tie_v with_o the_o heavy_a bolt_n and_o chain_n of_o sin_n he_o be_v reckless_a and_o secure_a but_o if_o our_o saviour_n by_o his_o ambassador_n in_o the_o preach_n of_o the_o word_n loose_a and_o unburthen_v we_o of_o these_o chain_n and_o bolt_n and_o by_o the_o light_n of_o his_o spirit_n so_o illuminate_v the_o eye_n of_o our_o understanding_n that_o we_o see_v the_o way_n out_o of_o satan_n dungeon_n of_o ignorance_n and_o so_o escape_v out_o of_o his_o captivity_n than_o he_o rage_v against_o and_o pursue_v we_o as_o pharaoh_n do_v the_o israelite_n that_o either_o he_o may_v bring_v we_o back_o again_o into_o his_o bondage_n or_o else_o destroy_v we_o if_o we_o make_v resistance_n last_o they_o feel_v not_o any_o fight_n between_o the_o flesh_n and_o the_o spirit_n because_o the_o flesh_n whole_o rule_v they_o and_o like_o a_o flood_n which_o have_v a_o clear_a current_n carry_v they_o whole_o into_o a_o sea_n of_o sin_n without_o any_o stop_n or_o resistance_n and_o therefore_o no_o marvel_v they_o feel_v not_o this_o fight_n when_o the_o spirit_n which_o be_v one_o of_o the_o combatant_n have_v no_o force_n nor_o residence_n in_o they_o §_o sect._n 4_o second_o conflict_n that_o the_o true_a christian_a may_v receive_v comfort_n by_o feel_v the_o spiritual_a conflict_n god_n child_n who_o continual_o feel_v the_o assault_n of_o their_o spiritual_a enemy_n and_o see_v the_o breach_n which_o be_v make_v in_o their_o soul_n with_o the_o continual_a battery_n of_o their_o temptation_n may_v receive_v no_o small_a consolation_n hereby_o when_o as_o they_o consider_v that_o all_o who_o profess_v themselves_o god_n servant_n and_o resolve_v to_o serve_v the_o lord_n in_o holiness_n and_o righteousness_n be_v thus_o tempt_v and_o try_v 12.17_o revel_v 12.17_o for_o the_o dragon_n be_v wroth_a with_o the_o woman_n that_o be_v god_n church_n and_o her_o seed_n which_o keep_v the_o commandment_n of_o god_n and_o have_v the_o testimony_n of_o jesus_n christ_n as_o be_v revel_v 12.17_o and_o like_o a_o roar_a lion_n seek_v their_o destruction_n because_o they_o have_v renounce_v he_o and_o fight_v under_o the_o standard_n of_o the_o lord_n of_o host_n who_o he_o malign_v and_o hence_o it_o be_v that_o while_o we_o live_v without_o sense_n of_o sin_n we_o eat_v and_o drink_v and_o take_v our_o ease_n without_o disturbance_n but_o after_o we_o make_v any_o conscience_n of_o our_o way_n and_o endeavour_n to_o serve_v the_o lord_n than_o satan_n cast_v against_o we_o the_o fiery_a dart_n of_o his_o temptation_n and_o we_o feel_v many_o conflict_n between_o the_o flesh_n and_o the_o spirit_n with_o which_o the_o worldly_a man_n be_v never_o trouble_v so_o that_o when_o we_o be_v thus_o tempt_v and_o assault_v by_o satan_n the_o world_n and_o our_o corrupt_a flesh_n it_o be_v a_o strong_a argument_n to_o persuade_v we_o that_o we_o be_v entertain_v for_o god_n soldier_n and_o have_v receive_v the_o press_n money_n of_o his_o spirit_n for_o satan_n kingdom_n be_v not_o divide_v neither_o do_v he_o fight_v against_o those_o who_o be_v his_o friend_n and_o servant_n but_o against_o those_o who_o wage_n war_n against_o he_o and_o fight_n under_o the_o lord_n standard_n true_a it_o be_v that_o when_o his_o servant_n have_v commit_v such_o abominable_a and_o grievous_a sin_n as_o have_v make_v deep_a wound_n in_o their_o sear_a conscience_n whereby_o they_o be_v awaken_v out_o of_o their_o sleepy_a lethargy_n of_o security_n than_o satan_n fill_v they_o with_o horror_n and_o despair_n that_o he_o may_v keep_v they_o from_o true_a repentance_n when_o he_o can_v hide_v from_o they_o their_o sin_n no_o long_o and_o the_o lord_n in_o his_o just_a judgement_n and_o for_o the_o example_n of_o other_o do_v suffer_v satan_n to_o begin_v in_o they_o the_o torment_n of_o hell_n in_o this_o life_n but_o if_o he_o can_v by_o any_o mean_n hide_v their_o sin_n and_o keep_v they_o quiet_o in_o his_o kingdom_n he_o will_v never_o vex_v they_o and_o hence_o it_o be_v that_o whereas_o one_o perish_v through_o despair_n many_o thousand_o perish_v through_o presumption_n and_o security_n let_v all_o those_o therefore_o who_o feel_v the_o burden_n of_o their_o sin_n and_o be_v vex_v with_o the_o continual_a assault_n of_o their_o spiritual_a enemy_n comfort_v themselves_o for_o hereby_o they_o have_v assurance_n that_o they_o be_v member_n of_o the_o church_n militant_a into_o which_o none_o but_o soldier_n be_v entertain_v and_o that_o now_o they_o begin_v to_o be_v god_n friend_n and_o servant_n when_o as_o satan_n oppose_v himself_o against_o they_o chap._n ii_o why_o god_n suffer_v his_o servant_n to_o be_v exercise_v in_o the_o spiritual_a conflict_n of_o tentation_n but_o here_o it_o may_v be_v demand_v why_o the_o lord_n will_v suffer_v his_o servant_n to_o be_v thus_o tempt_v and_o assault_v whereas_o the_o wicked_a be_v free_a from_o such_o conflict_n i_o answer_v first_o for_o his_o own_o glory_n for_o whereas_o our_o enemy_n be_v strong_a and_o mighty_a and_o we_o weak_a and_o feeble_a hereby_o be_v the_o lord_n omnipotent_a power_n manifest_v to_o all_o the_o world_n by_o who_o assistance_n such_o impotent_a wretch_n conquer_v and_o subdue_v such_o furious_a and_o puissant_a enemy_n second_o god_n suffer_v his_o child_n to_o be_v tempt_v that_o so_o those_o spiritual_a grace_n which_o he_o have_v bestow_v upon_o they_o may_v the_o more_o clear_o shine_v to_o his_o glory_n for_o who_o can_v know_v whether_o they_o be_v god_n golden_a vessel_n before_o they_o be_v bring_v to_o the_o touchstone_n of_o temptation_n who_o can_v know_v the_o faith_n patience_n and_o valour_n of_o god_n soldier_n if_o they_o always_o lie_v quiet_o in_o garrison_n and_o never_o come_v to_o the_o skirmish_n who_o can_v feel_v the_o odoriferous_a smell_n of_o these_o aromatical_a spice_n if_o they_o be_v not_o pun_v and_o bruise_a in_o the_o mortar_n of_o affliction_n for_o example_n who_o will_v have_v discern_v abraham_n faith_n david_n piety_n job_n patience_n paul_n courage_n and_o constancy_n if_o they_o have_v be_v never_o tempt_v which_o now_o to_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n shine_v to_o all_o the_o world_n and_o as_o the_o lord_n suffer_v satan_n and_o his_o imp_n to_o try_v his_o child_n for_o his_o own_o glory_n so_o also_o for_o their_o spiritual_a and_o everlasting_a good_a for_o first_o hereby_o he_o chastize_v they_o for_o their_o sin_n past_a and_o recall_v they_o to_o their_o remembrance_n that_o so_o they_o may_v true_o repent_v of_o they_o and_o this_o cause_n job_n speak_v of_o 13.26_o job._n 13.26_o job._n 13.26_o thou_o write_v say_v he_o bitter_a thing_n against_o i_o and_o make_v i_o to_o possess_v the_o iniquity_n of_o my_o youth_n second_o hereby_o he_o manife_v unto_o we_o our_o secret_a and_o hide_a sin_n which_o the_o blind_a eye_n of_o our_o judgement_n will_v not_o discern_v if_o their_o sight_n be_v not_o quicken_v with_o this_o sharp_a water_n of_o temptation_n for_o so_o long_o as_o we_o live_v in_o peace_n our_o secure_a conscience_n never_o summon_v we_o to_o the_o bar_n of_o god_n judgement_n but_o when_o we_o be_v rouse_v up_o by_o temptation_n we_o enter_v into_o a_o more_o straight_o examination_n of_o ourselves_o and_o search_v what_o secret_a sin_n lie_v lurk_v in_o the_o hide_a corner_n of_o our_o heart_n that_o so_o we_o may_v repent_v of_o they_o and_o make_v our_o peace_n with_o god_n without_o who_o assistance_n we_o can_v have_v no_o hope_n to_o stand_v in_o any_o temptation_n three_o the_o lord_n hereby_o prevent_v our_o sin_n to_o come_v for_o when_o we_o have_v experience_n that_o the_o most_o sharp_a weapon_n which_o satan_n use_v to_o inflict_v deep_a wound_n in_o our_o conscience_n be_v our_o sin_n this_o will_v make_v we_o most_o careful_a to_o abstain_v from_o they_o lest_o thereby_o we_o strengthen_v he_o for_o our_o own_o overthrow_n and_o as_o these_o temptation_n of_o satan_n be_v in_o this_o regard_n so_o many_o bridle_n to_o restrain_v we_o from_o sin_n so_o also_o they_o be_v so_o many_o prick_v to_o let_v out_o the_o wind_n of_o vain_a glory_n wherewith_o like_a bladder_n we_o be_v puff_v up_o as_o we_o may_v see_v in_o the_o example_n of_o paul_n who_o lest_o he_o shall_v be_v exalt_v out_o of_o measure_n through_o the_o abundance_n of_o revelation_n receive_v a_o prick_n in_o the_o flesh_n the_o messenger_n of_o satan_n to_o buffet_v he_o 2._o cor._n 12.7_o four_o 12.7_o 2._o cor_fw-la 12.7_o the_o lord_n suffer_v satan_n to_o assault_v we_o that_o we_o may_v hereby_o come_v to_o the_o fight_n of_o our_o own_o weakness_n and_o infirmity_n when_o we_o have_v receive_v many_o foil_n and_o learn_v to_o rely_v upon_o his_o help_n and_o assistance_n in_o all_o our_o danger_n for_o so_o proud_a we_o be_v by_o nature_n that_o before_o
well_o may_v the_o tempest_n of_o satan_n temptation_n shake_v we_o but_o they_o shall_v never_o remove_v we_o from_o our_o firm_a hold_n and_o certain_a assurance_n which_o we_o have_v in_o christ_n because_o we_o apprehend_v he_o nay_o rather_o be_v apprehend_v or_o take_v hold_v of_o by_o he_o as_o the_o apostle_n speak_v phil._n 3.12_o 3.12_o phil._n 3.12_o and_o no_o man_n no_o not_o the_o whole_a power_n of_o hell_n be_v able_a to_o pluck_v we_o out_o of_o his_o hand_n as_o our_o saviour_n speak_v john_n 10.28_o for_o though_o they_o be_v mighty_a to_o destroy_v yet_o christ_n be_v almighty_a to_o save_v 63.1_o joh_n 10.28_o esa_n 63.1_o as_o it_o be_v esa_n 63.1_o and_o therefore_o let_v we_o not_o suffer_v our_o soul_n to_o be_v rack_v between_o hope_n and_o fear_n 1.13_o 1._o pet._n 1.13_o but_o let_v we_o trust_v perfect_o on_o the_o grace_n that_o be_v bring_v unto_o we_o by_o the_o revelation_n of_o jesus_n christ_n as_o the_o apostle_n exhort_v 1._o pet._n 1.13_o §_o sect._n 5_o last_o believer_n the_o certainty_n of_o faith_n prove_v by_o the_o example_n of_o believer_n that_o we_o may_v be_v most_o certain_a of_o this_o certainty_n of_o faith_n we_o will_v add_v to_o these_o testimony_n some_o example_n of_o believer_n mention_v in_o god_n word_n and_o first_o let_v we_o consider_v the_o faith_n of_o abraham_n which_o be_v not_o waver_a and_o doubtful_a but_o most_o certain_a and_o assure_v for_o above_o hope_n he_o believe_v under_o hope_n and_o he_o be_v not_o weak_a in_o faith_n neither_o do_v he_o doubt_v of_o the_o promise_n of_o god_n through_o unbelief_n 23._o rom._n 4.18_o 19_o 20_o 21_o 22_o 23._o but_o be_v strengthen_v in_o the_o faith_n and_o give_v glory_n unto_o god_n be_v full_o assure_v that_o he_o which_o have_v promise_v be_v able_a to_o perform_v it_o and_o therefore_o it_o be_v impute_v unto_o he_o for_o righteousness_n as_o the_o apostle_n set_v it_o down_o rom._n 4.18_o 19_o 20_o 21_o 22._o now_o abraham_n be_v not_o only_o a_o bare_a believer_n but_o the_o father_n of_o the_o faithful_a neither_o be_v his_o faith_n propound_v unto_o we_o as_o a_o wonder_n to_o admire_v at_o but_o as_o a_o example_n for_o all_o his_o son_n to_o imitate_v and_o therefore_o it_o be_v say_v vers_fw-la 23._o that_o this_o be_v not_o write_v for_o he_o only_o that_o his_o faith_n be_v impute_v to_o he_o for_o righteousness_n 24._o but_o also_o for_o we_o to_o who_o it_o shall_v be_v impute_v for_o righteousness_n which_o believe_v in_o he_o who_o have_v raise_v up_o jesus_n our_o lord_n from_o the_o dead_a but_o it_o may_v be_v object_v that_o abraham_n be_v not_o say_v here_o to_o believe_v thus_o certain_o his_o own_o election_n or_o salvation_n but_o that_o he_o shall_v have_v a_o son_n and_o become_v a_o father_n of_o many_o nation_n i_o answer_v though_o this_o be_v the_o next_o and_o immediate_a object_n of_o his_o faith_n yet_o this_o be_v not_o the_o chief_a and_o principal_a but_o the_o promise_n of_o blessedness_n and_o happiness_n which_o be_v make_v to_o he_o and_o all_o the_o nation_n of_o the_o earth_n in_o his_o seed_n christ_n for_o abraham_n can_v not_o be_v justify_v by_o believe_v that_o he_o shall_v have_v a_o son_n but_o by_o believe_v in_o the_o messiah_n which_o shall_v come_v out_o of_o his_o loin_n by_o who_o righteousness_n and_o obedience_n he_o shall_v be_v save_v and_o therefore_o the_o apostle_n gal._n 3.16_o do_v appropriate_a that_o promise_v make_v unto_o abraham_n 22.18_o gal._n 3.16_o gen._n 22.18_o gen._n 22.18_o in_o thy_o seed_n shall_v all_o the_o nation_n of_o the_o earth_n be_v bless_v unto_o the_o promise_a seed_n jesus_n christ_n look_v also_o upon_o the_o prophet_n david_n and_o you_o shall_v see_v that_o though_o his_o faith_n be_v often_o shake_v with_o doubt_v yet_o in_o itself_o it_o remain_v certain_a like_o a_o tree_n shake_v with_o the_o wind_n which_o be_v not_o overthrow_v but_o take_v more_o firm_a and_o deep_a root_n 23.4_o psalm_n 23.4_o psalm_n 23.4_o though_o i_o walk_v through_o the_o valley_n of_o the_o shadow_n of_o death_n i_o will_v fear_v no_o evil_n for_o thou_o be_v with_o i_o so_o psalm_n 27.1_o 27.1_o psalm_n 27.1_o the_o lord_n be_v my_o light_n and_o my_o salvation_n who_o shall_v i_o fear_v the_o lord_n be_v the_o strength_n of_o my_o life_n of_o who_o shall_v i_o be_v afraid_a neither_o have_v he_o only_o this_o assurance_n in_o himself_o but_o show_v that_o it_o be_v also_o the_o state_n of_o all_o the_o faithful_a psal_n 125.1_o they_o that_o trust_v in_o the_o lord_n shall_v be_v as_o mount_v zion_n 125.1_o psalm_n 125.1_o which_o can_v be_v remove_v but_o remain_v for_o ever_o so_o job_n in_o the_o midst_n of_o his_o affliction_n show_v his_o certain_a assurance_n and_o faith_n say_v job._n 13.15_o 26._o job._n 13.15_o and_o 19.25_o 26._o loe_o though_o he_o slay_v i_o yet_o will_v i_o trust_v in_o he_o and_o chap._n 19.25_o i_o be_o sure_a that_o my_o redeemer_n live_v and_o he_o shall_v stand_v the_o last_o on_o the_o earth_n 26._o and_o though_o after_o this_o skin_n worm_n destroy_v this_o body_n yet_o shall_v i_o see_v god_n in_o my_o flesh_n etc._n etc._n and_o paul_n speak_v not_o only_o of_o his_o own_o assurance_n of_o god_n love_n and_o everlasting_a life_n but_o of_o all_o the_o faithful_a say_v that_o he_o be_v persuade_v that_o nothing_o in_o the_o world_n shall_v be_v able_a to_o separate_v we_o from_o god_n love_n in_o christ_n 8.38_o rom._n 8.38_o rom._n 8.38_o §_o sect._n 6_o and_o thus_o have_v i_o show_v that_o faith_n be_v a_o certain_a assurance_n of_o god_n love_n and_o favour_n in_o christ_n election_n that_o faith_n particular_o persuade_v we_o of_o our_o election_n now_o i_o will_v also_o prove_v that_o it_o particular_o persuade_v we_o of_o our_o own_o election_n and_o life_n everlasting_a for_o first_o such_o a_o faith_n be_v beget_v now_o in_o our_o heart_n by_o the_o preach_a of_o the_o word_n as_o be_v beget_v in_o the_o heart_n of_o man_n by_o our_o saviour_n christ_n himself_o for_o as_o there_o be_v but_o one_o god_n so_o there_o be_v but_o one_o true_a and_o justify_v faith_n ephes_n 4.5_o 4.5_o ephes_n 4.5_o but_o by_o that_o faith_n they_o be_v particular_o persuade_v of_o the_o remission_n of_o their_o sin_n and_o consequent_o of_o their_o justification_n and_o salvation_n as_o appear_v luke_n 7.42.50_o where_o our_o saviour_n say_v thus_o to_o the_o woman_n 7.48.50_o luk._n 7.48.50_o thy_o sin_n be_v forgive_v thou_o thy_o faith_n have_v save_v thou_o go_v in_o peace_n so_o matth._n 9.2_o he_o say_v to_o the_o sick_a of_o the_o palsy_n be_v of_o good_a comfort_n 9.2_o matth._n 9.2_o thy_o sin_n be_v forgive_v thou_o and_o therefore_o the_o faith_n which_o be_v now_o beget_v in_o we_o by_o the_o preach_a of_o the_o word_n do_v also_o particular_o persuade_v we_o of_o the_o remission_n of_o our_o sin_n and_o eternal_a salvation_n for_o as_o our_o saviour_n christ_n by_o his_o own_o absolute_a authority_n do_v remit_v the_o sin_n of_o those_o that_o do_v believe_v so_o he_o have_v leave_v this_o authority_n to_o his_o minister_n not_o absolute_o by_o their_o own_o power_n to_o remit_v sin_n which_o the_o man_n of_o sin_n do_v challenge_v unto_o himself_o but_o to_o declare_v and_o pronounce_v their_o sin_n forgive_v who_o true_o believe_v in_o the_o son_n of_o god_n and_o repent_v they_o of_o their_o sin_n the_o which_o their_o sentence_n be_v ratify_v in_o heaven_n according_a to_o that_o matth._n 16.19_o 16.19_o matth._n 16.19_o i_o will_v give_v unto_o thou_o the_o key_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n and_o whatsoever_o thou_o shall_v bind_v in_o earth_n shall_v be_v bind_v in_o heaven_n and_o whatsoever_o thou_o shall_v loose_v in_o earth_n shall_v be_v loose_v in_o heaven_n which_o authority_n be_v not_o give_v to_o peter_n alone_o and_o his_o successor_n as_o the_o papist_n dream_n but_o as_o peter_n answer_v not_o only_o for_o himself_o but_o also_o in_o the_o behalf_n of_o all_o the_o rest_n so_o he_o receive_v this_o power_n both_o for_o himself_o and_o for_o all_o the_o apostle_n yea_o for_o all_o god_n true_a minister_n the_o undoubted_a successor_n of_o the_o apostle_n as_o our_o saviour_n expound_v himself_o john_n 20.23_o where_o he_o give_v this_o authority_n to_o all_o the_o apostle_n say_v who_o sin_n so_o ever_o you_o remit_v they_o be_v remit_v unto_o they_o 20.23_o joh._n 20.23_o and_o who_o sin_n so_o ever_o you_o retain_v they_o be_v retain_v so_o that_o the_o minister_n of_o god_n word_n by_o the_o preach_a thereof_o may_v assure_v man_n particular_o of_o the_o remission_n of_o their_o sin_n for_o when_o he_o make_v this_o general_a proposition_n whosoever_o believe_v and_o repent_v he_o of_o his_o
himself_o profess_v esa_n 43.25_o i_o even_o i_o be_o he_o that_o put_v away_o thy_o iniquity_n for_o my_o own_o sake_n and_o will_v not_o remember_v thy_o sin_n and_o therefore_o the_o prophet_n daniel_n call_v upon_o the_o lord_n for_o mercy_n in_o the_o behalf_n of_o himself_o and_o the_o people_n disclaim_v their_o own_o righteousness_n and_o all_o respect_n of_o their_o own_o merit_n and_o worthiness_n say_v we_o do_v not_o present_v our_o supplication_n before_o thou_o for_o our_o own_o righteousness_n but_o for_o thy_o great_a tender_a mercy_n o_o lord_n hear_v o_o lord_n forgive_v o_o lord_n consider_v and_o do_v it_o defer_v not_o for_o thy_o own_o sake_n dan._n 9.18.19_o §_o sect_n 5_o but_o here_o sathan_n will_v be_v ready_a to_o object_v unto_o the_o afflict_a conscience_n labour_v under_o the_o burden_n of_o sin_n mercy_n that_o the_o grievousnesse_n of_o sin_n can_v debar_v the_o repentant_a sinner_n of_o god_n mercy_n that_o god_n indeed_o be_v merciful_a but_o yet_o he_o will_v never_o extend_v his_o mercy_n towards_o such_o heinous_a offender_n who_o sin_n be_v in_o number_n numberless_a and_o in_o quality_n and_o nature_n most_o grievous_a and_o outrageous_a for_o answer_v of_o which_o tentation_n we_o be_v to_o know_v that_o though_o our_o sin_n be_v never_o so_o innumerable_a and_o heinous_a yet_o this_o shall_v not_o discourage_v we_o from_o come_v to_o god_n by_o unfeigned_a repentance_n with_o assure_a hope_n of_o forgiveness_n for_o though_o our_o sin_n be_v great_a his_o mercy_n be_v infinite_a and_o consequent_o though_o it_o be_v imagine_v that_o all_o the_o sin_n which_o be_v ever_o commit_v in_o the_o world_n be_v join_v together_o yet_o in_o comparison_n of_o god_n mercy_n they_o be_v without_o all_o comparison_n less_o than_o a_o mote_n in_o the_o sun_n to_o all_o the_o world_n neither_o be_v god_n like_a unto_o man_n who_o bounty_n &_o mercy_n be_v limit_v in_o some_o straight_a bound_n which_o they_o will_v not_o pass_v and_o therefore_o they_o be_v soon_o weary_a both_o in_o give_v to_o those_o who_o want_v and_o forgive_a those_o that_o offend_v but_o his_o bounty_n be_v endless_a and_o his_o mercy_n infinite_a and_o therefore_o he_o can_v and_o will_v as_o easy_o forgive_v we_o the_o debt_n of_o ten_o thousand_o million_o of_o pound_n as_o one_o penny_n and_o as_o soon_o pardon_v the_o sin_n of_o a_o wicked_a manasses_n as_o of_o a_o righteous_a abraham_n if_o we_o come_v unto_o he_o by_o unfeigned_a repentance_n and_o earnest_o desire_v and_o implore_v his_o grace_n and_o mercy_n and_o this_o our_o saviour_n christ_n show_v in_o the_o parable_n of_o the_o poor_a publican_n who_o heinous_a sin_n the_o lord_n present_o forgive_v upon_o his_o true_a conversion_n 7.41_o luke_n 7.41_o and_o in_o the_o parable_n of_o the_o two_o debtor_n where_o the_o lender_n our_o bountiful_a god_n as_o easy_o forgive_v the_o 500_o penny_n as_o the_o fifty_o that_o be_v innumerable_a great_a sin_n as_o well_o as_o few_o and_o less_o and_o the_o apostle_n paul_n teach_v we_o that_o where_o sin_n have_v abound_v there_o grace_n have_v much_o more_o abound_v rom._n 5.20_o mercy_n that_o we_o must_v not_o so_o aggravate_v our_o sin_n that_o we_o derogate_v from_o god_n mercy_n see_v therefore_o god_n mercy_n be_v infinite_a and_o without_o all_o limit_n let_v not_o we_o restrain_v it_o neither_o let_v we_o so_o aggravate_v our_o sin_n as_o that_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n we_o derogate_v from_o god_n mercy_n if_o a_o prince_n shall_v send_v his_o general_a pardon_n unto_o a_o number_n of_o offender_n without_o any_o exception_n or_o limitation_n and_o one_o among_o the_o rest_n shall_v say_v this_o pardon_n do_v not_o appertain_v unto_o i_o because_o i_o be_o so_o great_a a_o offender_n and_o therefore_o i_o will_v still_o stand_v in_o doubt_n of_o my_o prince_n mercy_n and_o suspect_v his_o word_n who_o will_v not_o accuse_v such_o a_o one_o both_o of_o folly_n in_o refuse_v his_o pardon_n and_o of_o ungratefulnes_n and_o diffidence_n in_o distrust_v his_o gracious_a prince_n call_v his_o great_a mercy_n and_o truth_n in_o his_o promise_n into_o question_n who_o will_v not_o think_v this_o offence_n great_a than_o all_o the_o rest_n but_o the_o lord_n who_o be_v infinite_a in_o mercy_n have_v send_v his_o general_a pardon_n to_o all_o repentant_a and_o believe_a sinner_n without_o all_o exception_n why_o therefore_o shall_v we_o make_v question_n of_o his_o mercy_n because_o of_o our_o hamous_a sin_n why_o shall_v we_o unto_o our_o other_o sin_n add_v this_o which_o be_v more_o heinous_a than_o all_o the_o rest_n indoubt_v and_o distrust_v his_o word_n and_o promise_n and_o in_o extenuate_v his_o infinite_a and_o endless_a mercy_n for_o if_o we_o think_v our_o debt_n so_o great_a that_o god_n will_v never_o forgive_v it_o what_o do_v we_o else_o but_o detract_v from_o god_n rich_a bounty_n and_o liberality_n if_o we_o suppose_v our_o sin_n may_v not_o be_v for_o give_v because_o of_o their_o greatness_n what_o do_v we_o else_o but_o imagine_v that_o they_o surpass_v god_n infinite_a mercy_n which_o be_v a_o most_o horrible_a blasphemy_n once_o to_o conceive_v §_o sect._n 6_o the_o mercy_n of_o the_o lord_n extend_v itself_o to_o the_o beast_n of_o the_o field_n work_n that_o god_n mercy_n be_v over_o all_o his_o work_n and_o he_o gracious_o feed_v the_o raven_n and_o young_a lion_n which_o in_o their_o brutish_a manner_n implore_v his_o help_n &_o shall_v he_o not_o extend_v his_o mercy_n to_o reasonable_a creature_n that_o seek_v after_o they_o 145.9_o psal_n 36.6_o &_o 104.21.27_o &_o 147.9_o &_o 145.9_o yea_o the_o lord_n be_v good_a to_o all_o and_o his_o mercy_n be_v over_o all_o his_o work_n as_o it_o be_v psal_n 145.9_o and_o will_v not_o the_o lord_n be_v gracious_a to_o man_n who_o be_v his_o most_o excellent_a workmanship_n create_v according_a to_o his_o own_o image_n if_o he_o sue_v unto_o he_o for_o grace_n and_o desire_v to_o be_v partaker_n of_o his_o mercy_n his_o goodness_n stretch_v itself_o unto_o his_o obstinate_a enemy_n for_o he_o cause_v his_o rain_n to_o fall_v and_o his_o sun_n to_o shine_v both_o upon_o the_o evil_a and_o the_o good_a on_o the_o just_a and_o unjust_a matth._n 5.45_o and_o shall_v it_o be_v restrain_v from_o his_o repentant_a servant_n he_o multiply_v his_o mercy_n in_o temporal_a benefit_n upon_o the_o wicked_a and_o reprobate_a and_o shall_v it_o be_v scant_v towards_o his_o elect_a he_o be_v very_o gracious_a to_o malicious_a rebel_n and_o will_v he_o deny_v grace_n to_o humble_a suer_n for_o mercy_n and_o repentant_a sinner_n he_o show_v his_o goodness_n and_o long_o suffer_v unto_o wicked_a achab_n upon_o his_o feign_a and_o hypocritical_a humiliation_n and_o will_v he_o not_o extend_v it_o towards_o those_o who_o be_v true_o penitent_a unfeigned_o turn_v unto_o he_o yes_o assure_o for_o though_o he_o be_v good_a to_o all_o even_o senseless_a creature_n brute_n beast_n and_o rebellious_a sinner_n yet_o he_o be_v in_o especial_a manner_n good_a to_o those_o who_o be_v of_o the_o household_n of_o faith_n §_o sect._n 7_o but_o if_o we_o can_v behold_v god_n mercy_n in_o their_o own_o glorious_a brightness_n mercy_n that_o even_o man_n be_v merciful_a towards_o the_o penitent_a and_o therefore_o much_o more_o god_n who_o be_v infinite_a in_o mercy_n let_v we_o look_v upon_o they_o in_o some_o small_a resemblance_n and_o little_a counterfeit_n if_o we_o can_v comprehend_v they_o in_o their_o own_o infinite_a nature_n yet_o let_v we_o view_v they_o in_o a_o small_a model_n even_o man_n himself_o who_o have_v but_o a_o spark_n of_o this_o mighty_a flame_n and_o a_o small_a drop_n of_o this_o bottomless_a ocean_n spare_v his_o son_n when_o he_o offend_v pardon_v his_o servant_n when_o he_o desire_v forgiveness_n yea_o be_v oftentimes_o reconcile_v to_o his_o enemy_n who_o have_v many_o way_n wrong_v he_o when_o he_o sue_v for_o reconciliation_n and_o confess_v his_o fault_n shall_v therefore_o man_n who_o have_v receive_v a_o little_a spark_n from_o this_o ever_o burn_a flame_n of_o god_n goodness_n a_o small_a drop_n of_o this_o endless_a and_o bottomless_a ocean_n and_o but_o a_o little_a model_n of_o this_o infinite_a greatness_n who_o great_a mercy_n compare_v with_o god_n be_v but_o savage_a and_o barbarous_a cruelty_n shall_v he_o i_o say_v be_v ready_a to_o spare_v his_o son_n forgive_v his_o servant_n and_o be_v reconcile_v unto_o his_o enemy_n and_o shall_v not_o god_n spare_v forgive_v and_o be_v reconcile_v unto_o those_o who_o turn_v from_o their_o sin_n by_o unfeigned_a repentance_n and_o earnest_o sue_v for_o grace_n shall_v we_o see_v and_o acknowledge_v the_o mercy_n of_o man_n and_o shall_v we_o doubt_v of_o the_o mercy_n of_o god_n which_o be_v the_o plentiful_a fountain_n from_o which_o like_o a_o pirl_a
yet_o all_o true_a faith_n and_o sufsicient_a for_o salvation_n that_o so_o long_o as_o we_o continue_v in_o this_o life_n our_o knowledge_n be_v but_o imperfect_a and_o veil_a with_o much_o darkness_n and_o ignorance_n for_o we_o know_v but_o in_o part_n as_o even_o the_o apostle_n speak_v in_o his_o own_o person_n 13.12_o 1._o cor._n 13.12_o 1._o cor._n 13.12_o and_o therefore_o our_o assent_n and_o persuasion_n must_v needs_o be_v imperfect_a and_o but_o in_o part_n and_o often_o assault_v with_o much_o doubt_n that_o howsoever_o faith_n and_o doubt_v be_v oppose_v in_o their_o own_o nature_n yet_o notwithstanding_o they_o may_v be_v together_o in_o the_o same_o subject_n in_o respect_n of_o diverse_a part_n for_o we_o be_v partly_o flesh_n and_o partly_o spirit_n and_o these_o two_o with_o their_o several_a fruit_n do_v continual_o fight_v and_o strive_v one_o against_o the_o other_o and_o sometime_o the_o flesh_n sometime_o the_o spirit_n with_o their_o several_a fruit_n get_v the_o upper_a hand_n in_o the_o mean_a time_n both_o retain_v their_o own_o nature_n and_o property_n howsoever_o they_o do_v not_o so_o evident_o appear_v nor_o so_o powerful_o work_v their_o several_a action_n when_o the_o adverse_a part_n prevail_v and_o have_v put_v they_o to_o the_o foil_n for_o example_n faith_n which_o be_v a_o fruit_n of_o the_o spirit_n be_v continual_o assault_v by_o doubt_v which_o be_v a_o fruit_n of_o the_o flesh_n and_o proceed_v from_o the_o root_n of_o infidelity_n and_o sometime_o faith_n prevail_v and_o sometime_o it_o receive_v the_o foil_n but_o yet_o at_o the_o same_o time_n howsoever_o we_o can_v sensible_o discern_v it_o nor_o the_o action_n thereof_o yet_o it_o retain_v it_o own_o nature_n and_o property_n neither_o be_v it_o deprive_v of_o his_o firmness_n constancy_n and_o certainty_n howsoever_o they_o be_v for_o a_o time_n cover_v &_o hide_v out_o of_o our_o sight_n like_o the_o fire_n under_o the_o ash_n or_o the_o sun_n under_o a_o cloud_n as_o before_o i_o have_v say_v though_o therefore_o we_o find_v in_o we_o much_o inconstancy_n and_o doubt_v yet_o let_v not_o satan_n persuade_v we_o that_o these_o be_v of_o the_o nature_n and_o property_n of_o our_o faith_n and_o that_o therefore_o our_o faith_n be_v not_o true_a but_o temporary_a false_a and_o counterfeit_n for_o this_o inconstancy_n and_o doubt_v proceed_v not_o from_o faith_n and_o from_o the_o spiritual_a and_o regenerate_a part_n but_o from_o the_o flesh_n and_o the_o part_n unregenerate_a and_o therefore_o howsoever_o it_o be_v assault_v and_o sometime_o foil_v by_o they_o yet_o in_o it_o own_o nature_n it_o be_v true_a certain_a and_o constant_a §_o sect._n 2_o second_o answer_v satan_n tentation_n ground_v on_o the_o strong_a faith_n of_o some_o of_o god_n child_n answer_v he_o will_v suggest_v that_o the_o saint_n mention_v in_o the_o scripture_n have_v most_o certain_a &_o strong_a faith_n &_o in_o exceed_o great_a measure_n that_o they_o bring_v forth_o continual_o most_o notable_a fruit_n thereof_o &_o be_v not_o subject_a to_o such_o infirmity_n and_o doubt_v as_o we_o feel_v in_o ourselves_o to_o which_o we_o be_v to_o answer_v that_o this_o tentation_n be_v full_a of_o untruth_n and_o have_v no_o sound_a part_n in_o it_o for_o first_o we_o be_v to_o assure_v ourselves_o that_o they_o fall_v into_o manifold_a doubt_n and_o be_v subject_a unto_o innumerable_a infirmity_n and_o corruption_n which_o be_v not_o specify_v in_o the_o book_n of_o god_n neither_o be_v it_o fit_n or_o expedient_a that_o it_o shall_v be_v a_o register_n of_o all_o humane_a infirmity_n and_o of_o their_o manifold_a fall_n but_o only_o that_o some_o shall_v be_v record_v for_o our_o warning_n that_o we_o may_v more_o wary_o watch_v over_o ourselves_o lest_o we_o shall_v fall_v into_o the_o like_a sin_n and_o for_o our_o comfort_n also_o when_o we_o be_v fall_v in_o that_o our_o case_n be_v common_a with_o god_n dear_a child_n in_o which_o respect_n the_o scripture_n be_v not_o want_v look_v upon_o abraham_n the_o father_n of_o the_o faithful_a who_o faith_n be_v so_o strong_a that_o he_o above_o hope_v believe_v under_o hope_n and_o you_o shall_v see_v that_o his_o faith_n notwithstanding_o be_v sometime_o shake_v with_o diffidence_n and_o doubt_v as_o when_o distrust_v god_n gracious_a promise_n make_v unto_o he_o and_o not_o rest_v upon_o his_o almighty_a power_n he_o be_v content_a to_o take_v unto_o he_o hagar_n his_o maid_n and_o commit_v sin_n with_o she_o that_o so_o by_o his_o own_o devise_n he_o may_v make_v good_a god_n promise_v and_o obtain_v the_o bless_a seed_n as_o though_o god_n can_v not_o perform_v that_o which_o he_o have_v speak_v unless_o he_o help_v he_o by_o such_o unlawful_a mean_n so_o where_o be_v the_o strength_n and_o constancy_n of_o moses_n faith_n when_o he_o dishonour_v god_n before_o the_o people_n in_o not_o believe_v his_o word_n &_o by_o show_v his_o impatiency_n numb_a 20.10.11_o where_o be_v the_o strength_n and_o constancy_n of_o david_n faith_n 11._o num_fw-la 20.10_o 11._o when_o he_o complain_v that_o he_o be_v forsake_v that_o god_n have_v fail_v in_o his_o promise_n that_o he_o have_v forget_v to_o be_v merciful_a and_o have_v shut_v up_o his_o tender_a mercy_n in_o displeasure_n psal_n 22.1_o and_o 77.8.9_o or_o of_o job_n faith_n when_o he_o curse_v the_o day_n of_o his_o birth_n and_o account_v god_n his_o enemy_n 77.8.9_o psal_n 22.1_o and_o 77.8.9_o who_o have_v set_v he_o up_o as_o a_o mark_n against_o which_o he_o shoot_v poison_v arrow_n or_o of_o jeremy_n when_o he_o likewise_o wish_v that_o he_o have_v never_o be_v bear_v and_o bewray_v great_a impatiency_n 20._o jere._n 20._o jer._n 20._o or_o of_o jonas_n when_o he_o rebel_v against_o god_n commandment_n and_o flee_v from_o his_o presence_n or_o when_o after_o his_o miraculous_a delivery_n he_o murmur_v and_o utter_v impatient_a speech_n even_o against_o god_n himself_o for_o the_o loss_n of_o a_o poor_a gourd_n which_o keep_v he_o from_o the_o heat_n of_o the_o sun_n and_o when_o the_o lord_n merciful_o and_o mild_o reprove_v he_o say_v do_v thou_o well_o to_o be_v angry_a for_o the_o gourd_n he_o stubborne_o answer_v i_o do_v well_o to_o be_v angry_a unto_o the_o death_n 4.9_o jon._n 4.9_o jon._n 4.9_o or_o of_o the_o apostle_n themselves_o when_o they_o flee_v away_o and_o forsake_v their_o lord_n and_o master_n jesus_n christ_n for_o fear_n of_o worldly_a punishment_n and_o when_o after_o his_o death_n they_o will_v not_o believe_v the_o woman_n report_v that_o he_o be_v rise_v again_o until_o their_o own_o eye_n have_v see_v they_o last_o though_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o diverse_a of_o the_o saint_n mention_v in_o the_o scripture_n have_v a_o far_o great_a measure_n of_o faith_n and_o bring_v forth_o much_o more_o plentiful_a fruit_n than_o we_o can_v discern_v in_o ourselves_o yet_o this_o be_v no_o good_a reason_n to_o prove_v that_o our_o weak_a &_o small_a faith_n be_v no_o faith_n or_o uneffectual_a for_o our_o salvation_n for_o this_o be_v a_o absurd_a consequence_n the_o moon_n give_v much_o less_o light_a than_o the_o sun_n therefore_o it_o give_v no_o light_n at_o all_o one_o hand_n be_v far_o great_a than_o another_o therefore_o the_o lesser_a be_v not_o a_o true_a hand_n this_o man_n excel_v another_o in_o the_o use_n of_o reason_n and_o therefore_o the_o other_o be_v unreasonable_a because_o the_o diverse_a degree_n in_o the_o quantity_n of_o thing_n do_v not_o take_v away_o the_o truth_n of_o their_o be_v and_o existence_n so_o long_o as_o they_o be_v of_o the_o same_o nature_n and_o quality_n beside_o as_o the_o holy_a ghost_n have_v set_v down_o example_n of_o most_o strong_a faith_n in_o some_o of_o god_n servant_n so_o have_v he_o make_v mention_n of_o some_o who_o have_v have_v but_o weak_a and_o little_a faith_n to_o the_o end_n that_o we_o shall_v so_o labour_v to_o attain_v unto_o the_o high_a degree_n as_o that_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n we_o be_v not_o utter_o discourage_v with_o the_o low_a for_o example_n as_o he_o have_v remember_v the_o faith_n of_o abraham_n who_o believe_v above_o hope_n under_o hope_n so_o he_o have_v not_o forget_v his_o weak_a faith_n who_o cry_v i_o believe_v lord_n help_v thou_o my_o unbelief_n as_o he_o have_v mention_v the_o faith_n of_o job_n who_o grow_v to_o this_o resolution_n though_o he_o kill_v i_o yet_o will_v i_o trust_v in_o he_o so_o he_o have_v express_v also_o the_o faith_n of_o nicodemus_n in_o knowledge_n weak_a and_o simple_a and_o in_o practice_n and_o profession_n cowardly_a and_o fearful_a as_o he_o have_v set_v down_o the_o strong_a faith_n of_o paul_n who_o grow_v to_o this_o fullness_n of_o persuasion_n that_o nothing_o shall_v be_v able_a to_o separate_v he_o from_o the_o love_n of_o
be_v make_v void_a and_o frustrate_a i_o answer_v that_o so_o likewise_o the_o covenant_n make_v with_o the_o israelite_n be_v firm_a on_o god_n part_n but_o make_v frustrate_v by_o their_o sin_n but_o the_o lord_n have_v make_v a_o new_a covenant_n with_o we_o not_o of_o work_n but_o of_o grace_n upon_o the_o condition_n of_o faith_n and_o repentance_n which_o be_v observe_v on_o our_o part_n our_o sin_n and_o unworthiness_n can_v make_v it_o frustrate_v and_o of_o none_o effect_n as_o before_o i_o have_v show_v more_o at_o large_a §_o sect._n 4_o second_o we_o be_v assure_v of_o our_o perseverance_n 47.12_o of_o the_o particular_a promise_n of_o our_o perseverance_n psal_n 1.3_o ezech._n 47.12_o by_o god_n particular_a promise_n make_v to_o his_o faithful_a one_o psal_n 1.3_o it_o be_v say_v of_o the_o righteous_a man_n that_o he_o shall_v be_v like_o a_o tree_n plant_v by_o the_o river_n of_o water_n that_o will_v bring_v forth_o her_o fruit_n in_o due_a season_n who_o leaf_n shall_v not_o faid_fw-we etc._n etc._n as_o therefore_o the_o tree_n plant_v by_o the_o river_n side_n do_v not_o wither_v because_o continual_o it_o suck_v moisture_n whereby_o it_o be_v quicken_v and_o refresh_v so_o the_o righteous_a man_n persever_v in_o his_o righteousness_n because_o he_o be_v continual_o reviue_v and_o quicken_v with_o that_o spiritual_a moisture_n which_o he_o suck_v from_o christ_n who_o be_v the_o lively_a root_n whereof_o he_o be_v a_o branch_n psal_n 15.5_o 37.24_o psal_n 15.5_o psal_n 37.24_o he_o that_o do_v these_o thing_n shall_v never_o be_v move_v psal_n 37.24_o though_o the_o righteous_a man_n fall_v he_o shall_v not_o be_v cast_v off_o for_o the_o lord_n put_v under_o his_o hand_n psal_n 112.6_o sure_o he_o shall_v never_o be_v move_v 112.6_o psal_n 112.6_o but_o the_o righteous_a shall_v be_v have_v in_o everlasting_a remembrance_n and_o vers_fw-la 9_o 125.1_o verse_n 9_o psal_n 125.1_o his_o righteousness_n remain_v for_o ever_o psal_n 125.1_o they_o that_o trust_v in_o the_o lord_n shall_v be_v as_o mount_v zion_n which_o can_v be_v remove_v 4.14_o joh_n 4.14_o but_o remain_v for_o ever_o joh._n 4.14_o whosoever_o drink_v of_o the_o water_n that_o i_o shall_v give_v he_o shall_v never_o be_v more_o a_o thirst_n but_o the_o water_n which_o i_o shall_v give_v he_o shall_v be_v in_o he_o a_o well_o of_o water_n spring_v up_o to_o everlasting_a life_n where_o by_o this_o water_n we_o be_v to_o understand_v the_o holy_a ghost_n 39_o joh._n 7.38_o 39_o as_o appeareth_z joh._n 7.38_o he_o that_o believe_v in_o i_o as_o say_v the_o scripture_n out_o of_o his_o belly_n shall_v flow_v river_n of_o the_o water_n of_o life_n 39_o this_o say_v the_o evangelist_n speak_v he_o of_o the_o spirit_n which_o they_o that_o believe_v in_o he_o shall_v receive_v so_o that_o to_o drink_v of_o this_o water_n be_v through_o faith_n in_o christ_n to_o be_v make_v partaker_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n who_o whosoever_o receive_v shall_v retain_v he_o unto_o the_o end_n as_o therefore_o he_o that_o have_v a_o live_a fountain_n continual_o spring_v in_o he_o can_v be_v a_o thirst_n so_o they_o who_o have_v this_o fountain_n of_o life_n perpetual_o spring_v in_o they_o they_o shall_v never_o thirst_v any_o more_o but_o it_o shall_v continual_o refresh_v and_o quicken_v they_o till_o they_o have_v attain_v unto_o everlasting_a life_n 54_o joh._n 6.35.37_o â—â—_o 54_o i_o be_o the_o bread_n of_o life_n he_o that_o come_v to_o i_o shall_v not_o hunger_n and_o he_o that_o believe_v in_o i_o shall_v never_o thirst_v and_o vers_fw-la 37._o all_o that_o the_o father_n give_v i_o shall_v come_v unto_o i_o and_o he_o that_o come_v to_o i_o i_o cast_v not_o away_o and_o vers_fw-la 51._o i_o be_o the_o live_a bread_n which_o come_v down_o from_o heaven_n if_o any_o man_n eat_v of_o this_o bread_n he_o shall_v live_v for_o ever_o and_o vers_fw-la 54._o whosoever_o eat_v my_o flesh_n and_o drink_v my_o blood_n have_v eternal_a life_n and_o i_o will_v raise_v he_o up_o at_o the_o last_o day_n etc._n etc._n now_o whosoever_o believe_v in_o christ_n they_o eat_v his_o flesh_n and_o drink_v his_o blood_n for_o faith_n be_v the_o mouth_n of_o the_o soul_n whereby_o we_o feed_v on_o this_o heavenly_a food_n and_o therefore_o all_o the_o faithful_a shall_v have_v everlasting_a life_n nay_o as_o he_o say_v they_o have_v it_o already_o and_o shall_v not_o come_v into_o condemnation_n but_o have_v pass_v from_o death_n to_o life_n 10.28_o joh._n 5.24_o and_o 10.28_o as_o it_o be_v joh._n 5.24_o and_o joh._n 10.28_o i_o will_v give_v unto_o they_o eternal_a life_n and_o they_o shall_v never_o perish_v neither_o shall_v any_o pluck_v they_o out_o of_o my_o hand_n 29._o my_o father_n which_o give_v they_o i_o be_v great_a than_o all_o and_o none_o be_v able_a to_o take_v they_o out_o of_o my_o father_n hand_n in_o which_o word_n he_o both_o show_v his_o will_n in_o his_o promise_n and_o his_o power_n to_o perform_v it_o and_o therefore_o whosoever_o be_v the_o sheep_n of_o christ_n they_o can_v be_v take_v from_o he_o neither_o for_o a_o time_n nor_o eternal_o for_o so_o it_o shall_v follow_v if_o christ_n reason_n be_v of_o any_o force_n that_o they_o who_o take_v they_o from_o he_o shall_v be_v strong_a than_o christ_n and_o his_o father_n which_o be_v a_o horrible_a blasphemy_n for_o any_o to_o imagine_v §_o sect._n 5_o but_o here_o it_o be_v object_v that_o these_o promise_n be_v make_v to_o all_o the_o faithful_a so_o long_o as_o they_o continue_v faithful_a answer_v a_o objection_n tend_v to_o frustrate_v the_o former_a promise_n answer_v and_o to_o the_o sheep_n of_o christ_n so_o long_o as_o they_o be_v his_o sheep_n who_o abide_v in_o his_o word_n and_o follow_v he_o but_o when_o they_o cease_v to_o believe_v and_o to_o be_v his_o sheep_n they_o do_v not_o appertain_v unto_o he_o for_o they_o only_o remain_v the_o disciple_n of_o christ_n who_o abide_v in_o his_o word_n and_o have_v his_o word_n abide_v in_o they_o joh._n 8_o 31._o 15.7_o joh._n 8.31_o and_o 15.7_o and_o 15.7_o to_o which_o i_o answer_v that_o this_o be_v a_o idle_a trifle_n in_o a_o circular_a disputation_n and_o a_o vain_a beg_n of_o the_o question_n in_o controversy_n for_o the_o question_n be_v whether_o the_o faithful_a may_v be_v assure_v of_o their_o perseverance_n in_o faith_n whether_o a_o member_n of_o christ_n may_v be_v assure_v to_o continue_v a_o member_n of_o christ_n whether_o a_o sheep_n of_o christ_n may_v assure_v himself_o that_o he_o be_v to_o remain_v for_o ever_o a_o sheep_n of_o christ_n we_o hold_v the_o affirmative_a part_n and_o prove_v it_o by_o diverse_a testimony_n they_o deny_v that_o these_o promise_n be_v absolute_a but_o on_o this_o condition_n that_o we_o be_v assure_v none_o can_v pluck_v we_o from_o christ_n so_o long_o as_o we_o continue_v and_o retain_v the_o nature_n of_o the_o member_n and_o sheep_n of_o christ_n but_o i_o will_v fain_o know_v what_o it_o be_v to_o be_v pluck_v from_o christ_n but_o to_o cease_v to_o be_v a_o member_n or_o sheep_n of_o christ_n and_o to_o loose_v their_o nature_n and_o what_o it_o be_v to_o be_v a_o sheep_n of_o christ_n but_o to_o hear_v his_o word_n and_o to_o follow_v he_o when_o as_o then_o our_o saviour_n christ_n promise_v that_o none_o shall_v pluck_v his_o sheep_n from_o he_o he_o promise_v that_o none_o shall_v be_v able_a to_o make_v they_o cease_v to_o be_v his_o sheep_n nor_o deprive_v they_o of_o their_o nature_n which_o be_v the_o essential_a form_n which_o make_v they_o to_o be_v sheep_n rather_o than_o other_o who_o neither_o hear_v his_o word_n nor_o follow_v he_o whereas_o therefore_o they_o affirm_v that_o these_o promise_n do_v assure_v we_o to_o persevere_v so_o long_o as_o we_o continue_v and_o retain_v the_o nature_n of_o the_o sheep_n and_o member_n of_o christ_n what_o be_v it_o but_o idle_o to_o repeat_v the_o same_o thing_n namely_o that_o god_n promise_n do_v assure_v we_o to_o persevere_v so_o long_o as_o we_o do_v persevere_v that_o we_o shall_v not_o be_v pluck_v from_o christ_n so_o long_o as_o we_o remain_v with_o christ_n that_o we_o shall_v continue_v the_o member_n and_o sheep_n of_o christ_n so_o long_o as_o we_o continue_v to_o be_v his_o sheep_n and_o member_n that_o we_o shall_v not_o loose_v our_o faith_n so_o long_o as_o we_o continue_v faithful_a and_o what_o be_v it_o to_o say_v that_o the_o sheep_n of_o christ_n shall_v so_o long_o continue_v to_o be_v his_o sheep_n as_o they_o retain_v their_o nature_n but_o to_o grant_v also_o that_o they_o may_v loose_v their_o nature_n &_o consequent_o cease_v to_o be_v christ_n sheep_n and_o so_o be_v pluck_v from_o he_o which_o be_v quite_o contrary_a to_o his_o