and_o perish_v though_o for_o a_o time_n it_o have_v make_v a_o flourish_a show_n as_o our_o saviour_n christ_n have_v teach_v we_o in_o the_o parable_n of_o the_o sour_a mat_n 13._o and_o therefore_o it_o behoove_v every_o one_o of_o we_o to_o take_v no_o less_o pain_n after_o the_o hear_n of_o the_o word_n to_o keep_v it_o from_o devour_a and_o to_o preserve_v and_o nourish_v it_o that_o it_o may_v take_v deep_a root_n and_o bring_v forth_o much_o fruit_n than_o we_o do_v in_o the_o time_n of_o preparation_n and_o in_o the_o time_n when_o we_o receive_v it_o for_o as_o the_o careful_a husbandman_n take_v great_a pain_n in_o stir_v up_o his_o fallow_a ground_n and_o prepare_v it_o for_o the_o seed_n as_o also_o in_o the_o seed_n time_n in_o sow_v it_o in_o the_o ground_n thus_o prepare_v and_o yet_o all_o this_o be_v to_o no_o purpose_n if_o he_o do_v not_o afterward_o harrowe_a it_o and_o cover_v it_o in_o the_o ground_n so_o though_o we_o take_v great_a pain_n in_o break_v up_o and_o prepare_v the_o fallow_a ground_n of_o our_o heart_n and_o also_o in_o receive_v the_o seed_n of_o god_n word_n yet_o if_o we_o be_v not_o as_o careful_a after_o all_o this_o to_o cover_v and_o hide_v this_o seed_n in_o the_o furrow_n of_o our_o heart_n that_o it_o may_v take_v deep_a root_n it_o will_v never_o bring_v forth_o any_o fruit_n of_o true_a godliness_n now_o the_o mean_n to_o preserve_v and_o nourish_v this_o heavenly_a seed_n of_o god_n word_n be_v first_o serious_a mediation_n whereby_o we_o call_v to_o mind_n that_o which_o we_o have_v hear_v in_o which_o it_o it_o be_v very_o requisite_a that_o we_o examine_v the_o doctrine_n which_o be_v deliver_v according_a to_o the_o touchstone_n of_o god_n word_n and_o turn_v over_o the_o bible_n to_o those_o proof_n which_o we_o remember_v allege_v as_o most_o principal_a for_o the_o confirmation_n of_o the_o doctrine_n which_o be_v deliver_v a_o notable_a example_n whereof_o we_o have_v in_o the_o noble_a man_n of_o berea_n act_n 17.10.11_o who_o though_o with_o great_a readiness_n they_o receive_v that_o doctrine_n which_o paul_n have_v deliver_v yet_o when_o they_o come_v home_o they_o search_v the_o scripture_n to_o see_v if_o those_o thing_n which_o they_o hard_o be_v consonant_n and_o agreeable_a with_o they_o or_o no._n second_o we_o must_v use_v holy_a and_o christian_a conference_n one_o with_o another_o about_o those_o matter_n which_o we_o have_v hear_v for_o hereby_o it_o will_v come_v to_o pass_v that_o what_o one_o do_v not_o observe_v or_o have_v forget_v the_o other_o remember_v and_o repent_v and_o so_o likewise_o the_o other_o help_v out_o in_o another_o point_n where_o his_o neighbourfaileth_n till_o at_o last_o they_o recall_v all_o the_o material_a point_n to_o their_o remembrance_n even_o as_o many_o meeting_n together_o at_o a_o feast_n do_v every_o one_o cast_v in_o his_o shot_n till_o the_o reckon_n be_v make_v so_o many_o join_v their_o head_n together_o for_o the_o recall_v of_o a_o sermon_n to_o mind_n one_o repeat_v a_o little_a and_o another_o as_o much_o more_o till_o at_o last_o all_o be_v repeat_v and_o second_o this_o benefit_n redound_v hereof_o that_o all_o which_o every_o one_o remember_v by_o this_o repetition_n be_v more_o sure_o imprint_v in_o his_o memory_n and_o be_v not_o afterward_o easy_o forget_v last_o the_o best_a and_o sure_a way_n to_o imprint_v thing_n in_o our_o memory_n never_o after_o to_o be_v blot_v out_o be_v upon_o all_o occasion_n to_o practice_v it_o in_o our_o life_n and_o conversation_n for_o as_o we_o only_o true_o know_v that_o in_o christianity_n that_o which_o we_o practise_v so_o likewise_o that_o be_v only_o well_o remember_v which_o be_v well_o practise_v chap._n xxvii_o satan_n tentation_n whereby_o he_o persuade_v man_n to_o delay_v their_o repentance_n answer_v §_o sect._n 1_o repentance_n the_o tentation_n allure_a to_o defer_v repentance_n and_o so_o much_o concern_v the_o subtle_a tentation_n of_o satan_n whereby_o he_o labour_v to_o make_v the_o word_n of_o god_n fruitless_a and_o uneffectual_a for_o our_o conversion_n wherewith_o if_o he_o can_v prevail_v be_v repel_v by_o the_o mean_v before_o speak_v of_o &_o if_o man_n by_o their_o hear_n of_o the_o word_n have_v learn_v thus_o much_o knowledge_n that_o their_o conversion_n and_o turn_n to_o god_n be_v necessary_a to_o salvation_n then_o he_o will_v in_o the_o next_o place_n labour_n to_o persuade_v they_o to_o defer_v their_o repentance_n for_o a_o time_n till_o they_o have_v better_a opportunity_n and_o be_v more_o fit_a for_o this_o purpose_n let_v it_o be_v grant_v will_n he_o say_v that_o it_o be_v necessary_a that_o thou_o shall_v repent_v &_o turn_v unto_o god_n yet_o thou_o may_v defer_v thy_o repentance_n until_o thy_o old_a age_n or_o at_o least_o till_o the_o time_n of_o sickness_n for_o than_o thou_o will_v be_v more_o fit_n to_o perform_v this_o duty_n then_o in_o the_o flourish_a prime_n of_o thy_o youth_n when_o as_o the_o exercise_n of_o religion_n be_v so_o tedious_a and_o unpleasant_a and_o the_o pleasure_n of_o the_o world_n so_o sweet_a and_o delightful_a neither_o need_v thou_o to_o fear_v any_o in_o convenience_n which_o will_v come_v hereby_o for_o god_n be_v so_o gracious_a that_o whensoever_o thou_o return_v unto_o he_o he_o will_v receive_v thou_o to_o mercy_n for_o he_o have_v promise_v in_o his_o word_n that_o whensoever_o a_o sinner_n repent_v he_o of_o his_o sin_n he_o will_v blot_v all_o his_o wickedness_n out_o of_o his_o remembrance_n and_o therefore_o thou_o may_v enjoy_v both_o the_o pleasure_n of_o this_o life_n and_o the_o life_n to_o come_v thou_o may_v repent_v time_n enough_o hereafter_o and_o live_v a_o strict_a and_o religious_a life_n when_o the_o heat_n of_o youth_n be_v past_a and_o old_a age_n draw_v on_o which_o be_v far_o more_o fit_a for_o these_o exercise_n for_o what_o folly_n be_v it_o so_o to_o dote_v upon_o the_o heavenly_a joy_n to_o come_v as_o that_o thou_o shall_v deprive_v thyself_o of_o those_o worldly_a pleasure_n which_o be_v present_a see_v thou_o may_v enjoy_v both_o dangerous_a this_o tentation_n most_o dangerous_a against_o which_o tentation_n it_o behove_v every_o man_n most_o careful_o to_o arm_v himself_o as_o be_v in_o itself_o most_o dangerous_a and_o pernicious_a to_o great_a multitude_n as_o may_v appear_v by_o too_o too_o lamentable_a experience_n for_o when_o as_o satan_n can_v no_o long_o hoodwink_v their_o eye_n with_o the_o veil_n of_o ignorance_n but_o that_o they_o plain_o see_v that_o it_o concern_v their_o eternal_a salvation_n to_o harken_v unto_o the_o lord_n call_v they_o to_o repentance_n than_o not_o withstand_v thus_o far_o he_o prevail_v with_o they_o that_o they_o be_v content_a to_o delay_v their_o conversion_n and_o turn_n unto_o god_n either_o until_o the_o time_n of_o sickness_n or_o till_o their_o old_a age_n and_o therefore_o it_o shall_v not_o be_v amiss_o to_o set_v down_o brief_o some_o weighty_a argument_n whereby_o every_o christian_a may_v be_v move_v to_o speedy_a repentance_n and_o not_o to_o defer_v their_o conversion_n from_o day_n to_o day_n repentance_n motive_n to_o persuade_v we_o to_o hastenour_n repentance_n but_o to_o turn_v unto_o the_o lord_n when_o he_o first_o call_v they_o §_o sect._n 2_o the_o first_o motive_n to_o persuade_v we_o to_o the_o hasten_v of_o our_o conversion_n be_v god_n commandment_n whereby_o he_o injoin_v we_o speedy_o to_o turn_v unto_o he_o that_o we_o may_v do_v he_o service_n all_o the_o day_n of_o our_o life_n to_o which_o end_n he_o have_v create_v and_o redeem_v we_o and_o do_v continual_a preserve_v us._n psal_n 95.7.8_o to_o day_n if_o you_o shall_v hear_v his_o voice_n harden_v not_o your_o heart_n so_o as_o he_o charge_v we_o not_o to_o resist_v his_o call_n no_o not_o till_o to_o morrow_n for_o if_o today_o we_o will_v not_o harken_v unto_o he_o he_o have_v not_o promise_v to_o call_v we_o again_o unless_o it_o be_v to_o judgement_n so_o eccl._n 12.1_o remember_v now_o thy_o creator_n in_o the_o day_n of_o thy_o youth_n while_o the_o evil_a day_n come_v not_o nor_o the_o year_n approach_v wherein_o thou_o shall_v say_v i_o have_v no_o pleasure_n in_o they_o that_o be_v their_o old_a age_n as_o afterward_o he_o expound_v himself_o and_o esa_n 55.6_o seek_v you_o the_o lord_n while_o he_o may_v be_v find_v call_v you_o upon_o he_o while_o he_o be_v near_o matth._n 3.2_o repent_v for_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n be_v at_o hand_n act._n 3.19_o and_o our_o saviour_n christ_n do_v enjoin_v we_o first_o to_o seek_v the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n and_o the_o righteousness_n thereof_o matth._n 6.33_o if_o therefore_o we_o will_v not_o witting_o and_o wilful_o break_v god_n commandment_n let_v we_o offer_v unto_o he_o the_o
and_o raise_v up_o of_o a_o most_o faithful_a servant_n of_o god_n and_o my_o most_o dear_a friend_n who_o have_v bind_v i_o with_o many_o benefit_n to_o the_o performance_n of_o all_o christian_n duty_n but_o afterward_o find_v it_o to_o grow_v to_o such_o a_o volume_n that_o it_o be_v too_o great_a to_o pass_v in_o a_o write_a copy_n and_o hope_v that_o that_o which_o be_v profitable_a for_o one_o may_v be_v beneficial_a unto_o many_o at_o length_n i_o resolve_v to_o make_v my_o labour_n public_a by_o commit_v they_o to_o the_o press_n the_o principal_a thing_n that_o i_o propound_v to_o myself_o in_o this_o treatise_n be_v these_o first_o and_o especial_o i_o endeavour_v to_o comfort_v those_o who_o be_v afflict_v in_o conscience_n in_o the_o sight_n and_o sense_n of_o their_o sin_n by_o offer_v unto_o they_o certain_a assurance_n that_o their_o sin_n be_v remit_v and_o that_o themselves_o be_v elect_v to_o eternal_a life_n in_o the_o state_n of_o grace_n reconcile_v unto_o god_n in_o christ_n and_o receive_v in_o his_o love_n and_o favour_n second_o i_o labour_v to_o lead_v the_o christian_n in_o a_o even_a course_n unto_o the_o haven_n of_o eternal_a happiness_n that_o he_o may_v not_o run_v aside_o neither_o on_o the_o right_a hand_n and_o so_o fall_v upon_o the_o rock_n of_o presumption_n make_v shipwreck_n of_o his_o soul_n nor_o yet_o on_o the_o left_a hand_n and_o so_o plunge_v himself_o into_o the_o gulf_n of_o desperation_n wherein_o i_o have_v purposely_o and_o advise_o avoid_v their_o practice_n who_o scatter_v their_o consolation_n they_o know_v not_o where_o to_o be_v apply_v they_o care_v not_o by_o who_o whereof_o it_o come_v to_o pass_v that_o those_o that_o be_v most_o secure_a and_o presumptuous_a arrogate_v they_o to_o who_o they_o do_v not_o appertain_v and_o those_o that_o be_v afflict_v and_o humble_v dare_v not_o appropriate_v they_o to_o themselves_o because_o they_o be_v deliver_v indefinite_o to_o all_o without_o all_o caution_n or_o any_o condition_n whereby_o they_o may_v be_v restrain_v rather_o to_o they_o than_o any_o other_o in_o who_o sin_n yet_o live_v and_o reign_v wherein_o they_o resemble_v negligent_a physician_n who_o have_v make_v a_o good_a medicine_n for_o a_o sick_a man_n do_v not_o give_v it_o unto_o he_o but_o cast_v it_o careless_o into_o some_o corner_n whether_o the_o sick_a patient_a in_o respect_n of_o his_o faintness_n and_o weakness_n be_v likely_a never_o to_o come_v which_o be_v find_v and_o greedy_o drunken_a up_o by_o those_o who_o have_v no_o need_n of_o it_o in_o stead_n of_o do_v they_o good_a do_v turn_v to_o their_o bane_n and_o utter_v destruction_n last_o i_o have_v desire_v to_o give_v solid_a and_o substantial_a consolation_n which_o be_v firm_o ground_v upon_o god_n undoubted_a truth_n and_o such_o infallible_a reason_n as_o can_v be_v gainsay_v and_o have_v withal_o deliver_v the_o condition_n upon_o which_o they_o be_v to_o be_v receive_v and_o the_o undoubted_a sign_n and_o mark_n of_o those_o to_o who_o of_o right_n they_o appertain_v to_o the_o end_n that_o those_o who_o find_v these_o thing_n in_o themselves_o may_v not_o doubt_v to_o apply_v they_o to_o their_o wound_a conscience_n whereby_o they_o may_v be_v sound_o cure_v and_o thorough_o comfort_v and_o that_o those_o who_o find_v no_o such_o condition_n observe_v by_o they_o nor_o any_o such_o sign_n or_o mark_n in_o they_o may_v be_v debar_v from_o participate_v of_o these_o consolation_n which_o will_v nourish_v in_o they_o security_n and_o presumption_n and_o contrariwise_o examine_v themselves_o according_a to_o these_o rule_n and_o find_v no_o correspondency_n between_o themselves_o and_o they_o may_v hereby_o be_v awaken_v out_o of_o their_o lethargy_n of_o security_n and_o attain_v unto_o a_o sight_n and_o sense_n of_o their_o miserable_a estate_n may_v never_o be_v at_o rest_n till_o by_o use_v all_o good_a mean_n for_o this_o purpose_n they_o may_v find_v these_o mark_n and_o sign_n of_o their_o election_n vocation_n justification_n and_o sanctification_n in_o they_o that_o so_o they_o may_v bold_o and_o fit_o apply_v unto_o themselves_o these_o comfort_n and_o consolation_n as_o right_o and_o true_o appertain_v unto_o they_o all_o which_o my_o labour_n i_o think_v good_a to_o dedicate_v unto_o your_o worship_n partly_o because_o i_o desire_v to_o give_v this_o testimony_n of_o my_o true_a thankfulness_n for_o those_o manifold_a benefit_n which_o from_o some_o of_o you_o i_o have_v receive_v and_o of_o my_o unfeigned_a love_n which_o i_o bear_v to_o you_o all_o for_o your_o virtue_n and_o approve_a godliness_n and_o partly_o because_o i_o think_v none_o fit_a to_o who_o i_o may_v commend_v this_o discourse_n of_o the_o christian_a warfare_n than_o yourselves_o who_o be_v old_a experience_a soldier_n in_o fight_v these_o spiritual_a battle_n and_o therefore_o have_v judicial_a feel_n and_o sensible_a apprehension_n of_o those_o thing_n which_o i_o have_v write_v and_o commend_v to_o your_o patronage_n now_o the_o lord_n our_o god_n who_o be_v the_o fountain_n of_o all_o goodness_n and_o the_o sole_a giver_n of_o all_o true_a consolation_n increase_n in_o you_o more_o and_o more_o the_o gift_n and_o grace_n of_o his_o sanctify_a spirit_n and_o so_o fill_v your_o heart_n with_o all_o sound_a spiritual_a comfort_n and_o the_o joy_n in_o the_o holy_a ghost_n that_o you_o may_v through_o the_o course_n of_o your_o whole_a life_n cheerful_o go_v forward_o in_o the_o profession_n and_o sincere_a practice_n of_o his_o religion_n and_o true_a godliness_n and_o after_o this_o life_n may_v receive_v that_o crown_n of_o righteounsnesse_n which_o be_v prepare_v and_o lay_v up_o for_o you_o in_o his_o kingdom_n of_o eternal_a glory_n amen_n your_o worship_n in_o the_o lord_n most_o assure_v john_n downame_n the_o content_n of_o this_o book_n the_o chief_a point_n handle_v in_o the_o first_o book_n chap._n i._n that_o all_o god_n servant_n be_v assault_v with_o the_o spiritual_a enemy_n of_o their_o salvation_n pag._n 1_o that_o the_o strong_a faith_n whereof_o worldling_n boast_v be_v nothing_o else_o but_o security_n and_o vain_a presumption_n pag._n 3.4_o that_o god_n servant_n may_v rather_o be_v comfort_v than_o dismay_v by_o the_o assault_n of_o their_o spiritual_a enemy_n pag._n 6_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 temptation_n namely_o for_o his_o own_o glory_n and_o their_o everlasting_a good_a pag._n 7_o chap._n iii_o argument_n to_o encourage_v the_o weak_a christian_a to_o enter_v into_o this_o spiritual_a conflict_n pag._n 10_o chap._n four_o of_o the_o malice_n of_o our_o spiritual_a enemy_n satan_n join_v with_o violence_n and_o falsehood_n and_o how_o we_o may_v withstand_v it_o pag._n 16_o chap._n v._o of_o his_o strength_n courage_n and_o audaciousness_n and_o how_o we_o may_v withstand_v they_o pag._n 23_o chap._n vi_o of_o satan_n aide_n and_o first_o of_o the_o world_n pag._n 31_o how_o the_o world_n tempt_v by_o prosperity_n and_o how_o we_o may_v resist_v these_o temptation_n pag._n 32_o how_o it_o tempt_v by_o adversity_n and_o of_o the_o mean_n whereby_o we_o may_v resist_v these_o temptation_n 34_o chap._n vii_o of_o the_o flesh_n what_o it_o be_v and_o how_o we_o may_v subdue_v it_o 39_o chap._n viii_o of_o satan_n policy_n and_o how_o we_o may_v defeat_v it_o 40_o chap._n ix_o of_o the_o spiritual_a armour_n describe_v eph._n 6.44_o chap._n x._o of_o the_o particular_a part_n of_o the_o christian_a armour_n and_o first_o of_o the_o girdle_n of_o verity_n 48_o chap._n xi_o of_o the_o breastplate_n of_o righteousness_n 51_o chap._n xii_o of_o the_o preparation_n of_o the_o gospel_n of_o peace_n 54_o chap._n xiii_o of_o the_o shield_n of_o faith_n and_o what_o be_v mean_v by_o quench_v satan_n dart_n 55_o chap._n xiiii_o of_o the_o helmet_n of_o salvation_n 57_o chap._n xv._o of_o the_o sword_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o how_o we_o must_v use_v it_o in_o the_o conflict_n of_o temptation_n 59_o chap._n xvi_o of_o prayer_n and_o the_o necessity_n thereof_o in_o the_o spiritual_a conflict_n 64_o of_o the_o property_n require_v in_o prayer_n 65_o of_o watchfulness_n in_o prayer_n 67_o of_o perseverance_n in_o prayer_n where_o be_v also_o show_v why_o the_o lord_n delai_v to_o grant_v the_o petition_n of_o his_o child_n 69_o chap._n xvii_o of_o satan_n stratagem_n first_o how_o he_o fit_v his_o temptation_n according_a to_o our_o affection_n and_o natural_a inclination_n and_o how_o we_o may_v defeat_v this_o policy_n 72_o chap._n xviii_o how_o satan_n fit_v his_o temptation_n according_a to_o our_o state_n and_o condition_n and_o how_o we_o may_v withstand_v these_o temptation_n 78_o how_o satan_n tempt_v professor_n of_o religion_n who_o profession_n be_v only_o in_o show_n 82_o how_o he_o tempt_v the_o sincere_a
with_o these_o outward_a affliction_n he_o send_v his_o messenger_n to_o buffet_v he_o 12._o 2._o cor._n 12._o that_o he_o may_v be_v no_o less_o vex_v inward_o in_o mind_n then_o outward_o in_o body_n yea_o he_o spare_v not_o our_o saviour_n christ_n himself_o but_o as_o soon_o as_o he_o begin_v to_o show_v himself_o to_o be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n and_o redeemer_n of_o mankind_n in_o perform_v the_o duty_n of_o his_o call_n then_o especial_o he_o bend_v all_o his_o force_n against_o he_o he_o tempt_v and_o assault_v he_o forty_o day_n together_o 4._o matth._n 4._o and_o take_v the_o foil_n himself_o he_o stir_v up_o his_o wicked_a instrument_n to_o persecute_v he_o and_o at_o length_n to_o take_v away_o his_o life_n whosoever_o therefore_o resolve_v to_o be_v god_n servant_n must_v make_v account_n to_o be_v his_o soldier_n also_o and_o while_o with_o nehemias_n follower_n with_o one_o hand_n they_o perform_v the_o work_n of_o their_o calling_n and_o christianity_n they_o must_v â—â—â—th_o the_o other_o hand_n hold_v their_o weapon_n to_o repel_v thâ—â—_n 〈…〉_o will_v enemy_n who_o continual_o labour_v to_o hinder_v the_o lâ—â—_n 〈…〉_o ing_n for_o no_o soon_o do_v we_o become_v friend_n to_o god_n 〈…〉_o ent_o satan_n assault_v we_o as_o his_o enemy_n no_o soon_o do_v we_o receive_v the_o lord_n press_v money_n and_o set_v foot_n into_o his_o camp_n but_o satan_n advance_v against_o we_o his_o flag_n of_o defiance_n labour_v both_o by_o secret_a treachery_n and_o outward_a force_n to_o supplant_v and_o overcome_v us._n §_o sect._n 2_o here_o therefore_o be_v instruction_n for_o secure_a worldling_n doctrine_n the_o two_o fold_n use_n of_o this_o doctrine_n and_o consolation_n and_o encouragement_n for_o god_n child_n worldly_n man_n in_o steed_n of_o fight_v the_o lord_n battle_n spend_v their_o time_n in_o chamber_v and_o wantonness_n in_o lust_n and_o uncleanness_n in_o music_n and_o dalliance_n in_o surfeit_v and_o all_o voluptuousness_n in_o covetousness_n and_o idleness_n as_o though_o there_o be_v no_o enemy_n to_o assault_v they_o and_o as_o if_o satan_n be_v some_o meek_a lamb_n and_o not_o a_o roar_a lion_n ready_a to_o devour_v they_o so_o that_o good_a moses_n come_v near_o they_o can_v hear_v the_o noise_n of_o they_o that_o have_v the_o victory_n nor_o the_o noise_n of_o they_o that_o be_v overcome_v but_o the_o noise_n of_o sing_v and_o merriment_n 32._o exod._n 32._o for_o they_o be_v not_o fight_v the_o battle_n of_o the_o lord_n of_o host_n but_o solemnize_n a_o sabbath_n to_o the_o golden_a calf_n sit_v down_o to_o eat_v and_o drink_v and_o rise_n up_o to_o play_v the_o spiritual_a canaanite_n be_v quite_o forget_v and_o they_o remember_v not_o the_o bless_a land_n of_o promise_n whereunto_o like_a pilgrim_n they_o shall_v be_v travail_v but_o make_v this_o world_n this_o wilderness_n of_o sin_n the_o place_n of_o their_o joy_n and_o delight_n in_o a_o word_n they_o flourish_v in_o their_o outward_a state_n and_o never_o in_o their_o mind_n feel_v any_o vexation_n of_o satan_n temtation_n and_o what_o be_v the_o cause_n of_o all_o this_o if_o you_o ask_v they_o they_o will_v say_v that_o they_o have_v such_o a_o strong_a faith_n and_o peace_n of_o conscience_n security_n that_o the_o worldling_n peace_n proceed_v not_o from_o strength_n but_o carnal_a security_n that_o satan_n temptation_n have_v no_o power_n over_o they_o neither_o be_v they_o ever_o trouble_v with_o any_o of_o his_o encounter_n and_o not_o content_a with_o these_o brag_n of_o their_o own_o happy_a estate_n they_o censure_v and_o condemn_v god_n child_n account_v their_o state_n most_o desperate_a who_o be_v molest_v with_o satan_n temptation_n and_o go_v mourning_n under_o the_o burden_n of_o sin_n all_o the_o day_n long_o suppose_v either_o that_o they_o be_v in_o satan_n power_n and_o have_v more_o grievous_o sin_v then_o other_o man_n or_o that_o they_o be_v mad_a and_o frantic_a so_o to_o vex_v themselves_o with_o such_o needless_a sorrow_n but_o let_v such_o man_n know_v that_o of_o all_o other_o their_o state_n be_v most_o dangerous_a for_o they_o be_v grievous_o sick_a and_o have_v no_o sense_n of_o their_o disease_n their_o wound_n be_v so_o mortal_a that_o they_o deprive_v they_o of_o all_o feel_n they_o be_v assault_v yea_o take_v prisoner_n while_o they_o sleep_v sound_o in_o security_n and_o discern_v not_o the_o approach_n of_o the_o enemy_n non_fw-la ergo_fw-la repugnant_a quia_fw-la se_fw-la impugnari_fw-la ignorant_a they_o make_v no_o resistance_n because_o they_o be_v ignorant_a of_o the_o assault_n and_o what_o can_v be_v more_o dangerous_a then_o to_o have_v the_o enemy_n approach_n and_o lay_v hand_n on_o we_o before_o we_o be_v aware_a but_o this_o be_v the_o state_n of_o those_o man_n hierom._n hierom._n for_o as_o one_o say_v tum_o maximè_fw-la impugnantur_fw-la cum_fw-la se_fw-la impugnari_fw-la nesciant_fw-la they_o be_v most_o assault_v when_o they_o feel_v no_o assault_n let_v they_o know_v that_o they_o be_v not_o the_o lord_n soldier_n but_o the_o devil_n reveller_n and_o therefore_o he_o fight_v not_o against_o they_o because_o they_o be_v his_o friend_n for_o there_o be_v never_o any_o of_o christ_n soldier_n in_o the_o militant_a church_n which_o have_v not_o be_v exercise_v in_o this_o warfare_n there_o be_v never_o any_o so_o strong_a in_o faith_n but_o satan_n dare_v encounter_v he_o even_o the_o apostle_n yea_o adam_n in_o the_o state_n of_o innocence_n yea_o our_o saviour_n christ_n himself_o there_o be_v never_o any_o so_o constant_a in_o the_o course_n of_o christianity_n but_o the_o world_n have_v seek_v to_o draw_v they_o out_o of_o the_o right_a way_n by_o her_o bait_n of_o prosperity_n or_o to_o force_v they_o to_o sin_n by_o threaten_a adversity_n there_o be_v never_o any_o that_o have_v have_v in_o they_o one_o spark_n of_o god_n spirit_n christ_n except_v who_o have_v not_o feel_v it_o assault_v and_o often_o foil_v by_o the_o flesh_n for_o the_o flesh_n lu_v against_o the_o spirit_n and_o the_o spirit_n against_o the_o flesh_n and_o they_o be_v contrary_a the_o one_o to_o the_o other_o as_o it_o be_v galath_n 5.17_o yea_o the_o apostle_n paul_n himself_o when_o he_o be_v most_o sanctify_v 7.23_o galat._n 5.17_o rom._n 7.23_o see_v another_o law_n in_o his_o member_n rebel_a against_o the_o law_n of_o his_o mind_n lead_v he_o captive_a to_o the_o law_n of_o sin_n as_o appear_v rom._n 7.23_o §_o sect._n 3_o it_o be_v not_o therefore_o their_o strength_n of_o faith_n but_o their_o carnal_a security_n which_o so_o lull_v they_o asleep_a in_o the_o cradle_n of_o worldly_a vanity_n that_o they_o can_v discern_v this_o fight_n it_o be_v not_o their_o peace_n with_o god_n nor_o the_o peace_n of_o conscience_n which_o make_v they_o thus_o quiet_a for_o there_o be_v not_o such_o peace_n say_v my_o god_n to_o the_o wicked_a esa_n 57.21_o 57.21_o esa_n 57.21_o but_o it_o be_v a_o peace_n which_o they_o have_v make_v with_o satan_n a_o covenant_n with_o death_n and_o a_o agreement_n with_o hell_n as_o the_o prophet_n speak_v 28.15_o esa_n 28.15_o esa_n 28.15_o when_o the_o strong_a arm_a man_n satan_n quiet_o keep_v the_o house_n the_o thing_n that_o he_o possess_v be_v in_o peace_n but_o when_o a_o strong_a than_o he_o come_v to_o dispossess_v he_o he_o will_v never_o lose_v his_o possession_n without_o a_o fight_n and_o we_o can_v choose_v but_o feel_v the_o blow_n in_o so_o sharp_a a_o encounter_n luk._n 11.21_o 11.21_o luk._n 11.21_o if_o a_o man_n never_o enter_v the_o field_n to_o fight_v against_o satan_n or_o if_o at_o the_o first_o encounter_n he_o yield_v himself_o prisoner_n and_o be_v content_a to_o be_v tie_v in_o the_o please_a fetter_n of_o sin_n it_o be_v no_o marvel_v that_o he_o do_v not_o rage_n in_o his_o conscience_n when_o as_o already_o he_o be_v in_o his_o captivity_n ready_a to_o perform_v all_o those_o work_n of_o darkness_n wherein_o he_o employ_v he_o but_o if_o when_o christ_n the_o redeemer_n be_v preach_v unto_o they_o by_o his_o ambassador_n they_o will_v show_v any_o desire_n of_o come_v out_o of_o his_o thraldom_n sure_o this_o spiritual_a pharaoh_n will_v never_o lose_v their_o service_n but_o by_o force_n and_o compulsion_n neither_o can_v so_o strong_a a_o man_n be_v force_v but_o we_o must_v needs_o feel_v the_o conflict_n while_o the_o prisoner_n lie_v in_o the_o dungeon_n load_v with_o bolt_n and_o tie_v in_o chain_n the_o keeper_n sleep_v secure_o because_o he_o know_v he_o be_v safe_a but_o if_o his_o bolt_n be_v file_v off_o and_o his_o chain_n loose_v he_o have_v escape_v out_o of_o prison_n than_o the_o jailor_n begin_v to_o bustle_v and_o pursue_v he_o speedy_o with_o huean_n cry_n so_o while_o satan_n hold_v we_o imprison_v in_o the_o dark_a dungeon_n of_o ignorance_n load_v and_o
fit_a to_o oppose_v against_o the_o subtle_a policy_n of_o our_o spiritual_a enemy_n that_o be_v we_o must_v continual_o hear_v and_o meditate_v in_o god_n word_n which_o will_v make_v we_o wise_a and_o skilful_a in_o descry_v all_o satan_n stratagem_n and_o also_o in_o prevent_v they_o be_v discover_v for_o howsoever_o in_o the_o dark_a night_n of_o ignorance_n and_o error_n we_o may_v easy_o fall_v into_o his_o ambushment_n yet_o the_o light_n of_o god_n word_n shine_v unto_o we_o will_v plain_o disclose_v they_o to_o the_o eye_n of_o the_o most_o simple_a but_o beside_o this_o theoreticall_a wisdom_n seat_v in_o the_o understanding_n there_o be_v also_o a_o practical_a or_o operative_a wisdom_n require_v in_o god_n word_n which_o show_v itself_o in_o our_o affection_n and_o action_n and_o it_o consist_v in_o the_o fear_n of_o the_o lord_n that_o be_v true_a godliness_n and_o sincerity_n of_o heart_n of_o this_o job_n speak_v chap._n 28._o verf._n 28._o 111.10_o job._n 28.28_o psal_n 111.10_o the_o fear_n of_o the_o lord_n be_v wisdom_n and_o to_o depart_v from_o evil_n be_v understanding_n so_o psalm_n 111.10_o the_o fear_n of_o the_o lord_n be_v the_o head_n or_o beginning_n of_o wisdom_n and_o pro._n 28.7_o he_o be_v call_v a_o wise_a son_n which_o keep_v the_o law_n 28.7_o pro._n 28.7_o so_o that_o our_o chief_a wisdom_n consist_v in_o the_o fear_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o in_o a_o godly_a endeavour_n of_o perform_v obedience_n to_o the_o lord_n commandment_n if_o therefore_o we_o will_v attain_v unto_o such_o spiritual_a wisdom_n that_o we_o may_v resist_v our_o spiritual_a enemy_n we_o must_v be_v conversant_a in_o hear_v and_o read_v the_o word_n of_o god_n meditate_v therein_o with_o the_o prophet_n david_n both_o day_n and_o night_n 1.2_o psal_n 1.2_o and_o withal_o we_o must_v by_o all_o mean_n seek_v the_o fear_n of_o the_o lord_n labour_v to_o lead_v our_o life_n in_o a_o constant_a course_n of_o true_a godliness_n and_o though_o we_o be_v full_a of_o infirmity_n yet_o at_o least_o let_v we_o have_v a_o holy_a endeavour_n to_o perform_v service_n unto_o god_n in_o truth_n uprightness_n and_o integrity_n of_o heart_n and_o so_o we_o may_v assure_v ourselves_o that_o though_o we_o be_v never_o so_o simple_a and_o foolish_a by_o nature_n yet_o shall_v we_o be_v wise_a enough_o to_o withstand_v and_o overcome_v our_o spiritual_a enemy_n for_o the_o lord_n who_o be_v wisdom_n itself_o will_v direct_v we_o in_o our_o way_n and_o he_o also_o will_v so_o infatuate_a this_o curse_a achitophel_n and_o turn_v his_o wisdom_n into_o foolishness_n that_o we_o shall_v never_o thereby_o be_v hurt_v or_o circumvent_v but_o on_o the_o other_o side_n though_o we_o be_v never_o so_o wise_a in_o carnal_a wisdom_n and_o though_o our_o head_n be_v a_o storehouse_n of_o politic_a stratagem_n yet_o if_o we_o neglect_v god_n word_n and_o voluntary_o give_v ourselves_o over_o unto_o sin_n and_o disobedience_n we_o shall_v be_v so_o besot_v with_o folly_n that_o satan_n will_v easy_o deceive_v and_o circumvent_v us._n a_o example_n whereof_o we_o have_v in_o our_o first_o parent_n who_o though_o they_o be_v more_o wise_a by_o creation_n than_o ever_o be_v any_o live_n christ_n except_v yet_o when_o they_o cast_v the_o word_n of_o god_n behind_o their_o back_n give_v more_o credit_n to_o satan_n suggestion_n and_o withal_o transgress_v god_n commandment_n their_o wisdom_n be_v turn_v into_o ignorance_n and_o folly_n and_o they_o become_v a_o easy_a pray_v to_o their_o malicious_a enemy_n and_o whereas_o they_o think_v by_o that_o mean_n to_o have_v go_v beyond_o the_o lord_n in_o policy_n and_o to_o have_v obtain_v a_o far_o great_a measure_n of_o knowledge_n and_o glory_n they_o be_v in_o steed_n thereof_o besot_v with_o folly_n and_o overwhelm_v with_o ignominy_n and_o shame_n by_o be_v make_v the_o bondslave_n of_o sin_n and_o satan_n and_o thus_o also_o the_o heathen_a neglect_v the_o true_a worship_n of_o god_n and_o give_v themselves_o to_o idolatry_n become_v fool_n while_o they_o profess_v themselves_o very_o wise_a 1.22_o rom._n 1.22_o as_o the_o apostle_n witness_v rom._n 1.22_o for_o the_o lord_n destroy_v the_o wisdom_n of_o the_o wise_a and_o cast_v away_o the_o understanding_n of_o the_o prudent_a 1.19_o 1._o cor._n 1.19_o as_o it_o be_v 1._o cor._n 1.19_o see_v then_o our_o chief_a wisdom_n consist_v in_o the_o study_n of_o god_n word_n and_o in_o uprightness_n of_o hart_n integrity_n christian_a sincerity_n and_o simplicity_n and_o in_o a_o holy_a care_n of_o perform_v obedience_n to_o god_n will_v let_v we_o therefore_o continual_o meditate_v in_o god_n word_n 119._o psal_n 119._o and_o with_o the_o prophet_n david_n make_v it_o our_o counsellor_n psal_n 119._o and_o whensoever_o satan_n do_v assault_n and_o tempt_v we_o to_o sin_n let_v we_o have_v recourse_n to_o this_o our_o counsellor_n the_o word_n of_o god_n there_o inquire_v whether_o that_o whereunto_o we_o be_v tempt_v be_v lawful_a or_o no_o and_o if_o it_o tell_v we_o that_o it_o be_v a_o sin_n let_v we_o with_o all_o care_n and_o conscience_n avoid_v it_o for_o though_o satan_n lie_v over_o it_o never_o so_o fair_a a_o gloss_n and_o entice_v we_o to_o the_o commit_v thereof_o by_o offer_v unto_o we_o the_o great_a pleasure_n riches_n and_o honour_n of_o the_o world_n yet_o let_v we_o assure_v ourselves_o that_o he_o thereby_o seek_v to_o circumvent_v we_o and_o to_o purchase_v worldly_a vanity_n he_o entice_v we_o to_o sell_v our_o soul_n and_o therefore_o in_o christian_a wisdom_n let_v we_o avoid_v his_o stratagem_n chap._n ix_o of_o the_o spiritual_a armour_n describe_v eph._n 6._o §_o sect._n 1_o and_o thus_o have_v i_o show_v the_o nature_n and_o quality_n of_o our_o enemy_n against_o who_o we_o must_v fight_v both_o in_o respect_n of_o his_o will_n and_o also_o his_o power_n consist_v in_o his_o strength_n and_o policy_n and_o also_o i_o have_v show_v some_o mean_n which_o in_o our_o preparation_n against_o he_o we_o must_v use_v careful_o that_o we_o may_v withstand_v he_o namely_o by_o oppose_v against_o his_o malicious_a will_n christian_n resolution_n against_o his_o strength_n the_o omnipotent_a power_n of_o god_n might_n against_o his_o subtle_a policy_n christian_n wisdom_n consist_v in_o the_o knowledge_n of_o god_n word_n and_o true_a integrity_n and_o simplicity_n of_o heart_n spiritual_a that_o the_o weapon_n of_o our_o christian_a warfare_n must_v be_v spiritual_a now_o we_o be_v to_o speak_v of_o the_o last_o mean_n which_o we_o be_v to_o use_v in_o our_o preparation_n immediate_o before_o our_o combat_n that_o be_v we_o be_v to_o arm_v ourselves_o against_o the_o encounter_n and_o to_o this_o end_n because_o we_o be_v but_o fresh-water-souldier_n &_o of_o small_a experience_n let_v we_o take_v the_o counsel_n and_o advice_n of_o the_o apostle_n paul_n one_o of_o god_n chief_a champion_n and_o expert_a soldier_n as_o he_o set_v it_o down_o etc._n eph._n 6.11_o etc._n etc._n eph._n 6.11_o 12_o 13_o 14_o etc._n etc._n where_o first_o he_o describe_v the_o quality_n and_o as_o it_o be_v the_o mettle_n of_o our_o armour_n in_o which_o respect_n he_o tell_v we_o that_o we_o must_v put_v on_o the_o armour_n of_o god_n which_o be_v spiritual_a and_o that_o our_o weapon_n and_o armour_n must_v not_o be_v carnal_a 10.4_o 2._o cor._n 10.4_o for_o be_v of_o this_o nature_n though_o they_o be_v never_o so_o strong_a they_o be_v to_o no_o purpose_n see_v our_o enemy_n be_v spiritual_a neither_o do_v we_o wrestle_v against_o flesh_n &_o blood_n but_o against_o principality_n 6.12_o eph._n 6.12_o power_n and_o spiritual_a wickedness_n as_o it_o be_v eph._n 6.12_o in_o vain_a therefore_o it_o be_v with_o the_o papist_n to_o seek_v to_o defend_v ourselves_o with_o holy_a water_n or_o crucifix_n or_o rag_n and_o relic_n of_o saint_n from_o the_o violent_a assault_n of_o this_o our_o enemy_n or_o else_o with_o desperate_a hackster_n to_o trust_v in_o our_o sword_n buckler_n and_o spear_n for_o well_o be_v that_o verify_v of_o this_o spiritual_a leviathan_n which_o the_o lord_n speak_v of_o the_o earthly_a leviathan_n job._n 41.17.20_o when_o the_o sword_n do_v touch_v he_o he_o will_v not_o rise_v up_o 41.17.20_o job._n 41.17.20_o and_o he_o laugh_v at_o the_o shake_n of_o the_o spear_n and_o therefore_o when_o we_o be_v to_o encounter_v this_o great_a goliath_n we_o be_v to_o lay_v aside_o the_o carnal_a weapon_n of_o saul_n 17.39.44_o 1._o sam._n 17.39.44_o which_o be_v altogether_o unfit_a for_o a_o christian_a serve_v rather_o to_o burden_n and_o so_o hinder_v he_o than_o to_o defend_v and_o further_o he_o in_o this_o spiritual_a combat_n and_o we_o be_v to_o go_v against_o he_o in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o lord_n strengthen_v in_o the_o power_n of_o his_o might_n put_v on_o we_o the_o armour_n of_o
perseverance_n in_o prayer_n for_o it_o be_v not_o sufficient_a to_o pray_v earnest_o and_o fervent_o for_o a_o spirit_n but_o we_o must_v continue_v therein_o expect_v the_o lord_n leisure_n and_o unto_o this_o we_o be_v exhort_v rom._n 12.12_o continue_v in_o prayer_n 12.12_o rom._n 12.12_o so_o the_o prophet_n david_n persuade_v to_o expect_v and_o wait_v for_o the_o lord_n 27.14_o psal_n 27.14_o and_o to_o be_v strong_a in_o continue_v constant_o in_o our_o course_n and_o then_o in_o the_o end_n god_n will_v comfort_v our_o heart_n psal_n 27.14_o and_o the_o apostle_n paul_n will_v we_o to_o pray_v incessant_o 5.17_o 1._o thess_n 5.17_o like_o importunate_a suitor_n who_o will_v have_v no_o nay_o though_o they_o receive_v many_o denial_n to_o this_o duty_n our_o saviour_n encourage_v we_o by_o the_o parable_n of_o the_o unrighteous_a judge_n who_o though_o he_o neither_o care_v for_o man_n nor_o fear_v god_n 18.1_o luk._n 18.1_o yet_o be_v move_v through_o importunity_n to_o do_v the_o poor_a widow_n justice_n and_o therefore_o our_o heavenly_a father_n will_v much_o more_o grant_v the_o importunate_a suit_n of_o his_o elect_a child_n why_o the_o lord_n delai_v to_o grant_v the_o petition_n of_o his_o child_n especial_o have_v bind_v himself_o thereunto_o by_o his_o most_o gracious_a promise_n true_a it_o be_v that_o the_o lord_n do_v many_o time_n defer_v to_o grant_v the_o prayer_n of_o his_o child_n as_o though_o he_o hear_v or_o regard_v they_o not_o when_o as_o in_o truth_n he_o never_o delay_v any_o of_o their_o lawful_a suit_n unless_o it_o be_v to_o this_o end_n that_o he_o may_v thereby_o either_o convey_v unto_o they_o great_a benefit_n than_o they_o desire_v as_o when_o he_o give_v spiritual_a grace_n in_o stead_n of_o earthly_a benefit_n or_o else_o that_o thereby_o he_o may_v move_v they_o to_o pray_v more_o fervent_o and_o so_o exercise_v and_o increase_v their_o faith_n hope_n and_o patience_n or_o that_o he_o may_v show_v these_o his_o grace_n to_o the_o praise_n of_o his_o glory_n who_o have_v bestow_v they_o both_z to_z other_o and_o the_o party_n themselves_o or_o that_o he_o may_v move_v we_o more_o thankful_o to_o receive_v and_o high_o to_o esteem_v his_o benefit_n after_o by_o long_a suit_n we_o have_v obtain_v they_o which_o we_o will_v not_o so_o great_o regard_v if_o he_o bestow_v they_o at_o the_o first_o motion_n a_o notable_a example_n hereof_o we_o have_v in_o the_o canaanitish_a woman_n both_o for_o our_o comfort_n and_o imitation_n matth._n 15._o 15._o matth._n 15._o to_o who_o prayer_n our_o saviour_n christ_n give_v as_o it_o seem_v no_o ear_n and_o when_o he_o do_v take_v notice_n of_o her_o suit_n he_o give_v she_o a_o double_a repulse_n first_o by_o tell_v she_o that_o he_o be_v send_v only_o to_o the_o lose_a sheep_n of_o the_o house_n of_o israel_n and_o when_o this_o will_v not_o move_v she_o to_o surcease_v her_o suit_n he_o use_v a_o more_o bitter_a denial_n tell_v she_o that_o it_o be_v not_o fit_a to_o take_v the_o child_n bread_n and_o to_o cast_v it_o to_o whelp_n but_o when_o she_o be_v not_o hereby_o discourage_v nor_o her_o faith_n extinguish_v but_o rather_o of_o a_o spark_n increase_v to_o a_o great_a flame_n at_o the_o last_o she_o do_v not_o only_o receive_v what_o she_o desire_v but_o also_o be_v send_v away_o with_o great_a commendation_n but_o wherefore_o do_v not_o our_o saviour_n grant_v her_o petition_n at_o the_o first_o hear_n sure_o not_o that_o he_o grudge_v she_o her_o suit_n or_o be_v loath_a to_o entertain_v it_o but_o to_o the_o end_n that_o he_o may_v make_v she_o more_o earnest_o implore_v his_o help_n and_o manifest_a to_o all_o the_o world_n her_o singular_a faith_n and_o last_o that_o she_o may_v be_v a_o example_n to_o we_o for_o our_o imitation_n both_o to_o encourage_v we_o in_o ask_v of_o god_n the_o supply_n of_o our_o want_n and_o also_o to_o persevere_v in_o prayer_n though_o at_o the_o first_o god_n seem_v not_o to_o regard_v we_o yea_o though_o we_o receive_v diverse_a repulse_n and_o many_o discouragement_n which_o if_o we_o perform_v we_o shall_v have_v a_o notable_a testimony_n of_o a_o true_a faith_n when_o as_o we_o can_v patient_o abide_v the_o lord_n leisure_n though_o he_o do_v defer_v his_o help_n 28.16_o esa_n 28.16_o for_o he_o that_o believe_v will_v not_o make_v haste_n as_o it_o be_v esa_n 28.16_o and_o in_o the_o end_n we_o shall_v be_v sure_a to_o obtain_v our_o godly_a and_o honest_a desire_n if_o not_o as_o we_o will_v yet_o as_o it_o shall_v be_v most_o for_o our_o good_a and_o withal_o eternal_a blessedness_n for_o the_o lord_n be_v the_o god_n of_o judgement_n and_o bless_v be_v all_o they_o that_o wait_v for_o he_o 30.18_o esa_n 30.18_o as_o it_o be_v esa_n 30.18_o when_o therefore_o we_o be_v assault_v by_o our_o spiritual_a enemy_n and_o ready_a to_o faint_v in_o the_o combat_n of_o temptation_n let_v we_o call_v upon_o the_o lord_n for_o his_o assistance_n that_o we_o may_v be_v free_v from_o danger_n and_o deliver_v from_o they_o and_o if_o the_o lord_n do_v seem_v to_o defer_v his_o help_n and_o suffer_v we_o still_o to_o bear_v the_o brunt_n of_o the_o battle_n after_o we_o have_v many_o time_n implore_v his_o assistance_n yet_o let_v we_o not_o be_v discourage_v but_o constant_o persevere_v in_o prayer_n assure_v ourselves_o that_o the_o lord_n will_v either_o free_v we_o from_o the_o temptation_n or_o else_o give_v we_o strength_n to_o endure_v and_o overcome_v it_o for_o he_o have_v promise_v that_o he_o will_v not_o suffer_v we_o to_o be_v tempt_v above_o our_o power_n but_o that_o he_o will_v give_v a_o good_a issue_n to_o the_o temptation_n that_o we_o may_v be_v able_a to_o bear_v it_o and_o he_o be_v faithful_a and_o true_a of_o his_o word_n 10.13_o 1._o cor._n 10.13_o as_o it_o be_v 1._o cor._n 10.13_o it_o may_v be_v that_o the_o lord_n will_v not_o quite_o free_v we_o from_o the_o skirmish_n of_o temptation_n though_o we_o have_v often_o desire_v it_o of_o he_o either_o because_o he_o will_v further_o try_v our_o christian_a valour_n and_o exercise_v our_o faith_n or_o restrain_v we_o from_o sin_n especial_o spiritual_a pride_n to_o which_o we_o be_v too_o too_o subject_a as_o we_o may_v see_v in_o the_o example_n of_o paul_n who_o be_v buffet_v by_o the_o messenger_n of_o satan_n beseech_v the_o lord_n thrice_o that_o he_o may_v depart_v from_o he_o but_o the_o lord_n answer_v that_o his_o grace_n which_o he_o bestow_v on_o he_o be_v sufficient_a and_o that_o his_o power_n be_v make_v manifest_a in_o the_o apostle_n weakness_n as_o appear_v 2._o cor._n 12.8_o 9_o 12.8.9_o 1._o cor._n 12.8.9_o now_o the_o cause_n why_o the_o lord_n will_v not_o altogether_o release_v he_o be_v that_o he_o may_v be_v humble_v hereby_o the_o prick_n of_o the_o flesh_n let_v out_o the_o wind_n of_o vain_a glory_n which_o will_v have_v puff_v he_o up_o by_o reason_n of_o the_o multitude_n of_o revelation_n which_o he_o have_v receive_v let_v we_o not_o therefore_o send_v for_o the_o lord_n assistance_n as_o it_o be_v by_o post_n and_o prescribe_v the_o lord_n a_o time_n with_o the_o bethulian_o wherein_o if_o we_o be_v not_o relieve_v we_o will_v faint_v and_o cowardly_o yield_v for_o that_o which_o the_o prophet_n speak_v from_o the_o lord_n concern_v the_o vision_n may_v fit_o be_v speak_v of_o the_o lord_n aid_n and_o help_v though_o it_o tarry_v watch_n 2.3_o hab._n 2.3_o for_o it_o shall_v sure_o come_v and_o not_o stay_v habac._n 2.3_o §_o sect._n 6_o the_o last_o thing_n require_v in_o our_o prayer_n be_v saint_n prayer_n to_o be_v make_v for_o all_o the_o saint_n that_o we_o do_v not_o only_o pray_v for_o ourselves_o but_o also_o for_o all_o the_o saint_n for_o we_o be_v fellow_n member_n of_o the_o same_o body_n we_o be_v fellow_n soldier_n which_o fight_v under_o the_o same_o captain_n jesus_n christ_n and_o consequent_o their_o victory_n be_v our_o victory_n and_o their_o foil_n be_v our_o foil_n as_o therefore_o soldier_n do_v not_o only_o stand_v upon_o their_o several_a guard_n but_o join_v their_o force_n together_o whereby_o it_o come_v to_o pass_v that_o they_o who_o be_v scatter_v may_v easy_o be_v overcome_v have_v unite_v their_o force_n be_v unresistable_a so_o we_o be_v not_o only_o to_o stand_v upon_o our_o own_o defence_n but_o to_o join_v in_o prayer_n with_o the_o whole_a church_n militant_a and_o then_o shall_v not_o our_o spiritual_a enemy_n stand_v against_o we_o for_o of_o the_o prayer_n of_o one_o righteous_a man_n avail_v much_o 5.16_o jam._n 5.16_o be_v fervent_a and_o effectual_a of_o what_o efficacy_n and_o power_n be_v the_o prayer_n of_o all_o the_o righteous_a join_v together_o back_n no_o armour_n appoint_v for_o the_o back_n
grace_n of_o god_n spirit_n to_o the_o praise_n of_o his_o glory_n who_o have_v bestow_v they_o and_o to_o the_o comfort_n of_o our_o own_o soul_n who_o have_v receive_v they_o and_o as_o they_o be_v chastisement_n they_o serve_v for_o sharp_a eye-salue_n to_o clear_v our_o dim_a sight_n so_o as_o we_o may_v see_v our_o sin_n and_o true_o repent_v of_o they_o they_o serve_v for_o sour_a sauce_n to_o bring_v we_o out_o of_o love_n with_o our_o sweet_a sin_n and_o for_o fire_n and_o file_n whereby_o we_o be_v purge_v and_o scour_v from_o the_o dross_n and_o rust_n of_o our_o corruption_n they_o be_v sharp_a prune_a knife_n to_o lop_v and_o trim_a we_o that_o we_o may_v bring_v forth_o plentiful_a fruit_n in_o godliness_n they_o be_v spur_n to_o prick_v we_o forward_o in_o the_o christian_a race_n and_o hedge_n to_o keep_v we_o from_o wander_v out_o of_o the_o way_n they_o be_v sharp_a salve_n to_o draw_v out_o our_o secret_a corruption_n and_o bitter_a potion_n to_o cure_v our_o desperate_a disease_n they_o be_v that_o wormwood_n whereby_o the_o lord_n wean_v we_o from_o the_o love_n of_o the_o world_n who_o please_a delight_n we_o will_v ever_o suck_v without_o weariness_n if_o our_o mouth_n be_v not_o distaste_v with_o some_o affliction_n they_o be_v rod_n wherewith_o be_v scourge_v we_o be_v make_v more_o circumspect_a in_o our_o way_n and_o more_o careful_a to_o perform_v obedience_n unto_o all_o the_o commandment_n of_o our_o heavenly_a father_n in_o a_o word_n they_o be_v the_o straight_a path_n which_o lead_v to_o everlasting_a happiness_n and_o a_o bridle_n to_o restrain_v we_o from_o run_v headlong_o in_o the_o broad_a way_n which_o lead_v to_o endless_a woe_n and_o misery_n and_o therefore_o see_v our_o momentany_a affliction_n do_v serve_v for_o the_o manifest_v of_o god_n glory_n for_o the_o increase_n of_o spiritual_a grace_n and_o the_o further_a of_o our_o eternal_a salvation_n let_v not_o satan_n persuade_v we_o that_o we_o be_v out_o of_o god_n love_n and_o favour_n because_o of_o our_o affliction_n but_o rather_o let_v we_o repute_v they_o as_o they_o be_v indeed_o sign_n of_o his_o gracious_a providence_n and_o fatherly_a care_n which_o he_o have_v over_o us._n §_o sect._n 3_o but_o here_o the_o tempter_n will_v object_v that_o this_o i_o speak_v be_v true_a of_o the_o outward_a affliction_n of_o the_o body_n affliction_n satan_n temptation_n ground_v upon_o our_o spiritual_a affliction_n for_o thereby_o the_o flesh_n be_v mortify_v and_o subdue_v and_o the_o spiritual_a grace_n of_o god_n spirit_n exercise_v and_o increase_v in_o we_o but_o thy_o affliction_n will_v he_o say_v be_v far_o different_a for_o thy_o soul_n be_v fill_v with_o horror_n and_o fear_n thy_o conscience_n be_v mortal_o sting_v with_o sin_n and_o the_o weight_n thereof_o overwhelm_v thou_o thou_o see_v thyself_o subject_a to_o the_o curse_n of_o the_o law_n and_o be_v already_o torment_v with_o the_o pain_n of_o hell_n thy_o god_n who_o look_v upon_o his_o child_n with_o a_o amiable_a countenance_n frown_v upon_o thou_o like_o a_o severe_a judge_n and_o thou_o taste_v of_o nothing_o but_o of_o his_o heavy_a wrath_n and_o displeasure_n in_o a_o word_n thou_o have_v not_o one_o spark_n of_o true_a consolation_n wrought_v in_o thou_o by_o god_n spirit_n with_o which_o those_o that_o be_v god_n child_n be_v full_o replenish_v and_o whereby_o they_o be_v encourage_v patient_o to_o abide_v all_o affliction_n but_o thy_o inward_a vexation_n be_v the_o torment_n of_o a_o evil_a conscience_n and_o the_o flashing_n of_o hell_n fire_n wherewith_o hereafter_o thou_o shall_v eternal_o be_v burn_v to_o this_o temptation_n we_o must_v answer_v that_o it_o can_v be_v deny_v but_o that_o the_o affliction_n of_o the_o mind_n be_v far_o more_o grievous_a than_o the_o affliction_n of_o the_o body_n hatred_n that_o our_o spiritual_a affliction_n be_v no_o sign_n of_o god_n hatred_n and_o that_o the_o torment_n of_o conscience_n cause_v by_o the_o weight_n of_o sin_n and_o the_o apprehension_n of_o god_n fearful_a wrath_n be_v as_o it_o be_v god_n three-stringed_n whip_n in_o respect_n of_o the_o gentle_a rod_n of_o outward_a affliction_n for_o a_o sorrowful_a mind_n dry_v up_o the_o bone_n 18.14_o pro._n 17.12_o pro._n 18.14_o as_o it_o be_v pro._n 17.12_o and_o the_o spirit_n of_o a_o man_n may_v sustain_v his_o other_o infirmity_n but_o a_o wound_a spirit_n who_o can_v bear_v as_o the_o wise_a man_n speak_v prou._n 18.14_o nevertheless_o though_o these_o correction_n be_v more_o sharp_a and_o grievous_a than_o the_o outward_a affliction_n of_o the_o body_n yet_o it_o can_v be_v deny_v but_o that_o these_o also_o be_v the_o chastisement_n which_o our_o heavenly_a father_n inflict_v upon_o his_o child_n sometime_o for_o his_o own_o glory_n and_o sometime_o for_o their_o trial_n or_o chastisement_n when_o more_o light_a correction_n will_v not_o reclaim_v they_o for_o first_o those_o place_n of_o scripture_n before_o quote_v be_v speak_v general_o of_o all_o affliction_n whatsoever_o and_o therefore_o be_v not_o to_o be_v restrain_v to_o the_o outward_a affliction_n of_o the_o body_n see_v they_o extend_v themselves_o also_o to_o the_o affliction_n of_o the_o mind_n neither_o do_v our_o heavenly_a father_n correct_v all_o alike_o but_o some_o he_o rebuke_v only_o by_o his_o word_n and_o go_v no_o further_a when_o as_o this_o reclaim_v they_o but_o if_o this_o will_v not_o prevail_v he_o go_v a_o step_n further_o and_o chastize_v they_o with_o gentle_a correction_n as_o with_o outward_a cross_n and_o affliction_n but_o if_o this_o will_v not_o reform_v they_o he_o take_v his_o whip_n into_o his_o hand_n wherewith_o he_o grievous_o scourge_v they_o to_o the_o end_n they_o may_v more_o sensible_o taste_v of_o his_o displeasure_n and_o amend_v that_o which_o be_v amiss_o and_o this_o he_o do_v by_o make_v they_o feel_v the_o weight_n of_o sin_n 12.6_o reu._n 3.19_o heb._n 12.6_o and_o appehend_v his_o wrath_n and_o heavy_a displeasure_n which_o by_o their_o sin_n they_o have_v just_o incur_v and_o yet_o notwithstanding_o all_o this_o he_o still_o remain_v their_o gracious_a father_n who_o seek_v not_o their_o destruction_n but_o their_o reformation_n neither_o need_v this_o deal_n of_o our_o heavenly_a father_n seem_v strange_a unto_o we_o see_v earthly_a parent_n take_v the_o same_o course_n with_o their_o child_n who_o they_o tender_o love_v for_o when_o they_o offen_n they_o they_o first_o seek_v their_o amendment_n by_o word_n and_o fatherly_a admonition_n and_o when_o this_o will_v do_v no_o good_a they_o proceed_v to_o blow_n and_o in_o a_o gentle_a manner_n do_v correct_v they_o and_o if_o this_o prevail_v not_o with_o they_o than_o they_o use_v more_o sharp_a and_o severe_a chastisement_n but_o if_o all_o this_o be_v to_o no_o purpose_n then_o will_v they_o disguise_v their_o fatherly_a affection_n under_o the_o vizard_n of_o wrath_n and_o heavy_a displeasure_n they_o banish_v out_o of_o their_o countenance_n all_o sign_n of_o love_n and_o assume_v terrible_a look_n and_o bitter_a frown_n yea_o they_o will_v sometime_o thrust_v they_o out_o of_o door_n and_o reject_v they_o a_o while_n leave_v they_o to_o shift_v for_o themselves_o and_o to_o endure_v all_o misery_n and_o whence_o proceed_v all_o this_o sure_o not_o from_o hatred_n but_o from_o love_n and_o tender_a care_n which_o they_o have_v over_o they_o for_o their_o good_a and_o this_o make_v they_o use_v the_o bridle_n of_o correction_n to_o restrain_v they_o from_o run_v into_o all_o licentiousness_n this_o cause_v they_o to_o pretend_v wrath_n in_o the_o countenance_n that_o they_o be_v not_o by_o their_o lewdness_n force_v to_o entertain_v it_o into_o their_o heart_n this_o move_v they_o to_o reject_v they_o for_o a_o time_n that_o they_o may_v reclaim_v and_o retain_v they_o for_o ever_o neither_o do_v our_o heavenly_a father_n who_o be_v infinite_a in_o love_n deal_v otherwise_o with_o his_o disobedient_a child_n he_o use_v but_o his_o word_n if_o his_o word_n will_v suffice_v he_o go_v no_o further_a than_o gentle_a chastisement_n if_o that_o be_v enough_o but_o if_o he_o sharp_o scourge_v we_o yea_o if_o he_o look_v upon_o we_o with_o a_o frown_a countenance_n and_o show_v nothing_o in_o outward_a appearance_n but_o his_o wrath_n and_o heavy_a displeasure_n if_o he_o seem_v to_o reject_v we_o for_o a_o time_n and_o to_o give_v we_o over_o to_o be_v torment_v by_o satan_n yet_o undoubted_o all_o this_o proceed_v from_o his_o love_n and_o that_o fatherly_a care_n he_o have_v over_o we_o for_o our_o everlasting_a good_a and_o salvation_n he_o seek_v not_o our_o destruction_n but_o amendment_n he_o frown_v on_o we_o for_o a_o time_n that_o he_o may_v look_v gracious_o on_o we_o for_o ever_o he_o seem_v to_o reject_v we_o for_o a_o while_n that_o like_o the_o prodigal_a
3_o but_o as_o this_o temptation_n be_v foolish_a impious_a satan_n temptation_n ground_v upon_o the_o unchangeableness_n of_o god_n decree_v false_a and_o impious_a so_o also_o it_o be_v false_a for_o whereas_o he_o say_v that_o though_o we_o live_v in_o our_o sin_n without_o repentance_n yet_o we_o may_v be_v elect_v and_o therefore_o shall_v be_v save_v and_o though_o we_o take_v never_o so_o great_a pain_n in_o god_n service_n and_o most_o careful_o endeavour_v to_o spend_v our_o life_n in_o holiness_n and_o righteousness_n yet_o we_o may_v be_v reprobate_n and_o therefore_o shall_v be_v condemn_v this_o be_v utter_o untrue_a for_o whosoever_o the_o lord_n have_v ordain_v to_o everlasting_a life_n those_o also_o he_o have_v ordain_v to_o use_v the_o mean_n whereby_o they_o may_v be_v save_v and_o consequent_o whosoever_o careful_o use_v these_o mean_n may_v be_v assure_v of_o their_o salvation_n whosoever_o neglect_n and_o despise_v these_o mean_n they_o manifest_o declare_v that_o they_o be_v not_o in_o the_o number_n of_o the_o elect_a so_o long_o as_o they_o continue_v in_o their_o neglect_n and_o contempt_n for_o the_o end_n and_o the_o mean_n tend_v to_o the_o end_n be_v inseparable_o join_v in_o god_n decree_n so_o that_o they_o who_o use_v the_o one_o shall_v obtain_v the_o other_o they_o who_o neglect_n and_o contemn_v the_o mean_n shall_v never_o attain_v unto_o the_o end_n 1.5.6_o the_o end_n of_o god_n election_n two_o fold_n eph._n 1.5.6_o now_o the_o end_n of_o god_n election_n be_v two_o foul_v the_o chief_a and_o principal_n be_v his_o own_o glory_n as_o appear_v ephes_n 1.5.6_o who_o have_v predestine_v we_o to_o be_v adopt_v through_o jesus_n christ_n unto_o himself_o according_a to_o the_o good_a pleasure_n of_o his_o will_n to_o the_o praise_n of_o the_o glory_n of_o his_o grace_n and_o this_o end_n the_o lord_n will_v not_o suffer_v to_o be_v frustrate_a for_o his_o glory_n shall_v shine_v in_o all_o his_o elect_a and_o therefore_o we_o also_o be_v most_o careful_o to_o labour_v that_o we_o may_v further_o this_o end_n for_o the_o more_o that_o the_o praise_n of_o god_n mercy_n do_v shine_v in_o we_o the_o better_a assurance_n we_o have_v of_o our_o election_n and_o see_v god_n be_v most_o glorify_v when_o as_o our_o light_n shine_v bright_a before_o man_n in_o a_o godly_a and_o christian_n life_n 2.21_o mat._n 6.16_o 1._o pet._n 2.21_o therefore_o let_v we_o be_v most_o careful_a to_o spend_v our_o time_n in_o holiness_n and_o righteousness_n that_o thereby_o we_o may_v glorify_v our_o heavenly_a father_n and_o also_o make_v our_o own_o election_n sure_a 1.4_o eph._n 1.4_o for_o he_o have_v choose_v we_o that_o we_o shall_v be_v holy_a and_o therefore_o if_o we_o be_v holy_a it_o be_v a_o most_o certain_a sign_n that_o he_o have_v choose_v us._n election_n the_o second_o end_n of_o god_n election_n the_o second_o end_n of_o god_n election_n be_v the_o salvation_n of_o his_o elect_a for_o the_o just_a accomplish_n whereof_o he_o have_v preordain_v diverse_a subordinate_a cause_n or_o mean_n which_o be_v the_o inseparable_a effect_n and_o fruit_n of_o his_o election_n all_o which_o be_v so_o link_v one_o with_o another_o as_o that_o the_o precedent_a mean_n be_v the_o cause_n of_o that_o which_o next_o in_o order_n follow_v and_o god_n decree_v the_o cause_n of_o all_o the_o effect_n of_o god_n election_n which_o be_v the_o subordinate_a cause_n or_o mean_n of_o our_o salvation_n be_v principal_o three_o vocation_n justification_n and_o sanctification_n by_o vocation_n we_o be_v separate_v from_o the_o world_n make_v member_n of_o the_o church_n &_o ingraft_v in_o to_o the_o body_n of_o christ_n and_o this_o be_v ordinary_o do_v by_o the_o preach_n of_o the_o word_n be_v make_v effectual_a by_o the_o inward_a operation_n of_o god_n spirit_n or_o extraordinary_o by_o some_o other_o mean_n or_o immdiate_o by_o the_o illumination_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n in_o our_o justification_n we_o have_v the_o pardon_n and_o remission_n of_o all_o our_o sin_n by_o virtue_n of_o christ_n merit_n and_o be_v adorn_v with_o his_o righteousness_n impute_v unto_o we_o and_o this_o be_v do_v principal_o by_o god_n himself_o &_o instrumental_o by_o a_o lively_a faith_n our_o sanctification_n consist_v in_o our_o die_n to_o sin_n and_o rise_v up_o to_o newness_n of_o life_n which_o be_v begin_v increase_v and_o finish_v in_o we_o by_o god_n spirit_n whosoever_o therefore_o be_v predestinate_a to_o salvation_n they_o also_o be_v effectual_o call_v that_o be_v separate_v from_o the_o world_n and_o ingraft_v into_o the_o body_n of_o christ_n and_o this_o they_o attain_v unto_o by_o diligent_a and_o attentive_a hear_n of_o the_o word_n whosoever_o be_v effectual_o call_v be_v also_o justify_v and_o therefore_o have_v obtain_v a_o true_a and_o lively_a faith_n whosoever_o be_v justify_v be_v also_o sanctify_v that_o be_v die_v unto_o their_o sin_n and_o rise_v again_o to_o newness_n of_o life_n and_o consequent_o whosoever_o be_v still_o mere_a worldling_n and_o no_o true_a member_n of_o christ_n body_n as_o all_o those_o be_v who_o make_v no_o conscience_n of_o hear_v god_n word_n diligent_o reverent_o and_o attentive_o nor_o of_o treasure_v it_o up_o in_o their_o heart_n they_o be_v not_o true_o call_v whosoever_o have_v not_o christ_n righteousness_n and_o obedience_n impute_v and_o apply_v unto_o they_o which_o none_o have_v that_o be_v destitute_a of_o a_o true_a and_o fruitful_a faith_n be_v not_o justify_v whosoever_o live_v in_o their_o sin_n without_o repentance_n without_o any_o earnest_a desire_n and_o hearty_a endeavour_n of_o serve_v the_o lord_n in_o holiness_n and_o righteousness_n of_o life_n be_v not_o sanctify_v and_o whosoever_o be_v not_o call_v justify_v and_o sanctify_v shall_v never_o be_v save_v for_o the_o end_n and_o the_o mean_n tend_v thereunto_o be_v join_v together_o in_o god_n predestination_n so_o that_o where_o the_o one_o be_v there_o the_o other_o be_v where_o the_o one_o never_o be_v there_o the_o other_o shall_v ever_o be_v want_v and_o therefore_o as_o by_o our_o sanctification_n justification_n and_o vocation_n we_o may_v certain_o conclude_v that_o we_o be_v elect_v and_o shall_v be_v save_v so_o if_o we_o be_v without_o these_o we_o may_v as_o certain_o infer_v that_o we_o be_v reject_v and_o shall_v be_v condemn_v if_o we_o live_v and_o die_v in_o this_o state_n see_v then_o this_o be_v god_n truth_n let_v not_o satan_n lull_v we_o in_o security_n with_o that_o sophistical_a cavil_n if_o we_o be_v elect_v we_o shall_v be_v save_v live_v how_o we_o listen_v if_o we_o be_v reprobate_n we_o shall_v be_v condemn_v be_v we_o never_o so_o earnest_a in_o labour_v after_o godliness_n for_o these_o principle_n may_v well_o stand_v together_o it_o be_v impossible_a that_o the_o elect_v shall_v perish_v and_o as_o impossible_a also_o that_o any_o who_o believe_v not_o in_o christ_n and_o bring_v not_o forth_o the_o fruit_n of_o their_o faith_n in_o a_o godly_a and_o christian_a life_n shall_v be_v save_v it_o can_v be_v that_o the_o reprobate_n shall_v attain_v unto_o everlasting_a happiness_n and_o that_o any_o shall_v not_o attain_v thereunto_o who_o desire_v and_o endevour_v to_o serve_v and_o fear_v the_o lord_n because_o predestination_n and_o salvation_n be_v so_o couple_v together_o with_o the_o mean_n that_o come_v between_o they_o that_o they_o can_v possible_o be_v sever_v from_o one_o another_o nor_o the_o mean_n from_o either_o of_o they_o nor_o yet_o among_o themselves_o even_o as_o the_o first_o link_n of_o a_o chain_n be_v join_v with_o the_o last_o by_o those_o which_o be_v between_o they_o and_o these_o which_o be_v in_o the_o middle_a one_o with_o another_o chap._n vi_o satan_n temptation_n whereby_o he_o move_v the_o weak_a christian_a to_o doubt_v of_o his_o election_n answer_v §_o sect._n 1_o and_o these_o be_v the_o temptation_n where_o with_o satan_n assault_v the_o worldling_n election_n the_o cause_n which_o move_v satan_n and_o his_o instrument_n to_o persuade_v the_o weak_a christian_a to_o doubt_v of_o his_o election_n but_o if_o he_o have_v to_o deal_v with_o a_o true_a christian_a who_o be_v indeed_o elect_v of_o god_n and_o show_v the_o fruit_n of_o his_o election_n by_o desire_v and_o endeavour_v to_o serve_v the_o lord_n in_o holiness_n and_o righteousness_n than_o he_o persuade_v he_o to_o doubt_v of_o his_o election_n and_o to_o hang_v as_o it_o be_v waver_v in_o the_o air_n sometime_o lift_v up_o with_o hope_n sometime_o deject_a and_o cast_v down_o with_o fear_n till_o at_o last_o he_o be_v weary_a and_o tire_v with_o his_o doubtful_a thought_n and_o have_v no_o where_n to_o rest_v himself_o be_v swallow_v up_o of_o desperation_n like_v unto_o a_o silly_a bird_n which_o fly_v over_o the_o main_a ocean_n and_o one_o while_o hope_v
with_o the_o godly_a instruction_n profitable_a exhortation_n and_o sweet_a consolation_n of_o those_o who_o be_v more_o strong_a and_o therefore_o the_o apostle_n paul_n exhort_v those_o who_o have_v attain_a unto_o agreat_a measure_n of_o faith_n that_o they_o admit_v such_o as_o be_v weak_a into_o their_o company_n to_o be_v make_v partaker_n of_o their_o christian_a conference_n to_o the_o end_n that_o hereby_o they_o may_v be_v more_o and_o more_o strengthen_v and_o confirm_v rom._n 14.1_o 14.1_o rom._n 14.1_o sacrament_n the_o 4._o mean_n the_o use_n of_o the_o sacrament_n the_o four_o mean_n be_v the_o holy_a use_n of_o the_o sacrament_n for_o the_o lord_n have_v add_v they_o as_o seal_v to_o the_o handwriting_n of_o his_o covenant_n of_o grace_n to_o confirm_v our_o faith_n in_o the_o full_a assurance_n of_o his_o promise_n and_o to_o take_v away_o all_o doubt_v for_o whereas_o the_o weak_a conscience_n may_v make_v some_o scruple_n in_o respect_n that_o the_o promise_n of_o the_o gospel_n in_o the_o preach_n of_o the_o word_n be_v deliver_v indefinite_o and_o after_o a_o general_a manner_n in_o the_o use_n of_o the_o sacrament_n they_o be_v assure_v unto_o they_o particular_o and_o as_o it_o be_v by_o name_n and_o that_o not_o after_o some_o obscure_a and_o hide_a manner_n but_o most_o familiar_o by_o such_o common_a sign_n be_v be_v subject_a to_o the_o sense_n and_o within_o the_o reach_n of_o the_o shallow_a capacity_n work_n the_o 5._o mean_n good_a work_n a_o five_o mean_n to_o confirm_v our_o faith_n be_v to_o be_v continual_o conversant_a in_o good_a work_n and_o to_o bring_v forth_o the_o fruit_n of_o holy_a obedience_n for_o hereby_o our_o faith_n be_v exercise_v and_o by_o exercise_n strengthen_v and_o increase_v whereas_o contrariwise_o the_o neglect_n hereof_o do_v wound_v the_o conscience_n and_o so_o quench_v the_o lively_a heat_n of_o faith_n that_o though_o it_o be_v not_o quite_o extinguish_v yet_o it_o will_v not_o sensible_o be_v discern_v as_o therefore_o the_o strength_n of_o the_o body_n be_v increase_v by_o exercise_n and_o for_o want_v thereof_o wax_v faint_a and_o languish_v and_o as_o the_o stomach_n be_v by_o outward_a exercise_n of_o the_o body_n make_v more_o fit_a to_o perform_v his_o duty_n of_o concoction_n so_o our_o faith_n be_v exercise_v in_o good_a work_n be_v make_v more_o strong_a and_o fit_a to_o perform_v his_o duty_n in_o apply_v christ_n and_o the_o sweet_a promise_n of_o the_o gospel_n unto_o we_o and_o without_o this_o spiritual_a exercise_n it_o wax_v faint_a and_o the_o strength_n thereof_o abate_v prayer_n the_o 6._o mean_n fervent_a prayer_n the_o last_o mean_n to_o strengthen_v and_o increase_v our_o faith_n be_v continual_a and_o fervent_a prayer_n for_o faith_n be_v not_o in_o our_o own_o power_n but_o it_o be_v the_o free_a gift_n of_o god_n as_o the_o apostle_n teach_v we_o ephe._n 2.8_o neither_o can_v any_o man_n come_v unto_o our_o saviour_n christ_n by_o a_o lively_a faith_n except_o it_o be_v give_v he_o of_o the_o father_n 2.8_o ephe._n 2.8_o as_o himself_o speak_v 6.65_o joh._n 6.65_o joh._n 6.65_o and_o therefore_o when_o we_o see_v the_o small_a measure_n of_o our_o faith_n we_o be_v with_o the_o apostle_n to_o pray_v unto_o the_o lord_n that_o he_o will_v increase_v it_o 17.5_o luk._n 17.5_o luk._n 17.5_o and_o when_o we_o perceive_v that_o it_o be_v grievos_o assault_v with_o doubt_v and_o infidelity_n we_o be_v in_o fervency_n of_o spirit_n to_o cry_v out_o with_o the_o father_n of_o the_o possess_a child_n lord_n i_o believe_v help_v my_o unbelief_n mark_n 9.24_o mark_n 9.24_o 9.24_o and_o then_o we_o may_v be_v assure_v that_o the_o lord_n will_v hear_v we_o and_o satisfy_v our_o godly_a desire_n make_v we_o to_o grow_v up_o from_o faith_n to_o faith_n till_o at_o length_n we_o attain_v unto_o such_o a_o fullness_n of_o persuasion_n that_o we_o shall_v be_v able_a true_o to_o say_v with_o the_o apostle_n 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 which_o be_v in_o christ_n jesus_n our_o lord_n as_o it_o be_v rom._n 8.38.39_o ro._n 8.38.39_o 8.38.39_o §_o sect._n 3_o and_o these_o be_v the_o mean_n which_o proper_o tend_v to_o the_o strengthen_n and_o increase_v of_o our_o faith_n desperation_n of_o the_o mean_n whereby_o we_o may_v be_v preserve_v from_o doubt_v and_o desperation_n which_o whosoever_o careful_o and_o conscionable_o use_v they_o shall_v assure_o find_v they_o effectual_a for_o this_o purpose_n now_o we_o be_v to_o speak_v of_o those_o mean_n whereby_o we_o may_v be_v preserve_v from_o doubt_v and_o desperation_n of_o which_o i_o shall_v not_o need_v to_o speak_v much_o see_v the_o most_o of_o these_o point_n be_v handle_v before_o mean_n the_o 1._o mean_n the_o first_o mean_n to_o preserve_v we_o from_o desperation_n be_v to_o call_v continual_o unto_o our_o remembrance_n that_o the_o promise_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v general_a and_o indefinite_a exclude_v none_o how_o unworthy_a and_o sinful_a soever_o they_o be_v if_o they_o do_v not_o exclude_v themselves_o through_o their_o own_o infidelity_n 11.28_o mat._n 11.28_o so_o mat._n 11.28_o our_o saviour_n call_v all_o humble_a and_o repentant_a sinner_n without_o exception_n say_v come_v unto_o i_o all_o you_o that_o labour_n and_o be_v heavy_a lade_v and_o i_o will_v ease_v you_o 3.16_o joh._n 3.16_o and_o joh._n 3.16_o god_n so_o love_v the_o world_n that_o he_o send_v his_o only_a béloved_a son_n that_o as_o many_o as_o believe_v in_o he_o shall_v not_o perish_v but_o have_v everlasting_a life_n 9.13_o mat._n 9.13_o so_o matth._n 9.13_o our_o saviour_n say_v that_o he_o come_v not_o to_o call_v the_o righteous_a but_o sinner_n to_o repentance_n either_o than_o refuse_v the_o name_n of_o repentant_a sinner_n or_o acknowledge_v that_o he_o come_v to_o save_v thou_o and_o joh._n 6.40_o our_o saviour_n say_v that_o it_o be_v his_o father_n will_n who_o send_v he_o that_o every_o man_n who_o believe_v in_o he_o shall_v have_v everlasting_a l_o fe_o see_v therefore_o god_n take_v no_o exception_n nor_o exclude_v any_o let_v we_o not_o exclude_v ourselves_o through_o our_o want_n of_o faith_n and_o infidelity_n mean_n the_o 2._o mean_n second_o we_o be_v to_o consider_v that_o the_o lord_n have_v not_o only_o propound_v his_o gracious_a promise_n unto_o we_o but_o also_o have_v command_v we_o to_o believe_v they_o 3.23_o mark_n 1.15_o 1._o joh._n 3.23_o so_o mark_n 1.15_o repent_v and_o believe_v the_o gospel_n and_o 1._o joh._n 3.23_o this_o then_o be_v his_o commandment_n that_o we_o believe_v in_o the_o name_n of_o his_o son_n jesus_n christ_n etc._n etc._n now_o to_o believe_v in_o christ_n be_v not_o only_o to_o believe_v that_o he_o be_v a_o saviour_n for_o this_o even_o the_o devil_n believe_v also_o but_o to_o believe_v that_o he_o be_v our_o saviour_n &_o to_o rest_v whole_o upon_o he_o for_o our_o salvation_n &_o to_o say_v with_o the_o apostle_n paul_n 2.20_o gal._n 2.20_o gal._n 2.20_o i_o live_v by_o the_o faith_n in_o the_o son_n of_o god_n who_o have_v love_v i_o and_o give_v himself_o for_o i_o and_o to_o the_o end_n that_o we_o may_v be_v arm_v against_o doubt_v and_o enable_v to_o perform_v this_o commandment_n it_o have_v please_v the_o lord_n to_o add_v unto_o his_o word_n his_o oath_n 6.18_o heb._n 6.18_o that_o by_o two_o immutable_a thing_n wherein_o it_o be_v impossible_a that_o god_n shall_v lie_v we_o shall_v have_v strong_a consolation_n as_o the_o apostle_n speak_v heb._n 6.18_o yea_o he_o have_v also_o unto_o his_o word_n and_o handwriting_n annex_v his_o sacrament_n as_o seal_n that_o there_o may_v be_v no_o place_n leave_v for_o doubt_v see_v therefore_o the_o lord_n have_v express_o command_v we_o to_o believe_v and_o use_v all_o mean_n to_o enable_v we_o to_o perform_v his_o commandment_n let_v we_o not_o now_o dispute_v the_o question_n whether_o we_o be_v worthy_a to_o believe_v or_o no_o or_o whether_o such_o grievous_a sinner_n be_v bind_v to_o this_o duty_n but_o set_v all_o excuse_n aside_o let_v we_o believe_v in_o obedience_n to_o god_n commandment_n mean_n the_o 3._o mean_n three_o we_o must_v not_o always_o set_v before_o we_o the_o innumerable_a multitude_n and_o huge_a weight_n of_o our_o sin_n but_o withal_o call_v to_o our_o remembrance_n the_o infinite_a mercy_n of_o god_n and_o merit_n of_o christ_n who_o have_v offer_v unto_o his_o father_n a_o propitiatory_a sacrifice_n and_o full_a satisfaction_n for_o all_o our_o sin_n 2.2_o 1._o john_n 2.2_o and_o not_o for_o we_o only_o but_o for_o the_o sin_n of_o all_o the_o world_n
be_v able_a to_o separate_v they_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 §_o sect._n 7_o but_o against_o this_o it_o may_v be_v object_v ansiver_v a_o objection_n against_o the_o former_a reason_n ansiver_v that_o the_o sin_n of_o the_o faithful_a do_v provoke_v the_o lord_n unto_o anger_n and_o move_v he_o to_o cast_v they_o off_o in_o his_o just_a displeasure_n and_o to_o withdraw_v from_o they_o his_o wont_a love_n and_o favour_n and_o therefore_o see_v sin_n separate_v they_o from_o god_n love_n it_o may_v also_o plunge_v they_o into_o condemnation_n to_o which_o i_o answer_v that_o indeed_o the_o sin_n of_o the_o faithful_a do_v in_o themselves_o deserve_v the_o everlasting_a wrath_n of_o god_n and_o eternal_a death_n if_o they_o be_v not_o take_v away_o by_o christ_n who_o have_v by_o his_o precious_a bloodshed_n satisfy_v his_o father_n justice_n and_o that_o even_o now_o they_o so_o offend_v by_o their_o sin_n their_o gracious_a father_n that_o they_o have_v need_v to_o renew_v their_o faith_n and_o repentance_n before_o they_o can_v have_v any_o sensible_a assurance_n that_o they_o be_v reconcile_v unto_o he_o and_o receive_v into_o his_o love_n and_o favour_n it_o be_v most_o true_a that_o god_n be_v displease_v with_o the_o sin_n of_o his_o child_n according_a to_o that_o esa_n child_n esa_n 64.5_o how_o god_n be_v say_v to_o be_v angry_a with_o his_o child_n 64.5_o behold_v thou_o be_v angry_a for_o we_o have_v sin_v but_o this_o anger_n do_v not_o exclude_v they_o out_o of_o his_o love_n see_v it_o be_v not_o the_o anger_n of_o a_o enemy_n but_o of_o a_o gracious_a father_n who_o be_v not_o angry_a with_o their_o person_n to_o destroy_v they_o but_o with_o their_o sin_n to_o convert_v and_o save_v they_o as_o therefore_o child_n with_o their_o fault_n provoke_v their_o parent_n to_o anger_n and_o move_v they_o to_o turn_v their_o fatherly_a smile_n into_o bitter_a frown_n and_o the_o fruit_n of_o their_o love_n into_o the_o effect_n of_o hatred_n in_o outward_a show_n as_o namely_o severe_a countenance_n sharp_a reproof_n and_o rigorous_a chastizement_n and_o in_o respect_n of_o these_o outward_a sign_n and_o effect_n of_o their_o anger_n they_o be_v usual_o say_v to_o be_v out_o of_o favour_n and_o in_o their_o father_n displeasure_n howsoever_o in_o truth_n at_o the_o same_o time_n they_o entire_o love_v they_o and_o use_v all_o this_o wholesome_a severity_n not_o because_o they_o hate_v but_o because_o they_o will_v reform_v they_o so_o god_n child_n when_o by_o their_o sin_n they_o do_v offend_v he_o and_o provoke_v his_o anger_n against_o they_o be_v say_v to_o be_v out_o of_o his_o favour_n not_o that_o god_n do_v ever_o change_v his_o fatherly_a affection_n or_o purpose_v utter_o to_o reject_v they_o but_o because_o he_o change_v the_o effect_n of_o his_o love_n into_o the_o effect_n of_o hatred_n in_o outward_a show_n as_o when_o inward_o he_o suffer_v they_o to_o be_v vex_v with_o the_o terror_n of_o conscience_n and_o with_o the_o apprehension_n of_o his_o anger_n and_o displeasure_n and_o outward_o whip_v and_o scourge_v they_o with_o temporary_a affliction_n all_o which_o he_o do_v not_o for_o any_o hatred_n to_o their_o person_n for_o he_o never_o hate_v those_o who_o he_o have_v once_o love_v in_o christ_n but_o for_o the_o hatred_n of_o their_o sin_n and_o love_n of_o the_o sinner_n who_o by_o this_o mean_v he_o bring_v by_o the_o rough_a and_o unpleasant_a way_n of_o repentance_n unto_o the_o eternal_a pleasure_n of_o his_o kingdom_n §_o sect._n 8_o and_o thus_o it_o appear_v that_o god_n love_n and_o anger_n may_v stand_v together_o gift_n our_o perseverance_n prove_v by_o god_n immutabilitie_n in_o his_o gift_n and_o that_o notwithstanding_o his_o momentanie_n displeasure_n his_o love_n may_v be_v eternal_a now_o second_o we_o be_v to_o know_v that_o as_o god_n be_v immutable_a in_o his_o love_n so_o also_o in_o his_o gift_n as_o faith_n repentance_n hope_v affiance_n charity_n etc._n etc._n according_a to_o that_o rom._n 11.29_o 11.29_o rom._n 11.29_o the_o gift_n and_o call_n of_o god_n be_v without_o repentance_n but_o yet_o this_o be_v to_o be_v understand_v with_o diverse_a caution_n for_o first_o it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v understand_v of_o all_o the_o gift_n of_o god_n not_o of_o temporary_a gift_n nor_o of_o the_o gift_n of_o the_o spirit_n which_o be_v common_a to_o the_o wicked_a with_o the_o godly_a for_o these_o be_v not_o essential_a to_o a_o christian_a nor_o necessary_a to_o salvation_n the_o lord_n give_v or_o take_v away_o as_o in_o his_o infinite_a wisdom_n he_o think_v best_a neither_o yet_o be_v we_o to_o understand_v it_o of_o all_o gift_n of_o the_o spirit_n which_o be_v proper_a to_o the_o elect_a for_o some_o also_o of_o these_o be_v not_o of_o the_o essence_n of_o faith_n but_o only_a effect_n and_o fruit_n thereof_o he_o take_v away_o from_o his_o child_n for_o a_o time_n as_o namely_o the_o purity_n of_o their_o conscience_n and_o the_o peace_n which_o do_v accompany_v it_o the_o sense_n and_o feel_n of_o god_n love_n and_o favour_n 15._o psal_n 51.9_o 10_o 11_o 12_o 15._o cheerfulness_n of_o spirit_n joy_n in_o the_o holy_a ghost_n patience_n the_o gift_n of_o prayer_n and_o such_o like_a because_o his_o love_n and_o the_o salvation_n of_o the_o faithful_a may_v stand_v with_o the_o want_n of_o these_o gift_n for_o a_o time_n neither_o be_v we_o to_o understand_v this_o of_o the_o action_n and_o sensible_a fruit_n of_o god_n grace_n for_o these_o also_o have_v their_o intermission_n the_o grace_n themselves_o notwithstanding_o remain_v for_o as_o the_o sun_n do_v always_o shine_v and_o yet_o sometime_o the_o beam_n thereof_o be_v not_o discern_v be_v hinder_v from_o spread_v themselves_o by_o the_o interposition_n of_o the_o cloud_n or_o of_o the_o earth_n and_o the_o fire_n do_v continue_v light_n and_o hot_a in_o itself_o and_o yet_o be_v cover_v with_o ash_n do_v give_v neither_o light_n nor_o heat_n to_o the_o stander_n by_o so_o these_o grace_n of_o god_n spirit_n faith_n hope_n affiance_n love_n and_o such_o like_a may_v in_o respect_n of_o their_o substance_n habitual_o remain_v in_o we_o and_o yet_o for_o a_o time_n not_o send_v forth_o the_o light_n and_o heat_n of_o joy_n comfort_n peace_n and_o the_o rest_n and_o though_o they_o retain_v their_o nature_n still_o yet_o they_o may_v be_v hinder_v from_o exercise_v their_o action_n and_o function_n as_o namely_o when_o as_o the_o conscience_n be_v wound_v with_o some_o wilful_a sin_n commit_v against_o the_o knowledge_n or_o in_o the_o spiritual_a conflict_n of_o temptation_n as_o before_o i_o have_v show_v at_o large_a last_o this_o be_v not_o to_o be_v understand_v of_o their_o measure_n and_o degree_n for_o these_o grace_n have_v their_o full_a and_o wain_n their_o ebb_n and_o tide_n their_o perfect_a strength_n and_o their_o faint_a languish_v but_o of_o their_o substance_n and_o true_a be_v in_o which_o respect_n they_o never_o utter_o fail_v but_o continue_v without_o intermission_n unto_o the_o end_n for_o as_o the_o gift_n of_o faith_n so_o all_o other_o the_o like_a grace_n be_v the_o work_n of_o god_n as_o our_o saviour_n teach_v we_o john_n 6.29_o and_o we_o may_v assure_v ourselves_o of_o this_o 6.29_o john_n 6.29_o that_o he_o that_o have_v begin_v this_o good_a work_n in_o we_o will_v also_o finish_v and_o perfect_v it_o until_o the_o day_n of_o jesus_n christ_n 1.6_o phil._n 1.6_o as_o the_o apostle_n speak_v philip._n 1.6_o chap._n xiii_o of_o the_o four_o and_o five_o reason_n to_o prove_v the_o certainty_n of_o our_o perseverance_n ground_v upon_o god_n power_n and_o truth_n §_o sect._n 1_o the_o four_o reason_n may_v be_v take_v from_o god_n omnipotency_n and_o almighty_a power_n omnipotency_n the_o four_o reason_n ground_v upon_o god_n omnipotency_n for_o if_o god_n in_o respect_n of_o his_o infinite_a love_n be_v willing_a that_o we_o shall_v be_v save_v and_o persevere_v in_o the_o mean_n of_o our_o salvation_n and_o be_v immutable_a also_o and_o unchangeable_a in_o his_o love_n and_o will_n and_o likewise_o in_o respect_n of_o his_o power_n infinite_a and_o almighty_a able_a to_o effect_v whatsoever_o he_o will_v then_o sure_o be_v assure_v that_o we_o be_v in_o the_o state_n of_o grace_n and_o in_o god_n love_n and_o favour_n there_o be_v no_o doubt_n but_o we_o shall_v be_v save_v and_o persevere_v in_o the_o mean_n which_o be_v inseparable_o join_v with_o our_o salvation_n but_o as_o the_o lord_n in_o respect_n of_o his_o love_n be_v most_o willing_a so_o in_o respect_n of_o his_o power_n he_o be_v able_a continual_o to_o uphold_v we_o in_o the_o state_n of_o grace_n and_o to_o frustrate_v and_o defeat_v all_o the_o malice_n and_o might_n of_o all_o our_o