how_o can_v such_o a_o one_o be_v willing_a to_o lay_v down_o his_o life_n for_o the_o sake_n of_o god_n when_o by_o his_o death_n he_o must_v part_v with_o god_n as_o well_o as_o with_o other_o thing_n how_o can_v he_o willing_o choose_v affliction_n rather_o than_o sin_n when_o he_o shall_v be_v more_o miserable_a in_o this_o life_n for_o it_o and_o not_o at_o all_o happy_a hereafter_o i_o grant_v if_o affliction_n come_v unavoidable_o upon_o such_o a_o person_n he_o may_v reasonable_o judge_v that_o patience_n be_v better_a for_o he_o than_o impatience_n but_o it_o will_v displease_v he_o that_o he_o be_v force_v to_o the_o use_n of_o such_o a_o virtue_n and_o he_o will_v be_v prone_a to_o fret_v and_o murmur_v at_o his_o creator_n and_o to_o wish_v he_o have_v never_o be_v rather_o than_o to_o endure_v such_o misery_n and_o to_o be_v comfort_v only_o with_o vain_a transitory_a enjoyment_n i_o think_v i_o have_v say_v enough_o to_o show_v how_o unfurnished_a such_o a_o man_n be_v for_o holiness_n and_o he_o that_o will_v burn_v up_o heaven_n and_o quench_v hell_n that_o he_o may_v serve_v god_n out_o of_o love_n do_v thereby_o leave_v himself_o â—_o little_a better_o furnish_v than_o the_o sadduce_v the_o one_o deni_v they_o the_o other_o will_v not_o have_v they_o at_o all_o to_o be_v consider_v in_o this_o case_n second_o the_o sure_a hope_n of_o the_o glory_n of_o heaven_n be_v make_v use_n of_o ordinary_o by_o god_n since_o the_o fall_n of_o adam_n for_o the_o practice_n of_o holiness_n as_o the_o scripture_n do_v abundant_o show_v christ_n the_o great_a pattern_n of_o holiness_n for_o the_o joy_n that_o be_v set_v before_o he_o endure_v the_o cross_n despise_v the_o shame_n heb._n 12.2_o and_o though_o i_o can_v say_v that_o the_o first_o adam_n have_v such_o a_o sure_a hope_n to_o preserve_v he_o in_o innocency_n yet_o he_o have_v instead_o of_o it_o the_o present_a possession_n of_o a_o earthly_a paradise_n and_o a_o happy_a estate_n in_o it_o which_o he_o know_v will_v last_v if_o he_o continue_v in_o holiness_n or_o be_v change_v into_o a_o better_a happiness_n the_o apostle_n do_v not_o faint_a under_o affliction_n because_o they_o know_v that_o it_o work_v for_o they_o a_o more_o exceed_o eternal_a weight_n of_o glory_n 2_o cor._n 4.16_o 17._o the_o believe_a hebrew_n take_v joyful_o the_o spoil_n of_o their_o good_n know_v in_o themselves_o that_o they_o have_v a_o heaven_n a_o better_a and_o more_o endure_a substance_n heb._n 10.34_o the_o apostle_n paul_n account_v all_o his_o suffering_n unprofitable_a be_v it_o not_o for_o a_o glorious_a resurrection_n and_o that_o christian_n will_v be_v of_o all_o man_n most_o miserable_a and_o that_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o epicure_n be_v rather_o to_o be_v choose_v let_v we_o eat_v and_o drmk_v for_o to_o morrow_n we_o shall_v die_v and_o he_o exhort_v the_o corinthian_n to_o be_v abundant_a in_o the_o work_n of_o the_o lord_n know_v that_o their_o labour_n shall_v not_o be_v in_o vain_a in_o the_o lord_n 1_o cor._n 15.58_o as_o worldly_a hope_n keep_v the_o world_n at_o work_n in_o their_o various_a employment_n so_o god_n give_v his_o people_n the_o hope_n of_o his_o glory_n to_o keep_v they_o close_o to_o his_o service_n heb._n 6.11_o 12._o 1_o joh._n 3.3_o and_o it_o be_v such_o a_o sure_a hope_n as_o shall_v never_o make_v they_o ashamed_a rom._n 5.28_o those_o that_o think_v it_o below_o the_o excellency_n of_o their_o love_n to_o work_v out_o of_o hope_n of_o the_o heavenly_a reward_n do_v thereby_o advance_v their_o love_n beyond_o the_o love_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o primitive_a saint_n and_o even_o of_o christ_n himself_o three_o this_o persuasion_n of_o our_o future_a enjoyment_n of_o everlasting_a happiness_n can_v tend_v to_o licentiousness_n if_o we_o understand_v well_o that_o perfect_a holiness_n be_v a_o necessary_a part_n of_o that_o happiness_n and_o that_o though_o we_o have_v a_o title_n to_o that_o happiness_n by_o free_a justification_n and_o adoption_n yet_o we_o must_v go_v to_o the_o possession_n of_o it_o in_o a_o way_n of_o heliness_n 1_o jo._n 3.1_o 2_o 3._o neither_o be_v it_o legal_a or_o mercenary_a to_o be_v move_v by_o this_o persuasion_n see_v the_o persuasion_n itself_o be_v not_o get_v by_o the_o work_v of_o the_o law_n but_o by_o free_a grace_n through_o faith_n gal._n 5.5_o and_o if_o it_o be_v a_o work_n out_o of_o self-love_n yet_o for_o certain_a it_o be_v not_o that_o carnal_a self-love_n which_o the_o scripture_n condemn_v as_o the_o mother_n of_o sinfulness_n 2_o tim._n 3.2_o but_o a_o holy_a self-love_n incline_v we_o to_o prefer_v god_n above_o the_o flesh_n and_o the_o world_n such_o as_o god_n direct_v we_o unto_o when_o he_o exhort_v we_o to_o save_v ourselves_o act_v 2.40_o and_o it_o be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v contrary_a to_o the_o pure_a love_n of_o god_n that_o it_o bring_v we_o to_o love_n god_n more_o pure_o and_o entire_o the_o more_o good_a and_o beneficial_a we_o apprehend_v god_n to_o we_o to_o all_o eternity_n doubtless_o the_o more_o lovely_a god_n will_v be_v to_o we_o and_o our_o affection_n will_v be_v the_o more_o inflame_a towards_o he_o god_n will_v not_o be_v love_v as_o a_o barren_a wilderness_n a_o land_n of_o darkness_n to_o we_o neither_o will_v he_o be_v serve_v for_o nought_o jer._n 2.31_o be_v 45.19_o he_o will_v think_v it_o a_o dishonour_n to_o he_o to_o be_v own_v by_o we_o as_o our_o god_n if_o he_o have_v not_o prepare_v for_o we_o a_o city_n heb._n 11.16_o and_o he_o draw_v we_o to_o love_v he_o by_o the_o cord_n of_o a_o man_n such_o cord_n as_o the_o love_n of_o man_n use_v to_o be_v draw_v by_o even_o by_o his_o own_o love_n to_o we_o in_o lay_v his_o benefit_n before_o we_o hos_fw-la 11.4_o therefore_o the_o way_n for_o we_o to_o keep_v ourselves_o in_o the_o love_n of_o god_n be_v to_o look_v for_o his_o mercy_n unto_o eternal_a life_n judas_n 21._o the_o last_o endowment_n for_o the_o same_o end_n as_o the_o former_a be_v that_o we_o be_v well_o persuade_v of_o sufficient_a strength_n both_o to_o will_v and_o perform_v our_o duty_n acceptable_o until_o we_o come_v to_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o the_o heavenly_a happiness_n this_o be_v contrary_a to_o the_o error_n of_o those_o that_o account_v it_o sufficient_a if_o we_o have_v strength_n to_o practise_v holiness_n if_o we_o will_v or_o to_o will_v it_o if_o we_o please_v and_o this_o be_v the_o sufficient_a strength_n which_o they_o earnest_o contend_v for_o as_o a_o great_a benefit_n bestow_v on_o all_o mankind_n by_o universal_a redemption_n it_o be_v also_o contrary_a to_o the_o error_n of_o those_o that_o think_v the_o practice_n of_o godliness_n and_o wickedness_n to_o be_v alike_o easy_a except_v only_o some_o difficulty_n in_o the_o first_o alteration_n of_o vicious_a custom_n and_o in_o bear_v persecution_n which_o they_o account_v to_o be_v a_o rare_a case_n since_o the_o kingdom_n of_o the_o world_n have_v be_v bring_v to_o the_o profession_n of_o christianity_n or_o that_o think_v that_o god_n require_v of_o man_n only_o to_o do_v their_o endeavour_n that_o be_v what_o they_o can_v do_v and_o it_o be_v nonsense_n to_o say_v they_o can_v do_v what_o they_o can_v do_v according_a to_o their_o judgement_n it_o be_v needless_a to_o concern_v ourselves_o much_o about_o sufficient_a strength_n for_o holy_a practice_n for_o the_o confirmation_n of_o the_o assertion_n against_o these_o error_n take_v these_o argument_n first_o we_o be_v by_o nature_n dead_a in_o trespass_n and_o sin_n unable_a to_o will_n or_o do_v any_o thing_n that_o be_v spiritual_o good_a notwithstanding_o the_o redemption_n that_o be_v by_o christ_n until_o we_o be_v actual_o quicken_v by_o christ_n ephes_n 2_o 1â—_n rom._n 8.7_o 8_o 9_o those_o that_o be_v sufficient_o enlighten_v and_o humble_v know_v themselves_o to_o be_v natural_o in_o this_o case_n and_o that_o they_o do_v not_o want_v only_o executive_a power_n to_o do_v good_a but_o chief_o a_o heart_n to_o will_v it_o and_o to_o be_v please_v with_o it_o and_o that_o if_o god_n work_v not_o in_o they_o both_o to_o will_v and_o to_o do_v they_o shall_v neither_o will_n nor_o do_v any_o thing_n please_v to_o he_o phil._n 2.13_o and_o that_o if_o he_o leave_v they_o to_o their_o own_o corruption_n after_o he_o have_v begin_v the_o good_a work_n they_o shall_v certain_o prove_v vile_a apostate_n and_o their_o latter_a end_n will_v be_v worse_o than_o their_o beginning_n we_o may_v conclude_v from_o hence_o that_o whosoever_o can_v courageous_o attempt_v the_o practice_n of_o the_o law_n without_o be_v well_o persuade_v of_o a_o sufficient_a power_n whereby_o he_o may_v be_v enable_v to_o be_v hearty_o willing_a as_o well_o as_o to_o perform_v when_o he_o be_v
goodness_n of_o god_n that_o it_o be_v no_o worse_o direct_v vi_o those_o that_o endeavour_v to_o perform_v sincere_a obedience_n to_o all_o the_o command_v of_o christ_n as_o the_o condition_n whereby_o they_o be_v to_o procure_v for_o themselves_o a_o right_n and_o title_n to_o salvation_n and_o a_o good_a ground_n to_o trust_v on_o he_o for_o the_o same_o do_v seek_v their_o salvation_n by_o the_o work_v of_o the_o law_n and_o not_o by_o the_o faith_n of_o christ_n as_o he_o be_v reveal_v in_o the_o gospel_n and_o they_o shall_v never_o be_v able_a to_o perform_v sincere_o any_o true_a holy_a obedience_n by_o all_o such_o endeavour_n explication_n for_o the_o understanding_n the_o term_n of_o this_o direction_n note_v here_o that_o i_o take_v salvation_n as_o comprehend_v justification_n as_o well_o as_o other_o save_v benefit_n and_o sincere_a obedience_n as_o comprehend_v holy_a resolution_n as_o well_o as_o the_o fulfil_n of_o they_o the_o worst_a of_o man_n that_o have_v any_o sense_n of_o religion_n be_v prone_a to_o imagine_v that_o the_o sure_a way_n to_o establish_v the_o practice_n of_o holiness_n and_o righteousness_n be_v to_o make_v it_o the_o procure_a condition_n of_o the_o favour_n of_o god_n and_o all_o happiness_n this_o may_v appear_v by_o the_o various_a false_a religion_n that_o have_v prevail_v most_o in_o the_o world_n in_o this_o way_n the_o heathen_n be_v bring_v to_o their_o best_a devotion_n and_o morality_n by_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o judgement_n of_o god_n that_o those_o that_o violate_v several_a of_o the_o great_a duty_n to_o god_n and_o their_o neighbour_n be_v worthy_a of_o death_n and_o by_o their_o conscience_n accuse_v or_o excuse_v they_o according_a to_o the_o practice_n of_o they_o rom._n 1.32_o &_o 2.14_o 15._o our_o conscience_n be_v inform_v by_o the_o common_a light_n of_o natural_a reason_n that_o it_o be_v just_a with_o god_n to_o require_v we_o to_o perform_v these_o duty_n that_o we_o may_v avoid_v his_o wrath_n and_o enjoy_v his_o favour_n and_o we_o can_v find_v any_o better_a way_n than_o this_o to_o obtain_v happiness_n or_o to_o stir_v up_o ourselves_o to_o duty_n without_o divine_a revelation_n yet_o because_o our_o own_o conscience_n testify_v that_o we_o often_o fail_v in_o the_o performance_n of_o these_o duty_n we_o be_v incline_v by_o self-love_n to_o persuade_v ourselves_o that_o our_o sincere_a endeavour_n to_o do_v the_o best_a we_o can_v shall_v be_v sufficient_a to_o procure_v the_o favour_n of_o god_n and_o pardon_v for_o all_o our_o fail_n thus_o we_o see_v that_o the_o persuasion_n of_o salvation_n by_o the_o condition_n of_o sincere_a obedience_n have_v its_o original_n from_o our_o corrupt_a natural_a reason_n and_o be_v part_n of_o the_o wisdom_n of_o this_o world_n it_o be_v none_o of_o the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n in_o a_o mystery_n that_o hide_a wisdom_n god_n ordain_v before_o the_o world_n to_o our_o glory_n it_o be_v none_o of_o those_o thing_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n which_o have_v not_o enter_v into_o the_o heart_n of_o man_n and_o which_o the_o natural_a man_n can_v receive_v for_o they_o be_v foolishness_n to_o he_o neither_o can_v he_o know_v they_o for_o they_o be_v spiritual_o discern_v 1_o cor._n 2.6_o 7_o 9_o 14._o it_o be_v none_o of_o the_o foolishness_n of_o preach_v whereby_o it_o please_v god_n to_o save_v they_o that_o believe_v 1_o cor._n 10.21_o and_o though_o we_o have_v a_o better_a way_n reveal_v to_o we_o in_o the_o gospel_n for_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o the_o favour_n of_o god_n and_o holiness_n itself_o and_o all_o salvation_n without_o any_o procure_a condition_n of_o work_n by_o the_o free_a gift_n of_o god_n grace_n through_o faith_n in_o christ_n yet_o it_o be_v very_o difficult_a to_o persuade_v man_n out_o of_o a_o way_n that_o they_o be_v natural_o addict_v to_o and_o that_o have_v forestall_v and_o captivate_v their_o judgement_n and_o be_v breed_v in_o their_o bone_n and_o therefore_o can_v easy_o be_v get_v out_o of_o the_o flesh_n most_o of_o those_o that_o live_v under_o the_o hear_n and_o profession_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v not_o bring_v to_o hate_v sin_n as_o sin_n and_o to_o love_v godliness_n for_o itself_o though_o they_o be_v convince_v of_o the_o necessity_n of_o it_o to_o salvation_n and_o therefore_o they_o can_v love_v it_o hearty_o the_o only_a mean_n that_o they_o can_v take_v to_o bring_v themselves_o to_o it_o be_v to_o stir_v up_o themselves_o to_o a_o hypocritical_a practice_n in_o their_o old_a natural_a way_n that_o they_o may_v avoid_v hell_n and_o get_v heaven_n by_o their_o work_n and_o their_o own_o conscience_n witness_v that_o the_o zeal_n and_o love_n that_o they_o have_v for_o god_n and_o godliness_n their_o self-denial_n sorrow_n for_o sin_n strictness_n of_o life_n be_v in_o a_o manner_n force_v and_o extort_a from_o they_o by_o slavish_a fear_n and_o mercenary_a hope_n so_o that_o they_o be_v afraid_a that_o if_o they_o shall_v trust_v on_o christ_n for_o salvation_n by_o freegrace_n without_o work_n the_o fire_n of_o their_o zeal_n and_o devotion_n will_v be_v quick_o extinguish_v and_o they_o shall_v grow_v careless_a in_o religion_n and_o let_v loose_v the_o reins_o to_o their_o lust_n and_o bring_v certain_a damnation_n upon_o themselves_o this_o move_v they_o to_o account_v they_o the_o only_a boanerges_n and_o powerful_a preacher_n that_o preach_v little_a or_o none_o of_o the_o doctrine_n of_o freegrace_n but_o rather_o spend_v their_o pain_n in_o rebuke_v sin_n and_o urge_v people_n to_o get_v christ_n and_o his_o salvation_n by_o their_o work_n and_o thunder_a hell_n and_o damnation_n against_o sinner_n it_o have_v be_v far_o observe_v that_o some_o that_o have_v contend_v much_o for_o salvation_n by_o freegrace_n without_o any_o condition_n of_o work_n have_v fall_v into_o antinomian_a opinion_n and_o licentious_a practice_n the_o experience_n of_o these_o thing_n have_v much_o prevail_v with_o some_o learned_a and_o zealous_a man_n of_o late_a among_o ourselves_o to_o recede_v from_o the_o doctrine_n of_o justification_n by_o faith_n without_o work_n former_o profess_v unanimous_o and_o strong_o defend_v by_o the_o protestant_n against_o the_o papist_n as_o a_o principal_a article_n of_o true_a religion_n they_o have_v persuade_v themselves_o that_o such_o a_o way_n of_o justification_n be_v ineffectual_a yea_o destructive_a to_o sanctification_n and_o that_o the_o practice_n of_o sincere_a obedience_n can_v be_v establish_v against_o antinomian_a dotage_n and_o prevail_a lust_n except_o it_o be_v make_v the_o necessary_a condition_n of_o our_o justification_n and_o so_o of_o our_o eternal_a salvation_n therefore_o they_o conclude_v that_o god_n have_v certain_o make_v sincere_a obedience_n to_o be_v the_o condition_n of_o our_o salvation_n and_o they_o have_v endeavour_v to_o new-model_n the_o protestant_a doctrine_n and_o to_o interpret_v the_o holy_a scripture_n in_o a_o way_n agreeable_a and_o subservient_fw-fr to_o this_o their_o only_a sure_a foundation_n of_o holiness_n but_o i_o hope_v to_o show_v that_o this_o their_o imagine_a sure_a foundation_n of_o holiness_n be_v never_o lay_v by_o the_o holy_a god_n but_o that_o it_o be_v rather_o a_o error_n in_o the_o foundation_n pernicious_a to_o the_o true_a faith_n and_o to_o holiness_n of_o life_n i_o account_v it_o a_o error_n especial_o to_o be_v abhor_v and_o detest_a because_o we_o be_v so_o prone_a to_o be_v seduce_v by_o it_o and_o because_o it_o be_v a_o error_n whereby_o satan_n transform_v himself_o into_o a_o angel_n of_o light_n and_o a_o patron_n of_o holiness_n have_v great_o withstand_v the_o gospel_n in_o the_o apostle_n time_n and_o stir_v up_o man_n to_o persecute_v it_o out_o of_o zeal_n for_o the_o law_n and_o have_v since_o prevail_v to_o set_v up_o and_o maintain_v popery_n whereby_o the_o mystery_n of_o iniquity_n work_v apace_o in_o these_o day_n to_o corrupt_v the_o purity_n of_o the_o gospel_n among_o the_o protestant_n and_o to_o heal_v the_o deadly_a wound_n that_o be_v give_v to_o popery_n by_o preach_v the_o doctrine_n of_o justification_n by_o faith_n without_o work_n one_o thing_n assert_v in_o the_o direction_n against_o this_o fundamental_a error_n be_v that_o it_o be_v a_o way_n of_o salvation_n by_o the_o work_v of_o the_o law_n and_o not_o by_o the_o faith_n of_o christ_n as_o reveal_v in_o the_o gospel_n though_o the_o maintainer_n of_o it_o will_v have_v we_o believe_v that_o it_o be_v the_o only_a way_n of_o the_o gospel_n that_o so_o we_o may_v not_o doubt_v of_o its_o power_n and_o efficacy_n for_o our_o justification_n sanctification_n and_o our_o whole_a salvation_n their_o reason_n be_v because_o the_o law_n as_o a_o covenant_n of_o work_n require_v we_o to_o do_v all_o its_o commandment_n perfect_o that_o we_o may_v live_v whereas_o they_o plead_v only_o for_o a_o mild_a condition_n of_o sincere_a do_v
be_v sincere_a so_o that_o they_o can_v see_v assurance_n in_o themselves_o therefore_o they_o conclude_v that_o assurance_n must_v not_o be_v account_v absolute_o necessary_a to_o justify_v faith_n and_o salvation_n lest_o we_o shall_v make_v the_o heart_n of_o doubt_v saint_n sad_a and_o drive_v they_o to_o despair_v they_o account_v that_o former_a protestant_n be_v guilty_a of_o a_o manifest_a absurdity_n in_o make_v assurance_n to_o be_v of_o the_o nature_n and_o definition_n of_o saving-faith_n because_o all_o that_o hear_v the_o gospel_n be_v bind_v to_o saving-faith_n and_o yet_o they_o be_v not_o bind_v absolute_o to_o believe_v that_o they_o themselves_o shall_v be_v save_v for_o then_o many_o of_o they_o will_v be_v bind_v to_o believe_v that_o which_o be_v not_o declare_v in_o the_o gospel_n concern_v they_o in_o particular_a yea_o that_o which_o be_v a_o plain_a lie_n because_o the_o gospel_n show_v that_o many_o of_o those_o that_o be_v call_v be_v not_o choose_v to_o salvation_n and_o that_o perish_v for_o ever_o mat._n 20.16_o no_o wonder_n if_o the_o appearance_n of_o so_o great_a a_o absurdity_n move_v many_o to_o imagine_v that_o saving-faith_n be_v a_o trust_n or_o rest_v on_o christ_n as_o the_o only_a sufficient_a mean_n of_o salvation_n without_o any_o assurance_n or_o that_o it_o be_v a_o desire_v and_o venture_v to_o trust_v or_o rely_v upon_o he_o in_o a_o mere_a state_n of_o suspense_n and_o uncertainty_n concern_v our_o salvation_n or_o with_o a_o probable_a opinion_n or_o conjectural_a hope_n of_o it_o at_o best_a another_o objection_n against_o this_o doctrine_n of_o assurance_n be_v that_o it_o destroy_v self-examination_n bring_v forth_o the_o evil_a fruit_n of_o pride_n and_o arrogancy_n as_o if_o they_o know_v their_o place_n in_o heaven_n already_o before_o the_o day_n of_o judgement_n cause_v carelessness_n of_o duty_n carnal_a security_n all_o manner_n of_o licentiousness_n and_o this_o make_v they_o commend_v doubtfulness_n of_o our_o salvation_n as_o necessary_a to_o maintain_v in_o we_o humility_n religious_a fear_n watchfulness_n much_o search_a and_o try_v our_o spiritual_a state_n and_o way_n diligence_n in_o good_a work_n and_o all_o deyotion_n against_o all_o those_o contrary_a imagination_n i_o shall_v endeavour_v to_o maintain_v this_o ancient_a protestant_a doctrine_n of_o assurance_n as_o i_o have_v express_v in_o the_o direction_n and_o first_o i_o shall_v lay_v down_o some_o observation_n for_o the_o right_a understanding_n of_o it_o which_o will_v be_v sufficient_a to_o turn_v the_o edge_n of_o the_o strong_a objection_n that_o can_v be_v make_v against_o it_o first_o observe_v diligent_o that_o the_o assurance_n direct_v unto_o be_v not_o a_o persuasion_n that_o we_o have_v already_o receive_v christ_n and_o his_o salvation_n or_o that_o we_o have_v be_v already_o bring_v in_o to_o a_o state_n of_o grace_n but_o only_o that_o god_n be_v please_v gracious_o to_o give_v christ_n and_o his_o salvation_n unto_o we_o and_o to_o bring_v we_o into_o a_o state_n of_o grace_n though_o we_o have_v be_v altogether_o in_o a_o state_n of_o sin_n and_o death_n until_o this_o present_a time_n so_o that_o this_o doctrine_n do_v not_o at_o all_o tend_v to_o breed_v presumption_n in_o wicked_a and_o unregenerate_a man_n that_o their_o state_n be_v good_a already_o but_o only_o encourage_v they_o to_o come_v to_o christ_n confident_o for_o a_o good_a state_n i_o acknowledge_v that_o we_o may_v yea_o many_o must_v be_v teach_v to_o doubt_v whether_o their_o present_a state_n be_v good_a and_o that_o it_o be_v humility_n so_o to_o do_v and_o that_o we_o must_v find_v out_o the_o certainty_n and_o sincerity_n of_o our_o faith_n and_o obedience_n by_o self-examination_n before_o we_o can_v have_v a_o wellgrounded_n assurance_n that_o we_o be_v in_o a_o state_n of_o grace_n and_o salvation_n already_o and_o that_o such_o a_o assurance_n belong_v to_o that_o which_o they_o call_v the_o reflect_v act_n of_o faith_n if_o any_o act_n of_o faith_n can_v be_v make_v of_o it_o be_v spiritual_a sense_n or_o feel_n of_o what_o be_v in_o myself_o and_o be_v not_o of_o the_o essence_n of_o that_o faith_n whereby_o we_o be_v justify_v and_o save_v and_o that_o many_o precious_a saint_n be_v without_o it_o and_o subject_a to_o many_o doubt_n that_o be_v contrary_a to_o it_o so_o that_o they_o may_v not_o know_v at_o all_o that_o it_o shall_v go_v well_o with_o they_o at_o the_o day_n of_o judgement_n and_o that_o it_o may_v be_v sometime_o intermit_v if_o not_o whole_o lose_v after_o it_o be_v get_v and_o that_o we_o shall_v strive_v to_o walk_v holy_o that_o we_o may_v attain_v to_o it_o because_o it_o be_v very_o useful_a for_o our_o growth_n and_o increase_n in_o faith_n and_o in_o all_o holiness_n most_o protestant_n among_o we_o when_o they_o speak_v or_o write_v of_o assurance_n mean_v only_o that_o which_o be_v by_o reflection_n and_o i_o have_v say_v enough_o brief_o to_o show_v that_o what_o i_o assert_v be_v consistent_a with_o the_o doctrine_n which_o be_v common_o receive_v concern_v it_o and_o destructive_a to_o none_o of_o the_o good_a fruit_n of_o it_o therefore_o not_o guilty_a of_o those_o evil_n that_o some_o false_o charge_v it_o with_o this_o kind_n of_o assurance_n which_o i_o speak_v of_o answer_v not_o the_o question_n whither_o i_o be_o already_o in_o a_o state_n of_o grace_n and_o salvation_n there_o be_v another_o great_a question_n that_o the_o soul_n must_v answer_v that_o it_o may_v get_v into_o a_o state_n of_o grace_n whether_o god_n be_v gracious_o please_v now_o to_o bestow_v christ_n and_o his_o salvation_n upon_o i_o though_o i_o have_v be_v hitherto_o a_o very_a wicked_a creature_n we_o must_v be_v sure_a to_o resolve_v this_o question_n comfortable_o by_o another_o kind_n of_o assurance_n in_o the_o direct_a act_n of_o faith_n wherein_o we_o be_v to_o persuade_v ourselves_o without_o reflect_v upon_o any_o good_a qualification_n in_o ourselves_o that_o god_n be_v ready_a gracious_o to_o receive_v we_o into_o the_o arm_n of_o his_o save_a mercy_n in_o christ_n notwithstanding_o all_o our_o former_a wickedness_n according_a to_o the_o gracious_a promise_n i_o will_v call_v they_o my_o people_n which_o be_v not_o my_o people_n and_o her_o belove_a which_o be_v not_o belove_v and_o it_o shall_v come_v to_o pass_v that_o in_o the_o place_n where_o it_o be_v say_v unto_o they_o you_o be_v not_o my_o people_n there_o shall_v they_o be_v call_v the_o child_n of_o the_o live_a god_n rom._n 9.25_o 26._o second_o the_o assurance_n direct_v unto_o be_v not_o a_o persuasion_n of_o our_o salvation_n whatever_o we_o do_v or_o however_o we_o live_v and_o walk_v but_o only_o in_o a_o limit_a way_n through_o mere_a freegrace_n in_o christ_n by_o partake_v of_o holiness_n as_o well_o as_o forgiveness_n and_o by_o walk_v in_o the_o way_n of_o holiness_n to_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n we_o shall_v not_o hearty_o desire_v or_o endeavour_v to_o assure_v ourselves_o of_o such_o a_o salvation_n as_o this_o if_o we_o be_v not_o bring_v first_o to_o see_v our_o own_o sinfulness_n and_o misery_n and_o to_o despair_v of_o our_o own_o righteousness_n and_o strength_n and_o to_o hunger_n and_o thirst_n for_o the_o sanctify_a as_o well_o as_o justify_v grace_n of_o god_n in_o christ_n that_o so_o we_o may_v walk_v in_o the_o way_n of_o holiness_n to_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o heavenly_a glory_n the_o faith_n whereby_o we_o receive_v christ_n must_v have_v in_o it_o not_o only_o a_o persuasion_n of_o happiness_n but_o these_o and_o the_o like_a good_a qualification_n that_o will_v make_v it_o a_o most_o holy_a faith_n certain_o a_o assurance_n thus_o qualify_v will_v not_o beget_v any_o pride_n in_o we_o but_o rather_o humility_n and_o self-loathing_a except_o any_o account_n it_o pride_n to_o rejoice_v and_o glory_n in_o christ_n when_o we_o have_v no_o confidence_n in_o the_o flesh_n phil._n 3.3_o it_o will_v not_o destroy_v religious_a fear_n and_o breed_v carnal_a security_n but_o rather_o it_o will_v make_v we_o fear_v go_v aside_o from_o christ_n our_o only_a resuge_n and_o security_n and_o walk_v after_o the_o flesh_n noah_n have_v cause_n to_o enter_v into_o the_o ark_n and_o to_o abide_v there_o with_o assurance_n of_o his_o preservation_n yet_o he_o may_v well_o be_v afraid_a to_o venture_v out_o of_o the_o ark_n because_o he_o be_v persuade_v that_o continuance_n in_o the_o ark_n be_v his_o only_a safery_n from_o perish_v in_o the_o flood_n and_o how_o can_v a_o persuasion_n of_o salvation_n in_o a_o way_n of_o holiness_n breed_v sloathfulness_n in_o duty_n carelessness_n and_o licentiousness_n it_o do_v rather_o mighty_o allure_v we_o and_o stir_v we_o up_o to_o be_v always_o abound_v in_o the_o work_n of_o the_o lord_n for_o as_o much_o as_o we_o know_v that_o our_o labour_n
apply_v rom_n 3.23_o 24_o 25_o 26._o 23_o for_o all_o have_v sin_v and_o come_v short_a of_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n 24_o be_v justify_v free_o by_o his_o grace_n through_o the_o redemption_n that_o be_v in_o jesus_n christ_n 25_o who_o god_n have_v set_v forth_o for_o a_o propitiation_n through_o faith_n in_o his_o blood_n to_o declare_v his_o righteousness_n for_o the_o remission_n of_o sin_n that_o be_v pass_v through_o the_o forbearance_n of_o god_n 26_o to_o declare_v i_o say_v at_o this_o time_n his_o righteousness_n that_o he_o may_v be_v just_a and_o the_o justifier_n of_o he_o who_o believe_v in_o jesus_n the_o apostle_n have_v confute_v and_o overthrow_v all_o justification_n of_o either_o jew_n or_o gentile_n by_o work_n in_o the_o forego_n discourse_n be_v now_o prove_v what_o he_o assert_v ver_fw-la 21_o 22._o viz._n that_o the_o righteousness_n of_o god_n without_o the_o law_n be_v manifest_v be_v witness_v by_o the_o law_n and_o the_o prophet_n even_o the_o righteousness_n of_o god_n which_o be_v by_o faith_n of_o jesus_n christ_n unto_o all_o and_o upon_o all_o they_o that_o believe_v for_o there_o be_v no_o difference_n show_v that_o now_o in_o the_o gospel_n time_n there_o be_v no_o difference_n between_o jew_n and_o gentile_n but_o that_o in_o the_o justification_n of_o both_o the_o righteousness_n of_o god_n without_o the_o law_n be_v manifest_v this_o he_o prove_v by_o show_v what_o the_o gospel_n teach_v concern_v the_o way_n of_o justification_n for_o the_o gospel_n only_o reveal_v the_o righteousness_n of_o god_n rom._n 1.16_o 17._o i_o be_o not_o ashamed_a of_o the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n ver_fw-la 17._o for_o therein_o be_v the_o righteousness_n of_o god_n reveal_v from_o faith_n to_o faith_n so_o the_o word_n be_v a_o declaration_n of_o the_o gospel_n way_n of_o justification_n by_o the_o righteousness_n of_o god_n and_o that_o so_o clear_o and_o full_o and_o the_o benefit_n speak_v of_o so_o great_a and_o glorious_a be_v the_o first_o benefit_n that_o we_o receive_v by_o union_n with_o christ_n and_o the_o foundation_n of_o all_o other_o benefit_n that_o my_o text_n be_v account_v to_o be_v evangelium_fw-la evangelii_n a_o principal_a part_n of_o the_o write_a gospel_n as_o brief_o and_o yet_o full_o express_v this_o excellent_a point_n more_o than_o any_o other_o text._n note_v in_o the_o word_n particular_o 1._o the_o subject_a declare_v and_o explain_v viz._n justification_n of_o person_n or_o their_o be_v justify_v and_o the_o meaning_n of_o it_o here_o be_v to_o be_v clear_v and_o free_v from_o all_o ambiguity_n and_o misunderstand_a justification_n signify_v make_v just_o as_o sanctification_n be_v make_v holy_a glorification_n make_v glorious_a but_o not_o make_v just_a by_o infusion_n of_o grace_n and_o holiness_n into_o a_o person_n as_o the_o papist_n teach_v consounding_a justification_n and_o sanctification_n together_o but_o make_v just_a in_o trial_n and_o judgement_n by_o a_o judicial_a sentence_n discharge_v of_o guilt_n free_v from_o blame_n and_o accusation_n approve_v judge_a own_v and_o pronounce_v a_o person_n to_o be_v righteous_a use_n alter_v the_o signification_n from_o the_o notation_n it_o be_v a_o juridical_a word_n or_o law_n term_n and_o have_v reference_n to_o trial_n and_o judgement_n 1._o cor._n 4.3_o 4._o it_o be_v with_o i_o a_o very_a small_a thing_n that_o i_o shall_v be_v judge_v of_o you_o or_o of_o man_n judgement_n yea_o i_o judge_v not_o my_o own_o self_n for_o i_o know_v nothing_o of_o myself_o yet_o be_o i_o not_o hereby_o justify_v but_o he_o that_o judge_v i_o be_v the_o lord_n and_o it_o be_v so_o oppose_v to_o condemnation_n in_o judgement_n deut._n 25.1_o if_o there_o be_v a_o controversy_n between_o man_n and_o they_o come_v unto_o judgement_n that_o the_o judge_n may_v judge_v they_o than_o they_o shall_v justify_v the_o righteous_a and_o condemn_v the_o wicked_a and_o mat._n 12.37_o by_o thy_o word_n thou_o shall_v be_v justify_v and_o by_o thy_o word_n thou_o shall_v be_v condemn_v and_o it_o be_v oppose_v both_o to_o accusation_n and_o condemnation_n rom._n 8_o 33_o 34._o who_o shall_v lay_v any_o thing_n to_o the_o charge_n of_o god_n elect_n ver_fw-la 34._o who_o be_v he_o that_o condemn_v and_o so_o job_n 9.20_o if_o i_o justify_v myself_o my_o own_o mouth_n shall_v condemn_v i_o job_n 13.15_o i_o will_v maintain_v my_o own_o way_n before_o he_o ver_fw-la 18._o i_o have_v order_v my_o cause_n and_o i_o know_v i_o shall_v be_v justify_v ver_fw-la 19_o who_o be_v he_o that_o will_v plead_v with_o i_o here_o justification_n be_v plain_o oppose_v unto_o the_o accusation_n or_o fault_n and_o it_o be_v as_o plain_o oppose_v to_o the_o pass_a sentence_n of_o condemnation_n 1_o king_n 8.32_o do_v and_o judge_v thy_o servant_n condemn_v the_o wicked_a to_o bring_v his_o way_n upon_o his_o head_n and_o justify_v the_o righteous_a to_o give_v he_o according_a to_o his_o righteousness_n in_o this_o sense_n it_o be_v a_o sin_n to_o justify_v the_o wicked_a isa_n 5.23_o prov._n 17.15_o job_n 27.5_o action_n must_v be_v existent_a already_o and_o bring_v to_o trial_n that_o they_o may_v be_v justify_v job_n 33.32_o isa_n 43.9_o 26._o justice_n or_o righteousness_n consist_v not_o in_o the_o intrinsic_a nature_n of_o a_o action_n but_o in_o its_o agreeableness_n to_o a_o rule_n of_o judgement_n so_o that_o action_n be_v call_v just_a and_o righteous_a by_o a_o extrinsecal_n denomination_n with_o relation_n to_o god_n rule_n of_o judge_v and_o this_o righteousness_n appear_v by_o try_v the_o action_n according_a to_o the_o rule_n and_o by_o make_v a_o estimate_n of_o it_o which_o estimate_n be_v either_o approve_v or_o disprove_v justify_v or_o condemn_v find_v it_o to_o be_v sin_n or_o no_o sin_n or_o breach_n of_o the_o law_n so_o we_o may_v say_v of_o the_o righteousness_n of_o person_n with_o reference_n to_o such_o habit_n or_o act_n and_o because_o righteousness_n of_o righteous_a person_n appear_v when_o they_o be_v bring_v to_o trial_n and_o judgement_n therefore_o they_o be_v say_v then_o to_o be_v in_o a_o special_a manner_n justify_v as_o if_o they_o be_v then_o make_v righteous_a viz._n when_o their_o righteousness_n be_v declare_v as_o christ_n be_v say_v to_o be_v beget_v the_o son_n of_o god_n at_o the_o resurrection_n act_v 13_o 33._o because_o he_o be_v then_o declare_v to_o be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n rom._n 1.4_o and_o in_o the_o same_o sense_n we_o that_o be_v adopt_v at_o present_a be_v say_v to_o wait_v for_o our_o adoption_n i._n e._n the_o manifestation_n of_o it_o rom._n 8.23_o and_o thus_o even_o god_n be_v say_v to_o be_v justify_v when_o we_o judge_v of_o his_o action_n as_o we_o ought_v to_o do_v and_o deem_v they_o to_o be_v righteous_a job_n 32.2_o psal_n 51.4_o luke_n 7.29_o though_o nothing_o can_v be_v add_v to_o the_o infinite_a righteousness_n of_o god_n and_o wisdom_n be_v say_v to_o be_v justify_v by_o her_o child_n matth._n 11.19_o so_o justification_n be_v not_o a_o real_a change_n of_o a_o sinner_n in_o himself_o though_o a_o real_a change_n be_v annex_v to_o it_o but_o only_o a_o relative_n change_v with_o reference_n to_o god_n judgement_n and_o thus_o the_o word_n be_v use_v in_o the_o text_n and_o so_o also_o in_o matter_n of_o judicature_n throughout_o the_o scripture_n yea_o some_o contend_v against_o the_o papist_n that_o it_o be_v no_o where_n in_o scripture_n otherwise_o except_o by_o a_o trope_n borrow_v from_o this_o as_o the_o proper_a sense_n and_o in_o the_o text_n it_o be_v beyond_o all_o doubt_n mean_v of_o be_v deem_v and_o account_v just_a in_o the_o sight_n of_o god_n for_o such_o a_o justification_n be_v here_o only_o treat_v of_o as_o appear_v in_o the_o text_n and_o before_o ver_fw-la 19_o 20._o and_o i_o have_v be_v the_o long_o explain_v the_o sense_n of_o the_o word_n because_o the_o mistake_n of_o it_o by_o reason_n of_o its_o composition_n occasion_v that_o popish_a error_n whereby_o the_o benefit_n signify_v by_o it_o be_v obscure_v yea_o overthrow_v so_o that_o we_o have_v need_n contend_v for_o the_o sense_n of_o the_o word_n 2._o in_o the_o text_n we_o have_v first_o the_o person_n justify_v 1._o sinner_n 2._o such_o sinner_n of_o all_o sort_n that_o shall_v believe_v whether_o jew_n or_o gentile_n 2._o the_o justifier_n or_o efficient_a cause_n god_n 3._o the_o impulsive_a cause_n grace_n 4._o the_o mean_n effect_v or_o material_a cause_n the_o redemption_n of_o christ_n 5._o the_o formal_a cause_n the_o remission_n of_o sin_n 6._o the_o instrumental_a cause_n faith_n 7._o the_o time_n of_o declare_v the_o present_a time_n 8._o the_o end_n that_o god_n may_v appear_v just_a from_o hence_o therefore_o will_v arise_v several_a useful_a observation_n all_o tend_v to_o explain_v the_o nature_n of_o justification_n which_o shall_v