strengthen_v and_o set_v forward_o to_o glorify_v god_n in_o christ_n in_o necessary_a duty_n as_o for_o the_o manner_n and_o measure_n to_o be_v keep_v in_o the_o use_n of_o thing_n lawful_a prudence_n must_v be_v ask_v of_o god_n who_o will_v direct_v we_o in_o this_o as_o in_o other_o christian_a duty_n chap._n xvi_o concern_v the_o convert_n suspicion_n that_o his_o softness_n of_o heart_n be_v nothing_o but_o a_o natural_a disposition_n to_o weep_v upon_o any_o occasion_n when_o the_o lord_n have_v take_v away_o from_o the_o sinner_n a_o heart_n of_o stone_n and_o have_v give_v unto_o he_o a_o heart_n of_o flesh_n so_o that_o he_o there_fw-mi not_o any_o more_o harden_v himself_o against_o the_o threaten_n of_o god_n word_n but_o do_v tremble_v at_o the_o hear_n thereof_o as_o speak_v isaiah_n 66._o 2._o and_o in_o his_o prayer_n do_v pour_v forth_o his_o heart_n ordinary_o with_o tear_n he_o may_v as_o experience_n have_v teach_v fall_v in_o a_o suspicion_n of_o this_o ordinar_n or_o frequent_a melt_a of_o heart_n as_o if_o it_o be_v nothing_o else_o but_o a_o childish_a or_o woman-like_a temper_n of_o body_n and_o spirit_n and_o no_o evidence_n of_o contrition_n for_o spiritual_a cause_n which_o the_o scripture_n require_v and_o commend_v in_o the_o penitent_a 2._o in_o this_o case_n there_o be_v danger_n on_o either_o hand_n if_o the_o convert_n be_v not_o wary_a and_o circumspect_a in_o this_o condition_n for_o on_o the_o one_o hand_n he_o be_v in_o hazard_n of_o make_v light_a account_n of_o the_o work_n of_o god_n who_o have_v take_v from_o he_o the_o heart_n of_o stone_n and_o give_v he_o a_o heart_n of_o flesh_n on_o the_o other_o hand_n he_o be_v in_o hazard_n of_o lay_v too_o much_o weight_n on_o his_o tear_n if_o once_o he_o be_v satisfy_v about_o the_o suspicion_n he_o have_v of_o his_o own_o tear_n and_o make_v clear_a that_o they_o be_v proof_n and_o evidence_n of_o his_o sincerity_n in_o his_o prayer_n to_o god_n that_o there_o be_v a_o danger_n on_o either_o hand_n experience_n have_v teach_v for_o some_o sincere_a convert_n have_v entertain_v the_o suspicion_n that_o their_o tear_n in_o prayer_n proceed_v from_o the_o soft_a temper_n of_o their_o natural_a complexion_n &_o disposition_n of_o spirit_n have_v resist_v their_o inclination_n to_o mourn_v and_o strive_v against_o let_v forth_o of_o tear_n so_o far_o that_o they_o have_v become_v so_o dry_a for_o a_o long_a time_n and_o have_v pray_v more_o perfunctorious_o than_o before_o that_o when_o just_a cause_n of_o grief_n and_o tear_n be_v give_v unto_o they_o they_o be_v not_o able_a to_o bring_v forth_o one_o tear_n for_o ease_v of_o their_o grieve_a heart_n on_o the_o other_o hand_n experience_n have_v teach_v that_o some_o look_v upon_o the_o expression_n of_o the_o saint_n in_o scripture_n concern_v their_o tear_n have_v lay_v so_o much_o weight_n upon_o their_o tear_n as_o they_o have_v number_v in_o a_o manner_n all_o the_o drop_n of_o their_o eye_n and_o from_o the_o less_o or_o more_o quantity_n of_o they_o make_v reckon_v of_o their_o own_o better_a or_o worse_a condition_n and_o of_o god_n acceptation_n of_o their_o prayer_n less_o or_o more_o 3._o this_o tenderness_n of_o heart_n and_o easiness_n to_o be_v move_v unto_o tear_n for_o spiritual_a motive_n be_v a_o rare_a gift_n few_o they_o be_v who_o with_o sense_n of_o the_o body_n of_o death_n and_o original_a sin_n bear_v they_o down_o do_v lament_v their_o natural_a sinfulness_n in_o their_o best_a condition_n with_o paul_n rom._n 7._o 24._o few_o shall_v be_v find_v so_o affectionate_a to_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n and_o salvation_n of_o people_n soul_n as_o to_o pour_v out_o tear_n both_o in_o secret_a and_o open_o for_o promove_v thereof_o as_o the_o apostle_n do_v act._n 20._o 19_o 21._o and_o 2_o cor._n 2._o 4._o few_o like_a timothy_n who_o heart_n be_v so_o tender_a that_o the_o apostle_n can_v not_o but_o observe_v his_o tear_n and_o remember_v they_o 2_o tim._n 1._o 4._o yet_o we_o doubt_v not_o that_o from_o age_n to_o age_n sundry_a be_v who_o by_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n have_v this_o constant_o melt_a heart_n according_a to_o the_o measure_n of_o god_n free_a donation_n some_o with_o tear_n some_o without_o tear_n and_o therefore_o if_o there_o be_v find_v in_o such_o mourner_n a_o honest_a endeavour_n to_o walk_v circumspect_o let_v not_o the_o suspicion_n that_o their_o tenderness_n be_v but_o natural_a weakness_n of_o spirit_n or_o bodily_a complexion_n be_v entertain_v only_o let_v the_o giver_n of_o the_o grace_n of_o a_o tender_a heart_n be_v rely_v upon_o and_o not_o their_o tear_n as_o if_o they_o be_v any_o more_o than_o witness_n of_o their_o honest_a affection_n in_o spiritual_a exercise_n for_o such_o prayer_n may_v prove_v sincere_a and_o acceptable_a to_o god_n both_o when_o they_o can_v mourn_v and_o also_o when_o their_o heart_n seem_v wither_v hard_a and_o dry_a chap._n xvii_o concern_v the_o convert_n suspicion_n that_o all_o his_o devotion_n be_v but_o lip-labour_n which_o be_v not_o join_v with_o a_o tender_a and_o melt_a heart_n and_o with_o god_n sensible_a approbation_n as_o some_o be_v suspicious_a of_o their_o condition_n because_o of_o their_o ordinar_n tenderness_n and_o melt_a of_o heart_n so_o other_o some_o be_v suspicious_a of_o their_o condition_n because_o they_o find_v not_o their_o heart_n tender_a and_o soft_a in_o their_o devotion_n all_o convert_n do_v agree_v in_o this_o that_o god_n must_v be_v worship_v in_o spirit_n and_o truth_n and_o that_o it_o be_v not_o acceptable_a worship_n to_o god_n if_o a_o man_n draw_v near_o he_o with_o his_o lip_n when_o his_o heart_n be_v far_o from_o he_o whereupon_o every_o convert_n when_o he_o be_v mindful_a of_o his_o duty_n go_v about_o to_o worship_n god_n with_o understanding_n and_o inward_a affection_n of_o heart_n to_o confess_v sin_n deprecat_fw-la wrath_n ask_v of_o god_n thing_n necessary_a intercede_v for_o other_o give_v thanks_o to_o god_n for_o his_o benefit_n and_o praise_v he_o for_o his_o work_n and_o work_a so_o as_o his_o affection_n may_v be_v conform_a to_o his_o expression_n and_o the_o conscience_n may_v approve_v both_o his_o word_n and_o his_o hearty_a affection_n and_o god_n may_v with_o his_o peace_n and_o consolation_n approve_v the_o worshipper_n but_o some_o convert_n be_v who_o albeit_o in_o sincerity_n they_o worship_v god_n yet_o they_o count_v all_o their_o devotion_n to_o be_v but_o lip-labour_n except_o they_o find_v their_o affection_n waken_v up_o and_o their_o heart_n tender_a and_o some_o vigour_n of_o spiritual_a life_n in_o their_o exercise_n and_o the_o sense_n of_o god_n approbation_n of_o their_o worship_n by_o give_v sense_n of_o his_o peace_n and_o consolation_n to_o they_o in_o their_o worship_n hence_o ofttimes_o do_v suspicion_n arise_v without_o just_a ground_n that_o they_o be_v desert_v of_o god_n that_o he_o be_v displease_v with_o they_o and_o this_o suspicion_n be_v entertain_v do_v send_v forth_o complaint_n and_o bring_v on_o coldrifenesse_n in_o prayer_n and_o discouragement_n 2._o this_o unjust_a suspicion_n of_o the_o grace_n of_o prayer_n the_o lord_n do_v ofttimes_o chastise_v by_o withdraw_a peace_n and_o comfort_n and_o order_n in_o prayer_n and_o of_o word_n also_o that_o he_o who_o complain_v that_o his_o devotion_n be_v but_o lip-labour_n because_o he_o sound_v not_o such_o measure_n of_o affection_n as_o he_o will_v have_v have_v nor_o that_o consolation_n which_o he_o wish_v to_o have_v shall_v find_v himself_o in_o worse_a take_n after_o his_o complain_n than_o he_o be_v in_o at_o first_o when_o he_o begin_v to_o suspect_v his_o condition_n it_o be_v true_a that_o confusion_n of_o mind_n and_o want_v of_o word_n to_o express_v the_o case_n wherein_o he_o be_v may_v fall_v on_o a_o convert_n by_o reason_n of_o affliction_n and_o manifold_a temptation_n and_o yet_o he_o may_v be_v free_a from_o this_o suspicion_n of_o god_n affection_n and_o acceptation_n of_o his_o person_n and_o prayer_n as_o the_o apostle_n do_v teach_v we_o rom._n 8._o 26._o likeways_o the_o spirit_n also_o help_v our_o infirmity_n for_o we_o know_v not_o what_o we_o shall_v pray_v for_o as_o we_o ought_v but_o the_o spirit_n itself_o make_v intercession_n for_o we_o with_o groan_n which_o can_v be_v utter_v but_o when_o this_o cut_a short_a of_o the_o gift_n of_o prayer_n in_o any_o measure_n do_v follow_v after_o suspicion_n of_o god_n respect_n and_o good_a will_n towards_o the_o complain_n and_o discourage_v convert_n it_o be_v a_o fatherly_a chastisement_n from_o god_n threaten_v the_o convert_n with_o a_o great_a measure_n of_o desertion_n and_o heavy_a temptation_n except_o he_o repent_v his_o folly_n and_o return_n to_o god_n who_o by_o his_o suspicion_n and_o misbelief_n he_o have_v offend_v 3._o for_o remedy_n of_o
private_a when_o he_o find_v a_o indisposition_n of_o mind_n unto_o it_o sundry_a convert_n when_o they_o perceive_v the_o unfitnesse_n of_o their_o spirit_n to_o offer_v immediate_a worship_n to_o god_n in_o prayer_n praise_n or_o thanksgiving_n especial_o in_o private_a do_v fall_n in_o doubt_n with_o themselves_o whether_o it_o be_v better_a to_o delay_v the_o offer_n of_o their_o worship_n till_o they_o find_v themselves_o well_o dispose_v for_o it_o or_o to_o go_v on_o as_o they_o may_v albeit_o they_o apprehend_v their_o lip_n pollute_v and_o their_o heart_n far_o away_o from_o god_n their_o fear_n on_o the_o one_o hand_n be_v lest_o they_o shall_v pollute_v the_o worship_n and_o take_v god_n name_n in_o vain_a on_o the_o other_o hand_n they_o fear_v lest_o they_o fall_v in_o the_o guiltiness_n of_o omit_v a_o prescribe_a duty_n the_o question_n shall_v be_v what_o the_o doubt_a convert_n shall_v determine_v and_o do_v 2._o for_o answer_v this_o case_n be_v speak_v unto_o before_o 2._o book_n chap._n 17._o in_o as_o far_o as_o the_o convert_n determine_v not_o and_o do_v not_o what_o be_v right_a but_o go_v wrong_a and_o please_v himself_o in_o his_o bad_a condition_n but_o here_o we_o speak_v to_o this_o case_n as_o the_o convert_n be_v in_o doubt_n only_o and_o desire_v to_o be_v keep_v from_o deceive_v himself_o in_o which_o case_n we_o say_v that_o as_o it_o be_v the_o convert_v doubt_v so_o we_o must_v confess_v that_o this_o case_n of_o indisposition_n and_o unâ—itnesse_n for_o spiritual_a exercise_n be_v very_o frequent_a and_o be_v ordinary_o and_o ofttimes_o a_o chastisement_n of_o we_o draw_v on_o by_o ourselves_o because_o we_o do_v not_o watch_v unto_o prayer_n we_o do_v not_o study_v to_o keep_v our_o heart_n in_o the_o fear_n of_o the_o lord_n all_o the_o day_n long_o we_o do_v not_o foster_v that_o tenderness_n of_o conscience_n which_o may_v furnish_v we_o mater_fw-la of_o humiliation_n and_o of_o thanksgiving_n to_o god_n upon_o observation_n of_o our_o fault_n against_o god_n and_o of_o god_n favour_n daily_a and_o hourly_o remarkable_o run_v towards_o we_o hence_o it_o be_v when_o our_o ordinar_n time_n of_o secret_a worship_n do_v come_v we_o find_v our_o vaige_a mind_n hardly_o call_v home_o from_o their_o wander_a our_o conscience_n challenge_v we_o for_o our_o loose_a and_o uncircumspect_a walk_n our_o affection_n dull_a and_o dead_a and_o all_o the_o power_n of_o our_o soul_n take_v as_o with_o a_o palsy_n that_o we_o can_v bestir_v ourselves_o in_o worship_n as_o we_o shall_v and_o will_v therefore_o in_o this_o case_n let_v the_o convert_v be_v humble_v and_o confess_v his_o fault_n and_o take_v with_o this_o chastisement_n and_o â—â—ye_n unto_o christ_n who_o hear_v and_o take_v away_o the_o iniquity_n of_o our_o pollution_n of_o holy_a thing_n and_o let_v he_o nor_o defer_v his_o worship_n till_o another_o occasion_n but_o wrestle_v against_o all_o impediment_n and_o follow_v out_o the_o work_n in_o hand_n blessing_n god_n for_o his_o point_v out_o unto_o he_o his_o want_n and_o weakness_n his_o wander_a and_o vanity_n of_o mind_n his_o slip_n and_o slide_v in_o his_o way_n and_o for_o open_v unto_o he_o a_o â—ountain_n in_o christ_n for_o wash_v his_o pollution_n and_o heal_a his_o wound_n and_o that_o the_o convert_n may_v be_v encourage_v to_o aim_v at_o and_o follow_v on_o this_o way_n let_v he_o consider_v that_o the_o convert_v worship_n may_v be_v pleasant_a and_o acceptable_a to_o god_n when_o the_o convert_n be_v much_o displease_v with_o himself_o in_o the_o discharge_n of_o it_o for_o there_o be_v a_o worship_v of_o god_n in_o faith_n without_o sense_n and_o feel_n of_o the_o heart_n enlargement_n and_o there_o be_v a_o worship_v of_o god_n with_o feel_a enlargement_n of_o heart_n the_o worship_v of_o god_n in_o faith_n be_v pleasant_a unto_o god_n albeit_o the_o worshipper_n in_o perplexity_n and_o wrestle_n with_o temptation_n and_o corruption_n be_v much_o displease_v with_o himself_o the_o worship_v of_o god_n with_o enlargement_n of_o heart_n be_v pleasant_a both_o unto_o god_n and_o to_o the_o worshipper_n also_o as_o ps._n 119._o 32._o david_n give_v we_o to_o understand_v i_o will_v run_v the_o way_n of_o thy_o commandment_n say_v he_o when_o thou_o shall_v enlarge_v my_o heart_n but_o when_o this_o enlargement_n by_o sensible_a assistance_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n be_v not_o perceive_v the_o psalmist_n be_v but_o a_o dead_a man_n in_o his_o own_o estimation_n yet_o he_o do_v not_o forbear_v or_o delay_v to_o worship_n god_n as_o well_o in_o bond_n as_o in_o freedom_n quicken_v i_o say_v he_o according_a to_o thy_o love_a kindness_n therefore_o let_v the_o convert_v in_o this_o case_n 1._o follow_v the_o example_n of_o the_o psalmist_n who_o ps._n 5._o 3._o resolve_v to_o call_v on_o god_n with_o his_o voice_n that_o be_v to_o follow_v the_o work_n of_o prayer_n external_o pre-suppose_a his_o spiritual_a power_n be_v bind_v up_o and_o he_o unable_a to_o back_v his_o petition_n with_o suitable_a affection_n my_o voice_n say_v he_o shall_v thou_o hear_v in_o the_o morning_n o_o lord_n in_o the_o morning_n will_v i_o direct_v my_o prayer_n unto_o thou_o and_o will_v look_v up_o and_o ps._n 27._o 7._o hear_v i_o when_o i_o cry_v with_o my_o voice_n have_v mercy_n also_o upon_o i_o and_o answer_v i_o 2._o for_o his_o encouragement_n in_o this_o case_n to_o go_v on_o in_o his_o worship_n let_v he_o confess_v unto_o god_n the_o truth_n as_o it_o be_v present_v unto_o he_o by_o his_o conscience_n and_o say_v o_o lord_n my_o god_n these_o be_v my_o sin_n which_o i_o ought_v to_o acknowledge_v before_o thou_o with_o tear_n which_o for_o the_o present_n be_v dry_v up_o etc._n etc._n these_o be_v thy_o favour_n and_o benefit_n wherewith_o i_o be_o loadenâ—d_v which_o i_o shall_v acknowledge_v with_o joy_n and_o sense_n of_o thy_o goodness_n etc._n etc._n but_o thou_o lord_n delight_v in_o truth_n in_o the_o inward_a part_n ps._n 51._o 8._o this_o will_v be_v find_v our_o reasonable_a service_n which_o the_o apostle_n call_v for_o rom._n 12._o 1_o 2._o the_o eight_o question_n be_v how_o to_o satisfy_v the_o convert_n doubt_v what_o be_v the_o sin_n which_o god_n pursue_v by_o long-lasting_a affliction_n it_o fall_v forth_o ofttimes_o when_o a_o true_a convert_n be_v a_o long_a time_n press_v under_o some_o last_a cross_n or_o calamity_n do_v inquire_v after_o the_o special_a cause_n of_o his_o affliction_n and_o when_o he_o can_v be_v clear_a what_o to_o determine_v do_v doubt_v what_o to_o think_v of_o his_o condition_n for_o he_o acknowledge_v his_o sin_n common_a to_o he_o and_o other_o convert_v to_o be_v innummerable_a but_o apprehend_v that_o it_o be_v some_o special_a sin_n pursue_v by_o god_n which_o be_v the_o cause_n of_o his_o affliction_n which_o because_o he_o can_v condescend_v upon_o he_o be_v at_o a_o stand_n and_o doubt_v what_o to_o think_v or_o do_v 2._o for_o answer_v we_o say_v 1._o such_o a_o case_n be_v more_o troublesome_a than_o dangerous_a for_o so_o long_o as_o he_o be_v observe_v his_o sin_n common_a to_o he_o and_o other_o convert_v and_o in_o the_o exercise_n of_o repentance_n be_v daily_o humble_v before_o god_n for_o his_o know_a sin_n he_o must_v not_o be_v anxious_a albeit_o he_o know_v not_o the_o particular_a sin_n pursue_v as_o he_o apprehend_v for_o albeit_o the_o lord_n afflict_v no_o man_n but_o such_o as_o have_v sin_n in_o they_o yet_o he_o do_v not_o always_o in_o afflict_v of_o his_o child_n pursue_v unknown_a sin_n in_o they_o for_o sometime_o he_o afflict_v his_o child_n to_o preveen_v his_o sin_v hedge_v up_o his_o way_n with_o thorn_n lest_o he_o shall_v follow_v after_o belove_a lust_n sometime_o he_o do_v afflict_v he_o to_o try_v his_o faith_n to_o teach_v he_o patience_n meekness_n temperance_n and_o other_o virtue_n such_o as_o be_v die_v to_o the_o world_n seek_v after_o thing_n spiritual_a compassion_n towards_o other_o in_o affliction_n 2._o when_o the_o afflict_a have_v compose_v his_o mind_n to_o reverence_n god_n dispensation_n whatsoever_o it_o be_v or_o shall_v be_v then_o let_v he_o yet_o again_o look_v upon_o his_o affliction_n and_o it_o may_v be_v he_o shall_v read_v in_o the_o rod_n what_o be_v the_o lord_n quarrel_n 3._o whether_o he_o shall_v find_v the_o special_a cause_n of_o his_o affliction_n or_o not_o let_v he_o turn_v all_o his_o indignation_n zeal_n and_o hatred_n against_o the_o body_n of_o death_n the_o bitter_a root_n and_o bulk_n of_o actual_a sin_n and_o watch_v diligent_o over_o the_o motion_n of_o original_a sin_n or_o concupiscence_n in_o himself_o 4._o and_o let_v his_o whole_a exercise_n stir_v he_o up_o to_o have_v christ_n in_o great_a estimation_n to_o make_v use_n of_o christ_n righteousness_n impute_v to_o believer_n and_o
therapeutica_fw-la sacra_fw-la show_v brief_o the_o method_n of_o heal_v the_o disease_n of_o the_o conscience_n concern_v regeneration_n write_a first_o in_o latin_a by_o david_n dickson_n professor_n of_o divinity_n in_o the_o college_n of_o edinburgh_n and_o thereafter_o translate_v by_o he_o matth._n 9_o 12._o they_o that_o be_v whole_a need_v not_o a_o physician_n but_o they_o that_o be_v sick_a edinburgh_n print_v by_o evan_n tyler_n printer_n to_o the_o king_n be_v most_o excellent_a majesty_n 1664._o to_o the_o right_n honourable_a and_o very_a noble_a the_o countess_n dowager_n of_o glencairn_n madam_n after_o the_o author_n have_v write_v and_o publish_v this_o treatise_n in_o latin_a for_o the_o use_n of_o young_a student_n in_o theology_n by_o the_o earnest_n and_o frequent_a entreaty_n of_o friend_n he_o be_v induce_v and_o persuade_v to_o translate_v it_o into_o our_o vulgar_a tongue_n for_o the_o benefit_n of_o these_o who_o understand_v not_o the_o latin_a and_o for_o prevent_v the_o labour_n of_o other_o who_o more_o forward_o then_o skilful_a be_v about_o the_o do_n of_o it_o and_o have_v once_o so_o far_o proceed_v as_o to_o offer_v it_o to_o the_o press_n without_o acquaint_v he_o therewith_o when_o he_o have_v finish_v the_o translation_n his_o purpose_n be_v to_o have_v dedicate_v it_o to_o your_o ladyship_n and_o to_o have_v send_v it_o abroad_o into_o the_o world_n under_o your_o protection_n but_o weakness_n and_o sickness_n the_o ordinary_a companion_n of_o age_n and_o after_o they_o death_n whereby_o god_n almighty_a and_o gracious_a call_v he_o from_o his_o labour_n to_o enter_v into_o his_o master_n joy_n seize_v upon_o he_o before_o he_o can_v write_v a_o epistle_n dedicatory_a it_o be_v his_o will_n that_o your_o honourable_a name_n shall_v be_v prefix_v unto_o it_o in_o pursuance_n whereof_o it_o come_v now_o as_o a_o orphan_n to_o kiss_v your_o noble_a hand_n fraught_v with_o hope_n of_o favour_n and_o shelter_v for_o the_o parent_n be_v sake_n and_o of_o acceptance_n as_o a_o testimony_n of_o the_o sincerity_n of_o the_o respect_n he_o carry_v to_o your_o ladyship_n virtue_n it_o have_v the_o strong_a plea_n for_o a_o tender_a reception_n that_o it_o be_v the_o child_n of_o his_o age_n be_v his_o last_o labour_n and_o be_v bring_v forth_o in_o his_o seventy_o and_o second_o year_n and_o that_o it_o come_v array_v in_o a_o suit_n of_o country-cloath_n which_o himself_o put_v upon_o it_o be_v publish_v according_a to_o the_o copy_n write_v with_o his_o own_o hand_n that_o it_o may_v be_v as_o it_o be_v design_v by_o he_o useful_a for_o the_o good_a of_o soul_n and_o that_o god_n may_v comfort_v you_o under_o your_o present_a sad_a affliction_n and_o make_v up_o the_o loss_n of_o your_o noble_a husband_n the_o late_a lord_n high_a chancellor_n of_o scotland_n be_v the_o prayer_n of_o madam_n your_o ladyship_n most_o humble_o devote_a servant_n alexander_n dickson_n edinburgâ—_n 13._o june_n 1664._o therapeutica_fw-la sacra_fw-la translate_v by_o the_o author_n show_v short_o the_o method_n of_o heal_v the_o disease_n of_o the_o conscience_n concern_v regeneration_n chap._n i._n of_o conscience_n in_o general_n see_v our_o purpose_n be_v to_o speak_v of_o the_o cure_n of_o sundry_a ordinary_a case_n or_o disease_n concern_v regeneration_n by_o a_o prudent_a application_n and_o use-making_a of_o divine_a covenant_n make_v about_o and_o with_o man_n for_o his_o come_n to_o eternal_a life_n it_o be_v needful_a to_o speak_v in_o the_o entry_n a_o little_a first_o of_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o conscience_n and_o use_v thereof_o in_o general_a next_o of_o the_o case_n of_o the_o conscience_n in_o general_a three_o what_o regeneration_n be_v and_o who_o be_v the_o man_n regenerate_v four_a of_o divine_a covenant_n relate_v to_o everlasting_a happiness_n and_o five_o of_o the_o orderly_a and_o prudent_a application_n of_o these_o covenant_n in_o general_n that_o thereafter_o we_o may_v descend_v to_o speak_v of_o application_n thereof_o in_o particular_a case_n the_o more_o clear_o 2._o as_o to_o the_o first_o what_o conscience_n be_v it_o have_v please_v god_n the_o sovereign_a lord_n and_o judge_n of_o all_o man_n in_o the_o creation_n to_o put_v in_o man_n soul_n a_o natural_a power_n or_o faculty_n whereby_o he_o may_v not_o only_o understand_v the_o reveal_v will_n of_o god_n the_o only_a lord_n of_o and_o lawgiver_n to_o the_o conscience_n not_o only_o concern_v what_o he_o shall_v believe_v and_o perform_v but_o also_o may_v judge_v of_o his_o own_o faith_n and_o obedience_n whether_o perform_v or_o not_o perform_v yea_o and_o may_v judge_v also_o of_o the_o faith_n and_o obedience_n of_o other_o in_o so_o far_o as_o evidence_n may_v be_v have_v of_o their_o conformity_n unto_o or_o disagreement_n from_o the_o revealed_z rule_n of_o faith_n and_o manner_n this_o power_n of_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n whether_o it_o be_v consider_v only_o in_o its_o natural_a aptitude_n and_o fitness_n to_o judge_v though_o not_o as_o yet_o or_o for_o the_o time_n actual_o judge_v or_o whether_o it_o be_v look_v upon_o as_o it_o be_v put_v forth_o itself_o in_o exercise_n we_o call_v it_o by_o the_o name_n of_o conscience_n 3._o the_o word_n conscience_n be_v divers_a way_n take_v for_o sometime_o by_o it_o be_v mean_v the_o natural_a power_n of_o the_o mind_n to_o judge_v both_o of_o our_o own_o and_o other_o conformity_n to_o the_o rule_n and_o in_o this_o large_a acception_n we_o say_v every_o man_n have_v a_o conscience_n that_o be_v every_o man_n whether_o male_a or_o female_a whether_o old_a or_o young_a whether_o sleep_v or_o wake_v have_v a_o faculty_n which_o may_v and_o sometime_o shall_v judge_v of_o their_o own_o and_o other_o behaviour_n towards_o god_n sometime_o it_o be_v take_v for_o that_o natural_a power_n of_o the_o mind_n put_v forth_o itself_o actual_o in_o exercise_n by_o judge_v of_o other_o so_o do_v the_o apostle_n take_v it_o 2_o cor._n 5_o 11._o i_o trust_v say_v he_o we_o be_v make_v manifest_a in_o your_o conscience_n but_o here_o in_o this_o treatise_n we_o take_v conscience_n more_o strict_o as_o it_o examine_v and_o judge_v of_o ourselves_o for_o in_o this_o sense_n it_o be_v most_o proper_o call_v conscience_n or_o joint_a knowledge_n partly_o because_o it_o suppose_v that_o god_n and_o we_o know_v our_o obedience_n or_o disobedience_n to_o the_o rule_n prescribe_v to_o we_o by_o he_o partly_o because_o conscience_n import_v first_o our_o knowledge_n of_o the_o rule_n and_o next_o our_o knowledge_n of_o our_o behaviour_n in_o relation_n to_o the_o rule_n and_o our_o compare_v of_o these_o two_o together_o and_o pass_v of_o sentence_n of_o ourselves_o answerable_o 4._o conscience_n as_o it_o do_v respect_v ourselves_o be_v no_o other_o thing_n in_o effect_n than_o the_o understand_a power_n of_o our_o soul_n examine_v how_o matter_n do_v stand_v betwixt_o god_n and_o we_o compare_v his_o will_n reveal_v with_o our_o state_n condition_n and_o carriage_n in_o thought_n word_n or_o deed_n do_v or_o omit_v and_o pass_a judgement_n thereupon_o as_o the_o case_n require_v so_o that_o in_o the_o court_n of_o conscience_n which_o be_v god_n depute_v in_o we_o as_o it_o be_v these_o five_o thing_n be_v to_o be_v consider_v 1._o the_o duty_n of_o self-examination_n 2._o the_o thing_n we_o be_v to_o examine_v 3._o the_o rule_n whereby_o we_o be_v to_o examine_v 4._o the_o process_n of_o the_o conscience_n unto_o sentence_n give_v and_o 5._o the_o execution_n of_o the_o sentence_n so_o far_o as_o the_o conscience_n may_v 5._o as_o to_o the_o first_o the_o duty_n of_o examination_n of_o ourselves_o and_o juâ—ging_v ourselves_o it_o be_v require_v of_o we_o lest_o we_o be_v judge_v of_o god_n and_o chastise_v with_o sharp_a rod_n 1_o cor._n 11._o 31._o 32._o and_o hereunto_o we_o be_v exhort_v ps._n 4._o 4_o commune_fw-la with_o your_o own_o heart_n upon_o your_o bed_n and_o be_v still_o 6._o as_o for_o the_o second_o the_o thing_n which_o we_o be_v to_o examine_v concern_v ourselves_o it_o be_v one_o of_o three_o or_o all_o the_o three_o in_o their_o order_n to_o wit_n either_o our_o estate_n whether_o we_o be_v in_o the_o state_n of_o nature_n under_o wrath_n or_o not_o or_o whether_o we_o be_v regenerate_v and_o in_o the_o state_n of_o grace_n through_o faith_n in_o jesus_n christ_n or_o not_o of_o this_o speak_v the_o apostle_n 2_o cor._n 13._o 5._o examine_v yourselves_o whether_o you_o be_v in_o the_o faith_n or_o it_o be_v our_o condition_n whether_o be_v in_o the_o state_n of_o grace_n our_o present_a disposition_n or_o inclination_n of_o heart_n and_o affection_n be_v such_o as_o become_v a_o man_n reconcile_v or_o not_o to_o this_o point_n of_o examination_n christ_n do_v call_v the_o angel_n of_o the_o church_n of_o ephesus_n rev._n 2._o 5._o remember_v therefore_o
and_o tell_v we_o that_o the_o visible_a church_n be_v a_o society_n of_o saint_n or_o regenerate_a person_n and_o that_o they_o who_o live_v in_o the_o visible_a church_n must_v be_v visible_a saint_n whole_a liâ—e_z at_o least_o do_v not_o contradict_v their_o profession_n and_o such_o as_o by_o the_o judgement_n of_o charity_n we_o must_v esteem_v regenerate_v ans._n christ_n visible_a church_n be_v the_o company_n of_o they_o that_o be_v call_v out_o of_o the_o world_n unto_o he_o the_o company_n of_o they_o that_o be_v consecrat_fw-mi to_o god_n and_o engage_v by_o solemn_a covenant_n to_o follow_v the_o course_n of_o holiness_n by_o â—â—lling_v they_o be_v saint_n albeit_o many_o of_o they_o may_v be_v â—ound_v pollute_v in_o their_o manner_n thus_o do_v god_n himself_o reach_v we_o to_o judge_v psal._n 50._o 5._o gather_v unto_o i_o my_o saint_n say_v he_o and_o who_o be_v these_o these_o who_o have_v make_v a_o coâ—â—nant_n with_o i_o by_o sacrifice_n now_o of_o these_o many_o do_v not_o worship_n god_n in_o spirit_n but_o place_v all_o their_o religion_n in_o ceremony_n and_o go_v about_o by_o their_o outward_a sacrifice_n to_o pacify_v god_n and_o to_o expiate_v their_o sin_n as_o be_v plain_a vers_fw-la 7._o 8._o other_o of_o these_o call_v saint_n consecrat_fw-mi unto_o god_n and_o join_v with_o he_o in_o a_o visible_a covenant_n be_v very_o wicked_a who_o no_o way_n behave_v themselves_o as_o become_v covenanter_n with_o god_n and_o who_o therefore_o be_v to_o be_v exclude_v from_o the_o benefit_n of_o the_o covenant_n except_o they_o repent_v for_o they_o hate_v true_a holiness_n and_o do_v cast_v the_o command_n behind_o their_o back_n vers_n 16._o be_v thief_n and_o adulterer_n slanderer_n and_o calumniatour_n of_o their_o brethren_n vers_fw-la 18_o 19_o and_o yet_o for_o all_o this_o the_o lord_n do_v not_o exclude_v they_o out_o of_o the_o visible_a church_n but_o do_v in_o a_o fatherly_a manner_n reprove_v they_o that_o they_o may_v repent_v and_o not_o perish_v 2._o there_o be_v no_o question_n whether_o all_o in_o the_o visible_a church_n ought_v to_o be_v both_o in_o open_a conversation_n and_o in_o heart_n holy_a and_o that_o they_o shall_v certain_o be_v damn_v and_o perish_v that_o be_v not_o such_o but_o the_o question_n be_v here_o about_o the_o duty_n of_o the_o governor_n of_o the_o church_n and_o of_o the_o godly_a in_o it_o whether_o they_o shall_v exclude_v from_o church-membership_a all_o who_o be_v not_o regenerate_v at_o least_o so_o to_o be_v esteem_v in_o the_o judgement_n of_o charity_n or_o whether_o all_o be_v to_o be_v hold_v for_o church-member_n and_o keep_v within_o the_o church_n who_o be_v in_o covenant_n with_o god_n and_o seal_v with_o the_o seal_n thereof_o to_o the_o intent_n that_o by_o doctrine_n and_o censure_n of_o the_o church_n so_o far_o as_o may_v be_v by_o mean_n they_o may_v be_v regenerate_v and_o be_v regenerate_v be_v help_v on_o in_o the_o way_n of_o holiness_n 3._o there_o be_v a_o difference_n to_o be_v put_v betwixt_o the_o precept_n concern_v the_o personal_a sanctification_n of_o every_o man_n in_o himself_o and_o the_o precept_n give_v for_o the_o govern_n of_o other_o and_o keep_v holy_a society_n with_o the_o call_v saint_n renew_v or_o unrenewed_a in_o the_o visible_a church_n so_o far_o as_o god_n word_n give_v light_a and_o order_n for_o it_o be_v command_v to_o i_o and_o thou_o that_o we_o pursue_v peace_n and_o holiness_n without_o which_o none_o shall_v see_v the_o face_n of_o god_n but_o it_o be_v not_o command_v to_o i_o or_o thou_o that_o we_o shall_v keep_v no_o church-fellowship_n in_o god_n ordinance_n except_o with_o the_o regenerate_a it_o be_v not_o command_v to_o the_o governor_n of_o the_o church_n that_o they_o must_v examine_v every_o person_n concern_v their_o regeneration_n neither_o be_v they_o forbid_v to_o adâ—â—t_v any_o into_o the_o society_n of_o the_o church_n save_o these_o who_o they_o esteem_v regenerate_v but_o they_o be_v command_v to_o bring_v in_o to_o the_o church_n all_o that_o oblige_v themselves_o to_o be_v christ_n disciple_n with_o their_o child_n and_o by_o the_o mean_v appoint_v of_o god_n in_o doctrine_n and_o censure_n of_o the_o church_n to_o promove_v their_o sanctification_n and_o salvation_n for_o so_o many_o do_v christ_n commission_n to_o the_o pastor_n of_o the_o church_n import_n math._n 28._o 19_o 20._o 4._o regeneration_n be_v not_o the_o just_a measure_n whereby_o to_o square_v the_o dimension_n and_o extent_n of_o the_o visible_a church_n but_o confederation_n and_o obsignation_n of_o the_o covenant_n by_o baptism_n for_o the_o church_n be_v christ_n visible_a kingdom_n who_o visible_a subject_n be_v all_o they_o who_o solemn_o be_v engage_v to_o subject_n themselves_o to_o his_o doctrine_n and_o government_n and_o therefore_o the_o church_n visible_a be_v not_o to_o be_v define_v the_o company_n of_o the_o regenerate_a but_o the_o company_n of_o the_o confederate_a with_o god_n and_o call_v unto_o holiness_n among_o who_o christ_n tell_v we_o there_o be_v few_o elect_a and_o so_o few_o regenerate_v and_o therefore_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n be_v compare_v to_o a_o barn-floor_n whereinto_o be_v gather_v both_o the_o chaff_n and_o the_o wheat_n both_o they_o that_o have_v faith_n and_o they_o that_o profess_v faith_n out_o of_o who_o christ_n do_v gather_v his_o own_o elect_a and_o redeem_a one_o obj._n but_o at_o least_o in_o gather_v of_o a_o church_n out_o of_o the_o world_n respect_n must_v be_v have_v that_o the_o consent_n of_o the_o covenanter_n be_v serious_a and_o how_o can_v the_o consent_n be_v serious_a where_o the_o heart_n be_v not_o sincere_a where_o the_o person_n be_v not_o regenerate_v such_o a_o man_n consent_n to_o the_o covenant_n as_o be_v without_o save_a faith_n be_v but_o feign_a counterfeit_a hypocritical_a and_o such_o a_o consent_n as_o may_v hinder_v the_o man_n regeneration_n and_o do_v nothing_o but_o provoke_v god_n wrath_n against_o the_o man_n and_o the_o receiver_n or_o admitter_n of_o he_o also_o ans._n serious_n be_v sometime_o oppose_v to_o sport_n or_o play_v and_o so_o a_o mater_fw-la may_v be_v serious_a which_o be_v in_o earnest_n go_v about_o and_o be_v not_o open_o histrionical_a and_o sometime_o serious_a be_v oppose_v to_o the_o intention_n of_o fraud_n and_o deceit_n and_o so_o that_o may_v be_v call_v serious_a which_o be_v do_v without_o a_o purpose_n to_o deceive_v or_o beguile_v the_o party_n but_o when_o the_o consenter_n to_o engage_v in_o covenant_n speak_v as_o he_o think_v albeit_o possible_o his_o own_o heart_n deceive_v he_o his_o consent_n to_o the_o condition_n of_o the_o covenant_n may_v just_o be_v call_v serious_a because_o he_o intend_v to_o deal_v in_o earnest_n as_o in_o a_o weighty_a business_n and_o such_o be_v the_o consent_n of_o the_o people_n of_o israel_n unto_o the_o covenant_n make_v with_o god_n exod._n 19_o likewise_o counterfeit_a and_o hypocritical_a be_v sometime_o call_v so_o in_o opposition_n to_o that_o which_o be_v real_a true_a and_o spiritual_a and_o so_o all_o consent_n to_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n which_o do_v not_o proceed_v from_o the_o spirit_n of_o regeneration_n be_v but_o feign_a faith_n and_o indeed_o be_v not_o save_v faith_n yet_o it_o may_v be_v serious_a and_o moral_o honest_a like_o israel_n exod._n 14._o 20._o and_o so_o sufficient_a to_o make_v a_o covenant_n and_o to_o tie_v a_o obligation_n on_o the_o man_n to_o such_o duty_n as_o may_v lead_v to_o salvation_n again_o feign_a connterfeit_a hypocritical_a be_v call_v that_o which_o a_o man_n purposely_o do_v fain_o make_v show_n of_o that_o which_o he_o know_v not_o to_o be_v be_v conscious_a to_o his_o own_o wickedness_n and_o such_o a_o feign_a consent_n we_o grant_v do_v provoke_v god_n against_o such_o a_o person_n but_o the_o church_n be_v not_o judge_v of_o this_o so_o long_o as_o they_o know_v not_o of_o this_o gross_a hypocrisy_n we_o hold_v then_o that_o there_o may_v be_v and_o usual_o fall_v forth_o such_o a_o moral_a consent_n unto_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n without_o save_a faith_n which_o may_v be_v call_v a_o serious_a real_o honest_a consent_n as_o to_o the_o agreement_n of_o the_o mind_n and_o mouth_n of_o the_o covenanter_n such_o as_o be_v find_v in_o ordinary_a civil_a contract_n between_o one_o man_n and_o another_o and_o must_v be_v acknowledge_v to_o be_v a_o external_a church-covenanting_a with_o god_n and_o with_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o member_n of_o the_o church_n and_o so_o the_o consent_n in_o respect_n to_o the_o make_v a_o covenant_n be_v not_o feign_v neither_o be_v it_o displease_v unto_o god_n in_o the_o own_o kind_n albeit_o it_o be_v not_o sufficient_a or_o acceptable_a to_o god_n unto_o the_o person_n salvation_n for_o so_o much_o do_v god_n himself_o testify_v deut._n 5._o speak_v
any_o man_n the_o lord_n have_v give_v no_o certain_a mark_n as_o long_o as_o they_o live_v except_o that_o malicious_a and_o wilful_a reject_v and_o oppose_v of_o know_a christ_n jesus_n to_o the_o intent_n that_o none_o shall_v dare_v to_o exclude_v either_o themselves_o or_o other_o from_o repentance_n and_o hope_n of_o mercy_n so_o long_o as_o the_o day_n of_o god_n long-suffering_a and_o patience_n do_v last_o this_o be_v collect_v from_o this_o that_o god_n do_v not_o make_v mention_n of_o the_o reprobation_n of_o these_o misbelieve_a father_n while_o they_o be_v live_v but_o now_o long_o after_o they_o be_v dead_a and_o this_o mention_n make_v of_o they_o be_v in_o general_a only_o and_o not_o by_o name_a they_o particular_o 17._o albeit_o in_o the_o dispensation_n of_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n for_o application_n of_o save_a mercy_n the_o mater_fw-la be_v so_o wise_o carry_v by_o god_n that_o both_o the_o decree_n and_o covenant_n of_o redemption_n be_v keep_v close_o as_o to_o particular_a name_n and_o yet_o it_o be_v effectual_o make_v out_o in_o the_o apply_v of_o grace_n to_o individual_a person_n as_o the_o agreement_n be_v make_v between_o god_n and_o christ_n mediator_n yet_o the_o covenant_n of_o redemption_n be_v make_v this_o far_o clear_a that_o it_o do_v not_o pass_v for_o the_o conversion_n and_o salvation_n of_o all_o and_o every_o man_n by_o this_o evidence_n that_o not_o so_o much_o as_o the_o offer_n of_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n and_o reconciliation_n shall_v be_v make_v to_o all_o and_o every_o nation_n far_o lâ—sse_a to_o all_o and_o every_o singular_a person_n but_o that_o the_o people_n and_o nation_n of_o israel_n and_o judah_n be_v choose_v out_o of_o all_o people_n and_o nation_n in_o the_o world_n comprehend_v such_o other_o as_o shall_v be_v call_v unto_o their_o society_n and_o the_o fellowship_n of_o the_o olive_n tree_n among_o they_o as_o psal._n 147._o 19_o 20._o hold_v forth_o and_o in_o this_o place_n the_o whole_a elect_a under_o the_o gospel_n be_v take_v up_o under_o the_o name_n of_o this_o one_o nation_n 18._o that_o the_o decree_n of_o election_n of_o some_o may_v both_o be_v keep_v up_o as_o to_o particular_a nomination_n and_o yet_o have_v certain_a execution_n and_o be_v perform_v the_o lord_n take_v up_o all_o his_o confederate_n whether_o in_o the_o letter_n or_o spirit_n also_o under_o the_o same_o common_a name_n this_o be_v gather_v from_o this_o that_o the_o misbelieve_a israelit_n that_o perish_v in_o the_o desert_n with_o who_o god_n make_v a_o covenant_n and_o they_o do_v break_v it_o be_v design_v under_o the_o common_a name_n of_o father_n and_o be_v take_v up_o in_o that_o covenant_n under_o the_o name_n of_o spouse_n jer._n 31._o 32._o and_o the_o elect_a posterity_n be_v take_v up_o under_o the_o common_a name_n of_o the_o house_n of_o israel_n and_o judah_n 19_o such_o as_o the_o covenanter_n be_v in_o regard_n of_o their_o inward_a estate_n such_o be_v the_o covenant_n wherein_o they_o real_o be_v or_o such_o be_v the_o covenant_n in_o relation_n to_o their_o person_n unto_o the_o reprobat_fw-la who_o do_v change_v for_o their_o part_n the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n into_o the_o covenant_n of_o work_n the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n become_v in_o effect_n the_o covenant_n of_o work_n and_o be_v render_v void_a to_o they_o as_o the_o apostle_n do_v threaten_v the_o galatian_n gal._n 5._o 4._o and_o as_o do_v befall_v the_o pharisaical_a father_n who_o be_v here_o declare_v as_o instance_n but_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n unto_o the_o elect_a and_o true_a believer_n remain_v still_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n from_o which_o they_o do_v not_o fall_v nor_o can_v altogether_o fall_v as_o the_o comparison_n here_o between_o the_o father_n in_o the_o wilderness_n and_o their_o elect_a posterity_n make_v evident_a 20._o the_o lord_n have_v wise_o join_v life_n with_o the_o mean_n and_o way_n to_o life_n and_o death_n with_o the_o way_n to_o death_n and_o will_v not_o have_v that_o separate_v which_o he_o have_v join_v this_o be_v collect_v from_o this_o that_o the_o father_n by_o not_o continue_v in_o the_o covenant_n be_v despise_v and_o reject_v of_o god_n and_o so_o perish_v but_o their_o elect_a posterity_n have_v the_o law_n of_o god_n in_o their_o heart_n and_o cleave_v constant_o unto_o the_o lord_n be_v save_v 21._o the_o lord_n will_v have_v this_o doctrine_n teach_v where_o his_o word_n be_v preach_v concern_v the_o election_n of_o some_o and_o reprobation_n of_o other_o some_o of_o god_n covenant_v with_o some_o people_n and_o person_n and_o not_o offer_v a_o covenant_n to_o other_o some_o of_o covenant_v with_o some_o in_o the_o letter_n and_o with_o other_o some_o in_o the_o spirit_n also_o to_o this_o end_n and_o intent_n that_o man_n leave_v the_o search_n in_o particular_a of_o that_o which_o god_n have_v keep_v secret_a in_o the_o particular_a may_v follow_v command_v duty_n repent_v their_o sin_n and_o flee_v to_o christ_n offer_v unto_o they_o and_o take_v up_o his_o yoke_n upon_o they_o and_o beware_v that_o they_o neither_o despair_n nor_o yet_o presume_v or_o turn_v the_o grace_n of_o god_n into_o wantonness_n this_o we_o gather_v from_o this_o that_o god_n send_v forth_o jeremiah_n to_o preach_v these_o thing_n not_o only_o to_o the_o visible_a church_n of_o the_o jew_n go_v into_o exile_n and_o captivity_n but_o also_o to_o all_o who_o shall_v hear_v this_o doctrine_n from_o he_o to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n and_o the_o apostle_n repeat_v this_o doctrine_n for_o the_o use_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n of_o jew_n and_o gentile_n do_v confirm_v this_o chap._n viii_o of_o the_o prudent_a application_n of_o divine_a covenant_n in_o general_n have_v speak_v of_o these_o three_o divine_a covenant_n concern_v man_n salvation_n it_o follow_v now_o to_o speak_v of_o the_o application_n thereof_o first_o in_o general_a and_o then_o more_o special_o in_o the_o mater_fw-la of_o application_n we_o must_v first_o look_v upon_o god_n effectual_a apply_v and_o work_v in_o the_o hearer_n of_o these_o covenant_n such_o effect_n as_o he_o have_v intend_v by_o these_o covenant_n to_o bring_v to_o pass_v next_o we_o must_v look_v upon_o the_o mean_n whereby_o he_o ordinary_o do_v convey_v and_o work_v his_o intend_a work_n in_o man_n and_o three_o we_o must_v look_v upon_o the_o prudent_a way_n of_o use_n make_v of_o these_o mean_n both_o by_o pastor_n and_o people_n for_o people_n good_a 2._o as_o to_o the_o first_o the_o lord_n effectual_a application_n be_v a_o real_a and_o actual_a bestow_v the_o good_a of_o these_o covenant_n upon_o his_o own_o by_o way_n of_o powerful_a work_n on_o their_o spirit_n such_o as_o be_v 1._o the_o give_v the_o grace_n of_o understanding_n of_o the_o scripture_n and_o 2._o the_o belief_n of_o what_o be_v understand_v and_o 3._o the_o application_n of_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o law_n concern_v man_n sin_n and_o misery_n to_o their_o own_o conscience_n and_o 4._o the_o make_v they_o judge_v themselves_o according_a to_o the_o law_n and_o 5._o the_o raise_n of_o sorrow_n in_o their_o heart_n and_o fear_n of_o wrath_n and_o 6._o the_o set_n of_o their_o eye_n upon_o christ_n for_o delivery_n from_o sin_n and_o death_n and_o 7._o the_o make_v they_o perceive_v a_o possibility_n and_o probability_n that_o they_o may_v be_v save_v and_o 8._o to_o have_v a_o earnest_a desire_n after_o reconciliation_n with_o god_n in_o christ_n and_o 9_o the_o make_n of_o his_o own_o to_o cast_v themselves_o over_o on_o christ_n and_o to_o believe_v on_o he_o and_o 10._o the_o make_v they_o to_o consecrat_v themselves_o to_o god_n in_o christ_n reconcile_a the_o world_n of_o mere_a grace_n to_o himself_o not_o impute_v transgression_n to_o the_o reconcile_a through_o christ_n and_o 11._o the_o make_v they_o to_o wonder_v at_o the_o riches_n of_o the_o free_a grace_n of_o god_n who_o in_o a_o self-condemned_n sinner_n desirous_a to_o be_v reconcile_v with_o he_o require_v no_o personal_a dignity_n no_o good_a work_n which_o may_v commend_v he_o to_o god_n but_o only_o that_o he_o will_v receive_v and_o welcome_o christ_n offer_v in_o the_o gospel_n as_o the_o only_a necessary_a and_o sufficient_a remedy_n against_o all_o sin_n and_o misery_n require_v no_o other_o condition_n but_o that_o he_o flee_v from_o the_o curse_n of_o the_o law_n and_o the_o wrath_n to_o come_v unto_o christ_n the_o redeemer_n who_o offer_v himself_o unto_o lose_a sinner_n in_o the_o preach_n of_o the_o gospel_n that_o through_o he_o the_o beleiver_n may_v be_v justify_v and_o sanctify_v and_o save_v for_o ever_o and_o 12._o after_o wonder_v raise_v in_o the_o heart_n of_o his_o child_n the_o make_v they_o cleave_v close_o to_o christ_n and_o to_o strive_v against_o all_o temptation_n which_o
2_o cor._n 13._o 5._o except_o they_o will_v choose_v to_o be_v judge_v of_o god_n without_o mercy_n but_o see_v here_o we_o speak_v to_o pastor_n or_o to_o such_o as_o aim_v at_o the_o holy_a ministry_n we_o need_v not_o insist_v but_o with_o the_o apostle_n 2_o tim._n 2._o 17._o pray_v the_o lord_n to_o give_v his_o servant_n wisdom_n and_o prudence_n in_o all_o thing_n for_o remove_v the_o six_o impediment_n the_o six_o impediment_n be_v a_o lazy_a and_o sluggish_a put_v off_o of_o the_o duty_n of_o self-examination_n from_o time_n to_o time_n and_o many_o be_v guilty_a of_o this_o sinful_a solly_n who_o will_v grant_v that_o it_o be_v a_o duty_n lie_v on_o they_o to_o set_v their_o conscience_n on_o work_n for_o trial_n of_o their_o state_n or_o condition_n but_o like_o ill_a debtor_n who_o promise_v to_o pay_v as_o oft_o as_o they_o meet_v with_o their_o creditor_n do_v notwithstanding_o put_v off_o time_n and_o delay_v the_o work_n from_o day_n to_o day_n such_o man_n disposition_n in_o spiritual_a thing_n be_v well_o resemble_v in_o the_o description_n of_o the_o sluggard_n prov._n 6._o 10._o how_o long_o will_v thou_o sleep_v o_o sluggard_n when_o will_v thou_o arise_v out_o of_o thy_o sleep_n yet_o a_o little_a sleep_n a_o little_a slumber_n a_o little_a fold_n of_o the_o hand_n to_o sleep_v so_o shall_v thy_o poverty_n come_v as_o one_o that_o travail_v and_o thy_o want_n as_o a_o arm_a man_n and_o prov._n 26._o 14_o 15_o 16._o as_o the_o door_n turn_v upon_o his_o hinge_n so_o do_v the_o slothful_a man_n upon_o his_o bed_n the_o slothful_a hide_v his_o hand_n in_o his_o bosom_n it_o grieve_v he_o to_o bring_v it_o again_o to_o his_o mouth_n the_o sluggard_n be_v wise_a in_o his_o own_o conceit_n than_o seven_o man_n that_o can_v render_v a_o reason_n such_o be_v our_o lazy_a dâ—layers_n of_o examination_n of_o who_o we_o speak_v they_o can_v endure_v to_o be_v at_o pain_n to_o search_v their_o way_n or_o commune_v with_o their_o heart_n but_o so_o long_o as_o god_n suffer_v their_o conscience_n to_o sleep_v so_o long_o they_o put_v off_o the_o duty_n of_o search_v themselves_o and_o lie_v still_o in_o security_n esteem_v it_o a_o torture_n to_o have_v their_o sluggish_a sleep_v any_o way_n interrupt_v by_o any_o person_n 2._o of_o this_o evil_a disease_n five_o cause_n may_v be_v give_v the_o first_o be_v the_o abhor_v of_o all_o pain_n in_o spiritual_a duty_n how_o profitable_a so_o ever_o diligence_n may_v prove_v the_o second_o cause_n be_v the_o bewitch_a sense_n of_o sweetness_n they_o conceive_v they_o feel_v in_o this_o their_o idle_a carriage_n the_o three_o be_v the_o deceit_n of_o the_o sluggard_n heart_n still_o promise_v to_o follow_v his_o purpose_n of_o amendment_n of_o life_n from_o day_n to_o day_n and_o yet_o albeit_o deceive_v a_o thousand_o time_n he_o do_v give_v credit_n to_o his_o own_o false_a heart_n the_o four_o be_v a_o false_a opinion_n which_o the_o sluggard_n entertain_v of_o his_o own_o spiritual_a ability_n as_o if_o he_o be_v sure_o he_o can_v repent_v at_o any_o time_n and_o that_o if_o any_o sickness_n or_o appearance_n of_o death_n shall_v befall_v he_o he_o will_v then_o undoubted_o make_v his_o reckon_v with_o god_n and_o crave_v pardon_n and_o so_o be_v save_v and_o in_o such_o pleasant_a dream_n he_o count_v himself_o a_o much_o wise_a man_n than_o many_o who_o do_v put_v themselves_o to_o daily_a toil_a and_o vexation_n by_o keep_v their_o conscience_n on_o the_o rack-stock_n when_o with_o less_o misery_n they_o may_v follow_v his_o sluggish_a way_n of_o it_o the_o five_o but_o sinless_a cause_n be_v the_o lord_n lengthen_v of_o prosperity_n to_o the_o sluggard_n which_o although_o it_o shall_v lead_v he_o to_o repentance_n yet_o he_o become_v hereby_o more_o and_o more_o drunken_a and_o â—ulleth_v himself_o over_o in_o a_o deep_a sleep_n 3._o this_o sickness_n be_v not_o easy_o cure_v except_o the_o lord_n take_v up_o a_o rod_n and_o rouse_v the_o sluggard_n out_o of_o his_o sleep_n but_o as_o for_o the_o pastor_n part_n he_o shall_v do_v well_o in_o private_a if_o the_o sluggard_n confess_v his_o fault_n and_o howsoever_o to_o set_v a_o edge_n on_o the_o law_n in_o public_a that_o all_o such_o sluggard_n may_v apprehend_v the_o real_a danger_n their_o soul_n be_v into_o by_o delay_v their_o repentance_n because_o the_o endurance_n of_o this_o brittle_a and_o frail_a life_n be_v most_o uncertain_a for_o the_o fool_n know_v not_o whether_o the_o very_a next_o follow_v night_n after_o admonition_n be_v give_v to_o he_o his_o soul_n shall_v be_v take_v from_o he_o second_o he_o must_v know_v that_o the_o long_o he_o delay_v the_o number_n of_o his_o sin_n and_o the_o hardness_n of_o his_o heart_n and_o the_o wrath_n of_o god_n against_o he_o do_v daily_o grow_v to_o a_o high_a measure_n let_v the_o sluggard_n then_o be_v convince_v of_o his_o madness_n if_o he_o shall_v delay_v for_o a_o hour_n by_o acknowledgement_n of_o his_o sin_n and_o fly_v to_o christ_n to_o vomit_v up_o the_o deadly_a poison_n of_o his_o sweet_a sin_n and_o to_o have_v the_o hot_a burn_a wrath_n of_o god_n against_o he_o extinguish_v three_o let_v the_o deceit_n wherewith_o he_o beguile_v himself_o be_v lay_v open_a and_o refute_v and_o a_o offer_n be_v make_v unto_o he_o whether_o he_o will_v choose_v that_o his_o conscience_n be_v torment_v for_o ever_o in_o the_o society_n of_o unclean_a devil_n after_o a_o short_a while_n sleep_n in_o sin_n in_o this_o life_n rather_o than_o while_o he_o have_v time_n while_o christ_n offer_v himself_o mediator_n in_o his_o gospel_n while_o he_o may_v have_v the_o sweet_a fellowship_n of_o the_o saint_n he_o will_v choose_v to_o put_v his_o conscience_n to_o it_o and_o acknowledge_v his_o sin_n and_o fly_v to_o christ_n that_o he_o may_v have_v peace_n with_o god_n and_o so_o be_v save_v for_o ever_o for_o remove_v the_o seven_o impediment_n the_o seven_o impediment_n of_o self-examination_n be_v the_o too_o earnest_a care_n for_o earthly_a thing_n and_o the_o man_n involve_v himself_o in_o the_o affair_n of_o this_o life_n for_o there_o be_v many_o who_o do_v not_o refuse_v the_o duty_n of_o try_v their_o own_o spiritual_a state_n and_o condition_n who_o notwithstanding_o of_o this_o conviction_n of_o their_o duty_n do_v spend_v all_o their_o time_n in_o the_o business_n of_o this_o world_n wherein_o they_o be_v so_o involve_v and_o carry_v headlong_o that_o they_o pass_v perfunctorious_o all_o exercise_n of_o religion_n and_o do_v neither_o wait_v for_o the_o direction_n of_o god_n word_n or_o of_o their_o own_o conscience_n about_o what_o they_o have_v to_o do_v nor_o call_v themselves_o to_o account_v for_o what_o be_v past_a do_v or_o not_o do_v of_o this_o sort_n arâ—_n these_o of_o who_o christ_n do_v speak_v luke_n 14._o 18._o who_o be_v invite_v to_o a_o free_a supper_n answer_v some_o of_o they_o i_o have_v buy_v land_n another_o i_o have_v marry_v a_o wife_n another_o i_o have_v buy_v a_o yoke_n of_o ox_n etc._n etc._n and_o so_o seek_v to_o be_v excuse_v for_o their_o not_o come_v to_o the_o marriage_n all_o pretend_v their_o earthly_a affair_n as_o a_o just_a reason_n of_o their_o slip_n of_o the_o invitation_n give_v they_o of_o this_o sort_n of_o man_n speak_v christ_n math._n 13._o 22._o he_o that_o receive_v seed_n among_o the_o thorn_n be_v he_o that_o hear_v the_o word_n and_o the_o care_n of_o this_o world_n and_o the_o deceitfulness_n of_o riches_n chock_v the_o word_n and_o he_o become_v unfruitful_a this_o sort_n of_o man_n be_v complain_v of_o jer._n 8._o 6._o i_o hearken_v and_o beard_n but_o they_o speak_v not_o aright_o no_o man_n repent_v he_o of_o his_o wickedness_n say_v what_o have_v i_o do_v every_o one_o turn_v to_o his_o course_n as_o the_o horse_n rush_v into_o the_o battle_n 2._o of_o this_o evil_a four_o cause_n among_o other_o may_v be_v give_v first_o inordinat_fw-la concupiscence_n of_o earthly_a thing_n which_o eat_v up_o all_o the_o time_n and_o travel_n which_o the_o love_n of_o thing_n spiritual_a do_v call_v for_o and_o as_o it_o be_v spur_v the_o man_n to_o the_o immoderate_a pursue_v of_o thing_n temporal_a the_o second_o cause_n be_v the_o beguile_a of_o the_o conscience_n under_o the_o pretence_n of_o seek_v what_o be_v lawful_a and_o necessary_a for_o a_o man_n well-being_n in_o this_o life_n as_o if_o a_o man_n spend_v of_o his_o care_n and_o pain_n and_o time_n in_o earthly_a business_n in_o itself_o lawful_a be_v sufficient_a excuse_n for_o neglect_v thing_n spiritual_a and_o heavenly_a or_o as_o if_o it_o be_v not_o require_v of_o all_o man_n that_o hear_v the_o word_n of_o god_n point_v out_o the_o way_n of_o man_n salvation_n to_o prefer_v that_o one_o
to_o prove_v a_o man_n to_o be_v regenerate_v but_o he_o must_v be_v prove_v also_o a_o true_a believer_n in_o christ_n a_o man_n reconcile_v to_o god_n a_o man_n justify_v and_o a_o adopt_a child_n 2._o it_o be_v necessary_a therefore_o for_o prove_v a_o man_n to_o be_v regenerate_v to_o know_v the_o right_a description_n of_o the_o regenerate_a man_n which_o be_v give_v by_o the_o apostle_n phil._n 3._o 3_o we_o be_v the_o circumcision_n which_o worship_n god_n in_o the_o spirit_n and_o rejoice_v in_o jesus_n christ_n and_o have_v no_o confidence_n in_o the_o flesh_n wherein_o the_o apostle_n hold_v forth_o the_o true_o regenerate_v circumcise_v in_o heart_n 1._o he_o be_v not_o sinless_a but_o so_o sensible_a of_o his_o sinfulness_n as_o he_o have_v no_o confidence_n in_o himself_o nor_o any_o thing_n else_o in_o himself_o 2._o he_o be_v not_o free_a of_o accusation_n or_o tentation_n and_o doubt_n but_o he_o fly_v to_o christ_n for_o righteousness_n 3._o he_o be_v not_o a_o idle_a and_o unfruitful_a branch_n but_o a_o worshipper_n of_o god_n in_o spirit_n and_o truth_n 1._o he_o be_v burden_v with_o sin_n 2._o he_o come_v to_o christ_n for_o relief_n 3._o he_o put_v on_o christ_n yoke_n math._n 11._o 28_o 29._o if_o a_o man_n have_v these_o three_o property_n joint_o in_o he_o he_o be_v a_o regenerae_fw-la man_n and_o may_v defend_v his_o interest_n in_o the_o state_n of_o grace_n and_o right_o to_o righteousness_n and_o eternal_a life_n through_o jesus_n christ._n 3._o divine_a operation_n and_o save_a grace_n which_o accompany_v salvation_n such_o as_o be_v faith_n repentance_n unto_o life_n hope_v christian_a love_n to_o god_n and_o man_n for_o god_n cause_n effectual_a vocation_n justification_n reconciliation_n adoption_n go_v together_o in_o time_n by_o god_n gift_n but_o one_o of_o they_o go_v before_o another_o in_o order_n of_o nature_n for_o effectual_a calling_n go_v before_o faith_n and_o faith_n go_v before_o hope_n and_o before_o charity_n or_o love_n again_o these_o grace_n which_o be_v give_v to_o the_o redeem_a child_n of_o god_n joint_o in_o respect_n of_o time_n do_v not_o show_v themselves_o in_o their_o evidence_n alike_o soon_o in_o time_n nor_o do_v they_o equal_o manifest_v themselves_o when_o they_o do_v appear_v in_o time_n and_o so_o the_o evidence_n of_o repentance_n may_v be_v discern_v in_o not_o a_o few_o convert_n before_o faith_n in_o christ_n do_v show_v itself_o in_o they_o clear_o so_o also_o love_n to_o god_n and_o his_o saint_n ofttimes_o may_v be_v discern_v in_o a_o regenerate_a man_n before_o he_o himself_o dare_v affirm_v any_o thing_n of_o his_o faith_n in_o christ._n 4._o albeit_o there_o be_v many_o regenerate_a person_n who_o for_o the_o present_a time_n can_v perceive_v in_o themselves_o any_o undoubted_a sign_n of_o their_o conversion_n yet_o it_o be_v certain_a also_o that_o there_o be_v many_o who_o to_o their_o own_o unspeakable_a comfort_n be_v assure_v of_o their_o regeneration_n and_o that_o they_o be_v translate_v from_o death_n to_o life_n and_o that_o they_o have_v receive_v the_o spirit_n of_o adoption_n and_o earnest_n of_o eternal_a life_n as_o be_v point_v out_o in_o the_o experience_n of_o the_o ephesian_n chap._n 1._o 14._o and_o this_o be_v certain_a also_o that_o all_o who_o be_v flee_v to_o christ_n for_o refuge_n shall_v by_o all_o mean_n labour_v to_o make_v their_o call_n and_o election_n clear_a and_o certain_a to_o themselves_o 2_o pet._n 1._o 10._o and_o to_o this_o purpose_n we_o be_v command_v to_o examine_v ourselves_o and_o try_v whether_o we_o be_v in_o the_o faith_n or_o not_o whether_o christ_n by_o his_o spirit_n be_v in_o we_o or_o not_o 2_o cor._n 13._o 5._o for_o otherwise_o except_o a_o convert_n know_v certain_o the_o blessedness_n of_o his_o own_o state_n and_o that_o he_o stand_v in_o grace_n and_o favour_n with_o god_n it_o be_v not_o possible_a for_o he_o to_o give_v hearty_a thanks_o to_o god_n for_o the_o change_n of_o his_o state_n from_o be_v a_o enemy_n to_o be_v make_v a_o reconcile_a subject_n and_o child_n of_o god_n it_o be_v not_o possible_a for_o he_o to_o rejoice_v in_o the_o lord_n or_o set_v cheerful_o himself_o to_o serve_v god_n or_o comfortable_o call_v on_o god_n as_o a_o father_n to_o he_o in_o christ_n wherefore_o all_o who_o in_o the_o sense_n of_o their_o sin_n and_o fear_n of_o deserve_a wrath_n be_v flee_v for_o refuge_n unto_o christ_n shall_v deal_v by_o prayer_n earnest_o with_o god_n that_o he_o will_v gracious_o grant_v unto_o they_o his_o spirit_n by_o who_o operation_n in_o they_o they_o may_v know_v the_o save_a grace_n which_o he_o have_v free_o bestow_v upon_o they_o of_o which_o gift_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n the_o apostle_n do_v speak_v 1_o cor._n 2._o 12._o 5._o the_o knowledge_n of_o a_o man_n own_o regeneration_n have_v many_o degree_n of_o clearness_n and_o assurance_n by_o reason_n of_o the_o variety_n of_o condition_n wherein_o a_o man_n true_o convert_v may_v be_v for_o many_o doubt_n may_v arise_v in_o the_o man_n regenerate_v which_o may_v darken_v his_o sight_n and_o hinder_v the_o assurance_n of_o save_a grace_n grant_v unto_o he_o whereof_o sundry_a cause_n may_v be_v find_v and_o in_o special_a these_o four_o among_o other_o 1._o in_o a_o man_n illuminat_fw-la and_o renew_v by_o the_o holy_a spirit_n there_o remain_v a_o great_a deal_n of_o ignorance_n much_o doubt_v mix_v with_o faith_n by_o reason_n of_o unskilfulnesse_n of_o the_o convert_n to_o examine_v and_o discern_v this_o bless_a change_n make_v in_o he_o where_o through_o that_o come_v to_o pass_v in_o many_o young_a convert_n which_o will_v be_v see_v in_o infant_n who_o have_v a_o soul_n indeed_o but_o do_v not_o know_v or_o perceive_v that_o they_o have_v a_o soul_n till_o they_o come_v to_o some_o year_n of_o discretion_n yea_o many_o sound_a christian_n be_v ofttimes_o at_o a_o stand_n about_o their_o regeneration_n and_o know_v not_o what_o to_o make_v of_o their_o faith_n or_o repentance_n especial_o when_o they_o feel_v the_o power_n of_o the_o body_n of_o death_n the_o strength_n of_o natural_a corruption_n in_o themselves_o and_o great_a indisposition_n for_o any_o spiritual_a exercise_n they_o be_v force_v with_o the_o apostle_n to_o cry_v miserable_a man_n that_o i_o be_o who_o shall_v deliver_v i_o rom._n 7._o 24._o mean_a time_n for_o weakness_n of_o their_o faith_n they_o be_v not_o able_a at_o the_o first_o to_o wrestle_v against_o discouragement_n and_o to_o come_v up_o unto_o the_o apostle_n thank_v god_n through_o christ._n 2._o by_o the_o tentation_n of_o satan_n ofttimes_o the_o persuasion_n of_o holy_a man_n be_v darken_v so_o as_o they_o can_v see_v the_o evidence_n of_o their_o own_o regeneration_n clear_o for_o satan_n set_v himself_o to_o vex_v the_o saint_n who_o be_v deliver_v from_o his_o kingdom_n and_o bond_n who_o albeit_o he_o know_v that_o he_o can_v destroy_v they_o yet_o he_o will_v not_o cease_v to_o trouble_v they_o that_o at_o least_o he_o may_v make_v they_o some_o way_n unfit_a for_o god_n service_n and_o mar_v their_o cheerfulness_n in_o his_o service_n and_o because_o he_o fear_v harm_n from_o they_o unto_o his_o kingdom_n by_o their_o deal_n with_o the_o unconvert_v to_o repent_v their_o sin_n and_o to_o turn_v unto_o god_n therefore_o he_o find_v they_o work_v at_o home_n in_o their_o own_o bosom_n and_o put_v they_o to_o defend_v themselves_o and_o to_o forbear_v to_o invade_v his_o subject_n till_o they_o be_v settle_v themselves_o 3._o ofttime_n the_o lord_n be_v offend_v by_o the_o sin_n of_o the_o regenerate_a and_o special_o by_o their_o gross_a transgression_n for_o which_o his_o spirit_n be_v grieve_v do_v for_o a_o time_n cease_v from_o comfort_v they_o and_o do_v not_o bear_v witness_n with_o their_o spirit_n that_o they_o be_v the_o child_n of_o god_n as_o he_o have_v former_o use_v to_o do_v 4._o ofttime_n the_o lord_n by_o suffer_a doubt_n to_o arise_v in_o their_o heart_n use_v to_o try_v and_o exercise_v the_o faith_n of_o his_o child_n and_o thereby_o to_o stir_v they_o up_o to_o the_o pursue_v of_o the_o duty_n of_o piety_n and_o righteousness_n more_o vigorous_o and_o sincere_o that_o after_o victory_n obtain_v over_o these_o tentation_n they_o may_v be_v more_o confirm_v in_o their_o faith_n and_o more_o diligent_a in_o his_o obedience_n 6._o it_o may_v come_v to_o pass_v that_o while_o the_o true_a convert_n do_v most_o doubt_n of_o his_o own_o regeneration_n that_o the_o work_n of_o god_n special_a grace_n may_v be_v observe_v in_o he_o and_o clear_o see_v by_o other_o more_o experience_v in_o the_o way_n of_o god_n and_o endue_v with_o the_o spirit_n of_o discretion_n the_o reason_n whereof_o be_v because_o howsoever_o the_o weak_a convert_n and_o child_n of_o light_n walk_v
faith_n and_o to_o follow_v hard_o after_o the_o growth_n of_o sanctification_n without_o which_o no_o man_n shall_v see_v the_o face_n of_o god_n and_o let_v we_o so_o extol_v the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n and_o freedom_n of_o the_o believer_n from_o the_o covenant_n of_o work_n that_o we_o neglect_v not_o to_o keep_v up_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o moral_a law_n and_o the_o command_v thereof_o as_o the_o perpetual_a rule_n of_o new_a obedience_n the_o use_n whereof_o be_v very_o profitable_a in_o the_o whole_a course_n of_o a_o christian_a life_n to_o hold_v forth_o the_o duty_n of_o believer_n in_o christ_n and_o to_o show_v unto_o they_o by_o their_o short-coming_a in_o duty_n the_o poison_n and_o power_n of_o corruption_n remain_v in_o the_o saint_n and_o to_o make_v they_o sensible_a of_o the_o necessity_n of_o fly_v daily_o to_o that_o impute_a righteousness_n by_o faith_n in_o christ_n and_o of_o draw_v strength_n from_o christ_n to_o bring_v forth_o more_o abundant_a fruit_n whereby_o christ_n shall_v be_v more_o and_o more_o precious_a in_o our_o eye_n and_o be_v acknowledge_v absolute_o necessary_a for_o our_o justification_n sanctification_n and_o salvation_n 15._o when_o question_n be_v make_v concern_v christian_n virtue_n and_o operation_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n in_o we_o the_o order_n of_o god_n work_v hold_v forth_o to_o we_o in_o scripture_n be_v careful_o to_o be_v mark_v by_o we_o which_o be_v that_o sense_n of_o sin_n shall_v go_v before_o faith_n in_o christ_n for_o the_o law_n be_v a_o pedagogue_n to_o christ_n for_o he_o come_v not_o to_o call_v the_o righteous_a but_o sinner_n to_o repentance_n matth._n 9_o 13._o and_o faith_n in_o christ_n go_v before_o the_o fruit_n of_o faith_n and_o the_o fruit_n of_o faith_n before_o the_o sensible_a approbation_n of_o they_o and_o approbation_n of_o the_o fruit_n by_o scripture_n go_v before_o the_o sensible_a feeling_n of_o the_o believer_n and_o the_o quiet_v of_o the_o conscience_n in_o its_o approbation_n of_o what_o the_o scripture_n approve_v for_o after_o we_o have_v believe_v we_o come_v to_o be_v seal_v ephes._n 1._o 13._o now_o for_o the_o not_o observe_v this_o order_n many_o real_a christian_n do_v make_v unto_o themselves_o a_o very_a un-comfortable_a life_n for_o albeit_o they_o be_v convince_v of_o sin_n and_o humble_v in_o the_o sense_n of_o their_o own_o inability_n to_o help_v themselves_o and_o be_v flee_v to_o christ_n for_o pardon_n and_o help_v and_o do_v lead_v a_o life_n blameless_a yet_o do_v they_o unhappy_o suspend_v the_o acknowledge_v of_o the_o work_n of_o faith_n bestow_v upon_o they_o and_o do_v disquiet_v themselves_o so_o as_o they_o can_v rest_v on_o christ_n but_o do_v quarrel_v the_o reality_n of_o their_o faith_n till_o they_o shall_v feel_v and_o perceive_v with_o approbation_n of_o their_o conscience_n such_o and_o such_o fruit_n of_o faith_n in_o themselves_o and_o that_o in_o such_o a_o measure_n as_o they_o have_v fore-imagined_n to_o be_v the_o necessary_a evidence_n of_o faith_n yea_o and_o they_o refuse_v to_o account_v themselves_o person_n justify_v because_o they_o can_v perceive_v such_o mature_a fruit_n in_o themselves_o as_o they_o conceive_v must_v not_o only_o be_v but_o be_v acknowledge_v also_o to_o be_v in_o the_o justify_v person_n before_o he_o can_v lay_v hold_n on_o justification_n such_o person_n do_v in_o effect_n invert_v the_o order_n which_o they_o shall_v observe_v for_o when_o it_o be_v their_o part_n to_o fly_v unto_o christ_n the_o only_a mediator_n because_o they_o come_v short_a of_o new_a obedience_n and_o because_o they_o be_v load_v with_o sin_n that_o in_o he_o they_o may_v have_v god_n reconcile_v to_o they_o and_o by_o his_o spirit_n pour_v in_o of_o his_o grace_n in_o their_o soul_n to_o make_v they_o more_o holy_a they_o take_v another_o and_o contrary_a course_n by_o suspend_v their_o faith_n upon_o their_o work_n and_o do_v exact_a of_o themselves_o work_v before_o faith_n and_o so_o do_v weaken_v their_o own_o faith_n and_o hinder_v it_o to_o bring_v forth_o such_o fruit_n as_o they_o do_v require_v it_o be_v reason_n indeed_o to_o prove_v our_o faith_n by_o our_o work_n and_o it_o be_v just_a that_o such_o a_o faith_n be_v account_v dead_a which_o be_v not_o accompany_v with_o the_o purpose_n and_o endeavour_v to_o live_v holy_o just_o and_o sober_o but_o it_o be_v against_o all_o reason_n and_o equity_n to_o condemn_v weak_a faith_n accompany_v with_o the_o purpose_n of_o a_o new_a life_n as_o if_o it_o be_v no_o faith_n because_o it_o have_v not_o as_o yet_o bring_v forth_o so_o fair_a and_o full_o ripe_a fruit_n as_o the_o weak_a believer_n will_v it_o be_v their_o wisdom_n when_o they_o perceive_v such_o impotency_n to_o do_v what_o be_v good_a and_o such_o strength_n of_o the_o body_n of_o death_n in_o they_o to_o fly_v unto_o the_o redeemer_n so_o much_o the_o more_o and_o in_o he_o to_o seek_v remission_n of_o sin_n and_o strength_n to_o bring_v forth_o good_a fruit_n and_o to_o be_v suck_a juice_n and_o sap_n out_o of_o he_o as_o the_o true_a vine_n for_o if_o we_o come_v to_o he_o and_o abide_v in_o he_o we_o shall_v bring_v forth_o much_o fruit_n job._n 15._o 4_o 5._o for_o faith_n in_o christ_n in_o order_n of_o nature_n go_v before_o good_a work_n for_o only_o they_o who_o come_v to_o christ_n and_o abide_v in_o he_o do_v bring_v forth_o abundant_a fruit_n and_o not_o they_o who_o upon_o the_o apprehension_n of_o their_o want_n of_o fruit_n do_v loose_a or_o slacken_v their_o grip_n of_o faith_n and_o upon_o discouragement_n be_v ready_a to_o depart_v from_o the_o live_a god_n 16._o the_o like_a wisdom_n be_v require_v in_o deal_v with_o the_o conscience_n of_o man_n concern_v the_o preparatory_a disposition_n of_o such_o as_o may_v confident_o come_v unto_o christ_n to_o be_v justify_v sanctify_a and_o save_v for_o albeit_o it_o be_v true_a that_o all_o that_o come_v to_o christ_n aught_o to_o come_v in_o the_o sense_n of_o their_o sin_n and_o acknowledgement_n of_o wrath_n and_o death_n deserve_v for_o their_o sin_n aught_o to_o come_v with_o contrition_n of_o heart_n with_o godly_a sorrow_n for_o their_o sin_n and_o a_o humble_a renunciation_n of_o all_o confidence_n in_o themselves_o yet_o must_v not_o such_o person_n as_o do_v not_o satisfy_v themselves_o in_o the_o measure_n or_o sincerity_n of_o such_o preparatory_a disposition_n in_o themselves_o be_v keep_v back_o or_o debar_v from_o come_v to_o christ_n because_o they_o not_o only_o want_v as_o they_o conceive_v both_o the_o humiliation_n and_o sorrow_n of_o heart_n for_o sin_n and_o fear_v of_o wrath_n require_v in_o such_o as_o have_v access_n unto_o christ_n but_o also_o do_v perceive_v in_o themselves_o such_o blindness_n of_o mind_n and_o vanity_n thereof_o such_o stupidity_n of_o conscience_n and_o stubborness_n of_o a_o proud_a heart_n as_o be_v not_o fit_a as_o they_o conceive_v to_o be_v receive_v by_o christ_n or_o fit_a to_o be_v comfort_v by_o he_o such_o person_n i_o say_v be_v not_o to_o be_v forthwith_o debar_v from_o come_v to_o the_o throne_n of_o grace_n for_o ofttimes_o sincerity_n of_o conviction_n compunction_n and_o humiliation_n be_v to_o be_v find_v in_o such_o as_o be_v displease_v with_o their_o own_o short-coming_a in_o such_o preparatory_a disposition_n more_o than_o in_o many_o other_o who_o make_v a_o fair_a show_n and_o profession_n of_o their_o godly_a sorrow_n and_o humiliation_n and_o be_v well_o please_v with_o themselves_o in_o that_o respect_n we_o must_v be_v wary_a also_o while_o we_o require_v sorrow_n and_o humiliation_n and_o other_o like_a preparatory_a disposition_n in_o they_o who_o may_v come_v unto_o christ_n lest_o we_o secret_o import_v and_o insinuat_fw-la a_o sort_n of_o merit_n to_o be_v in_o such_o disposition_n so_o as_o if_o he_o that_o do_v not_o perceive_v himself_o thus_o qualify_v can_v expect_v no_o good_a at_o christ_n hand_n except_o he_o have_v in_o his_o hand_n such_o preparatory_a disposition_n as_o if_o it_o be_v a_o price_n of_o purchase_v address_n to_o christ._n but_o let_v we_o hold_v this_o fast_n that_o the_o more_o poor_a and_o empty_a a_o man_n be_v in_o his_o own_o eye_n he_o ought_v to_o draw_v the_o more_o near_o unto_o the_o riches_n of_o grace_n in_o christ_n because_o in_o he_o only_o be_v to_o be_v find_v all_o the_o treasure_n of_o every_o save_a grace_n and_o preparatory_a disposition_n for_o receive_v thereof_o he_o be_v that_o exalt_a prince_n who_o give_v repentance_n unto_o israel_n act._n 5._o 31._o he_o be_v the_o author_n and_o finisher_n of_o faith_n unto_o who_o all_o they_o who_o in_o the_o sense_n of_o their_o want_n of_o repentance_n and_o faith_n do_v sigh_n in_o themselves_o ought_v and_o safe_o may_v come_v that_o they_o may_v have_v from_o he_o a_o more_o ample_a
measure_n of_o faith_n and_o repentance_n neither_o need_v we_o in_o this_o case_n be_v fear_v lest_o any_o such_o person_n go_v or_o be_v send_v too_o soon_o unto_o christ_n and_o that_o the_o teacher_n of_o this_o doctrine_n be_v find_v to_o foster_v presumption_n and_o to_o offer_v untimous_a consolation_n for_o it_o be_v one_o thing_n to_o direct_v a_o man_n to_o go_v to_o christ_n for_o supply_v of_o whatsoever_o good_a be_v want_v in_o he_o and_o another_o thing_n to_o warrant_n a_o secure_a sinner_n to_o lay_v hold_n on_o the_o consolation_n of_o the_o gospel_n which_o god_n have_v reserve_v in_o his_o own_o hand_n to_o be_v dispense_v in_o due_a time_n and_o order_n to_o the_o true_o humble_a penitent_a the_o lord_n know_v how_o to_o deal_v with_o such_o as_o come_v unto_o he_o he_o can_v hold_v a_o unhumbled_a supplicant_n pray_v and_o knock_v at_o heaven_n door_n without_o give_v he_o a_o comfortable_a answer_n until_o he_o be_v humble_v and_o so_o prepare_v he_o by_o humiliation_n for_o consolation_n in_o due_a time_n true_a it_o be_v that_o many_o draw_v near_o to_o christ_n with_o their_o lip_n while_o their_o heart_n be_v far_o away_o and_o remain_v senseless_a of_o their_o evil_a estate_n and_o condition_n and_o be_v far_o from_o the_o earnest_a desire_n of_o the_o remedy_n which_o be_v to_o be_v have_v in_o christ_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v not_o without_o cause_n that_o pastor_n in_o their_o sermon_n require_v the_o sight_n and_o sense_n of_o sin_n and_o hunger_n and_o thirst_n for_o righteousness_n in_o they_o who_o come_v to_o christ_n and_o desire_v to_o profit_v by_o their_o come_n to_o he_o for_o albeit_o it_o be_v free_a to_o god_n without_o antecedent_n preparatory_a exercise_n to_o fall_v in_o upon_o man_n heart_n sudden_o and_o at_o one_o sermon_n both_o convince_v he_o of_o sin_n and_o lead_v he_o in_o to_o christ_n as_o he_o have_v sometime_o deal_v with_o a_o multitude_n when_o peter_n be_v preach_v act._n 2._o yet_o it_o be_v not_o free_a for_o man_n to_o neglect_v their_o duty_n when_o they_o be_v advertise_v that_o the_o order_n of_o god_n work_v ordinary_o be_v to_o take_v a_o time_n for_o information_n of_o their_o mind_n concern_v their_o natural_a misery_n and_o his_o gracious_a way_n of_o delivery_n and_o for_o a_o time_n to_o work_v on_o their_o heart_n by_o the_o law_n before_o he_o give_v they_o the_o feel_v fruit_n of_o the_o gospel_n mean_a time_n this_o must_v be_v remember_v that_o no_o man_n displease_v with_o his_o disposition_n as_o not_o fit_v for_o mercy_n and_o who_o do_v regrate_a that_o he_o be_v a_o stupid_a sinner_n and_o so_o hard-hearted_a that_o he_o can_v repent_v shall_v be_v keep_v off_o and_o debar_v from_o go_v to_o christ_n till_o he_o discern_v in_o himself_o the_o contrition_n and_o humiliation_n of_o heart_n which_o he_o will_v have_v for_o this_o be_v as_o much_o as_o to_o say_v in_o effect_n that_o before_o a_o sinner_n may_v go_v to_o christ_n he_o must_v seek_v not_o from_o christ_n but_o out_o of_o his_o own_o strength_n and_o ability_n to_o work_v up_o his_o own_o heart_n to_o the_o sense_n of_o sin_n and_o humiliation_n of_o heart_n and_o other_o such_o like_a disposition_n as_o ordinary_o go_v before_o the_o act_n and_o discern_v of_o save_a faith_n for_o if_o even_o simon_n magus_n discover_v and_o find_v out_o to_o be_v in_o the_o gall_n of_o bitterness_n and_o bond_n of_o iniquity_n be_v exhort_v to_o pray_v that_o god_n will_v forgive_v his_o sin_n and_o remove_v the_o perverseness_n of_o his_o heart_n and_o save_v he_o from_o deserve_a wrath_n act._n 8._o 22._o how_o much_o more_o be_v they_o to_o be_v encourage_v to_o go_v to_o christ_n for_o relief_n from_o these_o evil_n which_o they_o feel_v and_o fear_v in_o who_o not_o only_o this_o gall_n of_o bitterness_n do_v not_o appear_v but_o also_o some_o appearance_n may_v be_v mark_v by_o wise_a beholder_n of_o a_o begin_v work_n of_o grace_n in_o they_o albeit_o the_o man_n himself_o can_v perceive_v so_o much_o for_o the_o time_n 17._o see_v it_o be_v certain_a that_o god_n do_v prevein_n by_o grace_n every_o convert_a man_n action_n before_o the_o man_n do_v actual_o turn_v himself_o to_o god_n and_o that_o the_o lord_n use_v to_o open_v the_o eye_n of_o the_o man_n who_o he_o be_v convert_v to_o see_v such_o and_o such_o evil_n in_o himself_o before_o these_o evil_n be_v take_v away_o and_o see_v it_o be_v god_n usual_a way_n by_o prevent_v to_o give_v some_o measure_n of_o the_o good_a to_o be_v pray_v for_o that_o the_o man_n may_v pray_v for_o more_o good_a upon_o the_o receipt_n of_o some_o measure_n of_o that_o good_a already_o bestow_v therefore_o all_o they_o who_o desire_v to_o approach_v to_o christ_n must_v be_v teach_v to_o make_v observe_v and_o take_v notice_n of_o the_o least_o degree_n of_o good_a bestow_v upon_o they_o of_o the_o small_a beginning_n of_o illumination_n of_o the_o mean_a degree_n of_o conviction_n for_o sin_n of_o the_o least_o measure_n of_o estimation_n of_o christ_n and_o his_o grace_n wrought_v already_o in_o themselves_o and_o to_o thank_v the_o lord_n for_o so_o much_o eyesalve_n as_o have_v open_v their_o eye_n to_o discern_v their_o own_o blindness_n and_o misery_n and_o christ_n to_o be_v the_o remedy_n of_o all_o the_o evil_n they_o do_v see_v and_o after_o they_o have_v mark_v what_o be_v bestow_v already_o on_o they_o and_o have_v bless_v god_n for_o the_o gift_n they_o must_v be_v exhort_v to_o request_v the_o lord_n to_o make_v out_o and_o perfect_v the_o begin_v mercy_n that_o they_o may_v be_v sure_a of_o their_o own_o real_a conversion_n for_o so_o do_v the_o new_a convert_n pray_v jer._n 31._o 18._o convert_v i_o and_o i_o shall_v be_v convert_v and_o the_o humble_a soul_n cant._n 1._o 4._o draw_v i_o after_o thou_o and_o we_o will_v run_v after_o thou_o and_o this_o we_o speak_v not_o as_o if_o any_o unconverted_a man_n can_v in_o the_o sense_n of_o his_o sin_n and_o misery_n sincere_o and_o hearty_o seek_v after_o christ_n or_o for_o more_o grace_n from_o he_o but_o because_o some_o that_o be_v convert_v do_v not_o perceive_v that_o they_o be_v convert_v we_o frame_v our_o speech_n to_o their_o estimation_n of_o themselves_o that_o they_o may_v be_v edify_v who_o be_v bring_v unto_o christ_n by_o the_o draught_n of_o effectual_a call_n and_o have_v not_o as_o yet_o receive_v the_o gift_n of_o the_o spirit_n to_o perceive_v these_o thing_n which_o be_v free_o bestow_v upon_o they_o 1_o cor._n 2._o 12._o 18._o as_o it_o use_v to_o be_v in_o the_o sickness_n of_o the_o body_n so_o it_o fall_v out_o in_o the_o sickness_n of_o the_o conscience_n that_o as_o there_o be_v some_o sickness_n simple_a and_o other_o some_o complicat_fw-la when_o more_o sickness_n concur_v together_o so_o in_o the_o conscience_n there_o be_v some_o simple_a some_o complicat_fw-la ill_a case_n simple_n and_o single_a case_n of_o conscience_n be_v these_o wherein_o the_o disease_a soul_n be_v trouble_v with_o one_o doubt_n only_o for_o the_o present_a as_o for_o example_n when_o the_o party_n afflict_v be_v doubtful_a only_o of_o the_o will_n of_o god_n towards_o he_o and_o not_o of_o his_o power_n such_o be_v the_o case_n of_o the_o leper_n matth._n 8._o 2._o thou_o can_v make_v i_o clean_o if_o thou_o will_v complicat_fw-la and_o involve_v case_n be_v when_o many_o evil_n concur_v together_o and_o the_o conscience_n be_v trouble_v with_o many_o doubt_n in_o which_o case_n many_o question_n may_v offer_v themselves_o in_o a_o throng_n together_o which_o the_o afflict_a party_n can_v well_o distinguish_v and_o thereupon_o be_v drive_v to_o darkness_n and_o confusion_n of_o mind_n in_o this_o case_n the_o pastor_n or_o prudent_a christian_n friend_n must_v observe_v some_o order_n begin_v with_o the_o most_o perilous_a doubt_n that_o it_o may_v be_v first_o solve_v which_o doubt_n be_v answer_v in_o the_o first_o place_n let_v he_o fall_v upon_o the_o answer_n of_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o doubt_n in_o order_n as_o for_o example_n if_o the_o party_n be_v afflict_v with_o tentation_n unto_o desperation_n let_v he_o be_v clear_v and_o lead_v by_o the_o hand_n to_o see_v and_o acknowledge_v a_o possibility_n of_o salvation_n by_o christ_n and_o then_o a_o probability_n and_o appearance_n that_o it_o shall_v be_v by_o a_o argument_n take_v from_o his_o present_a exercise_n which_o put_v a_o earand_n in_o his_o hand_n and_o so_o a_o warrant_n to_o go_v to_o christ_n and_o so_o piece_n and_o piece_n let_v he_o be_v deal_v with_o to_o accept_v the_o general_a offer_n of_o grace_n in_o christ_n and_o to_o believe_v in_o he_o now_o that_o such_o may_v be_v the_o exercise_n of_o the_o child_n of_o god_n appear_v psal._n 42._o 7._o
set_v to_o his_o seal_n to_o the_o truth_n of_o god_n without_o a_o hink_v or_o fear_v and_o suspicion_n of_o his_o right_n to_o apply_v the_o grace_n offer_v in_o which_o case_n so_o long_o as_o he_o doubt_v and_o do_v not_o rest_v his_o sinful_a soul_n on_o the_o word_n of_o god_n offer_v grace_n to_o every_o soul_n sensible_a of_o sin_n who_o shall_v fly_v to_o jesus_n christ_n what_o wonder_v the_o holy_a spirit_n do_v withhold_v the_o seal_n of_o the_o man_n faith_n for_o this_o be_v god_n order_n hold_v forth_o ephes._n 1._o 13._o that_o a_o sinner_n shall_v first_o six_z his_o faith_n on_o christ_n offer_v in_o the_o gospel_n and_o after_o he_o have_v believe_v not_o before_o he_o do_v believe_v wait_v for_o the_o seal_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n for_o remove_v this_o cause_n 1._o let_v the_o afflict_a acknowledge_v that_o his_o hesitation_n doubt_v and_o suspicion_n be_v just_o chastise_v of_o god_n because_o he_o have_v not_o firm_o adhere_v to_o the_o covenant_n embrace_v by_o he_o and_o because_o he_o have_v not_o give_v unto_o god_n the_o glory_n of_o his_o truth_n without_o a_o pawn_n and_o yet_o do_v in_o effect_n quarrel_n and_o complain_v that_o he_o do_v not_o find_v these_o consolation_n which_o be_v give_v and_o but_o rare_o it_o may_v be_v even_o to_o the_o sound_n and_o strong_a in_o the_o faith_n 2._o let_v he_o for_o the_o confirmation_n of_o his_o faith_n hereafter_o consider_v well_o how_o strong_a and_o solid_a a_o foundation_n faith_n have_v to_o lean_v unto_o even_o god_n promise_n and_o oath_n give_v unto_o all_o that_o do_v fly_v to_o christ_n for_o refuge_n and_o relief_n from_o sin_n and_o misery_n heb._n â—_o 17_o 18._o that_o the_o afflict_a may_v with_o the_o psalmist_n ps._n 56._o 10._o sing_v in_o god_n i_o will_v praise_v his_o word_n 3._o let_v the_o afflict_a study_n to_o be_v so_o fast_o glue_v unto_o christ_n in_o every_o condition_n and_o case_n he_o find_v himself_o and_o go_v about_o the_o exercise_n of_o repentance_n and_o faith_n and_o new_a obedience_n in_o his_o call_n submit_v himself_o to_o the_o will_n of_o god_n in_o every_o dispensation_n which_o direction_n if_o he_o shall_v aim_v to_o follow_v he_o shall_v not_o want_v the_o fruit_n of_o his_o faith_n and_o honest_a endeavour_n to_o please_v god_n for_o psal._n 97._o 11._o light_n be_v sow_v for_o the_o righteous_a and_o joy_n for_o the_o upright_a in_o heart_n chap._n xxi_o wherein_o be_v solve_v the_o doubt_n of_o the_o true_a convert_n whether_o he_o be_v indeed_o convert_v because_o he_o can_v confident_o apply_v to_o himself_o the_o promise_n of_o the_o gospel_n there_o be_v some_o true_a convert_n who_o albeit_o for_o fear_n of_o the_o wrath_n of_o god_n for_o their_o sin_n be_v already_o flee_v unto_o christ_n and_o have_v hide_v themselves_o under_o the_o wing_n of_o the_o propitiatory_a in_o the_o shadow_n of_o the_o almighty_a mediator_n and_o be_v already_o begin_v in_o earnest_a to_o give_v new_a obedience_n to_o the_o law_n of_o god_n yet_o from_o time_n to_o time_n they_o fall_v in_o fear_n and_o tremble_a suspicion_n that_o all_o be_v not_o a_o sound_a work_n of_o grace_n in_o they_o and_o that_o partly_o because_o they_o can_v confident_o apply_v to_o themselves_o the_o promise_n of_o the_o gospel_n whether_o absolute_a such_o as_o be_v make_v to_o the_o elect_n jer._n 31_o 31._o or_o conditional_a such_o as_o be_v make_v to_o believer_n in_o christ_n offer_v in_o the_o gospel_n or_o qualify_v promise_n such_o as_o be_v make_v to_o the_o meek_a and_o merciful_a mat._n 5._o which_o qualify_v promise_n they_o look_v upon_o as_o conditional_a exclude_v they_o as_o they_o conceive_v who_o do_v not_o find_v in_o themselves_o such_o qualification_n and_o partly_o because_o they_o be_v not_o clear_a about_o their_o right_n to_o receive_v the_o offer_n of_o the_o gospel_n because_o they_o want_v as_o they_o conceive_v fitness_n in_o themselves_o to_o receive_v the_o same_o and_o thus_o be_v they_o ofttimes_o vex_v with_o doubt_n whether_o they_o be_v in_o the_o state_n of_o grace_n or_o not_o 2._o for_o louse_v of_o this_o doubt_n sundry_a thing_n be_v already_o say_v by_o the_o way_n in_o answer_v other_o doubtful_a case_n but_o because_o many_o do_v meet_v with_o this_o difficulty_n we_o shall_v speak_v a_o little_a more_o particular_o to_o the_o case_n and_o first_o it_o be_v needful_a that_o the_o afflict_a be_v confirm_v about_o that_o which_o be_v right_a in_o he_o that_o the_o thing_n which_o remain_v and_o be_v ready_a to_o die_v may_v be_v strengthen_v to_o this_o intent_n we_o commend_v the_o afflict_a that_o be_v sensible_a of_o sin_n and_o fear_v for-wrath_n he_o have_v flee_v unto_o christ_n for_o refuge_n next_o we_o commend_v he_o that_o he_o have_v begin_v to_o give_v new_a obedience_n to_o god_n law_n and_o do_v purpose_n to_o follow_v on_o as_o he_o shall_v be_v enable_v and_o three_o we_o commend_v he_o that_o albeit_o he_o can_v attain_v that_o near_a conjunction_n with_o christ_n which_o he_o will_v yet_o he_o neither_o will_v nor_o dare_v forsake_v christ_n nor_o put_v himself_o out_o of_o the_o number_n of_o weak_a believer_n in_o christ_n for_o he_o have_v say_v in_o his_o heart_n with_o peter_n joh._n 6._o 68_o to_o who_o shall_v i_o go_v for_o christ_n have_v the_o word_n of_o eternal_a life_n hitherto_o all_o be_v right_a and_o the_o afflict_a must_v resolve_v to_o cleave_v close_o to_o this_o foundation_n because_o christ_n have_v say_v joh._n 6._o 37._o these_o that_o come_v unto_o i_o i_o will_v in_o no_o case_n cast_v out_o 3._o for_o his_o doubt_n arise_v from_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o promise_n absolute_a conditional_a and_o qualify_v look_v upon_o by_o he_o as_o if_o they_o be_v conditional_a we_o answer_v 1._o that_o these_o qualify_a promise_n have_v some_o mark_n in_o they_o of_o true_a believer_n be_v not_o exclusive_a of_o these_o believer_n who_o find_v in_o themselves_o a_o defect_n of_o the_o qualification_n but_o they_o be_v inductive_a unto_o all_o believer_n to_o study_v the_o attain_n of_o that_o qualification_n and_o be_v corroborative_n of_o these_o believer_n who_o find_v in_o any_o sensible_a measure_n these_o qualification_n for_o example_n promise_v make_v to_o the_o merciful_a to_o the_o peacemaker_n to_o the_o upright_a in_o heart_n do_v not_o exclude_v these_o who_o find_v themselves_o short_a in_o these_o grace_n and_o yet_o be_v hungry_a and_o thirsty_a for_o righteousness_n yet_o be_v poor_a and_o indigent_a of_o all_o good_a in_o themselves_o and_o daily_a beggar_n at_o the_o throne_n of_o grace_n for_o what_o they_o want_v mat._n 5._o for_o these_o qualification_n sound_v in_o a_o weak_a believer_n be_v sign_n and_o effect_n of_o sound_n say_v in_o they_o and_o we_o must_v grant_v that_o of_o these_o grace_n specify_v in_o these_o qualify_a promise_n some_o of_o they_o be_v more_o eminent_a in_o some_o of_o the_o saint_n and_o other_o some_o of_o they_o more_o eminent_o see_v and_o feel_v in_o other_o some_o of_o the_o saint_n and_o in_o the_o same_o person_n one_o of_o these_o qualification_n may_v sometime_o shine_v more_o clear_o and_o at_o another_o time_n by_o some_o tentation_n or_o mistake_v be_v overclouded_n and_o not_o shine_v so_o clear_o as_o before_o yet_o the_o qualification_n be_v comfortable_a to_o all_o they_o who_o find_v the_o same_o in_o themselves_o and_o be_v inductive_a to_o make_v every_o believer_n to_o aim_v to_o excel_v in_o these_o grace_n and_o so_o to_o confirm_v their_o own_o faith_n more_o and_o more_o as_o 2_o pet._n 1._o 4_o 5_o 6_o 7._o we_o be_v exhort_v again_o these_o qualification_n be_v sign_n of_o a_o believer_n already_o enter_v in_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n by_o faith_n in_o christ_n and_o begin_v to_o bring_v forth_o good_a fruit_n but_o they_o be_v not_o the_o condition_n of_o enter_v into_o the_o covenant_n for_o than_o none_o can_v enter_v in_o covenant_n till_o first_o these_o qualification_n in_o exercise_n be_v sound_a in_o they_o and_o that_o be_v to_o disannul_a the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n and_o to_o set_v up_o a_o sort_n of_o covenant_n of_o work_n for_o there_o be_v not_o another_o condition_n of_o enter_v in_o the_o covenant_n but_o say_v in_o christ_n only_o whereby_o the_o humble_a sinner_n renounce_v all_o confidence_n in_o any_o good_a in_o himself_o or_o from_o himself_o do_v betake_v himself_o whole_o to_o the_o grace_n offer_v in_o jesus_n christ_n in_o who_o perfect_a righteousness_n be_v to_o be_v find_v now_o unto_o the_o man_n who_o shall_v believe_v in_o christ_n all_o the_o promise_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v make_v upon_o this_o condition_n that_o he_o do_v believe_v in_o jesus_n christ_n which_o condition_n of_o faith_n in_o christ_n when_o it_o be_v now_o perform_v and_o by_o the_o
think_v that_o all_o these_o who_o be_v charge_v for_o luke-warmnesse_n be_v regenerate_v yet_o we_o can_v judge_v that_o all_o the_o regenerate_a and_o true_a convert_n be_v free_a of_o this_o sickness_n when_o we_o see_v christ_n profess_v his_o love_n to_o the_o lukewarm_a and_o out_o of_o love_n direct_v his_o reproof_n towards_o they_o whereby_o he_o do_v invite_v they_o to_o repentance_n and_o to_o return_v to_o that_o sweet_a communion_n with_o himself_o which_o they_o do_v not_o follow_v after_o for_o the_o time_n and_o to_o make_v it_o appear_v that_o true_a convert_n may_v fall_v in_o this_o luke-warmnesse_n he_o give_v warning_n to_o all_o that_o have_v ear_n to_o hear_v to_o hearken_v unto_o what_o the_o spirit_n do_v speak_v unto_o the_o church_n as_o for_o remedy_n of_o this_o sickness_n this_o lethargy_n be_v hardly_o cure_v except_o the_o patient_a be_v first_o casten_z in_o a_o sever_z as_o it_o be_v by_o the_o waken_n of_o his_o conscience_n to_o this_o end_n let_v the_o lukewarm_a consider_v with_o himself_o how_o the_o majesty_n and_o excellent_a worth_n of_o christ_n have_v be_v flight_v by_o this_o his_o luke-warmnesse_n wherein_o he_o have_v by_o his_o fleshly_a security_n make_v no_o account_n of_o the_o spiritual_a riches_n of_o christ_n who_o have_v redeem_v his_o own_o from_o sin_n and_o wrath_n everlasting_a that_o they_o may_v with_o full_a bendall_n of_o affâ—â—ction_n serve_v he_o 2._o let_v he_o consider_v how_o intolerable_a this_o disposition_n of_o luke-warmnesse_n be_v unto_o christ_n who_o prefer_v the_o open_a hostility_n of_o alien_n to_o the_o lukewarm_a condition_n of_o those_o who_o profess_v for_o he_o and_o have_v declare_v he_o will_v not_o comport_v with_o they_o but_o spew_v they_o out_o of_o his_o mouth_n except_o they_o shall_v speedy_o repent_v 3_o let_v he_o consider_v how_o many_o and_o sad_a plague_n of_o heart_n he_o lie_v under_o if_o he_o examine_v himself_o well_o which_o may_v certify_v he_o of_o the_o flame_n of_o god_n wrath_n ready_a to_o follow_v on_o the_o smoke_n of_o begin_v spiritual_a plague_n 4._o let_v he_o be_v speedy_o humble_v before_o the_o lord_n for_o his_o vain_a gloriation_n of_o self-perfection_n and_o suppose_a need_n of_o nothing_o when_o indeed_o he_o be_v blind_a naked_a and_o miserable_a 5._o let_v he_o lay_v hold_n on_o christ_n love_n and_o care_n of_o he_o in_o call_v he_o to_o repentance_n before_o further_a wrath_n shall_v break_v forth_o and_o take_v the_o offer_n of_o renew_v and_o more_o intimate_a communion_n with_o he_o and_o enjoy_v these_o precious_a promise_n lay_v up_o for_o the_o victorious_a wrestler_n against_o this_o sinful_a disposition_n for_o this_o be_v the_o proper_a remedy_n which_o the_o great_a physician_n prescribe_v for_o heal_v this_o deadly_a sickness_n rev._n 3._o 17_o 18._o chap._n vi_o concern_v such_o convert_n as_o lean_v unto_o the_o prop_n of_o carnal_a confidence_n and_o please_v themselves_o in_o this_o condition_n ofttime_n it_o come_v to_o pass_v that_o true_a convert_n while_o they_o conceive_v that_o they_o trust_v in_o christ_n only_o be_v find_v to_o lean_v too_o much_o on_o their_o own_o worth_n and_o strength_n and_o grace_n bestow_v on_o they_o in_o which_o condition_n by_o so_o much_o as_o they_o be_v well_o please_v with_o themselves_o they_o do_v in_o so_o far_o displease_v god_n and_o do_v provoke_v he_o to_o jealousy_n and_o they_o who_o be_v most_o overtake_v with_o this_o sickness_n be_v most_o senseless_a of_o it_o and_o be_v most_o malcontent_a that_o any_o man_n shall_v suspect_v they_o to_o be_v in_o a_o evil_a condition_n yea_o and_o they_o conceive_v that_o no_o man_n be_v able_a to_o convince_v they_o of_o self-confidence_n and_o here_o they_o lie_v over_o till_o god_n bring_v they_o to_o trial_n wherein_o their_o mistake_n be_v make_v clear_a unto_o they_o their_o trial_n ordinary_o come_v by_o some_o affliction_n by_o some_o powerful_a tentation_n and_o by_o some_o degree_n of_o feel_a desertion_n for_o this_o sickness_n as_o it_o be_v contract_v by_o prosperity_n so_o it_o be_v foster_v and_o hide_v by_o prosperity_n till_o the_o prop_n of_o their_o carnal_a confidence_n be_v shake_v by_o unexpected_a adversity_n of_o which_o purpose_n that_o we_o may_v speak_v the_o more_o clear_o we_o shall_v point_v forth_o two_o sort_n of_o this_o carnal_a confidence_n and_o shall_v show_v the_o difference_n of_o those_o two_o sort_n by_o the_o difference_n of_o these_o two_o pillar_n whereupon_o carnal_a confidence_n be_v uphold_v the_o one_o be_v the_o common_a benefit_n which_o god_n do_v ordinary_o bestow_v on_o good_a and_o bad_a renew_v and_o unrenewed_a person_n the_o other_o be_v some_o observable_a measure_n of_o the_o operation_n and_o fruit_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n as_o for_o confidence_n in_o the_o common_a benefit_n of_o god_n sometime_o true_a convert_v fall_v too_o much_o in_o love_n with_o earthly_a and_o temporal_a benefit_n do_v seek_v too_o much_o after_o they_o embrace_v they_o greedy_o when_o they_o obtain_v they_o rejoice_v too_o much_o while_o they_o enjoy_v they_o fear_v too_o much_o to_o loss_n they_o and_o mean_a time_n do_v not_o perceive_v the_o excess_n of_o their_o affection_n about_o they_o and_o if_o they_o be_v charge_v as_o in_o any_o measure_n guilty_a in_o this_o case_n they_o will_v not_o acknowledge_v their_o fault_n but_o go_v about_o to_o purge_v themselves_o of_o this_o sort_n of_o fail_v say_v we_o know_v our_o duty_n that_o if_o riches_n increase_v we_o shall_v not_o set_v our_o heart_n thereon_o that_o we_o shall_v not_o love_v too_o much_o our_o own_o child_n parent_n party_n friend_n and_o comfortable_a relation_n that_o we_o shall_v not_o delight_v too_o much_o in_o prosperity_n nor_o glory_n in_o the_o common_a gift_n and_o endument_n of_o the_o mind_n wherein_o ungoldy_a man_n may_v excel_v and_o go_v far_o above_o we_o that_o we_o shall_v not_o affect_v too_o much_o the_o favour_n of_o man_n or_o esteem_v too_o much_o of_o be_v honour_v of_o man_n they_o will_v also_o ready_o confess_v that_o they_o be_v not_o far_o from_o the_o danger_n of_o be_v drink_v with_o prosperity_n and_o fall_v into_o the_o sleep_n of_o carnal_a security_n and_o lean_v too_o much_o weight_n on_o this_o weak_a pillar_n of_o creature-confidence_n but_o for_o time_n bypass_a they_o be_v ready_a to_o aver_v they_o have_v be_v very_o cautious_a lest_o they_o shall_v fall_v in_o this_o fault_n and_o for_o time_n to_o come_v that_o they_o hope_v to_o watch_v against_o all_o snare_n of_o this_o sort_n and_o so_o they_o think_v all_o be_v well_o but_o when_o it_o do_v please_v god_n in_o his_o wise_a dispensation_n to_o change_v their_o outward_a condition_n and_o to_o turn_v their_o external_a prosperity_n in_o adversity_n when_o god_n take_v away_o the_o comfortable_a benefit_n which_o he_o have_v bestow_v on_o they_o and_o bring_v upon_o they_o some_o sad_a calamity_n incontinent_a they_o be_v in_o the_o dump_n and_o sit_v down_o astonish_v they_o begin_v to_o call_v god_n love_n in_o question_n whereof_o they_o boast_v before_o thus_o their_o faith_n discover_v its_o weakness_n and_o the_o mixture_n of_o carnal_a confidence_n with_o their_o faith_n do_v clear_o appear_v which_o before_o do_v lurk_v as_o dross_n do_v in_o the_o gold_n or_o silver_n before_o it_o be_v purify_v which_o do_v give_v the_o mass_n a_o great_a bulk_n without_o great_a worth_n or_o price_n this_o infirmity_n and_o mistake_v the_o psalmist_n do_v observe_v in_o himself_o psal._n 30._o 6_o 7._o in_o my_o prosperity_n i_o say_v i_o shall_v never_o be_v move_v thou_o do_v hide_v thy_o face_n and_o i_o be_v trouble_v this_o infirmity_n of_o the_o convert_n and_o his_o mistake_n shall_v be_v yet_o more_o manifest_a if_o we_o shall_v compare_v the_o confidence_n of_o the_o convert_n in_o the_o promise_n of_o god_n for_o food_n and_o raiment_n so_o long_o as_o god_n give_v riches_n with_o their_o confidence_n when_o their_o mean_n do_v fail_v and_o poverty_n come_v on_o the_o promise_n of_o god_n remain_v the_o same_o in_o the_o have_v and_o want_v of_o riches_n but_o there_o be_v a_o great_a odds_n between_o their_o confidence_n to_o be_v furnish_v when_o they_o have_v riches_n and_o their_o confidence_n when_o mean_n do_v fail_v which_o confidence_n now_o be_v very_o feeble_a wherefrom_o do_v this_o change_n come_v let_v we_o see_v certain_o it_o come_v from_o the_o remove_n of_o the_o carnal_a prop_n of_o their_o confidence_n for_o when_o upon_o the_o fail_n of_o these_o prop_n and_o pillar_n faith_n in_o the_o promise_n do_v stagger_v it_o be_v a_o sure_a evidence_n that_o they_o have_v lean_v too_o much_o weight_n on_o the_o mean_n who_o mis-believe_a when_o the_o mean_n do_v fail_v 3._o for_o cure_v of_o this_o sort_n of_o carnal_a confidence_n and_o lean_v too_o much_o on_o temporal_a benefit_n
and_o for_o ever_o but_o for_o a_o short_a time_n and_o that_o he_o keep_v love_n to_o they_o constant_o albeit_o he_o do_v hide_v the_o token_n of_o his_o love_n sometime_o and_o dispose_v of_o the_o act_n of_o his_o love_n as_o he_o see_v sit_v for_o the_o advantage_n of_o the_o work_n of_o grace_n in_o they_o let_v he_o put_v difference_n between_o desertion_n and_o the_o gift_n of_o discern_v of_o the_o desertion_n for_o albeit_o desertion_n be_v of_o itself_o a_o sad_a visitation_n yet_o the_o sight_n and_o observation_n of_o it_o testify_v god_n presence_n with_o his_o child_n giving_z eyesalve_n and_o light_n and_o thereby_o do_v not_o only_o teach_v that_o wound_n to_o be_v curable_a but_o also_o that_o the_o physician_n be_v begin_v the_o cure_n of_o it_o by_o pance_v and_o lance_v the_o wound_n 3._o let_v he_o not_o count_v it_o a_o desertion_n when_o god_n in_o any_o service_n whereunto_o he_o put_v his_o child_n empty_v he_o of_o all_o conceit_n of_o his_o own_o ability_n that_o he_o may_v open_v his_o mouth_n wyd_v and_o be_v fill_v for_o this_o empty_n of_o the_o convert_n be_v the_o very_o fit_v of_o he_o for_o fresh_a supply_n from_o christ_n to_o go_v about_o the_o service_n in_o christ_n strength_n and_o furniture_n which_o the_o apostle_n feel_v by_o experience_n 2_o cor._n 12._o 10._o when_o i_o be_o weak_a say_v he_o than_o i_o be_o strong_a poverty_n of_o spirit_n and_o hunger_n and_o thirst_n for_o righteousness_n be_v not_o to_o be_v count_v desertion_n 4._o let_v he_o observe_v the_o degree_n of_o god_n presence_n no_o less_o than_o the_o degree_n of_o his_o absence_n as_o the_o psalmist_n do_v when_o he_o recollect_v himself_o ps._n 73._o 23._o after_o the_o tentation_n which_o trouble_v he_o be_v overcome_v nevertheless_o i_o be_o continual_o with_o thou_o thou_o hold_v i_o by_o thy_o right_a hand_n and_o ver_fw-la 26._o my_o flesh_n and_o my_o heart_n fail_v but_o god_n be_v the_o strength_n of_o my_o heart_n and_o my_o portion_n for_o ever_o 5._o let_v he_o put_v a_o right_a construction_n upon_o god_n dispensation_n believe_v always_o that_o god_n do_v what_o he_o do_v for_o good_a to_o his_o afflict_a subject_n whether_o he_o draw_v forth_o by_o his_o desertion_n the_o latent-corruption_n of_o the_o heart_n as_o he_o do_v to_o ezekiah_n 2_o chron._n 32._o 31._o or_o whether_o to_o prevent_v out-breaking_a of_o corruption_n as_o he_o do_v to_o the_o apostle_n 2_o cor._n 12._o 7._o 8_o 9_o or_o whether_o to_o exercise_v his_o faith_n love_n and_o patience_n and_o to_o sharpen_v his_o prayer_n as_o he_o do_v to_o the_o psalmist_n frequent_o and_o therefore_o let_v he_o in_o the_o observation_n of_o whatsoever_o degree_n of_o desertion_n humble_v himself_o before_o god_n fly_v in_o more_o close_o unto_o christ_n and_o patient_o wait_v upon_o the_o change_n of_o his_o conditon_n in_o the_o use_n of_o the_o mean_n and_o follow_v the_o duty_n of_o his_o call_n as_o the_o lord_n shall_v enable_v he_o for_o this_o be_v the_o counsel_n of_o the_o lord_n isa._n 50._o 10._o who_o be_v he_o among_o you_o that_o fear_v the_o lord_n that_o obey_v the_o voice_n of_o his_o servont_n that_o walk_v in_o darkness_n and_o have_v no_o light_n let_v he_o trust_v in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o stay_v upon_o his_o god_n and_o this_o much_o suffice_v for_o instance_n of_o the_o three_o sort_n of_o the_o convert_v mistake_v his_o condition_n chap._n xxviii_o concern_v case_n wherein_o the_o convert_n be_v in_o doubt_n what_o to_o determine_v about_o his_o condition_n it_o rest_v that_o we_o speak_v of_o the_o four_o sort_n of_o case_n of_o the_o conscience_n of_o the_o convert_n wherein_o he_o be_v at_o a_o stand_n and_o in_o doubt_n what_o to_o determine_v of_o his_o present_a condition_n 2._o in_o these_o doubtful_a case_n the_o convert_n be_v not_o proper_o deceive_v as_o in_o the_o former_a rank_n of_o case_n it_o be_v presuppose_v of_o he_o because_o in_o this_o sort_n of_o case_n the_o convert_n do_v not_o positive_o determine_v the_o question_n wherein_o he_o be_v fall_v but_o stand_v in_o doubt_n what_o to_o resolve_v upon_o 3._o case_n of_o this_o sort_n pertain_v to_o the_o mind_n and_o judgement_n of_o the_o convert_n and_o if_o his_o judgement_n be_v clear_v by_o lose_v of_o the_o question_n incontinent_a he_o be_v satisfy_v and_o quiet_a 4._o it_o be_v necessary_a for_o the_o convert_v clear_v that_o he_o form_n the_o question_n right_o and_o to_o this_o end_n 1._o let_v he_o consider_v his_o case_n and_o condition_n in_o himself_o so_o accurat_o as_o he_o can_v 2._o let_v he_o ingenuous_o lay_v forth_o the_o question_n or_o doubt_v he_o have_v before_o his_o pastor_n or_o christian_a friend_n acquaint_v with_o case_n of_o conscience_n and_o ask_v their_o judgement_n what_o to_o think_v of_o or_o what_o to_o do_v in_o such_o a_o case_n the_o reason_n why_o he_o must_v examine_v narrow_o his_o own_o condition_n before_o he_o speak_v of_o it_o to_o another_o be_v partly_o because_o otherways_o his_o doubt_n or_o question_n may_v prove_v frivolous_a and_o unworthy_a of_o a_o answer_n partly_o because_o the_o convert_n after_o examination_n of_o his_o case_n and_o prayer_n unto_o god_n may_v find_v satisfaction_n to_o his_o doubt_n and_o partly_o because_o if_o his_o doubt_n remain_v the_o question_n may_v be_v the_o more_o clear_o propound_v and_o so_o receive_v the_o more_o clear_a and_o speedy_a answer_n for_o his_o satisfaction_n 5._o of_o this_o sort_n of_o question_n we_o shall_v propound_v some_o example_n and_o give_v some_o resolution_n unto_o they_o whereof_o use_n may_v be_v make_v when_o such_o like_a question_n shall_v occur_v the_o first_o question_n shall_v be_v concern_v confusion_n of_o mind_n it_o come_v to_o pass_v sometime_o when_o a_o convert_n be_v upon_o examination_n of_o his_o own_o estate_n or_o condition_n that_o such_o a_o mist_n and_o darkness_n fall_v on_o his_o mind_n and_o such_o a_o crowd_n and_o throng_n of_o thought_n within_o he_o that_o he_o can_v discern_v nothing_o but_o mist_n multitude_n of_o thought_n and_o darkness_n and_o confusion_n the_o question_n be_v what_o shall_v he_o think_v or_o do_v for_o remove_v of_o this_o confusion_n of_o thought_n and_o darkness_n of_o mind_n ans._n this_o case_n befall_v convert_n frequent_o and_o therefore_o have_v need_n to_o be_v the_o more_o careful_o cure_v which_o cure_n that_o it_o may_v the_o better_o go_v on_o let_v the_o afflict_a renew_v the_o examination_n of_o his_o former_a behaviour_n and_o see_v if_o he_o can_v find_v out_o the_o meritorious_a cause_n thereof_o in_o himself_o for_o this_o case_n ofttimes_o be_v the_o castigation_n of_o the_o afflict_a for_o his_o former_a negligence_n and_o omission_n of_o duty_n or_o slight_a discharge_n of_o religious_a worship_n yea_o it_o may_v be_v find_v possible_o that_o the_o afflict_a have_v be_v so_o careless_a in_o keep_v his_o heart_n in_o the_o fear_n of_o god_n that_o he_o have_v involve_v himself_o too_o far_o in_o earthly_a and_o thorny_a affair_n or_o have_v exceed_v in_o the_o use_n of_o thing_n lawful_a or_o by_o some_o corrupt_a communication_n have_v grieve_v the_o lord_n spirit_n and_o so_o have_v draw_v on_o some_o desertion_n and_o withdraw_a of_o illumination_n from_o he_o 2._o this_o case_n may_v also_o fall_v out_o from_o some_o present_a perturbation_n of_o mind_n and_o passion_n whereby_o his_o reason_n be_v so_o take_v up_o for_o the_o time_n that_o it_o can_v discharge_v its_o duty_n as_o come_v to_o pass_v usual_o in_o anger_n or_o fear_n or_o grief_n or_o some_o such_o like_a passion_n as_o may_v be_v see_v when_o a_o man_n be_v injure_v by_o his_o neighbour_n or_o do_v meet_v with_o some_o damnage_n or_o be_v put_v in_o fear_n of_o some_o imminent_a evil_a come_n on_o he_o or_o find_v sharp_a pain_n of_o body_n or_o some_o such_o like_a cause_n perplex_v he_o the_o question_n be_v what_o shall_v he_o think_v of_o this_o condition_n ans._n if_o the_o afflict_a shall_v examine_v how_o he_o be_v fall_v in_o this_o case_n and_o shall_v in_o consideration_n of_o his_o weakness_n be_v humble_v before_o god_n by_o prayer_n he_o shall_v not_o want_v clearness_n of_o mind_n and_o direction_n from_o god_n what_o to_o do_v and_o how_o to_o behave_v himself_o in_o order_v of_o his_o conversation_n aright_o ps._n 50._o 23._o for_o the_o lord_n give_v wisdom_n liberal_o to_o all_o that_o ask_v it_o of_o he_o in_o faith_n jam._n 1._o 5._o and_o this_o his_o present_a condition_n give_v he_o a_o errand_n to_o god_n the_o second_o question_n be_v concern_v the_o convert_n who_o most_o part_n walk_v heavy_o there_o be_v some_o true_a convert_n who_o after_o examination_n of_o themselves_o can_v deny_v but_o their_o heart_n be_v towards_o the_o way_n of_o god_n
renew_v accusation_n against_o they_o and_o so_o order_v that_o mater_fw-la as_o neither_o satan_n shall_v prevail_v nor_o his_o child_n suffer_v damnage_n by_o the_o mean_n for_o there_o be_v a_o great_a difference_n between_o satan_n renew_v of_o accusation_n for_o sin_n forgive_v and_o god_n make_v null_a the_o remission_n grant_v the_o lord_n can_v suffer_v the_o one_o to_o be_v but_o the_o other_o he_o will_v never_o suffer_v to_o be_v for_o when_o a_o true_a convert_n grow_v negligent_a and_o fall_v in_o such_o sin_n after_o conversion_n as_o he_o live_v in_o before_o conversion_n no_o wonder_n satan_n be_v permit_v to_o call_v his_o former_a conversion_n in_o question_n yea_o the_o lord_n may_v just_o cast_v up_o to_o his_o child_n his_o former_a fault_n to_o humble_v he_o and_o shame_n he_o from_o go_v on_o albeit_o he_o do_v not_o disannul_v the_o former_o grant_v remission_n 3_o when_o thanksgiving_n for_o remission_n of_o sin_n grant_v for_o christ_n cause_n begin_v to_o cool_v in_o the_o heart_n of_o a_o convert_n what_o wonder_v the_o lord_n not_o only_o suffer_v but_o also_o present_a the_o vileness_n of_o by_o past_a sin_n to_o make_v the_o convert_v sensible_a of_o the_o remission_n and_o to_o cause_v he_o renew_v the_o act_n of_o repentance_n and_o godly_a sorrow_n for_o his_o sin_n bypass_a as_o ezek._n 16._o 63._o and_o 36._o 32._o then_o shall_v you_o remember_v your_o own_o evil_a way_n and_o your_o do_n which_o be_v not_o good_a and_o shall_v loathe_v yourselves_o for_o your_o iniquity_n and_o abomination_n when_o the_o convert_n grow_v remiss_a in_o watch_v over_o his_o own_o heart_n &_o way_n and_o be_v in_o danger_n of_o fall_v back_o into_o these_o sin_n which_o he_o have_v repent_v of_o before_o what_o wonder_v the_o lord_n by_o remember_v he_o of_o his_o natural_a inclination_n and_o former_a way_n do_v warn_v he_o of_o his_o danger_n to_o make_v he_o preveen_v his_o fall_n 4._o wherefore_o let_v the_o convert_v maintain_v the_o solidity_n of_o former_a remission_n of_o sin_n and_o make_v good_a use_n of_o his_o former_a sin_n which_o go_v before_o his_o conversion_n and_o let_v he_o follow_v the_o example_n of_o paul_n who_o do_v not_o suffer_v his_o former_a siâ—s_n go_v out_o of_o his_o mind_n but_o do_v renew_v the_o confession_n of_o they_o upon_o all_o occasion_n for_o his_o own_o daily_a humiliation_n for_o the_o edification_n of_o other_o and_o for_o magnify_v the_o glory_n of_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n and_o yet_o for_o all_o this_o do_v not_o suspect_v the_o remission_n of_o sin_n receive_v for_o by_o this_o mean_v the_o convert_n shall_v preveen_v accusation_n and_o stop_v satan_n mouth_n and_o make_v his_o accusation_n have_v no_o force_n by_o this_o mean_n the_o convert_n shall_v possess_v firm_a and_o stable_a confidence_n of_o god_n unchangeable_a grace_n and_o mercy_n and_o of_o the_o stability_n of_o the_o remission_n of_o sin_n grant_v the_o six_o question_n be_v of_o a_o convert_n casten_z not_o only_o in_o a_o uncertainty_n for_o the_o time_n of_o his_o conversion_n but_o also_o in_o a_o doubt_n whether_o he_o be_v elect_v or_o not_o and_o know_v not_o how_o to_o do_v in_o this_o case_n some_o convert_v fall_v in_o heman_n the_o ezrait_n his_o exercise_n whereof_o we_o read_v ps._n 88_o especial_o ver_fw-la 14._o 15_o while_o i_o suffer_v thy_o terror_n i_o be_o distract_v say_v he_o counsel_n have_v be_v offer_v by_o some_o to_o the_o afflict_a to_o follow_v the_o practice_n and_o experience_n of_o some_o eminent_a theologue_n who_o be_v bring_v to_o such_o strait_n with_o good_a success_n have_v submit_v themselves_o to_o god_n to_o save_v they_o or_o destroy_v they_o as_o he_o please_v after_o which_o submission_n they_o have_v feel_v the_o marvellous_a sweet_a embracement_n of_o god_n love_a kindness_n make_v they_o sure_a both_o of_o their_o conversion_n and_o election_n whether_o to_o follow_v this_o example_n and_o experience_n of_o some_o notable_a saint_n be_v the_o doubt_n wherein_o the_o convert_n be_v not_o clear_a and_o know_v nor_o how_o to_o carry_v himself_o towards_o god_n in_o this_o case_n 2._o for_o answer_v to_o this_o question_n it_o be_v free_a for_o god_n to_o comfort_v a_o soul_n casten_z down_o when_o and_o how_o he_o please_v it_o be_v free_a for_o god_n to_o pass_v by_o the_o infirmity_n and_o error_n of_o a_o terrify_a soul_n come_v to_o he_o not_o in_o the_o wise_a way_n prescribe_v to_o he_o and_o to_o look_v to_o the_o necessity_n of_o the_o man_n consolation_n and_o not_o to_o his_o way_n of_o seek_v of_o it_o but_o howsoever_o it_o please_v god_n to_o comfort_v some_o extraordinary_o yet_o this_o be_v not_o the_o duty_n of_o the_o afflict_a to_o come_v with_o such_o a_o unrequire_v submission_n unto_o god_n for_o it_o limit_v the_o lord_n in_o a_o manner_n either_o to_o comfort_v the_o man_n speedy_o or_o suffer_v he_o upon_o apparent_a refusal_n for_o the_o time_n to_o despair_v for_o god_n order_n be_v to_o bring_v the_o sinner_n under_o the_o sense_n of_o sin_n and_o acknowledgement_n of_o deserve_a wrath_n for_o sin_n and_o then_o to_o charge_v he_o to_o believe_v in_o the_o name_n of_o his_o son_n jesus_n christ_n and_o after_o believe_v in_o christ_n to_o seal_v the_o believer_n with_o the_o stamp_n of_o holiness_n and_o the_o earnest-penny_n of_o the_o inheritance_n which_o be_v peace_n with_o god_n and_o joy_n in_o the_o holy_a ghost_n shed_v abroad_o in_o his_o heart_n 3._o wherefore_o as_o for_o the_o conversion_n of_o a_o man_n straighten_a in_o the_o pain_n of_o the_o new_a birth_n and_o fear_n of_o everlasting_a wrath_n and_o tempt_v to_o suspect_v that_o he_o be_v not_o elect_v it_o be_v a_o more_o safe_a way_n to_o lay_v aside_o all_o disputation_n about_o god_n decree_n because_o secret_a thing_n belong_v to_o the_o lord_n and_o to_o look_v to_o the_o lord_n command_v and_o to_o his_o own_o duty_n of_o fly_v unto_o christ_n so_o for_o the_o recovery_n of_o a_o convert_n fall_v in_o jonahs_n case_n and_o make_v to_o suspect_v that_o he_o be_v a_o reprobat_fw-la cast_v off_o of_o god_n it_o be_v a_o more_o safe_a way_n not_o to_o dispute_v for_o the_o time_n either_o his_o election_n or_o conversion_n whatsoever_o suggestion_n may_v be_v cast_v in_o by_o satan_n then_o to_o offer_v unto_o god_n a_o absolute_a submission_n to_o be_v save_v or_o destroy_v as_o he_o please_v and_o then_o to_o lie_v in_o sorrow_n till_o god_n give_v a_o answer_n of_o consolation_n for_o god_n do_v not_o require_v such_o a_o submission_n but_o call_v for_o a_o act_n of_o faith_n and_o obedience_n for_o god_n have_v declare_v in_o his_o word_n that_o he_o delight_v not_o in_o the_o death_n of_o a_o sinner_n but_o that_o he_o shall_v repent_v and_o turn_v to_o god_n and_o be_v save_v second_o in_o this_o submission_n the_o heart_n will_v be_v find_v deceitful_a which_o neither_o will_v nor_o can_v submit_v to_o be_v destroy_v three_o this_o offer_n of_o such_o a_o submission_n as_o this_o be_v lord_n i_o know_v not_o whether_o thou_o have_v choose_v i_o or_o reject_v i_o in_o thy_o decree_n but_o i_o submit_v myself_o to_o thou_o absolute_o if_o thou_o will_v destroy_v i_o thou_o shall_v be_v find_v to_o be_v just_a and_o i_o do_v confess_v so_o much_o unto_o thou_o but_o if_o thou_o will_v save_v i_o i_o shall_v proclaim_v thy_o grace_n such_o a_o submission_n i_o say_v be_v but_o in_o effect_n a_o tempt_a of_o god_n speedy_o to_o reveal_v his_o secret_a counsel_n either_o by_o consolation_n if_o the_o submitter_n be_v a_o elect_a or_o refusal_n of_o consolation_n if_o he_o be_v a_o reprobat_fw-la the_o only_a safe_a way_n in_o the_o foresay_a case_n be_v to_o be_v humble_v before_o god_n and_o fly_v to_o christ_n by_o prayer_n as_o heman_n do_v ps._n 88_o and_o as_o jonah_n do_v who_o choose_v to_o look_v again_o to_o his_o holy_a temple_n where_o the_o mediator_n sit_v upon_o the_o mercy_n seat_n between_o the_o cherubim_v and_o not_o suffer_v such_o a_o thought_n as_o reprobation_n thus_o do_v heman_n ps._n 88_o 13_o 14._o but_o unto_o thou_o have_v i_o cry_v o_o lord_n and_o in_o the_o morning_n shall_v my_o prayer_n prevent_v thou_o lord_n why_o cast_v thou_o off_o my_o soul_n why_o bide_v thou_o thy_o face_n from_o i_o let_v the_o command_n of_o god_n to_o every_o self-condemned_n sinner_n to_o believe_v in_o christ_n prevail_v against_o all_o temptation_n to_o the_o contrair_a 1_o joh._n 3._o 23._o this_o be_v his_o commandment_n that_o we_o shall_v believe_v on_o the_o name_n of_o his_o son_n jesus_n christ._n the_o seven_o question_n be_v how_o to_o satisfy_v the_o convert_n doubt_v whether_o it_o be_v better_a to_o forbear_v or_o go_v on_o in_o the_o outward_a exercise_n of_o religion_n at_o least_o in_o
five_o qualification_n be_v common_a operation_n of_o the_o spirit_n or_o effect_n of_o save_a faith_n not_o as_o yet_o manifest_v to_o be_v such_o before_o the_o person_n do_v close_a covenant_n with_o god_n in_o christ_n for_o not_o impute_v his_o sin_n unto_o he_o and_o make_v solid_a reconciliation_n with_o he_o 3._o as_o for_o judge_v of_o other_o when_o we_o observe_v these_o qualification_n all_o or_o some_o of_o they_o we_o must_v not_o determine_v positive_o what_o sort_n of_o operation_n the_o holy_a ghost_n have_v in_o hand_n but_o our_o part_n be_v according_a to_o our_o place_n and_o calling_n to_o help_v on_o the_o least_o preparatory_a qualification_n which_o may_v serve_v to_o be_v inductive_a and_o serviceable_a to_o beget_v and_o foster_v save_v faith_n in_o they_o even_o when_o the_o sense_n of_o sin_n and_o unworthiness_n be_v like_a to_o drive_v they_o from_o christ_n as_o it_o do_v peter_n when_o he_o cry_v out_o unto_o christ_n depart_v from_o i_o o_o lord_n for_o i_o be_o a_o sinful_a man_n for_o god_n have_v not_o make_v we_o judge_n of_o the_o operation_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n in_o this_o or_o that_o person_n but_o to_o be_v their_o helper_n unto_o faith_n when_o we_o perceive_v any_o good_a qualification_n in_o they_o and_o helper_n of_o their_o repentance_n when_o we_o perceive_v any_o out-breaking_a evil_n in_o they_o the_o eleven_o question_n shall_v be_v of_o the_o convert_v doubt_v what_o to_o think_v of_o his_o condition_n when_o he_o find_v more_o freedom_n of_o prayer_n in_o the_o presence_n and_o audience_n of_o other_o then_o when_o he_o pray_v in_o secret_a alone_o it_o be_v not_o a_o case_n unusual_a that_o some_o convert_n do_v find_v a_o great_a deal_n of_o freedom_n of_o prayer_n in_o the_o audience_n of_o other_o more_o than_o alone_o for_o they_o have_v experience_n that_o when_o they_o pray_v in_o the_o audience_n of_o other_o in_o their_o family_n or_o occasional_o elsewhere_o their_o prayer_n be_v more_o copious_a than_o when_o they_o be_v alone_o their_o stile_n of_o speech_n more_o polish_v their_o word_n in_o better_a order_n their_o expression_n more_o significant_a their_o notion_n more_o sublime_a more_o fervent_a more_o zealous_a then_o when_o they_o be_v in_o secret_a in_o their_o closet_n which_o difference_n when_o they_o consider_v they_o doubt_v what_o the_o matter_n do_v mean_v 2._o for_o answer_v first_o there_o be_v a_o difference_n to_o be_v put_v between_o solitary_a prayer_n in_o secret_a and_o prayer_n in_o society_n with_o other_o for_o in_o secret_a ofttimes_o the_o convert_v worship_n be_v carry_v on_o in_o the_o sense_n of_o his_o sinfulness_n unworthiness_n and_o indisposition_n present_v to_o god_n through_o christ_n with_o sigh_n and_o confuse_a groan_n without_o word_n for_o he_o study_v most_o for_o affection_n and_o not_o for_o word_n have_v no_o ear_n to_o care_n for_o but_o the_o ear_n of_o the_o searcher_n of_o heart_n who_o know_v his_o weakness_n fear_n tentation_n and_o wrestle_n with_o doubt_n but_o in_o company_n he_o study_v most_o to_o make_v use_n of_o knowledge_n and_o to_o express_v himself_o so_o as_o he_o may_v carry_v along_o the_o company_n with_o who_o he_o pray_v with_o consent_n that_o he_o may_v edify_v himself_o and_o they_o in_o worship_n and_o in_o this_o case_n he_o may_v find_v great_a freedom_n possible_o then_o he_o find_v alone_o in_o secret_a second_o it_o be_v ofttimes_o find_v that_o god_n for_o his_o own_o glory_n and_o the_o mutual_a edification_n of_o two_o or_o three_o gather_v together_o in_o his_o name_n do_v enlarge_v the_o freedom_n of_o speech_n in_o the_o speaker_n upon_o which_o consideration_n the_o doubt_a convert_n may_v satisfy_v himself_o only_o let_v he_o beware_v least_o vain_a glory_n or_o study_v to_o have_v the_o applause_n of_o such_o as_o hear_v he_o pray_v do_v not_o blow_v wind_n in_o his_o sail_n and_o in_o as_o far_o as_o after_o examination_n he_o find_v himself_o guilty_a let_v he_o when_o he_o be_v in_o secret_a alone_o be_v humble_v before_o god_n for_o it_o and_o crave_v pardon_n through_o christ_n seek_v help_n and_o heal_n of_o this_o wicked_a inclination_n the_o twelve_o question_n shall_v be_v of_o the_o doubt_n which_o the_o convert_n may_v have_v in_o a_o case_n contrary_a to_o the_o former_a some_o convert_n do_v find_v themselves_o more_o enlarge_v in_o secret_a prayer_n and_o alone_a then_o in_o the_o company_n of_o one_o or_o more_o in_o company_n say_v he_o i_o can_v utter_v my_o own_o private_a condition_n without_o a_o needless_a and_o inconvenient_a discovery_n of_o my_o present_a case_n to_o other_o and_o i_o can_v hardly_o conjecture_v what_o may_v be_v their_o necessity_n with_o who_o i_o pray_v or_o condescend_v upon_o petition_n and_o thanksgiving_n fit_a for_o we_o in_o common_a i_o be_o take_v up_o also_o with_o thought_n of_o what_o estimation_n my_o hearer_n may_v have_v of_o i_o etc._n etc._n but_o in_o secret_a prayer_n i_o be_o free_v of_o that_o care_n i_o be_o not_o fear_v that_o god_n shall_v misconstrue_v my_o word_n or_o thought_n i_o may_v in_o secret_a make_v a_o long_a pause_n in_o my_o petition_n and_o fall_v in_o meditation_n upon_o some_o passage_n of_o scripture_n and_o after_o a_o while_n direct_v my_o speech_n unto_o the_o lord_n i_o may_v express_v my_o affection_n by_o voice_n and_o gesture_n as_o they_o fall_v out_o and_o pour_v forth_o my_o heart_n to_o god_n with_o tear_n without_o fear_n of_o be_v esteem_v a_o hypocrite_n etc._n etc._n mean_a time_n i_o doubt_v what_o my_o indisposition_n to_o pray_v in_o company_n do_v import_v when_o duty_n call_v for_o it_o 2._o for_o answer_v we_o grant_v that_o god_n to_o some_o of_o his_o dear_a saint_n who_o prayer_n in_o secret_a he_o will_v accept_v and_o reward_v open_o have_v not_o give_v ability_n to_o edify_v other_o by_o way_n of_o pray_v in_o their_o audience_n too_o other_o in_o regard_n of_o age_n of_o sex_n to_o who_o modesty_n and_o silence_n be_v most_o suitable_a he_o have_v not_o give_v confidence_n to_o pray_v in_o name_n of_o other_o whether_o more_o or_o few_o as_o their_o mouth_n but_o as_o for_o these_o to_o who_o god_n have_v give_v ability_n and_o a_o calling_n by_o reason_n of_o a_o charge_n in_o the_o family_n or_o some_o occasional_a exigence_n to_o pray_v in_o the_o audience_n of_o other_o and_o yet_o notwithstanding_o they_o do_v foster_v their_o natural_a averseness_n from_o such_o a_o duty_n they_o have_v need_v to_o examine_v themselves_o whether_o they_o be_v hinder_v by_o fear_n to_o loss_n some_o of_o their_o estimation_n at_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o hearer_n if_o possible_o all_o thing_n shall_v not_o be_v find_v so_o well_o digest_v and_o express_v in_o the_o prayer_n as_o they_o will_v the_o thirteen_o question_n shall_v be_v of_o the_o convert_v doubt_v what_o to_o think_v when_o he_o compare_v his_o disposition_n to_o prayer_n and_o god_n dispensation_n towards_o he_o in_o prayer_n sundry_a convert_n when_o they_o compare_v their_o own_o divers_a disposition_n to_o prayer_n with_o the_o divers_a dispensation_n of_o god_n towards_o they_o in_o prayer_n they_o be_v at_o a_o stand_v what_o to_o think_v sometime_o say_v one_o albeit_o i_o be_v very_o hardly_o draw_v to_o pray_v at_o all_o yet_o when_o after_o wrestle_v the_o conscience_n of_o the_o duty_n do_v set_v i_o on_o work_n my_o prayer_n go_v on_o as_o i_o can_v wish_v light_n be_v furnish_v to_o i_o what_o to_o confess_v what_o to_o thank_v for_o what_o to_o seek_v both_o for_o myself_o and_o other_o whereby_o i_o gather_v for_o the_o time_n that_o the_o lord_n be_v please_v with_o my_o person_n in_o christ_n and_o have_v accept_v my_o prayer_n sometime_o it_o fare_v otherways_o with_o i_o for_o when_o time_n place_n and_o leisure_n for_o prayer_n concur_v and_o i_o be_o now_o about_o to_o make_v use_n of_o opportunity_n and_o do_v fall_v down_o before_o the_o lord_n to_o speak_v on_o a_o sudden_a i_o have_v nothing_o to_o say_v matter_n word_n and_o light_n do_v fail_v i_o darkness_n and_o confusion_n fall_v on_o my_o mind_n and_o my_o prayer_n suudry_n time_n be_v stop_v and_o close_v with_o a_o sigh_n or_o groan_v which_o disposition_n of_o my_o heart_n and_o dispensation_n of_o the_o lord_n when_o i_o compare_v i_o be_o in_o doubt_n what_o to_o think_v 2._o for_o answer_v in_o the_o first_o case_n concern_v the_o lord_n blessing_n of_o the_o aim_v at_o duty_n the_o matter_n be_v clear_a and_o speak_v for_o itself_o for_o god_n will_v have_v we_o to_o aim_v at_o a_o right_a frame_n of_o spirit_n when_o we_o be_v about_o the_o discharge_n of_o any_o part_n of_o his_o worship_n but_o not_o forbear_v to_o do_v the_o duty_n if_o we_o can_v reach_v that_o fitness_n of_o spirit_n which_o we_o desire_v let_v we_o
let_v the_o convert_v thus_o mistake_v after_o his_o experience_n feel_v that_o he_o have_v be_v carnal_o confident_a not_o be_v discourage_v as_o if_o his_o confidence_n which_o he_o seem_v to_o have_v place_v on_o god_n be_v altogether_o vain_a and_o in_o no_o degree_n spiritual_a but_o let_v he_o first_o be_v humble_v before_o god_n and_o submit_v himself_o to_o the_o lord_n rod_n let_v he_o acknowledge_v the_o wisdom_n justice_n and_o mercy_n of_o god_n who_o have_v remove_v this_o prop_n of_o carnal_a confidence_n and_o reduce_v he_o from_o go_v astray_o to_o depend_v more_o on_o god_n than_o he_o have_v do_v 2._o let_v he_o strengthen_v his_o faith_n in_o christ_n according_a to_o the_o renor_n of_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n and_o that_o so_o much_o the_o more_o as_o he_o find_v his_o own_o unrighteousness_n in_o follow_v and_o rely_v on_o creature-comfort_n to_o have_v be_v great_a 3._o let_v he_o set_v his_o affection_n upon_o thing_n spiritual_a which_o be_v above_o the_o earth_n and_o to_o be_v find_v in_o jesus_n christ_n who_o be_v at_o the_o right_a hand_n of_o the_o father_n col._n 3._o 1._o 23._o and_o to_o loose_v his_o estimation_n and_o affection_n from_o these_o thing_n that_o be_v on_o earth_n 4._o because_o this_o sickness_n be_v not_o well_o observe_v except_o in_o the_o time_n of_o adversity_n let_v the_o afflict_a person_n approve_v himself_o in_o the_o point_n of_o sincerity_n of_o adherence_n unto_o god_n by_o his_o trust_n in_o god_n now_o when_o he_o want_v mean_n and_o creature-comfort_n as_o job_n do_v who_o in_o this_o condition_n bless_v god_n for_o the_o give_v of_o the_o benefit_n and_o bless_a god_n at_o the_o remove_n of_o they_o from_o he_o job._n 1._o 21._o for_o by_o so_o do_v he_o shall_v learn_v both_o to_o have_v and_o want_v and_o in_o every_o condition_n to_o be_v content_a as_o the_o apostle_n be_v teach_v phil_n 4._o 12._o and_o this_o be_v for_o the_o first_o sort_n of_o carnal_a confidence_n the_o other_o sort_n of_o carnal_a confidence_n be_v that_o which_o too_o much_o lean_v to_o some_o apparent_a measure_n of_o the_o operation_n and_o fruit_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n observe_v by_o the_o convert_n in_o himself_o and_o this_o sickness_n may_v be_v take_v up_o and_o perceive_v chief_o by_o comparison_n of_o the_o convert_v strong_a confidence_n of_o the_o love_n of_o god_n towards_o he_o so_o long_o as_o he_o can_v find_v evidencâ—_n sign_n of_o his_o regeneration_n and_o work_v of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n 〈◊〉_d himself_o with_o â—is_n weak_a confidence_n of_o the_o love_n of_o god_n towards_o he_o under_o the_o cloud_n of_o descrtion_n or_o under_o some_o powerful_a temptation_n when_o these_o evident_a sign_n of_o his_o conversion_n be_v darken_v or_o do_v not_o appear_v so_o clear_o unto_o himself_o as_o they_o do_v 〈◊〉_d in_o which_o case_n his_o confidence_n be_v great_o weaken_v and_o his_o faith_n not_o a_o little_a shake_v with_o doubt_v in_o both_o the_o one_o and_o the_o other_o condition_n the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n stand_v fix_v and_o the_o promise_n of_o the_o gospel_n remain_v the_o same_o and_o the_o convert_v still_o adher_v to_o the_o covenant_n and_o claim_v interest_n in_o christ_n more_o or_o less_o confident_a whence_o come_v then_o this_o difference_n between_o his_o former_a confidence_n which_o be_v strong_a and_o his_o weak_a confidence_n now_o in_o the_o change_n of_o his_o case_n be_v bring_v low_a certain_o it_o proceed_v from_o the_o smite_v of_o the_o pillar_n whereupon_o his_o former_a confidence_n be_v too_o much_o fix_v for_o whensoever_o the_o mist_n be_v clear_v up_o and_o he_o find_v the_o livelynesse_n of_o the_o work_n of_o grace_n in_o himself_o his_o confidence_n convalesce_v and_o return_n to_o it_o be_v former_a strength_n as_o it_o seem_v to_o he_o and_o when_o his_o grace_n be_v darken_v he_o fall_v in_o a_o languish_a weakness_n of_o faith_n this_o sickness_n be_v so_o frequent_o incident_a to_o the_o saint_n that_o few_o shall_v be_v find_v who_o be_v not_o again_o and_o again_o overtake_v in_o it_o for_o how_o few_o be_v they_o who_o be_v not_o much_o more_o confident_a when_o they_o find_v a_o heart_n free_o pour_v forth_o in_o prayer_n when_o they_o enjoy_v the_o peace_n of_o god_n in_o their_o heart_n when_o the_o love_n of_o god_n be_v shed_v abroad_o in_o their_o heart_n when_o they_o find_v the_o consolation_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n when_o they_o observe_v the_o â—ruits_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n in_o themselves_o when_o the_o candle_n of_o the_o lord_n shine_v in_o their_o soul_n and_o the_o token_n of_o god_n savour_n towards_o they_o be_v manifest_a and_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n when_o they_o find_v their_o spiritual_a condition_n change_v when_o darkness_n fall_v on_o their_o spirit_n when_o they_o find_v themselves_o unfit_a for_o worship_n and_o unable_a to_o do_v service_n but_o most_o of_o all_o when_o they_o perceive_v token_n of_o fatherly_a wrath_n against_o they_o superadd_v unto_o the_o foresay_a evil_n in_o this_o case_n who_o be_v he_o that_o beside_o the_o inevitable_a perturbation_n of_o mind_n incident_a to_o those_o who_o be_v strong_a in_o faith_n do_v not_o find_v a_o diminution_n of_o his_o former_a confidence_n and_o a_o conflict_n with_o temptation_n fear_n doubt_n and_o difficulty_n which_o diminution_n and_o abate_v of_o his_o confidence_n in_o his_o trial_n and_o inward_a exercise_n do_v evident_o prove_v that_o in_o his_o best_a condition_n he_o have_v lay_v too_o much_o weight_n upon_o on_o the_o mutable_a disposition_n of_o his_o soul_n and_o have_v not_o so_o stucken_v to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n grace_n through_o jesus_n as_o become_v he_o 2._o that_o this_o sickness_n may_v be_v the_o more_o easy_o clear_v and_o cure_v it_o be_v expedient_a to_o answer_v some_o question_n which_o be_v discuss_v may_v inform_v and_o edify_v the_o afflict_a question_v 1_o the_o first_o question_n which_o the_o afflict_a may_v propound_v be_v this_o see_v the_o sign_n of_o god_n favour_n manifest_v in_o the_o bestow_n and_o continue_v of_o common_a benefit_n and_o gift_n outward_a and_o inward_a do_v certain_o serve_v to_o confirm_v a_o man_n faith_n in_o god_n be_v it_o not_o very_o reasonable_a to_o say_v that_o the_o sign_n of_o god_n wrath_n manifest_v in_o the_o remove_n of_o those_o benefit_n do_v certain_o serve_v to_o debilitat_fw-la and_o weaken_v a_o man_n faith_n ans._n 1._o sign_n of_o god_n favour_n and_o sign_n of_o god_n wrath_n be_v not_o inconsistent_a because_o god_n can_v carry_v love_n and_o favour_n to_o a_o man_n and_o be_v angry_a at_o he_o also_o for_o the_o present_a ill_a disposition_n wherein_o he_o be_v for_o love_n and_o fatherly_a wrath_n be_v not_o opposite_a and_o inconsistent_a but_o love_n and_o hatred_n be_v inconsistent_a 2._o let_v it_o be_v grant_v that_o any_o sign_n whatsoever_o of_o god_n favour_n may_v be_v make_v use_n of_o by_o the_o convert_n for_o strengthen_v of_o his_o faith_n yet_o it_o must_v not_o be_v grant_v that_o the_o take_v away_o of_o those_o sign_n of_o favour_n shall_v be_v make_v use_n of_o for_o weaken_v of_o a_o man_n faith_n for_o many_o thing_n may_v encourage_v a_o man_n to_o do_v his_o duty_n which_o be_v remove_v must_v not_o discourage_v he_o or_o just_o hinder_v he_o to_o do_v his_o duty_n 3._o there_o be_v a_o great_a difference_n between_o the_o man_n who_o never_o find_v any_o other_o sign_n of_o god_n favour_n beside_o prosperity_n in_o common_a benefit_n and_o the_o man_n who_o beside_o common_a benefit_n have_v feel_v a_o work_n of_o grace_n upon_o his_o spirit_n bring_v he_o unto_o the_o sense_n of_o sin_n and_o chase_v he_o to_o christ_n and_o make_v he_o to_o take_v on_o his_o yoke_n the_o first_o sort_n of_o man_n can_v neither_o from_o the_o have_v nor_o want_v or_o removal_n of_o common_a benefit_n conclude_v eh_n be_v love_v or_o hate_v for_o so_o be_v we_o teach_v eccles._n 9_o 1_o 2_o no_o man_n know_v either_o love_n or_o hatred_n by_o all_o that_o be_v before_o he_o all_o thing_n come_v alike_o to_o all_o etc._n etc._n but_o a_o man_n of_o this_o sort_n have_v reason_n to_o judge_v that_o the_o send_n on_o he_o adversity_n and_o waken_n of_o he_o out_o of_o a_o flâ—shly_a and_o deadly_a security_n do_v speak_v more_o of_o god_n favour_n to_o he_o than_o his_o prosperity_n do_v and_o this_o other_o sort_n of_o man_n who_o have_v feel_v a_o work_n of_o special_a grace_n on_o their_o heart_n may_v make_v use_n both_o of_o their_o prosperity_n and_o adversity_n for_o confirmation_n of_o their_o faith_n 4._o put_v case_n that_o a_o convert_n chase_v unto_o christ_n in_o the_o sense_n of_o his_o sin_n and_o resolve_v to_o bear_v christ_n yoke_n upon_o he_o shall_v find_v common_a benefit_n take_v back_o
from_o he_o in_o fatherly_a wrath_n yet_o must_v he_o not_o yield_v to_o the_o weaken_n of_o his_o faith_n but_o rather_o yet_o more_o humble_a himself_o in_o the_o sense_n of_o his_o sin_n which_o have_v stir_v up_o wrath_n against_o he_o and_o fly_v in_o to_o christ_n and_o lie_v hold_v more_o close_o upon_o his_o grace_n because_o god_n be_v offend_v be_v not_o pacify_v nor_o please_v save_v only_o by_o fly_v in_o tâ—_n jesus_n christ._n quest._n ii_o q._n but_o what_o will_v you_o say_v unto_o they_o who_o confidence_n be_v weaken_v whether_o they_o will_v or_o not_o whensoever_o they_o apprehend_v god_n angry_a against_o they_o and_o especial_o when_o they_o feel_v that_o god_n be_v provoke_v just_o remove_v gift_n and_o benefit_n comfortable_a from_o they_o ans._n it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v doubt_v that_o the_o confidence_n of_o many_o true_a convert_n be_v shake_v and_o weaken_v in_o this_o case_n but_o the_o question_n be_v what_o shall_v be_v say_v unto_o they_o we_o answer_v that_o they_o must_v acknowledge_v that_o they_o have_v lean_v too_o much_o upon_o these_o carnal_a prop_n the_o fail_v whereof_o make_v they_o to_o fall_v 2._o let_v they_o be_v humble_v yet_o more_o because_o of_o such_o sin_n as_o have_v provoke_v god_n to_o change_v his_o dispensation_n towards_o they_o 3._o let_v they_o lean_v more_o upon_o the_o only_a rock_n of_o free_a grace_n in_o jesus_n christ_n offer_v in_o the_o gospel_n for_o the_o comfort_n and_o relief_n of_o all_o those_o who_o in_o the_o sense_n of_o sin_n and_o unworthiness_n in_o the_o sense_n of_o their_o ill_a deserve_n and_o of_o any_o measure_n of_o apparent_a fatherly_a wrath_n that_o hereafter_o however_o it_o fair_a with_o they_o they_o may_v rely_v upon_o jesus_n christ_n who_o be_v the_o only_a foundation_n to_o build_v ourselves_o upon_o and_o who_o grace_n be_v sufficient_a to_o help_v and_o uphold_v they_o who_o have_v their_o recourse_n unto_o he_o in_o every_o condition_n whether_o it_o be_v adversity_n or_o prosperity_n quest._n iii_o q._n albeit_o common_a benefit_n be_v not_o sufficient_a evidence_n of_o god_n favour_n yet_o new_a obedience_n of_o faith_n and_o fruit_n of_o the_o spirit_n be_v sure_a sign_n of_o god_n special_a favour_n bestow_v only_o on_o the_o elect_a see_v then_o as_o these_o sign_n when_o they_o be_v present_a serve_v much_o for_o the_o strengthen_n of_o faith_n so_o also_o when_o they_o be_v amiss_v have_v as_o great_a force_n of_o reason_n to_o debilitat_fw-la faith_n yea_o see_v faith_n without_o fruit_n be_v dead_a may_v it_o not_o be_v conclude_v where_o no_o fruit_n be_v no_o faith_n be_v ans._n if_o the_o question_n be_v of_o the_o universal_a want_n of_o all_o fruit_n of_o faith_n such_o as_o be_v to_o be_v find_v in_o all_o unrenewed_a man_n who_o fruit_n can_v be_v good_a so_o long_o as_o the_o tree_n be_v evil_a who_o seem_a service_n can_v be_v acceptable_a so_o long_o as_o they_o remain_v unreconciled_a to_o god_n through_o christ_n let_v the_o question_n be_v yield_v unto_o but_o we_o be_v speak_v of_o the_o true_a convert_n in_o who_o there_o be_v a_o miss_v of_o the_o measure_n of_o former_o feel_v fruit_n and_o that_o in_o the_o time_n present_a wherein_o by_o some_o temptation_n or_o trial_n their_o faith_n be_v sift_v and_o winnow_v and_o here_o indeed_o there_o be_v a_o vast_a difference_n between_o they_o that_o be_v never_o humble_v in_o the_o sense_n of_o their_o sin_n nor_o lead_v for_o relief_n from_o sin_n and_o misery_n unto_o jesus_n christ_n and_o the_o true_a convert_n who_o have_v renounce_v the_o work_n of_o darkness_n and_o have_v flee_v unto_o christ_n and_o consecrate_v himself_o to_o his_o service_n and_o who_o be_v set_v upon_o a_o new_a course_n of_o life_n have_v bring_v forth_o new_a fruit_n of_o repentance_n faith_n love_n and_o hope_n and_o have_v feel_v consolation_n in_o this_o course_n and_o now_o under_o exercise_n of_o conscience_n look_v upon_o himself_o as_o barren_a ground_n do_v lament_v his_o impotency_n to_o bring_v forth_o good_a fruit_n and_o while_o he_o be_v under_o this_o exercise_n live_v in_o a_o sad_a condition_n blameless_a and_o free_a of_o scandal-giving_a great_a odds_n between_o this_o man_n and_o a_o man_n yet_o in_o nature_n we_o grant_v in_o the_o unrenewed_a man_n who_o be_v a_o stranger_n to_o the_o life_n of_o grace_n and_o true_a godliness_n the_o sentence_n hold_v no_o fruit_n no_o faith_n but_o as_o for_o the_o convert_n who_o have_v have_v comfort_n in_o christ_n and_o bring_v forth_o good_a fruit_n in_o some_o measure_n he_o must_v not_o reason_n from_o his_o present_a dead_a condition_n feel_v and_o lament_a barrenness_n to_o the_o deny_v of_o true_a faith_n in_o christ_n or_o to_o the_o weaken_n of_o his_o say_v or_o mar_v his_o confidence_n further_o then_o to_o acknowledge_v he_o have_v lean_v too_o much_o on_o his_o former_o feel_a fruit_n and_o have_v not_o ground_v himself_o whole_o on_o christ_n and_o the_o rock_n of_o free_a grace_n in_o he_o but_o may_v and_o shall_v maintain_v his_o faith_n in_o christ_n against_o his_o discouragement_n that_o he_o may_v be_v enable_v to_o bring_v forth_o more_o ripe_a and_o abundant_a fruit_n quest._n iu._n q._n but_o what_o shall_v be_v say_v to_o humble_a convert_n who_o look_v to_o the_o holy_a law_n of_o god_n and_o find_v no_o fruit_n such_o as_o shall_v be_v do_v pass_v sentence_n in_o the_o time_n of_o tentation_n upon_o all_o their_o work_n as_o unworthy_a of_o the_o name_n of_o the_o fruit_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o then_o do_v dispute_v against_o their_o own_o faith_n by_o the_o apostle_n word_n jam._n 2._o 20._o faith_n without_o work_n be_v dead_a ans._n if_o the_o conscience_n do_v pronounce_v according_a to_o the_o truth_n as_o the_o mater_fw-la be_v indeed_o it_o can_v be_v deny_v but_o faith_n without_o work_n be_v dead_a and_o god_n be_v great_a than_o the_o conscience_n and_o know_v all_o thing_n but_o when_o the_o conscience_n be_v mislead_v by_o a_o tentation_n powerful_o press_v in_o by_o satan_n in_o the_o time_n of_o some_o sad_a affliction_n and_o appearance_n of_o god_n displeasure_n the_o testimony_n of_o the_o conscience_n be_v not_o a_o sufficient_a proof_n to_o infer_v so_o hard_a a_o conclusion_n for_o it_o come_v to_o pass_v ofttimes_o that_o the_o convert_n who_o live_v blameless_o and_o entertain_v the_o love_n and_o purpose_n of_o well-doing_n in_o his_o heart_n follow_v the_o exercise_n of_o religion_n constant_o be_v not_o negligent_a in_o his_o call_n and_o be_v ready_a upon_o occasion_n offer_v to_o let_v forth_o the_o fruit_n of_o love_n to_o his_o neighbour_n for_o all_o this_o sometime_o walk_v in_o darkness_n and_o under_o desertion_n see_v no_o light_n as_o isaiah_n 50._o 10._o in_o this_o case_n it_o may_v be_v he_o set_v all_o his_o work_n at_o nought_o as_o no_o way_n answerable_a to_o the_o lord_n law_n i_o see_v nothing_o say_v he_o but_o sin_n in_o i_o i_o see_v no_o fruit_n of_o true_a faith_n in_o i_o i_o feel_v no_o operation_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n in_o i_o save_o the_o work_n of_o convince_a i_o of_o sin_n and_o unrighteousness_n in_o this_o case_n we_o must_v not_o give_v credit_n to_o the_o afflict_a but_o convince_v he_o rather_o of_o his_o error_n and_o in_o special_a of_o his_o lean_v too_o much_o weight_n on_o his_o work_n before_o this_o sad_a exercise_n fall_v upon_o he_o for_o when_o a_o convert_n maintain_v his_o faith_n in_o christ_n only_o so_o oft_o and_o so_o long_o as_o he_o find_v in_o himself_o the_o fruit_n of_o new_a obedience_n but_o when_o he_o have_v new_a experience_n of_o the_o power_n of_o the_o body_n of_o death_n and_o find_v the_o course_n of_o good_a behaviour_n and_o bring_v forth_o good_a fruit_n to_o be_v interrupt_v in_o himself_o incontinent_a he_o resile_n from_o his_o confidence_n such_o a_o man_n certain_o give_v evidence_n that_o he_o have_v rely_v too_o much_o on_o his_o former_a feel_a righteousness_n an_o himself_o for_o he_o do_v as_o if_o he_o dare_v not_o for_o sin_n approach_v unto_o christ_n and_o so_o he_o fall_v in_o peter_n case_n who_o look_v on_o his_o own_o sinfulness_n and_o the_o brightness_n of_o christ_n godhead_n shine_v in_o a_o recent_a miracle_n cry_v out_o luke_n 5._o 8._o depart_n from_o i_o o_o lord_n i_o be_o a_o sinful_a man_n for_o peter_z in_o this_o case_n do_v forget_v christ_n mediatory_a office_n and_o that_o he_o stand_v so_o much_o the_o more_o need_n of_o christ_n draw_v near_a to_o he_o as_o he_o be_v a_o man_n convince_v of_o sinfulness_n another_o answer_n we_o give_v to_o this_o question_n the_o afflict_a person_n must_v not_o think_v that_o he_o want_v altogether_o the_o fruit_n of_o faith_n albeit_o he_o find_v they_o to_o be_v short_a of_o the_o