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
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
of_o eternal_a life_n other_o some_o doubt_v of_o the_o soundness_n of_o their_o conversion_n because_o the_o â—error_n of_o god_n and_o fear_n of_o condemnation_n and_o hell_n prevail_v more_o with_o they_o for_o change_v their_o course_n than_o the_o love_n of_o god_n and_o true_a holiness_n do_v and_o both_o the_o one_o sort_n and_o the_o other_o do_v conceive_v the_o chief_a rise_n of_o their_o change_n to_o have_v be_v natural_a or_o carnal_a self-love_n fear_v harm_n and_o love_a life_n 2._o for_o remove_v of_o this_o doubt_n we_o grant_v that_o there_o be_v many_o who_o after_o some_o notable_a delivery_n from_o death_n or_o some_o notable_a benefit_n receive_v or_o after_o some_o sharp_a rod_n of_o chastisement_n for_o their_o sin_n have_v change_v their_o outward_a way_n of_o live_v leave_v off_o gross_a vice_n and_o lead_v a_o more_o civil_a and_o blameless_a outward_a life_n and_o yet_o have_v neither_o serious_o repent_v they_o of_o sin_n nor_o serious_o flee_v in_o unto_o the_o grace_n of_o jesus_n christ_n offer_v in_o the_o gospel_n neither_o know_v what_o save_a faith_n be_v nor_o careful_a to_o know_v it_o but_o of_o such_o we_o do_v not_o speak_v here_o for_o we_o be_v speak_v of_o the_o true_a convert_n and_o renew_a man_n who_o in_o the_o sense_n of_o sin_n be_v flee_v to_o christ_n in_o the_o sense_n of_o his_o unworthiness_n make_v the_o grace_n offer_v his_o refuge_n and_o in_o the_o sense_n of_o indigence_n look_v up_o to_o christ_n and_o seek_v supply_v of_o he_o in_o all_o thing_n and_o by_o the_o holy_a spirit_n be_v strive_v against_o sin_n endeavour_v in_o some_o measure_n of_o sincerity_n to_o bring_v forth_o the_o fruit_n of_o faith_n and_o repentance_n and_o yet_o for_o all_o this_o he_o doubt_v of_o the_o sincerity_n of_o his_o own_o conversion_n for_o the_o reason_n foresay_a to_o this_o soldier_n and_o wrestler_n we_o say_v as_o before_o we_o say_v to_o he_o that_o doubt_v of_o his_o conversion_n because_o he_o can_v design_v the_o time_n of_o his_o conversion_n it_o be_v not_o material_a by_o what_o way_n or_o mean_n or_o motive_n a_o man_n be_v bring_v unto_o christ_n provide_v he_o do_v come_v and_o indeed_o adhere_v to_o christ_n it_o be_v all_o one_o whether_o the_o rise_v of_o the_o man_n turn_v from_o sin_n to_o god_n be_v love_v allure_a or_o terror_n drive_v he_o whether_o a_o benefit_n or_o a_o sharp_a rod_n whether_o fear_n or_o hope_n do_v at_o the_o first_o beginning_n of_o his_o change_n move_v he_o to_o seek_v god_n provide_v god_n manifest_v in_o the_o flesh_n christ_n jesus_n the_o redeemer_n of_o sinner_n be_v now_o his_o belove_a lord_n and_o precious_a in_o his_o eye_n for_o he_o that_o be_v most_o sweet_o allure_v to_o come_v to_o god_n and_o without_o much_o fear_n be_v convert_v who_o possible_o after_o serious_a conviction_n of_o sin_n and_o deserve_a death_n be_v not_o keep_v long_o at_o the_o door_n of_o mercy_n but_o forthwith_o be_v admit_v to_o the_o throne_n of_o grace_n and_o tender_o entertain_v by_o the_o spirit_n of_o consolation_n may_v fall_v in_o hard_a exercise_n afterward_o this_o be_v evident_a in_o the_o experience_n of_o the_o prophet_n david_n in_o who_o his_o brethren_n live_v in_o the_o same_o family_n with_o he_o do_v not_o perceive_v any_o sign_n of_o a_o sorrowful_a or_o heavy_a heart_n as_o his_o brother_n eliab_n word_n do_v show_v 1_o sam._n 17._o 28._o i_o know_v thy_o pride_n and_o the_o naughtiness_n of_o thy_o heart_n thus_o do_v eliab_n judge_v of_o david_n cheerful_a carriage_n whereof_o also_o we_o have_v some_o evidence_n that_o david_n be_v of_o a_o ruddy_a and_o beautiful_a countenance_n and_o for_o some_o year_n of_o his_o youth_n do_v pass_v the_o time_n pleasant_o serve_v god_n with_o his_o song_n and_o harp_n while_o he_o be_v feed_v his_o sheep_n in_o the_o wilderness_n now_o none_o can_v just_o question_v his_o conversion_n all_o this_o time_n or_o his_o sincerity_n in_o this_o service_n yet_o afterward_o he_o be_v otherways_o exercise_v for_o ofttimes_o he_o feel_v the_o power_n of_o the_o law_n upon_o his_o spirit_n and_o be_v toss_v with_o the_o terror_n thereof_o and_o make_v to_o mourn_v and_o weep_v heavy_o such_o do_v iob_n condition_n seem_v to_o be_v in_o his_o youth_n as_o it_o be_v describe_v job_n 29._o but_o afterward_o in_o the_o trial_n of_o his_o faith_n what_o a_o conflict_n with_o temptation_n he_o have_v the_o sacred_a history_n do_v testify_v therefore_o there_o be_v no_o reason_n why_o any_o in_o who_o these_o evidence_n of_o a_o true_a israelit_fw-la be_v find_v in_o any_o measure_n shall_v suspect_v the_o sincerity_n of_o his_o regeneration_n because_o he_o have_v be_v gentle_o handle_v in_o his_o conversion_n for_o it_o may_v come_v to_o pass_v that_o the_o same_o person_n may_v fall_v in_o fiery_a trial_n and_o so_o hard_a temptation_n as_o he_o may_v fall_v in_o doubt_n of_o his_o conversion_n in_o regard_n of_o the_o sad_a affliction_n inward_a and_o outward_a whereby_o he_o be_v exercise_v in_o which_o case_n he_o will_v be_v find_v to_o be_v mistake_v no_o less_o than_o he_o be_v mistake_v in_o the_o former_a case_n and_o condition_n for_o some_o dear_a child_n of_o god_n may_v possible_o both_o in_o their_o conversion_n and_o most_o part_n of_o their_o life_n be_v exercise_v with_o the_o terror_n of_o the_o law_n and_o yet_o retain_v fast_o hold_v by_o faith_n on_o christ_n grace_n in_o their_o deep_a affliction_n for_o instance_n we_o offer_v that_o precious_a soul_n heman_n the_o ezrait_n who_o come_v near_o unto_o solomon_n in_o the_o point_n of_o wisdom_n 1_o king_n 4_o 31._o and_o yet_o how_o bitter_a his_o affliction_n of_o spirit_n be_v the_o 88_o psalm_n bear_v witness_v special_o v_o 13._o 14_o 15._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 and_o why_o cast_v thou_o off_o my_o soul_n why_o hide_v thou_o thy_o face_n from_o i_o i_o be_o afflict_v and_o ready_a to_o die_v from_o my_o youth_n up_o while_o i_o suffer_v thy_o terror_n i_o be_o distract_v etc._n etc._n and_o therefore_o there_o be_v no_o just_a cause_n that_o any_o in_o who_o the_o evidence_n of_o faith_n and_o repentance_n may_v be_v find_v shall_v call_v the_o sincerity_n of_o his_o own_o conversion_n in_o question_n how_o hardly_o soever_o he_o seem_v to_o be_v handle_v of_o god_n for_o whosoever_o be_v join_v to_o the_o lord_n jesus_n and_o will_v neither_o suffer_v himself_o to_o be_v drive_v from_o he_o nor_o yet_o will_v endure_v sin_n to_o remain_v in_o himself_o uncontrolled_a be_v certain_o a_o true_a convert_n as_o for_o these_o who_o for_o some_o temporal_a cause_n be_v come_v to_o christ_n as_o many_o do_v come_v in_o the_o day_n of_o his_o flesh_n that_o they_o may_v be_v deliver_v from_o some_o temporal_a evil_n or_o obtain_v some_o temporal_a benefit_n and_o for_o that_o cause_n do_v doubt_n of_o their_o conversion_n or_o sincerity_n thereof_o they_o need_v not_o dispute_n much_o about_o the_o occasion_n of_o their_o first_o seek_v after_o god_n provide_v that_o they_o have_v learn_v what_o christ_n grace_n be_v and_o do_v seek_v righteousness_n and_o salvation_n in_o he_o for_o we_o read_v in_o the_o evangel_n that_o sundry_a that_o they_o may_v be_v cure_v of_o leprosy_n palsy_n blindness_n etc._n etc._n come_v unto_o christ_n who_o afterward_o come_v and_o adhere_v to_o he_o by_o faith_n as_o the_o only_a redeemer_n and_o saviour_n of_o their_o soul_n from_o sin_n and_o misery_n wherefore_o in_o such_o doubt_n let_v not_o the_o afflict_a trouble_n himself_o nor_o call_v his_o conversion_n in_o question_n but_o let_v he_o give_v all_o diligence_n to_o strengthen_v his_o faith_n and_o to_o increase_v in_o holiness_n make_v his_o call_n and_o election_n sure_a by_o well-doing_n for_o if_o he_o do_v this_o he_o shall_v neither_o be_v find_v idle_a nor_o unfruitful_a in_o the_o knowledge_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n as_o the_o apostle_n promise_v 2_o pet._n 1._o 8._o chap._n xi_o wherein_o the_o convert_v doubt_n of_o his_o be_v in_o the_o state_n of_o grace_n arise_v from_o heavy_a affliction_n and_o grievous_a tentation_n be_v solve_v some_o true_a convert_n sometime_o fall_v into_o great_a suspicion_n of_o their_o regeneration_n of_o their_o effectual_a call_n and_o of_o the_o love_n of_o god_n unto_o they_o and_o that_o because_o they_o meet_v with_o sore_a outward_a affliction_n and_o be_v assault_v also_o possible_o with_o horrible_a inward_a tentation_n which_o do_v befall_v they_o unexpected_o and_o be_v ready_a to_o swallow_v they_o up_o for_o whereas_o after_o divers_a conflict_n in_o their_o conversion_n and_o peace_n of_o conscience_n follow_v after_o these_o sad_a exercise_n of_o mind_n they_o hope_v to_o have_v enjoy_v god_n peace_n still_o after_o
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
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