the_o convert_v first_o love_n discern_v justify_v leave_v and_o recover_v resolve_v the_o truth_n of_o a_o effectvall_a conversion_n and_o inform_v the_o right_a way_n to_o perseverance_n and_o perfection_n by_o thomas_n cooper_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d london_n print_v by_o f._n kingston_n for_o william_n weley_n and_o be_v to_o be_v sell_v at_o his_o shop_n in_o paul_n churchyard_n at_o the_o sign_n of_o the_o white_a swan_n 1610._o to_o the_o right_n worshipful_a and_o religious_a sir_n james_n harington_n sir_n william_n dier_n sir_n william_n fairut_n sir_n edward_n harington_n sir_n thomas_n fulgeam_n knight_n and_o their_o virtuous_a lady_n grace_n mercy_n and_o peace_n from_o god_n the_o father_n through_o jesus_n christ_n the_o son_n of_o the_o father_n in_o truth_n and_o love_n right_o worshipful_a and_o dear_o belove_v in_o the_o lord_n who_o i_o love_v also_o in_o the_o truth_n and_o not_o i_o only_o but_o they_o that_o have_v know_v the_o truth_n for_o the_o truth_n sake_n which_o dwell_v in_o we_o which_o be_v profess_v and_o maintain_v of_o you_o and_o shall_v abide_v with_o and_o preserve_v we_o for_o ever_o bless_a be_v god_n even_o the_o father_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n who_o have_v reveal_v his_o son_n unto_o you_o and_o have_v give_v you_o a_o large_a heart_n towards_o his_o saint_n that_o your_o delight_n be_v the_o law_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o your_o affection_n be_v to_o the_o excellent_a that_o be_v on_o earth_n to_o consider_v wise_o of_o the_o cause_n of_o the_o afflict_a and_o to_o minister_v comfort_n to_o the_o distress_a soul_n and_o bless_v be_v the_o name_n of_o his_o majesty_n for_o ever_o who_o have_v respect_v the_o base_a estate_n of_o his_o servant_n and_o make_v i_o a_o witness_n both_o of_o your_o love_n unto_o his_o word_n and_o his_o afflict_a member_n in_o consideration_n whereof_o as_o i_o can_v do_v no_o more_o than_o testify_v my_o thankfulness_n unto_o our_o gracious_a god_n for_o his_o mercy_n bestow_v on_o i_o not_o only_o in_o deliver_v i_o from_o a_o most_o desperate_a sickness_n but_o in_o cast_v i_o gracious_o on_o such_o feel_a member_n who_o minister_v so_o abundant_o towards_o my_o recovery_n so_o i_o must_v do_v no_o less_o then_o to_o do_v my_o utmost_a endeavour_n that_o the_o memorial_n of_o the_o just_a may_v live_v for_o ever_o and_o their_o righteousness_n may_v be_v have_v in_o everlasting_a remembrance_n to_o their_o more_o comfortable_a assurance_n that_o their_o reward_n be_v with_o god_n when_o all_o will-worship_n and_o presumption_n of_o merit_n shall_v be_v confound_v and_o to_o the_o provocation_n of_o the_o saint_n in_o these_o day_n wherein_o charity_n be_v grow_v cold_a that_o they_o be_v not_o weary_a of_o well-doing_n as_o be_v assure_v that_o in_o due_a time_n they_o shall_v reap_v if_o they_o faint_v not_o and_o the_o rather_o do_v i_o find_v myself_o oblige_v at_o this_o time_n to_o this_o christian_a duty_n because_o the_o lord_n have_v enable_v i_o in_o my_o great_a weakness_n to_o bestow_v a_o spiritual_a gift_n upon_o the_o most_o of_o your_o worship_n be_v gracious_o by_o god_n holy_a hand_n bring_v together_o to_o such_o good_a end_n it_o please_v his_o good_a majesty_n so_o to_o affect_v your_o heart_n with_o that_o heavenly_a treasure_n as_o not_o only_o to_o hearken_v with_o all_o reverence_n and_o attention_n unto_o the_o wholesome_a word_n of_o life_n but_o for_o the_o further_o establish_v of_o your_o judgement_n and_o trial_n of_o your_o heart_n thereby_o that_o it_o may_v appear_v your_o holy_a purpose_n be_v to_o cleave_v unto_o the_o lord_n in_o the_o obedience_n of_o his_o word_n our_o gracious_a god_n in_o the_o riches_n of_o his_o mercy_n incline_v some_o of_o your_o heart_n i_o doubt_v not_o for_o the_o behoof_n of_o all_o to_o desire_v a_o brief_a of_o what_o have_v be_v public_o teach_v thereby_o to_o try_v the_o spirit_n with_o the_o man_n of_o berea_n and_o so_o to_o hold_v the_o truth_n in_o constancy_n of_o well-doing_n and_o can_v i_o do_v better_a then_o according_a 7._o to_o my_o poor_a strength_n and_o memory_n then_o to_o leave_v such_o general_a and_o short_a note_n with_o you_o which_o may_v in_o some_o sort_n testify_v my_o desire_n to_o build_v you_o forward_o in_o christ_n jesus_n howsoever_o they_o can_v not_o satisfy_v your_o desire_n for_o the_o full_a resolve_v of_o your_o conscience_n in_o so_o principal_a and_o profitable_a a_o point_n as_o be_v the_o trial_n and_o recovery_n of_o our_o first_o love_n and_o ought_v i_o not_o then_o to_o endeavour_v the_o further_o kindle_v of_o such_o smoke_a flax_n such_o holy_a and_o gracious_a desire_n may_v i_o not_o just_o take_v occasion_n in_o pay_v a_o debt_n unto_o you_o to_o make_v the_o church_n of_o god_n become_v my_o debtor_n for_o this_o pain_n now_o publish_v for_o the_o general_a good_a and_o so_o engage_v myself_o in_o a_o further_o and_o more_o general_a debt_n both_o of_o prayer_n that_o the_o lord_n will_v give_v a_o blessing_n to_o these_o poor_a labour_n and_o of_o further_a pain_n as_o god_n shall_v minister_v health_n occasion_n and_o liberty_n and_o shall_v not_o the_o saint_n also_o become_v debtor_n unto_o you_o by_o who_o holy_a desire_n it_o be_v that_o they_o now_o also_o have_v this_o glass_n to_o discern_v aright_o their_o estate_n in_o grace_n to_o recover_v their_o decay_n and_o grow_v to_o perfection_n and_o be_v not_o the_o lord_n indebt_v unto_o we_o all_o to_o crown_v his_o own_o grace_n and_o recompense_v the_o faithful_a employment_n of_o his_o talent_n and_o have_v not_o our_o glorious_a 8._o god_n thus_o bring_v light_n out_o of_o darkness_n will_v he_o not_o perfect_v his_o power_n in_o weakness_n and_o wisdom_n in_o humane_a infirmity_n shall_v not_o the_o dead_a man_n live_v 3_o shall_v not_o they_o awake_v and_o sing_v which_o have_v sit_v in_o the_o dust_n yea_o in_o the_o shadow_n of_o death_n yea_o have_v be_v even_o swallow_v up_o of_o the_o nethermost_a hell_n shall_v not_o the_o brand_n be_v pluck_v out_o of_o the_o fire_n and_o the_o prey_n out_o of_o the_o tooth_n that_o the_o glory_n may_v be_v unto_o our_o god_n and_o not_o unto_o man_n behold_v say_v jacob_n i_o have_v not_o think_v 11._o to_o have_v see_v thy_o face_n and_o yet_o the_o lord_n have_v let_v i_o live_v to_o see_v thy_o seed_n this_o be_v the_o lord_n do_v and_o it_o be_v marvelous_a in_o our_o eye_n accept_v therefore_o right_a worshipful_a some_o fruit_n of_o your_o desire_n and_o evidence_n of_o god_n power_n in_o this_o weakness_n of_o his_o servant_n which_o the_o more_o it_o appear_v let_v our_o god_n the_o more_o have_v the_o only_a glory_n both_o of_o your_o desire_n and_o my_o endeavour_n in_o blessing_n both_o with_o conscionable_a practice_n in_o this_o life_n and_o crown_v also_o both_o with_o competent_a perfection_n and_o glory_n in_o the_o life_n to_o come_v this_o be_v the_o fruit_n of_o our_o labour_n and_o for_o this_o be_v and_o shall_v be_v the_o scope_n and_o sum_n of_o my_o prayer_n unto_o our_o god_n for_o you_o that_o according_a to_o his_o promise_n he_o will_v make_v you_o perfect_a in_o every_o good_a work_n to_o do_v his_o will_n on_o earth_n that_o his_o will_n may_v be_v do_v on_o you_o for_o ever_o in_o heaven_n to_o reign_v with_o jesus_n christ_n in_o that_o glory_n which_o never_o fade_v and_o so_o i_o humble_o take_v my_o leave_n from_o my_o poor_a house_n at_o coventry_n this_o 10._o of_o april_n 1610._o your_o worship_n most_o bind_v for_o ever_o in_o jesus_n christ_n thomas_n cooper_n to_o the_o christian_a reader_n wisdom_n to_o discern_v his_o estate_n aright_o and_o grace_n to_o grow_v forward_o to_o perfection_n belove_a in_o the_o lord_n jesus_n it_o be_v a_o most_o dangerous_a and_o yet_o very_o easy_a and_o plausible_a delusion_n to_o conceit_n unto_o ourselves_o a_o estate_n in_o grace_n when_o as_o yet_o we_o remain_v the_o bondslave_n of_o satan_n and_o it_o be_v a_o very_a difficult_a and_o yet_o most_o necessary_a trial_n to_o discern_v our_o constant_a abide_n and_o proceed_v in_o this_o estate_n of_o grace_n for_o to_o pass_v by_o those_o who_o make_v a_o mock_n of_o conversion_n as_o be_v a_o touch_n of_o novelty_n a_o brand_n of_o inconstancy_n and_o imputation_n of_o hypocrisy_n who_o be_v there_o almost_o that_o flatter_v not_o himself_o to_o be_v in_o the_o favour_n of_o god_n and_o so_o interest_v in_o his_o grace_n and_o have_v he_o not_o many_o such_o pretence_n and_o colour_n hereunto_o which_o may_v so_o abuse_v his_o judgement_n that_o he_o may_v think_v himself_o to_o be_v somewhat_o when_o he_o be_v nothing_o 3._o and_o so_o refuse_v to_o be_v find_v in_o christ_n by_o be_v lose_v and_o empty_v in_o himself_o thereby_o become_v worse_o than_o
if_o yet_o thou_o be_v doubtful_a of_o thy_o abide_n in_o love_n as_o thou_o may_v decay_v so_o thou_o be_v jealous_a of_o thyself_o herein_o i_o say_v unto_o thou_o bless_a be_v the_o man_n that_o fear_v always_o and_o that_o thou_o may_v be_v resolve_v whether_o thou_o be_v decay_v love_n or_o no_o observe_v for_o thy_o trial_n these_o mark_n thereof_o which_o be_v apparent_a symptom_n of_o the_o leave_v of_o our_o first_o love_n 1._o know_v thou_o that_o if_o thou_o have_v lose_v that_o peace_n of_o conscience_n mark_n whereby_o thou_o be_v wont_a to_o come_v with_o boldness_n into_o the_o presence_n of_o thy_o god_n and_o pour_v out_o thy_o soul_n in_o strong_a cry_n and_o tear_n unto_o thy_o god_n and_o so_o can_v not_o pray_v with_o that_o evidence_n as_o in_o former_a time_n with_o that_o patience_n and_o constancy_n overcome_v thy_o god_n 2._o if_o thou_o grow_v fearful_a of_o trouble_n and_o use_v carnal_a policy_n to_o prevent_v they_o 3._o if_o thou_o grow_v worldly_a and_o covetous_a withdraw_v thy_o hand_n from_o the_o necessity_n of_o thy_o brother_n and_o neglect_v the_o occasion_n of_o charity_n etc._n etc._n 4._o if_o thou_o grow_v negligent_a in_o hear_v of_o the_o word_n content_v thyself_o either_o with_o none_o or_o a_o uneffectual_a ministry_n 5._o if_o thou_o can_v dispense_v with_o thyself_o in_o vain_a sport_n and_o recreation_n game_n vain_a talk_n etc._n etc._n whereof_o heretofore_o thou_o make_v some_o conscience_n waste_v thy_o time_n and_o wit_n in_o they_o 6._o if_o thou_o can_v frame_v to_o all_o company_n and_o temporize_v with_o each_o as_o presume_v upon_o thy_o protection_n from_o thy_o christian_a calling_n ephes_n 5._o 1._o 7._o if_o thou_o be_v afraid_a of_o death_n and_o neglecte_v the_o daily_a and_o constant_a examination_n of_o thy_o way_n and_o holy_a duty_n in_o private_a unto_o thy_o god_n 8._o if_o thou_o can_v so_o joy_v in_o these_o earthly_a thing_n as_o either_o not_o to_o feel_v a_o loathsomeness_n in_o they_o or_o not_o to_o use_v they_o as_o spark_n to_o increase_v the_o fire_n of_o thy_o spiritual_a joy_n 9_o if_o thou_o measure_v the_o happiness_n of_o the_o life_n to_o come_v by_o that_o sense_n which_o for_o the_o present_a thou_o have_v thereof_o thou_o do_v not_o live_v by_o faith_n and_o therefore_o thou_o have_v leave_v thy_o first_o love_n and_o for_o thy_o comfort_n observe_v herein_o a_o especial_a mercy_n of_o thy_o god_n that_o there_o will_v follow_v this_o loss_n of_o love_n 1._o inward_a trouble_n of_o conscience_n which_o will_v give_v thou_o love_n no_o rest_n till_o thou_o have_v resolve_v thy_o case_n with_o god_n and_o recover_v psal_n 6._o 38_o etc._n etc._n 2._o some_o outward_a sensible_a stripe_n either_o in_o thy_o good_n person_n child_n to_o open_v thy_o eye_n the_o better_a and_o bring_v thou_o to_o repentance_n job_n 33._o 15_o 16._o 3._o now_o the_o world_n will_v not_o fail_v to_o flatter_v thou_o and_o as_o it_o be_v to_o own_v thou_o that_o so_o thou_o may_v suspect_v thyself_o the_o rather_o 4._o and_o yet_o that_o thou_o may_v discern_v the_o world_n love_n thou_o shall_v not_o want_v some_o mock_n and_o reproach_n to_o cast_v the_o dirt_n of_o thy_o decay_n in_o thy_o face_n that_o so_o thou_o may_v be_v ashamed_a and_o confound_v in_o this_o decay_n 5._o and_o happy_o thou_o may_v be_v give_v up_o to_o some_o gross_a sin_n the_o more_o to_o discredit_v thou_o with_o the_o world_n that_o so_o thou_o may_v not_o be_v corrupt_v with_o the_o flattery_n thereof_o and_o therefore_o thus_o thou_o may_v recover_v out_o of_o this_o decay_n 1._o rest_v upon_o the_o promise_n of_o thy_o god_n that_o thou_o shall_v love_n recover_v and_o thy_o latter_a end_n shall_v be_v better_a than_o the_o beginning_n 2._o meditate_v on_o the_o former_a experience_n of_o the_o joy_n of_o the_o spirit_n that_o so_o thou_o may_v press_v the_o lord_n from_o his_o wont_a mercy_n psal_n 77._o 1._o sam._n 17._o 3._o consider_v the_o mean_n that_o the_o lord_n use_v to_o plant_v this_o joy_n and_o love_n in_o thy_o heart_n and_o by_o the_o same_o know_v that_o he_o will_v renew_v this_o work_n and_o therefore_o at_o no_o hand_n be_v drive_v from_o the_o mean_n cant._n 1._o cant._n 4._o 5._o 4._o resolve_v that_o thy_o former_a estate_n be_v better_a than_o now_o os_fw-la 2._o 8._o 9_o and_o therefore_o return_v to_o thy_o first_o love_n again_o that_o so_o the_o lord_n may_v renew_v and_o increase_v thy_o love_n unto_o he_o 5._o acquaint_v the_o experience_a soldier_n with_o this_o thy_o estate_n that_o so_o he_o may_v be_v a_o mean_n to_o quicken_v thou_o again_o 6._o give_v we_o not_o over_o our_o pursuit_n of_o these_o comfort_n spare_v we_o no_o pain_n think_v we_o all_o time_n too_o little_a impose_v we_o extraordinary_a affliction_n as_o fast_v and_o so_o groan_v under_o the_o burden_n and_o detest_a ourselves_o give_v we_o the_o lord_n no_o rest_n till_o he_o have_v return_v to_o his_o rest_n and_o recover_v our_o decay_n cantic_n 5._o to_o this_o end_n use_v we_o the_o mean_n before_o set_v down_o to_o recover_v from_o apostasy_n and_o be_v we_o comfort_v that_o we_o shall_v not_o lose_v though_o we_o have_v leave_v this_o love_n and_o this_o be_v the_o last_o lesson_n to_o be_v observe_v out_o of_o this_o scripture_n namely_o that_o the_o saint_n shall_v not_o lose_v though_o they_o leave_v their_o 27._o first_o love_n luk._n 11._o psal_n 92._o 2._o tim._n 4._o 19_o 1._o because_o the_o lord_n have_v promise_v to_o continue_v his_o love_n towards_o they_o joh._n 13._o 1._o joh._n 17._o 2._o their_o affliction_n do_v tend_v to_o their_o perseverance_n as_o purge_v out_o their_o sin_n isaiah_n 1._o 25._o 3._o their_o sin_n turn_v to_o their_o continuance_n in_o grace_n 1._o as_o make_v they_o afraid_a of_o sin_n 2._o and_o more_o expert_a to_o conquer_v the_o same_o 3._o more_o fit_a for_o grace_n by_o make_v they_o more_o humble_a and_o hungry_a after_o it_o 4._o more_o merciful_a to_o other_o and_o therefore_o move_v the_o lord_n to_o have_v more_o compassion_n on_o they_o 4._o their_o saviour_n live_v and_o triumph_v to_o make_v they_o more_o than_o conqueror_n rom._n 8._o 36._o 37._o joh._n 12._o 32._o 5._o the_o spirit_n and_o word_n shall_v abide_v in_o they_o to_o hold_v they_o on_o in_o grace_n and_o therefore_o 1._o this_o condemn_v the_o blasphemy_n of_o papist_n who_o teach_v that_o the_o saint_n may_v fall_v final_o and_o therein_o do_v impeach_v use_v the_o power_n and_o faithfulness_n of_o god_n 2._o it_o check_v the_o insolency_n of_o the_o wicked_a that_o rejoice_n at_o the_o fall_v of_o the_o saint_n and_o insult_v over_o they_o see_v that_o though_o they_o fall_v they_o shall_v rise_v again_o mich._n 7._o 9_o 3._o as_o also_o it_o reprove_v the_o infidelity_n of_o the_o saint_n who_o doubt_v of_o their_o recovery_n and_o wrong_v the_o faithfulness_n of_o god_n and_o power_n of_o their_o faith_n grieve_v the_o bless_a spirit_n and_o deny_v in_o a_o sort_n the_o merit_n of_o christ_n 4._o here_o be_v first_o for_o the_o world_n to_o justify_v god_n faithfulness_n see_v he_o do_v not_o forsake_v for_o ever_o lam._n 3._o 24._o 25._o 5._o here_o the_o saint_n be_v lesson_v as_o to_o fear_v their_o fall_n and_o not_o to_o sin_n upon_o presumption_n of_o recovery_n so_o not_o to_o distrust_v of_o god_n mercy_n in_o their_o great_a fail_n see_v the_o lord_n be_v faithful_a and_o they_o shall_v recover_v though_o not_o so_o forcible_a a_o measure_n as_o before_o they_o have_v yet_o sufficient_a to_o the_o enjoy_n of_o that_o happiness_n that_o the_o lord_n jesus_n have_v purchase_v for_o they_o to_o this_o end_n for_o the_o further_o satisfy_v and_o comfort_v of_o the_o conscience_n observe_v we_o these_o two_o thing_n first_o that_o it_o be_v one_o thing_n to_o leave_v our_o first_o love_n and_o to_o be_v lukewarm_a neither_o hot_a nor_o cold_a 2._o that_o there_o be_v great_a odds_n between_o leave_v our_o first_o love_n and_o lose_v it_o altogether_o we_o may_v leave_v in_o regard_n of_o a_o former_a measure_n and_o yet_o hold_v a_o true_a grain_n which_o shall_v clear_v we_o of_o lukewarmnesse_n and_o though_o we_o leave_v a_o measure_n yet_o we_o lose_v not_o all_o because_o the_o least_o remain_v will_v be_v a_o mean_n to_o recover_v again_o if_o not_o so_o much_o as_o we_o have_v have_v yet_o so_o much_o as_o shall_v serve_v both_o to_o keep_v from_o final_a apostasy_n and_o further_o to_o eternal_a glory_n 6._o and_o therefore_o here_o be_v matter_n of_o exceed_a consolation_n to_o the_o elect_a of_o god_n not_o to_o trust_v their_o own_o unbelieve_a heart_n much_o less_o satansly_n but_o to_o rest_v on_o the_o faithfulness_n of_o god_n not_o judge_v themselves_o by_o what_o they_o
who_o be_v he_o yet_o it_o lie_v much_o in_o we_o either_o to_o make_v sure_a 10._o and_o beautify_v the_o building_n by_o be_v watchful_a and_o diligent_a in_o well-doing_n or_o else_o by_o our_o negligence_n and_o security_n to_o deface_v 3_o and_o interrupt_v the_o same_o yea_o many_o time_n to_o our_o sense_n and_o feeling_n even_o utter_o to_o overthrow_v the_o same_o for_o proof_n hereof_o peruse_v this_o treatise_n ensue_v let_v it_o be_v in_o god_n fear_n a_o touchstone_n unto_o thou_o to_o make_v trial_n of_o a_o sound_a conversion_n and_o take_v it_o as_o a_o preservative_n to_o keep_v thou_o in_o the_o power_n of_o godliness_n that_o so_o thou_o may_v not_o leave_v thy_o first_o love_n if_o by_o pride_n or_o security_n thou_o have_v be_v leave_v to_o thyself_o and_o 2._o so_o have_v leave_v thy_o former_a measure_n view_v thyself_o diligent_o in_o this_o present_a glass_n and_o use_v it_o as_o a_o mean_n for_o thy_o recovery_n and_o perseverance_n expect_v not_o what_o may_v be_v say_v see_v my_o health_n and_o study_n afford_v only_a brevity_n neither_o misconstrue_v what_o may_v be_v well_o digest_v lest_o thou_o be_v pervert_v by_o a_o stumble_a block_n though_o many_o be_v call_v yet_o but_o few_o be_v choose_v and_o therefore_o if_o few_o digest_v this_o pill_n let_v they_o not_o condemn_v 14._o the_o physic_n but_o their_o own_o ill-disposed_a heart_n those_o that_o can_v get_v meat_n out_o of_o the_o eater_n and_o sweetness_n out_o of_o the_o strong_a let_v they_o praise_v the_o glorious_a lord_n who_o bring_v light_n 7._o out_o of_o darkness_n and_o not_o cease_v pray_v unto_o our_o gracious_a father_n that_o he_o will_v turn_v our_o darkness_n into_o light_n and_o 12._o enable_v we_o to_o work_v while_o yet_o we_o have_v the_o light_n that_o so_o we_o may_v approve_v ourselves_o the_o child_n of_o the_o light_n and_o be_v prepare_v to_o that_o light_n which_o shall_v never_o be_v change_v into_o darkness_n even_o so_o be_v it_o come_v lord_n jesus_n come_v quick_o ⸪_o in_o who_o i_o rest_v thou_o unfeigned_o thomas_n cooper_n doctrine_n and_o observation_n open_v herein_o be_v 1_o that_o the_o best_a have_v their_o infirmity_n 2_o the_o least_o evil_a in_o the_o saint_n cause_v the_o lord_n to_o have_v a_o controversy_n with_o they_o 3_o sin_n not_o to_o be_v smother_v but_o plain_o reprove_v 4_o the_o godly_a must_v persevere_v in_o grace_n and_o grow_v to_o perfection_n 5_o every_o true_a convert_n have_v a_o first_o love_n where_o of_o the_o mean_n and_o mark_n thereof_o 6_o the_o convert_v may_v leave_v his_o first_o love_n where_o of_o the_o mean_n whereby_o it_o be_v cool_v 7_o first_o love_n may_v seem_v to_o be_v lose_v when_o it_o be_v not_o where_o diverse_a false_a imputation_n be_v remove_v 8_o the_o leave_v of_o first_o love_n with_o the_o true_a mark_n and_o symptom_n thereof_o 9_o first_o love_n how_o to_o be_v recover_v and_o regained_n again_o etc._n etc._n 10_o how_o far_o the_o saint_n may_v recover_v their_o first_o love_n 11_o the_o saint_n can_v final_o nor_o whole_o lose_v their_o first_o love_n but_o shall_v in_o some_o measure_n recover_v it_o the_o convert_v first_o love_n revelat_fw-la 2._o 4._o nevertheless_o i_o have_v somewhat_o against_o thou_o because_o thou_o have_v leave_v thy_o first_o love._n our_o bless_a saviour_n have_v by_o the_o ministry_n of_o his_o apostle_n plant_v diverse_a church_n in_o asia_n direct_v his_o servant_n john_n the_o evangelist_n to_o write_v unto_o each_o of_o they_o for_o their_o further_a strengthen_v in_o the_o faith_n and_o because_o coherence_n the_o church_n of_o ephesus_n be_v both_o famous_a for_o the_o outward_a glory_n and_o inward_a grace_n thereof_o as_o also_o in_o a_o sort_n the_o peculiar_a charge_n of_o the_o apostle_n john_n therefore_o do_v he_o first_o 1._o send_v greeting_n to_o that_o church_n give_v very_o just_a and_o true_a testimony_n unto_o she_o of_o the_o great_a grace_n of_o god_n bestow_v upon_o she_o and_o her_o profitable_a use_n of_o they_o in_o the_o second_o and_o three_o verse_n and_o that_o she_o may_v not_o be_v overcome_v of_o spiritual_a pride_n to_o which_o in_o regard_n of_o such_o excellent_a grace_n she_o may_v be_v subject_a yea_o be_v so_o taint_v therewith_o as_o that_o it_o wrought_v in_o she_o some_o security_n and_o thereupon_o remissness_n he_o therefore_o give_v her_o notice_n of_o this_o her_o decay_n and_o cool_n in_o the_o four_o verse_n tell_v she_o that_o he_o have_v somewhat_o against_o she_o because_o she_o have_v leave_v she_o first_o love_n both_o therein_o express_v the_o greatness_n of_o her_o fall_n by_o the_o excellency_n of_o the_o thing_n wherein_o she_o fail_v namely_o her_o first_o love_n as_o also_o aggravate_v this_o her_o fall_n by_o the_o just_a esteem_n thereof_o in_o the_o judgement_n of_o her_o saviour_n christ_n namely_o that_o it_o give_v occasion_n for_o he_o that_o be_v her_o advocate_n now_o to_o come_v against_o she_o and_o to_o have_v a_o controversy_n with_o she_o as_o a_o enemy_n and_o 2._o thereby_o give_v she_o to_o conceive_v in_o what_o a_o fearful_a case_n she_o stand_v have_v he_o now_o to_o be_v against_o she_o who_o if_o he_o be_v 31._o on_o her_o side_n she_o need_v not_o fear_v who_o be_v against_o she_o who_o be_v against_o she_o all_o other_o thing_n though_o with_o she_o must_v necessary_o serve_v to_o her_o further_a condemnation_n so_o that_o these_o word_n do_v contain_v a_o description_n of_o some_o sense_n declination_n in_o this_o church_n of_o ephesus_n with_o some_o argument_n to_o lay_v this_o her_o estate_n more_o close_o to_o her_o heart_n that_o so_o she_o may_v by_o repentance_n recover_v herself_o again_o wherein_o first_o that_o this_o church_n of_o ephesus_n though_o otherwise_o endow_v with_o excellent_a grace_n and_o have_v so_o prosper_v in_o the_o holy_a use_n of_o they_o that_o she_o receive_v a_o testimony_n from_o the_o truth_n himself_o of_o such_o great_a faithfulness_n as_o to_o have_v endure_v patient_o and_o not_o faint_v be_v yet_o notwithstanding_o charge_v by_o the_o same_o lord_n jesus_n to_o be_v defective_a and_o to_o have_v some_o fail_n and_o imperfection_n in_o she_o we_o may_v learn_v here_o this_o lesson_n that_o as_o the_o best_a church_n so_o the_o best_a christian_n have_v and_o may_v have_v some_o infirmity_n infirmity_n and_o corruption_n as_o appear_v by_o these_o place_n 1._o joh._n 1._o 9_o james_n 3._o 2._o chron._n 8._o 36._o and_o by_o the_o example_n of_o the_o best_a david_n 2._o sam._n 12._o commit_v murder_n and_o adultery_n peter_n deny_v his_o master_n matth._n 27._o moses_n do_v not_o give_v glory_n to_o god_n in_o believe_v his_o word_n noah_n be_v drunken_a solomon_n idolatrous_a etc._n etc._n numb_a 20._o gen._n 38._o gen._n 9_o thus_o have_v the_o saint_n of_o god_n be_v subject_n to_o infirmity_n and_o that_o not_o before_o their_o conversion_n only_o but_o even_o after_o also_o as_o the_o apostle_n paul_n in_o the_o name_n of_o all_o the_o rest_n acknowledge_v for_o himself_o in_o the_o seven_o to_o the_o roman_n 19_o 20_o 21_o 22._o and_o sure_o see_v the_o lord_n jesus_n have_v satisfy_v the_o 23._o wrath_n of_o his_o father_n for_o we_o in_o fulfil_v the_o law_n and_o undergo_n the_o penalty_n thereof_o and_o so_o continue_v daily_a our_o intercessor_n and_o surety_n to_o answer_v unto_o the_o justice_n of_o god_n for_o our_o offence_n and_o to_o obtain_v pardon_n for_o they_o so_o that_o there_o be_v no_o necessity_n that_o we_o shall_v be_v free_v quite_o from_o sin_n and_o so_o perfect_a as_o to_o fulfil_v the_o law_n of_o god_n see_v the_o lord_n jesus_n have_v perform_v this_o already_o and_o therefore_o for_o we_o to_o undertake_v the_o same_o be_v to_o intrude_v into_o christ_n office_n and_o so_o to_o rob_v he_o of_o his_o glory_n therefore_o that_o some_o infirmity_n 1._o and_o corruption_n do_v remain_v in_o we_o see_v now_o the_o guilt_n and_o punishment_n yea_o the_o dominion_n and_o rage_n of_o sin_n be_v take_v away_o by_o christ_n it_o be_v very_o convenient_a and_o profitable_a and_o that_o first_o 1._o that_o god_n free_a mercy_n may_v be_v daily_o advance_v in_o 4._o the_o pardon_v of_o sin_n psalm_n 51._o 12_o 13._o 2._o that_o the_o merit_n of_o christ_n jesus_n may_v be_v glorify_v in_o satisfy_v for_o sin_n john_n 9_o 3._o that_o our_o salvation_n may_v be_v better_o assure_v unto_o we_o in_o the_o daily_a experience_n of_o god_n love_n in_o the_o forgiveness_n and_o heal_n of_o our_o particular_a corruption_n 2._o pet._n 1._o 8._o 4._o that_o the_o grace_n of_o the_o spirit_n may_v be_v exercise_v in_o the_o daily_a resist_n and_o conquer_a of_o sin_n ephes_n 6._o 11_o 12_o 13._o 1._o pet._n 4._o 5._o that_o the_o power_n of_o god_n may_v be_v perfect_v in_o
well_o do_v 2._o tim._n 3._o 16._o 2._o tim._n 4._o 2._o 2._o our_o love_n to_o our_o brother_n both_o in_o prevent_v god_n judgement_n by_o our_o reproof_n or_o else_o sanctify_v they_o unto_o a_o sinner_n at_o least_o we_o justify_v god_n and_o make_v the_o sinner_n without_o excuse_n ezech._n 33._o and_o save_o our_o own_o soul_n as_o also_o hereby_o we_o provoke_v he_o to_o repentance_n and_o so_o by_o renew_a repentance_n to_o perfection_n levit._n 19_o 17._o and_o this_o 1._o condemn_v the_o flatterer_n that_o either_o will_v see_v teacher_n no_o evil_a in_o his_o brother_n but_o be_v still_o beat_v upon_o the_o good_a that_o be_v in_o he_o puff_v he_o up_o with_o conceit_n thereof_o or_o if_o he_o see_v any_o evil_n will_v not_o reprove_v he_o plain_o but_o either_o excuse_v it_o or_o diminish_v it_o or_o daub_v it_o up_o harden_v he_o in_o his_o sin_n etc._n etc._n ezech._n 13._o 2._o they_o be_v here_o reprove_v that_o justify_v the_o wicked_a and_o condemn_v the_o righteous_a isaiah_n 5._o 21._o whereas_o our_o saviour_n person_n justify_v the_o good_a and_o condemn_v the_o evil_a 3._o as_o also_o they_o that_o stumble_v at_o straw_n and_o make_v molehill_n mountain_n omit_v the_o sin_n of_o great_a one_o or_o the_o great_a sin_n of_o their_o brethren_n for_o favour_n and_o affection_n but_o enforce_v to_o the_o utmost_a every_o light_a escape_n in_o the_o godly_a or_o their_o enemy_n put_v more_o thereto_o yea_o take_v occasion_n thereby_o to_o disgrace_v their_o profession_n etc._n etc._n whereas_o our_o saviour_n christ_n here_o spare_v not_o the_o great_a and_o most_o famous_a church_n and_o whatsoever_o be_v amiss_o in_o she_o let_v she_o know_v plain_o of_o it_o the_o people_n also_o be_v here_o condemn_v that_o hate_v those_o that_o 4._o reprove_v they_o and_o rather_o heap_v unto_o themselves_o such_o teacher_n as_o will_v flatter_v they_o in_o their_o sin_n then_o entertain_v those_o that_o deal_v faithful_o in_o reprove_v amos_n 5._o 11._o micah_n 2._o second_o here_o be_v instruction_n 1._o to_o praise_n god_n for_o faithful_a â—_o teach_n when_o god_n cut_v down_o by_o his_o prophet_n and_o convince_v the_o world_n of_o sin_n 2._o and_o also_o to_o mourn_v where_o the_o church_n be_v pester_v with_o flatterer_n that_o cry_v all_o be_v well_o peace_n peace_n all_o the_o congregation_n be_v holy_a jer._n 6._o numb_a 16._o jerem._n 28._o ezech._n 34._o 13._o 14._o we_o learn_v here_o by_o our_o saviors_n example_n how_o to_o reprove_v for_o sin_n namely_o 1._o plain_o thou_o be_v the_o man_n 2._o sam._n 12._o reprove_v 2._o particular_o let_v he_o see_v his_o particular_a sin_n 3._o powerful_o to_o humble_v he_o for_o his_o sin_n by_o denounce_v the_o wrath_n of_o god_n against_o the_o same_o i_o have_v somewhat_o against_o thou_o that_o be_v i_o have_v a_o controversy_n with_o thou_o i_o be_o angry_a i_o will_v be_v avenge_v of_o thou_o for_o it_o 4._o constant_o and_o seasonable_o not_o let_v he_o lie_v in_o it_o take_v the_o fit_a time_n etc._n etc._n as_o abigail_n do_v 1._o sam._n 25._o 5._o impartial_o and_o sincere_o not_o spare_v the_o great_a nor_o dear_a unto_o we_o no_o not_o the_o house_n of_o judah_n isaiah_n 58._o 1._o 3._o no_o not_o the_o most_o excellent_a church_n not_o david_n though_o a_o king_n not_o our_o child_n not_o any_o last_o here_o be_v great_a comfort_n that_o be_v reprove_v for_o sin_n we_o be_v judge_v in_o this_o life_n and_o so_o by_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n comfort_n be_v bring_v to_o repentance_n we_o shall_v not_o be_v judge_v in_o the_o life_n to_o come_v 1._o cor._n 11._o 31._o 32._o three_o in_o that_o the_o holy_a ghost_n testify_v here_o that_o christ_n do_v come_v against_o his_o church_n for_o this_o sin_n here_o we_o learn_v enemy_n that_o though_o god_n love_v always_o the_o person_n of_o his_o child_n yet_o he_o be_v displease_v with_o their_o sin_n he_o will_v come_v against_o they_o for_o it_o and_o chastise_v they_o for_o the_o same_o psal_n 89._o 2._o sam._n 8._o etc._n etc._n ezech._n 18._o and_o that_o because_o he_o be_v 1._o righteous_a and_o hate_v iniquity_n psal_n 5._o 4._o and_o therefore_o will_v not_o endure_v it_o in_o his_o own_o 2._o he_o be_v merciful_a and_o therefore_o will_v not_o suffer_v sin_n to_o dwell_v in_o his_o child_n but_o by_o his_o correction_n will_v cleanse_v they_o isaiah_n 1._o 25._o isaiah_n 27._o jerem._n 19_o psal_n 89._o 3._o the_o sin_n of_o his_o child_n do_v more_o grieve_v he_o and_o indeed_o be_v more_o grievous_a first_o because_o 4._o they_o have_v more_o grace_n to_o resist_v second_o do_v give_v more_o offence_n to_o the_o weak_a three_o open_v the_o mouth_n of_o the_o wicked_a more_o to_o blaspheme_v god_n and_o his_o truth_n 5._o that_o the_o wicked_a may_v have_v their_o vengeance_n hereby_o seal_v up_o in_o that_o the_o lord_n spare_v not_o his_o own_o child_n prou._n 11._o 32._o 6._o that_o his_o child_n may_v not_o be_v condemn_v final_o 7._o that_o he_o may_v wean_v they_o from_o the_o world_n and_o provoke_v they_o to_o draw_v near_o unto_o he_o in_o prayer_n and_o so_o have_v further_a experience_n of_o his_o love_n in_o the_o issue_v thereof_o 8._o their_o sin_n be_v not_o they_o but_o proceed_v from_o satan_n and_o the_o old_a man_n which_o he_o therefore_o remove_v by_o his_o chastisement_n 7._o that_o so_o he_o may_v manifest_v and_o confirm_v his_o love_n more_o and_o more_o to_o their_o person_n in_o fit_v they_o to_o glory_n and_o this_o serve_v 1._o to_o condemn_v the_o wicked_a that_o flatter_v themselves_o in_o integrity_n their_o righteousness_n because_o they_o prosper_v and_o be_v not_o plague_v like_o other_o nor_o afflict_v as_o the_o sinner_n see_v they_o be_v fat_v up_o hereby_o to_o the_o day_n of_o slaughter_n and_o the_o elect_a by_o affliction_n prepare_v to_o happiness_n jerem._n 12._o 3._o act._n 14._o 23_o 24._o job_n 21._o psal_n 17_o 14._o 2._o to_o reprove_v the_o sinner_n that_o provoke_v the_o lord_n by_o their_o sin_n to_o become_v their_o enemy_n and_o then_o be_v afflict_v same_o complain_v of_o wrong_n and_o condemn_v the_o love_n and_o faithfulness_n of_o god_n as_o if_o in_o chastise_v they_o he_o hate_v they_o see_v of_o very_a love_n and_o faithfulness_n he_o do_v correct_v they_o psal_n 119._o psal_n 73._o job_n 6._o 9_o 3._o to_o reprove_v the_o world_n that_o judge_n of_o man_n by_o these_o cross_n outward_a thing_n see_v all_o thing_n be_v alike_o unto_o all_o man_n eccl._n 9_o 1._o second_o here_o be_v instruction_n 1._o to_o teach_v we_o how_o to_o keep_v god_n to_o be_v our_o friend_n namely_o by_o keep_v ourselves_o from_o sin_n or_o else_o by_o renew_a repentance_n daily_o renounce_v and_o reform_v the_o sin_n 2._o to_o bear_v patient_o the_o hand_n of_o god_n see_v we_o have_v deserve_v hell_n and_o this_o affliction_n which_o be_v but_o for_o a_o moment_n will_v procure_v unto_o we_o a_o inestimable_a weight_n of_o glory_n 2._o cor._n 5._o 16._o 3._o to_o try_v our_o estate_n under_o the_o rod_n namely_o if_o we_o feel_v the_o lord_n to_o be_v angry_a and_o so_o fear_v and_o depart_v from_o evil_n prou._n 14._o and_o thus_o do_v the_o holy_a ghost_n amplify_v the_o sin_n of_o this_o church_n by_o signify_v that_o the_o lord_n be_v angry_a with_o she_o for_o the_o same_o 1._o but_o let_v we_o consider_v what_o this_o sin_n be_v namely_o that_o she_o have_v leave_v she_o first_o love_n a_o sin_n of_o omission_n she_o have_v fail_v in_o that_o zeal_n etc._n etc._n quest._n but_o how_o may_v she_o be_v say_v to_o have_v leave_v she_o first_o not_o love_n see_v she_o have_v former_o the_o testimony_n that_o she_o endure_v patient_o and_o do_v not_o faint_a answ_n she_o may_v fail_v in_o the_o measure_n of_o her_o love_n though_o not_o in_o the_o substance_n and_o truth_n thereof_o 2._o she_o may_v fail_v in_o the_o outward_a action_n though_o not_o in_o the_o inward_a purpose_n 3._o she_o may_v not_o be_v so_o zealous_a as_o she_o be_v and_o yet_o have_v so_o much_o zeal_n as_o not_o to_o give_v over_o final_o for_o a_o time_n she_o may_v be_v cool_v but_o not_o quench_v in_o her_o zeal_n etc._n etc._n whence_o we_o learn_v that_o though_o the_o lord_n accept_v the_o purpose_n of_o the_o heart_n and_o will_v not_o quench_v the_o smoke_a 4._o flax_n yet_o will_v he_o have_v we_o grow_v in_o grace_n and_o follow_v hard_a after_o the_o mark_n we_o must_v abound_v in_o grace_n and_o be_v grace_n plentiful_a in_o good_a work_n we_o must_v thrive_v in_o well_o do_v express_v outward_o when_o we_o inward_o desire_v and_o subdue_a the_o whole_a man_n to_o the_o obedience_n of_o the_o spirit_n 1._o col._n 1._o pet._n 2._o 1._o 3._o ephes_n 1._o phil._n 2._o
thus_o may_v policy_n be_v a_o enemy_n to_o religion_n and_o so_o a_o mean_n of_o the_o leave_v of_o our_o first_o love_n and_o so_o may_v also_o prosperity_n 1._o if_o either_o have_v much_o we_o set_v our_o heart_n upon_o it_o how_o psal_n 62._o 10._o and_o so_o be_v withdraw_v to_o execute_v the_o lust_n of_o our_o heart_n 2._o or_o measure_v our_o estate_n in_o grace_n by_o our_o prosperity_n 3._o or_o be_v not_o willing_a to_o be_v abase_v as_o we_o do_v abound_v 4._o or_o grow_v secure_a and_o uncharitable_a hereby_o either_o despise_v our_o poor_a brethren_n or_o insult_v over_o they_o 1._o pet._n 5._o much_o less_o be_v enlarge_v in_o compassion_n of_o their_o affliction_n or_o open_a hand_a to_o relieve_v they_o or_o promise_v constancy_n of_o this_o ticklish_a estate_n unto_o ourselves_o 6._o 5._o and_o so_o also_o by_o abuse_n of_o our_o christian_a liberty_n we_o may_v leave_v our_o first_o love_n as_o hereafter_o shall_v more_o full_o be_v declare_v thus_o may_v we_o leave_v our_o first_o love_n by_o these_o mean_n may_v liberty_n our_o zeal_n be_v cool_v and_o abate_v and_o this_o serve_v 1._o for_o our_o trial_n whether_o ever_o we_o have_v any_o first_o love_n or_o trial_n no_o namely_o if_o we_o shall_v find_v that_o by_o these_o mean_v we_o have_v be_v cool_v therein_o 2._o and_o so_o for_o our_o comfort_n and_o sound_a direction_n that_o if_o comfort_n we_o ever_o have_v this_o first_o love_n we_o shall_v recover_v it_o again_o and_o 3._o that_o we_o may_v know_v how_o to_o recover_v it_o by_o use_v aright_o recover_v such_o mean_n as_o be_v abuse_v have_v be_v the_o occasion_n of_o this_o decay_n the_o manner_n whereof_o be_v lay_v down_o hereafter_o and_o this_o serve_v further_a 1._o for_o reproof_n of_o our_o time_n who_o may_v be_v just_o charge_v reproof_n to_o have_v leave_v our_o first_o love_n by_o try_v ourselves_o by_o the_o former_a mean_n whereby_o this_o first_o love_n be_v slake_v 2._o and_o for_o our_o further_a instruction_n herein_o 1._o know_v we_o that_o we_o may_v be_v subject_a to_o a_o false_a imputation_n of_o leave_v our_o first_o love_n in_o many_o respect_n as_o 1._o when_o upon_o the_o just_a consideration_n of_o the_o nature_n of_o prosperity_n our_o christian_a liberty_n as_o be_v spiritual_a we_o limit_v our_o zeal_n within_o the_o bound_n of_o our_o calling_n so_o give_v unto_o god_n the_o thing_n that_o be_v he_o that_o we_o deny_v not_o also_o unto_o caesar_n that_o which_o be_v he_o this_o moderation_n howsoever_o with_o the_o anabaptist_n it_o be_v traduce_v as_o luke_o warmness_n and_o temporize_v with_o the_o world_n to_o avoid_v affliction_n yet_o indeed_o it_o be_v a_o holy_a rectify_v and_o order_v of_o our_o zeal_n by_o humility_n and_o wisdom_n that_o so_o it_o may_v hold_v out_o and_o be_v perfect_v through_o patience_n and_o that_o from_o the_o commandment_n of_o the_o lord_n our_o god_n rom._n 13._o 2._o we_o may_v be_v false_o charge_v to_o have_v leave_v our_o first_o love_n when_o we_o be_v outward_o increase_v with_o temporal_a blessing_n as_o if_o because_o prosperity_n be_v apt_a to_o cool_v by_o make_v we_o secure_a and_o forgetful_a of_o our_o god_n therefore_o it_o must_v needs_o follow_v that_o wheresoever_o there_o be_v outward_a abundance_n there_o be_v inward_a leanne_n and_o barrenness_n psalm_n 106._o 15._o which_o imputation_n be_v hereby_o prove_v to_o be_v most_o unjust_a 1._o both_o because_o the_o saint_n of_o god_n have_v increase_v outward_o and_o thrive_v inward_o too_o as_o abraham_n david_n etc._n etc._n 2._o the_o virtue_n of_o that_o promise_n make_v hereunto_o that_o if_o all_o thing_n than_o sure_o outward_a blessing_n shall_v work_v together_o for_o the_o good_a of_o the_o elect_a rom._n 8._o 29._o especial_o see_v the_o lord_n give_v grace_n to_o use_v these_o gift_n aright_o 1._o and_o see_v godliness_n have_v the_o promise_n of_o this_o life_n 2_o aswell_o as_o of_o a_o better_a and_o the_o more_o y_z e_z saint_n partake_v of_o the_o mercy_n of_o god_n y_fw-es e_fw-es more_fw-mi their_o thankfulness_n &_o obedience_n do_v increase_v and_o be_v knit_v unto_o the_o lord_n with_o more_o bond_n 10_o see_v the_o more_o they_o receive_v the_o more_o they_o fear_v themselves_o and_o so_o by_o impart_v liberal_o unto_o other_o do_v ease_v themselves_o of_o the_o burden_n and_o approve_v their_o love_n unto_o god_n by_o their_o unfeigned_a love_n unto_o his_o saint_n as_o hereby_o they_o be_v more_o deep_o interest_v in_o y_z e_z prayer_n of_o the_o saint_n so_o be_v heaven_n more_o enlarge_v to_o the_o increase_n of_o their_o love_n the_o lord_n hear_v the_o prayer_n of_o the_o poor_a and_o enlarge_v the_o heart_n of_o his_o steward_n to_o love_v y_z t_o god_n more_o seruent_o that_o so_o enable_v they_o to_o comfort_v other_o and_o so_o be_v faithful_a in_o a_o little_a they_o be_v still_o increase_v until_o be_v full_a of_o grace_n and_o abound_v in_o every_o good_a work_n they_o be_v make_v meet_a partaker_n love_n of_o that_o glorious_a inheritance_n 1._o coll._n 12._o matth._n 25._o 1._o cor._n 15._o and_o may_v not_o our_o spiritual_a wisdom_n in_o avoid_v of_o unnecessary_a trouble_n expose_v we_o sometime_o to_o this_o false_a imputation_n that_o we_o have_v leave_v our_o first_o love_n 1._o yea_o sure_o if_o either_o by_o wise_a and_o modest_a answer_n we_o avoid_v trouble_n 2._o or_o by_o conceal_v of_o that_o truth_n which_o we_o be_v not_o bind_v in_o conscience_n to_o discover_v we_o so_o escape_v 3._o or_o by_o avoid_v the_o rage_n of_o our_o enemy_n when_o our_o time_n be_v not_o yet_o come_v we_o be_v yet_o free_v from_o trouble_n by_o remove_v from_o our_o habitation_n 4._o or_o by_o change_v our_o habit_n and_o feature_n we_o so_o avoid_v the_o fury_n of_o the_o adversary_n if_o by_o any_o of_o these_o through_o the_o blessing_n of_o god_n we_o escape_v such_o trouble_n which_o other_o for_o want_v of_o this_o wisdom_n be_v overtake_v with_o present_o we_o be_v charge_v with_o want_n of_o zeal_n we_o be_v condemn_v to_o be_v luke_o warm_a to_o have_v leave_v our_o first_o love_n and_o etc._n etc._n 5._o especial_o if_o we_o use_v our_o good_n as_o a_o mean_n to_o redeem_v the_o body_n from_o trouble_n oh_o this_o be_v censure_v as_o unlawful_a and_o so_o avoid_v trouble_n as_o by_o unlawful_a mean_n we_o be_v challenge_v of_o cowardice_n want_v of_o zeal_n corruption_n etc._n etc._n a_o imputation_n how_o unjust_a and_o uncharitable_a it_o be_v may_v appear_v by_o these_o circumstance_n 1._o because_o we_o be_v not_o bind_v to_o give_v a_o account_n of_o our_o faith_n to_o every_o private_a man_n but_o only_o to_o the_o magistrate_n and_o why_o whosoever_o have_v lawful_a authority_n to_o require_v it_o at_o our_o hand_n as_o the_o minister_n and_o such_o as_o have_v charge_n over_o us._n and_o that_o because_o hereby_o they_o may_v have_v comfort_n in_o discharge_n of_o their_o duty_n that_o they_o have_v not_o labour_v in_o vain_a or_o 2._o may_v be_v humble_v in_o our_o want_n of_o profit_v and_o grow_v in_o knowledge_n and_o so_o increase_v their_o pain_n and_o prayer_n for_o us._n 3._o they_o be_v in_o god_n stead_n and_o in_o refuse_v to_o give_v a_o account_n unto_o they_o we_o deny_v and_o renounce_v even_o god_n himself_o 4._o they_o may_v be_v provoke_v hereby_o to_o perseverance_n and_o maintenance_n of_o the_o truth_n 5._o though_o they_o must_v not_o be_v lord_n over_o the_o conscience_n to_o make_v or_o alter_v the_o truth_n yet_o they_o be_v witness_n unto_o the_o conscience_n concern_v the_o truth_n yea_o they_o be_v approâ—ers_n and_o maintainer_n thereof_o to_o the_o comfort_n of_o the_o believer_n and_o furtherance_n of_o his_o faith_n and_o therefore_o though_o we_o give_v not_o account_v of_o our_o faith_n either_o 1._o to_o the_o scorner_n that_o hereby_o will_v take_v occasion_n to_o insult_v of_o and_o blaspheme_v our_o god_n and_o his_o sacred_a truth_n 2._o or_o to_o the_o open_a enemy_n that_o as_o he_o have_v no_o call_v to_o require_v so_o we_o have_v warrant_v to_o conceal_v it_o as_o be_v bind_v to_o preserve_v life_n and_o not_o to_o cast_v pearl_n to_o swine_n 3._o or_o to_o the_o ignorant_a that_o desire_v not_o information_n thereby_o lest_o we_o beat_v the_o air_n and_o run_v before_o we_o be_v call_v expose_v our_o profession_n o_o contempt_n etc._n etc._n 4._o or_o to_o the_o private_a christian_a otherwise_o then_o in_o a_o case_n of_o necessity_n on_o our_o part_n to_o remove_v a_o false_a imputation_n and_o on_o his_o part_n to_o guide_v he_o that_o be_v in_o darkness_n and_o desire_v our_o help_n yet_o do_v we_o not_o herein_o betray_v our_o faith_n but_o rather_o wise_o maintain_v the_o honour_n and_o preserve_v the_o virtue_n thereof_o both_o in_o
defend_v the_o same_o from_o the_o reproach_n of_o the_o wicked_a as_o also_o in_o reserve_v the_o use_n thereof_o to_o it_o fit_a season_n and_o occasion_n when_o our_o god_n shall_v be_v best_a glorify_v our_o profession_n justify_v and_o brethren_n inform_v and_o confirm_v thereby_o and_o this_o be_v 1._o when_o we_o have_v a_o especial_a calling_n to_o witness_v a_o good_a profession_n as_o be_v inward_o furnish_v with_o gift_n and_o outward_o lead_v forth_o by_o the_o spirit_n to_o maintain_v the_o cause_n of_o christ_n jesus_n our_o saviour_n the_o one_o of_o these_o we_o shall_v discern_v 1._o by_o sound_a knowledge_n of_o y_fw-fr e_o cause_n in_o particular_a which_o trouble_n we_o be_v to_o make_v good_a by_o whatsoever_o suffering_n so_o that_o our_o judgement_n be_v thorough_o inform_v and_o so_o our_o conscience_n convince_v with_o the_o truth_n do_v find_v rest_n and_o comfort_v therein_o ephes_n â—_o phil._n 1._o 2._o by_o our_o ardent_a love_n unto_o that_o truth_n which_o we_o have_v apprehend_v and_o hearty_a desire_n that_o by_o any_o our_o never_o so_o great_a affliction_n it_o may_v be_v glorify_v in_o the_o heart_n of_o the_o saint_n 3._o by_o our_o especial_a apprehension_n of_o god_n singular_a mercy_n towards_o we_o in_o account_v we_o so_o worthy_a as_o to_o make_v profession_n of_o that_o truth_n 27._o 4._o hence_o we_o even_o long_o and_o desire_v to_o taste_v of_o that_o cup_n which_o the_o profession_n of_o that_o truth_n may_v cost_v us._n 5._o yet_o so_o as_o that_o our_o most_o ardent_a desire_n be_v subject_a to_o contrary_a buffet_n of_o fear_n of_o our_o own_o inability_n in_o our_o 19_o self_n and_o therefore_o 6._o rather_o desire_v the_o grace_n of_o the_o spirit_n so_o to_o conduct_v we_o in_o the_o combat_n that_o god_n cause_n may_v be_v honour_v in_o our_o constancy_n therein_o then_o we_o in_o any_o sort_n magnify_v thereby_o nay_o that_o we_o shall_v have_v in_o respect_n of_o the_o flesh_n any_o good_a issue_n out_o of_o they_o howsoever_o we_o have_v many_o gracious_a promise_n yea_o likelihood_n for_o the_o same_o 7._o and_o therefore_o simple_o submit_v ourselves_o to_o the_o will_n of_o our_o gracious_a father_n rather_o to_o undergo_v any_o the_o most_o grievous_a extremity_n than_o the_o least_o disparagement_n may_v redound_v unto_o his_o glorious_a truth_n 8._o find_v in_o ourselves_o a_o gracious_a contentment_n in_o our_o god_n arise_v upon_o long_a experience_n of_o the_o deceitfulness_n of_o the_o world_n and_o faithfulness_n of_o our_o gracious_a father_n and_o 9_o so_o discern_v in_o ourselves_o a_o readiness_n to_o death_n as_o be_v prepare_v thereto_o by_o daily_a mortification_n and_o experience_n of_o our_o sweet_a society_n with_o our_o bless_a god_n 10._o as_o that_o withal_o we_o especial_o for_o this_o end_n desire_v life_n even_o to_o witness_v a_o good_a profession_n and_o give_v glory_n unto_o our_o god_n in_o avouch_v and_o seal_v up_o his_o eternal_a truth_n with_o our_o momentanie_n suffering_n to_o this_o end_n 11._o find_v in_o ourselves_o a_o ability_n of_o faith_n rely_v rather_o on_o god_n promise_v to_o guide_v we_o with_o his_o counsel_n than_o our_o own_o experience_n to_o wade_v through_o the_o affliction_n thus_o may_v we_o discern_v inward_a sufficiency_n to_o make_v profession_n of_o our_o faith_n and_o for_o outward_a call_n and_o lead_v forth_o by_o the_o spirit_n thereunto_o there_o be_v these_o mark_n of_o it_o first_o in_o respect_n of_o we_o as_o that_o trouble_n 1._o we_o have_v already_o publish_v and_o declare_v that_o truth_n and_o so_o now_o much_o more_o it_o be_v call_v in_o question_n be_v to_o justify_v the_o same_o 2._o be_v also_o provoke_v by_o our_o people_n that_o have_v depend_v on_o we_o to_o make_v good_a the_o same_o for_o the_o establish_n of_o their_o faith_n lest_o our_o suppress_n or_o denial_n may_v shake_v and_o make_v shipwreck_n thereof_o 3._o be_v especial_o call_v thereto_o by_o the_o magistrate_n who_o may_v require_v a_o reason_n thereof_o and_o force_v by_o the_o gainsaying_n of_o the_o enemy_n to_o defend_v the_o same_o second_o in_o respect_n of_o the_o truth_n and_o that_o 1._o when_o it_o be_v open_o resist_v and_o gainsay_v of_o a_o perverse_a generation_n not_o only_o private_o and_o indirect_o and_o when_o 2._o by_o the_o suppress_n thereof_o the_o glory_n of_o our_o god_n be_v necessary_o impeach_v the_o power_n of_o religion_n undermine_v etc._n etc._n otherwise_o in_o matter_n 1._o of_o difference_n which_o reach_v not_o thus_o far_o we_o may_v be_v silent_a respect_v the_o peace_n of_o the_o church_n and_o deal_v rather_o silent_a with_o our_o god_n in_o prayer_n for_o the_o reformation_n of_o such_o breach_n and_o by_o all_o private_a and_o peaceable_a mean_n rather_o endure_v a_o inconvenience_n or_o cover_v a_o infirmity_n then_o by_o any_o public_a opposition_n make_v a_o rent_n and_o division_n in_o the_o church_n of_o god_n 2._o as_o also_o if_o our_o person_n rather_o in_o malice_n be_v aim_v at_o than_o the_o truth_n oppugn_v we_o may_v avoid_v the_o rage_n by_o fly_v conceal_v etc._n etc._n 3._o at_o leastwise_o though_o we_o be_v not_o altogether_o silent_a yet_o so_o far_o we_o may_v conceal_v the_o truth_n 1._o as_o it_o be_v not_o demand_v 2._o and_o may_v satisfy_v the_o honest_a purpose_n of_o the_o questioner_n 3._o yea_o may_v happy_o by_o stumble_v of_o he_o and_o turn_v his_o edge_n upon_o another_o so_o thereby_o divert_v his_o malice_n from_o ourselves_o so_o do_v our_o saviour_n put_v the_o pharisy_n and_o sadducee_n together_o and_o thereby_o escape_v so_o do_v he_o for_o a_o time_n go_v aside_o and_o walk_v no_o more_o open_o neither_o 7._o commit_v himself_o unto_o they_o because_o his_o time_n be_v not_o come_v nay_o may_v we_o not_o shape_v such_o a_o answer_n to_o our_o adversary_n not_o only_o to_o conceal_v part_n of_o truth_n as_o samuel_n do_v 1._o sam_n 16._o but_o even_o to_o give_v up_o the_o wicked_a to_o their_o own_o counsel_n that_o will_v not_o obey_v the_o truth_n bid_v they_o go_v up_o and_o prosper_v as_o michaâ—â—h_n do_v 2._o king_n 22_o yea_o in_o a_o holy_a derision_n upbraid_v their_o carnal_a confidence_n rejoice_v oh_o young_a man_n and_o take_v thy_o fill_n eccl._n 11._o and_o see_v they_o will_v not_o be_v reclaim_v and_o hate_v to_o be_v reform_v may_v not_o the_o prudent_a keep_v silence_n in_o such_o evil_a time_n 2._o chron._n 2._o amos_n 5._o or_o so_o only_o speak_v as_o to_o leave_v the_o incorrigible_a to_o their_o lust_n cease_v to_o rebuke_v a_o scorner_n that_o we_o may_v wise_o 9_o avoid_v his_o hatred_n and_o so_o pronounce_v the_o wrath_n of_o god_n against_o he_o in_o yield_v he_o up_o to_o his_o own_o lust_n as_o that_o he_o may_v bless_v his_o soul_n in_o this_o fearful_a liberty_n and_o we_o by_o thiâ—_n wisdom_n may_v maintain_v our_o holy_a liberty_n oh_o that_o we_o be_v wise_a to_o consider_v of_o these_o thing_n and_o to_o who_o the_o arm_n of_o the_o lord_n shall_v reveal_v they_o for_o the_o way_n of_o the_o lord_n be_v righteous_a and_o the_o just_a shall_v walk_v in_o they_o but_o 14._o the_o wicked_a shall_v fall_v therein_o as_o for_o the_o change_n of_o our_o feature_n and_o habit_n for_o a_o far_o time_n to_o avoid_v unnecessary_a trouble_n herein_o i_o take_v it_o we_o may_v thus_o far_o be_v justify_v as_o though_o 1._o not_o to_o change_v our_o name_n and_o that_o because_o they_o be_v of_o a_o divine_a institution_n as_o well_o as_o civil_a impose_v not_o only_o to_o make_v distinction_n of_o our_o person_n from_o other_o but_o to_o be_v witness_n &_o pledge_n of_o our_o profession_n and_o both_o memorial_n of_o god_n former_a mercy_n towards_o we_o as_o also_o evidence_n change_v of_o god_n everlasting_a covenant_n with_o we_o to_o be_v our_o protector_n and_o preserver_n for_o ever_o and_o therefore_o not_o to_o be_v deny_v if_o we_o be_v demand_v the_o same_o lest_o therein_o we_o deny_v our_o faith_n neither_o to_o be_v change_v because_o our_o profession_n must_v not_o be_v change_v especial_o see_v by_o denial_n or_o change_v we_o shall_v not_o only_o not_o advantage_n ourselves_o to_o the_o thing_n we_o intend_v namely_o not_o to_o be_v know_v see_v by_o other_o mark_n of_o proportion_n or_o complexion_n we_o may_v be_v bewray_v but_o be_v discover_v we_o shall_v hereby_o add_v unto_o our_o affliction_n not_o only_o be_v just_o exempt_v out_o of_o god_n protection_n by_o reject_v the_o badge_n thereof_o our_o name_n but_o expose_v also_o the_o rather_o to_o the_o rage_n of_o man_n as_o be_v taint_v hereby_o with_o dissimulation_n etc._n etc._n add_v we_o hereunto_o that_o not_o only_o we_o have_v not_o any_o precedent_n different_a in_o the_o scripture_n for_o the_o like_a in_o this_o case_n but_o also_o this_o