with_o what_o spiritualness_n and_o faithfulness_n he_o do_v fill_v up_o his_o particular_a call_n and_o relation_n when_o he_o do_v take_v a_o review_n of_o all_o his_o affair_n on_o a_o spiritual_a account_n as_o a_o man_n that_o have_v lose_v any_o thing_n in_o his_o travel_n he_o go_v over_o they_o back_o again_o in_o his_o thought_n he_o consider_v where_o he_o be_v such_o a_o day_n and_o what_o place_n he_o lie_v in_o the_o other_o night_n and_o who_o be_v in_o his_o company_n and_o where_o he_o be_v most_o likely_a to_o leave_v that_o which_o he_o miss_v so_o do_v a_o christian_n who_o be_v serious_a inself-examination_n he_o do_v traverse_v his_o way_n back_o again_o in_o his_o retire_a contemplation_n he_o bethink_v himself_o what_o endowment_n he_o have_v with_o what_o circumspection_n he_o have_v walk_v how_o he_o have_v improve_v this_o opportunity_n and_o redeem_v the_o other_o part_n of_o his_o time_n etc._n etc._n this_o be_v the_o first_o reflexine_a act_n whereof_o this_o work_n be_v compound_v viz._n a_o act_n of_o inspection_n or_o retrospection_n into_o a_o man_n self_n 2._o there_o be_v a_o act_n of_o probation_n and_o trial_n of_o amans_fw-la self_n when_o a_o person_n that_o examine_v himself_o have_v find_v out_o the_o particular_n to_o be_v observe_v touch_v his_o heart_n and_o way_n he_o do_v not_o rest_v there_o but_o immediate_o bring_v all_o to_o the_o test_n and_o touchstone_n that_o he_o may_v see_v of_o what_o sort_n his_o qualification_n be_v and_o of_o what_o kind_n his_o action_n have_v be_v whether_o they_o be_v of_o the_o right_a metal_n and_o stamp_n as_o they_o ought_v to_o be_v and_o as_o he_o will_v have_v they_o to_o be_v whether_o they_o be_v such_o as_o will_v pass_v for_o currant_n in_o the_o court_n of_o heaven_n as_o a_o careful_a goldsmith_n when_o he_o receive_v a_o sum_n of_o money_n do_v not_o only_o count_v the_o piece_n but_o if_o any_o of_o they_o be_v suspect_v or_o look_v but_o suspicious_o he_o tri_v they_o whether_o they_o be_v such_o as_o will_v pass_v in_o payment_n so_o do_v a_o christian_a in_o this_o spiritual_a work_n of_o the_o examination_n of_o himself_o touch_v his_o union_n with_o christ_n first_o he_o observe_v and_o take_v notice_n what_o be_v within_o he_o and_o what_o have_v be_v do_v by_o he_o and_o then_o he_o tri_v what_o metal_n they_o be_v of_o that_o be_v whether_o the_o grace_n which_o appear_v to_o be_v within_o he_o be_v save_v grace_n indeed_o or_o only_o counterfeit_a coin_n and_o whether_o his_o obedience_n be_v evangelical_a and_o spiritual_a obedience_n or_o not_o and_o whether_o the_o sin_n which_o he_o have_v commit_v be_v such_o as_o may_v be_v style_v the_o spot_n of_o god_n child_n or_o no._n and_o the_o reason_n of_o it_o lie_v in_o this_o because_o in_o soul_n concernment_n especial_o there_o be_v oftentimes_o a_o vast_a difference_n betwixt_o reality_n and_o appearance_n many_o thing_n at_o the_o first_o view_n seem_v to_o be_v right_a and_o good_a when_o upon_o a_o strict_a enquiry_n they_o be_v find_v false_a and_o rot_a and_o therefore_o if_o we_o will_v not_o be_v deceive_v all_o thing_n must_v be_v prove_v and_o try_v this_o be_v mention_v as_o a_o act_n distinct_a from_o the_o former_a lam._n 3.40_o let_v we_o search_v and_o try_v our_o way_n first_o we_o must_v labour_v to_o find_v out_o our_o way_n what_o they_o have_v be_v and_o then_o try_v they_o by_o the_o light_n of_o the_o word_n of_o what_o sort_n they_o have_v be_v wherein_o they_o accord_n with_o the_o rule_n how_o we_o have_v deviate_v from_o it_o or_o fall_v short_a of_o live_v up_o thereunto_o this_o be_v elsewhere_o call_v the_o weigh_v of_o a_o man_n self_n in_o allusion_n to_o the_o practice_n of_o tradesman_n in_o their_o negotiation_n and_o traffic_n they_o do_v not_o only_o view_v the_o commodity_n which_o they_o buy_v but_o then_o they_o put_v they_o into_o the_o scale_n to_o see_v if_o they_o will_v hold_v weight_n for_o what_o they_o wefe_n buy_v so_o do_v a_o careful_a christian_a as_o to_o his_o demeanour_n first_o he_o observe_v his_o own_o qual_a fication_n and_o performance_n and_o then_o he_o he_o tri_v whether_o they_o will_v hold_v weight_n in_o the_o balance_n job_n 31.5_o 6._o if_o i_o have_v walk_v with_o vanity_n or_o if_o my_o foot_n have_v haste_v to_o deceit_n let_v i_o be_v weigh_v in_o a_o even_a balance_n that_o god_n may_v know_v my_o integrity_n q._n d._n let_v my_o action_n be_v thorough_o fift_v and_o exact_o look_v and_o they_o will_v be_v find_v such_o as_o be_v acceptable_a unto_o the_o lord_n this_o be_v the_o second_o reflexive_a act_n whereof_o self-examination_n be_v make_v up_o or_o compound_v 3._o there_o be_v a_o conclusive_a determination_n or_o the_o pass_a sentence_n and_o judgement_n upon_o a_o man_n self_n according_a to_o that_o search_n and_o trial_n as_o it_o be_v in_o court_n of_o judicature_n among_o man_n when_o the_o cause_n be_v thorough_o open_v and_o witness_n produce_v and_o the_o law_n consult_v in_o the_o case_n then_o according_a thereunto_o verdict_n be_v bring_v in_o and_o sentence_n pronounce_v why_o sir_n self-examination_n be_v the_o erect_n of_o a_o court_n of_o judicature_n in_o a_o man_n breast_n where_o upon_o trial_n of_o the_o matter_n judgement_n do_v pass_v for_o or_o against_o the_o person_n judex_n person_n conscientia_fw-la respectu_fw-la propositionis_fw-la est_fw-la lex_fw-la respectu_fw-la assumptionis_fw-la testis_fw-la &_o respectu_fw-la conclusionis_fw-la maximè_fw-la propâ—iè_fw-la judex_n therein_o a_o man_n do_v gather_v a_o conclusion_n touch_v his_o own_o way_n that_o they_o be_v just_a or_o unjust_a please_v unto_o god_n or_o provocation_n of_o the_o wrath_n of_o god_n and_o so_o concern_v his_o person_n he_o draw_v a_o inference_n and_o pass_v sentence_n upon_o himself_o that_o he_o be_v righteous_a or_o wicked_a a_o child_n of_o god_n or_o one_o of_o his_o adversary_n unite_v unto_o christ_n or_o still_o estrange_v from_o he_o 1_o cor._n 11.31_o if_o we_o will_v judge_v ourselves_o we_o shall_v not_o be_v judge_v and_o you_o have_v mention_n of_o the_o heart_n pass_v sentence_n in_o both_o respect_n as_o 1._o of_o condemnation_n upon_o supposal_n of_o the_o person_n be_v wicked_a 2._o of_o approbation_n and_o absolution_n if_o righteous_a 1_o joh._n 3.20_o if_o our_o heart_n condemn_v we_o that_o be_v if_o upon_o a_o diligent_a search_n it_o pronounce_v sentence_n against_o we_o as_o unsound_a and_o such_o who_o have_v deal_v false_o and_o unfaithful_o in_o the_o covenant_n of_o god_n and_o v._o 21._o belove_a if_o our_o heart_n condemn_v we_o not_o if_o it_o acquit_v and_o discharge_v we_o then_o have_v we_o confidence_n towards_o god_n job_n 27.5_o 6._o till_o i_o die_v i_o will_v not_o remove_v my_o integrity_n from_o i_o my_o righteousness_n i_o will_v hold_v fast_o and_o will_v not_o let_v it_o go_v my_o heart_n shall_v not_o reproach_v i_o as_o long_o as_o i_o live_v q._n d._n i_o will_v conclude_v that_o i_o be_o a_o person_n accept_v of_o god_n and_o in_o covenant_n with_o he_o &_o that_o i_o have_v walk_v in_o uprightness_n before_o he_o whatever_o argument_n you_o have_v urge_v to_o shake_v my_o confidence_n my_o righteousness_n i_o will_v hold_v fast_o i._n e._n i_o have_v conclude_v through_o grace_n that_o i_o be_o righteous_a and_o by_o this_o conclusion_n i_o will_v stick_v i_o will_v not_o pass_v sentence_n in_o my_o own_o wrong_n this_o be_v the_o first_o conclusion_n assert_v for_o open_v the_o nature_n of_o self_n examination_n conclus_fw-la 2._o the_o special_a faculty_n or_o power_n of_o the_o soul_n by_o which_o this_o work_n of_o self-examination_n be_v perform_v be_v the_o practical_a judgement_n or_o conscience_n of_o a_o man_n that_o be_v the_o reflexive_a eye_n of_o the_o soul_n whereby_o a_o person_n be_v enable_v to_o look_v inward_a and_o to_o take_v a_o account_n of_o his_o own_o heart_n and_o way_n there_o be_v a_o twofold_a spiritual_a eye_n whereby_o a_o man_n have_v pre-eminence_n above_o all_o the_o inferior_a creature_n 1._o there_o be_v the_o eye_n of_o the_o speculative_a understanding_n in_o the_o exercise_n whereof_o he_o take_v a_o view_n of_o matter_n without_o himself_o at_o the_o remote_a distance_n of_o place_n or_o time_n 2._o the_o eye_n of_o the_o practical_a judgement_n or_o conscience_n whereby_o he_o do_v reflect_v upon_o himself_o and_o animadvert_v upon_o his_o own_o spirit_n and_o way_n so_o that_o your_o work_n in_o this_o respect_n if_o you_o will_v right_o examine_v yourselves_o touch_v your_o union_n with_o christ_n be_v to_o labour_v to_o get_v a_o awaken_v conscience_n and_o a_o well_o inform_v conscience_n and_o a_o faithful_a conscience_n free_a from_o guile_n and_o self-flattery_n it_o concern_v you_o to_o take_v heed_n of_o deadness_n and_o security_n
bring_v to_o light_n wherein_o the_o way_n be_v reveal_v for_o restore_v fall_v sinner_n to_o their_o primitive_a happiness_n or_o conduct_v soul_n to_o everlasting_a bliss_n god_n have_v gracious_o please_v to_o declare_v this_o way_n by_o the_o scripture_n and_o to_o leave_v it_o upon_o record_n in_o the_o word_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o here_o we_o have_v the_o substance_n or_o summary_n of_o that_o record_n viz._n that_o god_n be_v the_o giver_n of_o eternal_a life_n and_o that_o this_o life_n be_v in_o his_o son_n etc._n etc._n if_o you_o examine_v the_o connexion_n or_o dependence_n which_o the_o word_n of_o the_o text_n have_v with_o and_o upon_o the_o forego_n passage_n of_o the_o chapter_n you_o will_v evident_o find_v our_o apostle_n be_v herein_o give_v a_o succinct_a account_n of_o the_o great_a foundation-truth_n which_o be_v propose_v to_o be_v the_o object_n of_o a_o christian_n faith_n by_o close_v with_o which_o we_o do_v eminent_o and_o signa_o advance_v the_o glory_n of_o god_n and_o by_o disbelieve_v whereof_o we_o be_v say_v to_o make_v he_o a_o liar_n our_o faith_n be_v to_o be_v build_v upon_o the_o word_n of_o the_o lord_n to_o be_v bottom_v upon_o the_o record_n which_o god_n have_v give_v concern_v his_o son_n and_o this_o say_v the_o apostle_n be_v the_o record_n that_o god_n have_v give_v we_o eternal_a life_n etc._n etc._n the_o better_a to_o clear_v this_o coherence_n and_o so_o the_o genuine_a import_n and_o scope_n of_o these_o word_n let_v we_o a_o little_a cast_v our_o eye_n back_o upon_o the_o context_n or_o the_o verse_n immediate_o precede_v the_o text_n wherein_o we_o may_v note_v two_o thing_n 1._o the_o nature_n and_o excellency_n of_o the_o grace_n of_o faith_n or_o believe_v on_o christ_n ver_fw-la 10._o former_a part_n he_o that_o believe_v on_o the_o son_n have_v the_o witness_n in_o himself_o 1._o for_o the_o nature_n of_o faith_n it_o be_v a_o believe_v on_o the_o son_n so_o it_o be_v usual_o set_v forth_o in_o the_o dialect_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n act._n 16.31_o believe_v on_o the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n and_o thou_o shall_v be_v save_v and_o thy_o house_n joh._n 3.36_o he_o that_o believe_v on_o the_o son_n have_v everlasting_a life_n this_o be_v the_o save_a act_n of_o faith_n which_o will_v bring_v a_o soul_n to_o heaven_n a_o believe_v on_o the_o son_n and_o therefore_o i_o may_v touch_v by_o the_o way_n on_o that_o common_a distinction_n as_o useful_a to_o be_v consider_v that_o there_o be_v a_o threefold_a act_n of_o faith_n or_o three_o way_n of_o believe_v in_o reference_n unto_o christ_n there_o be_v a_o believe_v 1._o that_o jesus_n be_v the_o christ_n christum_fw-la credere_fw-la christum_fw-la christo._n in_o christum_fw-la 2._o jesus_n christ_n 3._o on_o the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n 1._o there_o be_v a_o believe_v that_o jesus_n be_v the_o christ_n a_o assent_n unto_o the_o truth_n of_o this_o principle_n that_o he_o who_o be_v bear_v of_o the_o virgin_n mary_n be_v the_o true_a messiah_n and_o mediator_n send_v of_o god_n to_o be_v the_o saviour_n of_o mankind_n so_o the_o very_a devil_n believe_v as_o they_o know_v there_o be_v one_o god_n so_o they_o acknowledge_v this_o principle_n that_o jesus_n be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n and_o the_o only_a redeemer_n of_o lose_a sinner_n hence_o it_o be_v that_o they_o be_v so_o unwearied_a in_o their_o endeavour_n to_o hinder_v poor_a soul_n in_o close_v with_o christ_n and_o that_o they_o labour_v by_o all_o manner_n of_o false_a suggestion_n to_o draw_v their_o affection_n from_o the_o lord_n jesus_n mark_v 1.24_o the_o unclean_a spirit_n cry_v out_o let_v we_o alone_o thou_o jesus_n of_o nazareth_n i_o know_v thou_o who_o thou_o be_v the_o holy_a one_o of_o god_n and_o that_o herein_o the_o father_n of_o lie_n speak_v the_o very_a truth_n you_o will_v find_v by_o the_o testimony_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n himself_o v._o 34._o he_o cast_v out_o many_o devil_n and_o suffer_v not_o the_o devil_n to_o speak_v because_o they_o know_v he_o 2._o there_o be_v a_o believe_a jesus_n christ_n i.e._n a_o subscribe_v to_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o doctrine_n that_o he_o deliver_v which_o be_v contain_v in_o the_o scripture_n the_o word_n of_o christ_n and_o preach_v by_o minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n in_o his_o name_n thus_o a_o simon_n magus_n may_v believe_v he_o may_v own_o the_o verity_n of_o christ_n word_n though_o in_o the_o gall_n of_o bitterness_n and_o in_o the_o bond_n of_o iniquity_n act_v 8.12_o 13._o when_o they_o believe_v philip_n preach_v the_o thing_n concern_v the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n and_o the_o name_n of_o jesus_n christ_n than_o simon_n himself_o believe_v also_o thus_o nicodemus_n believe_v before_o he_o be_v instruct_v in_o the_o necessity_n or_o acquaint_v with_o the_o grace_n of_o regeneration_n he_o be_v convince_v by_o the_o miracle_n wrought_v by_o christ_n that_o he_o be_v a_o teacher_n send_v of_o god_n and_o consequent_o that_o the_o doctrine_n which_o he_o teach_v be_v the_o truth_n of_o god_n joh._n 3.2_o as_o a_o carnal_a person_n who_o never_o taste_v of_o save_a grace_n may_v have_v much_o knowledge_n in_o his_o understanding_n of_o the_o will_n of_o christ_n so_o he_o may_v be_v under_o such_o conviction_n upon_o his_o judgement_n as_o in_o a_o sort_n to_o approve_v the_o word_n of_o christ_n rom_n 2.17.18_o 3._o but_o last_o there_o be_v a_o believe_v on_o the_o lord_n jesus_n when_o a_o man_n be_v so_o powerful_o convince_v of_o the_o evil_a of_o sin_n and_o his_o own_o obnoxiousness_n to_o the_o wrath_n of_o god_n and_o the_o heart_n so_o full_o persuade_v of_o the_o excellency_n of_o christ_n and_o the_o sufficiency_n of_o his_o righteousness_n together_o with_o the_o utter_a insufficiency_n of_o all_o other_o way_n of_o deliverance_n that_o thereupon_o he_o do_v actual_o close_a with_o christ_n upon_o gospel_n term_n and_o make_v application_n to_o he_o cast_v himself_o upon_o the_o son_n of_o god_n for_o salvation_n and_o renounce_v all_o thing_n for_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o he_o author_n although_o believe_v on_o christ_n do_v not_o always_o signify_v a_o save_a faith_n as_o see_v joh._n 2.23_o yet_o for_o the_o most_o part_n it_o do_v and_o so_o may_v fit_o be_v make_v use_n of_o by_o way_n of_o distinction_n it_o be_v observe_v by_o some_o that_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d be_v a_o phrase_n peculiar_a to_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o not_o use_v by_o profane_a author_n this_o be_v the_o save_a act_n of_o faith_n a_o believe_v on_o or_o in_o the_o son_n joh._n 11.25_o 26._o he_o that_o believe_v in_o i_o though_o he_o be_v dead_a yet_o he_o shall_v live_v and_o whosoever_o live_v and_o believe_v in_o i_o shall_v never_o die_v for_o mark_v it_o sir_n that_o assent_n of_o the_o judgement_n unto_o the_o great_a truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n which_o be_v require_v of_o the_o lord_n and_o be_v well_o please_v in_o his_o sight_n be_v not_o a_o bare_a naked_a lifeless_a assent_n but_o a_o compound_a and_o operative_a assent_n such_o as_o do_v engage_v the_o heart_n to_o comply_v with_o those_o truth_n and_o bring_v the_o whole_a soul_n in_o subjection_n unto_o they_o rom._n 10.10_o with_o the_o heart_n man_n believe_v unto_o righteousness_n that_o be_v for_o the_o nature_n of_o faith_n it_o be_v a_o believe_v on_o the_o son_n 2._o for_o the_o excellency_n and_o preciousness_n of_o thus_o believe_v he_o that_o do_v so_o have_v the_o witness_n in_o himself_o i.e._n in_o his_o own_o soul_n and_o spirit_n and_o conscience_n he_o have_v it_o grave_v upon_o the_o very_a table_n of_o his_o heart_n but_o what_o be_v this_o witness_n which_o a_o believer_n have_v in_o himself_o answ_n you_o may_v understand_v it_o either_o of_o these_o three_o way_n 1._o in_o relation_n to_o his_o spiritual_a state_n he_o have_v a_o fundamental_a evidence_n that_o he_o be_v a_o child_n of_o god_n and_o in_o covenant_n with_o he_o here_o be_v sufficient_a matter_n if_o right_o improve_v whereupon_o to_o raise_v a_o testimony_n of_o this_o thing_n it_o be_v faith_n which_o bring_v a_o man_n under_o the_o favour_n of_o god_n and_o the_o act_n of_o believe_v be_v a_o sure_a token_n that_o the_o person_n be_v endow_v with_o the_o grace_n or_o habit_n of_o faith_n spiritual_a action_n as_o they_o must_v proceed_v from_o a_o divine_a principle_n so_o they_o be_v evidence_n of_o that_o principle_n from_o whence_o they_o do_v proceed_v 1_o joh._n 5.1_o whosoever_o believe_v that_o jesus_n be_v the_o christ_n not_o with_o a_o bare_a assent_n of_o the_o judgement_n but_o he_o that_o believe_v it_o with_o the_o heart_n as_o before_o 145.18_o before_o when_o a_o particular_a duty_n be_v produce_v as_o a_o evidence_n of_o a_o state_n of_o salvation_n or_o have_v a_o promise_n of_o grace_n and_o
himself_o but_o let_v every_o man_n prove_v his_o own_o work_n and_o then_o he_o shall_v have_v rejoice_v in_o himself_o alone_o and_o not_o in_o another_o as_o if_o he_o have_v say_v it_o be_v no_o marvel_n if_o your_o heart_n beguile_v you_o if_o you_o do_v not_o make_v a_o narrow_a scrutiny_n into_o yourselves_o your_o spirit_n be_v treacherous_a apt_a to_o put_v light_n for_o darkness_n and_o darkness_n for_o light_n you_o will_v be_v apt_a to_o entertain_v good_a thought_n and_o opinion_n of_o yourselves_o when_o perhaps_o you_o have_v nothing_o of_o the_o life_n and_o substance_n of_o godliness_n and_o your_o deceitful_a heart_n take_v hold_v of_o every_o advantage_n to_o strengthen_v those_o opinion_n but_o if_o you_o will_v avoid_v this_o cheat_n you_o must_v examine_v yourselves_o let_v every_o man_n prove_v his_o own_o work_n that_o be_v every_o one_o that_o will_v not_o be_v thus_o deceive_v and_o in_o order_n to_o the_o prevention_n of_o this_o self-flattery_n and_o cozenage_n if_o you_o be_v much_o in_o self-examination_n you_o will_v not_o rest_v in_o the_o good_a opinion_n of_o other_o nor_o conclude_v you_o be_v holy_a because_o they_o think_v well_o of_o you_o or_o you_o will_v not_o determine_v of_o your_o spiritual_a estate_n from_o the_o life_n of_o other_o that_o therefore_o you_o be_v the_o child_n of_o god_n because_o you_o be_v not_o so_o bad_a as_o they_o or_o that_o you_o be_v in_o covenant_n with_o the_o lord_n because_o other_o run_v fast_o than_o you_o in_o the_o devil_n service_n but_o upon_o the_o through_o trial_n of_o yourselves_o it_o will_v be_v see_v whether_o you_o have_v any_o substantial_a ground_n of_o rejoice_v so_o that_o let_v i_o tell_v you_o again_o if_o you_o love_v your_o soul_n if_o you_o will_v be_v assure_v to_o escape_v everlasting_a vengeance_n that_o you_o be_v person_n in_o favour_n with_o god_n and_o shall_v arrive_v with_o sasety_n at_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n when_o all_o impenitent_a sinner_n be_v bind_v up_o in_o bundle_n together_o and_o cast_v into_o hell_n fire_n make_v it_o appear_v that_o you_o be_v unite_v to_o christ_n get_v knowledge_n and_o assurance_n that_o you_o have_v the_o son_n and_o to_o that_o end_n be_v diligent_a in_o the_o search_n of_o yourselves_o for_o self-examination_n be_v the_o way_n to_o know_v it_o you_o will_v say_v what_o course_n shall_v we_o take_v in_o the_o search_n of_o this_o matter_n or_o in_o what_o method_n shall_v we_o proceed_v in_o this_o examination_n of_o ourselves_o that_o thereupon_o we_o may_v know_v whether_o we_o be_v ingraff_v into_o christ_n this_o be_v a_o work_n and_o duty_n in_o the_o discharge_n whereof_o eternal_a life_n itself_o lie_v at_o the_o stake_n if_o it_o be_v not_o manage_v aright_o it_o may_v prove_v the_o occasion_n of_o a_o man_n utter_a ruin_n and_o destruction_n and_o therefore_o i_o will_v insist_v upon_o it_o somewhat_o large_o by_o pass_v over_o these_o three_o head_n of_o particular_n by_o 1._o by_o show_v you_o the_o nature_n of_o this_o duty_n that_o you_o may_v know_v wherein_o your_o work_n lie_v in_o this_o business_n or_o what_o this_o self-examination_n be_v in_o order_n to_o find_v out_o whether_o you_o be_v knit_v to_o christ_n 2._o press_v upon_o your_o spirit_n some_o of_o the_o principle_n motive_n or_o provocative_n to_o quicken_v you_o to_o set_v speedy_o and_o vigorous_o upon_o the_o discharge_n of_o this_o work_n 3._o subjoyn_v in_o the_o close_a some_o special_a direction_n to_o guide_v you_o in_o the_o discharge_n of_o this_o work_n that_o you_o may_v come_v to_o a_o right_a conclusion_n whether_o you_o have_v the_o son_n and_o not_o be_v deceive_v therein_o 1._o to_o begin_v with_o the_o first_o of_o show_v you_o wherein_o your_o work_n lie_v in_o this_o business_n of_o examine_v whether_o you_o be_v one_o with_o christ_n and_o have_v the_o son_n or_o what_o this_o duty_n of_o self-examination_n be_v which_o be_v a_o matter_n needful_a to_o be_v a_o little_a explain_v because_o it_o be_v to_o be_v fear_v that_o multitude_n who_o be_v call_v christian_n be_v much_o in_o the_o dark_a as_o to_o any_o distinct_a knowledge_n of_o the_o nature_n of_o this_o work_n that_o they_o be_v not_o only_a stranger_n to_o the_o practice_n of_o it_o but_o in_o a_o great_a measure_n as_o to_o any_o clear_a apprehension_n concern_v it_o but_o i_o shall_v not_o handle_v it_o by_o way_n of_o description_n at_o large_a only_o i_o will_v give_v you_o some_o hint_n of_o the_o most_o material_a point_n which_o have_v a_o reference_n to_o this_o work_n and_o that_o will_v be_v needful_a to_o open_v our_o way_n for_o the_o direction_n i_o will_v give_v you_o for_o the_o right_a management_n thereof_o all_o that_o shall_v be_v deliver_v under_o this_o head_n i_o have_v gather_v into_o six_o plain_a conclusion_n concl._n 1._o the_o first_o conclusion_n be_v this_o that_o self-examination_n as_o to_o our_o union_n with_o christ_n be_v for_o the_o matter_n of_o it_o a_o compound_a duty_n make_v up_o of_o a_o threefold_a spiritual_a and_o reflexive_a action_n in_o relation_n to_o a_o man_n self_n there_o be_v 1._o a_o search_n or_o enquiry_n make_v into_o a_o man_n self_n 2._o the_o probation_n and_o trial_n of_o a_o man_n self_n 3._o the_o pass_a sentence_n or_o judgement_n upon_o a_o man_n self_n a_o man_n self_n mark_v it_o sir_n it_o do_v not_o lie_v in_o one_o only_a single_a act_n of_o the_o spirit_n but_o it_o do_v consist_v of_o several_a act_n for_o as_o there_o be_v some_o complicate_v sin_n which_o carry_v many_o transgression_n together_o in_o the_o bowel_n of_o they_o so_o there_o be_v some_o duty_n which_o we_o may_v call_v complicate_v or_o compound_v duty_n and_o such_o be_v this_o of_o self-examination_n wherein_o there_o be_v many_o action_n fold_v up_o together_o for_o it_o comprehend_v a_o threefold_a reflexive_a act_n 1._o there_o be_v a_o act_n of_o inspection_n or_o retrospection_n into_o a_o man_n self_n a_o search_n or_o enquiry_n make_v into_o our_o person_n and_o way_n our_o inward_a qualification_n and_o all_o our_o performance_n he_o that_o examine_v himself_o must_v curious_o pry_v and_o look_v into_o his_o own_o heart_n and_o practice_n into_o his_o principle_n and_o conversation_n and_o into_o all_o the_o working_n of_o those_o principle_n and_o the_o manner_n of_o they_o he_o must_v descend_v into_o and_o take_v a_o narrow_a view_n of_o every_o corner_n of_o his_o spirit_n and_o the_o several_a part_n of_o his_o demeanour_n as_o a_o man_n will_v look_v with_o a_o candle_n into_o every_o room_n and_o cast_v his_o eye_n into_o every_o hole_n and_o cranny_n of_o a_o house_n for_o the_o find_v out_o any_o thing_n which_o be_v lose_v you_o have_v it_o under_o this_o very_a similitude_n prov._n 20.27_o the_o spirit_n of_o a_o man_n be_v the_o candle_n of_o the_o lord_n search_v all_o the_o inward_a part_n of_o the_o belly_n it_o be_v the_o candle_n of_o the_o lord_n that_o be_v there_o be_v a_o special_a faculty_n put_v into_o a_o man_n soul_n by_o god_n himself_o whereby_o he_o be_v enable_v to_o make_v enquiry_n into_o his_o innermost_a thought_n and_o and_o the_o secret_a operation_n of_o his_o own_o heart_n in_o the_o exercise_n whereof_o he_o may_v make_v a_o narrow_a scrutiny_n into_o himself_o and_o look_v wist_o into_o what_o be_v within_o he_o or_o have_v be_v do_v by_o he_o as_o a_o man_n do_v that_o take_v a_o torch_n or_o candle_n to_o see_v that_o which_o can_v not_o otherwise_o be_v perceive_v consc_fw-fr perceive_v in_o ment_fw-la hominis_fw-la quasi_fw-la in_o tabulis_fw-la obsignatis_fw-la conscriptum_fw-la relinquitur_fw-la quid_fw-la fecit_fw-la &_o quo_fw-la animo_fw-la quod_fw-la etiam_fw-la tandem_fw-la 〈◊〉_d conscientia_fw-la legitur_fw-la &_o pronunciatur_fw-la ames_n de_fw-fr consc_fw-fr it_o be_v sometime_o style_v in_o respect_n to_o a_o man_n way_n which_o as_o i_o shall_v show_v you_o by_o and_o by_o be_v a_o main_a evidence_n of_o our_o union_n with_o christ_n or_o estrangedness_n from_o he_o a_o think_v upon_o they_o psal_n 119.59_o i_o think_v upon_o my_o way_n and_o turn_v my_o foot_n unto_o thy_o testimony_n so_o that_o than_o do_v a_o person_n examine_v himself_o when_o he_o sit_v down_o and_o look_v into_o his_o own_o soul_n what_o grace_n be_v there_o and_o how_o they_o be_v exercise_v what_o corruption_n abide_v within_o he_o and_o how_o much_o force_n and_o power_n they_o have_v have_v over_o he_o and_o the_o like_a when_o he_o do_v bethink_v himself_o as_o to_o his_o way_n with_o what_o care_n and_o conscience_n he_o have_v sanctify_v the_o sabbath_n how_o instant_a and_o fervent_a he_o be_v on_o the_o one_o hand_n or_o cold_a and_o careless_a on_o the_o other_o hand_n in_o the_o duty_n of_o prayer_n how_o often_o he_o do_v read_v the_o word_n and_o meditate_v thereupon_o
and_o treachery_n in_o the_o conscience_n for_o as_o that_o be_v the_o faculty_n which_o do_v eye_n and_o observe_v a_o man_n in_o his_o way_n so_o whereby_o he_o be_v empower_v to_o take_v a_o account_n of_o those_o way_n and_o to_o acquit_v or_o condemn_v himself_o according_a to_o the_o merit_n of_o the_o cause_n and_o as_o the_o matter_n do_v require_v you_o read_v of_o the_o apostle_n paul_n that_o he_o have_v a_o witness_n on_o his_o side_n that_o he_o be_v a_o servant_n of_o god_n and_o walk_v in_o sincerity_n before_o the_o lord_n whereupon_o his_o heart_n be_v fill_v with_o joy_n and_o gladness_n and_o what_o be_v that_o witness_n why_o his_o conscience_n have_v examine_v and_o find_v it_o to_o be_v so_o 2_o cor._n 1.12_o for_o our_o rejoice_v be_v this_o the_o testimony_n of_o our_o conscience_n that_o in_o simplicity_n &_o godly_a sincerity_n not_o with_o fleshly_a wisdom_n but_o by_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n we_o have_v have_v our_o conversation_n in_o the_o world_n and_o both_o the_o business_n of_o accuse_v and_o absolve_v a_o sinner_n be_v attribute_v thereunto_o namely_o to_o the_o working_n of_o conscience_n rom._n 2.15_o their_o conscience_n also_o bear_v witness_n and_o their_o thought_n the_o mean_a while_n accuse_v or_o else_o excuse_v one_o another_o joh._n 8.9_o they_o go_v out_o one_o by_o one_o be_v convict_v by_o their_o own_o conscience_n this_o you_o be_v sometime_o to_o understand_v by_o the_o heart_n and_o spirit_n of_o a_o man_n when_o it_o be_v say_v to_o take_v cognizance_n of_o the_o thing_n which_o be_v within_o he_o the_o heart_n know_v its_o own_o bitterness_n prov._n 14.10_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 which_o be_v in_o he_o 1_o cor._n 2.11_o again_o eccl._n 7.21_o 22._o also_o take_v no_o heed_n to_o all_o word_n that_o be_v speak_v lest_o thou_o hear_v thy_o servant_n curse_v thou_o for_o oftentimes_o also_o thy_o own_o heart_n know_v that_o thou_o thyself_o likewise_o have_v curse_v other_o that_o be_v if_o you_o will_v set_v your_o conscience_n a-work_o they_o will_v declare_v plain_o what_o be_v the_o filthiness_n that_o cleave_v to_o you_o and_o the_o abomination_n that_o have_v be_v commit_v by_o you_o so_o that_o your_o care_n must_v be_v to_o keep_v life_n and_o vigour_n and_o activity_n in_o your_o conscience_n and_o you_o must_v take_v heed_n to_o yourselves_o that_o no_o mistake_n or_o falsehood_n or_o practical_a error_n settle_v within_o your_o conscience_n concl._n 3_o although_o it_o be_v the_o conscience_n of_o a_o man_n by_o which_o he_o do_v examine_v himself_o touch_n his_o union_n with_o christ_n and_o pass_v judgement_n upon_o himself_o in_o that_o case_n yet_o this_o work_n can_v never_o be_v perform_v effectual_o and_o to_o purpose_n without_o the_o concurrent_a assistance_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n and_o the_o powerful_a influence_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n it_o be_v the_o spirit_n of_o god_n by_o who_o the_o conscience_n of_o a_o sinner_n be_v excite_v and_o stire_v up_o unto_o this_o work_n and_o direct_v and_o guide_v therein_o that_o it_o may_v see_v clear_o into_o matter_n and_o may_v pass_v a_o right_n and_o convince_a sentence_n thereupon_o it_o be_v the_o same_o spirit_n alone_o which_o convert_v a_o sinner_n from_o his_o natural_a estate_n that_o can_v convince_o show_v he_o his_o sad_a estate_n in_o order_n to_o conversion_n and_o the_o same_o spirit_n alone_o which_o plant_v grace_n into_o the_o soul_n can_v discover_v that_o grace_n where_o it_o be_v plant_v that_o so_o a_o believer_n may_v take_v comfort_n therein_o and_o conclude_v from_o thence_o that_o he_o be_v ingraff_v into_o christ_n and_o therefore_o when_o we_o attain_v any_o comfortable_a evidence_n of_o our_o estate_n godward_o we_o be_v say_v to_o be_v seal_v by_o the_o spirit_n because_o it_o depend_v upon_o his_o assistance_n and_o testimony_n eph._n 1.13_o 14._o in_o who_o also_o after_o that_o you_o believe_v you_o be_v seal_v with_o that_o holy_a spirit_n of_o promise_n which_o be_v the_o earnest_n of_o our_o inheritance_n it_o be_v a_o manner_n of_o speech_n take_v from_o the_o practice_n of_o man_n who_o for_o confirmation_n and_o assurance_n of_o a_o deed_n or_o grant_n give_v writing_n under_o seal_n so_o have_v the_o lord_n be_v please_v say_v the_o apostle_n to_o deal_v with_o you_o you_o have_v not_o only_o the_o promise_n of_o acceptance_n and_o pardon_v and_o eternal_a life_n make_v unto_o you_o but_o these_o promise_n be_v seal_v how_o why_o by_o the_o testimony_n of_o the_o spirit_n again_o in_o make_v of_o a_o bargain_n man_n be_v wont_a to_o give_v earnest_a to_o confirm_v it_o which_o be_v not_o only_o a_o part_n of_o payment_n but_o for_o assurance_n of_o the_o whole_a this_o earnest_n say_v he_o you_o have_v receive_v which_o be_v the_o witness_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n it_o be_v not_o the_o testimony_n of_o conscience_n alone_o can_v make_v a_o man_n effectual_o to_o know_v his_o relation_n to_o christ_n or_o separation_n from_o christ_n without_o the_o concurrent_a operation_n of_o the_o spirit_n there_o be_v a_o famous_a text_n in_o reference_n to_o both_o rom._n 8.15_o for_o you_o have_v not_o receive_v the_o spirit_n of_o bondage_n again_o to_o fear_v but_o you_o have_v receive_v the_o spirit_n of_o adoption_n whereby_o we_o cry_v abba_n father_n mark_v it_o if_o a_o man_n be_v bring_v into_o bondage_n by_o the_o knowledge_n of_o his_o undo_a condition_n by_o see_v himself_o to_o lie_v under_o the_o guilt_n of_o his_o sin_n and_o obnoxious_a to_o the_o insupportable_a wrath_n of_o god_n it_o be_v through_o the_o operation_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o if_o he_o be_v able_a to_o plead_v his_o adoption_n and_o to_o look_v up_o unto_o god_n as_o his_o father_n in_o christ_n it_o be_v by_o the_o efficacious_a working_n of_o the_o same_o spirit_n so_o that_o for_o the_o examination_n of_o yourselves_o concern_v your_o union_n with_o christ_n and_o find_v out_o whether_o you_o be_v knit_v unto_o he_o your_o work_n in_o this_o respect_n lie_v in_o two_o thing_n 1_o in_o be_v earnest_a petitioner_n and_o supplicant_n at_o the_o throne_n of_o grace_n for_o the_o special_a assistance_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n to_o make_v this_o discovery_n to_o you_o to_o strike_v in_o with_o your_o conscience_n in_o bear_v witness_n unto_o your_o spiritual_a estate_n that_o the_o god_n and_o father_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n the_o father_n of_o glory_n may_v give_v unto_o you_o the_o spirit_n of_o wisdom_n and_o revelation_n in_o the_o knowledge_n of_o he_o that_o the_o eye_n of_o your_o understanding_n be_v enlighten_v you_o may_v know_v what_o be_v the_o hope_n of_o his_o call_n and_o what_o the_o riches_n of_o the_o glory_n of_o his_o inheritance_n in_o the_o saint_n eph._n 1.17_o 18._o 2_o your_o business_n lie_v in_o a_o careful_a attendance_n upon_o the_o dictate_v of_o the_o spirit_n and_o take_v heed_n that_o you_o resist_v not_o the_o holy_a ghost_n in_o these_o act_n for_o it_o be_v a_o ordinary_a thing_n in_o many_o of_o the_o people_n of_o god_n to_o be_v accessary_a to_o the_o disconsolateness_n of_o their_o own_o soul_n by_o oppose_v the_o spirit_n of_o consolation_n they_o go_v on_o without_o that_o comfort_n which_o they_o may_v have_v in_o the_o knowledge_n of_o their_o union_n with_o christ_n because_o they_o refuse_v to_o be_v comfort_v as_o the_o psalmist_n speak_v of_o himself_o psal_n 77.2_o this_o be_v a_o common_a distemper_n in_o time_n of_o strong_a temptation_n as_o the_o ungodly_a resist_v the_o spirit_n of_o conviction_n and_o conversion_n so_o believer_n themselves_o be_v apt_a to_o withstand_v and_o strive_v against_o the_o spirit_n of_o consolation_n and_o therefore_o your_o work_n be_v to_o give_v diligent_a attendance_n upon_o the_o spirit_n and_o to_o hear_v attentive_o what_o he_o shall_v speak_v unto_o you_o concl._n 4._o the_o way_n of_o procedure_v in_o this_o business_n of_o self-examination_n or_o the_o mean_n whereby_o it_o must_v be_v find_v out_o whether_o we_o be_v unite_v to_o christ_n be_v by_o consult_v and_o inquire_v into_o those_o mark_n and_o sign_n which_o be_v the_o evidence_a character_n and_o property_n of_o that_o union_n for_o sir_n the_o change_n wrought_v upon_o a_o believer_n by_o his_o oneness_n with_o christ_n be_v a_o relative_a change_n and_o can_v be_v see_v immediate_o in_o itself_o and_o of_o itself_o but_o it_o be_v discern_v and_o discover_v unto_o the_o spirit_n of_o a_o man_n by_o its_o property_n and_o concomitant_n which_o be_v as_o certain_a characteristical_a mark_n and_o token_n whereby_o the_o state_n of_o union_n with_o christ_n be_v difference_v and_o distinguish_v from_o that_o of_o be_v stranger_n unto_o he_o as_o it_o be_v in_o natural_a thing_n if_o i_o will_v know_v whether_o
joh._n 3.18_o these_o adequate_a property_n be_v such_o as_o you_o shall_v principal_o take_v notice_n of_o and_o select_v for_o your_o use_n in_o the_o trial_n of_o your_o union_n with_o christ_n and_o for_o the_o clear_n of_o it_o up_o to_o yourselves_o whether_o you_o be_v ingraff_v into_o he_o you_o will_v know_v they_o by_o these_o three_o condition_n 1._o there_o must_v be_v universality_n of_o the_o subject_n they_o must_v be_v find_v in_o all_o person_n unite_v to_o the_o son_n 2._o peculiarity_n they_o must_v be_v such_o as_o belong_v only_o unto_o they_o 3._o indefiniteness_n of_o time_n such_o as_o appertain_v to_o the_o saint_n at_o all_o season_n this_o be_v the_o five_o conclusion_n i_o intend_v to_o open_v the_o nature_n of_o self-examination_n concl._n 6._o the_o last_o assertion_n be_v this_o that_o such_o mark_n and_o sign_n of_o whatever_o sort_n they_o be_v whereupon_o a_o christian_a may_v confident_o rest_v in_o the_o examination_n of_o himself_o and_o according_a to_o the_o tenor_n of_o which_o he_o may_v pass_v a_o righteous_a sentence_n upon_o himself_o whether_o he_o be_v unite_v to_o christ_n must_v be_v clear_o deduce_v from_o the_o scripture_n and_o plain_o bottom_v thereupon_o mark_v it_o i_o say_v if_o you_o will_v not_o be_v deceive_v and_o proceed_v upon_o mistake_n you_o must_v fetch_v your_o evidence_n from_o thence_o and_o see_v that_o they_o be_v such_o character_n of_o union_n as_o be_v warrant_v thereby_o else_o you_o may_v possible_o get_v some_o presumptuous_a hope_n but_o you_o can_v never_o attain_v unto_o a_o wellgrounded_n assurance_n for_o the_o word_n of_o god_n be_v the_o only_a sure_a foundation_n which_o you_o can_v build_v upon_o in_o this_o case_n of_o enquiry_n and_o the_o reason_n lie_v herein_o because_o our_o lord_n jesus_n in_o his_o proceed_n will_v judge_v we_o by_o the_o scripture_n and_o pass_v everlasting_a sentence_n upon_o we_o according_a to_o the_o tenor_n of_o the_o scripture_n and_o therefore_o by_o that_o rule_n we_o shall_v judge_v ourselves_o if_o a_o man_n have_v a_o trial_n at_o law_n touch_v his_o estate_n or_o life_n and_o will_v know_v beforehand_o whether_o his_o cause_n be_v good_a he_o do_v not_o depend_v upon_o what_o this_o neighbour_n thought_n be_v or_o the_o other_o opinion_n be_v but_o he_o search_v the_o law_n and_o address_v himself_o to_o man_n skilful_a in_o the_o law_n as_o know_v the_o judge_n will_v proceed_v according_a to_o that_o rule_n why_o sir_n at_o the_o great_a and_o general_a assize_n christ_n will_v try_v all_o cause_n by_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o pass_v judgement_n upon_o all_o sort_n according_a to_o the_o word_n so_o that_o by_o it_o we_o be_v to_o be_v guide_v in_o the_o trial_n of_o ourselves_o joh._n 12.48_o he_o that_o reject_v i_o and_o receive_v not_o my_o word_n have_v one_o that_o judge_v he_o the_o word_n that_o i_o have_v speak_v the_o same_o shall_v judge_v he_o in_o the_o last_o day_n as_o christ_n himself_o be_v ordain_v to_o be_v the_o judge_n of_o the_o quick_a and_o dead_a so_o the_o doctrine_n which_o he_o have_v deliver_v will_v be_v the_o rule_n of_o all_o his_o judicial_a proceed_n both_o in_o acquit_v the_o righteous_a and_o condemn_v the_o wicked_a you_o read_v dan._n 7.10_o that_o when_o judgement_n be_v set_v the_o book_n shall_v be_v open_v and_o this_o be_v one_o of_o those_o book_n which_o shall_v be_v consult_v with_o in_o the_o case_n the_o book_n of_o the_o statute_n and_o ordinance_n of_o the_o king_n of_o heaven_n the_o law_n which_o he_o appoint_v for_o a_o testimony_n in_o jacob._n as_o the_o book_n of_o every_o man_n conscience_n shall_v be_v open_v for_o their_o conviction_n wherein_o they_o shall_v read_v their_o guilt_n in_o legible_a character_n for_o that_o be_v a_o book_n of_o record_n wherein_o man_n action_n be_v enter_v and_o although_o now_o it_o be_v shut_v and_o sinner_n will_v not_o look_v into_o it_o many_o of_o the_o line_n and_o sentence_n be_v almost_o obliterated_a or_o blot_v that_o they_o can_v be_v read_v yet_o at_o the_o day_n of_o account_n god_n will_v refresh_v and_o recover_v the_o lustre_n of_o those_o ancient_a writing_n and_o as_o the_o book_n of_o life_n shall_v be_v open_v rev._n 20.12_o that_o be_v to_o say_v the_o decree_n of_o god_n will_v be_v then_o publish_v and_o make_v know_v which_o now_o be_v seal_v up_o in_o his_o breast_n and_o lock_v up_o in_o his_o archive_v then_o it_o will_v be_v see_v who_o be_v appoint_v to_o life_n for_o the_o glorify_v of_o the_o free_a grace_n of_o god_n and_o who_o he_o purpose_v to_o leave_v in_o their_o sin_n and_o perish_v for_o the_o exaltation_n of_o his_o justice_n i_o say_v as_o these_o book_n shall_v be_v open_v so_o there_o be_v another_o book_n to_o be_v make_v use_n of_o in_o that_o day_n to_o wit_n the_o great_a statute-book_n of_o the_o lord_n of_o host_n the_o record_n of_o the_o gospel_n of_o jesus_n christ_n jam._n 2.12_o so_o speak_v you_o and_o so_o do_v as_o they_o that_o shall_v be_v judge_v by_o the_o law_n of_o liberty_n i._n e._n by_o the_o word_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n the_o whole_a word_n of_o god_n register_v in_o the_o scripture_n chap._n 1.23_o 25._o which_o if_o hearken_v unto_o be_v the_o mean_n to_o set_v man_n at_o liberty_n from_o their_o bondage_n to_o sin_n and_o satan_n by_o the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n which_o though_o it_o give_v no_o manner_n of_o countenance_n unto_o licentiousness_n but_o be_v a_o strong_a argument_n against_o it_o yet_o proclaim_v liberty_n to_o penitent_a sinner_n and_o the_o open_n of_o the_o prison_n to_o they_o that_o be_v bind_v upon_o a_o due_a submission_n to_o the_o government_n of_o christ_n beside_o it_o may_v be_v call_v a_o law_n of_o liberty_n or_o freedom_n because_o it_o do_v not_o flatter_v any_o man_n as_o to_o his_o spiritual_a condition_n but_o deal_v open_o and_o free_o with_o he_o and_o tell_v he_o his_o own_o without_o tergiversation_n and_o this_o afford_v we_o another_o reason_n why_o we_o shall_v fetch_v our_o mark_n of_o union_n from_o the_o scripture_n because_o it_o will_v deal_v free_o and_o plainty_a in_o the_o discovery_n of_o our_o spiritual_a estate_n without_o respect_n of_o person_n for_o sir_n if_o you_o build_v your_o confidence_n upon_o the_o opinion_n of_o man_n or_o upon_o the_o bare_a dictate_v of_o your_o own_o heart_n you_o may_v be_v deceive_v man_n may_v soothe_v you_o up_o in_o your_o sin_n and_o your_o heart_n will_v flatter_v you_o but_o the_o word_n of_o god_n will_v deal_v free_o and_o impartial_o with_o you_o it_o will_v represent_v matter_n as_o they_o be_v in_o their_o own_o proper_a colour_n without_o favour_n or_o affection_n so_o that_o this_o be_v a_o excellent_a mean_n to_o overthrow_v presumptuous_a hope_n and_o to_o build_v aright_o in_o our_o expectation_n of_o eternal_a life_n when_o we_o fetch_v all_o our_o mark_n and_o sign_n of_o be_v in_o christ_n from_o the_o scripture_n and_o bring_v our_o evidence_n unto_o the_o scripture_n thou_o hope_v to_o be_v save_v through_o christ_n because_o thou_o be_v bear_v in_o the_o church_n and_o baptize_v and_o perform_v some_o outward_a duty_n of_o christ_n appointment_n nay_o but_o ovain_n man_n where_o do_v the_o scripture_n say_v these_o be_v token_n and_o evidence_n of_o union_n with_o christ_n and_o salvation_n through_o he_o thou_o hope_v for_o admission_n into_o heaven_n upon_o the_o account_n of_o christ_n because_o thou_o be_v free_a from_o such_o scandalous_a sin_n whereof_o other_o be_v guilty_a thou_o know_v such_o and_o such_o truth_n whereof_o many_o be_v ignorant_a or_o because_o such_o godly_a person_n converse_v with_o thou_o and_o have_v a_o good_a opinion_n of_o thou_o but_o poor_a delude_a wretch_n where_o do_v the_o scripture_n say_v that_o any_o or_o all_o of_o these_o be_v mark_n of_o have_v the_o son_n or_o of_o come_v to_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n by_o the_o mediation_n of_o the_o son_n remember_v my_o bre_n thren_n that_o the_o word_n of_o god_n be_v appoint_v not_o only_o for_o the_o rule_n of_o faith_n and_o guide_v of_o our_o conversation_n but_o also_o for_o the_o trial_n of_o our_o spiritual_a estate_n whether_o we_o be_v interest_v in_o christ_n and_o unite_v unto_o he_o that_o we_o may_v have_v hope_n indeed_o and_o not_o only_o a_o presumptuous_a confidence_n which_o will_v make_v we_o ashamed_a at_o the_o last_o rom._n 15.4_o for_o whatsoâ—â—er_v thing_n be_v write_v aforetime_o be_v write_v for_o our_o learning_n that_o we_o through_o patience_n and_o comfort_n of_o the_o scripture_n may_v have_v hope_n psal_n 130.5_o i_o wait_v for_o the_o lord_n my_o soul_n do_v wait_v and_o in_o his_o word_n do_v i_o hope_v so_o much_o for_o the_o first_o thing_n i_o intend_v
reality_n as_o there_o be_v a_o feign_a faith_n and_o formal_a worship_n and_o hypocritical_a obedience_n so_o there_o be_v a_o counterfeit_a conversion_n jer._n 3.10_o her_o treacherous_a sister_n judah_n have_v not_o turn_v unto_o i_o with_o her_o whole_a heart_n but_o feign_o say_v the_o lord_n there_o be_v much_o deceit_n and_o treachery_n in_o this_o work_n there_o may_v be_v a_o turn_n from_o sin_n when_o it_o be_v do_v in_o falsehood_n there_o may_v be_v a_o inward_a work_n upon_o the_o heart_n that_o do_v not_o amount_v to_o a_o save_a change_n or_o sanctify_v of_o the_o heart_n as_o for_o instance_n 1._o there_o may_v be_v a_o kind_n of_o abhorrence_n and_o forsake_v of_o some_o wicked_a way_n to_o cleave_v the_o fast_o unto_o other_o a_o sinner_n may_v shake_v off_o some_o kind_n of_o pride_n to_o feed_v his_o covetousness_n and_o in_o compliance_n therewith_o he_o may_v leave_v his_o profaneness_n and_o become_v a_o idolater_n or_o superstitious_a as_o it_o be_v in_o the_o case_n of_o micha_n judg._n 17.2_o 5._o when_o his_o mother_n curse_a and_o banned_a for_o her_o money_n that_o be_v steal_v this_o startle_v his_o conscience_n and_o make_v he_o vomit_v up_o the_o sweet_a morsel_n which_o he_o have_v swallow_v down_o but_o the_o man_n micah_n have_v a_o house_n of_o god_n a_o make_v a_o ephod_n and_o a_o teraphim_n a_o sinner_n may_v leave_v his_o worldliness_n and_o become_v loose_a and_o wanton_a he_o may_v cast_v off_o his_o open_a debauchery_n and_o become_v a_o secret_a opposer_n of_o the_o power_n of_o godliness_n for_o as_o sin_n be_v contrary_a to_o grace_v and_o strive_v against_o it_o so_o there_o be_v corruption_n which_o be_v contrary_a to_o one_o another_o and_o fight_v one_o against_o the_o other_o jam._n 4.1_o 2._o there_o be_v a_o kind_n of_o conversion_n from_o sin_n to_o civility_n when_o a_o person_n leave_v his_o swear_n and_o drunkenness_n and_o revel_v and_o the_o like_a and_o become_v a_o civil_a man_n and_o of_o a_o ordinary_a external_a demeanour_n but_o proceed_v no_o further_o mat._n 23.27_o 28._o 3_o there_o may_v be_v a_o abandon_v and_o cast_v away_o many_o miscarriage_n in_o the_o practice_n when_o yet_o the_o heart_n still_o hanker_v after_o they_o and_o be_v it_o not_o for_o some_o restraint_n of_o providence_n will_v quick_o rush_v into_o the_o actual_a commission_n of_o they_o what_o can_v have_v be_v speak_v more_o like_a to_o a_o convert_n than_o that_o of_o balaam_n numb_a 24.13_o if_o balak_n will_v give_v i_o his_o house_n full_a of_o silver_n and_o gold_n i_o can_v go_v beyond_o the_o commandment_n of_o the_o lord_n to_o do_v either_o good_a or_o bad_a of_o my_o own_o mind_n but_o what_o the_o lord_n say_v that_o will_v i_o speak_v when_o yet_o he_o love_v the_o wage_n of_o unrighteousness_n and_o fain_o will_v have_v curse_v israel_n 2_o pet._n 2.15_o 4._o there_o may_v be_v a_o kind_n of_o conversion_n from_o sin_n for_o the_o present_a with_o a_o secret_a purpose_n of_o the_o heart_n to_o return_v to_o it_o again_o in_o convenient_a season_n a_o sinner_n may_v fall_v out_o with_o his_o lust_n and_o be_v fill_v with_o dislike_n of_o they_o for_o some_o present_a mischief_n they_o have_v do_v he_o when_o he_o be_v correct_v for_o they_o with_o a_o outward_a judgement_n and_o yet_o the_o heart_n intend_v no_o total_a divorce_n or_o separation_n just_o as_o friend_n may_v fall_v out_o in_o a_o fit_a of_o passion_n but_o when_o they_o be_v come_v to_o themselves_o they_o be_v easy_o reconcile_v again_o as_o it_o be_v in_o the_o case_n of_o the_o jew_n jer._n 34.9_o 10_o 11_o 15_o 16_o 17._o when_o the_o king_n of_o babylon_n army_n fight_v against_o jerusalem_n and_o the_o prince_n and_o people_n be_v in_o great_a distress_n they_o turn_v and_o do_v that_o which_o be_v right_a in_o the_o sight_n of_o the_o lord_n but_o when_o the_o distress_n be_v over_o they_o return_v back_o again_o to_o their_o sin_n as_o fast_o as_o ever_o so_o it_o be_v with_o many_o carnal_a people_n when_o they_o be_v on_o their_o sick_a bed_n o_o how_o hot_a be_v they_o then_o against_o their_o sin_n and_o what_o a_o cry_n will_v they_o make_v as_o if_o none_o be_v more_o fill_v with_o hatred_n against_o sin_n but_o when_o once_o the_o sickness_n be_v over_o they_o quick_o repent_v of_o their_o repentance_n see_v how_o far_o the_o people_n go_v in_o time_n of_o a_o destroy_a plague_n when_o they_o be_v every_o hour_n in_o jeopardy_n of_o their_o life_n psal_n 78.34_o 35_o 36._o when_o he_o slay_v they_o than_o they_o seek_v he_o that_o be_v they_o pray_v to_o he_o and_o they_o lament_v after_o the_o lord_n they_o pour_v out_o their_o supplication_n in_o the_o time_n of_o chastisement_n and_o they_o return_v that_o be_v they_o leave_v their_o sin_n and_o promise_a amendment_n and_o possible_o make_v solemn_a vow_n &_o covenant_n never_o to_o return_v to_o they_o again_o if_o god_n will_v deliver_v they_o but_o this_o once_o they_o will_v serve_v he_o for_o ever_o and_o they_o inquire_v early_o after_o god_n that_o be_v earnest_o and_o affectionate_o as_o if_o they_o be_v eager_o set_v upon_o regain_n his_o favour_n and_o nothing_o will_v satisfy_v they_o without_o it_o they_o inquire_v after_o he_o as_o if_o they_o have_v be_v ready_a to_o do_v whatsoever_o he_o shall_v command_v they_o and_o they_o remember_v that_o god_n be_v their_o rock_n and_o the_o high_a god_n their_o redeemer_n so_o that_o this_o be_v not_o only_o a_o sudden_a flash_n of_o their_o spirit_n but_o a_o matter_n do_v upon_o some_o kind_n of_o deliberation_n they_o be_v convince_v that_o it_o be_v best_a for_o they_o to_o serve_v the_o lord_n and_o they_o cast_v off_o their_o sin_n upon_o that_o conviction_n and_o yet_o all_o be_v do_v but_o in_o hypocrisy_n as_o it_o follow_v v._o 36._o nevertheless_o they_o do_v flatter_v he_o with_o their_o lip_n and_o they_o lie_v unto_o he_o with_o their_o tongue_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 now_o if_o person_n be_v not_o right_o instruct_v in_o the_o nature_n of_o a_o true_a conversion_n and_o where_o the_o difference_n be_v betwixt_o it_o and_o this_o counterfeit_a work_n it_o be_v impossible_a they_o shall_v right_o judge_v if_o themselves_o be_v true_o convert_v if_o they_o be_v not_o right_o inform_v of_o the_o nature_n of_o save_a grace_n they_o can_v right_o determine_v whether_o they_o be_v partaker_n of_o it_o i_o be_o persuade_v that_o this_o be_v the_o original_n of_o the_o presumption_n and_o self-deceit_n of_o many_o they_o present_o conclude_v themselves_o to_o be_v godly_a because_o they_o be_v not_o well_o instruct_v in_o the_o nature_n of_o godliness_n they_o think_v that_o they_o have_v repent_v unto_o salvation_n because_o they_o know_v not_o wherein_o such_o repentance_n do_v consist_v they_o take_v the_o form_n of_o godliness_n for_o the_o power_n of_o it_o and_o a_o legal_a repentance_n for_o evangelical_a if_o they_o find_v some_o conviction_n and_o trouble_n in_o their_o spirit_n for_o sin_n they_o be_v present_o willing_a to_o believe_v it_o be_v a_o conversion_n from_o sin_n if_o there_o be_v find_v in_o their_o heart_n some_o slight_a affection_n to_o the_o word_n they_o apprehend_v themselves_o to_o be_v save_o wrought_v upon_o by_o the_o word_n if_o in_o their_o conversation_n they_o leave_v some_o old_a sin_n and_o turn_v over_o a_o new_a leaf_n they_o imagine_v themselves_o to_o be_v new_a creature_n whereas_o a_o save_a conversion_n be_v another_o kind_n of_o matter_n it_o make_v a_o change_n in_o the_o whole_a nature_n of_o the_o sinner_n it_o be_v not_o limit_v and_o confine_v to_o any_o particular_a faculty_n of_o the_o soul_n but_o extend_v itself_o to_o the_o renovation_n of_o the_o whole_a man_n jer._n 24.7_o it_o do_v not_o only_o set_v a_o man_n free_a from_o some_o grosser_n act_n of_o iniquity_n which_o a_o natural_a conscience_n will_v startle_v at_o but_o set_v up_o a_o stand_a enmity_n in_o the_o soul_n against_o every_o false_a way_n whether_o great_a or_o lesser_a whether_o they_o be_v sin_n of_o the_o flesh_n or_o of_o the_o spirit_n psal_n 119.104_o and_o this_o enmity_n be_v a_o last_a irreconcilable_a enmity_n such_o as_o shall_v never_o be_v root_v out_o again_o it_o be_v not_o as_o the_o damn_v up_o of_o a_o stream_n with_o mound_n and_o bank_n which_o when_o they_o be_v break_v it_o run_v the_o same_o way_n with_o as_o great_a a_o violence_n as_o ever_o but_o it_o be_v as_o the_o cleanse_n of_o the_o fountain_n and_o turn_v the_o water_n into_o another_o channel_n jer._n 3.19_o a_o sound_a conversion_n do_v not_o only_o turn_v the_o soul_n from_o sin_n but_o cause_v he_o to_o return_v unto_o the_o lord_n even_o unto_o
i_o to_o wrath_n who_o be_o able_a to_o break_v thou_o in_o piece_n like_o a_o potter_n vessel_n think_v of_o it_o saul_n as_o if_o christ_n have_v say_v it_o be_v a_o dangerous_a way_n which_o thou_o be_v in_o it_o be_v a_o miserable_a employment_n thou_o spend_v thy_o pain_n about_o thou_o be_v but_o kick_v against_o the_o prick_n contend_v with_o one_o duplicant_n one_o sententia_fw-la est_fw-la proverbialis_fw-la à _fw-la bobus_fw-la out_o equis_fw-la sumpta_fw-la qui_fw-la dum_fw-la stimulis_fw-la punguntur_fw-la calcitrando_fw-la nihil_fw-la proficiunt_fw-la nisi_fw-la quod_fw-la stimulis_fw-la altius_fw-la infixis_fw-la malum_fw-la duplicant_n that_o be_v too_o strong_a for_o thou_o for_o it_o be_v jesus_n who_o thou_o persecute_v 4._o do_v not_o neglect_v to_o give_v believer_n what_o help_v and_o furtherance_n you_o can_v in_o their_o pilgrimage_n be_v ready_a to_o show_v they_o any_o kindness_n that_o lie_v in_o your_o way_n to_o show_v they_o and_o to_o contribute_v what_o relief_n and_o assistance_n soever_o you_o be_v able_a to_o minister_v upon_o any_o occasion_n for_o they_o be_v unite_v unto_o christ_n intimate_o acquaint_v with_o he_o and_o near_o relate_v to_o he_o so_o that_o the_o lord_n jesus_n will_v take_v it_o kind_o at_o your_o hand_n whatever_o friendship_n you_o show_v to_o his_o people_n be_v thou_o a_o lawyer_n plead_v their_o cause_n be_v thou_o a_o magistrate_n protect_v their_o person_n against_o the_o son_n of_o violence_n break_v the_o jaw_n of_o the_o wicked_a and_o pluck_v the_o spoil_n out_o of_o their_o tooth_n be_v thou_o a_o private_a person_n and_o hear_v the_o godly_a traduce_v and_o their_o profession_n bespatter_v endeavour_v to_o vindicate_v they_o and_o what_o in_o thou_o lie_v to_o clear_v up_o their_o innocency_n be_v thou_o a_o man_n who_o god_n have_v entrust_v with_o wealth_n and_o riches_n why_o then_o as_o thou_o have_v opportunity_n do_v good_a to_o all_o but_o especial_o to_o the_o household_n of_o faith_n for_o they_o be_v member_n of_o christ_n and_o thou_o shall_v in_o no_o wise_a lose_v thy_o reward_n christ_n have_v all_o the_o blessing_n in_o the_o world_n put_v into_o his_o hauds_z to_o distribute_v and_o in_o the_o distribution_n of_o his_o dole_n of_o bounty_n be_v sure_a he_o will_v not_o forget_v such_o as_o have_v show_v kindness_n to_o his_o servant_n he_o will_v recompense_v they_o to_o the_o full_a the_o small_a courtesy_n do_v to_o the_o saint_n shall_v not_o be_v forget_v mark_v 9.41_o whosoever_o shall_v give_v you_o a_o cup_n of_o cold_a water_n to_o drink_v in_o my_o name_n because_o you_o belong_v to_o christ_n very_o i_o say_v unto_o you_o he_o shall_v not_o lose_v his_o reward_n he_o have_v promise_v to_o reward_v those_o that_o feed_v their_o enemy_n when_o they_o be_v hungry_a and_o give_v they_o water_n to_o drink_v when_o they_o be_v thirsty_a and_o will_v he_o not_o much_o more_o reward_v such_o as_o relieve_v and_o shelter_v his_o own_o saint_n and_o people_n prov._n 25.21_o 22._o they_o be_v unite_v to_o he_o what_o kindness_n be_v show_v unâ—o_v they_o be_v reckon_v as_o if_o it_o be_v show_v to_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n a_o little_a to_o press_v home_o these_o exhortation_n let_v i_o entreat_v you_o to_o consider_v these_o four_o move_a consideration_n cons_n 1._o holy_a man_n and_o woman_n who_o study_v to_o please_v the_o lord_n and_o to_o walk_v in_o integrity_n before_o he_o be_v the_o very_a pillar_n of_o a_o nation_n by_o which_o it_o be_v uphold_v they_o be_v the_o main_a prop_n and_o supporter_n of_o the_o place_n where_o they_o live_v &_o of_o the_o family_n wherein_o they_o dwell_v it_o be_v for_o their_o sake_n that_o mercy_n be_v continue_v unto_o a_o people_n or_o kingdom_n and_o judgement_n be_v keep_v off_o from_o fall_v down_o upon_o they_o to_o their_o utter_a desolation_n and_o ruin_n so_o that_o it_o concern_v you_o to_o seek_v their_o good_a and_o to_o encourage_v they_o in_o their_o holiness_n as_o you_o tender_v your_o own_o welfare_n be_v it_o not_o for_o the_o servant_n of_o christ_n you_o will_v quick_o be_v in_o a_o miserable_a case_n and_o therefore_o when_o god_n do_v gather_v his_o own_o people_n unto_o himself_o it_o be_v usual_o the_o forerunner_n of_o some_o sore_a calamity_n isa_n 57.1_o the_o righteous_a be_v take_v away_o from_o the_o evil_a to_o come_v plain_o intimate_v that_o it_o be_v their_o presence_n which_o stave_v off_o vengeance_n for_o a_o time_n and_o when_o they_o be_v call_v home_o than_o the_o floodgate_n of_o wrath_n be_v set_v open_a it_o be_v upon_o their_o account_n that_o god_n do_v restrain_v the_o wickedness_n of_o man_n that_o they_o be_v not_o as_o monster_n and_o devil_n one_o to_o another_o and_o that_o he_o do_v withhold_v the_o pour_v out_o his_o wrathful_a indignation_n you_o know_v what_o he_o say_v in_o relation_n to_o sodom_n who_o sin_n be_v grievous_a and_o the_o cry_n of_o it_o be_v great_a and_o go_v up_o to_o heaven_n yet_o if_o there_o have_v be_v ten_o righteous_a person_n in_o it_o the_o place_n have_v be_v spare_v for_o their_o sake_n and_o however_o nothing_o can_v be_v do_v against_o it_o till_o righteous_a lot_n be_v go_v forth_o gen._n 18.32_o gen._n 19.22_o 23_o 24._o indeed_o sometime_o the_o wickedness_n of_o a_o place_n be_v so_o excessive_o heinous_a that_o it_o be_v beyond_o the_o prayer_n of_o the_o godly_a the_o most_o eminent_a person_n in_o holiness_n shall_v not_o prevail_v for_o the_o spare_v it_o though_o noah_n daniel_n and_o job_n be_v in_o it_o they_o shall_v deliver_v but_o their_o own_o soul_n by_o their_o righteousness_n ezek._n 14.13_o 14._o yet_o in_o many_o case_n they_o be_v instrumental_a by_o their_o presence_n and_o prayer_n not_o only_o to_o deliver_v themselves_o but_o to_o keep_v off_o vengeance_n from_o other_o and_o will_v you_o root_v they_o out_o who_o be_v the_o mean_n of_o your_o preservation_n you_o think_v they_o be_v these_o precise_a person_n who_o speak_v so_o much_o of_o religion_n and_o be_v more_o strict_a than_o other_o that_o hinder_v your_o mirth_n and_o jollity_n what_o brave_a time_n of_o pleasure_n shall_v you_o have_v be_v it_o not_o for_o these_o precisian_n who_o be_v as_o thorn_n in_o your_o side_n and_o rub_v in_o the_o way_n of_o your_o rejoice_n and_o merriment_n but_o sir_n if_o you_o believe_v the_o scripture_n it_o be_v evident_a that_o be_v it_o not_o for_o the_o godly_a among_o you_o you_o may_v soon_o expect_v to_o fall_v under_o the_o sad_a dispensation_n and_o to_o have_v the_o sluice_n of_o the_o fury_n of_o the_o god_n of_o heaven_n set_v wide_o open_a upon_o you_o as_o soon_o as_o noah_n be_v arkt_v the_o flood_n sweep_v away_o the_o world_n of_o the_o ungodly_a as_o soon_o as_o lot_n be_v lodge_v in_o zoar_n it_o rain_v fire_n and_o brimstone_n as_o it_o be_v hell_n from_o heaven_n upon_o sodom_n and_o gemorrah_n and_o mark_v what_o our_o saviour_n speak_v of_o gospel-time_n mat._n 24.22_o except_o those_o day_n shall_v be_v shorten_v there_o shall_v no_o flesh_n be_v save_v but_o for_o the_o elect_v sake_n those_o day_n shall_v be_v shorten_v be_v it_o not_o upon_o the_o account_n of_o the_o servant_n of_o god_n who_o be_v convert_v and_o such_o as_o hereafter_o be_v to_o be_v convert_v the_o tribulation_n will_v prove_v like_o a_o sweep_a rain_n that_o leave_v nothing_o behind_o it_o so_o that_o it_o concern_v you_o in_o point_n of_o wisdom_n to_o love_n and_o cherish_v the_o saint_n and_o to_o take_v heed_n that_o they_o be_v not_o wrong_v for_o they_o be_v the_o best_a subject_n in_o a_o kingdom_n the_o best_a neighbour_n in_o the_o place_n where_o they_o abide_v the_o best_a relation_n and_o servant_n you_o can_v get_v into_o your_o family_n they_o bring_v the_o blessing_n of_o heaven_n along_o with_o they_o gen._n 30.27_o gen._n 39.5_o they_o be_v the_o best_a friend_n you_o can_v have_v for_o they_o will_v be_v friend_n to_o your_o soul_n so_o that_o i_o may_v allude_v to_o that_o passage_n of_o the_o lord_n to_o abimelech_n gen._n 20.7_o restore_v the_o man_n his_o wife_n for_o he_o be_v a_o prophet_n and_o shall_v pray_v for_o thou_o and_o thou_o shall_v live_v show_v kindness_n to_o the_o godly_a for_o they_o be_v favourite_n in_o the_o court_n of_o heaven_n intimate_o acquaint_v with_o god_n yea_o unite_v to_o christ_n the_o son_n of_o god_n they_o will_v pray_v for_o thou_o and_o be_v instrumental_a to_o avert_v and_o turn_v away_o judgement_n from_o thou_o and_o to_o bring_v down_o blessing_n upon_o thy_o head_n if_o not_o to_o save_v thy_o precious_a and_o immortal_a soul_n cons_n 2._o it_o be_v a_o shrewd_a sign_n that_o you_o be_v person_n intend_v for_o ut_a extirpation_n and_o ruin_n when_o god_n do_v make_v use_n of_o you_o as_o scourge_n to_o afflict_v his_o saint_n and_o