seal_v with_o the_o spirit_n of_o promise_n ephes._n 1._o 11._o as_o it_o be_v not_o sufficient_a to_o prove_v that_o wholesome_a water_n give_v to_o a_o feaver-sick_a person_n be_v not_o a_o wholesome_a drink_n because_o the_o cool_a refreshment_n by_o it_o endure_v but_o a_o short_a while_n so_o it_o be_v not_o sufficient_a to_o prove_v that_o consolation_n and_o joy_n give_v to_o a_o sorrowful_a sinner_n seek_v favour_n through_o christ_n be_v not_o solid_a and_o true_a joy_n because_o it_o stay_v but_o a_o short_a while_n it_o be_v sufficient_a that_o it_o have_v stay_v so_o long_o as_o be_v needful_a for_o after_o the_o word_n of_o promise_n be_v believe_v the_o joy_n be_v send_v to_o ease_v the_o afflict_a soul_n present_a grief_n and_o to_o give_v he_o earnest_n that_o full_a and_o last_a joy_n shall_v be_v give_v in_o due_a time_n unto_o he_o when_o the_o messenger_n have_v do_v his_o commission_n let_v he_o return_v to_o his_o master_n as_o the_o sheet_n let_v down_o in_o the_o vision_n from_o heaven_n to_o peter_n after_o it_o have_v serve_v for_o peter_n instruction_n it_o be_v take_v up_o to_o heaven_n again_o act._n 10._o the_o spouse_n in_o the_o canticle_n know_v by_o experience_n that_o her_o spiritual_a joy_n will_v not_o last_v long_o and_o therefore_o charge_v the_o daughter_n of_o jerusalem_n that_o they_o waken_v not_o she_o belove_v till_o he_o please_v 5._o another_o objection_n be_v this_o if_o my_o joy_n have_v be_v solid_a say_v the_o afflict_a it_o shall_v have_v bring_v forth_o better_a fruit_n than_o it_o have_v do_v but_o joy_n spiritual_a as_o i_o then_o call_v it_o do_v degenerate_a into_o a_o carnal_a security_n and_o i_o be_v not_o the_o more_o holy_a by_o it_o to_o which_o objection_n the_o answer_n may_v be_v this_o the_o blame_n of_o this_o be_v not_o to_o be_v lay_v on_o spiritual_a joy_n but_o upon_o the_o abuse_n of_o this_o mercy_n by_o ingratitude_n for_o this_o gracious_a blink_n of_o feel_a favour_n negligence_n in_o the_o use_n of_o mean_n to_o entertain_v this_o sense_n by_o sleepiness_n of_o conscience_n and_o other_o sin_n and_o namely_o the_o lay_v too_o much_o weight_n upon_o this_o sense_n and_o not_o fix_v the_o heart_n by_o so_o much_o more_o upon_o the_o word_n of_o promise_n when_o feel_v consolation_n may_v be_v withdraw_v be_v a_o just_a cause_n for_o spiritual_a joy_n be_v not_o give_v to_o any_o to_o build_v upon_o its_o continuance_n but_o to_o make_v the_o convert_n hold_v the_o confirm_a word_n of_o promise_n so_o much_o the_o fast_o when_o for_o the_o exercise_n of_o faith_n comfortable_a feeling_n be_v withdraw_v the_o spouse_n in_o the_o canticle_n after_o a_o feast_n of_o this_o kind_n fall_v a_o sleep_n and_o give_v slight_a entertain_v to_o the_o bridegroom_n when_o call_v upon_o by_o his_o word_n for_o which_o she_o be_v chastise_v by_o his_o withdraw_n of_o his_o comfortable_a presence_n cant._n 5._o 1_o 2_o 3._o etc._n etc._n but_o let_v we_o put_v the_o case_n that_o the_o feel_v joy_n of_o the_o spirit_n be_v not_o abuse_v yet_o be_v it_o not_o unusual_a for_o god_n to_o withdraw_v consolation_n and_o to_o send_v trouble_n and_o anguish_n on_o the_o soul_n of_o his_o dear_a child_n to_o try_v his_o faith_n and_o train_n he_o on_o to_o hold_v the_o word_n of_o his_o grace_n in_o the_o hard_a condition_n he_o can_v be_v into_o as_o he_o do_v exercise_n job_n and_o jeremie_n the_o prophet_n jer._n 20._o and_o the_o psalmist_n ps._n 77._o in_o which_o condition_n to_o suspect_v that_o the_o consolation_n and_o joy_n of_o the_o spirit_n speak_v to_o the_o heart_n by_o his_o word_n be_v not_o his_o gracious_a operation_n or_o be_v a_o delusion_n can_v but_o exceed_o grieve_v the_o lord_n and_o give_v he_o cause_n to_o chastise_v this_o suspicion_n with_o desertion_n 6._o but_o how_o may_v i_o know_v say_v the_o afflict_a that_o my_o joy_n be_v solid_a and_o be_v indeed_o the_o gracious_a operation_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n for_o answer_v 1._o if_o this_o joy_n be_v give_v to_o he_o when_o or_o after_o he_o be_v lament_v his_o sin_n and_o fear_v wrath_n deserve_v and_o fly_v unto_o christ_n offer_v in_o the_o gospel_n he_o have_v reason_n to_o reckon_v that_o joy_n to_o be_v such_o as_o the_o word_n of_o the_o gospel_n do_v promise_n and_o approve_v 2._o if_o during_o the_o time_n of_o his_o sweet_a feel_n of_o peace_n and_o joy_n through_o christ_n he_o find_v his_o faith_n in_o god_n and_o love_n to_o christ_n confirm_v and_o strengthen_v if_o the_o word_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v in_o more_o estimation_n with_o he_o if_o his_o heart_n be_v enlarge_v to_o bless_v praise_n and_o thank_v god_n for_o manifest_v himself_o in_o christ_n reconcile_v if_o the_o purpose_n of_o follow_v after_o holiness_n be_v renew_v in_o he_o he_o have_v no_o reason_n to_o suspect_v his_o joy_n and_o comfort_n 3._o if_o after_o the_o remove_n of_o this_o sweet_a feeling_n he_o be_v go_v on_o in_o the_o study_n of_o holiness_n believe_v in_o christ_n how_o heavy_a in_o heart_n soever_o he_o may_v be_v by_o affliction_n and_o tentation_n he_o may_v be_v assure_v his_o sometime_o feel_a joy_n of_o the_o lord_n spirit_n be_v solid_a and_o his_o present_a suspicion_n thereof_o to_o be_v a_o evidence_n of_o his_o infirmity_n and_o of_o a_o tentation_n from_o satan_n this_o be_v the_o way_n how_o the_o psalmist_n wrestle_v out_o of_o his_o sad_a condition_n ps._n 77._o chap._n fourteen_o of_o the_o convert_n suspect_v that_o his_o zeal_n for_o god_n and_o against_o the_o sin_n of_o other_o have_v be_v fleshly_a severity_n and_o imprudent_a temerity_n it_o come_v to_o pass_v that_o they_o who_o love_n god_n sincere_o and_o can_v endure_v the_o out-breaking_n of_o the_o wicked_a do_v sometime_o transgress_v the_o bound_n of_o moderate_a zeal_n and_o be_v overtake_v in_o some_o miscarriage_n for_o which_o be_v rebuke_v by_o their_o friend_n or_o by_o they_o in_o power_n censure_v or_o civil_o chastise_v do_v in_o stead_n of_o moderate_v their_o zeal_n in_o time_n come_v grow_v more_o slack_a and_o remiss_a in_o their_o zeal_n suspect_v themselves_o incline_v to_o unreasonable_a severity_n and_o rashness_n and_o ready_a to_o be_v esteem_v hater_n of_o man_n person_n by_o those_o among_o who_o they_o live_v as_o in_o some_o bygone_a experience_n they_o have_v already_o feel_v and_o upon_o this_o occasion_n the_o tentation_n of_o satan_n fall_v on_o tend_v to_o extinguish_v the_o fervency_n of_o true_a zeal_n require_v in_o all_o true_a convert_n and_o here_o there_o be_v danger_n lest_o true_a zeal_n grow_v cold_a and_o the_o convert_v become_v lukewarm_a both_o in_o curb_v sin_n in_o other_o under_o his_o charge_n and_o in_o pursue_v duty_n in_o his_o own_o person_n in_o which_o sickness_n he_o may_v be_v the_o better_o please_v with_o himself_o by_o so_o much_o as_o his_o friend_n and_o other_o do_v commend_v he_o for_o his_o moderation_n and_o prudence_n as_o they_o shall_v call_v it_o 2._o as_o to_o the_o remedy_n of_o this_o evil_a there_o be_v no_o doubt_n but_o that_o may_v befall_v true_a zeal_n which_o be_v common_a to_o other_o virtue_n of_o which_o there_o be_v none_o so_o perfect_a but_o some_o in-lake_n or_o excess_n may_v be_v observe_v in_o they_o and_o therefore_o as_o it_o be_v without_o reason_n to_o go_v back_o from_o pursue_v duty_n in_o the_o exercise_n of_o other_o virtue_n because_o imperfection_n therein_o be_v remarkable_a from_o time_n to_o time_n so_o be_v it_o without_o reason_n to_o grow_v lukewarm_a in_o zeal_n which_o may_v render_v a_o man_n loathsome_a unto_o christ_n rev._n 2._o 3._o wherefore_o let_v the_o convert_v take_v heed_n what_o the_o lord_n word_n do_v require_v of_o he_o in_o his_o call_n and_o labour_n to_o discharge_v his_o duty_n towards_o other_o so_o as_o he_o may_v be_v find_v both_o zealous_a and_o prudent_a that_o in_o the_o expression_n of_o his_o zeal_n against_o sin_n meekness_n and_o love_n to_o the_o offender_n may_v be_v manifest_v 2._o to_o this_o intent_n let_v the_o convert_v careful_o take_v heed_n to_o entertain_v these_o three_o property_n of_o commendable_a zeal_n which_o be_v 1._o the_o fear_n of_o god_n 2._o humility_n of_o heart_n 3._o the_o love_n of_o his_o neighbour_n for_o the_o fear_n of_o god_n will_v not_o suffer_v the_o convert_n to_o depart_v from_o his_o commandment_n humility_n of_o heart_n will_v make_v the_o man_n modest_a in_o his_o expression_n and_o the_o love_n of_o his_o neighbour_n will_v make_v he_o mix_v meekness_n and_o compassion_n towards_o sinner_n with_o his_o zeal_n against_o offence_n this_o be_v the_o right_a season_n of_o zeal_n which_o the_o apostle_n call_v the_o zeal_n of_o god_n according_a to_o knowledge_n chap._n xv._n of_o the_o convert_n suspect_v his_o aim_v at_o circumspect_a
whereby_o he_o be_v make_v more_o capable_a of_o regeneration_n to_o be_v wrought_v in_o he_o for_o the_o material_a disposition_n of_o he_o fit_v he_o for_o regeneration_n be_v neither_o a_o part_n nor_o a_o degree_n of_o regeneration_n for_o albeit_o the_o lord_n be_v not_o bind_v to_o these_o preparatory_a disposition_n yet_o he_o will_v have_v man_n bind_v to_o make_v use_n of_o these_o external_a mean_n which_o may_v prepare_v he_o because_o by_o the_o use_n of_o external_a mean_n such_o as_o be_v hear_v of_o the_o word_n catechise_v and_o conference_n etc._n etc._n a_o man_n may_v be_v bring_v more_o near_o unto_o regeneration_n as_o christ_n do_v teach_v we_o by_o his_o speech_n to_o that_o pharisee_fw-mi who_o be_v instruct_v in_o the_o law_n and_o answer_v discreedy_a unto_o christ_n thou_o be_v not_o far_o say_v he_o from_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n mark_n 12._o 24._o this_o preparatory_a disposition_n in_o order_n unto_o regeneration_n be_v like_a unto_o the_o dry_n of_o timber_n to_o make_v it_o soon_o take_v fire_n when_o it_o be_v casten_z into_o it_o for_o dryness_n in_o the_o timber_n be_v neither_o a_o part_n nor_o a_o degree_n of_o kindle_v or_o inflammation_n of_o it_o but_o only_o a_o preparation_n of_o the_o timber_n to_o receive_v inflammation_n when_o the_o fire_n shall_v be_v set_v to_o it_o or_o it_o put_v in_o the_o fire_n possible_o a_o long_a time_n after_o in_o these_o preparatory_a exercise_n then_o no_o man_n will_v deny_v that_o the_o natural_a man_n unrenewed_a have_v a_o natural_a power_n to_o go_v and_o hear_v a_o sermon_n preach_v to_o read_v the_o scripture_n to_o be_v inform_v by_o catechise_v and_o conference_n of_o religion_n and_o regeneration_n whereof_o god_n when_o he_o please_v may_v make_v use_n in_o regeneration_n of_o the_o man_n wherefore_o whosoever_o in_o the_o preach_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v charge_v and_o command_v to_o repent_v to_o believe_v in_o christ_n or_o turn_v unto_o god_n they_o be_v command_v also_o to_o use_v all_o these_o external_a mean_n whereby_o they_o may_v be_v inform_v of_o the_o duty_n require_v and_o of_o the_o mean_n lead_v thereunto_o in_o the_o exercise_n of_o which_o external_a mean_n they_o may_v meet_v with_o sundry_a common_a operation_n and_o effect_n of_o god_n spirit_n before_o they_o be_v regenerate_v or_o convert_v whereof_o the_o use_n may_v be_v sound_a not_o only_o in_o but_o also_o after_o conversion_n and_o if_o any_o man_n shall_v refuse_v slight_a or_o neglect_v to_o follow_v these_o preparatory_a exercise_n which_o may_v prepare_v he_o for_o conversion_n he_o be_v inexcusable_a before_o god_n and_o man_n and_o guilty_a of_o reject_v of_o the_o offer_n of_o reconciliation_n yea_o guilty_a of_o resist_v of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n of_o which_o sin_n and_o guiltiness_n the_o holy_a martyr_n stephen_n charge_v the_o misbelieve_a jew_n act_n 7._o 51._o 8._o as_o for_o the_o regenerate_a man_n he_o it_o be_v who_o in_o the_o acknowledgement_n of_o his_o sinfulness_n and_o deserve_a misery_n and_o of_o his_o utter_a inability_n to_o help_v himself_o do_v cast_v away_o all_o confidence_n in_o his_o own_o part_n and_o possible_a righteousness_n of_o his_o own_o work_n and_o flee_v to_o christ_n offer_v in_o the_o gospel_n that_o in_o christ_n alone_o he_o may_v have_v true_a wisdom_n righteousness_n sanctification_n and_o redemption_n and_o do_v with_o full_a purpose_n of_o heart_n consecrat_v himself_o and_o endeavour_v in_o the_o strength_n of_o christ_n to_o serve_v god_n acceptable_o all_o the_o day_n of_o his_o life_n for_o the_o ground_n of_o this_o description_n we_o have_v the_o word_n of_o the_o apostle_n philip._n 3._o 3_o where_o put_v a_o difference_n between_o the_o true_a people_n of_o god_n and_o the_o counterfeit_n he_o say_v we_o be_v the_o circumcision_n who_o worship_n god_n in_o the_o spirit_n and_o rejoice_v in_o jesus_n christ_n and_o have_v no_o confidence_n in_o the_o flesh_n in_o which_o description_n of_o the_o regenerate_a man_n the_o apostle_n first_o point_v forth_o unto_o we_o three_o special_a operation_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o regeneration_n than_o three_o duty_n of_o the_o man_n regenerate_v the_o first_o operation_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n the_o only_a circumciser_n of_o the_o heart_n be_v the_o humble_v of_o the_o man_n in_o the_o sense_n of_o his_o sin_n by_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o law_n and_o cut_v off_o all_o his_o confidence_n in_o his_o own_o worth_n wit_n freewill_n and_o strength_n to_o help_v himself_o so_o that_o the_o man_n have_v no_o confidence_n in_o the_o flesh_n the_o second_o operation_n be_v the_o infusion_n of_o save_a faith_n make_v the_o man_n humble_v to_o close_v with_o christ_n in_o the_o covenant_n of_o reconciliation_n and_o to_o rest_v upon_o he_o as_o the_o only_a and_o sufficient_a remedy_n of_o sin_n and_o misery_n so_o that_o christ_n become_v to_o he_o the_o ground_n of_o rejoice_v and_o gloriation_n the_o three_o operation_n be_v the_o upstirring_a and_o enable_v of_o the_o believer_n in_o christ_n to_o endeavour_v new_a obedience_n and_o to_o worship_n god_n in_o the_o spirit_n as_o for_o the_o three_o duty_n of_o the_o man_n regenerate_v the_o first_o be_v to_o follow_v the_o lead_n of_o the_o spirit_n in_o the_o point_n of_o more_o and_o more_o humble_v of_o himself_o before_o god_n in_o the_o sense_n of_o his_o own_o insufficiency_n and_o eshew_v of_o all_o lean_v on_o his_o own_o part_n gift_n work_n or_o suffering_n or_o any_o thing_n else_o beside_o christ_n he_o must_v have_v no_o confidence_n in_o the_o flesh_n the_o second_o duty_n be_v to_o grow_v in_o the_o estimation_n of_o christ_n righteousness_n and_o fullness_n of_o all_o grace_n to_o be_v let_v forth_o to_o the_o believer_n employ_v he_o by_o faith_n and_o comfort_v himself_o in_o christ_n against_o all_o difficulty_n trouble_n and_o temptation_n he_o must_v rejoice_v in_o jesus_n christ._n the_o three_o duty_n be_v to_o endeavour_v communion-keeping_a with_o god_n in_o the_o course_n of_o new_a obedience_n in_o all_o case_n worship_v and_o serve_v god_n in_o sincerity_n of_o heart_n he_o must_v be_v a_o worshipper_n of_o god_n as_o to_o the_o last_o thing_n hold_v forth_o in_o the_o apostle_n word_n which_o be_v the_o undoubted_a mark_n and_o evidence_n of_o the_o man_n regenerate_v and_o circumcise_v in_o heart_n it_o stand_v in_o the_o constant_a endeavour_n to_o grow_v in_o these_o three_o duty_n joint_o so_o as_o each_o of_o they_o may_v advance_v another_o for_o many_o fail_n and_o short-coming_n will_v be_v find_v in_o our_o new_a obedience_n and_o worship_v of_o god_n in_o the_o spirit_n but_o let_v these_o fail_n be_v make_v use_n of_o to_o extinguish_v and_o abolish_v all_o confidence_n in_o our_o own_o part_n and_o righteousness_n that_o our_o daily_a fail_n may_v humble_v we_o and_o cut_v we_o off_o from_o all_o confidence_n in_o the_o flesh_n but_o let_v not_o these_o fail_n so_o discourage_v we_o as_o to_o hinder_v we_o to_o put_v confidence_n in_o christ_n but_o by_o the_o contrair_a the_o less_o ground_n of_o confidence_n we_o find_v in_o ourselves_o let_v we_o raise_v so_o much_o high_a the_o estimation_n of_o remission_n of_o sin_n and_o imputation_n of_o christ_n righteousness_n and_o stir_v up_o ourselves_o by_o faith_n to_o draw_v more_o strength_n and_o ability_n out_o of_o christ_n for_o enable_v we_o to_o walk_v more_o holy_o and_o righteous_o before_o god_n and_o have_v flee_v to_o christ_n and_o comfort_v ourselves_o in_o he_o let_v we_o not_o turn_v his_o grace_n into_o wantonness_n but_o the_o more_o we_o believe_v the_o grace_n of_o jesus_n christ_n let_v we_o strive_v in_o his_o strength_n so_o much_o the_o more_o to_o glorify_v god_n in_o new_a obedience_n and_o in_o the_o circle_n of_o these_o three_o duty_n let_v we_o wind_v ourselves_o up_o stair_n towards_o heaven_n for_o god_n have_v promise_v that_o such_o as_o wait_v on_o the_o lord_n shall_v renew_v their_o strength_n they_o shall_v mount_v up_o with_o wing_n as_o eagle_n they_o shall_v run_v and_o not_o be_v weary_a they_o shall_v walk_v and_o not_o faint_a isaiah_n 40._o 31._o in_o the_o conjunction_n of_o these_o three_o duty_n the_o evidence_n of_o regeneration_n be_v find_v if_o there_o be_v not_o a_o sincere_a endeavour_n after_o all_o these_o three_o duty_n the_o evidence_n of_o regeneration_n be_v by_o so_o much_o darken_v and_o short_a for_o probation_n for_o it_o be_v not_o sufficient_a to_o prove_v a_o man_n regenerate_v that_o he_o be_v drive_v from_o all_o confidence_n in_o his_o own_o righteousness_n and_o fill_v with_o the_o sense_n of_o sin_n and_o deserve_a wrath_n because_o a_o man_n that_o have_v no_o more_o than_o that_o may_v perish_v in_o this_o miserable_a condition_n as_o we_o see_v in_o judas_n the_o traitor_n who_o conscience_n be_v burden_v with_o the_o sense_n of_o
satisfy_v for_o their_o sin_n by_o the_o external_a sacrifice_n of_o some_o clean_a beast_n offer_v to_o god_n or_o by_o the_o wash_n of_o their_o body_n and_o their_o clothes_n such_o also_o be_v the_o covenant_n which_o now_o adays_o many_o make_v with_o god_n cut_v short_a with_o the_o old_a pharisee_n the_o sense_n of_o the_o precept_n of_o the_o law_n by_o extend_v it_o no_o further_o than_o they_o may_v keep_v the_o same_o that_o so_o they_o may_v make_v their_o own_o inherent_a righteousness_n the_o long_o &_o conform_v unto_o their_o own_o clip_a rule_n of_o righteousness_n and_o this_o they_o do_v by_o deny_v themselves_o to_o be_v guilty_a of_o original_a sin_n after_o baptism_n and_o by_o extenuate_v and_o diminish_v many_o fault_n as_o but_o light_n and_o venial_a as_o they_o call_v they_o and_o by_o devise_v satisfaction_n for_o expiate_v the_o sin_n of_o the_o live_n by_o penance_n and_o pilgrimage_n and_o of_o the_o dead_a by_o their_o suffering_n in_o their_o imaginary_a purgatory_n that_o so_o they_o may_v be_v justify_v by_o their_o work_n and_o suffering_n such_o also_o be_v their_o covenant_n who_o seek_v justification_n by_o decease_a saint_n merit_n hope_v they_o may_v so_o have_v absolution_n from_o sin_n and_o obtain_v life_n eternal_a and_o all_o these_o sort_n of_o covenant_n of_o man_n frame_v we_o call_v bastard-covenant_n of_o work_n because_o god_n will_v not_o admit_v any_o other_o covenant_n of_o work_n then_o that_o which_o require_v perfect_a personal_a obedience_n and_o therefore_o so_o many_o as_o seek_v to_o be_v justify_v by_o work_n do_v stand_v under_o the_o obligation_n of_o perfect_a personal_a obedience_n under_o pain_n of_o death_n and_o will_v be_v find_v not_o only_o utter_o unable_a to_o do_v any_o good_a work_n but_o also_o to_o be_v without_o christ_n and_o to_o be_v fall_v from_o grace_n as_o the_o apostle_n gal._n 5._o 3_o 4._o do_v teach_v we_o obj._n see_v god_n do_v abhor_v these_o bastard-covenant_n of_o work_n and_o do_v well_o know_v that_o man_n be_v so_o far_o from_o performance_n of_o the_o due_a obedience_n of_o the_o law_n that_o they_o be_v utter_o unable_a before_o they_o be_v reconcile_v through_o faith_n in_o christ_n to_o do_v so_o much_o as_o one_o acceptable_a work_n as_o the_o psalmist_n teach_v psal._n 14._o 1_o 2_o 3._o why_o do_v the_o lord_n exact_v perfect_a obedience_n unto_o the_o law_n from_o sinner_n why_o do_v he_o press_v so_o instant_o the_o slave_n of_o sin_n to_o perform_v the_o duty_n require_v in_o the_o true_a covenant_n of_o work_n ans._n the_o lord_n just_o do_v abhor_v and_o reject_v these_o bastard-covenant_n because_o they_o evacuat_v and_o make_v void_a both_o the_o covenant_n of_o work_n and_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n which_o be_v by_o faith_n in_o christ_n and_o he_o do_v press_v all_o man_n to_o perform_v perfect_a obedience_n to_o all_o the_o command_n whereunto_o they_o be_v natural_o oblige_v to_o the_o end_n that_o proud_a man_n conceity_n of_o their_o own_o natural_a ability_n may_v find_v by_o experience_n that_o they_o be_v unable_a to_o perform_v the_o condition_n of_o the_o covenant_n of_o work_n and_o may_v acknowledge_v the_o same_o and_o so_o despair_v of_o righteousness_n by_o their_o work_n and_o be_v force_v to_o fly_v to_o christ_n and_o to_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n through_o he_o that_o they_o may_v be_v fir_v from_o that_o covenant_n and_o be_v justify_v by_o faith_n in_o christ_n may_v be_v enable_v to_o begin_v new_a obedience_n to_o the_o law_n in_o the_o strength_n of_o christ_n furniture_n for_o christ_n be_v the_o end_n of_o the_o law_n for_o righteousness_n to_o every_o one_o that_o believe_v rom._n 10._o 4_o and_o the_o law_n enter_v that_o man_n may_v by_o the_o law_n see_v and_o acknowledge_v that_o the_o offence_n do_v abound_v and_o then_o may_v perceive_v that_o the_o 〈…〉_z â—â—grâ—ce_n by_o christ_n do_v superabound_a rom._n 〈…〉_z and_o 1_o tim._n 1._o 5._o the_o end_n of_o the_o command_n be_v 〈…〉_z of_o a_o purâ—_n heart_n and_o a_o good_a conscience_n and_o faith_n unfamed_a this_o be_v the_o end_n of_o the_o promulgation_n of_o the_o law_n in_o mount_n sinai_n that_o a_o stiff-necked_a people_n trust_v in_o their_o own_o ability_n may_v be_v make_v sensible_a of_o their_o imperfection_n by_o the_o repetition_n of_o the_o law_n and_o to_o this_o also_o god_n superadd_v the_o external_a yoke_n of_o the_o ceremonial_a law_n which_o neither_o they_o nor_o their_o posterity_n be_v able_a to_o bear_v act_n 15._o 10._o that_o the_o people_n perceive_v their_o manifold_a pollution_n and_o guiltiness_n wherein_o they_o be_v daily_o involve_v by_o break_v of_o god_n law_n may_v in_o the_o sense_n of_o the_o burden_n lie_v on_o they_o and_o of_o their_o damnable_a estate_n under_o it_o fly_v to_o christ_n the_o lamb_n of_o god_n that_o take_v away_o the_o sin_n of_o the_o world_n as_o he_o be_v represent_v and_o offer_v to_o their_o sight_n in_o the_o sacrifice_n and_o burn_a offering_n of_o this_o end_n of_o press_v the_o law_n upon_o proud_a man_n we_o have_v a_o example_n math._n 19_o 16_o 17_o 18_o 19_o 20_o 21_o 22._o in_o the_o conference_n of_o christ_n with_o the_o young_a conceity_n rich_a man_n who_o in_o the_o opinion_n of_o his_o own_o inherent_a righteousness_n and_o of_o his_o ability_n be_v hudg_o swell_v as_o if_o he_o have_v already_o for_o time_n bygone_a satisfy_v the_o the_o whole_a law_n and_o that_o he_o be_v able_a and_o ready_a to_o do_v any_o good_a work_n which_o can_v be_v prescribe_v unto_o he_o for_o obtain_v of_o eternal_a life_n who_o proud_a conceit_n that_o christ_n may_v humble_v and_o bring_v down_o he_o crave_v nothing_o but_o that_o he_o will_v keep_v the_o command_n and_o when_o the_o young_a man_n deny_v that_o he_o have_v break_v the_o law_n he_o prove_v he_o guilty_a of_o gross_a and_o vile_a idolatry_n from_o this_o that_o he_o put_v a_o high_a estimation_n on_o his_o riches_n than_o on_o remission_n of_o sin_n and_o do_v love_v they_o more_o than_o heaven_n and_o fellowship_n with_o god_n in_o eternal_a life_n in_o all_o this_o let_v it_o be_v consider_v that_o albeit_o man_n confidence_n in_o their_o work_n do_v displease_v god_n yet_o good_a work_n do_v not_o displease_v he_o but_o they_o be_v so_o far_o pleasant_a unto_o he_o that_o there_o be_v no_o moral_a motive_n which_o may_v serve_v to_o stir_v up_o in_o his_o people_n a_o endeavour_n to_o follow_v after_o good_a work_n which_o the_o lord_n do_v not_o make_v use_n of_o partly_o by_o set_v before_o they_o the_o reward_n if_o they_o obey_v partly_o by_o set_v punishment_n before_o theiâ—_n eye_n if_o they_o obey_v not_o yea_o and_o the_o very_a observation_n of_o external_a moral_a duty_n and_o obedience_n such_o as_o may_v be_v discharge_v by_o the_o unregenerat_a man_n albeit_o god_n in_o relation_n to_o justification_n do_v esteem_v it_o pollute_v and_o vile_a yet_o he_o do_v sometime_o reward_v their_o external_a work_n by_o give_v they_o external_a and_o temporal_a benefit_n for_o their_o encouragement_n for_o even_o ahab'_v temporary_a humiliation_n the_o lord_n so_o far_o accept_v that_o there-upon_a he_o take_v occasion_n to_o delay_v to_o take_v vengeance_n upon_o he_o 1_o king_n 21._o 27_o 28_o 29._o likewise_o the_o lord_n use_v to_o recompense_v the_o civil_a justice_n of_o pagan_n with_o a_o temporal_a reward_n yea_o and_o to_o reward_v the_o outward_a diligence_n of_o every_o man_n in_o every_o lawful_a occupation_n with_o some_o answerable_a outward_a reward_n the_o very_a pharisee_n who_o for_o the_o raise_n to_o themselves_o a_o fame_n and_o high_a estimation_n for_o holiness_n do_v take_v a_o great_a deal_n of_o pain_n in_o prayer_n in_o the_o street_n and_o mercat-place_n and_o other_o exercise_n of_o religion_n want_v not_o a_o answerable_a reward_n verily_a say_v christ_n they_o have_v their_o reward_n matth._n 6._o 2._o and_o this_o course_n the_o lord_n do_v keep_v that_o he_o may_v encertain_a and_o foster_v the_o civil_a society_n of_o man_n among_o themselves_o and_o that_o his_o people_n look_v on_o this_o bounty_n of_o god_n may_v be_v stir_v up_o the_o more_o to_o bring_v forth_o the_o fruit_n of_o faith_n in_o hope_n of_o a_o merciful_a promise_v better_a reward_n of_o grace_n in_o the_o life_n to_o come_v beside_o what_o they_o may_v have_v in_o this_o life_n chap._n vi_o of_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n the_o three_o and_o last_o covenant_n concern_v man_n eternal_a salvation_n be_v the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n make_v between_o god_n and_o man_n through_o christ_n the_o mediator_n grace_n sometimes_o simple_o and_o absolute_o take_v be_v oppose_v to_o merit_n and_o in_o this_o sense_n every_o good_a thing_n which_o of_o god_n good_a pleasure_n be_v ordain_v or_o promise_v or_o actual_o bestow_v on_o the_o
convince_v they_o of_o their_o need_n of_o christ_n and_o duty_n of_o follow_v he_o to_o fix_v and_o strengthen_v their_o hearty_a purpose_n to_o cleave_v unto_o the_o lord_n such_o as_o be_v the_o lord_n command_v to_o believe_v in_o christ_n and_o love_n one_o another_o 1_o joh._n 3._o 23._o and_o his_o threaten_n if_o they_o believe_v not_o joh._n 3._o 18._o and_o 1_o joh._n 5._o 10._o 11._o the_o four_o mean_v be_v the_o gather_n of_o these_o that_o have_v embrace_v this_o covenant_n into_o all_o lawful_a and_o possible_a church-communion_n with_o other_o his_o disciple_n and_o fix_v they_o in_o their_o several_a congregation_n that_o they_o may_v be_v edify_v under_o their_o officer_n appoint_v by_o christ_n in_o his_o testament_n in_o their_o most_o holy_a faith_n and_o obedience_n of_o all_o his_o ordinance_n and_o for_o further_a clear_v the_o way_n of_o god_n bring_v the_o visible_a church_n of_o christ_n into_o this_o covenant_n with_o himself_o let_v it_o be_v consider_v 1._o albeit_o of_o those_o that_o be_v come_v to_o the_o use_n of_o reason_n with_o who_o god_n do_v formal_o and_o solemn_o make_v this_o covenant_n of_o grace_n and_o reconciliation_n many_o be_v external_o only_o call_v and_o few_o in_o comparison_n choose_v matth._n 20._o 21._o yet_o it_o be_v not_o the_o will_n of_o god_n otherways_o then_o by_o doctrine_n to_o separat_fw-la the_o elect_a from_o the_o rest_n of_o they_o that_o be_v external_o call_v or_o to_o make_v the_o elect_v name_n know_v to_o the_o world_n for_o the_o church_n know_v not_o but_o god_n only_o know_v who_o be_v his_o 2_o tim._n 2._o 19_o and_o therefore_o he_o have_v ordain_v mean_n common_a to_o the_o elect_a and_o reprobat_fw-la to_o bring_v both_o unto_o the_o external_a embrace_v of_o his_o covenant_n and_o continue_v external_o therein_o and_o he_o do_v bestow_v gift_n both_o to_o the_o one_o sort_n and_o to_o the_o other_o and_o he_o work_v in_o both_o the_o one_o sort_n and_o the_o other_o according_a to_o his_o own_o will_n but_o as_o for_o inward_a and_o effectual_a call_n or_o special_a save_a grace_n which_o do_v accompany_v salvation_n and_o the_o special_a operation_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n he_o reserve_v to_o the_o elect_a and_o redeem_v only_o to_o who_o in_o a_o time_n acceptable_a he_o reveal_v himself_o and_o seal_v they_o for_o his_o own_o service_n 2._o by_o this_o wise_a and_o holy_a deal_n with_o the_o hearer_n of_o the_o gospel_n whereby_o the_o lord_n so_o make_v good_a the_o covenant_n of_o redemption_n and_o bring_v his_o decree_n to_o pass_v as_o none_o shall_v have_v just_a reason_n to_o stumble_v no_o wonder_n that_o many_o be_v compass_v within_o the_o draught-net_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o be_v move_v to_o enter_v into_o this_o holy_a and_o bless_a covenant_n of_o who_o there_o may_v be_v elect_a not_o as_o yet_o convert_v whereup_v on_o by_o god_n appointment_n follow_v a_o solemn_a covenant_v of_o all_o that_o consent_n to_o the_o condition_n of_o the_o covenant_n and_o profess_v their_o faith_n in_o christ_n all_o who_o with_o their_o child_n christ_n translate_v from_o the_o pagan_a world_n into_o his_o visible_a kingdom_n and_o fellowship_n of_o his_o church_n militant_a and_o grant_v unto_o they_o right_o to_o the_o common_a privilege_n of_o citizen_n in_o the_o order_n appoint_v in_o his_o word_n that_o keep_v all_o lawful_a and_o possible_a communion_n with_o the_o catholic_n visible_a church_n of_o christ_n they_o may_v be_v edify_v in_o their_o particular_a congregaâ—ions_n and_o govern_v with_o other_o by_o ecclesiastical_a discipline_n 3._o together_o with_o these_o external_a mean_n serve_v for_o draw_v on_o the_o covenant_n and_o go_v on_o in_o it_o the_o common_a operation_n of_o god_n do_v concur_v common_a to_o all_o the_o call_v both_o elect_a and_o reprobat_fw-la and_o gift_n common_a to_o both_o be_v bestow_v such_o as_o illumination_n moral_a persuasion_n historycall_a dogmatic_a and_o temporary_a faith_n moral_a change_n of_o affection_n and_o some_o sort_n of_o external_a amendment_n of_o their_o outward_a conversation_n save_v grace_n be_v the_o special_a gift_n of_o god_n to_o his_o own_o 4._o of_o this_o manner_n of_o covenant_v and_o take_v into_o church-fellowship_n all_o the_o call_v that_o consent_n in_o a_o moral_a way_n to_o the_o condition_n of_o the_o covenant_n regenerate_v and_o unregenerat_a we_o have_v a_o pattern_n in_o the_o lord_n covenant_v with_o all_o israel_n exod._n 19_o the_o covenant_n be_v offer_v to_o all_o the_o israelite_n without_o exception_n all_o be_v invite_v to_o enter_v in_o covenant_n without_o exception_n argument_n motive_n and_o moral_a inducement_n be_v make_v use_n of_o from_o their_o experience_n of_o the_o lord_n goodness_n and_o gift_n give_v to_o they_o before_o most_o ample_a promise_n of_o spiritual_a benefit_n be_v make_v unto_o they_o conditional_o to_o be_v bestow_v on_o they_o both_o in_o this_o life_n and_o in_o the_o life_n to_o come_v vers_n 4._o 5._o 6._o the_o people_n embrace_v the_o condition_n of_o the_o covenant_n v._o 7._o 8._o the_o people_n be_v sanctify_v and_o prepare_v to_o receive_v the_o holy_a command_n and_o will_v of_o god_n in_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o chapter_n then_o in_o the_o 20._o chapter_n and_o in_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o book_n the_o duty_n of_o the_o covenanter_n be_v propound_v which_o concern_v the_o acknowledgement_n of_o sin_n and_o deserve_a death_n and_o these_o also_o which_o concern_v obtain_v of_o justification_n and_o sanctification_n by_o christ_n and_o which_o concern_v their_o show_v forth_o their_o thankfulness_n all_o the_o day_n of_o their_o life_n the_o same_o covenant_n after_o forty_o year_n be_v repeat_v and_o renew_v by_o moses_n a_o little_a before_o his_o death_n in_o the_o land_n of_o moab_n deut._n 29._o the_o lord_n command_v moses_n to_o renew_v the_o covenant_n with_o all_o the_o people_n vers_fw-la 1._o all_o the_o people_n of_o israel_n be_v gather_v together_o regenerate_v and_o unregenerat_a vers_fw-la 2._o the_o sum_n of_o argument_n and_o motive_n to_o enter_v in_o covenant_n of_o new_a be_v short_o set_v down_o vers_n 3._o the_o great_a part_n of_o the_o people_n to_o be_v join_v to_o god_n in_o covenant_n be_v open_o declare_v by_o moses_n to_o be_v unregenerat_a vers_fw-la 4._o after_o that_o argument_n be_v use_v to_o move_v they_o in_o all_o time_n come_v to_o trust_v in_o the_o lord_n and_o to_o obey_v he_o to_z vers_n 9_o the_o covenant_n be_v make_v with_o the_o head_n of_o the_o tribe_n and_o elder_n of_o the_o people_n and_o their_o governor_n and_o with_o all_o the_o man_n of_o israel_n with_o their_o little_a one_o with_o the_o woman_n and_o with_o the_o stranger_n that_o be_v in_o the_o midst_n of_o their_o camp_n vers_fw-la 10._o 11._o the_o covenant_n be_v solemnize_v with_o adjuration_n of_o all_o to_o keep_v the_o condition_n thereof_o vers_fw-la 12._o 13._o the_o covenant_n be_v extend_v with_o adjuration_n to_o the_o posterity_n vers_fw-la 14._o 15._o neither_o be_v there_o any_o exception_n make_v or_o exclusion_n of_o any_o that_o consent_v to_o the_o covenant_n whether_o unregenerat_a israelite_n or_o stranger_n but_o all_o be_v admit_v within_o this_o covenant_n the_o same_o way_n of_o covenant_v do_v john_n baptist_n follow_v admit_v to_o his_o baptism_n the_o seal_n of_o this_o covenant_n all_o those_o that_o come_v from_o jerusalem_n and_o out_o of_o all_o judea_n and_o from_o the_o border_n of_o jordan_n without_o exception_n whosoever_o confess_v their_o sin_n or_o that_o they_o be_v sinner_n and_o profess_v they_o do_v receive_v the_o offer_n of_o grace_n make_v in_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n jesus_n the_o true_a lamb_n of_o god_n that_o take_v away_o the_o sin_n of_o the_o world_n matth._n 3._o 5_o 6._o and_o so_o far_o be_v john_n from_o wait_v for_o evidence_n of_o save_a grace_n and_o regeneration_n before_o he_o admit_v they_o that_o come_v to_o his_o baptism_n into_o the_o fellowship_n of_o the_o external_a covenant_n of_o grace_n and_o reconciliation_n that_o on_o the_o contrair_a he_o make_v public_a profession_n that_o the_o fan_n whereby_o the_o chaff_n be_v separate_v from_o the_o wheat_n and_o the_o hypocrite_n discern_v from_o the_o sincere_a christian_a be_v not_o in_o his_o hand_n or_o in_o any_o other_o man_n or_o man_n hand_n but_o in_o the_o hand_n of_o christ_n jesus_n himself_o only_o and_o therefore_o which_o be_v worthy_a to_o be_v observe_v after_o he_o have_v public_o testify_v his_o suspicion_n of_o the_o hypocrisy_n and_o old_a poysonable_v be_v position_n in_o the_o pharisee_n and_o sadduâ—es_n that_o come_v to_o his_o baptism_n and_o offer_v to_o receive_v the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n and_o the_o seal_n thereof_o vers_fw-la 7._o forthwith_o without_o inquire_v into_o their_o regeneration_n and_o sincerity_n of_o heart_n he_o baptize_v they_o among_o the_o
every_o one_o that_o thirst_v come_v to_o these_o water_n etc._n etc._n isa._n 55._o and_o beside_o these_o promise_n which_o contain_v the_o condition_n of_o the_o covenant_n make_v to_o they_o who_o embrace_v the_o condition_n and_o do_v already_o believe_v such_o as_o be_v they_o that_o believe_v in_o i_o shall_v not_o perish_v but_o shall_v inherit_v eternal_a life_n there_o be_v also_o promise_v conditional_a serve_v to_o make_v man_n who_o profess_v faith_n in_o christ_n to_o be_v real_a and_o steadfast_a in_o the_o covenant_n wherein_o they_o be_v at_o least_o outward_o and_o solemn_o enter_v such_o as_o joh._n 15._o 7_o 10._o if_o you_o abide_v in_o i_o and_o my_o word_n abide_v in_o you_o you_o shall_v ask_v what_o you_o will_v and_o it_o shall_v be_v do_v unto_o you_o and_o if_o you_o keep_v my_o command_n you_o shall_v abide_v in_o my_o love_n etc._n etc._n and_o joh._n 12._o 26._o if_o any_o man_n serve_v i_o he_o will_v my_o father_n honour_n and_o joh._n 14._o 21._o he_o that_o love_v i_o shall_v be_v love_v of_o my_o father_n and_o i_o will_v love_v he_o and_o manifest_v myself_o unto_o he_o obj._n see_v it_o be_v certain_a that_o the_o condition_n of_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n be_v not_o the_o do_v of_o one_o or_o more_o work_n but_o faith_n receive_v christ_n offer_v without_o respect_n to_o our_o work_n as_o any_o part_n of_o the_o condition_n and_o see_v the_o condition_n of_o the_o covenant_n be_v not_o the_o have_v or_o exercise_v of_o such_o and_o such_o virtue_n but_o the_o receive_n of_o christ_n through_o faith_n unto_o righteousness_n and_o eternal_a life_n by_o the_o man_n who_o have_v renounce_v all_o confidence_n in_o his_o own_o work_n how_o come_v it_o to_o pass_v that_o such_o conditional_a promise_n be_v make_v to_o they_o that_o be_v endue_v with_o and_o do_v exercise_n such_o virtue_n ans._n albeit_o the_o endeavour_n to_o work_v good_a work_n or_o the_o exercise_n of_o such_o and_o such_o virtue_n prescribe_v by_o christ_n can_v be_v the_o condition_n of_o the_o covenant_n for_o then_o no_o man_n can_v close_v covenant_n with_o christ_n till_o first_o he_o shall_v find_v these_o virtue_n in_o himself_o and_o have_v give_v proof_n of_o his_o constant_a exercise_n thereof_o yet_o such_o conditional_a promise_n be_v make_v use_n of_o after_o a_o man_n have_v close_v covenant_n with_o christ_n by_o faith_n as_o condition_n require_v in_o a_o true_a believer_n to_o evidence_n the_o sincerity_n of_o his_o faith_n and_o that_o because_o many_o make_v pretence_n of_o their_o faith_n in_o christ_n and_o yet_o do_v turn_v the_o grace_n of_o god_n into_o wantonness_n and_o do_v no_o way_n set_v themselves_o to_o new_a obedience_n unto_o god_n law_n and_o be_v no_o way_n careful_a to_o bring_v forth_o fruit_n suitable_a to_o profess_a repentance_n but_o be_v indulgent_a to_o their_o vicious_a and_o fleshly_a lust_n and_o in_o effect_n do_v renounce_v all_o endeavour_n to_o exercise_v good_a work_n in_o stead_n of_o renounce_v a_o carnal_a confidence_n in_o good_a work_n therefore_o god_n do_v put_v the_o endeavour_n to_o exercise_v christian_a virtue_n on_o all_o profess_a believer_n as_o a_o condition_n distinguish_v a_o sincere_a believer_n from_o a_o hypocrite_n lest_o any_o man_n shall_v please_v himself_o because_o he_o be_v external_o in_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n while_n it_o may_v be_v as_o yet_o his_o faith_n be_v but_o a_o dead_a faith_n not_o work_v by_o love_n against_o which_o sort_n of_o pretend_a believer_n jame_v chap._n 2._o dispute_v such_o conditional_a promise_n be_v direct_v towards_o they_o that_o be_v outward_o already_o in_o covenant_n and_o do_v serve_v for_o these_o several_a use_n first_o that_o such_o as_o both_o profess_v faith_n in_o christ_n and_o be_v endeavour_v the_o duty_n require_v in_o such_o conditional_a promise_n may_v acknowledge_v that_o they_o have_v obtain_v of_o the_o lord_n grace_n for_o grace_n grace_v to_o believe_v and_o grace_v to_o bring_v forth_o the_o fruit_n of_o faith_n second_o that_o the_o honest_a heart_a may_v be_v encourage_v te_fw-la set_v upon_o these_o duty_n and_o may_v hope_v to_o be_v furnish_v for_o they_o out_o of_o the_o rich_a fountain_n of_o christ_n grace_n john_n 1._o 16._o three_o they_o serve_v to_o make_v such_o as_o believe_v in_o christ_n when_o they_o feel_v the_o in-lake_n of_o any_o such_o command_v duty_n or_o the_o bitter_a root_n of_o any_o vice_n in_o themselves_o to_o humble_v themselves_o in_o the_o sense_n thereof_o aâ—d_v to_o fly_v more_o earnest_o to_o christ_n the_o redeemer_n that_o first_o they_o may_v be_v cover_v with_o his_o righteousness_n and_o then_o from_o he_o receive_v the_o power_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n to_o bring_v forth_o good_a fruit_n as_o he_o have_v promise_v joh._n 15._o 5._o if_o you_o abide_v in_o i_o you_o shall_v bring_v forth_o much_o fruit_n four_o they_o serve_v to_o make_v believer_n in_o christ_n subject_v themselves_o to_o the_o order_n of_o the_o operation_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n who_o give_v grace_n for_o grace_n and_o work_v one_o grace_n before_o another_o in_o his_o own_o order_n as_o the_o foresay_a promise_n do_v import_v five_o they_o serve_v to_o stir_v up_o believer_n in_o christ_n to_o the_o love_n and_o exercise_v of_o such_o and_o such_o virtue_n in_o the_o hope_n of_o the_o promise_a reward_n six_o they_o serve_v to_o move_v believer_n to_o join_v one_o virtue_n to_o another_o for_o certify_v themselves_o of_o their_o own_o call_n and_o election_n by_o their_o growth_n therein_o 2_o pet._n 1._o 3_o 4._o 12._o last_o of_o all_o they_o serve_v to_o make_v these_o who_o be_v destitute_a and_o void_a of_o such_o qualification_n and_o be_v careless_a to_o have_v they_o manifest_a to_o themselves_o and_o other_o that_o they_o be_v blind_a and_o can_v see_v a_o far_o off_o and_o that_o they_o have_v forget_v that_o they_o be_v in_o baptism_n ecclesiastical_o purge_v form_n their_o old_a sin_n 2_o pet._n 1._o 9_o obj._n how_o can_v this_o offer_n of_o grace_n to_o all_o the_o hearer_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o the_o solemn_a make_n of_o a_o covenant_n with_o all_o that_o profess_v they_o do_v accept_v of_o the_o offer_n stand_v with_o the_o doctrine_n of_o election_n of_o some_o and_o reprobation_n of_o other_o or_o with_o the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n redeem_n of_o the_o elect_a only_o and_o not_o of_o all_o and_o every_o man_n ans._n the_o election_n of_o some_o and_o reprobation_n of_o other_o be_v make_v clear_a of_o old_a by_o god_n make_v offer_n of_o grace_n unto_o and_o covenant_v with_o one_o nation_n only_o and_o not_o with_o any_o other_o psa._n 147._o 19_o 20._o he_o show_v his_o word_n unto_o jacob_n his_o statute_n and_o his_o judgement_n unto_o israel_n he_o have_v not_o deal_v so_o with_o any_o nation_n anâ—_n as_o for_o his_o judgement_n they_o have_v not_o know_v they_o 2._o and_o the_o offer_n of_o grace_n to_o all_o hearer_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o covenant_v with_o all_o that_o profess_v to_o accept_v the_o offer_n do_v consist_v with_o the_o election_n of_o some_o only_a as_o well_o now_o as_o of_o old_a when_o god_n make_v a_o covenant_n external_a and_o conditional_a with_o all_o israel_n of_o who_o the_o great_a part_n be_v not_o elect_v to_o life_n and_o of_o who_o it_o be_v say_v albeit_o they_o be_v in_o number_n as_o the_o sand_n of_o the_o sea_n yet_o a_o remnant_n of_o they_o only_o be_v to_o be_v save_v isa._n 10._o 22._o for_o by_o this_o course_n god_n be_v not_o frustrate_v of_o his_o purpose_n and_o fruit_n of_o his_o covenant_v with_o the_o mix_a multitude_n of_o israelit_n for_o the_o elect_a by_o faith_n obtain_v righteousness_n and_o life_n but_o the_o rest_n be_v blind_v rom._n 11._o 7._o 3._o this_o common_a offer_n of_o grace_n to_o all_o the_o hearer_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o the_o make_n of_o a_o moral_a covenant_n with_o all_o that_o do_v profess_v that_o they_o accept_v the_o offer_n may_v stand_v with_o the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n redeem_v the_o elect_a only_o no_o less_o now_o then_o of_o old_a when_o christ_n do_v make_v offer_n of_o grace_n to_o they_o that_o be_v not_o his_o sheep_n joh._n 10._o 26._o and_o do_v receive_v sundry_a in_o among_o his_o disciple_n in_o external_a covenant_n who_o do_v afterward_o forsake_v he_o joh._n 6._o 66._o but_o yet_o he_o do_v save_v and_o do_v save_o all_o his_o elect_a sheep_n who_o the_o father_n have_v give_v unto_o he_o joh._n 10._o 65._o and_o however_o this_o doctrine_n sound_v harsh_a in_o the_o ear_n of_o many_o when_o they_o hear_v of_o any_o reprobat_fw-la or_o not_o elect_v or_o when_o they_o hear_v that_o christ_n do_v not_o lay_v down_o his_o life_n for_o all_o and_o every_o man_n but_o for_o the_o elect_a only_o and_o proud_a man_n
the_o father_n second_o the_o apostle_n observe_v the_o wonderful_a mercy_n of_o god_n that_o while_o he_o be_v find_v fault_n with_o the_o incredulity_n of_o the_o father_n who_o live_v under_o this_o old_a covenant_n he_o will_v avenge_v this_o their_o incredulity_n ignorance_n foolishness_n and_o ingratitude_n by_o tell_v they_o that_o he_o will_v make_v a_o new_a covenant_n and_o give_v they_o that_o be_v then_o live_v a_o taste_n of_o it_o for_o recover_v they_o find_v fault_n with_o they_o he_o say_v the_o day_n come_v that_o i_o will_v make_v a_o new_a covenant_n three_o this_o covenant_n of_o grace_n mâ—de_v with_o the_o church_n be_v procure_v by_o christ_n to_o this_o end_n that_o the_o covenant_n of_o redemption_n may_v be_v bring_v unto_o a_o real_a accomplishment_n by_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n this_o observation_n be_v ground_v upon_o this_o that_o christ_n be_v call_v the_o mediator_n of_o this_o better_a covenant_n heb._n 8._o 6._o for_o he_o will_v draw_v up_o a_o clear_a covenant_n of_o grace_n with_o his_o people_n that_o the_o blessing_n purchase_v unto_o they_o according_a to_o the_o covenant_n of_o redemption_n may_v be_v apply_v unto_o they_o by_o this_o covenant_n of_o grace_n and_o reconciliation_n four_o the_o preach_n of_o the_o promise_n of_o this_o new_a covenant_n be_v a_o most_o fit_a mean_a to_o draw_v on_o and_o close_v this_o covenant_n of_o grace_n between_o god_n and_o his_o people_n who_o be_v the_o call_v according_a to_o his_o purpose_n this_o observation_n be_v gather_v from_o jeremiahs_n preach_v and_o paul_n preach_v of_o this_o unto_o the_o hearer_n of_o the_o gospel_n to_o this_o very_a intent_n and_o purpose_n five_o in_o the_o promise_a and_o preach_v of_o this_o covenant_n of_o grace_n god_n will_v have_v all_o man_n opinion_n thought_n and_o conception_n about_o this_o mystery_n limit_v unto_o and_o depend_v upon_o his_o mouth_n alone_o reveal_v the_o same_o in_o his_o word_n this_o observation_n be_v gather_v from_o the_o lord_n invitation_n of_o all_o man_n to_o take_v heed_n what_o he_o be_v to_o say_v and_o what_o he_o be_v to_o let_v forth_o in_o this_o mater_fw-la behold_v the_o day_n come_v say_v the_o lord_n wherein_o i_o will_v do_v such_o and_o such_o thing_n which_o now_o i_o foretell_v i_o will_v do_v six_o both_o the_o make_n and_o way_n of_o make_v a_o covenant_n with_o man_n depend_v absolute_o on_o god_n either_o to_o make_v a_o covenant_n or_o not_o to_o make_v what_o covenant_n he_o please_v to_o make_v upon_o what_o condition_n he_o please_v and_o with_o what_o person_n he_o please_v to_o make_v his_o covenant_n no_o man_n ever_o prevened_a god_n desire_v he_o to_o make_v a_o covenant_n but_o god_n do_v preveen_v all_o man_n he_o preven_v adam_n once_o before_o his_o fall_n and_o again_o by_o preach_v the_o gospel_n in_o his_o audience_n after_o the_o fall_n he_o preven_v the_o father_n in_o the_o wilderness_n he_o preven_v his_o posterity_n that_o have_v live_v or_o shall_v live_v in_o the_o latter_a day_n promise_v to_o make_v a_o covenant_n with_o those_o who_o be_v not_o come_v into_o the_o world_n but_o be_v to_o come_v long_o after_o the_o promise_n seven_o the_o lord_n will_v have_v all_o man_n to_o understand_v that_o the_o end_n of_o his_o covenant_v with_o man_n both_o in_o that_o old_a dark_a form_n and_o in_o the_o new_a clear_a form_n be_v his_o own_o glory_n for_o he_o have_v make_v all_o thing_n for_o himself_o even_o the_o wicked_a for_o the_o day_n of_o evil_n this_o observation_n be_v gather_v partly_o from_o this_o that_o the_o lord_n bring_v forth_o his_o sovereignty_n for_o a_o reason_n of_o his_o reject_v of_o the_o misbelieve_a father_n in_o the_o wilderness_n i_o despise_v they_o i_o regard_v they_o not_o i_o lord_v it_o over_o they_o as_o the_o original_n may_v bear_v and_o partly_o from_o this_o that_o he_o bring_v forth_o his_o own_o will_n and_o pleasure_n for_o a_o reason_n of_o his_o show_a grace_n to_o their_o posterity_n i_o will_v forgive_v their_o sin_n etc._n etc._n 8._o he_o show_v also_o that_o in_o his_o work_n he_o do_v not_o depend_v upon_o man_n but_o that_o all_o his_o work_n be_v know_v unto_o he_o from_o the_o beginning_n and_o that_o it_o be_v determine_v by_o himself_o what_o and_o how_o and_o by_o what_o mean_n he_o will_v do_v every_o thing_n this_o may_v appear_v from_o this_o that_o he_o do_v foretell_v what_o he_o be_v to_o do_v about_o the_o save_n of_o his_o elect_a jew_n and_o gentile_n be_v no_o less_o certain_a to_o do_v what_o he_o promise_v about_o the_o posterity_n to_o come_v than_o he_o be_v certain_a of_o what_o be_v pass_v already_o about_o their_o incredulous_a father_n 9_o the_o lord_n will_v have_v we_o to_o know_v that_o lay_v aside_o the_o consideration_n of_o his_o decree_n it_o be_v simple_o in_o the_o power_n of_o god_n to_o punish_v sin_n in_o who_o he_o will_v and_o to_o pardon_v sin_n through_o a_o mediator_n to_o who_o he_o will_v that_o be_v to_o have_v mercy_n on_o who_o he_o will_v have_v mercy_n and_o to_o pardon_v who_o he_o will_v pardon_v this_o be_v collect_v from_o this_o that_o the_o father_n do_v sin_n in_o the_o wilderness_n and_o just_o perish_v and_o the_o posterity_n do_v sin_n and_o be_v gracious_o pardon_v 10._o in_o all_o this_o proceed_n no_o violence_n be_v use_v upon_o the_o will_n of_o man_n whether_o of_o they_o that_o perish_v or_o of_o they_o that_o be_v save_v the_o save_v do_v walk_v free_o and_o willing_o in_o the_o way_n of_o salvation_n as_o their_o hearty_a choice_n and_o these_o that_o perish_v walk_v willing_o in_o the_o way_n of_o perdition_n god_n proceed_v with_o both_o by_o a_o voluntary_a covenant_n as_o this_o place_n do_v show_v 11._o in_o they_o that_o perish_v the_o meritorious_a and_o culpable_a cause_n of_o their_o perdition_n be_v in_o themselves_o but_o in_o they_o that_o be_v save_v no_o cause_n be_v find_v at_o all_o but_o the_o cause_n be_v find_v in_o god_n grace_n alanerly_a this_o be_v collect_v from_o this_o that_o the_o lord_n give_v the_o reason_n of_o the_o perdition_n of_o the_o misbelieve_a father_n from_o their_o sin_n and_o transgression_n of_o covenant_n they_o transgress_v my_o covenant_n and_o i_o despise_v they_o and_o of_o the_o salvation_n of_o their_o posterity_n no_o other_o cause_n but_o this_o their_o sin_n i_o will_v not_o remember_v any_o more_o 12._o the_o lord_n justice_n be_v clear_v in_o the_o perdition_n of_o they_o that_o perish_v because_o he_o give_v precept_n and_o promise_n and_o other_o moral_a motive_n to_o hinder_v they_o from_o sin_v and_o to_o move_v they_o to_o keep_v his_o way_n albeit_o he_o do_v not_o effectual_o impede_fw-la their_o running_n on_o to_o sin_n according_a to_o their_o inclination_n and_o proneness_n to_o follow_v their_o own_o way_n this_o be_v collect_v from_o this_o that_o the_o lord_n say_v he_o make_v a_o covenant_n with_o their_o father_n and_o they_o do_v break_v it_o 13._o it_o please_v god_n not_o only_o to_o give_v his_o precept_n unto_o man_n concern_v their_o duty_n but_o also_o to_o condescend_v so_o far_o unto_o they_o as_o to_o open_v up_o in_o a_o part_n his_o decree_n and_o deep_a design_n about_o man_n salvation_n that_o they_o be_v admit_v somewhat_o near_o to_o the_o treasure_n of_o his_o wisdom_n goodness_n justice_n and_o mercy_n may_v be_v so_o much_o the_o more_o wise_a and_o the_o more_o stir_v up_o to_o discharge_v their_o duty_n and_o make_v use_n of_o his_o dispensation_n this_o we_o collect_v from_o his_o reveal_n of_o the_o decree_n of_o election_n of_o the_o posterity_n of_o israel_n and_o draw_v they_o effectual_o into_o a_o covenant_n of_o grace_n with_o himself_o 14._o the_o lord_n do_v reveal_v to_o the_o world_n the_o doctrine_n of_o election_n unto_o life_n only_o in_o the_o general_n and_o do_v not_o descend_v to_o the_o nomination_n of_o they_o in_o particular_a this_o be_v collect_v from_o this_o that_o he_o do_v promise_n to_o convert_v and_o draw_v into_o a_o new_a covenant_n of_o grace_n the_o posterity_n of_o israel_n and_o judah_n without_o name_a particular_o these_o that_o be_v design_v for_o that_o salvation_n 15._o albeit_o the_o lord_n keep_v up_o the_o name_n of_o the_o elect_a except_o of_o some_o few_o before_o their_o conversion_n yet_o he_o give_v forth_o mark_n and_o evidence_n whereby_o after_o their_o conversion_n they_o may_v be_v know_v both_o to_o themselves_o and_o other_o this_o we_o collect_v from_o this_o that_o he_o set_v down_o infallible_a mark_n of_o the_o elect_a who_o be_v to_o be_v god_n covenant_v people_n or_o worshipper_n of_o god_n that_o they_o do_v know_v god_n and_o have_v his_o law_n write_v in_o their_o heart_n and_o inward_a part_n 16._o as_o for_o the_o reprobation_n of_o
will_v most_o exercise_v faith_n and_o believe_v in_o christ_n he_o be_v find_v least_o able_a to_o do_v it_o yea_o he_o find_v it_o no_o less_o impossible_a to_o observe_v the_o whole_a moral_a law_n then_o solid_o to_o believe_v in_o christ_n hence_o arise_v anxiety_n in_o the_o soul_n of_o the_o afflict_a while_o he_o neither_o there_fw-mi depart_v from_o christ_n nor_o yet_o be_v able_a to_o approach_v unto_o he_o confident_o in_o this_o case_n many_o new_a doubt_n and_o temptation_n do_v arise_v which_o weaken_v his_o faith_n yet_o more_o and_o hinder_v he_o in_o the_o exercise_n of_o religion_n and_o discharge_n of_o duty_n not_o a_o little_a that_o this_o sometime_o may_v be_v the_o case_n of_o some_o convert_v the_o experience_n of_o the_o saint_n set_v down_o in_o scripture_n make_v evident_a ps._n 30._o 7._o lord_n say_v david_n by_o thy_o favour_n thou_o have_v make_v my_o mountain_n to_o stand_v strong_a thou_o do_v hide_v thy_o face_n and_o i_o be_v trouble_v and_o in_o his_o prayer_n ps._n 61._o 2._o while_o his_o mind_n be_v overwhelm_v in_o he_o with_o perplex_v thought_n he_o find_v in_o himself_o no_o strength_n or_o ability_n to_o deliver_v himself_o or_o put_v forth_o act_n of_o faith_n on_o the_o mediator_n as_o he_o will_v have_v do_v but_o pray_v that_o while_o he_o be_v now_o exile_v and_o drive_v far_o off_o from_o the_o tabernacle_n and_o ark_n of_o the_o covenant_n he_o may_v be_v raise_v up_o to_o believe_v in_o he_o who_o be_v signify_v by_o these_o tip_n to_o wit_n christ_n the_o rock_n of_o all_o salvation_n which_o rock_n of_o salvation_n he_o perceive_v to_o be_v a_o high_a mystery_n than_o he_o can_v discover_v or_o ascend_v upon_o without_o the_o hand_n of_o divine_a power_n and_o therefore_o say_v from_o the_o end_n of_o the_o earth_n will_v i_o cry_v unto_o thou_o when_o my_o heart_n be_v overwhelm_v lead_v i_o to_o the_o rock_n that_o be_v high_a than_o i._n yea_o the_o godly_a afflict_a hebrew_n fall_v in_o this_o sickness_n who_o the_o apostle_n exhort_v to_o take_v courage_n unto_o they_o heb._n 12._o 12_o 13._o wherefore_o lift_v up_o your_o hand_n which_o hang_v down_o and_o the_o feeble_a knee_n and_o make_v straight_a path_n for_o your_o foot_n 2._o for_o answer_v of_o this_o doubt_n the_o afflict_a person_n must_v be_v convince_v of_o his_o infirmity_n and_o sinful_a dissidence_n because_o be_v call_v of_o god_n to_o the_o exercise_n and_o trial_n of_o his_o faith_n in_o christ_n by_o whatsoever_o sort_n of_o trouble_n he_o have_v be_v discourage_v and_o faint_v which_o do_v not_o become_v a_o soldier_n of_o christ_n and_o that_o for_o no_o other_o pretend_a reason_n but_o this_o that_o he_o can_v not_o give_v such_o a_o proof_n of_o his_o faith_n as_o he_o shall_v have_v give_v and_o hope_v to_o give_v before_o he_o be_v put_v to_o trial_n second_o he_o must_v consider_v how_o far_o he_o be_v mistake_v in_o lean_v to_o his_o own_o strength_n in_o the_o exercise_n of_o his_o faith_n of_o which_o self-confidence_n the_o more_o a_o man_n be_v empty_v the_o more_o speedy_o he_o shall_v be_v furnish_v if_o be_v empty_v he_o fly_v to_o christ_n for_o supply_v this_o be_v the_o experience_n of_o the_o apostle_n 2_o cor._n 9_o 10._o who_o be_v make_v weak_a in_o himself_o that_o the_o strength_n of_o christ_n may_v be_v make_v perfect_a in_o his_o weakness_n and_o therefore_o he_o resolve_v to_o make_v use_n of_o the_o strength_n of_o christ_n in_o all_o his_o feel_a infirmity_n and_o that_o he_o do_v with_o good_a success_n for_o when_o i_o be_o weak_a say_v he_o then_o be_o i_o strong_a who_o example_n we_o must_v resolve_v to_o follow_v three_o after_o search_v it_o will_v be_v find_v that_o the_o person_n afflict_v under_o the_o notion_n and_o expression_n of_o i_o can_v believe_v have_v in_o effect_n this_o meaning_n i_o can_v find_v such_o a_o full_a assurance_n of_o faith_n as_o i_o will_v be_v at_o or_o i_o can_v find_v such_o a_o sense_n of_o the_o approbation_n of_o my_o â—aiah_o as_o can_v satisfy_v i_o and_o persuade_v i_o that_o i_o do_v believe_v real_o in_o christ._n and_o so_o it_o be_v another_o thing_n and_o another_o gift_n of_o the_o spirit_n he_o be_v seek_v than_o what_o he_o pretend_v to_o seek_v for_o the_o sense_n and_o feel_n of_o approven_v faith_n and_o full_a assurance_n of_o faith_n be_v not_o give_v to_o every_o believer_n but_o to_o he_o that_o sight_n the_o fight_n of_o faith_n and_o in_o his_o trial_n adher_v close_o to_o christ_n and_o to_o his_o truth_n when_o he_o be_v tempt_v to_o sin_n as_o the_o clause_n in_o the_o close_a of_o the_o seven_o epistle_n to_o the_o church_n of_o asia_n do_v teach_v we_o rev._n 2._o 3._o to_o he_o that_o overcome_v i_o will_v give_v to_o eat_v of_o the_o tree_n of_o life_n to_o eat_v of_o that_o hide_a manna_n i_o will_v give_v he_o that_o white_a stone_n and_o a_o new_a name_n write_v thereon_o which_o no_o man_n know_v save_v he_o that_o receive_v it_o four_o the_o afflict_a must_v be_v instruct_v or_o put_v in_o mind_n to_o distinguish_v between_o believe_v in_o christ_n and_o the_o know_v that_o he_o do_v believe_v in_o christ_n as_o may_v be_v learn_v from_o 1_o joh._n 5._o 13._o these_o thing_n i_o write_v to_o you_o that_o believe_v on_o the_o name_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n that_o you_o may_v know_v that_o you_o have_v eternal_a life_n and_o that_o you_o may_v believe_v on_o the_o name_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n he_o must_v distinguish_v between_o true_a though_o weak_a say_v faith_n and_o strong_a faith_n true_a save_a faith_n be_v in_o that_o person_n who_o be_v pursue_v by_o the_o law_n do_v fly_v for_o refuge_n to_o lay_v hold_n upon_o christ_n the_o hope_n set_v before_o we_o the_o man_n that_o dwell_v in_o this_o city_n of_o christ_n and_o make_v use_v of_o christ_n as_o the_o only_a remedy_n against_o sin_n and_o misery_n as_o he_o be_v offer_v to_o we_o in_o the_o gospel_n have_v right_o unto_o that_o strong_a and_o well-grounded_n consolation_n speak_v of_o heb._n 6._o 17_o 18_o 19_o true_a and_o save_a faith_n be_v in_o that_o person_n who_o acknowledge_v himself_o a_o child_n of_o wrath_n hearty_o receive_v the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n as_o he_o offer_v himself_o to_o we_o in_o the_o gospel_n for_o such_o a_o person_n have_v the_o right_a and_o privilege_n of_o a_o child_n of_o god_n and_o may_v reckon_v himself_o among_o believer_n in_o christ_n joh._n 1._o 12._o as_o many_o as_o receive_v christ_n to_o they_o give_v he_o power_n to_o become_v the_o son_n of_o god_n even_o to_o they_o that_o believe_v in_o his_o name_n true_a and_o save_a faith_n be_v in_o that_o person_n who_o be_v convince_v of_o his_o enimity_n against_o god_n do_v answer_v the_o request_n of_o god_n in_o christ_n in_o the_o mouth_n of_o his_o minister_n with_o a_o hearty_a consent_n unto_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n and_o reconciliation_n offer_v to_o all_o that_o hear_v the_o gospel_n 2_o cor._n 5._o 19_o 20._o god_n be_v in_o christ_n reconcile_a the_o world_n unto_o himself_o not_o impute_v their_o trespass_n unto_o they_o and_o have_v commit_v unto_o we_o the_o word_n of_o reconciliateon_n now_o then_o we_o be_v ambassador_n for_o christ_n as_o though_o god_n do_v beseech_v you_o by_o we_o we_o pray_v you_o in_o christ_n stead_n be_v you_o reconcile_v unto_o god_n for_o he_o have_v make_v he_o that_o be_v christ_n to_o be_v sin_n for_o we_o who_o know_v no_o sin_n that_o we_o may_v be_v make_v the_o righteousness_n of_o god_n in_o he_o therefore_o let_v the_o afflict_a answer_n thus_o i_o receive_v the_o offer_n and_o do_v consent_n upon_o these_o term_n to_o be_v reconcile_v to_o god_n lord_n help_v my_o unbelief_n for_o thou_o have_v say_v seek_v you_o my_o face_n and_o my_o soul_n answer_v thy_o face_n o_o lord_n will_v i_o seek_v hide_v not_o thy_o face_n from_o i_o ps._n 27._o 8_o 9_o he_o that_o upon_o these_o term_n do_v fly_v to_o christ_n and_o resolve_v to_o adhere_v unto_o he_o need_v not_o doubt_v but_o he_o be_v receive_v in_o the_o state_n of_o grace_n for_o confirmation_n whereof_o let_v the_o fruit_n of_o faith_n outward_a and_o inward_a which_o may_v be_v observe_v by_o the_o afflict_a himself_o or_o by_o his_o comforter_n be_v call_v to_o mind_n and_o let_v he_o rest_v and_o go_v on_o in_o the_o course_n of_o obedience_n of_o the_o gospel_n chap._n vi_o wherein_o the_o doubt_n of_o the_o regenerate_a man_n concern_v his_o be_v in_o the_o state_n of_o grace_n arise_v from_o his_o apprehend_a defect_n of_o humiliation_n and_o sorrow_n for_o sin_n be_v answer_v some_o regenerate_a person_n will_v be_v find_v who_o mourn_v indeed_o for_o their_o sin_n and_o
faith_n when_o the_o consolation_n be_v withdraw_v from_o we_o and_o we_o be_v put_v to_o hard_a exercise_n wherein_o it_o be_v our_o duty_n to_o glorify_v our_o god_n for_o his_o truth_n and_o grace_n whereof_o we_o have_v sometime_o have_v confirmation_n by_o feel_a consolation_n and_o patient_o to_o wait_v till_o he_o restore_v unto_o we_o the_o joy_n of_o his_o spirit_n for_o if_o in_o the_o want_n of_o sensible_a consolation_n we_o shall_v put_v aspersion_n upon_o the_o lord_n work_v and_o grace_n bestow_v upon_o we_o and_o call_v they_o in_o question_n we_o shall_v be_v find_v in_o so_o do_v more_o careful_a of_o self-satisfaction_n then_o to_o do_v the_o duty_n which_o god_n require_v of_o we_o four_o let_v the_o afflict_a learn_v so_o to_o describe_v and_o define_v every_o save_a grace_n of_o faith_n repentance_n hope_v love_n and_o mortification_n of_o sin_n as_o the_o description_n may_v take_v in_o the_o mean_a measure_n of_o those_o grace_n for_o it_o be_v hard_o to_o say_v that_o there_o be_v no_o sound_a faith_n where_o there_o be_v not_o a_o full_a persuasion_n for_o the_o hungry_a look_v of_o a_o tremble_a sinner_n unto_o christ_n must_v not_o be_v exclude_v from_o be_v a_o act_n of_o faith_n it_o be_v hard_o to_o restrain_v the_o exercise_n of_o repentance_n to_o the_o shed_v of_o tear_n for_o many_o other_o sign_n of_o repentance_n may_v be_v find_v where_o these_o be_v seldom_o such_o as_o be_v the_o hatred_n of_o sin_n strive_v against_o all_o tentation_n unto_o it_o and_o fly_v from_o all_o occasion_n which_o may_v ensnare_v the_o believer_n in_o christ_n in_o trespass_n five_o let_v the_o afflict_a distinguish_v between_o faith_n and_o sense_n of_o joy_n both_o be_v god_n gift_n but_o the_o ground_n of_o faith_n whereupon_o we_o be_v command_v to_o rest_v ourselves_o shall_v be_v rest_v on_o constant_o whatsoever_o dispensation_n of_o joy_n or_o grief_n we_o shall_v meet_v with_o and_o this_o be_v our_o perpetual_a duty_n but_o sense_n be_v at_o god_n free_a dispensation_n to_o give_v and_o withdraw_v and_o restore_v at_o his_o pleasure_n and_o be_v a_o movable_a benefit_n which_o the_o lord_n as_o his_o wisdom_n see_v expedient_a for_o our_o good_a do_v give_v and_o continue_v withdraw_v and_o restore_v diminish_v or_o augment_v and_o therefore_o the_o afflict_a be_v bind_v by_o duty_n still_o to_o believe_v and_o rejoice_v in_o believe_v and_o to_o have_v the_o joy_n of_o sense_n also_o he_o may_v lawful_o study_v but_o ought_v not_o to_o suffer_v his_o faith_n to_o be_v weaken_v by_o the_o want_n of_o it_o as_o the_o prophet_n do_v teach_v we_o ps._n 42._o 11._o and_o 43._o 5._o and_o 88_o last_o of_o all_o let_v the_o afflict_a be_v pose_v upon_o his_o conscience_n if_o he_o dare_v condemn_v his_o fly_n to_o christ_n in_o the_o sense_n of_o his_o sin_n as_o no_o act_n of_o faith_n or_o if_o he_o there_fw-mi deny_v his_o hunger_n after_o renew_a consolation_n and_o behold_v of_o god_n with_o joy_n as_o reconcile_v in_o christ_n to_o be_v a_o act_n of_o love_n to_o god_n and_o of_o communion_n with_o he_o therefore_o let_v he_o confess_v with_o the_o psalmist_n ps._n 77._o 10._o this_o my_o doubt_v be_v my_o infirmity_n i_o will_v remember_v the_o year_n of_o the_o right_a hand_n of_o the_o lord_n chap._n xvi_o wherein_o be_v solve_v the_o true_a convert_n doubt_v of_o his_o regeneration_n because_o he_o seem_v to_o himself_o not_o to_o grow_v in_o grace_n by_o the_o use_n of_o the_o mean_v appoint_v for_o his_o growth_n some_o true_a convert_n be_v bring_v to_o suspect_v their_o own_o regeneration_n because_o in_o the_o use_n of_o the_o mean_n lead_v to_o sanctification_n and_o salvation_n sundry_a complain_n and_o say_v i_o do_v not_o perceive_v the_o lord_n blessing_n on_o my_o pain_n and_o diligence_n i_o grow_v not_o in_o the_o knowledge_n of_o thing_n spiritual_a my_o faith_n do_v not_o grow_v by_o hear_v nor_o read_v of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n nor_o by_o meditation_n of_o it_o i_o do_v not_o prevail_v in_o wrestle_v against_o my_o inbred_a sin_n and_o corrupt_a nature_n neither_o by_o prayer_n nor_o fast_v and_o therefore_o what_o shall_v i_o judge_v of_o my_o state_n but_o that_o it_o be_v like_a i_o be_o not_o convert_v and_o renew_v for_o if_o i_o be_v indeed_o convert_v and_o reconcile_v with_o god_n i_o conceive_v it_o shall_v fair_o otherways_o with_o i_o than_o it_o do_v 2._o in_o this_o case_n the_o true_a convert_n be_v in_o hazard_n of_o grow_v slack_a and_o careless_a in_o the_o use_n of_o the_o mean_n and_o to_o grieve_v the_o holy_a spirit_n by_o prescribe_v unto_o he_o and_o limit_v of_o he_o unto_o such_o a_o measure_n of_o profit_v in_o the_o use_n of_o the_o mean_n and_o make_v he_o know_v how_o far_o he_o have_v profit_v and_o advance_v in_o the_o course_n of_o sanctification_n yea_o there_o be_v danger_n lest_o in_o this_o case_n the_o convert_v not_o only_o become_v cold-rife_a in_o the_o exercise_n of_o piety_n but_o also_o turn_v loose_a in_o his_o conversation_n and_o follow_v the_o allurement_n of_o the_o world_n have_v so_o far_o hearken_v to_o the_o temptation_n as_o to_o think_v it_o in_o vain_a that_o he_o have_v washen_v his_o hand_n in_o innocency_n as_o ps._n 73._o befall_v the_o prophet_n 3._o for_o remove_v of_o this_o doubt_n the_o afflict_a have_v reason_n to_o check_v himself_o for_o harken_v so_o far_o unto_o the_o temptation_n as_o to_o join_v with_o hypocrite_n in_o his_o complaint_n isa._n 58._o 5._o wherefore_o have_v we_o fast_v say_v they_o and_o thou_o â—â—st_n not_o wherefore_o have_v we_o afflict_v our_o soul_n and_o thou_o like_v no_o knowledge_n but_o because_o nothing_o do_v more_o trouble_v the_o afflict_a then_o his_o suspicion_n of_o his_o own_o hypocrisy_n let_v the_o cause_n be_v search_v from_o which_o his_o suspicion_n do_v arise_v one_o of_o they_o may_v be_v this_o that_o in_o the_o use_n of_o the_o mean_n the_o eye_n of_o the_o afflict_a be_v more_o and_o more_o open_v to_o perceive_v the_o power_n and_o poison_n of_o his_o natural_a corruption_n more_o clear_o than_o he_o perceive_v before_o and_o this_o decipher_n of_o sin_n more_o and_o more_o do_v hinder_v he_o to_o see_v the_o growth_n of_o his_o light_n and_o the_o growth_n of_o his_o hatred_n against_o manifest_a sin_n join_v with_o the_o overturning_a of_o his_o own_o high_a imagination_n and_o native_a pride_n another_o cause_n may_v be_v this_o that_o the_o true_a convert_n have_v promise_v unto_o himself_o in_o the_o use_n of_o the_o mean_n more_o and_o great_a benefit_n spiritual_a from_o god_n than_o he_o do_v by_o experience_n find_v which_o because_o he_o do_v not_o find_v he_o think_v he_o have_v not_o profit_v a_o three_o cause_n may_v be_v this_o that_o the_o lord_n be_v about_o the_o purge_n of_o he_o from_o practical_a error_n such_o as_o be_v the_o high_a estimation_n of_o his_o own_o diligence_n in_o the_o use_n of_o the_o mean_n as_o if_o there_o be_v some_o sort_n of_o merit_n annex_v unto_o the_o work_v prescribe_v to_o the_o convert_n by_o the_o lord_n or_o as_o if_o the_o use_n of_o the_o mean_n have_v in_o they_o some_o force_n and_o efficacy_n in_o produce_v such_o effect_n in_o he_o as_o the_o convert_n have_v expect_v or_o as_o if_o the_o lord_n have_v oblige_v himself_o to_o bless_v sensible_o diligence_n in_o the_o use_n of_o the_o mean_n to_o the_o diligent_a man_n satisfaction_n 4._o therefore_o first_o let_v the_o afflict_a continue_v in_o his_o diligence_n and_o bewar_n of_o the_o foresay_a practical_a error_n let_v he_o humble_v himself_o before_o christ_n that_o he_o may_v draw_v more_o virtue_n out_o of_o he_o by_o faith_n and_o by_o so_o much_o the_o more_o as_o he_o â—indeth_v sin_n himself_o and_o not_o profiâ—ing_v in_o the_o use_n of_o the_o mean_n let_v he_o lay_v the_o fast_o hold_v on_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n and_o on_o christ_n offer_v therein_o for_o give_v righteousness_n and_o sanctification_n second_o let_v he_o set_v upon_o the_o exercise_n of_o every_o duty_n with_o prayer_n that_o he_o may_v follow_v the_o duty_n in_o christ_n name_n with_o his_o eye_n fix_v on_o god_n grace_n and_o after_o the_o discharge_n of_o the_o duty_n let_v he_o look_v to_o christ_n that_o from_o he_o he_o may_v have_v the_o blessing_n for_o without_o christ_n we_o can_v do_v nothing_o acceptable_o nor_o with_o profit_n last_o of_o all_o let_v he_o not_o esteem_v light_o of_o the_o effect_n of_o his_o diligence_n as_o if_o he_o do_v no_o way_n profit_n but_o when_o he_o have_v right_o consider_v matter_n if_o he_o find_v the_o least_o fruit_n follow_v his_o use_n of_o the_o mean_n let_v he_o give_v the_o glory_n of_o it_o to_o god_n in_o christ_n the_o giver_n thereof_o and_o humble_o put_v up_o
his_o lamentation_n for_o his_o short-coming_a in_o duty_n unto_o god_n by_o prayer_n for_o this_o be_v the_o way_n to_o make_v progress_n in_o faith_n and_o repentance_n and_o humility_n and_o submission_n of_o his_o will_n unto_o god_n in_o the_o use_n of_o the_o mean_n and_o let_v he_o thank_v the_o lord_n that_o from_o day_n to_o day_n he_o be_v keep_v from_o scandalous_a out-breaking_a chap._n xvii_o wherein_o be_v solve_v the_o convert_n doubt_v whether_o he_o be_v regenerate_v because_o he_o seem_v to_o himself_o to_o follow_v religion_n and_o righteousness_n from_o the_o common_a operation_n of_o god_n work_v by_o moral_a suasion_n and_o not_o from_o the_o special_a operation_n and_o impulsion_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n there_o be_v some_o true_a convert_n who_o have_v profit_v so_o far_o in_o the_o amendment_n of_o their_o life_n and_o conform_v their_o conversation_n unto_o the_o rule_n of_o god_n word_n that_o the_o yoke_n of_o christ_n be_v become_v easy_a to_o they_o and_o their_o delight_n be_v to_o be_v frequent_o about_o the_o exercise_n of_o religion_n and_o work_n of_o righteousness_n and_o yet_o sometime_o they_o be_v trouble_v with_o suspicion_n whether_o the_o work_n of_o regeneration_n in_o they_o be_v solid_a because_o any_o thing_n they_o do_v may_v be_v do_v as_o they_o conceive_v by_o temporary_a believer_n in_o who_o no_o sound_a renovation_n of_o corrupt_a nature_n will_v be_v find_v i_o find_v nothing_o in_o i_o say_v one_o of_o the_o effectual_a motion_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n but_o all_o by_o way_n of_o moral_a suasion_n by_o imitation_n of_o other_o by_o education_n as_o may_v be_v find_v in_o the_o unrenewed_a disciple_n of_o moral_a philosophy_n for_o as_o they_o by_o frequent_a action_n do_v acquire_v habit_n wherewith_o be_v endue_v they_o discharge_v moral_a duty_n more_o easy_o and_o with_o delight_n so_o i_o by_o discharge_v act_n of_o religion_n and_o acquaint_v myself_o with_o they_o daily_o do_v seem_v to_o myself_o to_o have_v acquire_v a_o facility_n and_o delectation_n in_o religious_a action_n and_o work_n of_o righteousness_n towards_o my_o neighbour_n 2._o this_o case_n we_o grant_v be_v very_o perilous_a and_o subtile_o colour_v by_o satan_n to_o deceive_v and_o weaken_v the_o true_a convert_n for_o it_o be_v true_a what_o power_n have_v be_v see_v in_o moral_a philosophy_n among_o pagan_n to_o put_v a_o lustre_n on_o man_n civil_a conversation_n must_v be_v also_o grant_v to_o theology_n among_o profess_a christian_n because_o divine_a threaten_n and_o promise_n for_o procure_v outward_a reformation_n of_o a_o man_n life_n be_v more_o apt_a to_o prevail_v with_o a_o man_n than_o all_o moral_a philosophy_n and_o it_o be_v true_a also_o that_o education_n by_o parent_n and_o imitation_n of_o good_a man_n be_v of_o great_a force_n moral_o to_o persuade_v a_o man_n to_o the_o follow_v of_o the_o outward_a duty_n of_o religion_n and_o to_o a_o civil_a conversation_n wherefore_o it_o be_v no_o wonder_n to_o see_v a_o true_a convert_n doubt_n of_o his_o own_o regeneration_n when_o he_o compare_v external_a duty_n discharge_v by_o himself_o with_o the_o external_a duty_n discharge_v by_o other_o who_o heart_n he_o can_v see_v but_o must_v judge_v charitable_o of_o they_o and_o yet_o can_v neither_o be_v clear_a determinate_o to_o affirm_v all_o such_o to_o be_v true_a convert_n nor_o to_o affirm_v himself_o to_o be_v a_o true_a convert_n so_o long_o as_o he_o suspect_v that_o as_o some_o other_o reformation_n so_o also_o his_o own_o reformation_n may_v prove_v no_o better_o then_o from_o moral_a suasion_n which_o may_v be_v â—ound_v in_o a_o man_n unregenerat_a 3._o for_o louse_v of_o this_o doubt_n and_o strengthen_n of_o the_o faith_n of_o the_o true_a convert_n let_v he_o examine_v himself_o whether_o in_o the_o conscience_n of_o his_o natural_a sinfulness_n and_o sense_n of_o his_o own_o unworthiness_n and_o inability_n to_o deliver_v himself_o from_o the_o power_n of_o sin_n wrath_n and_o misery_n he_o have_v flee_v and_o from_o time_n to_o time_n do_v fly_v to_o christ_n according_a to_o the_o tenor_n of_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n to_o be_v justify_v sanctify_a and_o save_v by_o he_o and_o do_v follow_v the_o exercise_n of_o religion_n and_o righteousness_n in_o obedience_n to_o the_o command_n of_o god_n if_o his_o conscience_n answer_v he_o that_o so_o he_o do_v then_o first_o let_v he_o look_v upon_o his_o doubt_v of_o his_o state_n as_o the_o subtle_a tentation_n of_o satan_n and_o that_o he_o may_v be_v strong_a against_o this_o tentation_n let_v he_o renew_v the_o acknowledgement_n of_o his_o sin_n and_o sinfulness_n of_o his_o weakness_n and_o unworthiness_n and_o renew_v also_o his_o consent_n to_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n in_o jesus_n christ_n and_o his_o purpose_n to_o obey_v the_o commandment_n of_o god_n in_o the_o strength_n of_o christ_n for_o by_o this_o mean_v he_o shall_v gain_v the_o entry_n into_o his_o refuge_n wherefrom_a satan_n be_v draw_v he_o by_o furnish_v doubt_n and_o weaken_v his_o faith_n second_o have_v casten_z his_o anchor_n within_o the_o vail_n and_o settle_v his_o faith_n on_o christ_n jesus_n let_v he_o now_o maintain_v his_o former_a course_n so_o far_o as_o truth_n will_v suffer_v that_o his_o former_a course_n of_o life_n in_o follow_v with_o delight_n the_o exercise_n of_o religion_n and_o righteousness_n do_v proceed_v from_o the_o holy_a spirit_n and_o let_v he_o consider_v that_o it_o be_v not_o a_o sufficient_a reason_n to_o call_v in_o question_n the_o infuse_a habit_n of_o save_a grace_n because_o supernatural_a habit_n infuse_v immediate_o by_o the_o spirit_n of_o christ_n be_v entertain_v augment_v and_o confirm_v by_o frequent_a act_n and_o daily_a exercise_n no_o less_o than_o natural_a or_o moral_a habit_n be_v which_o be_v acquire_v by_o exercise_n and_o this_o be_v clear_a from_o scripture_n wherein_o be_v many_o exhortation_n to_o put_v faith_n love_n repentance_n patience_n etc._n etc._n in_o frequent_a exercise_n that_o these_o gracious_a habit_n may_v grow_v strong_a as_o the_o apostle_n peter_n do_v speak_v 2_o epist._n 1._o chap._n ver_fw-la 5_o 6._o etc._n etc._n three_o let_v he_o put_v a_o difference_n in_o judge_v of_o his_o own_o conversation_n and_o the_o conversation_n of_o other_o of_o who_o principle_n and_o end_n of_o outward_a godly_a carriage_n he_o can_v judge_v as_o he_o can_v do_v of_o his_o own_o for_o a_o man_n in_o nature_n unregenerat_a or_o a_o temporary_a believer_n may_v make_v profession_n of_o true_a religion_n and_o outward_o go_v on_o in_o a_o blameless_a conversation_n with_o this_o opinion_n that_o by_o his_o work_n he_o shall_v please_v god_n and_o procure_v salvation_n to_o himself_o but_o the_o true_a convert_n shall_v be_v find_v a_o renouncer_n of_o confidence_n in_o his_o own_o work_n a_o man_n sensible_a of_o his_o own_o sinfulness_n and_o imperfection_n who_o have_v flee_v and_o resolve_v still_o to_o adhere_v to_o christ_n for_o righteousness_n and_o salvation_n through_o he_o the_o find_v whereof_o in_o any_o measure_n after_o examination_n may_v solve_v the_o convert_n doubt_v for_o a_o man_n in_o nature_n can_v so_o hate_v sin_n and_o follow_v holiness_n as_o to_o renounce_v confidence_n in_o his_o holiness_n and_o slve_v unto_o christ_n for_o righteousness_n four_o let_v the_o afflict_a convert_n consider_v that_o the_o lord_n deal_v with_o his_o child_n both_o by_o moral_a motive_n and_o by_o effectual_a persuasion_n unto_o the_o obedience_n of_o faith_n may_v and_o do_v very_o well_o concur_v and_o agree_v together_o neither_o be_v the_o special_a operation_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n with_o any_o reason_n to_o be_v suspect_v because_o he_o sweet_o lead_v on_o his_o child_n by_o way_n of_o counsel_n without_o the_o child_n observation_n of_o any_o notable_a impulse_n make_v he_o to_o overcome_v strong_a tentation_n unto_o sin_n whereunto_o he_o be_v natural_o incline_v for_o the_o more_o victorious_a grace_n be_v over_o corruption_n the_o efficacy_n of_o the_o lord_n grace_n be_v the_o more_o conspicuous_a and_o that_o obedience_n be_v most_o pleasant_a to_o god_n wherein_o corrupt_a nature_n make_v most_o opposition_n therefore_o in_o this_o case_n here_o presuppose_v let_v he_o stand_v to_o the_o defence_n of_o his_o faith_n in_o christ_n and_o go_v on_o cheerful_o in_o the_o way_n of_o righteousness_n against_o satan_n tentation_n solicit_v he_o to_o doubt_v and_o discouragement_n which_o counsel_n if_o he_o follow_v he_o shall_v find_v by_o experience_n that_o he_o have_v make_v use_n of_o the_o shield_n of_o faith_n and_o get_v the_o victory_n not_o without_o the_o special_a operation_n and_o impulse_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n chap._n xviii_o wherein_o be_v solve_v the_o true_a convert_n doubt_v whether_o he_o be_v regenerate_v because_o he_o find_v not_o self-denial_n in_o the_o measure_n which_o be_v requisite_a in_o convert_n
some_o true_a convert_n be_v find_v who_o have_v for_o a_o time_n enjoy_v pâ—eace_n of_o conscience_n have_v call_v their_o conversion_n in_o question_n by_o occasion_n of_o hear_v or_o read_v some_o sermon_n of_o some_o zealous_a preacher_n press_v the_o mark_n of_o true_a and_o sincere_a conversion_n and_o make_v self-denial_n and_o love_v of_o god_n for_o himself_o the_o main_a mark_n of_o conversion_n and_o without_o circumspect_a and_o wise_a difference_n put_v by_o he_o betwixt_o legal_a perfection_n and_o evangelical_a sincerity_n press_v self-denial_n and_o the_o love_a of_o god_n abstract_o further_a than_o any_o saint_n do_v attain_v unto_o in_o this_o life_n whereupon_o some_o tender_a soul_n do_v fall_n in_o question_n with_o themselves_o whether_o they_o be_v among_o the_o true_a and_o sincere_a convert_n because_o they_o know_v that_o our_o lord_n require_v self-denial_n in_o every_o person_n who_o will_v follow_v he_o and_o do_v condemn_v they_o all_o for_o unbeliever_n who_o seek_v glory_n of_o man_n and_o not_o the_o glory_n which_o be_v of_o god_n and_o because_o the_o preacher_n possible_o have_v make_v the_o love_a of_o god_n for_o his_o benefit_n to_o be_v too_o too_o mercenary_a and_o have_v press_v without_o respect_n to_o benefit_n that_o god_n must_v be_v love_v for_o himself_o therefore_o the_o weak_a convert_n begin_v to_o be_v trouble_v as_o if_o he_o be_v not_o a_o true_a convert_n at_o all_o say_v what_o shall_v i_o think_v of_o myself_o and_o of_o my_o follow_v of_o christ_n see_v i_o feel_v so_o little_a of_o self-denial_n in_o i_o see_v i_o have_v love_v christ_n for_o my_o own_o good_a and_o many_o a_o time_n in_o my_o best_a action_n i_o have_v seek_v the_o commendation_n of_o man_n in_o my_o heart_n and_o i_o have_v be_v ill_o please_v when_o i_o do_v not_o obtain_v it_o 2._o for_o solve_v of_o this_o doubt_n we_o grant_v that_o every_o man_n who_o will_v follow_v christ_n be_v bind_v to_o deny_v himself_o and_o true_a it_o be_v there_o be_v nothing_o more_o difficile_a then_o to_o forsake_v our_o own_o carnal_a wisdom_n and_o estimation_n of_o our_o own_o worth_n work_n and_o ability_n how_o small_a â—oever_o neither_o be_v there_o any_o more_o dangerous_a evil_n then_o in_o the_o discharge_n of_o christian_a duty_n to_o seek_v or_o accept_v our_o own_o glory_n and_o the_o applause_n of_o man_n for_o he_o that_o in_o this_o point_n do_v foster_v his_o natural_a corruption_n certain_o do_v not_o in_o so_o far_o favour_v these_o thing_n which_o be_v god_n but_o serve_v his_o own_o flesh_n therefore_o because_o the_o relic_n of_o this_o and_o all_o other_o sin_n do_v remain_v in_o the_o regenerate_a the_o lord_n by_o variety_n of_o exercise_n set_v his_o child_n daily_o to_o learn_v this_o lesson_n over_o and_o over_o for_o mortify_v their_o corrupt_a lust_n it_o be_v their_o duty_n therefore_o when_o any_o spark_n of_o this_o evil_n of_o self-seeking_a do_v appear_v to_o cast_v themselves_o down_o humble_o at_o christ_n foot_n and_o confess_v the_o sin_n lest_o some_o spark_n of_o wrath_n break_v forth_o upon_o they_o from_o the_o lord_n for_o the_o end_n of_o this_o exercise_n yea_o and_o the_o reason_n of_o the_o lord_n not_o remove_v full_o indwelling_a sin_n be_v to_o humble_v we_o and_o send_v we_o to_o christ_n lest_o if_o he_o shall_v otherways_o deal_v with_o we_o we_o shall_v grow_v proud_a and_o not_o make_v such_o use_n as_o become_v we_o of_o god_n free_a grace_n and_o christ_n righteousness_n impute_v to_o the_o believer_n mean_v time_n we_o must_v not_o yield_v to_o satan_n tentation_n colour_v with_o pretence_n of_o scripture_n as_o if_o christ_n have_v discharge_v we_o to_o seek_v any_o good_a from_o he_o to_o ourselves_o or_o to_o love_v he_o for_o the_o good_a which_o he_o have_v purchase_v to_o we_o and_o which_o he_o from_o time_n to_o time_n bestow_v on_o we_o for_o when_o christ_n require_v of_o we_o to_o deny_v ourselves_o he_o require_v indeed_o the_o renounciation_n of_o our_o own_o carnal_a and_o corrupt_a lust_n and_o confidence_n in_o our_o own_o wisdom_n worth_a and_o work_n but_o he_o do_v not_o require_v of_o we_o to_o renounce_v the_o sanctify_a love_n of_o our_o own_o well-being_n or_o the_o seek_v our_o sanctification_n consolation_n and_o salvation_n in_o he_o alone_o for_o the_o love_n of_o god_n and_o of_o his_o glory_n be_v the_o main_a end_n of_o all_o our_o desire_n and_o the_o seek_v that_o god_n will_v glorify_v his_o own_o grace_n and_o truth_n in_o his_o promise_n to_o we_o by_o sanctify_v comfort_v and_o save_v we_o be_v a_o subordinat_a mean_n unto_o god_n glory_n yea_o the_o more_o we_o seek_v our_o righteousness_n consolation_n and_o salvation_n in_o god_n through_o christ_n the_o more_o we_o glorify_v god_n and_o do_v say_v in_o substance_n of_o god_n that_o he_o be_v the_o fountain_n of_o all_o felicity_n and_o that_o he_o be_v good_a and_o faithful_a to_o grant_v all_o good_a thing_n to_o such_o as_o believe_v in_o he_o and_o do_v seek_v grace_n for_o grace_n from_o he_o 3._o it_o be_v true_a that_o we_o shall_v love_v god_n above_o all_o thing_n and_o love_v he_o more_o than_o ourselves_o and_o love_v he_o though_o he_o shall_v slay_v we_o but_o it_o be_v true_a also_o that_o the_o more_o we_o love_v he_o for_o any_o cause_n the_o more_o we_o esteem_v of_o he_o the_o more_o we_o magnify_v and_o glorify_v he_o and_o what_o be_v love_n to_o and_o seek_v of_o god_n but_o the_o acknowledgement_n of_o our_o own_o emptiness_n and_o his_o all-sufficiency_n and_o what_o be_v our_o seek_a communion_n with_o he_o but_o a_o refound_a of_o ourselves_o into_o the_o fountain_n whence_o we_o have_v our_o be_v that_o he_o may_v be_v glorify_v in_o our_o be_v and_o full_o well-being_n and_o so_o our_o spiritual_a love_n of_o god_n for_o himself_o and_o for_o the_o goodness_n which_o be_v let_v forth_o in_o do_v good_a to_o we_o be_v not_o mercenary_a love_n but_o be_v the_o acknowledgement_n of_o his_o perfection_n and_o of_o his_o grace_n to_o we_o to_o who_o he_o will_v be_v our_o god_n in_o christ_n even_o all_o in_o all_o to_o we_o in_o he_o as_o for_o seek_v of_o man_n applause_n whensoever_o whether_o upon_o receive_v of_o any_o benefit_n or_o discharge_v of_o any_o duty_n the_o corrupt_a lust_n of_o vain_a glory_n do_v mix_v itself_o which_o can_v but_o obscure_v and_o hinder_v the_o shine_a of_o his_o glory_n which_o shall_v be_v aim_v at_o in_o all_o thing_n by_o we_o incontinent_a upon_o the_o first_o motion_n of_o this_o our_o sinful_a corruption_n perceive_v let_v out_o sin_n be_v humble_o acknowledge_v and_o confess_v unto_o god_n the_o searcher_n of_o the_o heart_n and_o let_v supplication_n in_o our_o spirit_n be_v make_v unto_o he_o to_o pardon_v our_o sin_n and_o mortify_v the_o bitter_a root_n of_o this_o and_o all_o other_o evil_n in_o we_o chap._n xix_o wherein_o be_v solve_v the_o doubt_n of_o the_o true_a convert_n whether_o he_o be_v indeed_o convert_v arise_v from_o this_o that_o he_o know_v no_o child_n of_o god_n so_o hardly_o exercise_v as_o he_o be_v some_o convert_n be_v who_o by_o the_o light_n of_o the_o law_n of_o god_n be_v bring_v to_o the_o acknowledgement_n of_o their_o sin_n and_o misery_n and_o by_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v bring_v to_o seek_v their_o relief_n in_o christ_n and_o have_v take_v on_o his_o yoke_n and_o submit_v themselves_o to_o his_o discipline_n and_o yet_o fall_v in_o question_n whether_o they_o be_v convert_v because_o they_o do_v find_v such_o inequality_n in_o their_o conversation_n and_o such_o change_n in_o their_o condition_n and_o variety_n of_o tentation_n as_o they_o can_v find_v no_o example_n of_o the_o like_a in_o scripture_n and_o where_o it_o please_v they_o to_o be_v free_a with_o their_o pastor_n or_o confident_a christian_a friend_n do_v fall_v out_o in_o question_n if_o ever_o they_o have_v read_v in_o scripture_n any_o like_a unto_o they_o in_o such_o and_o such_o particular_n as_o they_o please_v to_o condescend_v upon_o and_o if_o their_o pastor_n or_o christian_a friend_n shall_v give_v they_o some_o example_n in_o the_o scripture_n of_o god_n child_n so_o exercise_v they_o be_v ready_a to_o find_v such_o difference_n between_o the_o case_n of_o the_o godly_a in_o scripture_n and_o their_o case_n as_o they_o can_v receive_v satisfaction_n and_o if_o possible_o it_o be_v tell_v they_o that_o their_o caâ—e_n be_v not_o singular_a but_o such_o as_o have_v befall_v sundry_a of_o their_o christian_a acquaintance_n in_o this_o present_a age_n yet_o they_o can_v receive_v satisfaction_n for_o all_o this_o but_o still_o do_v insist_v that_o their_o case_n be_v not_o like_a to_o any_o of_o the_o godly_a whereupon_o they_o foster_v the_o suspicion_n of_o their_o not_o
a_o notable_a defection_n from_o aim_v at_o the_o measure_n feel_v in_o his_o first_o love_n at_o his_o conversion_n for_o we_o speak_v not_o here_o of_o daily_a distemper_n which_o the_o convert_n do_v mark_n and_o mourn_v for_o and_o be_v about_o to_o have_v heal_v by_o bring_v his_o wound_n unto_o christ_n to_o be_v cure_v in_o the_o exercise_n of_o faith_n and_o repentance_n daily_o the_o second_o be_v the_o not_o observe_v of_o this_o decay_n of_o love_n or_o the_o man_n ignorance_n of_o his_o duty_n to_o entertain_v communion_n with_o christ_n in_o the_o sense_n of_o his_o daily_a sin_n want_n and_o wound_n for_o the_o remove_n and_o cure_v whereof_o christ_n be_v to_o be_v love_v daily_o no_o less_o than_o at_o the_o man_n his_o first_o conversion_n the_o three_o be_v the_o man_n be_v well_o please_v with_o this_o condition_n so_o long_o as_o his_o conversation_n be_v blameless_a whereof_o we_o have_v a_o instance_n in_o the_o condition_n of_o the_o ephesian_n rev._n 2._o who_o labour_n in_o the_o work_n of_o the_o lord_n zeal_n against_o hypocrite_n patience_n in_o trouble_n for_o christ_n cause_n be_v commend_v by_o christ._n but_o he_o reprove_v they_o first_o because_o they_o have_v leave_v their_o first_o love_n and_o do_v not_o only_o come_v short_a of_o the_o measure_n of_o their_o first_o love_n but_o do_v not_o lay_v to_o heart_n this_o sin_n do_v not_o repent_v it_o or_o take_v course_n to_o have_v that_o measure_n recover_v thou_o have_v leave_v or_o lay_v down_o thy_o first_o love_n that_o be_v 1._o thou_o have_v remit_v and_o come_v short_a of_o that_o measure_n of_o love_n which_o former_o thou_o have_v 2._o thou_o have_v not_o be_v displease_v with_o thyself_o in_o this_o thy_o defection_n 3._o thou_o have_v lay_v aside_o the_o care_n of_o recover_v the_o measure_n of_o thy_o former_a love_n this_o condition_n be_v very_o dangerous_a as_o be_v manifest_a in_o the_o experience_n of_o the_o galatian_n who_o fall_v from_o their_o first_o love_n do_v cast_v themselves_o open_a to_o superstition_n and_o error_n and_o in_o danger_n to_o be_v cut_v off_o from_o christ_n by_o their_o defection_n from_o the_o faith_n of_o the_o gospel_n once_o receive_v the_o reason_n for_o which_o we_o say_v this_o defection_n in_o love_n be_v dangerous_a be_v three_o the_o first_o be_v this_o the_o great_a measure_n of_o love_n to_o christ_n and_o rejoice_v in_o he_o be_v less_o than_o his_o excellency_n and_o merit_n at_o our_o hand_n do_v deserve_v if_o therefore_o we_o shall_v slide_v from_o our_o duty_n in_o aim_v to_o hold_v up_o this_o measure_n of_o love_n to_o he_o which_o we_o have_v once_o attain_v and_o cease_v to_o grow_v therein_o because_o his_o new_a mercy_n be_v daily_o let_v forth_o upon_o we_o from_o day_n to_o day_n in_o effect_n we_o judge_v our_o first_o love_n have_v be_v too_o too_o vehement_a and_o so_o christ_n be_v light_o esteem_v of_o as_o if_o he_o be_v not_o still_o to_o be_v love_v withal_o our_o mind_n heart_n and_o strength_n the_o next_o reason_n be_v this_o when_o love_n to_o christ_n to_o his_o ordinance_n and_o sanctify_a one_o begin_v to_o relent_v and_o cool_v incontinent_a the_o external_a exercise_n of_o religion_n and_o righteousness_n begin_v to_o fall_v short_a of_o this_o principle_n of_o love_n and_o to_o go_v on_o more_o and_o more_o slow_o and_o so_o piece_n and_o piece_n to_o decay_v for_o as_o when_o a_o tree_n be_v smite_v in_o the_o root_n it_o may_v retain_v for_o a_o time_n green_a leaf_n but_o after_o a_o time_n it_o wither_v and_o neither_o fear_n ripe_a fruit_n nor_o leaf_n so_o also_o in_o the_o exercise_n of_o plety_n and_o righteousness_n if_o love_n towards_o god_n our_o redeemer_n and_o delection_n in_o his_o service_n and_o obedience_n inward_o be_v diminish_v it_o may_v ready_o come_v to_o pass_v that_o the_o very_a outward_a work_n yea_o and_o the_o profession_n of_o duty_n due_a to_o christ_n be_v take_v away_o also_o and_o this_o be_v the_o judgement_n wherewith_o christ_n do_v threaten_v ephesus_n i_o will_v come_v upon_o thou_o and_o remove_v thy_o candlestick_n out_o of_o his_o place_n except_o thou_o repent_v rev._n 2._o 5._o the_o three_o reason_n be_v because_o christ_n who_o be_v altogether_o lovely_a and_o love_v itself_o the_o very_a son_n of_o the_o father_n love_n be_v a_o jealous_a god_n and_o can_v long_o endure_v not_o to_o be_v meet_v with_o love_n from_o they_o to_o who_o he_o have_v manifest_v his_o love_n therefore_o he_o do_v make_v haste_n to_o correct_v this_o slight_n of_o his_o love_n and_o to_o manifest_v his_o wrath_n against_o these_o that_o lie_v still_o well_o please_v with_o themselves_o under_o this_o condition_n i_o will_v come_v unto_o thou_o quick_o say_v he_o and_o remove_v thy_o candlestick_n rev._n 2._o 5._o 2._o that_o the_o conscience_n of_o the_o true_a convert_n who_o be_v lie_v in_o this_o condition_n or_o be_v decline_v from_o his_o former_a measure_n of_o love_n may_v discharge_v its_o duty_n more_o easy_o and_o solid_o it_o be_v needful_a that_o the_o man_n be_v convince_v of_o his_o fault_n first_o consider_v how_o reasonable_a it_o be_v that_o he_o shall_v return_v to_o his_o first_o love_n or_o former_o feel_v measure_n of_o it_o for_o the_o forgiveness_n of_o his_o manifold_a sin_n wherein_o he_o lie_v before_o his_o conversion_n for_o the_o translate_n of_o he_o from_o darkness_n to_o the_o glorious_a light_n of_o christ_n kingdom_n shall_v never_o be_v forget_v the_o proof_n which_o he_o have_v get_v by_o his_o conversion_n that_o christ_n have_v love_v he_o and_o give_v himself_o for_o he_o shall_v be_v always_o call_v to_o mind_n with_o hearty_a affection_n the_o great_a need_n of_o christ_n wherein_o he_o stand_v for_o renew_a pardon_n of_o sin_n for_o furnish_v he_o with_o his_o spirit_n to_o mortify_v the_o deed_n of_o the_o flesh_n and_o to_o bring_v forth_o more_o ripe_a and_o abundant_a fruit_n of_o new_a obedience_n shall_v bind_v he_o to_o abide_v and_o grow_v in_o his_o love_n second_o let_v he_o consider_v how_o useful_a and_o profitable_a unto_o we_o be_v fresh_a green_a and_o grow_a love_n unto_o he_o for_o love_v to_o he_o make_v we_o frequent_o to_o think_v of_o he_o frequent_o with_o delight_n to_o speak_v of_o he_o to_o seek_v after_o more_o and_o more_o near-communion_n with_o he_o to_o have_v our_o conversation_n with_o he_o in_o heaven_n where_o he_o sit_v at_o the_o right_a hand_n of_o the_o father_n and_o to_o live_v in_o heaven_n where_o our_o love_n be_v more_o than_o where_o we_o sojourn_v in_o this_o world_n love_n make_v we_o love_v what_o he_o love_v and_o hate_v what_o he_o hate_v love_n sharpen_v our_o desire_n after_o god_n in_o christ_n kindle_v and_o enlarge_v our_o affection_n towards_o he_o as_o the_o begin_n of_o the_o 63._o psalm_n do_v make_v evident_a and_o if_o the_o lord_n shall_v seem_v to_o withdraw_v himself_o love_n make_v the_o true_a convert_n follow_v hard_o after_o he_o ps._n 63._o 8._o love_n make_v â—old_a to_o encounter_v all_o difficulty_n and_o trouble_n which_o may_v meet_v 〈◊〉_d in_o the_o course_n of_o follow_v after_o he_o much_o water_n can_v quench_v love_n in_o god_n service_n love_n keep_v a_o man_n 〈…〉_z strong_a and_o stout_a against_o his_o enemy_n in_o 〈…〉_z patient_a in_o profession_n sincere_a in_o pursue_v duty_n 〈…〉_z all_o condition_n submissive_a and_o after_o evidence_v of_o his_o affection_n with_o the_o psalmist_n ps._n 116._o 12._o to_o â—ay_n with_o the_o same_o psalmist_n what_o shall_v i_o render_v to_o the_o lord_n for_o all_o his_o benefit_n towards_o i_o ps._n 116._o 12._o three_o 〈…〉_z convert_v who_o be_v begin_v to_o cool_v in_o his_o love_n to_o christ_n 〈◊〉_d to_o remembrance_n what_o a_o felicity_n he_o feel_v when_o he_o entertain_v love_n to_o christ_n when_o the_o love_a kindness_n of_o the_o lord_n be_v better_a to_o he_o then_o his_o life_n and_o sin_n be_v more_o formidable_a than_o death_n when_o god_n commandment_n be_v not_o grievous_a but_o the_o joy_n of_o his_o heart_n when_o god_n word_n season_v and_o sanctify_v his_o bitter_a affliction_n four_o let_v he_o consider_v at_o what_o a_o loss_n he_o be_v of_o many_o spiritual_a comfort_n whereof_o he_o have_v deprive_v himself_o and_o in_o how_o many_o sin_n of_o omission_n at_o least_o he_o have_v fall_v since_o his_o decline_v from_o his_o first_o love_n and_o what_o misery_n he_o have_v draw_v upon_o his_o own_o spirit_n at_o least_o if_o not_o also_o temporal_a chastisement_n join_v therewith_o and_o after_o comparison_n of_o his_o condition_n when_o his_o love_n be_v servant_n with_o his_o present_a condition_n since_o his_o fall_n from_o his_o sometime-measure_n of_o love_n let_v he_o humble_v himself_o before_o christ_n and_o fly_v in_o unto_o his_o rich_a
grace_n as_o a_o true_a penitent_a and_o let_v the_o fear_n of_o wrath_n in_o case_n he_o set_v not_o himself_o to_o recover_v what_o he_o have_v lose_v hold_v he_o up_o to_o his_o duty_n for_o this_o be_v the_o remedy_n which_o christ_n himself_o do_v prescribe_v rev._n 2._o 5._o 7._o chap._n iii_o concern_v the_o convert_n sinful_a connive_n at_o and_o tolerate_v of_o the_o error_n and_o transgression_n of_o other_o the_o law_n of_o love_n towards_o god_n and_o our_o neighbour_n lay_v a_o tie_n on_o we_o to_o procure_v and_o promove_v the_o welfare_n and_o good_a of_o all_o man_n according_a to_o our_o place_n and_o power_n and_o to_o hinder_v the_o provocation_n of_o god_n and_o sin_n of_o our_o neighbour_n according_a to_o our_o place_n and_o power_n and_o to_o this_o end_n the_o lord_n have_v say_v levit._n 19_o 17._o thou_o shall_v not_o hate_v thy_o brother_n in_o thy_o heart_n thou_o shall_v in_o any_o wise_a rebuke_n thy_o neighbour_n and_o not_o suffer_v sin_n upon_o he_o â—ains_n answer_v to_o god_n say_v be_o i_o my_o brother_n keeper_n do_v not_o beseem_v the_o child_n of_o god_n and_o yet_o some_o of_o the_o lord_n renew_v child_n in_o some_o case_n do_v seem_v to_o themselves_o to_o have_v do_v their_o duty_n sufficient_o if_o they_o for_o themselves_o profess_v the_o truth_n and_o do_v in_o their_o own_o personal_a carriage_n what_o they_o conceive_v to_o be_v right_a albeit_o they_o toleart_n other_o to_o profess_v teach_v and_o practice_v what_o be_v false_a and_o dangerous_a and_o pernicious_a to_o themselves_o and_o other_o this_o fault_n may_v befall_v not_o only_a magistrate_n and_o pastor_n parent_n and_o master_n of_o family_n child_n and_o servant_n but_o also_o be_v find_v in_o all_o and_o every_o one_o who_o do_v defend_v or_o excuse_v such_o a_o ungodly_a and_o dangerous_a toleration_n which_o may_v provoke_v god_n to_o wrath_n and_o ensnare_v many_o in_o a_o course_n of_o sin_n the_o pretence_n excuse_n and_o deceit_n whereby_o man_n delude_v themselves_o in_o this_o sin_n be_v the_o same_o which_o the_o patron_n of_o loose_a and_o licentious_a toleration_n of_o every_o error_n in_o religion_n do_v make_v use_n of_o to_o wit_n that_o man_n conscience_n must_v be_v free_a in_o the_o mater_fw-la of_o religion_n and_o no_o way_n be_v urge_v to_o use_v all_o mean_n which_o may_v give_v they_o right_a information_n and_o restrain_v their_o expression_n and_o practice_n which_o may_v infect_v pervert_v or_o ensnare_v other_o among_o who_o they_o live_v for_o say_v they_o god_n people_n must_v be_v a_o willing_a people_n and_o god_n only_o be_v lord_n of_o the_o conscience_n and_o a_o curb_v of_o man_n profession_n and_o practice_n serve_v not_o to_o make_v man_n religious_a but_o hypocrite_n also_o and_o such_o like_a other_o pretence_n but_o no_o excuse_n of_o this_o sort_n can_v just_o hinder_v any_o who_o be_v in_o any_o place_n of_o authority_n or_o power_n or_o relation_n to_o be_v active_a or_o concur_v to_o extinguish_v the_o incendiary_n fire_v which_o may_v devour_v the_o house_n of_o god_n and_o kingdom_n wherein_o they_o live_v for_o whosoever_o have_v power_n over_o other_o and_o do_v not_o put_v forth_o their_o power_n to_o curb_v and_o repress_v those_o who_o lie_v a_o stumble_a block_n before_o other_o do_v not_o only_o not_o impede_fw-la the_o grow_a contagion_n and_o infection_n of_o the_o body_n wherein_o they_o live_v but_o also_o in_o effect_n do_v countenance_n protect_v and_o promove_v the_o spread_a of_o the_o contagion_n of_o error_n &_o wickedness_n which_o they_o do_v tolerat_a yea_o and_o private_a person_n who_o do_v not_o lament_v the_o sin_n of_o such_o as_o do_v destroy_v themselves_o and_o infect_v other_o and_o do_v not_o mourn_v for_o the_o sin_n of_o they_o also_o who_o shall_v repress_v the_o contagion_n do_v make_v themselves_o accessary_a to_o these_o spread_a evil_n it_o be_v true_a many_o excuse_n may_v here_o be_v allege_v which_o we_o leave_v to_o those_o who_o have_v answer_v the_o objection_n of_o ungodly_a toleration_n but_o the_o truth_n be_v the_o fear_n of_o worldly_a inconvenience_n ofttimes_o do_v more_o prevail_v for_o give_v way_n to_o licentious_a toleration_n than_o the_o fear_n of_o sin_n and_o wrath_n of_o god_n do_v prevail_v for_o discharge_v of_o duty_n this_o be_v the_o sin_n of_o the_o church_n of_o pergamus_n which_o do_v not_o take_v order_n with_o and_o repress_v the_o seducer_n of_o the_o lord_n people_n and_o their_o follower_n within_o their_o jurisdiction_n rev._n 2._o 14_o 15._o i_o have_v a_o few_o thing_n against_o thou_o because_o thou_o have_v there_o they_o that_o hold_v the_o doctrine_n of_o balaam_n who_o teach_v balack_n to_o cast_v a_o stumble_a block_n before_o the_o child_n of_o israel_n to_o eat_v thing_n sacrifice_v to_o idol_n and_o to_o commit_v fornication_n so_o have_v thou_o also_o they_o that_o hold_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o nicolaitan_n which_o thing_n i_o hate_v this_o be_v the_o sin_n which_o christ_n do_v reprehend_v in_o the_o church_n of_o thyatira_n rev._n 2._o 20._o i_o have_v a_o few_o thing_n against_o thou_o because_o thou_o suffer_v that_o woman_n jesabel_n which_o call_v herself_o a_o prophetess_n to_o teach_v and_o seduce_v my_o servant_n to_o commit_v fornication_n and_o to_o eat_v thing_n sacrifice_v to_o idol_n 2._o for_o remedy_n against_o this_o evil_a 1._o let_v we_o verse_n ourselves_o well_o in_o the_o law_n of_o the_o lord_n reveal_v in_o holy_a scripture_n that_o we_o may_v know_v well_o what_o be_v the_o duty_n which_o god_n require_v of_o every_o man_n in_o his_o station_n and_o what_o vice_n he_o forbid_v lest_o we_o mistake_v virtue_n for_o a_o vice_n or_o vice_n for_o a_o virtue_n 2._o let_v we_o beware_v of_o rash_a censure_v and_o licentious_a carp_n at_o man_n infirmity_n as_o the_o apostle_n james_n give_v commandment_n my_o brethren_n be_v not_o many_o master_n know_v that_o we_o shall_v receive_v the_o great_a condemnation_n for_o in_o many_o thing_n we_o offend_v all_o 3._o let_v we_o earnest_o contend_v for_o the_o faith_n which_o be_v once_o deliver_v to_o the_o saint_n jude_n v_o 3._o lest_o seducer_n draw_v away_o the_o lord_n people_n from_o the_o truth_n of_o christ._n 4._o let_v every_o one_o consider_v his_o station_n place_n and_o power_n give_v to_o he_o and_o prudent_o go_v about_o the_o amend_v of_o other_o man_n fault_n and_o his_o own_o also_o for_o otherways_o a_o good_a duty_n may_v be_v mar_v in_o a_o man_n hand_n by_o imprudent_a manage_n thereof_o 5._o let_v a_o man_n resolve_v to_o meet_v with_o difficulty_n in_o curb_v false_a doctrine_n and_o scandalous_a practice_n and_o as_o a_o wise_a wariour_a to_o behave_v himself_o so_o as_o he_o may_v obtain_v the_o promise_n which_o christ_n have_v promise_v to_o the_o victorious_a rev._n 2._o 17._o 26_o 27._o for_o it_o be_v much_o better_a to_o displease_v man_n for_o his_o good_a and_o other_o then_o to_o displease_v christ_n and_o make_v ourselves_o partaker_n of_o other_o man_n sin_n and_o judgement_n and_o the_o true_a convert_n will_v easy_o make_v the_o choice_n chap._n iu._n concern_v the_o case_n of_o the_o true_a convert_n fall_v asleep_a in_o carnal_a security_n under_o guilâ—tnesse_n of_o fleshly_a pollution_n and_o dream_v himself_o to_o be_v in_o no_o ill_a condition_n sometime_o the_o flesh_n so_o far_o prevail_v against_o the_o renew_a work_n of_o the_o spirit_n in_o convert_n that_o not_o only_o they_o be_v overtake_v in_o a_o fault_n gal._n 6._o 1._o but_o also_o be_v as_o it_o be_v take_v captive_a and_o lead_v away_o for_o a_o time_n by_o the_o lustâ—_n of_o the_o flesh_n and_o nearby_o recall_v unto_o the_o servitude_n of_o some_o wicked_a concupiscence_n in_o which_o condition_n it_o be_v possible_a they_o lie_v sleep_v a_o long_a time_n till_o god_n waken_v they_o out_o of_o their_o deadly_a lethargy_n and_o this_o condition_n alas_o be_v very_o oft_o to_o be_v find_v to_o the_o dishonour_n of_o christian_a profession_n in_o these_o that_o have_v begin_v to_o live_v blameless_o and_o have_v fall_v back_o to_o the_o filthy_a puddle_n of_o their_o old_a conversation_n whereby_o they_o draw_v upon_o themselves_o and_o their_o family_n god_n wrath_n and_o sad_a â—udgments_n of_o this_o disease_n we_o find_v there_o be_v not_o a_o few_o to_o be_v find_v in_o corinth_n 2_o cor._n 12._o 20_o 21._o 2._o the_o cause_n of_o this_o fearful_a condition_n be_v manifold_a and_o can_v easy_o be_v condescend_v upon_o for_o many_o defect_n and_o wicked_a motion_n of_o the_o heart_n do_v usual_o concur_v with_o the_o neglect_n of_o duty_n and_o commission_n of_o actual_a sin_n against_o the_o diâ—â—ction_n of_o the_o conscience_n at_o least_o without_o the_o remorse_n of_o conscience_n and_o true_a repentance_n before_o this_o fearful_a condition_n fix_v itself_o on_o a_o man_n
lord_n of_o the_o conscience_n and_o no_o man_n may_v take_v upon_o he_o that_o power_n to_o prescrib_n unto_o and_o command_v another_o man_n conscience_n let_v he_o know_v that_o god_n indeed_o be_v the_o only_a lord_n of_o the_o conscience_n and_o because_o he_o be_v lord_n therefore_o have_v he_o appoint_v his_o minister_n to_o teach_v man_n the_o truth_n and_o to_o press_v the_o disobedient_a member_n of_o the_o visible_a church_n with_o censure_n and_o have_v put_v the_o sword_n in_o the_o magistrate_n hand_n to_o see_v his_o will_n do_v and_o to_o punish_v such_o as_o refuse_v to_o give_v obedience_n to_o his_o command_n that_o so_o obedience_n may_v be_v procure_v to_o god_n the_o only_a lord_n of_o the_o conscience_n in_o which_o case_n albeit_o the_o act_n command_v by_o the_o will_n and_o conscience_n be_v curb_v and_o restrain_v yet_o the_o will_n and_o conscience_n be_v not_o compel_v but_o be_v bring_v to_o a_o better_a determination_n of_o its_o own_o elicit_a act_n that_o have_v obtain_v a_o clear_a light_n about_o its_o duty_n it_o may_v command_v the_o outward_a man_n to_o say_v &_o do_v what_o be_v right_a if_o he_o pretend_v that_o religion_n be_v not_o to_o be_v propagat_n and_o press_v by_o force_n but_o by_o the_o word_n preach_v and_o heresy_n be_v to_o be_v root_v out_o not_o by_o the_o sword_n but_o by_o the_o power_n of_o truth_n hold_v forth_o to_o the_o heretic_n let_v he_o know_v that_o there_o be_v a_o difference_n between_o propagation_n of_o religion_n among_o pagan_n or_o people_n not_o under_o the_o charge_n of_o the_o civil_a magistrate_n or_o church_n judicatories_n and_o the_o preservation_n or_o purgation_n of_o religion_n among_o they_o that_o be_v within_o the_o visible_a church_n and_o under_o the_o power_n of_o the_o civil_a magistrate_n for_o albeit_o the_o only_a way_n to_o bring_v religion_n in_o request_n among_o heathen_a nation_n and_o stranger_n to_o the_o covenant_n of_o promise_n be_v that_o way_n which_o the_o apostle_n do_v follow_v preach_v the_o gospel_n to_o all_o and_o receive_v such_o as_o embrace_v the_o gospel_n into_o church-fellowship_n yet_o the_o magistrate_n have_v civil_a dominion_n over_o heathen_a idolater_n may_v after_o information_n of_o they_o by_o the_o preacher_n of_o the_o gospel_n break_v their_o idol_n and_o abolish_v they_o and_o restrain_v they_o from_o do_v contempt_n unto_o the_o true_a religion_n or_o abuse_v of_o the_o sabbath_n as_o the_o four_o command_n of_o the_o moral_a law_n do_v give_v warrant_n yea_o and_o may_v compel_v they_o to_o use_v the_o mean_n whereby_o they_o may_v be_v instruct_v in_o the_o true_a religion_n again_o let_v he_o know_v there_o be_v a_o difference_n between_o deal_v with_o pagan_n and_o stranger_n from_o the_o commonwealth_n of_o israel_n and_o deal_v with_o these_o who_o have_v give_v up_o their_o name_n unto_o christ_n have_v enter_v in_o covenant_n with_o god_n and_o by_o baptism_n have_v consecrat_v themselves_o and_o their_o child_n unto_o the_o faith_n worship_n and_o obedience_n of_o god_n and_o do_v profess_v the_o christian_n religion_n and_o yet_o go_v about_o by_o their_o error_n and_o practice_n to_o corrupt_v and_o over-turn_a the_o true_a religion_n and_o say_v of_o other_o among_o who_o they_o live_v for_o such_o may_v and_o shall_v be_v not_o only_o instruct_v by_o sermon_n conference_n and_o dispute_n but_o also_o punish_v by_o the_o civil_a magistrate_n for_o their_o deceive_n of_o the_o people_n and_o trouble_v the_o flock_n of_o christ_n deut._n 13._o and_o rom._n 13._o if_o he_o pretend_v that_o church-censure_n and_o civil_a punishment_n can_v serve_v for_o nothing_o but_o to_o make_v man_n dissembler_n and_o hypocrite_n in_o the_o mater_fw-la of_o religion_n which_o be_v most_o odious_a in_o the_o sight_n of_o god_n and_o wise_a man_n let_v he_o know_v that_o every_o hypocrite_n shall_v bear_v his_o own_o iniquity_n ecclesiastic_a censure_n and_o civil_a punishment_n concern_v the_o word_n and_o deed_n of_o the_o outward_a man_n that_o they_o may_v be_v order_v so_o as_o religion_n and_o the_o peace_n of_o the_o kingdom_n may_v not_o suffer_v detriment_n if_o any_o man_n say_v and_o do_v that_o which_o be_v right_a in_o hypocrisy_n and_o dissimulation_n the_o society_n wherein_o he_o live_v be_v safe_a but_o for_o his_o hypocrisy_n let_v the_o dissembler_n answer_v to_o god_n for_o it_o and_o yet_o it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v presume_v that_o all_o who_o by_o censure_n and_o fear_v of_o civil_a punishment_n do_v forsake_v error_n and_o embrace_v truth_n be_v dissembler_n and_o hypocrite_n in_o so_o do_v because_o they_o be_v mean_v appoint_v of_o god_n for_o curb_v and_o reclaim_v erroneous_a person_n wherewith_o he_o give_v his_o blessing_n when_o it_o please_v he_o for_o by_o censure_n and_o civil_a punishment_n the_o allurement_n which_o have_v enduce_v they_o to_o error_n be_v cut_v off_o such_o as_o be_v applause_n of_o man_n vain_a glory_n worldly_a advantage_n sensual_a pleasure_n and_o such_o like_a wherein_o the_o erroneous_a have_v be_v take_v as_o in_o a_o evil_a net_n which_o be_v break_v the_o ensnare_v captive_a may_v come_v free_o off_o his_o error_n and_o embrace_v the_o truth_n and_o take_v in_o good_a part_n the_o censure_n and_o civil_a punishment_n which_o draw_v he_o out_o of_o the_o snare_n into_o the_o right_a way_n as_o we_o be_v assure_v by_o the_o pprophecy_n of_o zechariah_n chap._n 13._o 6._o and_o one_o shall_v say_v to_o wit_n to_o the_o convert_a sectary_n what_o be_v these_o wound_n in_o thy_o hand_n then_o he_o shall_v answer_v those_o with_o which_o i_o be_v wound_v in_o the_o house_n of_o my_o friend_n but_o whether_o by_o those_o mean_v the_o erroneous_a be_v reclaim_v hearty_o or_o in_o dissimulation_n respect_n must_v be_v have_v to_o god_n command_n and_o his_o people_n good_a by_o curb_v of_o vice_n and_o error_n according_a as_o god_n have_v give_v power_n to_o the_o church_n and_o to_o the_o civil_a magistrate_n rom._n 13._o 3_o 4._o who_o be_v appoint_v the_o minster_n of_o god_n for_o the_o people_n good_a if_o he_o shall_v object_v that_o he_o who_o charge_v he_o for_o his_o error_n be_v no_o less_o subject_n to_o error_n than_o he_o who_o he_o charge_v yea_o that_o governor_n ecclesiastic_a and_o civil_a be_v no_o more_o exeme_v from_o the_o danger_n of_o err_a then_o private_a person_n yea_o that_o the_o determination_n of_o synod_n and_o council_n be_v not_o infallible_a yea_o that_o he_o be_v persuade_v the_o error_n he_o be_v charge_v of_o be_v no_o error_n but_o not_o persuade_v of_o the_o truth_n which_o the_o reformer_n of_o he_o pretend_v unto_o let_v he_o know_v that_o the_o force_n of_o his_o objection_n do_v assert_v that_o truth_n and_o righteousness_n be_v settle_v upon_o the_o mispersuaded_n sectary_n part_n and_o that_o the_o church_n and_o magistrate_n who_o â—indeth_v fault_n with_o he_o have_v nothing_o to_o persuade_v they_o of_o the_o truth_n which_o they_o do_v press_v upon_o the_o sectary_n and_o so_o can_v condemn_v or_o punish_v he_o but_o he_o must_v know_v that_o it_o be_v one_o thing_n to_o say_v one_o may_v err_v in_o the_o latitude_n of_o a_o possibility_n indefinite_a another_o to_o say_v one_o do_v err_v in_o such_o a_o particular_a wherein_o he_o have_v the_o light_n of_o scripture_n and_o reason_n clear_a for_o he_o the_o sectary_n will_v not_o deny_v he_o may_v err_v but_o he_o will_v maintain_v that_o in_o such_o one_o or_o other_o article_n of_o his_o profession_n he_o do_v not_o err_v shall_v he_o maintain_v his_o plea_n that_o he_o do_v not_o err_v in_o such_o a_o point_n of_o error_n and_o shall_v not_o the_o magistrate_n and_o church_n maintain_v their_o plea_n that_o they_o do_v not_o err_v in_o punish_v such_o a_o obstinate_a erroneous_a person_n christ_n have_v commit_v the_o key_n of_o doctrine_n and_o discipline_n to_o his_o church_n that_o private_a person_n may_v know_v christ_n will_n by_o the_o ministry_n of_o the_o church_n except_o he_o will_v be_v hold_v for_o a_o heathen_a or_o publican_n mat._n 18._o 17._o he_o have_v also_o commit_v the_o power_n of_o the_o sword_n unto_o the_o magistrate_n who_o do_v not_o bear_v the_o sword_n in_o vain_a rom._n 13._o and_o therefore_o let_v the_o church_n and_o magistrate_n do_v their_o duty_n and_o let_v erroneous_a person_n cease_v to_o stumble_v the_o lord_n people_n by_o their_o error_n and_o practice_n and_o suffer_v themselves_o to_o be_v bring_v in_o order_n by_o such_o as_o have_v commission_n and_o power_n to_o move_v they_o by_o censure_n and_o civil_a punishment_n thereunto_o if_o still_o he_o will_v insist_v and_o allege_v that_o by_o this_o mean_v a_o christian_a by_o censure_n and_o civil_a punishment_n be_v compel_v to_o sin_n against_o his_o conscience_n let_v he_o know_v that_o a_o scandalous_a sectary_n or_o
walk_n shall_v be_v find_v in_o he_o scrupulosity_n sometime_o it_o come_v to_o pass_v that_o the_o convert_n be_v under_o hard_a exercise_n before_o his_o consolation_n do_v put_v on_o the_o whole_a armour_n of_o god_n and_o study_v to_o walk_v circumspect_o for_o a_o while_n but_o after_o a_o time_n he_o become_v somewhat_o weary_a of_o the_o yoke_n suspect_v he_o have_v give_v too_o much_o way_n unto_o scrupulosity_n whereupon_o he_o become_v more_o remiss_a and_o slack_a in_o his_o watchfulness_n and_o diligence_n lay_v aside_o the_o armour_n of_o god_n as_o david_n lay_v aside_o the_o armour_n of_o king_n saul_n wherewith_o he_o be_v not_o accustom_v for_o satisfy_v himself_o in_o this_o course_n i_o presuppone_v he_o make_v use_v of_o three_o pretend_a reason_n the_o first_o be_v because_o it_o be_v impossible_a for_o any_o man_n to_o attain_v to_o such_o circumspection_n in_o his_o carriage_n as_o become_v he_o for_o it_o be_v no_o less_o than_o to_o aim_v at_o perfect_a obedience_n of_o the_o law_n which_o the_o apostle_n have_v declare_v to_o be_v impossible_a because_o of_o the_o weakness_n of_o the_o flesh_n rom._n 8._o 3._o the_o next_o pretend_v reason_n be_v because_o this_o bend_n of_o a_o man_n spirit_n make_v the_o conscience_n unquiet_a that_o a_o man_n can_v enjoy_v the_o peace_n of_o god_n grant_v in_o the_o gospel_n the_o three_o pretend_a reason_n be_v because_o it_o do_v restrain_v christian_n liberty_n in_o many_o thing_n lawful_a so_o as_o a_o man_n can_v neither_o make_v use_n of_o recreation_n of_o body_n or_o mind_n without_o scruple_n and_o here_o we_o must_v beware_v on_o the_o one_o hand_n lest_o we_o give_v way_n to_o any_o degree_n of_o misregarding_a the_o law_n which_o be_v the_o error_n of_o the_o antinomian_o and_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n lest_o we_o ensnare_v the_o conscience_n of_o convert_n and_o hinder_v they_o in_o the_o lawful_a use_n of_o what_o god_n do_v allow_v unto_o they_o 2._o for_o remedy_n of_o this_o evil_a let_v the_o convert_v know_v that_o there_o be_v a_o necessity_n of_o aim_v at_o circumspect_a walk_n this_o duty_n be_v indispensable_a for_o if_o a_o chink_n be_v open_v here_o in_o the_o vessel_n for_o the_o least_o entry_n of_o water_n it_o may_v ere_o long_o fill_v and_o sink_v the_o whole_a ship_n for_o the_o command_n stand_v unmoveable_a â—hâ—b_n 12._o 14._o follow_v peace_n with_o all_o man_n and_o holiness_n without_o which_o no_o man_n shall_v see_v the_o lord_n and_o 1_o pet._n 1._o 15._o as_o he_o that_o have_v call_v you_o be_v holy_a so_o be_v you_o holy_a in_o all_o manner_n of_o conversation_n and_o mat._n 5._o 48._o christ_n have_v say_v be_v you_o perfect_a as_o your_o father_n in_o heaven_n be_v perfect_a this_o ground_n be_v lay_v let_v we_o examine_v these_o three_o pretend_a reason_n as_o to_o the_o first_o albeit_o the_o attain_n unto_o the_o perfect_a obedience_n of_o the_o law_n in_o this_o life_n be_v impossible_a because_o of_o the_o infirmity_n of_o corrupt_a nature_n yet_o the_o aim_v at_o the_o perfect_a obedience_n of_o god_n command_n be_v both_o possible_a and_o profitable_a and_o he_o who_o aim_v at_o perfection_n of_o obedience_n in_o this_o life_n shall_v attain_v it_o full_o in_o the_o life_n to_o come_v it_o be_v one_o thing_n to_o give_v perfect_a obedience_n unto_o the_o law_n for_o in_o many_o thing_n we_o do_v sin_n all_o of_o we_o another_o thing_n to_o endeavour_v according_a to_o the_o measure_n of_o grace_n give_v to_o obey_v the_o law_n perfect_o for_o god_n who_o have_v loose_v convert_v flee_v to_o christ_n from_o the_o convenant_n of_o work_n or_o the_o covenant_n of_o the_o law_n he_o have_v not_o loose_v his_o subject_n from_o obedience_n to_o the_o lawgiver_n he_o have_v not_o abolish_v the_o ten_o command_n he_o have_v not_o loose_v the_o duty_n of_o the_o redeem_v and_o convert_v soul_n but_o by_o receive_v they_o in_o favour_n through_o faith_n in_o christ_n he_o do_v augment_v their_o obligation_n to_o serve_v the_o lord_n their_o redeemer_n so_o much_o more_o cheerful_o and_o careful_o as_o the_o grace_n be_v large_a in_o forgive_a they_o their_o sin_n and_o translate_n they_o from_o the_o slavery_n of_o sin_n and_o satan_n into_o the_o kingdom_n of_o christ._n again_o albeit_o it_o be_v true_a that_o it_o be_v impossible_a to_o attain_v perfect_a obedience_n unto_o the_o law_n yet_o there_o be_v great_a advantage_n to_o be_v have_v by_o circumspect_a walk_n and_o aim_v at_o perfect_a obedience_n for_o this_o 1._o do_v glorify_v our_o heavenly_a father_n when_o we_o strive_v to_o be_v conform_v to_o his_o will_n and_o to_o have_v respect_n to_o all_o his_o command_n 2._o this_o endeavour_n adorn_v the_o gospel_n and_o profession_n of_o our_o most_o holy_a faith_n whereby_o we_o lie_v hold_v on_o the_o grace_n of_o free_a justification_n that_o we_o may_v become_v the_o servant_n of_o righteousness_n indeed_o 3._o this_o endeavour_n bear_v witness_n of_o our_o sinceâ—_n desire_v to_o serve_v god_n with_o all_o our_o heart_n albeit_o we_o attain_v not_o to_o the_o perfection_n of_o obedience_n in_o this_o life_n 4._o this_o endeavour_n give_v unto_o we_o daily_o new_a mater_fw-la of_o humiliation_n when_o in_o our_o aim_v at_o our_o duty_n we_o come_v very_o short_a of_o our_o mark_n we_o shoot_v at_o 5._o this_o endeavour_n and_o short-coming_a for_o all_o we_o can_v do_v make_v we_o despair_v of_o seek_v justification_n by_o work_n before_o god_n and_o to_o esteem_v high_o and_o make_v use_n by_o faith_n of_o christ_n satisfaction_n for_o we_o impute_v to_o we_o for_o righteousness_n which_o be_v a_o garment_n able_a to_o hide_v our_o imperfection_n and_o nakedness_n 6._o this_o endeavour_n to_o walk_v circumspect_o put_v we_o to_o the_o exercise_n of_o all_o christian_n grace_n and_o to_o strive_v with_o other_o and_o with_o ourselves_o to_o perfect_a holiness_n in_o the_o fear_n of_o god_n 3._o as_o for_o the_o second_o pretend_v reason_n that_o this_o endeavour_n to_o walk_v circumspect_o may_v make_v the_o conscience_n unquiet_a it_o put_v a_o foul_a aspersion_n on_o the_o holy_a precept_n of_o the_o apostle_n ephes._n 5._o 15_o 16_o 17._o who_o have_v declare_v this_o to_o be_v a_o man_n wisdom_n and_o so_o a_o good_a mean_a of_o make_v his_o conscience_n quiet_a and_o to_o establish_v in_o it_o the_o peace_n of_o god_n for_o by_o this_o endeavour_n to_o walk_v circumspect_o believer_n in_o christ_n be_v assure_v that_o they_o be_v without_o the_o reach_n of_o condemnation_n because_o they_o walk_v not_o after_o the_o flesh_n but_o after_o the_o spirit_n rom._n 8._o 1._o second_o this_o endeavour_n be_v the_o evidence_n of_o a_o good_a conscience_n which_o accompani_v true_a faith_n and_o in_o a_o manner_n do_v guard_v the_o conscience_n from_o just_a challenge_n which_o may_v trouble_v the_o same_o three_o by_o this_o endeavour_n the_o believer_n be_v by_o a_o holy_a necessity_n force_v to_o cleave_v close_o unto_o christ_n to_o converse_v with_o he_o in_o heaven_n that_o the_o pollution_n of_o daily_a sin_n may_v be_v washen_n away_o by_o new_a application_n of_o christ_n expiarory_n sacrifice_n to_o the_o believer_n and_o that_o christ_n may_v let_v forth_o more_o strength_n to_o he_o to_o walk_v in_o the_o way_n of_o command_v duty_n and_o so_o the_o convert_n may_v stand_v in_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n thus_o the_o peace_n of_o god_n offer_v and_o covenant_v in_o the_o gospel_n be_v preserve_v in_o he_o so_o long_o as_o this_o endeavour_n to_o walk_v circumspect_o be_v entertain_v 4._o as_o for_o the_o three_o pretend_v reason_n against_o circumspect_a walk_n as_o if_o by_o it_o christian-liberty_n shall_v be_v cross_v and_o cut_v short_a it_o be_v a_o false_a pretence_n for_o the_o contrair_n be_v true_a that_o christian-liberty_n be_v not_o hurt_v but_o help_v and_o preserve_v by_o circumspect_a walk_n for_o this_o be_v true_a christian-liberty_n to_o have_v allowance_n of_o the_o use_n of_o the_o benefit_n which_o god_n do_v bestow_v with_o his_o blessing_n so_o far_o as_o may_v serve_v our_o welfare_n see_v it_o be_v not_o a_o point_n of_o christian-liberty_n licentious_o by_o intemperance_n to_o abuse_v god_n benefit_n and_o turn_v they_o to_o our_o own_o hurt_n wherefore_o let_v our_o heart_n be_v all_o day_n in_o the_o fear_n of_o god_n that_o we_o may_v in_o lawful_a manner_n make_v use_n of_o lawful_a thing_n neither_o do_v the_o study_n of_o holiness_n make_v recreation_n of_o body_n and_o mind_n unlawful_a but_o restrain_v immoderate_a and_o untimeous_a use_n of_o thing_n lawful_a all_o that_o christian_a liberty_n grant_v unto_o we_o be_v that_o whether_o we_o eat_v or_o drink_v or_o what_o lawful_a thing_n else_o we_o do_v we_o do_v all_o for_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n 1_o cor._n 10._o 31._o that_o be_v so_o as_o we_o may_v be_v
strengthen_v and_o set_v forward_o to_o glorify_v god_n in_o christ_n in_o necessary_a duty_n as_o for_o the_o manner_n and_o measure_n to_o be_v keep_v in_o the_o use_n of_o thing_n lawful_a prudence_n must_v be_v ask_v of_o god_n who_o will_v direct_v we_o in_o this_o as_o in_o other_o christian_a duty_n chap._n xvi_o concern_v the_o convert_n suspicion_n that_o his_o softness_n of_o heart_n be_v nothing_o but_o a_o natural_a disposition_n to_o weep_v upon_o any_o occasion_n when_o the_o lord_n have_v take_v away_o from_o the_o sinner_n a_o heart_n of_o stone_n and_o have_v give_v unto_o he_o a_o heart_n of_o flesh_n so_o that_o he_o there_fw-mi not_o any_o more_o harden_v himself_o against_o the_o threaten_n of_o god_n word_n but_o do_v tremble_v at_o the_o hear_n thereof_o as_o speak_v isaiah_n 66._o 2._o and_o in_o his_o prayer_n do_v pour_v forth_o his_o heart_n ordinary_o with_o tear_n he_o may_v as_o experience_n have_v teach_v fall_v in_o a_o suspicion_n of_o this_o ordinar_n or_o frequent_a melt_a of_o heart_n as_o if_o it_o be_v nothing_o else_o but_o a_o childish_a or_o woman-like_a temper_n of_o body_n and_o spirit_n and_o no_o evidence_n of_o contrition_n for_o spiritual_a cause_n which_o the_o scripture_n require_v and_o commend_v in_o the_o penitent_a 2._o in_o this_o case_n there_o be_v danger_n on_o either_o hand_n if_o the_o convert_n be_v not_o wary_a and_o circumspect_a in_o this_o condition_n for_o on_o the_o one_o hand_n he_o be_v in_o hazard_n of_o make_v light_a account_n of_o the_o work_n of_o god_n who_o have_v take_v from_o he_o the_o heart_n of_o stone_n and_o give_v he_o a_o heart_n of_o flesh_n on_o the_o other_o hand_n he_o be_v in_o hazard_n of_o lay_v too_o much_o weight_n on_o his_o tear_n if_o once_o he_o be_v satisfy_v about_o the_o suspicion_n he_o have_v of_o his_o own_o tear_n and_o make_v clear_a that_o they_o be_v proof_n and_o evidence_n of_o his_o sincerity_n in_o his_o prayer_n to_o god_n that_o there_o be_v a_o danger_n on_o either_o hand_n experience_n have_v teach_v for_o some_o sincere_a convert_n have_v entertain_v the_o suspicion_n that_o their_o tear_n in_o prayer_n proceed_v from_o the_o soft_a temper_n of_o their_o natural_a complexion_n &_o disposition_n of_o spirit_n have_v resist_v their_o inclination_n to_o mourn_v and_o strive_v against_o let_v forth_o of_o tear_n so_o far_o that_o they_o have_v become_v so_o dry_a for_o a_o long_a time_n and_o have_v pray_v more_o perfunctorious_o than_o before_o that_o when_o just_a cause_n of_o grief_n and_o tear_n be_v give_v unto_o they_o they_o be_v not_o able_a to_o bring_v forth_o one_o tear_n for_o ease_v of_o their_o grieve_a heart_n on_o the_o other_o hand_n experience_n have_v teach_v that_o some_o look_v upon_o the_o expression_n of_o the_o saint_n in_o scripture_n concern_v their_o tear_n have_v lay_v so_o much_o weight_n upon_o their_o tear_n as_o they_o have_v number_v in_o a_o manner_n all_o the_o drop_n of_o their_o eye_n and_o from_o the_o less_o or_o more_o quantity_n of_o they_o make_v reckon_v of_o their_o own_o better_a or_o worse_a condition_n and_o of_o god_n acceptation_n of_o their_o prayer_n less_o or_o more_o 3._o this_o tenderness_n of_o heart_n and_o easiness_n to_o be_v move_v unto_o tear_n for_o spiritual_a motive_n be_v a_o rare_a gift_n few_o they_o be_v who_o with_o sense_n of_o the_o body_n of_o death_n and_o original_a sin_n bear_v they_o down_o do_v lament_v their_o natural_a sinfulness_n in_o their_o best_a condition_n with_o paul_n rom._n 7._o 24._o few_o shall_v be_v find_v so_o affectionate_a to_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n and_o salvation_n of_o people_n soul_n as_o to_o pour_v out_o tear_n both_o in_o secret_a and_o open_o for_o promove_v thereof_o as_o the_o apostle_n do_v act._n 20._o 19_o 21._o and_o 2_o cor._n 2._o 4._o few_o like_a timothy_n who_o heart_n be_v so_o tender_a that_o the_o apostle_n can_v not_o but_o observe_v his_o tear_n and_o remember_v they_o 2_o tim._n 1._o 4._o yet_o we_o doubt_v not_o that_o from_o age_n to_o age_n sundry_a be_v who_o by_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n have_v this_o constant_o melt_a heart_n according_a to_o the_o measure_n of_o god_n free_a donation_n some_o with_o tear_n some_o without_o tear_n and_o therefore_o if_o there_o be_v find_v in_o such_o mourner_n a_o honest_a endeavour_n to_o walk_v circumspect_o let_v not_o the_o suspicion_n that_o their_o tenderness_n be_v but_o natural_a weakness_n of_o spirit_n or_o bodily_a complexion_n be_v entertain_v only_o let_v the_o giver_n of_o the_o grace_n of_o a_o tender_a heart_n be_v rely_v upon_o and_o not_o their_o tear_n as_o if_o they_o be_v any_o more_o than_o witness_n of_o their_o honest_a affection_n in_o spiritual_a exercise_n for_o such_o prayer_n may_v prove_v sincere_a and_o acceptable_a to_o god_n both_o when_o they_o can_v mourn_v and_o also_o when_o their_o heart_n seem_v wither_v hard_a and_o dry_a chap._n xvii_o concern_v the_o convert_n suspicion_n that_o all_o his_o devotion_n be_v but_o lip-labour_n which_o be_v not_o join_v with_o a_o tender_a and_o melt_a heart_n and_o with_o god_n sensible_a approbation_n as_o some_o be_v suspicious_a of_o their_o condition_n because_o of_o their_o ordinar_n tenderness_n and_o melt_a of_o heart_n so_o other_o some_o be_v suspicious_a of_o their_o condition_n because_o they_o find_v not_o their_o heart_n tender_a and_o soft_a in_o their_o devotion_n all_o convert_n do_v agree_v in_o this_o that_o god_n must_v be_v worship_v in_o spirit_n and_o truth_n and_o that_o it_o be_v not_o acceptable_a worship_n to_o god_n if_o a_o man_n draw_v near_o he_o with_o his_o lip_n when_o his_o heart_n be_v far_o from_o he_o whereupon_o every_o convert_n when_o he_o be_v mindful_a of_o his_o duty_n go_v about_o to_o worship_n god_n with_o understanding_n and_o inward_a affection_n of_o heart_n to_o confess_v sin_n deprecat_fw-la wrath_n ask_v of_o god_n thing_n necessary_a intercede_v for_o other_o give_v thanks_o to_o god_n for_o his_o benefit_n and_o praise_v he_o for_o his_o work_n and_o work_a so_o as_o his_o affection_n may_v be_v conform_a to_o his_o expression_n and_o the_o conscience_n may_v approve_v both_o his_o word_n and_o his_o hearty_a affection_n and_o god_n may_v with_o his_o peace_n and_o consolation_n approve_v the_o worshipper_n but_o some_o convert_n be_v who_o albeit_o in_o sincerity_n they_o worship_v god_n yet_o they_o count_v all_o their_o devotion_n to_o be_v but_o lip-labour_n except_o they_o find_v their_o affection_n waken_v up_o and_o their_o heart_n tender_a and_o some_o vigour_n of_o spiritual_a life_n in_o their_o exercise_n and_o the_o sense_n of_o god_n approbation_n of_o their_o worship_n by_o give_v sense_n of_o his_o peace_n and_o consolation_n to_o they_o in_o their_o worship_n hence_o ofttimes_o do_v suspicion_n arise_v without_o just_a ground_n that_o they_o be_v desert_v of_o god_n that_o he_o be_v displease_v with_o they_o and_o this_o suspicion_n be_v entertain_v do_v send_v forth_o complaint_n and_o bring_v on_o coldrifenesse_n in_o prayer_n and_o discouragement_n 2._o this_o unjust_a suspicion_n of_o the_o grace_n of_o prayer_n the_o lord_n do_v ofttimes_o chastise_v by_o withdraw_a peace_n and_o comfort_n and_o order_n in_o prayer_n and_o of_o word_n also_o that_o he_o who_o complain_v that_o his_o devotion_n be_v but_o lip-labour_n because_o he_o sound_v not_o such_o measure_n of_o affection_n as_o he_o will_v have_v have_v nor_o that_o consolation_n which_o he_o wish_v to_o have_v shall_v find_v himself_o in_o worse_a take_n after_o his_o complain_n than_o he_o be_v in_o at_o first_o when_o he_o begin_v to_o suspect_v his_o condition_n it_o be_v true_a that_o confusion_n of_o mind_n and_o want_v of_o word_n to_o express_v the_o case_n wherein_o he_o be_v may_v fall_v on_o a_o convert_n by_o reason_n of_o affliction_n and_o manifold_a temptation_n and_o yet_o he_o may_v be_v free_a from_o this_o suspicion_n of_o god_n affection_n and_o acceptation_n of_o his_o person_n and_o prayer_n as_o the_o apostle_n do_v teach_v we_o rom._n 8._o 26._o likeways_o the_o spirit_n also_o help_v our_o infirmity_n for_o we_o know_v not_o what_o we_o shall_v pray_v for_o as_o we_o ought_v but_o the_o spirit_n itself_o make_v intercession_n for_o we_o with_o groan_n which_o can_v be_v utter_v but_o when_o this_o cut_a short_a of_o the_o gift_n of_o prayer_n in_o any_o measure_n do_v follow_v after_o suspicion_n of_o god_n respect_n and_o good_a will_n towards_o the_o complain_n and_o discourage_v convert_n it_o be_v a_o fatherly_a chastisement_n from_o god_n threaten_v the_o convert_n with_o a_o great_a measure_n of_o desertion_n and_o heavy_a temptation_n except_o he_o repent_v his_o folly_n and_o return_n to_o god_n who_o by_o his_o suspicion_n and_o misbelief_n he_o have_v offend_v 3._o for_o remedy_n of_o
these_o two_o help_v one_o another_o and_o therefore_o be_v join_v together_o by_o the_o apostle_n 1_o joh._n 2._o 16._o all_o that_o be_v in_o the_o world_n be_v the_o lust_n of_o the_o eye_n the_o lust_n of_o the_o flesh_n and_o the_o pride_n of_o life_n and_o when_o man_n be_v tempt_v by_o their_o own_o lust_n the_o world_n do_v furnish_v object_n allurement_n and_o inducement_n to_o sin_n the_o three_o sort_n be_v the_o tentation_n from_o satan_n who_o beside_o that_o he_o be_v not_o idle_a to_o take_v advantage_n of_o concupiscence_n and_o the_o world_n inducement_n so_o be_v he_o chief_o busy_a to_o throw_v his_o fiery_a dart_n against_o the_o convert_n and_o to_o solicit_v man_n to_o such_o sin_n as_o the_o convert_n do_v most_o detest_v and_o abhor_v as_o for_o the_o first_o sort_n of_o tentation_n from_o god_n they_o be_v ordinary_o by_o affliction_n bodily_a or_o spiritual_a wherein_o ofttimes_o the_o convert_n do_v not_o observe_v the_o lord_n purpose_n and_o will_n reveal_v in_o scripture_n or_o be_v forgetful_a of_o the_o admonition_n and_o consolation_n which_o they_o have_v hear_v from_o scripture_n which_o be_v the_o case_n of_o the_o afflict_a saint_n heb._n 12._o 5._o and_o so_o they_o be_v more_o vex_v than_o they_o shall_v be_v and_o ps._n 42._o 11._o deject_a and_o disquiet_v and_o do_v suspect_v that_o god_n be_v angry_a with_o they_o and_o with_o the_o way_n they_o walk_v in_o heb._n 12._o 12_o 13._o of_o this_o sickness_n there_o may_v be_v three_o cause_n 1._o the_o bitterness_n of_o affliction_n for_o the_o present_a time_n wherein_o it_o be_v â—elt_v 2._o the_o sense_n of_o bypass_a sin_n which_o the_o afflict_a do_v suspect_v god_n be_v pursue_v and_o make_v hiâ—_n possess_v the_o sin_n of_o his_o youth_n job._n 13._o 26._o the_o three_o be_v the_o observation_n of_o inborn_a corruption_n discover_v unto_o the_o afflict_a much_o more_o than_o in_o prosperity_n 4._o for_o remedy_n of_o this_o evil_a let_v the_o afflict_a convert_n persuade_v himself_o from_o the_o word_n of_o god_n that_o in_o all_o the_o affliction_n of_o god_n child_n the_o lord_n do_v intend_v the_o trial_n and_o exercise_n and_o increase_v of_o faith_n and_o other_o grace_n bestow_v on_o they_o and_o upon_o this_o consideration_n the_o afflict_a shall_v rejoice_v in_o this_o exercise_n jam._n 1._o 2_o 3._o second_o let_v he_o remember_v that_o with_o the_o trial_n of_o faith_n there_o be_v always_o a_o discovery_n of_o infirmity_n and_o corruption_n of_o nature_n in_o the_o afflict_a as_o in_o the_o purify_n of_o gold_n both_o the_o good_a metal_n and_o the_o dross_n be_v discover_v which_o as_o he_o shall_v acknowledge_v that_o he_o may_v be_v keep_v from_o fret_v so_o must_v he_o still_o remember_v that_o the_o lord_n do_v intend_v the_o trial_n of_o his_o faith_n that_o he_o may_v be_v constant_a in_o believe_v on_o christ_n the_o only_a help_n and_o relief_n from_o sin_n and_o misery_n three_o in_o whatsoever_o condition_n he_o be_v in_o let_v he_o endeavour_v to_o go_v on_o in_o patience_n experience_n and_o hope_n which_o shall_v never_o make_v he_o ashamed_a for_o this_o do_v the_o lord_n teach_v we_o rom._n 5._o 3_o 4._o and_o jam._n 1._o 4._o as_o for_o the_o second_o sort_n of_o tentation_n from_o the_o concupiscence_n of_o the_o flâ—sh_n and_o from_o the_o world_n allurement_n and_o terror_n let_v the_o convert_v afflict_a follow_v the_o same_o course_n which_o be_v prescribe_v in_o the_o remedy_n of_o the_o tentation_n of_o the_o first_o sort_n as_o for_o the_o three_o sort_n of_o tentation_n which_o be_v from_o the_o devil_n tempt_v man_n to_o atheism_n or_o blasphemy_n or_o despair_v or_o self-murder_n and_o such_o like_a which_o even_o nature_n do_v abhor_v whereof_o something_o be_v speak_v elsewhere_o 1._o let_v the_o afflict_a convert_n put_v difference_n between_o the_o devil_n sin_n in_o tempt_v to_o vile_a sin_n and_o his_o own_o seem_v feeble_a resist_v wherein_o albeit_o he_o think_v himself_o pollute_v yet_o his_o not_o yield_v testify_v his_o dissent_v from_o those_o fearful_a sin_n whereunto_o satan_n do_v tempt_v he_o 2._o let_v he_o put_v difference_n between_o the_o consent_n of_o his_o unmortified_a corrupt_a nature_n inclinable_a to_o every_o evil_a from_o the_o lust_n of_o the_o spirit_n which_o fight_v against_o the_o lust_n of_o the_o flesh_n which_o hinder_v the_o adversary_n from_o get_v the_o victory_n 3._o let_v he_o put_v difference_n between_o the_o sufficiency_n of_o god_n grace_n uphold_v he_o in_o the_o conflict_n and_o the_o full_a victory_n against_o the_o messenger_n of_o satan_n buffet_v he_o for_o god_n use_v to_o susspend_v the_o victory_n for_o a_o time_n and_o yet_o make_v his_o grace_n sufficient_o uphold_v his_o soldier_n till_o the_o victory_n be_v give_v as_o paul_n experience_n 2_o cor._n 12._o teach_v we_o and_o indeed_o it_o be_v a_o pleasant_a spectacle_n to_o the_o lord_n to_o look_v upon_o his_o weak_a child_n strive_v against_o the_o flesh_n the_o world_n and_o satan_n and_o stand_v out_o by_o faith_n in_o christ_n against_o they_o all_o 4._o let_v he_o consider_v that_o by_o these_o tentation_n of_o satan_n unto_o vile_a sin_n god_n can_v and_o do_v mortify_v sin_n and_o make_v his_o child_n watchful_a and_o strong_a against_o both_o the_o sinful_a inclination_n unto_o these_o and_o all_o other_o sin_n in_o the_o mean_a time_n let_v he_o beware_v of_o a_o more_o sly_a and_o subtle_a tentation_n which_o satan_n use_v to_o slide_v in_o at_o the_o back_n of_o these_o ugly_a and_o gross_a tentation_n which_o be_v this_o when_o he_o have_v press_v with_o all_o violence_n these_o fiery_a dart_n and_o vile_a suggestion_n upon_o the_o convert_n he_o charge_v the_o afflict_a soul_n with_o a_o give_v consent_n unto_o they_o and_o like_o a_o scold_a calumniator_n impudent_o bear_v guiltiness_n upon_o he_o and_o all_o to_o make_v he_o apprehend_v his_o condition_n to_o be_v worse_o than_o it_o be_v and_o to_o suspect_v that_o god_n by_o this_o exercise_n be_v pursue_v he_o in_o wrath_n and_o this_o tentation_n be_v not_o ready_o observe_v by_o the_o afflict_a convert_n but_o yield_v unto_o more_o than_o to_o the_o grosâ—e_a tentation_n therefore_o in_o the_o last_o place_n let_v the_o convert_v guard_n against_o this_o tentation_n which_o brangle_v his_o faith_n and_o lay_v the_o blame_n with_o the_o apostle_n on_o corrupt_a nature_n whatsoever_o guiltiness_n be_v find_v rom._n 7._o 17._o now_o than_o it_o be_v no_o more_o i_o that_o do_v it_o but_o sin_n that_o dwell_v in_o i_o a_o speech_n beseem_v a_o man_n free_a of_o out-breaking_a and_o prevail_a corruption_n and_o strive_v against_o all_o inward_a motion_n of_o corrupt_a nature_n and_o for_o remedy_n of_o this_o and_o other_o evil_n let_v he_o renew_v the_o act_n of_o his_o faith_n in_o christ_n lay_v hold_n upon_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n that_o he_o may_v more_o confident_o draw_v near_o unto_o god_n reconcile_v in_o christ_n and_o so_o no_o more_o doubt_n of_o god_n good_a will_n to_o he_o notwithstanding_o of_o his_o hard_a exercise_n under_o tentation_n for_o thus_o satan_n shall_v not_o only_o fly_v from_o the_o first_o tentation_n be_v resist_v but_o also_o be_v disappoint_v of_o the_o success_n he_o expect_v in_o question_v the_o covert_n condition_n and_o weaken_n of_o his_o faith_n chap._n xxvii_o concern_v the_o convert_n mistake_v his_o condition_n when_o he_o do_v observe_v some_o degree_n of_o god_n desert_v of_o he_o to_o speak_v of_o the_o sort_n and_o degree_n of_o god_n desert_v a_o soul_n require_v a_o large_a treatise_n and_o the_o case_n and_o cure_v thereof_o be_v already_o public_o set_v forth_o by_o a_o learned_a and_o godly_a preacher_n of_o the_o gospel_n it_o shall_v suffice_v for_o our_o purpose_n to_o speak_v of_o it_o only_o so_o far_o as_o it_o concern_v the_o convert_n mistake_v his_o condition_n when_o he_o apprehend_v himself_o desert_v whether_o the_o desertion_n be_v real_a or_o apparent_a only_a and_o fall_v into_o suspicion_n of_o god_n love_n to_o he_o or_o that_o god_n be_v displease_v with_o he_o because_o he_o find_v not_o such_o lively_a influence_n of_o god_n spirit_n as_o he_o have_v find_v and_o such_o assistance_n of_o his_o gracious_a presence_n as_o he_o do_v expect_v in_o discharge_n of_o religious_a duty_n or_o exercise_n wherein_o divine_a providence_n have_v yoke_v he_o the_o scripture_n and_o daily_a experience_n do_v furnish_v instance_n of_o sad_a complaint_n of_o the_o lord_n hide_v his_o face_n and_o withdraw_a or_o withhold_a of_o light_n or_o peace_n or_o consolation_n or_o strength_n and_o ability_n for_o spiritual_a duty_n etc._n etc._n 2._o for_o remedy_v whereof_o 1._o let_v the_o convert_v remember_v that_o god_n do_v not_o leave_v a_o believer_n flee_v to_o christ_n for_o relief_n from_o sin_n and_o misery_n always_o
and_o for_o ever_o but_o for_o a_o short_a time_n and_o that_o he_o keep_v love_n to_o they_o constant_o albeit_o he_o do_v hide_v the_o token_n of_o his_o love_n sometime_o and_o dispose_v of_o the_o act_n of_o his_o love_n as_o he_o see_v sit_v for_o the_o advantage_n of_o the_o work_n of_o grace_n in_o they_o let_v he_o put_v difference_n between_o desertion_n and_o the_o gift_n of_o discern_v of_o the_o desertion_n for_o albeit_o desertion_n be_v of_o itself_o a_o sad_a visitation_n yet_o the_o sight_n and_o observation_n of_o it_o testify_v god_n presence_n with_o his_o child_n giving_z eyesalve_n and_o light_n and_o thereby_o do_v not_o only_o teach_v that_o wound_n to_o be_v curable_a but_o also_o that_o the_o physician_n be_v begin_v the_o cure_n of_o it_o by_o pance_v and_o lance_v the_o wound_n 3._o let_v he_o not_o count_v it_o a_o desertion_n when_o god_n in_o any_o service_n whereunto_o he_o put_v his_o child_n empty_v he_o of_o all_o conceit_n of_o his_o own_o ability_n that_o he_o may_v open_v his_o mouth_n wyd_v and_o be_v fill_v for_o this_o empty_n of_o the_o convert_n be_v the_o very_o fit_v of_o he_o for_o fresh_a supply_n from_o christ_n to_o go_v about_o the_o service_n in_o christ_n strength_n and_o furniture_n which_o the_o apostle_n feel_v by_o experience_n 2_o cor._n 12._o 10._o when_o i_o be_o weak_a say_v he_o than_o i_o be_o strong_a poverty_n of_o spirit_n and_o hunger_n and_o thirst_n for_o righteousness_n be_v not_o to_o be_v count_v desertion_n 4._o let_v he_o observe_v the_o degree_n of_o god_n presence_n no_o less_o than_o the_o degree_n of_o his_o absence_n as_o the_o psalmist_n do_v when_o he_o recollect_v himself_o ps._n 73._o 23._o after_o the_o tentation_n which_o trouble_v he_o be_v overcome_v nevertheless_o i_o be_o continual_o with_o thou_o thou_o hold_v i_o by_o thy_o right_a hand_n and_o ver_fw-la 26._o my_o flesh_n and_o my_o heart_n fail_v but_o god_n be_v the_o strength_n of_o my_o heart_n and_o my_o portion_n for_o ever_o 5._o let_v he_o put_v a_o right_a construction_n upon_o god_n dispensation_n believe_v always_o that_o god_n do_v what_o he_o do_v for_o good_a to_o his_o afflict_a subject_n whether_o he_o draw_v forth_o by_o his_o desertion_n the_o latent-corruption_n of_o the_o heart_n as_o he_o do_v to_o ezekiah_n 2_o chron._n 32._o 31._o or_o whether_o to_o prevent_v out-breaking_a of_o corruption_n as_o he_o do_v to_o the_o apostle_n 2_o cor._n 12._o 7._o 8_o 9_o or_o whether_o to_o exercise_v his_o faith_n love_n and_o patience_n and_o to_o sharpen_v his_o prayer_n as_o he_o do_v to_o the_o psalmist_n frequent_o and_o therefore_o let_v he_o in_o the_o observation_n of_o whatsoever_o degree_n of_o desertion_n humble_v himself_o before_o god_n fly_v in_o more_o close_o unto_o christ_n and_o patient_o wait_v upon_o the_o change_n of_o his_o conditon_n in_o the_o use_n of_o the_o mean_n and_o follow_v the_o duty_n of_o his_o call_n as_o the_o lord_n shall_v enable_v he_o for_o this_o be_v the_o counsel_n of_o the_o lord_n isa._n 50._o 10._o who_o be_v he_o among_o you_o that_o fear_v the_o lord_n that_o obey_v the_o voice_n of_o his_o servont_n that_o walk_v in_o darkness_n and_o have_v no_o light_n let_v he_o trust_v in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o stay_v upon_o his_o god_n and_o this_o much_o suffice_v for_o instance_n of_o the_o three_o sort_n of_o the_o convert_v mistake_v his_o condition_n chap._n xxviii_o concern_v case_n wherein_o the_o convert_n be_v in_o doubt_n what_o to_o determine_v about_o his_o condition_n it_o rest_v that_o we_o speak_v of_o the_o four_o sort_n of_o case_n of_o the_o conscience_n of_o the_o convert_n wherein_o he_o be_v at_o a_o stand_n and_o in_o doubt_n what_o to_o determine_v of_o his_o present_a condition_n 2._o in_o these_o doubtful_a case_n the_o convert_n be_v not_o proper_o deceive_v as_o in_o the_o former_a rank_n of_o case_n it_o be_v presuppose_v of_o he_o because_o in_o this_o sort_n of_o case_n the_o convert_n do_v not_o positive_o determine_v the_o question_n wherein_o he_o be_v fall_v but_o stand_v in_o doubt_n what_o to_o resolve_v upon_o 3._o case_n of_o this_o sort_n pertain_v to_o the_o mind_n and_o judgement_n of_o the_o convert_n and_o if_o his_o judgement_n be_v clear_v by_o lose_v of_o the_o question_n incontinent_a he_o be_v satisfy_v and_o quiet_a 4._o it_o be_v necessary_a for_o the_o convert_v clear_v that_o he_o form_n the_o question_n right_o and_o to_o this_o end_n 1._o let_v he_o consider_v his_o case_n and_o condition_n in_o himself_o so_o accurat_o as_o he_o can_v 2._o let_v he_o ingenuous_o lay_v forth_o the_o question_n or_o doubt_v he_o have_v before_o his_o pastor_n or_o christian_a friend_n acquaint_v with_o case_n of_o conscience_n and_o ask_v their_o judgement_n what_o to_o think_v of_o or_o what_o to_o do_v in_o such_o a_o case_n the_o reason_n why_o he_o must_v examine_v narrow_o his_o own_o condition_n before_o he_o speak_v of_o it_o to_o another_o be_v partly_o because_o otherways_o his_o doubt_n or_o question_n may_v prove_v frivolous_a and_o unworthy_a of_o a_o answer_n partly_o because_o the_o convert_n after_o examination_n of_o his_o case_n and_o prayer_n unto_o god_n may_v find_v satisfaction_n to_o his_o doubt_n and_o partly_o because_o if_o his_o doubt_n remain_v the_o question_n may_v be_v the_o more_o clear_o propound_v and_o so_o receive_v the_o more_o clear_a and_o speedy_a answer_n for_o his_o satisfaction_n 5._o of_o this_o sort_n of_o question_n we_o shall_v propound_v some_o example_n and_o give_v some_o resolution_n unto_o they_o whereof_o use_n may_v be_v make_v when_o such_o like_a question_n shall_v occur_v the_o first_o question_n shall_v be_v concern_v confusion_n of_o mind_n it_o come_v to_o pass_v sometime_o when_o a_o convert_n be_v upon_o examination_n of_o his_o own_o estate_n or_o condition_n that_o such_o a_o mist_n and_o darkness_n fall_v on_o his_o mind_n and_o such_o a_o crowd_n and_o throng_n of_o thought_n within_o he_o that_o he_o can_v discern_v nothing_o but_o mist_n multitude_n of_o thought_n and_o darkness_n and_o confusion_n the_o question_n be_v what_o shall_v he_o think_v or_o do_v for_o remove_v of_o this_o confusion_n of_o thought_n and_o darkness_n of_o mind_n ans._n this_o case_n befall_v convert_n frequent_o and_o therefore_o have_v need_n to_o be_v the_o more_o careful_o cure_v which_o cure_n that_o it_o may_v the_o better_o go_v on_o let_v the_o afflict_a renew_v the_o examination_n of_o his_o former_a behaviour_n and_o see_v if_o he_o can_v find_v out_o the_o meritorious_a cause_n thereof_o in_o himself_o for_o this_o case_n ofttimes_o be_v the_o castigation_n of_o the_o afflict_a for_o his_o former_a negligence_n and_o omission_n of_o duty_n or_o slight_a discharge_n of_o religious_a worship_n yea_o it_o may_v be_v find_v possible_o that_o the_o afflict_a have_v be_v so_o careless_a in_o keep_v his_o heart_n in_o the_o fear_n of_o god_n that_o he_o have_v involve_v himself_o too_o far_o in_o earthly_a and_o thorny_a affair_n or_o have_v exceed_v in_o the_o use_n of_o thing_n lawful_a or_o by_o some_o corrupt_a communication_n have_v grieve_v the_o lord_n spirit_n and_o so_o have_v draw_v on_o some_o desertion_n and_o withdraw_a of_o illumination_n from_o he_o 2._o this_o case_n may_v also_o fall_v out_o from_o some_o present_a perturbation_n of_o mind_n and_o passion_n whereby_o his_o reason_n be_v so_o take_v up_o for_o the_o time_n that_o it_o can_v discharge_v its_o duty_n as_o come_v to_o pass_v usual_o in_o anger_n or_o fear_n or_o grief_n or_o some_o such_o like_a passion_n as_o may_v be_v see_v when_o a_o man_n be_v injure_v by_o his_o neighbour_n or_o do_v meet_v with_o some_o damnage_n or_o be_v put_v in_o fear_n of_o some_o imminent_a evil_a come_n on_o he_o or_o find_v sharp_a pain_n of_o body_n or_o some_o such_o like_a cause_n perplex_v he_o the_o question_n be_v what_o shall_v he_o think_v of_o this_o condition_n ans._n if_o the_o afflict_a shall_v examine_v how_o he_o be_v fall_v in_o this_o case_n and_o shall_v in_o consideration_n of_o his_o weakness_n be_v humble_v before_o god_n by_o prayer_n he_o shall_v not_o want_v clearness_n of_o mind_n and_o direction_n from_o god_n what_o to_o do_v and_o how_o to_o behave_v himself_o in_o order_v of_o his_o conversation_n aright_o ps._n 50._o 23._o for_o the_o lord_n give_v wisdom_n liberal_o to_o all_o that_o ask_v it_o of_o he_o in_o faith_n jam._n 1._o 5._o and_o this_o his_o present_a condition_n give_v he_o a_o errand_n to_o god_n the_o second_o question_n be_v concern_v the_o convert_n who_o most_o part_n walk_v heavy_o there_o be_v some_o true_a convert_n who_o after_o examination_n of_o themselves_o can_v deny_v but_o their_o heart_n be_v towards_o the_o way_n of_o god_n
renew_v accusation_n against_o they_o and_o so_o order_v that_o mater_fw-la as_o neither_o satan_n shall_v prevail_v nor_o his_o child_n suffer_v damnage_n by_o the_o mean_n for_o there_o be_v a_o great_a difference_n between_o satan_n renew_v of_o accusation_n for_o sin_n forgive_v and_o god_n make_v null_a the_o remission_n grant_v the_o lord_n can_v suffer_v the_o one_o to_o be_v but_o the_o other_o he_o will_v never_o suffer_v to_o be_v for_o when_o a_o true_a convert_n grow_v negligent_a and_o fall_v in_o such_o sin_n after_o conversion_n as_o he_o live_v in_o before_o conversion_n no_o wonder_n satan_n be_v permit_v to_o call_v his_o former_a conversion_n in_o question_n yea_o the_o lord_n may_v just_o cast_v up_o to_o his_o child_n his_o former_a fault_n to_o humble_v he_o and_o shame_n he_o from_o go_v on_o albeit_o he_o do_v not_o disannul_v the_o former_o grant_v remission_n 3_o when_o thanksgiving_n for_o remission_n of_o sin_n grant_v for_o christ_n cause_n begin_v to_o cool_v in_o the_o heart_n of_o a_o convert_n what_o wonder_v the_o lord_n not_o only_o suffer_v but_o also_o present_a the_o vileness_n of_o by_o past_a sin_n to_o make_v the_o convert_v sensible_a of_o the_o remission_n and_o to_o cause_v he_o renew_v the_o act_n of_o repentance_n and_o godly_a sorrow_n for_o his_o sin_n bypass_a as_o ezek._n 16._o 63._o and_o 36._o 32._o then_o shall_v you_o remember_v your_o own_o evil_a way_n and_o your_o do_n which_o be_v not_o good_a and_o shall_v loathe_v yourselves_o for_o your_o iniquity_n and_o abomination_n when_o the_o convert_n grow_v remiss_a in_o watch_v over_o his_o own_o heart_n &_o way_n and_o be_v in_o danger_n of_o fall_v back_o into_o these_o sin_n which_o he_o have_v repent_v of_o before_o what_o wonder_v the_o lord_n by_o remember_v he_o of_o his_o natural_a inclination_n and_o former_a way_n do_v warn_v he_o of_o his_o danger_n to_o make_v he_o preveen_v his_o fall_n 4._o wherefore_o let_v the_o convert_v maintain_v the_o solidity_n of_o former_a remission_n of_o sin_n and_o make_v good_a use_n of_o his_o former_a sin_n which_o go_v before_o his_o conversion_n and_o let_v he_o follow_v the_o example_n of_o paul_n who_o do_v not_o suffer_v his_o former_a siâ—s_n go_v out_o of_o his_o mind_n but_o do_v renew_v the_o confession_n of_o they_o upon_o all_o occasion_n for_o his_o own_o daily_a humiliation_n for_o the_o edification_n of_o other_o and_o for_o magnify_v the_o glory_n of_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n and_o yet_o for_o all_o this_o do_v not_o suspect_v the_o remission_n of_o sin_n receive_v for_o by_o this_o mean_v the_o convert_n shall_v preveen_v accusation_n and_o stop_v satan_n mouth_n and_o make_v his_o accusation_n have_v no_o force_n by_o this_o mean_n the_o convert_n shall_v possess_v firm_a and_o stable_a confidence_n of_o god_n unchangeable_a grace_n and_o mercy_n and_o of_o the_o stability_n of_o the_o remission_n of_o sin_n grant_v the_o six_o question_n be_v of_o a_o convert_n casten_z not_o only_o in_o a_o uncertainty_n for_o the_o time_n of_o his_o conversion_n but_o also_o in_o a_o doubt_n whether_o he_o be_v elect_v or_o not_o and_o know_v not_o how_o to_o do_v in_o this_o case_n some_o convert_v fall_v in_o heman_n the_o ezrait_n his_o exercise_n whereof_o we_o read_v ps._n 88_o especial_o ver_fw-la 14._o 15_o while_o i_o suffer_v thy_o terror_n i_o be_o distract_v say_v he_o counsel_n have_v be_v offer_v by_o some_o to_o the_o afflict_a to_o follow_v the_o practice_n and_o experience_n of_o some_o eminent_a theologue_n who_o be_v bring_v to_o such_o strait_n with_o good_a success_n have_v submit_v themselves_o to_o god_n to_o save_v they_o or_o destroy_v they_o as_o he_o please_v after_o which_o submission_n they_o have_v feel_v the_o marvellous_a sweet_a embracement_n of_o god_n love_a kindness_n make_v they_o sure_a both_o of_o their_o conversion_n and_o election_n whether_o to_o follow_v this_o example_n and_o experience_n of_o some_o notable_a saint_n be_v the_o doubt_n wherein_o the_o convert_n be_v not_o clear_a and_o know_v nor_o how_o to_o carry_v himself_o towards_o god_n in_o this_o case_n 2._o for_o answer_v to_o this_o question_n it_o be_v free_a for_o god_n to_o comfort_v a_o soul_n casten_z down_o when_o and_o how_o he_o please_v it_o be_v free_a for_o god_n to_o pass_v by_o the_o infirmity_n and_o error_n of_o a_o terrify_a soul_n come_v to_o he_o not_o in_o the_o wise_a way_n prescribe_v to_o he_o and_o to_o look_v to_o the_o necessity_n of_o the_o man_n consolation_n and_o not_o to_o his_o way_n of_o seek_v of_o it_o but_o howsoever_o it_o please_v god_n to_o comfort_v some_o extraordinary_o yet_o this_o be_v not_o the_o duty_n of_o the_o afflict_a to_o come_v with_o such_o a_o unrequire_v submission_n unto_o god_n for_o it_o limit_v the_o lord_n in_o a_o manner_n either_o to_o comfort_v the_o man_n speedy_o or_o suffer_v he_o upon_o apparent_a refusal_n for_o the_o time_n to_o despair_v for_o god_n order_n be_v to_o bring_v the_o sinner_n under_o the_o sense_n of_o sin_n and_o acknowledgement_n of_o deserve_a wrath_n for_o sin_n and_o then_o to_o charge_v he_o to_o believe_v in_o the_o name_n of_o his_o son_n jesus_n christ_n and_o after_o believe_v in_o christ_n to_o seal_v the_o believer_n with_o the_o stamp_n of_o holiness_n and_o the_o earnest-penny_n of_o the_o inheritance_n which_o be_v peace_n with_o god_n and_o joy_n in_o the_o holy_a ghost_n shed_v abroad_o in_o his_o heart_n 3._o wherefore_o as_o for_o the_o conversion_n of_o a_o man_n straighten_a in_o the_o pain_n of_o the_o new_a birth_n and_o fear_n of_o everlasting_a wrath_n and_o tempt_v to_o suspect_v that_o he_o be_v not_o elect_v it_o be_v a_o more_o safe_a way_n to_o lay_v aside_o all_o disputation_n about_o god_n decree_n because_o secret_a thing_n belong_v to_o the_o lord_n and_o to_o look_v to_o the_o lord_n command_v and_o to_o his_o own_o duty_n of_o fly_v unto_o christ_n so_o for_o the_o recovery_n of_o a_o convert_n fall_v in_o jonahs_n case_n and_o make_v to_o suspect_v that_o he_o be_v a_o reprobat_fw-la cast_v off_o of_o god_n it_o be_v a_o more_o safe_a way_n not_o to_o dispute_v for_o the_o time_n either_o his_o election_n or_o conversion_n whatsoever_o suggestion_n may_v be_v cast_v in_o by_o satan_n then_o to_o offer_v unto_o god_n a_o absolute_a submission_n to_o be_v save_v or_o destroy_v as_o he_o please_v and_o then_o to_o lie_v in_o sorrow_n till_o god_n give_v a_o answer_n of_o consolation_n for_o god_n do_v not_o require_v such_o a_o submission_n but_o call_v for_o a_o act_n of_o faith_n and_o obedience_n for_o god_n have_v declare_v in_o his_o word_n that_o he_o delight_v not_o in_o the_o death_n of_o a_o sinner_n but_o that_o he_o shall_v repent_v and_o turn_v to_o god_n and_o be_v save_v second_o in_o this_o submission_n the_o heart_n will_v be_v find_v deceitful_a which_o neither_o will_v nor_o can_v submit_v to_o be_v destroy_v three_o this_o offer_n of_o such_o a_o submission_n as_o this_o be_v lord_n i_o know_v not_o whether_o thou_o have_v choose_v i_o or_o reject_v i_o in_o thy_o decree_n but_o i_o submit_v myself_o to_o thou_o absolute_o if_o thou_o will_v destroy_v i_o thou_o shall_v be_v find_v to_o be_v just_a and_o i_o do_v confess_v so_o much_o unto_o thou_o but_o if_o thou_o will_v save_v i_o i_o shall_v proclaim_v thy_o grace_n such_o a_o submission_n i_o say_v be_v but_o in_o effect_n a_o tempt_a of_o god_n speedy_o to_o reveal_v his_o secret_a counsel_n either_o by_o consolation_n if_o the_o submitter_n be_v a_o elect_a or_o refusal_n of_o consolation_n if_o he_o be_v a_o reprobat_fw-la the_o only_a safe_a way_n in_o the_o foresay_a case_n be_v to_o be_v humble_v before_o god_n and_o fly_v to_o christ_n by_o prayer_n as_o heman_n do_v ps._n 88_o and_o as_o jonah_n do_v who_o choose_v to_o look_v again_o to_o his_o holy_a temple_n where_o the_o mediator_n sit_v upon_o the_o mercy_n seat_n between_o the_o cherubim_v and_o not_o suffer_v such_o a_o thought_n as_o reprobation_n thus_o do_v heman_n ps._n 88_o 13_o 14._o but_o unto_o thou_o have_v i_o cry_v o_o lord_n and_o in_o the_o morning_n shall_v my_o prayer_n prevent_v thou_o lord_n why_o cast_v thou_o off_o my_o soul_n why_o bide_v thou_o thy_o face_n from_o i_o let_v the_o command_n of_o god_n to_o every_o self-condemned_n sinner_n to_o believe_v in_o christ_n prevail_v against_o all_o temptation_n to_o the_o contrair_a 1_o joh._n 3._o 23._o this_o be_v his_o commandment_n that_o we_o shall_v believe_v on_o the_o name_n of_o his_o son_n jesus_n christ._n the_o seven_o question_n be_v how_o to_o satisfy_v the_o convert_n doubt_v whether_o it_o be_v better_a to_o forbear_v or_o go_v on_o in_o the_o outward_a exercise_n of_o religion_n at_o least_o in_o
five_o qualification_n be_v common_a operation_n of_o the_o spirit_n or_o effect_n of_o save_a faith_n not_o as_o yet_o manifest_v to_o be_v such_o before_o the_o person_n do_v close_a covenant_n with_o god_n in_o christ_n for_o not_o impute_v his_o sin_n unto_o he_o and_o make_v solid_a reconciliation_n with_o he_o 3._o as_o for_o judge_v of_o other_o when_o we_o observe_v these_o qualification_n all_o or_o some_o of_o they_o we_o must_v not_o determine_v positive_o what_o sort_n of_o operation_n the_o holy_a ghost_n have_v in_o hand_n but_o our_o part_n be_v according_a to_o our_o place_n and_o calling_n to_o help_v on_o the_o least_o preparatory_a qualification_n which_o may_v serve_v to_o be_v inductive_a and_o serviceable_a to_o beget_v and_o foster_v save_v faith_n in_o they_o even_o when_o the_o sense_n of_o sin_n and_o unworthiness_n be_v like_a to_o drive_v they_o from_o christ_n as_o it_o do_v peter_n when_o he_o cry_v out_o unto_o christ_n depart_v from_o i_o o_o lord_n for_o i_o be_o a_o sinful_a man_n for_o god_n have_v not_o make_v we_o judge_n of_o the_o operation_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n in_o this_o or_o that_o person_n but_o to_o be_v their_o helper_n unto_o faith_n when_o we_o perceive_v any_o good_a qualification_n in_o they_o and_o helper_n of_o their_o repentance_n when_o we_o perceive_v any_o out-breaking_a evil_n in_o they_o the_o eleven_o question_n shall_v be_v of_o the_o convert_v doubt_v what_o to_o think_v of_o his_o condition_n when_o he_o find_v more_o freedom_n of_o prayer_n in_o the_o presence_n and_o audience_n of_o other_o then_o when_o he_o pray_v in_o secret_a alone_o it_o be_v not_o a_o case_n unusual_a that_o some_o convert_n do_v find_v a_o great_a deal_n of_o freedom_n of_o prayer_n in_o the_o audience_n of_o other_o more_o than_o alone_o for_o they_o have_v experience_n that_o when_o they_o pray_v in_o the_o audience_n of_o other_o in_o their_o family_n or_o occasional_o elsewhere_o their_o prayer_n be_v more_o copious_a than_o when_o they_o be_v alone_o their_o stile_n of_o speech_n more_o polish_v their_o word_n in_o better_a order_n their_o expression_n more_o significant_a their_o notion_n more_o sublime_a more_o fervent_a more_o zealous_a then_o when_o they_o be_v in_o secret_a in_o their_o closet_n which_o difference_n when_o they_o consider_v they_o doubt_v what_o the_o matter_n do_v mean_v 2._o for_o answer_v first_o there_o be_v a_o difference_n to_o be_v put_v between_o solitary_a prayer_n in_o secret_a and_o prayer_n in_o society_n with_o other_o for_o in_o secret_a ofttimes_o the_o convert_v worship_n be_v carry_v on_o in_o the_o sense_n of_o his_o sinfulness_n unworthiness_n and_o indisposition_n present_v to_o god_n through_o christ_n with_o sigh_n and_o confuse_a groan_n without_o word_n for_o he_o study_v most_o for_o affection_n and_o not_o for_o word_n have_v no_o ear_n to_o care_n for_o but_o the_o ear_n of_o the_o searcher_n of_o heart_n who_o know_v his_o weakness_n fear_n tentation_n and_o wrestle_n with_o doubt_n but_o in_o company_n he_o study_v most_o to_o make_v use_n of_o knowledge_n and_o to_o express_v himself_o so_o as_o he_o may_v carry_v along_o the_o company_n with_o who_o he_o pray_v with_o consent_n that_o he_o may_v edify_v himself_o and_o they_o in_o worship_n and_o in_o this_o case_n he_o may_v find_v great_a freedom_n possible_o then_o he_o find_v alone_o in_o secret_a second_o it_o be_v ofttimes_o find_v that_o god_n for_o his_o own_o glory_n and_o the_o mutual_a edification_n of_o two_o or_o three_o gather_v together_o in_o his_o name_n do_v enlarge_v the_o freedom_n of_o speech_n in_o the_o speaker_n upon_o which_o consideration_n the_o doubt_a convert_n may_v satisfy_v himself_o only_o let_v he_o beware_v least_o vain_a glory_n or_o study_v to_o have_v the_o applause_n of_o such_o as_o hear_v he_o pray_v do_v not_o blow_v wind_n in_o his_o sail_n and_o in_o as_o far_o as_o after_o examination_n he_o find_v himself_o guilty_a let_v he_o when_o he_o be_v in_o secret_a alone_o be_v humble_v before_o god_n for_o it_o and_o crave_v pardon_n through_o christ_n seek_v help_n and_o heal_n of_o this_o wicked_a inclination_n the_o twelve_o question_n shall_v be_v of_o the_o doubt_n which_o the_o convert_n may_v have_v in_o a_o case_n contrary_a to_o the_o former_a some_o convert_n do_v find_v themselves_o more_o enlarge_v in_o secret_a prayer_n and_o alone_a then_o in_o the_o company_n of_o one_o or_o more_o in_o company_n say_v he_o i_o can_v utter_v my_o own_o private_a condition_n without_o a_o needless_a and_o inconvenient_a discovery_n of_o my_o present_a case_n to_o other_o and_o i_o can_v hardly_o conjecture_v what_o may_v be_v their_o necessity_n with_o who_o i_o pray_v or_o condescend_v upon_o petition_n and_o thanksgiving_n fit_a for_o we_o in_o common_a i_o be_o take_v up_o also_o with_o thought_n of_o what_o estimation_n my_o hearer_n may_v have_v of_o i_o etc._n etc._n but_o in_o secret_a prayer_n i_o be_o free_v of_o that_o care_n i_o be_o not_o fear_v that_o god_n shall_v misconstrue_v my_o word_n or_o thought_n i_o may_v in_o secret_a make_v a_o long_a pause_n in_o my_o petition_n and_o fall_v in_o meditation_n upon_o some_o passage_n of_o scripture_n and_o after_o a_o while_n direct_v my_o speech_n unto_o the_o lord_n i_o may_v express_v my_o affection_n by_o voice_n and_o gesture_n as_o they_o fall_v out_o and_o pour_v forth_o my_o heart_n to_o god_n with_o tear_n without_o fear_n of_o be_v esteem_v a_o hypocrite_n etc._n etc._n mean_a time_n i_o doubt_v what_o my_o indisposition_n to_o pray_v in_o company_n do_v import_v when_o duty_n call_v for_o it_o 2._o for_o answer_v we_o grant_v that_o god_n to_o some_o of_o his_o dear_a saint_n who_o prayer_n in_o secret_a he_o will_v accept_v and_o reward_v open_o have_v not_o give_v ability_n to_o edify_v other_o by_o way_n of_o pray_v in_o their_o audience_n too_o other_o in_o regard_n of_o age_n of_o sex_n to_o who_o modesty_n and_o silence_n be_v most_o suitable_a he_o have_v not_o give_v confidence_n to_o pray_v in_o name_n of_o other_o whether_o more_o or_o few_o as_o their_o mouth_n but_o as_o for_o these_o to_o who_o god_n have_v give_v ability_n and_o a_o calling_n by_o reason_n of_o a_o charge_n in_o the_o family_n or_o some_o occasional_a exigence_n to_o pray_v in_o the_o audience_n of_o other_o and_o yet_o notwithstanding_o they_o do_v foster_v their_o natural_a averseness_n from_o such_o a_o duty_n they_o have_v need_v to_o examine_v themselves_o whether_o they_o be_v hinder_v by_o fear_n to_o loss_n some_o of_o their_o estimation_n at_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o hearer_n if_o possible_o all_o thing_n shall_v not_o be_v find_v so_o well_o digest_v and_o express_v in_o the_o prayer_n as_o they_o will_v the_o thirteen_o question_n shall_v be_v of_o the_o convert_v doubt_v what_o to_o think_v when_o he_o compare_v his_o disposition_n to_o prayer_n and_o god_n dispensation_n towards_o he_o in_o prayer_n sundry_a convert_n when_o they_o compare_v their_o own_o divers_a disposition_n to_o prayer_n with_o the_o divers_a dispensation_n of_o god_n towards_o they_o in_o prayer_n they_o be_v at_o a_o stand_v what_o to_o think_v sometime_o say_v one_o albeit_o i_o be_v very_o hardly_o draw_v to_o pray_v at_o all_o yet_o when_o after_o wrestle_v the_o conscience_n of_o the_o duty_n do_v set_v i_o on_o work_n my_o prayer_n go_v on_o as_o i_o can_v wish_v light_n be_v furnish_v to_o i_o what_o to_o confess_v what_o to_o thank_v for_o what_o to_o seek_v both_o for_o myself_o and_o other_o whereby_o i_o gather_v for_o the_o time_n that_o the_o lord_n be_v please_v with_o my_o person_n in_o christ_n and_o have_v accept_v my_o prayer_n sometime_o it_o fare_v otherways_o with_o i_o for_o when_o time_n place_n and_o leisure_n for_o prayer_n concur_v and_o i_o be_o now_o about_o to_o make_v use_n of_o opportunity_n and_o do_v fall_v down_o before_o the_o lord_n to_o speak_v on_o a_o sudden_a i_o have_v nothing_o to_o say_v matter_n word_n and_o light_n do_v fail_v i_o darkness_n and_o confusion_n fall_v on_o my_o mind_n and_o my_o prayer_n suudry_n time_n be_v stop_v and_o close_v with_o a_o sigh_n or_o groan_v which_o disposition_n of_o my_o heart_n and_o dispensation_n of_o the_o lord_n when_o i_o compare_v i_o be_o in_o doubt_n what_o to_o think_v 2._o for_o answer_v in_o the_o first_o case_n concern_v the_o lord_n blessing_n of_o the_o aim_v at_o duty_n the_o matter_n be_v clear_a and_o speak_v for_o itself_o for_o god_n will_v have_v we_o to_o aim_v at_o a_o right_a frame_n of_o spirit_n when_o we_o be_v about_o the_o discharge_n of_o any_o part_n of_o his_o worship_n but_o not_o forbear_v to_o do_v the_o duty_n if_o we_o can_v reach_v that_o fitness_n of_o spirit_n which_o we_o desire_v let_v we_o
to_o yourselves_o lest_o at_o any_o time_n your_o heart_n be_v overcharge_v with_o surfeit_v and_o drunkenness_n and_o care_n of_o this_o life_n no_o wonder_n then_o that_o such_o man_n profit_v not_o by_o the_o word_n of_o god_n but_o remain_v fruitless_a because_o they_o be_v by_o our_o lord_n compare_v to_o the_o ground_n that_o receive_v the_o seed_n among_o thorn_n mat._n 13._o 22._o he_o hear_v the_o word_n but_o the_o care_n of_o this_o world_n and_o the_o deceitfulness_n of_o riches_n choke_v the_o word_n and_o he_o remain_v unfruitful_a 6._o some_o there_o be_v who_o have_v receive_v a_o sufficient_a measure_n of_o gift_n whereby_o they_o may_v promove_v the_o kingdom_n of_o christ_n and_o be_v profitable_a to_o the_o society_n they_o live_v in_o by_o make_v use_n of_o their_o gift_n do_v pack_v up_o all_o their_o duty_n in_o a_o sequestration_n of_o themselves_o from_o all_o business_n conceive_v this_o way_n to_o be_v fit_a both_o for_o god_n service_n and_o their_o own_o salvation_n whereupon_o they_o betake_v themselves_o to_o a_o private_a life_n in_o some_o obscure_a corner_n choose_v rather_o to_o live_v as_o monk_n and_o eremite_n then_o to_o appear_v in_o public_a and_o make_v use_n of_o their_o gift_n with_o the_o hazard_n of_o toil_a themselves_o and_o toss_v of_o their_o estimation_n among_o beholder_n of_o they_o and_o this_o their_o resolution_n be_v back_v with_o a_o pretend_a purpose_n to_o spend_v their_o time_n in_o read_v and_o prayer_n without_o provoke_v any_o man_n to_o hatred_n or_o emulation_n against_o they_o thus_o they_o conceive_v they_o shall_v provide_v best_a for_o their_o own_o ease_n and_o safety_n and_o if_o withal_o they_o apprehend_v that_o they_o be_v not_o fit_v with_o gift_n which_o may_v be_v profitable_a to_o other_o and_o do_v think_v what_o they_o have_v bestow_v upon_o they_o by_o god_n to_o be_v scarce_o sufficient_a for_o the_o carry_v of_o themselves_o on_o in_o the_o course_n that_o tend_v to_o happiness_n than_o they_o conceive_v they_o be_v well_o excuse_v if_o they_o let_v all_o public_a work_n alone_o without_o put_v forth_o their_o finger_n to_o help_v what_o they_o see_v amiss_o we_o do_v not_o deny_v but_o sundry_a godly_a person_n in_o the_o heat_n of_o persecution_n have_v be_v force_v to_o luâ—k_v in_o a_o wilderness_n among_o wild_a beast_n during_o the_o time_n of_o the_o danger_n of_o who_o fellowship_n the_o world_n be_v not_o worthy_a neither_o do_v we_o deny_v that_o age_n and_o infirmity_n of_o body_n may_v make_v man_n unfit_a for_o all_o public_a employment_n but_o the_o fault_n we_o tax_v be_v of_o such_o man_n as_o be_v able_a in_o church_n or_o state_n to_o do_v service_n to_o god_n and_o the_o society_n they_o live_v in_o do_v for_o the_o love_n of_o their_o own_o ease_n hide_v their_o talon_n and_o not_o make_v use_n thereof_o for_o the_o benefit_n of_o other_o for_o if_o a_o narrow_a search_n be_v make_v of_o such_o man_n resolution_n the_o fear_n of_o outward_a trouble_n in_o the_o world_n a_o decline_a to_o fight_v the_o fight_n of_o faith_n impatience_n to_o be_v at_o any_o pain_n and_o a_o desire_n to_o keep_v the_o estimation_n of_o their_o part_n from_o the_o hazard_n of_o man_n censure_n and_o love_n of_o their_o own_o fleshly_a ease_n will_v be_v find_v the_o fountain_n of_o their_o resolution_n but_o here_o we_o deal_v with_o none_o but_o such_o as_o the_o apostle_n and_o christ_n do_v speak_v against_o to_o wit_n such_o as_o in_o some_o honest_a employment_n for_o the_o common_a utility_n refuse_v to_o be_v at_o pain_n and_o work_n and_o therefore_o be_v not_o worthy_a of_o their_o bread_n 2_o thess._n 3._o 10._o and_o let_v we_o hearken_v to_o christ_n judgement_n of_o such_o man_n who_o the_o world_n admire_v for_o most_o holy_a monk_n in_o the_o parable_n of_o the_o talent_n he_o take_v up_o the_o lazy_a lubbart_n of_o who_o we_o speak_v under_o the_o reckon_n of_o a_o knavish_a servant_n who_o because_o he_o have_v but_o one_o talon_n which_o amount_v to_o no_o small_a sum_n go_v away_o and_o hide_v it_o in_o the_o earth_n mat._n 25._o 26._o thou_o wicked_a and_o slothful_a servant_n say_v he_o etc._n etc._n and_o ver_fw-la 30._o cast_v the_o unprofitable_a servant_n into_o outer_a darkness_n there_o shall_v be_v weep_v and_o gnash_n of_o tooth_n the_o remedy_n be_v that_o man_n of_o part_n and_o ability_n do_v not_o yield_v unto_o their_o lazy_a humour_n nor_o to_o their_o discouragement_n which_o may_v foster_v their_o temptation_n to_o idleness_n but_o study_v rather_o to_o live_v in_o the_o sense_n of_o their_o obligation_n to_o god_n and_o to_o improve_v all_o that_o they_o have_v receive_v from_o he_o for_o his_o honour_n and_o the_o welfare_n of_o his_o people_n and_o to_o this_o end_n it_o be_v fit_a they_o shall_v hearken_v to_o the_o counsel_n of_o judicious_a friend_n rather_o than_o lean_v to_o their_o own_o judgement_n over-swayed_n with_o temptation_n lest_o the_o lord_n decipher_v they_o and_o lead_v they_o forth_o with_o the_o worker_n of_o iniquity_n ps._n 125._o 5._o 7._o some_o be_v very_o like_a in_o all_o external_o to_o the_o true_a convert_n so_o far_o as_o can_v be_v observe_v by_o beholder_n for_o they_o profess_v the_o true_a religion_n with_o other_o they_o seem_v to_o have_v consecrat_fw-mi themselves_o unto_o christ_n they_o associate_v themselves_o unto_o and_o haunt_v the_o company_n of_o these_o who_o be_v in_o best_a esteem_n and_o join_v themselves_o always_o with_o the_o repute_a godly_a they_o seem_v ready_o prepare_v to_o bear_v christ_n cross_n and_o to_o go_v forth_o out_o of_o the_o city_n after_o he_o bear_v his_o reproach_n and_o to_o be_v waiter_n upon_o his_o second_o come_v yet_o inward_o they_o be_v never_o renew_v they_o be_v not_o trouble_v with_o the_o sense_n of_o sin_n and_o sinfullnesse_n they_o do_v not_o in_o earnest_n or_o serious_o seek_v after_o christ_n righteousness_n and_o remission_n of_o sin_n through_o he_o nor_o worship_n god_n in_o their_o spirit_n these_o be_v describe_v to_o we_o in_o the_o parable_n of_o the_o foolish_a and_o wise_a virgin_n matth._n 25._o the_o foolish_a be_v in_o company_n and_o outward_a fellowship_n of_o religion_n with_o the_o wise_a their_o outward_a conversation_n be_v without_o scandal_n as_o be_v the_o behaviour_n of_o the_o wise_a they_o have_v lamp_n of_o profession_n as_o the_o wise_a and_o be_v not_o suspect_v by_o themselves_o or_o other_o to_o be_v unsound_a they_o go_v forth_o in_o profession_n wait_v for_o the_o come_n of_o the_o lord_n as_o the_o wise_a do_v and_o last_o of_o all_o no_o other_o infirmity_n be_v find_v in_o they_o than_o such_o as_o the_o wise_a virgin_n be_v subject_a unto_o also_o they_o all_o fall_v asleep_o now_o and_o then_o nothing_o can_v be_v outward_o find_v to_o difference_n they_o from_o the_o wise_a virgin_n which_o external_a likeness_n as_o it_o deceive_v the_o beholder_n of_o these_o foolish_a virgin_n so_o also_o it_o deceive_v themselves_o neither_o shall_v this_o personal_a difference_n be_v open_o manifest_v till_o the_o judge_n the_o searcher_n of_o heart_n shall_v come_v and_o separat_fw-la the_o goat_n from_o the_o sheep_n and_o the_o hypocrite_n from_o the_o unfeigued_a believer_n the_o remedy_n be_v that_o every_o one_o who_o pretend_v unto_o holiness_n external_o search_v their_o own_o heart_n and_o inward_a sinfulness_n daily_o and_o fly_v to_o christ_n in_o earnest_n that_o their_o nakedness_n may_v be_v cover_v and_o their_o affection_n make_v spiritual_a seek_v after_o thing_n above_o and_o that_o by_o faith_n in_o christ_n they_o may_v be_v fill_v with_o the_o unction_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n for_o bring_v forth_o true_a fruit_n of_o faith_n 8._o unto_o the_o former_a we_o may_v join_v such_o as_o for_o their_o eminent_a gift_n above_o the_o common_a sort_n of_o pious_a people_n and_o their_o ability_n to_o conset_n discourse_n and_o dispute_v of_o matter_n of_o religion_n seem_v to_o themselves_o and_o to_o beholder_n also_o eminent_a saint_n especial_o if_o they_o appear_v sharp_a censurer_n of_o other_o and_o zealous_a against_o every_o least_o degree_n of_o sin_n in_o other_o but_o most_o of_o all_o if_o they_o for_o their_o enduement_n be_v fit_v and_o call_v to_o pray_v in_o public_a and_o preach_v the_o gospel_n to_o other_o and_o withal_o do_v live_v without_o scandal_n they_o doubt_v nothing_o but_o they_o be_v high_a in_o god_n estimation_n as_o they_o be_v set_v up_o in_o reputation_n among_o the_o godly_a in_o the_o visible_a church_n now_o that_o such_o gift_a man_n may_v deceive_v themselves_o and_o pass_v sentence_n in_o their_o own_o favour_n for_o their_o own_o absolution_n from_o any_o challenge_n which_o may_v condemn_v they_o our_o lord_n do_v forewarn_a we_o matth_n 7._o 21._o 22._o tell_v we_o that_o not_o only_o many_o private_a
professor_n of_o the_o christian_n religion_n and_o seem_v zealous_a worshipper_n cry_v lord_n lord_n may_v deceive_v themselves_o and_o miss_v heaven_n but_o also_o preacher_n of_o the_o gospel_n yea_o and_o prophet_n yea_o and_o man_n endue_v with_o the_o gift_n of_o do_v miracle_n and_o cast_v out_o of_o devil_n in_o christ_n name_n not_o a_o few_o shall_v be_v disclaim_v by_o christ_n and_o condemn_v by_o he_o in_o the_o day_n of_o judgement_n if_o it_o be_v ask_v what_o can_v be_v their_o mistake_n and_o the_o cause_n of_o christ_n reject_v of_o they_o we_o answer_v such_o man_n deceive_v themselves_o 1._o because_o both_o they_o and_o beholder_n also_o think_v they_o holy_a than_o they_o who_o be_v inferior_a in_o place_n and_o gift_n unto_o they_o 2._o they_o compare_v themselves_o with_o those_o they_o live_v among_o and_o not_o with_o the_o law_n of_o god_n 3._o they_o put_v not_o due_a difference_n between_o common_a gift_n and_o save_a grace_n 4._o they_o consider_v not_o that_o to_o who_o much_o be_v give_v much_o will_v be_v require_v of_o they_o and_o therefore_o after_o trial_n they_o will_v be_v find_v pu_v up_o with_o the_o estimation_n of_o gift_n enduement_n employment_n and_o success_n which_o they_o have_v have_v as_o if_o these_o be_v the_o undoubted_a evidence_n of_o their_o regeneration_n and_o of_o god_n special_a love_n towards_o they_o they_o will_v be_v find_v man_n void_a of_o repentance_n and_o far_o from_o humble_a walk_n in_o the_o sense_n of_o their_o natural_a habitual_a and_o actual_a sin_n they_o will_v be_v find_v void_a of_o all_o fear_n of_o wrath_n which_o may_v drive_v they_o in_o the_o acknowledgement_n of_o their_o blindness_n poverty_n and_o misery_n unto_o christ_n the_o redeemer_n and_o justifier_n of_o sinner_n and_o they_o will_v be_v find_v void_a of_o all_o care_n of_o and_o endeavour_v after_o new_a obedience_n conceive_v that_o the_o exercise_n of_o their_o gift_n and_o success_n in_o their_o employment_n be_v sufficient_a holiness_n and_o evidence_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n dwell_v in_o they_o and_o work_v by_o they_o for_o otherways_o christ_n will_v never_o disclaim_v they_o who_o have_v flee_v to_o he_o in_o the_o sense_n of_o their_o sin_n and_o haunt_v he_o as_o their_o refuge_n in_o the_o fear_n of_o deserve_a wrath_n and_o study_v by_o faith_n in_o he_o to_o be_v furnish_v to_o bring_v forth_o the_o fruit_n of_o the_o spirit_n which_o he_o have_v promise_v to_o they_o that_o abide_v in_o he_o it_o be_v one_o thing_n to_o be_v justify_v before_o god_n another_o thing_n to_o be_v repute_v righteous_a by_o man_n and_o esteem_v so_o by_o a_o man_n own_o self_n it_o be_v one_o thing_n to_o be_v endue_v with_o the_o knowledge_n of_o divine_a mystery_n another_o thing_n save_o to_o believe_v they_o and_o have_v they_o write_v in_o their_o heart_n it_o be_v one_o thing_n to_o teach_v other_o the_o way_n of_o salvation_n whereby_o the_o hearer_n may_v be_v save_v another_o thing_n to_o apply_v save_v doctrine_n to_o themselves_o and_o make_v right_a use_n of_o it_o it_o be_v one_o thing_n to_o cleanse_v the_o outer_a side_n of_o the_o plater_n and_o reform_v the_o man_n outward_a carriage_n another_o thing_n to_o be_v inward_o renew_v it_o be_v one_o thing_n to_o teach_v repentance_n and_o mortification_n of_o lust_n another_o thing_n by_o he_o spirit_n of_o christ_n ro_o mortify_v inbred_a pride_n and_o the_o love_n of_o the_o world_n vain_a glory_n and_o other_o carnal_a lust_n the_o course_n which_o paul_n follow_v be_v the_o only_a safe_a way_n though_o he_o be_v a_o man_n most_o laborious_a in_o the_o work_n of_o the_o lord_n yet_o he_o live_v most_o sensible_a of_o his_o natural_a corruption_n and_o the_o body_n of_o death_n he_o do_v not_o trust_v in_o his_o holy_a life_n but_o in_o jesus_n christ_n rom._n 7._o 24_o 25._o he_o so_o make_v use_v of_o faith_n in_o christ_n as_o he_o do_v not_o neglect_v the_o mean_n of_o mortification_n of_o his_o sinful_a nature_n 1_o cor._n 9_o 27._o i_o keep_v under_o my_o body_n and_o bring_v it_o under_o subjection_n lest_o that_o by_o any_o mean_n when_o i_o have_v preach_v to_o other_o i_o myself_o shall_v be_v a_o castaway_n the_o five_o and_o last_o sort_n of_o self-deceiver_n by_o absolve_v of_o themselves_o without_o the_o lord_n allowance_n or_o approbation_n be_v temporizer_n who_o for_o their_o temporary_a believe_v temporary_a repent_v temporary_a motion_n of_o their_o affection_n and_o temporary_a amendment_n of_o their_o manner_n do_v seem_v to_o themselves_o and_o other_o also_o true_a believer_n this_o sort_n however_o it_o be_v in_o sundry_a case_n coincident_a with_o one_o or_o more_o of_o the_o former_a four_o self-absolvers_a yet_o because_o our_o lord_n in_o the_o parable_n of_o the_o sour_a of_o seed_n matth._n 13._o 21._o and_o luke_n 4._o 17_o do_v put_v a_o difference_n between_o the_o stony_a ground_n and_o the_o other_o sort_n of_o ground_n we_o shall_v give_v it_o a_o room_n by_o itself_o special_o because_o it_o may_v have_v the_o own_o proper_a consideration_n temporizer_n then_o we_o call_v such_o as_o upon_o temporary_a motive_n from_o temporary_a principle_n for_o temporary_a end_n do_v embrace_v the_o word_n of_o the_o lord_n ready_o but_o slight_o and_o do_v as_o ready_o and_o light_o pass_v from_o it_o upon_o temporary_a motive_n in_o special_a when_o persecution_n arile_v for_o the_o word_n mark_v 4._o 16._o when_o they_o have_v hear_v the_o word_n immediate_o they_o receive_v it_o with_o gladness_n and_o afterward_o when_o affliction_n or_o persecution_n arise_v for_o the_o word_n sake_n immediate_o they_o be_v offend_v light_o they_o take_v up_o truth_n deliver_v and_o light_o do_v they_o pass_v from_o it_o again_o they_o have_v no_o root_n in_o themselves_o or_o solid_a believe_v of_o the_o truth_n for_o the_o truth_n cause_n but_o what_o please_v other_o please_v they_o and_o what_o displease_v other_o do_v displease_v they_o in_o the_o matter_n of_o religion_n the_o way_n of_o god_n set_v down_o in_o scripture_n when_o they_o hear_v it_o they_o can_v say_v nothing_o against_o it_o yea_o they_o think_v it_o good_a to_o hear_v the_o gospel_n and_o the_o largeness_n of_o god_n grace_n and_o because_o it_o show_v unto_o they_o a_o possibility_n of_o their_o salvation_n they_o receive_v it_o with_o a_o sort_n of_o natural_a gladness_n which_o sort_n of_o believe_v do_v endure_v for_o a_o time_n to_o wit_n so_o long_o as_o the_o way_n of_o other_o among_o who_o they_o live_v and_o the_o law_n of_o the_o country_n and_o prosperity_n and_o good_a estimation_n with_o other_o go_v along_o with_o the_o profession_n of_o the_o truth_n receive_v but_o when_o the_o wind_n of_o another_o doctrine_n blow_v and_o do_v carry_v with_o it_o power_n to_o trouble_v and_o persecute_v they_o who_o will_v not_o receive_v it_o by_z and_o by_o they_o be_v offend_v and_o renounce_v the_o truth_n controvert_v because_o it_o draw_v trouble_v with_o the_o profession_n of_o it_o for_o such_o person_n suppose_v that_o gain_n ease_n and_o applause_n be_v very_a godliness_n it_o be_v true_a sometime_o the_o true_a believer_n may_v be_v surprise_v with_o a_o sudden_a tentation_n to_o renounce_v the_o profession_n of_o truth_n in_o some_o point_n for_o fear_v of_o death_n as_o peter_n example_n do_v show_v we_o but_o true_a faith_n recover_v strength_n and_o arise_v after_o a_o fall_n and_o endure_v persecution_n for_o that_o truth_n as_o temporary_a belief_n do_v not_o but_o fail_v altogether_o and_o the_o temporizer_n repentance_n faill_v also_o because_o it_o arise_v from_o natural_a principle_n and_o be_v for_o natural_a motive_n and_o end_n such_o be_v the_o repentance_n of_o saul_n in_o weep_v and_o justify_v david_n for_o spare_v his_o life_n 1_o sam._n 27._o 21._o such_o be_v the_o repentance_n of_o the_o carnal_a israelit_v psal._n 78._o 36._o and_o the_o humiliation_n of_o ahab_n and_o such_o be_v their_o amendment_n of_o life_n all_o nothing_o but_o temporary_a and_o which_o do_v not_o continue_v as_o hosea_n chap._n 6._o 4._o show_v o_o ephraim_n what_o shall_v i_o do_v unto_o thou_o o_o judah_n what_o shall_v i_o do_v unto_o thou_o for_o thy_o goodness_n be_v like_o the_o morning_n cloud_n and_o like_v the_o early_a dew_n that_o pass_v soon_o away_o neither_o be_v it_o any_o wonder_n that_o unrenewed_a man_n may_v attain_v to_o something_o like_a unto_o faith_n and_o repentance_n and_o outward_a amendment_n of_o manner_n if_o we_o consider_v that_o humane_a write_n find_v so_o much_o credit_n with_o man_n as_o not_o to_o be_v call_v in_o question_n but_o believe_v to_o be_v true_a for_o experience_n testify_v that_o their_o affection_n be_v move_v sometime_o with_o delight_n and_o sometime_o with_o indignation_n and_o pity_n not_o only_a when_o they_o read_v history_n but_o also_o when_o