may_v be_v find_v in_o humane_a history_n who_o from_o the_o principle_n of_o nature_n and_o civil_a education_n have_v lead_v a_o more_o innocent_a and_o blameless_a life_n than_o many_o who_o glory_n in_o their_o christian_a profession_n for_o who_o conviction_n and_o condemnation_n pagan_n and_o infidel_n shall_v arise_v in_o the_o day_n of_o judgement_n and_o be_v bring_v forth_o for_o a_o witness_n against_o many_o call_v christian_n and_o who_o shall_v be_v beat_v with_o few_o stripe_n than_o many_o who_o be_v counterfeit_a christian_n and_o do_v disgrace_v the_o profession_n of_o christian_a religion_n but_o we_o have_v here_o to_o do_v with_o these_o that_o be_v indeed_o regenerate_v and_o endue_v with_o save_v faith_n who_o endeavour_n to_o be_v holy_a and_o do_v lament_v their_o imperfection_n and_o do_v not_o give_v over_o the_o use_n of_o the_o mean_n whereby_o they_o may_v profit_v in_o holiness_n albeit_o with_o grief_n and_o fear_n they_o go_v on_o heavy_o suspect_v they_o meet_v at_o last_o with_o disappointment_n and_o be_v exclude_v from_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n for_o their_o come_n short_a of_o scribe_n and_o pharisee_n in_o the_o point_n of_o righteousness_n 2._o in_o this_o case_n first_o the_o complaint_n of_o the_o afflict_a concern_v the_o imperfection_n of_o his_o life_n and_o fruit_n of_o faith_n in_o as_o far_o as_o it_o be_v true_a and_o just_a must_v be_v admit_v grant_v and_o confirm_v and_o the_o afflict_a must_v be_v teach_v upon_o this_o consideration_n to_o be_v serious_o humble_v in_o the_o presence_n of_o god_n that_o he_o may_v profit_v in_o self-denial_n and_o more_o and_o more_o renounce_v all_o confidence_n in_o his_o own_o work_n or_o inherent_a righteousness_n to_o which_o purpose_n let_v he_o consider_v yet_o more_o the_o body_n of_o death_n and_o original_a sin_n not_o yet_o thorough_o mortify_v in_o he_o let_v he_o look_v upon_o and_o acknowledge_v in_o his_o present_a case_n the_o bitter_a root_n of_o infidelity_n and_o inclination_n to_o depart_v away_o from_o the_o live_a god_n even_o then_o when_o he_o be_v most_o call_v and_o have_v most_o need_n to_o draw_v near_o and_o adhere_v unto_o he_o upon_o the_o sight_n and_o consideration_n whereof_o he_o shall_v perceive_v a_o necessity_n daily_o to_o renew_v the_o act_n of_o repentance_n and_o faith_n in_o christ._n second_o let_v the_o necessity_n and_o timeous_a use-making_a of_o the_o impute_a righteousness_n of_o christ_n be_v show_v unto_o he_o which_o righteousness_n if_o the_o lord_n have_v not_o set_v before_o we_o for_o a_o refuge_n what_o shall_v become_v of_o we_o in_o the_o examination_n of_o our_o work_n and_o feel_v imperfection_n of_o our_o inherent_a righteousness_n and_o here_o the_o afflict_a must_v be_v exhort_v in_o the_o sense_n of_o his_o own_o unrighteousness_n to_o run_v always_o towards_o christ_n to_o have_v his_o nakedness_n hide_v by_o the_o garment_n of_o christ_n impute_a righteousness_n and_o exhort_v to_o apply_v and_o embrace_v more_o and_o more_o strait_o the_o righteousness_n of_o christ_n our_o cautioner_n who_o be_v judicial_o by_o the_o father_n adjudge_v to_o the_o believer_n flee_v unto_o he_o for_o righteousness_n 1_o cor._n 1._o 30_o but_o of_o he_o be_v you_o in_o christ_n jesus_n who_o be_v make_v unto_o we_o wisdom_n and_o righteousness_n and_o sanctification_n and_o redemption_n and_o here_o let_v the_o friend_n comforter_n of_o the_o afflict_a insist_v that_o he_o may_v consider_v the_o value_n of_o the_o ransom_n pay_v for_o we_o and_o of_o the_o righteousness_n purchase_v unto_o we_o for_o the_o only_a garment_n able_a to_o hide_v our_o nakedness_n three_o let_v the_o afflict_a person_n understand_v that_o it_o be_v righteousness_n with_o god_n to_o be_v displease_v with_o his_o child_n when_o they_o esteem_v little_a and_o make_v little_a use_n of_o the_o dear_a buy_v righteousness_n which_o christ_n have_v purchase_v and_o that_o in_o wisdom_n and_o righteousness_n christ_n do_v not_o increase_v the_o inherent_a righteousness_n of_o those_o who_o slight_a he_o in_o the_o mater_fw-la of_o his_o impute_a righteousness_n for_o we_o be_v not_o justify_v by_o the_o perfection_n of_o inherent_a righteousness_n which_o in_o this_o life_n be_v impossible_a but_o by_o the_o perfection_n of_o christ_n righteousness_n impute_v unto_o the_o believer_n in_o he_o four_o when_o the_o pastor_n or_o prudent_a friend_n perceive_v the_o afflict_a now_o convict_v of_o his_o mistake_n and_o error_n and_o to_o be_v bring_v to_o acknowledge_v that_o the_o justification_n of_o a_o sinner_n do_v come_v by_o the_o imputation_n of_o the_o righteousness_n of_o christ_n alone_o without_o respect_n to_o the_o work_n of_o the_o law_n and_o that_o the_o justify_v man_n must_v set_v himself_o to_o bring_v forth_o good_a fruit_n in_o the_o gracious_a furniture_n which_o christ_n have_v promise_v to_o the_o believer_n now_o i_o say_v let_v he_o enter_v upon_o the_o comparison_n of_o the_o righteousness_n of_o the_o penitent_a believer_n in_o christ_n with_o the_o righteousness_n of_o the_o scribe_n and_o pharisee_n and_o then_o shall_v it_o be_v clear_a to_o the_o afflict_a person_n that_o the_o righteousness_n of_o the_o weak_a christian_a shall_v far_o exceed_v the_o righteousness_n not_o only_o of_o pagan_n but_o also_o of_o scribe_n and_o pharisee_n of_o the_o high_a pitch_n and_o that_o for_o three_o reason_n the_o first_o be_v this_o the_o pharisee_n cut_v short_a the_o interpretation_n of_o the_o law_n unto_o the_o measure_n of_o his_o own_o external_a obedience_n lest_o the_o law_n whereby_o he_o seek_v justification_n shall_v condemn_v he_o but_o the_o christian_a acknowledge_v in_o all_o thing_n the_o spirituality_n and_o perfection_n of_o the_o law_n and_o do_v not_o reject_v any_o duty_n which_o the_o law_n do_v command_v but_o find_v himself_o bind_v to_o obey_v the_o law_n in_o all_o thing_n and_o to_o aim_v to_o be_v perfect_a as_o his_o heavenly_a father_n be_v perfect_a the_o second_o reason_n be_v because_o the_o work_n which_o the_o pharisee_fw-mi or_o scribe_n do_v be_v all_o counterfeit_a and_o corrupt_a in_o regard_n they_o arise_v from_o the_o strength_n of_o the_o natural_a man_n and_o be_v do_v for_o his_o own_o glory_n and_o carnal_a end_n and_o not_o for_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n but_o the_o work_n of_o the_o christian_a exercise_v faith_n in_o christ_n proceed_v from_o the_o power_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o christ_n in_o he_o and_o be_v do_v to_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n by_o he_o the_o three_o reason_n be_v because_o the_o righteousness_n of_o work_n which_o the_o scribe_n and_o pharisee_n do_v affectat_fw-la be_v altogether_o impossible_a and_o make_v void_a the_o grace_n of_o god_n for_o if_o righteousness_n be_v by_o work_n it_o be_v no_o more_o of_o grace_n it_o overturne_v that_o heavenly_a way_n of_o justification_n by_o faith_n in_o christ_n for_o the_o righteousness_n of_o the_o pharisee_fw-mi by_o work_n can_v consist_v with_o the_o righteousness_n which_o be_v by_o faith_n of_o grace_n but_o the_o righteousness_n and_o justification_n of_o the_o christian_a by_o faith_n in_o christ_n be_v possible_a and_o ready_a at_o hand_n to_o every_o one_o who_o renounce_v all_o confidence_n in_o his_o own_o worthiness_n and_o slay_v unto_o christ_n for_o grace_n and_o this_o be_v a_o most_o perfect_a way_n of_o righteousness_n which_o depend_v upon_o the_o obedience_n and_o satisfaction_n of_o christ_n impute_v to_o the_o believer_n in_o he_o which_o righteousness_n only_o can_v stand_v in_o the_o judgement_n of_o god_n as_o perfect_v which_o only_o do_v open_v the_o fountain_n whereby_o the_o power_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n run_v down_o upon_o the_o man_n justify_v by_o faith_n in_o christ_n to_o enable_v he_o to_o bring_v forth_o the_o acceptable_a fruit_n of_o new_a obedience_n by_o this_o comparison_n it_o do_v easy_o appear_v that_o the_o righteousness_n of_o the_o weak_a believer_n in_o christ_n do_v far_o exceed_v the_o righteousness_n of_o the_o scribe_n and_o pharisee_n and_o thus_o may_v the_o afflict_a be_v solve_v of_o his_o doubt_n arise_v from_o comparison_n of_o his_o righteousness_n with_o the_o righteousness_n of_o the_o pharisee_n 3._o if_o these_o ground_n of_o satisfaction_n lay_v before_o the_o afflict_a do_v not_o satisfy_v but_o his_o wound_n do_v break_v up_o and_o bleed_v afresh_o let_v we_o examine_v his_o reason_n o_o say_v he_o what_o i_o have_v be_v aim_v at_o in_o the_o way_n of_o new_a obedience_n i_o suspect_v be_v not_o accept_v of_o god_n because_o i_o find_v not_o these_o fruit_n of_o the_o spirit_n which_o the_o apostle_n speak_v of_o as_o evidence_n of_o a_o new_a creature_n gal._n 5._o 22._o love_n joy_n peace_n long-suffering_a gentleness_n goodness_n faith_n meekness_n and_o temperance_n the_o defect_n and_o little_a feel_n of_o these_o fruit_n do_v argue_v that_o god_n do_v not_o approve_v my_o work_n for_o answer_v of_o
the_o present_a and_o in_o this_o sense_n a_o unrenewed_a man_n be_v say_v to_o be_v in_o a_o better_a or_o worse_a condition_n for_o the_o present_a in_o comparison_n with_o other_o unrenewed_a man_n or_o with_o himself_o at_o another_o time_n in_o which_o sense_n mark_v 12._o 34._o christ_n speak_v to_o the_o scribe_n who_o answer_v he_o in_o all_o thing_n discreet_o say_v thou_o be_v not_o far_o front_v the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n the_o condition_n for_o the_o present_a of_o this_o scribe_n be_v better_a than_o his_o fellow_n and_o better_a than_o his_o own_o at_o another_o time_n and_o yet_o his_o person_n be_v in_o the_o state_n of_o wrath_n because_o he_o be_v not_o enter_v in_o the_o state_n of_o grace_n or_o in_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n howsoever_o he_o be_v not_o far_o from_o it_o in_o this_o more_o strict_a sense_n the_o judicial_a state_n of_o the_o man_n person_n be_v fix_v so_o long_o as_o the_o judicial_a sentence_n of_o the_o judge_n bind_v the_o unconvert_v to_o the_o curse_n that_o be_v pronounce_v in_o the_o law_n or_o in_o the_o gospel_n louse_v the_o convert_v from_o the_o curse_n do_v stand_v but_o the_o moral_a disposition_n and_o the_o condition_n of_o the_o man_n whether_o in_o the_o state_n of_o grace_n or_o nature_n be_v variable_a and_o changeable_a to_o the_o better_a or_o worse_o in_o comparison_n with_o other_o or_o himself_o at_o another_o time_n whence_o it_o be_v that_o one_o and_o the_o same_o person_n may_v be_v in_o a_o better_a or_o worse_a condition_n his_o state_n remain_v the_o same_o to_o wit_n good_a if_o he_o be_v renew_v and_o evil_a if_o he_o be_v still_o in_o nature_n unrenewed_a 2._o but_o here_o we_o be_v about_o the_o condition_n of_o the_o renew_a man_n only_o which_o may_v be_v better_o at_o one_o time_n and_o worse_o at_o another_o time_n as_o his_o disposition_n and_o caâ—â—age_n in_o order_n to_o the_o duty_n of_o religion_n and_o righteousness_n fall_v out_o to_o be_v better_a or_o worse_o according_a as_o his_o action_n and_o behaviour_n be_v more_o or_o less_o conform_v to_o the_o reveal_v will_n of_o god_n and_o as_o his_o conscience_n do_v its_o duty_n more_o or_o less_o commendable_o sometime_o his_o conscience_n upon_o good_a ground_n speak_v good_a to_o he_o while_o he_o study_v to_o walk_v before_o god_n unto_o all_o well-pleasing_a and_o then_o he_o may_v say_v with_o the_o psalmist_n ps._n 26._o 12._o my_o foot_n stand_v in_o a_o even_a place_n in_o the_o congregation_n will_v i_o bless_v the_o lord_n to_o this_o good_a condition_n we_o need_v not_o say_v much_o because_o there_o be_v no_o present_a disease_n which_o call_v for_o cure_v of_o this_o case_n only_o it_o be_v for_o the_o child_n of_o god_n in_o this_o case_n necessary_a to_o observe_v diet_n and_o exercise_n to_o maintain_v his_o good_a condition_n and_o to_o watch_v over_o his_o heart_n and_o way_n that_o he_o may_v continue_v and_o go_v on_o therein_o all_o that_o we_o have_v to_o deal_v with_o be_v the_o ill_a condition_n of_o the_o true_a convert_n when_o his_o conscience_n do_v deceive_v he_o or_o do_v not_o discharge_v its_o duty_n for_o in_o this_o case_n only_a remedy_n and_o cure_n be_v call_v for_o 3._o as_o that_o condition_n wherein_o the_o convert_n be_v best_a please_v with_o himself_o be_v not_o always_o the_o best_a so_o neither_o be_v that_o condition_n wherewith_o he_o be_v worst_a please_v always_o the_o worst_a but_o that_o be_v the_o best_a condition_n wherein_o the_o holy_a spirit_n do_v most_o bear_v down_o the_o power_n of_o sin_n and_o advance_v the_o work_n of_o sanctification_n of_o the_o man_n and_o that_o condition_n be_v the_o worst_a wherein_o sin_n most_o prevail_v and_o as_o the_o goodness_n of_o a_o man_n condition_n be_v be_v not_o to_o be_v estimat_fw-la by_o any_o eventual_a accident_n but_o by_o its_o own_o nature_n and_o proper_a effect_n so_o the_o illnesse_n of_o a_o man_n condition_n be_v not_o to_o be_v estimat_fw-la by_o any_o eventual_a accident_n but_o by_o its_o own_o nature_n and_o proper_a effect_n as_o god_n in_o the_o scripture_n give_v ground_n of_o judgement_n of_o a_o good_a or_o ill_a condition_n for_o otherways_o by_o the_o default_n of_o the_o renew_a man_n the_o best_a condition_n may_v degenerate_v in_o a_o very_a ill_a condition_n as_o when_o a_o man_n do_v abuse_v divine_a consolation_n and_o after_o receive_v of_o the_o renew_a earnest_n of_o the_o inheritance_n from_o the_o holy_a spirit_n grow_v carnal_o secure_a and_o negligent_a in_o his_o duty_n or_o when_o after_o some_o gross_a pollution_n of_o himself_o in_o body_n or_o soul_n have_v grieve_v the_o holy_a spirit_n he_o do_v not_o humble_a himself_o as_o become_v he_o but_o by_o satan_n suggestion_n of_o wicked_a thought_n against_o god_n and_o his_o former_a work_n in_o he_o do_v fall_v in_o suspicion_n of_o all_o former_a gracious_a operation_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n in_o he_o and_o miscalleth_a all_o these_o former_a experience_n and_o in_o his_o tentation_n esteem_v and_o name_v they_o among_o satan_n delusion_n or_o else_o at_o least_o suspect_v and_o fear_v they_o shall_v prove_v no_o better_o than_o such_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n the_o worst_a condition_n of_o the_o renew_a man_n by_o the_o wisdom_n mercy_n and_o power_n of_o god_n may_v be_v turn_v to_o advantage_n in_o order_n to_o god_n glory_n and_o the_o renew_a man_n salvation_n as_o the_o experience_n of_o the_o psalmist_n do_v show_v we_o psal._n 116_o 3_o 4._o etc._n etc._n 4._o a_o evil_a condition_n be_v so_o call_v either_o 1._o in_o respect_n of_o the_o evil_n which_o the_o convert_v not_o only_o feel_v real_o but_o lament_v it_o serious_o or_o 2._o in_o respect_n of_o the_o convert_v estimation_n only_o who_o lament_v his_o good_a condition_n without_o cause_n or_o 3._o in_o respect_n of_o a_o real_a evil_n which_o the_o convert_n lament_v not_o at_o all_o but_o lie_v under_o it_o secure_o of_o the_o first_o sort_n be_v the_o condition_n of_o the_o convert_n when_o he_o see_v his_o own_o blindness_n nakedness_n and_o misery_n the_o hardness_n of_o his_o own_o heart_n and_o the_o deceitfulness_n of_o it_o and_o do_v fly_v for_o remedy_n thereof_o to_o christ_n the_o true_a physician_n to_o cover_v and_o cure_v all_o his_o disease_n this_o condition_n be_v evil_a only_a in_o respect_n of_o feel_v evil_a but_o in_o respect_n of_o the_o convert_v make_v the_o right_a use_n of_o the_o discovery_n of_o these_o evil_n and_o fly_v unto_o christ_n for_o relief_n therefrom_o it_o be_v a_o good_a condition_n because_o the_o disease_a convert_n carry_v himself_o well_o and_o wise_o in_o this_o exercise_n of_o the_o second_o sort_n be_v the_o convert_v condition_n when_o his_o faith_n be_v put_v to_o trial_n by_o manifold_a affliction_n and_o tentation_n and_o he_o conceive_v himself_o to_o be_v in_o a_o very_a evil_a condition_n wherein_o he_o ought_v not_o to_o afflict_v himself_o but_o to_o judge_v this_o condition_n to_o be_v a_o good_a condition_n according_a to_o the_o apostle_n exhortation_n jam._n 1._o 2_o 3._o my_o brethren_n count_v it_o all_o joy_n when_o you_o fall_v in_o divers_a tentation_n know_v that_o the_o trial_n of_o your_o faith_n work_v patience_n of_o the_o three_o sort_n be_v the_o condition_n of_o the_o convert_n who_o when_o for_o example_n he_o feel_v himself_o unapt_a and_o unable_a to_o pray_v or_o praise_n or_o discharge_v any_o duty_n hearty_o do_v not_o trouble_v himself_o with_o this_o his_o ill_a case_n but_o either_o layeth-by_a the_o do_n of_o the_o duty_n or_o do_v the_o work_n negligent_o and_o perfunctorious_o and_o please_v himself_o in_o so_o do_v for_o a_o time_n this_o condition_n be_v evil_a indeed_o both_o in_o respect_n of_o his_o spiritual_a disease_n and_o of_o his_o sinful_a slight_v the_o duty_n of_o seek_v relief_n thereof_o 5._o for_o rectify_v the_o judgement_n of_o the_o conscience_n in_o any_o or_o all_o of_o those_o condition_n first_o let_v difference_n be_v put_v between_o the_o sinful_a disease_n and_o distemper_n of_o our_o spirit_n which_o be_v evil_a indeed_o and_o the_o discovery_n thereof_o unto_o we_o which_o be_v a_o benefit_n in_o itself_o and_o a_o gift_n of_o eyesalve_n bestow_v by_o christ_n upon_o we_o and_o the_o right_a use_n of_o that_o discovery_n by_o fly_v unto_o christ_n which_o be_v yet_o a_o great_a blessing_n even_o the_o work_n of_o god_n draw_v we_o to_o the_o saviour_n of_o soul_n the_o remedy_n of_o every_o evil_a second_o let_v difference_n be_v put_v between_o tentation_n or_o trial_n of_o faith_n and_o yield_v to_o tentation_n under_o affliction_n the_o observation_n of_o tentation_n offer_v to_o make_v we_o depart_v from_o the_o truth_n in_o trial_n be_v a_o matter_n of_o joy_n but_o yield_v be_v a_o sin_n and_o mater_fw-la of_o
creature_n presuppose_v innocent_a be_v call_v grace_n because_o it_o be_v impossible_a that_o a_o mere_a creature_n can_v proper_o merit_v any_o good_a thing_n of_o god_n because_o the_o creature_n neither_o have_v nor_o can_v have_v that_o which_o it_o have_v not_o receive_v rom._n 11._o 35._o who_o have_v first_o give_v to_o he_o and_o it_o shall_v be_v recompense_v to_o he_o again_o sometime_o grace_n be_v take_v for_o every_o gift_n or_o good_a bestow_v by_o god_n upon_o the_o ill_a deserver_n in_o which_o sense_n gist_n common_a to_o elect_v and_o reprobat_fw-la be_v call_v by_o the_o name_n of_o grace_n rom._n 1._o 5._o ephes._n 4._o 7._o sometime_o grace_n be_v take_v in_o opposition_n to_o the_o pactioâ—all_a merit_n of_o work_n or_o to_o the_o reward_n due_a by_o debt_n covenant_v as_o rom._n 4._o 4._o to_o he_o that_o work_v the_o reward_n be_v not_o reckon_v of_o grace_n but_o of_o debt_n in_o which_o sense_n that_o which_o be_v give_v for_o work_n be_v not_o give_v of_o grace_n rom._n 11._o 16._o and_o in_o this_o sense_n we_o take_v grace_n as_o it_o be_v oppose_v to_o the_o covenant_n of_o work_n for_o the_o condition_n of_o the_o covenant_n of_o work_n be_v the_o give_v perfect_a obedience_n to_o the_o law_n but_o the_o condition_n of_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n be_v the_o receive_n of_o christ_n by_o faith_n unto_o righteousness_n and_o life_n offer_v in_o the_o gospel_n without_o the_o work_n of_o the_o law_n which_o covenant_n may_v thus_o be_v describe_v the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n be_v a_o contract_n between_o god_n and_o man_n procure_v by_o christ_n upon_o these_o term_n that_o whosoever_o in_o the_o sense_n of_o their_o own_o sinfulness_n shall_v receive_v christ_n jesus_n offer_v in_o the_o gospel_n for_o righteousness_n and_o life_n shall_v have_v he_o and_o all_o the_o benefit_n purchase_v by_o he_o according_a to_o the_o covenant_n of_o redemption_n and_o that_o god_n will_v be_v his_o god_n and_o the_o god_n of_o his_o child_n this_o covenant_n of_o grace_n be_v found_v upon_o the_o covenant_n of_o redemption_n pass_v between_o god_n and_o christ_n wherein_o it_o be_v agree_v that_o all_o the_o elect_v give_v unto_o christ_n shall_v be_v reconcile_v in_o due_a time_n to_o god_n and_o that_o to_o this_o end_n this_o grace_n shall_v be_v preach_v to_o bring_v about_o the_o reconciliation_n and_o therefore_o christ_n be_v call_v the_o mediator_n of_o the_o new_a covenant_n heb._n 12._o 22._o of_o infant_n interest_n in_o this_o covenant_n quest._n what_o interest_n have_v infant_n in_o this_o covenant_n ans._n the_o same_o which_o they_o have_v since_o the_o first_o express_v and_o formal_a make_v thereof_o with_o abraham_n to_o who_o god_n promise_v to_o be_v his_o god_n and_o the_o god_n of_o his_o child_n who_o child_n all_o be_v who_o be_v in_o christ_n gal._n 3._o 27_o 28_o 29._o for_o of_o the_o redeem_v some_o come_v to_o age_n who_o god_n have_v call_v by_o the_o preach_n of_o the_o gospel_n do_v induce_v and_o effectual_o move_v to_o embrace_v solemn_o the_o offer_a fellowship_n with_o god_n and_o his_o saint_n in_o christ_n and_o to_o consecrat_v themselves_o and_o their_o child_n unto_o the_o service_n of_o god_n there_o be_v other_o redeem_v one_o who_o die_v in_o their_o infancy_n before_o they_o come_v to_o the_o use_n of_o reason_n to_o who_o salvation_n god_n have_v express_v respect_n in_o make_v his_o covenant_n with_o their_o parent_n that_o he_o will_v not_o have_v they_o exclude_v from_o the_o blessing_n when_o he_o call_v their_o parent_n to_o he_o but_o in_o the_o common_a offer_n of_o grace_n and_o reconciliation_n by_o christ_n he_o make_v the_o promise_n joint_o to_o the_o parent_n and_o the_o child_n for_o in_o one_o sentence_n and_o as_o it_o be_v with_o one_o breath_n he_o say_v i_o will_v be_v thy_o god_n and_o thy_o seed_n after_o thou_o gen._n 15._o 17._o whereof_o the_o apostle_n make_v good_a use_n act_v 2._o 39_o declare_v the_o promise_n to_o be_v make_v to_o the_o jew_n and_o their_o child_n and_o to_o the_o call_v gentile_n and_o their_o child_n and_o upon_o this_o ground_n paul_n and_o silas_n timeous_o do_v offer_v consolation_n to_o the_o jailor_n tremble_v and_o anxious_a what_o way_n he_o shall_v be_v save_v act_v 16._o 31._o saying_n believe_v in_o christ_n jesus_n and_o thou_o shall_v be_v save_v thou_o and_o thy_o house_n as_o for_o the_o manner_n how_o the_o lord_n deal_v with_o the_o soul_n of_o infant_n in_o convert_v they_o the_o scripture_n do_v not_o speak_v for_o this_o lie_v among_o the_o secret_n of_o god_n which_o do_v not_o concern_v we_o to_o search_v after_o deut._n 29._o 29._o it_o shall_v be_v sufficient_a to_o we_o that_o god_n in_o covenant_v with_o the_o parent_n promise_v to_o be_v the_o god_n of_o their_o child_n and_o according_a to_o this_o covenant_n the_o lord_n complain_v of_o their_o stay_n and_o offer_v their_o child_n unto_o idol_n call_v they_o his_o own_o son_n and_o daughter_n ezek._n 16._o 20._o and_o upon_o this_o ground_n in_o the_o second_o command_n the_o lord_n promise_v to_o show_v mercy_n to_o the_o thousand_o generation_n of_o believe_a parent_n and_o 1_o cor._n 7._o 14._o the_o apostle_n do_v call_v the_o child_n of_o one_o of_o the_o parent_n believe_v holy_a child_n because_o of_o their_o consecration_n unto_o god_n by_o the_o believe_a confederate_a parent_n and_o in_o regard_n of_o god_n right_a and_o interest_n in_o they_o as_o the_o child_n of_o his_o own_o family_n by_o covenant_n and_o christ_n our_o lord_n upon_o this_o ground_n do_v call_v the_o child_n of_o confederate_a parent_n burgess_n of_o heaven_n of_o such_o be_v the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n matth._n 19_o 13_o 14._o and_o because_o infant_n be_v dedicat_fw-la to_o christ_n to_o be_v teach_v and_o govern_v by_o he_o in_o his_o own_o way_n and_o order_n they_o be_v call_v disciple_n act_n 15._o 10._o as_o the_o disputer_n for_o the_o circumcision_n of_o christian_n child_n as_o well_o as_o of_o their_o parent_n after_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n do_v make_v it_o manifest_a and_o in_o the_o institution_n of_o baptism_n our_o lord_n give_v the_o privilege_n of_o the_o covenant_n unto_o every_o nation_n no_o less_o then_o to_o the_o jew_n that_o by_o covenant_n whole_a nation_n may_v be_v draw_v in_o and_o give_v up_o as_o disciple_n to_o his_o doctrine_n matth._n 28._o 29._o make_v all_o nation_n disciple_n by_o your_o doctrine_n baptise_v they_o etc._n etc._n that_o the_o child_n with_o the_o parent_n may_v be_v partaker_n by_o baptism_n of_o the_o seal_n of_o the_o covenant_n for_o the_o righteousness_n of_o faith_n no_o less_o than_o the_o child_n of_o israelite_n be_v by_o circumcision_n of_o the_o mean_n to_o draw_v on_o the_o make_n of_o this_o covenant_n of_o these_o mean_v we_o have_v speak_v in_o the_o four_o article_n of_o the_o covenant_n of_o redemption_n and_o need_v not_o to_o insist_v more_o about_o they_o then_o to_o name_v they_o the_o first_o mean_v to_o draw_v man_n into_o this_o bless_a covenant_n and_o to_o keep_v they_o in_o it_o be_v the_o external_a revelation_n of_o the_o will_n of_o god_n for_o teach_v man_n how_o great_a their_o sin_n and_o misery_n be_v and_o how_o they_o may_v be_v reconcile_v and_o deliver_v by_o the_o grace_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n and_o how_o they_o may_v testify_v their_o thankfulness_n be_v reconcile_v for_o such_o a_o mercy_n which_o ground_n of_o save_a knowledge_n be_v full_o and_o faithful_o set_v down_o in_o holy_a scripture_n and_o commit_v to_o his_o servant_n in_o the_o ministry_n who_o shall_v in_o preach_v of_o the_o gospel_n inform_v and_o persuade_v man_n to_o repent_v and_o embrace_v the_o grace_n of_o christ_n and_o put_v on_o his_o sweet_a yoke_n of_o obedience_n upon_o they_o the_o second_o mean_n be_v after_o application_n of_o the_o lord_n word_n to_o the_o hearer_n for_o convince_a they_o of_o sin_n in_o they_o and_o righteousness_n in_o christ_n and_o judgement_n to_o follow_v to_o wit_n of_o absolution_n of_o the_o believer_n and_o of_o condemnation_n of_o such_o as_o believe_v not_o to_o receive_v into_o the_o bond_n of_o this_o covenant_n of_o grace_n all_o that_o appear_v serious_o to_o consecrat_v themselves_o and_o their_o child_n to_o the_o faith_n and_o obedience_n of_o the_o doctrine_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n without_o determine_v whether_o they_o be_v regenerate_v for_o the_o present_a or_o not_o the_o three_o mean_v be_v the_o solemn_a seal_n of_o this_o covenant_n for_o righteousness_n of_o faith_n and_o salvation_n through_o christ_n by_o baptise_v both_o the_o parent_n that_o accept_v the_o covenant_n and_o their_o child_n also_o and_o by_o exhortation_n promise_n and_o commination_n and_o all_o other_o argument_n which_o may_v more_o and_o more_o
rest_n v_o 11._o and_o leave_v they_o to_o be_v examine_v thereafter_o by_o christ_n himself_o whether_o they_o be_v upright_o in_o heart_n or_o not_o the_o same_o way_n of_o gather_v member_n of_o the_o visible_a christian_a church_n out_o of_o the_o world_n do_v christ_n own_o apostle_n follow_v in_o his_o own_o company_n christ_n himself_o be_v present_a bodily_a behold_v and_o approve_v their_o baptise_v of_o multitude_n who_o after_o hear_v of_o christ_n sermon_n offer_v to_o receive_v baptism_n and_o go_v down_o to_o the_o water_n arnon_n where_o christ_n apostle_n do_v make_v and_o baptize_v more_o disciple_n than_o john_n joh._n 4._o 1._o that_o be_v they_o admit_v multitude_n into_o the_o holy_a covenant_n and_o seal_v the_o same_o with_o baptism_n take_v no_o strict_a course_n of_o examination_n of_o they_o then_o john_n do_v but_o admit_v all_o that_o crave_v the_o benefit_n of_o the_o covenant_n and_o the_o seal_n of_o it_o though_o they_o have_v no_o certain_a evidence_n of_o their_o regeneration_n be_v satisfy_v that_o christ_n do_v not_o forbid_v to_o baptize_v they_o when_o he_o see_v they_o go_v down_o to_o the_o water_n to_o be_v baptize_v after_o hear_v his_o sermon_n now_o there_o be_v no_o question_n he_o know_v their_o heart_n all_o of_o they_o and_o that_o many_o of_o they_o will_v afterward_o short_o make_v defection_n from_o he_o and_o depart_v from_o he_o and_o from_o his_o disciple_n fellowship_n as_o be_v plain_a joh._n 6._o 6_o 66_o 70._o this_o way_n of_o receive_v into_o external_a covenant_n all_o these_o who_o receive_v the_o offer_n and_o the_o condition_n of_o the_o covenant_n without_o inquire_v into_o their_o election_n or_o reprobation_n their_o regeneration_n or_o unregeneration_n for_o the_o time_n which_o may_v be_v call_v a_o covenant_v outward_o and_o in_o the_o letter_n in_o the_o deep_a and_o wise_a counsel_n of_o god_n be_v appoint_v for_o the_o gather_n and_o constitution_n of_o the_o visible_a church_n for_o by_o this_o mean_a first_o god_n so_o execute_v and_o perfect_v the_o decree_n of_o election_n that_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n he_o hinder_v none_o of_o all_o the_o hearer_n of_o the_o gospel_n from_o receive_v the_o grace_n of_o christ_n offer_v therein_o he_o exclude_v no_o man_n from_o embrace_v the_o covenant_n but_o on_o the_o contrair_a he_o open_v the_o door_n to_o all_o that_o be_v call_v to_o enter_v into_o as_o it_o be_v the_o outer_a court_n of_o his_o dwell_a house_n that_o they_o may_v so_o draw_v more_o near_o to_o he_o and_o so_o he_o do_v not_o particular_o manifest_v any_o man_n reprobation_n second_o by_o this_o mean_n also_o he_o hide_v the_o election_n of_o the_o elect_a from_o other_o and_o from_o themselves_o till_o they_o repent_v their_o sin_n and_o flee_v to_o christ_n and_o bring_v forth_o some_o evidence_n of_o their_o election_n in_o their_o obedience_n of_o faith_n and_o begin_v sanctification_n three_o the_o lord_n make_v use_v of_o this_o outward_a and_o common_a covenant_v with_o all_o receiver_n of_o the_o offer_n as_o a_o mean_a to_o draw_v the_o confederate_a in_o the_o letter_n to_o be_v confederate_a in_o the_o spirit_n for_o the_o faith_n which_o he_o require_v as_o the_o condition_n of_o the_o covenant_n he_o work_v in_o the_o elect_a if_o not_o before_o or_o with_o the_o external_a covenant_v yet_o undoubted_o after_o in_o a_o time_n acceptable_a and_o that_o by_o the_o ordinary_a mean_n the_o use_n whereof_o be_v grant_v to_o all_o confederate_a external_o and_o so_o as_o common_a illumination_n be_v a_o mean_a to_o that_o special_a spiritual_a and_o save_a illumination_n and_o dogmatic_a or_o historical_a faith_n be_v a_o mean_a unto_o save_v faith_n and_o external_a call_n be_v a_o mean_a of_o effectual_a call_n so_o external_a covenant_v in_o the_o letter_n be_v a_o mean_v most_o fit_a and_o accommodat_fw-la to_o make_v a_o man_n a_o covenanter_n in_o the_o spirit_n four_o this_o external_a covenant_v wherein_o god_n promise_v to_o be_v the_o believer_n god_n and_o the_o god_n of_o their_o child_n be_v a_o mean_v not_o only_o to_o beget_v and_o foster_v faith_n in_o the_o covenant_a parent_n for_o their_o own_o salvation_n but_o also_o a_o mean_a to_o comfort_v they_o about_o the_o salvation_n of_o their_o infant_n die_v in_o their_o infancy_n whether_o before_o or_o after_o their_o baptism_n and_o a_o mean_a to_o give_v they_o good_a hope_n of_o those_o child_n bless_a resurrection_n by_o virtue_n of_o the_o promise_n because_o in_o covenant_v the_o lord_n do_v promise_v to_o be_v the_o believer_n god_n and_o the_o god_n of_o his_o child_n and_o do_v not_o exact_v the_o condition_n of_o actual_a faith_n from_o their_o die_a infant_n from_o these_o ground_n it_o follow_v first_o that_o some_o be_v take_v external_o and_o conditional_o into_o the_o covenant_n upon_o their_o engagement_n unto_o the_o righteousness_n of_o faith_n and_o their_o baptism_n be_v a_o seal_n of_o their_o engagement_n unto_o it_o who_o albeit_o they_o be_v not_o as_o yet_o regenerate_v yet_o they_o be_v to_o be_v esteem_v member_n of_o the_o church_n and_o christian_n outward_o christian_n by_o calling_n and_o in_o the_o letter_n who_o praise_n be_v of_o man_n as_o they_o be_v also_o in_o the_o church_n before_o christ_n come_n jew_n outward_o and_o in_o the_o letter_n who_o praise_n be_v of_o man_n commend_v indeed_o for_o so_o much_o but_o if_o they_o come_v not_o up_o to_o lay_v hold_n upon_o and_o follow_v after_o righteousness_n by_o faith_n be_v not_o jew_n in_o god_n account_n and_o unto_o they_o circumcision_n be_v but_o in_o the_o letter_n and_o the_o seal_n of_o the_o engagement_n only_o and_o not_o of_o the_o good_a thing_n covenant_v rom._n 2._o 28_o 29._o second_o it_o follow_v that_o there_o be_v some_o covenanter_n outward_o and_o inward_o also_o in_o the_o flesh_n and_o in_o the_o spirit_n also_o who_o praise_n be_v not_o of_o man_n only_o but_o of_o god_n also_o to_o wit_n such_o as_o not_o only_o have_v engage_v to_o fulfil_v the_o condition_n of_o live_v in_o the_o faith_n and_o follow_v after_o the_o righteousness_n of_o faith_n but_o be_v performer_n real_o of_o their_o engagement_n and_o unto_o those_o their_o baptism_n be_v not_o only_o outward_a and_o in_o the_o flesh_n but_o inward_a also_o in_o the_o spirit_n also_o approven_v of_o god_n also_o such_o as_o be_v in_o the_o visible_a church_n of_o old_a jew_n inward_o performer_n of_o their_o engagement_n to_o live_v by_o â—aith_n jew_n in_o the_o spirit_n and_o not_o in_o the_o letter_n only_o who_o praise_n be_v of_o god_n and_o not_o of_o man_n only_o rom._n 2._o 28_o 29._o three_o it_o follow_v that_o some_o be_v in_o the_o covenant_n absolute_o or_o without_o condition_n require_v of_o they_o for_o their_o part_n who_o god_n take_v in_o his_o own_o hand_n absolute_o such_o as_o be_v elect_a infant_n die_v in_o their_o infancy_n for_o who_o that_o they_o may_v be_v deliver_v from_o original_a sin_n and_o deserve_a wrath_n christ_n have_v engage_v and_o lay_v down_o his_o life_n and_o promise_v in_o the_o covenant_n to_o be_v their_o god_n who_o therefore_o ere_o they_o die_v he_o do_v immediate_o quicken_v and_o sanctify_v and_o translate_v to_o heaven_n after_o death_n of_o such_o say_v christ_n be_v the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n mark_v 10._o 14._o how_o the_o external_a dispensation_n of_o the_o covenant_n of_o old_a differ_v from_o that_o which_o now_o be_v under_o the_o gospel_n albeit_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n in_o itself_o be_v one_o and_o the_o same_o from_o the_o first_o preach_v of_o it_o in_o paradise_n unto_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n because_o christ_n the_o saviour_n of_o his_o people_n be_v one_o and_o the_o same_o yesterday_o and_o to_o day_n and_o for_o ever_o and_o because_o the_o faith_n of_o the_o elect_a be_v of_o one_o kind_n and_o be_v and_o shall_v be_v to_o the_o world_n end_n yet_o the_o external_a outletting_n and_o dispensation_n of_o the_o covenant_n differ_v as_o it_o be_v propound_v before_o christ_n incarnation_n and_o after_o it_o for_o in_o paradise_n this_o covenant_n be_v set_v forth_o by_o way_n of_o promise_n according_a to_o the_o article_n of_o the_o covenant_n of_o redemption_n that_o christ_n shall_v assume_v the_o seed_n of_o the_o woman_n and_o shall_v suffer_v in_o the_o flesh_n or_o humane_a nature_n and_o by_o his_o power_n destroy_v the_o work_n of_o the_o devil_n in_o favour_n of_o his_o own_o choose_a people_n which_o shall_v militat_fw-la against_o the_o devil_n under_o his_o banner_n 2._o and_o lest_o any_o man_n shall_v fancy_v that_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n found_v upon_o this_o promise_n be_v make_v with_o all_o the_o posterity_n of_o adam_n as_o the_o covenant_n of_o work_n be_v make_v with_o adam_n and_o all_o his_o posterity_n the_o lord_n in_o
these_o and_o the_o like_a ground_n the_o apostle_n live_v a_o comfortable_a life_n phil._n 4._o 12._o i_o know_v both_o how_o to_o be_v abase_v and_o i_o know_v how_o to_o abound_v every_o where_o and_o in_o all_o thing_n i_o be_o instruct_v both_o to_o be_v full_a and_o to_o be_v hungry_a both_o to_o abound_v and_o suffer_v need_n i_o can_v do_v all_o thing_n through_o christ_n who_o strengthen_v i_o thus_o must_v christian_n soldier_n live_v in_o the_o midst_n of_o their_o toil_a in_o warfare_n in_o want_n of_o many_o thing_n in_o watch_v and_o run_v hazard_n of_o life_n in_o hope_n of_o victory_n and_o promise_a glory_n hold_v up_o their_o heart_n by_o faith_n in_o christ._n and_o these_o thing_n which_o we_o have_v speak_v in_o explication_n of_o this_o case_n be_v not_o intend_v to_o hinder_v the_o tender_a heart_a believer_n from_o pray_v and_o endeavour_v by_o all_o mean_n that_o the_o face_n of_o the_o lord_n may_v shine_v upon_o he_o and_o that_o he_o may_v be_v fill_v with_o the_o joy_n of_o his_o spirit_n for_o we_o be_v charge_v to_o seek_v his_o face_n and_o strength_n continual_o psal._n 105._o 4._o but_o all_o our_o speech_n do_v drive_v at_o this_o main_o that_o the_o afflict_a in_o his_o discouragement_n and_o unquietness_n meek_o submit_v himself_o to_o the_o will_n of_o god_n howsoever_o he_o be_v exercise_v always_o go_v on_o in_o the_o way_n of_o god_n according_a to_o his_o vocation_n through_o honour_n and_o dishonour_n through_o good_a report_n and_o evil_a report_n look_v unto_o the_o promise_n which_o be_v make_v to_o he_o that_o endure_v to_o the_o end_n and_o what_o be_v speak_v here_o of_o live_v by_o faith_n must_v not_o be_v abuse_v to_o soft_a negligence_n in_o well_o do_v or_o bring_v forth_o fruit_n of_o faith_n in_o every_o condition_n or_o to_o hinder_v the_o daily_a exercise_n of_o repentance_n or_o to_o require_v of_o a_o christian_a a_o stoical_a stupidity_n under_o trouble_n but_o the_o thing_n we_o aim_v at_o be_v that_o the_o christian_a in_o all_o cross_a dispensation_n and_o vexation_n endeavour_v by_o faith_n to_o be_v of_o good_a courage_n in_o the_o lord_n and_o endeavour_v to_o draw_v virtue_n from_o christ_n to_o bring_v forth_o fruit_n give_v glory_n to_o he_o whatsoever_o measure_n he_o shall_v bestow_v more_o or_o less_o because_o it_o be_v christ_n who_o be_v make_v unto_o we_o wisdom_n and_o righteousness_n sanctification_n and_o redemption_n and_o in_o he_o alone_o shall_v the_o soul_n of_o the_o afflict_a have_v rest_n matth._n 11._o 24._o chap._n ix_o wherein_o the_o convert_v doubt_v arise_v from_o his_o uncertainty_n as_o what_o time_n he_o be_v convert_v be_v solve_v there_o be_v some_o true_a convert_n who_o after_o they_o have_v pass_v a_o good_a part_n of_o their_o journey_n to_o heaven_n begin_v to_o halt_v and_o make_v slow_a progress_n by_o doubt_v whether_o they_o be_v walk_v in_o the_o true_a convert_n footstep_n or_o whether_o they_o be_v convert_v at_o all_o or_o not_o the_o reason_n of_o their_o doubt_n arise_v from_o this_o that_o in_o conference_n with_o sundry_a of_o the_o saint_n of_o their_o acquaintance_n they_o have_v observe_v that_o every_o one_o of_o they_o can_v design_v the_o time_n of_o their_o conversion_n and_o from_o that_o time_n can_v reckon_v their_o age_n in_o christ_n or_o from_o this_o be_v their_o doubt_n arisen_a that_o in_o the_o treatise_n of_o some_o modern_a writer_n they_o have_v read_v or_o from_o the_o sermon_n of_o some_o well_o esteem_v preacher_n they_o have_v hear_v some_o such_o doctrine_n whereupon_o the_o true_a convert_n fall_v out_o with_o himself_o in_o say_v i_o be_v breed_v and_o bring_v up_o in_o a_o godly_a family_n i_o have_v follow_v the_o exercise_n of_o religion_n after_o hear_v the_o head_n and_o sum_n of_o christian_n religion_n i_o have_v embrace_v the_o truth_n i_o seem_v to_o myself_o to_o believe_v in_o christ_n and_o entertain_v the_o exercise_n of_o repentance_n and_o to_o endeavour_v the_o amendment_n of_o my_o life_n i_o love_v these_o who_o i_o see_v to_o live_v holy_o and_o i_o do_v hate_v the_o way_n of_o the_o profane_a but_o because_o i_o can_v tell_v when_o or_o what_o day_n or_o year_n i_o be_v real_o convert_v as_o i_o know_v sundry_a of_o the_o godly_a of_o my_o acquaintance_n can_v do_v therefore_o i_o doubt_v whether_o my_o conversion_n be_v begin_v or_o not_o but_o mean_a time_n though_o i_o will_v not_o turn_v off_o the_o way_n i_o have_v be_v follow_v yet_o i_o go_v on_o halt_v and_o heartless_a till_o i_o be_v clear_v of_o my_o doubt_n 2._o for_o remove_v this_o doubt_n we_o must_v yield_v this_o far_o to_o the_o afflict_a that_o many_o indeed_o deceive_v themselves_o who_o be_v civil_o educate_v and_o from_o their_o bairn-age_n accustom_v with_o the_o exercise_n of_o religion_n be_v nothing_o beyond_o the_o foolish_a virgin_n and_o do_v rest_v satisfy_v with_o their_o own_o and_o other_o opinion_n of_o themselves_o if_o such_o person_n be_v question_v when_o they_o begin_v to_o repent_v or_o believe_v in_o christ_n it_o be_v true_a they_o can_v design_v the_o time_n when_o they_o be_v unconvert_v but_o have_v still_o be_v please_v and_o be_v please_v with_o their_o own_o estate_n and_o in_o effect_n be_v never_o convert_v but_o it_o be_v no_o less_o true_a on_o the_o other_o hand_n that_o there_o be_v some_o who_o indeed_o be_v renew_v in_o who_o piece_n and_o piece_n without_o any_o notable_a change_n faith_n and_o repentance_n and_o a_o holy_a conversation_n have_v grow_v with_o the_o grow_a knowledge_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o will_v of_o god_n therein_o of_o who_o it_o may_v be_v true_o say_v the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n come_v not_o with_o observation_n of_o who_o it_o be_v say_v mark_n 4._o 26._o so_o be_v the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n as_o if_o a_o man_n shall_v cast_v seed_n into_o the_o ground_n and_o shall_v sleep_v and_o rise_v night_n and_o day_n and_o the_o seed_n shall_v spring_v and_o grow_v up_o he_o know_v not_o how_o but_o to_o solve_v the_o doubt_n it_o matter_n not_o whether_o a_o man_n know_v or_o not_o know_v the_o day_n of_o his_o conversion_n provide_v he_o be_v indeed_o regenerate_v and_o make_v a_o new_a creature_n wherefore_o the_o afflict_a may_v be_v of_o good_a courage_n if_o after_o serious_a examination_n of_o his_o own_o conscience_n he_o be_v humble_v frequent_o in_o the_o sense_n not_o only_o of_o his_o actual_a sin_n and_o short-coming_a of_o his_o duty_n but_o also_o in_o the_o sense_n of_o his_o original_n and_o indwelling_a corruption_n or_o body_n of_o death_n if_o as_o he_o do_v indeed_o loath_a himself_o and_o renounce_v all_o confidence_n in_o his_o best_a work_n so_o he_o serious_o embrace_v the_o impute_a righteousness_n of_o christ_n and_o in_o his_o strength_n by_o faith_n in_o he_o do_v endeavour_n to_o live_v holy_o righteous_o and_o sober_o albeit_o join_v with_o many_o imperfection_n he_o may_v conclude_v he_o be_v regenerate_v for_o if_o these_o three_o be_v join_v in_o he_o in_o any_o measure_n of_o honesty_n he_o need_v not_o be_v anxious_a what_o day_n month_n or_o year_n the_o holy_a spirit_n begin_v to_o work_v these_o thing_n in_o he_o only_o let_v he_o give_v all_o diligence_n to_o grow_v in_o humility_n faith_n and_o new_a obedience_n and_o to_o hold_v on_o this_o way_n whatsoever_o doubt_n or_o impediment_n he_o shall_v meet_v with_o for_o the_o apostle_n exeem_v such_o a_o man_n from_o the_o number_n of_o hypocrite_n and_o unconvert_v phil._n 3._o 3_o we_o say_v he_o be_v the_o circumcision_n or_o the_o christian_a convert_n who_o worship_n god_n in_o the_o spirit_n and_o rejoice_v in_o christ_n jesus_n and_o have_v no_o confidence_n in_o the_o flesh_n chap._n x._o wherein_o be_v solve_v the_o convert_n doubt_v of_o his_o regeneration_n arise_v from_o his_o apprehension_n that_o the_o begin_n of_o the_o change_n of_o his_o life_n be_v not_o from_o the_o sincere_a love_n of_o god_n but_o either_o from_o terror_n or_o self-love_n which_o he_o conceive_v to_o be_v but_o carnal_a some_o true_a convert_n be_v who_o can_v design_v the_o time_n of_o the_o change_n of_o their_o way_n from_o sin_n to_o christ_n and_o to_o a_o holy_a life_n whereof_o they_o have_v not_o only_o the_o church_n they_o live_v in_o but_o also_o their_o own_o conscience_n witness_n yet_o after_o a_o considerable_a time_n do_v fall_n in_o suspicion_n whether_o that_o time_n of_o their_o change_n be_v the_o time_n of_o their_o effectual_a call_n some_o of_o they_o bring_v no_o other_o reason_n of_o their_o doubt_n save_o this_o that_o they_o be_v never_o much_o trouble_v with_o the_o terror_n of_o the_o law_n but_o most_o part_n allure_v to_o draw_v near_o to_o god_n and_o to_o eshew_v the_o way_n of_o sin_v by_o the_o love_n