expression_n because_o if_o a_o man_n be_v of_o able_a natural_a part_n and_o have_v a_o tongue_n to_o express_v his_o own_o mind_n the_o promote_a of_o holy_a desire_n will_v help_v man_n to_o expression_n for_o a_o full_a soul_n be_v hardly_o hinder_v from_o vent_v itself_o and_o experience_n teach_v we_o that_o the_o spirit_n enflame_v the_o heart_n with_o holy_a affection_n do_v very_o much_o furnish_v both_o the_o invention_n and_o expression_n but_o this_o be_v but_o accidental_a and_o uncertain_a for_o those_o that_o be_v either_o man_n of_o unready_a tongue_n or_o that_o be_v so_o ill_o breed_v among_o the_o rude_a vulgar_a that_o they_o want_v fit_a expression_n of_o their_o own_o mind_n or_o that_o be_v of_o over-bashful_a disposition_n or_o especial_o that_o be_v of_o small_a knowledge_n and_o of_o little_a and_o short_a acquaintance_n with_o those_o that_o shall_v teach_v they_o to_o pray_v by_o their_o example_n or_o that_o have_v be_v but_o of_o short_a stand_n in_o the_o school_n of_o christ_n such_o a_o man_n may_v have_v the_o spirit_n of_o prayer_n many_o a_o year_n and_o never_o be_v able_a in_o full_a expression_n of_o his_o own_o to_o make_v know_v his_o want_n to_o god_n no_o nor_o in_o good_a and_o tolerable_a sense_n and_o language_n before_o other_o to_o speak_v to_o god_n from_o his_o own_o invention_n a_o man_n may_v know_v all_o those_o article_n of_o the_o faith_n that_o be_v of_o flat_a necessity_n to_o salvation_n and_o yet_o not_o be_v able_a to_o find_v matter_n or_o word_n for_o the_o open_n of_o his_o heart_n to_o god_n at_o length_n i_o will_v advise_v such_o to_o frequent_v the_o company_n of_o those_o that_o can_v teach_v and_o help_v they_o in_o prayer_n and_o neglect_v not_o to_o use_v the_o small_a part_n they_o have_v especial_o in_o secret_a between_o god_n and_o their_o own_o soul_n where_o they_o need_v not_o so_o much_o as_o in_o public_a to_o be_v regardful_a of_o expression_n and_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n to_o learn_v a_o prayer_n from_o some_o book_n that_o may_v fitly_o express_v their_o necessity_n or_o to_o use_v the_o book_n itself_o in_o prayer_n if_o they_o distrust_v their_o memory_n not_o resolve_v to_o stick_v heâ—â—_n and_o make_v it_o a_o mean_n of_o indâ—lâ—iâ—â—â—â—eir_n laâ—iâ—ess_n and_o negligence_n much_o less_o to_o reproach_n and_o deride_v those_o that_o express_v their_o desire_n to_o god_n from_o the_o present_a sense_n of_o their_o own_o want_n as_o some_o wicked_o do_v deride_v such_o but_o to_o use_v this_o lawful_a help_n till_o they_o be_v able_a to_o do_v better_o without_o it_o then_o with_o it_o and_o then_o to_o lay_v it_o by_o and_o not_o before_o the_o holy_a ghost_n be_v say_v rom._n 8.16_o to_o help_v our_o infirmity_n in_o prayer_n but_o how_o 1._o by_o teach_v we_o what_o to_o pray_v for_o not_o always_o what_o matter_n or_o word_n to_o enlarge_v ourselves_o by_o but_o what_o necessary_a grace_n to_o pray_v for_o 2._o by_o give_v we_o sigh_n and_o groan_n 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so_o at_o pleasure_n desire_n rise_v and_o fall_v and_o these_o earnest_a groan_n be_v not_o in_o every_o prayer_n where_o the_o holy_a ghost_n do_v assist_v i_o believe_v there_o be_v never_o a_o prayer_n that_o ever_o a_o believer_n do_v put_v up_o to_o god_n for_o thing_n lawful_a and_o useful_a but_o it_o be_v put_v up_o by_o the_o help_n of_o the_o spirit_n for_o the_o weak_a prayer_n have_v some_o degree_n of_o good_a desire_n in_o it_o and_o address_n to_o god_n with_o a_o endeavour_n to_o express_v they_o and_o these_o can_v come_v from_o none_o but_o only_o from_o the_o spirit_n mere_a word_n without_o desire_n be_v no_o more_o prayer_n than_o a_o suit_n of_o apparel_n hang_v on_o a_o stake_n be_v a_o man_n you_o may_v have_v the_o spirit_n of_o prayer_n and_o yet_o have_v it_o in_o a_o very_a weak_a degree_n yet_o still_o i_o will_v encourage_v you_o to_o bewail_v your_o defect_n herein_o as_o your_o sin_n and_o seek_v earnest_o the_o supply_n of_o your_o want_n but_o what_o be_v that_o to_o the_o question_n or_o deny_v your_o sincerity_n or_o right_a to_o salvation_n doubt_v x._o i_o have_v no_o gift_n to_o make_v i_o useful_a to_o myself_o or_o other_o when_o i_o shall_v profit_v by_o the_o word_n i_o can_v remember_v it_o when_o i_o shall_v reprove_v a_o sinner_n or_o instruct_v the_o ignorant_a i_o have_v not_o word_n if_o i_o be_v call_v to_o give_v a_o account_n of_o my_o faith_n i_o have_v not_o word_n to_o express_v that_o which_o as_o in_o my_o mind_n and_o what_o grace_n can_v here_o be_v then_o answer_n this_o need_v no_o long_a answer_n lament_v and_o amend_v those_o sin_n by_o which_o you_o have_v be_v disable_v but_o know_v that_o these_o gift_n depend_v more_o on_o nature_n art_n industry_n and_o common_a grace_n then_o upon_o special_a save_a grace_n many_o a_o bad_a man_n be_v excellent_a in_o all_o these_o and_o many_o a_o one_o that_o be_v true_o godly_a be_v defective_a where_o have_v god_n lay_v our_o salvation_n upon_o the_o strength_n of_o our_o memory_n the_o readiness_n of_o our_o tongue_n or_o measure_n of_o the_o like_a gift_n that_o be_v almost_o as_o if_o he_o shall_v have_v make_v a_o law_n that_o all_o shall_v be_v save_v that_o have_v find_v complexion_n and_o healthful_a and_o youthful_a body_n and_o all_o be_v damn_v that_o be_v sickly_a age_a weak_a child_n and_o most_o woman_n doubt_n xi_o o_o but_o i_o have_v be_v a_o grievous_a sinner_n before_o i_o come_v home_o and_o have_v fall_v foul_o since_o and_o i_o be_o utter_o unworthy_a of_o mercy_n will_v the_o lord_n ever_o save_o such_o a_o unworthy_a wretch_n as_o i_o will_v he_o ever_o give_v his_o mercy_n and_o the_o blood_n of_o his_o son_n to_o one_o that_o have_v so_o abuse_v it_o answer_n 1._o the_o question_n be_v not_o with_o god_n what_o you_o have_v be_v but_o what_o you_o be_v god_n take_v man_n as_o they_o then_o be_v and_o not_o as_o they_o be_v 2._o it_o be_v a_o dangerous_a thing_n to_o object_v the_o greatness_n of_o your_o gild_n against_o god_n mercy_n and_o christ_n merit_n do_v you_o think_v christ_n satisfaction_n be_v not_o sufficient_a or_o that_o he_o die_v for_o small_a sin_n and_o not_o for_o great_a do_v you_o not_o know_v that_o he_o have_v make_v satisfaction_n for_o all_o and_o will_v pardon_v all_o and_o have_v give_v out_o the_o pardon_n of_o all_o in_o his_o covenant_n and_o that_o to_o all_o man_n on_o condition_n they_o will_v accept_v christ_n to_o pardon_v and_o heal_v they_o in_o his_o own_o way_n have_v god_n make_v it_o his_o great_a design_n in_o the_o work_n of_o man_n redemption_n to_o make_v his_o love_n and_o mercy_n as_o honourable_a and_o wonderful_a as_o he_o do_v his_o power_n in_o the_o work_n of_o creation_n and_o will_v you_o after_o all_o this_o oppose_v the_o greatness_n of_o your_o sin_n against_o the_o greatness_n of_o this_o mercy_n and_o satisfaction_n why_o you_o may_v as_o well_o think_v yourself_o to_o be_v such_o a_o one_o that_o god_n can_v not_o or_o do_v not_o make_v you_o as_o to_o think_v your_o sin_n so_o great_a that_o christ_n can_v not_o or_o do_v not_o satisfy_v for_o they_o or_o will_v not_o pardon_v they_o if_o you_o repent_v and_o believe_v in_o he_o 3._o and_o for_o worthiness_n i_o pray_v you_o observe_v there_o be_v a_o twofold_a worthiness_n &_o righteousness_n there_o be_v a_o legal_a worthiness_n and_o righteousness_n which_o consist_v in_o a_o perfect_a obedience_n which_o be_v the_o performance_n of_o the_o condition_n of_o the_o law_n of_o pure_a nature_n and_o work_n this_o no_o man_n have_v but_o christ_n and_o if_o you_o look_v after_o this_o righteousness_n or_o worthiness_n in_o yourself_o then_o do_v you_o depart_v from_o christ_n and_o make_v
policy_n of_o the_o devil_n to_o make_v people_n believe_v that_o their_o minister_n be_v too_o stout_a and_o will_v not_o stoop_v to_o a_o compassionate_a hear_n of_o their_o case_n especial_o if_o minister_n carry_v themselves_o strange_o at_o too_o great_a a_o distance_n from_o their_o people_n i_o will_v earnest_o entreat_v all_o minister_n therefore_o to_o be_v as_o familiar_a and_o as_o much_o with_o their_o people_n as_o they_o can_v papist_n and_o other_o seducer_n will_v insinuate_v themselves_o into_o their_o familiarity_n if_o we_o be_v strange_a if_o you_o teach_v they_o not_o in_o their_o house_n these_o will_n creep_v into_o their_o house_n and_o lead_v they_o captive_n i_o persuade_v other_o of_o my_o brethren_n to_o that_o which_o myself_o be_o disable_v from_o perform_v be_v by_o constant_a weakness_n beside_o unavoidable_a business_n confine_v to_o my_o chamber_n but_o those_o that_o can_v perform_v it_o will_v find_v this_o a_o most_o necessary_a and_o profitable_a work_n and_o let_v not_o poor_a people_n believe_v the_o devil_n who_o tell_v they_o that_o minister_n be_v so_o proud_a only_o to_o discourage_v they_o from_o seek_v their_o advice_n go_v try_v they_o once_o before_o you_o believe_v it_o last_o remember_v this_o that_o it_o be_v not_o enough_o that_o you_o once_o open_v your_o case_n to_o your_o pastor_n but_o do_v it_o as_o often_o as_o necessity_n urge_v you_o to_o call_v for_o his_o advice_n though_o not_o on_o every_o light_a occasion_n live_v in_o such_o a_o dependence_n on_o the_o advice_n and_o guidance_n of_o your_o pastor_n under_o christ_n for_o your_o soul_n as_o you_o do_v on_o the_o advice_n of_o the_o physician_n for_o your_o body_n read_v mal._n 2.7_o and_o let_v minister_n read_v 6_o 8_o 9_o direction_n xxxii_o 32._o as_o ever_o you_o will_v live_v in_o peace_n and_o comfort_n and_o well-pleasing_a unto_o god_n be_v sure_a that_o you_o understand_v and_o deep_o consider_v wherein_o the_o height_n of_o a_o christian_a life_n and_o the_o great_a part_n of_o our_o duty_n do_v consist_v to_o wit_n in_o a_o love_a delight_n in_o god_n and_o a_o thankful_a and_o cheerful_a obedience_n to_o his_o will_n and_o then_o make_v this_o your_o constant_a aim_n and_o be_v still_o aspire_v after_o it_o and_o let_v all_o other_o affection_n and_o endeavour_n be_v subservient_fw-fr unto_o this_o this_o one_o rule_n well_o practise_v will_v do_v wonder_n on_o the_o soul_n of_o poor_a christian_n in_o dispel_v all_o their_o fear_n and_o trouble_n and_o help_v not_o only_o to_o a_o settle_a peace_n but_o to_o live_v in_o the_o most_o comfortable_a state_n that_o can_v be_v expect_v upon_o earth_n write_v therefore_o these_o two_o or_o three_o word_n deep_a in_o your_o understanding_n and_o memory_n that_o the_o life_n which_o god_n be_v best_a please_v with_o and_o we_o shall_v be_v always_o endeavour_v be_v a_o love_a delight_n in_o god_n through_o christ_n and_o a_o thankful_a and_o cheerful_a obedience_n to_o he_o i_o do_v not_o say_v that_o godly_a sorrow_n and_o fear_n and_o jealousy_n be_v no_o duty_n but_o these_o be_v the_o great_a duty_n to_o which_o the_o rest_n shall_v all_o subserve_v misapprehend_v the_o state_n of_o duty_n and_o the_o very_a nature_n of_o a_o christian_a life_n must_v needs_o make_v sad_a distemper_n in_o man_n heart_n and_o conversation_n many_o christian_n look_v upon_o broken-heartedness_n and_o much_o grieve_v and_o weep_v for_o sin_n as_o if_o it_o be_v the_o great_a thing_n that_o god_n delight_v in_o and_o require_v of_o they_o and_o therefore_o they_o bend_v all_o their_o endeavour_n this_o way_n and_o be_v still_o strive_v with_o their_o heart_n to_o break_v they_o more_o and_o wring_v their_o conscience_n to_o squeeze_v out_o some_o tear_n and_o they_o think_v no_o sermon_n no_o prayer_n no_o meditation_n speed_v so_o well_o with_o they_o as_o that_o which_o can_v help_v they_o to_o grieve_v or_o weep_v i_o be_o far_o from_o persuade_v man_n against_o humiliation_n &_o godly_a sorrow_n and_o tenderness_n of_o heart_n but_o yet_o i_o must_v tell_v you_o that_o this_o be_v a_o sore_a error_n that_o you_o lay_v so_o much_o upon_o it_o and_o so_o much_o overlook_v that_o great_a and_o noble_a work_n and_o state_n to_o which_o it_o tend_v do_v you_o think_v that_o god_n have_v any_o pleasure_n in_o your_o sorrow_n as_o such_o do_v it_o do_v he_o good_a to_o see_v you_o deject_v afflict_a and_o torment_v alas_o it_o be_v only_o as_o your_o sorrow_n do_v kill_v your_o sin_n and_o mortify_v your_o fleshly_a lust_n and_o prepare_v for_o your_o peace_n and_o joy_n that_o god_n regard_v they_o because_o god_n do_v speak_v comfortable_o to_o trouble_v droop_a spirit_n and_o tell_v they_o that_o he_o delight_v in_o the_o contrite_a and_o love_v the_o humble_a and_o bind_v up_o the_o brokenhearted_a therefore_o man_n misunderstanding_n he_o do_v think_v they_o shall_v do_v nothing_o but_o be_v still_o break_v their_o own_o heart_n whereas_o god_n speak_v it_o but_o partly_o to_o show_v his_o hatred_n to_o the_o proud_a and_o partly_o to_o show_v his_o tender_a compassion_n to_o the_o humble_a that_o they_o may_v not_o be_v overwhelm_v or_o despair_v but_o o_o christian_n understand_v and_o consider_v that_o all_o your_o sorrow_n be_v but_o preparative_n to_o your_o joy_n and_o that_o it_o be_v a_o high_a and_o sweet_a work_n that_o god_n call_v you_o to_o and_o will_v have_v you_o spend_v your_o time_n and_o strength_n in_o 1._o the_o first_o part_n of_o it_o be_v love_n a_o work_n that_o be_v wage_n to_o itself_o he_o that_o know_v what_o it_o be_v to_o live_v in_o the_o love_n of_o god_n do_v know_v that_o christianity_n be_v no_o torment_a and_o discontent_a life_n 2._o the_o next_o part_n be_v delight_n in_o god_n and_o in_o the_o hope_n and_o fore-thought_n of_o everlasting_a glory_n psal_n 37.4_o delight_n thyself_o in_o the_o lord_n and_o he_o shall_v give_v thou_o the_o desire_n of_o thy_o heart_n this_o be_v it_o that_o you_o shall_v be_v bend_v your_o study_n and_o endeavour_n for_o that_o your_o soul_n may_v be_v able_a to_o delight_n itself_o in_o god_n 3._o the_o three_o part_n be_v thankfulness_n and_o praise_n though_o i_o say_v not_o as_o some_o that_o we_o shall_v be_v move_v by_o no_o fear_n or_o desire_n of_o the_o reward_n that_o be_v of_o god_n but_o act_n only_o from_o thankfulness_n as_o though_o we_o have_v all_o that_o we_o expect_v already_o yet_o let_v i_o desire_v you_o to_o take_v special_a notice_n of_o this_o truth_n that_o thankfulness_n must_v be_v the_o main_a principle_n of_o all_o gospel-obedience_n and_o this_o be_v not_o only_o true_a of_o the_o regenerate_v after_o faith_n but_o even_o the_o wicked_a themselves_o who_o be_v call_v to_o repent_v and_o believe_v be_v call_v to_o do_v it_o in_o a_o glad_a and_o thankful_a sense_n of_o the_o mercy_n offer_v they_o in_o christ_n all_o the_o world_n be_v fall_v under_o god_n wrath_n and_o deserve_a condemnation_n and_o the_o lord_n jesus_n have_v become_v a_o sacrifice_n and_o ransom_n for_o all_o and_o so_o bring_v all_o from_o that_o legal_a necessity_n of_o perish_v which_o they_o be_v under_o the_o gospel_n which_o bring_v they_o the_o news_n of_o this_o be_v glad_a tiding_n of_o great_a joy_n to_o they_o and_o the_o very_o justify_v act_n which_o they_o be_v call_v to_o be_v thankful_o to_o accept_v christ_n as_o one_o that_o have_v already_o satisfy_v for_o their_o sin_n and_o will_v save_v they_o if_o they_o accept_v he_o and_o will_v follow_v his_o save_a counsel_n and_o use_v his_o save_a mean_n and_o the_o save_a work_n which_o they_o must_v proceed_v in_o be_v thankfulness_n to_o obey_v that_o redeemer_n who_o they_o believe_v in_o so_o that_o as_o general_a redemption_n be_v the_o very_a foundation_n of_o the_o new_a world_n and_o its_o government_n so_o thankfulness_n for_o this_o redemption_n be_v the_o very_a life_n of_o justify_v faith_n and_o gospel_n obedience_n and_o therefore_o the_o denial_n of_o this_o universal_a redemption_n as_o to_o the_o price_n and_o satisfaction_n do_v both_o disable_v wicked_a man_n if_o they_o receive_v it_o from_o come_v to_o christ_n by_o true_a justify_v faith_n which_o be_v the_o thankful_a acceptance_n of_o christ_n as_o he_o be_v offer_v with_o his_o benefit_n and_o this_o thankfulness_n must_v be_v for_o what_o he_o have_v do_v in_o die_v for_o we_o as_o well_o as_o for_o what_o he_o will_v do_v in_o pardon_v and_o save_v we_o and_o it_o do_v disable_v all_o true_a believer_n from_o gospel_n grateful_a obedience_n when_o ever_o they_o lose_v the_o sight_n of_o their_o evidence_n of_o special_a grace_n which_o alas_o how_o ordinary_a be_v it_o with_o they_o for_o when_o they_o can_v have_v special_a grace_n in_o their_o eye_n to_o be_v thankful_a for_o according_a to_o
the_o right_a method_n for_o a_o settle_a peace_n of_o conscience_n and_o spiritual_a comfort_n in_o 32_o direction_n write_a for_o the_o use_n of_o a_o trouble_a friend_n and_o now_o publish_v by_o richard_n baxter_n teacher_n of_o the_o church_n at_o kederminster_n in_o worcestershire_n 1_o john_n 4.16_o god_n be_v love_n luke_n 14.17_o mat._n 22.4_o come_v for_o all_o thing_n be_v now_o ready_a london_n print_v for_o t._n vnderhil_n f._n titan_n and_o w._n râ—ybould_n and_o be_v to_o be_v sell_v at_o the_o anchor_n and_o at_o the_o unicorn_n in_o paul_n churchyard_n and_o at_o the_o three_o dagger_n in_o fleetstreet_n 1653._o mat._n 11.28_o come_v unto_o i_o all_o you_o that_o labour_n and_o be_v heavy_a lade_v and_o i_o will_v give_v you_o rest_v take_v my_o yoke_n upon_o you_o and_o learn_v of_o i_o for_o i_o be_o meek_a and_o lowly_a in_o heart_n and_o you_o shall_v find_v rest_n unto_o your_o soul_n for_o my_o yoke_n be_v easy_a and_o my_o burden_n be_v light_a gal._n 5.17_o 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to_o he_o as_o long_o as_o you_o strip_v he_o of_o his_o divine_a nature_n remember_v the_o holy_a ghost_n description_n of_o god_n 1_o joh_n 4.16_o god_n be_v love_n write_v these_o word_n deep_a in_o your_o understanding_n 2._o hereby_o you_o will_v have_v this_o advantage_n also_o that_o your_o thought_n of_o god_n will_v be_v more_o sweet_a and_o delightful_a to_o you_o for_o as_o glorious_a and_o beautiful_a sight_n to_o your_o eye_n and_o melodious_a sound_n to_o your_o ear_n and_o sweet_a smell_n taste_n etc._n etc._n be_v all_o delightful_a when_o thing_n deform_v stink_a etc._n etc._n be_v all_o loathsome_a and_o we_o turn_v away_o from_o one_o with_o abhorrency_n but_o for_o the_o other_o we_o will_v often_o see_v taste_n etc._n etc._n and_o enjoy_v they_o so_o be_v it_o with_o the_o object_n of_o our_o mind_n god_n have_v give_v no_o command_n for_o duty_n but_o what_o most_o perfect_o agree_v with_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o object_n he_o have_v therefore_o bid_v we_o 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firm_o conceive_v of_o god_n as_o one_o that_o be_v ten_o thousand_o time_n more_o gracious_a love_v and_o amiable_a than_o any_o friend_n that_o you_o have_v in_o the_o world_n it_o will_v make_v you_o not_o only_o to_o love_v he_o above_o all_o friend_n but_o also_o more_o free_o delightful_o and_o unwearied_o to_o think_v of_o he_o 4._o and_o then_o you_o will_v hence_o have_v this_o further_a advantage_n that_o you_o will_v have_v less_o backwardness_n to_o any_o duty_n and_o less_o weariness_n in_o duty_n you_o will_v find_v more_o delight_n in_o prayer_n meditation_n and_o speech_n of_o god_n when_o once_o god_n himself_o be_v more_o lovely_a and_o delightful_a in_o your_o eye_n 5._o all_o these_o advantage_n will_v produce_v a_o further_a that_o be_v the_o growth_n of_o all_o your_o grace_n for_o its_o impossible_a but_o this_o growth_n of_o love_n and_o frequent_v delightful_a thought_n of_o god_n and_o address_n to_o he_o shall_v cause_v a_o increase_n of_o all_o the_o rest_n 6._o hereupon_o your_o evidence_n will_v be_v more_o clear_a and_o discernible_a for_o grace_n in_o strength_n and_o action_n will_v be_v easy_o find_v and_o will_v not_o this_o resolve_v all_o your_o doubt_n at_o once_o 7._o yea_o the_o very_a exercise_n of_o these_o several_a grace_n will_v be_v comfortable_a 8._o and_o hereupon_o you_o will_v have_v more_o humble_a familiarity_n and_o communion_n with_o god_n for_o love_n delight_n and_o frequent_a address_n will_v overcome_v strangeness_n and_o disacquaintance_n which_o make_v we_o fly_v from_o god_n as_o a_o fish_n or_o bird_n or_o wild_a beast_n will_v from_o the_o face_n of_o a_o man_n and_o will_v give_v we_o access_n with_o boldness_n and_o confidence_n and_o this_o will_v banish_v sadness_n and_o terror_n as_o the_o sun_n dispel_v darkness_n and_o cold_a 9_o at_o least_o you_o will_v hence_o have_v this_o advantage_n that_o the_o fix_a apprehension_n of_o god_n goodness_n and_o merciful_a nature_n will_v cause_v a_o fix_a apprehension_n of_o the_o probability_n of_o your_o happiness_n as_o long_o as_o you_o be_v willing_a to_o be_v happy_a in_o god_n way_n for_o reason_n will_v tell_v you_o that_o he_o who_o be_v love_n itself_o and_o who_o goodness_n be_v equal_a to_o his_o almightiness_n and_o who_o have_v swear_v that_o he_o have_v no_o pleasure_n in_o the_o death_n of_o a_o sinner_n but_o rather_o that_o he_o repent_v and_o live_v will_v not_o destroy_v a_o poor_a soul_n that_o lie_v in_o submission_n at_o his_o foot_n and_o be_v so_o far_o from_o resolve_a rebellion_n against_o he_o that_o it_o grieve_v that_o it_o be_v no_o better_a and_o can_v please_v he_o no_o more_o 10._o however_o these_o right_a apprehension_n of_o god_n will_v overcome_v those_o terror_n which_o be_v raise_v only_o by_o false_a apprehension_n of_o he_o and_o doubtless_o a_o very_a great_a part_n of_o man_n causeless_a trouble_n be_v raise_v from_o such_o misapprehension_n of_o god_n for_o satan_n know_v that_o if_o he_o can_v bring_v you_o to_o think_v of_o god_n as_o a_o cruel_a tyrant_n and_o bloodthirsty_a man-hater_n than_o he_o can_v drive_v you_o from_o he_o in_o terror_n and_o turn_v all_o your_o love_n and_o cheerful_a obedience_n into_o hatred_n and_o slavish_a fear_n i_o say_v therefore_o again_o do_v not_o only_o get_v but_o also_o fix_v deep_a in_o your_o understanding_n the_o high_a thought_n of_o god_n natural_a goodness_n and_o graciousness_n that_o possible_o you_o can_v raise_v for_o when_o they_o be_v at_o the_o high_a they_o come_v short_a ten_o thousand_o fold_n object_n but_o god_n goodness_n lie_v not_o in_o mercy_n to_o man_n as_o i_o have_v read_v in_o great_a divine_n he_o may_v be_v perfect_o good_a though_o he_o shall_v for_o ever_o torment_v the_o most_o innocent_a creature_n answ_n these_o be_v ignorant_a presumptuous_a intrusion_n into_o that_o which_o be_v unsearchable_a where_o do_v scripture_n say_v as_o you_o say_v judge_n of_o god_n as_o he_o reveal_v himself_o or_o you_o will_v but_o delude_v yourself_o and_o abuse_v he_o all_o his_o work_n represent_v he_o merciful_a for_o his_o mercy_n be_v over_o all_o his_o work_n and_o legible_a in_o they_o all_o his_o word_n say_v he_o be_v good_a and_o do_v good_a psal_n 119.68_o and_o 145.9_o how_o himself_o do_v proclaim_v his_o own_o name_n exod._n 34.6_o 7._o i_o tell_v you_o before_o the_o most_o merciful_a man_n be_v his_o lively_a image_n and_o therefore_o he_o plant_v mercy_n in_o they_o in_o their_o conversion_n as_o a_o principal_a part_n of_o their_o new_a nature_n and_o command_v of_o mercifulness_n be_v a_o great_a part_n of_o his_o law_n and_o he_o bid_v we_o be_v merciful_a as_o our_o heavenly_a father_n be_v merciful_a luk._n 6.36_o now_o if_o this_o be_v none_o of_o his_o nature_n how_o can_v he_o be_v the_o pattern_n of_o our_o new_a nature_n herein_o and_o if_o he_o be_v not_o infinite_o merciful_a himself_o how_o can_v we_o be_v require_v to_o be_v merciful_a as_o he_o be_v who_o dare_v say_v i_o be_o more_o merciful_a than_o god_n object_n but_o god_n be_v just_a as_o well_o as_o merciful_a and_o for_o all_o his_o merciful_a nature_n he_o will_v damn_v most_o of_o the_o world_n for_o ever_o in_o hell_n answ_n 1._o but_o james_n say_v mercy_n rejoice_v against_o judgement_n jam._n 2.13_o 2._o god_n be_v necessary_o the_o governor_n of_o the_o world_n while_o there_o be_v a_o world_n and_o therefore_o must_v govern_v it_o in_o justice_n and_o so_o must_v not_o suffer_v his_o mercy_n to_o be_v perpetual_o abuse_v by_o wicked_a wilful_a contemptuous_a sinner_n but_o then_o consider_v two_o thing_n 1._o that_o he_o destroy_v not_o humble_a soul_n that_o lie_v at_o his_o foot_n and_o be_v willing_a to_o have_v mercy_n on_o his_o easy_a term_n but_o only_o the_o stubborn_a despiser_n of_o his_o mercy_n he_o damn_v none_o but_o those_o that_o will_v not_o be_v save_v in_o his_o way_n that_o be_v that_o will_v not_o accept_v of_o christ_n and_o salvation_n free_o give_v they_o i_o speak_v of_o those_o that_o hear_v the_o gospel_n for_o other_o their_o case_n be_v more_o unknown_a to_o we_o and_o be_v it_o any_o diminution_n to_o his_o infinite_a mercy_n that_o he_o will_v not_o save_v those_o that_o will_v not_o be_v entreat_v to_o accept_v of_o salvation_n 2._o and_o consider_v how_o long_o he_o use_v to_o wait_v on_o sinner_n and_o even_o beseech_v they_o to_o be_v reconcile_v to_o he_o before_o he_o destroy_v they_o and_o that_o he_o heap_v multitude_n of_o mercy_n on_o they_o even_o in_o their_o rebellion_n to_o draw_v they_o to_o repentance_n and_o so_o to_o life_n and_o be_v it_o unmercifulness_n yet_o if_o such_o man_n perish_v object_n but_o if_o god_n be_v so_o infinite_a in_o mercy_n as_o you_o say_v why_o do_v he_o not_o make_v all_o these_o
god_n and_o the_o cross_n of_o christ_n in_o that_o kind_n or_o in_o coordination_n with_o they_o so_o it_o be_v the_o office_n of_o every_o grace_n and_o holy_a work_n and_o ordinance_n and_o mean_n to_o be_v subservient_fw-fr to_o christ_n either_o for_o the_o attain_n of_o christ_n or_o apply_v his_o merit_n or_o they_o be_v the_o effect_n of_o his_o merit_n now_o if_o we_o must_v love_n and_o rejoice_v in_o christ_n principal_o then_o must_v we_o need_v love_n and_o rejoice_v in_o all_o those_o thing_n that_o stand_v in_o a_o necessary_a subordination_n to_o he_o in_o their_o place_n and_o therefore_o to_o say_v we_o must_v rejoice_v in_o christ_n only_o and_o therefore_o not_o in_o any_o grace_n or_o duty_n of_o our_o own_o be_v as_o wife_n as_o if_o a_o wife_n shall_v cast_v her_o husband_n clothes_n and_o meat_n out_o of_o door_n and_o say_v you_o charge_v i_o to_o admit_v none_o into_o my_o chamber_n but_o yourself_o or_o as_o if_o a_o physician_n have_v tell_v his_o patient_n i_o will_v cure_v you_o if_o you_o will_v trust_v i_o only_o for_o the_o cure_n thereupon_o the_o patient_n shall_v cast_v away_o his_o medicine_n and_o shut_v the_o door_n against_o his_o servant_n and_o apothecary_n and_o say_v we_o must_v trust_v none_o but_o the_o physician_n 9_o all_o the_o fail_n of_o our_o duty_n be_v pardon_v and_o they_o accept_v in_o christ_n and_o therefore_o we_o may_v rejoice_v in_o they_o 10._o our_o duty_n have_v a_o double_a tendency_n to_o our_o salvation_n 1._o as_o the_o condition_n to_o which_o god_n have_v promise_v it_o as_o the_o crown_n and_o reward_n in_o a_o hundred_o text_n of_o scripture_n and_o may_v we_o not_o comfort_v ourselves_o in_o that_o which_o god_n promise_v heaven_n to_o 2._o as_o a_o natural_a mean_n to_o our_o obedience_n and_o further_a perfection_n as_o watchfulness_n meditation_n etc._n etc._n tend_v to_o destroy_v sin_n as_o paul_n say_v to_o timothy_n take_v heed_n to_o thyself_o and_o to_o thy_o doctrine_n and_o in_o so_o do_v thou_o shall_v both_o save_v thyself_o and_o they_o that_o hear_v theâ—_n 1_o tim._n 4.16_o and_o may_v we_o not_o take_v comfort_n in_o that_o which_o tend_v to_o save_v our_o own_o and_o our_o brethren_n soul_n 11._o we_o shall_v be_v judge_v according_a to_o our_o work_n therefore_o we_o must_v judge_v ourselves_o according_a to_o our_o work_n and_o so_o must_v judge_v our_o state_n good_a or_o bad_a according_a to_o our_o work_n for_o can_v man_n judge_v by_o a_o right_a way_n than_o god_n will_v at_o least_o be_v it_o not_o lawful_a for_o man_n to_o judge_v as_o god_n do_v 12._o we_o must_v judge_v of_o other_o in_o probability_n according_a to_o their_o external_a work_n even_o the_o tree_n by_o the_o fruit_n therefore_o we_o must_v judge_v of_o ourselves_o in_o certainty_n according_a to_o our_o internal_a and_o external_a work_n together_o which_o we_o may_v certain_o know_v 13._o if_o we_o may_v not_o rejoice_v in_o any_o of_o our_o grace_n than_o we_o may_v not_o be_v thankful_a for_o they_o for_o thanks_o be_v accompany_v with_o joy_n but_o we_o must_v be_v thankful_a 14._o if_o we_o may_v not_o rejoice_v in_o our_o duty_n we_o may_v not_o repent_v or_o sorrow_n for_o the_o neglect_n of_o they_o and_o if_o we_o may_v not_o rejoice_v in_o our_o grace_n we_o may_v not_o lament_v the_o want_n of_o they_o for_o these_o be_v as_o the_o two_o end_n of_o the_o balance_n that_o one_o go_v down_o when_o the_o other_o go_v up_o or_o as_o day_n and_o night_n light_a and_o darkness_n but_o the_o consequent_a be_v intolerable_a 15._o this_o will_v overthrow_v all_o religion_n for_o what_o a_o man_n can_v rejoice_v in_o he_o can_v love_v he_o can_v esteem_v regard_n be_v careful_a to_o obtain_v be_v fearful_a of_o lose_v etc._n etc._n 16._o god_n delight_v in_o our_o grace_n and_o holy_a duty_n and_o be_v well_o please_v with_o they_o and_o therefore_o it_o be_v lawful_a and_o needful_a that_o we_o do_v as_o god_n do_v jer._n 9.24_o heb._n 11.5_o abel_n sacrifice_n by_o faith_n obtain_v testimony_n that_o he_o please_v god_n heb._n 13.16_o to_o do_v good_a and_o to_o communicate_v forget_v not_o for_o with_o such_o sacrifice_n god_n be_v well_o please_v 17._o the_o saint_n of_o god_n have_v not_o only_o try_v themselves_o by_o their_o grace_n and_o duty_n and_o command_v other_o to_o try_v by_o they_o but_o have_v glory_v and_o rejoice_v in_o their_o duty_n and_o suffering_n 2_o cor._n 1.12_o this_o be_v our_o rejoice_v the_o testimony_n of_o our_o conscience_n that_o in_o simplicity_n and_o godly_a sincerity_n we_o have_v have_v our_o conversation_n among_o you_o act_n 5.41_o they_o glory_v that_o they_o be_v count_v worthy_a to_o suffer_v for_o christ_n rom._n 15.17_o i_o have_v therefore_o whereof_o i_o may_v glory_v in_o jesus_n christ_n in_o those_o thing_n which_o pertain_v to_o god_n rom._n 5.3_o we_o glory_v in_o tribulation_n etc._n etc._n 2_o cor._n 12.6_o 9_o though_o i_o shall_v desire_v to_o glory_n i_o shall_v not_o be_v a_o fool_n i_o glory_v in_o my_o infirmity_n jer._n 9.24_o let_v he_o that_o glori_v glory_n in_o this_o that_o he_o understand_v and_o know_v i_o 1_o cor._n 9.15_o i_o have_v rather_o die_v then_o any_o shall_v make_v my_o glory_v void_a gal._n 6.4_o let_v every_o man_n prove_v his_o own_o work_n so_o shall_v he_o have_v rejoice_v in_o himself_o alone_o and_o not_o in_o another_o 18._o scripture_n name_v many_o of_o our_o own_o grace_n and_o duty_n as_o the_o certain_a mark_n of_o our_o justification_n and_o right_a to_o glory_n even_o christ_n with_o his_o own_o mouth_n give_v we_o many_o matth._n 6.21_o where_o your_o treasure_n be_v there_o will_v your_o heart_n be_v also_o joh._n 3.20_o he_o that_o do_v evil_a hate_v the_o light_n etc._n etc._n but_o he_o that_o do_v good_a come_v to_o the_o light_n that_o etc._n etc._n mat._n 5._o be_v full_a of_o such_o bless_a be_v the_o poor_a in_o spirit_n the_o pure_a in_o heart_n etc._n etc._n 19_o we_o may_v rejoice_v in_o other_o man_n good_a work_n and_o grace_n and_o do_v if_o we_o be_v true_a christian_n therefore_o in_o our_o own_o 20._o we_o may_v rejoice_v in_o god_n outward_a mercy_n therefore_o much_o more_o in_o inward_a and_o such_o as_o accompany_v salvation_n all_o these_o argument_n prove_v that_o we_o may_v take_v up_o our_o comfort_n from_o our_o own_o gracious_a qualification_n and_o action_n not_o in_o opposition_n to_o christ_n but_o in_o subordination_n to_o he_o and_o most_o of_o they_o prove_v that_o we_o may_v fetch_v our_o assurance_n of_o salvation_n from_o they_o as_o undoubted_a evidence_n thereof_o i_o have_v say_v the_o more_o in_o answer_n to_o these_o objection_n 1._o because_o never_o any_o come_v with_o fair_a pretence_n of_o exalt_v christ_n and_o maintain_v the_o honour_n of_o his_o righteousness_n and_o free_a grace_n and_o of_o deny_v ourselves_o and_o our_o own_o righteousness_n 2._o and_o yet_o few_o doctrine_n more_o dishonour_n christ_n and_o destroy_v the_o very_a substance_n of_o all_o religion_n even_o as_o if_o a_o man_n shall_v cry_v down_o he_o that_o will_v praise_n and_o commend_v obedience_n to_o the_o king_n and_o say_v you_o must_v praise_v nothing_o but_o the_o king_n so_o do_v these_o cry_v down_o our_o look_v at_o and_o rejoice_v in_o our_o love_n to_o christ_n and_o our_o thankfulness_n to_o he_o and_o our_o obedience_n and_o all_o under_o pretence_n of_o honour_v he_o nay_o they_o will_v not_o have_v we_o rejoice_v in_o one_o part_n of_o christ_n salvation_n his_o save_v we_o from_o the_o power_n of_o sin_n and_o his_o sanctify_v we_o under_o pretence_n that_o we_o dishonour_v the_o other_o part_n of_o his_o salvation_n his_o justify_v we_o if_o ever_o satan_n transform_v himself_o into_o a_o angel_n of_o light_n and_o his_o minister_n into_o minister_n of_o light_n it_o be_v in_o the_o mistake_v of_o the_o antinomian_o and_o no_o people_n in_o the_o world_n except_o carnal_a libertine_n who_o this_o doctrine_n fit_v to_o a_o hair_n be_v in_o 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perfect_o sanctify_v and_o rid_v of_o that_o body_n of_o sin_n though_o it_o be_v to_o the_o smart_n and_o displease_v of_o your_o flesh_n be_v you_o not_o willing_a to_o wait_v on_o god_n in_o the_o use_n of_o his_o ordinance_n in_o that_o poor_a weak_a measure_n as_o you_o be_v able_a to_o perform_v they_o dare_v you_o or_o will_v you_o quit_v your_o part_n in_o god_n heaven_n christ_n and_o forsake_v the_o way_n of_o holiness_n and_o do_v as_o the_o profane_a world_n do_v though_o it_o be_v to_o please_v your_o flesh_n or_o save_v your_o state_n or_o life_n do_v not_o you_o daily_o strive_v against_o the_o flesh_n and_o keep_v it_o under_o and_o deny_v it_o its_o desire_n do_v you_o not_o deny_v the_o world_n when_o it_o will_v hinder_v you_o from_o work_n of_o mercy_n or_o public_a good_a according_a to_o your_o ability_n be_v it_o not_o the_o grief_n of_o your_o soul_n when_o you_o fall_v and_o your_o great_a trouble_n that_o you_o can_v walk_v more_o obedient_o innocent_o and_o fruitful_o and_o do_v you_o not_o after_o sin_v resolve_v to_o be_v more_o watchful_a for_o the_o time_n to_o come_v be_v you_o not_o resolve_v to_o stick_v to_o christ_n and_o his_o holy_a law_n and_o way_n whatever_o change_v or_o danger_n come_v and_o rather_o to_o forsake_v friend_n and_o all_o that_o you_o have_v then_o to_o forsake_v he_o yet_o in_o a_o godly_a jealousy_n and_o distrust_n of_o your_o own_o heart_n do_v renounce_v your_o own_o strength_n and_o resolve_v to_o do_v this_o only_a in_o the_o strength_n of_o christ_n and_o therefore_o daily_o beg_v it_o of_o he_o be_v it_o not_o your_o daily_a care_n and_o business_n to_o please_v god_n and_o do_v his_o will_n and_o avoid_v sin_v in_o your_o weak_a measure_n i_o hope_v that_o all_o this_o be_v so_o and_o your_o own_o case_n which_o if_o it_o be_v you_o have_v infallible_a evidence_n and_o want_v but_o the_o sight_n and_o comfort_n of_o they_o you_o have_v the_o true_a ground_n for_o assurance_n though_o you_o want_v 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about_o you_o any_o of_o they_o o_o that_o you_o know_v what_o a_o work_n of_o wonderful_a mercy_n wisdom_n and_o power_n the_o spirit_n perform_v in_o the_o renew_n of_o a_o soul_n then_o sure_o you_o will_v more_o observe_v and_o admire_v his_o love_n to_o you_o herein_o direction_n xii_o 12._o the_o next_o rule_n for_o your_o direction_n for_o the_o right_n settle_v of_o your_o peace_n be_v this_o you_o must_v know_v that_o assurance_n of_o justification_n adoption_n and_o right_a to_o salvation_n can_v be_v gather_v from_o the_o small_a degree_n of_o save_v grace_n here_o i_o must_v say_v something_o for_o explain_v my_o meaning_n to_o you_o 2._o and_o then_o give_v you_o my_o reason_n of_o this_o assertion_n 1._o understand_v that_o i_o speak_v of_o god_n ordinary_a work_n by_o mean_n not_o deny_v but_o god_n may_v by_o a_o voice_n from_o heaven_n or_o a_o angel_n or_o other_o supernatural_a revelation_n bestow_v assurance_n on_o who_o he_o please_v but_o i_o hope_v all_o wise_a christian_n will_v take_v heed_n of_o expect_v this_o or_o of_o trust_v too_o much_o to_o seem_a revelation_n unless_o they_o can_v prove_v that_o god_n use_v to_o confer_v assurance_n in_o this_o way_n which_o i_o think_v they_o can_v 2._o by_o the_o small_a degree_n of_o grace_n i_o mean_v of_o faith_n love_n obedience_n and_o those_o save_a grace_n who_o act_n be_v the_o condition_n of_o our_o salvation_n and_o which_o in_o the_o fore-expressed_n mark_v i_o lay_v down_o to_o you_o do_v not_o therefore_o so_o far_o mistake_v i_o as_o to_o think_v that_o i_o speak_v of_o a_o small_a measure_n of_o those_o common_a gift_n which_o be_v separable_a from_o true_a sanctification_n such_o as_o be_v extensive_a knowledge_n memory_n ability_n of_o utterance_n in_o preach_v repeat_v exhort_v or_o pray_v a_o ornate_a plausible_a win_a deportment_n before_o man_n such_o as_o be_v common_o call_v good_a breed_n or_o manner_n a_o affect_a humble_a complemental_a familiarity_n and_o condescension_n to_o creep_v into_o man_n estimation_n and_o affection_n and_o steal_v their_o heart_n etc._n etc._n many_o a_o one_o that_o be_v strong_a in_o save_v grace_n be_v weak_a in_o all_o these_o and_o other_o the_o like_a now_o for_o my_o reason_n 1._o i_o conceive_v that_o it_o be_v not_o possible_a for_o any_o minister_n punctual_o to_o set_v down_o a_o discernible_a difference_n between_o the_o least_o measure_n of_o true_a save_a grace_n and_o the_o high_a degree_n of_o common_a grace_n and_o to_o say_v just_o here_o it_o be_v that_o they_o part_v or_o by_o this_o you_o may_v discern_v they_o i_o do_v but_o say_v i_o think_v so_o because_o other_o man_n may_v know_v far_o more_o than_o i_o do_v but_o i_o will_v say_v it_o as_o certain_a that_o i_o be_o not_o able_a to_o do_v it_o for_o my_o own_o part_n this_o much_o i_o can_v tell_v that_o the_o least_o degree_n of_o grace_n that_o be_v save_v do_v determine_v the_o soul_n for_o god_n and_o christ_n against_o the_o world_n and_o flesh_n that_o stand_v as_o competitor_n and_o so_o where_o christ_n interest_n prevail_v in_o the_o least_o measure_n there_o be_v the_o least_o measure_n of_o save_a grace_n as_o when_o you_o be_v weigh_v two_o thing_n in_o the_o balance_n and_o at_o last_o make_v it_o so_o near_a evenweight_n that_o one_o end_n be_v turn_v and_o no_o more_o so_o when_o you_o be_v consider_v whether_o to_o be_v for_o christ_n or_o for_o the_o flesh_n and_o the_o world_n and_o your_o will_n be_v but_o even_o a_o very_a little_a determine_v to_o christ_n and_o prefer_v he_o this_o be_v the_o least_o measure_n of_o save_a grace_n but_o then_o how_o a_o poor_a soul_n shall_v discern_v this_o prevalent_a choice_n and_o determination_n of_o itself_o be_v all_o the_o question_n for_o there_o be_v nothing_o more_o easy_a and_o common_a then_o for_o man_n to_o think_v very_o that_o they_o prefer_v christ_n above_o the_o creature_n as_o long_o as_o no_o temptation_n do_v assault_v they_o nor_o sensual_a object_n stand_v up_o in_o any_o cosiderable_a strength_n to_o entice_v they_o nay_o wicked_a man_n do_v true_o oft_o time_n purpose_v to_o obey_v christ_n before_o the_o flesh_n and_o to_o take_v he_o for_o their_o lord_n mere_o in_o the_o general_n when_o they_o do_v not_o know_v or_o consider_v the_o quality_n of_o his_o law_n that_o they_o be_v so_o strict_a and_o spiritual_a and_o contrary_a to_o the_o flesh_n and_o hazardous_a to_o their_o worldly_a hope_n and_o seeming-happiness_n but_o when_o it_o come_v to_o particular_n and_o god_n say_v now_o deny_v thyself_o and_o thy_o friend_n and_o thy_o good_n and_o thy_o life_n for_o my_o sake_n alas_o it_o be_v never_o his_o resolution_n to_o do_v it_o nor_o will_v he_o be_v persuade_v to_o it_o but_o he_o that_o say_v to_o god_n who_o send_v he_o to_o labour_v in_o his_o vineyard_n i_o go_v sir_n when_o he_o come_v to_o find_v the_o unpleasingness_n of_o the_o work_n he_o go_v not_o or_o never_o set_v a_o hand_n to_o it_o so_o that_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o it_o be_v no_o true_a save_a resolution_n or_o willingness_n which_o prevail_v not_o for_o actual_a obedience_n now_o here_o come_v in_o the_o unresolvable_a doubt_n what_o be_v the_o least_o measure_n of_o obedience_n that_o will_v prove_v a_o man_n true_o willing_a and_o resolve_v or_o to_o have_v true_o accept_v of_o christ_n for_o his_o lord_n this_o obedience_n lie_v in_o perform_v what_o be_v command_v and_o avoid_v what_o be_v forbid_v now_o it_o be_v too_o certain_a that_o every_o true_a believer_n be_v guilty_a of_o a_o frequent_a neglect_n of_o duty_n yea_o of_o know_a duty_n we_o know_v we_o shall_v love_v god_n more_o abundant_o and_o delight_n in_o he_o and_o meditate_v more_o on_o he_o and_o
his_o queen_n her_o deliberation_n may_v be_v the_o way_n to_o her_o consent_n and_o one_o reason_n after_o another_o may_v bring_v she_o near_o to_o consent_v but_o it_o be_v that_o which_o turn_v her_o will_n to_o consent_v resolve_v covenant_n and_o deliver_v herself_o to_o he_o which_o make_v the_o great_a change_n in_o her_o state_n yet_o all_o the_o forego_n work_n of_o common_a grace_n have_v a_o hand_n in_o the_o change_n though_o only_o the_o turn_a resolution_n do_v effect_v it_o it_o be_v the_o rest_n with_o this_o that_o do_v it_o as_o when_o the_o last_o grain_n turn_v the_o scale_n the_o former_a do_v concur_v i_o will_v conclude_v with_o dâ—_n prestons_n word_n in_o his_o golden_a sceptre_n pag._n 210._o obj._n it_o seem_v then_o that_o the_o knowledge_n of_o a_o carnal_a man_n and_o of_o a_o regenerate_v man_n do_v differ_v but_o in_o degree_n and_o not_o in_o kind_n ans_fw-fr the_o want_n of_o degree_n here_o alter_v the_o kind_n as_o in_o number_n the_o addition_n of_o a_o degree_n alter_v the_o species_n and_o kind_a read_v for_o this_o also_o d._n jackson_n of_o save_a faith_n §_o 3._o ch_n 3._o pag._n 297_o 298._o and_o frequent_o in_o other_o place_n so_o much_o of_o that_o observation_n direction_n fourteen_o 14._o yet_o further_o i_o will_v have_v you_o to_o understand_v this_o that_o as_o the_o least_o measure_n of_o save_v grace_n be_v ordinary_o undiscernible_a from_o the_o great_a measure_n of_o common_a grace_n notwithstanding_o the_o greatness_n of_o the_o change_n that_o it_o make_v so_o a_o measure_n somewhat_o great_a be_v so_o hardly_o discernible_a that_o it_o seldom_o bring_v assurance_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v only_o the_o strong_a christian_n that_o attain_v assurance_n ordinary_o even_o those_o who_o have_v a_o great_a degree_n of_o faith_n and_o love_n and_o keep_v they_o much_o in_o exercise_n and_o be_v very_o watchful_a and_o careful_a in_o obedience_n and_o consequent_o most_o christian_n be_v of_o the_o weak_a sort_n it_o be_v but_o few_o that_o do_v attain_v to_o assurance_n of_o their_o justification_n and_o salvation_n here_o be_v two_o or_o three_o point_n which_o i_o will_v have_v you_o distinct_o to_o observe_v though_o i_o lay_v they_o all_o together_o for_o brevity_n 1._o that_o it_o be_v only_o a_o great_a measure_n of_o grace_n that_o will_v ordinary_o afford_v assurance_n 2._o that_o therefore_o it_o be_v only_o the_o strong_a and_o holy_a and_o more_o obedient_a sort_n of_o christian_n that_o usual_o reach_v to_o a_o certainty_n of_o salvation_n 3._o that_o few_o christian_n do_v reach_v to_o a_o strong_a or_o high_a degree_n of_o grace_n 4._o and_o therefore_o it_o be_v but_o few_o christian_n that_o reach_v to_o assurance_n for_o the_o two_o first_o of_o these_o it_o will_v evident_o appear_v that_o they_o be_v true_a by_o review_v the_o reason_n which_o i_o give_v of_o the_o last_o point_n save_o one_o he_o that_o will_v attain_v to_o a_o certainty_n of_o salvation_n must_v 1._o have_v a_o large_a measure_n of_o grace_n to_o be_v discern_v 2._o he_o must_v have_v that_o grace_n much_o in_o action_n and_o lively_a action_n for_o it_o be_v not_o mere_a habit_n that_o be_v discernible_a 3._o he_o must_v have_v a_o clear_a understanding_n to_o be_v acquaint_v with_o the_o nature_n of_o spiritual_a thing_n to_o know_v what_o be_v a_o sound_a evidence_n and_o how_o to_o follow_v the_o search_n and_o how_o to_o repel_v particular_a temptation_n 4._o he_o must_v have_v a_o good_a acquaintance_n and_o familiarity_n with_o his_o own_o heart_n and_o to_o that_o end_n must_v be_v much_o at_o home_n and_o be_v use_v sometime_o to_o a_o diligent_a observation_n of_o his_o heart_n and_o way_n 5._o he_o must_v be_v in_o a_o good_a measure_n acquaint_v with_o and_o a_o conqueror_n of_o contradict_a temptation_n 6._o he_o must_v have_v some_o competent_a cure_n of_o the_o deep_a deceitfulness_n of_o the_o heart_n and_o it_o must_v be_v bring_v to_o a_o open_a plain_a ingenuous_a frame_n willing_a to_o know_v the_o worst_a of_o itself_o 7._o he_o must_v have_v some_o cure_n of_o that_o ordinary_a confusion_n and_o tumultuous_a disorder_n that_o be_v in_o the_o thought_n and_o affection_n of_o man_n and_o get_v thing_n into_o a_o order_n in_o his_o mind_n 8._o he_o must_v be_v a_o man_n of_o diligence_n resolution_n and_o unwearied_a patience_n that_o will_v resolve_o set_v on_o the_o work_n of_o self-examination_n and_o painful_o watch_v in_o it_o and_o constant_o follow_v it_o from_o time_n to_o time_n till_o he_o attain_v a_o certainty_n 9_o he_o must_v be_v one_o that_o be_v very_o fearful_a of_o sin_v and_o careful_a in_o close_a obedient_a walk_v with_o god_n and_o much_o in_o sincere_a and_o spiritual_a duty_n that_o he_o keep_v not_o conscience_n still_o in_o accuse_v and_o condemn_v he_o and_o god_n still_o offend_v with_o he_o and_o his_o wound_n fresh_a bleed_a and_o his_o soul_n still_o smart_v 10._o he_o must_v be_v a_o man_n of_o much_o fixedness_n and_o constancy_n of_o mind_n and_o not_o of_o the_o ordinary_a mutability_n of_o mankind_n that_o so_o he_o may_v not_o by_o remit_v his_o zeal_n and_o diligence_n lose_v the_o sight_n of_o his_o evidence_n nor_o by_o leave_v open_a his_o soul_n to_o a_o alteration_n by_o every_o new_a intrude_a thought_n and_o temptation_n let_v go_v his_o assurance_n as_o soon_o as_o he_o attain_v it_o all_o these_o thing_n in_o a_o good_a degree_n be_v necessary_a to_o the_o attain_n of_o assurance_n of_o salvation_n and_o then_o do_v i_o need_v to_o say_v any_o more_o to_o the_o confirmation_n of_o the_o three_o point_n that_o few_o christian_n reach_v this_o measure_n of_o grace_n o_o that_o it_o be_v not_o as_o clear_v as_o the_o light_n and_o as_o discernible_a as_o the_o earth_n under_o our_o foot_n that_o most_o true_a christian_n be_v weakling_n and_o of_o the_o low_a form_n in_o the_o school_n of_o christ_n alas_o how_o ignorant_a be_v most_o of_o the_o best_a how_o little_a love_n or_o faith_n or_o zeal_n or_o heavenly-mindedness_a or_o delight_n in_o god_n have_v they_o how_o unacquainted_a with_o a_o frequent_a exercise_n of_o these_o grace_n how_o unacquainted_a with_o the_o way_n of_o self-examination_n and_o how_o backward_o to_o it_o and_o how_o dull_a and_o careless_a in_o it_o do_v it_o by_o the_o half_n as_o laban_n search_v rachel_n tent_n how_o easy_o put_v off_o with_o a_o excuse_n how_o little_o acquaint_v with_o their_o own_o heart_n or_o with_o satan_n temptation_n and_o way_n of_o deceive_v how_o much_o deceitfulness_n remain_v in_o their_o heart_n how_o confuse_a be_v their_o mind_n and_o what_o distraction_n and_o tumult_n be_v there_o in_o their_o thought_n how_o bold_a be_v they_o in_o sin_v and_o how_o little_a tenderness_n of_o conscience_n and_o care_n of_o obey_v have_v they_o how_o frequent_o do_v they_o wound_v conscience_n provoke_v god_n and_o obscure_v their_o evidence_n and_o how_o mutable_a be_v their_o apprehension_n and_o 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in_o it_o and_o how_o few_o of_o they_o ever_o go_v to_o the_o university_n of_o ripe_a knowledge_n and_o how_o few_o of_o those_o be_v fit_a to_o begin_v here_o the_o work_n of_o their_o priestly_a office_n which_o they_o must_v live_v in_o for_o ever_o in_o the_o high_a and_o joyful_a praise_n of_o god_n and_o of_o the_o lamb_n who_o have_v redeem_a they_o by_o his_o blood_n and_o make_v they_o king_n and_o priest_n to_o god_n that_o they_o may_v reign_v with_o he_o for_o ever_o i_o be_o content_a to_o stand_v to_o the_o judgement_n of_o all_o humble_a self-knowing_a christian_n whether_o this_o be_v not_o true_a of_o most_o of_o themselves_o and_o for_o those_o that_o deny_v it_o i_o will_v stand_v to_o the_o judgement_n of_o their_o godly_a neighbour_n who_o perhaps_o know_v they_o better_o than_o they_o know_v themselves_o and_o then_o this_o be_v all_o so_o
have_v any_o strong_a christian_n among_o they_o yet_o we_o have_v have_v the_o knowledge_n of_o such_o at_o home_n 2._o beside_o the_o difficulty_n of_o the_o subject_n be_v a_o clear_a argument_n that_o a_o strong_a christian_a may_v be_v uncertain_a of_o it_o god_n have_v make_v all_o those_o point_n plain_a in_o scripture_n which_o must_v be_v believe_v as_o of_o necessity_n to_o salvation_n but_o the_o certainty_n of_o all_o believer_n perseverance_n be_v not_o a_o point_n of_o flat_a necessity_n to_o salvation_n to_o be_v believe_v otherwise_o it_o will_v be_v a_o hard_a matter_n to_o prove_v that_o any_o considerable_a number_n be_v ever_o save_v till_o of_o late_a or_o be_v yet_o save_v but_o in_o a_o very_a few_o country_n it_o be_v a_o point_n that_o the_o church_n never_o do_v put_v into_o their_o creed_n where_o they_o sum_v up_o those_o point_n that_o they_o hold_v necessary_a to_o salvation_n there_o be_v a_o great_a number_n of_o text_n of_o scripture_n which_o seem_v 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together_o in_o one_o effect_n even_o in_o expelling_a trouble_n from_o the_o heart_n yet_o dare_v i_o scarce_o say_v in_o the_o usual_a sense_n of_o the_o word_n that_o i_o be_o certain_a of_o my_o sincerity_n and_o so_o of_o my_o justification_n especial_o when_o temptation_n have_v prevail_v and_o the_o strength_n of_o the_o flesh_n interest_n and_o the_o weakness_n of_o christ_n interest_n in_o my_o estimation_n and_o will_n and_o affection_n have_v appear_v more_o than_o ordinary_a and_o when_o i_o have_v think_v how_o much_o strong_a trial_n i_o may_v yet_o be_v put_v to_o which_o other_o daily_o undergo_v especial_o the_o temptation_n of_o prosperity_n do_v often_o make_v i_o fear_v than_o those_o of_o persecution_n and_o adversity_n i_o be_o sometime_o afraid_a lest_o it_o be_v but_o the_o weakness_n of_o my_o body_n and_o the_o distance_n of_o object_n and_o smallness_n of_o temptation_n that_o make_v they_o no_o more_o prevail_v with_o i_o and_o that_o if_o i_o have_v as_o strong_a a_o body_n as_o other_o and_o be_v in_o that_o dignity_n wealth_n and_o abundance_n of_o all_o thing_n as_o some_o be_v whether_o honour_n carâ—al_a pleasure_n sport_n delightful_a meat_n drink_n beauty_n and_o such_o vanity_n may_v not_o carry_v i_o away_o as_o i_o see_v they_o do_v other_o that_o make_v as_o great_a a_o show_n of_o holiness_n yet_o do_v not_o these_o doubt_v much_o affright_n or_o disquiet_v i_o because_o i_o find_v god_n at_o present_a possess_v i_o with_o those_o resolution_n to_o cast_v away_o all_o for_o christ_n which_o i_o doubt_v not_o be_v the_o work_n of_o his_o own_o grace_n and_o because_o i_o have_v experience_n of_o abundance_n of_o prevent_v and_o sustain_a grace_n and_o because_o i_o find_v at_o the_o present_a that_o god_n enable_v i_o to_o account_v all_o thing_n loss_n and_o dross_n and_o dung_n for_o he_o and_o easy_o without_o much_o reluctancy_n to_o empty_v my_o purse_n for_o he_o and_o his_o poor_a and_o to_o lay_v out_o my_o time_n and_o strength_n for_o he_o and_o his_o church_n and_o with_o some_o good_a success_n to_o resist_v temptation_n and_o that_o i_o have_v no_o desire_n in_o any_o activity_n or_o prevalency_n to_o be_v any_o high_a in_o the_o world_n than_o i_o be_o but_o think_v god_n have_v choose_v out_o for_o i_o the_o best_a condition_n and_o station_n that_o i_o can_v have_v desire_v in_o all_o the_o world_n and_o then_o for_o perseverance_n and_o salvation_n this_o be_v my_o case_n it_o be_v my_o strong_a opinion_n that_o no_o man_n who_o have_v attain_v to_o a_o rootedness_n in_o the_o faith_n and_o so_o be_v thorough_o sanctify_v do_v ever_o total_o and_o final_o fall_v away_o which_o christ_n seem_v to_o intimate_v in_o say_v that_o the_o cause_n why_o man_n fall_v away_o in_o tribulation_n and_o persecution_n be_v because_o the_o seed_n have_v not_o deep_a root_n mat._n 13._o and_o i_o be_o yet_o more_o confident_a that_o none_o of_o the_o elect_n shall_v ever_o fall_v away_o and_o persuade_v that_o all_o the_o root_v through-christians_a be_v elect._n but_o yet_o i_o dare_v not_o say_v that_o i_o be_o certain_a of_o this_o that_o all_o be_v elect_v to_o salvation_n and_o shall_v never_o fall_v away_o total_o and_o final_o who_o sincere_o believe_v and_o be_v justify_v it_o be_v my_o opinion_n but_o i_o dare_v not_o put_v it_o into_o my_o creed_n among_o either_o the_o point_n of_o absolute_a necessity_n or_o undoubted_a verity_n i_o know_v how_o many_o text_n of_o scripture_n seem_v to_o speak_v otherwise_o and_o i_o know_v how_o general_o the_o primitive_a father_n think_v otherwise_o if_o a_o man_n can_v know_v their_o mind_n by_o their_o write_n i_o know_v that_o austin_n himself_o the_o mall_n of_o the_o pelagian_n seem_v to_o be_v either_o unresolved_a or_o more_o against_o this_o perseverance_n then_o for_o it_o i_o know_v how_o many_o learned_a godly_a man_n do_v differ_v from_o i_o and_o deny_v the_o certainty_n of_o perseverance_n i_o know_v how_o sad_a and_o shake_a example_n this_o age_n have_v afford_v and_o therefore_o i_o be_o not_o certain_a proper_o strict_o certain_a of_o my_o perseverance_n and_o so_o not_o full_o strict_o certain_a of_o my_o salvation_n nor_o so_o near_o to_o a_o certainty_n of_o my_o salvation_n as_o i_o be_o to_o a_o certainty_n of_o my_o faith_n justification_n adoption_n and_o sanctification_n yet_o be_o i_o so_o strong_o confident_a of_o it_o that_o i_o shall_v hold_v out_o and_o be_v save_v that_o it_o do_v not_o only_o calm_a and_o quiet_a my_o mind_n and_o overcome_v my_o trouble_n and_o fear_n but_o also_o enable_v i_o to_o rejoice_v in_o hope_n of_o the_o glory_n to_o come_v and_o to_o desire_v christ_n come_v to_o judgement_n and_o to_o think_v of_o death_n with_o much_o more_o contentedness_n and_o
your_o side_n it_o will_v keep_v you_o from_o droop_a and_o discouragement_n and_o why_o shall_v it_o not_o do_v so_o in_o the_o present_a case_n direction_n xvii_o 17._o my_o next_o advice_n to_o you_o be_v this_o for_o the_o strengthen_n your_o apprehension_n of_o the_o probability_n of_o your_o salvation_n gather_v up_o and_o improve_v all_o your_o choice_a experience_n of_o god_n good_a will_n and_o mercy_n to_o you_o and_o observe_v also_o the_o experiment_n of_o other_o in_o the_o same_o kind_n we_o do_v god_n and_o ourselves_o a_o great_a deal_n of_o wrong_n by_o forget_v neglect_v and_o not_o improve_n our_o experience_n how_o do_v god_n charge_v it_o on_o the_o israelite_n especial_o in_o the_o wilderness_n that_o they_o forget_v the_o work_n of_o god_n by_o which_o he_o have_v so_o often_o manifest_v his_o power_n and_o goodness_n psal_n 78._o &_o 107._o see_v 105_o 106._o when_o god_n have_v by_o one_o miracle_n silence_v their_o unbelief_n they_o have_v forget_v it_o in_o the_o next_o distress_n it_o be_v a_o sign_n the_o disciple_n heart_n be_v harden_v when_o they_o forget_v the_o miracle_n of_o the_o loaf_n and_o present_o after_o be_v distrustful_a and_o afraid_a mar._n 6.52_o god_n do_v not_o give_v we_o his_o mercy_n only_o for_o the_o present_a use_n but_o for_o the_o future_a nor_o only_a for_o the_o body_n but_o for_o the_o soul_n i_o will_v this_o truth_n be_v well_o learn_v by_o believer_n you_o be_v in_o sickness_n in_o trouble_n and_o danger_n and_o pinch_a strait_n in_o fear_n and_o anguish_n of_o mind_n in_o this_o case_n you_o cry_v to_o god_n for_o help_v and_o he_o do_v in_o such_o a_o manner_n deliver_v you_o as_o silence_v your_o distrust_n and_o convince_v you_o of_o his_o love_n at_o least_o of_o his_o readiness_n to_o do_v you_o good_a what_o a_o wrong_n be_v it_o now_o to_o god_n and_o yourself_o to_o forget_v this_o present_o and_o in_o the_o next_o temptation_n to_o receive_v no_o strengthen_n by_o the_o consideration_n of_o it_o do_v god_n so_o much_o regard_v this_o dirty_a flesh_n that_o he_o shall_v do_v all_o this_o mere_o for_o its_o ease_n and_o relief_n no_o he_o do_v it_o to_o kill_v your_o unbelief_n and_o convince_v you_o of_o his_o special_a providence_n his_o care_n of_o you_o and_o love_n to_o you_o and_o power_n to_o help_v you_o and_o to_o breed_v in_o you_o more_o love_a honourable_a and_o thankful_a thought_n of_o he_o lose_v this_o benefit_n and_o you_o lose_v all_o you_o may_v thus_o use_v one_o and_o the_o same_o mercy_n a_o hundred_o time_n though_o it_o be_v go_v as_o to_o the_o body_n it_o be_v still_o fresh_a in_o a_o believe_a thankful_a careful_a soul_n you_o may_v make_v as_o good_a use_n of_o it_o at_o your_o very_a death_n as_o the_o first_o hour_n but_o o_o the_o sad_a forgetfulness_n mutability_n and_o unbelief_n of_o these_o heart_n of_o we_o what_o a_o number_n of_o these_o choice_a experience_n do_v we_o all_o receive_v when_o we_o forget_v one_o god_n give_v another_o and_o we_o forget_v that_o too_o when_o unbelief_n do_v blasphemous_o suggest_v to_o we_o such_o a_o thing_n may_v come_v once_o or_o twice_o by_o chance_n god_n add_v one_o experience_n to_o another_o till_o it_o even_o shame_v we_o out_o of_o our_o unbelief_n as_o christ_n shame_v thomas_n and_o we_o cry_v out_o my_o lord_n and_o my_o god_n have_v it_o not_o be_v thus_o oft_o with_o you_o have_v not_o mercy_n come_v so_o seasonable_o so_o unexpected_o either_o by_o small_a mean_n or_o the_o mean_n themselves_o unexpected_o raise_v up_o without_o your_o design_v or_o effect_v and_o plain_o in_o answer_n to_o prayer_n that_o they_o have_v bring_v conviction_n along_o with_o they_o and_o you_o have_v see_v the_o name_n of_o god_n engrave_v on_o they_o sure_o it_o be_v so_o with_o we_o when_o through_o our_o sinful_a negligence_n we_o be_v hardly_o draw_v to_o open_v our_o eye_n and_o see_v what_o god_n be_v do_v much_o more_o may_v we_o have_v see_v if_o we_o have_v but_o observe_v 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and_o all_o his_o apostle_n do_v they_o think_v that_o christ_n himself_o know_v not_o what_o it_o be_v to_o preach_v christ_n or_o that_o he_o set_v we_o a_o pattern_n too_o low_o for_o our_o imitation_n i_o desire_v they_o sober_o to_o read_v mat._n 5.6_o 7_o 10_o 25._o rom._n 8._o from_o the_o first_o verse_n to_o the_o 14._o rom._n 2._o heb._n 2._o &_o 4._o &_o 5._o &_o 10_o and_o then_o tell_v i_o whether_o we_o preach_v as_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n do_v but_o to_o the_o objection_n i_o answer_v first_o we_o do_v set_v forth_o god_n love_n and_o the_o fullness_n of_o christ_n and_o the_o sufficiency_n of_o his_o death_n and_o satisfaction_n for_o all_o and_o the_o freeness_n and_o extent_n of_o his_o offer_n and_o promise_v of_o mercy_n and_o his_o readiness_n to_o welcome_v return_v sinner_n this_o we_o do_v first_o mix_v with_o this_o the_o discovery_n of_o their_o natural_a misery_n by_o sin_n which_o must_v be_v first_o know_v and_o next_o we_o show_v they_o the_o 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before_o some_o bashful_a or_o proud_a or_o tender_a patient_n will_v open_v their_o disease_n the_o very_a open_n of_o a_o man_n grief_n to_o a_o faithful_a friend_n do_v oft_o ease_v the_o heart_n of_o itself_o 2._o and_o that_o this_o shall_v be_v do_v to_o your_o pastor_n i_o will_v show_v you_o further_o anon_o 2._o but_o you_o must_v understand_v well_o when_o this_o be_v your_o duty_n 1._o not_o in_o every_o small_a infirmity_n which_o accompany_v christian_n in_o their_o daily_a most_o watchful_a conversation_n nor_o yet_o in_o every_o lesser_a doubt_n which_o may_v be_v otherways_o resolve_v it_o be_v a_o folly_n and_o a_o wrong_n to_o physician_n to_o run_v to_o they_o for_o every_o cut_a finger_n or_o prick_v with_o a_o pin_n every_o neighbour_n can_v help_v you_o in_o this_o 2._o nor_o except_o it_o be_v a_o weighty_a case_n indeed_o go_v not_o first_o to_o a_o minister_n but_o first_o study_v the_o case_n yourself_o and_o seek_v god_n direction_n if_o that_o will_v not_o 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or_o practice_n go_v present_o to_o your_o pastor_n for_o advice_n the_o devil_n and_o pride_n and_o bashfulness_n will_v do_v their_o utmost_a to_o hinder_v you_o but_o see_v that_o they_o prevail_v not_o 3._o next_o consider_v to_o what_o end_v you_o must_v do_v this_o not_o 1._o either_o to_o expect_v that_o a_o minister_n can_v of_o himself_o create_v peace_n in_o you_o or_o that_o all_o your_o doubt_n shall_v vanish_v as_o soon_o as_o ever_o you_o have_v open_v your_o mind_n only_o the_o great_a peacemaker_n the_o prince_n of_o peace_n can_v create_v peace_n in_o you_o ascribe_v not_o to_o any_o the_o office_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n to_o be_v your_o effectual_a comforter_n to_o expect_v more_o from_o man_n then_o belong_v to_o man_n be_v the_o way_n to_o receive_v nothing_o from_o he_o but_o to_o cause_n god_n to_o blast_v to_o you_o the_o best_a endeavour_n 2._o nor_o must_v you_o resolve_v to_o take_v all_o mere_o from_o the_o word_n of_o your_o pastor_n as_o if_o he_o be_v 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send_v you_o to_o your_o merit_n for_o comfort_n or_o to_o some_o vindictive_a penance_n in_o fast_n pilgrimage_n or_o the_o like_a or_o to_o some_o saint_n depart_v or_o angel_n or_o to_o the_o pardon_n or_o indulgency_n of_o the_o pope_n or_o to_o a_o certain_a formal_a carnal_a devotion_n to_o make_v god_n amends_o 3._o they_o must_v be_v man_n of_o downright_a faithfulness_n that_o will_v deal_v plain_o and_o free_o though_o not_o cruel_o and_o not_o like_o those_o tender_a surgeon_n that_o will_v leave_v the_o cure_n undo_v for_o fear_n of_o hurt_v meddle_v not_o with_o men-pleasers_a and_o dauber_n that_o will_v present_o speak_v comfort_n to_o you_o as_o confident_o as_o if_o they_o have_v know_v you_o twenty_o year_n when_o perhaps_o they_o know_v