their_o own_o vileness_n and_o a_o gracious_a boldness_n in_o the_o presence_n of_o the_o lord_n david_n never_o pray_v more_o bold_o then_o when_o he_o acknowledge_v his_o own_o unworthiness_n 2_o chron._n 29._o and_o it_o be_v remarkable_a how_o bold_a abraham_n be_v and_o yet_o how_o much_o humility_n he_o manifest_v in_o one_o chapter_n gen._n 18._o 27_o 30_o 32._o 5._o that_o the_o worthiness_n in_o which_o we_o be_v to_o expect_v acceptance_n from_o the_o lord_n be_v not_o in_o ourselves_o but_o in_o the_o lord_n jesus_n so_o that_o although_o in_o ourselves_o we_o have_v cause_n to_o hang_v down_o our_o head_n yet_o in_o he_o we_o may_v lift_v they_o up_o with_o confidence_n we_o can_v plead_v we_o be_v worthy_a but_o we_o may_v plead_v father_n though_o we_o be_v not_o worthy_a yet_o he_o be_v worthy_a for_o who_o thou_o shall_v do_v this_o father_n thou_o can_v not_o be_v just_a i_o confess_v to_o i_o if_o thou_o do_v not_o punish_v my_o sin_n but_o thou_o can_v not_o be_v just_a to_o christ_n if_o thou_o do_v not_o pardon_v they_o thou_o be_v not_o just_a to_o i_o if_o thou_o do_v not_o reject_v my_o person_n and_o prayer_n but_o thou_o be_v not_o just_a to_o christ_n if_o thou_o do_v not_o accept_v they_o it_o be_v no_o wonder_n the_o priesthood_n of_o christ_n be_v every_o 26._o 1_o john_n 1._o 9_o rom._n 3._o 25._o 26._o where_o make_v the_o ground_n upon_o which_o we_o be_v press_v to_o this_o boldness_n as_o in_o the_o place_n before_o quote_v heb._n 4._o 15_o 16._o &_o 10._o 20_o 21_o 22._o 2_o against_o the_o present_a unfitness_n and_o indisposedness_n of_o thy_o heart_n in_o prayer_n and_o the_o unsutablenesse_n upon_o that_o account_n of_o thy_o prayer_n to_o his_o greatness_n majesty_n and_o holiness_n another_o hindrance_n fortify_v thyself_o by_o consider_v 1._o that_o although_o it_o be_v thy_o duty_n to_o strive_v against_o and_o grieve_v for_o and_o labour_n by_o all_o possible_a mean_n to_o quicken_v thyself_o from_o that_o dead_a and_o dull_a frame_n of_o spirit_n yet_o thy_o father_n know_v how_o to_o pity_v and_o pardon_v invincible_a distemper_n of_o spirit_n and_o defect_n in_o prayer_n especial_o when_o thou_o groane_v under_o they_o psal_n 103._o 13._o as_o the_o father_n pity_v his_o child_n so_o the_o lord_n pity_v they_o that_o fear_v he_o now_o a_o father_n will_v look_v upon_o the_o good_a will_n of_o a_o child_n that_o offer_v at_o the_o performance_n of_o a_o service_n to_o he_o beyond_o his_o strength_n and_o accept_v it_o with_o pity_n to_o and_o compassion_n upon_o his_o weakness_n god_n accept_v in_o this_o case_n the_o will_n for_o the_o deed_n and_o according_a to_o what_o a_o man_n have_v not_o according_a to_o what_o he_o have_v not_o 2._o that_o our_o boldness_n and_o confidence_n in_o prayer_n be_v injurious_a to_o christ_n if_o we_o lie_v any_o of_o the_o weight_n or_o stress_n of_o it_o upon_o our_o own_o performance_n because_o our_o prayer_n be_v never_o intend_v for_o such_o mean_n as_o procure_v acceptance_n by_o their_o own_o efficacy_n but_o mree_o as_o mean_n sanctify_v by_o god_n to_o convey_v to_o we_o what_o god_n give_v upon_o the_o account_n of_o christ_n purchase_n so_o that_o if_o i_o put_v any_o prevalency_n upon_o my_o own_o prayer_n when_o never_o so_o excellent_a or_o make_v the_o imperfection_n of_o they_o a_o ground_n of_o distrust_n i_o wrong_v christ_n 3._o that_o jesus_n christ_n be_v a_o highpriest_n consecrate_v by_o god_n for_o this_o very_a purpose_n to_o take_v away_o the_o iniquity_n of_o my_o holy_a thing_n exod._n 28._o 38._o this_o be_v typify_v in_o aaron_n plate_n of_o pure_a gold_n upon_o his_o forehead_n wherein_o be_v write_v holiness_n to_o the_o lord_n which_o he_o always_o wear_v before_o the_o lord_n to_o signify_v that_o he_o be_v to_o bear_v the_o iniquity_n of_o their_o holy_a thing_n who_o offering_n he_o present_v and_o thus_o jesus_n christ_n stand_v before_o the_o lord_n with_o a_o plate_n of_o pure_a gold_n even_o the_o perfection_n of_o his_o own_o righteousness_n and_o merit_n upon_o his_o forehead_n and_o in_o they_o be_v write_v holiness_n to_o the_o lord_n upon_o the_o account_n whereof_o the_o saint_n may_v be_v assure_v of_o the_o acceptance_n of_o all_o their_o service_n as_o holy_a compare_v this_o with_o apoc._n 8._o 3_o the_o angel_n of_o the_o covenant_n be_v there_o represent_v stand_v at_o the_o altar_n with_o a_o golden_a censer_n and_o much_o incense_n a_o golden_a holy_a nature_n in_o which_o there_o be_v no_o sin_n and_o much_o incense_n of_o merit_n which_o he_o offer_v with_o the_o prayer_n of_o all_o saint_n upon_o the_o golden_a altar_n of_o his_o divinity_n before_o the_o throne_n 3_o against_o the_o guilt_n of_o sin_n another_o hindrance_n consider_v 1_o forgive_v sin_n be_v no_o sin_n in_o the_o account_n of_o god_n therefore_o say_v god_n i_o will_v blot_v out_o your_o iniquity_n as_o a_o thick_a cloud_n isai_n 44._o 22._o the_o cloud_n when_o it_o be_v scatter_v by_o the_o wind_n and_o sun_n hinder_v no_o influence_n from_o the_o heaven_n upon_o the_o earth_n neither_o do_v the_o sin_n of_o god_n people_n hinder_v any_o intercourse_n between_o god_n and_o the_o soul_n when_o god_n be_v once_o reconcile_v unto_o they_o again_o the_o lord_n be_v say_v also_o to_o put_v away_o the_o sin_n of_o his_o people_n as_o far_o as_o the_o east_n be_v from_o the_o west_n psal_n 103._o 12._o to_o cast_v they_o into_o the_o depth_n of_o the_o sea_n micah_n 7._o 19_o to_o blot_v they_o out_o so_o as_o to_o remember_v they_o no_o more_o isai_n 43._o 25._o so_o that_o though_o sin_n shall_v be_v seek_v for_o yet_o there_o shall_v be_v none_o jer._n 50._o 20._o 2._o that_o we_o have_v a_o advocate_n to_o plead_v with_o god_n that_o have_v satisfy_v for_o they_o and_o therefore_o can_v answer_v all_o objection_n in_o that_o behalf_n 1_o joh._n 2._o 1_o 2._o 3._o the_o neglect_n of_o prayer_n under_o the_o guilt_n of_o sin_n will_v harden_v the_o heart_n and_o alienate_v thou_o the_o more_o from_o god_n the_o long_a a_o child_n keep_v out_o of_o the_o father_n sight_n after_o a_o fault_n the_o more_o he_o dread_v it_o 3_o study_n promise_v those_o be_v the_o great_a charter_n of_o a_o christian_a what_o god_n have_v promise_v i_o may_v bold_o ask_v o_o never_o be_v beat_v from_o that_o plea._n all_o thy_o present_a discouragement_n be_v but_o satan_n trick_n and_o quirk_n by_o which_o he_o endeavour_v to_o baffle_v thou_o out_o of_o thy_o plea_n and_o claim_n to_o make_v thou_o urge_v promise_n faint_o and_o doubt_o and_o if_o he_o can_v do_v that_o be_v get_v a_o imcomparable_a advantage_n upon_o thou_o when_o i_o have_v a_o honest_a man_n promise_n if_o he_o seem_v to_o act_v contrary_a thereunto_o i_o will_v never_o leave_v urge_v his_o promise_n till_o i_o have_v obtain_v what_o i_o desire_v come_v to_o god_n and_o say_v lord_n i_o confess_v have_v thou_o not_o promise_v i_o shall_v not_o have_v dare_v consider_v my_o own_o unworthiness_n to_o have_v open_v my_o mouth_n before_o thou_o but_o see_v i_o have_v a_o promise_n i_o will_v never_o hold_v my_o peace_n i_o will_v not_o be_v daunt_v out_o of_o my_o suit_n by_o any_o possible_a discouragement_n if_o thou_o can_v not_o shake_v off_o thy_o own_o promise_n and_o merciful_a engagement_n i_o be_o resolve_v thou_o shall_v not_o shake_v off_o i_o 4._o be_v frequent_a in_o thy_o converse_v and_o familiarity_n with_o he_o acquaint_v thyself_o with_o god_n a_o man_n that_o be_v shy_a of_o ask_v of_o a_o friend_n at_o first_o sight_n grow_v more_o acquaint_v by_o use_n and_o custom_n of_o acquaintance_n it_o be_v eliphaz_n his_o good_a counsel_n job_n 22._o 21._o acquaint_v now_o thyself_o with_o god_n i._n e._n by_o familiar_a converse_n and_o it_o follow_v thou_o shall_v lift_v up_o thy_o face_n to_o god_n ver_fw-la â—6_n this_o will_v make_v thou_o bold_a to_o come_v to_o god_n in_o prayer_n 5_o study_v god_n in_o christ_n more_o and_o take_v heed_n how_o at_o any_o time_n thou_o view_v god_n out_o of_o he_o i_o have_v give_v you_o some_o light_n touch_v before_o of_o the_o improvement_n of_o christ_n name_n in_o prayer_n for_o the_o attainment_n of_o spiritual_a boldness_n i_o shall_v here_o enlarge_v in_o some_o few_o thing_n more_o which_o do_v not_o so_o proper_o relate_v to_o the_o particular_n which_o occasion_v those_o touch_n and_o so_o require_v a_o distinct_a consideration_n 1_o study_v god_n in_o his_o engagement_n to_o christ_n in_o thy_o behalf_n that_o he_o shall_v have_v the_o full_a power_n of_o all_o the_o treasure_n of_o god_n whence_o any_o particular_a soul_n want_n may_v be_v supply_v treasure_n of_o grace_n isai_n 11._o 2._o and_o these_o for_o his_o people_n the_o
good_a reason_n for_o the_o joy_n of_o the_o lord_n be_v their_o strength_n nehem._n 8._o 10._o though_o god_n bear_v sometime_o with_o their_o weakness_n as_o well_o as_o darkness_n 3_o thankfulness_n indeed_o there_o be_v a_o thankfulness_n arise_v from_o temporal_a and_o common_a mercy_n and_o there_o be_v a_o thankfulness_n for_o general_a and_o comprehensive_a promise_n and_o free_a offer_n of_o christ_n and_o ordinance_n etc._n etc._n before_o assurance_n but_o thankfulness_n be_v never_o so_o large_a so_o liberal_a as_o upon_o assurance_n then_o a_o man_n can_v give_v thanks_o in_o all_o thing_n and_o for_o all_o thing_n 2_o thess_n 5._o 18._o then_o he_o cry_v out_o what_o shall_v i_o render_v unto_o the_o lord_n psal_n 116._o 2_o 12._o and_o then_o his_o language_n be_v full_a bless_v the_o lord_n o_o my_o soul_n and_o all_o that_o be_v within_o i_o praise_v his_o holy_a name_n psal_n 103._o 1_o 2_o 4_o sometime_o to_o deny_v all_o and_o suffer_v for_o he_o it_o be_v also_o true_a a_o man_n that_o see_v not_o the_o love_n of_o god_n to_o he_o may_v go_v very_o far_o upon_o conscience_n of_o duty_n and_o upon_o a_o mere_a faith_n of_o reliance_n upon_o general_a promise_n and_o upon_o secret_a support_n of_o the_o spirit_n by_o which_o he_o keep_v up_o hope_n in_o himself_o that_o such_o promise_n may_v be_v he_o &_o upon_o the_o necessity_n of_o that_o choice_n which_o he_o be_v put_v upon_o take_v that_o as_o the_o safe_a way_n which_o carry_v he_o out_o to_o adventure_v himself_o that_o way_n rather_o than_o certain_o ruin_v himself_o by_o apostasy_n so_o be_v that_o holy_a man_n carry_v to_o the_o stake_n before_o he_o cry_v out_o he_o be_v come_v he_o monum_fw-la glover_n in_o act_n and_o monum_fw-la be_v come_v but_o it_o be_v very_o seldom_o that_o a_o soul_n will_v go_v so_o far_o mere_o upon_o a_o faith_n of_o reliance_n and_o therefore_o god_n ordinary_o give_v such_o person_n special_a assurance_n the_o spirit_n fill_v their_o heart_n with_o comfort_n joy_n and_o peace_n and_o this_o will_v make_v they_o far_o more_o heroical_a in_o suffer_v act_v 7._o 55_o 56._o 2_o cor._n 1._o 4._o gild_n of_o sin_n sadden_v a_o suffering_n to_o a_o man_n so_o do_v uncertainty_n of_o his_o estate_n for_o the_o future_a for_o who_o will_v adventure_v soul_n and_o body_n at_o once_o if_o he_o judge_v his_o condition_n in_o a_o rational_a account_n but_o a_o desperate_a man_n and_o if_o saint_n in_o darkness_n suffer_v much_o it_o be_v by_o extraordinary_a support_n but_o on_o the_o other_o side_n when_o a_o man_n can_v look_v within_o the_o vail_n by_o assurance_n and_o challenge_v glory_n the_o suffering_n be_v not_o worthy_a the_o glory_n that_o shall_v be_v reveal_v rom._n 8._o 18._o 2_o cor._n 4._o ult_n arg._n 4_o the_o experience_n of_o god_n people_n constant_o manifest_v this_o one_o while_o we_o have_v david_n complain_v of_o break_a bone_n and_o a_o water_a couch_n etc._n etc._n another_o while_n he_o be_v all_o joy_n and_o praise_n those_o act_n 2_o who_o heart_n be_v prick_v so_o deep_o what_o be_v the_o issue_n of_o it_o see_v v._o 46._o they_o do_v break_v bread_n from_o house_n to_o house_n and_o eat_v their_o meat_n with_o gladness_n and_o singleness_n of_o heart_n see_v what_o become_v of_o the_o jailor_n after_o his_o tremble_a fit_n act_v 16._o 34_o he_o rejoice_v believe_v with_o all_o his_o house_n and_o certain_o although_o god_n may_v save_v a_o soul_n and_o bring_v he_o to_o heaven_n hood-winked_n yet_o it_o be_v very_o seldom_o that_o he_o do_v so_o but_o that_o at_o one_o time_n or_o another_o carrying_z on_o his_o people_n in_o constant_a act_n of_o reliance_n he_o give_v they_o a_o witness_v and_o assure_v spirit_n at_o the_o last_o chap._n v._o reason_n of_o god_n work_v in_o this_o way_n by_o his_o spirit_n come_v we_o now_o to_o the_o reason_n of_o this_o proposition_n quest_n why_o will_v god_n bestow_v the_o spirit_n of_o adoption_n upon_o his_o elect_n after_o the_o spirit_n of_o bondage_n answ_n for_o these_o reason_n principal_o reas_n 1_o because_o religion_n else_o will_v be_v a_o uncomfortable_a profession_n and_o will_v have_v little_a allure_a in_o it_o to_o the_o eye_n of_o those_o that_o be_v without_o man_n be_v apt_a to_o receive_v prejudices_fw-la against_o religion_n as_o that_o which_o will_v put_v a_o period_n to_o all_o their_o comfort_n and_o this_o mistake_n be_v much_o occasion_v in_o they_o by_o the_o sad_a and_o droop_a life_n of_o those_o that_o profess_v it_o so_o that_o be_v it_o not_o that_o usual_o god_n bring_v joy_n out_o of_o sorrow_n and_o put_v on_o his_o saint_n the_o garment_n of_o joy_n for_o the_o spirit_n of_o heaviness_n no_o man_n will_v choose_v the_o way_n of_o god_n that_o be_v strew_v with_o so_o many_o thorn_n and_o difficulty_n but_o rather_o choose_v to_o wallow_v in_o sinful_a and_o worldly_a pleasure_n as_o the_o affliction_n of_o the_o godly_a and_o the_o prosperity_n of_o the_o wicked_a in_o outward_a thing_n be_v great_a stumble_a block_n so_o much_o more_o will_v burden_n of_o spirit_n if_o they_o shall_v be_v constant_o and_o unremovable_o lay_v on_o the_o spirit_n of_o the_o saint_n sure_o god_n that_o will_v have_v we_o tender_a of_o the_o credit_n of_o religion_n in_o our_o carriage_n will_v not_o prostitute_v it_o by_o any_o carriage_n of_o his_o own_o reas_n 2_o the_o lord_n do_v it_o that_o he_o may_v keep_v up_o the_o spirit_n of_o his_o people_n from_o faint_v under_o a_o spirit_n of_o bondage_n soul_n trouble_n be_v tedious_a trouble_n spend_v trouble_n those_o disease_n that_o affect_v the_o spirit_n be_v so_o in_o the_o body_n and_o therefore_o they_o have_v need_n of_o strong_a cordial_n to_o keep_v up_o their_o heart_n who_o be_v under_o such_o disease_n soul_n trouble_v overwhelm_v the_o spirit_n psal_n 142._o 3._o and_o 143._o 4_o soul_n trouble_v sink_v and_o drown_v the_o spirit_n and_o if_o god_n shall_v not_o now_o and_o then_o support_v his_o people_n with_o a_o cordial_n they_o will_v faint_v away_o quite_o stay_v i_o with_o flagon_n comfort_v i_o with_o apple_n for_o i_o be_o sick_a of_o love_n cant._n 2._o 5._o psal_n 119._o 91._o my_o soul_n faint_v for_o thy_o salvation_n now_o the_o strong_a cordial_n god_n give_v his_o people_n at_o such_o a_o time_n be_v this_o that_o they_o shall_v have_v a_o expect_a end_n that_o he_o will_v not_o contend_v for_o ever_o and_o this_o be_v the_o reason_n why_o he_o give_v they_o this_o assurance_n lest_o the_o spirit_n shall_v fail_v before_o i_o isai_n 57_o 16._o or_o as_o other_o ne_fw-la spiritus_fw-la obruatur_fw-la lest_o the_o spirit_n shall_v be_v overwhelm_v this_o support_v the_o church_n in_o a_o wait_a frame_n lam._n 3._o 26_o 31_o 32._o reas_n 3_o that_o he_o may_v thereby_o in_o their_o own_o judgement_n and_o conscience_n confute_v the_o hard_a thought_n they_o usual_o have_v of_o he_o in_o time_n of_o darkness_n man_n heart_n under_o soul_n trouble_n be_v a_o forge_n of_o all_o misapprehension_n and_o unjust_a censure_n concern_v god_n sometime_o he_o be_v a_o enemy_n a_o cruel_a one_o sometime_o he_o have_v forsake_v they_o and_o forget_v they_o their_o hope_n be_v 27._o lam_n 3_o isai_n 49._o 14_o 40._o 27._o perish_v from_o the_o lord_n and_o their_o judgement_n from_o their_o god_n sometime_o he_o be_v unfaithful_a and_o his_o promise_n fail_v for_o evermore_o now_o 77_o psalm_n 77_o god_n be_v concern_v in_o point_n of_o honour_n to_o cause_v the_o light_n of_o his_o countenance_n to_o shine_v on_o such_o that_o they_o may_v be_v convince_v of_o the_o vanity_n and_o folly_n of_o such_o thought_n and_o to_o make_v they_o confess_v that_o they_o have_v injure_v god_n in_o such_o mis-judgment_n of_o his_o proceed_n then_o they_o will_v confess_v such_o thought_n be_v their_o infirmity_n as_o psal_n 77._o 10._o the_o psalmist_n do_v and_o that_o his_o way_n be_v neither_o like_o their_o way_n nor_o his_o thought_n like_o their_o thought_n isai_n 55._o 8._o as_o david_n confess_v by_o experience_n psal_n 103._o 11._o reas_n 4_o god_n will_v hereby_o show_v that_o it_o be_v not_o in_o vain_a to_o serve_v the_o lord_n and_o abundant_o recompense_v to_o his_o people_n all_o the_o pain_n care_n and_o trouble_v that_o they_o be_v and_o have_v be_v at_o to_o follow_v after_o he_o in_o a_o dark_a condition_n beloved_n assurance_n of_o god_n love_n and_o joy_n in_o the_o holy_a ghost_n arise_v there_o from_o be_v part_n of_o our_o wage_n and_o god_n of_o his_o goodness_n to_o his_o people_n give_v they_o part_v of_o their_o money_n in_o hand_n to_o encourage_v they_o in_o the_o service_n he_o put_v they_o upon_o as_o he_o give_v the_o israelite_n a_o taste_n of_o the_o grape_n of_o canaan_n to_o encourage_v they_o to_o
of_o it_o if_o i_o have_v never_o so_o good_a a_o evidence_n and_o lay_v it_o out_o of_o the_o way_n or_o blot_v it_o the_o fault_n be_v not_o in_o my_o evidence_n if_o the_o title_n be_v questionable_a again_o which_o it_o confirm_v and_o the_o truth_n be_v very_o few_o of_o god_n people_n enjoy_v a_o uninterrupted_n actual_a assurance_n indeed_o it_o be_v such_o a_o sparkle_n of_o glory_n that_o a_o soul_n can_v bear_v it_o and_o as_o a_o testimony_n though_o never_o so_o full_a to_o a_o cause_n so_o that_o in_o one_o court_n it_o carry_v the_o judgement_n without_o far_a ado_n may_v be_v upon_o review_v in_o another_o court_n call_v into_o question_n again_o and_o be_v perplex_v so_o by_o a_o cunning_a lawyer_n that_o it_o may_v seem_v questionable_a again_o so_o the_o evidence_n of_o the_o spirit_n that_o once_o give_v full_a assurance_n in_o the_o conscience_n may_v by_o satan_n be_v bring_v to_o the_o court_n of_o sense_n and_o reason_n and_o make_v disputable_a again_o yet_o as_o to_o habitual_a assurance_n it_o be_v true_a that_o it_o can_v never_o be_v quite_o extinguish_v by_o doubt_v it_o may_v be_v dip_v but_o not_o drown_v it_o may_v be_v in_o a_o swoon_n but_o not_o die_v a_o saint_n may_v say_v to_o satan_n when_o he_o triumph_n most_o over_o his_o assurance_n as_o the_o church_n mic._n 7_o 8_o 9_o rejoice_v not_o over_o i_o etc._n etc._n when_o i_o be_o in_o darkness_n etc._n etc._n god_n have_v promise_v it_o isa_n 57_o 15_o 16_o 17._o heaviness_n may_v endure_v for_o a_o night_n but_o joy_n come_v in_o the_o morning_n psal_n 306._o and_o indeed_o assurance_n be_v god_n seal_n and_o earnest_n if_o this_o gift_n of_o god_n be_v not_o without_o repentance_n neither_o be_v his_o covenant_n for_o eternal_a life_n and_o glory_n irrevocable_a if_o god_n recall_v his_o earnest_n he_o recant_v his_o bargain_n as_o the_o take_v a_o earnest_n back_o again_o among_o mâ—n_z make_v the_o bargain_n void_a and_o the_o puâ—ling_n off_o a_o seal_n cancel_v the_o deed._n yet_o let_v i_o not_o herein_o be_v mistake_v i_o will_v caution_n caution_n not_o be_v conceive_v to_o affirm_v that_o a_o child_n of_o god_n always_o recover_v his_o assurance_n again_o after_o loss_n in_o this_o life_n in_o as_o full_a a_o measure_n as_o he_o once_o have_v it_o a_o man_n may_v lose_v his_o assurance_n for_o his_o ill_a manage_n of_o it_o and_o possible_o such_o may_v be_v the_o heinousness_n of_o such_o a_o miscarriage_n as_o may_v provoke_v god_n to_o let_v he_o lie_v long_o under_o break_a bone_n and_o whenever_o by_o renew_v repentance_n he_o recover_v it_o he_o may_v just_o withdraw_v from_o he_o some_o measure_n of_o that_o boldness_n and_o confidence_n in_o his_o presence_n which_o he_o have_v before_o nay_o i_o know_v not_o why_o a_o true_a child_n of_o god_n may_v not_o after_o lose_v assurance_n if_o lose_v in_o such_o a_o way_n of_o provocation_n on_o his_o part_n go_v mourn_v all_o his_o day_n and_o hardly_o ever_o be_v able_a to_o 15._o isai_n 3â—_n 15._o act_v it_o again_o direct_o and_o formal_o yet_o the_o habit_n of_o it_o may_v be_v still_o firm_a and_o unmoveable_a and_o in_o itself_o still_o capable_a to_o be_v reduce_v into_o act_n but_o that_o he_o be_v by_o reason_n of_o those_o obstruction_n which_o he_o have_v lay_v in_o his_o own_o way_n incapable_a of_o revive_v the_o act_n of_o it_o now_o that_o even_o in_o such_o a_o one_o the_o habit_n of_o it_o remain_v still_o be_v evident_a from_o hence_o that_o he_o still_o produce_v some_o visible_a fruit_n of_o it_o keep_v up_o a_o contest_v though_o but_o a_o weak_a and_o faint_a one_o with_o doubt_v and_o do_v not_o quite_o lay_v down_o the_o weapon_n to_o despair_v that_o though_o he_o apprehend_v his_o hope_n exceed_o small_a yet_o he_o will_v not_o be_v buy_v out_o of_o they_o by_o all_o satan_n offer_n and_o even_o in_o this_o darkness_n many_o time_n choose_v affliction_n for_o righteousness_n sake_n as_o that_o holy_a martyr_n that_o under_o those_o sad_a desertion_n be_v go_v to_o the_o stake_n and_o reâ—olved_v to_o die_v though_o he_o have_v not_o receive_v that_o actual_a assurance_n again_o which_o make_v he_o cry_v out_o he_o be_v come_v he_o be_v come_v but_o glover_n glover_n all_o these_o act_n be_v not_o the_o direct_a act_n of_o assurance_n but_o indirect_a and_o virtual_a act_n such_o as_o suffice_v to_o keep_v the_o life_n and_o soul_n of_o religion_n together_o as_o we_o use_v to_o express_v ourselves_o but_o such_o as_o discover_v much_o of_o the_o vigour_n of_o a_o saint_n spiritual_a constitution_n to_o be_v impair_v other_o question_n there_o be_v that_o may_v be_v prâ—mised_v here_o but_o i_o shall_v find_v time_n to_o take_v they_o up_o in_o the_o application_n chap._n xxii_o popish_a doctrine_n concern_v doubt_v and_o uncertainty_n confute_v our_o own_o certainty_n and_o assurance_n of_o salvation_n examine_v where_o several_a case_n concern_v the_o distinction_n of_o the_o spirit_n testimony_n from_o satan_n or_o our_o own_o heart_n this_o afford_v we_o matter_n of_o confutation_n of_o the_o erroneous_a doctrine_n of_o doubt_v application_n application_n and_o uncertainty_n which_o the_o papist_n and_o person_n among_o ourselves_o un-experienced_n in_o the_o thing_n of_o god_n take_v for_o truth_n viz._n that_o a_o man_n can_v in_o this_o life_n be_v certain_o assure_v of_o his_o own_o salvation_n these_o person_n rob_v the_o holy_a spirit_n of_o one_o of_o his_o special_a office_n that_o of_o be_v the_o comforter_n the_o lord_n jesus_n of_o one_o of_o the_o glorious_a fruit_n of_o his_o ascension_n which_o be_v the_o send_v the_o holy_a ghost_n to_o his_o people_n to_o that_o end_n god_n the_o father_n of_o a_o great_a deal_n of_o glory_n and_o service_n at_o least_o of_o the_o most_o noble_a and_o generous_a part_n of_o it_o that_o that_o proceed_v from_o love_n and_o thankfulness_n the_o saint_n of_o their_o great_a encouragement_n to_o obedience_n support_v in_o tribulation_n comfort_n in_o suffering_n and_o hope_v in_o death_n and_o last_o evacuate_v one_o main_a end_n of_o the_o very_a scripture_n themselves_o which_o be_v therefore_o at_o least_o a_o main_a part_n of_o they_o write_v that_o the_o saint_n may_v know_v that_o they_o have_v eternal_a life_n 1_o john_n 5_o 13._o and_o if_o there_o be_v no_o other_o reason_n why_o we_o shall_v abhor_v the_o romish_a synagogue_n yet_o be_v this_o sufficient_a that_o they_o profess_o hold_v forth_o a_o doctrine_n of_o despair_n that_o be_v such_o a_o doctrine_n in_o which_o a_o man_n can_v neither_o comfortable_o live_v nor_o die_v but_o it_o be_v no_o wonder_n that_o those_o that_o preach_v up_o the_o merit_n of_o work_n shall_v preach_v down_o certainty_n of_o salvation_n for_o if_o god_n love_v i_o or_o hate_v i_o as_o i_o believe_v or_o not_o believe_v obey_v or_o not_o obey_v persevere_v or_o not_o persevere_v it_o be_v no_o wonder_n if_o from_o the_o sight_n of_o my_o own_o frequent_a fail_n i_o be_v in_o a_o perpetual_a hesitancy_n as_o to_o my_o estate_n no_o certainty_n in_o the_o conclusion_n can_v be_v gather_v from_o uncertain_a premise_n use_v 2._o this_o let_v we_o know_v whether_o the_o persuasion_n that_o we_o have_v of_o our_o own_o good_a condition_n and_o the_o peace_n and_o joy_n that_o possible_o we_o get_v therefrom_o be_v sound_a and_o certain_a or_o no._n if_o the_o spirit_n witness_v it_o it_o be_v sound_a if_o the_o spirit_n witness_v it_o not_o it_o be_v suspicious_a and_o can_v afford_v no_o sufficient_a and_o satisfactory_a peace_n unto_o our_o spirit_n quest_n but_o how_o shall_v i_o know_v whether_o the_o persuasion_n that_o i_o have_v that_o i_o be_o a_o child_n of_o god_n do_v proceed_v from_o the_o testimony_n of_o the_o spirit_n or_o no_o may_v not_o satan_n be_v the_o author_n of_o such_o a_o persuasion_n and_o may_v not_o i_o reason_v myself_o into_o it_o and_o if_o so_o how_o shall_v i_o know_v the_o spirit_n testimony_n from_o these_o answ_n this_o be_v a_o very_a difficult_a question_n and_o therefore_o i_o shall_v take_v up_o some_o time_n more_o than_o ordinary_a to_o sift_v the_o difficulty_n to_o the_o bottom_n and_o then_o take_v it_o away_o as_o god_n shall_v enable_v i_o something_o be_v i_o shall_v premise_v by_o way_n of_o concession_n as_o 1_o it_o be_v undoubted_o true_a that_o satan_n may_v so_o transform_v himself_o into_o a_o angel_n of_o light_n as_o to_o suggest_v to_o a_o man_n a_o certain_a persuasion_n of_o his_o own_o good_a condition_n he_o be_v a_o lie_a spirit_n in_o the_o mouth_n of_o false_a prophet_n and_o inspire_v they_o with_o plausible_a doctrine_n and_o comfortable_a dream_n where_o with_o they_o pronounce_v peace_n to_o those_o to_o who_o the_o lord_n say_v there_o be_v no_o peace_n and_o this_o he_o do_v not_o
the_o matter_n of_o thy_o complaint_n or_o it_o be_v not_o if_o not_o then_o it_o be_v worse_o than_o a_o matter_n of_o form_n to_o complain_v against_o thyself_o it_o be_v a_o sin_n disparage_v to_o god_n free_a grace_n and_o injurious_a to_o thyself_o and_o may_v be_v prejudicial_a to_o thy_o brethren_n soul-complaint_n be_v contagious_a if_o the_o root_n of_o the_o matter_n be_v â—in_v thou_o it_o be_v well_o thou_o discover_v it_o though_o in_o such_o a_o way_n god_n may_v have_v a_o plot_n upon_o thou_o to_o force_v thou_o upon_o such_o a_o discourse_n as_o may_v tend_v to_o thy_o ease_n and_o satisfaction_n it_o may_v be_v god_n hand_n on_o thy_o spirit_n not_o formality_n in_o thou_o which_o produce_v it_o now_o it_o may_v be_v he_o restrain_v thy_o spirit_n and_o straighten_v it_o to_o other_o discourse_n that_o he_o may_v draw_v this_o from_o thou_o chap._n xlii_o a_o case_n concern_v the_o trial_n of_o spiritual_a life_n or_o deadness_n under_o such_o suppose_a decay_n and_o another_o occasional_o concern_v a_o hypocrite_n delight_v in_o tiding_n of_o comfort_n from_o god_n quest_n but_o do_v you_o indeed_o think_v i_o be_o not_o quite_o dead_a how_o shall_v i_o know_v whether_o i_o be_o or_o no_o answ_n well_o then_o i_o will_v adventure_v to_o be_v thy_o physician_n and_o examine_v the_o state_n of_o thy_o soul_n first_o then_o put_v this_o lookingglass_n to_o thy_o mouth_n and_o let_v i_o see_v do_v thou_o breath_n or_o no_o friend_n tell_v i_o what_o do_v you_o wish_v for_o be_v your_o heavenly_a desire_n all_o dead_a be_v there_o no_o hunger_a and_o thirst_v after_o god_n be_v there_o no_o longing_n after_o his_o presence_n and_o image_n no_o pant_n after_o holiness_n and_o the_o total_a mortification_n of_o sin_n i_o believe_v many_o a_o saint_n be_v often_o at_o that_o pass_n in_o desertion_n that_o he_o dare_v say_v no_o more_o then_o lord_n thou_o know_v the_o desire_n of_o my_o soul_n be_v to_o thy_o name_n and_o to_o the_o remembrance_n of_o thou_o isaiah_n 26-8_a and_o with_o nehemiah_n lord_n hearken_v and_o be_v attentive_a to_o the_o prayer_n of_o thy_o servant_n who_o desire_v to_o fear_v thy_o name_n nehem_n 1._o 11._o and_o yet_o in_o these_o desire_n be_v the_o breathe_n of_o a_o quicken_a and_o quicken_a spirit_n even_o the_o breathe_n of_o god_n holy_a spirit_n in_o thou_o thou_o draw_v in_o the_o breath_n of_o heaven_n or_o else_o thou_o can_v not_o breathe_v it_o out_o 2_o let_v i_o see_v thy_o tongue_n how_o be_v thy_o palate_n affect_v thou_o say_v thou_o taste_v no_o sweetness_n in_o the_o way_n of_o god_n why_o do_v thou_o not_o leave_v they_o then_o do_v thou_o find_v any_o thing_n sweet_a it_o may_v be_v thy_o mouth_n be_v out_o of_o taste_n to_o every_o thing_n else_o as_o thou_o think_v it_o be_v to_o they_o but_o tell_v i_o be_v it_o not_o the_o dress_n of_o a_o duty_n that_o make_v thou_o dis-relish_a it_o and_o not_o any_o thing_n in_o the_o duty_n itself_o it_o be_v because_o thou_o be_v dead_a in_o duty_n that_o thou_o be_v not_o delight_v with_o it_o it_o may_v be_v if_o the_o duty_n or_o ordinance_n be_v public_a thou_o may_v upon_o this_o account_n not_o be_v affect_v because_o it_o may_v not_o be_v manage_v with_o life_n and_o power_n or_o it_o may_v not_o be_v manage_v suitable_o to_o thy_o condition_n and_o thou_o dis-relish_a all_o thing_n that_o do_v not_o meet_v thy_o particular_a case_n herein_o it_o be_v true_a there_o be_v a_o fail_v but_o it_o seem_v still_o hereby_o that_o thy_o disaffection_n be_v not_o to_o the_o duty_n and_o ordinance_n themselves_o but_o only_o to_o the_o dress_n of_o they_o and_o this_o appear_v in_o that_o thou_o wait_v on_o they_o still_o and_o expect_v when_o god_n will_v make_v a_o match_n between_o thy_o heart_n and_o the_o ordinance_n by_o direct_v himself_o more_o particular_o to_o do_v thou_o good_a thou_o be_v not_o of_o the_o temper_n of_o they_o who_o leave_v the_o use_n of_o all_o ordinance_n because_o they_o disrelish_v they_o in_o such_o and_o such_o a_o way_n of_o administration_n 3_o let_v i_o feel_v thy_o pulse_n how_o beat_v it_o towards_o the_o world_n how_o towards_o sin_n that_o will_v tell_v how_o it_o be_v with_o the_o heart_n if_o thy_o heart_n be_v alive_a there_o be_v no_o fear_n what_o thought_n be_v those_o that_o stir_v when_o a_o temptation_n to_o sin_n be_v present_v when_o a_o temptation_n be_v offer_v to_o re-enter_v upon_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o the_o present_a world_n do_v the_o heart_n beat_v then_o and_o do_v the_o pulse_n beat_v quick_a by_o way_n of_o anger_n and_o indignation_n it_o be_v a_o true_a sign_n of_o life_n when_o minus_fw-la grata_fw-la thing_n that_o be_v against_o nature_n cause_n a_o alteration_n in_o the_o body_n one_o that_o will_v start_v at_o a_o pinch_n or_o show_v any_o other_o alteration_n on_o the_o apprehension_n of_o a_o unpleasing_a object_n be_v alive_a for_o as_o i_o show_v you_o before_o fear_n be_v a_o live_a affection_n and_o such_o abhorrence_n arise_v from_o fear_n i_o never_o know_v any_o soul_n in_o the_o case_n of_o the_o complainer_n but_o if_o sin_n be_v present_v to_o he_o his_o very_a hair_n and_o heart_n will_v rise_v against_o it_o and_o sure_o the_o antipathy_n of_o such_o a_o soul_n show_v a_o life_n suitable_a to_o they_o sure_o it_o be_v the_o divine_a nature_n that_o stir_v up_o a_o loathe_n of_o sin_n it_o be_v the_o love_n of_o god_n that_o incline_v to_o the_o hatred_n of_o evil_a 4_o let_v i_o pinch_v thou_o a_o little_a friend_n if_o you_o be_v quite_o dead_a as_o you_o say_v you_o be_v then_o sure_o if_o god_n be_v dishonour_v never_o so_o much_o if_o his_o church_n and_o people_n be_v tread_v under_o foot_n if_o his_o gospel_n be_v carry_v away_o to_o another_o people_n if_o sin_n be_v commit_v round_o about_o the_o place_n of_o your_o residence_n with_o never_o so_o high_a a_o hand_n and_z with_o never_o so_o public_a approbation_n it_o be_v likely_a you_o be_v sensible_a of_o none_o of_o this_o let_v i_o try_v be_v you_o so_o come_v hither_o julian_n and_o blaspheme_v god_n and_o christ_n come_v bonner_n and_o make_v havoc_n of_o the_o saint_n come_v swearer_n drunkard_n unclean_a person_n and_o act_n over_o your_o horrid_a impiety_n before_o this_o person_n free_o sure_o if_o he_o be_v dead_a there_o be_v no_o reproof_n in_o his_o mouth_n mortui_fw-la non_fw-la mordent_fw-la dead_a man_n bite_v not_o how_o like_v you_o these_o thing_n oh_o sir_n do_v you_o startle_v do_v river_n of_o tear_n run_v down_o your_o eye_n because_o man_n keep_v not_o god_n law_n psal_n 119._o 136._o do_v the_o reproach_n of_o they_o that_o reproach_n god_n fall_v upon_o you_o psal_n 69._o 9_o be_v it_o as_o a_o sword_n in_o your_o bone_n to_o hear_v man_n blaspheme_v god_n and_o dispute_v down_o 10._o psalm_n 42._o 10._o truth_n and_o profess_v horrid_a iniquity_n under_o the_o name_n of_o perfection_n etc._n etc._n sure_o here_o be_v life_n pinch_v a_o dead_a man_n while_o you_o will_v and_o you_o can_v make_v he_o start_v 5_o you_o say_v you_o be_v dead_a if_o you_o be_v dead_a then_o what_o make_v you_o among_o live_a company_n do_v the_o dead_a use_n to_o converse_v with_o the_o live_n get_v thou_o hence_o from_o the_o society_n and_o communion_n of_o god_n saint_n from_o the_o exercise_n and_o employment_n of_o live_a man_n and_o converse_v with_o the_o man_n of_o the_o world_n the_o man_n of_o this_o generation_n and_o put_v in_o thy_o lot_n among_o they_o discourse_n of_o ox_n and_o farm_n and_o merchandise_n but_o as_o for_o the_o thing_n of_o god_n and_o person_n that_o converse_v with_o he_o spiritual_o dead_a person_n do_v not_o use_v to_o have_v much_o to_o do_v with_o these_o be_v this_o harsh_a to_o thou_o do_v thou_o disrelish_v this_o exilement_n from_o god_n and_o saint_n be_v all_o thy_o delight_n in_o the_o saint_n that_o be_v upon_o earth_n and_o in_o they_o that_o excel_v in_o virtue_n psal_n 16._o 3._o do_v thou_o defy_v the_o wicked_a and_o chase_v they_o from_o thou_o psal_n 6._o 8._o sure_o there_o be_v life_n in_o thou_o a_o dead_a man_n be_v fit_a company_n for_o none_o but_o those_o in_o the_o same_o condition_n they_o that_o be_v dead_a be_v free_a from_o the_o relation_n company_n and_o employment_n of_o live_a man_n 6_o thou_o say_v thou_o be_v dead_a i_o will_v try_v thou_o once_o with_o good_a news_n comfort_v you_o comfort_v you_o my_o people_n say_v the_o lord_n tell_v they_o that_o their_o warfare_n be_v accomplish_v isai_n 40._o 1_o 2._o my_o salvation_n be_v â—eer_o to_o come_v isa_n 56._o 1._o yet_o a_o little_a while_n and_o he_o that_o shall_v come_v will_v come_v and_o will_v not_o tarry_v heb._n
it_o may_v not_o always_o be_v the_o condition_n of_o a_o saint_n to_o call_v god_n father_n with_o alike_a confidence_n while_o yet_o he_o may_v pray_v with_o abundance_n of_o holy_a importunity_n 3_o distinguish_v therefore_o between_o that_o liveliness_n and_o boldness_n of_o the_o soul_n in_o prayer_n which_o flow_v from_o the_o actual_a witness_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o that_o which_o arise_v mere_o from_o the_o gracious_a influence_n of_o the_o same_o spirit_n as_o he_o unite_v we_o to_o christ_n 1_o as_o for_o liveliness_n in_o prayer_n it_o may_v in_o a_o godly_a man_n proceed_v not_o only_o from_o the_o spirit_n witness_v but_o sometime_o from_o 1_o conscience_n of_o duty_n when_o a_o man_n quicken_v up_o his_o desire_n and_o other_o affection_n upon_o this_o consideration_n that_o he_o be_v in_o the_o presence_n of_o a_o live_a god_n and_o therefore_o it_o become_v he_o not_o to_o offer_v dead_a service_n to_o such_o a_o god_n 2_o or_o from_o sense_n of_o want_n that_o be_v it_o which_o usual_o add_v life_n and_o activity_n to_o our_o endeavour_n beggar_n when_o ready_a to_o starve_v be_v importunate_a 3._o or_o three_o from_o hope_n to_o speed_v now_o this_o hope_n to_o speed_n be_v either_o positive_a and_o particular_a which_o i_o receive_v from_o a_o paricular_a assurance_n of_o god_n engagement_n to_o i_o or_o more_o general_a and_o negative_a take_v away_o all_o discouragement_n which_o i_o may_v fancy_v to_o myself_o now_o the_o former_a hope_n a_o man_n under_o the_o witness_v act_n of_o the_o spirit_n pray_v by_o the_o latter_a quicken_v every_o godly_a christian_a whether_o he_o have_v actual_o or_o ever_o have_v the_o testimony_n of_o the_o spirit_n or_o no._n now_o the_o hope_n of_o a_o saint_n be_v ground_v either_o on_o certainty_n or_o probability_n probability_n remove_v discouragement_n certainty_n only_o give_v a_o positive_a and_o particular_a well_o ground_v hope_n and_o yet_o probability_n may_v enliven_v though_o certainty_n do_v far_o more_o a_o soul_n may_v come_v upon_o the_o general_a encouragement_n upon_o which_o god_n invit_v sinner_n to_o come_v to_o he_o and_o may_v thereby_o be_v much_o enliven_v in_o prayer_n although_o not_o with_o so_o great_a life_n and_o vigour_n as_o a_o man_n that_o can_v plead_v a_o particular_a right_n and_o title_n to_o god_n 2._o so_o concern_v boldness_n of_o the_o soul_n in_o duty_n a_o soul_n that_o walk_v in_o darkness_n may_v be_v bold_a in_o some_o sort_n 1._o upon_o sense_n of_o want_n which_o dispell_n all_o shamefacedness_n a_o man_n in_o necessity_n though_o he_o dare_v not_o open_v his_o mouth_n before_o to_o ask_v relief_n of_o a_o great_a personage_n through_o shame_n keep_v he_o back_o from_o it_o yet_o when_o there_o be_v no_o help_n he_o will_v put_v a_o good_a face_n upon_o it_o as_o we_o say_v and_o embolden_v himself_o to_o adventure_v to_o solicit_v supply_n so_o the_o soul_n say_v in_o such_o a_o case_n i_o must_v beg_v my_o life_n or_o perish_v ask_v or_o starve_v for_o want_n of_o supply_n i_o will_v adventure_v into_o the_o presence_n of_o god_n as_o hester_n into_o the_o presence_n of_o the_o king_n and_o if_o i_o perish_v i_o perish_v 2._o upon_o the_o discovery_n that_o the_o scripture_n make_v of_o the_o nature_n of_o god_n that_o he_o be_v a_o god_n of_o infinite_a mercy_n that_o wait_v to_o be_v gracious_a &_o expect_v opportunity_n to_o manifest_v it_o a_o man_n will_v when_o he_o be_v in_o want_n more_o bold_o adventure_v to_o ask_v of_o a_o man_n who_o be_v report_v to_o be_v propense_a to_o act_n of_o bounty_n and_o ready_a upon_o all_o occasion_n to_o manifest_v it_o then_o of_o another_o who_o disposition_n be_v not_o so_o know_v thou_o be_v a_o god_n that_o hear_v prayer_n unto_o thou_o shall_v all_o flesh_n come_v psalm_n 65._o 2._o 3._o upon_o encouragement_n of_o invitation_n promise_n example_n such_o as_o call_v upon_o i_o in_o the_o day_n of_o trouble_n and_o i_o will_v answer_v thou_o psal_n 50._o 15._o and_o that_o psal_n 32._o 6._o although_o a_o man_n have_v no_o particular_a ground_n to_o conclude_v that_o he_o shall_v be_v hear_v yet_o upon_o these_o general_a ground_n he_o can_v many_o time_n urge_v god_n very_o confident_o but_o a_o soul_n under_o the_o actual_a testimony_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n may_v embolden_v himself_o from_o a_o particular_a interest_n as_o david_n do_v ps_n 119._o 94._o lord_n i_o be_o thou_o save_v i_o and_o the_o church_n isa_n 63._o 19_o and_o psal_n 86._o 2._o preserve_v my_o soul_n for_o i_o be_o holy_a or_o one_o who_o thou_o favour_v and_o can_v urge_v his_o own_o experience_n as_o the_o church_n lord_n thou_o have_v be_v our_o habitation_n etc._n etc._n ps_n 90._o 1._o etc._n etc._n thou_o have_v be_v favourable_a to_o thy_o land_n psalm_n 85._o 1._o the_o point_n therefore_o be_v to_o be_v understand_v thus_o where_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n be_v actual_o a_o witness_v spirit_n of_o adoption_n there_o he_o main_o discover_v himself_o by_o enliven_a and_o embolden_v the_o soul_n unto_o special_a importunity_n to_o a_o particular_a claim_n and_o especial_a confidence_n in_o prayer_n chap._n xlvi_o some_o proof_n thereof_o that_o this_o be_v a_o principal_a work_n of_o the_o witniss_a spirit_n of_o adoption_n to_o raise_v the_o fervency_n and_o boldness_n of_o the_o soul_n in_o prayer_n may_v be_v evidence_v to_o we_o by_o the_o parallel_a place_n of_o scripture_n gal._n 4._o 6._o because_o you_o be_v son_n god_n have_v send_v the_o spirit_n of_o his_o son_n into_o your_o heart_n it_o be_v to_o be_v understand_v of_o the_o witness_v act_n of_o the_o spirit_n because_o this_o gift_n follow_v upon_o sonship_n because_o you_o be_v son_n he_o say_v not_o that_o you_o may_v be_v son_n then_o indeed_o it_o must_v have_v be_v understand_v of_o the_o sanctify_a and_o unite_n grace_n of_o the_o spirit_n which_o make_v son_n but_o because_o you_o be_v son_n which_o suppose_v their_o present_a stand_v as_o child_n to_o be_v the_o ground_n of_o this_o gift_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v understand_v of_o the_o witness_v act_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o what_o follow_v from_o it_o what_o get_v they_o by_o this_o spirit_n of_o christ_n administer_v in_o this_o way_n what_o do_v the_o spirit_n there_o he_o cry_v not_o enable_v they_o to_o cry_v though_o that_o be_v true_a but_o he_o cry_v in_o they_o abba_n father_n cry_n with_o earnestness_n father_n with_o confidence_n and_o father_n father_n with_o holy_a importunity_n and_o this_o appear_v far_a 1._o from_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o witness_v act_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o grace_n the_o spirit_n be_v a_o witness_n to_o all_o god_n promise_n and_o obligation_n to_o we_o and_o he_o put_v god_n seal_n to_o all_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n now_o to_o the_o vigorous_a and_o confident_a put_v a_o bond_n in_o suit_n a_o express_a witness_n to_o the_o seal_n and_o delivery_n be_v a_o great_a encouragement_n by_o prayer_n the_o soul_n put_v god_n bond_n in_o suit_n the_o spirit_n come_v into_o court_n at_o the_o same_o time_n while_o the_o bond_n be_v plead_v and_o say_v lord_z i_o witness_v this_o bond_n to_o be_v true_a i_o do_v put_v thy_o seal_n to_o it_o by_o thy_o own_o appointment_n and_o to_o the_o soul_n he_o say_v soul_n do_v not_o be_v nonsuit_v do_v not_o let_v thy_o suit_n fall_v i_o will_v witness_v for_o thou_o plead_v thy_o bond_n â—_o the_o utmost_a i_o will_v justify_v it_o what_o a_o encouragement_n be_v this_o 2._o from_o the_o comparative_a straightness_n and_o flatness_n of_o spirit_n and_o that_o cowardliness_n and_o dauntedness_n of_o spirit_n which_o possess_v the_o saint_n when_o the_o spirit_n be_v withdraw_v from_o they_o david_n when_o he_o have_v lose_v the_o joy_n of_o god_n salvation_n his_o mouth_n be_v shut_v his_o heart_n be_v straighten_v and_o he_o be_v fain_o to_o go_v to_o god_n for_o enlargement_n by_o his_o free_a spirit_n he_o complain_v of_o cast_v away_o from_o god_n presence_n etc._n etc._n psal_n 51._o 11_o 12._o uphold_v i_o say_v he_o with_o thy_o free_a spirit_n that_o be_v prop_v up_o my_o zeal_n and_o confidence_n which_o be_v even_o fall_v to_o the_o ground_n without_o such_o a_o support_n 3._o from_o the_o removal_n of_o all_o discouragement_n to_o a_o fervent_a and_o confident_a address_n to_o god_n the_o great_a discouragement_n of_o the_o soul_n be_v either_o a_o distance_n conceive_v between_o god_n and_o the_o soul_n or_o the_o guilt_n of_o sin_n that_o make_v it_o the_o spirit_n assure_v we_o that_o sin_n be_v pardon_v and_o that_o breach_n make_v up_o and_o that_o we_o may_v come_v when_o we_o will_v and_o be_v as_o bold_a with_o god_n as_o if_o there_o have_v never_o be_v any_o occasion_n of_o breach_n on_o our_o part_n or_o act_v of_o
3._o my_o grief_n be_v heavy_a than_o the_o sand_n of_o the_o sea_n therefore_o my_o word_n be_v swallow_v up_o verba_fw-la mea_fw-la semesa_fw-la sunt_fw-la so_o some_o render_v the_o word_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d fract_v a_o sunt_fw-la corrupta_fw-la sunt_fw-la therefore_o my_o word_n be_v break_v mangle_a word_n break_a expression_n be_v the_o very_a gobbet_n of_o a_o break_a heart_n other_o read_v it_o as_o we_o verba_fw-la mea_fw-la absorbentur_fw-la my_o word_n be_v devour_v or_o swallow_v up_o my_o sorrow_n feed_v so_o upon_o my_o spirit_n that_o it_o devour_v my_o very_a word_n and_o do_v not_o leave_v i_o so_o much_o as_o the_o slender_a ease_n of_o a_o complaint_n a_o metaphor_n take_v from_o the_o quicksand_n in_o the_o sea_n that_o swallow_v up_o a_o ship_n hulk_n and_o mast_n and_o sail_n and_o passenger_n and_o all_o at_o a_o morsel_n as_o it_o be_v to_o which_o he_o allude_v as_o appear_v in_o that_o he_o compare_v his_o grief_n to_o the_o sand_n in_o the_o former_a part_n this_o heart-oppression_n like_o a_o know_v melancholy_a disease_n in_o the_o night_n with_o which_o some_o person_n be_v trouble_v so_o oppress_v the_o breast_n that_o a_o man_n can_v speak_v this_o be_v hemans_n disease_n a_o holy_a man_n too_o psal_n 77._o 4._o i_o be_o so_o trouble_v that_o i_o can_v speak_v nay_o farther_z a_o saint_n may_v be_v so_o low_a under_o hatch_n in_o affliction_n especial_o in_o soul-trouble_n under_o the_o spirit_n of_o bondage_n or_o spiritual_a desertion_n that_o his_o very_a eye_n be_v shut_v as_o well_o as_o his_o mouth_n my_o iniquity_n say_v david_n have_v take_v hold_v on_o i_o so_o that_o i_o can_v look_v up_o psal_n 40._o 12._o if_o this_o be_v thy_o case_n then_o be_v sure_a god_n pity_v thou_o the_o more_o by_o how_o much_o the_o less_o thou_o be_v able_a to_o speak_v for_o thyself_o as_o we_o use_v to_o pity_v little_a child_n and_o person_n that_o be_v dumb_a and_o be_v sensible_a of_o the_o injury_n do_v to_o they_o more_o than_o to_o other_o alas_o poor_a soul_n we_o use_v to_o say_v they_o can_v speak_v for_o themselves_o nay_o we_o pity_v a_o horse_n and_o such_o other_o unreasonable_a creature_n when_o misuse_v upon_o the_o same_o account_n alas_o poor_a dumb_a thing_n who_o will_v use_v a_o dumb_a creature_n so_o sure_o then_o god_n must_v needs_o be_v more_o tender_o pitiful_a to_o a_o soul_n in_o such_o a_o condition_n and_o our_o mediator_n our_o advocate_n in_o heaven_n must_v needs_o be_v the_o more_o eloquent_a in_o plead_v for_o the_o saint_n his_o client_n when_o they_o be_v under_o such_o a_o tongue-tied_a condition_n alas_o say_v christ_n poor_a soul_n father_n hear_v i_o for_o he_o he_o can_v speak_v for_o himself_o his_o condition_n speak_v aloud_o for_o he_o because_o it_o hinder_v he_o from_o speak_v 2_o know_v there_o be_v secret_a way_n of_o acquaint_v god_n with_o thy_o strait_n and_o pressure_n when_o the_o more_o visible_a and_o sensible_a outlet_n and_o avenue_n of_o the_o soul_n be_v all_o block_v up_o they_o that_o be_v skill_v in_o the_o military_a art_n have_v sometime_o shoot_v intelligence_n in_o a_o bullet_n in_o the_o head_n of_o a_o arrow_n when_o the_o city_n or_o castle_n have_v be_v besiege_v on_o all_o part_n so_o close_o that_o no_o ordinary_a way_n of_o correspondence_n with_o their_o friend_n have_v be_v leave_v open_a and_o this_o intelligence_n though_o it_o be_v short_a and_o small_a in_o bulk_n yet_o may_v be_v as_o pithy_a and_o as_o much_o in_o substance_n and_o use_n as_o a_o whole_a sheet_n of_o paper_n write_v all_o over_o we_o starve_v or_o we_o want_v ammunition_n or_o man_n to_o man_n our_o work_n so_o a_o few_o day_n and_o without_o relief_n we_o can_v hold_v out_o no_o long_o be_v as_o good_a intelligence_n as_o can_v be_v in_o such_o a_o case_n it_o may_v be_v thou_o can_v not_o tell_v god_n a_o large_a story_n how_o it_o be_v with_o thou_o nor_o limne_z out_o thy_o sad_a case_n in_o lively_a colour_n can_v not_o paint_v thy_o present_a death_n to_o the_o life_n or_o give_v light_n enough_o by_o thy_o expression_n to_o discover_v the_o darkness_n of_o thy_o affliction_n as_o david_n &_o hezekiah_n have_v do_v when_o they_o recover_v their_o tongue_n again_o but_o yet_o thou_o can_v say_v lord_z i_o want_v lord_z i_o be_o sick_a lord_n i_o faint_v lord_z i_o die_v etc._n etc._n thou_o can_v with_o the_o publican_n say_v lord_n be_v merciful_a to_o i_o a_o sinner_n luke_n 18._o 13._o with_o david_n in_o his_o trouble_a condition_n but_o thou_o lord_n how_o long_o psal_n 6._o 3._o with_o hezekiah_n under_o his_o faint_a fit_n thou_o can_v chatter_v lord_n i_o be_o oppress_v undertake_v for_o i_o or_o ease_v i_o isai_n 38._o 14._o and_o if_o thou_o can_v not_o do_v so_o much_o yet_o thou_o can_v set_v thyself_o as_o in_o the_o presence_n of_o god_n and_o even_o out_o of_o the_o mouth_n of_o hell_n look_v towards_o his_o holy_a temple_n cast_v a_o beg_a look_n as_o child_n do_v towards_o some_o sweet_a meat_n they_o dare_v not_o ask_v for_o towards_o the_o throne_n of_o grace_n so_o jonah_n do_v jonah_n 2._o 4._o thou_o can_v sigh_v and_o groan_v now_o this_o be_v sufficient_a intelligence_n to_o god_n who_o bless_a spirit_n speak_v in_o these_o groan_n and_o he_o understand_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o general_a bent_n inclination_n and_o affection_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o from_o it_o can_v pick_v out_o his_o meaning_n because_o he_o search_v the_o heart_n rom_n 8._o 27._o as_o a_o nurse_n can_v make_v english_a of_o the_o stammer_n &_o break_a speech_n of_o the_o child_n nay_o the_o mother_n sometime_o know_v by_o the_o look_n of_o the_o child_n what_o its_o mouth_n water_n for_o and_o a_o skilful_a antiquary_n can_v write_v a_o history_n out_o of_o the_o break_a inscription_n of_o old_a coin_n and_o monument_n of_o antiquity_n because_o he_o be_v acquaint_v and_o use_v to_o commune_v with_o those_o kind_n of_o fragment_n and_o take_v this_o for_o a_o certain_a rule_n a_o man_n may_v have_v much_o of_o the_o spirit_n of_o prayer_n who_o have_v very_o little_a of_o the_o gift_n of_o prayer_n and_o so_o may_v be_v straighten_v very_o much_o in_o this_o when_o his_o heart_n run_v over_o with_o the_o abundance_n of_o that_o 3_o yet_o be_v not_o this_o condition_n to_o be_v rest_v in_o it_o be_v that_o that_o keep_v the_o soul_n in_o a_o famish_v estate_n but_o the_o saint_n of_o god_n ought_v by_o all_o mean_n to_o endeavour_v the_o recovery_n of_o their_o freedom_n and_o liberty_n of_o spirit_n and_o expression_n in_o duty_n as_o know_v that_o much_o of_o the_o comfort_n support_v and_o strength_n of_o their_o spirit_n be_v abate_v while_o they_o be_v thus_o tongue-tied_a and_o therefore_o for_o recovery_n out_o of_o this_o spiritual_a distemper_n i_o will_v prescribe_v these_o help_n 1_o examine_v careful_o what_o it_o be_v that_o streighten_v the_o spirit_n and_o shut_v the_o mouth_n which_o may_v be_v 1_o the_o greatness_n of_o your_o burden_n as_o before_o and_o that_o you_o shall_v know_v by_o these_o two_o mark_n 1_o if_o it_o indispose_v you_o to_o all_o other_o employment_n as_o well_o as_o to_o prayer_n thus_o it_o be_v with_o the_o author_n of_o ps_n 102_o the_o title_n of_o the_o psalm_n tell_v you_o his_o condition_n he_o be_v one_o who_o spirit_n be_v overwhelm_v and_o how_o do_v that_o appear_v my_o heart_n say_v he_o be_v smite_v like_o grass_n and_o wither_a a_o metaphor_n take_v from_o frost_n that_o nip_v the_o grass_n and_o intercept_v the_o juice_n that_o shall_v come_v from_o the_o root_n to_o the_o blade_n and_o so_o it_o become_v wither_v so_o say_v he_o the_o extremity_n of_o my_o trouble_n wither_v and_o shrivel_v up_o my_o very_a heart_n so_o that_o i_o be_o like_o a_o dead_a sapless_a thing_n but_o it_o may_v be_v he_o be_v only_o so_o in_o the_o matter_n of_o god_n and_o then_o it_o may_v possible_o be_v his_o sin_n no_o he_o be_v so_o in_o all_o humane_a affair_n too_o i_o forget_v say_v he_o to_o eat_v my_o bread_n verse_n 4._o no_o wonder_n say_v he_o if_o i_o be_v wither_v in_o the_o affair_n of_o my_o mind_n when_o i_o grow_v even_o careless_a of_o my_o very_a body_n i_o forget_v to_o eat_v my_o bread_n 2._o if_o it_o shut_v up_o the_o heart_n in_o complain_v to_o man_n as_o well_o as_o in_o complaint_n to_o god_n a_o trouble_a soul_n go_v to_o a_o godly_a minister_n it_o may_v be_v and_o think_v to_o utter_v to_o he_o all_o that_o be_v in_o the_o heart_n and_o fain_o will_v unloade_v itself_o in_o his_o ear_n but_o find_v itself_o so_o straighten_v it_o can_v scarce_o say_v a_o word_n that_o it_o come_v for_o and_o that_o not_o mere_o
a_o man_n that_o have_v but_o confuse_a notion_n of_o a_o thing_n be_v not_o able_a to_o make_v a_o clear_a and_o distinct_a relation_n of_o it_o sometime_o we_o can_v pray_v because_o we_o know_v not_o what_o to_o ask_v rom._n 8._o 26._o we_o know_v not_o what_o to_o ask_v because_o we_o know_v not_o distinct_o what_o ail_v we_o trouble_v we_o be_v but_o we_o can_v tell_v why_o as_o a_o man_n divers_a time_n in_o distemper_n of_o body_n let_v a_o physician_n come_v to_o he_o ask_v he_o how_o he_o do_v he_o will_v tell_v he_o sick_a sir_n very_o sick_a but_o ask_v he_o where_o the_o seat_n of_o his_o distemper_n most_o lie_v he_o can_v tell_v he_o be_v very_o ill_a and_o that_o be_v all_o that_o he_o can_v say_v thus_o many_o a_o man_n be_v trouble_v in_o mind_n indistinct_o and_o confuse_o now_o such_o a_o man_n can_v but_o be_v shut_v up_o in_o prayer_n the_o head_n be_v cloud_v and_o that_o cloud_v the_o heart_n and_o as_o in_o a_o mist_n a_o man_n see_v object_n at_o a_o distance_n that_o fright_v he_o but_o because_o he_o see_v they_o in_o a_o mist_n he_o can_v give_v no_o distinct_a intelligence_n of_o they_o so_o here_o and_o oftentimes_o melancholy_a of_o body_n concur_v to_o hinder_v by_o darken_n the_o judgement_n and_o distract_n the_o fancy_n 3_o study_v god_n promise_n and_o let_v they_o dwell_v in_o you_o plentiful_o and_o especial_o such_o promise_n as_o most_o concern_v your_o condition_n so_o discover_v when_o david_n have_v a_o promise_n he_o never_o want_v a_o prayer_n how_o often_o psalm_n 119._o do_v he_o urge_v god_n upon_o his_o word_n ver_fw-la 25_o 28_o 58_o 116_o 169._o the_o word_n be_v the_o quiver_n of_o all_o those_o holy_a arrow_n by_o which_o a_o straighten_a soul_n shoot_v intelligence_n to_o heaven_n prayer_n be_v nothing_o but_o the_o echo_n of_o a_o promise_v i_o will_v ease_v thou_o say_v christ_n matth._n 11._o 28._o o_fw-la ease_n i_o say_v the_o soul_n wait_n and_o god_n shall_v strengthen_v thy_o heart_n say_v the_o word_n psal_n 27._o ult_n strengthen_v my_o heart_n say_v the_o soul_n my_o grace_n be_v sufficient_a for_o thou_o say_v the_o lord_n 2_o cor._n 12._o 9_o let_v thy_o grace_n be_v sufficient_a for_o i_o say_v the_o soul_n of_o a_o pray_v christian_n get_v a_o promise_n and_o thou_o hâ—st_v a_o great_a deal_n of_o cloth_n for_o prayer_n it_o lack_v but_o cut_v out_o 4._o stir_v up_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n that_o be_v in_o thou_o 1_o by_o meditation_n meditation_n be_v the_o bellows_n that_o set_v grace_v a_o flame_a meditate_v upon_o the_o forementioned_a subject_n thy_o own_o present_a condition_n god_n love_n and_o promise_n add_v to_o they_o thy_o frequent_a past_a experience_n the_o nature_n use_n necessity_n of_o maintain_v intelligence_n with_o god_n in_o thy_o condition_n the_o nature_n use_n end_v of_o a_o afflict_a estate_n the_o duty_n that_o god_n expect_v from_o thou_o in_o it_o and_o many_o more_o subject_n of_o this_o or_o a_o like_a nature_n and_o thou_o will_v find_v it_o with_o thou_o as_o with_o david_n psalm_n 39_o 3._o my_o heart_n be_v hot_a i_o muse_v the_o fire_n kindle_v than_o i_o speak_v with_o my_o tongue_n he_o be_v dumb_a before_o but_o the_o heart_n grow_v so_o full_a now_o it_o must_v needs_o out_o or_o it_o will_v break_v for_o want_v of_o vent_n set_a before_o thou_o as_o matter_n of_o meditation_n the_o chapter_n and_o place_n of_o scripture_n that_o have_v be_v pen_v by_o the_o saint_n in_o thy_o condition_n 2_o by_o frequent_a essay_n thou_o can_v not_o pray_v how_o often_o have_v thou_o try_v it_o may_v be_v once_o or_o twice_o and_o then_o grow_v weary_a try_v again_o man_n and_o again_o and_o again_o till_o thou_o can_v some_o never_o work_v well_o till_o they_o be_v warm_a obj._n but_o i_o can_v say_v nothing_o answ_n then_o go_v and_o complain_v lord_n i_o will_v pray_v but_o i_o can_v say_v nothing_o then_o look_v out_o a_o promise_n and_o turn_v it_o into_o a_o prayer_n and_o if_o thou_o can_v do_v no_o more_o rise_v again_o and_o anon_o fall_v to_o it_o again_o thus_o child_n learn_v to_o spell_v read_v and_o write_v what_o if_o thou_o go_v three_o four_o twenty_o time_n together_o and_o be_v able_a to_o say_v but_o a_o few_o word_n &_o those_o still_o the_o same_o christ_n do_v so_o in_o his_o agony_n in_o such_o a_o case_n if_o thou_o have_v a_o good_a form_n by_o thou_o of_o another_o man_n i_o know_v not_o why_o at_o least_o the_o view_v if_o not_o use_v of_o it_o may_v not_o quicken_v the_o spirit_n of_o prayer_n in_o thou_o câ—uâ—ches_n may_v help_v we_o when_o we_o be_v lame_a that_o hinder_v we_o when_o we_o be_v sound_a 3_o if_o thou_o cause_v get_v a_o godly_a experience_a friend_n to_o pray_v with_o thou_o discover_v thy_o case_n to_o he_o as_o well_o as_o thou_o can_v and_o let_v he_o spread_v it_o before_o the_o lord_n and_o labour_n thou_o to_o join_v with_o he_o iron_n sharpen_v iron_n so_o do_v the_o face_n of_o a_o man_n his_o friend_n in_o such_o holy_a communion_n one_o prayer_n beget_v another_o two_o lie_v together_o grow_v both_o warm_a or_o get_v such_o friend_n to_o pray_v for_o thou_o 1_o cor._n 1._o 11._o paul_n acknowledge_v a_o great_a deal_n of_o help_n from_o the_o corinthian_n prayer_n a_o diligent_a use_n of_o these_o mean_n and_o frequent_a application_n of_o thyself_o to_o the_o use_n of_o they_o will_n by_o degree_n recover_v thy_o lose_a acquaintance_n with_o god_n again_o finis_fw-la the_o content_n the_o first_o treatise_n concern_v the_o spirit_n of_o bondage_n lay_v down_o these_o two_o thesis_n 1._o that_o the_o conviction_n concussion_n and_o terror_n which_o bring_v a_o sinner_n before_o conversion_n under_o a_o spiritual_a bondage_n to_o the_o sad_a apprehension_n of_o the_o curse_n and_o wrath_n of_o god_n due_a to_o he_o by_o the_o law_n because_o of_o the_o guilt_n of_o sin_n be_v ordinary_o the_o work_n of_o god_n bless_a spirit_n 2._o that_o in_o order_n to_o the_o conversion_n of_o sinner_n it_o be_v the_o ordinary_a and_o usual_a way_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n of_o god_n to_o become_v thus_o a_o spirit_n of_o bondage_n before_o he_o become_v a_o spirit_n of_o adoption_n to_o the_o first_o of_o these_o way_n be_v make_v by_o a_o preface_n contain_v a_o brief_a explication_n and_o vindication_n of_o the_o meaning_n of_o the_o apostle_n paul_n rom._n 8._o 15._o where_o he_o make_v mention_n of_o this_o spirit_n of_o bondage_n wherein_o i_o state_n this_o question_n quest_n what_o the_o spirit_n of_o bondage_n be_v in_o the_o apostle_n sense_n and_o the_o fear_n that_o proceed_v from_o it_o chap._n 1._o the_o thesis_n clear_v 1._o by_o show_v how_o this_o work_n as_o it_o be_v manage_v by_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n differ_v from_o a_o like_a work_n of_o satan_n and_o in_o the_o close_a thereof_o 2._o by_o inquire_v whether_o this_o work_n always_o end_v in_o conversion_n chap._n 2._o a_o few_o word_n be_v add_v to_o prove_v it_o chap._n 3._o practical_a corollary_n from_o the_o premise_n 1._o by_o way_n of_o support_n chap._n 4._o 2._o by_o way_n of_o caution_n in_o several_a branch_n 0_o 1._o not_o to_o harden_v the_o heart_n against_o the_o spirit_n soft_a voice_n 2._o not_o to_o mis-apprehend_a our_o own_o case_n under_o bondage_n 3._o not_o to_o judge_v other_o in_o that_o case_n 4._o not_o to_o break_v the_o spirit_n bond_n but_o by_o his_o leave_n whether_o it_o be_v 1._o by_o profane_a or_o vain_a diversion_n and_o avocation_n of_o our_o heart_n from_o be_v serious_a and_o through_o therein_o chap._n 5._o 2._o or_o by_o overgreedy_a grasp_a after_o peace_n and_o comfort_n ere_o we_o be_v prepare_v for_o it_o whence_o arise_v a_o practical_a question_n concern_v the_o measure_n of_o humiliation_n necessary_o require_v to_o conversion_n and_o comfort_n and_o concern_v fitness_n of_o the_o soul_n for_o comfort_n chap._n 6._o the_o 3._o 4_o 5_o 6._o corolary_n viz._n by_o way_n of_o exhortation_n by_o way_n of_o conviction_n of_o the_o true_a use_n of_o the_o ministry_n of_o the_o law_n by_o way_n of_o plea_n for_o the_o frequent_a seem_a peevishness_n of_o poor_a soul_n refuse_v comfort_n by_o way_n of_o humiliation_n to_o such_o as_o herein_o have_v former_o it_o may_v be_v frequent_o stifle_v conviction_n and_o fear_n c._n 7._o the_o second_o thesis_n explain_v 1._o by_o inquire_v into_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o work_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o bondage_n where_o conviction_n be_v describe_v ch_n 8._o 2._o by_o assign_v the_o mean_n of_o this_o work_n ch_z 9_o evidence_n give_v of_o the_o spirit_n usual_a work_v this_o way_n c._n 10._o qu._n upon_o what_o design_n the_o spirit_n most_o common_o work_v in_o this_o method_n discover_v in_o twelve_o