yield_v any_o real_a obedience_n unto_o god_n therefore_o this_o threaten_a can_v be_v understand_v of_o the_o certain_a ruin_n of_o all_o that_o have_v harden_v their_o neck_n after_o many_o reproof_n if_o you_o he_o of_o this_o number_n there_o be_v free_a liberty_n and_o good_a encouragement_n for_o you_o to_o come_v to_o christ_n notwithstanding_o objection_n 5._o but_o i_o be_o afraid_a that_o god_n have_v give_v i_o up_o to_o judicial_a hardness_n of_o heart_n that_o he_o have_v take_v his_o spirit_n away_o from_o i_o and_o if_o so_o he_o do_v not_o intend_v i_o in_o the_o call_n of_o the_o gospel_n answer_v 1._o there_o be_v a_o hardness_n of_o heart_n that_o be_v not_o judicial_a indeed_o every_o man_n by_o nature_n be_v under_o the_o power_n of_o a_o hard_a heart_n there_o may_v be_v abundance_n of_o hard_a heartedness_n in_o you_o though_o no_o judicial_a hardness_n there_o may_v be_v some_o legal_a softness_n and_o tenderness_n and_o relent_v where_o there_o be_v judicial_a hardness_n as_o it_o be_v with_o pharaoh_n so_o there_o may_v be_v hardness_n where_o there_o be_v no_o judicial_a hardness_n this_o be_v a_o evidence_n of_o it_o because_o god_n promise_v they_o to_o take_v away_o the_o hardness_n of_o their_o heart_n ezek._n 11.19_o i_o will_v take_v the_o heart_n of_o stone_n out_o of_o your_o flesh_n and_o i_o will_v give_v you_o a_o heart_n of_o flesh_n 2._o many_o other_o have_v fear_v that_o they_o have_v be_v judicial_o harden_v that_o have_v afterward_o be_v convert_v they_o that_o be_v judicial_o harden_v do_v not_o use_v to_o be_v perplex_v with_o this_o fear_n the_o judgement_n itself_o be_v wont_a to_o deliver_v they_o from_o fear_n of_o this_o kind_n but_o it_o be_v a_o frequent_a thing_n for_o soul_n under_o trouble_n to_o be_v afraid_a of_o this_o other_o have_v see_v afterward_o that_o they_o have_v be_v mistake_v and_o so_o may_v you_o 3._o the_o reason_n why_o person_n under_o the_o work_n of_o conversion_n fear_v that_o they_o be_v give_v up_o to_o hardness_n and_o that_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n have_v forsake_v they_o be_v because_o the_o spirit_n do_v after_o a_o while_n change_v its_o way_n of_o work_v when_o the_o spirit_n begin_v to_o work_v upon_o they_o his_o manner_n be_v to_o discover_v their_o danger_n and_o after_o a_o while_n to_o give_v they_o some_o encouragement_n whereby_o they_o come_v to_o have_v strong_a affection_n sorrow_n desire_n delight_n and_o now_o they_o be_v easy_o persuade_v that_o the_o spirit_n be_v at_o work_n with_o they_o and_o doubt_n look_v upon_o themselves_o harden_v but_o after_o a_o while_n when_o these_o affection_n fail_v they_o and_o they_o find_v themselves_o dull_a and_o senseless_a now_o they_o be_v afraid_a that_o the_o spirit_n have_v leave_v they_o whereas_o the_o reason_n be_v the_o spirit_n have_v change_v his_o work_n and_o be_v about_o to_o show_v they_o what_o heart_n they_o have_v in_o order_n to_o the_o work_n of_o humiliation_n if_o man_n can_v maintain_v their_o lively_a affection_n they_o will_v never_o come_v to_o christ_n therefore_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n do_v leave_v they_o unto_o and_o lead_v they_o into_o a_o experimental_a knowledge_n of_o the_o hardness_n of_o their_o heart_n so_o that_o this_o be_v no_o sign_n of_o the_o spirit_n leave_v you_o but_o a_o effect_n of_o the_o presence_n of_o the_o spirit_n his_o manner_n be_v to_o convince_v man_n that_o they_o be_v poor_a and_o wretched_a and_o blind_a and_o miserable_a rev._n 3.17_o 4._o the_o conditional_a offer_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v make_v to_o you_o how_o hard_o soever_o your_o heart_n be_v you_o be_v call_v and_o if_o you_o will_v accept_v you_o shall_v be_v save_v god_n reject_v none_o that_o come_v to_o he_o by_o christ_n do_v you_o accept_v the_o gospel_n and_o god_n will_v never_o object_v your_o hardheartedness_n against_o you_o he_o never_o turn_v any_o away_o because_o their_o heart_n be_v hard_o come_v to_o he_o and_o he_o will_v give_v you_o pardon_v and_o a_o soft_a heart_n too_o objection_n 6._o i_o be_o afraid_a i_o have_v commit_v that_o sin_n for_o which_o there_o be_v no_o sacrifice_n it_o be_v say_v if_o we_o sin_v wilful_o after_o we_o have_v receive_v the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o truth_n there_o remain_v no_o more_o sacrifice_n for_o sin_n heb._n 10.26_o and_o i_o be_o afraid_a it_o be_v so_o with_o i_o for_o i_o have_v have_v great_a enlightning_n and_o since_o i_o have_v be_v enlighten_v i_o have_v be_v guilty_a of_o a_o great_a deal_n of_o rebellion_n against_o god_n and_o have_v feel_v the_o working_n of_o enmity_n to_o god_n in_o my_o heart_n and_o if_o so_o it_o be_v a_o vain_a thing_n for_o i_o to_o come_v to_o christ_n he_o be_v not_o sacrifice_v for_o such_o answer_v for_o the_o answer_n of_o this_o doubt_n i_o shall_v open_v this_o scripture_n to_o you_o and_o show_v you_o what_o be_v mean_v by_o sin_v and_o by_o wilful_a sin_v 1._o by_o sin_v here_o be_v not_o mean_v any_o sort_n of_o sin_n but_o some_o special_a sin_n particular_o the_o sin_n of_o apostasy_n and_o renounce_n of_o the_o gospel_n this_o be_v evident_a because_o this_o sin_n be_v that_o which_o he_o speak_v of_o in_o the_o verse_n immediate_o precede_v there_o he_o speak_v of_o man_n cast_n off_o their_o christian_a society_n and_o therewith_o the_o profession_n of_o the_o truth_n which_o be_v the_o thing_n he_o dissuade_v from_o in_o this_o verse_n and_o he_o evident_o speak_v of_o apostasy_n when_o he_o come_v to_o explain_v his_o meaning_n more_o sully_v ver_fw-la 29._o he_o call_v this_o sin_n a_o tread_v under_o foot_n the_o son_n of_o god_n &c_n &c_n beside_o the_o same_o apostle_n speak_v of_o the_o same_o sin_n heb_fw-mi 6.6_o call_v it_o a_o fall_v a_o way_n 2._o by_o sin_v or_o apostatise_v wilful_o we_o be_v to_o understand_v a_o malicious_a apostasy_n the_o word_n indeed_o do_v signify_v willing_o but_o it_o also_o signify_v spiteful_o or_o malicious_o or_o as_o in_o our_o version_n wilful_o there_o be_v three_o way_n that_o man_n may_v apostatise_v from_o the_o profession_n of_o the_o gospel_n they_o may_v do_v it_o ignorant_o when_o man_n be_v blind_v by_o the_o argument_n of_o heretic_n they_o may_v do_v it_o against_o their_o light_n through_o a_o spirit_n of_o fear_n as_o some_o good_a man_n have_v do_v and_o many_o other_o that_o have_v not_o sin_v unpardonable_o in_o time_n of_o persecution_n many_o have_v through_o weakness_n deny_v the_o gospel_n they_o may_v do_v it_o spiteful_o and_o malicious_o that_o be_v here_o intend_a for_o they_o be_v say_v ver_fw-la 29._o to_o do_v despite_n to_o the_o spirit_n of_o grace_n by_o this_o you_o may_v fee_v that_o though_o there_o have_v be_v many_o backslide_n after_o your_o illumination_n though_o you_o have_v have_v a_o stubborn_a and_o rebellious_a heart_n yet_o you_o may_v be_v free_a from_o the_o sin_n here_o intend_v and_o have_v opportunity_n to_o come_v with_o acceptance_n unto_o christ_n objection_n 7._o i_o have_v not_o the_o qualification_n that_o be_v mention_v sometime_o in_o the_o invitation_n of_o the_o gospel_n as_o isa_n 55.1_o ho_o every_o one_o that_o thirst_v come_v you_o to_o the_o water_n mat._n 11.28_o come_v unto_o i_o all_o you_o that_o labour_n and_o be_v heavy_a lade_v and_o i_o will_v give_v you_o rest_n therefore_o i_o fear_v i_o be_o not_o invite_v answer_v 1._o some_o person_n have_v these_o qualification_n that_o fear_v they_o have_v not_o some_o man_n think_v they_o be_v not_o a_o thirst_n because_o they_o do_v find_v long_v desire_n after_o christ_n their_o heart_n be_v dead_a and_o senseless_a they_o do_v find_v any_o love_n unto_o christ_n but_o soul_n may_v be_v say_v to_o be_v a_o thirst_n when_o they_o be_v in_o want_n of_o refresh_v when_o their_o soul_n be_v parch_v under_o the_o sense_n of_o god_n anger_n their_o heart_n be_v ready_a to_o fail_v for_o want_v of_o comfort_n so_o they_o think_v they_o be_v not_o heavy_a lade_v because_o sin_n be_v not_o such_o a_o burden_n to_o they_o as_o it_o shall_v be_v because_o they_o have_v not_o a_o heart_n to_o mourn_v for_o sin_n but_o there_o be_v no_o man_n can_v mourn_v for_o sin_n aright_o until_o he_o have_v close_v with_o christ_n but_o you_o be_v heavy_a lade_v if_o the_o anger_n of_o god_n and_o your_o danger_n do_v load_v you_o and_o you_o can_v find_v any_o mean_n in_o yourselves_o to_o ease_v you_o of_o your_o burden_n act._n 16.30_o what_o must_v i_o do_v to_o be_v save_o 2._o the_o invitation_n be_v not_o confine_v to_o man_n that_o have_v these_o qualification_n but_o only_o particular_o apply_v unto_o they_o such_o be_v under_o special_a temptation_n and_o have_v special_a need_n of_o support_n it_o be_v one_o thing_n to_o apply_v the_o call_n to_o one_o particular_a
massachusetts_n historical_a society_n from_z the_o bequest_n of_o george_z edward_z ellis_n seven_o precedent_n of_o the_o society_n receive_a september_n 1â—_n 1895._o the_o safety_n of_o appear_v at_o the_o day_n of_o judgement_n in_o the_o righteousness_n of_o christ_n open_v and_o apply_v by_o solomon_n stoddard_n pastor_n to_o the_o church_n of_o north-hampton_n in_o new-england_n phil._n 3.8_o 9_o yea_o doubtless_o and_o i_o do_v count_v all_o thing_n but_o less_o for_o the_o excellency_n of_o the_o knowledge_n of_o christ_n jesus_n my_o lord_n for_o who_o i_o have_v suffer_v the_o loss_n of_o all_o thing_n and_o do_v count_v they_o but_o dung_n that_o i_o may_v win_v christ_n and_o be_v find_v in_o he_o not_o have_v my_o own_o righteousness_n which_o be_v of_o the_o law_n but_o that_o 〈…〉_o to_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n in_o north-hampton_n a_o main_a part_n of_o the_o work_n which_o the_o lord_n jesus_n have_v commit_v to_o i_o at_o present_a be_v to_o be_v do_v service_n to_o your_o soul_n and_o the_o soul_n of_o your_o child_n to_o be_v direct_v quicken_a and_o encourage_v of_o you_o in_o the_o way_n unto_o eternal_a life_n which_o work_n require_v the_o utmost_a care_n and_o diligence_n not_o only_o in_o respect_n of_o the_o necessity_n that_o you_o stand_v in_o of_o that_o blessedness_n which_o be_v the_o design_n and_o tendency_n thereof_o but_o also_o in_o respect_n of_o that_o difficulty_n that_o you_o will_v unavoidable_o meet_v withal_o in_o your_o pursuit_n of_o that_o blessedness_n however_o many_o man_n that_o know_v not_o their_o own_o heart_n and_o be_v utter_o unexperienced_a in_o the_o way_n of_o life_n may_v fancy_v it_o to_o be_v a_o matter_n of_o ease_n to_o go_v to_o heaven_n as_o if_o there_o be_v but_o a_o step_n between_o they_o and_o heaven_n and_o upon_o that_o account_n be_v bold_a to_o cast_v off_o all_o care_n about_o it_o at_o present_a yet_o such_o as_o have_v try_v it_o and_o be_v walk_v in_o that_o way_n can_v upon_o 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to_o bow_v my_o knee_n to_o the_o father_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n and_o bless_v his_o name_n that_o he_o have_v make_v i_o a_o instrument_n of_o bring_v many_o among_o you_o into_o save_a acquaintance_n with_o himself_o and_o i_o count_v it_o worth_a the_o while_n to_o spend_v the_o residue_n of_o my_o day_n in_o promote_a the_o welfare_n of_o your_o soul_n it_o be_v in_o pursuance_n of_o this_o design_n that_o this_o small_a treatise_n be_v publish_v not_o that_o my_o care_n be_v confine_v to_o yourselves_o i_o owe_v a_o regard_n to_o the_o prosperity_n of_o other_o place_n the_o scope_n of_o this_o discourse_n be_v to_o clear_v up_o the_o way_n of_o salvation_n by_o christ_n i_o meddle_v not_o with_o those_o false_a doctrine_n that_o have_v be_v invent_v by_o man_n in_o opposition_n to_o this_o truth_n the_o lord_n have_v be_v please_v to_o keep_v these_o church_n sound_n in_o the_o faith_n and_o do_v not_o yet_o lay_v a_o necessity_n upon_o his_o minister_n here_o to_o 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in_o the_o country_n both_o in_o preach_v and_o write_v to_o be_v a_o mean_n to_o bring_v many_o soul_n to_o a_o hearty_a close_n with_o jesus_n christ_n that_o will_v be_v the_o great_a security_n of_o the_o country_n against_o that_o degeneracy_n that_o be_v begin_v and_o against_o those_o superstitious_a practice_n that_o be_v entertain_v in_o other_o profess_v place_n the_o life_n of_o religion_n take_v beginning_n in_o the_o spiritual_a knowledge_n of_o christ_n and_o be_v maintain_v by_o the_o same_o as_o long_o as_o we_o be_v build_v upon_o this_o rock_n the_o gate_n of_o hell_n will_v not_o prevail_v against_o we_o the_o lord_n who_o have_v watch_v over_o you_o in_o the_o time_n of_o day_n when_o you_o lay_v open_a to_o the_o fury_n of_o the_o heathen_a and_o that_o have_v give_v special_a token_n of_o his_o presence_n with_o you_o in_o his_o ordinance_n both_o in_o the_o day_n of_o your_o former_a pastor_n and_o also_o in_o late_a time_n continue_v to_o own_o and_o bless_v you_o and_o enrich_v you_o with_o all_o the_o grace_n of_o his_o spirit_n and_o give_v you_o faith_n to_o sit_v under_o the_o shadow_n of_o christ_n with_o great_a delight_n which_o be_v the_o prayer_n of_o he_o who_o be_v your_o servant_n for_o jesus_n sake_n solomon_n stoddard_n the_o safety_n of_o appear_v in_o the_o righteousness_n of_o jesus_n christ_n chap._n i._n the_o introduction_n show_v the_o difficulty_n of_o believe_v this_o truth_n there_o be_v such_o light_n remain_v in_o the_o conscience_n of_o fall_a man_n as_o have_v make_v he_o inquisitive_a after_o a_o way_n of_o acceptance_n with_o god_n and_o though_o several_a particular_a person_n do_v not_o ordinary_o concern_v themselves_o about_o it_o yet_o in_o all_o nation_n and_o age_n there_o have_v be_v those_o that_o have_v make_v it_o matter_n of_o solemn_a search_n the_o abundant_a evidence_n that_o man_n have_v of_o the_o be_v purity_n justice_n and_o greatness_n of_o god_n in_o conjunction_n with_o the_o testimony_n of_o their_o own_o heart_n concern_v their_o guilt_n have_v make_v they_o restless_a till_o they_o can_v come_v at_o some_o satisfaction_n in_o this_o point_n man_n have_v be_v studious_a in_o many_o other_o point_n from_o a_o thirst_n after_o knowledge_n and_o to_o gratify_v their_o curiosity_n but_o in_o this_o enquiry_n they_o have_v be_v much_o influence_v by_o the_o cry_n and_o disquietness_n of_o their_o own_o burden_a conscience_n the_o fearful_a apprehension_n of_o god_n anger_n have_v spur_v they_o on_o to_o discover_v a_o way_n of_o reconciliation_n they_o have_v not_o be_v able_a so_o to_o stupefy_v their_o heart_n with_o worldly_a occasion_n and_o carnal_a delight_n as_o to_o let_v fall_v the_o consideration_n of_o this_o but_o have_v be_v compel_v from_o their_o own_o terror_n to_o make_v that_o enquiry_n as_o they_o mich._n 6.6_o 7._o wherewith_o shall_v i_o come_v before_o the_o lord_n etc._n etc._n many_o man_n who_o have_v busy_v themselves_o in_o this_o enquiry_n have_v not_o be_v advantage_v to_o attain_v a_o right_a resolution_n thereof_o the_o heathen_a nation_n have_v lose_v the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o way_n of_o salvation_n something_o in_o religion_n be_v hand_v down_o to_o they_o by_o tradition_n and_o something_o particular_o that_o have_v a_o reference_n unto_o jesus_n christ_n especial_o sacrifice_n but_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o respect_n they_o have_v to_o he_o be_v quite_o wear_v out_o among_o they_o and_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n be_v utter_o deficient_a in_o this_o particular_a that_o light_n be_v sufficient_a to_o discover_v to_o we_o that_o god_n be_v provoke_v with_o we_o that_o knowledge_n flow_v from_o our_o understanding_n of_o the_o nature_n of_o god_n and_o the_o experience_n which_o we_o have_v of_o our_o own_o sinfulness_n but_o the_o way_n of_o reconciliation_n do_v exceed_v the_o
discovery_n of_o reason_n the_o light_n of_o nature_n do_v not_o teach_v we_o that_o there_o be_v any_o way_n of_o reconciliation_n much_o less_o do_v it_o teach_v we_o what_o it_o be_v the_o light_n of_o nature_n may_v discover_v to_o we_o that_o many_o pretend_a way_n of_o acceptance_n be_v delusion_n for_o it_o be_v contrary_a unto_o reason_n to_o imagine_v that_o god_n will_v take_v up_o with_o such_o thing_n but_o to_o determine_v what_o be_v the_o way_n be_v clear_o beyond_o the_o most_o raise_a understanding_n of_o man_n without_o divine_a revelation_n upon_o a_o supposition_n that_o there_o be_v a_o possibility_n of_o any_o other_o way_n of_o acceptance_n for_o sinner_n beside_o this_o by_o jesus_n christ_n and_o i_o know_v no_o ground_n from_o scripture_n to_o say_v that_o god_n be_v confine_v to_o this_o way_n that_o he_o be_v necessitate_v if_o he_o will_v save_v sinful_a man_n to_o take_v this_o course_n in_o order_n to_o his_o salvation_n it_o will_v unavoidable_o follow_v that_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n will_v leave_v man_n short_a of_o this_o knowledge_n how_o can_v the_o light_n of_o nature_n reach_v the_o free_a determination_n of_o the_o will_n of_o god_n but_o beside_o this_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o way_n of_o our_o acceptance_n with_o god_n through_o christ_n do_v necessary_o suppose_v the_o knowledge_n of_o those_o two_o great_a mystery_n that_o of_o the_o holy_a trinity_n and_o that_o of_o the_o incarnation_n of_o the_o son_n god_n which_o do_v utter_o surpass_v all_o the_o dictate_v of_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n flesh_n and_o blood_n reveal_v not_o those_o thing_n but_o the_o father_n that_o be_v in_o heaven_n mat._n 16.17_o hence_o the_o gentile_n be_v utter_o mistake_v as_o to_o this_o way_n of_o reconciliation_n and_o as_o paul_n speak_v become_v vain_a in_o their_o imagination_n but_o beside_o these_o there_o be_v many_o other_o who_o have_v be_v advantage_v with_o the_o light_n of_o the_o gospel_n that_o have_v be_v unsatisfied_a in_o that_o account_n which_o the_o scripture_n have_v give_v concern_v the_o way_n of_o our_o acceptance_n and_o have_v plead_v for_o such_o method_n of_o salvation_n as_o the_o word_n of_o god_n be_v utter_o a_o stranger_n to_o withal_o wrest_v many_o passage_n of_o scripture_n to_o vindicate_v their_o own_o delusion_n thus_o as_o the_o jew_n of_o old_a so_o especial_o the_o papist_n &_o socinian_o now_o go_v about_o to_o establish_v a_o righteousness_n which_o the_o gospel_n do_v not_o acknowledge_v and_o fix_v upon_o a_o way_n of_o acceptance_n with_o god_n that_o have_v no_o better_a foundation_n than_o their_o own_o sophistical_a reason_n this_o be_v not_o to_o be_v attribute_v to_o any_o obscurity_n in_o the_o scripture_n in_o the_o matter_n of_o our_o justification_n but_o great_o to_o the_o pride_n that_o man_n have_v in_o their_o own_o understanding_n carnal_a reason_n suggest_v that_o otherways_o be_v more_o probable_a than_o that_o which_o be_v commend_v to_o we_o by_o god_n carnal_a reason_n be_v full_a of_o objection_n against_o the_o doctrine_n of_o our_o acceptance_n by_o christ_n righteousness_n and_o man_n know_v not_o how_o to_o deny_v their_o own_o reason_n they_o dent_n carry_v a_o sense_n upon_o their_o heart_n of_o the_o imperfection_n and_o deceit_n of_o their_o own_o reason_n they_o know_v not_o what_o dim_v sight_v thing_n they_o be_v carnal_a reason_n be_v a_o thing_n much_o idolise_v many_o man_n have_v not_o learn_v that_o lesson_n to_o be_v satisfy_v in_o the_o testimony_n of_o god_n but_o make_v their_o understanding_n the_o rule_n and_o measure_n of_o principle_n in_o religion_n lay_v so_o much_o weight_n upon_o their_o own_o reason_n that_o they_o judge_v thing_n must_v be_v so_o as_o their_o reason_n represent_v they_o loath_a to_o entertain_v any_o thing_n in_o matter_n of_o faith_n that_o they_o do_v not_o see_v with_o their_o own_o eye_n partly_o to_o the_o enmity_n of_o the_o heart_n of_o man_n unto_o this_o way_n of_o acceptance_n by_o christ_n this_o way_n of_o salvation_n be_v very_o suitable_a to_o our_o necessity_n but_o no_o way_n suitable_a to_o our_o natural_a disposition_n man_n heart_n will_v soon_o fall_v in_o with_o such_o a_o way_n of_o salvation_n wherein_o he_o may_v have_v somewhat_o of_o his_o own_o to_o glory_v in_o this_o way_n tend_v much_o to_o the_o exalt_v of_o god_n and_o abase_v and_o empty_v of_o man_n the_o spirit_n of_o man_n be_v to_o set_v up_o his_o own_o righteousness_n and_o not_o be_v behold_v unto_o the_o righteousness_n of_o another_o which_o make_v man_n unwilling_a to_o believe_v this_o doctrine_n of_o our_o acceptance_n by_o christ_n and_o this_o opposition_n of_o the_o heart_n hereto_o prepare_v man_n to_o receive_v the_o contrary_a doctrine_n argument_n that_o have_v little_a strength_n in_o they_o will_v take_v great_a impression_n upon_o man_n of_o corrupt_a mind_n where_o there_o be_v strength_n of_o affection_n plausible_a pretence_n will_v gain_v consent_n slender_a proof_n will_v serve_v the_o turn_n where_o man_n spirit_n be_v strong_o bias_v but_o it_o be_v well_o if_o none_o else_o do_v reject_v this_o doctrine_n but_o only_o those_o that_o do_v profess_o plead_v against_o it_o there_o be_v multitude_n that_o do_v join_v in_o make_v this_o confession_n that_o be_v far_o from_o entertain_v it_o how_o high_a so_o ever_o man_n profession_n be_v there_o be_v no_o more_o that_o do_v thorough_o believe_v this_o than_o be_v regenerate_v and_o effectual_o call_v there_o be_v a_o kind_n of_o persuasion_n of_o it_o which_o carnal_a man_n may_v have_v which_o persuasion_n the_o scripture_n sometime_o call_v faith_n but_o it_o be_v such_o a_o persuasion_n as_o leaf_n man_n real_o ignorant_a of_o this_o truth_n some_o man_n have_v a_o persuasion_n of_o it_o wrought_v by_o tradition_n because_o it_o be_v hand_v down_o to_o they_o from_o former_a generation_n and_o general_o receive_v in_o the_o place_n where_o they_o live_v or_o by_o those_o that_o they_o have_v particular_a esteem_n for_o upon_o the_o same_o account_n that_o a_o turk_n give_v credit_n unto_o the_o principle_n of_o his_o religion_n jer._n 2.11_o the_o doctrine_n be_v receive_v upon_o the_o authority_n and_o testimony_n of_o man_n which_o leave_v the_o soul_n under_o such_o uncertainty_n as_o quite_o obstruct_v the_o spiritual_a efficacy_n of_o the_o truth_n upon_o their_o heart_n there_o be_v a_o persuasion_n that_o arise_v from_o rational_a conviction_n their_o reason_n tell_v they_o that_o other_o way_n of_o acceptance_n be_v frivolous_a that_o of_o all_o way_n that_o be_v pretend_v this_o must_v needs_o be_v the_o true_a way_n and_o they_o can_v strong_o argue_v that_o there_o be_v acceptance_n to_o be_v obtain_v in_o this_o way_n from_o the_o accomplishment_n of_o the_o covenant_n of_o work_n by_o christ_n from_o the_o design_n of_o god_n to_o magnify_v his_o grace_n etc._n etc._n but_o this_o persuasion_n be_v not_o sufficient_a to_o encourage_v a_o foul_a to_o venture_v himself_o on_o jesus_n christ_n there_o f_v also_o a_o persuasion_n that_o arise_v from_o common_a illumination_n beside_o that_o light_n which_o be_v let_v into_o the_o heart_n of_o man_n in_o their_o conversion_n there_o be_v a_o more_o than_o ordinary_a illumination_n bestow_v upon_o some_o sinner_n the_o spirit_n of_o god_n give_v a_o affect_a sight_n of_o the_o way_n of_o salvatipn_n enlighten_v natural_a conscience_n with_o a_o great_a discovery_n of_o the_o way_n of_o life_n by_o jesus_n christ_n this_o be_v call_v a_o taste_n of_o the_o good_a word_n of_o god_n heb_fw-mi 6.5_o the_o fruit_n whereof_o be_v a_o rejoice_v in_o the_o gospel_n mat._n 13.20_o this_o illumination_n be_v only_o by_o a_o extraordinary_a assistance_n of_o man_n natural_a reason_n not_o by_o give_v a_o eye_n of_o faith_n unto_o they_o neither_o be_v this_o light_n sufficient_a to_o satisfy_v all_o the_o objection_n which_o may_v afterward_o arise_v in_o the_o heart_n hence_o such_o man_n if_o afterward_o they_o have_v a_o thorough_a sight_n of_o their_o heart_n dare_v not_o venture_v their_o soul_n on_o christ_n till_o god_n by_o a_o further_a work_n of_o the_o spirit_n have_v convince_v they_o of_o the_o certainty_n of_o the_o gospel_n but_o there_o be_v no_o man_n how_o great_a soever_o his_o profession_n how_o large_a soever_o his_o knowledge_n be_v that_o continue_v in_o a_o natural_a condition_n do_v thorough_o be-believe_a this_o truth_n this_o i_o shall_v clear_v up_o by_o two_o consideration_n 1._o because_o all_o those_o that_o do_v thorough_o believe_v this_o will_v immediate_o venture_v themselves_o upon_o christ_n as_o there_o be_v no_o persuade_v of_o man_n before_o to_o come_v to_o christ_n so_o there_o can_v be_v no_o keep_n of_o they_o from_o christ_n after_o they_o be_v convince_v of_o this_o the_o assurance_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v ever_o accompany_v with_o a_o powerful_a operation_n
the_o heart_n be_v darken_v that_o light_n which_o god_n have_v put_v in_o and_o though_o it_o cant_v utter_o extinguish_v it_o yet_o it_o raise_v many_o mist_n that_o do_v obscure_v it_o paul_n himself_o that_o seem_v to_o be_v second_o to_o none_o in_o the_o knowledge_n of_o christ_n intimate_v that_o he_o be_v sensible_a of_o a_o great_a want_n here_o in_o that_o expression_n that_o he_o may_v know_v he_o &_o the_o power_n of_o his_o resurrection_n phil._n 3.10_o there_o be_v these_o frame_n of_o heart_n that_o the_o people_n of_o god_n be_v subject_a unto_o that_o do_v plain_o demonstrate_v that_o there_o be_v but_o little_a faith_n concern_v this_o doctrine_n the_o first_o be_v a_o slighty_a frame_n concern_v it_o as_o if_o it_o be_v not_o a_o matter_n of_o much_o moment_n whether_o it_o be_v true_a or_o no_o sometime_o when_o saint_n be_v meditate_v of_o it_o or_o hear_v of_o it_o and_o the_o invitation_n of_o grace_n there_o be_v a_o senseless_a and_o regardless_a frame_n as_o if_o it_o be_v not_o worthy_a observation_n discourse_n of_o that_o kind_n be_v not_o relish_v but_o become_v light_a food_n whereas_o if_o it_o be_v receive_v by_o a_o lively_a faith_n it_o will_v be_v affect_v be_v a_o thing_n of_o great_a concernment_n the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n when_o entertain_v by_o faith_n be_v as_o a_o cordial_a to_o the_o soul_n it_o be_v meat_n and_o drink_n to_o it_o cant._n 2.3_o i_o sit_v under_o his_o shadow_n with_o great_a delight_n this_o doctrine_n be_v full_a of_o sweetness_n and_o comfort_n 1_o pet._n 1.9_o 16._o act_n 1.34_o the_o more_o assurance_n man_n have_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o it_o the_o more_o comfort_a power_n it_o have_v on_o the_o heart_n the_o second_o be_v a_o self_n righteous_a frame_n for_o as_o this_o spirit_n reign_v in_o many_o natural_a man_n so_o it_o prevail_v much_o in_o saint_n there_o be_v a_o great_a aptitude_n to_o be_v comfort_v of_o themselves_o in_o the_o hope_n of_o acceptance_n with_o god_n from_o their_o own_o grace_n and_o duty_n not_o only_o as_o a_o evidence_n but_o as_o that_o which_o do_v ingratiate_v they_o with_o god_n hence_o they_o be_v more_o ready_a to_o trust_v in_o god_n when_o under_o the_o sense_n of_o gracious_a frame_n and_o their_o holy_a carriage_n then_o at_o other_o time_n whereas_o be_v they_o under_o the_o lively_a apprehension_n of_o the_o certainty_n of_o this_o way_n of_o salvation_n by_o christ_n righteousness_n they_o will_v see_v there_o be_v no_o need_n of_o these_o thing_n to_o commend_v they_o to_o god_n and_o be_v there_o not_o secret_a jealousy_n about_o the_o sufficiency_n of_o christ_n righteousness_n for_o they_o they_o will_v not_o be_v so_o ready_a to_o catch_v at_o any_o appearance_n of_o somewhat_o in_o themselves_o to_o commend_v they_o to_o god_n such_o carriage_n be_v to_o be_v lay_v to_o the_o charge_n of_o a_o unbelieve_a heart_n the_o three_o be_v a_o discourage_v frame_n christian_n be_v many_o time_n much_o overbear_v with_o this_o frame_n their_o spirit_n be_v sink_v within_o they_o lest_o they_o be_v not_o upright_o for_o fear_v they_o never_o have_v a_o thorough_a work_n of_o regeneration_n there_o be_v many_o more_o immediate_a occasion_n of_o this_o sometime_o because_o they_o have_v not_o a_o distinct_a knowledge_n of_o the_o several_a step_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n under_o the_o work_n sometime_o because_o they_o see_v so_o little_a sanctification_n sometime_o because_o they_o imagine_v that_o god_n do_v not_o deal_v with_o they_o as_o with_o such_o as_o be_v true_o convert_v he_o dont_fw-fr answer_v their_o prayer_n comfort_v their_o soul_n meet_v they_o in_o ordinance_n as_o he_o do_v other_o but_o the_o very_a foundation_n and_o root_n of_o their_o discouragement_n be_v their_o doubt_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n for_o we_o may_v observe_v that_o man_n under_o discouragement_n be_v still_o harp_v upon_o the_o greatness_n of_o their_o provocation_n and_o their_o unworthy_a carriage_n they_o run_v in_o a_o legal_a strain_n they_o be_v still_o insist_v on_o the_o multitude_n and_o aggravation_n of_o their_o sin_n have_v man_n but_o a_o spirit_n of_o faith_n prevail_v in_o they_o these_o will_v be_v humble_v thing_n but_o not_o discourage_v man_n will_v not_o so_o harp_n on_o this_o thing_n but_o will_v see_v enough_o in_o christ_n to_o quiet_a their_o heart_n psal_n 71.16_o 45_o isai_n 24._o and_o according_o it_o be_v observable_a that_o when_o a_o saint_n be_v under_o great_a discouragement_n if_o god_n do_v but_o open_a his_o eye_n to_o see_v indeed_o this_o way_n of_o salvation_n by_o christ_n he_o will_v no_o long_o stand_v insist_v upon_o his_o fear_n but_o with_o comfort_n and_o joy_n roll_v himself_o on_o christ_n the_o inward_a discovery_n of_o the_o gospel_n make_v his_o temptation_n vanish_v yea_o he_o do_v not_o only_o rejoice_v in_o christ_n but_o can_v sometime_o discern_v that_o sincerity_n which_o he_o be_v so_o doubtful_a of_o before_o indeed_o the_o doubt_v of_o the_o gospel_n do_v not_o only_o make_v the_o heart_n of_o man_n fail_v when_o they_o be_v fearful_a of_o their_o sincerity_n but_o it_o have_v often_o also_o a_o considerable_a influence_n into_o those_o doubt_n about_o sincerity_n and_o hinder_v man_n from_o see_v those_o evidence_n that_o be_v discernible_a of_o their_o uprightness_n by_o all_o which_o it_o do_v appear_v that_o it_o be_v a_o matter_n of_o solemn_a care_n that_o sinner_n be_v convince_v and_o assure_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o this_o doctrine_n that_o it_o be_v safe_a appear_v in_o the_o righteousness_n of_o christ_n and_o that_o saint_n also_o be_v further_o convince_v that_o they_o may_v grow_v up_o to_o all_o the_o riches_n of_o the_o full_a assurance_n of_o understanding_n to_o the_o acknowledgement_n of_o the_o mystery_n of_o god_n even_o of_o the_o father_n and_o of_o christ_n as_o the_o apostle_n speak_v col._n 2.2_o which_o be_v the_o design_n of_o this_o present_a treatise_n chap._n ii_o two_o thing_n promise_v 1._o the_o possibility_n of_o salvation_n of_o sinner_n it_o be_v not_o beyond_o god_n mercy_n nor_o contrary_a to_o his_o justice_n 2._o what_o be_v intend_v by_o the_o righteousness_n of_o christ_n to_o make_v the_o way_n to_o the_o subject_a propose_v more_o plain_a i_o shall_v premise_v two_o thing_n first_o that_o there_o be_v a_o possibility_n of_o the_o salvation_n of_o sinner_n for_o a_o sinner_n when_o his_o conscience_n be_v awaken_v lie_v open_a to_o that_o temptation_n among_o other_o that_o it_o be_v impossible_a for_o such_o a_o one_o as_o he_o to_o be_v save_v and_o these_o fear_n arise_v upon_o a_o double_a account_n the_o first_o be_v he_o fear_v it_o be_v beyond_o the_o mercy_n of_o god_n to_o pardon_v he_o his_o sin_n be_v so_o great_a that_o they_o have_v turn_v away_o the_o heart_n of_o god_n from_o he_o that_o god_n can_v find_v in_o his_o heart_n to_o pity_n and_o pardon_v such_o a_o sinner_n as_o he_o be_v man_n be_v very_o prone_a to_o limit_v the_o mercy_n of_o god_n and_o entertain_v low_a and_o dishonourable_a thought_n of_o his_o grace_n especial_o when_o under_o a_o sense_n of_o his_o anger_n but_o such_o a_o imagination_n as_o this_o be_v altogether_o groundless_a what_o his_o merciful_a purpose_n be_v towards_o this_o or_o that_o particular_a man_n be_v beyond_o we_o to_o determine_v till_o he_o make_v it_o know_v but_o no_o man_n have_v cause_n to_o question_v the_o sufficiency_n of_o god_n mercy_n in_o order_n to_o his_o pardon_n and_o salvation_n there_o be_v a_o infinite_a ocean_n of_o mercy_n in_o his_o heart_n sufficient_a for_o all_o sinner_n to_o clear_v up_o this_o i_o shall_v show_v first_o wherein_o the_o merciful_a nature_n of_o god_n do_v consist_v and_o then_o show_v you_o the_o greatness_n of_o it_o for_o the_o first_o the_o merciful_a nature_n of_o god_n be_v a_o divine_a perfection_n whereby_o he_o can_v find_v in_o his_o heart_n to_o show_v mercy_n if_o he_o please_v a_o merciful_a nature_n in_o man_n be_v a_o bent_n and_o inclination_n of_o heart_n unto_o the_o exercise_n of_o mercy_n the_o heart_n of_o man_n be_v bias_v set_v and_o bend_v that_o way_n but_o we_o must_v not_o conceive_v this_o of_o god_n the_o merciful_a purpose_n of_o god_n be_v the_o free_a act_n of_o his_o own_o will_n god_n be_v a_o absolute_a free_a agent_n either_o to_o bestow_v mercy_n or_o deny_v it_o as_o he_o please_v if_o he_o have_v natural_o a_o inclination_n to_o show_v mercy_n he_o can_v not_o have_v forbear_v to_o show_v mercy_n without_o go_v contrary_a to_o the_o inclination_n of_o his_o own_o heart_n the_o exercise_n of_o mercy_n do_v not_o flow_v necessary_o from_o the_o merciful_a nature_n of_o god_n but_o he_o exercise_v grace_n free_o from_o his_o sovereign_a will_n and_o pleasure_n there_o be_v nothing_o in_o god_n
place_n against_o the_o sin_n of_o ungodly_a man_n be_v execute_v to_o the_o full_a upon_o they_o mat._n 5.18_o it_o have_v take_v place_n against_o the_o sin_n of_o the_o elect_n upon_o jesus_n christ_n the_o curse_n have_v be_v execute_v upon_o he_o gal_n 3.13_o he_o baâ—k_v redeem_v we_o from_o the_o curse_n be_v make_v a_o curse_n for_o we_o and_o god_n do_v bestow_v eternal_a life_n upon_o none_o but_o those_o who_o have_v fulfil_v the_o righteousness_n of_o the_o law_n in_o their_o surety_n eternal_a life_n be_v give_v as_o a_o recompense_n of_o christ_n righteousness_n rom._n 5.21_o proposition_n iii_o this_o covenant_n of_o work_n can_v not_o be_v know_v by_o our_o first_o parent_n any_o other_o way_n than_o by_o divine_a revelation_n because_o both_o the_o promise_n and_o threaten_n of_o this_o covenant_n depend_v on_o the_o free_a will_n of_o god_n so_o that_o whatever_o a_o bility_n of_o understanding_n adam_n have_v in_o his_o first_o estate_n they_o be_v insufficient_a to_o make_v a_o discovery_n of_o they_o the_o precept_n of_o the_o law_n be_v write_v in_o the_o heart_n of_o man_n when_o he_o be_v first_o make_v and_o so_o they_o be_v still_o though_o not_o so_o legible_o rom._n 2.15_o they_o show_v the_o work_n of_o the_o law_n write_v in_o their_o heart_n and_o this_o i_o dont_fw-fr understand_v to_o be_v any_o distinct_a work_n of_o god_n from_o that_o of_o create_v the_o soul_n for_o the_o precept_n of_o the_o law_n except_v that_o one_o of_o the_o sabbath_n have_v a_o self-evidencing_a power_n so_o that_o suppose_v man_n to_o have_v a_o understanding_n he_o can_v but_o have_v some_o knowledge_n of_o they_o and_o suppose_v they_o to_o have_v a_o understanding_n not_o corrupt_v he_o can_v but_o have_v a_o clear_a knowledge_n of_o they_o but_o the_o promise_n and_o threaten_n of_o the_o law_n be_v not_o understand_v by_o any_o thing_n write_v in_o man_n heart_n conscience_n indeed_o by_o its_o own_o natural_a light_n do_v give_v evidence_n that_o sin_n be_v offensive_a to_o god_n and_o so_o affright_v man_n with_o expectation_n of_o wrath_n but_o it_o can_v witness_v the_o certainty_n of_o judgement_n much_o less_o of_o eternal_a condemnation_n except_o it_o have_v receive_v some_o further_a light_n either_o from_o the_o work_n or_o word_n of_o god._n proposition_n iu._n the_o covenant_n of_o work_n do_v require_v obedience_n only_o as_o the_o condition_n of_o life_n there_o be_v several_a other_o obligation_n upon_o we_o unto_o obedience_n some_o antecedent_n to_o the_o covenant_n of_o work_n as_o the_o infinite_a excellency_n of_o god_n the_o work_n of_o creation_n some_o of_o they_o consequent_a as_o the_o die_a love_n of_o christ_n god_n give_v convert_n grace_n and_o many_o the_o like_a but_o the_o covenant_n of_o work_n require_v it_o only_o as_o a_o condition_n of_o life_n and_o hence_o though_o the_o covenant_n of_o work_n be_v fulfil_v for_o we_o by_o jesus_n christ_n so_o that_o there_o be_v no_o engagement_n on_o we_o to_o perfect_a obedience_n as_o it_o be_v a_o condition_n of_o life_n yet_o those_o antecedent_n obligation_n do_v remain_v upon_o and_o we_o owe_v obedience_n still_o as_o a_o natural_a due_n psal_n 95.6_o that_o primitive_a obligation_n as_o we_o be_v creature_n will_v lie_v upon_o we_o for_o ever_o beside_o those_o other_o obligation_n that_o god_n have_v lay_v upon_o we_o since_o proposition_n v._n the_o covenant_n of_o work_n require_v perfect_a but_o not_o personal_a obedience_n the_o obedience_n require_v in_o the_o covenant_n of_o work_n be_v perfect_a for_o one_o transgression_n lay_v man_n open_a to_o the_o curse_n but_o it_o do_v not_o stand_v upon_o personal_a obedience_n every_o one_o be_v oblige_v to_o personal_a obedience_n but_o this_o be_v upon_o another_o account_n and_o not_o by_o virtue_n of_o the_o covenant_n of_o work_n the_o covenant_n of_o work_n never_o tie_v we_o up_o to_o personal_a obedience_n as_o the_o condition_n of_o life_n god_n have_v be_v so_o far_o from_o bind_v we_o up_o to_o personal_a obedience_n as_o the_o condition_n of_o life_n that_o he_o never_o do_v propose_v that_o way_n unto_o we_o but_o from_o the_o begin_n of_o the_o world_n constitute_v a_o public_a person_n to_o act_v in_o our_o behalf_n and_o upon_o his_o fail_v immediate_o reveal_v jesus_n christ_n to_o be_v another_o public_a person_n to_o act_v for_o we_o rom._n 5.19_o proposition_n vi_o the_o life_n promise_v in_o the_o covenant_n of_o work_n be_v a_o life_n of_o glory_n in_o heaven_n the_o promise_n be_v life_n gal._n 3.12_o the_o man_n that_o do_v they_o shall_v live_v in_o they_o some_o have_v think_v that_o adam_n shall_v have_v have_v only_o the_o continuance_n of_o that_o blessedness_n which_o he_o be_v create_v in_o if_o he_o have_v keep_v the_o covenant_n it_o be_v very_o true_a that_o there_o be_v no_o mention_n in_o the_o covenant_n of_o his_o go_v to_o heaven_n but_o we_o have_v clear_a ground_n to_o conclude_v from_o scripture_n that_o if_o man_n have_v stand_v he_o shall_v have_v go_v to_o heaven_n according_a to_o this_o promise_n 1._o because_o hell_n where_o the_o devil_n be_v be_v the_o reward_n of_o disobedience_n by_o the_o covenant_n of_o work_n therefore_o heaven_n where_o the_o holy_a angel_n be_v be_v the_o reward_n of_o obedience_n it_o be_v meet_v the_o reward_n shall_v be_v proportionable_a i_o know_v it_o be_v answer_v that_o sin_n deserve_v evil_a at_o god_n hand_n but_o holiness_n which_o be_v due_a unto_o god_n do_v not_o deserve_v any_o reward_n but_o this_o do_v not_o take_v off_o the_o force_n of_o the_o argument_n for_o it_o be_v by_o the_o law_n that_o sin_n merit_v as_o well_o as_o holiness_n and_o hence_o wicked_a man_n be_v punish_v only_o for_o such_o sin_n as_o they_o commit_v in_o this_o life_n 2_o cor._n 5.10_o and_o there_o be_v as_o much_o goodness_n in_o holiness_n as_o evil_a in_o sin_n and_o it_o be_v a_o meet_a thing_n that_o god_n shall_v bestow_v as_o much_o good_a in_o a_o way_n of_o obedience_n as_o he_o inflict_v evil_a in_o a_o way_n of_o disobedience_n beside_o the_o law_n express_v the_o punishment_n of_o sin_n by_o death_n rom._n 6.23_o the_o wage_n of_o sin_n be_v death_n and_o the_o reward_n of_o obedience_n by_o life_n gal._n 3.12_o the_o man_n that_o do_v they_o shall_v live_v by_o they_o therefore_o it_o be_v a_o life_n direct_o opposite_a to_o that_o death_n a_o life_n that_o contain_v as_o much_o good_a in_o it_o as_o that_o death_n do_v evil_a those_o term_n do_v mutual_o explain_v one_o the_o other_o 2._o because_o christ_n in_o fulfil_v of_o the_o law_n for_o we_o have_v purchase_v life_n for_o we_o in_o heaven_n christ_n have_v purchase_v heaven_n for_o we_o epb._n 1.14_o it_o be_v call_v a_o purchase_a possession_n and_o he_o do_v it_o by_o perform_v the_o righteousness_n of_o the_o law_n for_o we_o it_o be_v by_o make_v of_o we_o righteous_a that_o we_o come_v to_o have_v a_o title_n unto_o eternal_a life_n rom_n 5.21_o grace_n reign_v by_o righteousness_n unto_o eternal_a life_n by_o jesus_n christ_n our_o lord_n 3._o because_o christ_n tell_v the_o young_a man_n in_o the_o gospel_n that_o inquire_v of_o he_o what_o good_a thing_n he_o shall_v do_v that_o he_o may_v have_v eternal_a life_n that_o if_o he_o will_v enter_v into_o life_n be_v shall_v keep_v the_o commandment_n mat._n 19.16_o 17._o where_o we_o may_v mind_n that_o the_o life_n inquire_v after_o by_o the_o young_a man_n be_v a_o life_n in_o heaven_n and_o that_o christ_n in_o this_o answer_n be_v lead_v of_o he_o to_o the_o covenant_n of_o work_n upon_o a_o design_n to_o convince_v he_o of_o his_o inability_n to_o keep_v it_o 4._o because_o the_o apostle_n paul_n give_v that_o as_o the_o reason_n that_o man_n can_v be_v justify_v by_o the_o law_n because_o they_o be_v sinner_n rom._n 8.3_o &_o 3.20_o the_o legallist_n that_o paul_n dispute_v against_o expect_a eternal_a life_n in_o heaven_n by_o their_o work_n yet_o in_o all_o his_o dispute_n with_o they_o he_o never_o telis_fw-la they_o that_o the_o covenant_n of_o work_n do_v not_o promise_v any_o such_o thing_n if_o he_o can_v have_v tell_v they_o so_o that_o will_v clear_o have_v cut_v off_o all_o their_o hope_n but_o he_o still_o show_v that_o they_o can_v have_v salvation_n by_o the_o law_n upon_o this_o account_n because_o they_o can_v fulfil_v it_o yea_o he_o plain_o imply_v that_o the_o reward_n by_o the_o law_n and_o gospel_n be_v the_o same_o but_o the_o way_n of_o obtain_v it_o be_v different_a rom._n 4.4_o he_o that_o work_v have_v the_o reward_n by_o debt_n be_v that_o work_v not_o have_v it_o by_o grace_n the_o second_o thing_n that_o fall_v under_o consideration_n here_o be_v what_o be_v the_o difference_n between_o the_o covenant_n of_o work_n and_o the_o
upon_o the_o rationalness_n of_o the_o doctrine_n and_o these_o persuasion_n may_v work_v some_o considerable_a effect_n on_o their_o heart_n but_o those_o be_v some_o that_o have_v a_o thorough_a conviction_n of_o it_o who_o heart_n be_v true_o satisfy_v in_o the_o truth_n of_o it_o this_o be_v evident_a 1._o because_o they_o do_v believe_v this_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v believe_v by_o many_o act_v 15.7_o that_o the_o gentile_n by_o my_o mouth_n shall_v hear_v the_o word_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o believe_v there_o be_v some_o that_o do_v receive_v the_o testimony_n of_o christ_n john_n 3.33_o and_o by_o faith_n entertain_v the_o doctrine_n of_o salvation_n by_o his_o suffering_n though_o they_o be_v but_o few_o comparative_o isai_n 53.1_o and_o therefore_o they_o be_v assure_v of_o it_o for_o that_o knowledge_n which_o we_o have_v of_o thing_n by_o faith_n in_o god_n be_v certain_a that_o knowledge_n which_o we_o have_v of_o thing_n by_o our_o believe_v the_o testimony_n of_o man_n be_v fallible_a and_o it_o leave_v room_n for_o doubt_n but_o the_o knowledge_n that_o we_o have_v of_o thing_n by_o our_o believe_v the_o testimony_n of_o god_n be_v certain_a and_o as_o abundant_o satisfy_v to_o the_o heart_n as_o that_o which_o we_o have_v by_o the_o see_n of_o the_o eye_n or_o by_o demonstration_n the_o knowledge_n that_o we_o have_v by_o faith_n be_v a_o knowledge_n at_o second_o hand_n but_o god_n give_v we_o sufficient_a assurance_n that_o it_o be_v he_o that_o speak_v and_o that_o his_o testimony_n be_v true_a therefore_o when_o man_n do_v believe_v they_o be_v say_v to_o be_v persuade_v heb._n 11.13_o they_o see_v the_o promise_n afar_o off_o and_o be_v persuade_v of_o they_o so_o they_o be_v say_v to_o know_v sure_o john_n 17.8_o they_o have_v know_v sure_o that_o i_o come_v out_o from_o thou_o and_o they_o have_v believe_v that_o thou_o do_v send_v i_o so_o they_o be_v say_v to_o be_v sure_a john_n 6_o 69._o we_o believe_v and_o be_v sure_a that_o thou_o be_v the_o christ_n 2._o because_o they_o believe_v on_o christ_n and_o venture_v their_o soul_n upon_o he_o 1_o tim._n 3.16_o believe_v on_o in_o the_o world_n 1_o john_n 5.13_o i_o have_v write_v to_o you_o that_o believe_v on_o the_o son_n of_o god_n and_o this_o be_v the_o effect_n of_o their_o assurance_n that_o it_o be_v safe_a appear_v in_o christ_n righteousness_n if_o they_o be_v not_o convince_v of_o that_o no_o argument_n will_v persuade_v they_o to_o venture_v upon_o christ_n when_o man_n come_v to_o christ_n they_o come_v under_o that_o conviction_n that_o it_o be_v safe_a come_n unto_o he_o the_o gospel_n work_v effectual_o in_o they_o that_o believe_v 1_o thess_n 2.13_o every_o one_o that_o come_v to_o christ_n have_v the_o witness_n in_o himself_o 1_o joh._n 5.10_o this_o make_v they_o come_v with_o boldness_n unto_o christ_n though_o there_o be_v many_o other_o that_o be_v afraid_a to_o come_v if_o they_o be_v not_o afraid_a of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n they_o will_v be_v afraid_a to_o come_v too_o they_o will_v not_o dare_v to_o cast_v themselves_o on_o christ_n before_o they_o be_v convince_v they_o withstand_v all_o argument_n that_o can_v be_v use_v with_o they_o they_o have_v their_o answer_n ready_a and_o their_o excuse_n at_o hand_n they_o have_v a_o unperswadable_a spirit_n somewhat_o to_o turn_v off_o all_o that_o can_v be_v say_v and_o the_o reason_n that_o now_o they_o venture_v themselves_o on_o christ_n be_v not_o any_o self-excellency_n for_o they_o come_v to_o he_o when_o they_o be_v at_o worst_a when_o they_o see_v the_o plague_n of_o their_o own_o heart_n but_o be_v it_o because_o they_o be_v convince_v of_o the_o safety_n that_o be_v in_o christ_n to_o they_o that_o believe_v christ_n be_v precious_a 1_o pet._n 2.7_o 3._o because_o they_o have_v comfortable_a and_o gracious_a hope_n of_o glory_n there_o be_v many_o flatter_a hope_n of_o blessedness_n that_o ungodly_a man_n do_v entertain_v that_o depend_v upon_o their_o vain_a conceit_n but_o the_o people_n of_o god_n have_v a_o gracious_a hope_n of_o glory_n and_o the_o hope_n of_o the_o people_n of_o god_n do_v principal_o depend_v on_o the_o conviction_n of_o these_o two_o thing_n 1._o that_o there_o be_v safety_n in_o christ_n righteousness_n and_o than_o that_o they_o have_v a_o interest_n in_o it_o have_v receive_v it_o their_o faith_n of_o dependence_n arise_v from_o the_o conviction_n of_o the_o first_o but_o their_o hope_n arise_v from_o both_o together_o it_o be_v true_a that_o their_o hope_n do_v rise_v from_o the_o belief_n of_o other_o promise_n of_o glory_n together_o with_o a_o sight_n of_o the_o qualification_n in_o the_o mselve_n that_o be_v mention_v in_o those_o promise_n thus_o saint_n have_v hope_n from_o those_o promise_n that_o be_v make_v to_o those_o that_o love_n god_n that_o mortify_v sin_n that_o love_v the_o saint_n that_o be_v patient_a under_o affliction_n etc._n etc._n yet_o the_o fundamental_a promise_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v that_o which_o be_v make_v to_o believe_v in_o christ_n and_o the_o hope_n of_o christian_n do_v principal_o arise_v from_o the_o conviction_n of_o christ_n righteousness_n together_o with_o our_o interest_n therein_o 1_o pet._n 1_o 8._o believe_v you_o rejoice_v with_o joy_n unspeakable_a and_o full_a of_o glory_n rom._n 15.13_o the_o god_n of_o hope_n fill_v you_o with_o joy_n and_o peace_n in_o believe_v 2._o this_o conviction_n be_v not_o the_o fruit_n of_o man_n natural_a reason_n natural_a reason_n tho_o advantage_v with_o external_a revelation_n can_v satisfy_v the_o heart_n that_o it_o be_v safe_a to_o appear_v in_o the_o righteousness_n of_o christ_n natural_a reason_n may_v work_v some_o conviction_n of_o this_o truth_n and_o discover_v so_o much_o of_o it_o that_o a_o man_n may_v come_v to_o look_v upon_o it_o very_o rational_a and_o probable_a but_o it_o can_v discover_v the_o certainty_n of_o it_o flesh_n and_o blood_n can_v reveal_v that_o natural_a reason_n may_v make_v such_o a_o discovery_n of_o this_o truth_n that_o they_o may_v be_v urge_v in_o conscience_n to_o believe_v in_o christ_n and_o condemn_v in_o conscience_n for_o not_o believe_v in_o he_o that_o they_o may_v think_v those_o happy_a that_o do_v believe_v in_o he_o that_o they_o judge_v those_o gross_o erroneous_a that_o do_v decy_n this_o doctrine_n but_o yet_o it_o will_v not_o give_v such_o a_o conviction_n as_o can_v assure_v the_o soul_n that_o it_o be_v so_o indeed_o man_n be_v apt_a to_o think_v that_o they_o be_v satisfy_v that_o there_o be_v safety_n in_o rely_v on_o the_o righteousness_n of_o christ_n only_o they_o question_v whether_o god_n do_v call_v they_o as_o the_o case_n be_v circumstance_v with_o they_o to_o rely_v upon_o he_o but_o they_o delude_v themselves_o man_n reason_n do_v not_o discover_v the_o certainty_n of_o this_o truth_n by_o all_o the_o help_n that_o the_o world_n do_v afford_v yea_o though_o they_o do_v partake_v of_o some_o inward_a common_a illumination_n the_o nature_n of_o man_n receive_v not_o the_o thing_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n for_o they_o be_v foolishness_n unto_o he_o neither_o can_v he_o know_v they_o because_o they_o be_v spiritual_o discern_v 1_o cor._n 2.14_o there_o be_v a_o twofold_a defect_n in_o natural_a reason_n that_o hinder_v man_n from_o receive_v of_o this_o truth_n 1._o natural_a reason_n can_v apprehend_v that_o god_n can_v find_v in_o his_o heart_n to_o save_v sinner_n on_o the_o account_n of_o christ_n righteousness_n when_o man_n come_v to_o be_v enlighten_v and_o have_v a_o sense_n of_o the_o guilt_n of_o sin_n and_o wrath_n of_o god_n it_o will_v not_o enter_v into_o they_o that_o god_n can_v be_v free_a to_o forgive_v they_o and_o save_v they_o on_o the_o account_n of_o christ_n blood_n they_o be_v stranger_n unto_o the_o merciful_a nature_n of_o god_n and_o hence_o be_v seek_v to_o get_v some_o worthiness_n of_o their_o own_o to_o pacify_v god_n with_o and_o can_v conceive_v that_o god_n be_v willing_a to_o pardon_v they_o who_o be_v so_o unworthy_a except_o they_o be_v somewhat_o better_a they_o think_v they_o must_v have_v something_o to_o commend_v they_o to_o god_n they_o think_v it_o will_v be_v madness_n for_o they_o as_o bad_a as_o they_o be_v to_o venture_v on_o christ_n blood_n 1_o cor._n 1.18_o the_o preach_v of_o the_o cross_n be_v to_o they_o that_o perish_v foolishness_n they_o have_v strange_a and_o low_a thought_n of_o the_o mercy_n of_o god_n isa_n 55.8_o 2._o natural_a reason_n will_v not_o make_v man_n believe_v god_n testimony_n natural_a reason_n will_v not_o beget_v say_v natural_a man_n be_v in_o scripture_n describe_v to_o be_v unbeliever_n john_n 5_o 46._o natural_a reason_n will_v not_o lay_v weight_n on_o the_o testimony_n of_o god_n no_o man_n will_v
gospel_n truth_n but_o man_n may_v be_v teach_v by_o the_o spirit_n and_o yet_o be_v very_o unable_a to_o give_v a_o resolution_n of_o many_o objection_n the_o disciple_n be_v teach_v of_o god_n that_o jesus_n be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n mat._n 16.17_o and_o yet_o know_v not_o what_o to_o say_v to_o that_o objection_n that_o elias_n must_v first_o come_v mat._n 17.19_o though_o a_o christian_a can_v answer_v many_o objection_n about_o the_o sufficiency_n of_o christ_n righteousness_n yet_o he_o know_v that_o that_o will_v satisfy_v his_o heart_n that_o it_o be_v sufficient_a namely_o that_o god_n give_v this_o testimony_n to_o it_o and_o invite_v he_o to_o venture_v upon_o it_o 4._o consider_v in_o what_o way_n the_o spirit_n of_o god_n work_v this_o conviction_n and_o assurance_n and_o that_o be_v by_o a_o spiritual_a illumination_n of_o the_o mind_n the_o spirit_n of_o god_n be_v not_o wont_a in_o adult_n person_n to_o reveal_v this_o doctrine_n in_o any_o extraordinary_a way_n he_o work_v this_o conviction_n in_o such_o adult_n person_n only_o as_o have_v the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o doctrine_n by_o hear_v and_o read_v of_o the_o word_n man_n must_v not_o expect_v to_o be_v teach_v that_o in_o a_o miraculous_a way_n which_o they_o may_v learn_v in_o a_o ordinary_a way_n neither_o will_v this_o be_v suffieient_a to_o work_v a_o through_o conviction_n and_o assurance_n of_o it_o a_o man_n may_v have_v thing_n reveal_v unto_o he_o extraordinary_o by_o god_n that_o have_v no_o faith_n as_o balaam_n neither_o do_v the_o spirit_n assure_v man_n of_o this_o in_o way_n of_o testimony_n the_o spirit_n of_o god_n be_v wont_a to_o testify_v and_o witness_v some_o thing_n to_o the_o soul_n of_o the_o saint_n the_o spirit_n itself_o bear_v witness_v with_o our_o spirit_n that_o we_o be_v the_o child_n of_o god_n rom._n 8.16_o but_o he_o do_v not_o in_o that_o way_n reveal_v unto_o man_n the_o truth_n of_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n but_o he_o open_v our_o eye_n to_o see_v the_o truth_n of_o it_o the_o spirit_n give_v we_o eye_n to_o see_v and_o also_o the_o actual_a understanding_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n he_o put_v a_o principle_n of_o spiritual_a understanding_n into_o we_o by_o a_o work_n of_o creation_n you_o be_v sometime_o darkness_n but_o now_o be_v you_o light_v in_o the_o lord_n eph._n 5.8_o he_o also_o assist_v we_o actual_o to_o discern_v the_o truth_n of_o this_o way_n of_o salvation_n by_o christ_n while_o the_o soul_n be_v hear_v read_v and_o meditate_v of_o it_o he_o put_v a_o light_n into_o he_o discover_v it_o to_o be_v true_a and_o sometime_o while_o the_o soul_n be_v think_v of_o his_o misery_n the_o spirit_n bring_v to_o remembrance_n some_o word_n and_o with_o that_o put_v in_o a_o light_n into_o the_o soul_n that_o satisfy_v the_o heart_n in_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o this_o be_v wrought_v these_o three_o way_n 1._o the_o spirit_n help_v we_o to_o see_v the_o truth_n of_o this_o in_o the_o testimony_n of_o god_n in_o his_o word_n it_o be_v not_o any_o inward_a testimony_n that_o our_o faith_n depend_v upon_o but_o the_o testimony_n of_o god_n in_o his_o word_n and_o the_o inward_a work_n of_o the_o spirit_n be_v to_o help_v we_o to_o receive_v the_o sure_a word_n of_o prophecy_n and_o depend_v upon_o that_o god_n witness_n in_o his_o word_n plentiful_o to_o that_o that_o there_o be_v salvation_n wrought_v out_o for_o we_o by_o christ_n that_o he_o have_v redeem_v we_o purge_v away_o sin_n bring_v in_o everlasting_a righteousness_n and_o in_o this_o testimony_n of_o god_n we_o see_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o thing_n itself_o the_o spirit_n satisfy_v the_o heart_n and_o clear_v it_o up_o to_o he_o that_o this_o be_v god_n testimony_n that_o it_o be_v no_o deceit_n that_o it_o be_v not_o any_o device_n or_o forgery_n of_o man_n under_o a_o pretence_n of_o god_n testimony_n but_o that_o this_o be_v the_o very_a word_n of_o god_n the_o word_n come_v in_o god_n name_n and_o have_v many_o character_n of_o divine_a authority_n in_o it_o and_o the_o soul_n be_v satisfy_v that_o it_o be_v god_n word_n 1_o thess_n 2.13_o you_o receive_v it_o not_o as_o the_o word_n of_o man_n but_o as_o it_o be_v in_o truth_n the_o word_n of_o god_n the_o spirit_n also_o satisfy_v the_o heart_n in_o the_o faithfulness_n of_o god_n natural_o man_n have_v no_o assurance_n of_o the_o faithfulness_n of_o god_n though_o they_o profess_v it_o but_o the_o spirit_n convince_v the_o soul_n that_o the_o lord_n be_v a_o god_n of_o truth_n i_o know_v he_o who_o i_o have_v believe_v 2_o tim_n 1_o 12._o he_o do_v with_o sarah_n judge_v he_o faithful_a that_o have_v promise_v and_o here_o though_o his_o soul_n be_v precious_a to_o he_o yet_o he_o can_v quiet_o venture_v it_o upon_o his_o word_n 2._o the_o spirit_n help_v we_o to_o see_v the_o certainty_n of_o this_o in_o a_o way_n of_o reason_v from_o other_o principle_n which_o we_o do_v undoubted_o receive_v there_o be_v a_o assurance_n by_o argue_v from_o such_o thing_n as_o we_o be_v certain_a of_o this_o be_v call_v the_o demonstration_n of_o the_o spirit_n 1_o cor._n 2.4_o when_o once_o a_o man_n be_v principled_a in_o that_o foundation_n that_o the_o testimony_n of_o god_n in_o his_o word_n be_v certain_a and_o infallible_a then_o he_o be_v assure_v of_o such_o principle_n as_o these_o that_o jesus_n christ_n who_o be_v our_o surety_n be_v exalt_v to_o the_o right_a hand_n of_o god_n that_o sinner_n be_v invite_v to_o rely_v upon_o the_o blood_n of_o christ_n that_o christ_n have_v fulfil_v the_o righteousness_n of_o the_o law_n for_o we_o for_o these_o thing_n be_v plain_o lay_v down_o in_o the_o word_n of_o god_n he_o have_v the_o notion_n of_o these_o thing_n before_o but_o now_o he_o be_v assure_v of_o they_o and_o be_v assure_v of_o they_o god_n help_v he_o to_o argue_v from_o they_o the_o infallible_a certainty_n of_o salvation_n by_o christ_n righteousness_n john_n 16.10_o the_o spirit_n convince_v of_o righteousness_n because_o i_o go_v to_o my_o father_n so_o a_o christian_a sometime_o after_o he_o be_v come_v to_o christ_n find_v by_o experience_n in_o that_o way_n the_o sanctify_a and_o comfort_v presence_n of_o god_n with_o he_o and_o from_o hence_o he_o argue_v and_o be_v more_o establish_v in_o the_o doctrine_n of_o salvation_n by_o christ_n 3._o the_o spirit_n help_v to_o see_v the_o glorious_a excellency_n of_o god_n and_o jesus_n christ_n and_o thereby_o the_o great_a objection_n of_o his_o heart_n do_v vanish_v away_o and_o fall_v of_o their_o own_o accord_n there_o be_v some_o less_o objection_n which_o arise_v for_o want_v of_o distinct_a knowledge_n and_o from_o a_o misunderstanding_n of_o some_o place_n of_o scripture_n which_o though_o they_o prove_v temptation_n yet_o do_v whole_o hinder_v the_o working_n of_o faith_n but_o the_o main_a objection_n of_o the_o heart_n be_v that_o god_n can_v not_o find_v in_o his_o heart_n to_o pardon_v such_o sin_n as_o they_o have_v be_v guilty_a of_o and_o that_o the_o law_n threaten_v they_o with_o ruin_n but_o the_o spirit_n discover_v unto_o the_o soul_n the_o excellency_n of_o god_n in_o christ_n the_o riches_n of_o god_n grace_n and_o the_o preciousness_n of_o the_o righteousness_n of_o christ_n and_o then_o those_o objection_n fall_v psal_n 36.7_o how_o excellent_a be_v thy_o lovingkindness_n o_o lord_n therefore_o the_o son_n of_o man_n put_v their_o trust_n under_o the_o shadow_n of_o thy_o wing_n joh._n 17.3_o this_o be_v life_n eternal_a that_o they_o may_v know_v thou_o the_o only_a true_a god_n and_o jesus_n christ_n who_o thou_o have_v send_v consider_v 5._o that_o this_o be_v a_o great_a work_n of_o god_n spirit_n to_o convince_v man_n and_o assure_v they_o that_o it_o be_v safe_a appear_v in_o the_o righteousness_n of_o christ_n it_o be_v a_o matter_n of_o exceed_v great_a difficulty_n to_o give_v entertainment_n unto_o this_o truth_n and_o hence_o it_o be_v that_o many_o man_n be_v never_o satisfy_v in_o it_o all_o their_o day_n they_o continue_v all_o their_o life_n long_o under_o the_o mean_n of_o grace_n and_o yet_o never_o come_v unto_o the_o knowledge_n of_o this_o truth_n and_o many_o other_o who_o god_n have_v persuade_v of_o it_o have_v be_v long_o before_o they_o be_v satisfy_v though_o they_o have_v be_v full_a of_o inward_a trouble_n and_o fear_n and_o thereby_o put_v upon_o it_o to_o be_v inquisitive_a into_o the_o way_n of_o salvation_n yet_o be_v long_o before_o they_o come_v to_o christ_n their_o heart_n be_v unsatisfied_a about_o their_o safety_n in_o so_o do_v and_o after_o prevail_v and_o clear_a conviction_n doubt_n be_v ever_o and_o anon_o arise_v in_o their_o heart_n and_o this_o difficulty_n must_v needs_o be_v very_o
fail_n sometime_o when_o they_o hear_v the_o threaten_n of_o the_o word_n sometime_o when_o it_o be_v a_o time_n of_o mortality_n so_o when_o they_o be_v ill_a and_o under_o apprehension_n that_o die_a time_n be_v come_v and_o when_o in_o this_o fright_n they_o betake_v themselves_o to_o their_o own_o righteousness_n as_o their_o strong-hold_a a_o godly_a man_n make_v his_o uprightness_n a_o argument_n to_o hope_n the_o self-righteous_a man_n make_v his_o duty_n the_o foundation_n of_o his_o faith_n in_o a_o stormy_a time_n he_o get_v under_o they_o for_o shelter_n instead_o of_o get_v under_o the_o shadow_n of_o christ_n he_o fly_v to_o his_o own_o duty_n they_o be_v his_o castle_n wherein_o he_o fortify_v himself_o against_o fear_n they_o be_v his_o harbour_n where_o he_o cast_v anchor_n from_o thence_o he_o take_v his_o great_a encouragement_n this_o be_v paul_n sheet-anchor_n before_o his_o conversion_n that_o he_o be_v touch_v the_o righteousness_n of_o the_o law_n blameless_a phil._n 3.6_o the_o self-righteous_a man_n comfort_v up_o his_o heart_n with_o this_o that_o sure_o god_n will_v have_v some_o respect_n unto_o his_o pain_n his_o affection_n his_o charity_n his_o strict_a walk_n this_o be_v his_o fort_n that_o he_o retire_v unto_o in_o time_n of_o danger_n he_o have_v not_o be_v so_o bad_a as_o other_o man_n and_o he_o hope_v god_n will_v not_o deal_v in_o rigour_n with_o he_o he_o think_v that_o his_o duty_n do_v lay_v some_o engagement_n upon_o the_o love_n of_o god_n and_o compassion_n he_o hope_v his_o prayer_n and_o tear_n have_v some_o constrain_a efficacy_n upon_o the_o compassionate_a heart_n of_o god._n sometime_o he_o think_v that_o his_o duty_n lay_v some_o bond_n upon_o the_o justice_n of_o god_n he_o think_v it_o equal_a that_o he_o shall_v be_v spare_v and_o that_o it_o will_v be_v extreme_a rigour_n for_o god_n to_o cast_v he_o off_o at_o last_o when_o he_o have_v do_v so_o much_o for_o he_o sometime_o he_o think_v his_o duty_n have_v lay_v a_o tie_n upon_o the_o faithfulness_n of_o god_n god_n have_v make_v promise_n to_o they_o that_o seek_v and_o he_o claim_v a_o interest_n in_o they_o he_o make_v his_o duty_n the_o slay_n of_o his_o soul_n and_o when_o conscience_n be_v pursue_v of_o he_o he_o take_v sanctuary_n here_o 3._o such_o man_n take_v their_o encouragement_n from_o their_o frame_n and_o duty_n to_o come_v to_o christ_n many_o self-righteous_a man_n do_v draw_v comfort_n from_o christ_n and_o they_o think_v they_o have_v their_o dependence_n on_o christ_n count_v themselves_o believer_n but_o the_o comfort_n they_o draw_v from_o christ_n be_v at_o the_o second_o hand_n their_o encouragement_n take_v its_o first_o rise_n from_o some_o excellency_n in_o themselves_o they_o will_v not_o dare_v to_o trust_v in_o christ_n but_o under_o such_o consideration_n as_o these_o that_o they_o be_v reform_v not_o so_o bad_a as_o other_o man_n have_v love_n to_o christ_n be_v sorrowful_a for_o their_o sin_n have_v a_o good_a affection_n to_o ordinance_n and_o the_o people_n of_o god_n such_o consideration_n do_v embolden_v they_o to_o come_v to_o christ_n he_o think_v if_o he_o be_v so_o bad_a and_o so_o bad_a christ_n will_v not_o accept_v of_o he_o but_o it_o be_v otherwise_o with_o he_o he_o think_v he_o may_v venture_v he_o desire_v to_o be_v better_o with_o all_o his_o heart_n and_o so_o hope_n that_o it_o be_v not_o presumption_n for_o he_o to_o come_v to_o christ_n find_v such_o frame_n in_o his_o own_o heart_n he_o think_v that_o christ_n do_v mean_v he_o in_o the_o invitation_n of_o the_o gospel_n so_o he_o make_v his_o own_o duty_n a_o step_n towards_o christ_n he_o make_v his_o own_o gracious_a frame_v a_o preparation_n to_o his_o come_n to_o christ_n he_o dress_v up_o himself_o in_o his_o own_o righteousness_n and_o when_o he_o have_v make_v himself_o as_o comely_a as_o he_o can_v adventure_n to_o cast_v himself_o upon_o christ_n he_o imagine_v something_o in_o himself_o why_o god_n shall_v bestow_v the_o righteousness_n of_o christ_n rather_o upon_o he_o than_o upon_o another_o whereas_o a_o saint_n come_v to_o christ_n mere_o upon_o gospel_n encouragement_n from_o the_o grace_n and_o faithfulness_n of_o god_n and_o righteousness_n of_o christ_n isa_n 45.24_o sure_o shall_v one_o say_v in_o the_o lord_n jehovah_n have_v i_o righteousness_n and_o strength_n 4._o such_o person_n labour_v after_o some_o goodness_n to_o prepare_v they_o for_o christ_n they_o be_v striy_v after_o some_o in_o order_n to_o their_o close_n with_o christ_n when_o they_o be_v invite_v to_o come_v to_o christ_n for_o salvation_n they_o excuse_v themselves_o and_o think_v they_o be_v not_o good_a enough_o yet_o to_o come_v to_o christ_n they_o think_v it_o will_v be_v presumption_n to_o come_v with_o such_o heart_n as_o they_o have_v they_o think_v no_o body_n ever_o come_v to_o christ_n that_o have_v such_o heart_n but_o they_o think_v if_o they_o be_v better_o they_o may_v come_v and_o so_o they_o be_v labour_v after_o some_o self-excellency_n in_o order_n to_o their_o close_n with_o christ_n they_o be_v purify_n themselves_o and_o garnish_v themselves_o that_o they_o may_v be_v fit_a to_o come_v to_o christ_n they_o think_v if_o their_o heart_n be_v more_o break_v they_o may_v come_v if_o they_o have_v more_o love_n to_o christ_n if_o they_o do_v see_v the_o real_a evil_n of_o sin_n and_o so_o they_o make_v it_o their_o business_n to_o get_v these_o qualification_n they_o do_v count_v it_o their_o next_o work_n to_o believe_v but_o think_v they_o must_v get_v some_o other_o self-excellency_n in_o order_n to_o believe_v so_o they_o make_v it_o their_o present_a work_n to_o mend_v their_o own_o heart_n and_o sometime_o they_o think_v they_o get_v a_o little_a forward_a and_o then_o they_o go_v backward_o just_o like_o a_o man_n that_o undertake_v to_o empty_v a_o fountain_n which_o fill_v as_o fast_o as_o he_o empty_v or_o like_a one_o that_o attempt_v to_o fetch_v a_o dead_a body_n to_o life_n he_o chafe_v it_o and_o it_o grow_v warm_a but_o be_v as_o far_o from_o life_n as_o ever_o so_o those_o man_n be_v strive_v against_o their_o duliness_n &_o hardness_n they_o tug_v with_o their_o own_o heart_n to_o make_v they_o better_o for_o he_o think_v he_o must_v be_v better_a before_o he_o believe_v in_o christ_n whereas_o a_o saint_n when_o he_o find_v his_o heart_n bad_a come_v to_o christ_n to_o make_v it_o better_o 5._o they_o be_v discontent_v if_o they_o be_v not_o accept_v because_o of_o their_o duty_n if_o god_n dont_fw-fr comfort_n they_o but_o they_o be_v hold_v under_o terror_n they_o wonder_v what_o the_o matter_n be_v and_o so_o likewise_o when_o god_n cross_v they_o in_o his_o providence_n and_o follow_v they_o with_o affliction_n their_o heart_n be_v discontent_v they_o be_v heavy_a and_o displease_v they_o think_v it_o strange_a that_o their_o duty_n be_v no_o more_o regard_v that_o they_o shall_v do_v so_o much_o and_o be_v requite_v so_o they_o lay_v hard_a deal_n to_o god_n charge_n think_v it_o be_v not_o equal_a they_o be_v ready_a to_o look_v upon_o it_o to_o be_v a_o piece_n of_o cruelty_n that_o god_n dont_fw-fr help_v they_o when_o they_o have_v do_v so_o much_o for_o he_o especial_o if_o god_n comfort_v other_o that_o have_v not_o be_v so_o long_o in_o a_o way_n of_o religion_n they_o find_v peace_n and_o communion_n with_o god_n this_o make_v the_o heart_n swell_v man_n can_v bear_v it_o that_o other_o shall_v have_v mercy_n and_o they_o not_o a_o their_o service_n make_v they_o very_o discontent_v under_o god_n heal_v towards_o they_o isai_n 58.3_o wherefore_o have_v we_o fast_v say_v they_o and_o thou_o see_v not_o wherefore_o have_v we_o afflict_v our_o soul_n and_o thou_o take_v no_o knowledge_n 2._o let_v we_o consider_v what_o righteousness_n such_o man_n may_v attain_v unto_o that_o seek_v salvation_n by_o their_o own_o righteousness_n and_o there_o be_v no_o doubt_n but_o such_o man_n may_v go_v a_o great_a way_n in_o religion_n some_o attain_v one_o measure_n and_o other_o another_o but_o they_o may_v go_v far_o though_o they_o fall_v great_o short_a of_o what_o the_o least_o saint_n do_v attain_v yet_o they_o be_v capable_a of_o attain_v a_o great_a deal_n they_o may_v attain_v so_o much_o as_o to_o exceed_v what_o many_o saint_n do_v attain_v as_o to_o the_o external_a part_n of_o religion_n they_o may_v make_v a_o glorious_a show_n so_o as_o to_o gain_v the_o approbation_n and_o applause_n of_o the_o people_n of_o god_n take_v it_o under_o these_o three_o head_n 1._o they_o may_v attain_v to_o as_o much_o as_o any_o saint_n as_o to_o the_o external_a part_n of_o religion_n all_o the_o external_a act_n of_o holiness_n may_v be_v do_v by_o he_o that_o have_v no_o principle_n of_o