from_o the_o love_n of_o christ_n vers_fw-la 35._o from_o the_o love_n of_o god_n in_o he_o whosoever_o therefore_o with_o paul_n believe_v that_o christ_n die_v for_o he_o that_o god_n free_o justifi_v he_o through_o christ_n merit_n and_o that_o our_o saviour_n fit_v at_o the_o right_a hand_n of_o his_o father_n to_o make_v intercession_n for_o he_o he_o may_v be_v assure_v of_o god_n love_n and_o consequent_o of_o his_o election_n second_o paul_n speak_v this_o not_o of_o himself_o alone_o but_o also_o of_o all_o the_o faithful_a and_o therefore_o he_o use_v the_o plural_a number_n i_o be_o persuade_v that_o nothing_o shall_v be_v able_a to_o separate_v us._n so_o eph._n 3.12_o the_o apostle_n say_v that_o we_o have_v through_o christ_n boldness_n and_o entrance_n with_o confidence_n by_o faith_n in_o he_o 10.22_o eph._n 3.12_o heb._n 4.16_o and_o 10.22_o and_o heb._n 4.16_o he_o exhort_v we_o to_o go_v bold_o unto_o the_o throne_n of_o grace_n that_o we_o may_v receive_v mercy_n etc._n etc._n and_o chap._n 10.22_o let_v we_o draw_v near_o with_o a_o true_a heart_n in_o assurance_n of_o faith_n etc._n etc._n but_o i_o will_v fain_o know_v what_o entrance_n with_o confidence_n what_o boldness_n and_o assurance_n of_o faith_n when_o we_o draw_v near_o unto_o god_n and_o present_v ourselves_o before_o his_o throne_n of_o majesty_n if_o we_o remain_v doubtful_a of_o his_o love_n and_o our_o election_n so_o heb._n 6.19_o he_o say_v that_o our_o hope_n be_v a_o sure_a and_o steadfast_a anchor_n of_o the_o soul_n 6.19_o heb._n 6.19_o but_o what_o certainty_n or_o steadfastness_n be_v there_o in_o it_o if_o it_o waver_v and_o stagger_v through_o doubtfulness_n so_o often_o as_o we_o look_v upon_o our_o sin_n and_o unworthiness_n the_o apostle_n peter_n also_o do_v tell_v we_o that_o the_o trust_n which_o we_o have_v through_o jesus_n christ_n must_v be_v perfect_a 1.13_o 1._o pet._n 1.13_o that_o be_v entire_a and_o perpetual_a till_o we_o enjoy_v the_o thing_n which_o we_o hope_v for_o 1._o pet._n 1.13_o and_o 2._o pet._n 1.10_o he_o exhort_v we_o to_o use_v all_o diligence_n that_o we_o may_v make_v our_o call_n and_o election_n sure_a which_o if_o we_o can_v not_o do_v he_o shall_v persuade_v we_o to_o the_o undertake_n of_o a_o needless_a labour_n nay_o he_o plain_o assure_v we_o that_o if_o we_o do_v these_o thing_n to_o wit_n if_o we_o join_v virtue_n with_o our_o faith_n and_o with_o virtue_n knowledge_n and_o with_o knowledge_n temperance_n and_o with_o temperance_n patience_n and_o with_o patience_n godliness_n and_o with_o godliness_n brotherly_a kindness_n and_o with_o brotherly_a kindness_n love_n we_o shall_v never_o fall_v because_o these_o be_v effect_n and_o undoubted_a sign_n of_o our_o election_n and_o the_o apostle_n john_n will_v not_o have_v it_o a_o matter_n doubtful_a whether_o we_o be_v elect_v and_o shall_v be_v save_v or_o no_o but_o certain_o know_v and_o undoubted_o believe_v and_o therefore_o he_o aim_v principal_o at_o this_o mark_n and_o propound_v this_o as_o the_o chief_a end_n of_o his_o epistle_n namely_o to_o show_v how_o we_o may_v know_v ordinary_o and_o be_v full_o assure_v that_o we_o be_v belove_v of_o god_n 3.14_o 1._o joh._n 3.14_o elect_a and_o shall_v be_v save_v so_o 1_o joh._n 3.14_o we_o know_v that_o we_o be_v translate_v from_o death_n to_o life_n because_o we_o love_v the_o brethren_n and_o therefore_o in_o the_o latter_a end_n of_o his_o epistle_n he_o say_v that_o he_o have_v write_v it_o to_o this_o end_n that_o we_o may_v know_v that_o we_o have_v eternal_a life_n chap._n 5.13_o 5.13_o and_o 5.13_o see_v then_o the_o scripture_n do_v commend_v unto_o we_o a_o steadfast_a and_o assure_a faith_n whereby_o we_o particular_o be_v assure_v and_o persuade_v of_o our_o election_n and_o salvation_n notwithstanding_o our_o sin_n and_o unworthiness_n therefore_o let_v not_o the_o tempter_n persuade_v we_o to_o cast_v away_o this_o certain_a persuasion_n and_o to_o waver_v in_o doubt_v but_o let_v we_o say_v with_o the_o apostle_n paul_n 2._o tim._n 1.12_o 1.12_o 2._o tim._n 1.12_o though_o i_o be_o unworthy_a yet_o i_o know_v who_o i_o have_v believe_v and_o i_o be_o persuade_v that_o he_o be_v able_a to_o keep_v that_o which_o i_o have_v commit_v to_o he_o §_o sect._n 5_o but_o against_o that_o which_o have_v be_v say_v the_o tempter_n object_v answer_v a_o objection_n ground_v upon_o the_o indefinitnesse_n of_o god_n promise_n answer_v that_o the_o promise_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v general_a and_o indefinite_a and_o therefore_o no_o man_n can_v gather_v out_o of_o they_o any_o certain_a assurance_n of_o his_o particular_a election_n i_o answer_v that_o this_o consequence_n be_v false_a for_o out_o of_o a_o general_a and_o indefinite_a proposition_n we_o may_v true_o and_o by_o the_o law_n of_o reason_n gather_v and_o infer_v a_o particular_a conclusion_n though_o not_o contrariwise_o for_o example_n if_o i_o thus_o conclude_v all_o man_n be_v reasonable_a creature_n but_o i_o be_o a_o man_n therefore_o i_o be_o a_o reasonable_a creature_n it_o be_v right_o and_o true_o infer_v though_o therefore_o the_o promise_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v contain_v in_o general_a proposition_n yet_o may_v every_o faithful_a man_n as_o certain_o conclude_v that_o they_o belong_v unto_o he_o as_o if_o they_o be_v particular_o apply_v unto_o he_o by_o name_n 3.16_o joh._n 3.16_o for_o when_o the_o lord_n by_o his_o ambassador_n make_v this_o general_a proposition_n in_o the_o preach_n of_o the_o word_n whosoever_o true_o believe_v in_o christ_n they_o be_v all_o elect_a unto_o everlasting_a life_n the_o faithful_a hearer_n make_v this_o assumption_n in_o his_o mind_n but_o i_o by_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n and_o by_o the_o preach_n of_o his_o word_n make_v effectual_a by_o his_o spirit_n have_v a_o true_a faith_n beget_v in_o i_o whereby_o i_o believe_v in_o christ_n my_o saviour_n and_o therefore_o god_n promise_v of_o life_n and_o salvation_n belong_v unto_o i_o and_o thus_o also_o do_v the_o conscience_n of_o man_n out_o of_o the_o general_a curse_n of_o the_o law_n conclude_v that_o he_o be_v accurse_v for_o when_o the_o law_n deliver_v this_o proposition_n in_o general_a curse_a be_v every_o one_o who_o abide_v not_o in_o all_o thing_n which_o be_v write_v in_o the_o book_n of_o the_o law_n to_o do_v they_o 3.10_o deut._n 27.26_o gal._n 3.10_o every_o particular_a man_n make_v this_o assumption_n in_o his_o own_o conscience_n but_o i_o have_v not_o continue_v in_o all_o to_o do_v it_o nay_o in_o stead_n of_o do_v all_o i_o have_v neglect_v all_o in_o stead_n of_o continue_v in_o obedience_n i_o have_v be_v continual_o disobedient_a in_o stead_n of_o do_v the_o duty_n command_v i_o have_v commit_v the_o sin_n forbid_v and_o therefore_o by_o the_o sentence_n of_o the_o law_n i_o be_o accurse_v so_o that_o though_o both_o the_o threaten_n of_o the_o law_n and_o the_o promise_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v general_a and_o indefinite_a yet_o do_v every_o man_n conscience_n true_o inform_v by_o god_n word_n gather_v out_o of_o they_o most_o certain_a particular_a conclusion_n §_o sect._n 6_o but_o here_o the_o tempter_n will_v object_v further_o make_v that_o we_o may_v be_v assure_v that_o we_o be_v the_o faithful_a unto_o who_o the_o promise_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v make_v it_o be_v true_a indeed_o that_o every_o faithful_a man_n may_v apply_v the_o general_a promise_n of_o the_o gospel_n unto_o himself_o but_o all_o the_o question_n be_v whether_o thou_o can_v know_v that_o thou_o have_v faith_n or_o no_o see_v many_o who_o continue_v in_o their_o infidelity_n brag_v most_o of_o their_o faith_n i_o answer_v that_o it_o can_v be_v deny_v but_o that_o many_o be_v deceive_v by_o content_v themselves_o with_o their_o carnal_a security_n in_o stead_n of_o a_o lively_a faith_n but_o hence_o it_o follow_v not_o that_o because_o many_o be_v deceive_v with_o a_o opinion_n of_o faith_n therefore_o those_o that_o believe_v indeed_o can_v be_v assure_v that_o they_o have_v faith_n no_o more_o than_o this_o follow_v some_o man_n dream_v that_o they_o be_v rich_a and_o be_v not_o so_o indeed_o when_o they_o awake_v therefore_o no_o man_n know_v whether_o he_o be_v rich_a or_o no_o for_o what_o be_v their_o secure_a opinion_n but_o a_o idle_a dream_n of_o their_o own_o brain_n which_o have_v no_o warrant_n out_o of_o god_n word_n where_o as_o faith_n certain_o and_o evident_o persuade_v and_o like_o a_o candle_n do_v not_o only_o manifest_v other_o thing_n but_o also_o itself_o appear_v by_o his_o own_o light_n so_o that_o as_o a_o man_n who_o see_v and_o feel_v the_o fire_n and_o the_o heat_n thereof_o do_v certain_o know_v that_o he_o see_v and_o feel_v it_o so_o he_o that_o believe_v in_o christ_n do_v know_v that_o he_o
of_o the_o saint_n and_o for_o the_o edification_n of_o the_o body_n of_o christ._n a_o notable_a example_n whereof_o we_o have_v act._n 2.41_o where_o 2.41_o act._n 2.41_o by_o one_o sermon_n three_o thousand_o soul_n be_v add_v to_o the_o church_n second_o hereby_o we_o be_v regenerate_v and_o beget_v unto_o god_n and_o therefore_o in_o this_o respect_n paul_n profess_v himself_o the_o father_n of_o the_o corinthian_n 1._o cor._n 4.15_o 4.15_o 1._o cor._n 4.15_o and_o without_o this_o regeneration_n and_o new_a birth_n none_o shall_v ever_o enter_v into_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n as_o our_o saviour_n show_v we_o joh._n 3.5_o three_o 3.5_o joh._n 3.5_o unless_o the_o blind_a eye_n of_o our_o understanding_n be_v illuminate_v we_o shall_v fall_v into_o a_o labyrinth_n of_o error_n and_o never_o find_v the_o hard_a way_n which_o lead_v to_o god_n kingdom_n but_o the_o word_n of_o god_n be_v that_o heavenly_a light_n which_o shine_v unto_o we_o who_o sit_v in_o darkness_n and_o in_o the_o shadow_n of_o death_n guide_v our_o foot_n into_o the_o way_n of_o peace_n as_o it_o be_v luk._n 1.79_o and_o in_o this_o respect_n 13.47_o luk._n 1.79_o matth._n 5.14_o act._n 13.47_o god_n minister_n be_v call_v the_o light_n of_o the_o world_n math._n 5.14_o act._n 13.47_o because_o as_o light_n they_o guide_v and_o direct_v man_n in_o the_o way_n of_o salvation_n and_o reveal_v unto_o they_o the_o great_a light_n even_o the_o sun_n of_o righteousness_n christ_n jesus_n four_o through_o faith_n we_o be_v save_v ephes_n 2.8_o neither_o be_v it_o possible_a 2.8_o eph._n 2.8_o that_o without_o say_v we_o shall_v ever_o attain_v unto_o salvation_n for_o this_o be_v the_o condition_n of_o all_o the_o promise_n of_o the_o gospel_n without_o which_o we_o can_v have_v any_o assurance_n of_o they_o 11.6_o joh._n 1.12_o and_o 3.16.18_o rom._n 14.23_o heb._n 11.6_o joh._n 1.12_o and_o 3.16.18_o moreover_o whatsoever_o be_v not_o do_v of_o faith_n be_v sin_n rom._n 14.23_o and_o without_o faith_n it_o be_v impossible_a to_o please_v god_n heb._n 11.6_o but_o the_o preach_n of_o the_o word_n be_v the_o ordinary_a mean_n of_o beget_v faith_n in_o we_o as_o appear_v rom._n 10.17_o faith_n come_v by_o hear_v 10.17_o rom._n 10.17_o and_o hear_v by_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o therefore_o whosoever_o contemn_v or_o neglect_v the_o hear_n of_o god_n word_n they_o refuse_v the_o mean_n of_o faith_n and_o be_v without_o faith_n all_o they_o do_v be_v sin_n and_o can_v please_v god_n neither_o can_v they_o ever_o have_v any_o assurance_n of_o god_n promise_n or_o their_o own_o salvation_n last_o by_o the_o hear_n of_o god_n word_n we_o be_v save_v and_o therefore_o god_n minister_n in_o this_o respect_n be_v call_v saviour_n of_o the_o people_n 1._o tim._n 4.16_o take_v heed_n unto_o thyself_o and_o unto_o learning_n 4.16_o 1._o tim._n 4.16_o continue_v therein_o for_o in_o so_o do_v thou_o shall_v both_o save_v thyself_o and_o they_o that_o hear_v thou_o because_o they_o be_v the_o minister_n of_o god_n who_o he_o use_v as_o mean_n and_o instrument_n in_o work_v the_o salvation_n of_o the_o elect_a and_o therefore_o see_v by_o the_o preach_n of_o the_o word_n we_o be_v make_v member_n of_o the_o body_n of_o christ_n regenerate_v &_o enlighten_v see_v thereby_o we_o attain_v unto_o faith_n &_o everlasting_a salvation_n let_v we_o as_o we_o love_v our_o own_o soul_n diligent_o hear_v the_o word_n and_o not_o suffer_v ourselves_o to_o be_v hinder_v from_o frequent_v the_o holy_a assembly_n of_o god_n saint_n with_o every_o vain_a pleasure_n and_o base_a commodity_n §_o sect._n 5_o but_o here_o the_o tempter_n will_v be_v ready_a to_o object_n answer_v satan_n temptation_n whereby_o he_o withdraw_v man_n from_o the_o diligent_a hear_n of_o god_n word_n answer_v that_o though_o the_o word_n preach_v be_v thus_o necessary_a and_o profitable_a at_o sometime_o when_o we_o be_v at_o leisure_n yet_o this_o shall_v be_v no_o reason_n to_o move_v we_o to_o neglect_v our_o business_n or_o abandon_v our_o pleasure_n for_o when_o once_o by_o the_o hear_n thereof_o we_o be_v convert_v enlighten_v with_o the_o knowledge_n of_o god_n true_a religion_n and_o endue_v with_o faith_n it_o be_v sufficient_a if_o we_o but_o seldom_o hear_v it_o for_o what_o in_o substance_n can_v we_o learn_v which_o we_o have_v not_o already_o learned_a or_o what_o can_v the_o preacher_n teach_v we_o which_o we_o do_v not_o know_v as_o well_o as_o he_o against_o which_o temptation_n which_o be_v so_o common_a and_o pernicious_a it_o behoove_v every_o christian_n most_o careful_o to_o arm_v himself_o and_o to_o this_o end_n let_v we_o know_v first_o that_o this_o neglect_n of_o god_n word_n be_v a_o manifest_a sign_n that_o such_o be_v not_o as_o yet_o true_o convert_v nor_o endue_v with_o any_o measure_n of_o save_v knowledge_n and_o true_a faith_n 10.27_o joh._n 8.47_o and_o 10.27_o for_o whosoever_o be_v of_o god_n hear_v his_o word_n joh._n 8.47_o and_o all_o christ_n sheep_n hear_v his_o voice_n and_o follow_v he_o as_o it_o be_v joh._n 10.3.4.27_o whosoever_o have_v attain_v unto_o knowledge_n faith_n and_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n sanctify_a spirit_n they_o will_v be_v so_o ravish_v with_o the_o excellency_n of_o they_o that_o it_o be_v not_o possible_a for_o they_o to_o content_v themselves_o with_o a_o small_a measure_n but_o still_o they_o will_v labour_v to_o grow_v from_o knowledge_n to_o knowledge_n from_o faith_n to_o faith_n from_o one_o grace_n to_o another_o till_o they_o become_v perfect_a man_n in_o christ_n and_o as_o those_o who_o have_v but_o once_o taste_v of_o some_o delicious_a meat_n be_v not_o satisfy_v therewith_o but_o again_o and_o again_o feed_v upon_o it_o if_o easy_o they_o may_v come_v by_o it_o because_o their_o taste_n be_v exceed_o delight_v therewith_o so_o if_o ever_o we_o do_v but_o true_o taste_v of_o this_o heavenly_a manna_n and_o spiritual_a food_n of_o our_o soul_n the_o word_n of_o god_n we_o will_v not_o rest_v so_o content_v but_o when_o opportunity_n be_v offer_v we_o will_v often_o feed_v upon_o it_o until_o our_o soul_n be_v full_o satisfy_v and_o nourish_v unto_o perfect_a strength_n 12.13_o 1._o cor._n 12.13_o and_o forasmuch_o as_o so_o long_o as_o we_o continue_v here_o our_o knowledge_n be_v but_o in_o part_n and_o our_o faith_n weak_a and_o god_n grace_n but_o in_o small_a measure_n therefore_o we_o will_v continual_o feed_v on_o this_o heavenly_a nourishment_n to_o the_o end_n of_o our_o life_n that_o thereby_o our_o knowledge_n may_v be_v increase_v our_o faith_n strengthen_v and_o all_o other_o grace_n confirm_v and_o multiply_v in_o us._n but_o if_o on_o the_o otherside_n we_o loathe_v this_o heavenly_a manna_n it_o be_v a_o manifest_a sign_n we_o never_o taste_v thereof_o in_o truth_n or_o that_o our_o soul_n be_v exceed_o sick_a in_o sin_n which_o make_v they_o that_o they_o can_v relish_v this_o dainty_a and_o delicious_a food_n and_o that_o we_o have_v not_o knowledge_n faith_n or_o any_o grace_n beget_v in_o we_o neither_o that_o ourselves_o be_v beget_v unto_o god_n for_o as_o the_o child_n be_v beget_v and_o conceive_v do_v present_o draw_v nourishment_n from_o the_o mother_n and_o the_o big_a it_o wax_v the_o more_o it_o desire_v till_o it_o come_v unto_o perfect_a age_n and_o strength_n so_o as_o soon_o as_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n spirit_n be_v beget_v in_o we_o by_o the_o preach_n of_o the_o word_n they_o draw_v nourishment_n from_o their_o spiritual_a mother_n the_o church_n and_o the_o strong_a they_o wax_v in_o grace_n the_o more_o earnest_o they_o desire_v a_o great_a pittance_n till_o they_o become_v perfect_a man_n in_o christ_n and_o therefore_o where_o there_o be_v no_o desire_n of_o this_o food_n there_o be_v no_o regeneration_n nor_o new_a birth_n receive_v god_n word_n the_o food_n of_o our_o soul_n often_o to_o be_v receive_v moreover_o the_o word_n of_o god_n be_v the_o food_n of_o our_o soul_n whereby_o we_o be_v nourish_v and_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n spirit_n confirm_v and_o increase_v in_o we_o and_o therefore_o it_o be_v not_o sufficient_a to_o eat_v of_o this_o food_n once_o or_o twice_o but_o continual_o even_o as_o often_o as_o the_o lord_n call_v we_o to_o this_o spiritual_a banquet_n for_o as_o the_o body_n will_v wax_v faint_a and_o quick_o perish_v unless_o that_o which_o waste_v away_o be_v continual_o supply_v by_o nourishment_n so_o will_v the_o soul_n languish_v and_o wax_v faint_a in_o spiritual_a grace_n unless_o it_o be_v often_o nourish_v with_o this_o heavenly_a manna_n let_v not_o therefore_o satan_n persuade_v we_o that_o seldom_o hear_v of_o god_n word_n be_v sufficient_a whereas_o this_o banquet_n be_v often_o provide_v for_o though_o in_o the_o time_n of_o scarcity_n by_o the_o
substance_n in_o the_o proper_a and_o special_a truth_n than_o in_o the_o common_a and_o general_a and_o though_o in_o one_o place_n they_o do_v not_o so_o clear_a the_o truth_n as_o they_o shall_v yet_o they_o do_v it_o in_o many_o other_o and_o therefore_o let_v not_o satan_n persuade_v we_o to_o neglect_v the_o scripture_n because_o there_o be_v want_n and_o imperfection_n in_o the_o translation_n for_o if_o we_o study_v and_o meditate_v even_o in_o the_o mean_a and_o conform_v and_o frame_v our_o life_n according_a to_o that_o truth_n which_o we_o learn_v out_o of_o they_o we_o shall_v attain_v unto_o everlasting_a life_n and_o happiness_n man_n do_v not_o use_v to_o neglect_v their_o business_n because_o by_o reason_n of_o some_o cloud_n the_o sun_n do_v not_o shine_v upon_o they_o in_o his_o full_a brightness_n for_o that_o light_n which_o they_o enjoy_v be_v sufficient_a though_o not_o so_o glorious_o bright_a as_o when_o it_o shine_v in_o his_o full_a clearness_n so_o we_o must_v not_o neglect_v the_o conform_v of_o ourselves_o to_o the_o scripture_n because_o we_o can_v see_v they_o shine_v in_o their_o own_o glorious_a brightness_n as_o they_o be_v pen_v by_o the_o inspiration_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n in_o the_o original_a language_n for_o as_o well_o may_v a_o painter_n express_v in_o his_o table_n with_o artificial_a colour_n the_o glory_n of_o the_o sun_n as_o any_o man_n live_v can_v express_v that_o perfect_a beauty_n and_o divine_a glory_n which_o shine_v in_o the_o natural_a phrase_n of_o holy_a scripture_n in_o a_o translation_n but_o rather_o we_o be_v to_o enjoy_v the_o benefit_n of_o this_o glorious_a shine_a sun_n of_o god_n word_n though_o the_o brightness_n be_v as_o it_o be_v veil_a and_o somewhat_o shadow_v with_o the_o cloud_n of_o another_o language_n for_o notwithstanding_o through_o it_o they_o shine_v and_o afford_v we_o such_o light_n as_o may_v be_v sufficient_a to_o guide_v and_o direct_v we_o in_o the_o way_n of_o holiness_n and_o righteousness_n which_o will_v bring_v we_o in_o the_o end_n to_o eternal_a glory_n and_o endless_a felicity_n chap._n xxiii_o satan_n temptation_n take_v from_o the_o evil_a life_n of_o the_o minister_n answer_v §_o sect._n 1_o and_o so_o much_o concern_v the_o objection_n which_o satan_n make_v against_o the_o scripture_n themselves_o also_o that_o satan_n by_o disgrace_v the_o minister_n seek_v to_o disgrace_v their_o ministry_n also_o to_o the_o end_n he_o may_v make_v man_n neglect_v to_o hear_v and_o read_v they_o but_o if_o this_o will_v not_o prevail_v than_o he_o leave_v to_o disgrace_v the_o word_n itself_o and_o seek_v by_o discredit_v the_o minister_n thereof_o to_o make_v they_o to_o contemn_v their_o ministry_n and_o to_o this_o end_n he_o use_v all_o his_o skill_n to_o draw_v they_o into_o some_o gross_a and_o scandalous_a sin_n and_o to_o neglect_v that_o doctrine_n themselves_o which_o they_o teach_v unto_o other_o show_v in_o their_o life_n and_o conversation_n neither_o zeal_n of_o god_n glory_n nor_o desire_n of_o their_o neighbour_n good_a and_o when_o he_o have_v attain_v unto_o his_o purpose_n in_o some_o he_o think_v it_o a_o sufficient_a ground_n for_o the_o slander_n of_o all_o and_o a_o notable_a foundation_n whereupon_o he_o may_v build_v a_o most_o pernicious_a temptation_n be_v thou_o so_o foolish_a will_n he_o say_v as_o to_o think_v all_o gospel_n which_o the_o minister_n teach_v that_o all_o truth_n come_v from_o their_o mouth_n &_o that_o there_o be_v not_o a_o more_o easy_a way_n of_o attain_v to_o everlasting_a life_n then_o that_o which_o they_o show_v unto_o thou_o why_o do_v but_o look_v upon_o themselves_o and_o thoushalt_v find_v their_o life_n far_o dissonant_n from_o their_o word_n that_o while_o they_o exhort_v thou_o to_o stricktnes_n they_o take_v their_o liberty_n while_o they_o dissuade_v thou_o from_o take_v thy_o pleasure_n affect_v honour_n set_v thy_o heart_n upon_o riches_n themselves_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n be_v as_o voluptuous_a ambitious_a and_o covetous_a as_o any_o other_o and_o while_o they_o endeavour_v to_o make_v sin_n to_o appear_v unto_o thou_o as_o black_a as_o hell_n themselves_o embrace_v it_o with_o pleasure_n and_o delight_n as_o though_o it_o be_v the_o joy_n of_o heaven_n who_o therefore_o can_v imagine_v that_o they_o think_v as_o they_o speak_v or_o that_o they_o be_v persuade_v that_o heaven_n gate_n be_v so_o straight_o and_o the_o way_n so_o troublesome_a and_o hard_a to_o find_v as_o they_o go_v about_o to_o persuade_v thou_o see_v themselves_o take_v the_o least_o pain_n in_o walk_v in_o this_o way_n which_o they_o prescribe_v unto_o other_o or_o if_o it_o be_v the_o truth_n which_o they_o teach_v then_o sure_o they_o be_v not_o worth_a the_o hear_n who_o in_o their_o life_n deny_v this_o truth_n which_o in_o their_o word_n they_o profess_v for_o what_o hope_n can_v thou_o have_v that_o it_o will_v be_v powerful_a to_o work_v grace_n in_o thou_o see_v it_o have_v no_o power_n to_o work_v it_o in_o themselves_o or_o that_o they_o can_v persuade_v thou_o to_o that_o holiness_n to_o which_o themselves_o be_v not_o persuade_v §_o sect._n 2_o and_o thus_o do_v satan_n seek_v to_o keep_v man_n from_o hear_v of_o god_n word_n temptation_n the_o answer_n to_o the_o former_a temptation_n that_o so_o be_v weaken_v and_o hunger-starve_v for_o want_n of_o this_o heavenly_a manna_n he_o may_v vanquish_v they_o at_o the_o first_o onset_n and_o lead_v they_o captive_a unto_o all_o sin_n and_o be_v still_o hoodwink_v with_o the_o thick_a veil_n of_o ignorance_n he_o may_v lead_v they_o the_o direct_a way_n to_o hell_n and_o utter_a destruction_n and_o therefore_o it_o behove_v every_o one_o to_o arm_v themselves_o that_o so_o they_o may_v beat_v back_o the_o violence_n of_o this_o temptation_n first_o therefore_o imperfection_n minister_n subject_n to_o all_o human_a imperfection_n whereas_o he_o say_v that_o the_o minister_n speak_v not_o as_o they_o think_v because_o they_o do_v not_o as_o the_o speak_v we_o be_v to_o know_v for_o the_o answer_n of_o this_o temptation_n that_o minister_n be_v subject_a to_o the_o same_o corruption_n and_o infirmity_n which_o be_v incident_a unto_o other_o man_n and_o though_o they_o be_v call_v in_o the_o scripture_n angel_n in_o respect_n that_o they_o be_v god_n messenger_n to_o bring_v and_o publish_v the_o glad_a tiding_n of_o the_o gospel_n yet_o be_v they_o not_o angel_n in_o respect_n of_o their_o purity_n and_o perfection_n but_o as_o they_o be_v flesh_n and_o blood_n subject_a to_o all_o humane_a frailty_n as_o they_o be_v bear_v in_o sin_n and_o defile_v with_o original_a corruption_n so_o be_v they_o as_o prone_a as_o other_o to_o fall_v into_o all_o actual_a transgression_n if_o the_o lord_n restrain_v they_o not_o neither_o must_v we_o imagine_v that_o learning_n and_o knowledge_n do_v endue_v man_n with_o sanctification_n and_o the_o save_a grace_n of_o god_n spirit_n for_o than_o we_o may_v attain_v unto_o they_o by_o our_o study_n labour_n and_o industry_n whereas_o the_o scripture_n teach_v we_o that_o they_o be_v god_n free_a gift_n which_o he_o bestow_v on_o who_o he_o will_v than_o it_o will_v follow_v that_o he_o who_o be_v endue_v with_o most_o knowledge_n and_o learning_n shall_v also_o have_v most_o grace_n and_o sanctification_n whereas_o our_o own_o experience_n teach_v we_o that_o many_o of_o the_o great_a doctor_n of_o the_o world_n spend_v their_o life_n in_o all_o voluptuous_a pleasure_n and_o licentiousness_n what_o then_o do_v these_o man_n teach_v one_o thing_n and_o believe_v another_o sure_o it_o may_v be_v the_o case_n of_o many_o for_o faith_n come_v not_o by_o variety_n of_o knowledge_n neither_o be_v it_o tie_v to_o learning_n but_o it_o be_v the_o free_a gift_n of_o god_n bestow_v as_o well_o yea_o and_o as_o often_o also_o upon_o the_o simple_a fisherman_n as_o upon_o the_o learned_a pharisee_n and_o therefore_o though_o they_o have_v such_o great_a learning_n and_o knowledge_n that_o they_o be_v able_a to_o instruct_v other_o and_o defend_v the_o truth_n against_o all_o opposer_n yet_o may_v they_o be_v as_o hard_o heart_a and_o full_a of_o infidelity_n as_o the_o most_o ignorant_a and_o sottish_a in_o the_o world_n shall_v then_o their_o hardness_n of_o heart_n and_o infidelity_n move_v we_o to_o call_v the_o truth_n of_o god_n which_o they_o deliver_v into_o question_n as_o though_o it_o be_v a_o matter_n doubtful_a whether_o it_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n or_o no_o god_n forbid_v nay_o let_v god_n be_v true_a and_o every_o man_n a_o liar_n for_o their_o own_o conscience_n be_v convince_v of_o this_o truth_n though_o not_o persuade_v and_o the_o lord_n have_v give_v they_o eye_n to_o see_v it_o though_o not_o heart_n to_o believe_v it_o to_o the_o end_n that_o the_o praise_n of_o our_o salvation_n
joh._n 20.29_o thomas_n because_o thou_o have_v see_v i_o thou_o believe_v bless_a be_v they_o which_o have_v not_o see_v and_o have_v believe_v a_o example_n hereof_o we_o have_v in_o the_o cananitish_a woman_n who_o though_o she_o have_v no_o experience_n of_o god_n truth_n in_o his_o promise_n yea_o though_o she_o have_v many_o repulse_n yet_o believe_v and_o afterward_o to_o her_o comfort_n have_v joyful_a experience_n of_o they_o 15.27_o mat._n 15.27_o mat._n 15.27_o an_o these_o be_v the_o degree_n of_o faith_n which_o whosoever_o find_v in_o himself_o he_o may_v be_v assure_v that_o he_o have_v a_o true_a lively_a and_o justify_v faith_n notwithstanding_o all_o the_o tentation_n of_o satan_n if_o therefore_o have_v hear_v the_o gospel_n we_o have_v attain_v unto_o some_o measure_n of_o knowledge_n of_o the_o chief_a principle_n thereof_o if_o we_o have_v give_v our_o assent_n unto_o this_o truth_n in_o which_o our_o understanding_n be_v inform_v if_o hereby_o we_o have_v attain_v unto_o this_o assurance_n that_o our_o sin_n be_v pardonable_a and_o have_v conceive_v some_o hope_n in_o consideration_n of_o god_n infinite_a mercy_n and_o christ_n merit_n that_o we_o shall_v be_v forgive_v and_o pardon_v if_o we_o have_v a_o hunger_a desire_n after_o grace_n and_o mercy_n and_o high_o esteem_v the_o merit_n and_o righteousness_n of_o jesus_n christ_n so_o that_o we_o wish_v nothing_o more_o than_o to_o be_v make_v partaker_n of_o they_o if_o by_o this_o desire_n we_o have_v be_v move_v to_o flee_v unto_o the_o throne_n of_o grace_n and_o there_o humble_o acknowledge_v our_o sin_n have_v earnest_o desire_v pardon_n and_o forgiveness_n last_o if_o at_o any_o time_n we_o have_v discern_v in_o in_o ourselves_o a_o persuasion_n of_o god_n love_n and_o of_o the_o pardon_n and_o remission_n of_o our_o sin_n and_o that_o we_o have_v or_o do_v rest_n upon_o the_o alone_a merit_n and_o obedience_n of_o christ_n jesus_n for_o our_o justification_n and_o salvation_n then_o may_v we_o be_v assure_v that_o we_o be_v endue_v with_o a_o true_a justify_n faith_n §_o sect._n 7_o the_o second_o argument_n to_o prove_v that_o we_o have_v a_o true_a and_o a_o lively_a faith_n be_v the_o testimony_n of_o god_n spirit_n 8.15.26_o the_o second_o argument_n to_o prove_v that_o we_o have_v faith_n be_v the_o testimony_n of_o god_n spirie_n rom._n 8.15.26_o for_o as_o the_o apostle_n speak_v rom._n 8.15_o we_o have_v the_o spirit_n of_o adoption_n whereby_o we_o cry_v abba_fw-mi father_n 16._o and_o the_o same_o spirit_n bear_v witness_v with_o our_o spirit_n that_o we_o be_v the_o child_n of_o god_n and_o ver_fw-la 26._o likewise_o the_o spirit_n also_o help_v our_o infirmity_n for_o we_o know_v not_o what_o to_o pray_v as_o we_o ought_v but_o the_o spirit_n itself_o make_v request_n for_o we_o with_o sigh_n which_o can_v be_v express_v etc._n etc._n whosoever_o therefore_o have_v this_o testimony_n in_o their_o heart_n and_o conscience_n that_o they_o be_v the_o child_n of_o god_n whosoever_o at_o any_o time_n feel_v or_o have_v feel_v the_o spirit_n of_o god_n powerful_a in_o they_o in_o pour_v out_o their_o soul_n in_o hearty_a prayer_n with_o sigh_n and_o groan_n which_o can_v be_v express_v they_o may_v be_v assure_v that_o they_o have_v receive_v the_o spirit_n of_o adoption_n and_o consequent_o be_v endue_v with_o true_a faith_n 5.22_o gal._n 5.22_o for_o the_o spirit_n and_o the_o fruit_n thereof_o among_o which_o faith_n be_v one_o of_o the_o chief_a be_v never_o sever_v moreover_o the_o apostle_n say_v 1._o cor._n 2.12_o that_o we_o have_v not_o receive_v the_o spirit_n of_o the_o world_n 2.12_o 1._o cor._n 2.12_o but_o the_o spirit_n which_o be_v of_o god_n that_o we_o may_v know_v the_o thing_n that_o be_v give_v to_o we_o of_o god_n that_o be_v not_o only_o his_o spiritual_a grace_n in_o this_o life_n in_o which_o number_n faith_n be_v one_o of_o the_o great_a but_o those_o excellent_a joy_n in_o god_n kingdom_n in_o the_o life_n to_o come_v of_o which_o also_o we_o have_v some_o knowledge_n and_o taste_n by_o the_o illumination_n of_o the_o same_o spirit_n last_o the_o apostle_n affirm_v 2._o cor._n 1.22_o that_o god_n have_v seal_v we_o 1.22_o 2._o cor._n 1.22_o and_o have_v give_v the_o earnest_n of_o the_o spirit_n in_o our_o heart_n and_o ephe._n 1.13_o he_o tell_v the_o ephesian_n that_o after_o they_o have_v hear_v the_o gospel_n and_o beleeveà _fw-la 1.13_o ephe._n 1.13_o they_o be_v seal_v with_o the_o holy_a spirit_n of_o promise_n which_o be_v the_o earnest_n of_o their_o inheritance_n until_o the_o redemption_n of_o the_o possession_n purchase_v unto_o the_o praise_n of_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n wheresoever_o therefore_o be_v this_o testimony_n of_o the_o spirit_n which_o as_o a_o earnest_n or_o seal_n assure_v they_o that_o they_o be_v the_o child_n of_o god_n there_o also_o be_v faith_n for_o as_o the_o apostle_n witness_v after_o that_o we_o believe_v we_o be_v thus_o seal_v §_o sect._n 8_o the_o three_o argument_n to_o prove_v that_o we_o have_v faith_n be_v the_o conflict_n and_o fight_n which_o every_o christian_n feel_v in_o himself_o between_o the_o spirit_n and_o the_o flesh_n spirit_n the_o 3._o argument_n be_v the_o fight_n between_o the_o flesh_n and_o the_o spirit_n the_o world_n and_o the_o devil_n and_o the_o combat_n which_o be_v between_o faith_n and_o doubt_v for_o so_o long_o as_o we_o be_v destitute_a of_o the_o spirit_n and_o a_o lively_a faith_n we_o be_v whole_o oversway_v with_o the_o flesh_n and_o satan_n like_o a_o mighty_a tyrant_n hould_v we_o captive_a peaceable_o and_o without_o any_o resistance_n but_o when_o we_o have_v receive_v the_o spirit_n of_o god_n and_o have_v faith_n wrought_v in_o our_o heart_n then_o begin_v a_o fierce_a battle_n which_o never_o end_v till_o by_o death_n our_o spiritual_a enemy_n get_v a_o final_a overthrow_n though_o therefore_o this_o fight_n be_v most_o sharp_a and_o exceed_o troublesome_a to_o the_o poor_a christian_n yet_o he_o may_v thereby_o gather_v unto_o himself_o sound_a comfort_n and_o certain_a assurance_n that_o he_o be_v endue_v with_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n and_o a_o lively_a faith_n for_o when_o he_o discern_v that_o he_o be_v assault_v with_o satan_n and_o his_o own_o corrupt_a flesh_n he_o may_v be_v assure_v that_o satan_n and_o his_o own_o corrupt_a flesh_n he_o may_v be_v assure_v that_o satan_n be_v disease_v of_o his_o quiet_a possession_n by_o a_o superior_a power_n which_o can_v be_v no_o other_o but_o the_o power_n of_o god_n spirit_n second_o by_o his_o assault_v it_o manifest_o appear_v that_o he_o find_v some_o resistance_n so_o as_o he_o can_v peaceable_o reenter_v three_o that_o howsoever_o our_o faith_n seem_v unto_o we_o never_o so_o weak_a yet_o it_o be_v so_o strengthen_v continual_o by_o virtue_n of_o god_n spirit_n that_o sathan_n &_o all_o the_o power_n of_o hell_n can_v prevail_v against_o it_o for_o otherwise_o how_o can_v such_o weakness_n withstand_v such_o might_n last_o be_v assure_v that_o it_o be_v the_o spirit_n of_o god_n which_o assi_v and_o enable_v we_o to_o withstand_v satan_n we_o may_v also_o be_v assure_v that_o in_o the_o end_n we_o shall_v obtain_v victory_n unless_o we_o will_v fond_o imagine_v that_o the_o devil_n be_v strong_a than_o god_n and_o the_o violence_n of_o his_o tentation_n more_o forcible_a to_o destroy_v we_o than_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n to_o protect_v and_o defend_v we_o for_o now_o they_o have_v join_v battle_n and_o either_o the_o one_o or_o the_o other_o must_v get_v the_o upper_a hand_n either_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n must_v thrust_v out_o sathan_n or_o satan_n the_o spirit_n of_o god_n and_o therefore_o how_o can_v we_o doubt_v of_o conquest_n see_v we_o be_v assure_v that_o god_n can_v take_v the_o foil_n for_o his_o power_n be_v omnipotent_a and_o with_o a_o word_n of_o his_o mouth_n he_o be_v able_a to_o destroy_v satan_n and_o all_o his_o adherent_n and_o of_o his_o will_n we_o need_v not_o to_o make_v any_o question_n for_o it_o will_v not_o stand_v with_o his_o glory_n to_o receive_v a_o repulse_n by_o give_v satan_n place_n after_o that_o he_o have_v take_v upon_o he_o our_o protection_n §_o sect._n 9_o spirit_n how_o we_o may_v know_v that_o this_o combat_n be_v fight_v between_o the_o flesh_n and_o the_o spirit_n yea_o will_n the_o tempter_n say_v but_o how_o will_v thou_o know_v that_o this_o battle_n be_v fight_v in_o thou_o how_o can_v thou_o be_v assure_v that_o it_o be_v the_o spirit_n of_o god_n which_o fight_v in_o thou_o against_o thy_o spiritual_a enemy_n and_o not_o rather_o thou_o own_o tumultuous_a passion_n and_o perturbation_n and_o diverse_a tentation_n suggest_v by_o the_o same_o devil_n to_o which_o it_o be_v easy_a to_o make_v answer_n for_o neither_o do_v
undoubted_a sign_n of_o true_a faith_n and_o therefore_o let_v not_o satan_n delude_v we_o 25._o matth._n 25._o by_o persuade_v swade_v we_o that_o piety_n without_o honesty_n profession_n without_o practice_n faith_n without_o work_n be_v sufficient_a for_o our_o salvation_n §_o sect._n 6_o but_o if_o they_o be_v sincere_a professor_n christian_n how_o satan_n deal_v with_o sincere_a professor_n and_o first_o with_o the_o weak_a christian_n than_o he_o observe_v whether_o they_o be_v babe_n or_o strong_a man_n in_o christ_n if_o he_o find_v they_o babe_n than_o he_o seek_v to_o abuse_v their_o simplicity_n by_o draw_v they_o either_o into_o error_n and_o heresy_n or_o at_o least_o into_o blind_a zeal_n and_o superstition_n if_o he_o can_v so_o prevail_v by_o reason_n that_o the_o bright_a beam_n of_o the_o gospel_n shine_v in_o the_o preach_n of_o the_o word_n do_v discover_v his_o error_n and_o lie_n give_v light_n to_o those_o that_o sit_v in_o the_o darkness_n of_o ignorance_n and_o in_o the_o shadow_n of_o death_n whereby_o their_o foot_n be_v guide_v into_o the_o way_n of_o peace_n than_o he_o labour_v to_o overwhelm_v they_o with_o the_o burden_n of_o their_o sin_n and_o to_o plunge_v they_o into_o the_o bottomless_a gulf_n of_o horror_n and_o despair_n by_o aggravate_v the_o odiousnes_n of_o their_o rebellion_n and_o huge_a multitude_n of_o their_o outrageous_a transgression_n by_o set_v before_o they_o the_o curse_n of_o the_o law_n the_o vengeance_n of_o god_n due_a unto_o they_o his_o infinite_a and_o exact_a justice_n which_o must_v be_v satisfy_v and_o the_o unspeakable_a and_o endless_a torment_n prepare_v for_o the_o damn_a but_o if_o he_o can_v aggravate_v their_o sin_n which_o in_o truth_n they_o have_v commit_v and_o make_v of_o they_o such_o a_o huge_a mountain_n as_o may_v serve_v to_o overwhelm_v they_o he_o add_v unto_o they_o his_o own_o sin_n by_o cast_v into_o their_o mind_n outrageous_a blasphemy_n against_o god_n and_o such_o horrible_a suggestion_n of_o impiety_n as_o it_o will_v make_v their_o hair_n to_o stand_v on_o end_n when_o they_o do_v but_o think_v of_o they_o persuade_v they_o that_o they_o be_v their_o own_o thought_n and_o therefore_o horrible_a sin_n whereas_o in_o truth_n they_o be_v but_o his_o suggestion_n and_o therefore_o if_o we_o do_v repel_v and_o reject_v they_o they_o be_v not_o our_o sin_n but_o the_o sin_n of_o the_o tempter_n for_o as_o it_o be_v not_o our_o fault_n if_o a_o thief_n entice_v we_o to_o steal_v so_o we_o do_v not_o entertain_v his_o motion_n but_o show_v our_o detestation_n of_o his_o sin_n so_o it_o be_v not_o a_o sin_n to_o be_v tempt_v if_o we_o present_o do_v repel_v the_o suggestion_n and_o do_v not_o yield_v unto_o the_o temptation_n and_o this_o may_v appear_v by_o our_o saviour_n christ_n himself_o who_o though_o he_o be_v free_a from_o sin_n yet_o he_o be_v tempt_v in_o all_o thing_n like_v unto_o we_o and_o so_o not_o free_a from_o satan_n suggestion_n for_o he_o be_v tempt_v to_o diffidence_n to_o tempt_a god_n yea_o to_o the_o worship_v of_o the_o devil_n himself_o but_o resist_v satan_n suggestion_n he_o be_v not_o guilty_a of_o sin_n who_o example_n if_o we_o imitate_v satan_n blasphemous_a temptation_n shall_v never_o be_v lay_v to_o our_o charge_n neither_o be_v it_o possible_a to_o be_v free_a from_o temptation_n although_o it_o be_v possible_a by_o god_n grace_n to_o resist_v they_o but_o more_o of_o this_o hereafter_o §_o sect._n 7_o if_o by_o this_o mean_v he_o can_v overthrow_v their_o faith_n &_o bring_v they_o to_o despair_n ignorance_n how_o satan_n entice_v the_o weak_a christian_a to_o commit_v sin_n of_o ignorance_n than_o he_o take_v advantage_n of_o their_o simplicity_n by_o entice_v they_o to_o commit_v sin_n of_o ignorance_n for_o example_n he_o will_v tell_v they_o that_o it_o be_v lawful_a nay_o expedient_a to_o use_v their_o christian_a liberty_n when_o he_o tempt_v they_o to_o licentiousness_n and_o to_o the_o end_n he_o may_v more_o easy_o deceive_v they_o he_o will_v set_v a_o fair_a gloss_n upon_o foul_a sin_n and_o seek_v to_o justify_v they_o by_o god_n word_n apparel_v vice_n in_o the_o habit_n of_o those_o virtue_n which_o most_o resemble_v they_o he_o will_v tempt_v to_o covetousness_n under_o show_n of_o frugality_n tell_v they_o that_o they_o who_o provide_v not_o for_o their_o family_n be_v worse_o than_o infidel_n and_o to_o prodigality_n under_o the_o pretence_n of_o liberality_n allege_v that_o they_o who_o sow_v plentiful_o shall_v reap_v plentiful_o he_o will_v allure_v they_o to_o tempt_v god_n by_o neglect_v those_o mean_n which_o he_o have_v grant_v they_o under_o the_o colour_n of_o affiance_n in_o god_n and_o to_o trust_v in_o the_o mean_n under_o the_o vizard_n of_o careful_a providence_n he_o will_v tempt_v they_o to_o propound_v this_o end_n of_o their_o good_a work_n that_o they_o may_v be_v save_v by_o they_o because_o god_n have_v promise_v to_o reward_v they_o or_o to_o neglect_v good_a work_n as_o unnecessary_a to_o salvation_n because_o faith_n alone_o justifi_v which_o temptation_n if_o we_o will_v withstand_v we_o must_v labour_v after_o true_a save_a knowledge_n that_o we_o may_v discern_v between_o virtue_n and_o vice_n truth_n and_o error_n that_o which_o god_n have_v forbid_v as_o unlawful_a from_o that_o which_o he_o have_v command_v as_o lawful_a to_o this_o end_n use_v diligent_o all_o good_a mean_n which_o tend_v to_o this_o purpose_n as_o hear_v read_v meditate_v and_o confer_v of_o god_n word_n that_o so_o the_o cloud_n of_o ignorance_n be_v dispel_v with_o the_o light_n of_o knowledge_n we_o may_v discover_v satan_n delusion_n and_o deceit_n otherwise_o if_o he_o deprive_v we_o of_o knowledge_n which_o be_v the_o eye_n of_o the_o soul_n he_o may_v easy_o seduce_v we_o out_o of_o the_o right_a way_n into_o the_o gulf_n of_o perdition_n §_o sect._n 8_o and_o thus_o satan_n deal_v with_o the_o weak_a christian_a but_o if_o he_o find_v those_o who_o he_o assault_v strong_a man_n in_o christ_n so_o that_o he_o can_v take_v any_o advantage_n of_o their_o ignorance_n christian_a how_o satan_n deal_v with_o the_o strong_a christian_a nor_o overthrow_v their_o faith_n than_o he_o labour_v to_o make_v they_o wound_v their_o conscience_n by_o commit_v sin_n of_o presumption_n against_o their_o knowledge_n use_v the_o violence_n of_o their_o affection_n to_o abuse_v their_o reason_n and_o mislead_v their_o judgement_n the_o danger_n of_o which_o temptation_n david_n well_o discern_v by_o his_o own_o woeful_a experience_n do_v earnest_o entreat_v the_o lord_n to_o preserve_v he_o from_o presumptuous_a sin_n 19.13_o psal_n 19.13_o psal_n 19.13_o and_o thus_o have_v satan_n prevail_v with_o so_o many_o of_o god_n own_o child_n that_o he_o dare_v therewith_o assault_v our_o saviour_n christ_n himself_o by_o offer_v he_o the_o whole_a world_n and_o the_o glory_n thereof_o if_o he_o will_v fall_v down_o and_o worship_v he_o that_o his_o affection_n tickle_v with_o ambition_n may_v move_v he_o to_o commit_v this_o sin_n for_o the_o satisfy_a his_o desire_n but_o if_o he_o can_v thus_o prevail_v 11.14_o 2._o cor._n 11.14_o he_o will_v transform_v himself_o into_o a_o angel_n of_o light_n and_o tempt_v they_o to_o the_o do_v of_o a_o less_o good_a that_o they_o may_v neglect_v a_o great_a or_o that_o which_o be_v in_o itself_o lawful_a and_o command_v in_o his_o due_a time_n &_o place_n he_o will_v tempt_v they_o to_o perform_v it_o unreasonable_o when_o as_o other_o duty_n in_o respect_n of_o present_a occasion_n be_v more_o necessary_a and_o so_o use_v one_o virtue_n or_o duty_n to_o shoulder_v another_o &_o thrust_v it_o disorderly_o out_o of_o it_o own_o place_n and_o stand_v for_o example_n in_o the_o hear_n of_o the_o word_n he_o will_v cast_v into_o their_o mind_n meditation_n in_o their_o own_o nature_n good_a and_o acceptable_a to_o god_n in_o their_o due_a time_n and_o place_n to_o the_o end_n he_o may_v distract_v their_o mind_n and_o make_v they_o hear_v without_o profit_n in_o the_o time_n of_o prayer_n he_o will_v not_o stick_v to_o recall_v to_o their_o memory_n some_o profitable_a instruction_n which_o they_o have_v hear_v at_o the_o sermon_n to_o the_o end_n he_o may_v disturb_v they_o in_o that_o holy_a exercise_n and_o keep_v they_o from_o lift_v up_o their_o heart_n whole_o unto_o god_n moreover_o in_o all_o his_o temptation_n he_o will_v allege_v scripture_n but_o then_o either_o he_o deprave_v the_o place_n by_o add_v or_o distract_n as_o when_o he_o allege_v scripture_n to_o our_o saviour_n christ_n matth._n 4_o 6._o it_o be_v write_v he_o will_v give_v his_o angel_n charge_v over_o thou_o etc._n etc._n and_o leave_v out_o to_o keep_v thou_o in_o all_o thy_o way_n which_o be_v express_v in_o the_o place_n he_o quote_v psal_n
believe_v indeed_o yea_o as_o much_o more_o certain_a be_v this_o knowledge_n as_o the_o knowledge_n of_o faith_n ground_v upon_o god_n word_n which_o be_v infallible_a be_v more_o certain_a than_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o sense_n which_o be_v often_o deceive_v furthermore_o if_o we_o can_v not_o be_v assure_v that_o we_o have_v faith_n then_o to_o what_o purpose_n serve_v the_o admonition_n of_o the_o apostle_n 2._o cor._n 13.5_o 13.5_o 2._o cor._n 13.5_o try_v yourselves_o whether_o you_o be_v in_o the_o faith_n examine_v yourselves_o know_v you_o not_o your_o own_o self_n how_o that_o jesus_n christ_n be_v in_o you_o except_o you_o be_v reprobate_n in_o which_o word_n the_o apostle_n plain_o impli_v that_o we_o may_v know_v that_o we_o have_v a_o true_a and_o lively_a faith_n or_o else_o this_o trial_n and_o examination_n be_v vain_a nay_o he_o plain_o say_v that_o we_o may_v know_v that_o christ_n be_v in_o we_o except_o we_o be_v reprobate_n and_o consequent_o that_o we_o have_v faith_n for_o this_o only_a be_v the_o hand_n whereby_o we_o apply_v christ_n unto_o we_o and_o all_o his_o benefit_n 11.28_o 1._o cor._n 11.28_o so_o 1_o cor._n 11.28_o the_o apostle_n will_v we_o to_o examine_v ourselves_o before_o we_o come_v to_o the_o lord_n table_n that_o so_o we_o be_v not_o unworthy_a guest_n in_o which_o examination_n the_o chief_a thing_n which_o we_o be_v to_o respect_n be_v whether_o we_o have_v a_o true_a faith_n for_o this_o be_v the_o mouth_n of_o the_o soul_n whereby_o we_o feed_v upon_o the_o body_n and_o blood_n of_o our_o saviour_n christ_n and_o therefore_o unless_o we_o can_v know_v whether_o we_o have_v faith_n when_o we_o be_v true_o endue_v therewith_o this_o admonition_n of_o the_o apostle_n be_v to_o no_o purpose_n neither_o can_v we_o have_v any_o assurance_n to_o our_o own_o soul_n that_o we_o be_v worthy_a guest_n of_o the_o lord_n table_n and_o consequent_o we_o rest_v doubtful_a whether_o we_o receive_v the_o sacrament_n to_o our_o spiritual_a good_a and_o salvation_n or_o to_o our_o judgement_n and_o condemnation_n three_o we_o be_v assure_v of_o this_o by_o god_n word_n that_o whatsoever_o be_v not_o do_v of_o 14.23_o rom._n 14.23_o faith_n be_v sin_n rom._n 14.23_o 11.6_o heb._n 11.6_o and_o without_o faith_n it_o be_v impossible_a to_o please_v god_n heb._n 11.6_o if_o therefore_o we_o can_v be_v assure_v that_o we_o have_v faith_n we_o can_v have_v no_o assurance_n that_o our_o best_a action_n our_o call_n upon_o god_n name_n our_o hear_n of_o his_o word_n and_o all_o other_o duty_n of_o piety_n and_o justice_n be_v any_o better_a than_o sin_n and_o odious_a in_o god_n sight_n whereof_o it_o must_v needs_o follow_v that_o these_o action_n how_o good_a so_o ever_o in_o themselves_o will_v be_v do_v of_o we_o in_o doubt_v because_o we_o know_v not_o whether_o they_o be_v do_v in_o faith_n and_o be_v do_v doubt_o they_o become_v sin_n indeed_o and_o therefore_o displease_v in_o god_n sight_n last_o if_o i_o can_v know_v whether_o i_o believe_v a_o man_n upon_o his_o word_n and_o whether_o i_o trust_v and_o rely_v myself_o upon_o his_o promise_n or_o no_o why_o may_v i_o not_o much_o more_o know_v whether_o i_o believe_v god_n gracious_a promise_n make_v unto_o all_o repentant_a sinner_n and_o among_o the_o rest_n unto_o myself_o namely_o that_o for_o the_o obedience_n and_o merit_n of_o christ_n i_o shall_v have_v remission_n of_o my_o sin_n and_o everlasting_a life_n see_v this_o faith_n be_v not_o out_o of_o ourselves_o but_o a_o gift_n of_o god_n wrought_v in_o we_o by_o his_o holy_a spirit_n which_o be_v not_o idle_a in_o we_o for_o it_o purifi_v the_o heart_n and_o work_v by_o love_n it_o move_v we_o to_o hate_v and_o fly_v from_o those_o sin_n we_o have_v love_v and_o to_o embrace_v and_o love_v that_o holiness_n and_o righteousness_n of_o life_n which_o heretofore_o have_v be_v loathsome_a unto_o us._n as_o therefore_o the_o fire_n be_v know_v by_o his_o heat_n the_o sun_n by_o the_o light_n the_o good_a tree_n by_o his_o fruit_n so_o when_o our_o cold_a heart_n be_v inflame_v with_o the_o love_n of_o god_n and_o a_o fervent_a zeal_n of_o his_o glory_n when_o our_o blind_a understanding_n be_v enlighten_v with_o the_o knowledge_n of_o god_n and_o of_o the_o true_a religion_n when_o we_o bring_v forth_o the_o fruit_n of_o our_o profession_n in_o a_o godly_a and_o christian_n life_n then_o may_v we_o certain_o know_v that_o we_o be_v endue_v with_o a_o true_a and_o lively_a faith_n §_o sect._n 7_o but_o here_o the_o tempter_n will_v take_v occasion_n to_o persuade_v the_o weak_a christian_n and_o the_o trouble_a conscience_n answer_v a_o temptation_n ground_v upon_o our_o assurance_n of_o faith_n answer_v that_o he_o have_v no_o faith_n see_v he_o do_v not_o certain_o know_v that_o he_o have_v it_o nor_o discern_v these_o sign_n and_o fruit_n of_o faith_n in_o himself_o to_o this_o suggestion_n we_o be_v to_o answer_v that_o we_o do_v not_o say_v that_o the_o weak_a christian_n may_v be_v assure_v at_o all_o time_n that_o he_o have_v faith_n by_o his_o present_a sense_n for_o first_o when_o we_o be_v new_o convert_v and_o the_o seed_n of_o faith_n be_v sow_v in_o our_o heart_n we_o do_v not_o present_o discern_v it_o but_o as_o the_o corn_n which_o be_v cast_v into_o the_o ground_n be_v for_o a_o time_n cover_v and_o after_o spring_v up_o the_o blade_n and_o then_o the_o ear_n so_o faith_n be_v sow_v in_o our_o heart_n which_o first_o like_o fallow_a ground_n be_v plough_v up_o and_o as_o it_o be_v harrow_v and_o break_v with_o the_o threaten_n of_o the_o law_n and_o apprehension_n of_o god_n anger_n due_a unto_o our_o sin_n do_v in_o the_o time_n of_o our_o humiliation_n and_o contrition_n lie_v cover_v so_o as_o we_o can_v discern_v it_o till_o be_v more_o and_o more_o water_v with_o the_o water_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o the_o heavenly_a promise_n of_o the_o gospel_n which_o in_o the_o preach_n of_o the_o word_n like_o sweet_a dew_n and_o pleasant_a shower_n distil_v upon_o it_o it_o send_v forth_o the_o blade_n namely_o a_o holy_a desire_n and_o earnest_a endeavour_n to_o serve_v god_n and_o afterward_o the_o fruit_n even_o a_o plentiful_a harvest_n in_o godliness_n and_o righteousness_n of_o life_n and_o second_o sometime_o after_o that_o faith_n be_v begin_v in_o we_o and_o we_o have_v see_v the_o fruit_n thereof_o to_o our_o comfort_n it_o be_v after_o hide_v from_o we_o again_o as_o when_o either_o we_o wound_n our_o conscience_n by_o commit_v some_o grievous_a sin_n against_o knowledge_n witting_o and_o willing_o or_o when_o it_o please_v the_o lord_n to_o exercise_v we_o in_o the_o spiritual_a conflict_n of_o temptation_n for_o then_o sometime_o it_o come_v to_o pass_v that_o our_o faith_n for_o a_o time_n lie_v hide_v under_o the_o ash_n of_o our_o corruption_n and_o the_o cloud_n of_o our_o sin_n and_o the_o apprehension_n of_o god_n anger_n do_v so_o overshadow_v the_o eye_n of_o our_o understanding_n that_o we_o can_v discern_v the_o beam_n of_o god_n love_n and_o favour_n shine_v upon_o we_o although_o when_o the_o conflict_n be_v end_v our_o faith_n again_o flame_v out_o in_o the_o love_n of_o god_n and_o zeal_n of_o his_o glory_n and_o the_o love_a countenance_n of_o the_o lord_n shine_v gracious_o upon_o we_o when_o these_o cloud_n of_o temptation_n be_v overpast_v and_o therefore_o though_o we_o do_v not_o certain_o know_v our_o faith_n by_o the_o fruit_n thereof_o either_o soon_o after_o our_o conversion_n or_o in_o the_o time_n of_o temptation_n yet_o this_o must_v not_o discourage_v we_o because_o these_o be_v no_o fit_a time_n to_o judge_v thereof_o only_o when_o we_o want_v this_o knowledge_n and_o full_a assurance_n let_v we_o use_v all_o good_a mean_n ordain_v of_o god_n that_o we_o may_v attain_v thereunto_o if_o we_o never_o have_v it_o or_o recover_v and_o again_o renew_v it_o if_o after_o we_o have_v once_o have_v it_o we_o lose_v the_o sense_n and_o feel_n thereof_o either_o by_o fall_v into_o heinous_a sin_n or_o by_o the_o violence_n of_o satan_n temptation_n chap._n vii_o that_o we_o may_v be_v assure_v of_o our_o election_n prove_v by_o diverse_a argument_n §_o sect._n 1_o and_o thus_o have_v i_o show_v by_o plain_a testimony_n of_o scripture_n elect_v first_o because_o the_o gospel_n manifest_o show_v that_o we_o be_v elect_v that_o we_o may_v infallible_o be_v assure_v of_o our_o election_n now_o i_o will_v also_o prove_v the_o same_o by_o strong_a argument_n draw_v from_o the_o same_o fountain_n first_o therefore_o we_o may_v thus_o reason_n whatsoever_o be_v manifest_o show_v unto_o we_o in_o the_o gospel_n that_o we_o be_v bind_v to_o believe_v and_o of_o that_o we_o may_v be_v assure_v but_o
enough_o he_o have_v swear_v it_o because_o therefore_o the_o promise_n be_v sure_a and_o confirm_v not_o according_a to_o our_o merit_n but_o according_a to_o his_o mercy_n let_v no_o man_n profess_v that_o with_o fear_n of_o which_o he_o can_v doubt_v arrogancy_n doubt_v proceed_v from_o pride_n and_o arrogancy_n but_o they_o further_o urge_v that_o humble_a doubt_n be_v better_a than_o presumptuous_a assurance_n i_o answer_v first_o that_o their_o doubt_n be_v full_a of_o pride_n which_o make_v they_o look_v for_o salvation_n in_o their_o own_o worthiness_n rather_o than_o in_o god_n free_a mercy_n and_o christ_n merit_n second_o that_o our_o faith_n and_o certain_a assurance_n be_v full_a of_o humility_n for_o we_o free_o confess_v our_o own_o unworthiness_n and_o dare_v not_o offer_v before_o the_o seat_n of_o god_n justice_n any_o righteousness_n that_o be_v in_o we_o as_o desire_v in_o whole_a or_o in_o part_n to_o be_v justify_v thereby_o nay_o rather_o we_o pray_v with_o the_o prophet_n psal_n 143.2_o enter_v not_o into_o judgement_n with_o thy_o servant_n for_o in_o thy_o sight_n shall_v none_o that_o live_v be_v justify_v 143.2_o psal_n 143.2_o and_o though_o we_o know_v nothing_o by_o ourselves_o yet_o do_v we_o plainâ—ly_o affirm_v with_o the_o apostle_n that_o we_o be_v not_o hereby_o justify_v 4.4_o 1._o cor._n 4.4_o 1._o cor._n 4.4_o but_o this_o humility_n do_v not_o abate_v our_o faith_n and_o certain_a assurance_n nay_o rather_o it_o do_v confirm_v and_o increase_v it_o for_o it_o make_v we_o to_o go_v out_o of_o ourselves_o as_o find_v no_o hope_n of_o salvation_n whereupon_o we_o may_v rest_v and_o move_v we_o to_o seek_v for_o salvation_n in_o christ_n who_o be_v such_o a_o sure_a ancorhold_v that_o whosoever_o pitch_n the_o anchor_n of_o their_o hope_n on_o he_o shall_v find_v it_o sure_a and_o steadfast_a and_o whosoever_o build_v their_o faith_n on_o this_o foundation_n and_o corner_n stone_n the_o power_n of_o hell_n shall_v never_o prevail_v against_o they_o §_o sect._n 2_o second_o they_o object_n that_o we_o be_v unworthy_a of_o god_n love_n election_n our_o unworthiness_n no_o cause_n why_o we_o shall_v doubt_v of_o our_o election_n or_o to_o be_v elect_v and_o therefore_o we_o can_v be_v assure_v thereof_o i_o answer_v this_o be_v true_a if_o god_n election_n depend_v upon_o our_o worthiness_n and_o desert_n but_o see_v the_o lord_n respect_v not_o any_o thing_n in_o we_o but_o elect_v we_o free_o of_o his_o undeserued_a grace_n and_o mere_a goodwill_n our_o unworthiness_n in_o ourselves_o may_v well_o stand_v with_o the_o assurance_n of_o our_o election_n for_o those_o who_o be_v most_o unworthy_a need_v not_o to_o doubt_v of_o god_n love_n and_o their_o election_n and_o salvation_n so_o that_o they_o whole_o rely_v upon_o god_n mercy_n and_o christ_n merit_n by_o a_o true_a and_o lively_a faith_n forasmuch_o as_o they_o be_v not_o ground_v upon_o their_o worthiness_n and_o therefore_o can_v be_v overthrow_v by_o their_o unworthiness_n notable_a be_v the_o say_n of_o austin_n to_o this_o purpose_n tria_fw-la inquit_fw-la sunt_fw-la quae_fw-la sic_fw-la roborant_fw-la &_o confirmant_fw-la cor_fw-la meum_fw-la ut_fw-la nulla_fw-la i_o penuriae_fw-la meritorum_fw-la etc._n etc._n there_o be_v three_o thing_n say_v he_o which_o so_o strengthen_v and_o confirm_v my_o heart_n that_o no_o want_n of_o merit_n no_o consideration_n of_o my_o own_o vileness_n no_o estimation_n of_o the_o heavenly_a blessedness_n can_v deject_v i_o from_o the_o height_n of_o my_o hope_n upon_o they_o my_o soul_n be_v sure_o settle_v will_v thou_o know_v what_o they_o be_v i_o consider_v three_o thing_n upon_o which_o my_o hope_n whole_o rely_v to_o wit_n the_o love_n of_o adoption_n 23._o aug._n manual_n cap._n 23._o the_o truth_n of_o the_o promise_n the_o ability_n of_o performance_n let_v now_o my_o foolish_a cogitation_n murmur_v as_o much_o as_o it_o will_v say_v but_o who_o be_v thou_o or_o how_o great_a be_v that_o glory_n or_o with_o what_o merit_n do_v thou_o hope_v to_o obtain_v it_o and_o i_o will_v bold_o answer_v i_o know_v who_o i_o have_v believe_v and_o i_o be_o assure_v because_o god_n have_v adopt_v i_o in_o great_a love_n because_o he_o be_v true_a in_o his_o promise_n because_o he_o be_v powerful_a in_o performance_n for_o he_o may_v do_v what_o he_o will_n §_o sect._n 3_o three_o together_o weakness_n of_o faith_n and_o certainty_n may_v well_o stand_v together_o they_o object_n that_o our_o faith_n be_v weak_a and_o feeble_a and_o by_o reason_n thereof_o the_o faithful_a aâ—…peareth_v by_o continual_a experience_n be_v assault_v with_o doubt_v and_o grievous_o shake_v with_o satan_n temptation_n so_o as_o there_o can_v be_v no_o such_o certainty_n of_o faith_n as_o we_o speak_v of_o to_o which_o i_o answer_v that_o weakness_n of_o faith_n be_v not_o oppose_v as_o contrary_a to_o certainty_n but_o to_o strongnesse_n and_o full_a persuasion_n and_o therefore_o weakness_n and_o certainty_n may_v well_o stand_v together_o neither_o do_v we_o imagine_v such_o a_o certainty_n of_o faith_n which_o be_v never_o shake_v with_o doubt_v nor_o assault_v with_o temptation_n nay_o rather_o we_o teach_v that_o those_o who_o god_n endu_v with_o most_o faith_n he_o most_o exercise_v in_o the_o conflict_n of_o temptation_n like_o a_o wise_a captain_n who_o set_v that_o soldier_n which_o be_v best_a arm_v and_o strong_a to_o bear_v the_o brunt_n in_o the_o forefront_n of_o the_o battle_n and_o the_o devil_n be_v most_o ready_a to_o assault_v those_o who_o most_o resist_v he_o and_o most_o violent_o to_o strike_v where_o he_o see_v the_o shield_n of_o faith_n hold_v up_o to_o defend_v and_o therefore_o our_o saviour_n have_v teach_v all_o his_o faithful_a child_n to_o pray_v lead_v we_o not_o into_o temptation_n but_o deliver_v we_o from_o evil_a but_o withal_o we_o affirm_v that_o though_o this_o weak_a faith_n be_v assault_v with_o satan_n temptation_n yet_o be_v it_o never_o overcome_v though_o it_o be_v oppose_v with_o doubt_v yet_o it_o never_o fall_v from_o assurance_n and_o certain_a persuasion_n though_o it_o be_v sometime_o shadow_v and_o the_o shine_a light_n thereof_o dim_v yea_o though_o it_o be_v for_o a_o time_n hide_v and_o cover_v yet_o in_o it_o own_o nature_n it_o remain_v firm_a and_o steadfast_a like_o the_o sun_n which_o always_o shine_v though_o oftentimes_o by_o reason_n of_o the_o interposition_n of_o the_o cloud_n or_o the_o earth_n we_o can_v discern_v the_o beam_n thereof_o or_o like_v unto_o the_o fire_n which_o be_v hide_v under_o the_o ash_n do_v retain_v his_o natural_a heat_n although_o we_o feel_v it_o not_o so_o our_o faith_n retain_v in_o itself_o his_o certainty_n and_o assurance_n as_o it_o be_v his_o light_n and_o heat_n when_o as_o it_o be_v shadow_v with_o the_o cloud_n of_o doubt_v and_o cover_v under_o the_o ash_n of_o satan_n temptation_n strong_a a_o weak_a faith_n do_v as_o true_o assure_v we_o of_o our_o election_n as_o a_o strong_a but_o it_o may_v be_v demand_v how_o a_o weak_a faith_n assault_v with_o satan_n temptation_n can_v continue_v certain_a see_v the_o strong_a 0_o faith_n can_v do_v no_o more_o but_o certain_o persuade_v i_o answer_v that_o our_o certainty_n respect_v not_o our_o faith_n itself_o but_o the_o object_n thereof_o namely_o god_n mercy_n and_o christ_n merit_n and_o therefore_o see_v a_o weak_a faith_n do_v as_o well_o apply_v unto_o we_o the_o mercy_n of_o god_n &_o merit_n of_o christ_n as_o a_o strong_a therefore_o also_o it_o certain_o persuade_v we_o as_o well_o &_o true_o though_o not_o so_o strong_o and_o full_o of_o our_o election_n and_o salvation_n as_o a_o strong_a do_v so_o that_o when_o we_o have_v the_o least_o spark_n of_o faith_n it_o do_v illuminate_v our_o mind_n so_o as_o we_o can_v true_o discern_v the_o love_a countenance_n of_o the_o lord_n shine_v upon_o we_o though_o somewhat_o dim_o and_o as_o it_o be_v a_o far_o of_o even_o as_o he_o that_o be_v purblind_a do_v as_o certain_o see_v the_o sun_n as_o he_o who_o be_v most_o sharp_o sight_v though_o not_o so_o clear_o and_o as_o he_o who_o be_v in_o a_o dark_a dungeon_n do_v discern_v the_o light_n as_o sure_o at_o a_o little_a hole_n though_o he_o be_v compass_v about_o with_o black_a darkness_n as_o he_o who_o be_v in_o the_o open_a field_n so_o when_o we_o be_v as_o it_o be_v purblind_a and_o compass_v about_o with_o the_o dark_a mist_n of_o ignorance_n yet_o by_o the_o dim_a sight_n of_o faith_n we_o certain_o discern_v god_n love_n and_o favour_n shine_v upon_o we_o though_o the_o more_o we_o increase_v in_o knowledge_n and_o faith_n the_o more_o clear_o we_o perceive_v it_o till_o at_o last_o have_v attain_v unto_o fullness_n of_o faith_n we_o see_v he_o near_o at_o hand_n and_o as_o it_o be_v
reason_n invent_v by_o man_n wit_n to_o confirm_v we_o in_o this_o truth_n that_o the_o scripture_n be_v the_o word_n of_o the_o everliving_a god_n experience_n god_n spirit_n persuade_v we_o of_o this_o truth_n by_o our_o own_o feel_n and_o experience_n for_o whosoever_o be_v endue_v with_o god_n spirit_n do_v also_o by_o their_o own_o experience_n sensible_o feel_v by_o the_o effect_n and_o operation_n of_o the_o scripture_n in_o themselves_o that_o they_o be_v not_o the_o word_n or_o invention_n of_o mortal_a man_n but_o the_o word_n of_o the_o almighty_a and_o most_o wise_a god_n for_o when_o they_o perceive_v that_o the_o eye_n of_o their_o understanding_n be_v illuminate_v which_o before_o be_v blind_a and_o full_a of_o darkness_n that_o their_o will_n be_v incline_v to_o the_o obedience_n of_o god_n commandment_n which_o before_o be_v stubborn_a and_o rebellious_a that_o their_o heart_n be_v become_v soft_a and_o tender_a so_o as_o like_v the_o heart_n of_o josias_n it_o melt_v at_o the_o preach_n of_o the_o law_n which_o before_o be_v obdurate_a and_o more_o hard_a than_o the_o adamant_n that_o their_o conscience_n which_o be_v dead_a and_o sear_v be_v now_o ready_a to_o check_v &_o control_v they_o when_o they_o commit_v any_o sin_n and_o to_o allow_v and_o approve_v all_o good_a action_n that_o their_o affection_n be_v cast_v in_o a_o new_a mould_n so_o that_o whereas_o heretofore_o they_o love_v nothing_o but_o the_o world_n and_o worldly_a thing_n now_o their_o love_n be_v fix_v on_o the_o lord_n and_o those_o thing_n that_o be_v above_o and_o whereas_o nothing_o be_v more_o odious_a in_o former_a time_n then_o virtue_n and_o godliness_n nothing_o more_o please_v then_o fin_n and_o the_o delight_n thereof_o now_o contrariwise_o nothing_o be_v more_o loathsome_a than_o sin_n nothing_o more_o sweet_a and_o delightful_a than_o obedience_n to_o god_n commandment_n and_o when_o they_o further_o consider_v that_o this_o great_a alteration_n be_v make_v in_o they_o only_o by_o the_o hear_n of_o god_n word_n preach_v they_o need_v no_o further_a persuasion_n nor_o other_o instructor_n to_o teach_v they_o that_o the_o scripture_n be_v pen_v by_o the_o divine_a operation_n of_o god_n spirit_n see_v the_o word_n of_o mortal_a man_n can_v never_o make_v such_o a_o change_n in_o they_o nor_o any_o thing_n else_o but_o the_o word_n of_o the_o everliving_a god_n which_o at_o the_o first_o be_v alone_o sufficient_a for_o their_o creation_n and_o generation_n and_o now_o only_o of_o power_n sufficient_a for_o their_o regeneration_n and_o new_a birth_n 9_o joh._n 9_o as_o therefore_o the_o blind_a man_n reason_v with_o the_o pharisy_n john_n 9_o not_o with_o any_o far_o fetch_v reason_n but_o from_o his_o own_o experience_n to_o prove_v that_o our_o saviour_n be_v not_o a_o notorious_a sinner_n as_o the_o pharisy_n accuse_v he_o but_o some_o great_a prophet_n send_v from_o god_n say_v doubtless_o this_o be_v a_o marvellous_a thing_n that_o you_o know_v not_o whence_o he_o be_v and_o yet_o he_o have_v open_v my_o eye_n and_o if_o this_o man_n be_v not_o of_o god_n he_o can_v have_v do_v nothing_o so_o may_v we_o reason_n with_o those_o who_o affirm_v that_o it_o can_v be_v know_v whence_o the_o scripture_n come_v from_o god_n or_o man_n use_v this_o argument_n take_v from_o our_o own_o experience_n say_v doubtless_o this_o be_v a_o marvelous_a thing_n that_o you_o do_v not_o know_v whence_o the_o scripture_n be_v see_v they_o have_v open_v my_o eye_n which_o be_v blind_a from_o my_o birth_n incline_v my_o will_n to_o obedience_n which_o before_o be_v rebellious_a soften_v my_o heart_n and_o sanctify_a and_o quite_o change_v my_o affection_n so_o that_o i_o now_o love_v that_o good_a which_o before_o i_o hate_v and_o hate_v that_o evil_n which_o before_o i_o love_v and_o be_o delight_v with_o those_o holy_a exercise_n which_o heretofore_o do_v most_o displease_v i_o and_o be_o displease_v with_o those_o vain_a pleasure_n and_o filthy_a sin_n which_o in_o time_n past_a do_v most_o delight_v i_o and_o therefore_o if_o it_o be_v not_o of_o god_n it_o can_v have_v do_v no_o such_o thing_n if_o it_o be_v not_o inspied_a and_o indict_v by_o his_o holy_a spirit_n and_o make_v effectual_a by_o the_o virtue_n and_o power_n thereof_o it_o can_v never_o have_v wrought_v in_o i_o such_o strange_a alteration_n chap._n xxii_o satan_n temptation_n suggest_v against_o the_o translation_n of_o holy_a scripture_n answer_v §_o sect._n 1_o and_o somuch_o for_o answer_v satan_n second_o temptation_n whereby_o he_o labour_v to_o make_v man_n neglect_v the_o hear_n of_o god_n word_n translate_v that_o the_o scripture_n be_v true_o translate_v that_o so_o they_o may_v never_o be_v effectual_o call_v now_o three_o if_o he_o can_v persuade_v man_n that_o the_o scripture_n be_v not_o the_o word_n of_o god_n that_o so_o he_o may_v take_v away_o all_o the_o authority_n thereof_o than_o he_o will_v take_v exception_n against_o the_o translation_n suggest_v into_o their_o mind_n that_o though_o the_o scripture_n be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n as_o they_o be_v pen_v in_o their_o own_o proper_a language_n by_o man_n inspire_v by_o his_o spirit_n yet_o for_o aught_o they_o know_v be_v unlearned_a the_o scripture_n may_v be_v corrupt_o translate_v alter_v from_o their_o first_o original_n and_o thing_n add_v and_o detract_v at_o the_o translator_n pleasure_n to_o this_o i_o answer_v that_o not_o only_a professor_n of_o religion_n but_o also_o pagan_n infidel_n epicure_n and_o atheist_n who_o be_v even_o the_o very_a limb_n of_o the_o devil_n have_v be_v skilful_a and_o learned_a in_o these_o language_n and_o therefore_o if_o the_o translation_n be_v not_o near_o the_o original_n who_o can_v stop_v their_o mouth_n from_o inveigh_v against_o such_o falsehood_n who_o can_v restrain_v they_o from_o declaim_v against_o such_o corruption_n see_v they_o so_o hate_v and_o abhor_v this_o truth_n as_o that_o they_o wish_v the_o utter_a extirpation_n thereof_o and_o with_o extreme_a malice_n oppose_v themselves_o against_o it_o persecute_v and_o murder_v to_o their_o uttermost_a power_n whosoever_o embrace_n and_o profess_v it_o moreover_o we_o know_v that_o the_o jew_n who_o more_o malicious_o malign_a christian_n and_o christianity_n than_o the_o turk_n and_o pagan_n do_v notwithstanding_o agree_v with_o we_o in_o the_o translation_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n and_o can_v take_v no_o exception_n against_o the_o new_a three_o there_o have_v be_v ever_o since_o christ_n come_v many_o sectary_n and_o heretic_n who_o for_o the_o maintenance_n of_o their_o opinion_n have_v but_o seek_v to_o corrupt_v some_o few_o place_n of_o the_o scripture_n but_o still_o god_n have_v raise_v up_o some_o godly_a learned_a in_o the_o original_a tongue_n who_o have_v confute_v they_o and_o clear_v the_o text_n how_o therefore_o in_o such_o division_n and_o vehement_a discord_n shall_v such_o a_o thing_n be_v conceal_v how_o shall_v any_o corrupt_v the_o whole_a scripture_n or_o any_o principal_a place_n see_v there_o be_v such_o controversy_n from_o time_n to_o time_n about_o every_o letter_n and_o syllable_n last_o this_o truth_n of_o the_o scripture_n have_v be_v seal_v and_o confirm_v with_o the_o blood_n of_o many_o martyr_n who_o have_v be_v excellent_o learn_v in_o the_o original_a tongue_n and_o who_o can_v imagine_v that_o they_o will_v have_v be_v so_o foolish_a as_o to_o have_v give_v their_o life_n for_o the_o maintain_v that_o truth_n which_o be_v contain_v in_o the_o scripture_n as_o we_o have_v they_o translate_v if_o they_o think_v they_o corrupt_v and_o falsify_v in_o the_o translation_n §_o sect._n 2_o but_o the_o tempter_n will_v object_v that_o the_o translation_n exceed_o differ_v one_o from_o another_o translation_n of_o the_o difference_n of_o translation_n and_o therefore_o some_o of_o they_o must_v needs_o be_v false_a and_o who_o will_v ground_v his_o faith_n upon_o any_o until_o he_o know_v which_o be_v the_o best_a and_o true_a i_o answer_v that_o though_o there_o be_v diverse_a translation_n and_o one_o better_a than_o another_o yet_o even_o that_o which_o be_v most_o corrupt_a and_o imperfect_a be_v sufficient_a to_o instruct_v we_o in_o the_o knowledge_n of_o god_n and_o in_o the_o principle_n of_o christian_a religion_n neither_o be_v there_o among_o they_o all_o many_o error_n which_o concern_v the_o article_n of_o our_o faith_n or_o come_v near_o the_o substance_n of_o doctrine_n which_o we_o be_v bind_v to_o believe_v for_o all_o the_o translatour_n have_v labour_v to_o conform_v their_o translation_n according_a to_o the_o analogy_n of_o faith_n and_o though_o they_o have_v not_o in_o all_o place_n deliver_v the_o proper_a sense_n yet_o they_o have_v endeavour_v to_o come_v as_o near_o it_o as_o they_o can_v and_o where_o they_o have_v fail_v it_o be_v rather_o in_o circumstance_n than_o in_o
may_v whole_o be_v ascribe_v to_o his_o own_o free_a grace_n who_o call_v and_o justifi_v sanctifi_v and_o save_v who_o he_o will_v and_o not_o unto_o humane_a learning_n or_o knowledge_n which_o may_v be_v attain_v unto_o by_o man_n industry_n and_o labour_n it_o may_v be_v also_o that_o these_o who_o teach_v one_o thing_n and_o practice_v the_o clean_a contrary_n corruption_n §._o sect._n 3._o that_o not_o learning_n but_o god_n spirit_n free_v we_o from_o our_o natural_a corruption_n do_v notwithstanding_o believe_v that_o be_v know_v and_o give_v their_o assent_n to_o that_o which_o they_o deliver_v but_o this_o general_a faith_n be_v incident_a as_o well_o to_o the_o devil_n themselves_o as_o unto_o man_n and_o therefore_o those_o who_o have_v it_o may_v nevertheless_o be_v as_o worldly_a carnal_a and_o profane_a as_o ever_o they_o be_v for_o before_o we_o attain_v unto_o a_o true_a justify_n faith_n and_o be_v sanctify_v by_o god_n spirit_n our_o knowledge_n and_o learning_n will_v not_o free_v we_o from_o our_o corruption_n of_o nature_n wherein_o we_o be_v conceive_v bear_v and_o breed_v and_o therefore_o though_o we_o see_v the_o truth_n yea_o know_v and_o acknowledge_v it_o to_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n which_o shall_v one_o day_n either_o justify_v or_o condemn_v we_o yet_o if_o the_o lord_n do_v not_o join_v with_o this_o knowledge_n the_o inward_a operation_n of_o his_o spirit_n make_v it_o effecttuall_a for_o our_o sanctification_n and_o for_o the_o purge_n of_o we_o from_o our_o corruption_n we_o be_v as_o ready_a to_o fall_v into_o all_o sin_n be_v entice_v and_o carry_v away_o with_o the_o riches_n honour_n and_o pleasure_n of_o the_o world_n as_o if_o we_o be_v still_o most_o sottish_o ignorant_a a_o notable_a example_n hereof_o we_o have_v in_o solomon_n who_o though_o he_o have_v receive_v such_o a_o measure_n of_o wisdom_n and_o divine_a knowledge_n incredulity_n that_o neglect_n of_o duty_n do_v not_o always_o argue_v incredulity_n as_o never_o mere_a man_n attain_v unto_o the_o like_a yea_o though_o he_o be_v a_o penman_n of_o a_o excellent_a portion_n of_o holy_a scripture_n yet_o the_o lord_n leave_v he_o to_o the_o corruption_n of_o his_o own_o heart_n he_o fall_v most_o grievous_o into_o all_o abominable_a wickedness_n and_o yet_o who_o will_v dare_v to_o say_v that_o solomon_n do_v not_o write_v as_o he_o think_v and_o not_o rather_o that_o he_o be_v carry_v away_o through_o the_o violence_n of_o his_o corruption_n to_o commit_v that_o sin_n which_o his_o conscience_n condemn_v and_o to_o neglect_v obedience_n to_o god_n undoubted_a truth_n so_o david_n who_o be_v endue_v with_o notable_a knowledge_n and_o no_o less_o grace_n fall_v notwithstanding_o most_o fearful_o into_o adultery_n and_o murder_n but_o shall_v we_o therefore_o think_v that_o he_o be_v not_o persuade_v that_o these_o be_v horrible_a sin_n or_o that_o when_o he_o commend_v mercy_n innocence_n and_o chastity_n he_o speak_v not_o as_o he_o think_v and_o peter_n likewise_o deny_v and_o forswear_v his_o master_n who_o before_o he_o have_v acknowledge_v to_o be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n but_o shall_v we_o hence_o conclude_v that_o peter_n dissemble_v when_o he_o make_v that_o notable_a confession_n because_o when_o he_o come_v to_o the_o trial_n he_o utter_o disclaim_v it_o nay_o rather_o we_o may_v certain_o be_v persuade_v that_o david_n be_v carry_v away_o with_o his_o lust_n and_o concupiscence_n and_o peter_n overcome_v with_o fear_n and_o frailty_n and_o both_o draw_v through_o their_o corruption_n to_o commit_v those_o sin_n which_o their_o conscience_n condemen_v but_o leave_v such_o far_o fetch_v instance_n let_v every_o man_n yea_o even_o he_o who_o have_v attain_v unto_o the_o great_a measure_n of_o faith_n and_o sanctification_n enter_v into_o a_o strict_a and_o due_a consideration_n with_o himself_o and_o examine_v his_o own_o conscience_n before_o god_n tribunal_n seat_n and_o then_o let_v he_o tell_v i_o whether_o he_o perform_v obedience_n to_o all_o that_o truth_n which_o he_o know_v and_o believe_v or_o whether_o he_o may_v not_o just_o complain_v that_o our_o corruption_n take_v occasion_n by_o the_o knowledge_n of_o god_n commandment_n to_o work_v in_o we_o all_o manner_n of_o concupiscence_n that_o he_o do_v those_o thing_n which_o he_o allow_v not_o nay_o which_o he_o hate_v and_o abhor_v that_o though_o he_o do_v not_o only_o know_v the_o law_n of_o god_n but_o also_o be_v delight_v therewith_o in_o the_o inner_a man_n yet_o that_o there_o be_v another_o law_n in_o his_o member_n which_o rebell_v atainst_a the_o law_n of_o his_o mind_n 7.8.15.23_o rom._n 7.8.15.23_o and_o lead_v he_o captive_a unto_o the_o law_n of_o sin_n as_o it_o be_v rom._n 7.8.15.23_o and_o if_o this_o be_v the_o case_n of_o solomon_n david_n peter_n and_o of_o all_o god_n child_n who_o have_v attain_v to_o the_o great_a measure_n of_o knowledge_n and_o sanctification_n let_v not_o satan_n persuade_v we_o that_o we_o may_v safe_o neglect_v the_o ministry_n of_o the_o word_n because_o the_o minister_n thereof_o seem_v not_o persuade_v that_o the_o doctrine_n which_o they_o deliver_v be_v true_a in_o that_o they_o do_v not_o practice_v it_o in_o their_o own_o life_n for_o many_o know_v and_o believe_v that_o truth_n which_o they_o deliver_v be_v notwithstanding_o destitute_a of_o the_o sanctify_a grace_n of_o god_n spirit_n and_o therefore_o whole_o carry_v away_o into_o all_o licentious_a wickedness_n and_o many_o also_o who_o be_v sanctify_v be_v not_o whole_o purge_v from_o their_o natural_a corruption_n be_v ready_a to_o show_v their_o frailty_n and_o infirmty_n to_o all_o the_o world_n though_o they_o know_v acknowledge_v believe_v and_o from_o their_o heart_n embrace_v that_o truth_n which_o they_o teach_v and_o profess_v but_o if_o satan_n can_v thus_o prevail_v nor_o cause_v we_o to_o doubt_v of_o god_n truth_n answer_v §._o sect._n 4._o the_o second_o temptation_n take_v from_o the_o evil_a life_n of_o minister_n answer_v because_o the_o minister_n live_v not_o according_a to_o that_o doctrine_n which_o they_o teach_v then_o he_o will_v persuade_v they_o at_o least_o to_o refuse_v to_o hear_v such_o who_o life_n be_v scandalous_a as_o be_v unworthy_a to_o take_v the_o word_n into_o their_o mouth_n and_o unable_a to_o convert_v or_o amend_v other_o see_v the_o word_n be_v not_o powerful_a which_o they_o deliver_v for_o the_o convert_n and_o refourm_v of_o their_o own_o life_n which_o temptation_n of_o sathan_n be_v most_o dangerous_a and_o pernicious_a unto_o many_o for_o what_o great_a discouragement_n can_v there_o be_v to_o a_o sick_a patient_n than_o to_o take_v physic_n of_o such_o a_o physician_n who_o can_v not_o cure_v himself_o of_o the_o same_o disease_n or_o who_o will_v willing_o eat_v of_o that_o food_n which_o he_o who_o give_v it_o unto_o he_o so_o loathe_v and_o abhor_v that_o he_o will_v not_o so_o much_o as_o taste_v of_o it_o or_o who_o take_v delight_n in_o hear_v he_o discourse_n of_o mercy_n chastity_n and_o liberality_n who_o he_o know_v whole_o possess_v of_o cruelty_n lust_n and_o covetousness_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v to_o be_v wish_v that_o god_n minister_n shall_v be_v physician_n to_o themselves_o before_o they_o take_v upon_o they_o the_o cure_n of_o other_o that_o they_o shall_v not_o stand_v like_o image_n by_o the_o high_a way_n side_n direct_v other_o in_o their_o journey_n themselves_o never_o move_v foot_n but_o that_o they_o shall_v like_v guide_n go_v before_o they_o and_o instruct_v they_o not_o only_o by_o their_o word_n but_o also_o move_v they_o to_o receive_v their_o instruction_n by_o their_o example_n but_o yet_o let_v we_o take_v heed_n that_o satan_n do_v not_o take_v occasion_n upon_o the_o neglect_n of_o their_o duty_n to_o make_v we_o neglect_v we_o &_o that_o he_o do_v not_o rob_v we_o of_o the_o inestimable_a treasure_n of_o god_n word_n and_o deprive_v we_o of_o this_o heavenly_a manna_n and_o food_n of_o our_o soul_n whereby_o all_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n spirit_n be_v beget_v hear_v that_o the_o minister_n wickedness_n or_o unworthiness_n shall_v not_o make_v we_o neglect_v hear_v nourish_v and_o increase_v in_o we_o because_o the_o minister_n who_o offer_v it_o unto_o we_o do_v not_o feed_v upon_o it_o himself_o and_o to_o this_o end_n we_o be_v to_o know_v that_o the_o ministry_n of_o the_o word_n be_v god_n ordinance_n which_o depend_v not_o upon_o the_o worthiness_n of_o he_o who_o deliver_v it_o neither_o be_v it_o make_v void_a and_o uneffectual_a by_o his_o unworthiness_n but_o it_o have_v it_o virtue_n force_n and_o power_n from_o the_o blessing_n of_o god_n and_o from_o the_o inward_a operation_n of_o his_o spirit_n who_o apply_v it_o to_o the_o heart_n and_o conscience_n of_o man_n and_o thereby_o illuminate_v their_o understanding_n beget_v faith_n in_o they_o
conversion_n in_o singular_a fruit_n thereof_o for_o he_o make_v a_o notable_a confession_n of_o his_o saviour_n and_o redeemer_n even_o when_o all_o his_o disciple_n for_o fear_n forsake_v he_o he_o justifi_v christ_n when_o all_o man_n condemn_v he_o and_o even_o his_o apostle_n doubt_v of_o he_o he_o pray_v fervent_o unto_o he_o when_o the_o multitude_n mock_v and_o revile_v he_o he_o humble_o confess_v his_o own_o sin_n and_o love_o admonish_v his_o fellow_n of_o his_o wickedness_n desire_v earnest_o that_o as_o they_o have_v be_v fellow_n and_o copartner_n in_o sin_n so_o they_o may_v be_v partaker_n in_o pardon_n and_o in_o the_o benefitte_n of_o redemption_n wrought_v by_o christ_n whereas_o most_o common_o their_o repentance_n be_v force_v and_o dissemble_v for_o fear_n of_o punishment_n rather_o than_o for_o hatred_n of_o sin_n or_o love_n of_o god_n as_o they_o usual_o make_v it_o manifest_a if_o they_o recover_v of_o their_o sickness_n and_o therefore_o see_v there_o be_v such_o great_a dissimilitude_n and_o difference_n in_o their_o purpose_n life_n and_o course_n it_o be_v not_o probable_a that_o they_o will_v ever_o be_v like_a in_o their_o conversion_n death_n and_o salvation_n chap._n xxxi_o satan_n tentation_n move_v man_n to_o rest_n in_o a_o counterfeit_a repentance_n answer_v §_o sect._n 1_o and_o somuch_o for_o the_o answer_n of_o those_o tentation_n whereby_o satan_n labour_v to_o make_v we_o delay_v and_o defer_v our_o repentance_n from_o day_n to_o day_n repentserious_o that_o the_o promise_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v make_v only_o to_o those_o who_o repentserious_o with_o which_o if_o he_o can_v prevail_v both_o because_o we_o see_v the_o necessity_n of_o repentance_n unto_o salvation_n and_o also_o plain_o perceive_v by_o the_o former_a reason_n that_o delay_n be_v most_o dangerous_a than_o he_o will_v labour_n in_o the_o next_o place_n to_o persuade_v we_o to_o content_v ourselves_o with_o a_o small_a measure_n of_o repentance_n or_o rather_o in_o truth_n with_o a_o counterfeit_a worke-repentance_n which_o be_v only_o in_o outward_a show_n and_o never_o pierce_v the_o heart_n make_v we_o believe_v that_o if_o when_o we_o see_v our_o sin_n have_v our_o conscience_n convince_v out_o of_o god_n word_n we_o do_v in_o some_o general_a term_n confess_v that_o we_o be_v all_o sinner_n and_o desire_v god_n after_o a_o formal_a manner_n to_o have_v mercy_n upon_o we_o if_o we_o can_v sometime_o strain_v from_o we_o a_o break_a sigh_n and_o be_v content_a to_o leave_v some_o of_o our_o least_o please_a sin_n our_o repentance_n will_v be_v very_o acceptable_a to_o god_n and_o sufficient_a for_o our_o salvation_n and_o with_o this_o tentation_n satan_n delude_v and_o destroy_v innumerable_a man_n in_o these_o our_o day_n and_o therefore_o it_o behoove_v every_o man_n to_o prepare_v himself_o for_o this_o encounter_n and_o to_o this_o end_n we_o be_v to_o know_v that_o the_o mercy_n of_o god_n and_o merit_n of_o christ_n dotâ—_n not_o belong_v unto_o those_o who_o thus_o slubber_v over_o their_o repentance_n neither_o do_v christ_n jesus_n call_v unto_o he_o such_o as_o slight_o sorrow_n for_o their_o sin_n and_o think_v the_o burden_n of_o they_o light_n and_o easy_a to_o be_v bear_v but_o such_o as_o labour_v and_o be_v heavy_a load_v as_o appear_v matth._n 11.28_o come_v unto_o i_o all_o you_o who_o be_v weary_a and_o heavy_a load_v and_o i_o will_v ease_v you_o in_o which_o word_n our_o saviour_n christ_n plain_o show_v who_o he_o call_v to_o the_o participation_n of_o the_o work_n of_o redemption_n wrought_v by_o he_o and_o what_o measure_n of_o repentance_n he_o require_v of_o they_o for_o the_o first_o word_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d signify_v such_o as_o labour_v until_o they_o be_v weary_a and_o the_o other_o word_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d signify_v such_o as_o be_v heavy_a lade_v with_o a_o burden_n unsupportable_a and_o therefore_o be_v grievous_o press_v therewith_o they_o desire_v nothing_o more_o then_o to_o be_v case_n of_o it_o for_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d from_o which_o this_o word_n be_v derive_v proper_o signify_v the_o burden_n of_o a_o ship_n and_o be_v take_v metaphorical_o for_o any_o thing_n which_o be_v very_o troublesome_a and_o grievous_a so_o that_o by_o join_v these_o two_o together_o our_o saviour_n evident_o declare_v who_o he_o call_v and_o invit_v unto_o he_o namely_o those_o only_o who_o know_v acknowledge_v and_o feel_v that_o their_o sin_n be_v a_o intolerable_a heavy_a burden_n and_o be_v exceed_o vex_v with_o they_o most_o earnest_o desire_v to_o be_v ease_v and_o release_v of_o they_o and_o to_o this_o purpose_n flee_v unto_o christ_n by_o a_o true_a and_o lively_a faith_n find_v themselves_o destitute_a of_o all_o mean_n whereby_o they_o may_v otherwise_o be_v ease_v and_o relieve_v §_o sect._n 2_o if_o than_o we_o can_v have_v any_o assurance_n that_o we_o be_v in_o the_o number_n of_o those_o who_o christ_n call_v and_o invit_v unto_o he_o we_o must_v have_v first_o a_o sight_n and_o sense_n of_o our_o sin_n repent_v what_o thing_n be_v require_v in_o those_o who_o true_o repent_v and_o a_o true_a and_o feel_a knowledge_n of_o our_o miserable_a and_o wretched_a estate_n in_o which_o we_o be_v by_o reason_n of_o they_o and_o the_o punishment_n due_a unto_o they_o second_o we_o must_v be_v weary_a in_o bear_v this_o heavy_a burden_n as_o be_v most_o irksome_a and_o grievous_a unto_o we_o three_o we_o must_v have_v a_o earnest_a desire_n to_o be_v ease_v and_o free_v from_o it_o last_o we_o must_v come_v unto_o christ_n by_o a_o true_a and_o lively_a faith_n to_o the_o end_n that_o he_o may_v ease_v and_o release_v us._n sin_n 1._o knowledge_n and_o sight_n of_o their_o sin_n for_o the_o first_o we_o must_v come_v to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o our_o sin_n before_o we_o can_v true_o repent_v of_o they_o for_o we_o can_v sorrow_n for_o they_o until_o we_o see_v they_o neither_o be_v it_o sufficient_a that_o we_o see_v and_o know_v that_o we_o be_v grievous_a and_o heinous_a sinner_n unless_o we_o also_o feel_v the_o weight_n of_o this_o intolerable_a burden_n press_v we_o down_o and_o vex_v and_o grieve_v we_o even_o to_o the_o very_a heart_n for_o wicked_a and_o profane_a man_n may_v see_v their_o sin_n for_o what_o can_v hide_v they_o from_o their_o eye_n be_v so_o innumerable_a in_o multitude_n and_o so_o grievous_a and_o heinous_a in_o respect_n of_o their_o quantity_n and_o quality_n but_o yet_o they_o feel_v not_o their_o weight_n neither_o be_v trouble_v with_o they_o nay_o it_o be_v a_o pastime_n to_o a_o fool_n to_o do_v wicked_o as_o it_o be_v prou._n 10.23_o and_o the_o abominable_a filthy_a sinner_n drink_v iniquity_n like_o water_n as_o it_o be_v job._n 15.16_o and_o there_o be_v some_o so_o delight_v with_o ungodliness_n and_o all_o lewd_a prophanesse_n that_o they_o even_o draw_v unto_o they_o iniquity_n with_o the_o cord_n of_o vanity_n and_o sin_n as_o with_o cart-rope_n as_o the_o prophet_n speak_v esa_n 5.18_o and_o though_o they_o be_v lade_v with_o their_o sin_n as_o it_o be_v with_o a_o intolerable_a burden_n yet_o they_o feel_v they_o not_o neither_o be_v they_o any_o thing_n vex_v with_o their_o weight_n and_o though_o the_o iniquity_n of_o sinner_n be_v so_o heavy_a that_o the_o earth_n can_v bear_v it_o but_o reel_v too_o and_o fro_o like_o a_o drunken_a man_n and_o be_v remoove_v like_o a_o tent_n as_o it_o be_v esay_n 24.20_o though_o it_o make_v all_o the_o creature_n groan_v and_o travail_v in_o pain_n together_o as_o the_o apostle_n show_v rom._n 8.22_o yea_o though_o it_o even_o weari_v god_n himself_o in_o suffer_v and_o bear_v with_o it_o as_o it_o be_v esa_n 43.24_o yet_o do_v they_o walk_v bolt_n upright_o and_o with_o stretch_a out_o neck_n never_o so_o much_o as_o stoop_v under_o this_o unsupportable_a burden_n till_o at_o last_o it_o grow_v so_o heavy_a that_o it_o overwhelm_v they_o and_o press_v they_o down_o to_o the_o bottom_n of_o hell_n the_o reason_n here_o of_o be_v because_o they_o be_v whole_o plunge_v yea_o drown_a and_o dead_a in_o their_o sin_n and_o therefore_o as_o those_o who_o be_v dive_v to_o the_o bottom_n of_o some_o deep_a water_n do_v not_o feel_v the_o weight_n of_o that_o which_o be_v above_o they_o whereas_o if_o they_o be_v pull_v out_o of_o the_o water_n they_o will_v be_v overwhelm_v with_o the_o burden_n of_o one_o ton_n so_o those_o who_o be_v deep_o plunge_v into_o the_o gulf_n of_o sin_n and_o wickedness_n do_v not_o feel_v the_o weight_n of_o this_o intolerable_a burden_n but_o if_o once_o they_o come_v out_o of_o their_o sin_n by_o unfeigned_a repentance_n the_o weight_n of_o some_o few_o of_o they_o will_v press_v they_o down_o unto_o the_o gate_n of_o hell_n
that_o it_o be_v only_o the_o blood_n of_o christ_n apply_v unto_o we_o by_o a_o lively_a faith_n that_o purge_v we_o from_o all_o our_o sin_n and_o make_v full_a satisfaction_n unto_o god_n justice_n and_o therefore_o though_o our_o repentance_n be_v but_o in_o small_a measure_n yet_o so_o it_o be_v true_a and_o unfeigned_a it_o be_v a_o certain_a fruit_n of_o a_o lively_a faith_n we_o that_o we_o be_v not_o to_o be_v discourage_v in_o that_o some_o reprobate_n have_v show_v more_o outward_a sign_n of_o sorrow_n than_o we_o and_o he_o that_o believe_v be_v make_v partaker_n of_o christ_n and_o all_o his_o benefit_n §_o sect._n 7_o last_o satan_n will_v object_v that_o many_o who_o have_v more_o bitter_o sorrow_v than_o we_o &_o have_v show_v more_o notable_a sign_n of_o exceed_a repentance_n have_v notwithstanding_o be_v reject_v and_o condemn_v to_o which_o we_o be_v to_o answer_v that_o though_o such_o have_v show_v more_o sorrow_n yet_o they_o have_v have_v no_o true_a repentance_n in_o that_o their_o sorrow_n have_v be_v destitute_a of_o faith_n and_o not_o so_o much_o for_o any_o hatred_n of_o sin_n or_o love_n of_o god_n or_o unwillingness_n to_o displease_v he_o as_o for_o horror_n of_o conscience_n and_o desperate_a fear_n of_o eternal_a condemnation_n and_o therefore_o though_o notwithstanding_o such_o sorrow_n they_o have_v be_v condemn_v yet_o we_o may_v be_v assure_v that_o upon_o our_o true_a repentance_n whereby_o on_o the_o one_o side_n we_o look_v upon_o our_o sin_n and_o be_v grieve_v for_o they_o and_o on_o the_o other_o side_n behold_v god_n merciful_a and_o gracious_a countenance_n in_o jesus_n christ_n by_o a_o lively_a faith_n we_o shall_v have_v the_o pardon_n of_o our_o sin_n and_o be_v make_v partaker_n of_o eternal_a salvation_n for_o the_o promise_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v not_o make_v to_o those_o who_o afflict_v themselves_o with_o a_o desperate_a sorrow_n without_o any_o hope_n or_o desire_v of_o god_n mercy_n in_o christ_n jesus_n but_o unto_o those_o who_o turn_v unto_o he_o by_o unfeigned_a repentance_n which_o be_v join_v with_o a_o true_a faith_n and_o assurance_n of_o the_o remission_n of_o our_o sin_n and_o everlasting_a life_n chap._n xlii_o how_o we_o may_v prove_v against_o satan_n tentation_n that_o we_o have_v true_a faith_n §_o sect._n 1_o and_o so_o much_o for_o answer_v those_o tentation_n of_o satan_n faith_n how_o satan_n tempt_v the_o weak_a christian_a to_o believe_v that_o he_o have_v no_o true_a faith_n whereby_o he_o labour_v to_o prove_v that_o we_o have_v no_o repentance_n or_o at_o least_o a_o false_a and_o insufficient_a repentance_n and_o consequent_o that_o the_o sweet_a and_o gracious_a promise_n of_o the_o gospel_n do_v not_o belong_v unto_o we_o now_o we_o be_v to_o produce_v and_o answer_v such_o tentation_n as_o he_o allege_v and_o sugge_v into_o the_o mind_n of_o those_o who_o be_v effectual_o call_v against_o their_o faith_n and_o these_o be_v of_o two_o sort_n the_o first_o whereby_o he_o labour_v to_o persuade_v they_o that_o they_o have_v no_o faith_n the_o second_o that_o their_o faith_n if_o they_o have_v any_o be_v so_o weak_a so_o imperfect_a and_o so_o mix_v with_o doubt_v that_o it_o be_v altogether_o insufficient_a for_o their_o salvation_n for_o the_o first_o he_o will_v thus_o frame_v his_o tentation_n though_o thou_o boast_v much_o of_o thy_o faith_n and_o thereby_o presume_v that_o thou_o shall_v attain_v unto_o salvation_n herein_o thou_o may_v much_o deceive_v thyself_o &_o altogether_o fail_v of_o thy_o purpose_n for_o there_o may_v be_v in_o many_o show_v and_o shadow_n of_o faith_n and_o yet_o nothing_o in_o they_o but_o infidelity_n there_o be_v also_o many_o kind_n of_o faith_n and_o yet_o but_o one_o justify_v and_o save_v faith_n there_o be_v a_o general_a or_o historical_a faith_n there_o be_v a_o faith_n of_o work_a miracle_n which_o judas_n have_v as_o well_o as_o peter_n there_o be_v a_o temporaric_a or_o hypocritical_a faith_n there_o be_v a_o dead_a faith_n there_o be_v also_o carnal_a presumption_n wherewith_o many_o who_o have_v make_v goodly_a show_n have_v be_v bewitch_v and_o deceive_v to_o their_o perdition_n see_v then_o there_o be_v many_o false_a faith_n for_o one_o true_a faith_n it_o be_v likely_a that_o thou_o be_v one_o of_o the_o great_a number_n and_o consequent_o no_o true_a faith_n and_o therefore_o do_v not_o flatter_v and_o deceive_v thyself_o in_o thy_o fond_a presumption_n by_o apply_v unto_o thyself_o the_o sweet_a promise_n and_o gracious_a consolation_n of_o the_o gospel_n for_o they_o appertain_v only_o unto_o those_o who_o be_v endue_v with_o a_o true_a lively_a and_o justify_v faith_n of_o which_o thou_o be_v altogether_o destitute_a §_o sect._n 2_o and_o thus_o satan_n indeavore_v to_o persuade_v the_o christian_a exercise_v in_o the_o combat_n of_o tentation_n that_o he_o have_v no_o faith_n to_o the_o end_n that_o he_o may_v destroy_v it_o 8.44_o satan_n testimony_n no_o good_a reason_n to_o prove_v that_o we_o have_v no_o faith_n joh._n 8.44_o and_o if_o it_o be_v possible_a bring_v it_o indeed_o to_o nothing_o to_o which_o tentation_n we_o may_v first_o answer_v thus_o general_o that_o satan_n testimony_n be_v no_o sound_a argument_n to_o prove_v that_o we_o have_v no_o faith_n nor_o to_o be_v believe_v of_o we_o see_v he_o be_v not_o only_o a_o malicious_a murderer_n who_o continual_o seek_v our_o destruction_n but_o also_o a_o false_a liar_n from_o the_o beginning_n who_o have_v not_o fear_v to_o be_v lie_v man_n only_o but_o even_o god_n himself_o accuse_v he_o of_o untruth_n envy_n and_o want_v of_o power_n in_o that_o tentation_n wherewith_o he_o assail_v and_o overcome_v our_o first_o parent_n and_o therefore_o if_o he_o be_v so_o audatious_o impudent_a as_o that_o he_o dare_v be_v lie_n god_n himself_o we_o may_v assure_v ourselves_o he_o will_v make_v no_o scruple_n of_o be_v lie_v us._n see_v then_o satan_n be_v a_o malicious_a liar_n who_o desire_v nothing_o more_o than_o our_o destruction_n let_v we_o not_o doubt_v of_o our_o faith_n because_o of_o his_o testimony_n nay_o rather_o because_o he_o say_v we_o want_v faith_n we_o may_v assure_v ourselves_o that_o we_o be_v endue_v therewith_o for_o that_o he_o may_v work_v our_o final_a overthrow_n it_o be_v his_o usual_a custom_n to_o tell_v the_o true_a believe_a christian_n that_o he_o be_v destitute_a of_o faith_n and_o contrariwise_o the_o unbelieve_a worldling_n that_o he_o have_v a_o strong_a faith_n whereas_o in_o truth_n there_o be_v nothing_o in_o he_o but_o secure_a presumption_n and_o therefore_o let_v it_o suffice_v we_o that_o we_o know_v we_o have_v a_o lively_a faith_n by_o the_o testimony_n of_o god_n spirit_n and_o by_o try_v and_o examine_v our_o faith_n by_o the_o touchstone_n of_o god_n word_n for_o on_o these_o our_o faith_n depend_v and_o not_o on_o satan_n testimony_n §_o sect._n 3_o but_o let_v we_o after_o a_o more_o especial_a manner_n arm_v ourselves_o against_o this_o tentation_n thereof_o how_o we_o may_v be_v assure_v that_o we_o have_v faith_n by_o find_v in_o ourselves_o the_o degree_n thereof_o and_o to_o this_o purpose_n it_o behoove_v we_o first_o that_o we_o prove_v against_o satan_n false_a suggestion_n that_o we_o have_v faith_n and_o second_o that_o we_o arm_v ourselves_o by_o all_o good_a mean_n with_o the_o shield_n of_o faith_n seek_v daily_o more_o strength_n and_o increase_n thereof_o until_o at_o last_o we_o attain_v unto_o that_o fullness_n of_o faith_n which_o will_v fill_v our_o soul_n with_o true_a peace_n and_o comfort_n and_o also_o beat_v back_o all_o the_o violence_n of_o satan_n subtle_a and_o fierce_a tentation_n for_o the_o first_o we_o may_v prove_v that_o we_o have_v a_o true_a justify_n faith_n by_o diverse_a argument_n as_o first_o by_o the_o degree_n thereof_o from_o which_o we_o may_v thus_o reason_n whosoever_o can_v true_o find_v in_o himself_o the_o several_a degree_n of_o a_o lively_a faith_n he_o may_v certain_o be_v assure_v that_o he_o be_v endue_v therewith_o but_o i_o may_n every_o christian_n man_n say_v do_v true_o howsoever_o in_o weak_a measure_n find_v these_o degree_n of_o a_o lively_a faith_n in_o i_o and_o therefore_o i_o be_o assure_v that_o i_o be_o endue_v therewith_o mind_n the_o 1._o degree_n of_o true_a faith_n the_o illumination_n of_o the_o mind_n the_o first_o degree_n unto_o true_a faith_n be_v the_o illumination_n of_o our_o dark_a and_o ignorant_a mind_n with_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o gospel_n or_o with_o the_o main_a principle_n thereof_o wrought_v in_o our_o mind_n by_o the_o outward_a mean_n ordain_v of_o god_n and_o the_o inward_a operation_n of_o his_o holy_a spirit_n whereby_o we_o give_v our_o assent_n to_o that_o truth_n of_o god_n in_o which_o the_o understanding_n be_v infourm_v and_o of_o this_o the_o
not_o be_v effectual_a and_o sufficient_a for_o their_o salvation_n which_o tentation_n if_o we_o will_v withstand_v we_o must_v not_o dream_v or_o imagine_v that_o to_o have_v a_o true_a faith_n be_v to_o have_v a_o perfect_a faith_n which_o be_v never_o assault_v with_o doubt_v nor_o shake_v with_o any_o tentation_n for_o there_o be_v no_o such_o faith_n to_o be_v find_v in_o any_o of_o god_n child_n see_v the_o most_o perfect_a be_v partly_o flesh_n and_o partly_o spirit_n and_o as_o the_o fruit_n of_o the_o spirit_n be_v faith_n and_o affiance_n in_o god_n so_o the_o fruit_n of_o the_o flesh_n be_v doubt_v and_o infidelity_n &_o these_o continual_o assault_n &_o fight_v one_o against_o another_o child_n that_o there_o be_v diverse_a degree_n of_o faith_n in_o god_n child_n again_o we_o be_v to_o know_v that_o there_o be_v diverse_a degree_n of_o true_a faith_n and_o that_o all_o the_o child_n of_o god_n have_v it_o not_o in_o the_o like_a measure_n for_o some_o have_v attain_v to_o a_o strong_a and_o great_a measure_n of_o faith_n as_o those_o who_o be_v endue_v with_o much_o knowledge_n and_o firm_o assent_v unto_o that_o which_o they_o know_v and_o be_v most_o certain_o persuade_v of_o their_o salvation_n in_o christ_n and_o that_o all_o the_o gracious_a promise_n of_o the_o gospel_n do_v belong_v unto_o they_o so_o as_o nothing_o in_o the_o world_n shall_v be_v able_a to_o separate_v they_o from_o the_o love_n of_o god_n which_o be_v in_o christ_n jesus_n our_o lord_n other_o be_v weak_a and_o endue_v with_o a_o small_a measure_n of_o faith_n as_o those_o who_o have_v little_a knowledge_n weak_a assent_n and_o persuasion_n be_v yet_o but_o babe_n in_o christ_n and_o grow_v up_o from_o faith_n to_o faith_n 1.17_o rom._n 1.17_o as_o the_o apostle_n speak_v rom._n 1.17_o till_o at_o length_n they_o attain_v to_o that_o fullness_n of_o persuasion_n of_o which_o mention_n be_v make_v 10.22_o heb._n 10.22_o heb._n 10.22_o now_o we_o be_v to_o hold_v first_o that_o this_o small_a and_o weak_a measure_n of_o faith_n be_v notwithstanding_o a_o true_a faith_n and_o therefore_o sufficient_a for_o the_o salvation_n of_o those_o who_o be_v endue_v therewith_o neither_o be_v the_o promise_n of_o the_o gospel_n make_v to_o those_o only_o who_o have_v a_o strong_a faith_n but_o to_o those_o who_o have_v a_o true_a faith_n joh._n 1.12_o as_o many_o as_o receive_v he_o he_o give_v to_o they_o prerogative_n to_o be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n 1.12_o joh._n 1.12_o even_o to_o they_o that_o believe_v in_o his_o name_n and_o john_n 3.18_o he_o that_o believe_v shall_v be_v save_v 3.18_o joh._n 3.18_o in_o which_o and_z such_o like_a place_n there_o be_v no_o measure_n of_o faith_n propound_v but_o the_o promise_n be_v make_v indefinite_o to_o all_o that_o believe_v how_o small_a and_o weak_a soever_o their_o faith_n be_v in_o respect_n of_o the_o quantity_n and_o apprehension_n so_o that_o in_o regard_n of_o the_o quality_n it_o be_v true_a and_o lively_a §_o sect._n 2_o that_o a_o weak_a and_o small_a measure_n of_o faith_n be_v true_a and_o lively_a faith_n faith_n that_o a_o weak_a &_o small_a faith_n may_v be_v a_o true_a and_o lively_a faith_n it_o be_v manifest_a both_o by_o reason_n and_o also_o plain_a testimony_n of_o the_o scripture_n for_o the_o first_o diversity_n of_o degree_n in_o quantity_n of_o a_o thing_n do_v not_o take_v away_o and_o annihilate_v the_o existence_n &_o true_a be_v thereof_o for_o example_n a_o small_a drop_n of_o water_n be_v as_o well_o and_o true_o water_n as_o the_o whole_a ocean_n a_o little_a spark_n be_v true_a fire_n both_o in_o respect_n of_o substance_n &_o quality_n as_o well_o as_o a_o mighty_a flame_n a_o little_a man_n be_v as_o true_o a_o man_n as_o a_o great_a giant_n and_o so_o a_o little_a faith_n be_v as_o well_o a_o true_a faith_n as_o a_o full_a persuasion_n neither_o do_v the_o small_a quantity_n take_v away_o the_o be_v nature_n and_o truth_n thereof_o second_o this_o also_o manifest_o appear_v by_o the_o scripture_n whereas_o many_o be_v say_v to_o have_v faith_n and_o to_o believe_v who_o hear_v the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n &_o see_v his_o miracle_n believe_v &_o acknowledge_v he_o to_o be_v the_o true_a messiah_n &_o their_o saviour_n though_o at_o the_o same_o time_n they_o have_v attain_v to_o a_o exceed_o small_a measure_n of_o knowledge_n and_o be_v ignorant_a of_o many_o of_o the_o chief_a principle_n of_o christian_a religion_n because_o they_o nourish_v not_o this_o their_o ignorance_n but_o resolve_v to_o use_v all_o those_o good_a mean_n of_o increase_v in_o knowledge_n which_o god_n have_v ordain_v for_o this_o purpose_n and_o thus_o many_o of_o the_o samaritan_n be_v say_v to_o have_v believe_v for_o the_o say_n of_o the_o woman_n and_o because_o of_o his_o own_o word_n joh._n 4.39.41_o thus_o a_o certain_a ruler_n and_o all_o his_o household_n be_v say_v to_o have_v believe_v 52._o joh._n 4.39.41_o ver_fw-la 52._o when_o they_o see_v the_o miracle_n which_o our_o saviour_n wrought_v in_o cure_v the_o ruler_n son_n of_o his_o fever_n only_o with_o his_o word_n ver_fw-la 52._o yea_o the_o apostle_n themselves_o who_o faith_n our_o saviour_n christ_n compare_v to_o a_o firm_a rock_n against_o which_o the_o gate_n of_o hell_n shall_v never_o prevail_v be_v notwithstanding_o endue_v with_o weak_a and_o small_a measure_n of_o faith_n before_o the_o ascension_n of_o our_o saviour_n and_o send_v of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n for_o they_o be_v ignorant_a even_o of_o the_o main_a principle_n of_o christian_n religion_n and_o of_o diverse_a article_n of_o faith_n and_o consequent_o can_v not_o believe_v assent_n or_o be_v persuade_v of_o those_o thing_n which_o they_o do_v not_o understand_v for_o example_n howsoever_o they_o know_v and_o acknowledge_v that_o our_o saviour_n christ_n be_v the_o promise_a messiah_n 16.18_o mat._n 16.18_o yet_o they_o be_v ignorant_a that_o he_o shall_v redeem_v mankind_n by_o his_o death_n for_o when_o he_o foretell_v that_o he_o shall_v be_v deliver_v into_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o gentile_n to_o be_v crucify_v it_o be_v say_v that_o they_o understand_v none_o of_o those_o thing_n 9.45_o mat._n 20.18_o luk._n 9.45_o mat._n 20.18_o luk._n 9.45_o .._o so_o also_o they_o know_v not_o that_o be_v dead_a he_o shall_v rise_v again_o the_o three_o day_n as_o the_o evangelist_n show_v mar._n 9.32_o 9.32_o mar._n 9.32_o and_o when_o they_o hear_v thereof_o by_o the_o woman_n they_o think_v it_o a_o feign_a thing_n as_o it_o be_v luk._n 24.11_o 10.37_o luk._n 24.11_o joh._n 13.38_o and_o 14.5_o act_n 1.6_o mar._n 10.37_o they_o be_v ignorant_a also_o of_o his_o ascension_n as_o appear_v joh._n 13.36_o and_o 14.5_o and_o of_o his_o kingdom_n for_o they_o dream_v of_o a_o earthly_a kingdom_n and_o of_o worldly_a preferment_n which_o they_o be_v to_o have_v by_o he_o as_o we_o may_v see_v act._n 1.6_o mar._n 10.37_o by_o all_o which_o it_o plain_o appear_v that_o though_o the_o apostle_n be_v endue_v with_o a_o true_a faith_n yet_o their_o faith_n be_v exceed_v weak_a and_o small_a as_o also_o it_o be_v most_o evident_a in_o that_o reprehension_n use_v by_o our_o saviour_n when_o they_o be_v in_o some_o appearance_n of_o danger_n 8.26_o mat._n 8.26_o matth._n 8.26_o wherefore_o be_v you_o fearful_a o_o you_o of_o little_a faith_n §_o sect._n 3_o and_o therefore_o though_o we_o find_v our_o faith_n to_o be_v weak_a and_o small_a yet_o let_v not_o satan_n persuade_v we_o that_o for_o this_o cause_n it_o be_v false_a and_o counterfeit_n 3.12_o that_o all_o power_n of_o hell_n can_v prevail_v against_o the_o small_a measure_n of_o true_a faith_n phil._n 3.12_o or_o that_o we_o shall_v easy_o be_v overcome_v of_o every_o tentation_n and_o never_o persevere_v unto_o the_o end_n that_o we_o may_v be_v save_v see_v a_o weak_a and_o small_a faith_n may_v be_v a_o true_a faith_n against_o which_o how_o weak_a in_o itself_o soever_o it_o be_v yet_o the_o gate_n of_o hell_n shall_v never_o prevail_v against_o it_o for_o the_o weak_a our_o faith_n be_v the_o strong_a shall_v we_o find_v god_n power_n in_o sustain_v and_o preserve_v we_o the_o more_o that_o satan_n labour_v to_o winnow_v we_o in_o the_o sieve_n of_o his_o tentation_n the_o more_o effectual_o will_v our_o saviour_n christ_n make_v intercession_n for_o we_o that_o our_o faith_n fail_v not_o the_o feeble_a our_o faith_n be_v in_o apprehend_v christ_n the_o more_o powerful_a will_v his_o spirit_n be_v in_o apprehend_v we_o and_o in_o join_v we_o inseparable_o in_o a_o holy_a communion_n with_o he_o but_o yet_o we_o must_v not_o content_v ourselves_o with_o a_o small_a and_o weak_a measure_n of_o faith_n but_o earnest_o labour_v after_o more_o perfection_n and_o to_o grow_v from_o faith_n to_o faith_n till_o
yet_o all_o true_a faith_n and_o sufsicient_a for_o salvation_n that_o so_o long_o as_o we_o continue_v in_o this_o life_n our_o knowledge_n be_v but_o imperfect_a and_o veil_a with_o much_o darkness_n and_o ignorance_n for_o we_o know_v but_o in_o part_n as_o even_o the_o apostle_n speak_v in_o his_o own_o person_n 13.12_o 1._o cor._n 13.12_o 1._o cor._n 13.12_o and_o therefore_o our_o assent_n and_o persuasion_n must_v needs_o be_v imperfect_a and_o but_o in_o part_n and_o often_o assault_v with_o much_o doubt_n that_o howsoever_o faith_n and_o doubt_v be_v oppose_v in_o their_o own_o nature_n yet_o notwithstanding_o they_o may_v be_v together_o in_o the_o same_o subject_n in_o respect_n of_o diverse_a part_n for_o we_o be_v partly_o flesh_n and_o partly_o spirit_n and_o these_o two_o with_o their_o several_a fruit_n do_v continual_o fight_v and_o strive_v one_o against_o the_o other_o and_o sometime_o the_o flesh_n sometime_o the_o spirit_n with_o their_o several_a fruit_n get_v the_o upper_a hand_n in_o the_o mean_a time_n both_o retain_v their_o own_o nature_n and_o property_n howsoever_o they_o do_v not_o so_o evident_o appear_v nor_o so_o powerful_o work_v their_o several_a action_n when_o the_o adverse_a part_n prevail_v and_o have_v put_v they_o to_o the_o foil_n for_o example_n faith_n which_o be_v a_o fruit_n of_o the_o spirit_n be_v continual_o assault_v by_o doubt_v which_o be_v a_o fruit_n of_o the_o flesh_n and_o proceed_v from_o the_o root_n of_o infidelity_n and_o sometime_o faith_n prevail_v and_o sometime_o it_o receive_v the_o foil_n but_o yet_o at_o the_o same_o time_n howsoever_o we_o can_v sensible_o discern_v it_o nor_o the_o action_n thereof_o yet_o it_o retain_v it_o own_o nature_n and_o property_n neither_o be_v it_o deprive_v of_o his_o firmness_n constancy_n and_o certainty_n howsoever_o they_o be_v for_o a_o time_n cover_v &_o hide_v out_o of_o our_o sight_n like_o the_o fire_n under_o the_o ash_n or_o the_o sun_n under_o a_o cloud_n as_o before_o i_o have_v say_v though_o therefore_o we_o find_v in_o we_o much_o inconstancy_n and_o doubt_v yet_o let_v not_o satan_n persuade_v we_o that_o these_o be_v of_o the_o nature_n and_o property_n of_o our_o faith_n and_o that_o therefore_o our_o faith_n be_v not_o true_a but_o temporary_a false_a and_o counterfeit_n for_o this_o inconstancy_n and_o doubt_v proceed_v not_o from_o faith_n and_o from_o the_o spiritual_a and_o regenerate_a part_n but_o from_o the_o flesh_n and_o the_o part_n unregenerate_a and_o therefore_o howsoever_o it_o be_v assault_v and_o sometime_o foil_v by_o they_o yet_o in_o it_o own_o nature_n it_o be_v true_a certain_a and_o constant_a §_o sect._n 2_o second_o answer_v satan_n tentation_n ground_v on_o the_o strong_a faith_n of_o some_o of_o god_n child_n answer_v he_o will_v suggest_v that_o the_o saint_n mention_v in_o the_o scripture_n have_v most_o certain_a &_o strong_a faith_n &_o in_o exceed_o great_a measure_n that_o they_o bring_v forth_o continual_o most_o notable_a fruit_n thereof_o &_o be_v not_o subject_a to_o such_o infirmity_n and_o doubt_v as_o we_o feel_v in_o ourselves_o to_o which_o we_o be_v to_o answer_v that_o this_o tentation_n be_v full_a of_o untruth_n and_o have_v no_o sound_a part_n in_o it_o for_o first_o we_o be_v to_o assure_v ourselves_o that_o they_o fall_v into_o manifold_a doubt_n and_o be_v subject_a unto_o innumerable_a infirmity_n and_o corruption_n which_o be_v not_o specify_v in_o the_o book_n of_o god_n neither_o be_v it_o fit_n or_o expedient_a that_o it_o shall_v be_v a_o register_n of_o all_o humane_a infirmity_n and_o of_o their_o manifold_a fall_n but_o only_o that_o some_o shall_v be_v record_v for_o our_o warning_n that_o we_o may_v more_o wary_o watch_v over_o ourselves_o lest_o we_o shall_v fall_v into_o the_o like_a sin_n and_o for_o our_o comfort_n also_o when_o we_o be_v fall_v in_o that_o our_o case_n be_v common_a with_o god_n dear_a child_n in_o which_o respect_n the_o scripture_n be_v not_o want_v look_v upon_o abraham_n the_o father_n of_o the_o faithful_a who_o faith_n be_v so_o strong_a that_o he_o above_o hope_v believe_v under_o hope_n and_o you_o shall_v see_v that_o his_o faith_n notwithstanding_o be_v sometime_o shake_v with_o diffidence_n and_o doubt_v as_o when_o distrust_v god_n gracious_a promise_n make_v unto_o he_o and_o not_o rest_v upon_o his_o almighty_a power_n he_o be_v content_a to_o take_v unto_o he_o hagar_n his_o maid_n and_o commit_v sin_n with_o she_o that_o so_o by_o his_o own_o devise_n he_o may_v make_v good_a god_n promise_v and_o obtain_v the_o bless_a seed_n as_o though_o god_n can_v not_o perform_v that_o which_o he_o have_v speak_v unless_o he_o help_v he_o by_o such_o unlawful_a mean_n so_o where_o be_v the_o strength_n and_o constancy_n of_o moses_n faith_n when_o he_o dishonour_v god_n before_o the_o people_n in_o not_o believe_v his_o word_n &_o by_o show_v his_o impatiency_n numb_a 20.10.11_o where_o be_v the_o strength_n and_o constancy_n of_o david_n faith_n 11._o num_fw-la 20.10_o 11._o when_o he_o complain_v that_o he_o be_v forsake_v that_o god_n have_v fail_v in_o his_o promise_n that_o he_o have_v forget_v to_o be_v merciful_a and_o have_v shut_v up_o his_o tender_a mercy_n in_o displeasure_n psal_n 22.1_o and_o 77.8.9_o or_o of_o job_n faith_n when_o he_o curse_v the_o day_n of_o his_o birth_n and_o account_v god_n his_o enemy_n 77.8.9_o psal_n 22.1_o and_o 77.8.9_o who_o have_v set_v he_o up_o as_o a_o mark_n against_o which_o he_o shoot_v poison_v arrow_n or_o of_o jeremy_n when_o he_o likewise_o wish_v that_o he_o have_v never_o be_v bear_v and_o bewray_v great_a impatiency_n 20._o jere._n 20._o jer._n 20._o or_o of_o jonas_n when_o he_o rebel_v against_o god_n commandment_n and_o flee_v from_o his_o presence_n or_o when_o after_o his_o miraculous_a delivery_n he_o murmur_v and_o utter_v impatient_a speech_n even_o against_o god_n himself_o for_o the_o loss_n of_o a_o poor_a gourd_n which_o keep_v he_o from_o the_o heat_n of_o the_o sun_n and_o when_o the_o lord_n merciful_o and_o mild_o reprove_v he_o say_v do_v thou_o well_o to_o be_v angry_a for_o the_o gourd_n he_o stubborne_o answer_v i_o do_v well_o to_o be_v angry_a unto_o the_o death_n 4.9_o jon._n 4.9_o jon._n 4.9_o or_o of_o the_o apostle_n themselves_o when_o they_o flee_v away_o and_o forsake_v their_o lord_n and_o master_n jesus_n christ_n for_o fear_n of_o worldly_a punishment_n and_o when_o after_o his_o death_n they_o will_v not_o believe_v the_o woman_n report_v that_o he_o be_v rise_v again_o until_o their_o own_o eye_n have_v see_v they_o last_o though_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o diverse_a of_o the_o saint_n mention_v in_o the_o scripture_n have_v a_o far_o great_a measure_n of_o faith_n and_o bring_v forth_o much_o more_o plentiful_a fruit_n than_o we_o can_v discern_v in_o ourselves_o yet_o this_o be_v no_o good_a reason_n to_o prove_v that_o our_o weak_a &_o small_a faith_n be_v no_o faith_n or_o uneffectual_a for_o our_o salvation_n for_o this_o be_v a_o absurd_a consequence_n the_o moon_n give_v much_o less_o light_a than_o the_o sun_n therefore_o it_o give_v no_o light_n at_o all_o one_o hand_n be_v far_o great_a than_o another_o therefore_o the_o lesser_a be_v not_o a_o true_a hand_n this_o man_n excel_v another_o in_o the_o use_n of_o reason_n and_o therefore_o the_o other_o be_v unreasonable_a because_o the_o diverse_a degree_n in_o the_o quantity_n of_o thing_n do_v not_o take_v away_o the_o truth_n of_o their_o be_v and_o existence_n so_o long_o as_o they_o be_v of_o the_o same_o nature_n and_o quality_n beside_o as_o the_o holy_a ghost_n have_v set_v down_o example_n of_o most_o strong_a faith_n in_o some_o of_o god_n servant_n so_o have_v he_o make_v mention_n of_o some_o who_o have_v have_v but_o weak_a and_o little_a faith_n to_o the_o end_n that_o we_o shall_v so_o labour_v to_o attain_v unto_o the_o high_a degree_n as_o that_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n we_o be_v not_o utter_o discourage_v with_o the_o low_a for_o example_n as_o he_o have_v remember_v the_o faith_n of_o abraham_n who_o believe_v above_o hope_n under_o hope_n so_o he_o have_v not_o forget_v his_o weak_a faith_n who_o cry_v i_o believe_v lord_n help_v thou_o my_o unbelief_n as_o he_o have_v mention_v the_o faith_n of_o job_n who_o grow_v to_o this_o resolution_n though_o he_o kill_v i_o yet_o will_v i_o trust_v in_o he_o so_o he_o have_v express_v also_o the_o faith_n of_o nicodemus_n in_o knowledge_n weak_a and_o simple_a and_o in_o practice_n and_o profession_n cowardly_a and_o fearful_a as_o he_o have_v set_v down_o the_o strong_a faith_n of_o paul_n who_o grow_v to_o this_o fullness_n of_o persuasion_n that_o nothing_o shall_v be_v able_a to_o separate_v he_o from_o the_o love_n of_o
1._o cor._n 1.30_o by_o his_o obedience_n many_o be_v make_v righteous_a rom._n 5.19_o and_o that_o which_o be_v impossible_a to_o the_o law_n 5.19_o rom._n 5.19_o in_o as_o much_o as_o it_o be_v weak_a because_o of_o the_o flesh_n god_n send_v his_o son_n in_o the_o similitude_n of_o sinful_a flesh_n 8.3.4_o rom._n 8.3.4_o and_o for_o sin_n condemn_a sin_n in_o the_o flesh_n that_o the_o righteousness_n of_o the_o law_n may_v be_v fulfil_v in_o we_o as_o it_o be_v rom._n 8.3.4_o in_o a_o word_n in_o he_o alone_o we_o have_v all_o our_o righteousness_n in_o he_o we_o shine_v glorious_o in_o the_o sight_n of_o god_n and_o he_o be_v that_o bright_a shine_a sun_n of_o righteousness_n from_o who_o we_o borrow_v all_o our_o light_n without_o who_o ray_n of_o holiness_n we_o shall_v remain_v in_o the_o darkness_n of_o our_o sin_n and_o corruption_n last_o the_o apostle_n set_v down_o the_o form_n of_o our_o justification_n namely_o the_o imputation_n of_o our_o sin_n unto_o christ_n and_o the_o imputation_n of_o his_o righteousness_n unto_o us._n 2._o cor._n 5.21_o he_o which_o know_v no_o sin_n be_v make_v sin_n for_o we_o 5.21_o 2._o cor._n 5.21_o that_o we_o may_v be_v make_v the_o righteousness_n of_o god_n in_o he_o as_o therefore_o christ_n be_v make_v a_o sinner_n for_o we_o so_o we_o be_v make_v righteous_a before_o god_n in_o he_o but_o christ_n jesus_n be_v not_o make_v a_o sinner_n for_o we_o by_o infusion_n of_o our_o sin_n and_o corruption_n into_o his_o nature_n for_o he_o be_v always_o most_o holy_a pure_a undefiled_a and_o without_o sin_n 2.21_o 1_o pet._n 1.18.19_o and_o 2.21_o as_o the_o apostle_n witness_v of_o he_o but_o by_o imputation_n only_o as_o be_v our_o surety_n who_o have_v take_v upon_o he_o to_o discharge_v all_o our_o debt_n and_o therefore_o in_o like_a manner_n we_o be_v make_v righteous_a not_o by_o infusion_n of_o righteousness_n but_o by_o imputation_n only_o §_o sect._n 3_o now_o whereas_o they_o object_n truth_n that_o justification_n by_o imputation_n be_v not_o imaginary_a but_o real_a and_o in_o truth_n that_o to_o be_v justify_v by_o imputation_n be_v but_o a_o imaginary_a mockery_n as_o if_o a_o poor_a man_n shall_v be_v repute_v rich_a to_o this_o we_o be_v to_o answer_v that_o it_o be_v but_o a_o frivolous_a cavil_n for_o we_o do_v not_o teach_v that_o god_n esteem_v and_o repute_v we_o righteous_a be_v whole_o defile_v with_o sin_n and_o quite_o destitute_a of_o all_o righteousness_n but_o that_o he_o make_v we_o perfect_o righteous_a by_o wash_v away_o our_o sin_n with_o the_o precious_a blood_n of_o christ_n and_o by_o apply_v and_o appropriate_v unto_o we_o his_o perfect_a righteousness_n and_o obedience_n by_o virtue_n of_o his_o spirit_n principal_o &_o a_o lively_a faith_n instrumental_o whereby_o we_o be_v unite_v unto_o christ_n and_o become_v member_n of_o his_o body_n and_o consequent_o have_v right_a and_o full_a interest_n unto_o all_o that_o which_o this_o our_o head_n have_v do_v for_o we_o and_o so_o be_v make_v partaker_n of_o his_o righteousness_n and_o merit_n god_n repute_v we_o as_o we_o be_v in_o truth_n perfect_o just_a and_o righteous_a if_o a_o man_n be_v poor_a and_o far_o in_o debt_n shall_v be_v account_v and_o repute_v exceed_v rich_a and_o nothing_o indebt_v it_o be_v indeed_o but_o a_o mere_a imagination_n but_o if_o another_o of_o great_a sufficiency_n shall_v take_v upon_o he_o to_o be_v his_o surety_n and_o not_o only_o discharge_v all_o his_o debt_n but_o shall_v bestow_v upon_o he_o great_a sum_n of_o money_n and_o much_o treasure_n this_o man_n whatsoever_o he_o be_v before_o time_n in_o himself_o may_v now_o be_v esteem_v rich_a and_o out_o of_o debt_n so_o if_o we_o as_o we_o be_v far_o indebt_v to_o the_o justice_n of_o god_n and_o exceed_o beggarly_a yea_o stark_a naked_a of_o all_o righteousness_n shall_v be_v repute_v as_o we_o be_v thus_o in_o ourselves_o righteous_a and_o nothing_o indebt_v it_o be_v but_o a_o mere_a mockery_n but_o see_v our_o lord_n and_o saviour_n jesus_n christ_n have_v take_v upon_o he_o to_o be_v our_o surety_n who_o be_v himself_o all-sufficient_a and_o see_v he_o have_v perfect_o and_o full_o answer_v all_o our_o debt_n wherein_o we_o be_v engage_v to_o god_n justice_n and_o not_o only_o so_o but_o also_o have_v communicate_v and_o bestow_v upon_o we_o the_o infinite_a rich_a treasure_n of_o his_o righteousness_n and_o obedience_n give_v unto_o we_o full_a interest_n and_o possession_n hereof_o outward_o by_o his_o hand-writing_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o his_o sacrament_n as_o seal_n annex_v thereunto_o and_o inward_o by_o the_o virtue_n and_o cooperation_n of_o of_o his_o spirit_n apply_v they_o unto_o we_o and_o last_o see_v we_o also_o have_v receive_v the_o full_a assurance_n of_o all_o this_o heavenly_a and_o spiritual_a rich_a treasure_n by_o the_o hand_n of_o faith_n we_o be_v in_o truth_n quite_o out_o of_o debt_n and_o exceed_v rich_a with_o his_o righteousness_n which_o be_v now_o become_v we_o and_o therefore_o be_v so_o repute_v and_o esteem_v in_o the_o sight_n of_o god_n chap._n li._n satan_n temptation_n move_v the_o weak_a christian_a to_o doubt_v of_o his_o justification_n answer_v §_o sect._n 1_o and_o so_o much_o for_o answer_v satan_n temptation_n god_n that_o our_o justification_n be_v plain_o reveal_v unto_o we_o in_o the_o word_n of_o god_n whereby_o he_o labour_v to_o persuade_v we_o to_o rest_v upon_o a_o false_a and_o imperfect_a righteousness_n for_o our_o justification_n now_o we_o be_v brief_o to_o speak_v of_o those_o which_o he_o sugge_v into_o the_o mind_n of_o weak_a christian_n to_o the_o end_n that_o he_o may_v make_v they_o doubt_v of_o their_o justification_n that_o so_o he_o may_v if_o it_o be_v possible_a make_v frustrate_v this_o work_n of_o god_n or_o at_o least_o rob_v their_o soul_n of_o all_o comfort_n and_o peace_n of_o conscience_n which_o always_o accompany_v the_o assurance_n of_o our_o justification_n for_o be_v justify_v by_o faith_n we_o have_v peace_n towards_o god_n through_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n 5.1_o rom._n 5.1_o as_o the_o apostle_n speak_v rom._n 5.1_o first_o therefore_o he_o sugge_v that_o our_o justification_n be_v a_o action_n of_o god_n and_o therefore_o unknown_a to_o we_o so_o that_o we_o can_v possible_o attain_v unto_o any_o certain_a knowledge_n that_o we_o be_v justify_v of_o god_n unless_o he_o assure_v we_o hereof_o by_o some_o special_a and_o extraordinary_a revelation_n for_o the_o answer_v whereof_o we_o be_v to_o understand_v that_o this_o act_n of_o god_n in_o justify_v a_o sinner_n be_v as_o clear_o reveal_v ordinary_o in_o the_o scripture_n as_o any_o other_o thing_n concern_v our_o salvation_n and_o that_o every_o true_a believer_n may_v as_o certain_o conclude_v by_o undoubted_a argument_n ground_v on_o god_n infallible_a truth_n that_o he_o be_v justify_v before_o god_n as_o by_o natural_a reason_n he_o can_v prove_v that_o he_o live_v and_o breathe_v for_o first_o our_o effectual_a vocation_n and_o justification_n be_v inseparable_o link_v together_o by_o the_o apostle_n rom._n 8.30_o 8.30_o rom._n 8.30_o so_o that_o whosoever_o can_v prove_v that_o he_o be_v effectual_o call_v he_o may_v also_o most_o certain_o infer_v that_o he_o be_v justify_v but_o every_o true_a believer_n may_v come_v to_o the_o certain_a knowledge_n that_o he_o be_v effectual_o call_v as_o before_o i_o have_v show_v at_o large_a and_o that_o not_o by_o any_o special_a revelation_n but_o by_o the_o will_n of_o god_n reveal_v in_o his_o word_n by_o the_o inward_a testimony_n of_o god_n spirit_n and_o the_o undoubted_a sign_n of_o effectual_a call_n which_o he_o observe_v in_o himself_o and_o therefore_o without_o any_o particular_a revelation_n we_o may_v attain_v unto_o the_o assurance_n also_o that_o we_o be_v justify_v that_o be_v that_o our_o sin_n be_v pardon_v for_o the_o merit_n and_o full_a satisfaction_n of_o jesus_n christ_n and_o we_o clothe_v with_o his_o righteousness_n second_o whosoever_o can_v come_v to_o the_o assurance_n that_o he_o have_v a_o true_a and_o lively_a faith_n he_o may_v also_o be_v assure_v that_o he_o be_v justify_v for_o it_o be_v the_o nature_n and_o a_o inseparable_a property_n of_o true_a faith_n to_o apply_v unto_o the_o believer_n christ_n jesus_n and_o his_o righteousness_n whereby_o he_o be_v justify_v before_o god_n and_o hence_o it_o be_v that_o the_o scripture_n plain_o affirm_v that_o we_o be_v justify_v by_o faith_n and_o not_o by_o any_o thing_n else_o which_o be_v in_o we_o as_o before_o i_o have_v sufficient_o show_v but_o we_o may_v come_v to_o the_o certain_a assurance_n that_o we_o have_v a_o true_a faith_n by_o the_o undoubted_a sign_n and_o inseparable_a fruit_n thereof_o which_o we_o may_v discern_v in_o ourselves_o as_o have_v be_v