o especial_a infirmity_n it_o must_v be_v continual_a together_o with_o oft_o and_o due_a consideration_n what_o a_o precious_a treasure_n this_o kind_n of_o life_n be_v and_o if_o through_o negligence_n we_o do_v fall_v we_o must_v not_o lie_v still_o in_o hardness_n of_o heart_n but_o return_v to_o he_o as_o to_o our_o father_n and_o he_o will_v heal_v we_o and_o though_o we_o can_v present_o have_v that_o confidence_n which_o sometime_o we_o have_v have_v yet_o let_v we_o return_v though_o with_o some_o shamefastness_n even_o stand_v afar_o off_o with_o the_o israelite_n exod._n 33.8.10_o the_o second_o special_a let_v arise_v from_o want_n be_v the_o leave_v of_o our_o first_o love_n for_o at_o our_o first_o conversion_n when_o the_o exceed_a love_n of_o god_n in_o christ_n be_v shed_v abroad_o in_o our_o heart_n so_o as_o it_o make_v ourselves_o admire_v this_o constrain_v we_o to_o love_v he_o again_o most_o fervent_o and_o dear_o his_o word_n and_o minister_n with_o all_o our_o brethren_n most_o sensible_o and_o hearty_o and_o this_o in_o scripture_n be_v call_v our_o first_o love_n rev._n 2.4_o now_o when_o this_o shall_v wax_v cold_a through_o dulness_n slothfulness_n and_o forgetfulness_n &_o it_o must_v need_n be_v a_o heinous_a thing_n in_o the_o sight_n of_o god_n who_o look_v that_o our_o work_n shall_v be_v more_o at_o the_o last_o than_o at_o the_o first_o as_o our_o knowledge_n be_v more_o and_o experience_n great_a rev_n 2.21_o yet_o this_o come_v oft_o to_o pass_v both_o in_o minister_n and_o people_n to_o their_o great_a shame_n though_o otherwise_o they_o keep_v some_o course_n in_o serve_v god_n rev._n 2.2_o which_o they_o show_v by_o weariness_n or_o at_o least_o wise_a little_a pleasure_n take_v in_o the_o public_a ministry_n neglect_v of_o private_a prayer_n conference_n mutual_a exhortation_n etc._n etc._n untowardness_n in_o good_a work_n abate_v of_o their_o love_n to_o the_o brethren_n embrace_v the_o world_n entertain_v of_o ill-companiship_a with_o heart-burn_n against_o the_o minister_n that_o tell_v they_o the_o truth_n by_o these_o and_o such_o like_a sign_n many_o do_v show_v how_o much_o they_o have_v lose_v their_o first_o love_n whereby_o they_o give_v great_a occasion_n of_o discouragement_n to_o the_o weak_a and_o of_o lament_v to_o the_o best_a this_o be_v foretold_v by_o our_o saviour_n christ_n matth._n 24.12_o where_o also_o he_o show_v how_o hard_o it_o be_v to_o keep_v and_o hard_a to_o recover_v our_o first_o love_n three_o admonish_v all_o sound_a heart_a christian_n to_o look_v heedful_o and_o careful_o to_o nourish_v and_o preserve_v that_o holy_a pure_a and_o first_o spark_n of_o grace_n kindle_v in_o they_o against_o all_o that_o may_v come_v in_o the_o way_n to_o quench_v and_o pâ—t_v out_o the_o same_o and_o although_o the_o work_n be_v hard_a yet_o we_o have_v the_o commandment_n of_o god_n for_o our_o warrant_n and_o his_o promise_n for_o our_o encouragement_n therefore_o ought_v we_o not_o to_o faint_v or_o slâ—cke_v for_o any_o impediment_n but_o set_v our_o heart_n daily_o to_o count_v it_o our_o great_a work_n to_o keep_v our_o first_o love_n the_o three_o let_v of_o this_o kind_n be_v the_o want_n of_o a_o ordinary_a and_o sound_a ministry_n of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n whereby_o the_o way_n to_o salvation_n and_o godliness_n be_v plain_o anâ—_n in_o good_a order_n with_o love_n and_o diligence_n teach_v so_o oft_o in_o the_o week_n as_o the_o people_n can_v convenient_o attend_v upon_o the_o same_o this_o be_v the_o light_n of_o the_o world_n and_o the_o sun_n which_o warm_v all_o the_o creature_n of_o the_o earth_n with_o his_o influence_n so_o that_o those_o which_o enjoy_v it_o not_o must_v needs_o be_v as_o the_o shadow_a place_n which_o either_o bring_v forth_o nothing_o or_o that_o which_o be_v sour_a and_o unsavoury_a how_o the_o devil_n have_v labour_v in_o all_o age_n and_o nation_n to_o hinder_v the_o passage_n of_o this_o gospel_n may_v easy_o be_v perceive_v if_o we_o peruse_v well_o the_o act_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o other_o history_n of_o the_o church_n how_o he_o do_v prevail_v our_o own_o eye_n and_o ear_n can_v witness_v the_o remedy_n therefore_o be_v for_o such_o as_o want_v to_o relieve_v themselves_o with_o it_o where_o they_o may_v with_o most_o conveniency_n enjoy_v it_o and_o to_o sue_v earnest_o that_o they_o may_v live_v under_o it_o which_o shall_v be_v more_o general_o grant_v of_o god_n if_o by_o fervent_a prayer_n and_o other_o christian_a endeavour_n it_o be_v seek_v for_o when_o they_o do_v enjoy_v it_o then_o must_v they_o prize_v it_o above_o all_o that_o they_o have_v or_o ever_o can_v enjoy_v in_o this_o world_n for_o those_o which_o esteem_v light_o of_o it_o must_v hear_v what_o the_o scripture_n speak_v of_o they_o matth._n 8.11.12_o amos_n 8.11.12_o these_o be_v the_o chief_a let_n that_o man_n have_v by_o want_n whereunto_o may_v be_v add_v those_o trouble_n which_o some_o good_a christian_n have_v through_o fear_n of_o their_o own_o want_n though_o without_o cause_n for_o remedy_v whereof_o that_o they_o be_v not_o swallow_v up_o through_o deadly_a heaviness_n they_o must_v take_v unto_o they_o godly_a boldness_n to_o consider_v that_o there_o be_v great_a cause_n of_o rejoice_v even_o in_o that_o for_o which_o they_o be_v heavy_a viz._n in_o their_o fear_n care_n hunger_a and_o thir_v pro._n 28.14_o matth._n 5.3_o and_o therefore_o they_o ought_v rather_o to_o be_v thankful_a for_o that_o they_o have_v than_o utter_o to_o be_v discourage_v for_o that_o they_o want_v of_o small_a beginning_n come_v great_a proceed_n of_o one_o little_a spark_n a_o mighty_a flame_n and_o the_o tall_a okes_n be_v sometime_o but_o small_a acorn_n he_o have_v well_o begin_v that_o have_v in_o truth_n begin_v and_o he_o have_v much_o who_o feel_v that_o he_o want_v much_o the_o second_o kind_n of_o general_n let_v we_o be_v the_o unmortified_a affection_n wherewith_o believer_n be_v oppress_v concern_v which_o in_o general_a it_o will_v be_v profitable_a for_o every_o one_o to_o mark_v with_o what_o he_o be_v most_o encumber_v
to_o his_o all-sufficient_a power_n will_v succour_v and_o deliver_v they_o which_o if_o they_o once_o believe_v as_o god_n require_v we_o shall_v than_o shall_v they_o see_v themselves_o mighty_o stay_v and_o uphold_v until_o they_o be_v set_v at_o great_a liberty_n and_o that_o it_o be_v the_o devil_n who_o before_o hold_v they_o in_o fear_n and_o bondage_n ob._n we_o dare_v not_o believe_v that_o god_n will_v give_v we_o such_o grace_n except_o first_o we_o can_v overcome_v our_o special_a corruption_n aâ—sw_n we_o have_v no_o strength_n of_o our_o own_o to_o any_o such_o work_n but_o we_o must_v obtain_v it_o by_o faith_n which_o be_v also_o command_v we_o joh._n 3.23_o and_o till_o we_o do_v so_o we_o shâ—ll_v be_v hold_v from_o our_o right_n by_o the_o craft_n of_o satan_n as_o for_o the_o second_o viz._n that_o the_o faithful_a be_v teach_v and_o enable_v of_o god_n to_o â—void_v great_a fall_n and_o reproachful_a evil_n that_o be_v plain_a pro._n 19.23_o ps_n 119.10_o 11._o aâ—d_v the_o â—_z of_o enoch_n abraâ—am_n moses_n joshua_n samuel_n and_o daniel_n job_n with_o other_o who_o for_o the_o time_n of_o their_o near_a acquaintance_n with_o god_n commit_v not_o any_o such_o heinous_a trespass_n as_o be_v common_a stain_n and_o blot_n in_o the_o life_n of_o other_o by_o this_o so_o excellent_a and_o invaluable_a a_o privilege_n the_o do_v of_o good_a become_v meat_n and_o drink_n unto_o the_o faithful_a so_o that_o they_o can_v serve_v god_n even_o in_o a_o good_a and_o joyful_a heart_n in_o all_o thing_n deut._n 12.18_o &_o 28.47_o mind_n heavenly_a thing_n without_o that_o tediousness_n which_o be_v see_v in_o other_o perform_v earthly_a business_n with_o heavenly_a mind_n and_o always_o rejoice_v before_o the_o lord_n not_o that_o they_o have_v no_o rebellion_n in_o they_o for_o they_o fiâ—d_v a_o strife_n always_o &_o be_v in_o part_n lead_v captive_a oâ—_n it_o that_o they_o may_v not_o triumph_v before_o the_o victory_n partly_o that_o feel_v their_o own_o weakness_n they_o may_v more_o whole_o depend_v on_o god_n and_o pâ—rtly_o that_o their_o future_a victory_n mâ—y_v appear_v more_o glorious_a but_o all_o this_o while_n though_o many_o wound_n be_v receive_v the_o christian_n be_v never_o so_o vanquish_v but_o that_o recover_v again_o by_o the_o power_n of_o god_n he_o go_v on_o with_o steadfast_a jâ—y_n a_o further_a liberty_n be_v that_o if_o the_o godly_a do_v by_o any_o occasion_n fall_n from_o their_o settle_a course_n into_o any_o offence_n whereby_o their_o conscience_n be_v wound_v and_o accuse_v themselves_o they_o may_v return_v again_o unto_o god_n with_o certain_a assurance_n of_o be_v receive_v of_o he_o john_n 2.2_o without_o this_o privilege_n there_o be_v but_o small_a encouragement_n for_o any_o christian_a because_o of_o our_o often_o fall_n therefore_o the_o lord_n do_v not_o only_o permit_v we_o to_o do_v thus_o but_o call_v and_o wait_v for_o it_o yea_o he_o be_v high_o offend_v if_o we_o do_v not_o jer._n 8.4_o and_o for_o the_o effect_n of_o it_o have_v give_v charge_n to_o the_o pastor_n as_o eze._n 34.3_o and_o to_o other_o gal._n 6.1_o how_o great_a a_o privilege_n this_o be_v â—hey_n know_v full_a well_o who_o have_v experience_n of_o a_o afflict_a conscience_n to_o who_o no_o tiding_n can_v be_v more_o gladsome_a than_o this_o if_o it_o be_v right_o apply_v it_o draw_v from_o such_o many_o thanks_o and_o praise_n and_o so_o bring_v much_o honour_n to_o god_n but_o this_o must_v be_v wary_o and_o wise_o receive_v that_o we_o neither_o take_v occasion_n hence_o to_o embolden_v ourselves_o to_o sin_n or_o content_v ourselves_o with_o sleight_n repentance_n for_o god_n mercy_n must_v be_v instant_o seek_v for_o and_o then_o his_o favour_n may_v not_o be_v doubt_v of_o as_o appeareth_z by_o that_o example_n eze._n 10.1_o so_o that_o here_o two_o extreme_n be_v to_o be_v avoid_v viz._n that_o neither_o we_o presume_v upon_o sleight_n and_o hollow_a repentance_n nor_o languish_v in_o desperate_a and_o unfruitful_a sorrow_n but_o in_o sound_a humiliation_n hope_v steadfast_o for_o pardon_n and_o say_v to_o our_o soul_n as_o david_n do_v psal_n 43.5_o the_o same_o that_o be_v speak_v of_o actual_a sin_n must_v also_o be_v understand_v of_o dulness_n idleness_n unprofitable_a barrenness_n of_o the_o heart_n and_o such_o other_o corruption_n which_o be_v wont_a to_o quench_v the_o work_n of_o god_n his_o spirit_n and_o to_o be_v the_o seed_n of_o many_o curse_a evil_n the_o lord_n will_v be_v that_o from_o hence_o we_o shall_v expect_v in_o faith_n as_o well_o strength_n to_o weaken_v they_o as_o mercy_n to_o forgive_v they_o the_o very_a help_n themselves_o which_o god_n have_v give_v to_o we_o to_o further_a our_o salvation_n be_v great_a privilege_n &_o so_o to_o be_v account_v as_o that_o by_o prayer_n we_o may_v have_v access_n unto_o god_n to_o break_v our_o mind_n lay_v open_a our_o grief_n and_o that_o with_o confidence_n and_o that_o by_o watchfulness_n we_o may_v escape_v those_o dangerous_a snare_n of_o sâ—tan_n wherein_o so_o many_o be_v entangle_v and_o that_o we_o may_v in_o the_o end_n of_o every_o day_n make_v up_o our_o account_n with_o joy_n and_o keep_v all_o straight_a for_o unto_o these_o and_o such_o like_a help_n god_n have_v promise_v a_o blessing_n and_o we_o must_v by_o faith_n look_v constant_o for_o the_o same_o for_o there_o be_v no_o fruit_n of_o the_o best_a help_n if_o we_o use_v they_o not_o in_o faith_n jam_fw-la 1.6_o these_o be_v great_a privilege_n and_o howsoever_o of_o many_o through_o earthliness_n sloth_n and_o waywardnesse_n of_o their_o heart_n they_o be_v not_o so_o esteem_v and_o therefore_o either_o not_o use_v or_o else_o formal_o or_o slight_o yet_o we_o shall_v account_v the_o more_o of_o they_o as_o be_v so_o glorious_a that_o the_o dim_a eye_n of_o profane_a person_n can_v behold_v they_o and_o praise_n god_n the_o more_o who_o make_v they_o so_o sweet_a and_o gainful_a unto_o we_o which_o unto_o so_o many_o be_v very_a gall_n and_o wormwood_n another_o great_a privilege_n be_v â—hat_n the_o lord_n teach_v he_o how_o to_o carry_v themselves_o and_o keep_v their_o integrity_n in_o all_o estate_n of_o life_n as_o first_o in_o peace_n and_o prosperity_n when_o a_o man_n have_v riches_n honour_n health_n friend_n delight_n and_o pleasure_n etc._n etc._n this_o be_v a_o slippery_a estate_n in_o which_o no_o man_n of_o himself_o can_v stand_v and_o therefore_o be_v a_o occasion_n of_o fall_v to_o most_o man_n but_o god_n teach_v he_o to_o stand_v in_o this_o slippery_a way_n for_o first_o when_o he_o cause_v the_o doctrine_n of_o contentation_n sobriety_n and_o the_o contempt_n of_o this_o world_n to_o be_v teach_v unto_o they_o than_o he_o draw_v their_o heart_n inward_o to_o attend_v unto_o it_o believe_v it_o love_n and_o practice_v it_o beside_o this_o god_n cause_v they_o oft_o to_o set_v before_o their_o eye_n the_o daily_a change_n of_o all_o thing_n under_o the_o sun_n and_o by_o the_o oft_o and_o deep_a consideration_n of_o these_o thing_n as_o they_o observe_v they_o their_o lust_n be_v appall_v and_o the_o pride_n of_o life_n be_v great_o abate_v in_o they_o psal_n 102.22_o so_o that_o by_o these_o mean_v the_o lord_n so_o frame_v he_o that_o they_o desire_v no_o more_o nor_o no_o long_o than_o their_o heavenly_a father_n see_v expedient_a to_o use_v these_o outward_a thing_n as_o if_o they_o use_v they_o not_o and_o yet_o so_o to_o use_v they_o as_o that_o they_o may_v be_v help_n to_o themselves_o and_o other_o in_o the_o way_n of_o godliness_n all_o which_o be_v not_o so_o to_o be_v understand_v as_o if_o every_o believer_n have_v this_o grace_n but_o that_o god_n have_v bequeath_v and_o do_v offer_v this_o to_o all_o though_o only_o they_o have_v it_o which_o do_v esteem_v of_o it_o and_o seek_v for_o it_o in_o faith_n at_o god_n hand_n so_o likewise_o in_o regard_n of_o affliction_n the_o prerogative_n of_o god_n his_o child_n be_v great_a first_o he_o hold_v many_o tribulationâ—_n from_o they_o which_o otherwise_o by_o their_o sin_n they_o do_v pluck_v upon_o themselves_o psal_n 32.10_o 11._o which_o must_v needs_o be_v so_o because_o affliction_n spring_v from_o sin_n and_o therefore_o where_o sin_n be_v great_a or_o lesser_a the_o affliction_n will_v be_v proportionable_a the_o truth_n of_o it_o viz._n that_o they_o may_v be_v free_v from_o many_o trouble_n be_v plain_a because_o so_o many_o do_v fill_v themselves_o with_o inward_a trouble_n of_o mind_n and_o conscience_n by_o give_v place_n to_o their_o unbridled_a affection_n which_o breed_v many_o perturbation_n and_o by_o take_v licence_n to_o themselves_o in_o thing_n which_o be_v not_o seemly_a they_o bring_v also_o many_o outward_a trouble_n upon_o themselves_o by_o their_o sin_n as_o shame_n poverty_n