ver_fw-la 7._o there_o be_v three_o that_o bear_v record_n in_o heaven_n the_o father_n the_o word_n and_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o these_o three_o be_v one_o the_o trinity_n of_o divine_a person_n act_v distinct_o in_o the_o unity_n of_o the_o same_o divine_a nature_n do_v give_v this_o testimony_n and_o they_o do_v so_o by_o these_o distinct_a operation_n whereby_o they_o act_n in_o this_o way_n and_o work_v of_o god_n save_a sinner_n by_o jesus_n christ_n which_o be_v at_o large_a declare_v in_o the_o gospel_n and_o there_o be_v add_v hereunto_o a_o testimony_n that_o be_v immediate_o applicatory_a unto_o the_o soul_n of_o believer_n of_o this_o sovereign_a testimony_n of_o the_o holy_a trinity_n and_o this_o be_v the_o witness_n of_o grace_n and_o all_o sacred_a ordinance_n there_o be_v three_o that_o bear_v witness_n on_o earth_n the_o spirit_n and_o the_o water_n and_o the_o blood_n and_o these_o three_o agree_v in_o one_o ver_n 8._o they_o be_v not_o all_o essential_o the_o same_o in_o one_o and_o the_o same_o nature_n as_o be_v the_o father_n word_n and_o holy_a ghost_n yet_o they_o all_o absolute_o agree_v in_o the_o same_o testimony_n and_o they_o do_v it_o by_o that_o especial_a efficacy_n which_o they_o have_v on_o the_o soul_n of_o believer_n to_o assure_v they_o of_o this_o truth_n in_o this_o record_n so_o solemn_o so_o glorious_o give_v and_o propose_v life_n and_o death_n be_v set_v before_o we_o the_o receive_v and_o embrace_v of_o this_o testimony_n with_o a_o approbation_n of_o the_o way_n of_o salvation_n testify_v unto_o be_v that_o work_n of_o faith_n which_o secure_v we_o of_o eternal_a life_n on_o these_o term_n there_o be_v reconciliation_n and_o agreement_n make_v and_o establish_v between_o god_n and_o man_n without_o which_o man_n must_v perish_v for_o ever_o so_o our_o bless_a saviour_n affirm_v this_o be_v life_n eternal_a that_o we_o may_v know_v thou_o father_n the_o only_a true_a god_n and_o jesus_n christ_n who_o thou_o have_v send_v joh._n 17._o 3._o to_o know_v the_o father_n as_o the_o only_a true_a god_n to_o know_v he_o as_o he_o have_v send_v jesus_n christ_n to_o be_v the_o only_a way_n and_o mean_n of_o the_o salvation_n of_o sinner_n and_o to_o know_v jesus_n christ_n as_o send_v by_o he_o for_o that_o end_n be_v that_o grace_n and_o duty_n which_o enstate_v we_o in_o a_o right_n unto_o eternal_a life_n and_o initiate_v we_o in_o the_o possession_n of_o it_o and_o this_o include_v that_o choice_n and_o approbation_n of_o the_o way_n of_o god_n for_o the_o save_n of_o sinner_n whereof_o we_o speak_v but_o these_o thing_n must_v be_v more_o distinct_o open_v 1._o the_o great_a fundamental_a difference_n in_o religion_n be_v concern_v the_o way_n and_o mean_n whereby_o sinner_n may_v be_v save_v from_o man_n different_a apprehension_n hereof_o arise_v all_o other_o difference_n about_o religion_n and_o the_o first_o thing_n that_o engage_v man_n real_o into_o any_o concernment_n in_o religion_n be_v a_o enquiry_n in_o their_o mind_n how_o sinner_n may_v be_v save_v or_o what_o they_o shall_v do_v themselves_o to_o be_v save_v what_o shall_v we_o do_v what_o shall_v we_o do_v to_o be_v save_v what_o be_v the_o way_n of_o acceptance_n with_o god_n be_v that_o enquiry_n which_o give_v man_n their_o first_o initiation_n into_o religion_n see_v act_n 2._o 37._o of_o chap._n 16._o 30._o micah_n 6._o 6_o 7_o 8._o this_o question_n be_v once_o raise_v in_o the_o conscience_n a_o answer_n must_v be_v return_v unto_o it_o i_o will_v consider_v say_v the_o prophet_n what_o i_o shall_v answer_v when_o i_o be_o reprove_v hab._n 2._o 1._o and_o there_o be_v all_o the_o reason_n in_o the_o world_n that_o man_n consider_v well_o of_o a_o good_a answer_n hereunto_o without_o which_o they_o must_v perish_v for_o ever_o for_o if_o they_o can_v answer_v themselves_o here_o how_o do_v they_o hope_v to_o answer_v god_n hereafter_o wherefore_o without_o a_o sufficient_a answer_n always_o in_o readiness_n unto_o this_o enquiry_n no_o man_n can_v have_v any_o hope_n of_o a_o bless_a eternity_n now_o the_o real_a answer_n which_o man_n return_v unto_o themselves_o be_v according_a to_o the_o influence_n which_o their_o mind_n be_v under_o from_o one_o or_o other_o of_o the_o two_o divine_a covenant_n that_o of_o work_n or_o that_o of_o grace_n and_o these_o two_o covenant_n take_v absolute_o be_v inconsistent_a and_o give_v answer_n in_o this_o case_n that_o be_v direct_o contradictory_n to_o one_o another_o so_o the_o apostle_n declare_v rom._n 10._o 5_o 6_o 7_o 8_o 9_o the_o one_o say_v the_o man_n that_o do_v the_o work_n of_o the_o law_n shall_v live_v by_o they_o this_o be_v the_o only_a way_n whereby_o you_o may_v be_v save_v the_o other_o whole_o wave_v this_o return_n and_o put_v it_o all_o on_o faith_n in_o christ_n jesus_n hence_o there_o be_v great_a difference_n and_o great_a variety_n in_o the_o answer_n which_o man_n return_v to_o themselves_o on_o this_o enquiry_n for_o their_o conscience_n will_v neither_o hear_v nor_o speak_v any_o thing_n but_o what_o comply_v with_o the_o covenant_n whereunto_o they_o do_v belong_v these_o thing_n be_v reconcile_v only_o in_o the_o blood_n of_o christ_n and_o how_o the_o apostle_n declare_v rom._n 8._o 3._o the_o great_a part_n of_o convince_v sinner_n seem_v to_o adhere_v to_o the_o testimony_n of_o the_o covenant_n of_o work_n and_o so_o perish_v for_o ever_o nothing_o will_v stand_v we_o instead_o in_o this_o matter_n nothing_o will_v save_v we_o but_o the_o answer_n of_o a_o good_a conscience_n towards_o god_n by_o the_o resurrection_n of_o jesus_n christ._n 1_o pet._n 3._o 21._o 2._o the_o way_n that_o god_n have_v prepare_v for_o the_o save_n of_o sinner_n be_v a_o fruit_n and_o product_n of_o infinite_a wisdom_n and_o powerful_o essicacious_a unto_o its_o end_n as_o such_o it_o be_v to_o be_v receive_v or_o it_o be_v reject_v it_o be_v not_o enough_o that_o we_o admit_v of_o the_o notion_n of_o it_o as_o declare_v unless_o we_o be_v sensible_a of_o divine_a wisdom_n and_o power_n in_o it_o so_o as_o that_o it_o may_v be_v safe_o trust_v unto_o hereon_o upon_o the_o proposal_n of_o it_o falls_z out_z the_o eternal_o distinguish_v difference_n among_o men._n some_o look_n upon_o it_o and_o embrace_v it_o as_o the_o power_n and_o wisdom_n of_o god_n other_o real_o reject_v it_o as_o a_o thing_n foolish_a and_o weak_a not_o meet_v to_o be_v trust_v unto_o hereof_o the_o apostle_n give_v a_o account_n at_o large_a 1_o cor._n 1._o 18_o 19_o 20_o 21_o 22_o 23_o 24._o and_o this_o be_v mysterious_a in_o religion_n the_o same_o divine_a truth_n be_v by_o the_o same_o way_n and_o mean_n at_o the_o same_o time_n propose_v unto_o sundry_a person_n all_o in_o the_o same_o condition_n under_o the_o same_o circumstance_n all_o equal_o concern_v in_o that_o which_o be_v propose_v therein_o some_o of_o they_o hereon_o do_v receive_v it_o embrace_v it_o approve_v of_o it_o and_o trust_v unto_o it_o for_o life_n and_o salvation_n other_o despise_v it_o reject_v it_o value_v it_o not_o trust_v not_o unto_o it_o to_o the_o one_o it_o be_v the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n and_o the_o power_n of_o god_n to_o the_o other_o weakness_n and_o foolishness_n as_o it_o must_v of_o necessity_n be_v one_o or_o the_o other_o it_o be_v not_o capable_a of_o a_o middle_a state_n or_o consideration_n it_o be_v not_o a_o good_a way_n unless_o it_o be_v the_o only_a way_n it_o be_v not_o a_o safe_a it_o be_v not_o the_o best_a way_n if_o there_o be_v any_o other_o for_o it_o be_v eternal_o inconsistent_a with_o any_o other_o it_o be_v the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n or_o it_o be_v downright_a folly_n and_o here_o after_o all_o our_o dispute_n we_o must_v resort_v unto_o eternal_a sovereign_a grace_n make_v a_o distinction_n among_o they_o unto_o who_o the_o gospel_n be_v propose_v and_o the_o almighty_a power_n of_o actual_a grace_n in_o cure_v that_o unbelief_n which_o blind_v the_o mind_n of_o man_n that_o they_o can_v see_v nothing_o but_o folly_n and_o weakness_n in_o god_n way_n of_o the_o save_n of_o sinner_n and_o this_o unbelief_n work_v yet_o in_o the_o most_o of_o they_o unto_o who_o this_o way_n of_o god_n be_v propose_v in_o the_o gospel_n they_o receive_v it_o not_o as_o a_o effect_n of_o infinite_a wisdom_n and_o as_o powerful_o essicacious_a unto_o its_o proper_a end_n some_o be_v profligate_v in_o the_o service_n of_o their_o lust_n and_o regard_v it_o not_o unto_o who_o may_v be_v apply_v that_o of_o the_o prophet_n hear_v ve_fw-la despiser_n and_o wonder_v and_o perish_v some_o be_v under_o the_o power_n of_o darkness_n and_o ignorance_n so_o as_o that_o they_o apprehend_v not_o they_o understand_v not_o the_o mystery_n of_o it_o for_o the_o light_n shine_v
of_o god_n in_o his_o oblation_n and_o intercession_n 3._o of_o the_o great_a multitude_n and_o variety_n of_o precious_a promise_n engage_v the_o truth_n faithfulness_n and_o power_n of_o god_n for_o the_o communication_n of_o righteousness_n and_o salvation_n from_o those_o spring_n by_o that_o mean_n i_o say_v on_o the_o just_a consideration_n of_o these_o thing_n with_o all_o other_o encouragement_n wherewith_o they_o be_v accompany_v the_o soul_n conclude_v by_o faith_n that_o there_o be_v salvation_n for_o itself_o in_o particular_a to_o be_v attain_v in_o that_o way_n 3._o the_o last_o act_n of_o faith_n in_o the_o order_n of_o nature_n be_v the_o soul_n acquiescency_n in_o and_o trust_v unto_o this_o way_n of_o salvation_n for_o its_o self_n and_o its_o own_o eternal_a condition_n with_o a_o renuntiation_n of_o all_o other_o way_n and_o mean_n for_o that_o end_n and_o because_o jesus_n christ_n in_o his_o person_n mediation_n and_o righteousness_n be_v the_o life_n and_o centre_n of_o this_o way_n as_o he_o in_o who_o alone_a god_n will_v glorify_v his_o wisdom_n love_n grace_n and_o mercy_n as_o he_o who_o have_v purchase_v procure_v and_o wrought_v all_o this_o salvation_n for_o we_o who_o righteousness_n be_v impute_v unto_o we_o for_o our_o justification_n and_o who_o in_o the_o discharge_v of_o his_o office_n do_v actual_o bestow_v it_o upon_o we_o he_o be_v the_o proper_a and_o immediate_a object_n of_o faith_n in_o this_o act_n of_o trust_n and_o affiance_n this_o be_v that_o which_o be_v call_v in_o the_o scripture_n believe_v in_o christ_n namely_o the_o trust_n unto_o he_o alone_o for_o life_n and_o salvation_n as_o the_o whole_a of_o divine_a wisdom_n and_o grace_n be_v administer_v by_o he_o unto_o those_o ends._n for_o this_o we_o come_v unto_o he_o we_o receive_v he_o we_o believe_v in_o he_o we_o trust_v he_o we_o abide_v in_o he_o with_o all_o those_o other_o way_n whereby_o our_o faith_n in_o he_o be_v express_v and_o this_o be_v the_o second_o ground_n or_o reason_n whereon_o faith_n do_v close_o with_o embrace_z and_o approve_v of_o god_n way_n of_o save_a sinner_n whereby_o it_o will_v evidence_n itself_o unto_o the_o comfort_n of_o they_o in_o who_o it_o be_v in_o the_o midst_n of_o all_o their_o trial_n and_o temptation_n three_o faith_n approve_v of_o this_o way_n as_o that_o which_o make_v the_o glory_n of_o god_n in_o the_o give_n and_o the_o sanction_n of_o the_o law_n to_o be_v as_o eminent_o conspicuous_a as_o if_o it_o have_v be_v perfect_o fulfil_v by_o every_o one_o of_o we_o in_o our_o own_o person_n the_o law_n be_v a_o just_a representation_n of_o the_o righteousness_n and_o holiness_n of_o god_n and_o the_o end_n for_o which_o it_o be_v give_v be_v that_o it_o may_v be_v the_o mean_n and_o instrument_n of_o the_o eternal_a exaltation_n of_o his_o glory_n in_o those_o holy_a property_n of_o his_o nature_n let_v no_o man_n imagine_v that_o god_n have_v lay_v aside_o this_o law_n as_o a_o thing_n of_o no_o more_o use_n or_o that_o he_o will_v bear_v a_o diminution_n of_o that_o glory_n or_o any_o part_n of_o it_o which_o he_o design_v in_o the_o give_n of_o it_o heaven_n and_o earth_n shall_v pass_v away_o but_o no_o jot_n or_o little_a of_o the_o law_n shall_v do_v so_o no_o believer_n can_v desire_v or_o be_v please_v with_o his_o own_o salvation_n unless_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n design_v by_o the_o law_n be_v secure_v he_o can_v desire_v that_o god_n shall_v forgo_v any_o part_n of_o his_o glory_n that_o he_o may_v be_v save_v yea_o this_o be_v that_o on_o the_o account_n whereof_o he_o principal_o rejoice_v in_o his_o own_o salvation_n namely_o that_o it_o be_v that_o wherein_o god_n will_v be_v absolute_o universal_o and_o eternal_o glorify_v now_o in_o this_o way_n of_o save_a sinner_n by_o jesus_n christ_n by_o mercy_n pardon_v and_o the_o righteousness_n of_o at_o other_o of_o all_o which_o the_o law_n know_v nothing_o faith_n do_v see_v and_o understand_v how_o all_o that_o glory_n which_o god_n design_v in_o the_o give_n of_o the_o law_n be_v eternal_o secure_v and_o preserve_v entire_a without_o eclipse_n or_o diminution_n the_o way_n whereby_o this_o be_v do_v be_v declare_v in_o the_o gospel_n see_v rom._n â—_o 24_o 25_o 26._o chap._n 8._o 2_o 3_o 4._o chap._n 10._o 3_o 4._o hereby_o faith_n be_v enable_v to_o answer_v all_o the_o challenge_n and_o charge_n of_o the_o law_n with_o all_o its_o plea_n for_o the_o vindication_n of_o divine_a justice_n truth_n and_o holiness_n it_o have_v that_o to_o offer_v which_o give_v it_o the_o utmost_a satisfaction_n in_o all_o its_o plea_n for_o god_n so_o be_v this_o answer_n manage_v rom._n 8._o 32_o 33_o 34._o and_o this_o be_v the_o first_o way_n whereby_o the_o faith_n of_o god_n elect_n do_v evidence_n itself_o in_o the_o mind_n and_o conscience_n of_o they_o that_o do_v believe_v in_o the_o midst_n of_o all_o their_o contest_v with_o sin_n their_o trial_n and_o temptation_n to_o their_o relief_n and_o comfort_n namely_o the_o close_n with_o and_o approbation_n of_o god_n way_n of_o save_a sinner_n by_o jesus_n christ_n on_o the_o ground_n and_o reason_n which_o have_v be_v declare_v the_o second_o evidence_n of_o the_o faith_n of_o god_n elect._n the_o second_o way_n whereby_o true_a faith_n do_v evidence_n itself_o in_o the_o soul_n and_o conscience_n of_o beleiver_n unto_o their_o supportment_n and_o comfort_n under_o all_o their_o conflict_n with_o sin_n in_o all_o their_o trial_n and_o temptation_n be_v by_o a_o constant_a approbation_n of_o the_o revelation_n of_o the_o will_n of_o god_n in_o the_o scripture_n concern_v our_o holiness_n and_o the_o obedience_n unto_o himself_o which_o he_o require_v of_o we_o this_o faith_n will_v never_o forgo_v whatever_o trial_n it_o may_v undergo_v whatever_o darkness_n the_o mind_n may_v fall_v into_o this_o it_o will_v abide_v by_o in_o all_o extremity_n and_o that_o it_o may_v appear_v to_o be_v a_o peculiar_a effect_n or_o work_v of_o save_a faith_n some_o thing_n be_v to_o be_v premise_v and_o consider_v 1._o there_o be_v in_o all_o man_n by_o nature_n a_o light_n enable_v they_o to_o judge_v of_o the_o difference_n that_o be_v between_o what_o be_v moral_o good_a and_o what_o be_v evil_a especial_o in_o thing_n of_o more_o than_o ordinary_a importance_n this_o light_n be_v not_o attain_v or_o acquire_v by_o we_o we_o be_v not_o teach_v it_o we_o do_v not_o learn_v it_o it_o be_v bear_v with_o we_o and_o inseparable_a from_o we_o it_o prevent_v consideration_n and_o reflection_n work_v natural_o and_o in_o a_o sort_n necessary_o in_o the_o first_o act_n of_o our_o soul_n and_o the_o discern_a power_n of_o this_o light_n as_o to_o the_o moral_a nature_n of_o man_n action_n be_v accompany_v inseparable_o with_o a_o judgement_n that_o they_o make_v concern_v themselves_o as_o unto_o what_o they_o do_v of_o the_o one_o kind_n or_o other_o and_o that_o with_o respect_n unto_o the_o superior_a judgement_n of_o god_n about_o the_o same_o thing_n this_o the_o apostle_n express_o ascribe_v unto_o the_o gentile_n who_o have_v not_o the_o law_n rom._n 2._o 14_o 15._o the_o gentile_n which_o have_v not_o the_o law_n do_v by_o nature_n the_o thing_n contain_v in_o the_o law_n these_o have_v not_o the_o law_n be_v a_o law_n unto_o themselves_o which_o show_v the_o work_n of_o the_o law_n write_v in_o their_o heart_n their_o conscience_n also_o bear_v witness_n and_o their_o thought_n the_o mean_a while_n accuse_v or_o excuse_v one_o another_o this_o be_v a_o most_o exact_a description_n of_o a_o natural_a conscience_n in_o both_o the_o power_n of_o it_o it_o discern_v that_o good_a and_o evil_n which_o be_v command_v and_o forbid_v in_o the_o law_n and_o it_o pass_v a_o acquit_v or_o condemn_v judgement_n and_o sentence_n according_a to_o what_o man_n have_v do_v wherefore_o this_o approbation_n of_o duty_n in_o thing_n moral_a be_v common_a unto_o all_o men._n the_o light_n whereby_o it_o be_v guide_v may_v be_v various_o improve_v as_o it_o be_v in_o some_o of_o the_o gentile_n and_o it_o may_v bestisle_v in_o some_o until_o it_o seem_v to_o be_v quite_o extinguish_v until_o they_o become_v like_o the_o beast_n that_o perish_v and_o where_o the_o discern_a power_n of_o this_o light_n remain_v yet_o through_o a_o continual_a practice_n of_o sin_n and_o obduracy_n therein_o the_o judge_a power_n of_o it_o as_o unto_o all_o its_o efficacy_n may_v be_v lose_v so_o the_o apostle_n declare_v concern_v they_o who_o be_v judicial_o harden_v and_o give_v up_o unto_o sin_n rom._n 1._o 32._o these_o know_v the_o judgement_n of_o god_n that_o they_o which_o commit_v such_o thing_n be_v worthy_a of_o death_n not_o only_o do_v the_o same_o but_o have_v pleasure_n in_o they_o that_o do_v they_o
gospel_n ground_n and_o evidence_n of_o the_o faith_n of_o god_n elect_n show_v i._o the_o nature_n of_o true_a save_a faith_n in_o secure_v of_o the_o spiritual_a comfort_n of_o believer_n in_o this_o life_n be_v of_o the_o high_a importance_n ii_o the_o way_n wherein_o true_a faith_n do_v evidence_n itself_o in_o the_o soul_n and_o conscience_n of_o believer_n unto_o their_o supportment_n and_o comfort_n under_o all_o their_o conflict_n with_o sin_n in_o all_o their_o trial_n and_o temptation_n iii_o faith_n will_v evidence_n itself_o by_o a_o diligent_a constant_a endeavour_n to_o keep_v itself_o and_o all_o grace_n in_o due_a exercise_n in_o all_o ordinance_n of_o divine_a worship_n private_a and_o public_a iv._o a_o peculiar_a way_n whereby_o true_a faith_n will_v evidence_n itself_o by_o bring_v the_o soul_n into_o a_o state_n of_o repentance_n examine_v yourselves_o whether_o you_o be_v in_o the_o faith_n prove_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 2_o cor._n 13._o 5_o by_o john_n owen_n d._n d._n london_n print_v by_o john_n astwood_n for_o william_n marshal_n at_o the_o bible_n in_o newgate-street_n where_o you_o may_v be_v supply_v with_o most_o of_o dr._n owen_n dr._n beverly_n and_o mr._n caryl_n work_n 1695._o to_o the_o reader_n as_o faith_n be_v the_o first_o vital_a act_n that_o every_o true_a christian_a put_v forth_o and_o the_o life_n which_o he_o live_v be_v by_o the_o faith_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n so_o it_o be_v his_o next_o and_o great_a concern_v to_o know_v that_o he_o do_v believe_v and_o that_o believe_v he_o have_v eternal_a life_n that_o his_o faith_n be_v the_o faith_n of_o god_n elect_n and_o of_o the_o operation_n of_o god_n without_o sâ—me_n distinct_a believe_a knowledge_n of_o which_o he_o can_v so_o comfortable_o assure_v his_o heart_n before_o god_n concern_v his_o call_v and_o election_n so_o far_o as_o to_o carry_v he_o forth_o 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hence_o notwithstanding_o their_o right_n and_o title_n unto_o they_o by_o the_o gospel_n they_o be_v ofttimes_o actual_o destitute_a of_o a_o gracious_a sense_n of_o they_o and_o consequent_o of_o that_o relief_n which_o they_o be_v sâ—ited_v to_o afford_v in_o all_o their_o duty_n trial_n and_o afflication_n now_o the_o root_n whereon_o all_o real_a comfort_n do_v grow_v whence_o they_o spring_v and_o arise_v be_v true_a and_o save_a faith_n the_o faith_n of_o god_n elect._n wherefore_o they_o do_v ordinary_o answer_v unto_o and_o hold_v proportion_n with_o the_o evidence_n which_o any_o have_v of_o that_o faith_n in_o themselves_o at_o least_o they_o can_v be_v maintain_v without_o such_o evidence_n wherefore_o that_o we_o may_v be_v a_o little_a useful_a unto_o the_o establishment_n or_o recovery_n of_o that_o consolation_n which_o god_n be_v so_o abundant_o willing_a that_o all_o the_o heir_n of_o promise_n shall_v enjoy_v i_o shall_v inquire_v what_o be_v the_o principal_a act_n and_o operation_n of_o faith_n whereby_o it_o will_v evidence_n its_o truth_n and_o sincerity_n in_o the_o midst_n of_o all_o temptation_n and_o storm_n that_o may_v befall_v believer_n in_o this_o world_n and_o i_o shall_v insist_v on_o such_o alone_a as_o will_v bear_v the_o severe_a scrutiny_n by_o scripture_n and_o experience_n and_o the_o principal_a genuine_a act_v of_o save_a faith_n in_o we_o inseparable_a from_o it_o yea_o essential_a to_o such_o act_n consist_v in_o the_o choose_v embrace_v and_o approbation_n of_o god_n way_n of_o save_a sinner_n by_o the_o mediation_n of_o jesus_n christ_n rely_v thereon_o with_o a_o renuntiation_n of_o all_o other_o way_n and_o mean_n pretend_v unto_o the_o same_o end_n of_o salvation_n this_o be_v that_o which_o we_o be_v to_o explain_v and_o prove_v save_v faith_n be_v our_o believe_v the_o record_n that_o god_n have_v give_v we_o of_o his_o son_n 1_o john_n 5._o 10._o and_o this_o be_v the_o record_n that_o god_n have_v give_v unto_o we_o eternal_a life_n and_o this_o life_n be_v in_o his_o son_n verse_n 11._o this_o be_v the_o testimony_n which_o god_n give_v that_o great_a and_o sacred_a truth_n which_o he_o himself_o bear_v witness_v unto_o namely_o that_o he_o have_v free_o prepare_v eternal_a life_n for_o they_o that_o believe_v or_o provide_v a_o way_n of_o salvation_n for_o they_o and_o what_o god_n so_o prepare_v he_o be_v say_v to_o give_v because_o of_o the_o certainty_n of_o its_o communication_n so_o grace_n be_v promise_v and_o give_v to_o the_o elect_a in_o christ_n jesus_n before_o the_o world_n begin_v 2_o tim._n 1._o 9_o tit._n 1._o 2._o and_o that_o be_v so_o to_o be_v communicate_v unto_o they_o in_o and_o by_o the_o mediation_n of_o his_o son_n jesus_n christ_n that_o it_o be_v the_o only_a way_n whereby_o god_n will_v give_v eternal_a life_n unto_o any_o which_o be_v therefore_o whole_o in_o he_o and_o by_o he_o to_o be_v obtain_v and_o from_o he_o to_o be_v receive_v upon_o our_o acquiescency_n in_o this_o testimony_n on_o our_o approbation_n of_o this_o way_n of_o save_a sinner_n or_o our_o refusal_n of_o it_o our_o eternal_a safety_n or_o ruin_n do_v absolute_o depend_v and_o it_o be_v reasonable_a that_o it_o shall_v be_v so_o for_o in_o our_o receive_n of_o this_o testimony_n of_o god_n we_o set_v to_o our_o seal_n that_o god_n be_v true_a joh._n 3._o 33._o we_o ascribe_v unto_o he_o the_o glory_n of_o his_o truth_n and_o therein_o of_o all_o the_o other_o holy_a property_n of_o his_o nature_n the_o most_o eminent_a duty_n whereof_o we_o be_v capable_a in_o this_o world_n and_o by_o a_o refusal_n of_o it_o what_o lie_v in_o we_o we_o make_v he_o a_o liar_n as_o in_o this_o place_n v_o 10._o which_o be_v virtual_o to_o renounce_v his_o be_v and_o the_o solemnity_n wherewith_o this_o testimony_n be_v enter_v be_v very_o remarkable_a
the_o mind_n and_o soul_n of_o every_o enlighten_v person_n he_o can_v admit_v of_o no_o proposal_n of_o eternal_a thing_n that_o be_v inconsistent_a with_o it_o but_o moreover_o in_o every_o such_o person_n there_o be_v a_o rule_v desire_n of_o his_o own_o salvation_n it_o be_v natural_a unto_o he_o as_o a_o creature_n make_v for_o eternity_n it_o be_v inseparable_a from_o he_o as_o he_o be_v a_o convince_a sinner_n and_o the_o clear_a the_o light_n of_o any_o one_o be_v in_o the_o nature_n of_o this_o salvation_n the_o more_o be_v this_o desire_n heighten_v and_o confirm_v in_o he_o here_o then_o lie_v the_o enquiry_n namely_o how_o these_o two_o prevalent_a desire_n may_v be_v reconcile_v and_o satisfy_v in_o the_o same_o mind_n for_o as_o we_o be_v sinner_n there_o seem_v to_o be_v a_o inconsistency_n between_o they_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n in_o his_o justice_n and_o holiness_n require_v that_o sinner_n shall_v die_v and_o perish_v eternal_o so_o speak_v the_o law_n this_o be_v the_o language_n of_o conscience_n and_o the_o voice_n of_o all_o our_o fear_n wherefore_o for_o a_o sinner_n to_o desire_v in_o the_o first_o place_n that_o god_n may_v be_v glorify_v be_v to_o desire_v that_o himself_o may_v be_v damn_v which_o of_o these_o desire_n shall_v the_o sinner_n cleave_v unto_o unto_o whether_o of_o they_o shall_v it_o give_v the_o pre-eminence_n shall_v he_o cast_v off_o all_o hope_n and_o desire_v of_o his_o own_o salvation_n and_o be_v content_a to_o perish_v for_o ever_o this_o he_o can_v do_v god_n do_v not_o require_v it_o of_o he_o he_o have_v give_v he_o the_o contrary_a in_o charge_n whilst_o he_o be_v in_o this_o world_n shall_v he_o then_o desire_v that_o god_n may_v part_v with_o and_o lose_v his_o glory_n so_o as_o that_o one_o way_n or_o other_o he_o may_v be_v save_v bring_v himself_o unto_o a_o unconcernment_n what_o become_v of_o it_o this_o can_v be_v no_o mere_a in_o a_o enlighten_v mind_n than_o it_o can_v cease_v to_o desire_v its_o own_o salvation_n but_o how_o to_o reconcile_v these_o thing_n in_o himself_o a_o sinner_n find_v not_o here_o therefore_o the_o glory_n of_o this_o way_n represent_v itself_o unto_o the_o faith_n of_o every_o believer_n it_o not_o only_o bring_v these_o desire_n into_o a_o perfect_a consistency_n and_o harmony_n but_o make_v they_o to_o increase_v and_o promote_v one_o another_o the_o desire_n of_o god_n glory_n increase_v the_o desire_n of_o our_o own_o salvation_n and_o the_o desire_n of_o our_o own_o salvation_n enlarge_v and_o inflame_v the_o desire_n of_o glorify_v god_n therein_o and_o thereby_o these_o thing_n be_v bring_v into_o a_o perfect_a consistency_n and_o mutual_a subserviency_n in_o the_o blood_n of_o christ_n rom._n 3._o 24_o 25_o 26._o for_o this_o way_n be_v that_o which_o god_n have_v find_v out_o in_o infinite_a wisdom_n to_o glorify_v himself_o in_o the_o salvation_n of_o sinner_n there_o be_v not_o any_o thing_n wherein_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n do_v or_o may_v consist_v but_o in_o this_o way_n be_v reconcile_v unto_o and_o consistent_a with_o the_o salvation_n of_o the_o chief_a of_o sinner_n there_o be_v no_o property_n of_o his_o nature_n but_o be_v glorious_o exalt_v in_o and_o by_o it_o a_o answer_n be_v give_v in_o it_o unto_o all_o the_o objection_n of_o the_o law_n against_o the_o consistency_n of_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n and_o the_o salvation_n of_o sinner_n it_o plead_v his_o truth_n in_o his_o threaten_n in_o the_o sanction_n of_o the_o law_n with_o the_o curse_n annex_v it_o plead_v his_o righteousness_n holiness_n and_o severity_n all_o engage_v to_o destroy_v sinner_n it_o plead_v the_o instance_n of_o god_n deal_n with_o the_o angel_n that_o sin_v and_o call_v in_o the_o witness_n of_o conscience_n to_o testify_v the_o truth_n of_o all_o its_o allegation_n but_o there_o be_v a_o full_a and_o satisfactory_a answer_n give_v unto_o this_o whole_a plea_n of_o the_o law_n in_o this_o way_n of_o salvation_n god_n declare_v in_o it_o and_o by_o it_o how_o he_o have_v provide_v for_o the_o satisfaction_n of_o all_o these_o thing_n and_o the_o exaltation_n of_o his_o glory_n in_o they_o as_o we_o shall_v see_v immediate_o here_o true_a faith_n will_v fix_v itself_o in_o all_o its_o distress_n whatever_o say_v the_o soul_n be_v my_o state_n and_o condition_n whatever_o be_v my_o fear_n and_o perplexity_n whatever_o opposition_n i_o meet_v withal_o yet_o i_o see_v in_o jesus_n christ_n in_o the_o glass_n of_o the_o gospel_n that_o there_o be_v no_o inconsistency_n between_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n and_o my_o salvation_n that_o otherwise_o insuperable_a difficulty_n lay_v by_o the_o law_n in_o the_o way_n of_o my_o life_n and_o comfort_n be_v utter_o remove_v whilst_o faith_n keep_v this_o hold_n in_o the_o soul_n with_o a_o constant_a approbation_n of_o this_o way_n of_o salvation_n by_o christ_n as_o that_o which_o give_v a_o consistency_n unto_o both_o its_o govern_n desire_v that_o it_o shall_v not_o need_n forgo_v either_o of_o they_o so_o as_o to_o be_v content_v to_o be_v damn_v than_o god_n may_v be_v glorify_v as_o some_o have_v speak_v or_o to_o desire_v salvation_n without_o a_o due_a regard_n unto_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n it_o will_v be_v a_o anchor_n to_o stay_v the_o soul_n in_o all_o its_o storm_n and_o distress_n some_o benefit_n which_o will_v certain_o ensue_v hereon_o we_o may_v brief_o mention_v 1._o the_o soul_n will_v be_v hereby_o preserve_v from_o ruine_v despair_n in_o all_o the_o distress_n that_o may_v befall_v it_o despair_n be_v nothing_o but_o a_o prevalent_a apprehension_n of_o mind_n that_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n and_o a_o man_n salvation_n be_v inconsistent_a that_o god_n can_v be_v just_o true_a holy_a or_o righteous_a if_o he_o in_o who_o that_o apprehension_n be_v may_v be_v save_v such_o a_o person_n do_v conclude_v that_o his_o salvation_n be_v impossible_a because_o one_o way_n or_o other_o it_o be_v inconsistent_a with_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n for_o nothing_o else_o can_v render_v it_o impossible_a hence_o arise_v in_o the_o mind_n a_o utter_a dislike_n of_o god_n with_o revengeful_a thought_n against_o he_o for_o be_v what_o he_o be_v this_o cut_v off_o all_o endeavour_n of_o reconciliation_n yea_o beget_v a_o abhorrency_n of_o all_o the_o mean_n of_o it_o as_o those_o which_o be_v weak_a foolish_a and_o insufficient_a such_o be_v christ_n and_o his_o cross_n unto_o man_n under_o such_o apprehension_n they_o judge_v they_o unable_a to_o reconcile_v the_o glory_n of_o god_n and_o their_o salvation_n then_o be_v a_o soul_n in_o a_o open_a entrance_n into_o hell_n from_o this_o curse_a frame_n and_o ruin_n the_o soul_n be_v safe_o preserve_v by_o faith_n maintain_v in_o the_o mind_n and_o heart_n a_o due_a persuasion_n of_o the_o consistency_n and_o harmony_n that_o be_v between_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n and_o its_o own_o salvation_n whilst_o this_o persuasion_n be_v prevalent_a in_o it_o although_o it_o can_v attain_v any_o comfortable_a assurance_n of_o a_o especial_a interest_n in_o it_o yet_o it_o can_v but_o love_n honour_n value_n and_o cleave_v unto_o this_o way_n adore_v the_o wisdom_n and_o grace_n of_o god_n in_o it_o which_o be_v a_o act_n a_o evidence_n of_o save_v faith_n see_v psal._n 130._o 3_o 4._o yea_o 2._o it_o will_v preserve_v the_o soul_n from_o heartless_a dispondency_n many_o in_o their_o temptation_n darkness_n fear_n surprisal_n by_o sin_n although_o they_o fall_v into_o ruine_v desperation_n yet_o they_o fall_v under_o such_o despond_v fear_n and_o various_a discouragement_n we_o keep_v they_o off_o from_o a_o vigorous_a endeavour_n after_o a_o recovery_n and_o hereon_o for_o want_v of_o the_o due_a exercise_n of_o grace_n they_o grow_v weak_a and_o dark_a every_o day_n and_o be_v in_o danger_n to_o pine_v away_o in_o their_o sin_n but_o where_o faith_n keep_v the_o soul_n constant_a unto_o the_o approbation_n of_o god_n way_n of_o save_a sinner_n as_o that_o wherein_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n and_o its_o own_o salvation_n be_v not_o only_o full_o reconcile_v but_o make_v inseparable_a it_o will_v stir_v up_o all_o grace_n unto_o a_o due_a exercise_n and_o the_o diligent_a performance_n of_o all_o duty_n whereby_o it_o may_v obtain_v a_o refresh_a sense_n of_o a_o personal_a interest_n in_o it_o 3._o it_o will_v keep_v the_o heart_n full_a of_o kindness_n towards_o god_n whence_o love_n and_o gracious_a hope_n will_v spring_v it_o be_v impossible_a but_o that_o a_o soul_n overwhelm_v with_o a_o sense_n of_o sin_n and_o thereon_o â—illed_v with_o self-condemnation_n but_o if_o it_o have_v a_o view_n of_o the_o consistency_n of_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n with_o its_o deliverance_n and_o salvation_n through_o a_o free_a contrivance_n of_o infinite_a wisdom_n and_o grace_n it_o must_v have_v such_o kindness_n for_o
they_o still_o discern_v what_o be_v evil_a and_o sinful_a and_o know_v what_o be_v the_o judgement_n of_o god_n concern_v such_o thing_n but_o yet_o the_o love_n of_o sin_n and_o custom_n in_o sin_v do_v so_o far_o prevail_v in_o they_o as_o to_o contemn_v both_o their_o own_o light_n and_o god_n judgement_n so_o as_o to_o delight_v in_o what_o be_v contrary_a unto_o they_o these_o the_o apostle_n describe_v eph._n 4._o 19_o be_v past_o feel_n all_o sense_n of_o conviction_n they_o give_v themselves_o over_o nnto_n lasciviousness_n to_o work_v all_o uncleanness_n with_o greediness_n such_o as_o the_o world_n be_v fill_v withal_o at_o this_o day_n this_o be_v not_o that_o approbation_n of_o obedience_n which_o we_o inquire_v after_o it_o be_v in_o some_o measure_n in_o the_o worst_a of_o man_n nor_o have_v it_o any_o likeness_n unto_o that_o duty_n of_o faith_n which_o we_o treat_v of_o as_o will_v immediate_o appear_v 2._o there_o be_v a_o far_a knowledge_n of_o good_a and_o evil_a by_o the_o law_n and_o this_o be_v also_o accompany_v with_o a_o judgement_n acquit_v or_o condemn_v for_o the_o law_n have_v the_o same_o judge_a power_n and_o authority_n over_o man_n that_o their_o own_o conscience_n have_v namely_o the_o authority_n of_o god_n himself_o the_o law_n be_v to_o sinner_n as_o the_o tree_n of_o knowledge_n of_o good_a and_o evil_a it_o open_v their_o eye_n to_o see_v the_o nature_n of_o what_o they_o have_v do_v for_o by_o the_o law_n be_v the_o knowledge_n of_o sin_n rom._n 3._o 20._o and_o so_o be_v the_o knowledge_n of_o duty_n also_o for_o it_o be_v the_o adequate_a rule_n of_o all_o duty_n there_o be_v i_o say_v a_o knowledge_n and_o conviction_n of_o duty_n and_o sin_n communicate_v unto_o man_n by_o the_o law_n and_o those_o far_o more_o clear_a and_o distinct_a than_o what_o be_v or_o can_v be_v find_v in_o man_n from_o the_o mere_a light_n of_o nature_n for_o it_o extend_v to_o more_o instance_n that_o be_v general_o lose_v where_o it_o be_v alone_o as_o unto_o many_o important_a duty_n and_o sin_n and_o it_o declare_v the_o nature_n of_o every_o sin_n and_o duty_n far_o more_o clear_o than_o natural_a light_n of_o itself_o can_v do_v and_o this_o knowledge_n of_o good_a and_o evil_n by_o the_o law_n may_v be_v so_o improve_v in_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n as_o to_o press_v they_o unto_o a_o performance_n of_o all_o know_a duty_n and_o a_o abstinence_n from_o all_o know_a sin_n with_o a_o judgement_n on_o they_o all_o but_o yet_o herein_o do_v not_o consist_v that_o approbation_n of_o holiness_n and_o obedience_n which_o faith_n will_v produce_v for_o 1._o as_o unto_o approbation_n or_o condemnation_n of_o good_a or_o evil_a that_o which_o be_v by_o the_o law_n be_v particular_a or_o have_v respect_n unto_o particular_a duty_n and_o sin_n according_a as_o occasion_n do_v present_v they_o and_o extend_v not_o unto_o the_o whole_a law_n absolute_o and_o all_o that_o be_v require_v in_o it_o i_o do_v not_o not_o say_v it_o be_v always_o partial_a there_o be_v a_o legal_a sincerity_n that_o may_v have_v respect_n unto_o all_o know_a duty_n and_o sin_n though_o it_o be_v very_o rare_a hardly_o shall_v we_o find_v a_o person_n mere_o under_o the_o power_n of_o the_o law_n who_o do_v not_o evidence_n a_o indulgence_n unto_o some_o sin_n and_o a_o neglect_v of_o some_o duty_n but_o such_o a_o thing_n there_o may_v be_v it_o be_v in_o paul_n in_o his_o phariseisme_n he_o be_v touch_v the_o righteousness_n which_o be_v in_o the_o law_n blameless_a phil._n 3._o 6._o he_o allow_v not_o himself_o in_o any_o know_a sin_n nor_o in_o the_o neglect_n of_o any_o know_a duty_n nor_o can_v other_o charge_v he_o with_o any_o defect_n therein_o he_o be_v blameless_a but_o where_o this_o be_v still_o this_o approbation_n or_o condemnation_n be_v particular_a that_o be_v they_o do_v respect_n particular_a duty_n and_o sin_n as_o they_o do_v occur_v there_o be_v not_o a_o respect_n in_o they_o unto_o the_o whole_a righteousness_n and_o holiness_n of_o the_o law_n as_o we_o shall_v see_v wherefore_o a_o man_n may_v approve_v of_o every_o duty_n in_o its_o season_n as_o it_o be_v offer_v unto_o he_o or_o when_o at_o any_o time_n he_o think_v of_o it_o by_o a_o act_n of_o his_o fix_a judgement_n and_o so_o on_o the_o contrary_a as_o unto_o sin_n and_o yet_o come_v short_a of_o that_o approbation_n of_o holiness_n and_o righteousness_n which_o we_o inquire_v after_o 2._o it_o be_v not_o accompany_v with_o a_o love_n of_o the_o thing_n themselves_o that_o be_v good_a as_o they_o be_v so_o and_o a_o hatred_n of_o the_o contrary_a for_o the_o person_n in_o who_o it_o be_v do_v not_o can_v delight_v in_o the_o law_n of_o god_n in_o the_o inward_a man_n as_o rom._n 7._o 22._o so_o as_o to_o approve_v of_o it_o and_o all_o that_o be_v contain_v in_o it_o cleave_v to_o they_o with_o love_n and_o delight_n they_o may_v have_v a_o love_n for_o this_o or_o that_o duty_n and_o a_o hatred_n of_o the_o contrary_a but_o it_o be_v on_o various_a consideration_n suit_v unto_o their_o conviction_n and_o circumstance_n but_o it_o be_v not_o on_o the_o account_n of_o its_o formal_a nature_n as_o good_a or_o evil_n wherefore_o 3._o no_o man_n without_o the_o light_n of_o save_v faith_n can_v constant_o and_o universal_o approve_v of_o the_o revelation_n of_o the_o will_n of_o god_n as_o unto_o our_o holiness_n and_o obedience_n to_o make_v this_o evident_a which_o be_v the_o foundation_n of_o our_o present_a discovery_n of_o the_o act_n of_o save_a faith_n we_o must_v consider_v 1._o what_o it_o be_v that_o be_v to_o be_v approve_v 2._o what_o this_o approbation_n be_v or_o wherein_o it_o do_v consist_v 1._o that_o which_o be_v to_o be_v approve_v be_v the_o holiness_n and_o obedience_n which_o god_n require_v in_o we_o our_o nature_n and_o action_n and_o accept_v from_o we_o or_o accept_v in_o we_o it_o be_v not_o particular_a duty_n as_o they_o occur_v unto_o we_o take_v alone_o and_o by_o themselves_o but_o the_o universal_a correspondence_n of_o our_o nature_n and_o action_n unto_o the_o will_n of_o god_n the_o scripture_n give_v we_o various_a description_n of_o it_o because_o of_o the_o variety_n of_o grace_n and_o gracious_a operation_n which_o concur_v therein_o we_o may_v here_o mention_v some_o of_o its_o principal_n concern_v have_v handle_v the_o nature_n of_o it_o at_o large_a elsewhere_o for_o it_o may_v be_v consider_v 1._o as_o unto_o its_o foundation_n spring_n and_o cause_n and_o this_o be_v the_o universal_a renovation_n of_o our_o nature_n unto_o the_o image_n of_o god_n eph._n 4._o 24._o or_o the_o change_n of_o our_o whole_a soul_n in_o all_o their_o faculty_n and_o power_n into_o his_o likeness_n whereby_o we_o become_v new_a creature_n or_o the_o workmanship_n of_o god_n create_v in_o jesus_n christ_n unto_o good_a work_n 2_o cor._n 5._o 17._o eph._n 2._o 10._o wherein_o we_o be_v original_o and_o formal_o sanctify_v throughout_o in_o our_o whole_a spirit_n soul_n and_o body_n 1_o thes._n 5._o 23._o it_o be_v the_o whole_a law_n of_o god_n write_v in_o our_o heart_n transform_v they_o into_o the_o image_n of_o the_o divine_a holiness_n represent_v therein_o and_o this_o next_o unto_o the_o blood_n of_o christ_n and_o his_o righteousness_n be_v the_o principal_a spring_n of_o peace_n rest_v and_o complacency_n in_o and_o unto_o the_o soul_n of_o believer_n it_o be_v their_o joy_n and_o satisfaction_n to_o find_v themselves_o restore_v unto_o a_o likeness_n and_o conformity_n unto_o god_n as_o we_o shall_v see_v far_o immediate_o and_o where_o there_o be_v not_o some_o gracious_a sense_n and_o experience_n hereof_o there_o be_v nothing_o but_o disorder_n and_o confusion_n in_o the_o soul_n nothing_o can_v give_v it_o a_o sweet_a composure_n a_o satisfaction_n in_o itself_o a_o complacency_n with_o what_o it_o be_v but_o a_o spiritual_a sense_n of_o this_o renovation_n of_o the_o image_n of_o god_n in_o it_o 2._o it_o may_v be_v consider_v as_o unto_o its_o permanent_a principle_n in_o the_o mind_n and_o affection_n and_o this_o because_o of_o its_o near_a relation_n unto_o christ_n its_o conjunction_n with_o he_o and_o derivation_n from_o he_o be_v sometime_o say_v to_o be_v christ_n himself_o hence_o we_o live_v yet_o not_o so_o much_o we_o as_o christ_n live_v in_o we_o gal._n 2._o 20._o for_o without_o he_o we_o can_v do_v nothing_o joh._n 15._o 5._o for_o he_o be_v our_o life_n col._n 3._o 4._o as_o it_o reside_v in_o believer_n it_o be_v a_o permanent_a principle_n of_o spiritual_a life_n light_n love_n and_o power_n act_v in_o the_o whole_a soul_n and_o all_o the_o faculty_n of_o the_o mind_n enable_v they_o to_o cleave_v unto_o god_n with_o purpose_n of_o heart_n and_o to_o live_v
unto_o he_o in_o all_o the_o act_n and_o duty_n of_o spiritual_a life_n this_o be_v that_o whereby_o the_o holy_a ghost_n be_v in_o they_o a_o well_o of_o water_n spring_v up_o into_o everlasting_a life_n joh._n 4._o 14._o it_o be_v the_o spirit_n that_o be_v bear_v of_o the_o spirit_n it_o be_v the_o divine_a nature_n whereof_o we_o be_v make_v partaker_n by_o the_o promise_n it_o be_v a_o principle_n of_o victorious_a faith_n and_o love_n with_o all_o grace_n any_o way_n requisite_a unto_o duty_n of_o holy_a obedience_n as_o to_o the_o matter_n or_o manner_n of_o their_o performance_n enable_v the_o soul_n unto_o all_o the_o act_n of_o the_o life_n of_o god_n with_o delight_n joy_n and_o complacency_n this_o it_o be_v in_o its_o nature_n however_o as_o unto_o degree_n of_o its_o operation_n and_o manifestation_n it_o may_v be_v very_o low_a and_o weak_a in_o some_o true_a believer_n at_o least_o for_o a_o season_n but_o there_o be_v none_o who_o real_o be_v so_o but_o there_o be_v in_o they_o a_o spiritual_o vital_a principle_n of_o obedience_n or_o of_o live_v unto_o god_n that_o be_v participant_a of_o the_o nature_n of_o that_o which_o we_o have_v describe_v and_o if_o it_o be_v attend_v unto_o it_o will_v evidence_n itself_o in_o its_o power_n and_o operation_n unto_o the_o gracious_a refreshment_n and_o satisfaction_n of_o the_o soul_n wherein_o it_o be_v and_o there_o be_v few_o who_o be_v so_o destitute_a of_o those_o evidence_n but_o that_o they_o be_v able_a to_o say_v whereas_o i_o be_v blind_a now_o i_o see_v though_o i_o know_v not_o how_o my_o eye_n be_v open_v whereas_o i_o be_v dead_a i_o find_v motion_n of_o a_o new_a life_n in_o i_o in_o breathe_v after_o grace_n in_o hunger_a and_o thirst_v after_o righteousness_n though_o i_o know_v not_o how_o i_o be_v quicken_v 3._o it_o may_v be_v consider_v as_o unto_o its_o disposition_n inclination_n and_o motion_n these_o be_v the_o first_o act_n of_o a_o vital_a principle_n as_o the_o first_o act_n of_o sin_n be_v call_v the_o motion_n of_o sin_n work_v in_o our_o member_n rom._n 7._o 5._o such_o motion_n and_o inclination_n unto_o obedience_n do_v work_n in_o the_o mind_n of_o believer_n from_o this_o principle_n of_o holiness_n it_o produce_v in_o they_o a_o constant_a invariable_a disposition_n unto_o all_o duty_n of_o the_o life_n of_o god_n it_o be_v a_o new_a nature_n and_o a_o nature_n can_v be_v without_o suitable_a inclination_n and_o motion_n and_o this_o new_a spiritual_a disposition_n consist_v in_o a_o constant_a complacency_n of_o mind_n in_o that_o which_o be_v good_a and_o according_a to_o the_o will_n of_o god_n in_o a_o adherence_n by_o love_n unto_o it_o in_o a_o readiness_n and_o fixedness_n of_o mind_n with_o respect_n unto_o particular_a duty_n in_o brief_a it_o be_v that_o which_o david_n describe_v in_o the_o 119th_o psalm_n throughout_o and_o that_o which_o be_v sigurative_o foretell_v concern_v the_o efficacy_n of_o the_o grace_n of_o the_o gospel_n in_o change_a the_o nature_n and_o disposition_n of_o those_o that_o be_v partaker_n of_o it_o isa._n 11._o 6_o 7_o 8._o this_o every_o believer_n may_v ordinary_o find_v in_o himself_o for_o although_o this_o disposition_n may_v be_v various_o weaken_v oppose_a interrupt_v by_o indwelling_a sin_n and_o the_o power_n of_o temptation_n though_o it_o may_v be_v impair_v by_o a_o neglect_n of_o the_o stir_v up_o and_o exercise_v of_o the_o principle_n or_o spiritual_a life_n in_o all_o requisite_a grace_n on_o all_o occasion_n yet_o it_o will_v still_o be_v work_v in_o they_o and_o will_v fill_v the_o mind_n with_o a_o constant_a displacency_n with_o itself_o when_o it_o be_v not_o observe_v follow_v improve_v no_o believer_n shall_v ever_o have_v peace_n in_o his_o own_o mind_n who_o have_v not_o some_o experience_n of_o a_o universal_a disposition_n unto_o all_o holiness_n and_o godliness_n in_o his_o mind_n and_o soul_n herein_o consist_v that_o love_n of_o the_o law_n of_o which_o it_o be_v say_v those_o in_o who_o it_o be_v have_v great_a peace_n and_o nothing_o shall_v offend_v they_o psal._n 119._o 165._o it_o be_v that_o wherein_o their_o soul_n find_v much_o complacency_n 4._o it_o may_v be_v consider_v with_o respect_n unto_o all_o the_o act_n duty_n and_o work_n internal_a and_o external_a wherein_o our_o actual_a obedience_n do_v consist_v be_v on_o the_o principle_n mention_v make_v free_a from_o sin_n and_o become_v the_o servant_n of_o god_n believer_n herein_o have_v their_o fruit_n unto_o holiness_n whereof_o the_o end_n be_v everlasting_a life_n rom._n 6._o 22._o this_o i_o need_v not_o stay_v to_o describe_v sincerity_n in_o every_o duty_n and_o universality_n with_o respect_n unto_o all_o duty_n be_v the_o property_n of_o it_o this_o be_v the_o will_n of_o god_n even_o your_o sanctification_n 1_o thessaly_n 4._o 3._o that_o holiness_n without_o which_o none_o shall_v see_v god_n heb._n 12._o 14._o that_o good_a and_o acceptable_a and_o perfect_a will_n of_o god_n which_o we_o be_v to_o approve_v rom._n 12._o 2._o our_o next_o enquiry_n be_v what_o be_v that_o approbation_n of_o this_o way_n of_o holiness_n which_o we_o place_n as_o a_o evidence_n of_o save_a faith_n and_o i_o say_v it_o be_v such_o as_o arise_v from_o experience_n and_o be_v accompany_v with_o choice_n delight_n and_o acquiescency_n it_o be_v the_o act_n of_o the_o soul_n in_o a_o delightful_a adherence_n unto_o the_o whole_a will_n of_o god_n it_o be_v a_o resolve_a judgement_n of_o the_o beauty_n and_o excellency_n of_o that_o holiness_n and_o obedience_n which_o the_o gospel_n reveal_v and_o require_v and_o that_o on_o the_o ground_n which_o shall_v be_v immediate_o declare_v and_o the_o nature_n thereof_o therein_o more_o full_o open_v this_o approbation_n can_v be_v in_o any_o unregenerate_a person_n who_o be_v not_o under_o the_o conduct_n of_o save_a faith_n who_o be_v destitute_a of_o the_o light_n of_o it_o so_o the_o apostle_n assure_v we_o rom._n 8._o 7._o the_o carnal_a mind_n be_v enmity_n against_o god_n for_o it_o be_v not_o subject_a unto_o the_o law_n of_o god_n neither_o indeed_o can_v be_v whatever_o work_v it_o may_v have_v wrought_v in_o it_o or_o upon_o it_o yet_o whilst_o it_o be_v carnal_a or_o unrenewed_a it_o have_v a_o radical_a enmity_n unto_o the_o law_n of_o god_n which_o be_v the_o frame_n of_o heart_n which_o stand_v in_o direct_a opposition_n unto_o this_o approbation_n it_o may_v think_v well_o of_o this_o or_o that_o duty_n from_o its_o conviction_n and_o other_o consideration_n and_o so_o attend_v unto_o their_o performance_n but_o the_o law_n itself_o in_o the_o universal_a holiness_n which_o it_o require_v it_o do_v utter_o dislike_v those_o in_o who_o it_o be_v be_v alienate_v from_o the_o life_n of_o god_n through_o the_o ignorance_n that_o be_v in_o they_o eph._n 4._o 18._o this_o life_n of_o god_n be_v that_o holiness_n and_o obedience_n which_o he_o require_v of_o we_o in_o their_o principle_n and_o duty_n and_o to_o be_v alienate_v from_o it_o be_v to_o dislike_v and_o disapprove_v of_o it_o and_o such_o be_v the_o frame_n of_o mind_n in_o all_o unregenerate_a person_n have_v thus_o prepare_v the_o way_n i_o return_v unto_o the_o declaration_n and_o confirmation_n of_o the_o assertion_n namely_o that_o true_a and_o save_a faith_n in_o all_o storm_n and_o temptation_n in_o all_o darkness_n and_o distress_n will_v evidence_n itself_o unto_o the_o comfort_n and_o supportment_n of_o they_o in_o who_o it_o be_v by_o a_o constant_a universal_a approbation_n of_o the_o whole_a will_n of_o god_n concern_v our_o holiness_n and_o obedience_n both_o in_o general_n and_o in_o every_o particular_a instance_n of_o it_o we_o may_v a_o little_a explain_v it_o 1._o faith_n will_v not_o suffer_v the_o mind_n on_o any_o occasion_n or_o temptation_n to_o entertain_v the_o least_o dislike_n of_o this_o way_n of_o holiness_n or_o of_o any_o thing_n that_o belong_v unto_o it_o the_o mind_n may_v sometime_o through_o temptation_n fall_v under_o apprehension_n that_o one_o shall_v be_v eternal_o ruin_v for_o want_v of_o a_o due_a compliance_n with_o it_o this_o make_v it_o displease_v with_o itself_o but_o not_o with_o the_o obedience_n require_v rom._n 7._o 10_o 11_o 12._o the_o commandment_n which_o be_v ordain_v to_o life_n i_o find_v to_o be_v unto_o death_n but_o the_o law_n be_v holy_a and_o the_o commandment_n be_v holy_a and_o just_a and_o good_a however_o it_o be_v with_o i_o whatever_o become_v of_o i_o though_o i_o die_v and_o perish_v yet_o the_o law_n be_v holy_a just_a and_o good_a it_o dislike_v nothing_o in_o the_o will_n of_o god_n though_o it_o can_v attain_v unto_o a_o compliance_n with_o it_o sometime_o the_o conscience_n be_v under_o perplexity_n and_o rebuke_n for_o sin_n sometime_o the_o mind_n be_v burden_a
it_o come_v short_a of_o one_o way_n it_o may_v make_v up_o in_o another_o whatever_o the_o case_n be_v as_o to_o tear_n it_o be_v certain_a that_o to_o multiply_v sigh_n and_o groan_n for_o sin_n be_v contrary_a to_o no_o man_n constitution_n but_o only_o to_o sin_v ingraft_v in_o his_o constitution_n 5._o this_o godly_a sorrow_n will_v constant_o incite_v the_o mind_n unto_o all_o duty_n act_n and_o fruit_n of_o repentance_n whatever_o it_o be_v never_o barren_a nor_o heartless_a but_o be_v both_o a_o grace_n and_o a_o duty_n it_o will_v stir_v up_o the_o soul_n unto_o the_o exercise_n of_o all_o grace_n and_o the_o performance_n of_o all_o duty_n that_o be_v of_o the_o same_o kind_n this_o the_o apostle_n declare_v full_o 2_o cor._n 7._o 11._o this_o therefore_o be_v another_o thing_n which_o belong_v unto_o that_o state_n of_o repentance_n which_o faith_n will_v bring_v the_o soul_n unto_o and_o whereby_o it_o will_v evidence_n itself_o on_o the_o occasion_n beforementioned_a and_o indeed_o if_o this_o sorrow_n be_v constant_a and_o opperative_a there_o be_v no_o clear_a evidence_n in_o we_o of_o save_v faith_n they_o be_v bless_v who_o thus_o mourn_v i_o have_v almost_o say_v it_o be_v worth_a all_o other_o evidence_n as_o that_o without_o which_o they_o be_v none_o at_o all_o where_o this_o frame_n be_v not_o in_o some_o good_a measure_n the_o soul_n can_v have_v no_o pregnant_a evidence_n of_o its_o good_a estate_n 4._o another_o thing_n that_o belong_v to_o this_o state_n be_v outward_a observance_n become_v it_o such_o be_v abstinence_n unto_o the_o due_a mortification_n of_o the_o flesh_n not_o in_o such_o thing_n or_o way_n as_o be_v hurtful_a unto_o nature_n and_o real_o obstructive_a of_o great_a duty_n there_o have_v be_v great_a mistake_v in_o this_o matter_n most_o man_n have_v fall_v into_o extreme_n about_o it_o as_o be_v usual_a with_o the_o most_o in_o like_a case_n they_o do_v retain_v in_o the_o papacy_n from_o the_o beginning_n of_o the_o apostasy_n of_o the_o church_n from_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o scripture_n a_o opinion_n of_o the_o necessity_n of_o mortification_n unto_o a_o penitent_a state_n but_o they_o mistake_v the_o nature_n of_o it_o and_o place_v it_o for_o the_o most_o part_n in_o that_o which_o the_o apostle_n call_v the_o doctrine_n of_o devil_n when_o he_o foretell_v believer_n of_o that_o hypocritical_a apostasy_n 1_o tim._n 4._o 1_o 2_o 3._o forbid_v to_o marry_v engage_v one_o sort_n of_o man_n by_o vow_n against_o the_o use_n of_o that_o ordinance_n of_o god_n for_o all_o man_n and_o enjoin_v abstinence_n from_o meat_n in_o various_a law_n and_o rule_n under_o pretence_n of_o great_a austerity_n be_v the_o substance_n of_o their_o mortification_n hereunto_o they_o add_v habit_n fast_v discipline_n rough_a garment_n and_o the_o like_a pretend_v self-macerations_a innumerable_a but_o the_o vanity_n of_o this_o hypocrisy_n have_v be_v long_o since_o detect_v but_o therewithal_o most_o man_n be_v fall_v into_o the_o other_o extreme_a man_n do_v general_o judge_v that_o they_o be_v at_o their_o full_a liberty_n in_o and_o for_o the_o use_v of_o the_o thing_n esteem_v refreshment_n of_o nature_n yea_o they_o judge_v themselves_o not_o to_o be_v oblige_v unto_o any_o retrenchment_n in_o garment_n diet_n with_o the_o free_a use_n of_o all_o thing_n in_o themselves_o lawful_a when_o they_o be_v under_o the_o great_a necessity_n of_o godly_a sorrow_n and_o express_v repentance_n but_o there_o be_v here_o a_o no_o less_o pernicious_a mistake_n than_o in_o the_o former_a excess_n and_o it_o be_v that_o which_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n give_v we_o in_o charge_n to_o watch_v against_o luk._n 22._o 34_o 35_o 36._o this_o therefore_o i_o say_v be_v require_v unto_o the_o state_n we_o inquire_v after_o those_o thing_n which_o restrain_v the_o satisfaction_n of_o the_o appetite_n with_o a_o aversation_n of_o the_o joyous_a enticement_n of_o the_o world_n walk_v heavy_o and_o mournful_o express_v a_o humble_a and_o afflict_a frame_n of_o spirit_n be_v necessary_a in_o such_o a_o season_n the_o mourner_n in_o zion_n be_v not_o to_o be_v ashamed_a of_o their_o lot_n and_o state_n but_o to_o prosess_v it_o in_o all_o suitable_a outward_a demonstration_n of_o it_o not_o in_o fantastical_a habit_n and_o gesture_n like_o sundry_a order_n of_o the_o monk_n not_o in_o affect_a form_n of_o speech_n and_o uncouth_a deportment_n like_o some_o among_o ourselves_o but_o in_o such_o way_n as_o natural_o express_v the_o inward_a frame_n of_o mind_n inquire_v after_o 5._o there_o be_v require_v hereunto_o a_o firm_a watch_n over_o solitude_n and_o retirement_n of_o the_o night_n and_o day_n with_o a_o continual_a readiness_n to_o conflict_n temptation_n in_o their_o first_o appearance_n that_o the_o soul_n be_v not_o surprise_v by_o they_o the_o great_a design_n in_o the_o exercise_n of_o this_o grace_n be_v to_o keep_v and_o preserve_v the_o soul_n constant_o in_o a_o humble_a and_o contrite_a frame_n if_o that_o be_v lose_v at_o any_o time_n the_o whole_a design_n be_v for_o that_o season_n disappoint_v wherefore_o faith_n engage_v the_o mind_n to_o watch_v against_o two_o thing_n 1._o the_o time_n wherein_o we_o may_v lose_v this_o frame_n 2._o the_o mean_n whereby_o and_o 1._o for_o the_o time_n there_o be_v none_o to_o be_v so_o diligent_o watch_v over_o as_o our_o sollitude_n and_o retirement_n by_o night_n or_o by_o day_n what_o we_o be_v in_o they_o that_o we_o be_v indeed_o and_o no_o more_o they_o be_v either_o the_o best_a or_o the_o worst_a of_o our_o time_n wherein_o the_o principle_n that_o be_v predominant_a in_o we_o will_v show_v and_o act_v itself_o hence_o some_o be_v say_v to_o devise_v evil_a on_o their_o bed_n and_o when_o the_o morning_n be_v light_a they_o practise_v it_o mich._n 2._o 1._o their_o solitude_n in_o the_o night_n serve_v they_o to_o think_v on_o contrive_v and_o delight_n in_o all_o that_o iniquity_n which_o they_o intend_v by_o day_n to_o practice_v according_a to_o their_o power_n and_o on_o the_o other_o side_n the_o work_n of_o a_o gracious_a soul_n in_o such_o season_n be_v to_o be_v seek_v after_o christ_n cant._n 3._o 1._o to_o be_v meditate_v of_o god_n as_o the_o psalmist_n often_o express_v it_o this_o therefore_o the_o humble_a soul_n be_v diligent_o watchful_a in_o that_o at_o such_o season_n vain_a imagination_n which_o be_v apt_a to_o obtrude_v themselves_o on_o the_o mind_n do_v not_o carry_v it_o away_o and_o cause_v it_o to_o lose_v its_o frame_n though_o but_o for_o a_o season_n yea_o these_o be_v the_o time_n which_o it_o principal_o lay_v hold_v on_o for_o its_o improvement_n then_o do_v it_o call_v over_o all_o those_o consideration_n of_o sin_n and_o grace_n which_o be_v meet_v to_o affect_v it_o and_o abase_v it_o 2._o for_o the_o mean_n of_o the_o loss_n of_o a_o humble_a frame_n they_o be_v temptation_n these_o labour_n to_o possess_v the_o mind_n either_o by_o sudden_a surprisal_n or_o continue_a solicitation_n a_o soul_n engage_v by_o faith_n in_o this_o duty_n be_v aware_a always_o of_o their_o deceit_n and_o violence_n it_o know_v that_o if_o they_o enter_v into_o it_o and_o do_v entangle_v it_o though_o but_o for_o a_o season_n they_o will_v quite_o cast_v out_o or_o deface_v that_o humble_a contrite_a break_a frame_n which_o it_o be_v its_o duty_n to_o preserve_v and_o there_o be_v none_o who_o have_v the_o least_o grain_n of_o spiritual_a wisdom_n but_o may_v understand_v of_o what_o sort_n these_o temptation_n be_v which_o he_o be_v obnoxious_a unto_o here_o then_o faith_n set_v the_o soul_n on_o its_o watch_n and_o guard_n continual_o and_o make_v it_o ready_a to_o combat_v every_o temptation_n on_o its_o first_o appearance_n for_o than_o it_o be_v weak_a and_o most_o easy_o to_o be_v subdue_v it_o will_v suffer_v they_o to_o get_v neither_o time_n nor_o ground_n nor_o strength_n so_o it_o preserve_v a_o humble_a frame_n deliver_v it_o frequent_o from_o the_o jaw_n of_o this_o devourer_n 6._o although_o the_o soul_n find_v satisfaction_n in_o this_o condition_n though_o it_o be_v never_o sinful_o weary_a of_o it_o nor_o impatient_a under_o it_o yea_o though_o it_o labour_n to_o grow_v and_o thrive_v in_o the_o spirit_n and_o power_n of_o it_o yet_o it_o be_v constant_o accompany_v with_o deep_a sigh_n and_o groan_n for_o its_o deliverance_n and_o these_o groan_n respect_v both_o what_o it_o will_v be_v deliver_v from_o and_o what_o it_o will_v attain_v unto_o between_o which_o there_o be_v a_o interposition_n of_o some_o sigh_n and_o groan_n of_o nature_n for_o a_o continuance_n in_o its_o present_a state_n 1._o that_o which_o this_o groan_a respect_n deliverance_n from_o be_v the_o remain_a power_n of_o sin_n this_o be_v that_o which_o give_v the_o soul_n its_o distress_n and_o disquietment_n occasional_o