his_o office_n his_o name_n paul_n his_o office_n a_o apostle_n this_o be_v further_a amplify_v christ_n 1._o from_o the_o author_n of_o his_o office_n jesus_n christ_n jesus_n because_o of_o the_o beneficium_fw-la convey_v to_o we_o by_o he_o christ_n because_o of_o the_o officium_fw-la undertake_v by_o he_o 2._o from_o the_o manner_n how_o or_o impulsive_a cause_n by_o the_o will_n of_o god_n in_o the_o inscription_n there_o be_v also_o mention_v of_o a_o companion_n or_o person_n conjoin_v with_o paul_n not_o to_o dictate_v this_o epistle_n but_o as_o a_o approver_n of_o it_o who_o be_v describe_v from_o his_o name_n timothy_n and_o from_o his_o relation_n a_o brother_n in_o the_o next_o place_n we_o have_v the_o subject_a to_o who_o this_o epistle_n be_v direct_v and_o that_o be_v either_o more_o special_a the_o church_n of_o god_n describe_v by_o its_o local_a situation_n at_o corinth_n or_o else_o more_o general_o with_o the_o place_n where_o they_o live_v all_o the_o saint_n 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ordinary_a pastor_n succeed_v the_o apostle_n in_o what_o they_o have_v as_o ordinary_a viz._n to_o preach_v the_o word_n and_o dispense_v the_o sacrament_n last_o though_o thus_o admirable_o qualify_v yet_o they_o do_v not_o convert_v all_o before_o they_o but_o many_o resist_v their_o doctrine_n many_o grow_v enemy_n and_o opposite_a to_o they_o insomuch_o that_o all_o but_o john_n be_v put_v to_o violent_a death_n it_o be_v then_o no_o wonder_n if_o ordinary_a pastor_n do_v not_o reform_v a_o whole_a congregation_n if_o they_o be_v hate_v and_o oppose_v for_o can_v they_o expect_v to_o be_v better_a than_o the_o apostle_n do_v not_o then_o think_v with_o yourselves_o if_o we_o have_v such_o as_o the_o apostle_n to_o preach_v to_o we_o immediate_o call_v of_o god_n and_o that_o can_v confirm_v their_o doctrine_n by_o miracle_n than_o we_o will_v present_o submit_v this_o be_v but_o deceit_n and_o hypocrisy_n and_o certain_o though_o the_o apostle_n be_v take_v from_o we_o yet_o we_o 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jurisdiction_n yet_o if_o he_o do_v not_o succeed_v likewise_o peter_n in_o his_o doctrine_n in_o his_o diligence_n and_o life_n he_o be_v inexcusable_a and_o well_o do_v the_o painter_n draw_v peter_n with_o too_o red_a a_o colour_n as_o blush_v at_o the_o enormity_n of_o his_o successor_n so_o that_o two_o thing_n go_v to_o make_v a_o complete_a officer_n in_o the_o church_n his_o divine_a call_n and_o his_o faithful_a administration_n thereof_o and_o this_o late_a be_v necessary_a because_o without_o diligence_n therein_o he_o can_v expect_v that_o promise_n and_o assistance_n of_o god_n which_o otherwise_o will_v be_v communicate_v unto_o he_o these_o thing_n premise_v let_v we_o consider_v what_o be_v the_o great_a practical_a concernment_n which_o will_v follow_v those_o who_o have_v a_o true_a call_v of_o god_n and_o first_o for_o the_o officer_n themselves_o there_o be_v these_o encouragement_n assistance_n 1._o
as_o david_n when_o banish_v from_o the_o public_a ordinance_n lament_v it_o more_o than_o banishment_n from_o his_o own_o house_n and_o land_n and_o native_a country_n thus_o they_o cry_v out_o with_o he_o as_o the_o hart_n pant_v after_o the_o water_n brook_v so_o pant_v our_o soul_n after_o thou_o o_o god_n you_o see_v then_o it_o be_v a_o duty_n to_o be_v of_o a_o church_n hence_o because_o a_o church_n be_v a_o company_n we_o be_v diligent_o to_o attend_v to_o what_o be_v our_o duty_n as_o we_o be_v a_o church_n and_o this_o you_o have_v need_n hear_v of_o often_o for_o you_o must_v know_v you_o be_v under_o a_o twofold_a consideration_n one_o absolute_a as_o a_o private_a and_o single_a person_n and_o so_o you_o have_v several_a duty_n to_o attend_v unto_o 2._o relative_n as_o you_o be_v a_o member_n of_o a_o church_n or_o part_n of_o such_o a_o society_n and_o so_o there_o be_v choice_n and_o special_a duty_n your_o solemn_a church-duty_n such_o as_o hear_n pray_v and_o all_o 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have_v promise_v his_o more_o peculiar_a presence_n and_o assistance_n but_o of_o this_o more_o in_o its_o time_n in_o the_o next_o place_n there_o be_v add_v in_o the_o doctrinal_a description_n that_o it_o be_v a_o company_n of_o person_n call_v of_o god_n by_o the_o preach_n of_o the_o word_n wherein_o be_v considerable_a the_o efficient_a cause_n and_o the_o instrumental_a the_o efficient_a be_v god_n call_v by_o god_n and_o first_o in_o that_o they_o be_v say_v to_o be_v call_v by_o god_n this_o imply_v these_o thing_n 1._o that_o it_o be_v the_o mere_a goodness_n and_o grace_n of_o god_n that_o make_v a_o people_n to_o be_v a_o church_n therefore_o they_o be_v thus_o name_v ecclesia_fw-la the_o grecian_n call_v their_o assembly_n so_o because_o of_o some_o humane_a authority_n gather_v they_o together_o but_o the_o people_n of_o god_n be_v call_v a_o church_n because_o god_n call_v they_o so_o that_o as_o there_o be_v a_o difference_n between_o a_o garden_n and_o a_o wilderness_n the_o one_o be_v natural_o so_o but_o the_o other_o be_v plant_v by_o art_n and_o industry_n nature_n do_v not_o of_o itself_o especial_o since_o man_n fall_n bring_v forth_o garden_n and_o choice_a flower_n but_o there_o be_v great_a art_n and_o culture_n require_v thereunto_o thus_o it_o be_v with_o the_o church_n man_n be_v make_v the_o church_n by_o god_n grace_n but_o they_o be_v the_o world_n of_o themselves_o the_o world_n and_o the_o church_n be_v two_o opposite_n god_n make_v the_o one_o and_o be_v present_a in_o a_o special_a manner_n there_o but_o sin_n and_o satan_n make_v and_o rule_v in_o the_o other_o when_o the_o psalmist_n say_v it_o be_v he_o that_o have_v make_v we_o not_o we_o ourselves_o we_o be_v the_o sheep_n of_o his_o pasture_n calvin_n understand_v it_o of_o their_o church_n make_v it_o be_v the_o goodness_n and_o power_n of_o god_n that_o make_v they_o so_o hence_o it_o be_v that_o it_o be_v often_o compare_v to_o and_o call_v the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n 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fall_v into_o its_o fullness_n and_o this_o it_o be_v that_o make_v it_o to_o be_v such_o a_o admirable_a privilege_n and_o blessedness_n to_o be_v of_o the_o church_n for_o the_o world_n be_v sure_a to_o perish_v be_v sure_o to_o be_v damn_v there_o be_v no_o abide_n therein_o as_o if_o a_o israelite_n have_v continue_v in_o a_o egyptian_n house_n when_o the_o destroy_a angel_n pass_v by_o he_o be_v sure_a to_o be_v kill_v thus_o there_o be_v no_o way_n but_o of_o damnation_n in_o the_o world_n without_o this_o ark_n of_o the_o church_n every_o one_o must_v necessary_o perish_v but_o this_o be_v that_o which_o shall_v make_v all_o our_o heart_n ache_v and_o tremble_v at_o to_o consider_v that_o though_o the_o church_n be_v call_v out_o of_o the_o world_n yet_o it_o be_v almost_o degenerate_v into_o the_o world_n again_o look_v over_o the_o face_n and_o conversation_n of_o all_o church_n be_v they_o not_o become_v the_o world_n be_v not_o a_o garden_n make_v a_o wilderness_n be_v not_o the_o lust_n the_o profaneness_n the_o ignorance_n the_o impiety_n that_o be_v in_o the_o world_n to_o be_v find_v in_o the_o church_n like_o wise_a and_o what_o have_v be_v the_o sad_a occasion_n of_o so_o many_o to_o say_v our_o congregation_n be_v no_o church_n that_o a_o man_n can_v with_o a_o good_a conscience_n stay_v among_o you_o or_o have_v communion_n with_o you_o be_v it_o not_o because_o of_o the_o universalimpiety_n they_o see_v among_o we_o as_o if_o the_o church_n of_o god_n which_o be_v like_o the_o ark_n in_o other_o thing_n be_v in_o this_o also_o that_o all_o kind_n of_o thing_n unclean_a as_o well_o as_o clean_o swine_n as_o well_o as_o sheep_n vulture_n as_o well_o as_o dove_n be_v to_o be_v take_v into_o it_o we_o see_v as_o it_o have_v be_v god_n work_n to_o turn_v the_o world_n into_o church_n so_o it_o have_v be_v the_o devil_n work_v to_o turn_v the_o church_n into_o the_o world_n again_o but_o woe_n be_v to_o the_o wicked_a man_n that_o be_v so_o in_o the_o church_n of_o god_n god_n will_v be_v sure_a to_o punish_v you_o a_o nettle_n or_o weed_n in_o the_o garden_n be_v sure_a to_o be_v pluck_v up_o whereas_o in_o the_o wilderness_n it_o may_v grow_v and_o never_o be_v meddle_v with_o serm_n xiii_o concern_v the_o efficient_a instrumental_a formal_a and_o final_a cause_n of_o a_o church_n 2_o cor._n 1._o 1._o to_o the_o church_n at_o corinth_n we_o be_v describe_v the_o nature_n of_o a_o particular_a visible_a church_n and_o in_o that_o have_v discuss_v the_o efficient_a cause_n with_o the_o manner_n of_o his_o efficiency_n express_v in_o those_o word_n called_n of_o god_n what_o be_v imply_v in_o that_o have_v be_v examine_v only_o there_o remain_v a_o necessary_a distinction_n to_o be_v attend_v unto_o of_o god_n call_v that_o it_o be_v twofold_a either_o external_n only_o or_o external_n and_o internal_a also_o or_o a_o effectual_a and_o ineffectual_a call_v for_o though_o this_o distinction_n be_v hate_v by_o some_o man_n yet_o the_o scripture_n be_v very_o clear_a that_o there_o be_v many_o call_v who_o yet_o be_v not_o choose_v and_o when_o he_o say_v call_v it_o be_v not_o mean_v only_o active_o on_o god_n part_n as_o some_o be_v call_v but_o yet_o refuse_v and_o will_v also_o not_o so_o much_o as_o outward_o profess_v obedience_n but_o call_v be_v to_o be_v understand_v passive_o on_o man_n part_n so_o that_o he_o give_v some_o outward_a conformity_n to_o god_n call_v there_o be_v a_o external_a reception_n and_o submission_n to_o it_o but_o yet_o there_o be_v no_o true_a inward_a sanctification_n insomuch_o that_o some_o who_o be_v call_v the_o child_n of_o the_o kingdom_n shall_v be_v cast_v forth_o and_o they_o
write_v to_o they_o as_o if_o all_o be_v gentile_n as_o chap._n 12._o 2._o you_o know_v that_o you_o be_v gentile_n carry_v away_o to_o dumb_a idol_n etc._n etc._n hence_o the_o same_o author_n say_v that_o it_o be_v one_o church_n collect_v of_o all_o the_o believer_n in_o that_o place_n licet_fw-la esse_fw-la potuerint_fw-la in_o eadem_fw-la civitate_fw-la distinctae_fw-la ut_fw-la it_o a_o dicam_fw-la parochiae_fw-la as_o for_o the_o notion_n of_o a_o learned_a man_n that_o the_o jewish_a believer_n and_o gentile_a believer_n do_v make_v two_o distinct_a church_n and_o have_v two_o distinct_a bishop_n which_o he_o think_v will_v salve_v some_o seem_a contradiction_n in_o ecclesiastical_a history_n that_o be_v of_o a_o heterogeneous_a nature_n to_o my_o purpose_n i_o pass_v it_o by_o thus_o also_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n be_v call_v a_o church_n which_o yet_o by_o many_o probable_a argument_n seem_v to_o be_v more_o than_o one_o neither_o may_v we_o think_v that_o christ_n have_v invest_v one_o single_a congregation_n ordinary_o with_o all_o church_n power_n for_o that_o precedent_n and_o example_n of_o a_o council_n or_o synod_n mention_v act._n 15._o do_v inform_v that_o there_o be_v to_o be_v synod_n not_o only_o by_o way_n of_o advice_n but_o by_o power_n and_o that_o over_o particular_a church_n we_o proceed_v to_o the_o next_o thing_n considerable_a in_o this_o description_n of_o the_o church_n and_o that_o be_v the_o efficient_a cause_n the_o church_n of_o god_n this_o distinguish_v the_o church_n from_o all_o civil_a and_o mere_a political_a assembly_n for_o though_o the_o earth_n be_v the_o lord_n and_o the_o fullness_n thereof_o yet_o the_o church_n be_v the_o lord_n in_o a_o more_o peculiar_a and_o appropriate_v manner_n sometime_o the_o church_n be_v name_v absolute_o without_o any_o addition_n as_o when_o paul_n be_v say_v to_o persecute_v the_o church_n sometime_o it_o be_v restrain_v to_o the_o place_n thus_o the_o church_n of_o ephesus_n the_o church_n of_o laodicea_n but_o most_o common_o it_o be_v the_o church_n of_o god_n or_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n sometime_o both_o be_v put_v together_o as_o 1_o thes_n 1._o 1._o to_o the_o church_n of_o the_o thessalonian_n which_o be_v in_o god_n the_o father_n and_o in_o jesus_n christ_n so_o also_o 2_o thess_n 1._o 1._o and_o certain_o if_o so_o be_v the_o apostle_n consider_v we_o mere_o as_o creature_n make_v use_n of_o and_o sanctify_v that_o of_o the_o poet_n for_o we_o be_v his_o offspring_n how_o much_o more_o be_v it_o true_a of_o we_o as_o member_n of_o a_o church_n observe_v that_o a_o church_n be_v god_n people_n in_o a_o more_o peculiar_a and_o special_a manner_n though_o he_o be_v the_o god_n of_o the_o world_n yet_o in_o a_o more_o special_a manner_n he_o be_v other_o a_o god_n of_o his_o church_n the_o consideration_n of_o this_o truth_n may_v tend_v much_o to_o our_o spiritual_a edification_n for_o if_o we_o be_v of_o god_n how_o much_o shall_v it_o humble_v we_o to_o see_v any_o thing_n among_o we_o that_o be_v of_o sin_n or_o the_o devil_n be_v ignorance_n or_o profaneness_n of_o god_n so_o be_v humane_a superstition_n of_o god_n but_o to_o open_v this_o let_v we_o consider_v what_o be_v imply_v in_o this_o when_o a_o church_n be_v say_v to_o be_v the_o church_n of_o god_n first_o therefore_o this_o show_v that_o a_o church_n be_v a_o supernatural_a society_n it_o be_v spiritual_a company_n of_o man_n so_o that_o a_o church_n be_v not_o like_o a_o civil_a corporation_n or_o like_a kingdom_n and_o commonwealth_n which_o be_v by_o mere_a humane_a institution_n and_o agreement_n though_o magistracy_n itself_o it_o be_v of_o god_n but_o be_v supernatural_a and_o therefore_o it_o be_v call_v the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n and_o jerusalem_n which_o be_v from_o above_o so_o the_o church_n be_v call_v gal._n 4._o 26._o even_o while_o it_o be_v here_o on_o earth_n before_o it_o be_v triumphant_a in_o heaven_n now_o the_o church_n be_v a_o supernatural_a society_n many_o way_n in_o which_o respect_n it_o may_v be_v call_v the_o church_n of_o god_n in_o a_o more_o eminent_a manner_n for_o in_o respect_n of_o its_o efficient_a so_o god_n alone_o be_v the_o author_n of_o it_o call_v therefore_o ecclesia_fw-la because_o god_n by_o his_o word_n call_v they_o from_o their_o heathenish_a idolatry_n and_o practice_n make_v of_o they_o a_o church_n thus_o the_o people_n of_o corinth_n when_o they_o be_v secure_o indulge_v themselves_o in_o all_o manner_n of_o impiety_n have_v no_o thought_n or_o desire_n to_o be_v a_o church_n god_n by_o paul_n call_v they_o to_o be_v one_o even_o as_o god_n by_o his_o breath_n cause_v the_o dry_a bone_n to_o gather_v together_o and_o to_o live_v or_o as_o at_o the_o day_n of_o judgement_n god_n by_o the_o voice_n of_o a_o archangel_n will_v raise_v the_o dead_a in_o the_o grave_n who_o have_v no_o life_n or_o sense_n in_o they_o thus_o it_o be_v the_o lord_n that_o make_v church_n every_o where_o in_o the_o preach_n of_o the_o gospel_n it_o be_v the_o gracious_a work_n of_o god_n that_o find_v we_o out_o in_o britain_n and_o make_v a_o church_n to_o himself_o so_o that_o we_o be_v loca_fw-la inaccessa_fw-la to_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n and_o his_o spirit_n though_o to_o humane_a power_n it_o be_v true_a indeed_o god_n be_v the_o god_n of_o the_o world_n he_o create_v heaven_n and_o earth_n with_o all_o therein_o yet_o though_o god_n do_v thus_o immediate_o create_v the_o world_n at_o first_o we_o do_v not_o say_v the_o creature_n therein_o be_v god_n grace_n or_o that_o they_o have_v a_o supernatural_a be_v for_o it_o be_v not_o enough_o to_o make_v a_o thing_n grace_n or_o supernatural_a that_o god_n do_v immediate_o create_v it_o but_o that_o his_o power_n be_v in_o a_o peculiar_a and_o extraordinary_a manner_n and_o that_o for_o supernatural_a effect_n and_o end_n oh_o therefore_o how_o great_o shall_v we_o be_v affect_v with_o the_o grace_n and_o power_n of_o god_n in_o create_v to_o himself_o a_o church_n out_o of_o the_o world_n he_o may_v have_v no_o more_o make_v a_o church_n here_o or_o there_o in_o the_o earth_n than_o he_o do_v in_o hell_n and_o he_o that_o at_o first_o plant_v a_o curious_a garden_n and_o put_v man_n therein_o be_v much_o more_o wonderful_a in_o make_v of_o a_o church_n to_o himself_o yet_o how_o brutish_a and_o earthly_a be_v we_o we_o can_v bless_v god_n for_o the_o world_n and_o the_o comfort_n thereof_o that_o the_o earth_n bring_v forth_o food_n for_o we_o that_o we_o have_v the_o air_n to_o breath_n in_o the_o glorious_a sun_n to_o be_v a_o daily_a light_n to_o we_o yet_o we_o be_v not_o thus_o affect_v with_o church-mercy_n and_o church-ordinance_n david_n indeed_o upon_o the_o former_a consideration_n cry_v out_o lord_n what_o be_v man_n that_o thou_o be_v thus_o mindful_a of_o he_o &_o c_o but_o we_o may_v much_o rather_o from_o these_o supernatural_a respect_n second_o it_o be_v supernatural_a in_o respect_n of_o the_o purchase_n give_v for_o they_o the_o price_n pay_v to_o make_v they_o the_o lord_n for_o you_o must_v know_v upon_o adam_n fall_n all_o mankind_n be_v excommunicate_v unchurch_v as_o it_o be_v and_o therefore_o cast_v out_o from_o paradise_n and_o god_n gracious_a presence_n and_o hence_o it_o be_v that_o we_o be_v say_v natural_o to_o be_v without_o god_n yea_o the_o devil_n be_v say_v to_o be_v the_o god_n of_o the_o world_n thus_o until_o god_n make_v we_o a_o church_n we_o be_v under_o the_o power_n of_o satan_n whole_o and_o therefore_o to_o be_v cast_v out_o of_o the_o church_n be_v to_o be_v deliver_v to_o satan_n thus_o then_o be_v fall_v off_o from_o the_o lord_n and_o now_o become_v the_o devil_n in_o who_o he_o reign_v we_o can_v not_o be_v purchase_v from_o this_o thraldom_n but_o by_o the_o death_n of_o christ_n and_o therefore_o we_o be_v call_v the_o church_n of_o christ_n as_o well_o as_o of_o god_n because_o though_o conquer_a by_o god_n spirit_n yet_o we_o be_v buy_v by_o his_o blood_n and_o this_o the_o apostle_n urge_v that_o therefore_o we_o be_v none_o of_o our_o own_o but_o be_v to_o live_v to_o he_o we_o be_v to_o be_v his_o peculiar_a people_n zealous_a of_o good_a work_n tit._n 2._o 15._o thus_o it_o cost_v more_o to_o be_v god_n church_n then_o to_o be_v the_o world_n at_o first_o for_o he_o speak_v and_o it_o be_v make_v but_o here_o christ_n die_v and_o so_o it_o be_v purchase_v what_o a_o powerful_a engagement_n be_v this_o for_o all_o of_o a_o church_n to_o walk_v holy_o what_o do_v christ_n die_v that_o you_o shall_v wallow_v in_o the_o filth_n of_o your_o sin_n what_o will_v you_o deny_v the_o lord_n that_o buy_v you_o if_o thou_o will_v be_v ignorant_a and_o profane_a
true_a saint_n in_o gift_n and_o grace_n despise_v and_o contemn_v such_o as_o be_v below_o they_o to_o judge_v they_o no_o saint_n or_o not_o godly_a at_o all_o that_o there_o be_v such_o a_o disposition_n even_o in_o grow_v saint_n appear_v rom._n 14._o where_o the_o apostle_n give_v several_a rule_n to_o strong_a christian_n especial_o that_o they_o judge_v not_o or_o despise_v he_o that_o be_v weak_a and_o one_o reason_n among_o other_o be_v because_o god_n have_v receive_v he_o if_o therefore_o he_o be_v one_o who_o god_n have_v receive_v for_o who_o christ_n die_v though_o subject_a to_o many_o weakness_n and_o infirmity_n take_v heed_n of_o contemn_v he_o such_o a_o supercilious_a censorious_a spirit_n be_v far_o from_o the_o spirit_n of_o christ_n who_o when_o he_o see_v one_o not_o far_o from_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n though_o not_o yet_o in_o it_o yet_o it_o be_v say_v he_o love_v he_o and_o encourage_v he_o hence_o in_o the_o second_o place_n this_o real_a saintship_n 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have_v apprehend_v but_o forget_v what_o be_v behind_o and_o press_v forward_o to_o the_o mark_n cloppenburge_n a_o learned_a man_n think_v that_o even_o christ_n himself_o do_v feed_v and_o nourish_v his_o soul_n by_o meditate_v on_o god_n word_n and_o that_o in_o the_o use_n of_o the_o sacrament_n his_o faith_n be_v more_o confirm_v for_o to_o go_v through_o that_o work_n of_o redemption_n for_o we_o this_o may_v seem_v hard_a to_o affirm_v of_o christ_n who_o have_v the_o spirit_n without_o measure_n but_o it_o be_v very_o true_a of_o every_o saint_n on_o earth_n though_o never_o so_o exalt_v and_o enable_v by_o grace_n that_o he_o need_v the_o ordinance_n that_o he_o be_v to_o perfect_a and_o fill_v up_o that_o vacuity_n and_o emptiness_n which_o be_v in_o he_o so_o that_o he_o may_v say_v with_o ignatius_n when_o go_v to_o be_v sacrifice_v for_o the_o truth_n nune_n incipio_fw-la esse_fw-la christianus_n i_o do_v even_o now_o begin_v to_o be_v a_o christian_n to_o be_v a_o saint_n i_o be_o but_o a_o babe_n yet_o i_o be_o but_o a_o beginner_n yet_o three_o this_o church-saintship_a therefore_o do_v consist_v with_o many_o imperfection_n imperfection_n and_o weakness_n so_o that_o we_o need_v a_o constant_a and_o daily_a remission_n of_o sin_n through_o the_o blood_n of_o christ_n this_o be_v great_o to_o be_v observe_v because_o some_o have_v dream_v of_o such_o a_o perfection_n in_o this_o life_n that_o if_o not_o always_o yet_o for_o some_o time_n we_o may_v be_v without_o any_o sin_n at_o all_o and_o therefore_o they_o tell_v we_o of_o saint_n in_o the_o church_n which_o need_v no_o pardon_n or_o forgiveness_n as_o if_o to_o be_v a_o saint_n in_o the_o church_n and_o a_o saint_n in_o heaven_n be_v all_o one_o but_o our_o saviour_n in_o direct_v all_o to_o pray_v for_o the_o forgiveness_n of_o sin_n i_o say_v all_o that_o be_v to_o pray_v be_v to_o pray_v so_o do_v plain_o confute_v this_o and_o the_o apostle_n john_n say_v that_o if_o we_o say_v we_o have_v no_o sin_n in_o we_o we_o deceive_v ourselves_o and_o indeed_o we_o sin_n in_o say_v so_o and_o this_o be_v the_o more_o to_o be_v observe_v because_o the_o dear_a child_n of_o god_n think_v this_o title_n of_o saint_n too_o glorious_a and_o great_a to_o apply_v to_o themselves_o who_o be_v compass_v about_o with_o such_o infirmity_n how_o can_v i_o be_v call_v a_o saint_n and_o yet_o so_o dull_a so_o sluggish_a so_o froward_a earthly_a and_o often_o disorder_v in_o heart_n but_o you_o be_v to_o know_v that_o though_o saint_n yet_o we_o be_v not_o to_o be_v justify_v by_o our_o saintship_n we_o need_v the_o impute_a righteousness_n of_o christ_n to_o cover_v the_o imperfection_n of_o our_o saintship_n yea_o some_o have_v not_o lose_v their_o saintship_n and_o yet_o have_v fall_v into_o foul_a sin_n for_o a_o season_n david_n peter_n and_o other_o do_v not_o cease_v to_o be_v saint_n in_o those_o sad_a fall_n though_o their_o holiness_n be_v draw_v inward_a and_o as_o the_o juice_n of_o the_o tree_n in_o the_o winter_n be_v hide_v in_o the_o root_n under_o ground_n but_o these_o sun_n be_v not_o always_o in_o a_o eclipse_n at_o last_o they_o do_v recover_v to_o their_o great_a advantage_n in_o holiness_n and_o to_o be_v a_o pillar_n of_o salt_n to_o all_o other_o saint_n nor_o to_o be_v high-minded_a but_o fear_v four_o to_o be_v a_o saint_n be_v a_o denomination_n from_o our_o conformity_n to_o the_o will_n of_o god_n as_o a_o rule_n of_o our_o life_n so_o that_o if_o you_o ask_v what_o be_v it_o to_o be_v a_o saint_n it_o be_v god_n to_o be_v one_o bear_v again_o by_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n make_v the_o word_n of_o god_n to_o be_v the_o rule_n of_o all_o his_o action_n so_o that_o god_n word_n must_v try_v whether_o thou_o be_v a_o saint_n or_o no_o not_o thy_o own_o thought_n or_o the_o applause_n of_o other_o can_v make_v thou_o a_o saint_n but_o thy_o life_n regulate_v by_o god_n word_n the_o papist_n cry_v up_o their_o saint_n francis_n who_o they_o equalise_v to_o christ_n in_o many_o thing_n but_o his_o saintship_n must_v be_v try_v not_o by_o his_o voluntary_a poverty_n or_o strict_a observance_n of_o humane_a tradition_n but_o by_o a_o consonancy_n to_o god_n word_n thus_o who_o ever_o be_v cry_v up_o for_o a_o saint_n still_o we_o must_v examine_v how_o do_v the_o word_n and_o his_o life_n agree_v be_v he_o as_o it_o be_v a_o walk_a bible_n do_v he_o will_v what_o that_o will_n and_o will_z what_o that_o nill_v and_o this_o further_a also_o may_v inform_v we_o that_o we_o be_v not_o to_o make_v a_o man_n a_o saint_n because_o of_o a_o particular_a opinion_n in_o some_o way_n of_o church-government_n as_o if_o none_o can_v be_v saint_n but_o of_o such_o a_o opinion_n for_o the_o word_n saint_n denote_v one_o make_v holy_a by_o the_o image_n of_o god_n restore_v in_o he_o though_o he_o may_v differ_v from_o another_o saint_n in_o a_o churchway_n for_o although_o it_o be_v our_o duty_n to_o study_v out_o the_o mind_n and_o will_n of_o christ_n concern_v church-order_n and_o with_o his_o institution_n only_o we_o may_v expect_v his_o gracious_a presence_n yet_o such_o be_v the_o corruption_n and_o weakness_n upon_o the_o understanding_n of_o the_o best_a that_o though_o god_n spirit_n will_v lead_v they_o into_o all_o necessary_a truth_n yet_o they_o may_v fail_v in_o some_o accessory_n and_o so_o one_o saint_n may_v differ_v from_o another_o yea_o and_o write_v against_o another_o though_o such_o thing_n do_v prove_v as_o calvin_n say_v of_o melancihons_n difference_n from_o he_o pessimi_fw-la exempli_fw-la of_o very_o evil_a example_n and_o confirm_v the_o adversary_n of_o godliness_n in_o their_o dangerous_a prejudices_fw-la against_o it_o these_o thing_n thus_o lay_v down_o let_v we_o consider_v why_o all_o the_o forementioned_a step_v of_o a_o church-saint_n be_v nothing_o without_o the_o latter_a to_o be_v a_o saint_n by_o the_o outward_a covenant_n by_o dedication_n to_o god_n by_o outward_a profession_n and_o vocation_n yea_o to_o be_v a_o saint_n have_v some_o work_n of_o god_n spirit_n on_o we_o unless_o we_o be_v bear_v of_o god_n and_o so_o have_v holy_a nature_n holy_a affection_n and_o a_o holy_a conversation_n it_o be_v to_o be_v like_o the_o foolish_a virgiâ—s_n who_o have_v lamp_n and_o those_o light_v but_o want_v oil_n let_v we_o therefore_o consider_v what_o may_v provoke_v we_o to_o be_v saint_n indeed_o and_o 1._o what_o matter_n of_o shame_n and_o reproach_n be_v it_o to_o have_v the_o name_n of_o a_o saint_n only_o saint_n and_o nothing_o else_o thy_o life_n not_o the_o life_n of_o a_o saint_n thy_o word_n thy_o action_n not_o the_o expression_n of_o a_o saint_n be_v not_o this_o ridiculous_a even_o as_o
father_n be_v able_a to_o say_v with_o the_o church_n i_o be_o my_o belove_n and_o my_o beloved_n be_v i_o and_o cant._n 8._o 10._o i_o be_v in_o his_o eye_n as_o one_o that_o find_v favour_n or_o peace_n be_v conduct_v from_o one_o room_n of_o consolation_n unto_o another_o as_o therefore_o thou_o desire_v to_o answer_v the_o law_n of_o god_n in_o holiness_n and_o a_o godly_a walk_n so_o conform_v thyself_o to_o the_o gospel_n by_o a_o peaceable_a and_o joyful_a disposition_n the_o apostle_n say_v rom._n 10._o 15._o how_o welcome_a be_v the_o foot_n of_o those_o who_o preach_v the_o gospel_n of_o peace_n and_o certain_o there_o can_v be_v any_o truth_n in_o the_o world_n more_o precious_a and_o welcome_a to_o this_o indebt_a prisoner_n of_o sin_n who_o groan_v under_o the_o burden_n of_o it_o then_o this_o year_n of_o jubilee_n this_o year_n of_o peace_n and_o of_o a_o general_a releasement_n matth._n 10._o 6._o our_o saviour_n instruct_v his_o disciple_n as_o they_o do_v go_v from_o house_n to_o house_n preach_v the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n if_o they_o do_v meet_v with_o a_o son_n of_o peace_n peace_n shall_v rest_v upon_o that_o house_n oh_o that_o in_o our_o gospel-sermon_n we_o do_v meet_v with_o these_o son_n of_o peace_n those_o hearer_n of_o peace_n that_o so_o it_o may_v rest_v upon_o they_o how_o can_v you_o be_v under_o the_o hot_a beam_n of_o this_o sun_n of_o righteousness_n display_v in_o the_o gospel_n and_o yet_o be_v so_o chill_a and_o freeze_a with_o fear_n and_o unbelief_n how_o can_v you_o be_v in_o the_o shop_n of_o this_o precious_a ointment_n and_o you_o not_o be_v full_a of_o the_o sweet_a savour_n of_o it_o though_o the_o antinomian_a abuse_n this_o precious_a doctrine_n cry_v down_o the_o preach_n of_o the_o law_n and_o make_v all_o that_o do_v it_o to_o be_v legal_a preacher_n shall_v we_o therefore_o cry_v down_o a_o gospel-disposition_n neither_o of_o these_o be_v to_o be_v preach_v to_o the_o prejudice_n of_o the_o other_o serm._n xxvi_o a_o further_a discovery_n of_o the_o nature_n of_o true_a gospel-peace_n with_o the_o effect_n of_o it_o and_o some_o direction_n how_o to_o attain_v it_o 2_o cor._n 1._o 2._o and_o peace_n from_o god_n our_o father_n and_o from_o the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n we_o be_v treat_v upon_o this_o admirable_a and_o unspeakable_a privilege_n of_o peace_n from_o god_n it_o be_v a_o peace_n from_o god_n and_o it_o be_v a_o peace_n with_o god_n you_o have_v hear_v several_a particular_n go_v to_o the_o constitution_n of_o it_o there_o yet_o remain_v more_o in_o the_o next_o place_n therefore_o this_o peace_n here_o pray_v for_o be_v a_o peace_n in_o heavenly_a consideration_n because_o our_o person_n be_v justify_v our_o sin_n be_v forgive_v therefore_o we_o have_v peace_n as_o rom._n 5._o 1._o there_o be_v a_o external_a worldly_a peace_n which_o the_o natural_a man_n of_o the_o world_n only_a desire_n let_v they_o live_v in_o peace_n and_o security_n let_v they_o have_v the_o good_a thing_n of_o this_o world_n with_o the_o peaceable_a enjoy_n of_o they_o this_o be_v the_o utmost_a of_o their_o desire_n they_o think_v this_o be_v enough_o we_o see_v this_o notable_o ezek._n 13._o 10_o 16._o where_o the_o people_n desire_v such_o prophet_n only_o that_o will_v prophesy_v of_o peace_n to_o they_o peace_n be_v so_o love_v that_o therefore_o wicked_a man_n do_v so_o extreme_o hate_v the_o faithful_a messenger_n of_o god_n because_o they_o proclaim_v no_o peace_n to_o they_o they_o inform_v they_o of_o god_n wrath_n and_o vengeance_n against_o such_o now_o this_o cut_v they_o to_o the_o very_a heart_n they_o delight_v only_o in_o such_o peacemonger_n that_o though_o they_o go_v on_o in_o all_o wickedness_n and_o profaneness_n yet_o you_o must_v tell_v they_o all_o be_v well_o sow_v pillow_n under_o their_o elbow_n that_o they_o may_v lie_v down_o in_o security_n man_n that_o desire_v to_o sleep_v love_v not_o to_o hear_v any_o noise_n but_o the_o peace_n in_o the_o text_n be_v not_o breed_v from_o such_o base_a and_o low_a material_n when_o the_o wicked_a man_n be_v deprive_v of_o his_o pleasure_n his_o profit_n than_o all_o his_o peace_n be_v go_v but_o the_o godly_a do_v many_o time_n partake_v in_o the_o most_o powerful_a manner_n of_o this_o peace_n when_o they_o be_v in_o the_o most_o afflict_a and_o wretched_a estate_n because_o this_o peace_n be_v within_o and_o upon_o spiritual_a ground_n and_o therefore_o when_o the_o godly_a many_o time_n have_v most_o of_o outward_a trouble_n they_o do_v rich_o abound_v with_o this_o spiritual_a inward_a peace_n hence_o it_o be_v that_o a_o gracious_a spiritual_a heart_n do_v only_o prize_v it_o and_o pray_v for_o it_o the_o natural_a man_n not_o perceive_v these_o thing_n which_o must_v be_v spiritual_o discern_v second_o whereas_o a_o godly_a man_n trouble_n may_v arise_v several_a way_n this_o peace_n disquietness_n have_v a_o proper_a antidote_n and_o cure_n in_o all_o these_o respect_n from_o what_o cause_v a_o godly_a man_n disquietness_n and_o fear_n may_v arise_v from_o the_o contrary_n will_v his_o peace_n as_o for_o example_n a_o godly_a man_n be_v very_o frequent_o disturb_v because_o of_o the_o sense_n of_o god_n anger_n for_o sin_n because_o he_o be_v not_o reconcile_v such_o and_o such_o iniquity_n have_v provoke_v god_n to_o hide_v his_o face_n and_o this_o fill_v he_o with_o all_o bitterness_n he_o will_v not_o be_v call_v naomi_n but_o marah_n but_o when_o this_o peace_n of_o god_n possess_v the_o soul_n than_o all_o these_o dark_a thought_n do_v present_o fly_v away_o as_o when_o the_o sun_n arise_v the_o night_n be_v dispel_v so_o that_o when_o thou_o think_v of_o god_n and_o be_v trouble_v thy_o meditation_n of_o he_o be_v not_o as_o david_n sweet_a but_o bitter_a this_o whole_o arise_v from_o want_n of_o this_o peace_n for_o that_o will_v confirm_v and_o settle_v the_o soul_n in_o all_o reference_n to_o god_n that_o will_v represent_v he_o to_o be_v a_o gracious_a reconcile_a father_n again_o a_o man_n trouble_n may_v arise_v in_o his_o soul_n from_o the_o temptation_n and_o opposition_n of_o satan_n who_o when_o he_o can_v hinder_v god_n people_n in_o the_o exercise_n of_o their_o grace_n will_v in_o respect_n of_o their_o comfort_n so_o that_o as_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n be_v the_o comforter_n one_o great_a work_n of_o his_o be_v to_o assure_v to_o enable_v to_o call_v god_n father_n so_o the_o devil_n he_o be_v the_o prince_n of_o darkness_n and_o he_o counter-work_n god_n spirit_n as_o that_o be_v a_o holy_a spirit_n sanctify_v his_o people_n so_o he_o be_v a_o unclean_a spirit_n provoke_v to_o all_o sin_n again_o as_o god_n spirit_n do_v comfort_n and_o convince_v we_o of_o christ_n righteousness_n be_v the_o spirit_n of_o adoption_n within_o we_o to_o deliver_v we_o from_o spiritual_a bondage_n and_o thraldom_n so_o the_o devil_n he_o work_v opposite_o to_o all_o this_o he_o fill_v the_o heart_n with_o sad_a and_o unbelieving_a suggestion_n he_o endeavour_v to_o divide_v between_o god_n and_o we_o to_o make_v we_o afraid_a of_o he_o as_o be_v that_o severe_a judge_n who_o will_v not_o in_o any_o wise_a be_v reconcile_v thus_o he_o will_v persuade_v we_o that_o it_o be_v with_o we_o as_o it_o be_v with_o he_o and_o that_o there_o be_v no_o more_o hope_n for_o comfort_n and_o salvation_n for_o we_o than_o for_o he_o but_o this_o peace_n of_o god_n do_v abundant_o fortify_v against_o this_o temptation_n also_o where_o this_o peace_n be_v the_o devil_n do_v not_o find_v the_o house_n sweep_v and_o garnish_v but_o fortify_v and_o secure_v against_o he_o so_o that_o he_o can_v have_v any_o entrance_n this_o be_v the_o bless_a effect_n of_o this_o spiritual_a peace_n that_o it_o overcome_v the_o devil_n he_o common_o enter_v into_o the_o good_a tender_a heart_n by_o unbelief_n by_o fear_n by_o propound_v doubtful_a and_o anxious_a scruple_n and_o then_o draw_v we_o into_o a_o wilderness_n far_o off_o from_o god_n but_o this_o peace_n from_o god_n do_v easy_o quench_v all_o his_o fiery-dart_n do_v present_o stop_v his_o assault_n and_o make_v he_o not_o care_n for_o come_v to_o we_o to_o grapple_v with_o we_o while_o we_o have_v this_o spiritual_a armoury_n on_o in_o the_o three_o place_n our_o disquietness_n do_v many_o time_n arise_v from_o the_o relic_n of_o original_a corruption_n within_o we_o the_o godly_a they_o find_v many_o sad_a discovery_n and_o work_n of_o the_o root_n of_o corruption_n within_o they_o they_o find_v that_o their_o heart_n be_v not_o in_o such_o a_o uniform_a and_o heavenly_a way_n as_o they_o desire_v they_o often_o come_v short_a of_o what_o they_o endeavour_v after_o and_o see_v themselves_o thus_o foil_v often_o by_o their_o lust_n they_o begin_v to_o be_v full_a of_o
though_o it_o be_v thy_o duty_n to_o humble_v thyself_o for_o sin_n to_o confess_v and_o bewail_v thy_o iniquity_n yet_o it_o be_v also_o a_o duty_n to_o rejoice_v in_o the_o lord_n always_o and_o till_o the_o heart_n be_v fit_v by_o this_o joy_n thou_o can_v nor_o bless_v god_n with_o that_o hearty_a affection_n as_o thou_o ought_v to_o do_v psal_n 103._o david_n say_v bless_v the_o lord_n o_o my_o soul_n and_o all_o within_o thou_o praise_v his_o holy_a name_n all_o within_o thou_o you_o see_v to_o praise_n god_n be_v heart-work_n as_o well_o as_o lip-work_n all_o within_o we_o must_v move_v and_o be_v affect_v thy_o heart_n can_v boil_v over_o as_o the_o psalmist_n sometime_o express_v it_o unless_o this_o fire_n of_o joy_n do_v inflame_v it_o oh_o then_o know_v that_o a_o grieve_v disquiet_v soul_n can_v bless_v god_n it_o hinder_v you_o from_o that_o duty_n which_o the_o apostle_n press_v col._n 3._o 16._o admonish_v one_o another_o in_o psalm_n and_o hymn_n and_o spiritual_a song_n sing_v with_o grace_n in_o your_o heart_n what_o a_o heaven_n be_v such_o a_o heart_n where_o there_o be_v these_o spiritual_a hymn_n and_o psalm_n but_o alas_o how_o often_o be_v thy_o heart_n like_o a_o howl_a wilderness_n where_o the_o cry_n and_o doleful_a sound_n of_o unbelieving_a and_o distrustful_a fear_n do_v torment_v thou_o six_o to_o bless_v god_n there_o be_v require_v faith_n and_o a_o rest_v of_o the_o soul_n upon_o god_n as_o a_o reconcile_a father_n alas_o can_v the_o damn_a in_o hell_n bless_v god_n can_v cain_n or_o judas_n bless_v god_n by_o no_o mean_n because_o there_o be_v no_o faith_n there_o be_v no_o rest_v upon_o god_n as_o a_o father_n hence_o you_o see_v the_o apostle_n add_v the_o father_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n and_o the_o father_n of_o all_o mercy_n to_o curse_a and_o condemn_v sinner_n god_n be_v not_o a_o father_n of_o mercy_n but_o of_o vengeance_n and_o fury_n a_o god_n of_o dreadful_a judgement_n who_o be_v say_v to_o be_v angry_a with_o the_o wicked_a all_o the_o day_n long_o hence_o david_n do_v so_o often_o in_o the_o psalm_n exercise_v those_o appropriate_a and_o apply_v act_n of_o faith_n my_o god_n and_o my_o tower_n my_o strong_a help_n and_o defence_n it_o be_v his_o faith_n that_o make_v he_o so_o thankful_a for_o what_o be_v it_o to_o hear_v of_o christ_n and_o all_o spiritual_a mercy_n by_o he_o if_o faith_n do_v not_o apply_v they_o and_o make_v they_o my_o own_o and_o then_o we_o be_v stir_v up_o to_o give_v god_n thanks_o for_o they_o insomuch_o that_o faith_n have_v the_o great_a influence_n into_o our_o thankfulness_n seven_o faith_n of_o adherence_n be_v not_o enough_o to_o make_v the_o heart_n so_o thorough_o and_o affectionate_o thankful_a as_o it_o shall_v be_v unless_o also_o there_o be_v as_o some_o call_v it_o faith_n of_o evidence_n or_o a_o good_a and_o true_a persuasion_n that_o god_n be_v our_o god_n it_o be_v the_o reflect_a act_n of_o the_o soul_n whereby_o it_o know_v and_o be_v assure_v that_o god_n have_v pardon_v my_o sin_n and_o have_v forgive_v my_o iniquity_n that_o be_v like_o oil_n to_o the_o lamp_n of_o this_o duty_n david_n in_o some_o psalm_n depend_v upon_o god_n and_o so_o many_o time_n the_o choice_a of_o god_n servant_n they_o be_v support_v to_o rest_n on_o he_o to_o build_v their_o hope_n on_o christ_n but_o then_o want_v this_o assurance_n not_o feel_v this_o love_n of_o god_n shed_v abroad_o in_o their_o soul_n hence_o they_o be_v not_o fervent_a and_o zealous_a in_o these_o duty_n of_o blessing_n and_o thanksgiving_n as_o they_o ought_v to_o be_v do_v you_o not_o see_v many_o of_o god_n people_n more_o forward_o to_o duty_n of_o humiliation_n and_o mourning_n more_o attend_v to_o self-debasement_n and_o self-abhorrency_a than_o they_o be_v to_o faith_n joy_n and_o blessing_n of_o god_n the_o one_o they_o be_v constant_o in_o the_o other_o unless_o provoke_v and_o force_v as_o it_o be_v they_o seldom_o accomplish_v now_o this_o ought_v not_o to_o be_v so_o we_o be_v to_o rejoice_v as_o well_o as_o tremble_v we_o be_v to_o put_v both_o together_o we_o be_v to_o bless_v god_n for_o pardon_n of_o sin_n as_o well_o as_o confess_v sin_n we_o be_v to_o rejoice_v in_o give_v of_o thanks_o as_o well_o as_o to_o humble_v our_o soul_n in_o acknowledge_v of_o our_o sinfulness_n thou_o often_o say_v lord_n pity_v i_o lord_n show_v mercy_n to_o i_o but_o how_o seldom_o do_v thou_o say_v o_o lord_n i_o bless_v thou_o for_o thy_o mercy_n endure_v for_o ever_o my_o heart_n have_v be_v full_a of_o sorrow_n for_o sin_n and_o now_o it_o be_v full_a of_o joy_n for_o the_o pardon_n of_o it_o i_o have_v pray_v that_o my_o corruption_n may_v be_v subdue_v and_o i_o bless_v god_n that_o prayer_n be_v gracious_o answer_v if_o you_o win_v a_o mercy_n by_o prayer_n and_o do_v not_o wear_v it_o by_o praise_n you_o great_o offend_v god_n serm._n xxx_o of_o praise_v god_n and_o that_o for_o all_o but_o especial_o for_o spiritual_a mercy_n 2_o cor._n 1._o 3_o bless_a be_v god_n even_o the_o father_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n etc._n etc._n from_o the_o method_n that_o paul_n use_v here_o and_o in_o the_o begin_n of_o most_o of_o his_o other_o epistle_n we_o have_v observe_v the_o duty_n that_o lie_v upon_o all_o the_o people_n of_o god_n to_o be_v careful_a and_o conscientious_a in_o this_o duty_n of_o blessing_n and_o praise_v of_o god_n which_o be_v as_o the_o legal_a ointment_n for_o the_o highpriest_n compound_v of_o choice_n and_o sweet_a ingredient_n it_o be_v a_o angelical_a work_n to_o bless_v god_n there_o remain_v further_a particular_n that_o be_v constituent_a of_o this_o comfortable_a and_o profitable_a duty_n as_o first_o the_o heart_n that_o be_v due_o fit_v to_o praise_n god_n though_o it_o be_v thankful_a for_o every_o mercy_n even_o the_o least_o mercy_n yet_o it_o keep_v a_o order_n in_o its_o thanksgiving_n according_a to_o the_o dignity_n of_o its_o object_n so_o that_o it_o praise_v god_n chief_o and_o principal_o for_o spiritual_a mercy_n and_o then_o secondary_o for_o temporal_a mercy_n and_o this_o argue_v the_o difficulty_n of_o this_o duty_n and_o that_o also_o only_a the_o regenerate_a and_o spiritual_a man_n can_v in_o a_o scripture-way_n bless_v god_n for_o he_o only_o do_v prefer_v heavenly_a thing_n above_o earthly_a when_o the_o psalmist_n have_v speak_v of_o outward_a mercy_n to_o a_o people_n psal_n 144._o 12_o 13_o 15._o great_a mercy_n in_o son_n and_o daughter_n rich_a abundance_n and_o plenty_n he_o correct_v all_o at_o last_o happy_a be_v that_o people_n that_o be_v in_o such_o a_o case_n yea_o happy_a be_v that_o people_n who_o god_n be_v the_o lord_n so_o that_o you_o see_v all_o the_o outward_a desirable_a mercy_n that_o be_v be_v but_o in_o a_o subordination_n to_o god_n favour_n when_o thou_o be_v break_v forth_o after_o this_o manner_n i_o bless_v god_n for_o my_o child_n for_o my_o health_n for_o my_o outward_a content_n oh_o but_o above_o all_o lord_n that_o i_o have_v any_o spiritual_a mercy_n that_o thou_o have_v love_v my_o soul_n convert_v i_o to_o thyself_o save_v i_o from_o the_o evil_a way_n of_o the_o world_n in_o this_o my_o soul_n be_v overwhelm_v so_o then_o as_o we_o see_v it_o be_v in_o matter_n of_o petition_n seek_v you_o first_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n thus_o it_o be_v also_o in_o thanksgiving_n whatsoever_o heavenly_a mercy_n god_n have_v bestow_v on_o thou_o bless_v god_n for_o that_o in_o the_o first_o place_n thus_o the_o apostle_n do_v praise_n god_n in_o a_o most_o divine_a manner_n eph._n 1._o 3._o bless_a be_v god_n who_o have_v bless_v we_o with_o all_o spiritual_a blessing_n in_o christ_n insomuch_o that_o this_o may_v be_v a_o good_a touchstone_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o grace_n in_o thou_o whether_o thy_o soul_n be_v most_o affect_v and_o enlarge_v towards_o god_n for_o soul-mercy_n that_o thou_o can_v true_o say_v o_o lord_n in_o that_o thou_o have_v make_v i_o in_o a_o save_a manner_n to_o know_v thou_o in_o that_o thou_o have_v reveal_v thy_o son_n to_o i_o i_o do_v more_o rejoice_v in_o this_o and_o bless_v thou_o for_o it_o then_o if_o thou_o have_v give_v i_o all_o the_o glory_n of_o the_o world_n do_v thou_o see_v a_o natural_a worldly_a man_n boast_v in_o his_o riches_n in_o his_o birth_n in_o his_o greatness_n above_o other_o and_o know_v nothing_o at_o all_o of_o god_n favour_n and_o spiritual_a mercy_n to_o his_o soul_n this_o be_v like_o a_o beast_n that_o be_v crown_v with_o garland_n but_o yet_o prepare_v for_o the_o slaughter_n can_v thou_o say_v o_o lord_n i_o judge_v all_o the_o outward_a mercy_n i_o have_v to_o be_v but_o husk_n and_o empty_a
to_o take_v away_o his_o mercy_n that_o be_v the_o effect_n of_o his_o mercy_n not_o the_o attribute_n of_o mercy_n this_o you_o must_v diligent_o attend_v to_o because_o the_o effect_n of_o god_n mercy_n be_v more_o and_o less_o but_o the_o attribute_n in_o god_n can_v be_v so_o god_n be_v not_o more_o or_o less_o merciful_a neither_o do_v mercy_n as_o a_o attribute_n oppose_v justice_n as_o a_o attribute_n but_o the_o effect_n of_o god_n mercy_n may_v be_v and_o be_v contrary_a to_o the_o effect_n of_o his_o justice_n 3._o we_o must_v distinguish_v between_o god_n general_a mercy_n and_o his_o special_a his_o general_a mercy_n be_v extend_v to_o all_o the_o creature_n the_o whole_a world_n be_v full_a of_o his_o mercy_n psal_n 33._o 5._o so_o his_o mercy_n be_v say_v to_o be_v over_o all_o his_o work_n will_v the_o world_n subsist_v for_o a_o moment_n when_o the_o inhabitant_n thereof_o be_v so_o full_a of_o rebellion_n against_o god_n be_v it_o not_o for_o his_o mercy_n all_o that_o we_o see_v we_o hear_v we_o taste_v we_o feel_v be_v nothing_o but_o mercy_n his_o special_a mercy_n be_v to_o rational_a creature_n man_n and_o angel_n and_o that_o again_o be_v twofold_n more_o special_a and_o most_o special_a more_o special_a be_v the_o vouchsafe_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o mean_n of_o grace_n both_o to_o the_o wicked_a and_o the_o good_a this_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n be_v set_v open_a for_o both_o but_o then_o there_o be_v the_o most_o special_a mercy_n and_o that_o be_v vouchsafe_v only_o to_o the_o elect_a by_o which_o mean_n they_o be_v convert_v justify_v and_o shall_v be_v glorify_v and_o of_o this_o it_o be_v the_o apostle_n speak_v rom._n 9_o 15._o i_o will_v have_v mercy_n on_o who_o i_o will_v have_v mercy_n thus_o much_o may_v suffice_v for_o the_o doctrinal_a information_n about_o this_o truth_n let_v we_o mercy_n in_o the_o next_o place_n take_v notice_n what_o be_v comprehend_v in_o this_o expression_n father_n of_o mercy_n for_o this_o be_v a_o box_n of_o ointment_n to_o be_v open_v and_o bestow_v upon_o poor_a soul_n and_o while_o this_o glory_n of_o god_n do_v pass_v by_o we_o can_v see_v but_o the_o back_n part_n of_o it_o first_o when_o he_o be_v say_v to_o be_v the_o father_n of_o mercy_n this_o imply_v that_o he_o only_o give_v mercy_n and_o receive_v none_o so_o that_o as_o the_o father_n give_v be_v to_o the_o child_n but_o receive_v nothing_o of_o the_o child_n thus_o god_n he_o be_v the_o father_n of_o mercy_n because_o he_o be_v absolute_o sufficient_a in_o himself_o he_o need_v nothing_o from_o any_o because_o then_o there_o will_v be_v a_o superior_a to_o god_n and_o this_o consideration_n may_v great_o aggravate_v the_o glorious_a nature_n of_o god_n in_o be_v merciful_a in_o that_o he_o himself_o be_v like_o the_o sun_n give_v light_n but_o receive_v none_o at_o all_o we_o can_v say_v of_o angel_n they_o be_v the_o father_n of_o mercy_n because_o though_o they_o be_v minister_a spirit_n to_o serve_v we_o a_o angel_n be_v send_v to_o comfort_n christ_n yet_o they_o need_v mercy_n as_o well_o as_o we_o the_o river_n need_v the_o spring_n but_o the_o spring_n be_v the_o last_o and_o need_v not_o the_o river_n and_o so_o angel_n and_o man_n they_o need_v mercy_n every_o way_n but_o god_n he_o need_v none_o only_o he_o be_v the_o giver_n of_o all_o it_o be_v more_o bless_v to_o give_v than_o to_o receive_v even_o in_o this_o sense_n second_o when_o he_o be_v call_v the_o father_n of_o mercy_n it_o imply_v the_o voluntariness_n and_o readiness_n in_o god_n to_o it_o psal_n 103._o like_a as_o a_o father_n pity_v his_o child_n etc._n etc._n we_o do_v not_o entreat_v or_o hire_v a_o father_n to_o pity_v a_o miserable_a child_n his_o own_o bowel_n persuade_v he_o to_o it_o now_o this_o be_v much_o more_o in_o god_n for_o as_o the_o psalmist_n argue_v he_o that_o make_v the_o eye_n shall_v not_o he_o see_v so_o he_o that_o give_v bowel_n and_o pity_n to_o parent_n shall_v not_o he_o much_o rather_o be_v merciful_a so_o that_o as_o it_o be_v for_o holiness_n if_o all_o the_o holiness_n of_o man_n and_o angel_n be_v put_v together_o it_o will_v be_v but_o a_o drop_n to_o what_o be_v in_o god_n so_o if_o all_o the_o mercy_n and_o all_o the_o compassion_n of_o all_o the_o father_n and_o mother_n in_o the_o world_n be_v join_v together_o it_o will_v be_v nothing_o to_o god_n oh_o what_o dishonour_n do_v thy_o unbelieving_a fearful_a heart_n do_v to_o this_o merciful_a father_n thou_o think_v he_o have_v but_o the_o mercy_n of_o a_o man_n thou_o judge_v of_o his_o bowel_n according_a to_o thy_o own_o no_o god_n mercy_n be_v as_o much_o above_o thy_o sin_n and_o misery_n as_o his_o essence_n be_v above_o thy_o be_v o_o nomen_fw-la misericordia_fw-la sub_fw-la quo_fw-la nemini_fw-la desperandum_fw-la but_o of_o that_o more_o present_o only_o when_o he_o be_v call_v a_o father_n of_o mercy_n that_o denote_v the_o readiness_n in_o god_n and_o willingness_n in_o he_o and_o this_o be_v remarkable_a in_o god_n mercy_n over_o what_o be_v in_o man_n our_o mercy_n be_v many_o time_n because_o the_o object_n miserable_a be_v of_o our_o own_o flesh_n and_o nature_n with_o we_o it_o move_v the_o heart_n to_o see_v one_o of_o the_o same_o nature_n with_o we_o to_o be_v thus_o miserable_a but_o god_n he_o be_v infinite_o above_o man_n he_o have_v no_o communion_n in_o nature_n with_o we_o and_o yet_o he_o be_v merciful_a again_o mercy_n among_o man_n be_v often_o because_o we_o have_v be_v under_o such_o misery_n ourselves_o they_o that_o have_v the_o pain_n of_o the_o stone_n commiserate_v those_o that_o be_v in_o the_o like_a manner_n trouble_v because_o they_o know_v what_o it_o be_v thus_o many_o eminent_a minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v exercise_v with_o soul-temptation_n and_o desertion_n that_o they_o may_v know_v how_o to_o mourn_v with_o bleed_a bowel_n over_o those_o that_o be_v so_o tempt_v thus_o the_o mercy_n of_o christ_n as_o mediator_n differ_v from_o the_o mercy_n of_o god_n as_o absolute_o consider_v for_o he_o be_v tempt_v like_o we_o in_o all_o thing_n sin_n only_o except_v heb._n 4._o 15._o and_o the_o reason_n of_o this_o the_o apostle_n give_v that_o he_o may_v be_v touch_v with_o a_o feel_n of_o our_o infirmity_n christ_n know_v what_o the_o meaning_n be_v of_o every_o groan_n and_o every_o sigh_n that_o come_v from_o a_o child_n in_o darkness_n cry_v out_o why_o have_v my_o god_n forsake_v i_o thus_o christ_n as_o mediator_n be_v merciful_a in_o another_o way_n than_o god_n be_v yet_o this_o advance_v still_o the_o mercy_n of_o god_n that_o whereas_o his_o bless_a and_o perfect_a nature_n can_v know_v experimental_o what_o it_o be_v to_o be_v miserable_a what_o it_o be_v to_o need_v mercy_n yet_o for_o all_o that_o his_o breast_n be_v full_a and_o no_o womon_n be_v in_o great_a pain_n to_o be_v ease_v of_o her_o burden_n than_o god_n to_o bestow_v his_o mercy_n three_o in_o that_o he_o be_v a_o father_n of_o mercy_n a_o father_n there_o be_v imply_v that_o he_o do_v lay_v our_o misery_n to_o heart_n for_o although_o he_o can_v be_v passionate_o affect_v as_o man_n nor_o be_v sensible_a of_o our_o infirmity_n as_o christ_n be_v yet_o this_o do_v not_o hinder_v but_o that_o our_o misery_n be_v take_v notice_n of_o as_o real_o so_o as_o to_o be_v succour_v by_o he_o as_o if_o it_o be_v in_o the_o most_o compassionate_a father_n that_o be_v that_o expression_n of_o god_n concern_v the_o israelite_n misery_n under_o bondage_n be_v remarkable_a exod._n 2._o 24_o 25._o he_o hear_v their_o groan_a he_o remember_v his_o covenant_n he_o look_v upon_o his_o child_n he_o have_v respect_n or_o know_v they_o see_v here_o ear_n eye_n memory_n and_o mind_n all_o be_v affect_v with_o their_o trouble_n so_o isa_n 63._o 9_o it_o be_v say_v in_o all_o their_o affliction_n he_o be_v afflict_v as_o than_o anger_n against_o wicked_a man_n though_o in_o god_n it_o be_v not_o the_o ebulsition_n of_o blood_n about_o the_o heart_n or_o accompany_v with_o a_o pale_a countenance_n yet_o it_o be_v more_o real_o and_o dreadful_a in_o god_n than_o in_o man_n therefore_o better_a have_v all_o the_o man_n of_o the_o world_n angry_a with_o thou_o than_o god_n so_o it_o be_v in_o his_o mercy_n in_o he_o mercy_n though_o it_o have_v not_o humane_a concomitant_n yet_o it_o be_v more_o real_a operative_a and_o efficacious_a than_o all_o the_o merciful_a father_n in_o the_o world_n be_v and_o thou_o have_v better_o have_v god_n show_v mercy_n to_o thou_o than_o all_o the_o man_n of_o the_o world_n for_o in_o the_o four_o place_n when_o he_o be_v say_v to_o be_v the_o father_n of_o mercy_n there_o
that_o spiritual_a comfort_n come_v alone_o from_o god_n be_v plain_a because_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n be_v call_v the_o comforter_n we_o can_v have_v one_o drop_n of_o heavenly_a consolation_n till_o god_n spirit_n infuse_v it_o into_o we_o if_o the_o child_n of_o god_n can_v have_v comfort_n when_o they_o will_v will_v they_o walk_v so_o disconsolate_o and_o cry_v out_o of_o their_o dark_a trouble_a soul_n as_o they_o do_v but_o then_o even_o earthly_a comfort_n to_o take_v delight_n in_o the_o lawful_a contentment_n god_n do_v allow_v we_o to_o take_v delight_n and_o joy_n in_o these_o corporal_a mercy_n this_o be_v also_o from_o god_n eccles_n 2._o 24_o 26._o eccles_n 3._o 13._o eccles_n 5._o 18._o you_o see_v the_o wiseman_n affirm_v it_o often_o that_o a_o man_n can_v take_v any_o joy_n or_o delight_v even_o in_o those_o lawful_a thing_n unless_o it_o be_v give_v he_o of_o god_n all_o comfort_n then_o of_o all_o sort_n arise_v from_o he_o but_o let_v we_o consider_v the_o 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paul_n affect_v with_o this_o 2_o cor._n 2._o 1._o i_o desire_v to_o know_v nothing_o but_o christ_n crucify_v this_o therefore_o be_v a_o special_a work_n of_o god_n to_o make_v we_o look_v with_o both_o eye_n to_o make_v thou_o see_v sin_n as_o well_o as_o christ_n and_o christ_n as_o well_o as_o sin_n 2._o as_o god_n do_v convince_v the_o soul_n of_o christ_n what_o a_o full_a and_o glorious_a saviour_n he_o be_v so_o also_o in_o the_o second_o place_n of_o our_o duty_n to_o receive_v he_o and_o to_o lay_v hold_n on_o he_o and_o this_o be_v a_o further_a step_n to_o comfort_n when_o god_n do_v so_o far_o open_v the_o eye_n as_o to_o see_v not_o only_o a_o full_a and_o sufficient_a christ_n but_o also_o that_o it_o be_v a_o duty_n in_o particular_a to_o apply_v this_o christ_n and_o to_o rest_v upon_o he_o for_o comfort_n and_o salvation_n this_o be_v a_o further_a discovery_n still_o paul_n say_v gal._n 2._o who_o give_v himself_o for_o i_o and_o love_v i_o and_o thomas_n say_v my_o god_n and_o my_o lord_n it_o be_v one_o of_o the_o bless_a truth_n discover_v in_o the_o reformation_n out_o of_o popery_n that_o it_o be_v not_o our_o duty_n to_o believe_v in_o the_o general_a only_o that_o christ_n be_v a_o saviour_n but_o to_o rest_v on_o he_o also_o for_o the_o pardon_n of_o my_o sin_n that_o this_o be_v the_o faith_n that_o justify_v that_o this_o be_v most_o acceptable_a and_o precious_a unto_o god_n that_o unbelief_n not_o only_o in_o the_o general_n but_o as_o it_o fail_v in_o this_o particular_a in_o not_o apply_v in_o not_o appropriate_v christ_n to_o the_o soul_n be_v that_o which_o will_v damn_v a_o man_n oh_o than_o what_o bless_v and_o comfortable_a light_n be_v that_o which_o god_n bring_v into_o the_o soul_n when_o he_o shall_v make_v thou_o see_v that_o though_o a_o sinner_n though_o burden_v though_o unworthy_a yet_o it_o be_v thy_o duty_n to_o go_v to_o christ_n to_o be_v ease_v that_o he_o command_v thou_o with_o that_o woman_n not_o only_o to_o touch_v the_o hem_n of_o his_o garment_n but_o to_o lay_v hold_n on_o christ_n himself_o this_o particular_a faith_n be_v that_o which_o the_o soul_n be_v hardly_o convince_v of_o though_o other_o may_v draw_v nigh_o to_o christ_n yet_o may_v i_o but_o he_o come_v at_o last_o to_o be_v persuade_v of_o this_o truth_n 3._o god_n comfort_v by_o enlighten_v the_o mind_n that_o a_o comfortable_a joyful_a life_n arise_v from_o peace_n with_o god_n be_v a_o most_o acceptable_a thing_n to_o god_n that_o it_o bring_v honour_n and_o glory_n to_o god_n and_o that_o on_o the_o other_o side_n to_o walk_v heavy_o and_o in_o a_o deject_a manner_n be_v to_o dishonour_n and_o reproach_n god_n that_o god_n do_v not_o only_o look_v to_o our_o gracious_a walk_n but_o also_o to_o our_o comfortable_a walk_n and_o that_o we_o demonstrate_v the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n to_o be_v begin_v in_o we_o in_o joy_n as_o well_o as_o in_o mortification_n rom._n 14._o 17._o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n be_v righteousness_n and_o joy_n in_o the_o holy_a ghost_n you_o see_v joy_n as_o well_o as_o righteousness_n the_o child_n of_o god_n they_o be_v not_o quick_o persuade_v of_o this_o they_o think_v such_o as_o they_o be_v may_v not_o walk_v comfortable_o it_o be_v not_o for_o they_o to_o rejoice_v but_o at_o last_o they_o come_v to_o see_v that_o they_o be_v sinful_o keep_v up_o by_o slavish_a fear_n and_o servile_a dejection_n that_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n require_v consolation_n as_o well_o as_o sanctification_n thus_o you_o see_v the_o first_o general_a way_n how_o god_n comfort_v viz._n by_o enlighten_v the_o mind_n second_o and_o principal_o god_n comfort_v by_o prepare_v and_o fashion_v the_o heart_n by_o make_v it_o
evil_n he_o will_v not_o do_v that_o he_o do_v as_o these_o impetuous_a lust_n be_v a_o burden_n so_o the_o deadness_n barrenness_n and_o hardness_n of_o his_o heart_n oh_o often_o do_v he_o cry_v out_o of_o his_o soul_n as_o like_o the_o mountain_n of_o gilboa_n on_o who_o no_o dew_n do_v fall_v like_o a_o parch_a and_o dry_a wilderness_n and_o he_o know_v not_o how_o to_o come_v out_o of_o it_o yet_o even_o in_o these_o sad_a perplex_a thought_n god_n come_v in_o with_o comfort_n when_o his_o heart_n afford_v none_o when_o all_o within_o rise_v up_o against_o he_o yet_o as_o it_o be_v with_o paul_n his_o complaint_n shall_v be_v turn_v into_o praise_n i_o thank_v god_n in_o jesus_n christ_n a_o three_o soul-tribulation_n may_v be_v from_o satan_n temptation_n he_o be_v call_v the_o tempter_n he_o be_v say_v to_o have_v his_o fiery_a dart_n he_o have_v his_o buffet_n we_o see_v how_o fierce_o he_o assault_v christ_n himself_o and_o as_o for_o the_o incestuous_a person_n by_o satan_n device_n he_o be_v almost_o swallow_v up_o with_o sorrow_n and_o indeed_o what_o horrid_a suggestion_n of_o blasphemy_n self-murder_n and_o whatsoever_o be_v most_o terrible_a and_o amaze_a will_v not_o he_o assault_v the_o godly_a soul_n with_o if_o god_n bind_v he_o not_o up_o well_o do_v the_o scripture_n compare_v he_o to_o a_o a_o roar_a lion_n what_o can_v a_o poor_a lamb_n do_v if_o he_o fall_v upon_o it_o and_o true_o no_o more_o can_v the_o poor_a humble_a sinner_n stand_v before_o all_o the_o temptation_n and_o opposition_n of_o satan_n if_o god_n grace_n do_v not_o interpose_v yet_o even_o in_o this_o hellish_a darkness_n when_o the_o soul_n be_v apt_a to_o judge_v its_o condition_n like_o those_o that_o be_v damn_v in_o hell_n when_o he_o be_v ready_a to_o conclude_v god_n have_v forsake_v he_o for_o ever_o that_o the_o express_a sign_n and_o character_n of_o a_o castaway_n be_v upon_o he_o as_o he_o think_v yet_o of_o this_o whales-bel_o from_o the_o mouth_n of_o hell_n god_n do_v raise_v he_o and_o give_v he_o comfort_v yea_o many_o time_n those_o have_v the_o great_a comfort_n that_o have_v the_o great_a exercise_n of_o this_o kind_n and_o therefore_o the_o lord_n do_v leave_v they_o in_o this_o black_a night_n that_o the_o day_n may_v be_v the_o sweet_a and_o more_o welcome_a last_o the_o souls-trouble_a may_v arise_v from_o the_o breach_n it_o have_v make_v by_o apostasy_n and_o fall_v into_o great_a sin_n after_o it_o have_v know_v god_n and_o these_o common_o do_v give_v a_o mortal_a blow_n to_o all_o our_o former_a comfort_n you_o see_v it_o in_o david_n psal_n 51._o when_o he_o complain_v of_o his_o break_a bone_n pray_v to_o have_v joy_n restore_v to_o he_o some_o have_v think_v that_o david_n never_o have_v such_o comfort_n again_o as_o former_o certain_o the_o godly_a in_o such_o fall_v sin_n heinous_o because_o of_o the_o experience_n they_o have_v of_o god_n favour_n and_o the_o bitterness_n of_o sin_n therefore_o for_o they_o to_o revolt_v from_o god_n be_v a_o high_a aggravation_n as_o if_o the_o prodigal_a son_n after_o he_o have_v be_v entertain_v in_o his_o father_n house_n and_o feast_v with_o the_o fat_a calf_n shall_v have_v go_v to_o his_o husk_n again_o how_o intolerable_a will_v that_o have_v be_v well_o but_o for_o all_o this_o this_o sad_a condition_n of_o a_o gradual_a apostate_n and_o revolter_v be_v not_o without_o ground_n of_o comfort_n when_o true_o humble_v and_o debase_v before_o god_n do_v not_o god_n speak_v gracious_o jer._n 3._o 22._o return_v you_o backslide_v child_n and_o i_o will_v heal_v your_o backslide_n and_o see_v how_o this_o merciful_a offer_n be_v embrace_v behold_v we_o come_v unto_o thou_o for_o thou_o be_v the_o lord_n our_o god_n she_o plead_v her_o interest_n and_o right_a to_o god_n howsoever_o thus_o also_o god_n promise_v hos_fw-la 14._o 4._o i_o will_v heal_v their_o backslide_n so_o that_o although_o when_o the_o conscience_n have_v be_v the_o second_o time_n bruise_v when_o thou_o have_v be_v twice_o as_o it_o be_v in_o the_o new_a birth_n thou_o must_v look_v for_o great_a pain_n and_o agony_n yet_o god_n can_v and_o do_v comfort_v such_o also_o peter_n speak_v of_o joy_n unspeakable_a and_o full_a of_o glory_n which_o the_o people_n of_o god_n have_v though_o he_o have_v great_o revolt_v from_o christ_n his_o master_n so_o that_o manna_n may_v be_v have_v in_o this_o wilderness_n also_o the_o second_o kind_n of_o trouble_n be_v outward_a and_o these_o be_v also_o innumerable_a act._n 14._o 22._o we_o must_v through_o much_o tribulation_n enter_v into_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n we_o tribulation_n must_v expect_v like_o christ_n to_o be_v man_n of_o sorrow_n for_o we_o be_v to_o suffer_v with_o he_o if_o we_o will_v reign_v with_o he_o now_o two_o sort_n of_o trouble_n there_o be_v in_o which_o god_n will_v give_v comfort_n and_o in_o they_o all_o trouble_n be_v comprehend_v 1._o there_o be_v trouble_n such_o as_o we_o bring_v upon_o ourselves_o by_o our_o own_o folly_n and_o sin_n we_o have_v provoke_v god_n to_o be_v angry_a and_o to_o take_v away_o many_o outward_a mercy_n from_o we_o now_o because_o our_o sin_n and_o our_o iniquity_n have_v do_v all_o this_o therefore_o it_o be_v that_o we_o may_v just_o expect_v that_o god_n will_v deny_v all_o comfort_n we_o may_v think_v it_o be_v true_a when_o we_o suffer_v for_o god_n sake_n when_o we_o be_v persecute_v for_o righteousness_n sake_n than_o christ_n will_v take_v we_o into_o his_o wine-cellar_n and_o bid_v we_o drink_v abundant_o but_o it_o be_v my_o vile_a heart_n my_o proud_a heart_n my_o loose_a and_o negligent_a walk_v that_o have_v bring_v all_o this_o evil_a upon_o i_o and_o what_o comfort_n then_o can_v i_o expect_v from_o god_n but_o even_o in_o this_o condition_n such_o be_v the_o grace_n and_o mercy_n of_o god_n that_o although_o our_o sin_n have_v bring_v evil_a upon_o we_o yet_o if_o humble_v under_o they_o and_o bewail_v of_o they_o we_o shall_v find_v god_n for_o to_o comfort_v we_o when_o david_n psal_n 4._o have_v that_o overflow_a joy_n which_o he_o say_v god_n put_v into_o his_o heart_n more_o than_o all_o harvest_n joy_n yet_o he_o be_v at_o that_o time_n in_o very_o sad_a exigency_n pursue_v by_o his_o son_n and_o drive_v out_o of_o jerusalem_n and_o this_o god_n threaten_v as_o the_o fruit_n of_o his_o sin_n but_o behold_v all_o this_o god_n give_v he_o comfort_v and_o the_o truth_n be_v when_o humble_v for_o our_o sin_n than_o the_o nature_n of_o these_o affliction_n be_v alter_v they_o become_v paternal_a and_o medicinal_a chastisement_n they_o be_v argument_n of_o god_n love_n to_o we_o we_o may_v rejoice_v in_o they_o as_o testimony_n thereof_o for_o so_o heb._n 12._o and_o rev._n 3._o it_o be_v say_v who_o god_n love_v he_o chasten_v god_n make_v as_o the_o physician_n a_o excellent_a antidote_n of_o that_o which_o be_v poison_n and_o so_o the_o fruit_n of_o thy_o sin_n become_v great_a matter_n of_o thankfulness_n as_o david_n acknowledge_v when_o he_o say_v out_o of_o very_a thankfulness_n thou_o have_v afflict_v i_o and_o as_o for_o the_o second_o kind_n of_o affliction_n which_o be_v only_o for_o the_o exercise_n of_o grace_n when_o we_o be_v persecute_v not_o for_o the_o evil_a in_o we_o but_o the_o good_a appear_v as_o the_o case_n of_o the_o martyr_n be_v then_o god_n give_v we_o comfort_v with_o full_a measure_n press_v down_o and_o yet_o flow_v over_o witness_v the_o apostle_n who_o go_v away_o rejoice_v because_o they_o be_v account_v worthy_a to_o suffer_v all_o thing_n for_o christ_n sake_n the_o martyr_n also_o have_v more_o joy_n in_o their_o trouble_n then_o ever_o they_o have_v in_o their_o prosperity_n and_o it_o be_v of_o those_o tribulation_n the_o scripture_n speak_v of_o indeed_o some_o philosopher_n have_v assay_v upon_o such_o a_o comfort_n as_o epicurus_n say_v if_o a_o wise_a man_n be_v burn_v in_o phalaris_n his_o bull_n he_o will_v say_v dulce_fw-la est_fw-la &_o add_v i_o nihil_fw-la pertinet_fw-la this_o be_v a_o sweet_a thing_n and_o do_v not_o at_o all_o hurt_n i_o but_o these_o be_v book_n say_n no_o philosopher_n ever_o endure_v misery_n for_o their_o sect_n as_o christian_n have_v do_v for_o the_o truth_n of_o christ_n but_o you_o may_v say_v what_o be_v that_o by_o which_o god_n comfort_v his_o people_n in_o all_o their_o tribulation_n have_v the_o scripture_n any_o high_a ground_n than_o philosophy_n philosophy_n be_v call_v animi_fw-la medicina_fw-la and_o as_o there_o be_v several_a sect_n of_o they_o so_o they_o have_v different_a principle_n to_o comfort_n for_o there_o be_v no_o theme_n treat_v on_o more_o by_o they_o than_o this_o only_o some_o principle_n be_v contrary_a to_o other_o for_o some_o
which_o yet_o david_n in_o every_o psalm_n almost_o though_o never_o so_o cast_v down_o do_v in_o some_o degree_n and_o spark_n as_o it_o be_v discover_v but_o here_o be_v nothing_o but_o disconsolateness_n yet_o this_o heman_n be_v a_o godly_a man_n a_o penman_n of_o some_o psalm_n yea_o he_o be_v account_v one_o of_o the_o most_o eminent_a wise_a man_n that_o live_v in_o that_o age_n for_o 1_o king_n 4._o 30_o 31._o solomon_n wisdom_n be_v say_v to_o exceed_v all_o other_o yea_o four_o wise_a man_n be_v instance_a who_o solomon_n do_v surpass_v and_o this_o heman_n be_v one_o whereas_o then_o we_o be_v apt_a to_o judge_v such_o as_o want_v the_o sense_n of_o god_n comfort_n and_o go_v in_o a_o disconsolate_a manner_n fool_n and_o melancholy_a such_o as_o will_v go_v out_o of_o their_o wit_n you_o see_v here_o a_o godly_a man_n and_o one_o of_o the_o wise_a man_n in_o solomon_n time_n yet_o afflict_v with_o the_o terror_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o can_v obtain_v no_o comfort_n this_o then_o be_v lay_v down_o as_o a_o foundation_n let_v we_o consider_v what_o be_v to_o be_v say_v to_o the_o doubt_n to_o answer_v the_o objection_n you_o must_v know_v in_o what_o sense_n this_o be_v a_o doctrinal_a truth_n that_o god_n comfort_v he_o in_o all_o their_o trouble_n and_o to_o that_o purpose_n observe_v these_o particular_n 1._o that_o comfort_n especial_o when_o we_o be_v sensible_o affect_v and_o enlarge_v therewith_o salvation_n be_v not_o of_o the_o essence_n of_o grace_n nor_o be_v it_o absolute_o necessary_a to_o salvation_n it_o be_v indeed_o for_o the_o benè_fw-la esse_fw-la and_o be_v like_o oil_n to_o the_o wheel_n it_o do_v wonderful_o quicken_v and_o expedite_v the_o soul_n in_o way_n of_o holiness_n but_o yet_o a_o man_n may_v be_v in_o the_o state_n of_o grace_n and_o may_v have_v a_o unquestionable_a claim_n to_o heaven_n yet_o for_o all_o that_o be_v destitute_a of_o such_o sensible_a comfort_n for_o these_o consolation_n do_v common_o flow_v from_o assurance_n of_o god_n grace_n and_o the_o sense_n of_o his_o love_n shed_v abroad_o in_o their_o heart_n now_o it_o be_v not_o this_o assurance_n that_o do_v justify_v we_o but_o it_o suppose_v we_o justify_v already_o we_o may_v rest_v on_o christ_n we_o may_v believe_v on_o he_o and_o yet_o want_v this_o faith_n of_o evidence_n as_o some_o call_v it_o while_o we_o have_v the_o faith_n of_o adherence_n and_o dependence_n see_v therefore_o that_o this_o comfort_n be_v not_o a_o inseparable_a quality_n from_o a_o godly_a man_n we_o must_v then_o understand_v the_o promise_n of_o god_n for_o comfort_n as_o we_o do_v of_o other_o thing_n which_o be_v separable_a from_o true_a grace_n god_n promise_v health_n outward_a peace_n long_a life_n yea_o of_o all_o outward_a mercy_n godliness_n have_v a_o promise_n but_o yet_o the_o godly_a do_v not_o always_o partake_v of_o these_o there_o be_v many_o of_o they_o sick_a weak_a poor_a and_o distress_a though_o under_o such_o promise_n and_o the_o reason_n be_v because_o these_o be_v not_o necessary_a to_o salvation_n they_o be_v not_o require_v as_o christ_n and_o grace_n be_v for_o then_o no_o godly_a man_n shall_v be_v without_o they_o yea_o they_o may_v be_v a_o impediment_n a_o hindrance_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v a_o mercy_n sometime_o when_o god_n deny_v they_o thus_o it_o be_v in_o regard_n of_o our_o comfort_n it_o be_v for_o our_o good_a to_o be_v sometime_o without_o they_o god_n in_o much_o mercy_n suffer_v his_o people_n to_o be_v in_o darkness_n and_o to_o have_v no_o light_n so_o that_o you_o may_v no_o more_o wonder_n to_o see_v they_o sometime_o without_o joy_n then_o to_o see_v they_o sometime_o without_o the_o outward_a mercy_n of_o the_o world_n yet_o you_o must_v understand_v when_o i_o thus_o compare_v these_o soul-consolation_n to_o bodily_a one_o that_o i_o make_v they_o not_o of_o the_o same_o nature_n with_o temporal_a outward_a mercy_n as_o if_o they_o be_v no_o more_o spiritual_a than_o wealth_n or_o health_n be_v no_o i_o do_v not_o compare_v they_o in_o their_o nature_n but_o in_o their_o property_n of_o separability_n they_o neither_o be_v of_o the_o essence_n of_o grace_n nor_o of_o absolute_a necessity_n to_o salvation_n and_o herein_o they_o be_v alike_o otherwise_o these_o consolation_n they_o be_v spiritual_a mercy_n seat_v in_o the_o soul_n and_o have_v intimate_a connexion_n with_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n spirit_n gerson_n call_v they_o gratiae_n gratis_o datae_fw-la and_o indeed_o they_o be_v the_o gift_n of_o god_n spirit_n and_o be_v high_o to_o be_v prize_v yet_o as_o degree_n in_o grace_n be_v of_o god_n spirit_n but_o not_o necessary_a to_o salvation_n the_o truth_n of_o grace_n be_v but_o not_o every_o degree_n of_o grace_n for_o then_o no_o godly_a man_n can_v be_v save_v that_o be_v weak_a in_o faith_n and_o in_o other_o grace_n thus_o it_o be_v with_o this_o comfort_n in_o some_o respect_n they_o be_v gift_n of_o god_n they_o be_v wrought_v by_o his_o spirit_n yet_o so_o as_o that_o they_o do_v not_o necessary_o accompany_v our_o salvation_n and_o in_o this_o sense_n you_o must_v understand_v the_o doctrine_n 2._o there_o be_v a_o twofold_a joy_n which_o i_o may_v call_v a_o direct_a and_o reflex_n one_o the_o one_o be_v reflex_n when_o we_o be_v carry_v with_o delight_n to_o that_o which_o be_v holy_a and_o good_a the_o other_o be_v when_o we_o know_v and_o feel_v that_o we_o be_v thus_o carry_v out_o joy_n be_v a_o fruit_n of_o faith_n 1_o pet._n 1._o 8._o in_o who_o believe_v you_o rejoice_v with_o joy_n unspeakable_a now_o as_o faith_n act_v two_o way_n so_o also_o do_v joy_n faith_n act_v direct_o by_o go_v direct_o to_o christ_n and_o then_o faith_n act_v reflex_o by_o look_v upon_o this_o that_o i_o do_v rest_n on_o christ_n thus_o there_o be_v a_o joy_n that_o do_v direct_o go_v to_o god_n and_o christ_n by_o way_n of_o delight_n and_o enlargement_n be_v thus_o apprehend_v by_o faith_n of_o such_o a_o joy_n in_o holy_a thing_n solomon_n speak_v prov._n 21._o 15._o the_o prophet_n isaiah_n also_o chap._n 64._o 5._o and_o then_o there_o be_v a_o joy_n flow_v from_o the_o apprehension_n of_o this_o that_o we_o do_v delight_n in_o holy_a thing_n for_o a_o man_n may_v rejoice_v to_o find_v he_o can_v rejoice_v in_o what_o be_v good_a a_o man_n may_v be_v comfort_v in_o find_v that_o christ_n and_o heavenly_a object_n be_v matter_n of_o delight_n to_o he_o now_o as_o it_o be_v with_o those_o two_o act_n of_o faith_n the_o former_a which_o be_v the_o direct_a one_o that_o be_v absolute_o necessary_a by_o that_o we_o be_v justify_v by_o that_o christ_n be_v make_v we_o by_o that_o we_o be_v in_o he_o and_o he_o in_o we_o but_o the_o latter_a be_v not_o of_o the_o same_o necessity_n it_o be_v no_o where_o say_v if_o you_o know_v that_o you_o do_v believe_v and_o if_o you_o be_v assure_v that_o you_o do_v believe_v but_o if_o you_o do_v believe_v than_o you_o shall_v be_v save_v it_o will_v be_v sad_a with_o many_o of_o god_n child_n if_o none_o be_v justify_v but_o he_o that_o know_v he_o believe_v thus_o it_o be_v also_o for_o joy_n joy_n in_o its_o direct_a act_n it_o be_v a_o necessary_a grace_n it_o be_v our_o duty_n to_o rejoice_v in_o god_n and_o heavenly_a thing_n as_o well_o as_o love_v they_o and_o indeed_o there_o can_v be_v any_o grace_n of_o love_n but_o there_o be_v also_o the_o grace_n of_o joy_n hence_o gal._n 5._o joy_n be_v make_v the_o fruit_n of_o the_o spirit_n with_o other_o grace_n and_o rom._n 14._o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n be_v say_v to_o consist_v in_o righteousness_n and_o in_o joy_n in_o the_o holy_a ghost_n so_o that_o there_o be_v a_o joy_n which_o be_v a_o grace_n be_v part_n of_o the_o new_a creature_n and_o there_o can_v be_v godliness_n without_o it_o as_o be_v our_o love_n so_o be_v our_o joy_n but_o then_o there_o be_v joy_n as_o a_o privilege_n which_o as_o you_o hear_v arise_v from_o the_o knowledge_n of_o our_o be_v in_o the_o state_n of_o grace_n and_o this_o be_v communicable_a at_o god_n pleasure_n those_o that_o have_v the_o most_o of_o god_n grace_n may_v for_o a_o time_n have_v the_o least_o of_o it_o in_o sense_n as_o we_o see_v in_o christ_n himself_o so_o that_o we_o be_v to_o distinguish_v between_o joy_n as_o a_o grace_n and_o joy_n as_o a_o privilege_n it_o be_v of_o the_o latter_a the_o doctrine_n be_v to_o be_v understand_v 3._o yet_o further_o the_o joy_n that_o god_n people_n partake_v of_o may_v be_v consider_v either_o as_o corporeal_a seat_v in_o the_o soul_n or_o as_o in_o the_o sensitive_a part_n the_o one_o be_v rational_a and_o spiritual_a the_o other_o be_v sensitive_a and_o corporeal_a for_o the_o
rest_n which_o be_v more_o practical_a and_o search_a if_o we_o go_v no_o further_o we_o may_v have_v some_o good_a entertainment_n in_o the_o world_n si_fw-mi diâ—idio_fw-la christoessemus_fw-la contenti_fw-la facilè_fw-la transigeremus_fw-la omne_fw-la say_v calvin_n on_o a_o particular_a occasion_n or_o again_o if_o man_n take_v up_o the_o whole_a profession_n of_o christ_n but_o upon_o politic_a and_o carnal_a end_n to_o hold_v christ_n and_o his_o advantage_n to_o be_v not_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d but_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d as_o naziaâ—zen_v say_v such_o will_v not_o be_v put_v to_o suffer_v as_o the_o great_a heathenish_a pleader_n syâ—…_n for_o roman_n idolatry_n to_o the_o emperor_n when_o press_v to_o be_v a_o christian_n say_v fac_n i_o episcopum_fw-la romanum_fw-la &_o ero_fw-la christianus_n make_v i_o bishop_n of_o rome_n and_o i_o will_v be_v a_o christian_n thus_o when_o man_n think_v to_o serve_v christ_n and_o mammon_n all_o this_o while_n they_o will_v not_o suffer_v yea_o therefore_o they_o take_v up_o the_o profession_n of_o christ_n it_o may_v be_v that_o they_o may_v not_o suffer_v as_o in_o mordechai_n time_n when_o the_o jew_n have_v power_n give_v to_o slay_v their_o enemy_n many_o become_v jew_n for_o fear_n so_o they_o may_v christian_n also_o and_o last_o if_o they_o have_v not_o gross_a carnal_a end_n and_o so_o be_v dissemble_a hypocrite_n as_o simon_n magus_n be_v and_o julian_n for_o a_o while_n as_o some_o think_v of_o he_o that_o he_o be_v never_o conscientious_o but_o politic_o a_o christian_n to_o please_v his_o uncle_n and_o so_o obtain_v the_o empire_n at_o last_o yet_o if_o they_o do_v own_o christ_n in_o a_o formal_a customary_a general_a way_n only_o they_o may_v escape_v suffering_n but_o to_o follow_v christ_n exact_o powerful_o precise_o and_o singular_o against_o the_o fashion_n of_o the_o world_n to_o get_v the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n by_o violence_n to_o put_v out_o his_o right_a eye_n and_o to_o cut_v off_o his_o right_a hand_n he_o that_o will_v be_v thus_o a_o christian_a indeed_o he_o shall_v have_v suffering_n enough_o and_o that_o not_o only_o from_o the_o world_n but_o even_o from_o such_o who_o profess_v christ_n in_o name_n but_o deny_v he_o in_o power_n what_o be_v more_o ordinary_a then_o to_o see_v a_o titular_a and_o nominal_a christian_a to_o hate_v and_o abhor_v a_o real_a lively_a and_o powerful_a christian_n and_o only_o because_o he_o be_v more_o strict_a and_o forward_a in_o the_o way_n of_o christ_n than_o he_o be_v thus_o than_o you_o must_v understand_v the_o doctrine_n of_o one_o who_o be_v a_o christian_n in_o power_n as_o well_o as_o in_o name_n of_o one_o who_o do_v not_o divide_v christ_n but_o take_v all_o of_o he_o of_o one_o who_o be_v not_o a_o flatterer_n but_o a_o friend_n to_o he_o that_o say_v to_o christ_n as_o ruth_n to_o naomi_n i_o will_v not_o leave_v thou_o but_o where_o thou_o live_v i_o will_v live_v one_o that_o account_v christ_n a_o pearl_n and_o sell_v all_o part_n with_o all_o his_o lust_n his_o pleasure_n and_o advantage_n to_o have_v christ_n such_o a_o one_o as_o this_o can_v no_o more_o be_v free_a from_o suffering_n in_o this_o world_n than_o a_o dove_n be_v quiet_a among_o hawk_n or_o a_o lamb_n among_o wolf_n to_o understand_v this_o consider_v comfort_n first_o that_o the_o suffering_n for_o christ_n sake_n be_v as_o various_a and_o as_o extensive_a as_o any_o comfort_n we_o have_v that_o we_o may_v be_v deprive_v off_o so_o that_o it_o be_v a_o fundamental_a qualification_n in_o every_o disciple_n of_o christ_n to_o love_v he_o before_o father_n or_o mother_n yea_o life_n itself_o for_o if_o christ_n be_v not_o prefer_v before_o the_o dear_a comfort_n we_o have_v one_o time_n or_o other_o we_o shall_v be_v endanger_v to_o betray_v christ_n and_o rather_o deny_v he_o then_o suffer_v for_o he_o which_o be_v a_o most_o dreadful_a condition_n i_o mean_v it_o be_v very_o terrible_a to_o be_v in_o the_o number_n of_o those_o who_o heart_n be_v so_o glue_v to_o these_o earthly_a thing_n that_o they_o can_v suffer_v for_o christ_n they_o can_v part_v with_o all_o when_o he_o call_v for_o it_o but_o the_o disciple_n of_o christ_n must_v be_v prepare_v to_o suffer_v in_o any_o thing_n and_o at_o any_o time_n sometime_o the_o suffering_n be_v more_o extreme_a and_o grievous_a sometime_o less_o and_o more_o easy_a the_o former_a be_v call_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d heb._n 10._o 32._o and_o 1_o pet._n 4._o 13._o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o great_a be_v imprisonment_n or_o banishment_n or_o death_n itself_o and_o common_o death_n for_o christ_n have_v not_o be_v a_o mere_a ordinary_a death_n but_o accompany_v with_o those_o torment_n and_o exquisite_a pain_n that_o can_v be_v invent_v insomuch_o that_o if_o you_o look_v over_o all_o history_n you_o can_v find_v any_o such_o terrible_a and_o barbarous_a suffering_n as_o the_o people_n of_o god_n have_v be_v put_v upon_o and_o true_o there_o be_v no_o godly_a man_n but_o he_o be_v to_o have_v a_o fundamental_a qualification_n for_o this_o there_o be_v also_o lesser_a suffering_n which_o though_o call_v so_o comparative_o to_o great_a yet_o in_o themselves_o be_v very_o bitter_a and_o grievous_a such_o be_v reproach_n scoff_v and_o derision_n heb._n 11._o they_o be_v call_v cruel_a mock_n 1_o pet._n 4._o 14._o when_o he_o have_v speak_v before_o of_o a_o fiery_a trial_n than_o he_o mention_v reproach_v for_o christ_n sake_n ishmael_n be_v say_v to_o persecute_v isaac_n yet_o the_o scripture_n call_v that_o play_v with_o he_o it_o be_v in_o scoff_v and_o mock_n that_o this_o persecution_n be_v therefore_o thou_o be_v a_o persecutor_n by_o the_o tongue_n as_o well_o as_o the_o hand_n though_o thou_o do_v not_o cast_v in_o prison_n though_o thou_o do_v not_o bring_v wood_n and_o kindle_v the_o fire_n at_o the_o stake_n yet_o thy_o flout_n thy_o derision_n thy_o mock_n these_o be_v a_o persecution_n and_o the_o godly_a in_o these_o suffer_v for_o christ_n i_o shall_v instance_n in_o one_o thing_n more_o and_o that_o be_v their_o name_n and_o repute_n in_o this_o christian_n have_v wonderful_o suffer_v christ_n be_v traduce_v for_o a_o impostor_n for_o one_o that_o have_v a_o devil_n and_o do_v the_o miracle_n he_o do_v by_o beelzebub_n the_o prince_n of_o devil_n paul_n be_v calumniate_v for_o a_o seditious_a and_o turbulent_a person_n athanasius_n for_o a_o adulterer_n these_o false_a calumny_n put_v the_o ancient_n upon_o their_o apologetical_n as_o tertullian_n and_o athenagorus_fw-la wicked_a man_n do_v first_o impose_v lie_n and_o slander_n upon_o those_o who_o fear_n god_n and_o when_o they_o have_v thus_o make_v they_o odious_a than_o they_o think_v they_o do_v deserve_v any_o punishment_n what_o abominable_a lie_v have_v the_o papist_n forge_v and_o broach_v about_o luther_n and_o calvin_n yea_o still_a experience_n confirm_v it_o that_o whosoever_o will_v live_v godly_a profane_a and_o ungodly_a person_n will_v divulge_v a_o thousand_o false_a report_n concern_v they_o and_o herein_o they_o must_v look_v to_o suffer_v and_o not_o be_v trouble_v for_o it_o the_o star_n be_v never_o the_o less_o glorious_a though_o astronomer_n have_v give_v ugly_a name_n to_o they_o the_o bear_n and_o the_o dragons_n tail_n etc._n etc._n thus_o we_o see_v that_o he_o who_o will_v be_v christ_n disciple_n must_v be_v above_o riches_n honour_n liberty_n a_o good_a name_n yea_o above_o life_n itself_o say_v to_o christ_n as_o they_o to_o david_n thou_o be_v worth_a ten_o thousand_o of_o we_o second_o although_o it_o be_v the_o portion_n of_o all_o the_o member_n of_o christ_n to_o be_v sufferer_n other_o for_o he_o yet_o at_o sometime_o the_o storm_n be_v more_o terrible_a then_o at_o other_o sometime_o we_o hear_v the_o church_n complain_v that_o they_o be_v as_o sheep_n for_o the_o slaughter_n kill_v all_o the_o day_n long_o but_o at_o other_o time_n god_n give_v more_o respite_n who_o have_v not_o hear_v of_o the_o ten_o persecution_n not_o that_o there_o be_v not_o far_o more_o than_o ten_o but_o because_o they_o be_v most_o general_a and_o command_v by_o the_o will_n of_o those_o who_o then_o have_v power_n so_o that_o suffer_a time_n be_v various_a according_a to_o god_n dispensation_n he_o make_v the_o most_o bitter_a storm_n many_o time_n to_o be_v but_o short_a as_o in_o queen_n mary_n day_n after_o which_o come_v a_o long_a calm_a and_o halcyon_n day_n nubecula_fw-la est_fw-la say_v athanasius_n of_o his_o trouble_n it_o be_v a_o little_a storm_n it_o will_v quick_o be_v over_o but_o although_o those_o public_a time_n of_o suffering_n be_v not_o always_o yet_o it_o be_v very_o hard_a if_o ever_o to_o see_v one_o that_o live_v godly_a not_o to_o suffer_v from_o those_o that_o be_v evil_a
be_v say_v that_o the_o people_n of_o god_n do_v communicate_v with_o christ_n in_o some_o measure_n as_o with_o his_o priestly_a and_o kingly_a office_n so_o with_o his_o prophetical_a as_o if_o they_o be_v able_a to_o know_v the_o mind_n of_o god_n in_o many_o thing_n yet_o we_o must_v take_v heed_n that_o such_o a_o principle_n do_v not_o draw_v we_o into_o spiritual_a delusion_n for_o nothing_o be_v more_o ordinary_a even_o to_o a_o godly_a man_n then_o to_o take_v his_o strong_a affection_n and_o vehement_a conjecture_n for_o impulse_n and_o inspiration_n from_o god_n paul_n in_o this_o trouble_n do_v absolute_o conclude_v he_o shall_v die_v he_o have_v past_o this_o sentence_n upon_o himself_o but_o god_n have_v determine_v otherwise_o i_o shall_v handle_v this_o truth_n more_o general_o than_o the_o text_n do_v intend_v yet_o include_v that_o also_o and_o first_o herein_o the_o heart_n of_o a_o good_a man_n do_v deceive_v he_o in_o that_o he_o be_v ready_a to_o not_o give_v such_o advice_n to_o other_o sometime_o which_o he_o may_v apprehend_v be_v of_o god_n and_o yet_o it_o arise_v from_o humane_a persuasion_n only_o those_o that_o be_v godly_a be_v constant_o and_o judicious_o to_o examine_v what_o be_v humane_a and_o what_o be_v divine_a in_o they_o what_o come_v from_o god_n and_o what_o from_o their_o own_o spirit_n sad_n and_o miserable_a have_v the_o deceit_n of_o many_o be_v in_o this_o case_n no_o wonder_v it_o may_v be_v so_o with_o a_o godly_a man_n for_o it_o have_v sometime_o fare_v thus_o with_o those_o who_o beside_o the_o spirit_n of_o sanctification_n have_v also_o be_v endow_v with_o prophetical_a illumination_n nathan_n 1_o chron._n 17._o 2._o bid_v david_n do_v all_o that_o be_v in_o his_o heart_n when_o he_o purpose_v to_o build_v a_o house_n to_o god_n but_o we_o see_v afterward_o god_n do_v forbid_v it_o it_o be_v true_a there_o be_v in_o the_o old_a testament_n false_a prophet_n who_o do_v witting_o and_o willing_o sin_n pretend_v they_o have_v a_o word_n from_o god_n when_o it_o be_v only_o a_o lie_a spirit_n in_o they_o but_o of_o such_o we_o speak_v not_o yea_o we_o read_v of_o a_o true_a prophet_n of_o the_o lord_n yet_o pretend_v a_o word_n from_o god_n when_o he_o do_v wilful_o dissemble_v all_o that_o while_n 1_o king_n 13._o 18._o for_o when_o a_o prophet_n have_v command_v from_o god_n not_o to_o eat_v or_o drink_v in_o his_o journey_n this_o other_o prophet_n persuade_v he_o to_o eat_v say_v a_o angel_n of_o god_n speak_v to_o he_o for_o that_o purpose_n here_o be_v a_o great_a temptation_n to_o the_o former_a prophet_n to_o eat_v it_o can_v not_o but_o work_v some_o scruple_n in_o he_o so_o that_o from_o this_o instance_n divine_n do_v argue_v that_o it_o be_v lawful_a for_o a_o man_n to_o go_v against_o scruple_n but_o because_o the_o prophet_n do_v not_o but_o be_v persuade_v against_o god_n former_a command_n therefore_o he_o be_v severe_o punish_v but_o this_o instance_n be_v not_o full_o to_o my_o purpose_n only_o from_o that_o example_n we_o may_v see_v that_o the_o corruption_n in_o man_n incline_v he_o to_o make_v pretence_n from_o god_n to_o get_v the_o more_o credit_n even_o as_o in_o paul_n time_n some_o pretend_v the_o spirit_n and_o revelation_n about_o the_o day_n of_o judgement_n but_o the_o example_n of_o nathan_n be_v whole_o to_o our_o purpose_n and_o therefore_o all_o that_o fear_n god_n be_v to_o pray_v for_o a_o exact_a judgement_n to_o discern_v between_o thing_n that_o differ_v and_o that_o more_o in_o ourselves_o than_o other_o for_o such_o be_v our_o self-love_n that_o we_o be_v difficult_o bring_v to_o know_v the_o truth_n as_o a_o sensible_a object_n put_v immediate_o upon_o the_o sense_n hinder_v it_o in_o its_o operation_n we_o see_v paul_n very_o imitable_a in_o this_o thing_n 1_o cor._n 7._o in_o answer_v that_o case_n about_o marriage_n which_o the_o corinthian_n have_v propound_v to_o he_o hence_o vers_fw-la 10._o &_o 12._o how_o careful_a be_v he_o to_o distinguish_v between_o that_o which_o he_o have_v from_o the_o lord_n direct_o and_o be_v his_o express_a will_n and_o what_o he_o advise_v as_o a_o faithful_a officer_n in_o the_o church_n not_o i_o but_o the_o lord_n say_v he_o hence_o he_o conclude_v his_o discourse_n in_o a_o most_o humble_a and_o modest_a manner_n call_v it_o his_o judgement_n only_o add_v i_o think_v also_o that_o i_o have_v the_o spirit_n of_o god_n though_o you_o must_v know_v that_o in_o all_o this_o paul_n be_v act_v infallible_o by_o the_o spirit_n he_o speak_v not_o as_o a_o humane_a author_n in_o this_o thing_n second_o the_o godly_a be_v deceive_v when_o they_o have_v some_o prepossessed_a principle_n of_o error_n in_o they_o and_o then_o think_v god_n dispensation_n be_v to_o abet_v and_o countenance_v into_o they_o this_o have_v common_o cause_v great_a mistake_n whereby_o man_n have_v think_v they_o have_v god_n approbation_n to_o their_o deceit_n we_o see_v this_o plain_o in_o the_o disciple_n this_o false_a principle_n they_o have_v imbibe_v that_o the_o messiah_n will_v come_v as_o a_o temporal_a and_o external_a king_n to_o vindicate_v their_o nation_n from_o all_o the_o bondage_n they_o be_v under_o therefore_o when_o christ_n speak_v of_o his_o kingdom_n and_o his_o glory_n when_o he_o speak_v of_o be_v exalt_v they_o apply_v all_o consonant_o to_o their_o false_a principle_n upon_o this_o mistake_n the_o son_n of_o zebedee_n come_v to_o ask_v christ_n for_o the_o chief_a place_n of_o honour_n in_o his_o kingdom_n and_o upon_o christ_n ascension_n in_o heaven_n act._n 1._o 6._o when_o he_o have_v for_o forty_o day_n together_o be_v speak_v of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n to_o they_o then_o they_o ask_v he_o will_v thou_o at_o this_o time_n restore_v the_o kingdom_n of_o israel_n here_o you_o see_v how_o much_o even_o the_o apostle_n the_o first_o fruit_n as_o it_o be_v of_o the_o spirit_n be_v decive_v but_o what_o be_v the_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d what_o be_v the_o deceitful_a foundation_n in_o this_o build_n even_o a_o carnal_a and_o a_o erroneous_a persuasion_n about_o the_o temporal_a dignity_n and_o honour_n of_o christ_n take_v then_o much_o heed_n that_o the_o first_o concoction_n be_v not_o nought_o that_o there_o be_v not_o laesum_fw-la principium_fw-la some_o principle_n receive_v that_o thou_o must_v not_o so_o much_o as_o question_v the_o truth_n of_o it_o and_o then_o according_a to_o this_o thou_o make_v many_o false_a and_o erroneous_a conjecture_n about_o god_n proceed_n to_o thou_o three_o then_o the_o godly_a be_v very_o apt_a to_o be_v deceive_v about_o god_n way_n to_o appearance_n themselves_o or_o other_o when_o they_o judge_v of_o god_n after_o outward_a and_o humane_a appearance_n when_o they_o expect_v that_o god_n shall_v do_v as_o some_o high_a and_o mighty_a monarch_n of_o the_o world_n will_v do_v we_o see_v hom_n samuel_n a_o man_n so_o high_o proficient_a in_o the_o fear_n of_o god_n and_o all_o integrity_n yet_o when_o he_o come_v to_o choose_v out_o the_o man_n god_n have_v design_v for_o the_o kingdom_n how_o quick_o he_o mistake_v and_o be_v at_o a_o loss_n 1_o sam._n 16._o 6_o 7._o for_o when_o eliab_n come_v into_o his_o presence_n he_o say_v sure_o the_o lord_n anoint_v be_v here_o but_o then_o observe_v how_o god_n do_v reprove_v his_o humane_a judgement_n when_o he_o say_v to_o samuel_n look_v not_o upon_o his_o high_a stature_n for_o the_o lord_n see_v not_o as_o man_n see_v add_v also_o the_o ground_n of_o it_o because_o man_n judge_v by_o outward_a appearance_n but_o god_n judge_v the_o heart_n it_o be_v true_a the_o godly_a have_v this_o promise_n that_o many_o thing_n shall_v be_v manifest_v to_o they_o which_o to_o other_o the_o lord_n will_v not_o reveal_v psal_n 25._o 14._o the_o secret_a of_o the_o lord_n be_v with_o they_o that_o fear_v he_o hence_o we_o have_v that_o notable_a expression_n to_o abraham_n by_o god_n when_o he_o be_v purpose_v to_o destroy_v sodom_n gen._n 18._o 17._o shall_v i_o hide_v from_o abraham_n the_o thing_n that_o i_o will_v do_v and_o one_o reason_n be_v because_o he_o will_v command_v his_o child_n and_o his_o household_n to_o keep_v the_o way_n of_o the_o lord_n we_o have_v likewise_o a_o very_a comfortable_a expression_n which_o our_o saviour_n use_v to_o his_o disciple_n john_n 15._o 15._o henceforth_o i_o call_v you_o not_o servant_n for_o the_o servant_n know_v not_o what_o his_o lord_n do_v but_o i_o have_v call_v you_o friend_n for_o all_o thing_n i_o have_v hear_v of_o my_o father_n i_o have_v make_v know_v to_o you_o from_o this_o it_o be_v that_o some_o eminent_o godly_a man_n have_v be_v endow_v with_o a_o prophetical_a spirit_n and_o have_v use_v much_o boldness_n in_o prayer_n to_o
right_a testimony_n of_o conscience_n within_o they_o they_o have_v sear_v stupid_a conscience_n or_o they_o have_v delude_a one_o that_o make_v they_o trust_v in_o other_o thing_n than_o christ_n blood_n do_v not_o most_v man_n rest_v in_o this_o that_o their_o conscience_n tell_v they_o they_o be_v baptize_v they_o be_v make_v partaker_n of_o the_o ordinance_n of_o god_n and_o this_o be_v all_o the_o witness_n they_o have_v but_o the_o apostle_n peter_n lay_v a_o axe_n to_o the_o root_n of_o this_o 1_o pet._n 3._o 21._o baptism_n save_v but_o then_o by_o a_o rhetorical_a correction_n add_v not_o the_o put_v away_o of_o the_o filth_n of_o the_o body_n but_o a_o answer_n of_o a_o good_a conscience_n it_o be_v general_o think_v to_o be_v a_o allusion_n to_o a_o covenant_n or_o contract_n for_o so_o baptism_n be_v wherein_o the_o person_n be_v ask_v do_v you_o take_v god_n for_o your_o god_n renounce_v the_o devil_n and_o all_o the_o lust_n of_o the_o flesh_n now_o if_o a_o man_n can_v unseigned_o and_o with_o a_o good_a conscience_n answer_v that_o he_o keep_v to_o baptismal_a engagement_n this_o will_v save_v serm._n lxxxvii_o a_o believer_n may_v be_v assure_v of_o the_o uprightness_n of_o his_o heart_n in_o the_o performance_n of_o duty_n what_o be_v require_v to_o such_o a_o assurance_n 2_o cor._n 1._o 12._o that_o in_o simplicity_n and_o godly_a sincerity_n the_o three_o part_n of_o the_o text_n as_o it_o stand_v divide_v come_v under_o our_o consideration_n and_o that_o be_v the_o declaration_n in_o particular_a of_o what_o be_v speak_v in_o the_o general_n the_o general_n be_v the_o testimony_n of_o his_o conscience_n now_o he_o show_v the_o special_n wherein_o this_o be_v manifest_v and_o that_o be_v set_v down_o positive_o and_o negative_o and_o opposite_o 1._o positive_o in_o simplicity_n etc._n etc._n 2._o negative_o not_o with_o fleshly_a wisdom_n 3._o opposite_o but_o by_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n before_o we_o come_v to_o the_o particular_n and_o open_v the_o greek_a word_n we_o must_v take_v notice_n of_o the_o certainty_n and_o sure_a knowledge_n paul_n have_v of_o his_o sincerity_n for_o how_o can_v paul_n glory_n and_o rejoice_v in_o his_o sincerity_n if_o he_o do_v not_o know_v it_o yea_o so_o know_v it_o that_o his_o conscience_n with_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n do_v witness_v it_o to_o he_o and_o therefore_o this_o be_v one_o of_o those_o place_n that_o be_v bring_v in_o the_o controversy_n between_o papist_n and_o we_o about_o the_o certainty_n of_o our_o be_v in_o the_o state_n of_o grace_n which_o bellarmine_n indeed_o will_v enervate_v but_o his_o labour_n be_v in_o vain_a for_o what_o can_v be_v clear_a then_o that_o paul_n have_v a_o certain_a knowledge_n of_o his_o upright_a heart_n see_v he_o do_v make_v this_o public_a testimony_n of_o it_o and_o take_v so_o much_o joy_n therein_o neither_o do_v paul_n in_o this_o pretend_v to_o any_o extraordinary_a revelation_n as_o if_o he_o have_v some_o peculiar_a privilege_n in_o this_o above_o other_o as_o when_o he_o be_v rapt_v up_o into_o the_o three_o heaven_n but_o he_o avouch_v the_o testimony_n of_o his_o conscience_n which_o must_v be_v in_o a_o ordinary_a way_n from_o this_o we_o observe_v that_o a_o believer_n may_v have_v a_o certain_a knowledge_n not_o only_o that_o he_o perform_v heart_n those_o gracious_a duty_n god_n require_v but_o that_o he_o do_v they_o with_o a_o upright_a and_o sincere_a heart_n paul_n do_v not_o only_o know_v that_o he_o be_v diligent_a in_o preach_v of_o the_o gospel_n that_o he_o be_v faithful_a in_o dispense_n of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n but_o also_o that_o all_o this_o be_v do_v with_o faithful_a and_o sincere_a respect_n we_o do_v not_o only_o know_v that_o we_o believe_v that_o we_o repent_v but_o that_o we_o do_v these_o thing_n in_o the_o uprightness_n of_o our_o soul_n bellarmine_n urge_v this_o much_o though_o we_o do_v discharge_v the_o duty_n god_n require_v yet_o how_o can_v we_o know_v that_o we_o do_v they_o with_o a_o whole_a heart_n with_o a_o sincere_a spirit_n many_o hypocrite_n say_v they_o be_v sure_a yea_o say_v he_o among_o the_o protestant_n one_o be_v assure_v of_o his_o way_n and_o another_o of_o another_o sect_n but_o we_o be_v assure_v that_o they_o be_v all_o delude_v so_o that_o he_o conclude_v see_v all_o the_o heretic_n of_o this_o age_n boast_v of_o this_o certainty_n yet_o say_v he_o even_o in_o their_o opinion_n many_o be_v deceive_v and_o in_o we_o all_o be_v but_o we_o be_v to_o walk_v by_o the_o scripture-light_n in_o this_o case_n and_o indeed_o this_o be_v a_o truth_n the_o knowledge_n whereof_o be_v obtain_v both_o by_o scripture_n and_o experience_n the_o savoury_a work_n of_o grace_n and_o sense_n of_o christ_n spirit_n dwell_v in_o we_o do_v more_o to_o persuade_v of_o this_o truth_n then_o voluminous_a controversy_n this_o question_n be_v best_a answer_v by_o diligent_a prayer_n and_o a_o heavenly_a life_n and_o therefore_o practical_a experimental_a christian_n can_v speak_v more_o to_o this_o point_n than_o the_o most_o learned_a speculative_a doctor_n unless_o they_o have_v a_o gracious_a break_a heart_n as_o well_o as_o a_o learned_a profound_a head_n that_o a_o believer_n may_v be_v assure_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o grace_n appear_v by_o several_a example_n and_o general_a assertion_n of_o scripture_n example_n as_o hezekiah_n remember_v o_o lord_n how_o i_o have_v walk_v before_o thou_o in_o truth_n and_o with_o a_o perfect_a heart_n 2_o king_n 20._o 3._o in_o job_n who_o though_o under_o sad_a temptation_n both_o from_o god_n and_o his_o dear_a friend_n who_o charge_v upon_o he_o hypocrisy_n yet_o he_o will_v never_o let_v go_v the_o persuasion_n of_o his_o integrity_n david_n how_o often_o do_v he_o profess_v his_o love_n of_o god_n with_o all_o his_o heart_n peter_n when_o christ_n ask_v he_o again_o and_o again_o he_o answer_v thou_o know_v lord_n i_o love_v thou_o john_n 21._o 17._o as_o for_o those_o place_n which_o affirm_v this_o truth_n i_o shall_v name_v one_o or_o two_o john_n 14._o 17._o you_o know_v the_o spirit_n for_o he_o dwell_v with_o you_o and_o shall_v be_v in_o you_o and_o vers_fw-la 20._o at_o that_o day_n you_o shall_v know_v that_o i_o be_o in_o my_o father_n and_o you_o in_o i_o and_o i_o in_o you_o what_o be_v clear_a then_o as_o where_o the_o sun_n be_v there_o be_v light_a to_o see_v it_o so_o where_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n dwell_v and_o work_v in_o a_o man_n there_o be_v a_o evident_a discovery_n of_o it_o 2_o cor._n 2._o 11_o 12._o what_o man_n know_v the_o thing_n of_o a_o man_n save_o the_o spirit_n of_o man_n within_o even_o so_o the_o thing_n of_o god_n know_v no_o man_n but_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n that_o we_o may_v know_v the_o thing_n free_o give_v to_o we_o of_o god_n by_o this_o we_o see_v that_o as_o the_o soul_n by_o its_o rational_a power_n do_v discover_v and_o feel_v the_o work_n of_o reason_n and_o understanding_n within_o itself_o so_o also_o by_o those_o supernatural_a principle_n of_o grace_n infuse_v into_o it_o it_o be_v able_a to_o discern_v and_o feel_v the_o divine_a and_o heavenly_a motion_n of_o a_o supernatural_a life_n within_o he_o the_o first_o epistle_n of_o john_n do_v in_o many_o place_n speak_v of_o this_o knowledge_n whereby_o we_o perceive_v that_o god_n be_v in_o we_o and_o we_o in_o he_o but_o i_o intend_v not_o to_o enlarge_v on_o this_o subject_n let_v we_o explain_v this_o truth_n and_o consider_v what_o be_v require_v to_o cause_v this_o word_n certain_a knowledge_n in_o we_o that_o we_o be_v sincere_a and_o in_o a_o state_n of_o grace_n and_o so_o by_o consequent_a that_o we_o be_v justify_v elect_v and_o shall_v assure_o be_v save_v and_o first_o there_o be_v require_v a_o firm_a assent_n and_o faith_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o god_n promise_n which_o be_v in_o the_o general_a reveal_v in_o the_o word_n as_o such_o as_o these_o he_o that_o believe_v have_v pass_v from_o death_n to_o life_n by_o faith_n we_o have_v remission_n of_o sin_n through_o the_o blood_n of_o christ_n bless_a be_v the_o poor_a in_o spirit_n for_o they_o be_v the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n the_o promise_n also_o to_o such_o as_o do_v confess_v and_o forsake_v their_o sin_n we_o be_v strong_o to_o assure_v our_o soul_n of_o yea_o not_o only_o the_o promise_n but_o the_o whole_a truth_n reveal_v in_o god_n word_n we_o be_v firm_o to_o assent_v to_o by_o a_o vigorous_a faith_n for_o the_o lively_a act_n of_o faith_n to_o its_o general_a object_n do_v wonderful_o conduce_v to_o the_o application_n of_o it_o to_o particular_a and_o special_a object_n as_o man_n of_o quick_a animal_n action_n be_v thereby_o more_o enable_v to_o rational_a for_o see_v what_o be_v in_o
you_o have_v what_o gift_n and_o enlargement_n you_o have_v what_o not_o what_o remarkable_a external_a duty_n you_o have_v do_v for_o god_n but_o with_o what_o sincerity_n and_o singleness_n of_o heart_n all_o this_o have_v be_v perform_v therefore_o meditate_v on_o this_o lesson_n as_o it_o be_v every_o day_n be_v study_v of_o it_o to_o know_v all_o the_o practical_a mystery_n about_o it_o and_o as_o the_o husbandman_n before_o he_o can_v sow_v his_o ground_n with_o corn_n must_v cut_v up_o the_o root_n and_o bush_n which_o be_v in_o the_o security_n way_n so_o do_v thou_o that_o thou_o may_v the_o better_o set_v thyself_o upon_o this_o duty_n of_o press_v after_o sure_a knowledge_n in_o this_o great_a matter_n remove_v first_o all_z those_o impediment_n and_o hindrance_n that_o keep_v thou_o from_o exercise_v thyself_o therein_o and_o they_o be_v these_o first_o a_o self-fulnesse_n and_o presumptuous_a security_n that_o thou_o be_v already_o in_o a_o good_a estate_n this_o be_v the_o condemnation_n and_o eternal_a ruin_n of_o many_o a_o man_n soul_n he_o will_v not_o so_o much_o as_o put_v it_o to_o the_o question_n whether_o he_o be_v in_o a_o state_n of_o grace_n and_o salvation_n or_o no_o he_o will_v not_o so_o much_o as_o entertain_v one_o doubt_n about_o it_o no_o this_o be_v the_o way_n to_o bring_v he_o in_o despair_n by_o this_o mean_v he_o may_v have_v trouble_n and_o disquietness_n of_o conscience_n he_o can_v live_v so_o jolly_o and_o secure_o as_o he_o do_v therefore_o whatsoever_o god_n word_n or_o the_o ministry_n speak_v though_o never_o so_o terrible_o about_o the_o deceitfulness_n of_o man_n heart_n that_o we_o delude_v ourselves_o take_v that_o which_o be_v like_o grace_n for_o true_a grace_n they_o matter_n it_o not_o they_o will_v persuade_v themselves_o that_o their_o soul_n be_v in_o a_o good_a estate_n and_o none_o in_o the_o world_n shall_v make_v they_o question_v it_o of_o all_o the_o man_n in_o the_o world_n such_o secure_a confident_a spirit_n have_v the_o most_o cause_n to_o doubt_n and_o fear_n never_o to_o doubt_v or_o search_v into_o thy_o heart_n and_o to_o compare_v thyself_o with_o the_o rule_n be_v a_o very_a ill_a sign_n to_o take_v all_o for_o grant_v thus_o concern_v thy_o soul_n and_o never_o to_o commune_v with_o thy_o own_o heart_n be_v a_o great_a argument_n that_o thou_o be_v rot_v in_o the_o foundation_n do_v not_o the_o wiseman_n observe_v it_o as_o a_o general_a rule_n prov._n 16._o 2._o the_o way_n of_o a_o man_n be_v clean_a in_o his_o own_o eye_n but_o the_o lord_n ponder_v the_o heart_n though_o thou_o say_v with_o the_o church_n of_o laodicea_n thou_o be_v rich_a clothe_v and_o want_v nothing_o yet_o god_n know_v thou_o be_v poor_a curse_a and_o miserable_a god_n know_v otherwise_o by_o thou_o than_o thou_o do_v we_o charge_v it_o upon_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n that_o she_o be_v incurable_a because_o of_o this_o principle_n she_o hold_v that_o she_o can_v err_v for_o if_o she_o will_v yield_v that_o if_o she_o will_v grant_v happy_o for_o so_o many_o year_n they_o have_v be_v gross_o deceive_v then_o there_o will_v be_v some_o principle_n to_o proceed_v upon_o to_o reform_v they_o so_o it_o be_v if_o we_o meet_v with_o a_o man_n that_o confess_v his_o heart_n be_v deceitful_a his_o condition_n may_v be_v very_o miserable_a though_o he_o have_v applaud_v himself_o thus_o many_o year_n if_o i_o may_v be_v find_v out_o not_o to_o have_v lay_v a_o good_a foundation_n about_o the_o work_n of_o grace_n i_o will_v glad_o be_v convince_v of_o it_o it_o be_v the_o great_a desire_n of_o my_o soul_n not_o to_o be_v deceive_v about_o the_o nature_n of_o grace_n in_o i_o there_o be_v fearful_a and_o sad_a instance_n of_o hypocrite_n and_o temporary_a believer_n therefore_o i_o will_v glad_o be_v inform_v whether_o i_o come_v not_o too_o short_a as_o yet_o whether_o there_o be_v not_o a_o more_o excellent_a way_n than_o i_o have_v attain_v unto_o this_o man_n be_v not_o far_o from_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n this_o man_n be_v in_o a_o way_n to_o be_v secure_v but_o the_o self-righteous_a man_n that_o suppose_v himself_o good_a it_o be_v the_o first_o principle_n with_o he_o that_o he_o will_v never_o suffer_v to_o be_v question_v this_o man_n be_v remediless_a as_o to_o humane_a appearance_n such_o a_o presumptuous_a man_n in_o practical_o be_v like_o a_o heretic_n in_o doctrinal_n and_o so_o after_o the_o first_o and_o second_o admonition_n we_o may_v even_o reject_v know_v that_o he_o do_v willing_o damn_v himself_o be_v sure_a then_o to_o take_v heed_n of_o this_o rock_n at_o which_o so_o many_o have_v split_v themselves_o a_o second_o cause_n that_o must_v be_v remove_v be_v a_o profane_a careless_a spirit_n whereby_o man_n do_v not_o at_o all_o matter_n their_o soul_n nor_o in_o what_o relation_n they_o do_v stand_v in_o towards_o spirit_n god_n if_o their_o body_n be_v well_o if_o their_o worldly_a affair_n prosper_v than_o they_o say_v soul_n take_v thy_o ease_n but_o as_o for_o their_o spiritual_a condition_n whether_o god_n be_v reconcile_v or_o a_o enemy_n whether_o yet_o they_o have_v be_v ever_o take_v off_o that_o natural_a and_o curse_a estate_n they_o be_v bear_v in_o they_o never_o look_v after_o it_o oh_o foolish_a and_o brutish_a man_n if_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n shall_v once_o convince_v thou_o of_o thy_o sinful_a and_o dangerous_a estate_n of_o the_o curse_n of_o the_o law_n which_o may_v fall_v upon_o thou_o every_o moment_n than_o thou_o may_v have_v no_o rest_n day_n or_o night_n till_o thou_o obtain_v some_o assurance_n herein_o the_o three_o cause_n be_v the_o over-greedinesse_n and_o importunate_a mind_v of_o our_o earthly_a carefulness_n business_n we_o rise_v with_o the_o world_n in_o our_o heart_n and_o go_v to_o bed_n with_o it_o in_o our_o heart_n so_o that_o we_o never_o set_v time_n apart_o serious_o to_o think_v how_o it_o be_v with_o we_o hence_o come_v those_o constant_a delay_n and_o procrastination_n promise_v ourselves_o we_o will_v after_o such_o and_o such_o business_n be_v over_o set_v ourselves_o to_o the_o examination_n of_o our_o way_n but_o still_o the_o work_n be_v not_o do_v our_o day_n pass_v away_o our_o heart_n grow_v more_o harden_v and_o indispose_v every_o day_n till_o at_o last_o death_n unexpected_o seize_v upon_o we_o and_o then_o we_o will_v glad_o have_v oil_n when_o it_o be_v too_o late_o then_o with_o esai_n we_o cry_v out_o for_o a_o blessing_n with_o tear_n and_o bitterness_n but_o we_o come_v too_o late_o how_o comfortable_a on_o the_o other_o side_n be_v it_o for_o a_o godly_a man_n die_v to_o say_v his_o soul_n have_v be_v set_v in_o order_n long_o before_o he_o have_v not_o his_o evidence_n now_o to_o seek_v the_o know_v of_o his_o heart_n have_v be_v all_o his_o study_n in_o his_o life_n time_n satan_n can_v object_v no_o new_a thing_n which_o he_o have_v not_o already_o think_v upon_o last_o there_o be_v another_o cause_n in_o the_o other_o extreme_a which_o be_v to_o be_v remove_v thought_n if_o we_o will_v arrive_v to_o this_o certainty_n and_o that_o be_v to_o shake_v off_o all_o despair_a and_o discourage_v thought_n as_o so_o many_o viper_n fasten_v upon_o thou_o this_o valley_n must_v be_v exalt_v as_o well_o as_o the_o other_o mountain_n level_v paper_n too_o much_o wet_v as_o well_o as_o foul_a receive_v no_o character_n so_o the_o heart_n sinful_o deject_v and_o disquiet_v be_v indispose_v for_o assurance_n as_o well_o as_o the_o presumptuous_a one_o for_o this_o reason_n we_o need_v the_o spirit_n of_o god_n to_o seal_v we_o and_o to_o confirm_v we_o yea_o we_o need_v god_n spirit_n more_o in_o this_o work_n of_o confirmation_n then_o of_o illumination_n darkness_n and_o ignorance_n be_v soon_o remove_v out_o of_o the_o mind_n than_o unbelief_n and_o diffidence_n out_o of_o the_o heart_n do_v you_o not_o see_v it_o thus_o often_o with_o the_o child_n of_o god_n who_o be_v very_o tender_a in_o respect_n of_o illumination_n be_v very_o quick_a and_o eagle-eyed_a in_o respect_n of_o conviction_n be_v wonderful_o ingenuous_a to_o find_v out_o all_o the_o secret_a pollution_n and_o guile_n of_o their_o soul_n but_o then_o for_o assurance_n and_o confirmation_n in_o the_o grace_n and_o favour_n of_o god_n towards_o they_o they_o be_v exceed_o fearful_a and_o very_o weak_a therefore_o the_o believer_n must_v look_v upon_o slavish_a and_o disquiet_v fear_n as_o adversary_n to_o his_o peace_n as_o well_o as_o presumptuous_a and_o secure_a thought_n these_o impediment_n be_v thus_o roll_v out_o of_o the_o way_n the_o next_o thing_n he_o have_v assurance_n to_o do_v be_v to_o awe_v his_o foul_a with_o those_o command_n of_o god_n that_o require_v we_o to_o get_v a_o certain_a knowledge_n of_o
all_o thing_n to_o all_o man_n for_o that_o be_v to_o save_v one_o not_o to_o save_v but_o rather_o destroy_v other_o he_o do_v not_o sinful_o comply_v with_o man_n sin_n but_o he_o do_v prudent_o accommodate_v himself_o to_o man_n weakness_n not_o defile_v himself_o thereby_o that_o to_o he_o may_v 〈◊〉_d they_o out_o of_o their_o weakness_n last_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n acknowledge_v by_o paul_n be_v the_o success_n he_o have_v ministry_n in_o his_o ministerial_a labour_n for_o though_o paul_n be_v enable_v to_o do_v many_o miracle_n to_o cure_v many_o disease_a body_n yet_o he_o can_v not_o open_v the_o eye_n or_o change_v the_o heart_n of_o any_o one_o man_n whensoever_o therefore_o a_o effectual_a door_n be_v open_v to_o he_o in_o any_o place_n this_o be_v god_n work_v not_o paul_n 1_o cor._n 3._o for_o though_o paul_n plant_v and_o apollo_n water_v yet_o it_o be_v god_n that_o give_v the_o increase_n alas_o it_o be_v not_o for_o a_o minister_n to_o think_v his_o part_n his_o gift_n his_o learning_n his_o diligent_a and_o zealous_a preach_n shall_v bring_v man_n off_o from_o their_o wicked_a way_n for_o though_o the_o minister_n be_v to_o do_v his_o duty_n yet_o his_o success_n be_v of_o god_n grace_n only_o and_o therefore_o wonder_v not_o if_o paul_n triumph_n over_o all_o the_o learned_a and_o potent_a enemy_n of_o the_o gospel_n if_o paul_n contemptiblenesse_n overcome_v the_o grecian_n wisdom_n and_o excellency_n for_o it_o be_v not_o paul_n but_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n with_o he_o that_o do_v these_o wondrous_a thing_n use_v of_o admonition_n to_o we_o who_o be_v the_o minister_n of_o god_n as_o we_o will_v have_v our_o study_n our_o labour_n our_o ministerial_a employment_n have_v success_n to_o go_v out_o of_o our_o part_n and_o study_n and_o to_o importune_v the_o grace_n of_o god_n more_o thou_o be_v apt_a to_o think_v such_o expression_n such_o move_a compassionate_a exhortation_n such_o quick_a and_o penetrate_a argument_n will_v make_v man_n leave_v all_o their_o sin_n and_o follow_v christ_n but_o look_v up_o to_o god_n grace_n more_o and_o take_v heed_n of_o any_o thing_n that_o may_v provoke_v god_n to_o withwithdraw_v his_o gracious_a presence_n from_o thy_o study_n and_o ministerial_a labour_n use_v 2._o of_o instruction_n whence_o it_o be_v that_o the_o faithful_a ministry_n of_o god_n have_v be_v uphold_v in_o all_o age_n when_o the_o governor_n of_o the_o world_n have_v frown_v on_o they_o when_o endeavour_n have_v be_v to_o root_v it_o out_o as_o a_o bitter_a plant_v not_o to_o be_v endure_v when_o they_o themselves_o have_v be_v poor_a and_o weak_a have_v neither_o outward_a greatness_n or_o earthly_a policy_n to_o maintain_v they_o this_o be_v whole_o from_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n as_o the_o ark_n be_v not_o overwhelm_v in_o the_o water_n though_o it_o have_v no_o pilot_n to_o guide_v it_o because_o god_n take_v care_n of_o it_o serm._n xcvii_o of_o a_o good_a and_o godly_a conversation_n in_o the_o world_n 2_o cor._n 1._o 12._o we_o have_v have_v our_o conversation_n in_o the_o world_n we_o be_v come_v now_o to_o the_o thing_n testify_v itself_o which_o be_v this_o we_o have_v have_v our_o conversation_n in_o the_o world_n so_o that_o herein_o be_v express_v the_o ground_n of_o his_o comfort_n and_o that_o in_o two_o particular_n 1._o it_o be_v his_o conversation_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d this_o word_n be_v use_v to_o signify_v the_o way_n as_o the_o scripture_n call_v it_o or_o the_o life_n and_o constant_a customary_a practice_n of_o man_n sometime_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d be_v add_v to_o it_o not_o that_o it_o can_v be_v our_o conversation_n unless_o it_o be_v universal_a and_o every_o where_o so_o but_o for_o further_a aggravation_n as_o 1_o pet._n 1._o 15._o but_o as_o he_o that_o have_v call_v you_o be_v holy_a so_o be_v you_o holy_a in_o all_o manner_n of_o conversation_n if_o a_o man_n be_v holy_a at_o some_o time_n or_o in_o some_o fit_n but_o not_o constant_o he_o do_v not_o resemble_v god_n for_o god_n be_v holy_a in_o all_o his_o way_n in_o every_o action_n and_o all_o time_n god_n do_v manifest_v his_o holiness_n he_o be_v a_o god_n and_o change_v not_o be_v always_o like_o himself_o thus_o it_o ought_v to_o be_v with_o the_o godly_a no_o company_n no_o condition_n no_o temptation_n shall_v make_v they_o change_v that_o holy_a way_n of_o life_n they_o be_v to_o exercise_v themselves_o in_o hence_o also_o 2_o pet._n 3._o 11._o we_o have_v it_o render_v in_o the_o plural_a number_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d what_o manner_n of_o person_n ought_v we_o to_o be_v in_o godly_a conversation_n signify_v that_o the_o day_n of_o judgement_n powerful_o believe_v will_v have_v a_o strong_a influence_n upon_o every_o thought_n word_n or_o action_n that_o there_o can_v be_v any_o kind_n of_o godliness_n though_o never_o so_o contrary_a to_o flesh_n and_o blood_n but_o we_o shall_v be_v thereby_o provoke_v to_o the_o accomplishment_n thereof_o varinus_n make_v the_o synonimous_a word_n to_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d and_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d that_o which_o be_v our_o perpetual_a exercise_n and_o life_n as_o it_o be_v indeed_o there_o be_v the_o word_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d render_v conversation_n phil._n 3._o 20._o and_o so_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d be_v use_v act._n 23._o 1._o as_o also_o philip._n 1._o 27._o let_v your_o conversation_n be_v as_o become_v the_o gospel_n but_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d in_o philip._n 3._o 20._o be_v observe_v to_o signify_v rather_o our_o freedom_n and_o prerogative_n which_o we_o have_v as_o citizen_n of_o jerusalem_n our_o privilege_n be_v in_o that_o spiritual_a corporation_n which_o indeed_o do_v also_o by_o consequence_n denote_v that_o our_o life_n and_o conversation_n ought_v to_o be_v answerable_a to_o such_o glorious_a advantage_n the_o second_o word_n expressive_a be_v in_o the_o world_n it_o be_v not_o at_o one_o place_n or_o in_o some_o company_n only_o that_o paul_n do_v thus_o sincere_o behave_v himself_o but_o in_o the_o world_n every_o where_o in_o all_o place_n where_o he_o come_v locum_fw-la non_fw-la animum_fw-la he_o may_v change_v his_o place_n and_o his_o company_n but_o never_o his_o godly_a life_n whereas_o then_o we_o see_v paul_n gather_v his_o comfort_n not_o from_o some_o particular_a action_n do_v at_o some_o time_n or_o in_o some_o place_n but_o from_o the_o whole_a carriage_n and_o constant_a deportment_n of_o himself_o we_o may_v observe_v that_o it_o be_v not_o so_o much_o some_o good_a action_n do_v at_o some_o time_n as_o the_o comfort_n universal_a carriage_n of_o ourselves_o in_o holy_a thing_n that_o do_v bring_v solid_a comfort_n this_o doctrine_n be_v of_o special_a use_n for_o who_o will_v not_o be_v godly_a who_o may_v not_o be_v think_v to_o belong_v to_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n if_o you_o look_v upon_o they_o in_o some_o fit_n while_o under_o some_o danger_n while_o some_o sudden_a pang_n be_v upon_o they_o but_o god_n will_v judge_v thou_o not_o according_a to_o these_o particular_n but_o the_o whole_a course_n of_o thy_o life_n it_o be_v true_a sometime_o thou_o have_v pray_v sometime_o thy_o heart_n have_v be_v smite_v under_o the_o guilt_n of_o thy_o sin_n but_o how_o quick_o have_v these_o pass_v over_o again_o these_o be_v not_o thy_o daily_a exercise_n the_o harmony_n of_o thy_o life_n be_v not_o holy_a and_o godly_a there_o be_v innumerable_a instance_n of_o man_n who_o in_o some_o straits_n and_o imminent_a danger_n have_v appear_v penitent_a and_o reform_a but_o all_o have_v be_v force_v and_o compel_v as_o it_o be_v their_o constant_a habitual_a inclination_n be_v otherwise_o do_v not_o pharaoh_n in_o some_o extremity_n cry_v out_o he_o have_v sin_v and_o desire_v moses_n to_o pray_v for_o he_o do_v not_o ahab_n under_o god_n judgement_n humble_a himself_o in_o sackcloth_n yea_o be_v it_o not_o the_o complaint_n of_o the_o prophet_n concern_v the_o people_n of_o the_o israel_n that_o in_o their_o tribulation_n they_o do_v call_v upon_o god_n but_o then_o afterward_o will_v return_v to_o their_o proper_a course_n again_o psalm_n 78._o 34_o 35_o 36_o 37._o when_o he_o slay_v they_o than_o they_o seek_v he_o they_o return_v and_o inquire_v early_o after_o god_n these_o word_n declare_v much_o activity_n and_o solicitude_n in_o they_o for_o a_o while_n at_o least_o to_o become_v reconcile_v with_o god_n but_o than_o what_o follow_v they_o do_v flatter_v with_o their_o mouth_n for_o their_o heart_n be_v not_o right_a with_o he_o neither_o be_v they_o steadfast_a in_o his_o covenant_n and_o before_o at_o vers_n 8._o they_o be_v say_v to_o be_v a_o generation_n that_o set_v not_o their_o heart_n aright_o and_o who_o spirit_n be_v not_o steadfast_a
thy_o faith_n that_o do_v not_o make_v thou_o watch_v and_o pray_v against_o this_o day_n why_o do_v thou_o not_o with_o hierome_n think_v that_o every_o moment_n thou_o hear_v that_o trumpet_n sound_v in_o thy_o ear_n arise_v and_o come_v to_o judgement_n oh_o be_v diligent_a in_o do_v the_o lord_n for_o bless_a be_v that_o sarvant_n who_o his_o master_n shall_v find_v he_o so_o do_v whereas_o if_o thou_o be_v do_v the_o devil_n work_n he_o will_v at_o that_o day_n come_v and_o demand_v thou_o he_o be_v i_o i_o challenge_v he_o for_o my_o own_o though_o i_o never_o die_v for_o he_o though_o i_o be_v never_o crucify_v for_o he_o yet_o he_o obey_v i_o rather_o than_o christ_n therefore_o i_o require_v my_o own_o call_v then_o to_o any_o of_o the_o creature_n and_o thy_o friend_n and_o see_v if_o they_o can_v help_v thou_o when_o god_n shall_v say_v depart_v you_o curse_v will_v any_o say_v lord_n he_o shall_v not_o go_v i_o will_v deliver_v he_o i_o will_v rescue_v he_o i_o will_v make_v a_o atonement_n for_o he_o no_o but_o he_o must_v for_o ever_o perish_v and_o none_o can_v help_v he_o serm._n cvi_o of_o the_o encouragement_n a_o minister_n have_v from_o the_o hope_n of_o do_v good_a to_o a_o people_n 2_o cor._n 1._o 15._o and_o in_o this_o confidence_n i_o be_v mind_v to_o come_v unto_o you_o before_o that_o you_o may_v have_v a_o second_o benefit_n at_o this_o verse_n the_o apostle_n take_v a_o happy_a occasion_n for_o a_o transition_n to_o his_o apology_n or_o defence_n against_o that_o crime_n charge_v upon_o he_o by_o the_o false_a teacher_n non_fw-la saltat_fw-la say_v cajetan_n he_o do_v not_o leap_v fall_v upon_o this_o matter_n abrupt_o but_o the_o transition_n be_v very_o genuine_a paul_n it_o seem_v have_v promise_v to_o come_v to_o those_o corinthian_n but_o for_o weighty_a reason_n he_o defer_v his_o come_n hitherto_o the_o false_a teacher_n they_o wait_v for_o all_o advantage_n to_o calumniate_v he_o do_v upon_o this_o accuse_v he_o with_o levity_n and_o inconstancy_n that_o with_o he_o be_v yea_o and_o nay_o that_o he_o do_v purpose_n according_a to_o carnal_a respect_n accommodate_v himself_o to_o time_n and_o outward_a advantage_n now_o the_o apostle_n be_v very_o zealous_a and_o vehement_a in_o vindicate_v of_o himself_o herein_o it_o be_v true_a piscator_fw-la do_v begin_v this_o apologetical_a discourse_n at_o the_o 12_o ver._n but_o it_o seem_v more_o genuine_a to_o make_v the_o beginning_n of_o it_o at_o this_o verse_n estius_n do_v well_o observe_v that_o while_n paul_n be_v speak_v in_o the_o commendation_n and_o praise_n of_o his_o conversation_n he_o do_v use_v the_o plural_a number_n join_v other_o with_o he_o to_o avoid_v envy_n but_o when_o he_o come_v to_o this_o apologetical_a part_n be_v charge_v with_o a_o heinous_a crime_n he_o use_v the_o singular_a number_n and_o speak_v of_o himself_o only_o in_o the_o word_n we_o may_v take_v notice_n first_o of_o paul_n resolution_n 2._o the_o motive_n of_o it_o 3._o the_o time_n 4._o the_o end_n and_o 5._o the_o manner_n how_o it_o be_v to_o be_v execute_v in_o the_o verse_n follow_v his_o resolution_n be_v set_v down_o in_o these_o word_n i_o be_v mind_v to_o come_v unto_o you_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d it_o signify_v such_o a_o resolution_n and_o purpose_n that_o be_v make_v upon_o good_a advice_n and_o deliberation_n it_o be_v not_o a_o rash_a sudden_a or_o presumptuous_a decree_n but_o make_v upon_o good_a ground_n though_o afterward_o he_o have_v cause_n to_o change_v his_o mind_n from_o this_o word_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d some_o say_v the_o word_n bulla_n be_v derive_v as_o be_v his_o wise_a decree_n and_o purpose_n but_o seldom_o be_v there_o either_o wisdom_n or_o righteousness_n therein_o 2._o there_o be_v the_o motive_n in_o this_o confidence_n viz._n which_o be_v mention_v before_o of_o their_o mutual_a rejoice_v in_o one_o another_o whereby_o he_o be_v persuade_v that_o he_o may_v do_v much_o good_a among_o they_o we_o have_v speak_v of_o the_o word_n already_o this_o he_o speak_v to_o show_v that_o the_o motive_n of_o his_o come_n to_o they_o be_v whole_o out_o of_o love_n and_o desire_v to_o do_v they_o good_a 3._o the_o time_n when_o and_o that_o be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d before_o some_o make_v it_o a_o trajection_n as_o if_o it_o do_v belong_v to_o his_o mind_n and_o purpose_n he_o have_v before_o determine_v other_o to_o his_o come_n to_o he_o as_o if_o this_o come_n shall_v have_v be_v long_o before_o but_o there_o be_v no_o great_a matter_n in_o either_o construction_n though_o beza_n and_o grotius_n go_v the_o former_a way_n if_o you_o say_v do_v the_o apostle_n then_o change_v his_o mind_n do_v he_o alter_v his_o purpose_n if_o so_o will_v not_o this_o call_n in_o question_n all_o his_o apostolical_a doctrine_n to_o this_o we_o be_v to_o answer_v in_o the_o prosecution_n of_o his_o apology_n at_o the_o 23_o verse_n he_o there_o plain_o tell_v they_o what_o be_v the_o cause_n that_o make_v he_o forbear_v his_o come_n not_o any_o levity_n or_o inconstancy_n in_o he_o but_o their_o sinfulness_n it_o be_v that_o he_o may_v not_o execute_v that_o apostolical_a severity_n among_o they_o as_o they_o deserve_v of_o which_o in_o its_o time_n last_o there_o be_v the_o end_n of_o his_o come_n which_o be_v whole_o spiritual_a that_o you_o may_v have_v a_o second_o benefit_n it_o be_v for_o their_o good_a not_o his_o own_o let_v we_o consider_v the_o motive_n in_o this_o confidence_n of_o your_o kindness_n and_o love_n as_o also_o of_o my_o do_v good_a to_o you_o i_o purpose_v to_o come_v to_o you_o observe_v that_o where_o a_o faithful_a minister_n have_v good_a hope_n and_o confidence_n of_o do_v good_a remain_v to_o a_o people_n there_o be_v great_a encouragement_n of_o abide_v with_o such_o thus_o it_o be_v with_o these_o very_a corinthian_n god_n in_o a_o vision_n to_o paul_n act._n 18._o 10._o command_v he_o to_o stay_v at_o corinth_n and_o not_o be_v afraid_a which_o he_o do_v a_o year_n and_o half_a long_o than_o usual_o he_o do_v any_o where_o and_o the_o reason_n be_v because_o there_o be_v much_o people_n in_o that_o city_n to_o be_v gather_v to_o god_n oh_o how_o rejoice_v be_v it_o to_o a_o faithful_a minister_n when_o he_o see_v god_n have_v convert_v work_n edify_v work_n for_o he_o to_o do_v among_o such_o a_o people_n thus_o you_o have_v also_o paul_n resolve_v upon_o his_o tarry_n at_o ephesus_n 1_o cor._n 16._o 9_o and_o why_o so_o a_o great_a and_o effectual_a door_n be_v open_v to_o i_o he_o do_v see_v a_o likelihood_n of_o much_o spiritual_a good_a to_o be_v do_v and_o this_o make_v he_o willing_a to_o abide_v there_o to_o affect_v our_o heart_n with_o this_o truth_n consider_v first_o that_o all_o people_n both_o by_o nature_n and_o custom_n have_v a_o door_n fast_o bolt_v against_o the_o entrance_n of_o the_o word_n so_o that_o it_o be_v as_o great_a a_o miracle_n for_o christ_n by_o the_o christ_n preach_n of_o the_o gospel_n to_o enter_v into_o the_o heart_n of_o hearer_n as_o it_o be_v when_o he_o come_v in_o to_o his_o disciple_n the_o door_n be_v shut_v yea_o here_o be_v a_o door_n upon_o a_o door_n a_o bolt_n upon_o a_o bolt_n there_o be_v first_o their_o native_a corruption_n and_o by_o this_o they_o be_v dead_a in_o sin_n so_o that_o our_o preach_a be_v like_o hoot_v into_o the_o ear_n of_o a_o dead_a man_n shall_v not_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n change_n and_o prepare_v the_o heart_n of_o hearer_n this_o be_v the_o inward_a door_n and_o then_o there_o be_v a_o outward_a door_n which_o be_v custom_n and_o continuance_n in_o sin_v and_o this_o also_o harden_v against_o the_o ministry_n therefore_o people_n be_v to_o tremble_v under_o this_o contrariety_n to_o their_o own_o spiritual_a good_a remember_v that_o as_o you_o have_v a_o door_n shut_v now_o against_o the_o gospel_n so_o god_n will_v one_o day_n have_v a_o door_n shut_v against_o you_o in_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n so_o that_o although_o you_o shall_v cry_v lord_n lord_n open_a to_o we_o yet_o it_o can_v be_v grant_v you_o luke_n 13_o 25._o as_o much_o entreat_v as_o we_o make_v to_o you_o now_o to_o receive_v the_o lord_n christ_n so_o much_o will_v you_o one_o day_n use_v that_o christ_n will_v receive_v you_o now_o we_o knock_v and_o cry_v and_o importune_v that_o you_o open_v the_o door_n of_o your_o heart_n and_o than_o you_o shall_v howl_v and_o cry_v to_o christ_n to_o open_v the_o door_n and_o gate_n of_o heaven_n second_o because_o man_n be_v thus_o shut_v up_o against_o the_o word_n hence_o it_o be_v that_o neither_o any_o tractableness_n or_o suppose_a probity_n in_o any_o people_n nor_o
it_o be_v that_o in_o heaven_n when_o our_o understanding_n shall_v be_v full_o perfect_v than_o we_o shall_v not_o grow_v in_o knowledge_n we_o shall_v not_o embrace_v error_n and_o upon_o further_a illumination_n leave_v they_o so_o that_o whensoever_o god_n shall_v make_v such_o a_o change_n upon_o we_o that_o we_o be_v not_o to_o believe_v as_o we_o have_v do_v worship_v as_o we_o have_v do_v live_v as_o we_o have_v do_v as_o we_o be_v to_o be_v thankful_a unto_o god_n so_o we_o be_v to_o be_v humble_a in_o ourselves_o because_o that_o ever_o any_o darkness_n do_v take_v hold_n of_o we_o the_o thomist_n among_o the_o schoolman_n give_v this_o for_o a_o reason_n why_o the_o good_a angel_n prove_v constant_o good_a and_o the_o evil_a angel_n unchangeable_o evil_a because_o say_v they_o such_o be_v the_o perfection_n of_o the_o angelical_a nature_n that_o what_o it_o will_v it_o will_v immovable_o it_o can_v alter_v again_o and_o therefore_o a_o evil_a angel_n can_v repent_v i_o shall_v not_o justify_v this_o reason_n but_o certain_o we_o see_v it_o a_o glorious_a perfection_n in_o god_n that_o his_o understanding_n be_v infinite_a his_o will_n immutable_a so_o that_o he_o can_v know_v any_o new_a thing_n or_o will_v any_o new_a thing_n which_o he_o do_v not_o from_o eternity_n yea_o the_o estate_n of_o the_o glorify_a saint_n in_o heaven_n be_v admirable_a in_o this_o particular_a that_o they_o be_v so_o confirm_v by_o grace_n they_o be_v so_o perfect_o enlighten_v and_o sanctify_v that_o they_o receive_v all_o truth_n at_o first_o and_o can_v never_o come_v to_o know_v more_o or_o better_o than_o they_o do_v at_o first_o admission_n into_o that_o glorious_a place_n four_o there_o be_v no_o man_n live_v though_o never_o so_o learned_a and_o so_o know_v do_v but_o may_v still_o understand_v more_o in_o he_o there_o may_v be_v there_o will_v be_v yea_o and_o nays_o he_o will_v have_v cause_n to_o confess_v he_o be_v in_o this_o error_n once_o he_o misunderstand_v such_o and_o such_o text_n of_o scripture_n former_o do_v not_o experience_n confirm_v this_o hence_o be_v their_o retractation_n their_o recognition_n and_o review_v of_o their_o work_n which_o they_o have_v put_v out_o with_o much_o judgement_n and_o deliberation_n so_o that_o we_o be_v not_o to_o wonder_v if_o the_o most_o excellent_a and_o learned_a man_n do_v sometime_o say_v this_o i_o think_v once_o and_o this_o be_v my_o judgement_n once_o but_o now_o i_o be_o better_a inform_v it_o be_v true_a the_o case_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o such_o as_o be_v divine_o inspire_v of_o old_a be_v different_a from_o the_o most_o eminent_a holy_a and_o learned_a man_n that_o be_v in_o the_o church_n for_o though_o after_o their_o first_o call_n by_o christ_n they_o do_v retain_v some_o ignorance_n upon_o they_o yea_o do_v err_v in_o some_o doctrinal_a point_n of_o great_a consequence_n yet_o after_o they_o receive_v the_o holy_a ghost_n in_o a_o full_a confirmation_n of_o they_o in_o their_o office_n than_o they_o be_v make_v infallible_a so_o that_o in_o their_o preach_n and_o write_v they_o can_v not_o err_v and_o therefore_o if_o there_o have_v be_v any_o yea_o and_o nay_o any_o contrariety_n in_o their_o doctrine_n if_o any_o of_o they_o shall_v have_v say_v thus_o i_o think_v once_o but_o it_o be_v my_o error_n i_o be_o now_o of_o another_o mind_n this_o will_v have_v make_v we_o question_v their_o immediate_a call_n from_o god_n but_o all_o pastor_n and_o teacher_n that_o be_v to_o guide_v the_o church_n they_o be_v not_o to_o expect_v such_o infallibility_n neither_o shall_v people_n look_v for_o such_o assistance_n upon_o we_o but_o we_o be_v limit_v to_o the_o scripture_n as_o the_o rule_n by_o which_o all_o spirit_n be_v to_o be_v try_v if_o therefore_o any_o eminent_a officer_n of_o the_o church_n do_v build_v hay_n and_o stubble_n upon_o the_o foundation_n of_o precious_a stone_n and_o pearl_n wonder_v not_o at_o it_o or_o if_o you_o see_v such_o afterward_o more_o enlighten_v and_o to_o bewail_v the_o hay_n and_o stubble_n they_o have_v build_v let_v not_o this_o make_v you_o stagger_v so_o as_o to_o think_v with_o yourselves_o what_o can_v we_o believe_v for_o they_o may_v err_v in_o one_o thing_n as_o well_o as_o another_o and_o as_o they_o confess_v they_o have_v teach_v false_a in_o one_o particular_a so_o it_o may_v be_v in_o all_o the_o rest_n and_o therefore_o we_o be_v not_o bind_v to_o believe_v they_o at_o fundamental_a all_o for_o in_o the_o five_o place_n you_o must_v distinguish_v between_o that_o which_o be_v fundamental_a in_o a_o word_n and_o that_o which_o be_v circa_fw-la or_o supra_fw-la fundamental_a the_o word_n of_o god_n contain_v in_o it_o all_o thing_n that_o be_v necessary_a to_o salvation_n but_o withal_o it_o have_v many_o excellent_a conclusion_n that_o be_v deduceable_a from_o they_o it_o have_v not_o only_o the_o foundation_n stone_n but_o a_o excellent_a and_o glorious_a superstructure_n it_o have_v not_o only_a milk_n for_o the_o babe_n but_o strong_a meat_n for_o the_o adult_n person_n and_o although_o there_o be_v no_o truth_n reveal_v in_o the_o scripture_n which_o when_o sufficient_o propose_v to_o we_o we_o ought_v to_o despise_v it_o be_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o wilful_o to_o oppose_v any_o know_a truth_n of_o god_n word_n though_o it_o be_v far_o from_o the_o fundamental_o be_v a_o very_a damnable_a sin_n and_o rebellion_n against_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n yet_o for_o all_o that_o we_o must_v always_o distinguish_v between_o the_o fundamental_o and_o principle_n of_o religion_n such_o as_o be_v name_v heb._n 6._o and_o the_o conclusion_n by_o many_o medium_n deduce_v from_o they_o between_o the_o seed_n and_o the_o crop_n between_o the_o essential_o and_o the_o accessory_n for_o there_o be_v no_o godly_a man_n much_o less_o no_o godly_a officer_n that_o be_v so_o far_o leave_v by_o god_n as_o to_o err_v in_o fundamental_o of_o salvation_n at_o least_o perpetual_o and_o therefore_o they_o have_v no_o yea_o and_o nay_o in_o they_o for_o they_o have_v the_o promise_n of_o god_n which_o be_v that_o the_o spirit_n shall_v lead_v they_o into_o all_o truth_n john_n 16._o 13._o and_o they_o have_v also_o the_o anoint_v which_o will_v teach_v they_o all_o thing_n 1_o john_n 2._o 27._o where_o by_o all_o thing_n be_v not_o mean_v omne_fw-la scibile_fw-la every_o thing_n that_o may_v be_v know_v for_o than_o they_o shall_v know_v all_o the_o art_n and_o all_o the_o tongue_n every_o one_o will_v be_v wise_a than_o solomon_n no_o nor_o all_o thing_n in_o religion_n not_o all_o thing_n in_o faith_n and_o manner_n for_o that_o will_v contradict_v other_o place_n which_o say_v we_o know_v but_o in_o part_n 1_o cor._n 3._o and_o also_o that_o we_o be_v to_o grow_v in_o knowledge_n 2_o pet._n 3._o 18._o but_o all_o thing_n necessary_a to_o salvation_n they_o shall_v not_o want_v the_o knowledge_n of_o that_o thing_n the_o absence_n whereof_o will_v damn_v they_o it_o may_v be_v for_o a_o season_n they_o may_v be_v involve_v in_o some_o fundamental_a error_n even_o as_o they_o may_v in_o regard_n of_o their_o life_n fall_v into_o some_o grossimpiety_n that_o do_v for_o the_o present_n take_v away_o the_o present_a claim_n that_o they_o have_v to_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n but_o at_o last_o they_o shall_v be_v deliver_v because_o it_o be_v not_o possible_a the_o elect_a shall_v be_v deceive_v viz._n total_o and_o final_o by_o the_o most_o deceivable_a way_n of_o falsehood_n that_o be_v matth._n 24._o 24._o now_o the_o knowledge_n of_o this_o be_v necessary_a to_o obviate_v that_o objection_n which_o you_o hear_v mention_v if_o the_o minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n may_v be_v yea_o and_o nay_o in_o some_o thing_n why_o not_o in_o all_o thing_n if_o they_o err_v in_o one_o thing_n why_o not_o in_o every_o thing_n this_o be_v not_o to_o be_v yield_v unto_o for_o they_o can_v err_v in_o necessary_n though_o they_o may_v in_o accessory_n they_o can_v lay_v any_o other_o foundation_n than_o what_o be_v lay_v yet_o they_o may_v build_v hay_n and_o stubble_n therefore_o it_o be_v senseless_a and_o irrational_a to_o argue_v from_o any_o error_n or_o mistake_v the_o minister_n may_v have_v in_o some_o point_n of_o religion_n that_o be_v problematical_a to_o those_o that_o be_v essential_a for_o in_o these_o late_a we_o be_v sure_a we_o be_v never_o deceive_v we_o may_v with_o paul_n confident_o say_v if_o a_o angel_n from_o heaven_n preach_v contrary_a to_o that_o doctrine_n let_v he_o be_v accurse_v serm._n cxviii_o a_o further_a discovery_n of_o the_o sinfulness_n and_o reproach_n of_o inconstancy_n especial_o in_o a_o minister_n 2_o cor._n 1._o 18._o our_o word_n towards_o you_o be_v not_o yea_o and_o nay_o we_o be_v pursue_v
this_o truth_n that_o inconstancy_n and_o contrariety_n in_o the_o doctrine_n of_o minister_n be_v a_o very_a great_a reproach_n to_o they_o for_o the_o discover_v whereof_o we_o have_v bring_v in_o some_o particular_n and_o proceed_v upon_o the_o same_o account_n as_o first_o we_o must_v always_o distinguish_v between_o constancy_n and_o pertinacy_n for_o these_o pertinancy_n differ_v as_o much_o as_o light_v and_o darkness_n though_o one_o may_v seem_v very_o like_o the_o other_o insomuch_o that_o the_o rash_a wilful_a pertinacy_n of_o some_o man_n in_o their_o way_n and_o opinion_n though_o never_o so_o false_a be_v glory_v in_o by_o they_o as_o true_a constancy_n never_o be_v sin_n more_o ready_a to_o deceive_v we_o then_o when_o it_o come_v in_o truth_n mantle_n when_o the_o devil_n appear_v like_o samuel_n for_o then_o this_o lustre_n and_o glister_a do_v deceive_v we_o take_v vice_n for_o virtue_n that_o we_o can_v be_v bring_v into_o any_o way_n of_o amendment_n but_o this_o we_o must_v resolve_v upon_o that_o constancy_n and_o pertinacy_n they_o differ_v as_o much_o as_o evil_a and_o good_a to_o be_v a_o constant_a man_n be_v a_o duty_n to_o be_v a_o pertinacious_a man_n be_v a_o sin_n if_o you_o see_v a_o papist_n or_o a_o heretic_n that_o will_v endure_v the_o great_a torment_n ere_o he_o will_v be_v yea_o and_o nay_o as_o often_o it_o fall_v out_o this_o man_n be_v not_o to_o be_v commend_v for_o constancy_n but_o condemn_v for_o his_o wilfulness_n and_o pertinacy_n so_o that_o among_o many_o other_o difference_n constancy_n and_o pertinacy_n be_v discriminate_v in_o their_o object_n for_o constancy_n have_v always_o that_o which_o be_v good_a and_o true_a for_o its_o object_n as_o the_o apostle_n say_v it_o be_v good_a to_o be_v zealous_o affect_v in_o a_o good_a thing_n gal._n 4._o 18._o so_o it_o be_v good_a to_o be_v constant_a and_o persevere_v in_o that_o which_o be_v a_o duty_n but_o then_o pertinacy_n be_v always_o in_o that_o which_o be_v false_a and_o evil_a and_o therefore_o be_v common_o make_v to_o be_v a_o necessary_a concomitant_a of_o a_o heretical_a person_n though_o he_o hold_v a_o grievous_a error_n yet_o if_o he_o do_v it_o not_o with_o pertinacy_n after_o frequent_a admonition_n and_o conviction_n he_o be_v not_o judge_v a_o heretic_n according_a to_o that_o know_a saying_n of_o augustine_n errare_fw-la possum_fw-la haereticus_fw-la esse_fw-la nolo_fw-la the_o apostle_n also_o suppose_v wilfulness_n and_o refractoriness_n in_o tit._n 3._o 10._o when_o he_o bid_v we_o reject_v a_o heretic_n after_o the_o first_o and_o second_o admonition_n imply_v that_o thereby_o he_o have_v full_o discover_v his_o pertinacy_n and_o so_o his_o incorrigibility_n if_o then_o in_o a_o sacred_a oath_n wherein_o we_o solemn_o call_v upon_o god_n as_o a_o witness_n when_o it_o be_v about_o a_o sinful_a and_o ungodly_a thing_n it_o be_v our_o duty_n to_o break_v it_o it_o be_v herod_n sin_n that_o he_o will_v fulfil_v his_o oath_n then_o how_o much_o more_o if_o thou_o be_v in_o a_o erroneous_a or_o in_o a_o sinful_a and_o ungodly_a way_n to_o go_v on_o wilful_o and_o will_v not_o change_v thy_o mind_n whatsoever_o come_v of_o it_o this_o pertinacy_n be_v also_o see_v in_o wicked_a man_n who_o will_v not_o be_v reform_v though_o the_o ministry_n be_v never_o so_o potent_a and_o effectual_a though_o light_n penetrate_v never_o so_o secret_o into_o their_o breast_n yet_o like_o balaam_n they_o go_v on_o desperate_o against_o the_o angel_n of_o god_n with_o a_o sword_n in_o his_o hand_n and_o glory_n that_o they_o be_v no_o changeling_n whereas_o be_v to_o be_v of_o another_o mind_n be_v always_o sin_n their_o repentance_n will_v be_v a_o vice_n and_o not_o a_o virtue_n for_o what_o be_v that_o but_o to_o be_v of_o another_o mind_n to_o change_v our_o mind_n whether_o it_o be_v in_o doctrinal_a error_n or_o practical_a impiety_n there_o must_v be_v a_o repentance_n a_o change_n of_o our_o mind_n else_o we_o shall_v never_o enter_v into_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n remember_v then_o this_o difference_n be_v a_o constant_a man_n not_o a_o pertinacious_a self-willed_a man_n the_o former_n yea_o yea_o and_o nay_o nay_o in_o a_o good_a sense_n the_o late_a in_o a_o bad_a sense_n solomon_n say_v bray_v a_o fool_n in_o a_o mortar_n yet_o his_o foolishness_n will_v not_o depart_v from_o he_o prov._n 27._o 22._o what_o be_v he_o therefore_o to_o be_v commend_v because_o he_o will_v not_o be_v change_v yea_o this_o change_n from_o all_o evil_n of_o mind_n or_o life_n be_v so_o necessary_a that_o god_n have_v appoint_v his_o ministry_n for_o this_o end_n for_o this_o end_n he_o afflict_v and_o chastise_v that_o we_o shall_v be_v man_n of_o other_o mind_n of_o other_o persuasion_n than_o we_o have_v be_v arrianus_n epictetus_n have_v a_o chapter_n lib._n 2._o cap._n 15._o against_o such_o who_o will_v contumacious_o persist_v in_o what_o they_o have_v decree_v and_o instance_v in_o a_o friend_n who_o have_v decree_v to_o famish_v and_o starve_v himself_o and_o be_v hardly_o persuade_v to_o the_o contrary_a mere_o because_o he_o will_v be_v as_o good_a as_o his_o purpose_n whereas_o first_o we_o be_v to_o consider_v whether_o the_o thing_n decree_v be_v good_a and_o right_n or_o no._n mad_a man_n have_v strength_n but_o they_o put_v it_o out_o in_o a_o furious_a way_n so_o erroneous_a and_o wicked_a man_n they_o will_v be_v the_o same_o they_o will_v not_o alter_v or_o change_v but_o this_o be_v in_o a_o sinful_a and_o damnable_a way_n oh_o that_o we_o can_v see_v many_o put_v a_o nay_o upon_o their_o former_a yea_o to_o cry_v as_o he_o do_v ego_fw-la non_fw-la sum_fw-la ego_fw-la for_o unless_o such_o do_v become_v change_v they_o be_v sure_a to_o perish_v second_o then_o therefore_o be_v yea_o and_o nay_o so_o reproachful_a when_o they_o be_v mutable_a truth_n from_o truth_n as_o well_o as_o error_n as_o also_o from_o corrupt_a and_o light_a motive_n some_o have_v a_o inconstancy_n and_o levity_n of_o mind_n they_o do_v not_o adhere_v long_o to_o any_o one_o thing_n these_o want_n solidity_n and_o weight_n and_o therefore_o be_v like_o feather_n and_o straw_n that_o be_v blow_v up_o and_o down_o with_o every_o wind_n of_o doctrine_n these_o be_v child_n want_v sound_a judgement_n and_o so_o be_v easy_o delude_v hence_o the_o apostle_n exhort_v ephes_n 4._o 14._o that_o we_o be_v not_o as_o child_n toss_v up_o and_o down_o with_o every_o wind_n of_o doctrine_n how_o many_o be_v there_o that_o do_v not_o adhere_v to_o the_o truth_n of_o god_n upon_o constant_a divine_a motive_n but_o light_n and_o corrupt_a whereby_o it_o come_v to_o pass_v that_o they_o have_v annuam_fw-la &_o menstruam_fw-la fidem_fw-la they_o have_v a_o daily_a monthly_a and_o yearly_a faith_n and_o we_o may_v true_o say_v of_o they_o what_o maldonate_fw-it by_o scorn_n deride_v the_o division_n of_o faith_n give_v by_o protestant_n illis_fw-la enim_fw-la tot_fw-la sunt_fw-la fides_fw-la quot_fw-la sunt_fw-la in_o lyrâ_fw-la it_o be_v this_o unsetledness_n and_o inconstancy_n that_o make_v the_o protestant_a religion_n so_o reproach_v by_o papist_n herein_o they_o boast_v by_o this_o they_o insinuate_v that_o you_o protestant_n go_v from_o religion_n to_o religion_n from_o opinion_n to_o opinion_n and_o have_v no_o huc_fw-la usque_fw-la but_o change_v their_o persuasion_n as_o often_o as_o their_o fashion_n now_o it_o must_v be_v grant_v that_o such_o giddiness_n and_o inconstancy_n do_v not_o consist_v with_o a_o sound_a faith_n and_o judgement_n man_n may_v be_v very_o learned_a man_n and_o yet_o very_a unsettle_a in_o their_o judgement_n who_o will_v not_o acknowledge_v that_o grotius_n be_v to_o be_v honour_v for_o his_o learning_n but_o his_o inconstancy_n be_v the_o dead_a fly_n in_o his_o box_n of_o ointment_n hence_o rivet_n relate_v of_o he_o that_o when_o he_o be_v in_o prison_n some_o intercede_v with_o prince_n maurice_n for_o his_o liberty_n but_o the_o prince_n deny_v and_o point_v to_o the_o weathercock_n upon_o his_o house_n say_v en_fw-fr caput_fw-la grotii_fw-la on_o the_o other_o side_n it_o be_v the_o commendation_n of_o john_n baptist_n that_o he_o be_v not_o as_o a_o reed_n shake_v with_o every_o wind_n when_o we_o have_v once_o try_v all_o thing_n and_o find_v out_o the_o truth_n than_o we_o be_v to_o hold_v it_o fast_o we_o be_v not_o to_o be_v always_o inquire_v and_o seek_v this_o be_v perpetual_o to_o err_v in_o the_o wilderness_n and_o never_o come_v into_o canaan_n pray_v therefore_o to_o god_n against_o inconstancy_n and_o unsettledness_n in_o mind_n in_o matter_n of_o religion_n such_o a_o temptation_n have_v fall_v so_o foul_o upon_o some_o that_o it_o have_v even_o bring_v a_o distraction_n upon_o they_o it_o be_v a_o mercy_n to_o be_v settle_v upon_o the_o rock_n to_o be_v round_v