the_o enemy_n do_v not_o come_v upon_o we_o at_o unaware_o the_o city_n or_o country_n have_v enemy_n encamp_v against_o it_o and_o look_v every_o day_n for_o nothing_o else_o but_o that_o battle_n shall_v be_v make_v against_o it_o wherein_o the_o citizen_n and_o inhabitant_n must_v show_v themselves_o valiant_a and_o courageous_a for_o that_o then_o they_o be_v either_o to_o win_v a_o peace_n or_o hazard_v a_o perpetual_a slavery_n careful_o do_v bring_v out_o &_o make_v ready_a all_o their_o furniture_n muster_v their_o man_n and_o train_n out_o all_o their_o best_a and_o most_o able_a soldier_n to_o the_o end_n it_o may_v be_v sufficient_o prepare_v for_o the_o purpose_n against_o so_o great_a a_o day_n even_o so_o the_o meditation_n of_o this_o great_a and_o strong_a conflict_n at_o the_o time_n of_o death_n with_o so_o great_a &_o mighty_a enemy_n which_o how_o sudden_a and_o how_o soon_o it_o will_v be_v be_v to_o we_o unknown_a will_v teach_v we_o to_o be_v provide_v and_o prepare_v to_o train_v up_o every_o part_n and_o member_n in_o we_o in_o this_o spiritual_a kind_n of_o fight_n that_o we_o may_v be_v able_a to_o withstand_v these_o our_o deadly_a enemy_n at_o every_o pinch_n now_o that_o according_a to_o that_o which_o i_o have_v say_v we_o may_v be_v thorough_o and_o strong_o arm_v i_o think_v it_o good_a as_o the_o apostle_n paul_n have_v leave_v unto_o we_o the_o description_n of_o the_o panoplyo_n and_o complete_a armour_n of_o a_o christian_a ephes_n 6._o to_o deliver_v the_o same_o in_o the_o several_a part_n that_o so_o the_o use_n of_o every_o piece_n may_v stand_v we_o in_o the_o better_a stead_n and_o serve_v our_o turn_n the_o better_a in_o this_o conflict_n first_o therefore_o constancy_n 1._o coat_n of_o constancy_n according_a to_o the_o apostle_n counsel_n thou_o be_v to_o put_v on_o the_o coat_n of_o constancy_n for_o that_o it_o be_v which_o the_o apostle_n mean_v 14._o gal._n 5.1_o ephes_n 6.10_o 14._o when_o as_o he_o bid_v the_o ephesian_n and_o in_o they_o will_v all_o christian_n to_o stand_v fast_o or_o be_v strong_a when_o thou_o be_v to_o enter_v into_o this_o fight_n all_o fear_n all_o faint_a must_v be_v utter_o exile_v and_o banish_v from_o thou_o although_o thy_o enemy_n will_v use_v many_o mean_n to_o beat_v a_o fear_n into_o thou_o and_o to_o make_v thou_o to_o shrink_v and_o fly_v away_o yet_o thou_o must_v have_v a_o care_n unto_o this_o to_o stand_v fast_o but_o herein_o thou_o be_v to_o look_v well_o unto_o the_o matter_n and_o take_v a_o good_a view_n of_o this_o piece_n of_o armour_n i_o mean_v this_o coat_n of_o constancy_n lest_o thou_o be_v deceive_v for_o it_o must_v be_v armour_n of_o proof_n or_o elseit_n will_v not_o serve_v thy_o turn_n it_o be_v so_o far_o off_o from_o do_v thou_o any_o good_a that_o it_o will_v rather_o turn_v to_o thy_o great_a hurt_n that_o thou_o shall_v not_o in_o this_o piece_n be_v deceive_v the_o apostle_n have_v put_v a_o stamp_n and_o a_o mark_n thereupon_o that_o thou_o may_v easy_o discern_v &_o know_v it_o from_o that_o which_o be_v counterfeit_a and_o that_o be_v in_o the_o lord_n except_o thy_o constancy_n and_o courage_n then_o be_v in_o the_o lord_n thou_o will_v easy_o be_v overthrow_v thou_o be_v not_o able_a to_o stand_v thou_o must_v therefore_o when_o thou_o come_v to_o occupy_v a_o room_n in_o this_o fight_n which_o thou_o must_v do_v even_o all_o thy_o whole_a life_n time_n utter_o forsake_v thy_o own_o wit_n and_o policy_n thy_o abundance_n and_o wealth_n all_o trust_n and_o confidence_n in_o thy_o own_o work_n and_o merit_n how_o sure_o soever_o these_o thing_n appear_v and_o be_v judge_v of_o some_o yet_o they_o be_v find_v mere_a weak_a and_o insufficient_a of_o themselves_o in_o the_o judgement_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n who_o judgement_n thou_o be_v above_o all_o to_o stand_v to_o approve_v and_o like_v of_o learn_v therefore_o to_o be_v bold_a and_o resolute_a against_o the_o rage_n of_o thy_o furious_a enemy_n not_o because_o thou_o have_v natural_a strength_n or_o worldly_a wit_n and_o policy_n or_o the_o riches_n and_o good_n of_o the_o world_n neither_o for_o that_o thou_o be_v attend_v upon_o with_o many_o popish_a ceremony_n which_o be_v worse_a than_o vanity_n or_o because_o thou_o have_v some_o store_n of_o good_a work_n but_o be_v thou_o therefore_o strong_a and_o stand_v it_o out_o with_o constancy_n because_o the_o lord_n be_v with_o thou_o be_v bold_a and_o resolute_a in_o he_o and_o in_o his_o power_n &_o might_n for_o in_o he_o alone_o thou_o shall_v be_v sure_a and_o also_o able_a to_o prevail_v against_o thy_o enemy_n 17.45_o 1._o sa._n 17.45_o david_n come_v to_o fight_v with_o the_o giant_n goliath_n come_v in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o in_o his_o name_n by_o his_o power_n &_o by_o his_o might_n overcome_v the_o enemy_n of_o god_n and_o his_o people_n so_o fight_v thou_o still_o in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o thou_o shall_v sure_o triumph_v over_o all_o thy_o enemy_n be_v they_o never_o so_o great_a never_o so_o many_o and_o never_o so_o strong_a and_o mighty_a the_o apostle_n proceed_v in_o more_o particular_a manner_n truth_n 2._o girdle_n of_o truth_n with_o the_o description_n of_o this_o christian_a armour_n and_o set_v down_o the_o several_a part_n thereof_o appoint_v in_o the_o second_o place_n the_o girdle_n will_v we_o to_o put_v on_o the_o girdle_n of_o truth_n stand_v therefore_o say_v he_o have_v your_o loin_n gird_v with_o the_o girdle_n of_o truth_n 6.14_o ephes_n 6.14_o many_o girdle_n it_o may_v be_v shall_v be_v offer_v thou_o and_o they_o shall_v through_o the_o craft_n of_o the_o enemy_n be_v glorious_o set_v forth_o make_v a_o show_n outward_o as_o though_o they_o be_v sure_a and_o strong_a but_o in_o this_o take_v heed_n and_o beware_v thou_o be_v not_o deceive_v for_o it_o be_v not_o general_o all_o truth_n neither_o that_o which_o man_n will_v presumptuous_o obtrude_v and_o thrust_v upon_o thou_o for_o truth_n of_o which_o sort_n be_v almost_o all_o the_o popish_a point_n of_o religion_n beautify_v with_o the_o vain_a show_n of_o many_o vain_a and_o idle_a ceremony_n but_o it_o be_v only_o the_o truth_n and_o sincerity_n of_o the_o gospel_n which_o the_o apostle_n speak_v of_o the_o knowledge_n of_o this_o gospel_n have_v a_o christian_a obedience_n annex_v thereunto_o for_o a_o buckle_v serve_v as_o a_o girdle_n to_o contain_v we_o and_o to_o hold_v we_o in_o that_o we_o may_v be_v strong_a and_o able_a to_o resist_v the_o devil_n bind_v up_o as_o it_o be_v about_o we_o all_o those_o long_a &_o loose_a garment_n of_o our_o natural_a and_o fleshly_a reason_n which_o will_v otherwise_o great_o trouble_v and_o hinder_v we_o in_o this_o spiritual_a combat_n a_o necessary_a part_n of_o armour_n no_o doubt_n and_o so_o needful_a that_o without_o it_o it_o boot_v or_o avail_v we_o nothing_o at_o all_o to_o go_v into_o the_o field_n and_o although_o it_o be_v never_o so_o needful_a yet_o alas_o how_o small_a be_v the_o number_n of_o those_o which_o be_v careful_a to_o provide_v themselves_o of_o it_o for_o even_o in_o these_o golden_a day_n of_o peace_n and_o safety_n from_o persecution_n when_o as_o the_o gospel_n by_o the_o preach_v thereof_o be_v offer_v unto_o man_n in_o most_o plenteous_a manner_n it_o be_v a_o world_n to_o see_v how_o diverse_o man_n be_v affect_v towards_o it_o &_o that_o in_o the_o worst_a manner_n some_o give_v themselves_o whole_o unto_o the_o world_n some_o follow_v the_o pleasure_n of_o the_o flesh_n some_o although_o they_o have_v taste_v and_o feel_v the_o great_a favour_n of_o god_n in_o deliver_v they_o from_o the_o palpable_a darkness_n of_o romish_a superstition_n and_o idolatry_n yet_o now_o loathe_v the_o sweet_a manna_n of_o the_o gospel_n like_o the_o rebellious_a and_o murmur_a israelite_n in_o their_o heart_n return_v back_o again_o unto_o the_o fleshpot_n of_o egypt_n and_o almost_o general_o it_o be_v to_o be_v find_v in_o man_n that_o every_o thing_n of_o light_a moment_n and_o weight_n yet_o be_v of_o force_n sufficient_a to_o hold_v they_o from_o prepate_v of_o this_o girdle_n whereby_o no_o small_a advantage_n be_v offer_v to_o our_o deadly_a enemy_n to_o prevail_v against_o us._n the_o three_o piece_n of_o armour_n to_o help_v to_o defend_v we_o in_o this_o fight_n 6.14_o 3._o breastplate_n of_o righteousness_n ephes_n 6.14_o and_o to_o furnish_v we_o in_o this_o preparation_n be_v by_o the_o apostle_n call_v the_o breastplate_n of_o righteousness_n and_o this_o be_v that_o which_o elsewhere_o in_o the_o scripture_n be_v call_v a_o good_a conscience_n which_o be_v a_o dutiful_a care_n and_o study_v to_o walk_v sincere_o and_o upright_o according_a to_o the_o spirit_n to_o lead_v our_o life_n
of_o his_o salvation_n yet_o may_v he_o not_o in_o defect_n of_o faith_n and_o other_o grace_n of_o regeneration_n conclude_v his_o own_o condemnation_n and_o say_v that_o he_o be_v for_o ever_o reprobate_v and_o castaway_n for_o that_o he_o have_v yet_o a_o time_n and_o space_n to_o live_v be_v it_o never_o so_o short_a a_o moment_n the_o lord_n may_v therein_o call_v he_o home_o and_o gather_v he_o unto_o himself_o the_o child_n can_v say_v that_o he_o be_v condemn_v because_o he_o have_v not_o faith_n because_o that_o when_o he_o come_v to_o man_n estate_n the_o gift_n of_o faith_n may_v be_v impart_v unto_o he_o neither_o he_o that_o be_v at_o man_n estate_n because_o that_o in_o his_o old_a age_n he_o may_v be_v receive_v neither_o yet_o he_o who_o old_a age_n have_v weary_v because_o that_o if_o in_o health_n he_o find_v it_o not_o yet_o in_o the_o last_o hour_n and_o upon_o his_o deathbed_n the_o lord_n may_v bestow_v the_o same_o upon_o he_o and_o supply_v his_o want_n wherefore_o see_v that_o our_o vocation_n and_o effectual_a call_n though_o in_o secret_a knowledge_n of_o god_n it_o be_v certain_o date_v in_o respect_n of_o we_o be_v most_o uncertain_a whether_o it_o shall_v be_v when_o we_o be_v young_a or_o when_o we_o be_v old_a whether_o this_o day_n or_o the_o next_o this_o month_n or_o the_o next_o year_n sure_o the_o state_n of_o the_o present_a time_n wherein_o we_o find_v and_o feel_v ourselves_o can_v be_v no_o sufficient_a argument_n to_o reason_n and_o conclude_v of_o that_o which_o we_o can_v tie_v or_o limit_v unto_o no_o certain_a time_n at_o all_o for_o what_o reason_n i_o pray_v you_o be_v it_o for_o a_o man_n to_o say_v i_o have_v live_v these_o twelve_o or_o fourteen_o year_n and_o yet_o be_o not_o call_v and_o therefore_o i_o be_o a_o castaway_n or_o i_o have_v live_v twenty_o thirty_o or_o forty_o year_n and_o yet_o i_o find_v no_o faith_n and_o therefore_o i_o be_o condemn_v or_o i_o be_o old_a weary_a weak_a sick_a and_o feeble_a i_o do_v look_v every_o hour_n to_o die_v i_o be_o uncertain_a of_o my_o life_n for_o a_o hour_n or_o a_o minute_n of_o a_o hour_n such_o be_v my_o infirmity_n and_o yet_o i_o find_v no_o comfort_n of_o my_o call_v and_o therefore_o i_o shall_v not_o be_v call_v at_o all_o as_o though_o god_n be_v bind_v of_o duty_n to_o order_v thing_n according_a to_o our_o prescription_n or_o that_o either_o he_o be_v not_o able_a or_o else_o be_v unwilling_a at_o the_o last_o gasp_n to_o give_v unto_o thou_o great_a mercy_n and_o more_o evident_a testimony_n of_o his_o grace_n and_o favour_n towards_o thou_o than_o he_o do_v all_o thy_o life_n before_o let_v not_o any_o man_n presume_v to_o prescribe_v unto_o the_o lord_n what_o he_o shall_v do_v or_o in_o what_o time_n and_o manner_n he_o shall_v do_v any_o thing_n his_o own_o wisdom_n and_o his_o own_o will_n and_o power_n be_v sufficient_a in_o this_o behalf_n neither_o let_v any_o man_n whartle_v at_o and_o why_o out_o the_o case_n with_o god_n say_v why_o do_v he_o thus_o defer_v the_o time_n and_o put_v off_o the_o comfort_n of_o his_o elect_a and_o choose_v it_o be_v not_o meet_v that_o the_o servant_n shall_v pry_v so_o far_o into_o the_o closet_n of_o his_o master_n secret_n and_o who_o can_v reach_v or_o who_o be_v able_a or_o meet_a to_o search_v out_o the_o depth_n of_o his_o eternal_a counsel_n rather_o lay_v thy_o hand_n upon_o thy_o mouth_n with_o modesty_n and_o be_v it_o soon_o or_o be_v it_o late_o do_v thou_o still_o obedient_o depend_v upon_o the_o lord_n good_a will_n and_o pleasure_n which_o then_o shall_v take_v effect_n when_o as_o it_o seem_v to_o his_o wisdom_n most_o convenient_a be_v it_o therefore_o grant_v which_o be_v so_o much_o presume_v in_o the_o waver_a and_o doubt_v soul_n that_o it_o be_v for_o the_o present_a utter_o destitute_a and_o have_v no_o faith_n at_o all_o yet_o this_o be_v no_o reason_n for_o a_o man_n to_o prove_v himself_o a_o reprobate_n because_o that_o no_o man_n in_o such_o a_o case_n can_v in_o this_o life_n peremptory_o conclude_v that_o he_o be_v a_o castaway_n as_o have_v be_v before_o show_v though_o on_o the_o contrary_a the_o man_n regenerate_v may_v be_v certain_o assure_v of_o his_o salvation_n even_o while_o he_o continue_v in_o this_o life_n second_o the_o manner_n of_o our_o vocation_n both_o in_o respect_n of_o god_n work_v call_v the_o manner_n of_o our_o call_v and_o our_o feel_n must_v be_v next_o consider_v for_o the_o ignorance_n hereof_o make_v many_o even_o in_o the_o very_a work_n and_o spring_n of_o life_n most_o of_o all_o to_o dread_v and_o stand_v in_o fear_n of_o death_n and_o in_o the_o very_a breed_n of_o faith_n to_o call_v in_o question_n and_o stand_v in_o doubt_n of_o the_o want_n of_o faith_n we_o must_v therefore_o here_o note_n and_o mark_n that_o god_n work_v herein_o but_o not_o in_o all_o man_n alike_o for_o though_o some_o rather_o than_o other_o have_v and_o find_v more_o quick_a and_o cheerful_a conversion_n in_o that_o they_o find_v not_o such_o troublesome_a conflict_n within_o themselves_o by_o reason_n of_o the_o shortness_n of_o the_o time_n yet_o other_o he_o lead_v on_o soft_o and_o step_v by_o step_n as_o it_o be_v in_o the_o work_n of_o their_o conversion_n so_o that_o they_o may_v seem_v to_o put_v a_o great_a difference_n and_o a_o long_a pause_n betwixt_o the_o two_o several_a and_o general_a point_n in_o their_o regeneration_n that_o be_v their_o humiliation_n in_o regard_n of_o sin_n and_o of_o the_o law_n and_o their_o exaltation_n in_o regard_n of_o faith_n and_o feel_v of_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n in_o christ_n this_o humiliation_n therefore_o rest_v a_o long_a time_n in_o the_o sinful_a soul_n humiliation_n humiliation_n do_v breed_v the_o great_a conflict_n and_o bring_v forth_o a_o far_o strong_a combat_n because_o the_o time_n and_o space_n be_v great_a wherein_o he_o have_v to_o consider_v of_o the_o fearful_a and_o dangerous_a condition_n of_o his_o own_o estate_n be_v thus_o as_o be_v say_v humble_v in_o regard_n of_o sin_n and_o the_o law_n and_o the_o reason_n be_v first_o because_o that_o the_o man_n so_o humble_v do_v not_o remember_v reason_n 1._o reason_n that_o god_n thus_o work_v in_o his_o servant_n by_o degree_n and_o not_o all_o at_o one_o time_n and_o in_o one_o instant_a object_n and_o thereupon_o the_o trouble_a soul_n be_v ready_a to_o object_n and_o allege_v i_o have_v be_v and_o continue_v a_o long_a time_n under_o the_o fearful_a curse_n and_o terror_n of_o the_o law_n by_o reason_n of_o my_o great_a wickedness_n and_o my_o soul_n be_v humble_v and_o abase_v even_o unto_o the_o hell_n and_o yet_o i_o find_v or_o feel_v no_o comfort_n and_o therefore_o sure_o my_o case_n be_v hard_a and_o dangerous_a and_o i_o can_v be_v none_o other_o but_o a_o castaway_n answ_n this_o reason_n or_o rather_o objection_n be_v of_o some_o force_n indeed_o if_o it_o can_v be_v certain_o prove_v that_o god_n effect_v all_o at_o once_o and_o that_o he_o never_o put_v any_o time_n and_o distance_n betwixt_o these_o two_o point_n of_o man_n conversion_n namely_o his_o humble_v and_o his_o exaltation_n but_o see_v that_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o there_o be_v a_o time_n betwixt_o his_o wound_a and_o cure_v his_o strike_n and_o heal_v his_o abase_v and_o raise_v up_o again_o it_o may_v very_o well_o be_v answer_v to_o the_o cheer_v and_o refresh_v of_o the_o break_a and_o contrite_a soul_n that_o this_o reason_n can_v be_v in_o any_o part_n sufficient_a to_o breed_v in_o any_o despair_n though_o satan_n set_v never_o so_o fair_a and_o goodly_a a_o gloss_n upon_o it_o and_o therefore_o whensoever_o satan_n begin_v to_o assault_v and_o set_v upon_o any_o man_n in_o this_o manner_n let_v the_o person_n so_o assault_v cast_v up_o the_o eye_n of_o his_o mind_n &_o fix_v his_o meditation_n upon_o this_o course_n of_o god_n which_o he_o use_v in_o man_n conversion_n and_o learn_v withal_o to_o put_v in_o practice_n the_o rule_n of_o david_n a_o man_n after_o god_n own_o heart_n hope_v in_o the_o lord_n 27.14_o psal_n 27.14_o expect_v his_o leisure_n and_o he_o shall_v comfort_v thy_o heart_n object_n but_o hereupon_o the_o trouble_a person_n so_o disquiet_v in_o mind_n will_v gather_v and_o say_v unto_o i_o how_o can_v these_o despair_n and_o faith_n terror_n of_o wrath_n and_o peace_n of_o conscience_n fear_v of_o judgement_n and_o hope_n of_o mercy_n agree_v together_o be_v in_o nature_n and_o in_o effect_n so_o contrary_a and_o repugnant_a the_o one_o to_o the_o other_o this_o appear_v to_o be_v a_o thing_n impossible_a for_o as_o these_o three_o latter_o that_o be_v faith_n peace_n and_o hope_n
be_v incident_a indeed_o to_o the_o elect_a and_o choose_v of_o god_n so_o on_o the_o contrary_a the_o three_o former_a despair_n disquiet_v of_o conscience_n and_o fear_n do_v appertain_v to_o the_o reprobate_n and_o these_o i_o do_v find_v within_o myself_o and_o how_o can_v it_o then_o any_o otherwise_o be_v but_o that_o i_o be_o a_o castaway_n answ_n i_o omit_v to_o repeat_v what_o before_o have_v be_v say_v that_o no_o reason_n can_v conclude_v a_o man_n in_o this_o life_n undoubted_o to_o be_v a_o reprobate_n and_o to_o this_o present_a objection_n i_o answer_v if_o thou_o be_v i_o say_v skilful_a and_o acquaint_v whoever_o thou_o be_v with_o the_o order_n use_v by_o god_n in_o man_n conversion_n thou_o will_v never_o thus_o have_v reason_v for_o god_n as_o be_v evident_o by_o sundry_a example_n to_o be_v prove_v first_o humble_v and_o then_o exalt_v first_o maim_v and_o then_o heal_v first_o break_v and_o then_o bind_v peter_n auditor_n as_o we_o read_v be_v first_o prick_v and_o then_o be_v cure_v marry_o magdalen_n be_v first_o humble_v and_o then_o obtain_v mercy_n and_o manasses_n be_v first_o terrify_v and_o then_o restore_v so_o the_o child_n of_o god_n in_o respect_n of_o their_o humiliation_n by_o reason_n of_o their_o sin_n and_o the_o curse_n by_o the_o law_n denounce_v against_o sin_n may_v have_v in_o they_o these_o three_o despair_n disquiet_v of_o conscience_n and_o fear_v but_o on_o the_o other_o side_n in_o respect_n of_o their_o exaltation_n by_o the_o feel_n of_o the_o grace_n and_o favour_n of_o god_n in_o christ_n they_o may_v have_v in_o they_o the_o other_o three_o faith_n peace_n of_o conscience_n and_o hope_n and_o all_o this_o notwithstanding_o the_o same_o person_n no_o doubt_n the_o true_a servant_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o a_o choose_a vessel_n of_o god_n so_o that_o as_o thou_o see_v this_o thy_o reason_n may_v very_o well_o be_v retort_v upon_o thy_o own_o head_n and_o that_o to_o thy_o exceed_a great_a consolation_n and_o comfort_n if_o therefore_o thou_o be_v break_v if_o thou_o be_v afflict_v if_o thou_o be_v humble_v be_v not_o dismay_v but_o be_v of_o good_a comfort_n the_o lord_n will_v bind_v thou_o he_o will_v comfort_v thou_o he_o will_v raise_v thou_o god_n say_v the_o prophet_n david_n be_v near_o unto_o they_o that_o be_v of_o a_o contrite_a heart_n 34.18_o psal_n 34.18_o and_o will_v save_v such_o as_o be_v afflict_v in_o spirit_n and_o again_o a_o contrite_a and_o a_o break_a hart_n 51._o psal_n 51._o o_o lord_n thou_o will_v not_o despise_v again_o cast_v down_o yourselves_o before_o the_o lord_n 4.10_o jam._n 4.10_o and_o he_o will_v lift_v you_o up_o for_o comfort_n be_v appoint_v unto_o they_o that_o mourn_v in_o zion_n 61.3_o esay_n 61.3_o to_o give_v they_o beauty_n for_o ash_n the_o oil_n of_o joy_n for_o mourning_n the_o garment_n of_o gladness_n for_o the_o spirit_n of_o heaviness_n that_o they_o may_v be_v call_v the_o tree_n of_o righteousness_n the_o plant_n of_o the_o lord_n that_o he_o may_v be_v glorify_v comfort_v therefore_o yourself_o with_o these_o promise_n which_o as_o peter_n teach_v in_o due_a time_n shall_v be_v perform_v another_o reason_n arise_v from_o ignorance_n of_o the_o end_n of_o god_n work_v in_o this_o sort_n as_o have_v be_v saydi_fw-la reason_n 2._o reason_n join_v with_o the_o consideration_n of_o his_o mercy_n promise_v to_o his_o elect_n and_o choose_v for_o thus_o the_o despair_a conscience_n reason_v object_n be_v it_o a_o thing_n ever_o likely_a that_o god_n which_o have_v promise_v such_o exceed_a mercy_n and_o so_o great_a favour_n and_o grace_n to_o his_o elect_a child_n shall_v deal_v thus_o rough_o and_o in_o such_o rigorous_a and_o extreme_a manner_n with_o his_o servant_n or_o will_v he_o ever_o thus_o have_v wound_v i_o with_o the_o fearful_a arrow_n of_o despair_n and_o dread_n have_v i_o not_o be_v indeed_o a_o reprobate_n if_o god_n rough_a deal_n to_o use_v thy_o own_o manner_n of_o speech_n in_o the_o handle_n of_o his_o servant_n have_v none_o other_o end_n then_o despair_n and_o if_o this_o be_v the_o only_a mark_n whereat_o god_n in_o this_o do_n do_v aim_v the_o reason_n sure_o have_v some_o force_n but_o this_o be_v not_o the_o end_n which_o god_n respect_v in_o this_o manner_n of_o his_o do_n for_o in_o this_o point_n he_o be_v affect_v as_o the_o chirurgeon_n and_o physician_n be_v affect_v towards_o their_o patient_n the_o one_o launce_v cut_v and_o open_v the_o wound_n or_o sore_o more_o wide_a not_o with_o intent_n to_o enlarge_v but_o in_o fine_a to_o lessen_v heal_v and_o close_o up_o the_o same_o the_o other_o give_v unto_o his_o patient_n a_o purgation_n so_o strong_a as_o for_o the_o time_n it_o make_v he_o more_o sick_a and_o disease_a than_o he_o be_v before_o but_o yet_o with_o this_o good_a purpose_n thereby_o to_o recover_v his_o health_n so_o in_o like_a manner_n god_n make_v the_o wound_n of_o our_o sinful_a soul_n for_o a_o time_n to_o gape_v wide_a and_o give_v we_o such_o a_o strong_a compound_n of_o the_o consideration_n of_o sin_n the_o law_n and_o judgement_n that_o for_o the_o time_n we_o be_v drive_v into_o great_a agony_n yet_o all_o to_o this_o end_n that_o he_o may_v hereby_o full_o heal_v we_o and_o whole_o recover_v we_o to_o a_o perfect_a health_n in_o christ_n and_o here_o let_v not_o any_o man_n demand_v the_o question_n see_v this_o be_v so_o apparent_a why_o god_n deal_v as_o you_o term_v it_o so_o rongh_o and_o extreme_o with_o some_o and_o more_o mild_o with_o other_o for_o it_o be_v not_o because_o he_o less_o love_v some_o than_o he_o love_v other_o or_o less_o pity_v some_o than_o he_o pity_v other_o as_o though_o in_o this_o deal_n he_o be_v more_o favourable_a to_o some_o than_o he_o be_v to_o other_o for_o the_o physician_n may_v be_v equal_o and_o like_v affect_v unto_o the_o good_a estate_n and_o health_n of_o all_o though_o in_o cure_v all_o he_o use_v not_o the_o same_o medicine_n and_o measure_n of_o medicine_n in_o their_o recovery_n and_o so_o it_o be_v with_o god_n deal_v towards_o us._n therefore_o though_o we_o find_v that_o god_n do_v deal_v with_o we_o more_o rough_o and_o sharp_o than_o he_o have_v do_v or_o do_v with_o other_o in_o their_o conversion_n yet_o let_v no_o man_n take_v this_o unto_o his_o heart_n as_o a_o cause_n of_o distrust_n of_o the_o love_n and_o favour_n of_o god_n which_o work_v all_o according_a to_o his_o own_o will_n and_o pleasure_n and_o in_o such_o manner_n as_o to_o his_o wisdom_n appear_v best_a and_o most_o behooveful_a for_o his_o servant_n and_o for_o the_o advancement_n of_o his_o own_o glory_n experience_n teach_v we_o that_o although_o the_o chirurgeon_n heal_v some_o wound_n with_o a_o gentle_a plaster_n yet_o he_o think_v good_a to_o deal_v with_o some_o more_o sharp_o that_o they_o may_v be_v sound_o cure_v so_o god_n in_o cure_v sin_n though_o all_o the_o wound_n thereof_o be_v deadly_a yet_o some_o be_v more_o open_a than_o other_o some_o more_o inward_a and_o infectious_a than_o other_o and_o must_v therefore_o of_o necessity_n be_v search_v deep_a that_o our_o conversion_n may_v be_v the_o perfect_a in_o this_o cafe_z therefore_o let_v we_o be_v content_v to_o subject_v ourselves_o to_o the_o will_n of_o god_n who_o as_o i_o have_v say_v doubtless_o dispose_v all_o to_o the_o furtherance_n of_o his_o glory_n and_o benefit_n of_o his_o child_n and_o that_o after_o one_o sort_n with_o one_o and_o otherwise_o with_o another_o and_o not_o alike_o with_o all_o in_o their_o conversion_n and_o yet_o so_o with_o every_o one_o as_o in_o his_o wisdom_n he_o see_v to_o be_v best_a and_o most_o effectual_a for_o the_o accomplishment_n of_o their_o salvation_n but_o this_o in_o general_n chap._n vii_o of_o special_a thing_n in_o man_n conversion_n 2_o in_o more_o special_a in_o the_o course_n and_o case_n of_o man_n conversion_n be_v matter_n so_o hard_a and_o difficult_a to_o be_v discern_v and_o judge_v and_o faith_n in_o such_o sort_n grow_v and_o creep_v on_o in_o the_o heart_n of_o man_n that_o though_o the_o truth_n thereof_o be_v in_o the_o heart_n yet_o because_o it_o do_v not_o lively_o manifest_v itself_o by_o plain_a effect_n we_o be_v not_o able_a to_o discern_v and_o know_v it_o for_o as_o the_o corn_n chit_v and_o continual_o grow_v in_o the_o earth_n and_o we_o see_v not_o how_o neither_o be_v we_o able_a at_o the_o first_o show_n to_o make_v a_o difference_n betwixt_o the_o good_a corn_n and_o grass_n and_o yet_o notwithstanding_o the_o corn_n be_v in_o itself_o come_v indeed_o so_o faith_n when_o it_o be_v first_o hatch_v and_o begin_v in_o our_o heart_n come_v forth_o in_o such_o sort_n that_o it_o can_v easy_o be_v descry_v
same_o according_a to_o that_o say_n of_o the_o apostle_n 10.13_o 1._o cor._n 10.13_o god_n be_v faithsull_n who_o will_v not_o suffer_v we_o to_o be_v tempt_v above_o that_o we_o be_v able_a to_o bear_v but_o will_v give_v the_o issue_n with_o the_o temptation_n that_o we_o may_v be_v able_a to_o endure_v it_o the_o great_a and_o excellent_a fruit_n that_o arise_v and_o come_v from_o affliction_n comfort_n 4._o comfort_n unto_o the_o child_n and_o servant_n of_o god_n be_v most_o excellent_a sweet_a and_o delectable_a and_o therefore_o minister_v no_o small_a comfort_n in_o the_o time_n of_o extremity_n for_o by_o these_o affliction_n we_o be_v teach_v the_o more_o to_o be_v humble_v in_o the_o sight_n of_o god_n in_o respect_n of_o sin_n to_o abandon_v fear_n and_o fly_v from_o sin_n they_o work_v in_o we_o a_o serious_a and_o earnest_a care_n in_o more_o dutiful_a obedience_n to_o conform_v ourselves_o to_o the_o will_n of_o god_n they_o be_v mean_n to_o stir_v up_o our_o faith_n they_o declare_v our_o hope_n and_o bring_v forth_o in_o we_o the_o fruit_n of_o patience_n they_o what_o we_o on_o to_o earnest_a invocation_n and_o prayer_n they_o teach_v we_o the_o contempt_n of_o worldly_a pleasure_n they_o show_v and_o set_v before_o we_o the_o vanity_n and_o misery_n of_o this_o present_a life_n and_o stir_v we_o up_o to_o the_o earnest_a study_n meditation_n and_o desire_n of_o the_o life_n to_o come_v who_o joy_n and_o pleasure_n be_v true_a perfect_a and_o void_a of_o all_o misery_n endless_a and_o durable_a without_o decay_n all_o which_o and_o many_o mo_z such_o excellent_a and_o worthy_a fruit_n so_o sweet_a and_o pleasant_a arise_v out_o of_o the_o bitter_a root_n of_o affliction_n so_o unsavourie_a to_o our_o fleshly_a ceiling_n will_v serve_v as_o i_o have_v say_v as_o most_o comfortable_a receipt_n when_o we_o be_v pain_v with_o extremity_n the_o next_o comfort_n be_v comfort_n 5._o comfort_n to_o remember_v and_o always_o to_o have_v this_o in_o mind_n that_o be_v our_o affliction_n and_o misery_n never_o so_o extreme_a and_o never_o so_o great_a yet_o they_o can_v in_o no_o wise_n prevail_v so_o far_o against_o those_o that_o be_v the_o saint_n and_o belove_a of_o god_n that_o they_o shall_v any_o thing_n weaken_v or_o impair_v the_o certainty_n or_o assuredres_n of_o their_o salvation_n so_o long_o before_o determine_v and_o decree_v in_o the_o good_a pleasure_n and_o foreknowledge_n of_o god_n according_a to_o that_o of_o the_o apostle_n paul_n rom._n 8._o i_o be_o persuade_v that_o neither_o death_n nor_o life_n nor_o angel_n nor_o principality_n nor_o power_n nor_o thing_n present_a nor_o thing_n to_o come_v nor_o height_n nor_o depth_n nor_o any_o other_o creature_n shall_v be_v able_a to_o separate_v we_o from_o the_o love_n of_o god_n that_o be_v in_o christ_n lesus_fw-la our_o lord_n see_v then_o that_o nothing_o shall_v be_v able_a to_o hurt_v or_o annoy_v the_o elect_a and_o choose_a but_o that_o all_o thing_n shall_v turn_v and_o serve_v to_o their_o good_a it_o can_v be_v but_o that_o affliction_n also_o shall_v be_v convert_v to_o their_o singular_a comfort_n let_v satan_n now_o breathe_v out_o his_o terrible_a threat_n never_o so_o much_o against_o we_o and_o admit_v that_o he_o so_o far_o prevail_v in_o his_o wicked_a and_o malicious_a purpose_n as_o to_o take_v away_o our_o natural_a life_n and_o do_v deprive_v we_o of_o this_o present_a light_n yet_o our_o other_o life_n in_o obtain_v whereof_o all_o our_o hope_n our_o joy_n and_o comfort_n rest_v be_v hide_v lay_v up_o and_o keep_v safe_a in_o christ_n our_o saviour_n as_o a_o most_o sure_a treasury_n from_o all_o satan_n subtlety_n so_o that_o he_o can_v once_o touch_v or_o trouble_v it_o although_o he_o make_v never_o so_o great_a attempt_n against_o the_o same_o the_o consideration_n and_o daily_a meditation_n of_o the_o affliction_n and_o misery_n of_o other_o the_o servant_n &_o saint_n of_o god_n comfort_n 6._o comfort_n be_v no_o doubt_n very_o comfortable_a and_o profitable_a also_o in_o this_o case_n for_o when_o we_o find_v and_o be_v assure_v that_o such_o as_o have_v be_v the_o belove_a child_n of_o god_n have_v be_v partaker_n of_o the_o like_a affliction_n yea_o and_o ostentimes_o of_o great_a and_o far_o more_o grievous_a and_o have_v in_o the_o end_n receive_v a_o recompense_n of_o their_o labour_n we_o be_v encourage_v the_o rather_o to_o enter_v into_o the_o same_o conflict_n with_o the_o more_o patience_n to_o bear_v the_o brunt_n thereof_o and_o with_o the_o great_a constancy_n to_o endure_v unto_o the_o end_n with_o full_a assurance_n that_o as_o those_o our_o brethren_n so_o we_o also_o in_o the_o end_n as_o good_a soldier_n shall_v be_v crown_v as_o victorer_n and_o see_v that_o satan_n aswell_o in_o this_o point_n as_o in_o other_o bend_v his_o force_n to_o the_o uttermost_a of_o his_o power_n to_o abate_v and_o to_o cool_v this_o courage_n in_o we_o by_o the_o blot_n out_o of_o our_o memory_n the_o remembrance_n of_o these_o example_n of_o such_o worthy_a servant_n of_o the_o lord_n for_o a_o most_o sovereign_a medicine_n in_o this_o dangerous_a sickness_n i_o will_v counsel_v the_o afflict_a soul_n in_o the_o time_n of_o his_o affliction_n to_o spend_v no_o little_a time_n in_o read_v and_o over-reading_a the_o lamentable_a history_n of_o god_n distress_v and_o afflict_a servant_n whereof_o he_o shall_v have_v great_a store_n and_o plenty_n both_o in_o the_o sacred_a scripture_n and_o also_o in_o the_o ecclesiastical_a story_n of_o low_a and_o late_a time_n faithful_o gather_v compile_v &_o publish_v in_o our_o english_a tongue_n by_o that_o worthy_a man_n of_o famous_a memory_n mr._n fox_n and_o other_o these_o i_o will_v wish_v to_o be_v the_o afflict_a man_n garden_n whereinto_o if_o he_o every_o day_n resort_v a_o little_a for_o recreation_n sake_n i_o doubt_v not_o but_o he_o shall_v there_o find_v flower_n of_o so_o sweet_a and_o delectable_a savour_n and_o herb_n of_o so_o rare_a and_o sovereign_a virtue_n that_o he_o shall_v be_v assure_o thereby_o marvellous_o comfort_v and_o strengthen_v when_o as_o i_o have_v say_v in_o read_v he_o shall_v find_v that_o other_o also_o high_o in_o the_o favour_n of_o god_n have_v notwithstanding_o taste_v as_o deep_a yea_o and_o far_o more_o deep_a of_o this_o bitter_a cup_n of_o affliction_n than_o he_o himself_o have_v do_v as_o a_o most_o dangerous_a poison_n very_o forcible_a to_o overthrow_v utter_o comfort_n 7._o comfort_n and_o to_o impair_v his_o good_a estate_n i_o will_v wish_v the_o distress_a soul_n to_o eschew_v the_o narrow_a intentivenesse_n and_o fix_v his_o mind_n upon_o the_o extreme_a rage_n of_o his_o own_o woe_n and_o misery_n either_o past_a or_o present_a but_o rather_o to_o call_v to_o his_o mind_n that_o which_o he_o have_v heretofore_o find_v in_o himself_o if_o at_o any_o time_n he_o have_v but_o feel_v some_o argument_n and_o token_n of_o his_o election_n and_o on_o those_o of_o fix_v the_o eye_n of_o his_o remembrance_n and_o withal_o to_o settle_v his_o heart_n upon_o the_o end_n of_o his_o affliction_n which_o as_o have_v be_v show_v be_v most_o joyful_a and_o comfortable_a tend_v only_o unto_o his_o good_a last_o he_o be_v to_o consider_v that_o although_o his_o misery_n be_v never_o so_o great_a and_o many_o for_o the_o time_n yet_o they_o be_v of_o no_o long_a continuance_n but_o short_a and_o momentany_a even_o as_o be_v our_o life_n upon_o the_o earth_n which_o be_v but_o as_o a_o vapour_n that_o quick_o vanish_v as_o the_o brittle_a glass_n that_o soon_o break_v as_o the_o grass_n that_o parch_v in_o a_o day_n and_o wither_v as_o the_o post_n that_o pass_v by_o with_o speed_n so_o that_o although_o they_o shall_v so_o long_o continue_v and_o cleave_v unto_o we_o as_o our_o life_n last_v yet_o the_o time_n of_o our_o life_n be_v so_o short_a the_o continuance_n of_o they_o must_v be_v short_a also_o whereof_o no_o little_a comfort_n may_v grow_v unto_o the_o afflict_a soul_n and_o that_o the_o rather_o if_o he_o call_v to_o mind_v that_o endless_a and_o undated_a time_n of_o happiness_n wherein_o we_o shall_v be_v make_v partaker_n of_o that_o endless_a crown_n of_o glory_n and_o those_o exceed_a joy_n which_o no_o tongue_n be_v able_a to_o utter_v nor_o heart_n of_o man_n be_v able_a to_o conceive_v these_o be_v the_o comfort_n whereof_o i_o think_v good_a here_o brief_o to_o put_v the_o afflict_a person_n in_o mind_n for_o that_o i_o have_v in_o several_a place_n as_o occasion_v serve_v touch_v the_o same_o before_o other_o there_o be_v which_o in_o their_o place_n god_n willing_a shall_v in_o like_a manner_n for_o their_o good_a be_v deliver_v chap._n xxiiii_o against_o the_o fear_n of_o death_n and_o unwillingness_n to_o die_v although_o i_o have_v before_o
aforesaid_a and_o daily_o nay_o hourly_o or_o rather_o every_o minute_n exercise_v thyself_o therein_o that_o thou_o may_v be_v able_a to_o withstand_v thy_o enemy_n at_o all_o time_n for_o if_o thy_o sin_n which_o satan_n will_v be_v busy_a to_o lay_v to_o thy_o charge_n be_v object_v against_o thou_o arm_v thou_o they_o with_o the_o breastplate_n of_o righteousness_n it_o shall_v be_v unto_o thou_o as_o a_o brazen_a wall_n to_o bear_v it_o off_o if_o this_o will_v not_o full_o serve_v use_v the_o shoe_n of_o preparation_n to_o step_v aside_o or_o at_o least_o the_o target_n of_o faith_n to_o break_v the_o blow_n if_o from_o the_o course_n of_o god_n deal_v with_o his_o servant_n and_o also_o with_o the_o wicked_a he_o begin_v to_o assault_v thou_o which_o be_v a_o very_a usual_a and_o common_a thing_n with_o satan_n take_v then_o into_o thy_o hand_n the_o sword_n of_o the_o spirit_n so_o shall_v thou_o be_v sure_a to_o beat_v he_o off_o and_o final_o if_o death_n with_o his_o ugly_a terror_n begin_v to_o rush_v upon_o thou_o as_o ready_a to_o devour_v and_o swallow_v thou_o up_o be_v resolute_a in_o the_o coat_n of_o constancy_n &_o stand_v fast_o in_o thy_o station_n and_o place_n appoint_v thou_o of_o thy_o chieftain_n &_o head_n christ_n jesus_n and_o every_o piece_n of_o armour_n will_v minister_v present_a help_n and_o defence_n unto_o thou_o and_o if_o it_o so_o fall_v out_o for_o all_o this_o that_o thou_o see_v some_o weakness_n in_o thyself_o that_o thou_o be_v faint_a and_o not_o able_a to_o hold_v thy_o own_o but_o that_o satan_n seem_v to_o get_v some_o advantage_n upon_o thou_o death_n do_v affright_v and_o terrify_v thou_o and_o thy_o sin_n do_v amaze_v thou_o insomuch_o that_o thy_o girdle_n be_v loose_a about_o thy_o loin_n thy_o breastplate_n be_v bend_v and_o batter_v thy_o shoe_n ready_a to_o slip_v and_o fall_v off_o thy_o foot_n thy_o right_a hand_n weak_a in_o wield_v and_o handle_v of_o thy_o sword_n and_o thy_o target_n beat_v even_o to_o thy_o head_n that_o be_v if_o thou_o in_o this_o conflict_n do_v suffer_v many_o discomfort_n and_o satan_n seem_v to_o prevail_v so_o great_o against_o thou_o that_o thou_o know_v not_o how_o or_o which_o way_n to_o ward_n or_o keep_v he_o back_o yet_o let_v not_o this_o make_v thou_o flee_v and_o to_o give_v over_o the_o fight_n or_o in_o any_o wise_a to_o yield_v unto_o thy_o enemy_n but_o comfort_n thyself_o that_o christ_n stand_v as_o a_o eye_n witness_n of_o thy_o do_n ready_a to_o strengthen_v thou_o and_o to_o minister_v power_n unto_o thou_o fly_v therefore_o to_o he_o for_o refuge_n with_o hearty_a and_o earnest_a prayer_n for_o that_o he_o be_v both_o able_a and_o also_o willing_a to_o succour_v and_o deliver_v thou_o and_o patient_o suffer_v and_o endure_v all_o the_o hard_a do_n of_o the_o enemy_n against_o thou_o with_o the_o helmet_n of_o hope_n and_o at_o the_o end_n conclude_v and_o shut_v up_o the_o matter_n with_o david_n and_o say_v into_o thy_o hand_n o_o lord_n 31.6_o psal_n 31.6_o i_o commend_v my_o spirit_n for_o thou_o have_v redeem_v i_o o_o lord_n god_n of_o truth_n here_o stay_v thy_o thought_n and_o close_o up_o thy_o eye_n and_o what_o thou_o find_v not_o in_o thyself_o expect_v and_o look_v for_o in_o he_o who_o as_o i_o have_v say_v be_v able_a and_o willing_a to_o do_v all_o thing_n for_o thy_o good_a and_o though_o it_o appear_v to_o thy_o judgement_n that_o thou_o be_v deprive_v of_o the_o needful_a consolation_n and_o comfort_n in_o this_o life_n yet_o do_v thou_o not_o despair_n for_o christ_n will_v not_o be_v thou_o sure_a cast_v thou_o off_o because_o he_o find_v thou_o cut_v and_o wound_v but_o as_o the_o good_a samaritane_n etc._n luk._n 10.33_o etc._n etc._n will_v merciful_o bind_v up_o thy_o wound_n and_o plentiful_o pour_v out_o the_o oil_n of_o everlasting_a joy_n and_o blessedness_n into_o thy_o maim_a soul_n chap._n xxviii_o that_o the_o elect_a in_o time_n be_v assure_v of_o their_o election_n and_o how_o the_o proof_n and_o demonstration_n of_o this_o position_n namely_o that_o the_o elect_a and_o choose_a of_o god_n in_o time_n be_v assure_v of_o their_o election_n i_o think_v convenient_a to_o be_v annex_v unto_o this_o treatise_n because_o it_o serve_v not_o a_o little_a to_o minister_v help_n and_o comfort_n for_o the_o allay_n and_o qualify_a of_o the_o trouble_n and_o discomfort_n of_o the_o afflict_a soul_n and_o because_o it_o be_v of_o many_o make_v a_o doubt_n &_o question_n whether_o any_o such_o assurance_n may_v be_v at_o all_o in_o god_n child_n except_o it_o be_v only_o by_o special_a revelation_n i_o think_v it_o good_a for_o the_o better_a understanding_n of_o the_o same_o brief_o to_o premise_v something_o of_o the_o meaning_n hereof_o and_o to_o show_v how_o it_o be_v to_o be_v understand_v first_o therefore_o when_o i_o say_v the_o elect_n i_o do_v not_o mean_v some_o but_o all_o and_o every_o one_o of_o the_o elect_a of_o god_n that_o they_o may_v and_o shall_v have_v a_o certainty_n and_o a_o assurance_n that_o they_o be_v elect_v unto_o salvation_n but_o for_o further_a and_o better_a explanation_n of_o my_o meaning_n i_o add_v to_o this_o my_o assertion_n in_o time_n for_o it_o be_v not_o always_o so_o but_o after_o such_o time_n only_o as_o they_o be_v effectual_o call_v and_o regenerate_v and_o that_o before_o such_o time_n they_o can_v have_v it_o so_o that_o this_o be_v not_o any_o special_a and_o particular_a revelation_n but_o a_o thing_n common_a and_o incident_a even_o general_o to_o all_o and_o particular_o to_o every_o one_o after_o that_o he_o be_v thus_o thorough_o call_v and_o renew_v to_o know_v and_o be_v assure_v that_o not_o only_o general_o all_o that_o do_v believe_v in_o christ_n be_v elect_v and_o shall_v be_v save_v but_o also_o himself_o in_o several_a and_o particular_a to_o be_v one_o of_o the_o number_n of_o those_o who_o god_n in_o his_o eternal_a and_o everlasting_a decree_n and_o purpose_n have_v predestinate_a and_o appoint_v unto_o life_n the_o certainty_n of_o which_o doctrine_n shall_v plain_o appear_v and_o be_v full_o demonstrate_v in_o set_v down_o the_o mean_n how_o this_o assurance_n be_v wrought_v and_o effect_v in_o they_o for_o proof_n of_o this_o so_o profitable_a a_o point_n of_o doctrine_n let_v we_o see_v so_o brief_o and_o so_o plain_o as_o we_o can_v by_o what_o reason_n it_o may_v be_v prove_v that_o the_o man_n regenerate_v may_v be_v certify_v and_o assure_v of_o his_o election_n the_o first_o argument_n of_o this_o assurance_n election_n 1._o argument_n of_o assurance_n of_o election_n be_v draw_v and_o bring_v from_o the_o evidence_n of_o their_o own_o spirit_n which_o the_o faithful_a find_v within_o themselves_o for_o that_o this_o i_o mean_v the_o spirit_n of_o every_o one_o of_o the_o elect_a of_o god_n be_v a_o very_a good_a witness_n to_o give_v evidence_n &_o testimony_n in_o this_o case_n as_o the_o apostle_n plain_o teach_v ro._n 8._o where_o he_o have_v these_o word_n that_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n bear_v witness_n with_o our_o spirit_n 8.16_o rom._n 8.16_o so_o that_o if_o both_o do_v witness_v together_o than_o our_o spirit_n do_v witness_v also_o and_o this_o be_v that_o testimony_n which_o every_o man_n by_o his_o own_o spirit_n and_o conscience_n do_v derive_v &_o draw_v from_o those_o general_a proposition_n which_o he_o find_v in_o the_o gospel_n for_o from_o the_o gospel_n the_o spirit_n of_o every_o one_o of_o the_o elect_a of_o god_n do_v fetch_v his_o evidence_n by_o apply_v the_o same_o and_o by_o annex_v a_o assumption_n unto_o the_o general_a doctrine_n and_o universal_a proposition_n there_o deliver_v as_o for_o example_n the_o gospel_n teach_v that_o every_o one_o that_o believe_v in_o christ_n shall_v save_v this_o general_a proposition_n want_v not_o good_a proof_n but_o have_v very_o many_o place_n in_o the_o scripture_n to_o confirm_v the_o same_o they_o that_o have_v faith_n and_o do_v believe_v 2._o joh._n 3.15_o rom._n 9_o 33._o joh._n 8.51_o &_o 5.24_o joh._n 3._o jon._n 3.24_o gal._n 2._o shall_v not_o perish_v joh._n 3._o shall_v not_o be_v confound_v rom._n 9_o shall_v not_o see_v death_n joh._n 8._o shall_v not_o enter_v inter_fw-la judgement_n joh._n 5._o shall_v have_v everlasting_a life_n joh._n 3._o shall_v be_v save_v be_v justify_v and_o have_v remission_n of_o all_o their_o sin_n rom._n 3._o gal._n 2._o and_o many_o such_o place_n most_o plain_a and_o manifest_a to_o like_a effect_n the_o gospel_n thus_o minister_a this_o general_a proposition_n now_o the_o spirit_n of_o the_o elect_a child_n of_o god_n begin_v to_o give_v his_o witness_n by_o a_o particular_a assumption_n say_v but_o i_o see_v and_o know_v by_o search_n within_o myself_o that_o i_o have_v
show_v plain_o that_o the_o same_o judas_n in_o god_n eternal_a decree_n be_v not_o elect_v at_o all_o 13.18_o joh._n 13.18_o i_o speak_v not_o of_o you_o all_o say_v christ_n i_o know_v who_o i_o have_v choose_v but_o it_o be_v that_o the_o scripture_n may_v be_v fulsil_v he_o that_o eat_v bread_n with_o i_o have_v lift_v up_o his_o heel_n against_o i_o in_o which_o word_n christ_n make_v a_o plain_a distinction_n betwixt_o judas_n and_o those_o that_o he_o have_v choose_v and_o elect_v unto_o life_n the_o four_o reason_n be_v bring_v from_o the_o former_a witness_n and_o testimony_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n before_o declare_v reason_n 4._o reason_n which_o be_v always_o most_o true_a and_o certain_a which_o do_v testify_v and_o seal_v unto_o we_o not_o only_o that_o we_o be_v son_n and_o child_n but_o heir_n also_o and_o coheyre_n with_o christ_n of_o eternal_a glory_n now_o how_o can_v this_o witness_n of_o the_o spirit_n be_v true_a that_o we_o be_v heir_n and_o coheyre_n with_o christ_n of_o life_n if_o we_o may_v at_o any_o time_n so_o fall_v again_o as_o that_o we_o may_v be_v condemn_v unto_o eternal_a death_n wherefore_o i_o will_v advise_v the_o broacher_n and_o setter_n forward_o of_o this_o objection_n to_o beware_v and_o take_v heed_n unto_o themselves_o betimes_o how_o they_o labour_v to_o uphold_v and_o maintain_v this_o so_o pernicious_a a_o point_n of_o doctrine_n for_o that_o in_o defence_n thereof_o they_o shall_v evident_o appear_v to_o argue_v the_o holy_a ghost_n of_o falsehood_n which_o thing_n be_v far_o from_o all_o christian_n the_o five_o argument_n be_v bring_v from_o that_o inseparable_a connexion_n and_o dependency_n of_o the_o gift_n and_o grace_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n 8.30_o 5._o reason_n rom._n 8.30_o and_o of_o his_o work_n in_o the_o elect_a and_o choose_a for_o who_o he_o predestinate_a unto_o life_n they_o also_o he_o call_v who_o he_o call_v they_o he_o justify_v who_o he_o justify_v they_o he_o glorify_v so_o that_o i_o may_v then_o in_o this_o manner_n reason_n be_v thou_o elect_v and_o predestinate_a unto_o life_n thou_o shall_v then_o be_v call_v and_o also_o justify_v and_o be_v thou_o justify_v and_o can_v thou_o yet_o fall_v utter_o from_o grace_n and_o life_n no_o in_o no_o wise_a for_o if_o thou_o be_v justify_v thou_o shall_v also_o be_v glorify_v what_o plain_a evidence_n than_o these_o can_v be_v bring_v for_o the_o continuance_n and_o perseverance_n of_o the_o elect_a of_o god_n and_o to_o warrant_v they_o against_o this_o object_v fall_n without_o recovery_n the_o sixth_o reason_n may_v be_v bring_v from_o the_o immovable_a estate_n of_o the_o regenerate_v of_o god_n reason_n 6._o reason_n in_o that_o that_o neither_o sin_n satan_n death_n nor_o any_o other_o their_o enemy_n can_v prevail_v against_o they_o to_o impair_v their_o hope_n or_o do_v they_o hurt_v although_o they_o daily_o with_o all_o their_o power_n do_v attempt_v the_o same_o and_o the_o reason_n be_v because_o christ_n have_v so_o full_o satisfy_v his_o father_n and_o reconcile_v he_o unto_o they_o if_o they_o can_v so_o fall_v as_o by_o the_o objection_n be_v pretend_v than_o it_o be_v likely_a that_o this_o fall_n must_v come_v by_o the_o suggestion_n of_o satan_n or_o by_o some_o other_o mean_n of_o the_o enemy_n aforesaid_a but_o there_o be_v nothing_o at_o all_o that_o can_v prevail_v so_o far_o against_o they_o as_o appeareth_z by_o the_o testimony_n of_o the_o apostle_n paul_n who_o say_v the_o apostle_n shall_v separate_v we_o from_o the_o love_n of_o christ_n shall_v tribulation_n or_o anguish_n 8.35_o rom._n 8.35_o or_o persecution_n or_o famine_n or_o nakedness_n or_o peril_n or_o sword_n nay_o in_o all_o these_o thing_n say_v he_o we_o be_v more_o than_o conqueror_n through_o he_o that_o love_v us._n and_o add_v further_a for_o more_o manifestation_n of_o this_o point_n that_o he_o be_v persuade_v that_o neither_o death_n nor_o life_n nor_o angel_n nor_o principality_n nor_o power_n nor_o thing_n present_a nor_o thing_n to_o come_v nor_o height_n nor_o depth_n nor_o any_o other_o creature_n and_o what_o can_v then_o endanger_v we_o shall_v be_v able_a to_o separate_v we_o from_o the_o love_n of_o god_n which_o be_v in_o christ_n jesus_n our_o lord_n upon_o this_o we_o may_v safe_o infer_v to_o our_o consolation_n and_o comfort_n that_o if_o god_n love_n do_v still_o continue_v towards_o we_o and_o that_o he_o be_v with_o we_o and_o take_v part_n with_o we_o we_o need_v not_o to_o fear_v who_o be_v against_o us._n and_o whereas_o there_o be_v indeed_o great_a force_n &_o power_n in_o sin_n to_o work_v if_o it_o be_v possible_a this_o separation_n betwixt_o god_n and_o we_o and_o to_o effect_v this_o fall_n of_o god_n elect_n yet_o even_o sin_n be_v find_v to_o have_v lose_v her_o power_n in_o this_o behalf_n 8.33_o rom._n 8.33_o as_o do_v plain_o appear_v by_o the_o word_n of_o the_o apostle_n even_o a_o little_a before_o who_o say_v the_o apostle_n shall_v lay_v any_o thing_n to_o the_o charge_n of_o god_n choose_v it_o be_v god_n that_o instifi_v if_o none_o can_v lay_v to_o the_o charge_n sure_o none_o can_v condemn_v and_o read_v the_o doom_n upon_o they_o it_o be_v christ_n that_o be_v dead_a yea_o rather_o that_o be_v rise_v again_o who_o be_v also_o at_o the_o right_a hand_n of_o god_n and_o make_v intercession_n for_o us._n a_o argument_n no_o doubt_n very_o strong_a and_o forcible_a be_v here_o bring_v by_o the_o apostle_n christ_n say_v he_o be_v dead_a for_o sin_n and_o how_o then_o shall_v sin_n be_v impute_v to_o his_o choose_a whereof_o christ_n already_o have_v in_o his_o own_o person_n sustain_v the_o punishment_n or_o if_o the_o elect_n do_v daily_a sin_n as_o they_o without_o doubt_n do_v so_o long_o as_o they_o continue_v in_o this_o corrupt_a tabernacle_n yet_o how_o shall_v this_o deprive_v and_o spoil_v they_o of_o their_o hope_n see_v christ_n stand_v a_o continual_a intercessor_n and_o mediator_n in_o their_o behalf_n to_o qualify_v and_o appease_v his_o father_n wrath_n against_o they_o for_o sin_n see_v then_o that_o the_o matter_n be_v so_o plain_a thou_o be_v to_o leave_v off_o to_o dispute_v and_o reason_n against_o the_o durable_a estate_n of_o god_n elect_n and_o choose_a unto_o the_o end_n unless_o thou_o will_v show_v and_o prove_v thyself_o a_o very_a injurious_a censurer_n of_o this_o sacred_a office_n of_o christ_n our_o saviour_n which_o if_o thou_o do_v thou_o can_v not_o in_o the_o sight_n of_o god_n be_v hold_v guiltless_a but_o be_v to_o have_v god_n to_o be_v a_o sharp_a revenger_n of_o the_o injury_n do_v and_o commit_v by_o thou_o and_o it_o be_v a_o fearful_a thing_n to_o fall_v into_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o lord_n the_o seven_o reason_n may_v be_v draw_v from_o the_o promise_n and_o doctrine_n of_o life_n reason_n 7._o reason_n and_o of_o that_o joyful_a resurrection_n and_o glorious_a estate_n of_o god_n choose_v in_o the_o life_n to_o come_v these_o promise_n be_v so_o firm_a and_o sure_a and_o this_o doctrine_n be_v so_o clear_a that_o they_o can_v be_v gainesay_v without_o great_a prejudice_n for_o to_o say_v that_o the_o elect_a of_o god_n have_v once_o assurance_n of_o their_o election_n have_v not_o also_o therewith_o a_o assurance_n of_o their_o perseverance_n and_o continuance_n unto_o the_o end_n be_v to_o deprive_v they_o of_o the_o special_a use_n of_o those_o promise_n of_o such_o blessedness_n in_o the_o life_n to_o come_v and_o than_o what_o great_a comfort_n shall_v the_o faithful_a and_o regenerate_v find_v in_o those_o promise_n then_o the_o faithless_a and_o reprobate_a and_o further_a what_o benefit_n or_o comfort_n can_v grow_v to_o the_o faithful_a by_o those_o three_o last_o article_n of_o our_o creed_n i_o believe_v the_o remission_n of_o sin_n the_o resurrection_n of_o the_o body_n and_o the_o life_n everlasting_a if_o they_o can_v not_o also_o be_v assure_v that_o they_o shall_v hereafter_o be_v make_v partaker_n of_o they_o for_o the_o reprobate_n yea_o the_o devil_n themselves_o do_v know_v that_o there_o be_v such_o bless_a thing_n prepare_v but_o this_o their_o knowledge_n nothing_o profit_v for_o that_o they_o be_v not_o indeed_o to_o be_v partaker_n of_o they_o they_o do_v belong_v only_o to_o the_o elect_a and_o choose_a of_o the_o lord_n and_o to_o this_o end_n and_o purpose_n only_o tend_v the_o course_n and_o order_n of_o the_o instruction_n of_o christ_n the_o apostle_n and_o all_o the_o faithful_a minister_n of_o all_o age_n who_o have_v diligent_o teach_v the_o child_n of_o god_n to_o view_v and_o behold_v these_o bless_a thing_n not_o as_o thing_n be_v only_o but_o such_o also_o as_o one_o day_n assure_o they_o shall_v by_o christ_n be_v put_v in_o full_a possession_n of_o as_o their_o own_o