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your_o case_n if_o then_o the_o reason_n why_o you_o say_v you_o can_v believe_v be_v from_o any_o thing_n that_o be_v real_o in_o christ_n and_o not_o upon_o mistake_n than_o it_o must_v be_v either_o from_o some_o dislike_n of_o his_o save_a work_n by_o which_o he_o will_v pardon_v you_o and_o save_v you_o from_o damnation_n but_o that_o be_v impossible_a for_o you_o can_v be_v willing_a to_o be_v damn_v or_o unpardoned_a till_o you_o lose_v your_o reason_n or_o else_o it_o be_v from_o a_o dislike_n of_o his_o work_n of_o sanctification_n by_o which_o he_o will_v cleanse_v your_o heart_n and_o life_n by_o save_v you_o from_o your_o sinful_a nature_n and_o action_n some_o grudge_n against_o christ_n holy_a and_o undefiled_a law_n and_o way_n will_v be_v in_o the_o best_a while_o there_o be_v that_o flesh_n in_o they_o which_o lust_v against_o the_o spirit_n so_o that_o they_o can_v do_v the_o thing_n they_o will_v but_o if_o true_o you_o have_v such_o a_o dislike_n of_o a_o sinless_a 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the_o affirmative_a i_o add_v 1._o prayer_n be_v a_o duty_n which_o god_n enjoin_v even_o wicked_a man_n i_o can_v prove_v it_o by_o a_o hundred_o scripture_n text_n 2._o there_o may_v be_v some_o good_a desire_n in_o unbeliever_n which_o they_o may_v express_v in_o prayer_n and_o these_o god_n may_v so_o far_o hear_v as_o to_o grant_v they_o as_o he_o do_v in_o part_n to_o ahab_n 3._o a_o unbeliever_n may_v lie_v under_o prepare_v grace_n and_o be_v on_o his_o way_n in_o return_v towards_o god_n though_o yet_o he_o be_v not_o come_v to_o save_a faith_n and_o in_o this_o state_n he_o may_v have_v many_o good_a desire_n and_o such_o prayer_n as_o god_n will_v hear_v 4._o though_o god_n have_v not_o flat_o engage_v himself_o to_o unbeliever_n so_o as_o to_o give_v they_o a_o certainty_n of_o hear_v their_o prayer_n and_o give_v they_o true_a grace_n on_o the_o improvement_n of_o their_o natural_n yet_o he_o have_v not_o only_o appoint_v they_o this_o and_o other_o mean_n to_o get_v grace_n but_o also_o give_v they_o half_a promise_n or_o strong_a probability_n of_o speed_a so_o much_o as_o may_v be_v a_o sufficient_a encouragement_n to_o any_o such_o sinner_n to_o call_v on_o god_n and_o use_v his_o mean_n for_o as_o he_o appoint_v not_o any_o vain_a mean_n to_o man_n so_o no_o man_n can_v name_v that_o man_n who_o do_v improve_v his_o natural_n to_o the_o utmost_a and_o in_o particular_a seek_v god_n in_o prayer_n so_o far_o as_o a_o natural_a man_n may_v do_v who_o yet_o miss_v of_o grace_n and_o be_v reject_v this_o be_v the_o true_a mean_a between_o pelagianism_n and_o antinomianisme_n in_o this_o point_n 5._o when_o god_n call_v unbeliever_n to_o prayer_n he_o withal_o call_v they_o to_o believe_v and_o when_o he_o work_v their_o heart_n to_o prayer_n by_o that_o call_n he_o usual_o withal_o work_v they_o to_o believe_v or_o at_o least_o towards_o believe_v if_o he_o that_o be_v unwilling_a to_o have_v christ_n do_v pray_v god_n to_o make_v he_o willing_a 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against_o minister_n for_o persuade_v wicked_a man_n to_o pray_v they_o be_v against_o we_o for_o persuade_v man_n to_o desire_v that_o they_o pray_v for_o prayer_n have_v desire_n for_o its_o soul_n and_o do_v not_o those_o man_n deserve_v to_o be_v exterminate_v the_o church_n and_o society_n of_o the_o saint_n who_o dare_v say_v to_o a_o wicked_a unbeliever_n desire_v not_o faith_n desire_v not_o to_o leave_v thy_o wickedness_n desire_v not_o grace_n or_o christ_n or_o god_n and_o that_o will_v proclaim_v abroad_o the_o world_n as_o i_o have_v oft_o hear_v they_o with_o zealous_a reproach_n that_o our_o minister_n be_v legalist_n seducer_n ignorant_a of_o the_o mystery_n of_o the_o gospel_n because_o
dispose_v help_n or_o hinder_v the_o mind_n let_v we_o hear_v one_o man_n reason_n the_o case_n and_o we_o think_v he_o make_v all_o as_o clear_a as_o the_o light_n let_v we_o hear_v another_o solve_v all_o his_o argument_n and_o dispute_v for_o the_o contrary_a and_o then_o we_o see_v that_o our_o apprehension_n be_v abuse_v let_v we_o hear_v he_o reply_v and_o confute_v all_o again_o and_o confirm_v his_o cause_n and_o then_o we_o think_v he_o in_o the_o right_a again_o nothing_o more_o changeable_a than_o the_o conceiving_n and_o mind_n of_o man_n till_o he_o be_v thorough_o resolve_v and_o habituate_v now_o in_o this_o case_n how_o shall_v those_o that_o have_v but_o little_a grace_n be_v able_a to_o discern_v it_o it_o will_v not_o keep_v the_o mind_n from_o fluctuate_a if_o they_o seem_v resolve_v for_o obedience_n to_o christ_n to_o day_n to_o morrow_n they_o be_v so_o shake_v by_o some_o entice_a object_n and_o force_v of_o the_o same_o temptation_n that_o their_o resolution_n 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pleasure_n when_o he_o be_v commit_v adultery_n or_o before_o his_o credit_n when_o he_o be_v plot_v the_o death_n of_o vriah_n what_o discovery_n do_v you_o think_v he_o will_v have_v make_v 7._o add_v to_o all_o these_o that_o as_o these_o several_a distemper_n be_v they_o but_o in_o the_o same_o measure_n in_o a_o weak_a christian_a as_o they_o be_v in_o the_o best_a or_o in_o most_o will_v yet_o make_v the_o small_a measure_n of_o grace_n undiscernible_a if_o we_o may_v suppose_v the_o small_a grace_n to_o be_v consistent_a with_o such_o a_o frame_n so_o it_o be_v certain_a that_o whoever_o he_o be_v that_o have_v the_o least_o measure_n of_o grace_n to_o discover_v in_o himself_o he_o have_v proportionable_o the_o least_o measure_n of_o ability_n and_o help_n to_o discover_v it_o and_o the_o great_a measure_n of_o all_o the_o forementioned_a hindrance_n he_o that_o have_v but_o a_o very_a little_a repentance_n faith_n love_n and_o obedience_n sincere_a when_o he_o go_v to_o find_v it_o out_o he_o have_v in_o the_o same_o measure_n a_o dark_a understanding_n to_o discern_v it_o than_o other_o have_v and_o a_o great_a strangeness_n and_o disacquaintance_n with_o himself_o and_o more_o deceitfulness_n in_o his_o heart_n and_o a_o great_a confusion_n and_o hurlyburly_n in_o his_o thought_n and_o affection_n and_o all_o more_o out_o of_o order_n and_o to_o seek_v also_o he_o have_v a_o great_a backwardness_n to_o the_o work_n of_o self-examination_n and_o can_v hardly_o get_v his_o heart_n to_o it_o and_o more_o hardly_o to_o do_v it_o thorough_o and_o search_v to_o the_o quick_a and_o most_o hard_o to_o hold_v on_o against_o all_o withdraw_a temptation_n till_o he_o have_v make_v a_o clear_a discovery_n and_o last_o his_o soul_n be_v more_o mutable_a than_o strong_a christian_n be_v and_o therefore_o when_o cross_a act_n be_v so_o frequent_a he_o can_v discern_v the_o small_a prevail_a habit._n if_o when_o you_o be_v weigh_v gold_n the_o scale_n be_v turn_v but_o with_o one_o grain_n every_o little_a jog_v or_o wind_n or_o unsteadfast_a hold_v will_v actual_o lift_v up_o the_o heavy_a end_n and_o its_o preponderation_n be_v with_o great_a waver_a and_o mobility_n 8._o yet_o further_o consider_v those_o that_o have_v least_o grace_n have_v most_o sin_n habitual_a and_o actual_a and_o they_o be_v so_o frequent_a in_o transgress_v that_o their_o fail_n be_v still_o in_o their_o eye_n and_o thereby_o the_o prevalency_n of_o christ_n interest_n be_v make_v more_o doubtful_a and_o obscure_a for_o when_o he_o ask_v his_o own_o conscience_n do_v i_o will_v or_o love_v most_o the_o world_n and_o my_o fleshly_a delight_n or_o christ_n and_o his_o way_n present_o conscience_n remember_v he_o at_o such_o a_o time_n and_o such_o a_o time_n thou_o do_v choose_v thy_o fleshly_a pleasure_n profit_n or_o credit_n and_o refuse_v obedience_n and_o it_o be_v so_o oft_o and_o so_o foul_o that_o the_o soul_n be_v utter_o at_o a_o loss_n and_o can_v discern_v the_o habitual_a prevalent_a bent_n and_o resolution_n of_o the_o will._n 9_o beside_o conscience_n be_v a_o judge_n in_o man_n soul_n and_o will_v be_v accuse_v and_o condemn_v man_n so_o far_o as_o they_o be_v guilty_a now_o they_o that_o make_v work_n for_o the_o most_o frequent_a and_o terrible_a accusation_n of_o conscience_n that_o will_v stand_v with_o true_a grace_n be_v unlikely_a to_o have_v assurance_n for_o assurance_n quiet_v the_o soul_n and_o ease_v it_o and_o a_o gall_a conscience_n work_v the_o contrary_a way_n they_o that_o keep_v open_a the_o wound_n and_o daily_o fret_v off_o the_o skin_n more_o and_o be_v still_o grate_v on_o the_o gall_a part_n be_v unlikely_a to_o have_v assurance_n 10._o again_o these_o weak_a christian_n be_v least_o in_o duty_n and_o most_o in_o sin_v of_o any_o in_o who_o sin_n reign_v not_o they_o be_v consequent_o most_o in_o provoke_v and_o displease_v god_n and_o they_o that_o do_v so_o shall_v find_v that_o god_n will_v show_v they_o his_o displeasure_n and_o will_v displease_v they_o again_o they_o must_v not_o look_v to_o enjoy_v assurance_n or_o see_v the_o please_a face_n of_o god_n till_o they_o be_v more_o careful_a to_o please_v he_o and_o be_v more_o spare_v and_o seldom_o in_o offend_v he_o as_o god_n universal_a justice_n in_o govern_v the_o world_n will_v make_v as_o great_a a_o difference_n between_o the_o sincere_o obedient_a and_o disobedient_a as_o there_o be_v between_o heaven_n and_o hell_n so_o godâ—_n paternal_a justice_n in_o govern_v his_o family_n will_v make_v as_o wide_o a_o difference_n between_o the_o more_o obedient_a child_n and_o the_o less_o obedient_a as_o be_v between_o his_o dreadful_a frown_n and_o his_o joyous_a revive_a smile_n or_o between_o his_o smart_a rod_n or_o his_o encourage_n reward_v 11._o if_o god_n shall_v give_v assurance_n and_o peace_n to_o the_o sin_v and_o least_o obedient_a believer_n he_o shall_v not_o fit_v his_o providential_a disposal_n to_o their_o good_a it_o be_v not_o that_o which_o their_o state_n require_v nor_o will_v it_o tend_v to_o their_o cure_n any_o more_o than_o a_o heal_a plaster_n to_o a_o sore_n that_o be_v rot_v in_o the_o bottom_n or_o a_o cordial_n to_o the_o removal_n of_o a_o cacochymy_n or_o the_o purge_n out_o of_o corrupt_a redundant_fw-la humour_n they_o be_v so_o incline_v to_o the_o lethargy_n of_o security_n that_o they_o have_v need_n of_o continual_a pinch_n strike_v or_o loud_a calling-on_a to_o keep_v they_o wake_v still_o remember_v that_o by_o this_o weak_a christian_a i_o mean_v not_o every_o doubt_v distress_a soul_n that_o be_v weak_a in_o their_o own_o apprehension_n and_o little_a in_o their_o own_o eye_n and_o poor_a in_o spirit_n but_o i_o mean_v those_o that_o have_v the_o least_o measure_n of_o sincere_a love_n to_o christ_n and_o desire_v after_o he_o and_o tenderness_n of_o conscience_n and_o care_v to_o please_v god_n and_o the_o great_a measure_n of_o security_n worldliness_n pride_n 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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 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come_v not_o among_o they_o or_o pity_v they_o not_o as_o you_o shall_v and_o do_v not_o your_o duty_n for_o the_o save_n of_o their_o soul_n but_o think_v it_o belong_v not_o to_o you_o but_o to_o other_o do_v you_o use_v to_o deal_v with_o servant_n and_o neighbour_n about_o you_o and_o tell_v they_o of_o sin_n and_o misery_n and_o the_o remedy_n and_o seek_v to_o draw_v their_o heart_n to_o christ_n and_o bring_v they_o to_o duty_n i_o doubt_v you_o do_v little_a in_o this_o and_o that_o be_v sad_a unmercifulness_n for_o if_o you_o do_v true_o you_o can_v not_o choose_v but_o find_v such_o miserable_a ignorance_n such_o senselesness_n and_o blockishness_n such_o hate_v reproof_n and_o unwillingness_n to_o be_v reform_v such_o love_n of_o this_o world_n and_o slavery_n to_o the_o flesh_n and_o so_o little_a savour_n of_o christ_n grace_n heaven_n and_o the_o thing_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o especial_o such_o a_o unteachableness_n intractableness_n as_o thorn_n and_o briar_n and_o 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dead_a you_o have_v god_n favour_n and_o doubt_n of_o it_o they_o be_v his_o enemy_n and_o never_o suspect_v it_o you_o want_v comfort_n and_o they_o want_v pardon_n and_o life_n if_o your_o disease_n shall_v never_o here_o be_v cure_v it_o be_v but_o go_v more_o sad_o to_o heaven_n but_o if_o they_o be_v not_o recover_v by_o regeneration_n they_o must_v lie_v for_o ever_o in_o hell_n and_o shall_v we_o not_o then_o pity_v they_o more_o than_o you_o and_o study_v more_o for_o they_o and_o preach_v more_o for_o they_o and_o rather_o forget_v you_o in_o a_o sermon_n then_o they_o shall_v you_o not_o wish_v we_o so_o to_o do_v shall_v we_o more_o regard_v the_o comfort_v of_o one_o than_o the_o save_n of_o a_o hundred_o nay_o more_o we_o shall_v not_o only_o neglect_v they_o but_o dangerous_o hurt_v they_o if_o we_o shall_v preach_v too_o much_o to_o the_o case_n of_o trouble_a soul_n for_o you_o be_v not_o so_o apt_a to_o misapply_v passage_n of_o terror_n and_o to_o take_v their_o 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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 danger_n of_o reject_v christ_n and_o his_o offer_n 2._o when_o we_o find_v man_n settle_v under_o the_o preach_n of_o free_a grace_n in_o a_o base_a contempt_n or_o sleepy_a neglect_n of_o it_o prefer_v the_o world_n and_o their_o carnal_a pleasure_n and_o ease_n before_o all_o the_o glory_n of_o heaven_n and_o riches_n of_o christ_n and_o grace_n be_v it_o not_o time_n for_o we_o to_o say_v how_o shall_v you_o escape_v if_o you_o neglect_v so_o great_a salvation_n heb._n 2.3_o and_o of_o how_o much_o soarer_n punishment_n shall_v he_o be_v think_v worthy_a that_o tread_v under_o foot_n the_o blood_n of_o the_o covenant_n heb._n 10.26_o when_o man_n grow_v careless_a and_o unbelieving_a must_v we_o not_o say_v take_v heed_n lest_o a_o promise_n be_v lest_o of_o enter_v into_o his_o rest_n any_o of_o you_o shall_v seem_v to_o come_v short_a of_o it_o heb._n 4.1_o 3._o have_v not_o christ_n lead_v we_o command_v we_o and_o teach_v we_o this_o way_n except_o you_o repent_v you_o shall_v all_o perish_v be_v his_o doctrine_n luke_n 13.3_o 5._o go_v into_o the_o world_n and_o preach_v the_o gospel_n to_o every_o creature_n what_o be_v that_o gospel_n he_o that_o believe_v shall_v be_v save_v and_o he_o that_o believe_v not_o shall_v be_v damn_v mark_v 16.16_o those_o my_o enemy_n that_o will_v not_o i_o shall_v reign_v over_o they_o bring_v hither_o and_o stay_v they_o before_o i_o luke_n 19.27_o do_v any_o of_o the_o apostle_n speak_v more_o of_o hellfire_n and_o the_o worm_n that_o never_o die_v and_o the_o fire_n that_o never_o be_v quench_v their_o christ_n himself_n do_v and_o do_v not_o his_o apostle_n go_v the_o same_o way_n even_o paul_n the_o great_a preacher_n of_o faith_n 2_o thess_n 1_o 7_o 8_o 9_o and_o 2.12_o etc._n etc._n what_o more_o common_a alas_o what_o work_n shall_v we_o make_v if_o we_o shall_v stroke_n and_o smooth_a all_o man_n with_o antinomian_a language_n it_o be_v the_o way_n to_o please_v all_o the_o sensual_a profane_a multitude_n but_o 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when_o he_o may_v satisfy_v you_o more_o full_o and_o that_o without_o do_v hurt_v to_o other_o and_o consider_v what_o a_o strait_a minister_n be_v in_o that_o have_v so_o many_o of_o so_o different_a condition_n inclination_n and_o conversation_n to_o preach_v to_o direction_n xxix_o 29._o be_v sure_a you_o forget_v not_o to_o distinguish_v between_o cause_n of_o doubt_v of_o your_o sincerity_n and_o cause_n of_o mere_a humiliation_n repentance_n and_o amendment_n and_o do_v not_o raise_v doubt_n and_o fear_n where_o god_n call_v you_o but_o to_o humiliation_n amendment_n and_o fresh_a recourse_n to_o christ_n this_o rule_n be_v of_o so_o great_a moment_n to_o your_o peace_n that_o you_o will_v have_v daily_o use_v for_o it_o and_o can_v never_o maintain_v any_o true_a settle_a peace_n without_o the_o practice_n of_o it_o what_o more_o common_a then_o for_o poor_a christian_n to_o pour_v out_o a_o multitude_n of_o complaint_n of_o their_o weakness_n and_o want_n and_o miscarriage_n and_o never_o consider_v all_o the_o while_n that_o there_o may_v be_v cause_n of_o sorrow_n in_o these_o when_o yet_o there_o be_v no_o cause_n of_o doubt_v of_o their_o sincerity_n i_o have_v show_v before_o that_o in_o gross_a fall_n and_o great_a backslide_n doubt_n will_v arise_v and_o sometime_o our_o fear_n and_o jealousy_n may_v not_o be_v without_o cause_n but_o it_o be_v not_o ordinary_a infirmity_n nor_o every_o sin_n which_o may_v have_v be_v avoid_v that_o be_v just_a cause_n of_o doubt_v nay_o your_o very_a humiliation_n must_v no_o further_o be_v endeavour_v than_o it_o tend_v to_o your_o recovery_n and_o to_o the_o honour_v of_o mercy_n for_o it_o be_v possible_a that_o you_o may_v exceed_v in_o the_o measure_n of_o your_o grief_n you_o must_v therefore_o first_o be_v resolve_v wherein_o the_o truth_n of_o save_a grace_n do_v consist_v and_o then_o in_o all_o your_o fail_n and_o weakness_n first_o know_v whether_o they_o contradict_v sincerity_n itself_o and_o be_v such_o as_o may_v give_v just_a cause_n to_o question_v your_o sincerity_n if_o they_o be_v not_o as_o the_o ordinary_a infirmity_n of_o believer_n be_v not_o than_o you_o may_v and_o must_v be_v humble_v for_o they_o but_o you_o may_v not_o doubt_v of_o your_o salvation_n for_o they_o i_o tell_v you_o before_o by_o what_o mark_n you_o may_v discern_v your_o sincerity_n that_o be_v wherein_o the_o nature_n of_o save_a faith_n and_o holiness_n do_v consist_v keep_v that_o in_o your_o eye_n and_o as_o long_o as_o you_o find_v that_o sure_a and_o clear_a let_v nothing_o make_v you_o doubt_v of_o your_o right_n to_o christ_n and_o glory_n but_o alas_o how_o people_n do_v contradict_v the_o will_n of_o god_n in_o this_o when_o you_o have_v sin_v god_n will_v have_v you_o bewail_v your_o folly_n and_o unkind_a deal_n and_o fly_v to_o mercy_n through_o christ_n and_o this_o you_o will_v not_o do_v but_o he_o will_v not_o have_v you_o torment_v yourself_o with_o fear_n of_o damnation_n and_o question_v his_o love_n and_o yet_o this_o you_o will_v do_v you_o may_v discern_v by_o this_o that_o humiliation_n and_o reformation_n be_v sure_a of_o god_n man_n heart_n be_v so_o backward_o to_o it_o and_o that_o vexation_n doubt_n and_o fear_n in_o true_a christian_n that_o shall_v be_v comfortable_a be_v not_o of_o god_n man_n nature_n be_v so_o prone_a to_o they_o though_o the_o ungodly_a that_o shall_v fear_v and_o doubt_n be_v as_o backward_o to_o it_o i_o think_v it_o will_v not_o be_v unseasonable_a here_o to_o lay_v down_o the_o particular_a doubt_n that_o usual_o trouble_v sincere_a believer_n and_o see_v how_o far_o they_o may_v be_v just_a and_o how_o far_o unjust_a and_o causeless_a and_o most_o of_o they_o shall_v be_v from_o my_o own_o former_a experience_n and_o such_o as_o i_o have_v be_v most_o trouble_v with_o myself_o and_o the_o rest_n such_o as_o be_v incident_a to_o true_a christian_n and_o too_o usual_a with_o they_o doubt_v i._o i_o have_v oft_o hear_v and_o 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which_o be_v upon_o i_o be_v wrought_v no_o nor_o what_o day_n or_o month_n or_o year_n it_o be_v begin_v i_o have_v slide_v insensible_o into_o a_o profession_n of_o religion_n i_o know_v not_o how_o and_o therefore_o i_o fear_v that_o i_o be_o not_o sincere_a and_o the_o work_n of_o true_a regeneration_n be_v never_o yet_o wrought_v upon_o my_o soul_n answer_n i_o will_v lay_v down_o the_o full_a answer_n to_o this_o in_o these_o proposition_n 1._o it_o be_v true_a that_o grace_n be_v not_o natural_a to_o we_o or_o convey_v by_o generation_n 2._o yet_o it_o be_v as_o true_a that_o grace_n be_v give_v to_o our_o child_n as_o well_o as_o to_o we_o that_o it_o may_v be_v so_o and_o be_v so_o with_o some_o all_o will_v grant_v who_o believe_v that_o infant_n may_v be_v and_o be_v save_v and_o that_o it_o be_v so_o with_o the_o infant_n of_o believer_n i_o have_v full_o prove_v in_o my_o book_n of_o baptism_n but_o mark_v what_o grace_n i_o mean_v the_o grace_n of_o remission_n of_o 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strong_o and_o sensible_o that_o its_o usual_a for_o late_a motion_n which_o be_v more_o deep_o affect_v to_o make_v we_o overlook_v all_o the_o former_a or_o take_v they_o for_o nothing_o 10._o god_n deal_v very_o various_o with_o his_o choose_a in_o their_o conversion_n as_o to_o the_o accidental_n and_o circumstance_n of_o the_o work_n some_o he_o call_v not_o home_n till_o they_o have_v run_v a_o long_a race_n in_o the_o way_n of_o rebellion_n in_o open_a drunkenness_n swear_v worldliness_n and_o derision_n of_o holiness_n these_o he_o usual_o humble_v more_o deep_o and_o they_o can_v better_o observe_v the_o several_a step_n of_o the_o spirit_n in_o the_o work_n and_o yet_o not_o always_o neither_o other_o he_o so_o restrain_v in_o their_o youth_n that_o though_o they_o have_v not_o save_v grace_n yet_o they_o be_v not_o guilty_a of_o any_o gross_a sin_n but_o have_v a_o like_n to_o the_o people_n and_o way_n of_o god_n and_o yet_o he_o do_v not_o saving_o convert_v they_o till_o 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not_o one_o that_o can_v certain_o name_v the_o month_n in_o which_o his_o soul_n first_o begin_v to_o be_v sincere_a and_o among_o a_o thousand_o christian_n i_o think_v not_o one_o can_v name_v the_o hour_n the_o sermon_n which_o awaken_v they_o they_o may_v name_v but_o not_o the_o hour_n when_o they_o first_o arrive_v at_o a_o save_a sincerity_n my_o advice_n therefore_o to_o all_o christian_n be_v this_o find_v christ_n by_o his_o spirit_n dwell_v in_o your_o heart_n and_o then_o never_o trouble_v yourselves_o though_o you_o know_v not_o the_o time_n or_o manner_n of_o his_o entrance_n do_v you_o value_v christ_n above_o the_o world_n and_o resolve_v to_o choose_v he_o before_o the_o world_n and_o perform_v these_o resolution_n then_o need_v you_o not_o doubt_v but_o the_o spirit_n of_o jesus_n be_v victorious_a in_o you_o doubt_v ii_o but_o i_o have_v oft_o read_v and_o hear_v thâ—t_v a_o man_n can_v come_v to_o christ_n till_o he_o feel_v the_o heavy_a burden_n of_o sin_n it_o 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judgement_n and_o will_n so_o far_o change_v that_o they_o know_v they_o be_v great_a sinner_n and_o that_o there_o be_v no_o way_n to_o the_o obtain_n of_o pardon_n and_o salvation_n but_o by_o christ_n and_o the_o free_a mercy_n of_o god_n in_o he_o and_o thereupon_o they_o be_v convince_v that_o if_o they_o remain_v without_o the_o grace_n of_o christ_n they_o be_v undo_v for_o ever_o whereupon_o they_o understand_v that_o christ_n and_o mercy_n be_v offer_v to_o they_o in_o the_o gospel_n do_v hearty_o and_o thankful_o accept_v the_o offer_n and_o will_v not_o be_v without_o christ_n or_o change_v their_o hope_n of_o his_o grace_n for_o all_o the_o world_n and_o do_v resolve_v to_o wait_v upon_o he_o for_o the_o further_a discovery_n of_o his_o mercy_n and_o the_o work_n of_o his_o spirit_n in_o a_o constant_a and_o conscionable_a use_n of_o his_o meaâ—s_n and_o to_o be_v rule_v by_o he_o to_o their_o power_n be_v it_o not_o thus_o with_o you_o if_o it_o be_v here_o be_v the_o life_n and_o substance_n of_o repentance_n which_o consist_v in_o this_o change_n of_o the_o mind_n and_o heart_n and_o you_o have_v no_o cause_n to_o doubt_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o it_o for_o want_v of_o more_o deep_a and_o passionate_a humiliation_n 2._o i_o have_v tell_v you_o before_o how_o uncertain_a and_o unconstant_a the_o passionate_a effect_n of_o grace_n be_v and_o how_o unfit_a to_o judge_n by_o and_o give_v you_o several_a reason_n of_o it_o yet_o i_o doubt_v not_o but_o some_o work_n upon_o the_o affection_n there_o be_v as_o well_o as_o on_o the_o will_n and_o understanding_n but_o with_o so_o great_a diversity_n of_o manner_n and_o degree_n that_o it_o be_v not_o safe_a judge_v by_o it_o only_o or_o chief_o be_v there_o no_o degree_n of_o sorrow_n or_o trouble_v that_o have_v touch_v your_o heart_n for_o your_o sin_n or_o misery_n if_o your_o affection_n be_v no_o whâ—â—_n stir_v you_o will_v hardly_o be_v move_v to_o action_n to_o use_v mean_n or_o avoid_v iniquity_n 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rather_o of_o vice_n against_o nature_n there_o be_v a_o common_a grace_n of_o god_n that_o go_v along_o with_o common_a truth_n and_o according_a to_o the_o measure_n of_o their_o obedience_n to_o the_o truth_n such_o be_v the_o change_n it_o wrought_v which_o be_v do_v by_o common_a truth_n and_o common_a grace_n together_o but_o not_o by_o their_o false_a mixture_n at_o all_o but_o god_n have_v annex_v his_o special_a grace_n only_o to_o the_o special_a truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n or_o christian-religion_n if_o therefore_o god_n do_v by_o common_a grace_n work_v a_o great_a change_n on_o a_o heathen_a by_o the_o mean_n of_o common_a truth_n and_o do_v by_o his_o special_a grace_n work_v a_o great_a and_o special_a change_n on_o you_o by_o the_o mean_n of_o the_o special_a truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n have_v you_o any_o reason_n hereupon_o to_o suspect_v your_o condition_n or_o shall_v you_o not_o rather_o both_o admire_v that_o providence_n and_o common_a grace_n which_o be_v 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the_o great_a curse_n of_o a_o dead_a heart_n within_o i_o god_n seem_v to_o withdraw_v his_o quicken_a spirit_n and_o to_o forsake_v i_o and_o to_o give_v i_o up_o to_o the_o hardness_n of_o my_o heart_n if_o i_o be_v in_o covenant_n with_o he_o i_o shall_v feel_v the_o blessing_n of_o the_o covenant_n within_o i_o the_o hard_a heart_n will_v be_v take_v out_o of_o my_o body_n and_o a_o heart_n of_o flesh_n a_o soft_a heart_n will_v be_v give_v to_o i_o but_o i_o can_v weep_v one_o tear_n for_o my_o sin_n i_o can_v think_v on_o the_o blood_n of_o christ_n and_o of_o my_o bloody_a sin_n that_o cause_v it_o and_o all_o will_v not_o wring_v one_o tear_n from_o my_o eye_n and_o therefore_o i_o fear_v that_o my_o soul_n be_v yet_o destitute_a of_o the_o life_n of_o grace_n answer_n 1._o a_o soft_a heart_n consist_v in_o two_o thing_n 1._o that_o the_o will_v be_v perswadable_a tractable_a and_o yield_a to_o god_n and_o pliable_a to_o his_o will_n 2._o that_o the_o affection_n or_o 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use_v of_o infallible_a sign_n of_o sincerity_n and_o take_v not_o those_o for_o certain_a which_o be_v not_o and_o to_o that_o end_n remember_v what_o i_o say_v before_o that_o you_o must_v well_o understand_v wherein_o the_o nature_n of_o save_a faith_n and_o so_o of_o all_o save_a grace_n do_v consist_v and_o when_o you_o understand_v this_o write_v it_o down_o in_o two_o or_o three_o line_n and_o both_o at_o your_o first_o trial_n and_o afterward_o when_o ever_o any_o doubt_n do_v drive_v you_o to_o a_o review_n of_o your_o evidence_n still_o have_v recourse_n only_o to_o those_o sign_n and_o try_v by_o they_o what_o these_o sign_n be_v i_o have_v show_v you_o so_o full_o in_o the_o forecited_a place_n in_o my_o book_n of_o rest_n that_o i_o shall_v say_v but_o little_a now_o remember_v that_o infallible_a sign_n be_v very_o few_o and_o that_o whatsoever_o be_v make_v the_o condition_n of_o salvation_n that_o be_v the_o most_o infallible_a evidence_n of_o our_o salvation_n and_o 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thereof_o and_o in_o this_o combat_n to_o hold_v on_o to_o the_o end_n and_o to_o overcome_v these_o be_v the_o law_n of_o christ_n which_o you_o must_v know_v before_o you_o can_v determine_v whether_o you_o be_v indeed_o unfeigned_o willing_a to_o obey_v they_o put_v therefore_o these_o further_a question_n to_o yourself_o for_o the_o trial_n of_o your_o willingness_n to_o be_v rule_v by_o christ_n according_a to_o his_o law_n 3._o be_v you_o hearty_o willing_a to_o live_v in_o the_o performance_n of_o those_o holy_a and_o spiritual_a duty_n of_o heart_n and_o life_n which_o god_n have_v absolute_o command_v you_o and_o be_v you_o hearty_o sorry_a that_o you_o perform_v they_o no_o better_o with_o no_o more_o cheerfulness_n delight_n success_n and_o constancy_n 4._o be_v you_o so_o thorough_o convince_v of_o the_o worth_n of_o everlasting_a happiness_n and_o the_o intollerableness_n of_o everlasting_a misery_n and_o the_o truth_n of_o both_o and_o of_o the_o sovereignty_n of_o god_n the_o father_n and_o christ_n the_o redeemer_n and_o your_o many_o engagement_n to_o he_o and_o of_o the_o necessity_n and_o good_a of_o obey_v and_o the_o evil_a of_o sin_v that_o you_o be_v true_o willing_a that_o be_v have_v a_o settle_a resolution_n to_o cleave_v tâ—_n christ_n and_o obey_v he_o in_o the_o dear_a most_o disgraceful_a painful_a hazardous_a flesh-displeasing_a duty_n even_o though_o it_o shall_v cost_v you_o the_o loss_n of_o all_o your_o worldly_a enjoyment_n and_o your_o life_n 5._o do_v this_o willingness_n or_o resolution_n already_o so_o far_o prevail_v in_o your_o heart_n and_o life_n against_o all_o the_o interest_n and_o temptation_n of_o the_o world_n the_o devil_n and_o your_o flesh_n that_o you_o do_v ordinary_o practice_v the_o most_o strict_a and_o holy_a the_o most_o self-denying_a costly_a and_o hazardous_a duty_n that_o you_o know_v god_n require_v of_o you_o and_o do_v hearty_o strive_v against_o all_o know_a sin_n and_o overcome_v all_o gross_a 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this_o rule_n in_o any_o of_o your_o self-examinings_a it_o be_v the_o heart_n that_o god_n require_v my_o son_n give_v i_o thy_o heart_n prov._n 23.26_o if_o he_o have_v the_o will_v he_o have_v the_o heart_n he_o may_v have_v much_o of_o our_o knowledge_n and_o not_o our_o heart_n but_o when_o we_o know_v he_o so_o thorough_o as_o to_o will_v he_o unfeigned_o than_o he_o have_v our_o heart_n affectionate_a work_n of_o soul_n to_o god_n in_o christ_n be_v sweet_a thing_n and_o high_a and_o noble_a duty_n and_o such_o as_o all_o christian_n shall_v strive_v for_o but_o they_o be_v not_o the_o safe_a mark_n to_o try_v our_o state_n by_o 1._o because_o there_o may_v be_v a_o solid_a sincere_a intention_n and_o choice_n in_o and_o of_o the_o will_n when_o there_o be_v little_o stir_v perceive_v in_o the_o affection_n 2._o because_o the_o will_n be_v the_o master_n command_v faculty_n of_o the_o rational_a soul_n and_o so_o if_o it_o be_v right_a that_o man_n be_v upright_o and_o safe_a 3._o because_o the_o passion_n and_o affection_n be_v so_o mutable_a and_o uncertain_a the_o will_n can_v command_v they_o but_o imperfect_o it_o can_v perfect_o restrain_v they_o from_o vanity_n much_o less_o can_v it_o perfect_o raise_v they_o to_o that_o height_n as_o be_v suitable_a to_o the_o excellency_n of_o our_o heavenly_a object_n but_o the_o object_n itself_o with_o its_o sensible_a manner_n of_o apprehension_n move_v they_o more_o than_o all_o the_o command_n of_o the_o will._n and_o so_o we_o find_v by_o experience_n that_o a_o godly_a man_n when_o with_o his_o utmost_a private_a endeavour_n he_o can_v command_v one_o stir_v pang_n of_o divine_a love_n or_o joy_n in_o his_o soul_n yet_o upon_o the_o hear_n of_o some_o move_a sermon_n or_o the_o sudden_a receive_n of_o some_o extraordinary_a mercy_n or_o the_o read_n of_o some_o quicken_a book_n he_o shall_v feel_v perhaps_o some_o stir_n of_o that_o affection_n so_o when_o we_o can_v weep_v in_o private_a one_o tear_n 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affection_n 1._o they_o be_v sensible_a and_o near_o we_o and_o our_o knowledge_n of_o they_o be_v clear_a but_o god_n be_v not_o to_o be_v see_v hear_v or_o feel_v by_o our_o sense_n he_o be_v far_o from_o we_o though_o local_o present_a with_o we_o we_o be_v capable_a of_o know_v but_o little_a very_o little_a of_o he_o 2._o earthly_a thing_n be_v always_o before_o our_o eye_n their_o advantage_n be_v continual_a 3._o earthly_a thing_n be_v still_o the_o object_n of_o our_o sense_n do_v force_n our_o passion_n whether_o we_o will_v or_o not_o though_o they_o can_v force_v our_o wi_n 6._o because_o affection_n and_o passion_n rise_v and_o fall_v and_o neither_o be_v nor_o can_v be_v in_o any_o even_a and_o constant_a frame_n and_o therefore_o be_v unfit_a to_o be_v the_o constant_a or_o certain_a evidence_n of_o our_o state_n but_o the_o will_n resolution_n and_o choice_n may_v be_v more_o constant_a so_o that_o i_o advise_v you_o rather_o to_o try_v yourself_o by_o your_o will_n then_o by_o your_o passionate_a stir_n of_o love_n or_o longing_n of_o joy_n or_o sorrow_n object_n but_o do_v not_o scripture_n lay_v as_o much_o on_o love_n as_o on_o any_o grace_n and_o do_v not_o christ_n say_v that_o except_o we_o love_v he_o above_o all_o we_o can_v be_v his_o disciple_n answ_n it_o be_v all_o very_a true_a but_o consider_v love_n have_v two_o part_n the_o one_o in_o the_o will_n which_o be_v common_o call_v a_o faculty_n of_o the_o soul_n as_o rational_a and_o this_o be_v the_o same_o thing_n that_o i_o call_v willing_a accept_n choose_v or_o consent_v this_o complacency_n be_v true_a love_n to_o christ_n and_o this_o be_v the_o sure_a stand_a mark._n the_o other_o be_v the_o passionate_a part_n common_o say_v to_o be_v in_o the_o soul_n as_o sensitive_a and_o this_o though_o most_o common_o call_v love_n yet_o be_v less_o certain_a and_o constant_a and_o so_o unfit_a to_o try_v your_o state_n by_o though_o a_o great_a duty_n so_o far_o as_o we_o can_v reach_v it_o 2._o you_o must_v understand_v and_o well_o remember_v that_o it_o be_v not_o every_o willingness_n that_o will_v prove_v your_o sincerity_n for_o wicked_a man_n may_v have_v slight_a apprehension_n of_o spiritual_a thing_n which_o may_v produce_v some_o slight_a desire_n and_o wish_n which_o yet_o be_v so_o feeble_a and_o heartless_a that_o every_o lust_n and_o carnal_a desire_n overcome_v they_o and_o it_o will_v not_o so_o much_o as_o enable_v they_o to_o deny_v the_o gross_a sin_n but_o it_o must_v be_v the_o prevalent_a part_n of_o your_o will_n that_o god_n must_v have_v i_o mean_v a_o great_a share_n a_o deep_a and_o large_a room_n than_o any_o thing_n in_o the_o world_n that_o be_v you_o must_v have_v a_o high_a estimation_n of_o god_n and_o everlasting_a happiness_n and_o christ_n and_o a_o holy_a life_n then_o of_o any_o thing_n in_o the_o world_n and_o also_o your_o will_n must_v be_v so_o dispose_v hereby_o and_o incline_v to_o god_n that_o if_o god_n and_o glory_n to_o be_v obtain_v through_o christ_n by_o a_o holy_a self-denying_a life_n be_v set_v before_o you_o on_o the_o one_o hand_n and_o the_o pleasure_n profit_n and_o honour_n of_o the_o world_n to_o be_v enjoy_v in_o a_o way_n of_o sin_n on_o the_o other_o hand_n you_o will_v resolve_o take_v the_o former_a and_o refuse_v the_o late_a indeed_o they_o be_v thus_o set_v before_o you_o and_o upon_o your_o choice_n depend_v your_o salvation_n or_o damnation_n though_o that_o choice_n must_v come_v from_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n 3._o yet_o must_v you_o well_o remember_v that_o this_o willingness_n and_o choice_n be_v still_o imperfect_a and_o therefore_o when_o i_o mention_v a_o hearty_a willingness_n i_o mean_v not_o a_o perfect_a willingness_n there_o may_v be_v and_o be_v in_o the_o most_o gracious_a soul_n on_o earth_n much_o undisposedness_n backwardness_n and_o withdraw_n of_o heart_n which_o be_v too_o great_a a_o measure_n of_o unwillingness_n to_o duty_n especial_o to_o those_o 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