Selected quad for the lemma: love_n

Word A Word B Word C Word D Occurrence Frequency Band MI MI Band Prominent
love_n act_n faith_n grace_n 4,322 5 5.9067 4 true
View all documents for the selected quad

Text snippets containing the quad

ID Title Author Corrected Date of Publication (TCP Date of Publication) STC Words Pages
A27009 The right method for a settled peace of conscience, and spiritual comfort in 32 directions : written for the use of a troubled friend / and now published by Richard Baxter ... Baxter, Richard, 1615-1691. 1653 (1653) Wing B1373A; ESTC R17485 252,137 602

There are 28 snippets containing the selected quad. | View original text

use_v of_o infallible_a sign_n of_o sincerity_n and_o take_v not_o those_o for_o certain_a which_o be_v not_o and_o to_o that_o end_n remember_v what_o i_o say_v before_o that_o you_o must_v well_o understand_v wherein_o the_o nature_n of_o save_a faith_n and_o so_o of_o all_o save_a grace_n do_v consist_v and_o when_o you_o understand_v this_o write_v it_o down_o in_o two_o or_o three_o line_n and_o both_o at_o your_o first_o trial_n and_o afterward_o when_o ever_o any_o doubt_n do_v drive_v you_o to_o a_o review_n of_o your_o evidence_n still_o have_v recourse_n only_o to_o those_o sign_n and_o try_v by_o they_o what_o these_o sign_n be_v i_o have_v show_v you_o so_o full_o in_o the_o forecited_a place_n in_o my_o book_n of_o rest_n that_o i_o shall_v say_v but_o little_a now_o remember_v that_o infallible_a sign_n be_v very_o few_o and_o that_o whatsoever_o be_v make_v the_o condition_n of_o salvation_n that_o be_v the_o most_o infallible_a evidence_n of_o our_o salvation_n and_o therefore_o the_o fit_a mark_n to_o try_v by_o and_o therefore_o faith_n in_o god_n the_o father_n and_o the_o redeemer_n be_v the_o main_a evidence_n but_o because_o i_o have_v elsewhere_o show_v you_o that_o this_o faith_n be_v comprehensive_a of_o love_n gratitude_n resolution_n to_o obey_v and_o repentance_n let_v i_o more_o particular_o open_v it_o to_o help_v you_o in_o the_o trial_n to_o prove_v any_o grace_n to_o be_v save_v it_o be_v necessary_a that_o you_o prove_v that_o salvation_n be_v full_o promise_v to_o he_o that_o have_v it_o now_o if_o you_o will_v know_v what_o it_o be_v that_o have_v this_o promise_n i_o will_v tell_v you_o 1._o as_o to_o the_o object_n 2._o the_o act._n 3._o the_o degree_n or_o modification_n of_o the_o act._n for_o all_o these_o three_o must_v be_v inquire_v after_o if_o you_o will_v get_v assurance_n 1._o the_o object_n be_v principal_o god_n and_o the_o redeemer_n christ_n and_o secondary_o the_o benefit_n give_v by_o christ_n and_o under_o that_o the_o mean_n to_o attain_v the_o principal_a benefit_n etc._n etc._n 2._o the_o act_n have_v many_o name_n draw_v from_o respective_a and_o modall_n difference_n in_o the_o object_n as_o faith_n desire_n love_n choose_v accept_n receive_v consent_v etc._n etc._n but_o proper_o all_o be_v comprise_v in_o one_o word_n will_v the_o understanding_n high_a estimation_n of_o god_n and_o christ_n and_o grace_n be_v a_o principal_a part_n of_o true_a save_a grace_n but_o yet_o it_o be_v difficult_a and_o scarce_o possible_a to_o judge_v of_o yourself_o by_o it_o right_o but_o only_o as_o it_o discover_v itself_o by_o prevail_v with_o the_o will._n 3._o the_o degree_n of_o this_o act_n must_v be_v such_o as_o ordinary_o prevail_v against_o its_o contrary_n i_o mean_v both_o the_o contrary_a object_n and_o the_o contrary_a act_n to_o the_o same_o object_n but_o because_o i_o doubt_v school-terme_n do_v obscure_a my_o meaning_n to_o you_o though_o they_o be_v necessary_a for_o exactness_n i_o will_v express_v the_o nature_n of_o save_a grace_n in_o two_o or_o three_o mark_n as_o plain_a as_o i_o can_v 1._o be_v you_o hearty_o willing_a to_o take_v god_n for_o your_o portion_n and_o have_v you_o rather_o live_v with_o he_o in_o glory_n in_o his_o favour_n and_o full_a love_n with_o a_o soul_n perfect_o cleanse_v from_o all_o sin_n and_o never_o more_o to_o offend_v he_o rejoice_v with_o his_o saint_n in_o his_o everlasting_a praise_n than_o to_o enjoy_v the_o delight_n of_o the_o flesh_n on_o earth_n in_o a_o way_n of_o sin_n and_o without_o the_o favour_n of_o god_n 2._o be_v you_o hearty_o willing_a to_o take_v jesus_n christ_n as_o he_o be_v offer_v in_o the_o gospel_n that_o be_v to_o be_v your_o only_a saviour_n and_o lord_n to_o give_v you_o pardon_v by_o his_o bloodshed_n and_o to_o sanctify_v you_o by_o his_o word_n and_o spirit_n and_o to_o govern_v you_o by_o his_o law_n because_o this_o general_n contain_v and_o imply_v several_a particular_n i_o will_v express_v they_o distinct_o here_o it_o be_v suppose_v that_o you_o know_v this_o much_o follow_v of_o the_o nature_n of_o his_o law_n for_o to_o be_v willing_a to_o be_v rule_v by_o his_o law_n in_o general_n and_o utter_o unwilling_a when_o it_o come_v to_o particular_n be_v no_o true_a willingness_n or_o subjection_n 1._o you_o must_v know_v that_o his_o law_n reach_v both_o to_o heart_n and_o outward_a action_n 2._o that_o they_o command_v a_o holy_a spiritual_a heavenly_a life_n 3._o that_o they_o command_v thing_n so_o cross_a and_o unpleasing_a to_o the_o flesh_n that_o the_o flesh_n will_v be_v still_o murmur_v and_o strive_v against_o obedience_n particular_o 1._o they_o command_v thing_n quite_o cross_v to_o the_o inclination_n of_o the_o flesh_n as_o to_o forgive_v wrong_n to_o love_n enemy_n to_o forbear_v malice_n and_o revenge_n to_o restrain_v and_o mortify_v lust_n and_o passion_n to_o abhor_v and_o mortify_v pride_n and_o be_v low_a in_o our_o own_o eye_n and_o humble_a and_o meek_a in_o spirit_n 2._o they_o command_v thing_n that_o cross_v the_o interest_n of_o the_o flesh_n and_o its_o inclination_n both_o together_o i_o mean_v which_o will_v deprive_v it_o of_o its_o enjoyment_n and_o bring_v it_o to_o some_o suffering_n as_o to_o perform_v duty_n even_o when_o they_o lie_v we_o open_a to_o disgrace_v and_o shame_n and_o reproach_n in_o the_o world_n and_o to_o deny_v our_o credit_n rather_o than_o forsake_v christ_n or_o our_o duty_n to_o obey_v christ_n in_o do_v what_o he_o command_v we_o though_o it_o will_v hazard_v or_o certain_o lose_v our_o wealth_n friend_n liberty_n and_o life_n itself_o forsake_v all_o rather_o than_o to_o forsake_v he_o to_o give_v to_o the_o poor_a and_o other_o good_a use_n and_o that_o liberal_o according_a to_o our_o ability_n to_o deny_v the_o flesh_n all_o forbid_a pleasure_n and_o make_v not_o provision_n to_o satisfy_v its_o lust_n but_o to_o crucify_v the_o flesh_n with_o the_o affection_n and_o lust_n thereof_o and_o in_o this_o combat_n to_o hold_v on_o to_o the_o end_n and_o to_o overcome_v these_o be_v the_o law_n of_o christ_n which_o you_o must_v know_v before_o you_o can_v determine_v whether_o you_o be_v indeed_o unfeigned_o willing_a to_o obey_v they_o put_v therefore_o these_o further_a question_n to_o yourself_o for_o the_o trial_n of_o your_o willingness_n to_o be_v rule_v by_o christ_n according_a to_o his_o law_n 3._o be_v you_o hearty_o willing_a to_o live_v in_o the_o performance_n of_o those_o holy_a and_o spiritual_a duty_n of_o heart_n and_o life_n which_o god_n have_v absolute_o command_v you_o and_o be_v you_o hearty_o sorry_a that_o you_o perform_v they_o no_o better_o with_o no_o more_o cheerfulness_n delight_n success_n and_o constancy_n 4._o be_v you_o so_o thorough_o convince_v of_o the_o worth_n of_o everlasting_a happiness_n and_o the_o intollerableness_n of_o everlasting_a misery_n and_o the_o truth_n of_o both_o and_o of_o the_o sovereignty_n of_o god_n the_o father_n and_o christ_n the_o redeemer_n and_o your_o many_o engagement_n to_o he_o and_o of_o the_o necessity_n and_o good_a of_o obey_v and_o the_o evil_a of_o sin_v that_o you_o be_v true_o willing_a that_o be_v have_v a_o settle_a resolution_n to_o cleave_v t●_n christ_n and_o obey_v he_o in_o the_o dear_a most_o disgraceful_a painful_a hazardous_a flesh-displeasing_a duty_n even_o though_o it_o shall_v cost_v you_o the_o loss_n of_o all_o your_o worldly_a enjoyment_n and_o your_o life_n 5._o do_v this_o willingness_n or_o resolution_n already_o so_o far_o prevail_v in_o your_o heart_n and_o life_n against_o all_o the_o interest_n and_o temptation_n of_o the_o world_n the_o devil_n and_o your_o flesh_n that_o you_o do_v ordinary_o practice_v the_o most_o strict_a and_o holy_a the_o most_o self-denying_a costly_a and_o hazardous_a duty_n that_o you_o know_v god_n require_v of_o you_o and_o do_v hearty_o strive_v against_o all_o know_a sin_n and_o overcome_v all_o gross_a sin_n and_o when_o you_o fall_v under_o any_o prevail_a temptation_n do_v rise_v again_o by_o repentance_n and_o beg_a pardon_n of_o god_n through_o the_o blood_n of_o christ_n do_v resolve_v to_o watch_v and_o resist_v more_o careful_o for_o the_o time_n to_o come_v in_o these_o five_o mark_n be_v express_v the_o gospel-description_n of_o a_o true_a christian_a have_v lay_v down_o these_o mark_n i_o must_v needs_o add_v a_o few_o word_n for_o the_o explain_n of_o some_o thing_n in_o they_o lest_o you_o mistake_v the_o meaning_n and_o so_o lose_v the_o benefit_n of_o they_o 1._o observe_v that_o it_o be_v your_o willingness_n which_o be_v the_o very_a point_n to_o be_v try_v and_o therefore_o 1._o judge_v not_o by_o your_o bare_a knowledge_n 2._o judge_v not_o by_o the_o stir_n or_o passionate_a work_n of_o your_o affection_n ●_o pray_v you_o forget_v not_o
the_o will_n with_o the_o most_o forcible_a argument_n a_o persuade_v quicken_a ministry_n that_o help_v to_o excite_v your_o grace_n and_o draw_v up_o your_o heart_n to_o christ_n be_v more_o useful_a than_o they_o that_o spend_v most_o of_o their_o time_n to_o persuade_v you_o of_o your_o sincerity_n and_o give_v you_o comfort_n 3._o but_o special_o lay_v out_o your_o thought_n more_o in_o the_o most_o serious_a consideration_n of_o those_o thing_n which_o tend_v to_o breed_v and_o feed_v those_o particular_a grace_n which_o you_o will_v have_v increase_v object_n and_o move_a reason_n keep_v much_o upon_o the_o mind_n by_o serious_a thought_n be_v the_o great_a engine_n appoint_v both_o by_o nature_n and_o by_o grace_n to_o turn_v about_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n thought_n be_v to_o your_o soul_n as_o take_v in_o the_o air_n and_o meat_n and_o drink_n to_o your_o body_n object_n consider_v do_v turn_v the_o soul_n into_o their_o own_o nature_n such_o as_o be_v the_o thing_n that_o you_o most_o think_v and_o consider_v of_o i_o mean_v in_o pursuance_n of_o they_o such_o will_v you_o be_v yourself_o consideration_n frequent_a serious_a consideration_n be_v god_n great_a instrument_n to_o convert_v the_o soul_n and_o to_o confirm_v it_o to_o get_v grace_n and_o to_o keep_v it_o and_o increase_v it_o if_o any_o soul_n perish_v for_o want_v of_o grace_n it_o be_v ten_o to_o one_o it_o be_v main_o for_o want_v of_o frequent_a and_o serious_a consideration_n that_o the_o most_o of_o we_o do_v languish_v under_o such_o weakness_n and_o attain_v to_o small_a degree_n of_o grace_n be_v for_o want_v of_o sober_a frequent_a consideration_n we_o know_v not_o how_o great_a thing_n this_o will_v do_v if_o it_o be_v but_o faithful_o manage_v this_o then_o be_v my_o advice_n when_o you_o feel_v so_o great_a a_o want_n of_o faith_n and_o love_n for_o those_o be_v the_o main_a grace_n for_o trial_n and_o use_n that_o you_o doubt_v whether_o you_o have_v any_o or_o none_o lay_v by_o those_o doubt_a thought_n a_o while_n and_o present_o go_v and_o set_v yourself_o to_o consider_v of_o god_n truth_n goodness_n amiableness_n and_o kindheartedness_n to_o miserable_a unworthy_a sinner_n think_v what_o he_o be_v in_o himself_o and_o what_o he_o be_v to_o you_o and_o what_o he_o have_v do_v for_o you_o and_o what_o he_o will_v do_v for_o you_o if_o you_o do_v but_o consent_v and_o then_o think_v of_o the_o vanity_n of_o all_o the_o childish_a pleasure_n of_o this_o world_n how_o soon_o and_o in_o how_o sad_a a_o case_n they_o will_v leave_v we_o and_o what_o silly_a contemptible_a thing_n they_o be_v in_o comparison_n of_o the_o everlasting_a glory_n of_o the_o saint_n by_o that_o time_n you_o have_v warm_v your_o soul_n a_o little_a with_o such_o serious_a thought_n you_o will_v find_v your_o faith_n and_o love_n revive_v and_o begin_v to_o stir_v and_o work_v within_o you_o and_o then_o you_o will_v feel_v that_o you_o have_v faith_n and_o love_n only_o remember_v what_o i_o tell_v you_o before_o that_o the_o heart_n and_o soul_n of_o save_a faith_n and_o love_n suppose_v a_o belief_n that_o the_o gospel_n be_v true_a be_v all_o in_o this_o one_o act_n of_o willingness_n or_o consent_n to_o have_v christ_n as_o he_o be_v offer_v therefore_o if_o you_o doubt_v of_o your_o faith_n and_o love_n it_o be_v your_o own_o willingness_n that_o you_o doubt_v of_o or_o else_o you_o know_v not_o what_o you_o do_v now_o methinks_v if_o you_o take_v but_o a_o sober_a view_n of_o the_o goodness_n of_o god_n and_o the_o glory_n of_o heaven_n on_o one_o side_n and_o of_o the_o silly_a empty_a worthless_a world_n on_o the_o other_o side_n and_o then_o ask_v your_o heart_n which_o it_o will_v choose_v and_o say_v to_o yourself_o o_o my_o soul_n the_o god_n of_o glory_n offer_v thou_o thy_o choice_n of_o dung_n and_o vanity_n for_o a_o little_a time_n or_o of_o the_o unconceivable_a joy_n of_o heaven_n for_o ever_o which_o will_v thou_o choose_v i_o say_v methinks_v the_o answer_n of_o your_o own_o soul_n shall_v present_o resolve_v you_o that_o you_o do_v believe_v and_o that_o you_o love_v god_n above_o this_o present_a world_n for_o if_o you_o can_v choose_v he_o before_o the_o world_n than_o you_o be_v more_o willing_a of_o he_o then_o the_o world_n and_o if_o he_o have_v more_o of_o your_o will_n for_o certain_a he_o have_v more_o of_o your_o faith_n and_o love_n use_v therefore_o in_o stead_n of_o doubt_v of_o your_o faith_n to_o believe_v till_o you_o put_v it_o out_o of_o doubt_n and_o if_o yet_o you_o doubt_v study_n god_n and_o christ_n and_o glory_n yet_o better_a and_o keep_v those_o object_n by_o consideration_n close_o to_o your_o heart_n who_o nature_n be_v to_o work_v the_o heart_n to_o faith_n and_o love_n for_o certain_o object_n have_v a_o mighty_a power_n on_o the_o soul_n and_o certain_o god_n and_o christ_n and_o grace_n and_o glory_n be_v mighty_a object_n as_o able_a to_o make_v a_o full_a and_o deep_a impression_n on_o man_n soul_n as_o any_o in_o the_o world_n and_o if_o they_o work_v not_o it_o be_v not_o through_o any_o imperfection_n in_o they_o but_o because_o they_o be_v not_o well_o apply_v and_o by_o consideration_n hold_v upon_o the_o heart_n that_o they_o may_v work_v perhaps_o you_o will_v say_v that_o meditation_n be_v too_o hard_a a_o work_n for_o you_o and_o that_o your_o memory_n be_v so_o weak_a that_o you_o want_v matter_n to_o meditate_v upon_o or_o if_o you_o do_v meditate_v on_o these_o yet_o you_o feel_v no_o great_a motion_n or_o alteration_n on_o your_o heart_n to_o this_o i_o answer_v if_o you_o want_v matter_n take_v the_o help_n of_o some_o book_n that_o will_v afford_v you_o matter_n and_o if_o you_o want_v life_n in_o meditation_n peruse_v the_o most_o quicken_a write_n you_o can_v get_v if_o you_o have_v not_o better_o at_o hand_n read_v over_o and_o serious_o consider_v as_o you_o read_v it_o those_o passage_n in_o the_o end_n of_o my_o book_n of_o rest_n which_o direct_v you_o in_o the_o exercise_n of_o these_o grace_n and_o give_v you_o some_o matter_n for_o your_o meditation_n to_o work_v upon_o and_o remember_v that_o if_o you_o can_v increase_v the_o resolve_a choice_n of_o your_o will_n you_o increase_v your_o love_n though_o you_o feel_v not_o those_o affectionate_a work_n that_o you_o desire_v let_v i_o ask_v you_o now_o whether_o you_o have_v indeed_o take_v this_o course_n in_o your_o doubt_n if_o not_o how_o unwise_o have_v you_o do_v doubt_v be_v no_o cure_n but_o actual_a believe_v and_o love_v be_v a_o cure_n if_o faith_n and_o love_n be_v thing_n that_o you_o will_v fain_o get_v but_o can_v than_o you_o have_v cause_n enough_o to_o fear_v and_o to_o lie_v down_o and_o rise_v in_o trouble_n of_o mind_n from_o one_o year_n to_o another_o but_o it_o be_v no_o such_o matter_n it_o be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v beyond_o your_o reach_n or_o power_n to_o have_v these_o grace_n though_o you_o will_v that_o they_o themselves_o be_v nothing_o else_o but_o your_o very_a willingness_n at_o least_o your_o willingness_n to_o have_v christ_n be_v both_o your_o faith_n and_o love_n it_o may_v be_v say_v therefore_o to_o be_v in_o the_o power_n of_o your_o will_n which_o be_v nothing_o else_o but_o that_o actual_a willingness_n which_o you_o have_v already_o if_o therefore_o you_o be_v unwilling_a to_o have_v he_o what_o make_v you_o complain_v for_o want_v of_o the_o sense_n of_o his_o presence_n and_o the_o assurance_n of_o his_o love_n and_o the_o grace_n of_o his_o spirit_n as_o you_o frequent_o do_v it_o be_v strange_a to_o i_o that_o people_n shall_v make_v so_o many_o complaint_n to_o god_n and_o man_n and_o spend_v so_o many_o sad_a hour_n in_o fear_n and_o trouble_n and_o all_o for_o want_v of_o that_o which_o they_o will_v not_o have_v if_o you_o be_v not_o will_v be_v will_v now_o if_o you_o say_v you_o can_v do_v as_o i_o have_v before_o direct_v you_o one_o hour_n sober_a serious_a thought_n of_o god_n and_o the_o world_n of_o christ_n and_o satan_n of_o sin_n and_o holiness_n of_o heaven_n and_o hell_n and_o the_o difference_n of_o they_o will_v do_v very_o much_o to_o make_v you_o willing_a yet_o mistake_v i_o not_o though_o i_o say_v you_o may_v have_v christ_n if_o you_o will_v and_o faith_n and_o love_n if_o you_o will_v and_o no_o man_n can_v true_o say_v i_o will_v be_v glad_a to_o have_v christ_n as_o he_o be_v offer_v but_o can_v yet_o this_o gladness_n consent_n or_o willingness_n which_o i_o mention_v be_v the_o effect_n of_o the_o special_a work_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o be_v not_o in_o your_o power_n before_o you_o have_v it_o nor_o be_v it_o yet_o so_o in_o your_o power_n as_o to_o
his_o queen_n her_o deliberation_n may_v be_v the_o way_n to_o her_o consent_n and_o one_o reason_n after_o another_o may_v bring_v she_o near_o to_o consent_v but_o it_o be_v that_o which_o turn_v her_o will_n to_o consent_v resolve_v covenant_n and_o deliver_v herself_o to_o he_o which_o make_v the_o great_a change_n in_o her_o state_n yet_o all_o the_o forego_n work_n of_o common_a grace_n have_v a_o hand_n in_o the_o change_n though_o only_o the_o turn_a resolution_n do_v effect_v it_o it_o be_v the_o rest_n with_o this_o that_o do_v it_o as_o when_o the_o last_o grain_n turn_v the_o scale_n the_o former_a do_v concur_v i_o will_v conclude_v with_o d●_n prestons_n word_n in_o his_o golden_a sceptre_n pag._n 210._o obj._n it_o seem_v then_o that_o the_o knowledge_n of_o a_o carnal_a man_n and_o of_o a_o regenerate_v man_n do_v differ_v but_o in_o degree_n and_o not_o in_o kind_n ans_fw-fr the_o want_n of_o degree_n here_o alter_v the_o kind_n as_o in_o number_n the_o addition_n of_o a_o degree_n alter_v the_o species_n and_o kind_a read_v for_o this_o also_o d._n jackson_n of_o save_a faith_n §_o 3._o ch_n 3._o pag._n 297_o 298._o and_o frequent_o in_o other_o place_n so_o much_o of_o that_o observation_n direction_n fourteen_o 14._o yet_o further_o i_o will_v have_v you_o to_o understand_v this_o that_o as_o the_o least_o measure_n of_o save_v grace_n be_v ordinary_o undiscernible_a from_o the_o great_a measure_n of_o common_a grace_n notwithstanding_o the_o greatness_n of_o the_o change_n that_o it_o make_v so_o a_o measure_n somewhat_o great_a be_v so_o hardly_o discernible_a that_o it_o seldom_o bring_v assurance_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v only_o the_o strong_a christian_n that_o attain_v assurance_n ordinary_o even_o those_o who_o have_v a_o great_a degree_n of_o faith_n and_o love_n and_o keep_v they_o much_o in_o exercise_n and_o be_v very_o watchful_a and_o careful_a in_o obedience_n and_o consequent_o most_o christian_n be_v of_o the_o weak_a sort_n it_o be_v but_o few_o that_o do_v attain_v to_o assurance_n of_o their_o justification_n and_o salvation_n here_o be_v two_o or_o three_o point_n which_o i_o will_v have_v you_o distinct_o to_o observe_v though_o i_o lay_v they_o all_o together_o for_o brevity_n 1._o that_o it_o be_v only_o a_o great_a measure_n of_o grace_n that_o will_v ordinary_o afford_v assurance_n 2._o that_o therefore_o it_o be_v only_o the_o strong_a and_o holy_a and_o more_o obedient_a sort_n of_o christian_n that_o usual_o reach_v to_o a_o certainty_n of_o salvation_n 3._o that_o few_o christian_n do_v reach_v to_o a_o strong_a or_o high_a degree_n of_o grace_n 4._o and_o therefore_o it_o be_v but_o few_o christian_n that_o reach_v to_o assurance_n for_o the_o two_o first_o of_o these_o it_o will_v evident_o appear_v that_o they_o be_v true_a by_o review_v the_o reason_n which_o i_o give_v of_o the_o last_o point_n save_o one_o he_o that_o will_v attain_v to_o a_o certainty_n of_o salvation_n must_v 1._o have_v a_o large_a measure_n of_o grace_n to_o be_v discern_v 2._o he_o must_v have_v that_o grace_n much_o in_o action_n and_o lively_a action_n for_o it_o be_v not_o mere_a habit_n that_o be_v discernible_a 3._o he_o must_v have_v a_o clear_a understanding_n to_o be_v acquaint_v with_o the_o nature_n of_o spiritual_a thing_n to_o know_v what_o be_v a_o sound_a evidence_n and_o how_o to_o follow_v the_o search_n and_o how_o to_o repel_v particular_a temptation_n 4._o he_o must_v have_v a_o good_a acquaintance_n and_o familiarity_n with_o his_o own_o heart_n and_o to_o that_o end_n must_v be_v much_o at_o home_n and_o be_v use_v sometime_o to_o a_o diligent_a observation_n of_o his_o heart_n and_o way_n 5._o he_o must_v be_v in_o a_o good_a measure_n acquaint_v with_o and_o a_o conqueror_n of_o contradict_a temptation_n 6._o he_o must_v have_v some_o competent_a cure_n of_o the_o deep_a deceitfulness_n of_o the_o heart_n and_o it_o must_v be_v bring_v to_o a_o open_a plain_a ingenuous_a frame_n willing_a to_o know_v the_o worst_a of_o itself_o 7._o he_o must_v have_v some_o cure_n of_o that_o ordinary_a confusion_n and_o tumultuous_a disorder_n that_o be_v in_o the_o thought_n and_o affection_n of_o man_n and_o get_v thing_n into_o a_o order_n in_o his_o mind_n 8._o he_o must_v be_v a_o man_n of_o diligence_n resolution_n and_o unwearied_a patience_n that_o will_v resolve_o set_v on_o the_o work_n of_o self-examination_n and_o painful_o watch_v in_o it_o and_o constant_o follow_v it_o from_o time_n to_o time_n till_o he_o attain_v a_o certainty_n 9_o he_o must_v be_v one_o that_o be_v very_o fearful_a of_o sin_v and_o careful_a in_o close_a obedient_a walk_v with_o god_n and_o much_o in_o sincere_a and_o spiritual_a duty_n that_o he_o keep_v not_o conscience_n still_o in_o accuse_v and_o condemn_v he_o and_o god_n still_o offend_v with_o he_o and_o his_o wound_n fresh_a bleed_a and_o his_o soul_n still_o smart_v 10._o he_o must_v be_v a_o man_n of_o much_o fixedness_n and_o constancy_n of_o mind_n and_o not_o of_o the_o ordinary_a mutability_n of_o mankind_n that_o so_o he_o may_v not_o by_o remit_v his_o zeal_n and_o diligence_n lose_v the_o sight_n of_o his_o evidence_n nor_o by_o leave_v open_a his_o soul_n to_o a_o alteration_n by_o every_o new_a intrude_a thought_n and_o temptation_n let_v go_v his_o assurance_n as_o soon_o as_o he_o attain_v it_o all_o these_o thing_n in_o a_o good_a degree_n be_v necessary_a to_o the_o attain_n of_o assurance_n of_o salvation_n and_o then_o do_v i_o need_v to_o say_v any_o more_o to_o the_o confirmation_n of_o the_o three_o point_n that_o few_o christian_n reach_v this_o measure_n of_o grace_n o_o that_o it_o be_v not_o as_o clear_v as_o the_o light_n and_o as_o discernible_a as_o the_o earth_n under_o our_o foot_n that_o most_o true_a christian_n be_v weakling_n and_o of_o the_o low_a form_n in_o the_o school_n of_o christ_n alas_o how_o ignorant_a be_v most_o of_o the_o best_a how_o little_a love_n or_o faith_n or_o zeal_n or_o heavenly-mindedness_a or_o delight_n in_o god_n have_v they_o how_o unacquainted_a with_o a_o frequent_a exercise_n of_o these_o grace_n how_o unacquainted_a with_o the_o way_n of_o self-examination_n and_o how_o backward_o to_o it_o and_o how_o dull_a and_o careless_a in_o it_o do_v it_o by_o the_o half_n as_o laban_n search_v rachel_n tent_n how_o easy_o put_v off_o with_o a_o excuse_n how_o little_o acquaint_v with_o their_o own_o heart_n or_o with_o satan_n temptation_n and_o way_n of_o deceive_v how_o much_o deceitfulness_n remain_v in_o their_o heart_n how_o confuse_a be_v their_o mind_n and_o what_o distraction_n and_o tumult_n be_v there_o in_o their_o thought_n how_o bold_a be_v they_o in_o sin_v and_o how_o little_a tenderness_n of_o conscience_n and_o care_n of_o obey_v have_v they_o how_o frequent_o do_v they_o wound_v conscience_n provoke_v god_n and_o obscure_v their_o evidence_n and_o how_o mutable_a be_v their_o apprehension_n and_o how_o soon_o do_v they_o lose_v that_o assurance_n which_o they_o once_o attain_v and_o upon_o every_o occasion_n quite_o lose_v the_o sight_n of_o their_o evidence_n yea_o and_o remit_v their_o actual_a resolution_n and_o so_o lose_v much_o of_o the_o evidence_n itself_o be_v not_o this_o the_o common_a case_n of_o godly_a people_n o_o that_o we_o can_v true_o deny_v it_o let_v their_o life_n be_v witness_n let_v their_o visible_a neglect_n worldliness_n pride_n impatiency_n of_o plain_a reproof_n remissness_n of_o zeal_n dullness_n and_o customariness_n in_o duty_n strangeness_n to_o god_n unwillingness_n to_o secret_a prayer_n and_o meditation_n unacquaintedness_n with_o the_o spirit_n operation_n and_o joy_n their_o unpeaceableness_n one_o with_o another_o and_o their_o too_o frequent_a blemish_v the_o glory_n of_o their_o holy_a profession_n by_o the_o unevenness_n of_o their_o walk_n let_v all_o these_o witness_n whether_o the_o school_n of_o christ_n have_v not_o most_v child_n in_o it_o and_o how_o few_o of_o they_o ever_o go_v to_o the_o university_n of_o ripe_a knowledge_n and_o how_o few_o of_o those_o be_v fit_a to_o begin_v here_o the_o work_n of_o their_o priestly_a office_n which_o they_o must_v live_v in_o for_o ever_o in_o the_o high_a and_o joyful_a praise_n of_o god_n and_o of_o the_o lamb_n who_o have_v redeem_a they_o by_o his_o blood_n and_o make_v they_o king_n and_o priest_n to_o god_n that_o they_o may_v reign_v with_o he_o for_o ever_o i_o be_o content_a to_o stand_v to_o the_o judgement_n of_o all_o humble_a self-knowing_a christian_n whether_o this_o be_v not_o true_a of_o most_o of_o themselves_o and_o for_o those_o that_o deny_v it_o i_o will_v stand_v to_o the_o judgement_n of_o their_o godly_a neighbour_n who_o perhaps_o know_v they_o better_o than_o they_o know_v themselves_o and_o then_o this_o be_v all_o so_o
they_o in_o terror_n and_o amazement_n like_a man_n after_o a_o flash_n of_o lightning_n that_o be_v leave_v more_o sensible_a of_o the_o darkness_n for_o no_o wise_a man_n can_v expect_v that_o such_o joy_n shall_v be_v a_o christian_n ordinary_a state_n or_o god_n shall_v so_o diet_v we_o with_o a_o continual_a feast_n it_o will_v neither_o suit_n with_o our_o health_n nor_o the_o condition_n of_o this_o pilgrimage_n live_v therefore_o on_o your_o peace_n of_o conscience_n as_o your_o ordinary_a diet_n when_o this_o be_v want_v know_v that_o god_n appoint_v you_o a_o fast_o for_o your_o health_n and_o when_o you_o have_v a_o feast_n of_o high_a joy_n feed_v on_o it_o and_o be_v thankful_a but_o when_o they_o be_v take_v from_o you_o gape_v not_o after_o they_o as_o the_o disciple_n do_v after_o christ_n at_o his_o ascension_n but_o return_v thankful_o to_o your_o ordinary_a diet_n of_o peace_n and_o remember_v that_o these_o joy_n which_o be_v now_o take_v from_o you_o may_v so_o return_v again_o however_o there_o be_v a_o place_n prepare_v for_o you_o where_o your_o joy_n shall_v be_v full_a direction_n xxii_o 22._o my_o next_o direction_n be_v this_o spend_v more_o of_o your_o time_n and_o care_n about_o your_o duty_n then_o about_o your_o comfort_n and_o for_o the_o exercise_n and_o increase_v of_o your_o grace_n then_o for_o the_o discovery_n of_o they_o and_o when_o you_o have_v do_v all_o that_o you_o can_v for_o assurance_n and_o comfort_n you_o shall_v find_v that_o it_o will_v very_o much_o depend_v on_o your_o actual_a obedience_n this_o direction_n be_v of_o as_o great_a importance_n as_o any_o that_o i_o have_v yet_o give_v you_o but_o i_o shall_v say_v but_o little_a of_o it_o because_o i_o have_v speak_v of_o it_o so_o full_o already_o in_o my_o book_n of_o rest_n part_n 3_o ch._n 8_o 9_o 10_o 11._o my_o reason_n for_o what_o i_o here_o assert_v be_v these_o 1._o duty_n go_v in_o order_n of_o nature_n and_o time_n before_o comfort_n as_o the_o precept_n be_v before_o the_o promise_n comfort_n be_v part_n of_o the_o reward_n and_o therefore_o necessary_o suppose_v duty_n 2._o grace_n make_v man_n both_o so_o ingenuous_a and_o divine_a as_o to_o consider_v god_n due_a as_o well_o as_o their_o own_o and_o what_o they_o shall_v do_v as_o well_o as_o what_o they_o shall_v have_v still_o remember_v that_o our_o work_n can_v merit_v at_o god_n hand_n 3._o as_o we_o must_v have_v grace_n before_o we_o can_v know_v we_o have_v it_o so_o ordinary_o we_o must_v have_v a_o good_a measure_n of_o grace_n before_o we_o can_v so_o clear_o discern_v it_o as_o to_o be_v certain_a of_o it_o small_a thing_n i_o have_v tell_v you_o be_v next_o to_o none_o and_o hardly_o discernible_a by_o weak_a eye_n when_o all_o way_n in_o the_o world_n be_v try_v it_o will_v be_v find_v that_o there_o be_v no_o way_n so_o sure_a for_o a_o doubt_a soul_n to_o be_v make_v certain_a of_o the_o truth_n of_o his_o grace_n as_o to_o keep_v they_o in_o action_n and_o get_v they_o increase_v and_o it_o will_v be_v find_v that_o there_o be_v no_o one_o cause_n of_o christian_n doubt_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o their_o faith_n love_n hope_v repentance_n humility_n etc._n etc._n so_o great_a or_o so_o common_a as_o the_o small_a degree_n of_o these_o grace_n do_v not_o the_o very_a language_n of_o complain_v christian_n show_v this_o one_o say_v i_o have_v no_o faith_n i_o can_v believe_v i_o have_v no_o love_n to_o god_n i_o have_v no_o delight_n in_o duty_n another_o say_v i_o can_v mourn_v for_o sin_n my_o heart_n be_v never_o break_v i_o can_v patient_o bear_v a_o injury_n i_o have_v no_o courage_n in_o oppose_a sin_n etc._n etc._n if_o all_o these_o be_v not_o in_o a_o low_a and_o weak_a degree_n man_n can_v not_o so_o ordinary_o think_v they_o have_v none_o a_o lively_a strong_a work_v faith_n love_n zeal_n courage_n etc._n etc._n will_v show_v themselves_o as_o do_v the_o high_a tower_n the_o great_a mountain_n the_o strong_a wind_n the_o great_a flame_n which_o will_v force_v a_o observance_n by_o their_o greatness_n and_o effect_n 4._o consider_v also_o that_o it_o be_v more_o please_v to_o god_n to_o see_v his_o people_n study_v he_o and_o he_o will_v direct_o then_o to_o spend_v the_o first_o and_o chief_a of_o their_o study_n about_o the_o attain_n of_o comfort_n to_o themselves_o 5._o and_o it_o be_v the_o nature_n of_o grace_n to_o tend_v first_o and_o chief_o towards_o god_n and_o but_o secondary_o to_o be_v the_o evidence_n of_o our_o own_o happiness_n we_o have_v faith_n give_v we_o principal_o that_o we_o may_v believe_v and_o live_v by_o it_o in_o daily_a application_n of_o christ_n we_o have_v repentance_n that_o it_o may_v break_v we_o off_o from_o sin_n and_o bring_v we_o back_o to_o god_n we_o have_v love_n that_o we_o may_v love_v god_n and_o our_o redeemer_n his_o saint_n and_o law_n and_o way_n we_o have_v zeal_n that_o we_o may_v be_v quicken_v in_o all_o our_o holy_a duty_n and_o we_o have_v obedience_n to_o keep_v we_o in_o the_o way_n of_o our_o duty_n the_o first_o thing_n we_o have_v to_o do_v with_o these_o grace_n be_v to_o use_v they_o for_o those_o holy_a end_n which_o their_o nature_n do_v express_v and_o then_o the_o discern_a of_o they_o that_o we_o may_v have_v assurance_n follow_v after_o this_o both_o in_o time_n and_o dignity_n 6._o and_o it_o be_v a_o matter_n of_o far_o great_a concernment_n to_o ourselves_o to_o seek_v after_o the_o obtain_n of_o christ_n and_o grace_n then_o after_o the_o certain_a knowledge_n that_o we_o have_v they_o you_o may_v be_v save_v though_o you_o never_o get_v assurance_n here_o but_o you_o can_v be_v save_v without_o christ_n and_o grace_n god_n have_v not_o make_v assurance_n the_o condition_n of_o your_o salvation_n it_o tend_v indeed_o exceed_o to_o your_o comfort_n and_o a_o precious_a mercy_n it_o be_v but_o your_o safety_n lie_v not_o on_o it_o it_o be_v better_a go_v sorrowful_a and_o doubt_v to_o heaven_n then_o comfortable_o to_o hell_n first_o therefore_o ask_v what_o be_v the_o condition_n of_o salvation_n and_o the_o way_n to_o it_o and_o then_o look_v that_o you_o do_v your_o best_a to_o perform_v it_o and_o to_o go_v that_o way_n and_o then_o try_v your_o performance_n in_o its_o season_n 7._o beside_o as_o it_o be_v a_o work_n of_o far_o great_a moment_n so_o also_o of_o quick_a dispatch_n to_o believe_v and_o love_n christ_n true_o then_o to_o get_v assurance_n that_o you_o do_v true_o believe_v and_o love_v he_o you_o may_v believe_v immediate_o by_o the_o help_n of_o god_n grace_n but_o get_v assurance_n of_o it_o may_v be_v the_o work_n of_o a_o great_a part_n of_o your_o life_n let_v i_o therefore_o entreat_v this_o one_o thing_n of_o you_o that_o when_o you_o feel_v the_o want_n of_o any_o grace_n you_o will_v not_o present_o bend_v all_o your_o thought_n upon_o the_o enquiry_n whether_o it_o be_v true_a or_o no_o but_o rather_o say_v to_o yourself_o i_o see_v try_v be_v a_o great_a and_o difficult_a a_o long_a and_o tedious_a work_n i_o may_v be_v this_o many_o year_n about_o it_o and_o possible_o be_v unresolved_a still_o if_o i_o shall_v conclude_v that_o i_o have_v no_o grace_n i_o may_v be_v mistake_v and_o so_o i_o may_v if_o i_o think_v that_o i_o have_v it_o i_o may_v inquire_v of_o friend_n and_o minister_n long_o and_o yet_o be_v leave_v in_o doubt_n it_o be_v therefore_o my_o sure_a way_n to_o seek_v present_o to_o obtain_v it_o if_o i_o have_v it_o not_o and_o to_o increase_v it_o if_o i_o have_v it_o and_o i_o be_o certain_a none_o of_o that_o labour_n will_v be_v lose_v to_o get_v more_o be_v the_o way_n to_o know_v i_o have_v it_o but_o perhaps_o you_o will_v say_v how_o shall_v i_o get_v more_o grace_n that_o be_v a_o business_n of_o great_a difficulty_n than_o so_o i_o answer_v understand_v what_o i_o tell_v you_o before_o that_o as_o the_o begin_n of_o grace_n be_v in_o your_o understanding_n so_o the_o heart_n and_o life_n of_o it_o be_v in_o your_o will_n and_o the_o affection_n and_o passionate_a part_n be_v but_o the_o fruit_n and_o branch_n if_o therefore_o your_o grace_n be_v weak_a it_o be_v chief_o in_o a_o unwillingness_n to_o yield_v to_o christ_n and_o his_o word_n and_o spirit_n now_o how_o shall_v a_o unwilling_a soul_n be_v make_v willing_a why_o thus_o 1._o pray_v constant_o as_o you_o be_v able_a for_o a_o willing_a mind_n and_o yield_v inclinable_a heart_n to_o christ_n 2._o hear_v constant_o those_o preacher_n that_o bend_v their_o doctrine_n to_o inform_v your_o understanding_n of_o the_o great_a necessity_n and_o excellency_n of_o christ_n and_o grace_n and_o glory_n and_o to_o persuade_v
willing_a of_o they_o and_o there_o be_v no_o more_o sin_n than_o there_o be_v will_n in_o it_o i_o answer_v 1._o we_o be_v in_o adam_n willing_a of_o that_o sin_n which_o cause_v they_o 2._o we_o be_v in_o some_o degree_n incline_v in_o our_o will_n to_o sin_n though_o god_n have_v that_o prevalent_a part_n and_o determination_n which_o in_o comparative_a case_n do_v denominate_v they_o 3._o the_o understanding_n and_o will_n may_v be_v most_o heinous_o guilty_a where_o they_o do_v not_o consent_v in_o that_o they_o do_v not_o more_o strong_o dissent_v and_o more_o potent_o and_o rul_o command_v all_o the_o subject_a faculty_n and_o so_o a_o negation_n of_o the_o will_n act_n or_o of_o such_o a_o degree_n of_o it_o as_o be_v necessary_a to_o the_o regiment_n of_o the_o sensual_a part_n be_v a_o deep_a guilt_n and_o great_a offence_n and_o it_o may_v be_v say_v that_o there_o be_v will_n in_o this_o sin_n it_o be_v moral_o or_o reputative_o voluntary_a though_o not_o natural_o because_o the_o will_n do_v not_o its_o office_n when_o it_o shall_v as_o a_o man_n be_v guilty_a of_o voluntary_a murder_n of_o his_o own_o child_n that_o stand_v by_o and_o seethe_v his_o servant_n kill_v he_o and_o do_v not_o do_v his_o best_a to_o hinder_v he_o i_o will_v this_o be_v better_a understand_v by_o some_o divine_n for_o i_o think_v that_o the_o common_a guilt_n of_o the_o reason_n and_o will_n in_o our_o actual_a sin_n be_v by_o omission_n of_o the_o exercise_n of_o their_o authority_n to_o hinder_v it_o and_o that_o most_o sin_n be_v more_o brutish_a as_o to_o the_o true_a efficient_a cause_n than_o many_o imagine_v and_o yet_o they_o be_v humane_a or_o moral_a act_n too_o and_o the_o soul_n nevertheless_o guilty_a because_o the_o command_v faculty_n perform_v not_o their_o office_n and_o so_o be_v the_o moral_a or_o imputative_a cause_n and_o so_o the_o great_a culpable_a cause_n of_o the_o fact_n but_o i_o be_o draw_v near_o to_o philosophy_n and_o point_n beyond_o your_o reach_n than_o i_o intend_v a_o fault_n that_o i_o must_v be_v still_o resist_v in_o all_o my_o write_n be_v upon_o every_o occur_v difficulty_n carry_v to_o forget_v my_o subject_n and_o the_o capacity_n of_o the_o mean_a to_o who_o i_o write_v but_o what_o you_o understand_v not_o pass_v over_o and_o go_v to_o the_o next_o the_o second_o kind_n of_o sin_n of_o infirmity_n be_v the_o small_a sort_n of_o sin_n which_o we_o may_v forbear_v if_o we_o will_v that_o be_v if_o we_o be_v actual_o though_o not_o perfect_o yet_o prevalent_o willing_a or_o if_o our_o will_n be_v determine_v to_o forbear_v they_o or_o if_o the_o chief_a part_n of_o the_o will_v actual_o be_v for_o such_o forbearance_n the_o first_o sort_n be_v call_v sin_n of_o infirmity_n in_o a_o absolute_a sense_n these_o last_o i_o call_v sin_n of_o infirmity_n in_o both_o a_o absolute_a and_o comparative_a sense_n that_o be_v both_o as_o they_o proceed_v from_o our_o inward_a corruption_n which_o through_o the_o weakness_n of_o the_o soul_n have_v but_o little_a grace_n be_v not_o full_o restrain_v and_o also_o as_o it_o be_v compare_v with_o gross_a sin_n and_o so_o we_o may_v call_v idle_a word_n and_o rash_a expression_n in_o our_o haste_n and_o such_o like_a sin_z of_o infirmity_n in_o comparison_n of_o murder_n perjury_n or_o the_o like_a gross_a sin_n which_o we_o common_o call_v crime_n or_o wickedness_n when_o the_o former_a we_o use_v to_o call_v but_o fault_n these_o infirmity_n be_v they_o which_o the_o papist_n and_o some_o learned_a divine_n of_o our_o own_o as_o rob._n baronius_n in_o his_o excellent_a tractate_n de_fw-fr peccat_fw-la mortali_fw-la &_o veniali_fw-la do_v call_v venial_a sin_n some_o of_o they_o in_o a_o fair_a and_o honest_a sense_n viz._n because_o they_o be_v such_o sin_n as_o a_o true_a christian_a may_v live_v and_o die_v in_o though_o not_o unrepented_a or_o unresisted_a yet_o not_o subdue_v so_o far_o as_o to_o forsake_v or_o cease_v from_o the_o practice_n of_o they_o and_o yet_o they_o be_v pardon_v but_o other_o papist_n call_v they_o venial_a sin_n in_o a_o wicked_a sense_n as_o if_o they_o need_v no_o pardon_n or_o deserve_v not_o eternal_a punishment_n and_o why_o shall_v they_o call_v they_o venial_a if_o they_o need_v not_o pardon_v a_o justify_v man_n live_v in_o the_o daily_a practice_n of_o some_o vain_a thought_n or_o the_o frequent_a commission_n of_o some_o other_o sin_n which_o by_o his_o utmost_a diligence_n he_o may_v restrain_v but_o he_o live_v not_o in_o the_o frequent_a practice_n of_o adultery_n drunkenness_n false-witnessing_a slander_v hate_v his_o brother_n etc._n etc._n yet_o observe_v that_o though_o the_o forementioned_a lesser_a sin_n be_v call_v infirmity_n in_o regard_n of_o the_o matter_n of_o they_o yet_o they_o may_v be_v so_o commit_v in_o regard_n of_o the_o end_n and_o manner_n of_o they_o as_o may_v make_v they_o crime_n or_o gross_a sin_n as_o for_o example_n if_o one_o shall_v use_v idle_a word_n wilful_o resolve_o without_o restraint_n reluctancy_n or_o tenderness_n of_o conscience_n this_o be_v gross_a sin_v or_o the_o near_a it_o come_v to_o this_o and_o the_o more_o wilfulness_n or_o neglect_n or_o evil_a end_n there_o be_v in_o the_o small_a forbid_a action_n the_o worse_a it_o be_v and_o the_o grosser_n and_o observe_v of_o which_o more_o anon_o that_o the_o true_a bound_n or_o difference_n between_o gross_a sin_n and_o those_o lesser_a fault_n which_o we_o call_v infirmity_n can_v be_v give_v i_o think_v by_o any_o man_n i_o be_o sure_a not_o by_o i_o either_o as_o to_o the_o act_n itself_o to_o say_v just_a what_o act_n be_v gross_a sin_n and_o what_o not_o or_o else_o as_o to_o the_o manner_n of_o commit_v they_o as_o to_o say_v just_o how_o much_o of_o the_o will_n must_v go_v to_o make_v a_o gross_a sin_n or_o just_o how_o far_o a_o man_n may_v proceed_v in_o the_o degree_n of_o evil_a intent_n or_o how_o far_o in_o the_o frequency_n of_o sin_v before_o it_o must_v be_v call_v a_o gross_a sin_n 3._o the_o three_o sort_n of_o sin_n which_o may_v be_v call_v sin_n of_o infirmity_n be_v these_o last_o mention_v gross_a sin_n themselves_o so_o far_o as_o they_o be_v find_v in_o the_o regenerate_v these_o be_v gross_a sin_n put_v in_o opposition_n to_o the_o former_a sort_n of_o infirmity_n but_o our_o divine_n use_v to_o call_v they_o all_o sin_n of_o infirmity_n in_o opposition_n to_o the_o sin_n of_o unbeliever_n who_o be_v utter_o unholy_a and_o they_o call_v they_o sin_n of_o infirmity_n 1._o because_o the_o person_n that_o commit_v they_o be_v not_o dead_a in_o sin_n as_o the_o unregenerate_a be_v but_o only_o disease_v wound_a and_o infirm_a 2._o because_o that_o they_o be_v not_o commit_v with_o so_o full_a consent_n of_o will_n as_o those_o of_o the_o unregenerate_a be_v but_o only_o after_o much_o strive_n or_o at_o least_o contrary_a to_o habitual_a resolution_n though_o not_o against_o actual_a here_o we_o be_v in_o very_o great_a difficulty_n and_o full_a of_o controversy_n some_o say_v that_o these_o gross_a sin_n do_v extinguish_v true_a grace_n and_o be_v inconsistent_a with_o it_o and_o that_o david_n and_o peter_n be_v out_o of_o the_o 〈◊〉_d of_o grace_n till_o they_o do_v again_o repent_v other_o say_v that_o they_o be_v in_o the_o state_n of_o grace_n and_o not_o at_o all_o so_o liable_a to_o condemnation_n but_o that_o if_o they_o have_v die_v in_o the_o act_n they_o have_v be_v save_v because_o there_o be_v no_o condemnation_n to_o they_o that_o be_v in_o christ_n jesus_n and_o that_o therefore_o all_o the_o sin_n of_o believer_n be_v alike_o sin_n of_o infirmity_n pardon_v on_o the_o same_o term_n and_o therefore_o as_o a_o rash_a word_n may_v be_v pardon_v without_o a_o particular_a repentance_n so_o possible_o may_v these_o gross_a sin_n to_z other_o this_o seem_v dangerous_a and_o contrary_a to_o scripture_n and_o therefore_o they_o will_v fain_o find_v out_o a_o way_n between_o both_o but_o how_o to_o do_v it_o clear_o and_o satisfactory_o be_v not_o easy_a at_o least_o to_o i_o who_o have_v be_v long_o upon_o it_o but_o be_o yet_o much_o in_o the_o dark_a in_o it_o i_o think_v it_o be_v plain_a that_o such_o person_n be_v not_o total_o unsanctified_a by_o their_o sin_n i_o believe_v that_o christ_n interest_n be_v habitual_o more_o in_o their_o will_n then_o be_v the_o interest_n of_o the_o flesh_n or_o world_n at_o that_o very_a time_n when_o they_o be_v sin_v and_o so_o christ_n interest_n be_v least_o as_o to_o their_o actual_a willing_a and_o so_o sin_n prevail_v for_o that_o time_n against_o the_o act_n of_o their_o faith_n and_o love_n but_o not_o whole_o against_o the_o prevalent_a part_n of_o the_o habit._n and_o therefore_o
sad_a a_o thing_n be_v it_o that_o we_o shall_v thus_o add_v to_o our_o own_o affliction_n and_o the_o heavy_a we_o judge_v the_o burden_n the_o more_o we_o lie_v on_o as_o if_o god_n have_v not_o do_v enough_o or_o will_v not_o sufficient_o afflict_v we_o we_o may_v more_o comfortable_o bear_v that_o which_o god_n lay_v on_o we_o then_o that_o which_o we_o immediate_o lie_v upon_o ourselves_o cross_n be_v not_o great_a or_o small_a according_a to_o the_o bulk_n of_o the_o matter_n but_o according_a chief_o to_o the_o mind_n of_o the_o sufferer_n or_o else_o how_o can_v holy_a man_n rejoice_v in_o tribulation_n and_o be_v exceed_o glad_a that_o they_o be_v account_v worthy_a to_o suffer_v for_o christ_n reproach_n wrong_n loss_n be_v all_o without_o you_o unless_o you_o open_v they_o the_o door_n wilful_o yourself_o they_o can_v come_v in_o to_o the_o heart_n god_n have_v not_o put_v the_o joy_n or_o grief_n of_o your_o heart_n in_o any_o other_o man_n power_n but_o in_o your_o own_o it_o be_v you_o therefore_o that_o do_v yourselves_o the_o great_a mischief_n god_n afflict_v your_o body_n or_o man_n wrong_v you_o in_o your_o state_n of_o name_n a_o small_a hurt_n if_o it_o go_v on_o further_o and_o therefore_o you_o will_v afflict_v your_o soul_n but_o a_o sad_a thing_n yet_o be_v it_o to_o consider_v of_o that_o man_n fear_v god_n shall_v so_o high_o value_v the_o thing_n of_o the_o world_n they_o who_o in_o their_o convenant_n with_o christ_n be_v engage_v to_o renounce_v the_o world_n the_o flesh_n and_o the_o devil_n they_o that_o have_v take_v god_n in_o christ_n for_o their_o portion_n for_o their_o all_o and_o have_v resign_v themselves_o and_o all_o that_o they_o have_v to_o christ_n dispose_n who_o very_a business_n in_o this_o world_n and_o their_o christian_a life_n consist_v so_o much_o in_o resist_v the_o devil_n mortify_v the_o flesh_n and_o overcome_v the_o world_n and_o it_o be_v god_n business_n in_o his_o inward_a work_n of_o grace_n and_o his_o outward_a teach_n and_o sharp_a affliction_n and_o example_n of_o other_o to_o convince_v they_o of_o the_o vanity_n and_o vexation_n of_o the_o world_n and_o thorough_o to_o wean_v they_o from_o it_o and_o yet_o that_o it_o shall_v be_v so_o high_a in_o their_o estimation_n and_o sit_v so_o close_o to_o their_o heart_n that_o they_o can_v bear_v the_o loss_n of_o it_o without_o such_o discontent_n disquiet_a and_o distraction_n of_o mind_n yea_o tho_o when_o all_o be_v go_v they_o have_v their_o god_n leave_v they_o they_o have_v their_o christ_n still_o who_o they_o take_v for_o their_o treasure_n they_o have_v opportunity_n for_o their_o soul_n they_o have_v the_o sure_a promise_n of_o glory_n yea_o and_o a_o promise_n that_o all_o thing_n shall_v work_v together_o for_o their_o good_a yea_o and_o for_o that_o one_o thing_n that_o be_v take_v from_o they_o they_o have_v yet_o a_o hundred_o outward_a mercy_n remain_v that_o yet_o even_a believer_n shall_v have_v so_o much_o unbelief_n and_o have_v their_o faith_n to_o seek_v when_o they_o shall_v use_v it_o and_o live_v by_o it_o and_o that_o god_n shall_v seem_v so_o small_a in_o their_o eye_n as_o not_o to_o satisfy_v or_o quit_v they_o unless_o they_o have_v the_o world_n with_o he_o and_o that_o the_o world_n shall_v still_o seem_v so_o amiable_a when_o god_n have_v do_v so_o much_o to_o bring_v it_o into_o contempt_n true_o this_o and_o more_o show_v that_o the_o work_n of_o mortification_n be_v very_o imperfect_a in_o professor_n and_o that_o we_o bend_v not_o the_o force_n of_o our_o daily_a strive_n and_o endeavour_n that_o way_n if_o christian_n do_v bestow_v but_o as_o much_o time_n and_o pain_n in_o mortify_v the_o flesh_n and_o get_v down_o the_o interest_n of_o it_o in_o the_o soul_n that_o christ_n interest_n may_v be_v advance_v as_o they_o do_v about_o controversy_n external_a duty_n formality_n task_n of_o devotion_n and_o self_n torment_v fear_n o_o what_o excellent_a christian_n shall_v we_o then_o be_v and_o how_o happy_o will_v most_v of_o our_o disquiet_n be_v remove_v alas_o if_o we_o be_v so_o unfit_a to_o part_v with_o one_o outward_a comfort_n now_o upon_o the_o disposal_n of_o our_o father_n providence_n how_o shall_v we_o forsake_v all_o for_o christ_n or_o what_o shall_v we_o do_v at_o death_n when_o all_o must_v be_v part_v with_o as_o ever_o therefore_o you_o will_v live_v in_o true_a christian_a peace_n set_v more_o by_o christ_n and_o less_o by_o the_o world_n and_o all_o thing_n in_o it_o and_o hold_v all_o that_o you_o possess_v so_o loose_o that_o it_o may_v not_o be_v grievous_a to_o you_o when_o you_o must_v leave_v they_o so_o much_o for_o the_o trouble_n that_o arise_v from_o your_o body_n and_o outward_a state_n all_o the_o rest_n shall_v be_v direct_v for_o the_o cure_v of_o those_o trouble_n that_o arise_v immediate_o from_o more_o spiritual_a cause_n direction_n iii_o 3._o be_v sure_a that_o you_o first_o lie_v sound_a apprehension_n of_o god_n nature_n in_o your_o understanding_n and_o lay_v they_o deep_o this_o be_v the_o first_o article_n of_o your_o creed_n and_o the_o first_o part_n of_o life_n eternal_a to_o know_v god_n his_o substance_n be_v quite_o past_a humane_a understanding_n therefore_o never_o make_v any_o attempt_n to_o reach_v the_o knowledge_n of_o it_o or_o to_o have_v any_o positive_a conceiving_n of_o it_o for_o they_o will_v be_v all_o but_o idol_n or_o false_a conception_n but_o his_o attribute_n be_v manifest_v to_o our_o understanding_n well_o consider_v that_o even_o under_o the_o terrible_a law_n when_o god_n proclaim_v to_o moses_n his_o own_o name_n and_o therein_o his_o nature_n exod._n 34.6_o 7._o the_o first_o and_o great_a part_n be_v the_o lord_n god_n merciful_a and_o gracious_a long_o suffer_v and_o abundant_a in_o goodness_n and_o truth_n keep_v mercy_n for_o thousand_o forgive_a iniquity_n transgression_n and_o sin_n and_o he_o have_v swear_v that_o he_o have_v no_o pleasure_n in_o the_o death_n of_o a_o sinner_n but_o rather_o that_o he_o return_v and_o live_v think_v not_o therefore_o of_o god_n mercifulness_n with_o diminish_v extenuate_a thought_n nor_o limit_v it_o by_o the_o bound_n of_o our_o frail_a understanding_n for_o the_o heaven_n be_v not_o so_o far_o above_o the_o earth_n as_o his_o thought_n and_o way_n be_v above_o we_o still_o remember_v that_o you_o must_v have_v no_o low_a thought_n of_o god_n goodness_n but_o apprehend_v it_o as_o bear_v proportion_n with_o his_o power_n as_o it_o be_v blasphemy_n to_o limit_v his_o power_n so_o it_o be_v to_o limit_v his_o goodness_n the_o advantage_n that_o your_o soul_n will_v get_v by_o this_o right_a knowledge_n and_o estimation_n of_o god_n goodness_n will_v be_v these_o 1._o this_o will_v make_v god_n appear_v more_o amiable_a in_o your_o eye_n and_o than_o you_o will_v love_v he_o more_o ready_o and_o abundant_o and_o love_n 1._o be_v effectual_o consolatory_a in_o the_o very_a work_n so_o much_o love_n usual_o so_o much_o comfort_n i_o mean_v this_o love_n of_o complacency_n for_o a_o love_n of_o desire_n there_o may_v be_v without_o comfort_n 2._o it_o will_v breed_v persuasion_n of_o god_n love_n to_o you_o again_o and_o so_o comfort_n 3._o it_o will_v be_v a_o unquestionable_a evidence_n of_o true_a grace_n and_o so_o comfort_n the_o affection_n follow_v the_o understanding_n conception_n if_o you_o think_v of_o god_n as_o one_o that_o be_v glad_a of_o all_o advantage_n against_o you_o and_o delight_v in_o his_o creature_n misery_n it_o be_v impossible_a you_o shall_v love_v he_o the_o love_n of_o ourselves_o be_v so_o deep_o root_v in_o nature_n that_o we_o can_v lay_v it_o by_o nor_o love_v any_o thing_n that_o be_v absolute_o and_o direct_o against_o we_o we_o conceive_v of_o the_o devil_n as_o a_o absolute_a enemy_n to_o god_n and_o man_n and_o one_o that_o seek_v our_o destruction_n and_o therefore_o we_o can_v love_v he_o and_o the_o great_a cause_n why_o trouble_a soul_n do_v love_n god_n no_o more_o be_v because_o they_o represent_v he_o to_o themselves_o in_o a_o ugly_a odious_a shape_n to_o think_v of_o god_n as_o one_o that_o seek_v and_o delight_v in_o man_n ruin_n be_v to_o make_v he_o as_o the_o devil_n and_o than_o what_o wonder_n if_o in_o stead_n of_o love_v he_o and_o delight_v in_o he_o you_o tremble_v at_o the_o thought_n of_o he_o and_o fly_v from_o he_o as_o i_o have_v observe_v child_n when_o they_o have_v see_v the_o devil_n paint_v on_o a_o wall_n in_o a_o ugly_a shape_n they_o have_v partly_o fear_v and_o partly_o hate_v it_o if_o you_o do_v so_o by_o god_n in_o your_o fancy_n it_o be_v not_o put_v the_o name_n of_o god_n on_o he_o when_o you_o have_v do_v that_o will_v reconcile_v your_o affection_n
to_o he_o as_o long_o as_o you_o strip_v he_o of_o his_o divine_a nature_n remember_v the_o holy_a ghost_n description_n of_o god_n 1_o joh_n 4.16_o god_n be_v love_n write_v these_o word_n deep_a in_o your_o understanding_n 2._o hereby_o you_o will_v have_v this_o advantage_n also_o that_o your_o thought_n of_o god_n will_v be_v more_o sweet_a and_o delightful_a to_o you_o for_o as_o glorious_a and_o beautiful_a sight_n to_o your_o eye_n and_o melodious_a sound_n to_o your_o ear_n and_o sweet_a smell_n taste_n etc._n etc._n be_v all_o delightful_a when_o thing_n deform_v stink_a etc._n etc._n be_v all_o loathsome_a and_o we_o turn_v away_o from_o one_o with_o abhorrency_n but_o for_o the_o other_o we_o will_v often_o see_v taste_n etc._n etc._n and_o enjoy_v they_o so_o be_v it_o with_o the_o object_n of_o our_o mind_n god_n have_v give_v no_o command_n for_o duty_n but_o what_o most_o perfect_o agree_v with_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o object_n he_o have_v therefore_o bid_v we_o love_n god_n and_o delight_n in_o he_o above_o all_o because_o he_o be_v above_o all_o in_o goodness_n even_o infinite_o and_o unconceivable_o good_a else_o we_o can_v not_o love_v he_o above_o all_o nor_o will_v he_o ever_o command_v we_o so_o to_o do_v the_o object_n be_v ever_o as_o exact_o fit_v to_o its_o part_n as_o to_o draw_v out_o the_o love_n and_o delight_n of_o our_o heart_n as_o the_o precept_n be_v on_o its_o part_n to_o oblige_v we_o to_o it_o and_o indeed_o the_o nature_n of_o thing_n be_v a_o precept_n to_o duty_n and_o it_o which_o we_o call_v the_o law_n of_o nature_n 3._o hereupon_o will_v follow_v this_o further_a advantage_n that_o your_o thought_n will_v be_v both_o easily_o draw_v towards_o god_n and_o more_o frequent_a and_o constant_a on_o he_o for_o delightful_a object_n draw_v the_o heart_n to_o they_o as_o the_o loadstone_n do_v the_o iron_n how_o glad_o and_o free_o and_o frequent_o do_v you_o think_v of_o your_o dear_a friend_n and_o if_o you_o do_v firm_o conceive_v of_o god_n as_o one_o that_o be_v ten_o thousand_o time_n more_o gracious_a love_v and_o amiable_a than_o any_o friend_n that_o you_o have_v in_o the_o world_n it_o will_v make_v you_o not_o only_o to_o love_v he_o above_o all_o friend_n but_o also_o more_o free_o delightful_o and_o unwearied_o to_o think_v of_o he_o 4._o and_o then_o you_o will_v hence_o have_v this_o further_a advantage_n that_o you_o will_v have_v less_o backwardness_n to_o any_o duty_n and_o less_o weariness_n in_o duty_n you_o will_v find_v more_o delight_n in_o prayer_n meditation_n and_o speech_n of_o god_n when_o once_o god_n himself_o be_v more_o lovely_a and_o delightful_a in_o your_o eye_n 5._o all_o these_o advantage_n will_v produce_v a_o further_a that_o be_v the_o growth_n of_o all_o your_o grace_n for_o its_o impossible_a but_o this_o growth_n of_o love_n and_o frequent_v delightful_a thought_n of_o god_n and_o address_n to_o he_o shall_v cause_v a_o increase_n of_o all_o the_o rest_n 6._o hereupon_o your_o evidence_n will_v be_v more_o clear_a and_o discernible_a for_o grace_n in_o strength_n and_o action_n will_v be_v easy_o find_v and_o will_v not_o this_o resolve_v all_o your_o doubt_n at_o once_o 7._o yea_o the_o very_a exercise_n of_o these_o several_a grace_n will_v be_v comfortable_a 8._o and_o hereupon_o you_o will_v have_v more_o humble_a familiarity_n and_o communion_n with_o god_n for_o love_n delight_n and_o frequent_a address_n will_v overcome_v strangeness_n and_o disacquaintance_n which_o make_v we_o fly_v from_o god_n as_o a_o fish_n or_o bird_n or_o wild_a beast_n will_v from_o the_o face_n of_o a_o man_n and_o will_v give_v we_o access_n with_o boldness_n and_o confidence_n and_o this_o will_v banish_v sadness_n and_o terror_n as_o the_o sun_n dispel_v darkness_n and_o cold_a 9_o at_o least_o you_o will_v hence_o have_v this_o advantage_n that_o the_o fix_a apprehension_n of_o god_n goodness_n and_o merciful_a nature_n will_v cause_v a_o fix_a apprehension_n of_o the_o probability_n of_o your_o happiness_n as_o long_o as_o you_o be_v willing_a to_o be_v happy_a in_o god_n way_n for_o reason_n will_v tell_v you_o that_o he_o who_o be_v love_n itself_o and_o who_o goodness_n be_v equal_a to_o his_o almightiness_n and_o who_o have_v swear_v that_o he_o have_v no_o pleasure_n in_o the_o death_n of_o a_o sinner_n but_o rather_o that_o he_o repent_v and_o live_v will_v not_o destroy_v a_o poor_a soul_n that_o lie_v in_o submission_n at_o his_o foot_n and_o be_v so_o far_o from_o resolve_a rebellion_n against_o he_o that_o it_o grieve_v that_o it_o be_v no_o better_a and_o can_v please_v he_o no_o more_o 10._o however_o these_o right_a apprehension_n of_o god_n will_v overcome_v those_o terror_n which_o be_v raise_v only_o by_o false_a apprehension_n of_o he_o and_o doubtless_o a_o very_a great_a part_n of_o man_n causeless_a trouble_n be_v raise_v from_o such_o misapprehension_n of_o god_n for_o satan_n know_v that_o if_o he_o can_v bring_v you_o to_o think_v of_o god_n as_o a_o cruel_a tyrant_n and_o bloodthirsty_a man-hater_n than_o he_o can_v drive_v you_o from_o he_o in_o terror_n and_o turn_v all_o your_o love_n and_o cheerful_a obedience_n into_o hatred_n and_o slavish_a fear_n i_o say_v therefore_o again_o do_v not_o only_o get_v but_o also_o fix_v deep_a in_o your_o understanding_n the_o high_a thought_n of_o god_n natural_a goodness_n and_o graciousness_n that_o possible_o you_o can_v raise_v for_o when_o they_o be_v at_o the_o high_a they_o come_v short_a ten_o thousand_o fold_n object_n but_o god_n goodness_n lie_v not_o in_o mercy_n to_o man_n as_o i_o have_v read_v in_o great_a divine_n he_o may_v be_v perfect_o good_a though_o he_o shall_v for_o ever_o torment_v the_o most_o innocent_a creature_n answ_n these_o be_v ignorant_a presumptuous_a intrusion_n into_o that_o which_o be_v unsearchable_a where_o do_v scripture_n say_v as_o you_o say_v judge_n of_o god_n as_o he_o reveal_v himself_o or_o you_o will_v but_o delude_v yourself_o and_o abuse_v he_o all_o his_o work_n represent_v he_o merciful_a for_o his_o mercy_n be_v over_o all_o his_o work_n and_o legible_a in_o they_o all_o his_o word_n say_v he_o be_v good_a and_o do_v good_a psal_n 119.68_o and_o 145.9_o how_o himself_o do_v proclaim_v his_o own_o name_n exod._n 34.6_o 7._o i_o tell_v you_o before_o the_o most_o merciful_a man_n be_v his_o lively_a image_n and_o therefore_o he_o plant_v mercy_n in_o they_o in_o their_o conversion_n as_o a_o principal_a part_n of_o their_o new_a nature_n and_o command_v of_o mercifulness_n be_v a_o great_a part_n of_o his_o law_n and_o he_o bid_v we_o be_v merciful_a as_o our_o heavenly_a father_n be_v merciful_a luk._n 6.36_o now_o if_o this_o be_v none_o of_o his_o nature_n how_o can_v he_o be_v the_o pattern_n of_o our_o new_a nature_n herein_o and_o if_o he_o be_v not_o infinite_o merciful_a himself_o how_o can_v we_o be_v require_v to_o be_v merciful_a as_o he_o be_v who_o dare_v say_v i_o be_o more_o merciful_a than_o god_n object_n but_o god_n be_v just_a as_o well_o as_o merciful_a and_o for_o all_o his_o merciful_a nature_n he_o will_v damn_v most_o of_o the_o world_n for_o ever_o in_o hell_n answ_n 1._o but_o james_n say_v mercy_n rejoice_v against_o judgement_n jam._n 2.13_o 2._o god_n be_v necessary_o the_o governor_n of_o the_o world_n while_o there_o be_v a_o world_n and_o therefore_o must_v govern_v it_o in_o justice_n and_o so_o must_v not_o suffer_v his_o mercy_n to_o be_v perpetual_o abuse_v by_o wicked_a wilful_a contemptuous_a sinner_n but_o then_o consider_v two_o thing_n 1._o that_o he_o destroy_v not_o humble_a soul_n that_o lie_v at_o his_o foot_n and_o be_v willing_a to_o have_v mercy_n on_o his_o easy_a term_n but_o only_o the_o stubborn_a despiser_n of_o his_o mercy_n he_o damn_v none_o but_o those_o that_o will_v not_o be_v save_v in_o his_o way_n that_o be_v that_o will_v not_o accept_v of_o christ_n and_o salvation_n free_o give_v they_o i_o speak_v of_o those_o that_o hear_v the_o gospel_n for_o other_o their_o case_n be_v more_o unknown_a to_o we_o and_o be_v it_o any_o diminution_n to_o his_o infinite_a mercy_n that_o he_o will_v not_o save_v those_o that_o will_v not_o be_v entreat_v to_o accept_v of_o salvation_n 2._o and_o consider_v how_o long_o he_o use_v to_o wait_v on_o sinner_n and_o even_o beseech_v they_o to_o be_v reconcile_v to_o he_o before_o he_o destroy_v they_o and_o that_o he_o heap_v multitude_n of_o mercy_n on_o they_o even_o in_o their_o rebellion_n to_o draw_v they_o to_o repentance_n and_o so_o to_o life_n and_o be_v it_o unmercifulness_n yet_o if_o such_o man_n perish_v object_n but_o if_o god_n be_v so_o infinite_a in_o mercy_n as_o you_o say_v why_o do_v he_o not_o make_v all_o these_o
you_o will_v you_o stand_v ask_n first_o how_o shall_v i_o know_v that_o it_o be_v i_o or_o rather_o take_v and_o eat_v it_o when_o you_o be_v sure_a it_o may_v be_v you_o if_o you_o will_n let_v i_o entreat_v you_o therefore_o when_o the_o devil_n clamour_n in_o your_o ear_n christ_n and_o salvation_n be_v none_o of_o thou_o suppose_v that_o this_o voice_n of_o god_n in_o the_o gospel_n be_v still_o in_o your_o ear_n yea_o let_v it_o be_v still_o in_o your_o memory_n o_fw-la take_v christ_n and_o life_n in_o he_o that_o thou_o may_v be_v save_v still_o think_v that_o you_o hear_v paul_n follow_v you_o with_o these_o word_n 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 reconcile_v to_o god_n will_v you_o but_o remember_v this_o when_o you_o be_v on_o your_o knee_n in_o sorrow_n and_o when_o you_o will_v fain_o have_v christ_n and_o life_n and_o you_o be_v afraid_a that_o god_n will_v not_o give_v they_o to_o you_o i_o say_v remember_v then_o god_n stand_v by_o beseech_v you_o to_o accept_v the_o same_o thing_n which_o you_o be_v beseech_v he_o to_o give_v god_n be_v the_o first_o suitor_n and_o solicitor_n god_n pray_v you_o to_o take_v christ_n and_o you_o pray_v he_o to_o give_v you_o christ_n what_o have_v you_o now_o to_o do_v but_o to_o take_v he_o and_o here_o understand_v that_o this_o take_v be_v no_o impossible_a business_n it_o be_v no_o more_o but_o your_o hearty_a consent_v as_o i_o shall_v tell_v you_o more_o anon_o if_o you_o do_v but_o well_o understand_v and_o consider_v that_o believe_v be_v the_o great_a duty_n that_o god_n call_v you_o to_o perform_v and_o promise_v to_o save_v you_o if_o you_o do_v true_o perform_v it_o and_o that_o this_o believe_v be_v to_o take_v or_o consent_v to_o have_v the_o same_o mercy_n which_o you_o pray_v for_o and_o be_v trouble_v for_o fear_n lest_o you_o shall_v miss_v of_o it_o even_o christ_n and_o life_n in_o he_o this_o will_v present_o draw_v forth_o your_o consent_n and_o that_o in_o so_o open_a and_o express_v a_o way_n as_o you_o can_v not_o but_o discover_v it_o and_o have_v the_o comfort_n of_o it_o remember_v this_o then_o that_o your_o first_o work_n be_v to_o believe_v or_o accept_v a_o offer_a saviour_n 2._o you_o must_v learn_v as_o i_o tell_v you_o to_o receive_v the_o comfort_n of_o universal_a or_o general_a grace_n before_o you_o search_v after_o the_o comfort_n of_o special_a grace_n i_o here_o suppose_v you_o so_o far_o sound_a in_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n as_o neither_o with_o some_o on_o one_o hand_n to_o look_v so_o much_o at_o special_a grace_n as_o to_o deny_v that_o general_n grace_n which_o be_v the_o ground_n of_o it_o or_o presuppose_v to_o it_o nor_o with_o other_o so_o far_o to_o look_v at_o universal_a mercy_n as_o to_o deny_v special_a satan_n will_v tell_v you_o that_o all_o your_o duty_n have_v be_v do_v in_o hypocrisy_n and_o you_o be_v unsound_a at_o the_o heart_n and_o have_v not_o a_o drop_n of_o save_a grace_n you_o be_v apt_a to_o entertain_v this_o and_o conclude_v that_o all_o this_o be_v true_a if_o i_o have_v any_o grace_n i_o shall_v have_v more_o life_n and_o love_n and_o delight_n in_o god_n more_o tenderness_n of_o heart_n more_o growth_n in_o grace_n i_o shall_v not_o carry_v about_o such_o a_o rock_n in_o my_o breast_n such_o a_o stupid_a dull_a insensible_a soul_n etc._n etc._n at_o the_o present_n let_v we_o suppose_v that_o all_o this_o be_v true_a yet_o see_v what_o a_o world_n of_o comfort_n you_o may_v gather_v from_o universal_a or_o general_a mercy_n i_o have_v before_o open_v to_o you_o four_o part_n of_o it_o in_o the_o cause_n of_o your_o happiness_n and_o three_o in_o the_o effect_n which_o may_v each_o of_o they_o afford_v much_o relief_n to_o your_o trouble_a soul_n 1._o suppose_v you_o be_v yet_o graceless_a be_v it_o nothing_o to_o you_o that_o it_o be_v a_o god_n of_o infinite_a mercy_n that_o you_o have_v to_o do_v with_o who_o compassion_n be_v ten_o thousand_o time_n great_a than_o your_o dear_a friend_n or_o your_o own_o husband_n object_n o_o but_o yet_o he_o will_v not_o save_v the_o graceless_a answ_n true_a but_o he_o be_v the_o more_o ready_a to_o give_v grace_n that_o you_o may_v be_v save_v if_o any_o of_o you_o mark_n any_o of_o you_o do_v lack_v wisdom_n let_v he_o ask_v it_o of_o god_n who_o give_v to_o all_o man_n liberal_o without_o desert_n and_o upbraid_v not_o with_o our_o unworthiness_n or_o former_a fault_n and_o it_o shall_v be_v give_v he_o jam._n 1.4_o if_o you_o that_o be_v evil_a can_v give_v good_a gift_n to_o your_o child_n how_o much_o more_o shall_v your_o heavenly_a father_n give_v his_o holy_a spirit_n to_o they_o that_o ask_v it_o luk._n 11.13_o suppose_v your_o life_n be_v in_o the_o hand_n of_o your_o own_o husband_n or_o your_o child_n life_n in_o your_o hand_n will_v it_o not_o exceed_o comfort_v you_o or_o they_o to_o consider_v who_o hand_n they_o be_v in_o though_o yet_o you_o have_v no_o further_a assurance_n how_o you_o shall_v be_v use_v it_o may_v be_v you_o will_v say_v but_o god_n be_v no_o father_n to_o the_o graceless_a i_o answer_v he_o be_v not_o their_o father_n in_o so_o near_o and_o strict_a a_o sense_n as_o he_o be_v the_o father_n of_o believer_n but_o yet_o a_o father_n he_o be_v even_o to_o the_o wicked_a and_o to_o convince_v man_n of_o his_o fatherly_a mercy_n to_o they_o he_o often_o so_o style_v himself_o he_o say_v by_o moses_n deut._n 32.6_o to_o a_o wicked_a generation_n who_o spot_n be_v not_o the_o spot_n of_o his_o child_n do_v you_o thus_o requite_v the_o lord_n o_o foolish_a people_n and_o unwise_a be_v not_o he_o thy_o father_n that_o buy_v thou_o have_v he_o not_o make_v thou_o and_o establish_v thou_o and_o the_o prodigal_n can_v call_v he_o father_n for_o his_o encouragement_n before_o he_o return_v to_o he_o luk._n 15.16_o 17_o 18._o for_o my_o own_o part_n i_o must_v needs_o profess_v that_o my_o soul_n have_v more_o frequent_a support_n from_o the_o consideration_n of_o god_n gracious_a and_o merciful_a nature_n then_o from_o the_o promise_n itself_o 2._o furthermore_n suppose_v you_o be_v graceless_a at_o the_o present_a yet_o be_v it_o not_o a_o exceed_a comfort_n that_o there_o be_v one_o of_o such_o infinite_a compassion_n as_o the_o lord_n christ_n who_o have_v assume_v our_o nature_n and_o be_v come_v down_o to_o seek_v and_o save_v that_o which_o be_v lose_v and_o be_v more_o tender_a heart_a to_o poor_a sinner_n than_o we_o can_v possible_o conceive_v yea_o who_o have_v make_v it_o his_o office_n to_o heal_n and_o relieve_v and_o restore_v and_o reconcile_v yea_o that_o have_v himself_o endure_v such_o temptation_n as_o many_o of_o we_o for_o we_o have_v not_o a_o high-priest_n which_o can_v be_v touch_v with_o the_o feel_n of_o our_o infirmity_n but_o be_v in_o all_o point_v tempt_v like_a as_o we_o be_v without_o sin_n let_v we_o therefore_o say_v the_o holy_a ghost_n come_v bold_o unto_o the_o throne_n of_o grace_n that_o we_o may_v obtain_v mercy_n and_o find_v grace_n to_o help_v in_o time_n of_o need_n heb._n 4.15_o 16._o forasmuch_o as_o the_o child_n be_v partaker_n of_o flesh_n and_o blood_n he_o also_o himself_o likewise_o take_v part_n with_o they_o that_o he_o may_v destroy_v through_o death_n he_o that_o have_v the_o power_n of_o death_n that_o be_v the_o devil_n and_o deliver_v they_o who_o through_o fear_n of_o death_n be_v all_o their_o life-time_n subject_a to_o bondage_n for_o very_o he_o take_v not_o on_o he_o the_o nature_n of_o angel_n but_o he_o take_v on_o he_o the_o seed_n of_o abraham_n wherefore_o in_o all_o thing_n it_o behove_v he_o to_o be_v make_v like_o unto_o his_o brethren_n that_o he_o may_v be_v a_o merciful_a and_o faithful_a high-priest_n in_o thing_n pertain_v to_o god_n to_o make_v reconciliation_n for_o the_o sin_n of_o the_o people_n for_o in_o that_o he_o himself_o have_v suffer_v be_v tempt_v he_o be_v able_a to_o succour_v they_o that_o be_v tempt_v heb._n 2.14_o 15_o 16_o 17_o 18._o have_v you_o discountenance_v from_o man_n christ_n have_v much_o more_o do_v god_n seem_v to_o forsake_v you_o so_o he_o do_v by_o christ_n be_v you_o fain_o to_o lie_v on_o your_o knee_n cry_v for_o mercy_n why_o christ_n in_o the_o day_n of_o his_o flesh_n be_v fain_o to_o offer_v up_o strong_a cry_n and_o tear_n to_o he_o that_o be_v able_a to_o save_v he_o and_o be_v hear_v in_o that_o he_o fear_v it_o seem_v that_o christ_n have_v distress_v fear_n as_o well_o as_o you_o though_o not_o sinful_a fear_n have_v you_o horrid_a
god_n and_o the_o cross_n of_o christ_n in_o that_o kind_n or_o in_o coordination_n with_o they_o so_o it_o be_v the_o office_n of_o every_o grace_n and_o holy_a work_n and_o ordinance_n and_o mean_n to_o be_v subservient_fw-fr to_o christ_n either_o for_o the_o attain_n of_o christ_n or_o apply_v his_o merit_n or_o they_o be_v the_o effect_n of_o his_o merit_n now_o if_o we_o must_v love_n and_o rejoice_v in_o christ_n principal_o then_o must_v we_o need_v love_n and_o rejoice_v in_o all_o those_o thing_n that_o stand_v in_o a_o necessary_a subordination_n to_o he_o in_o their_o place_n and_o therefore_o to_o say_v we_o must_v rejoice_v in_o christ_n only_o and_o therefore_o not_o in_o any_o grace_n or_o duty_n of_o our_o own_o be_v as_o wife_n as_o if_o a_o wife_n shall_v cast_v her_o husband_n clothes_n and_o meat_n out_o of_o door_n and_o say_v you_o charge_v i_o to_o admit_v none_o into_o my_o chamber_n but_o yourself_o or_o as_o if_o a_o physician_n have_v tell_v his_o patient_n i_o will_v cure_v you_o if_o you_o will_v trust_v i_o only_o for_o the_o cure_n thereupon_o the_o patient_n shall_v cast_v away_o his_o medicine_n and_o shut_v the_o door_n against_o his_o servant_n and_o apothecary_n and_o say_v we_o must_v trust_v none_o but_o the_o physician_n 9_o all_o the_o fail_n of_o our_o duty_n be_v pardon_v and_o they_o accept_v in_o christ_n and_o therefore_o we_o may_v rejoice_v in_o they_o 10._o our_o duty_n have_v a_o double_a tendency_n to_o our_o salvation_n 1._o as_o the_o condition_n to_o which_o god_n have_v promise_v it_o as_o the_o crown_n and_o reward_n in_o a_o hundred_o text_n of_o scripture_n and_o may_v we_o not_o comfort_v ourselves_o in_o that_o which_o god_n promise_v heaven_n to_o 2._o as_o a_o natural_a mean_n to_o our_o obedience_n and_o further_a perfection_n as_o watchfulness_n meditation_n etc._n etc._n tend_v to_o destroy_v sin_n as_o paul_n say_v to_o timothy_n take_v heed_n to_o thyself_o and_o to_o thy_o doctrine_n and_o in_o so_o do_v thou_o shall_v both_o save_v thyself_o and_o they_o that_o hear_v the●_n 1_o tim._n 4.16_o and_o may_v we_o not_o take_v comfort_n in_o that_o which_o tend_v to_o save_v our_o own_o and_o our_o brethren_n soul_n 11._o we_o shall_v be_v judge_v according_a to_o our_o work_n therefore_o we_o must_v judge_v ourselves_o according_a to_o our_o work_n and_o so_o must_v judge_v our_o state_n good_a or_o bad_a according_a to_o our_o work_n for_o can_v man_n judge_v by_o a_o right_a way_n than_o god_n will_v at_o least_o be_v it_o not_o lawful_a for_o man_n to_o judge_v as_o god_n do_v 12._o we_o must_v judge_v of_o other_o in_o probability_n according_a to_o their_o external_a work_n even_o the_o tree_n by_o the_o fruit_n therefore_o we_o must_v judge_v of_o ourselves_o in_o certainty_n according_a to_o our_o internal_a and_o external_a work_n together_o which_o we_o may_v certain_o know_v 13._o if_o we_o may_v not_o rejoice_v in_o any_o of_o our_o grace_n than_o we_o may_v not_o be_v thankful_a for_o they_o for_o thanks_o be_v accompany_v with_o joy_n but_o we_o must_v be_v thankful_a 14._o if_o we_o may_v not_o rejoice_v in_o our_o duty_n we_o may_v not_o repent_v or_o sorrow_n for_o the_o neglect_n of_o they_o and_o if_o we_o may_v not_o rejoice_v in_o our_o grace_n we_o may_v not_o lament_v the_o want_n of_o they_o for_o these_o be_v as_o the_o two_o end_n of_o the_o balance_n that_o one_o go_v down_o when_o the_o other_o go_v up_o or_o as_o day_n and_o night_n light_a and_o darkness_n but_o the_o consequent_a be_v intolerable_a 15._o this_o will_v overthrow_v all_o religion_n for_o what_o a_o man_n can_v rejoice_v in_o he_o can_v love_v he_o can_v esteem_v regard_n be_v careful_a to_o obtain_v be_v fearful_a of_o lose_v etc._n etc._n 16._o god_n delight_v in_o our_o grace_n and_o holy_a duty_n and_o be_v well_o please_v with_o they_o and_o therefore_o it_o be_v lawful_a and_o needful_a that_o we_o do_v as_o god_n do_v jer._n 9.24_o heb._n 11.5_o abel_n sacrifice_n by_o faith_n obtain_v testimony_n that_o he_o please_v god_n heb._n 13.16_o to_o do_v good_a and_o to_o communicate_v forget_v not_o for_o with_o such_o sacrifice_n god_n be_v well_o please_v 17._o the_o saint_n of_o god_n have_v not_o only_o try_v themselves_o by_o their_o grace_n and_o duty_n and_o command_v other_o to_o try_v by_o they_o but_o have_v glory_v and_o rejoice_v in_o their_o duty_n and_o suffering_n 2_o cor._n 1.12_o this_o be_v our_o rejoice_v the_o testimony_n of_o our_o conscience_n that_o in_o simplicity_n and_o godly_a sincerity_n we_o have_v have_v our_o conversation_n among_o you_o act_n 5.41_o they_o glory_v that_o they_o be_v count_v worthy_a to_o suffer_v for_o christ_n rom._n 15.17_o i_o have_v therefore_o whereof_o i_o may_v glory_v in_o jesus_n christ_n in_o those_o thing_n which_o pertain_v to_o god_n rom._n 5.3_o we_o glory_v in_o tribulation_n etc._n etc._n 2_o cor._n 12.6_o 9_o though_o i_o shall_v desire_v to_o glory_n i_o shall_v not_o be_v a_o fool_n i_o glory_v in_o my_o infirmity_n jer._n 9.24_o let_v he_o that_o glori_v glory_n in_o this_o that_o he_o understand_v and_o know_v i_o 1_o cor._n 9.15_o i_o have_v rather_o die_v then_o any_o shall_v make_v my_o glory_v void_a gal._n 6.4_o let_v every_o man_n prove_v his_o own_o work_n so_o shall_v he_o have_v rejoice_v in_o himself_o alone_o and_o not_o in_o another_o 18._o scripture_n name_v many_o of_o our_o own_o grace_n and_o duty_n as_o the_o certain_a mark_n of_o our_o justification_n and_o right_a to_o glory_n even_o christ_n with_o his_o own_o mouth_n give_v we_o many_o matth._n 6.21_o where_o your_o treasure_n be_v there_o will_v your_o heart_n be_v also_o joh._n 3.20_o he_o that_o do_v evil_a hate_v the_o light_n etc._n etc._n but_o he_o that_o do_v good_a come_v to_o the_o light_n that_o etc._n etc._n mat._n 5._o be_v full_a of_o such_o bless_a be_v the_o poor_a in_o spirit_n the_o pure_a in_o heart_n etc._n etc._n 19_o we_o may_v rejoice_v in_o other_o man_n good_a work_n and_o grace_n and_o do_v if_o we_o be_v true_a christian_n therefore_o in_o our_o own_o 20._o we_o may_v rejoice_v in_o god_n outward_a mercy_n therefore_o much_o more_o in_o inward_a and_o such_o as_o accompany_v salvation_n all_o these_o argument_n prove_v that_o we_o may_v take_v up_o our_o comfort_n from_o our_o own_o gracious_a qualification_n and_o action_n not_o in_o opposition_n to_o christ_n but_o in_o subordination_n to_o he_o and_o most_o of_o they_o prove_v that_o we_o may_v fetch_v our_o assurance_n of_o salvation_n from_o they_o as_o undoubted_a evidence_n thereof_o i_o have_v say_v the_o more_o in_o answer_n to_o these_o objection_n 1._o because_o never_o any_o come_v with_o fair_a pretence_n of_o exalt_v christ_n and_o maintain_v the_o honour_n of_o his_o righteousness_n and_o free_a grace_n and_o of_o deny_v ourselves_o and_o our_o own_o righteousness_n 2._o and_o yet_o few_o doctrine_n more_o dishonour_n christ_n and_o destroy_v the_o very_a substance_n of_o all_o religion_n even_o as_o if_o a_o man_n shall_v cry_v down_o he_o that_o will_v praise_n and_o commend_v obedience_n to_o the_o king_n and_o say_v you_o must_v praise_v nothing_o but_o the_o king_n so_o do_v these_o cry_v down_o our_o look_v at_o and_o rejoice_v in_o our_o love_n to_o christ_n and_o our_o thankfulness_n to_o he_o and_o our_o obedience_n and_o all_o under_o pretence_n of_o honour_v he_o nay_o they_o will_v not_o have_v we_o rejoice_v in_o one_o part_n of_o christ_n salvation_n his_o save_v we_o from_o the_o power_n of_o sin_n and_o his_o sanctify_v we_o under_o pretence_n that_o we_o dishonour_v the_o other_o part_n of_o his_o salvation_n his_o justify_v we_o if_o ever_o satan_n transform_v himself_o into_o a_o angel_n of_o light_n and_o his_o minister_n into_o minister_n of_o light_n it_o be_v in_o the_o mistake_v of_o the_o antinomian_o and_o no_o people_n in_o the_o world_n except_o carnal_a libertine_n who_o this_o doctrine_n fit_v to_o a_o hair_n be_v in_o more_o danger_n of_o they_o then_o poor_a doubt_a christian_n under_o trouble_n of_o conscience_n special_o if_o they_o be_v not_o judicious_a and_o skilled_a in_o the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n for_o the_o very_a pretence_n of_o extol_v christ_n and_o free_a grace_n will_v take_v much_o with_o such_o and_o any_o new-way_n will_v sometime_o seem_v to_o give_v they_o comfort_n upon_o the_o very_a novelty_n and_o sudden_a change_n have_v thus_o prove_v that_o you_o may_v and_o must_v fetch_v your_o special_a comfort_n and_o assurance_n from_o evidence_n and_o that_o your_o first_o evidence_n be_v your_o faith_n i_o shall_v open_v this_o fullier_n under_o the_o next_o direction_n direction_n xi_o 11._o in_o the_o trial_n of_o your_o state_n be_v sure_a that_o you_o make_v
this_o rule_n in_o any_o of_o your_o self-examinings_a it_o be_v the_o heart_n that_o god_n require_v my_o son_n give_v i_o thy_o heart_n prov._n 23.26_o if_o he_o have_v the_o will_v he_o have_v the_o heart_n he_o may_v have_v much_o of_o our_o knowledge_n and_o not_o our_o heart_n but_o when_o we_o know_v he_o so_o thorough_o as_o to_o will_v he_o unfeigned_o than_o he_o have_v our_o heart_n affectionate_a work_n of_o soul_n to_o god_n in_o christ_n be_v sweet_a thing_n and_o high_a and_o noble_a duty_n and_o such_o as_o all_o christian_n shall_v strive_v for_o but_o they_o be_v not_o the_o safe_a mark_n to_o try_v our_o state_n by_o 1._o because_o there_o may_v be_v a_o solid_a sincere_a intention_n and_o choice_n in_o and_o of_o the_o will_n when_o there_o be_v little_o stir_v perceive_v in_o the_o affection_n 2._o because_o the_o will_n be_v the_o master_n command_v faculty_n of_o the_o rational_a soul_n and_o so_o if_o it_o be_v right_a that_o man_n be_v upright_o and_o safe_a 3._o because_o the_o passion_n and_o affection_n be_v so_o mutable_a and_o uncertain_a the_o will_n can_v command_v they_o but_o imperfect_o it_o can_v perfect_o restrain_v they_o from_o vanity_n much_o less_o can_v it_o perfect_o raise_v they_o to_o that_o height_n as_o be_v suitable_a to_o the_o excellency_n of_o our_o heavenly_a object_n but_o the_o object_n itself_o with_o its_o sensible_a manner_n of_o apprehension_n move_v they_o more_o than_o all_o the_o command_n of_o the_o will._n and_o so_o we_o find_v by_o experience_n that_o a_o godly_a man_n when_o with_o his_o utmost_a private_a endeavour_n he_o can_v command_v one_o stir_v pang_n of_o divine_a love_n or_o joy_n in_o his_o soul_n yet_o upon_o the_o hear_n of_o some_o move_a sermon_n or_o the_o sudden_a receive_n of_o some_o extraordinary_a mercy_n or_o the_o read_n of_o some_o quicken_a book_n he_o shall_v feel_v perhaps_o some_o stir_n of_o that_o affection_n so_o when_o we_o can_v weep_v in_o private_a one_o tear_n for_o sin_n yet_o at_o a_o stir_a sermon_n or_o when_o we_o give_v vent_v to_o our_o sorrow_n and_o ease_v our_o trouble_a heart_n into_o the_o bosom_n of_o some_o faithful_a friend_n than_o we_o can_v find_v tear_n 4._o because_o passion_n and_o affection_n depend_v so_o much_o on_o the_o temperature_n of_o the_o body_n to_o one_o they_o be_v easy_a familiar_a and_o at_o command_n to_o another_o as_o honest_a they_o be_v difficult_a and_o scarce_o stir_v at_o all_o with_o most_o woman_n and_o person_n of_o weak_a temper_n they_o be_v easy_a than_o with_o man_n some_o can_v weep_v at_o the_o death_n of_o a_o friend_n though_o never_o so_o dear_a no_o nor_o perhaps_o feel_v very_o sensible_a inward_a grief_n and_o yet_o perhaps_o will_v have_v redeem_v his_o life_n at_o a_o far_o dear_a rate_n have_v it_o be_v possible_a then_o those_o that_o can_v grieve_v and_o weep_v more_o abundant_o 5._o because_o worldly_a thing_n have_v so_o great_a a_o advantage_n on_o our_o passion_n and_o affection_n 1._o they_o be_v sensible_a and_o near_o we_o and_o our_o knowledge_n of_o they_o be_v clear_a but_o god_n be_v not_o to_o be_v see_v hear_v or_o feel_v by_o our_o sense_n he_o be_v far_o from_o we_o though_o local_o present_a with_o we_o we_o be_v capable_a of_o know_v but_o little_a very_o little_a of_o he_o 2._o earthly_a thing_n be_v always_o before_o our_o eye_n their_o advantage_n be_v continual_a 3._o earthly_a thing_n be_v still_o the_o object_n of_o our_o sense_n do_v force_n our_o passion_n whether_o we_o will_v or_o not_o though_o they_o can_v force_v our_o wi_n 6._o because_o affection_n and_o passion_n rise_v and_o fall_v and_o neither_o be_v nor_o can_v be_v in_o any_o even_a and_o constant_a frame_n and_o therefore_o be_v unfit_a to_o be_v the_o constant_a or_o certain_a evidence_n of_o our_o state_n but_o the_o will_n resolution_n and_o choice_n may_v be_v more_o constant_a so_o that_o i_o advise_v you_o rather_o to_o try_v yourself_o by_o your_o will_n then_o by_o your_o passionate_a stir_n of_o love_n or_o longing_n of_o joy_n or_o sorrow_n object_n but_o do_v not_o scripture_n lay_v as_o much_o on_o love_n as_o on_o any_o grace_n and_o do_v not_o christ_n say_v that_o except_o we_o love_v he_o above_o all_o we_o can_v be_v his_o disciple_n answ_n it_o be_v all_o very_a true_a but_o consider_v love_n have_v two_o part_n the_o one_o in_o the_o will_n which_o be_v common_o call_v a_o faculty_n of_o the_o soul_n as_o rational_a and_o this_o be_v the_o same_o thing_n that_o i_o call_v willing_a accept_n choose_v or_o consent_v this_o complacency_n be_v true_a love_n to_o christ_n and_o this_o be_v the_o sure_a stand_a mark._n the_o other_o be_v the_o passionate_a part_n common_o say_v to_o be_v in_o the_o soul_n as_o sensitive_a and_o this_o though_o most_o common_o call_v love_n yet_o be_v less_o certain_a and_o constant_a and_o so_o unfit_a to_o try_v your_o state_n by_o though_o a_o great_a duty_n so_o far_o as_o we_o can_v reach_v it_o 2._o you_o must_v understand_v and_o well_o remember_v that_o it_o be_v not_o every_o willingness_n that_o will_v prove_v your_o sincerity_n for_o wicked_a man_n may_v have_v slight_a apprehension_n of_o spiritual_a thing_n which_o may_v produce_v some_o slight_a desire_n and_o wish_n which_o yet_o be_v so_o feeble_a and_o heartless_a that_o every_o lust_n and_o carnal_a desire_n overcome_v they_o and_o it_o will_v not_o so_o much_o as_o enable_v they_o to_o deny_v the_o gross_a sin_n but_o it_o must_v be_v the_o prevalent_a part_n of_o your_o will_n that_o god_n must_v have_v i_o mean_v a_o great_a share_n a_o deep_a and_o large_a room_n than_o any_o thing_n in_o the_o world_n that_o be_v you_o must_v have_v a_o high_a estimation_n of_o god_n and_o everlasting_a happiness_n and_o christ_n and_o a_o holy_a life_n then_o of_o any_o thing_n in_o the_o world_n and_o also_o your_o will_n must_v be_v so_o dispose_v hereby_o and_o incline_v to_o god_n that_o if_o god_n and_o glory_n to_o be_v obtain_v through_o christ_n by_o a_o holy_a self-denying_a life_n be_v set_v before_o you_o on_o the_o one_o hand_n and_o the_o pleasure_n profit_n and_o honour_n of_o the_o world_n to_o be_v enjoy_v in_o a_o way_n of_o sin_n on_o the_o other_o hand_n you_o will_v resolve_o take_v the_o former_a and_o refuse_v the_o late_a indeed_o they_o be_v thus_o set_v before_o you_o and_o upon_o your_o choice_n depend_v your_o salvation_n or_o damnation_n though_o that_o choice_n must_v come_v from_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n 3._o yet_o must_v you_o well_o remember_v that_o this_o willingness_n and_o choice_n be_v still_o imperfect_a and_o therefore_o when_o i_o mention_v a_o hearty_a willingness_n i_o mean_v not_o a_o perfect_a willingness_n there_o may_v be_v and_o be_v in_o the_o most_o gracious_a soul_n on_o earth_n much_o undisposedness_n backwardness_n and_o withdraw_n of_o heart_n which_o be_v too_o great_a a_o measure_n of_o unwillingness_n to_o duty_n especial_o to_o those_o duty_n which_o the_o flesh_n be_v most_o averse_a from_o and_o which_o require_v most_o of_o god_n and_o his_o spirit_n to_o the_o right_a performance_n of_o they_o among_o all_o duty_n i_o think_v the_o soul_n be_v natural_o most_o backward_o to_o these_o follow_v 1._o to_o secret_a prayer_n because_o it_o be_v spiritual_a and_o require_v great_a reverence_n and_o have_v nothing_o of_o external_a pomp_n or_o form_n to_o take_v we_o up_o with_o and_o consist_v not_o much_o in_o the_o exercise_n of_o common_a gift_n but_o in_o the_o exercise_n of_o special_a grace_n and_o the_o breathe_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o search_n pant_n and_o strive_n of_o a_o gracious_a soul_n towards_o god_n i_o do_v not_o speak_v of_o the_o heartless_a repeat_n of_o bare_a word_n learn_v by_o rote_n and_o either_o not_o understand_v or_o not_o utter_v from_o the_o feel_n of_o the_o soul_n 2._o to_o serious_a meditation_n also_o be_v the_o soul_n very_o backward_o that_o be_v either_o to_o meditate_v on_o god_n and_o the_o promise_a glory_n or_o any_o spiritual_a subject_n to_o this_o end_n that_o the_o heart_n may_v be_v thereby_o quicken_v and_o raise_v and_o grace_n exercise_v though_o to_o meditate_v on_o the_o same_o subject_n only_o to_o know_v or_o dispute_v on_o it_o the_o heart_n be_v nothing_o near_o so_o backward_o or_o else_o to_o meditate_v on_o the_o state_n of_o our_o own_o heart_n by_o way_n of_o self-examination_n or_o self-judging_a or_o self-reprehension_n or_o self-exciting_a 3._o also_o to_o the_o duty_n of_o faithful_a deal_n with_o each_o other_o soul_n in_o secret_a reproof_n and_o exhortation_n plain_o though_o lovingly_z to_o tell_v each_o other_o of_o our_o sin_n and_o danger_n to_o this_o the_o heart_n be_v usual_o very_o backward_o partly_o through_o a_o
first_o by_o discern_v that_o the_o word_n be_v not_o deep_o root_v 1._o in_o their_o judgement_n and_o estimation_n 2._o or_o in_o their_o will_n and_o settle_a resolution_n second_o and_o by_o discern_v the_o unmortified_a lust_n of_o their_o heart_n in_o the_o mean_a time_n but_o it_o seem_v the_o three_o sort_n of_o hearer_n liken_v to_o the_o thorny_a ground_n go_v further_a than_o these_o for_o here_o it_o be_v only_o say_v by_o luk._n 8.14_o that_o they_o bring_v no_o fruit_n to_o perfection_n however_o whether_o these_o go_v far_a than_o the_o other_o or_o not_o it_o be_v certain_a that_o these_o also_o have_v their_o trial_n and_o ●ell_o in_o the_o trial_n the_o deceitfullness_n of_o riches_n overturn_v these_o as_o the_o heat_n of_o persecution_n overturn_v the_o other_o so_o that_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o prosperity_n put_v faith_n to_o the_o trial_n as_o well_o as_o adversity_n but_o mark_v the_o different_a manner_n of_o their_o fall_n and_o overthrow_n they_o that_o be_v overthrow_v by_o adversity_n be_v say_v to_o fall_v away_o that_o be_v to_o forsake_v christ_n open_o but_o they_o that_o fall_v by_o prosperity_n be_v not_o say_v to_o fall_v away_o but_o only_o that_o the_o deceitfullness_n of_o riches_n and_o care_n of_o the_o world_n choke_v the_o word_n so_o that_o it_o become_v unfruitful_a that_o be_v bring_v no_o fruit_n to_o perfection_n for_o usual_o these_o do_v not_o open_o forsake_v christ_n but_o continue_v oft_o a_o unfruitful_a and_o hypocritical_a profession_n insomuch_o that_o at_o that_o very_a time_n when_o the_o word_n be_v choke_v and_o fruitless_a yet_o the_o blade_n of_o profession_n may_v be_v as_o green_a as_o ever_o and_o they_o may_v be_v so_o much_o in_o some_o duty_n and_o have_v such_o golden_a word_n and_o witty_a shift_n to_o plead_v for_o every_o covetous_a practice_n and_o put_v so_o fair_a a_o gloss_n on_o all_o their_o action_n that_o they_o may_v keep_v up_o the_o credit_n of_o be_v very_o eminent_a christian_n so_o that_o if_o your_o grace_n can_v carry_v you_o well_o through_o prosperity_n you_o may_v be_v confident_a of_o the_o truth_n of_o it_o 3._o and_o then_o if_o it_o be_v thus_o prove_v true_a and_o save_a you_o have_v cause_n to_o be_v confident_a that_o it_o will_v hold_v out_o in_o adversity_n also_o and_o cause_v you_o to_o overcome_v the_o shake_n of_o tribulation_n i_o think_v most_o man_n be_v better_a in_o adversity_n than_o in_o prosperity_n though_o i_o confess_v no_o adversity_n be_v so_o shake_v as_o that_o which_o leave_v it_o in_o a_o man_n choice_n to_o come_v out_o of_o it_o by_o sin_v as_o for_o a_o man_n in_o health_n to_o be_v persecute_v and_o the_o persecutor_n to_o say_v if_o thou_o will_v turn_v to_o my_o side_n and_o way_n i_o will_v give_v thou_o thy_o life_n and_o preferment_n with_o it_o but_o sickness_n or_o other_o suffering_n impose_v only_o by_o god_n and_o which_o only_a god_n can_v take_v off_o be_v nothing_o so_o shake_v for_o as_o the_o former_a draw_v we_o to_o please_v man_n that_o they_o may_v deliver_v we_o so_o this_o draw_v even_o the_o wicked_a to_o think_v of_o please_a god_n that_o he_o may_v deliver_v they_o 17._o observe_v that_o when_o i_o ask_v whether_o this_o resolution_n do_v already_o prevail_v i_o do_v not_o mean_v any_o perfect_a prevail_a nay_o sin_n may_v prevail_v to_o draw_v you_o to_o a_o particular_a act_n and_o how_o many_o i_o will_v not_o undertake_v to_o tell_v you_o and_o yet_o still_o grace_n and_o the_o spirit_n do_v conquer_v in_o the_o main_a for_o you_o will_v say_v that_o general_n and_o army_n get_v the_o victory_n who_o vanquish_v the_o other_o and_o win_v the_o field_n though_o yet_o perhaps_o a_o troop_n or_o regiment_n may_v be_v rout_v and_o many_o slay_v 18._o when_o i_o speak_v of_o your_o overcome_v all_o gross_a sin_n as_o i_o mean_v in_o ordinary_a not_o doubt_v but_o its_o too_o possible_a for_o a_o believer_n to_o commit_v a_o gross_a sin_n so_o i_o confess_v that_o its_o hard_a to_o tell_v just_a which_o sin_n be_v to_o be_v call_v gross_a and_o which_o infirmity_n only_o or_o as_o some_o speak_v which_o be_v mortal_a and_o which_o not_o and_o therefore_o this_o mark_n have_v some_o difficulty_n as_o to_o the_o right_n try_v by_o it_o of_o which_o more_o anon_o 19_o yet_o i_o desire_v that_o you_o join_v they_o all_o together_o in_o trial_n see_v it_o be_v in_o the_o whole_a that_o the_o true_a and_o full_a description_n of_o a_o christian_a be_v contain_v the_o same_o description_n of_o a_o true_a christian_n presuppose_v his_o right_a belief_n i_o have_v draw_v up_o in_o our_o public_a church-profession_n which_o in_o this_o county_n the_o minister_n have_v agree_v on_o in_o the_o profession_n of_o consent_n in_o these_o word_n i_o do_v hearty_o take_v this_o one_o god_n for_o my_o only_a god_n and_o chief_a good_a and_o this_o jesus_n christ_n for_o my_o only_a lord-redeemer_n and_o saviour_n and_o this_o holy_a ghost_n for_o my_o sanctifier_n and_o the_o doctrine_n by_o he_o reveal_v and_o seal_v by_o his_o miracle_n and_o now_o contain_v in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n do_v i_o t●ke_v for_o the_o law_n of_o god_n and_o the_o rule_n of_o my_o faith_n and_o life_n and_o repent_v unfeigned_o of_o my_o sin_n i_o do_v resolve_v through_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n sincere_o to_o obey_v he_o both_o in_o holiness_n to_o god_n and_o righteousness_n to_o man_n and_o in_o special_a love_n to_o the_o saint_n and_o communion_n with_o they_o against_o all_o the_o temptation_n of_o the_o devil_n the_o world_n and_o my_o own_o flesh_n and_o this_o to_o the_o death_n he_o that_o sincere_o can_v speak_v these_o word_n be_v a_o sincere_a christian_a 20._o last_o that_o you_o may_v see_v that_o those_o five_o which_o i_o lay_v you_o down_o be_v all_o true_a mark_n do_v but_o peruse_v these_o text_n of_o scripture_n follow_v for_o the_o first_o psal_n 16.5_o 2._o and_o 73.24_o 25_o 26_o 27_o 28._o and_o 4.6_o 7._o and_o 1.1_o 2_o 3._o josh_n 24.16_o 17_o 18_o 21_o 22_o 24._o mat._n 6.19_o 20_o 21._o rom._n 7.24_o and_o 8.17_o 18_o 23._o heb._n 11.10_o 15_o 16_o 25_o 26_o 27._o psal_n 16.5_o 6_o 7_o 8._o for_o the_o second_o see_v joh._n 1.10_o 11_o 12._o joh._n 3.16_o mark_n 16.16_o act_n 16.31_o joh._n 14.21_o and_o 16.27_o rom._n 14.9_o luk._n 19.27_o jam._n 1.12_o mat._n 22.37_o 1_o cor._n 16.22_o mat._n 10.37_o rev._n 22.14_o heb._n 5.9_o for_o the_o three_o most_o of_o the_o same_o will_v serve_v and_o heb._n 12.14_o mat._n 7.24_o psal_n 1.2_o 3._o mat._n 5.20_o act_n 10.35_o rom._n 7.22_o for_o the_o two_o last_o beside_o the_o former_a see_v heb._n 11.6_o rom._n 8._o from_o the_o 1._o to_o 14._o gal._n 5.17_o 24._o and_o 26.8_o 1_o tim._n 6.9_o luk._n 8.13_o 1_o joh._n 2.15_o and_o 5.4_o 5._o jam._n 1.27_o and_o 4.4_o gal._n 6.14_o and_o 1.4_o rom._n 12.2_o tit._n 2.14_o mat._n 10_o 37._o rom._n 2.5_o 6_o 7._o rev._n 14.13_o phil._n 2.14_o col._n 3.23_o 24._o 1_o cor._n 3.8_o 14._o joh._n 12.16_o 1_o joh._n 3.22_o 23._o gen._n 22.16_o mat._n 10_o 22._o and_o 24.13_o heb._n 3.6_o 14._o and_o 6.11_o rev._n 2.26_o 10._o and_o 12.11_o mat._n 16.25_o and_o 10.39_o mar._n 17.33_o rom._n 8.9_o 13._o luk._n 13.3_o 5._o rom._n 6.4_o 5_o 6_o 12_o 14_o 16_o 17_o 22._o and_o thus_o i_o have_v give_v you_o such_o mark_n as_o you_o may_v safe_o try_v yourself_o by_o and_o clear_v the_o meaning_n of_o they_o to_o you_o now_o let_v i_o advise_v you_o to_o this_o use_n of_o they_o 1._o in_o your_o serious_a self-examination_n try_v only_o by_o these_o and_o not_o by_o any_o uncertain_a mark_n i_o know_v there_o be_v promise_n of_o life_n make_v to_o some_o particular_a duty_n and_o single_a qualification_n in_o scripture_n as_o to_o humility_n meekness_n almsdeed_n love_n to_o the_o godly_a etc._n etc._n but_o it_o be_v still_o both_o on_o supposition_n that_o they_o be_v not_o single_a in_o the_o person_n but_o be_v accompany_v with_o and_o flow_v from_o that_o faith_n and_o love_n to_o god_n beforemention_v and_o also_o that_o they_o be_v in_o a_o prevail_a degree_n 2._o when_o ever_o any_o fresh_a doubt_n arise_v in_o you_o upon_o the_o stir_n of_o corruption_n or_o debility_n of_o grace_n still_o have_v recourse_n to_o these_o former_a mark_n and_o while_o you_o find_v these_o let_v not_o any_o thing_n cause_n you_o to_o pass_v wrong_a judgement_n on_o yourself_o lay_v these_o now_o to_o your_o own_o heart_n and_o tell_v i_o be_v you_o not_o unfeigned_o willing_a to_o have_v christ_n on_o the_o term_n that_o he_o be_v offer_v be_v you_o not_o willing_a to_o be_v more_o holy_a and_o beg_v of_o he_o to_o make_v you_o so_o will_v you_o not_o be_v glad_a if_o your_o soul_n be_v more_o
perfect_o sanctify_v and_o rid_v of_o that_o body_n of_o sin_n though_o it_o be_v to_o the_o smart_n and_o displease_v of_o your_o flesh_n be_v you_o not_o willing_a to_o wait_v on_o god_n in_o the_o use_n of_o his_o ordinance_n in_o that_o poor_a weak_a measure_n as_o you_o be_v able_a to_o perform_v they_o dare_v you_o or_o will_v you_o quit_v your_o part_n in_o god_n heaven_n christ_n and_o forsake_v the_o way_n of_o holiness_n and_o do_v as_o the_o profane_a world_n do_v though_o it_o be_v to_o please_v your_o flesh_n or_o save_v your_o state_n or_o life_n do_v not_o you_o daily_o strive_v against_o the_o flesh_n and_o keep_v it_o under_o and_o deny_v it_o its_o desire_n do_v you_o not_o deny_v the_o world_n when_o it_o will_v hinder_v you_o from_o work_n of_o mercy_n or_o public_a good_a according_a to_o your_o ability_n be_v it_o not_o the_o grief_n of_o your_o soul_n when_o you_o fall_v and_o your_o great_a trouble_n that_o you_o can_v walk_v more_o obedient_o innocent_o and_o fruitful_o and_o do_v you_o not_o after_o sin_v resolve_v to_o be_v more_o watchful_a for_o the_o time_n to_o come_v be_v you_o not_o resolve_v to_o stick_v to_o christ_n and_o his_o holy_a law_n and_o way_n whatever_o change_v or_o danger_n come_v and_o rather_o to_o forsake_v friend_n and_o all_o that_o you_o have_v then_o to_o forsake_v he_o yet_o in_o a_o godly_a jealousy_n and_o distrust_n of_o your_o own_o heart_n do_v renounce_v your_o own_o strength_n and_o resolve_v to_o do_v this_o only_a in_o the_o strength_n of_o christ_n and_o therefore_o daily_o beg_v it_o of_o he_o be_v it_o not_o your_o daily_a care_n and_o business_n to_o please_v god_n and_o do_v his_o will_n and_o avoid_v sin_v in_o your_o weak_a measure_n i_o hope_v that_o all_o this_o be_v so_o and_o your_o own_o case_n which_o if_o it_o be_v you_o have_v infallible_a evidence_n and_o want_v but_o the_o sight_n and_o comfort_n of_o they_o you_o have_v the_o true_a ground_n for_o assurance_n though_o you_o want_v assurance_n itself_o your_o chief_a danger_n be_v over_o though_o your_o trouble_n remain_v your_o soul_n be_v at_o the_o present_a in_o a_o safe_a condition_n though_o not_o in_o the_o sense_n of_o it_o you_o be_v in_o the_o state_n of_o salvation_n though_o not_o of_o consolation_n it_o must_v be_v your_o next_o work_n therefore_o to_o study_v god_n mercy_n and_o take_v notice_n what_o he_o have_v do_v for_o your_o soul_n let_v not_o so_o bless_v a_o guest_n as_o the_o holy_a ghost_n dwell_v in_o you_o unobserved_a shall_v he_o do_v such_o wonder_n in_o you_o and_o for_o you_o and_o you_o not_o know_v it_o or_o acknowledge_v it_o shall_v he_o new_o beget_v you_o and_o new_o make_v you_o and_o produce_v a_o spiritual_a heavenly_a nature_n in_o you_o who_o of_o yourself_o be_v so_o carnal_a and_o earthly_a and_o will_v you_o not_o observe_v it_o have_v you_o any_o of_o these_o holy_a desire_n endeavour_n or_o resolution_n of_o yourself_o by_o nature_n or_o have_v the_o ungodly_a about_o you_o any_o of_o they_o o_o that_o you_o know_v what_o a_o work_n of_o wonderful_a mercy_n wisdom_n and_o power_n the_o spirit_n perform_v in_o the_o renew_n of_o a_o soul_n then_o sure_o you_o will_v more_o observe_v and_o admire_v his_o love_n to_o you_o herein_o direction_n xii_o 12._o the_o next_o rule_n for_o your_o direction_n for_o the_o right_n settle_v of_o your_o peace_n be_v this_o you_o must_v know_v that_o assurance_n of_o justification_n adoption_n and_o right_a to_o salvation_n can_v be_v gather_v from_o the_o small_a degree_n of_o save_v grace_n here_o i_o must_v say_v something_o for_o explain_v my_o meaning_n to_o you_o 2._o and_o then_o give_v you_o my_o reason_n of_o this_o assertion_n 1._o understand_v that_o i_o speak_v of_o god_n ordinary_a work_n by_o mean_n not_o deny_v but_o god_n may_v by_o a_o voice_n from_o heaven_n or_o a_o angel_n or_o other_o supernatural_a revelation_n bestow_v assurance_n on_o who_o he_o please_v but_o i_o hope_v all_o wise_a christian_n will_v take_v heed_n of_o expect_v this_o or_o of_o trust_v too_o much_o to_o seem_a revelation_n unless_o they_o can_v prove_v that_o god_n use_v to_o confer_v assurance_n in_o this_o way_n which_o i_o think_v they_o can_v 2._o by_o the_o small_a degree_n of_o grace_n i_o mean_v of_o faith_n love_n obedience_n and_o those_o save_a grace_n who_o act_n be_v the_o condition_n of_o our_o salvation_n and_o which_o in_o the_o fore-expressed_n mark_v i_o lay_v down_o to_o you_o do_v not_o therefore_o so_o far_o mistake_v i_o as_o to_o think_v that_o i_o speak_v of_o a_o small_a measure_n of_o those_o common_a gift_n which_o be_v separable_a from_o true_a sanctification_n such_o as_o be_v extensive_a knowledge_n memory_n ability_n of_o utterance_n in_o preach_v repeat_v exhort_v or_o pray_v a_o ornate_a plausible_a win_a deportment_n before_o man_n such_o as_o be_v common_o call_v good_a breed_n or_o manner_n a_o affect_a humble_a complemental_a familiarity_n and_o condescension_n to_o creep_v into_o man_n estimation_n and_o affection_n and_o steal_v their_o heart_n etc._n etc._n many_o a_o one_o that_o be_v strong_a in_o save_v grace_n be_v weak_a in_o all_o these_o and_o other_o the_o like_a now_o for_o my_o reason_n 1._o i_o conceive_v that_o it_o be_v not_o possible_a for_o any_o minister_n punctual_o to_o set_v down_o a_o discernible_a difference_n between_o the_o least_o measure_n of_o true_a save_a grace_n and_o the_o high_a degree_n of_o common_a grace_n and_o to_o say_v just_o here_o it_o be_v that_o they_o part_v or_o by_o this_o you_o may_v discern_v they_o i_o do_v but_o say_v i_o think_v so_o because_o other_o man_n may_v know_v far_o more_o than_o i_o do_v but_o i_o will_v say_v it_o as_o certain_a that_o i_o be_o not_o able_a to_o do_v it_o for_o my_o own_o part_n this_o much_o i_o can_v tell_v that_o the_o least_o degree_n of_o grace_n that_o be_v save_v do_v determine_v the_o soul_n for_o god_n and_o christ_n against_o the_o world_n and_o flesh_n that_o stand_v as_o competitor_n and_o so_o where_o christ_n interest_n prevail_v in_o the_o least_o measure_n there_o be_v the_o least_o measure_n of_o save_a grace_n as_o when_o you_o be_v weigh_v two_o thing_n in_o the_o balance_n and_o at_o last_o make_v it_o so_o near_a evenweight_n that_o one_o end_n be_v turn_v and_o no_o more_o so_o when_o you_o be_v consider_v whether_o to_o be_v for_o christ_n or_o for_o the_o flesh_n and_o the_o world_n and_o your_o will_n be_v but_o even_o a_o very_a little_a determine_v to_o christ_n and_o prefer_v he_o this_o be_v the_o least_o measure_n of_o save_a grace_n but_o then_o how_o a_o poor_a soul_n shall_v discern_v this_o prevalent_a choice_n and_o determination_n of_o itself_o be_v all_o the_o question_n for_o there_o be_v nothing_o more_o easy_a and_o common_a then_o for_o man_n to_o think_v very_o that_o they_o prefer_v christ_n above_o the_o creature_n as_o long_o as_o no_o temptation_n do_v assault_v they_o nor_o sensual_a object_n stand_v up_o in_o any_o cosiderable_a strength_n to_o entice_v they_o nay_o wicked_a man_n do_v true_o oft_o time_n purpose_v to_o obey_v christ_n before_o the_o flesh_n and_o to_o take_v he_o for_o their_o lord_n mere_o in_o the_o general_n when_o they_o do_v not_o know_v or_o consider_v the_o quality_n of_o his_o law_n that_o they_o be_v so_o strict_a and_o spiritual_a and_o contrary_a to_o the_o flesh_n and_o hazardous_a to_o their_o worldly_a hope_n and_o seeming-happiness_n but_o when_o it_o come_v to_o particular_n and_o god_n say_v now_o deny_v thyself_o and_o thy_o friend_n and_o thy_o good_n and_o thy_o life_n for_o my_o sake_n alas_o it_o be_v never_o his_o resolution_n to_o do_v it_o nor_o will_v he_o be_v persuade_v to_o it_o but_o he_o that_o say_v to_o god_n who_o send_v he_o to_o labour_v in_o his_o vineyard_n i_o go_v sir_n when_o he_o come_v to_o find_v the_o unpleasingness_n of_o the_o work_n he_o go_v not_o or_o never_o set_v a_o hand_n to_o it_o so_o that_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o it_o be_v no_o true_a save_a resolution_n or_o willingness_n which_o prevail_v not_o for_o actual_a obedience_n now_o here_o come_v in_o the_o unresolvable_a doubt_n what_o be_v the_o least_o measure_n of_o obedience_n that_o will_v prove_v a_o man_n true_o willing_a and_o resolve_v or_o to_o have_v true_o accept_v of_o christ_n for_o his_o lord_n this_o obedience_n lie_v in_o perform_v what_o be_v command_v and_o avoid_v what_o be_v forbid_v now_o it_o be_v too_o certain_a that_o every_o true_a believer_n be_v guilty_a of_o a_o frequent_a neglect_n of_o duty_n yea_o of_o know_a duty_n we_o know_v we_o shall_v love_v god_n more_o abundant_o and_o delight_n in_o he_o and_o meditate_v more_o on_o he_o and_o
you_o my_o judgement_n before_o sure_o i_o be_o that_o the_o sudden_a looseness_n of_o their_o life_n answer_v their_o ignorant_a loose_a ungospel-like_a doctrine_n do_v certify_v i_o that_o the_o spirit_n of_o comfort_n be_v not_o their_o comforter_n for_o he_o be_v also_o a_o spirit_n of_o holiness_n and_o comfort_v man_n by_o the_o mean_n of_o a_o holy_a gospel_n which_o have_v precept_n and_o threaten_n as_o well_o as_o promise_n 2._o and_o as_o the_o experience_n of_o the_o state_n of_o believer_n assure_v we_o that_o few_o of_o they_o attain_v to_o certainty_n so_o experience_n of_o the_o imperfection_n of_o their_o understanding_n show_v we_o that_o few_o of_o they_o be_v immediate_o capable_a of_o it_o for_o how_o few_o believer_n be_v there_o that_o understand_v well_o what_o be_v a_o sound_a evidence_n and_o what_o not_o nay_o how_o many_o learned_a man_n have_v teach_v they_o that_o the_o least_o unfeigned_a desire_n of_o grace_n be_v the_o grace_n itself_o as_o some_o say_v or_o at_o least_o a_o certain_a evidence_n of_o it_o as_o other_o say_v whereas_o alas_o how_o many_o have_v unfeigned_o desire_v many_o grace_n and_o yet_o have_v desire_v the_o glory_n and_o profit_n of_o the_o world_n so_o much_o more_o that_o they_o have_v miscarry_v and_o perish_v how_o many_o have_v teach_v they_o that_o the_o least_o unfeigned_a love_n to_o god_n or_o to_o the_o brethren_n be_v a_o certain_a mark_n of_o save_a grace_n whenas_o many_o a_o one_o have_v unfeigned_o love_v god_n and_o the_o brethren_n who_o yet_o have_v love_v house_n land_n credit_n pleasure_n and_o life_n so_o much_o more_o that_o god_n have_v be_v thrust_v as_o it_o be_v into_o a_o corner_n and_o have_v have_v but_o the_o world_n leave_n and_o the_o poor_a saint_n have_v have_v little_a compassion_n or_o relief_n from_o they_o nor_o will_v be_v look_v on_o in_o time_n of_o danger_n and_o disgrace_n as_o austin_n and_o the_o schoolman_n use_v to_o say_v wicked_a man_n do_v uti_fw-la deo_fw-la &_o frui_fw-la creaturis_fw-la use_v god_n and_o enjoy_v the_o creature_n godly_a man_n do_v frui_fw-la deo_fw-la &_o uti_fw-la creaturis_fw-la enjoy_v god_n and_o use_v the_o creature_n the_o meaning_n be_v both_o regenerate_v and_o unregenerate_v have_v some_o will_n or_o love_n both_o to_o god_n and_o to_o the_o creature_n but_o the_o wicked_a do_v will_n or_o love_v the_o creature_n as_o their_o chief_a good_a with_o their_o chief_a love_n and_o they_o only_o love_v god_n as_o a_o mean_n to_o help_v they_o to_o the_o creature_n with_o a_o love_n subordinate_a to_o their_o love_n to_o the_o creature_n whereas_o the_o godly_a do_v will_n or_o love_n god_n as_o their_o chief_a good_a with_o their_o chief_a love_n or_o complacency_n and_o love_v the_o creature_n but_o as_o a_o mean_n to_o god_n with_o a_o inferior_a love_n if_o then_o the_o nature_n of_o sincerity_n be_v so_o little_o know_v than_o assurance_n of_o sincerity_n can_v be_v very_o common_a more_o may_v be_v say_v to_o prove_v that_o certainty_n of_o salvation_n be_v not_o common_a among_o true_a christian_n but_o that_o it_o be_v labour_n in_o vain_a as_o to_o they_o see_v experience_n and_o their_o own_o ready_a confession_n do_v witness_v it_o now_o what_o be_v the_o use_n that_o i_o will_v have_v you_o make_v of_o this_o why_o it_o be_v this_o if_o assurance_n of_o sincerity_n and_o justification_n much_o more_o of_o salvation_n be_v so_o rare_a among_o true_a christian_n than_o you_o have_v no_o cause_n to_o think_v that_o the_o want_n of_o it_o prove_v you_o to_o be_v no_o true_a christian_n you_o see_v then_o that_o a_o man_n may_v be_v in_o a_o state_n of_o salvation_n without_o it_o and_o that_o it_o be_v not_o justify_v faith_n as_o some_o have_v imagine_v nor_o yet_o a_o necessary_a concomitant_a of_o that_o faith_n you_o see_v that_o you_o be_v mistake_v in_o think_v that_o you_o have_v not_o the_o spirit_n of_o adoption_n because_o you_o have_v no_o assure_v witness_n within_o you_o effective_o testify_v to_o you_o that_o you_o be_v the_o child_n of_o god_n all_o god_n child_n have_v the_o spirit_n of_o adoption_n for_o because_o they_o be_v son_n therefore_o have_v god_n send_v the_o spirit_n of_o his_o son_n into_o their_o heart_n whereby_o they_o cry_v abba_n father_n gal._n 4.6_o but_o all_o god_n child_n have_v not_o assurance_n of_o their_o adoption_n therefore_o the_o spirit_n of_o adoption_n do_v not_o always_o assure_v those_o of_o their_o adoption_n in_o who_o it_o abide_v it_o be_v always_o a_o witness-bearer_n of_o their_o adoption_n but_o that_o be_v only_o objective_o by_o his_o grace_n and_o operation_n in_o they_o as_o a_o landmark_n be_v a_o witness_n who_o land_n it_o be_v where_o it_o stand_v or_o as_o your_o sheep-mark_a witness_v which_o be_v your_o sheep_n or_o rather_o as_o a_o sensible_a soul_n witness_v a_o live_a creature_n or_o a_o rational_a soul_n witness_v that_o we_o be_v man_n but_o efficient_o it_o do_v not_o always_o witness_v as_o a_o landmark_n or_o sheep-mark_a be_v not_o always_o discern_v and_o a_o bruit_n know_v not_o itself_o to_o be_v a_o bruit_n and_o a_o man_n be_v not_o always_o actual_o know_v his_o own_o humanity_n nor_o can_v know_v it_o at_o all_o in_o the_o womb_n in_o infancy_n in_o distraction_n in_o a_o epilepsy_n apoplexy_n or_o the_o like_a disease_n which_o deprive_v he_o of_o the_o use_n of_o reason_n beside_o it_o be_v no_o doubt_n but_o the_o apostle_n have_v some_o respect_n to_o the_o eminent_a gift_n of_o the_o spirit_n for_o tongue_n prophecy_n miracle_n and_o the_o like_o which_o be_v proper_a to_o that_o age_n though_o still_o as_o include_v the_o spirit_n of_o holiness_n you_o see_v then_o that_o you_o need_v not_o be_v always_o in_o disquiet_a when_o you_o want_v assurance_n for_o else_o how_o disquiet_a a_o life_n shall_v most_o christian_n live_v i_o shall_v show_v you_o more_o anon_o that_o all_o a_o man_n comfort_n depend_v not_o so_o on_o his_o assurance_n but_o that_o he_o may_v live_v a_o comfortable_a life_n without_o it_o trouble_v of_o mind_n may_v be_v overcome_v conscience_n may_v be_v quiet_v true_a peace_n attain_v yea_o a_o man_n may_v have_v that_o joy_n in_o the_o holy_a ghost_n wherein_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n be_v say_v to_o consist_v without_o certainty_n of_o salvation_n if_o there_o be_v any_o passage_n in_o my_o book_n of_o rest_n part_v 3_o d_o in_o press_v to_o get_v assurance_n which_o seem_v contrary_a to_o this_o i_o desire_v that_o they_o may_v be_v reduce_v to_o this_o sense_n and_o no_o otherwise_o understand_v this_o shall_v be_v further_o open_v anon_o and_o other_o ground_n of_o comfort_n manifest_v beside_o assurance_n direction_n xv._n 15._o yea_o this_o much_o more_o i_o will_v here_o inform_v you_o of_o that_o very_o many_o even_n of_o the_o strong_a holy_a watchful_a and_o obedient_a christian_n be_v yet_o uncertain_a of_o their_o salvation_n even_o then_o when_o they_o be_v certain_a of_o their_o justification_n and_o sanctification_n and_o that_o because_o they_o be_v uncertain_a of_o their_o perseverance_n and_o overcome_v for_o a_o man_n certainty_n of_o his_o salvation_n can_v be_v no_o strong_a than_o be_v his_o certainty_n of_o endure_v to_o the_o end_n and_o overcome_v that_o you_o may_v not_o misunderstand_v i_o in_o this_o observe_v 1._o that_o i_o do_v not_o say_v perseverance_n be_v a_o thing_n uncertain_a in_o itself_o 2._o nor_o that_o it_o be_v uncertain_a to_o all_o christian_n 3._o but_o that_o it_o be_v uncertain_a to_o many_o even_o strong_a and_o self-knowing_a christian_n divine_n use_v to_o distinguish_v of_o the_o certainty_n of_o the_o object_n and_o of_o the_o subject_a and_o the_o former_a be_v either_o of_o the_o object_n of_o god_n knowledge_n or_o of_o man_n i_o doubt_v not_o but_o god_n know_v certain_o who_o shall_v be_v save_v which_o with_o his_o decree_n do_v cause_n that_o which_o we_o call_v certainty_n of_o the_o object_n as_o to_o man_n understanding_n but_o man_n themselves_o do_v not_o always_o know_v it_o if_o a_o man_n have_v the_o full_a certainty_n in_o the_o world_n that_o he_o be_v god_n child_n yet_o if_o he_o be_v uncertain_a whether_o he_o shall_v so_o continue_v to_o the_o end_n it_o be_v impossible_a that_o he_o shall_v have_v a_o certainty_n of_o his_o salvation_n for_o it_o be_v he_o only_o that_o endure_v to_o the_o end_n that_o shall_v be_v save_v now_o that_o many_o eminent_a christian_n of_o great_a knowledge_n and_o much_o zeal_n and_o obedience_n be_v uncertain_a of_o their_o perseverance_n be_v prove_v by_o two_o infallible_a argument_n 1._o by_o experience_n if_o any_o shall_v be_v so_o censorious_a as_o to_o think_v that_o none_o of_o all_o those_o nation_n and_o church_n abroad_o that_o deny_v the_o doctrine_n of_o certain_a perseverance_n of_o all_o believer_n
repent_v believe_v in_o a_o redeemer_n etc._n etc._n but_o for_o thy_o sin_n yet_o i_o hope_v none_o will_v say_v that_o so_o do_v be_v proper_o a_o sin_n though_o do_v they_o defective_o be_v god_n do_v not_o will_n and_o approve_v of_o it_o that_o any_o soul_n that_o can_v see_v no_o sign_n of_o grace_n and_o sincerity_n in_o itself_o shall_v yet_o be_v as_o confident_a and_o merry_a and_o careless_a as_o if_o they_o be_v certain_a that_o all_o be_v well_o god_n will_v not_o have_v man_n doubt_v of_o his_o love_n and_o yet_o make_v light_n of_o it_o this_o be_v a_o contempt_n of_o he_o else_o what_o shall_v poor_a carnal_a sinner_n do_v that_o find_v themselves_o unsanctified_a no_o nor_o do_v god_n expect_v that_o any_o man_n shall_v judge_v of_o himself_o better_a than_o he_o have_v evidence_n to_o warrant_v such_o a_o judgement_n but_o that_o every_o man_n shall_v prove_v his_o own_o work_n that_o so_o he_o may_v have_v rejoice_v in_o himself_o alone_o and_o not_o in_o another_o for_o he_o that_o think_v he_o be_v something_o when_o he_o be_v nothing_o deceive_v himself_o gal._n 6.3_o 4_o 5_o 6._o and_o no_o man_n shall_v be_v a_o self-deceiver_n especial_o in_o a_o case_n of_o such_o unexpressible_a consequence_n it_o be_v therefore_o a_o most_o desperate_a doctrine_n of_o the_o antinomian_o as_o most_o of_o they_o be_v that_o all_o man_n ought_v to_o believe_v god_n special_a love_n to_o they_o and_o their_o own_o justification_n and_o that_o they_o be_v justify_v by_o believe_v that_o they_o be_v justify_v before_o and_o that_o no_o man_n ought_v to_o question_v his_o faith_n say_v saltmarsh_n any_o more_o than_o to_o question_n christ_n and_o that_o all_o fear_n of_o our_o damnation_n or_o not_o be_v justify_v after_o this_o believe_a be_v sin_n and_o those_o that_o persuade_v to_o they_o be_v preacher_n of_o the_o law_n how_o punctual_o do_v the_o most_o profane_a ungodly_a people_n hold_v most_o point_n of_o the_o antinomian_a belief_n though_o they_o never_o know_v that_o sect_n by_o name_n god_n command_v no_o man_n to_o believe_v more_o than_o be_v true_a nor_o immediate_o to_o cast_v away_o their_o doubt_n and_o fear_n but_o to_o overcome_v they_o in_o a_o orderly_a methodical_a way_n that_o be_v use_v god_n mean_n till_o their_o grace_n become_v more_o discernible_a and_o their_o understanding_n more_o clear_a and_o fit_a to_o discern_v they_o that_o so_o we_o may_v have_v assurance_n of_o their_o sincerity_n and_o thereby_o of_o our_o justification_n adoption_n and_o right_a to_o glorification_n heb._n 4.1_o let_v we_o therefore_o fear_v lest_o a_o promise_v be_v leave_v of_o enter_v into_o his_o rest_n any_o of_o we_o shall_v seem_v to_o come_v short_a of_o it_o psal_n 2.11_o serve_v the_o lord_n with_o fear_n and_o rejoice_v before_o he_o with_o tremble_v kiss_v the_o son_n lest_o he_o be_v angry_a and_o you_o perish_v phil._n 2.12_o work_v out_o your_o salvation_n with_o fear_n and_o tremble_a not_o only_o 1._o a_o reverend_a fear_n of_o god_n majesty_n 2._o and_o a_o filial_a fear_n of_o offend_v he_o 3._o and_o a_o awful_a fear_n of_o his_o judgement_n when_o we_o see_v they_o execute_v on_o other_o and_o hear_v they_o threaten_v 4._o and_o a_o filial_a fear_n of_o temporal_a chastisement_n and_o lawful_a and_o our_o duty_n but_o also_o 5._o a_o fear_n of_o damnation_n exciting_a to_o most_o careful_a importunity_n to_o escape_v it_o when_o ever_o we_o have_v so_o far_o obscure_v our_o evidence_n as_o to_o see_v no_o strong_a probability_n of_o our_o sincerity_n in_o the_o faith_n and_o so_o of_o our_o salvation_n the_o sum_n of_o my_o speech_n therefore_o be_v this_o do_v not_o think_v that_o all_o your_o fear_n of_o god_n wrath_n be_v your_o sin_n much_o of_o they_o be_v your_o great_a duty_n do_v you_o not_o feel_v that_o god_n make_v these_o fear_n at_o your_o first_o conversion_n the_o first_o and_o a_o principal_a mean_n of_o your_o recovery_n to_o drive_v you_o to_o a_o serious_a consideration_n of_o your_o state_n and_o way_n and_o to_o look_v after_o christ_n with_o more_o longing_n and_o estimation_n and_o to_o use_v the_o mean_n with_o more_o resolution_n and_o diligence_n have_v not_o these_o fear_n be_v chief_a preserver_n of_o your_o diligence_n and_o integrity_n ever_o since_o i_o know_v love_n shall_v do_v more_o than_o it_o do_v with_o we_o all_o but_o if_o we_o have_v not_o daily_o use_v for_o both_o love_n and_o fear_v god_n will_v not_o 1._o have_v plant_v they_o both_o in_o our_o nature_n 2._o and_o have_v renew_v they_o both_o by_o regenerate_a grace_n 3._o and_o have_v put_v into_o his_o word_n the_o object_n to_o move_v both_o viz._n threaten_n as_o well_o as_o promise_n that_o fear_n of_o god_n which_o be_v the_o begin_n of_o wisdom_n include_v the_o fear_n of_o his_o threaten_a wrath_n i_o can_v say_v abundance_n more_o to_o prove_v this_o but_o that_o i_o know_v as_o to_o you_o it_o be_v needless_a for_o conviction_n of_o it_o but_o remember_v the_o use_n of_o it_o do_v not_o put_v the_o name_n of_o unbelief_n upon_o all_o your_o fear_n of_o god_n displeasure_n much_o less_o shall_v you_o present_o conclude_v that_o you_o have_v no_o faith_n and_o that_o you_o can_v believe_v because_o of_o these_o fear_n you_o may_v have_v much_o faith_n in_o the_o midst_n of_o these_o fear_n and_o god_n may_v make_v they_o preserver_n of_o your_o faith_n by_o quicken_a you_o up_o to_o that_o mean_n that_o must_v maintain_v it_o and_o by_o keep_v you_o from_o those_o evil_n that_o will_v be_v as_o a_o worm_n at_o the_o root_n of_o it_o and_o eat_v out_o its_o precious_a strength_n and_o life_n security_n be_v no_o friend_n to_o faith_n but_o a_o deadly_a enemy_n than_o fear_v itself_o obj._n then_o cain_n and_o judas_n sin_v not_o by_o despair_v or_o at_o least_o not_o damnable_o answ_n 1._o they_o despair_v not_o only_o of_o themselves_o and_o of_o the_o event_n of_o their_o salvation_n but_o also_o of_o god_n of_o his_o power_n or_o goodness_n and_o promise_v and_o the_o sufficiency_n of_o any_o satisfaction_n of_o christ_n their_o infidelity_n be_v the_o root_n of_o their_o despair_n 2._o far_o be_v it_o from_o i_o to_o say_v or_o think_v that_o you_o shall_v despair_v of_o the_o event_n or_o that_o it_o be_v no_o sin_n yea_o or_o that_o you_o shall_v cherish_v causeless_a and_o excessive_a jealousy_n and_o fear_n i_o shall_v show_v you_o towards_o the_o end_n the_o sinfulness_n of_o so_o do_v take_v heed_n of_o all_o fear_n that_o drive_v you_o from_o god_n or_o that_o distract_v or_o weaken_v your_o spirit_n or_o disable_v you_o from_o duty_n or_o drown_v your_o love_n to_o god_n and_o delight_n in_o he_o and_o destroy_v your_o apprehension_n of_o god_n loveliness_n and_o compassion_n and_o raise_v black_a and_o hard_a and_o unworthy_a thought_n of_o god_n in_o your_o mind_n again_o i_o entreat_v you_o avoid_v and_o abhor_v all_o such_o fear_n but_o if_o you_o find_v in_o you_o the_o fear_n of_o godly_a jealousy_n of_o your_o own_o heart_n and_o such_o moderate_v fear_n of_o the_o wrath_n of_o god_n which_o banish_v security_n presumption_n and_o boldness_n in_o sin_v and_o be_v as_o d._n sibbs_n call_v they_o the_o awe-band_n of_o your_o soul_n and_o make_v you_o fly_v to_o the_o merit_n and_o bosom_n of_o the_o lord_n jesus_n as_o the_o affright_a child_n to_o the_o lap_n of_o the_o mother_n and_o as_o the_o manslayer_n under_o the_o law_n to_o the_o city_n of_o refuge_n and_o as_o a_o man_n pursue_v by_o a_o lion_n to_o his_o sanctuary_n or_o hold_n do_v not_o think_v you_o have_v no_o faith_n because_o you_o have_v these_o fear_n but_o moderate_v they_o by_o faith_n and_o love_n and_o then_o thank_v god_n for_o they_o indeed_o perfect_a love_n which_o will_v be_v in_o heaven_n when_o all_o be_v perfect_v will_v cast_v out_o this_o fear_n and_o so_o it_o will_v do_v sorrow_n and_o care_n and_o prayer_n and_o mean_n but_o see_v you_o lay_v not_o these_o by_o till_o perfect_a love_n have_v cast_v they_o out_o see_v jer._n 5.22_o 23._o &_o heb._n 12._o two_o last_o verse_n wherefore_o we_o receive_v a_o kingdom_n which_o can_v be_v move_v let_v we_o serve_v god_n acceptable_o with_o reverence_n and_o godly_a fear_n for_o our_o god_n be_v a_o consume_a fire_n i_o be_o sensible_a that_o i_o be_o too_o large_a on_o these_o forego_n head_n i_o will_v purposely_o shorten_v the_o rest_n lest_o i_o weary_a you_o direction_n xix_o 19_o further_o understand_v that_o those_o few_o who_o do_v attain_v to_o assurance_n have_v it_o not_o either_o perfect_o or_o constant_o for_o the_o most_o part_n but_o mix_v with_o imperfection_n and_o oft_o cloud_v and_o interrupt_v that_o the_o high_a assurance_n on_o earth_n be_v imperfect_a i_o have_v show_v
believe_v without_o god_n further_a help_n but_o he_o that_o have_v make_v you_o willing_a will_v not_o be_v want_v to_o maintain_v your_o willingness_n though_o i_o will_v say_v to_o any_o man_n you_o may_v have_v christ_n if_o you_o will_v yet_o i_o will_v say_v to_o no_o man_n you_o can_v be_v willing_a of_o your_o self_n or_o without_o the_o special_a grace_n of_o god_n nay_o let_v i_o further_o ask_v have_v not_o you_o darken_v bury_v or_o weaken_v your_o grace_n in_o stead_n of_o exercise_v and_o increase_v they_o even_o then_o when_o you_o complain_v for_o want_v of_o assurance_n of_o they_o when_o you_o find_v a_o want_n of_o faith_n and_o love_n have_v not_o you_o weaken_v they_o more_o and_o so_o make_v they_o less_o discernible_a have_v you_o not_o feed_v your_o unbelief_n and_o dispute_v for_o your_o doubt_n and_o take_v satan_n part_n against_o yourself_o and_o which_o be_v far_o worse_o have_v you_o never_o through_o these_o doubt_n entertain_v hard_a thought_n of_o god_n and_o present_v he_o to_o your_o soul_n as_o unwilling_a to_o show_v you_o mercy_n and_o in_o a_o unlovely_a dreadful_a hideous_a shape_n fit_a to_o affright_v you_o from_o he_o then_o to_o draw_v you_o to_o he_o and_o likely_a to_o provoke_v your_o hatred_n then_o your_o love_n if_o you_o have_v not_o do_v thus_o ●_o know_v too_o many_o trouble_a soul_n that_o have_v and_o if_o you_o have_v you_o have_v take_v a_o very_a unlikely_a way_n to_o get_v assurance_n if_o you_o will_v have_v be_v certain_a that_o you_o love_v god_n in_o sincerity_n you_o shall_v have_v labour_v to_o love_v he_o more_o till_o you_o have_v be_v certain_a and_o that_o you_o may_v do_v so_o you_o shall_v have_v keep_v better_a thought_n of_o god_n in_o your_o mind_n you_o will_v hardly_o love_v he_o while_o you_o think_v of_o he_o as_o evil_n or_o at_o least_o as_o hurtful_a to_o you_o never_o forget_v this_o rule_n which_o i_o lay_v you_o down_o in_o the_o beginning_n that_o he_o that_o will_v ever_o love_v god_n must_v apprehend_v he_o to_o be_v good_a and_o the_o more_o large_a and_o deep_o be_v our_o apprehension_n of_o his_o goodness_n the_o more_o will_v be_v our_o love_n for_o such_o as_o god_n appear_v to_o be_v to_o man_n fix_a conceiving_n such_o will_v their_o affection_n be_v to_o he_o for_o the_o fix_a deep_a conception_n or_o apprehension_n of_o the_o mind_n do_v lead_v about_o the_o soul_n and_o guide_v the_o life_n i_o conclude_v therefore_o with_o this_o important_a and_o importunate_a request_n to_o you_o that_o though_o it_o be_v a_o duty_n necessary_a in_o its_o time_n and_o place_n to_o examine_v ourselves_o concern_v our_o sincerity_n in_o our_o several_a grace_n and_o duty_n to_o god_n yet_o be_v sure_a that_o the_o first_o and_o far_o great_a part_n of_o your_o time_n and_o pain_n and_o care_n and_o inquiry_n be_v for_o the_o get_n and_o increase_v of_o your_o grace_n then_o for_o the_o discern_a it_o and_o to_o perform_v your_o duty_n right_o then_o to_o discern_v your_o right_a performance_n and_o when_o you_o confer_v with_o minister_n or_o other_o that_o may_v teach_v you_o see_v that_o you_o ask_v ten_o time_n at_o least_o how_o shall_v i_o get_v or_o increase_v my_o ●aith_n my_o love_n to_o christ_n and_o to_o his_o people_n for_o once_o that_o you_o ask_v how_o shall_v i_o know_v that_o i_o believe_v or_o love_v yet_o so_o contrary_a have_v be_v and_o still_o be_v the_o practice_n of_o most_o christian_n among_o we_o in_o this_o point_n that_o i_o have_v hear_v it_o twenty_o time_n ask_v how_o shall_v i_o know_v that_o i_o true_o love_v the_o brethren_n for_o once_o that_o i_o have_v hear_v it_o demand_v how_o shall_v i_o bring_v my_o heart_n to_o love_v they_o better_o and_o the_o like_a i_o may_v say_v of_o love_n to_o christ_n himself_o i_o shall_v next_o have_v speak_v of_o the_o second_o part_n of_o the_o direction_n how_o much_o our_o assurance_n and_o comfort_n will_v still_o depend_v on_o our_o actual_a obedience_n but_o this_o will_v fall_v in_o in_o handle_v the_o two_o or_o three_o next_o follow_v direction_n direction_n xxiii_o 23._o my_o next_o advice_n be_v this_o think_v not_o that_o those_o doubt_n and_o trouble_n of_o mind_n which_o be_v cause_v and_o continue_v by_o wilful_a disobedience_n will_v ever_o be_v well_o heal_v but_o by_o the_o heal_n of_o that_o disobedience_n or_o that_o the_o same_o mean_n must_v be_v use_v and_o will_v suffice_v to_o the_o cure_n of_o such_o trouble_n which_o must_v be_v use_v and_o will_v suffice_v to_o cure_v the_o trouble_n of_o a_o tender-conscience_n and_o of_o a_o obedient_a christian_a who_o trouble_n be_v mere_o through_o mistake_n of_o their_o condition_n i_o will_v begin_v with_o the_o late_a part_n of_o this_o direction_n he_o that_o be_v trouble_v upon_o mere_a mistake_n may_v be_v quiet_v upon_o the_o removal_n of_o they_o if_o he_o understand_v not_o the_o universal_a extent_n of_o christ_n satisfaction_n or_o of_o the_o covenant_n or_o conditional_a grant_n of_o christ_n and_o life_n in_o he_o and_o if_o upon_o this_o he_o be_v trouble_v as_o think_v that_o he_o be_v not_o include_v the_o convince_a he_o of_o his_o error_n may_v suffice_v to_o the_o removal_n of_o his_o trouble_n if_o he_o be_v trouble_v through_o his_o mistake_v the_o nature_n of_o true_a faith_n or_o true_a love_n or_o other_o grace_n and_o so_o think_v that_o he_o have_v they_o not_o when_o he_o have_v they_o the_o discovery_n of_o his_o error_n may_v be_v the_o quiet_v of_o his_o soul_n the_o soul_n that_o be_v trouble_v upon_o such_o mistake_n must_v be_v tender_o deal_v with_o much_o more_o they_o that_o be_v disquiet_v by_o groundless_a fear_n or_o too_o deep_a apprehension_n of_o the_o wrath_n or_o justice_n of_o god_n of_o the_o evil_a of_o sin_n and_o of_o their_o unworthiness_n and_o for_o want_v of_o full_a apprehension_n of_o the_o love_a kindness_n of_o god_n and_o the_o tender_a compassionate_a nature_n of_o christ_n we_o can_v scarce_o handle_v such_o soul_n too_o gentle_o god_n will_v have_v all_o to_o be_v tender_o deal_v with_o that_o be_v tender_a of_o displease_v and_o dishonour_v he_o by_o sin_n god_n own_o language_n may_v teach_v all_o minister_n what_o language_n we_o shall_v use_v to_o such_o isa_n 57.15_o 16_o 17_o 18_o 19_o 20_o 21._o thus_o say_v the_o high_a and_o lofty_a one_o that_o inhabit_v eternity_n who_o name_n be_v holy_a i_o dwell_v in_o the_o high_a and_o holy_a place_n with_o he_o also_o that_o be_v of_o a_o contrite_a and_o humble_a spirit_n to_o revive_v the_o spirit_n of_o the_o humble_a and_o to_o revive_v the_o heart_n of_o the_o contrite_a one_o for_o i_o will_v not_o contend_v for_o ever_o neither_o will_v i_o be_v always_o wroth_a for_o the_o spirit_n shall_v fail_v before_o i_o and_o the_o soul_n which_o i_o have_v make_v etc._n etc._n but_o the_o wicked_a be_v like_o the_o trouble_a sea_n when_o it_o can_v rest_v who_o water_n cast_v up_o mire_n and_o dirt_n there_o be_v no_o peace_n say_v my_o god_n to_o the_o wicked_a much_o more_o tender_a language_n may_v such_o expect_v from_o christ_n in_o the_o gospel_n where_o be_v contain_v a_o full_a revelation_n of_o his_o grace_n if_o mary_n a_o poor_a sinful_a woman_n lie_v weep_v at_o his_o foot_n and_o wash_v they_o with_o her_o tear_n he_o have_v not_o the_o heart_n to_o spurn_v she_o away_o but_o open_o proclaim_v the_o forgiveness_n of_o her_o many_o sin_n as_o soon_o as_o ever_o the_o heart_n of_o a_o sinner_n be_v turn_v from_o his_o sin_n the_o heart_n of_o christ_n be_v turn_v to_o he_o the_o very_a sum_n of_o all_o the_o gospel_n be_v contain_v in_o those_o precious_a word_n which_o full_o express_v this_o matth._n 11.28_o 29_o 30._o come_v unto_o i_o all_o you_o that_o labour_n and_o be_v heavy_a lade_v and_o i_o will_v give_v you_o rest_v take_v my_o yoke_n upon_o you_o and_o learn_v of_o i_o for_o i_o be_o meek_a and_o lowly_a in_o heart_n and_o you_o shall_v find_v rest_n unto_o your_o soul_n for_o my_o yoke_n be_v easy_a and_o my_o burden_n be_v light_a when_o the_o prodigal_n luke_n 15.20_o do_v once_o come_v home_o to_o his_o father_n with_o sorrow_n and_o shame_n conte_v his_o unworthiness_n yea_o but_o resolve_v to_o confess_v it_o his_o father_n prevent_v he_o and_o see_v he_o afar_o off_o and_o stay_v not_o his_o come_n but_o run_v and_o meet_v he_o and_o when_o he_o come_v to_o he_o he_o do_v not_o upbraid_v he_o with_o his_o sin_n nor_o say_v thou_o rebel_n why_o have_v thou_o forsake_v i_o and_o prefer_v harlot_n and_o luxury_n before_o i_o nay_o he_o do_v not_o so_o much_o as_o frown_v upon_o he_o but_o compassionate_o fall_v on_o his_o neck_n and_o kiss_v he_o alas_o
when_o the_o shake_a wind_n of_o that_o stormy_a temptation_n be_v over_o the_o soul_n will_v return_v to_o christ_n by_o repentance_n love_n and_o renew_v obedience_n but_o then_o to_o know_v what_o state_n he_o be_v relative_o in_o this_o while_n as_o to_o his_o justification_n and_o reconciliation_n and_o right_a to_o glory_n be_v the_o point_n of_o exceed_a difficulty_n whether_o as_o we_o distinguish_v of_o habitual_a faith_n and_o love_n and_o obedience_n which_o he_o have_v not_o lose_v and_o actual_a which_o he_o have_v lose_v so_o we_o must_v make_v some_o answerable_a distinction_n of_o justification_n habitual_a and_o actual_a it_o can_v be_v into_o virtual_a justification_n which_o he_o have_v not_o lose_v and_o actual_a justification_n which_o he_o have_v lose_v or_o into_o plenary_a justification_n which_o he_o have_v not_o and_o imperfect_a justification_n want_v a_o further_a act_n to_o make_v it_o plenary_a which_o may_v remain_v but_o still_o it_o will_v be_v more_o difficult_a to_o show_v punctual_o what_o this_o imperfect_a or_o virtual_a justification_n be_v and_o most_o difficult_a to_o show_v whether_o with_o the_o loss_n of_o actual_a plenary_a justification_n and_o the_o loss_n of_o a_o plenary_a right_o to_o heaven_n a_o man_n salvation_n may_v consist_v that_o be_v whether_o if_o he_o shall_v die_v in_o that_o condition_n he_o shall_v be_v save_v or_o condemn_v or_o if_o it_o be_v say_v that_o he_o shall_v certain_o repent_v 1._o yet_o such_o a_o supposition_n may_v be_v put_v while_o he_o yet_o repent_v not_o for_o the_o enquiry_n into_o his_o state_n how_o far_o there_o be_v any_o intercision_n of_o his_o justification_n pardon_v adoption_n or_o right_n to_o salvation_n 2._o and_o whether_o it_o can_v full_o be_v prove_v that_o it_o be_v impossible_a or_o that_o which_o never_o be_v or_o shall_v be_v for_o a_o regenerate_v man_n to_o die_v in_o the_o very_a act_n of_o a_o gross_a sin_n as_o self-murder_n or_o the_o like_a for_o my_o part_n i_o think_v god_n have_v purposely_o leave_v we_o here_o in_o the_o dark_a that_o we_o may_v not_o be_v too_o bold_a in_o sin_v but_o may_v know_v that_o whether_o the_o gross_a sin_n of_o believer_n be_v such_o as_o destroy_v their_o justification_n and_o right_a to_o glory_n prevalent_o or_o not_o yet_o certain_o they_o leave_v they_o in_o the_o dark_a as_o to_o any_o certainty_n of_o their_o justification_n or_o salvation_n and_o then_o more_o dark_a be_v it_o and_o impossible_a to_o discover_v how_o far_o a_o man_n may_v go_v in_o these_o grosser_n sin_n and_o yet_o have_v the_o prevalent_a habit_n of_o grace_n as_o to_o the_o former_a question_n about_o the_o intercision_n of_o justification_n i_o be_o somewhat_o inclinable_a to_o think_v that_o the_o habit_n of_o faith_n have_v more_o to_o do_v in_o our_o justification_n than_o i_o have_v former_o think_v and_o may_v as_o proper_o be_v say_v to_o be_v the_o condition_n as_o the_o act_n and_o that_o as_o long_o as_o a_o man_n be_v in_o a_o prevalent_a degree_n habitual_o a_o believer_n he_o be_v not_o only_o imperfect_o and_o virtual_o justify_v but_o so_o far_o actual_o justify_v that_o he_o shall_v be_v save_v though_o he_o be_v cut_v off_o before_o he_o actual_o repent_v and_o that_o he_o be_v already_o habitual_o penitent_a have_v a_o hatred_n of_o all_o sin_n as_o sin_n shall_v be_v save_v if_o mere_a want_n of_o opportunity_n do_v prevent_v the_o act_n and_o that_o only_o those_o sin_n do_v bring_v a_o man_n into_o a_o state_n of_o condemnation_n or_o prove_v he_o in_o such_o which_o consist_v not_o with_o the_o habitual_a pre-eminence_n of_o christ_n interest_n in_o our_o soul_n above_o the_o interest_n of_o the_o flesh_n and_o world_n and_o that_o david_n and_o peter_n be_v such_o as_o do_v consist_v with_o the_o pre-eminence_n of_o christ_n interest_n in_o the_o habit_n but_o withal_o that_o such_o gross_a sin_n must_v needs_o be_v observable_a and_o so_o the_o soul_n that_o be_v guilty_a do_v ordinary_o know_v its_o guilt_n yea_o and_o think_v of_o it_o and_o that_o it_o be_v inconsistent_a with_o this_o habitual_a repentance_n not_o to_o repent_v actual_o as_o soon_o as_o time_n be_v afford_v and_o the_o violence_n of_o passion_n so_o far_o allay_v as_o that_o the_o soul_n may_v recollect_v itself_o and_o reason_n have_v its_o free_a use_n and_o that_o he_o that_o have_v this_o leisure_n and_o opportunity_n for_o the_o free_a use_n of_o reason_n and_o yet_o do_v not_o repent_v it_o be_v a_o sign_n that_o the_o interest_n of_o the_o flesh_n be_v habitual_o as_o well_o as_o actual_o strong_a than_o christ_n interest_n in_o he_o i_o say_v in_o this_o doubtful_a case_n i_o be_o most_o incline_v to_o judge_v thus_o but_o as_o i_o will_v have_v no_o man_n take_v this_o as_o my_o resolve_a judgement_n much_o less_o as_o certain_a truth_n and_o least_o of_o all_o to_o venture_v on_o sin_n or_o impenitency_n ever_o the_o more_o for_o such_o a_o doubtful_a opinion_n which_o do_v not_o conclude_v he_o to_o be_v certain_o unjustified_a so_o i_o be_o utter_o ignorant_a both_o how_o long_o sensual_a passion_n may_v possible_o rage_v and_o keep_v the_o soul_n from_o sober_a consideration_n or_o how_o far_o they_o may_v interpose_v in_o the_o very_a time_n of_o consideration_n and_o frustrate_v it_o and_o prevail_v against_o it_o and_o so_o keep_v the_o sinner_n from_o actual_a repent_v or_o at_o least_o from_o a_o full_a ingenuous_a acknowledgement_n and_o bewail_v of_o the_o sin_n which_o be_v necessary_a to_o full_a repentance_n and_o how_o long_a repentance_n may_v be_v so_o far_o stifle_v as_o to_o remain_v only_o in_o some_o inward_a grudge_n of_o conscience_n and_o trouble_v of_o mind_n hinder_v from_o break_v out_o into_o free_a confession_n which_o seem_v to_o have_v be_v david_n case_n long_o nay_o it_o be_v impossible_a to_o know_v just_a how_o long_o a_o man_n may_v live_v in_o the_o very_a practice_n of_o such_o gross_a sin_n before_o christ_n habitual_a interest_n above_o the_o flesh_n be_v either_o overthrow_v or_o prove_v not_o to_o be_v there_o and_o how_o oft_o a_o man_n that_o have_v true_a grace_n may_v commit_v such_o sin_n these_o thing_n be_v undiscernible_a beside_o that_o none_o can_v punctual_o define_v a_o gross_a sin_n so_o as_o to_o exclude_v every_o degree_n of_o infirmity_n and_o include_v every_o degree_n of_o such_o gross_a sin_n perhaps_o you_o will_v marvel_n why_o i_o run_v so_o far_o in_o this_o point_n it_o be_v both_o to_o give_v you_o as_o much_o light_n as_o i_o can_v what_o sin_n they_o be_v which_o be_v to_o be_v call_v infirmity_n and_o so_o what_o sin_n they_o be_v that_o do_v forbid_v that_o gentle_a comfort_v way_n of_o cure_n when_o the_o soul_n be_v trouble_v for_o they_o which_o must_v be_v use_v with_o those_o that_o be_v trouble_v more_o than_o needs_o or_o upon_o mistake_n and_o also_o to_o convince_v you_o of_o this_o weighty_a truth_n that_o our_o comfort_n yea_o and_o assurance_n have_v a_o great_a dependence_n on_o our_o actual_a obedience_n yea_o so_o great_a that_o the_o least_o obedient_a sort_n of_o sincere_a christian_n can_v by_o ordinary_a mean_n have_v any_o assurance_n and_o the_o most_o obedient_a if_o other_o necessary_n concur_v will_v have_v th●_n most_o assurance_n and_o for_o the_o middle_a sort_n their_o assurance_n will_v rise_v and_o fall_v ordinary_o with_o their_o obedience_n so_o that_o there_o be_v no_o way_n to_o comfort_v such_o offend_a christian_n but_o by_o reduce_v they_o to_o full_a obedience_n by_o faith_n and_o repentance_n that_o so_o the_o evidence_n of_o their_o justification_n may_v be_v clear_a and_o the_o great_a impediment_n of_o their_o assurance_n and_o comfort_n be_v remove_v this_o i_o will_v yet_o make_v clear_a to_o you_o by_o its_o reason_n and_o then_o tell_v you_o how_o to_o apply_v it_o to_o yourself_o 1._o no_o man_n can_v be_v sure_a of_o his_o salvation_n or_o justification_n but_o he_o that_o be_v sure_a of_o his_o true_a faith_n and_o love_n and_o no_o man_n can_v be_v sure_a of_o his_o true_a faith_n and_o love_n but_o he_o that_o be_v sure_a of_o the_o sincerity_n of_o his_o obedience_n for_o true_a faith_n do_v ever_o take_v god_n for_o our_o great_a sovereign_n and_o christ_n for_o our_o lord-redeemer_n and_o contain_v a_o covenant-delivery_n of_o a_o man_n self_n to_o god_n and_o the_o redeemer_n to_o be_v rule_v by_o he_o as_o a_o subject_a child_n servant_n and_o spouse_n this_o be_v not_o do_v sincere_o and_o saving_o unless_o there_o be_v a_o actual_a and_o habitual_a resolution_n to_o obey_v god_n and_o the_o redeemer_n before_o all_o creature_n and_o against_o all_o temptation_n that_o will_v draw_v we_o from_o he_o to_o obey_v christ_n a_o little_a and_o the_o flesh_n more_o be_v no_o true_a obedience_n if_o the_o flesh_n can_v
have_v so_o strong_a and_o inseparable_a a_o seat_n as_o our_o sensual_a appetite_n and_o in_o that_o it_o act_v so_o violent_o and_o raging_o as_o it_o do_v so_o that_o it_o bear_v down_o a_o weak_a opposition_n of_o reason_n and_o will_n and_o carry_v we_o on_o blindfold_a and_o transform_v we_o into_o bruit_n i_o will_v not_o here_o put_v the_o question_n concern_v the_o gross_a act_n of_o this_o sin_n of_o that_o anon_o but_o i_o will_v have_v you_o very_o jealous_a of_o a_o sensual_a disposition_n when_o a_o man_n can_v deny_v his_o appetite_n what_o it_o will_v have_v or_o at_o least_o covetousness_n can_v do_v more_o in_o restrain_v it_o than_o conscience_n when_o a_o man_n can_v make_v a_o covenant_n with_o his_o eye_n but_o must_v gaze_v on_o every_o allure_a object_n when_o the_o flesh_n draw_v to_o forbid_a pleasure_n in_o meat_n drink_n apparel_z recreation_n lasciviousness_n and_o all_o the_o consideration_n of_o reason_n can_v restrain_v it_o this_o be_v a_o sad_a case_n and_o god_n may_v well_o give_v over_o such_o to_o sadness_n of_o heart_n if_o we_o walk_v so_o pleas_o to_o the_o flesh_n god_n will_v walk_v more_o displease_o to_o we_o and_o as_o you_o shall_v be_v jealous_a of_o these_o great_a heart-transgression_n so_o shall_v you_o be_v of_o particular_a actual_a sin_n examine_v whether_o the_o jealous_a eye_n of_o god_n see_v not_o something_o that_o much_o offend_v he_o and_o cause_v your_o heaviness_n i_o will_v not_o enlarge_v so_o far_o as_o to_o mind_v you_o of_o the_o particular_a sin_n that_o you_o shall_v look_v after_o see_v it_o must_v be_v all_o and_o your_o obedience_n must_v be_v universal_a only_o one_o i_o will_v give_v you_o a_o hint_n of_o i_o have_v observe_v god_n sometime_o show_v himself_o most_o displease_v and_o angry_a to_o these_o christian_n who_o have_v the_o least_o tenderness_n and_o compassion_n towards_o the_o infirmity_n of_o other_o he_o that_o have_v make_v the_o forgive_a other_o a_o necessary_a condition_n of_o god_n forgive_a we_o will_v sure_o withdraw_v the_o sense_n of_o our_o forgiveness_n when_o we_o withdraw_v our_o forgiveness_n and_o compassion_n to_o man_n he_o that_o cast_v the_o unmerciful_a servant_n into_o hell_n who_o take_v his_o fellow-servant_n by_o the_o throat_n will_v threaten_v we_o and_o frown_v upon_o we_o if_o we_o come_v but_o near_o it_o bless_a be_v the_o merciful_a for_o they_o shall_v obtain_v mercy_n he_o shall_v have_v judgement_n without_o mercy_n that_o show_v no_o mercy_n jam._n 2.13_o study_v well_o rom._n 14._o &_o 15._o chap._n &_o gal._n 6._o which_o the_o proud_a censorious_a self-esteeming_a professor_n of_o this_o age_n have_v study_v so_o little_a and_o will_v not_o understand_v when_o we_o deal_v sour_o and_o churlish_o with_o our_o weak_a brethren_n and_o in_o stead_n of_o win_v a_o offendor_n by_o love_n we_o will_v vilify_v he_o and_o disdain_v he_o and_o say_v how_o can_v such_o a_o man_n have_v any_o grace_n and_o will_v think_v and_o speak_v hardly_o of_o those_o that_o do_v but_o cherish_v any_o hope_n that_o he_o may_v be_v gracious_a or_o speak_v of_o he_o with_o tenderness_n and_o compassion_n no_o wonder_n if_o god_n force_v the_o conscience_n of_o such_o person_n to_o deal_v as_o churlish_o and_o sour_o with_o they_o and_o to_o clamour_n against_o they_o and_o say_v how_o can_v thou_o have_v any_o true_a grace_n who_o have_v such_o sin_n as_o these_o when_o our_o lord_n himself_o deal_v always_o so_o tender_o with_o sinner_n that_o it_o give_v occasion_n to_o the_o slanderous_a pharisees_n to_o say_v he_o be_v a_o friend_n of_o publican_n and_o sinner_n and_o so_o he_o be_v even_o their_o great_a friend_n and_o his_o command_n to_o we_o be_v we_o then_o that_o be_v strong_a aught_o to_o bear_v the_o infirmity_n of_o the_o weak_a and_o not_o to_o please_v ourselves_o let_v every_o one_o of_o we_o please_v his_o neighbour_n for_o his_o good_a to_o edification_n for_o even_o christ_n please_v not_o himself_o rom._n 15.1.23_o and_o gal._n 6.1_o 2._o brethren_n if_o a_o man_n be_v overtake_v with_o a_o fault_n you_o which_o be_v spiritual_a restore_v such_o a_o one_o in_o the_o spirit_n of_o meekness_n consider_v thyself_o lest_o thou_o also_o be_v tempt_v bear_v you_o one_o another_o burden_n and_o so_o fulfil_v the_o law_n of_o christ_n when_o people_n can_v bear_v with_o almost_o no_o infirmity_n in_o a_o neighbour_n in_o a_o servant_n or_o in_o their_o near_a friend_n but_o will_v make_v the_o worst_a of_o every_o fault_n no_o wonder_n if_o god_n make_v such_o feel_v their_o deal_n with_o other_o by_o his_o deal_n with_o they_o have_v such_o that_o love_n to_o their_o poor_a brethren_n which_o think_v no_o evil_a and_o speak_v not_o evil_a which_o suffer_v long_a and_o be_v kind_a envy_v not_o vaunt_v not_o itself_o be_v not_o puff_v up_o behave_v not_o itself_o unseemly_a seek_v not_o her_o own_o be_v not_o easy_o provoke_v bear_v all_o thing_n believe_v all_o thing_n hope_v all_o thing_n endure_v all_o thing_n 1_o cor._n 13.4_o 5_o 7._o have_v we_o more_o of_o this_o love_n which_o cover_v a_o multitude_n of_o infirmity_n god_n will_v cover_v our_o infirmity_n the_o more_o and_o tell_v we_o of_o they_o and_o trouble_v we_o for_o they_o the_o less_o to_o this_o sin_n i_o may_v add_v another_o which_o be_v scarce_o another_o but_o partly_o the_o same_o with_o this_o and_o partly_o its_o immediate_a effect_n and_o that_o be_v vnpeaceableness_n and_o unquietness_n with_o those_o about_o we_o this_o common_o occasion_v god_n to_o make_v we_o as_o unpeaceable_a and_o unquiet_a in_o ourselves_o when_o people_n be_v so_o froward_a and_o peevish_a and_o troublesome_a that_o few_o can_v live_v in_o peace_n with_o they_o either_o in_o family_n or_o neighbourhood_n except_o those_o that_o have_v little_a to_o do_v with_o they_o or_o those_o that_o can_v humour_v they_o in_o all_o thing_n and_o have_v a_o extraordinary_a skill_n in_o smooth_a speak_n flatter_a or_o man-pleasing_a so_o that_o neighbour_n servant_n child_n and_o sometime_o their_o own_o yoak-fellow_n must_v be_v go_v from_o they_o and_o may_v not_o abide_v near_o they_o as_o a_o man_n get_v out_o of_o the_o way_n from_o a_o wild_a beast_n or_o a_o mad_a dog_n or_o avoid_v the_o flame_n of_o a_o rage_a fire_n be_v it_o any_o wonder_n if_o god_n give_v these_o people_n as_o little_a peace_n in_o their_o own_o spirit_n as_o they_o give_v to_o other_o when_o people_n be_v so_o hard_a to_o be_v please_v that_o no_o body_n about_o they_o or_o near_o they_o can_v tell_v how_o to_o fit_v their_o humour_n neighbour_n can_v please_v they_o servant_n can_v please_v they_o husband_n or_o wife_n can_v please_v each_o other_o every_o word_n be_v speak_v amiss_o and_o every_o thing_n do_v amiss_o to_o they_o what_o wonder_v if_o god_n seem_v hard_a to_o be_v please_v and_o as_o frequent_o offend_v with_o they_o especial_o if_o their_o unpeaceableness_n trouble_v the_o church_n and_o in_o their_o turbulence_n and_o self-conceitedness_n they_o break_v the_o peace_n thereof_o thus_o i_o have_v tell_v you_o what_o sin_n you_o must_v look_v after_o when_o you_o find_v your_o peace_n break_v and_o your_o conscience_n disquiet_v search_v careful_o lest_o some_o iniquity_n lie_v at_o the_o root_n some_o i_o know_v will_v think_v that_o it_o be_v a_o unseasonable_a discourse_n to_o a_o trouble_a conscience_n to_o mind_v they_o so_o much_o of_o their_o sin_n which_o they_o be_v apt_a to_o look_v at_o too_o much_o already_o but_o to_o such_o i_o answer_v either_o those_o sin_n be_v mortify_v and_o forsake_v or_o not_o if_o they_o be_v then_o these_o be_v not_o the_o person_n that_o i_o speak_v of_o who_o trouble_n be_v feed_v by_o continue_a sin_n but_o i_o shall_v speak_v more_o to_o they_o anon_o if_o not_o than_o it_o seem_v for_o all_o their_o trouble_n of_o conscience_n sin_n be_v not_o sufficient_o lay_v to_o heart_n yet_o the_o chief_a thing_n therefore_o that_o i_o intend_v in_o all_o this_o discourse_n be_v this_o follow_a advice_n to_o those_o that_o upon_o search_n do_v find_v themselves_o guilty_a in_o any_o of_o these_o case_n as_o ever_o you_o will_v have_v peace_n of_o conscience_n set_v yourselves_o present_o against_o your_o sin_n and_o do_v not_o either_o mistake_o cry_v out_o of_o one_o sore_n when_o it_o be_v another_o that_o be_v your_o malady_n nor_o yet_o spend_v your_o day_n in_o fear_n and_o disquietness_n of_o mind_n and_o fruitless_a complain_n and_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n continue_v in_o wilful_a sin_v but_o resist_v sin_n more_o and_o torment_v your_o mind_n less_o and_o break_v off_o your_o sin_n and_o your_o terror_n together_o in_o these_o word_n i_o tell_v you_o what_o must_v be_v do_v for_o your_o cure_n and_o i_o warn_v you_o of_o two_o sore_a
mistake_n of_o many_o sad_a christian_n hereabout_o the_o cure_n lie_v in_o break_v off_o sin_n to_o the_o utmost_a of_o your_o power_n this_o be_v the_o achan_n that_o disquiet_v all_o it_o be_v god_n great_a mercy_n that_o he_o disquiet_v you_o in_o sin_v and_o give_v you_o not_o over_o to_o so_o deep_a a_o slumber_n and_o peace_n in_o sin_n as_o may_v hinder_v your_o repentance_n and_o reformation_n the_o dangerous_a mistake_n here_o be_v these_o two_o 1._o some_o do_v as_o the_o lapwing_n cry_v loud_a when_o they_o be_v further_a from_o the_o nest_n and_o complain_v of_o a_o ache_a tooth_n when_o the_o disease_n be_v in_o the_o head_n or_o heart_n they_o cry_v out_o o_o i_o have_v such_o wander_a thought_n in_o prayer_n and_o such_o a_o bad_a memory_n and_o so_o hard_a a_o heart_n that_o i_o can_v weep_v for_o sin_n or_o such_o doubt_n and_o fear_n and_o so_o little_a sense_n of_o the_o love_n of_o god_n that_o i_o doubt_v i_o have_v no_o true_a grace_n when_o they_o shall_v rather_o say_v i_o have_v so_o proud_a a_o heart_n that_o god_n be_v fain_o by_o these_o sad_a mean_n to_o humble_v i_o i_o be_o so_o high_a in_o my_o own_o eye_n so_o wise_a in_o my_o own_o conceit_n and_o so_o tender_a of_o my_o own_o esteem_n and_o credit_n that_o god_n be_v fain_o to_o make_v i_o base_a in_o my_o own_o eye_n and_o to_o abhor_v myself_o i_o be_o so_o worldly_a and_o in_o love_n with_o earth_n that_o it_o draw_v away_o my_o thought_n from_o god_n dull_v my_o love_n and_o spoil_v all_o my_o duty_n i_o be_o so_o sensual_a that_o i_o venture_v soon_o to_o displease_v my_o god_n then_o my_o flesh_n i_o have_v so_o little_a compassion_n on_o the_o infirmity_n of_o neighbour_n and_o servant_n and_o other_o brethren_n and_o deal_v so_o censorious_o churlish_o and_o unmerciful_o with_o they_o that_o god_n be_v fain_o to_o hide_v his_o mercy_n from_o i_o and_o speak_v to_o i_o as_o in_o anger_n and_o vex_v i_o as_o in_o sore_a displeasure_n i_o be_o so_o froward_a peevish_a quarrelsome_a unpeaceable_a and_o hard_a to_o be_v please_v that_o it_o be_v no_o wonder_n if_o i_o have_v no_o peace_n with_o god_n or_o in_o my_o own_o conscience_n and_o if_o i_o have_v so_o little_a quietness_n who_o love_n and_o seek_v it_o no_o more_o many_o have_v more_o reason_n i_o say_v to_o turn_v their_o complaint_n into_o this_o tune_n 2._o another_o most_o common_a unhappy_a miscarriage_n of_o sad_a christian_n lie_v here_o that_o they_o will_v rather_o continue_v complain_v and_o self-tormenting_a then_o give_v over_o sin_v so_o far_o as_o they_o may_v give_v it_o over_o if_o they_o will_v i_o beseech_v you_o in_o the_o name_n of_o god_n to_o know_v and_o consider_v what_o it_o be_v that_o god_n require_v of_o you_o he_o do_v not_o desire_v your_o vexation_n but_o your_o reformation_n no_o further_o do_v he_o desire_v the_o trouble_n of_o your_o mind_n then_o as_o it_o tend_v to_o the_o avoid_n of_o that_o sin_n which_o be_v the_o cause_n of_o it_o god_n will_v have_v you_o less_o in_o your_o fear_n and_o trouble_n and_o more_o in_o your_o obedience_n obey_v more_o and_o disquiet_v your_o mind_n less_o will_v you_o take_v this_o counsel_n present_o and_o see_v whether_o it_o will_v not_o do_v you_o more_o good_a than_o all_o the_o complaint_n and_o doubt_n of_o your_o whole_a life_n have_v do_v set_a yourself_o with_o all_o your_o might_n against_o your_o pride_n worldliness_n and_o sensuality_n your_o unpeaceableness_n and_o want_n of_o love_n and_o tenderness_n to_o your_o brethren_n and_o whatever_o other_o sin_n your_o conscience_n be_v acquaint_v with_o i_o pray_v you_o tell_v i_o if_o you_o have_v gravel_n in_o your_o shoe_n in_o your_o travel_n will_v it_o not_o be_v more_o wisdom_n to_o sit_v down_o and_o take_v off_o your_o shoe_n and_o cast_v it_o out_o then_o to_o stand_v still_o or_o go_v complain_v and_o tell_v every_o one_o you_o meet_v of_o your_o soreness_n if_o you_o have_v a_o thorn_n in_o your_o foot_n will_v you_o go_v on_o halt_v and_o lament_v or_o will_v you_o pull_v it_o out_o true_o sin_n be_v the_o thorn_n in_o your_o conscience_n and_o those_o that_o will_v not_o have_v such_o trouble_a conscience_n tell_v of_o their_o sin_n for_o fear_n of_o increase_v their_o distress_n be_v unskilful_a comforter_n and_o will_v continue_v the_o trouble_n while_o the_o thorn_n be_v in_o as_o ever_o you_o will_v have_v peace_n then_o resolve_v against_o sin_n to_o the_o utmost_a of_o your_o power_n never_o excuse_v it_o or_o cherish_v it_o or_o favour_v it_o more_o confess_v it_o free_o thank_v those_o that_o reprove_v you_o for_o it_o desire_v those_o about_o you_o to_o watch_v over_o you_o and_o to_o tell_v you_o of_o it_o yea_o to_o tell_v you_o of_o all_o suspicious_a sign_n that_o they_o see_v of_o it_o though_o it_o be_v not_o evident_a and_o if_o you_o do_v not_o see_v so_o much_o pride_n worldliness_n unpeaceableness_n or_o other_o sin_n in_o yourself_o as_o your_o friend_n think_v they_o see_v in_o you_o yet_o let_v their_o judgement_n make_v you_o jealous_a of_o your_o heart_n see_v self-love_n do_v oft_o so_o blind_v we_o that_o we_o can_v see_v that_o evil_n in_o ourselves_o which_o other_o see_v in_o we_o nay_o which_o all_o the_o town_n may_v take_v notice_n of_o and_o be_v sure_a to_o engage_v your_o friend_n that_o they_o shall_v not_o smooth_a over_o your_o fault_n or_o mince_v they_o and_o tell_v you_o of_o they_o in_o extenuate_a language_n which_o may_v hinder_v conviction_n and_o repentance_n much_o less_o silence_v they_o for_o fear_n of_o displease_v you_o but_o that_o they_o will_v deal_v free_o and_o faithful_o with_o you_o and_o see_v that_o you_o distaste_n they_o not_o and_o discountenance_v not_o their_o plain_a deal_n lest_o you_o discourage_v they_o and_o deprive_v your_o soul_n of_o so_o great_a a_o benefit_n think_v best_a of_o those_o as_o your_o great_a friend_n who_o be_v least_o friend_n to_o your_o sin_n and_o do_v most_o for_o your_o recovery_n very_o from_o it_o if_o you_o say_v alas_o i_o be_o not_o able_a to_o mortify_v my_o sin_n it_o be_v not_o in_o my_o power_n i_o answer_v 1._o i_o speak_v not_o of_o a_o perfect_a conquest_n nor_o of_o a_o freedom_n from_o every_o passion_n or_o infirmity_n 2._o take_v heed_n of_o pretend_v disability_n when_o it_o be_v unwillingness_n if_o you_o be_v hearty_o willing_a you_o will_v be_v able_a to_o do_v much_o and_o god_n will_v strengthen_v you_o can_v you_o resist_v pride_n worldliness_n and_o sensuality_n if_o you_o be_v willing_a can_v you_o forbear_v most_o of_o the_o actual_a sin_n you_o commit_v and_o perform_v the_o duty_n that_o you_o omit_v if_o you_o be_v willing_a though_o not_o so_o well_o as_o you_o will_v perform_v they_o yea_o let_v i_o say_v this_o much_o lest_o i_o endanger_v you_o by_o spare_v you_o many_o a_o miserable_a hypocrite_n do_v live_v in_o trouble_n of_o mind_n and_o complain_v and_o after_o all_o perish_v for_o their_o wilful_a disobedience_n do_v not_o the_o rich_a young_a man_n go_v far_o before_o he_o will_v break_v off_o with_o christ_n and_o when_o he_o do_v leave_v he_o he_o go_v away_o sorrowful_a and_o what_o be_v the_o cause_n of_o his_o sorrow_n why_o the_o matter_n be_v that_o he_o can_v not_o be_v save_v without_o sell_v all_o and_o give_v it_o to_o the_o poor_a when_o he_o have_v great_a possession_n it_o be_v not_o that_o he_o can_v not_o be_v rid_v of_o his_o sin_n but_o that_o he_o can_v not_o have_v christ_n and_o heaven_n without_o forsake_v the_o world_n this_o be_v the_o case_n of_o unsanctified_a person_n that_o be_v enlighten_v to_o see_v the_o need_n of_o christ_n but_o be_v not_o wean_v from_o worldly_a profit_n honour_n and_o pleasure_n they_o be_v perhaps_o trouble_v in_o mind_n and_o i_o can_v blame_v they_o but_o it_o be_v not_o that_o they_o can_v leave_v sin_v but_o that_o they_o can_v have_v heaven_n without_o leave_v their_o delight_n and_o contentment_n on_o earth_n sin_n as_o sin_n they_o will_v willing_o leave_v for_o no_o man_n can_v love_v evil_a as_o evil_n but_o their_o fleshly_a profit_n honour_n and_o pleasure_n they_o will_v not_o leave_v and_o there_o be_v the_o stop_n and_o this_o be_v the_o cause_n of_o their_o sorrow_n and_o fear_n for_o their_o own_o judgement_n cry_v out_o against_o they_o he_o that_o love_v the_o world_n the_o love_n of_o the_o father_n be_v not_o in_o he_o if_o you_o live_v after_o the_o flesh_n you_o shall_v die_v god_n resist_v the_o proud_a this_o be_v the_o voice_n of_o their_o inform_v understanding_n and_o conscience_n second_v it_o and_o say_v thou_o be_v the_o man_n but_o the_o flesh_n cry_v loud_a than_o both_o these_o will_v thou_o leave_v
to_o do_v very_o much_o for_o the_o save_n of_o soul_n to_o relieve_v the_o poor_a to_o set_v their_o child_n to_o trade_n to_o ease_v the_o oppress_v how_o easy_a to_o maintain_v two_o or_o three_o poor_a scholar_n at_o the_o university_n for_o the_o service_n of_o the_o church_n but_o i_o hear_v but_o of_o few_o that_o do_v ever_o the_o more_o in_o it_o except_z three_z or_o four_o of_o my_o friend_n in_o these_o part_n let_v i_o further_o tell_v you_o god_n do_v not_o leave_v it_o to_o they_o as_o a_o indifferent_a thing_n math._n 25._o they_o must_v feed_v christ_n in_o the_o poor_a or_o else_o starve_v in_o hell_n themselves_o they_o must_v clothe_v naked_a christ_n in_o the_o poor_a or_o be_v lay_v naked_a to_o his_o fiery_a indignation_n for_o ever_o how_o much_o more_o diligent_o than_o must_v they_o help_v man_n soul_n and_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n as_o the_o need_n be_v great_a and_o the_o work_n better_o oh_o the_o blind_a power_n of_o riches_n o_o the_o easiness_n of_o man_n heart_n to_o be_v delude_v do_v rich_a man_n never_o think_v to_o lie_v rot_v in_o the_o dust_n do_v they_o never_o think_v that_o they_o must_v be_v accountable_a for_o all_o their_o riches_n and_o for_o all_o their_o time_n and_o power_n and_o interest_n do_v they_o not_o know_v that_o it_o will_v comfort_v they_o more_o at_o death_n &_o judgement_n to_o hear_v in_o their_o reckon_n item_n so_o much_o give_v to_o such_o &_o such_o poor_a so_o much_o to_o promote_v the_o gospel_n so_o much_o to_o maintain_v poor_a scholar_n while_o they_o study_v to_o prepare_v themselves_o for_o the_o ministry_n etc._n etc._n then_o to_o hear_v so_o much_o in_o such_o a_o feast_n to_o entertain_v such_o gallant_n to_o please_v such_o noble_a friend_n so_o much_o at_o dice_n at_o card_n at_o horserace_n at_o cock-fights_a so_o much_o in_o excess_n of_o apparel_n and_o the_o rest_n to_o leave_v my_o posterity_n in_o the_o like_a pomp_n do_v they_o not_o know_v that_o it_o will_v comfort_v they_o more_o to_o hear_v then_o of_o their_o time_n spend_v in_o read_v scripture_n secret_a and_o open_a prayer_n instruct_v and_o examine_v their_o child_n and_o servant_n go_v to_o their_o poor_a neighbour_n house_n to_o see_v what_o they_o want_v and_o to_o persuade_v they_o to_o godliness_n and_o in_o be_v example_n of_o eminent_a holiness_n to_o all_o and_o in_o suppress_v vice_n and_o do_v justice_n then_o to_o hear_v of_o so_o much_o time_n spend_v in_o vain_a recreation_n visit_n luxury_n and_o idleness_n o_o deep_a unbelief_n and_o hardness_n of_o heart_n that_o make_v gentleman_n that_o they_o tremble_v not_o to_o think_v of_o this_o reckon_a well_o let_v i_o tell_v both_o they_o and_o all_o man_n that_o if_o they_o know_v but_o either_o that_o undispensable_a duty_n of_o do_v good_a that_o lie_v on_o they_o or_o how_o necessary_a and_o sure_a a_o way_n in_o subordination_n to_o christ_n this_o act_n of_o do_v good_a be_v for_o the_o soul_n peace_n and_o consolation_n they_o will_v study_v it_o better_o and_o practise_v it_o more_o faithful_o than_o now_o they_o do_v they_o will_v then_o be_v glad_a of_o a_o opportunity_n to_o do_v good_a for_o their_o own_o gain_n as_o well_o as_o for_o god_n honour_n and_o for_o the_o love_n of_o good_a itself_o they_o will_v know_v that_o lend_n to_o the_o lord_n be_v the_o only_a thrive_a usury_n and_o that_o no_o part_n of_o all_o their_o time_n riches_n interest_n in_o man_n power_n or_o honour_n will_v be_v then_o comfortable_a to_o they_o but_o that_o which_o be_v lay_v out_o for_o god_n and_o they_o will_v one_o day_n find_v that_o god_n will_v not_o take_v up_o with_o the_o scrap_n of_o their_o time_n and_o riches_n which_o their_o flesh_n can_v spare_v but_o he_o will_v be_v first_o serve_v even_o before_o all_o comer_n and_o that_o with_o the_o best_a or_o he_o will_v take_v they_o for_o no_o servant_n of_o he_o this_o be_v true_a and_o you_o will_v find_v it_o so_o whether_o you_o will_v now_o believe_v it_o or_o no._n and_o because_o it_o be_v possible_a these_o line_n may_v fall_v into_o the_o hand_n of_o some_o of_o the_o ruler_n of_o this_o commonwealth_n let_v i_o here_o mind_v they_o of_o two_o weighty_a thing_n 1._o what_o opportunity_n of_o do_v very_o great_a good_a have_v be_v long_o in_o their_o hand_n and_o how_o great_a a_o account_n of_o it_o they_o have_v to_o make_v it_o have_v be_v long_o in_o their_o power_n to_o have_v do_v much_o to_o the_o reconcile_n of_o our_o difference_n and_o heal_v our_o division_n by_o set_v divine_n a_o work_n of_o different_a judgement_n to_o find_v out_o a_o temperament_n for_o accommodation_n it_o have_v long_o be_v in_o their_o power_n to_o have_v do_v much_o towards_o the_o supply_n of_o all_o the_o dark_a congregation_n in_o england_n and_o wales_n with_o competent_o able_a sound_a and_o faithful_a teacher_n we_o have_v many_o congregation_n that_o do_v contain_v three_o thousand_o five_o thousand_o or_o ten_o thousand_o soul_n that_o have_v but_o one_o or_o two_o minister_n that_o can_v possible_o do_v the_o ten_o part_n of_o the_o ministerial_a work_n of_o private_a oversight_n and_o so_o poor_a soul_n must_v be_v neglect_v let_v minister_n be_v never_o so_o able_a or_o painful_a we_o have_v divers_a godly_a private_a christian_n of_o so_o much_o understanding_n as_o to_o be_v capable_a of_o help_v we_o as_o officer_n in_o our_o church_n but_o they_o be_v all_o so_o poor_a that_o they_o be_v not_o able_a to_o spare_v one_o hour_n in_o a_o day_n or_o two_o from_o their_o labour_n much_o less_o to_o give_v up_o themselves_o to_o the_o work_n how_o many_o a_o congregation_n be_v in_o the_o same_o case_n nothing_o almost_o be_v want_v to_o we_o to_o have_v set_v our_o congregation_n in_o the_o order_n of_o christ_n and_o do_v this_o great_a work_n of_o reformation_n which_o there_o be_v so_o much_o talk_v of_o so_o much_o as_o want_v of_o maintenance_n for_o a_o competent_a number_n of_o minister_n or_o elder_n to_o attend_v the_o work_n i_o be_o sure_a in_o great_a congregation_n this_o be_v the_o case_n and_o a_o sore_a that_o no_o other_o mean_n will_v remedy_v be_v it_o never_o in_o the_o power_n of_o our_o ruler_n to_o have_v help_v we_o here_o be_v nothing_o sell_v for_o other_o use_n that_o be_v once_o devote_v and_o dedicate_v to_o god_n and_o may_v have_v help_v we_o in_o this_o our_o miserable_a distress_n be_v our_o church_n able_a to_o maintain_v their_o own_o officer_n our_o case_n be_v more_o tolerable_a but_o when_o a_o congregation_n that_o want_v six_o or_o seven_o or_o ten_o be_v not_o able_a to_o maintain_v one_o it_o be_v hard_o 2._o the_o second_o thing_n that_o i_o will_v mind_v our_o ruler_n of_o be_v what_o mortal_a enemy_n those_o man_n be_v to_o their_o soul_n that_o will_v persuade_v they_o that_o they_o must_v not_o as_o ruler_n do_v good_a to_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n and_o to_o the_o church_n as_o such_o nor_o further_o the_o reformation_n nor_o propagate_v the_o gospel_n nor_o establish_v christ_n order_n in_o the_o church_n of_o their_o country_n any_o otherwise_o then_o by_o a_o common_a maintain_v the_o peace_n and_o liberty_n of_o all_o what_o doctrine_n can_v more_o desperate_o undo_v you_o if_o entertain_v if_o you_o be_v once_o persuade_v that_o it_o belong_v not_o to_o you_o to_o do_v good_a and_o the_o great_a good_a to_o which_o all_o your_o success_n have_v but_o make_v way_n than_o all_o the_o comfort_n the_o blessing_n and_o reward_n be_v lose_v and_o consequent_o all_o the_o glorious_a preparative_n success_n as_o to_o you_o be_v lose_v if_o once_o you_o take_v yourselves_o to_o have_v nothing_o to_o do_v as_o ruler_n for_o christ_n you_o can_v promise_v yourselves_o that_o christ_n will_v have_v any_o thing_n to_o do_v for_o you_o as_o ruler_n in_o a_o way_n of_o mercy_n this_o mr._n owen_n have_v late_o tell_v you_o in_o his_o sermon_n oct._n 13._o the_o god_n of_o heaven_n forbid_v that_o ever_o all_o the_o devil_n in_o hell_n the_o jesuit_n at_o rome_n or_o the_o seduce_a soul_n in_o england_n shall_v be_v able_a to_o persuade_v the_o ruler_n of_o this_o land_n who_o be_v so_o deep_o bind_v to_o god_n by_o vow_n mercy_n profession_n and_o high_a expense_n of_o treasure_n and_o blood_n to_o reform_v his_o church_n and_o propagate_v his_o gospel_n that_o now_o after_o all_o this_o it_o belong_v not_o to_o they_o but_o they_o must_v as_o ruler_n be_v no_o more_o for_o christ_n the●_n for_o mahomet_n but_o if_o ever_o it_o shall_v prove_v the_o sad_a case_n of_o england_n to_o have_v such_o ruler_n which_o i_o strong_o hope_n will_v never_o be_v if_o my_o prognostic_n fail_v not_o this_o will_v be_v their_o fate_n the_o
but_o use_v these_o three_o distinction_n 1._o between_o the_o act_n of_o the_o mere_a rational_a faculty_n understanding_n and_o will_n called_z elicit_v act_n and_o the_o act_n of_o the_o inferior_a faculty_n of_o soul_n and_o body_n call_v imperate_a acts._n 2._o between_o the_o act_n that_o be_v about_o the_o end_n immediate_o and_o those_o that_o be_v about_o the_o mean_n 3._o between_o the_o intention_n of_o a_o act_n and_o the_o objective-extension_n and_o comparison_n of_o object_n with_o object_n and_o so_o i_o say_v 1._o the_o end_n that_o be_v god_n and_o salvation_n can_v be_v too_o full_o know_v or_o too_o much_o love_v with_o a_o pure_a rational_a love_n of_o complacency_n nor_o too_o much_o seek_v by_o the_o act_n of_o the_o soul_n as_o pure_o rational_a for_o the_o end_n be_v love_v and_o seek_v for_o itself_o and_o be_v of_o infinite_a goodness_n must_v be_v love_v and_o seek_v without_o measure_n or_o limitation_n it_o be_v impossible_a here_o to_o exceed_v prop._n 2._o the_o mean_n while_o they_o be_v not_o misapprehended_n but_o take_v as_o mean_n and_o material_o well_o understand_v can_v be_v too_o clear_o discern_v nor_o too_o right_o choose_v nor_o too_o resolute_o prosecute_v prop._n 3._o it_o be_v too_o possible_a to_o mis-apprehend_a the_o mean_n and_o to_o place_v they_o instead_o of_o the_o end_n and_o so_o to_o overlove_n they_o prop._n 4._o the_o nature_n of_o all_o the_o mean_n consist_v in_o a_o middle_a or_o mean_a betwixt_o two_o extreme_n material_o both_o which_o extreme_n be_v sin_n so_o that_o it_o be_v possible_a to_o overdo_v about_o all_o the_o mean_n as_o to_o the_o matter_n of_o they_o and_o the_o extent_n of_o our_o act_n though_o we_o can_v love_v god_n too_o much_o yet_o it_o be_v possible_a to_o preach_v hear_v pray_v read_v meditate_v confer_v of_o good_a too_o much_o for_o one_o duty_n may_v shut_v out_o another_o and_o a_o great_a may_v be_v neglect_v by_o our_o over_n in_o a_o lesser_a which_o be_v the_o pharisee_n sin_n in_o sabbath-resting_a 5._o if_o we_o be_v never_o so_o right_a in_o the_o extension_n of_o our_o act_n yet_o we_o may_v go_v too_o far_o in_o the_o intention_n of_o the_o imperate_a act_n or_o passion_n of_o the_o soul_n and_o that_o both_o on_o the_o mean_n and_o end_n though_o the_o pure_a act_n of_o know_v or_o will_v can_v be_v too_o great_a towards_o god_n and_o salvation_n yet_o the_o passion_n and_o act_n common_o call_v sensitive_a may_v a_o man_n may_v think_v on_o god_n not_o only_o too_o much_o as_o to_o exclude_v other_o necessary_a thought_n but_o too_o intensly_n and_o love_n and_o desire_v too_o passionate_o for_o there_o be_v a_o degree_n of_o think_v or_o meditate_v and_o of_o passionate_a love_n and_o desire_n which_o the_o brain_n can_v bear_v but_o it_o will_v cause_v madness_n and_o quite_o overthrow_v the_o use_n of_o reason_n by_o overstretch_v the_o organ_n or_o by_o the_o extreme_a turbulence_n of_o the_o agitate_a spirit_n yet_o i_o never_o know_v the_o man_n nor_o ever_o shall_v do_v i_o think_v that_o be_v ever_o guilty_a of_o one_o of_o these_o excess_n that_o be_v of_o love_v or_o desire_v god_n so_o passionate_o as_o to_o distract_v he_o but_o i_o have_v often_o know_v weak-headed_n people_n that_o be_v not_o able_a to_o order_v their_o thought_n and_o many_o melancholy_a people_n guilty_a of_o the_o other_o that_o be_v of_o think_v too_o much_o and_o too_o serious_o and_o intense_o on_o good_a and_o holy_a thing_n whereby_o they_o have_v overthrow_v their_o reason_n and_o be_v distract_v and_o here_o i_o will_v give_v all_o such_o weak-headed_n melancholy_a person_n this_o warning_n that_o whereas_o in_o my_o book_n of_o rest_n i_o so_o much_o press_v a_o constant_a course_n of_o heavenly_a meditation_n i_o do_v intend_v it_o only_o for_o sound_a head_n and_o not_o for_o the_o melancholy_a that_o have_v weak_a head_n and_o be_v unable_a to_o bear_v it_o that_o may_v be_v their_o sin_n which_o to_o other_o be_v a_o very_a great_a duty_n while_o they_o think_v to_o do_v that_o which_o they_o can_v do_v they_o will_v but_o disable_v themselves_o for_o that_o which_o they_o can_v do_v i_o will_v therefore_o advise_v those_o melancholy_a person_n who_o mind_n be_v so_o trouble_v and_o head_n weaken_v that_o they_o be_v in_o danger_n of_o overthrow_v their_o understanding_n which_o usual_o begin_v in_o multitude_n of_o scruple_n and_o restlessness_n of_o mind_n and_o continual_a fear_n and_o blasphemous_a temptation_n where_o it_o begin_v with_o these_o distraction_n be_v at_o hand_n if_o not_o prevent_v that_o they_o forbear_v meditation_n as_o be_v no_o duty_n to_o they_o though_o it_o be_v to_o other_o and_o instead_o of_o it_o be_v the_o more_o in_o those_o duty_n which_o they_o be_v fit_a for_o especial_o conference_n with_o judicious_a christian_n and_o cheerful_a and_o thankful_a acknowledgement_n of_o god_n mercy_n and_o thus_o have_v i_o show_v you_o how_o far_o we_o may_v possible_o exceed_v in_o god_n service_n let_v i_o now_o a_o little_a apply_v it_o it_o have_v ever_o be_v the_o devil_n policy_n to_o begin_v in_o persuade_v man_n to_o worldlyness_n flesh-pleasing_a security_n and_o presumption_n and_o utter_a neglect_n of_o god_n and_o their_o soul_n or_o at_o least_o prefer_v their_o body_n and_o worldly_a thing_n and_o by_o this_o mean_v he_o destroy_v the_o world_n but_o where_o this_o will_v not_o take_v but_o god_n awake_v man_n effectual_o and_o cast_v out_o the_o sleepy_a devil_n usual_o he_o fill_v man_n head_n with_o needless_a scruple_n and_o next_o set_v they_o on_o a_o religion_n not_o command_v and_o will_v make_v poor_a soul_n believe_v they_o do_v nothing_o if_o they_o do_v not_o more_o than_o god_n have_v command_v they_o when_o the_o devil_n have_v no_o other_o way_n leave_v to_o destroy_v religion_n and_o godliness_n he_o will_v pretend_v to_o be_v religious_a and_o godly_a himself_o and_o then_o he_o be_v always_o over-religious_a and_o over-god_o in_o his_o material_n all_o over_n in_o god_n work_n be_v undo_n and_o who_o ever_o you_o meet_v with_o that_o will_v overdo_v suspect_v he_o to_o be_v either_o a_o subtle_a destroy_a enemy_n or_o one_o delude_v by_o the_o destroyer_n o_o what_o a_o tragedy_n can_v i_o here_o show_v you_o of_o the_o devil_n act_v and_o what_o a_o mystery_n in_o the_o hellish_a art_n of_o deceive_v can_v i_o open_v to_o you_o and_o shall_v i_o keep_v the_o devil_n counsel_n no._n o_o that_o god_n will_v open_v the_o eye_n of_o his_o poor_a desolate_a church_n at_o l●st_o to_o see_v it_o the_o lord_n jesus_n in_o wisdom_n and_o tender_a mercy_n establish_v a_o law_n of_o grace_n and_o rule_n of_o life_n pure_a and_o perfect_a but_o simple_a and_o plain_a lay_v the_o condition_n of_o man_n salvation_n more_o in_o the_o honesty_n of_o the_o believe_a heart_n then_o in_o the_o strength_n of_o wit_n and_o subtlety_n of_o a_o know_v head_n he_o comprise_v the_o truth_n which_o be_v of_o necessity_n to_o salvation_n in_o a_o narrow_a room_n so_o that_o the_o christian_a faith_n be_v a_o matter_n of_o great_a plainness_n and_o simplicity_n as_o long_o as_o christian_n be_v such_o and_o hold_v to_o this_o the_o gospel_n ride_v in_o triumph_n through_o the_o world_n and_o a_o omnipotency_n of_o the_o spirit_n accompany_v it_o bear_v down_o all_o before_o it_o prince_n and_o sceptre_n stoop_v subtle_a philosophy_n be_v nonplus_v and_o all_o useful_a science_n come_v down_o and_o acknowledge_v themselves_o servant_n and_o take_v their_o place_n and_o be_v well_o content_v to_o attend_v the_o pleasure_n of_o christ_n as_o mr._n herbert_n say_v in_o his_o church_n militant_a religion_n thence_o flee_v into_o greece_n where_o art_n give_v she_o the_o high_a place_n in_o all_o man_n heart_n learning_n be_v pose_v philosophy_n be_v set_v sophister_n take_v in_o a_o fisher_n net_n plato_n and_o aristotle_n be_v at_o a_o loss_n and_o wheel_v about_o again_o to_o spell_v christ_n cross_n prayer_n chase_v syllogism_n into_o their_o den_n and_o ergo_fw-la be_v transform_v into_o amen_o the_o serpent_n envy_v this_o happiness_n of_o the_o church_n have_v no_o way_n to_o undo_v we_o but_o by_o draw_v we_o from_o our_o christian_a simplicity_n by_o the_o occasion_n of_o heretic_n quarrel_n and_o error_n the_o serpent_n step_v in_o and_o will_v needs_o be_v a_o spirit_n of_o zeal_n in_o the_o church_n and_o he_o will_v so_o overdo_v against_o heretic_n that_o he_o persuade_v they_o they_o must_v enlarge_v their_o creed_n and_o add_v this_o clause_n against_o one_o and_o that_o against_o another_o and_o all_o be_v but_o for_o the_o perfect_a and_o preserve_v of_o the_o christian_a faith_n and_o so_o he_o bring_v it_o to_o be_v a_o matter_n of_o so_o much_o wit_n to_o be_v a_o christian_n as_o erasmus_n
find_v true_a soul_n conflict_n pag._n 41_o 42._o though_o the_o main_a pillar_n of_o our_o comfort_n be_v the_o free_a forgiveness_n of_o our_o sin_n yet_o if_o there_o be_v a_o neglect_n ●f_n grow_v in_o holiness_n the_o soul_n will_v never_o be_v sound_o quiet_a because_o it_o will_v be_v pro●e_a to_o question_v the_o truth_n of_o justification_n and_o it_o be_v as_o proper_a for_o sin_n to_o raise_v doubt_n and_o fear_n in_o the_o conscience_n as_o for_o rot_a flesh_n and_o wood_n to_o breed_v worm_n where_o there_o be_v not_o a_o pure_a conscience_n there_o be_v not_o a_o pacify_v conscience_n etc._n etc._n read_v the_o rest_n this_o much_o i_o have_v be_v fain_o to_o premise_v lest_o my_o word_n for_o consolation_n shall_v occasion_v security_n and_o desolation_n but_o now_o let_v i_o desire_v you_o to_o peruse_v the_o direction_n and_o practise_v it_o if_o when_o god_n have_v give_v you_o assurance_n or_o strong_a probability_n of_o your_o sincerity_n you_o will_v make_v use_n of_o it_o but_o only_o for_o that_o present_a time_n you_o will_v never_o then_o have_v a_o settle_a peace_n in_o your_o soul_n beside_o the_o great_a wrong_n you_o do_v to_o god_n by_o necessitate_v he_o to_o be_v so_o often_o renew_v such_o discovery_n and_o repeat_v the_o same_o word_n to_o you_o so_o often_o over_o if_o your_o child_n offend_v you_o will_v you_o have_v he_o when_o he_o be_v pardon_v no_o long_a to_o believe_v it_o then_o you_o be_v tell_v it_o he_o shall_v he_o be_v still_o ask_v you_o over_o and_o over_o every_o day_n father_n be_o i_o forgive_v or_o no_o shall_v not_o one_o answer_n serve_v his_o turn_n will_v you_o not_o believe_v that_o your_o money_n be_v in_o your_o purse_n or_o chest_n any_o long_a than_o you_o be_v look_v on_o it_o or_o that_o your_o corn_n be_v grow_v on_o your_o land_n or_o your_o cattle_n in_o your_o ground_n any_o long_a than_o you_o be_v look_v on_o they_o by_o this_o course_n a_o rich_a man_n shall_v have_v no_o more_o content_a than_o a_o beggar_n long_o than_o he_o be_v look_v on_o his_o money_n or_o good_n or_o land_n and_o when_o he_o be_v look_v on_o one_o he_o shall_v again_o lose_v the_o comfort_n of_o all_o the_o rest_n what_o have_v god_n give_v you_o a_o memory_n for_o but_o to_o lay_v up_o former_a apprehension_n and_o discovery_n and_o experience_n and_o make_v use_n of_o they_o on_o all_o meet_a occasion_n afterward_o let_v i_o therefore_o persuade_v you_o to_o this_o great_a and_o necessary_a work_n when_o god_n have_v once_o resolve_v your_o doubt_n and_o show_v you_o the_o truth_n of_o your_o faith_n love_n or_o obedience_n write_v it_o down_o if_o you_o can_v in_o your_o book_n as_o i_o have_v advise_v you_o in_o my_o treatise_n of_o rest_n such_o a_o day_n upon_o serious_a perusal_n of_o my_o heart_n i_o find_v it_o thus_o and_o thus_o with_o myself_o or_o at_o least_o write_v it_o deep_a in_o your_o memory_n and_o do_v not_o suffer_v any_o fancy_n or_o fear_n or_o light_a surmise_n to_o cause_v you_o to_o question_v this_o again_o as_o long_o as_o you_o fall_v not_o from_o the_o obedience_n or_o faith_n which_o you_o then_o discover_v alas_o man_n apprehension_n be_v a_o most_o mutable_a thing_n if_o you_o leave_v your_o soul_n open_a to_o every_o new_a apprehension_n you_o will_v never_o be_v settle_v you_o may_v think_v two_o contrary_a thing_n of_o yourself_o in_o a_o hour_n you_o have_v not_o always_o the_o same_o opportunity_n for_o right_a discern_a nor_o the_o same_o clearness_n of_o apprehension_n nor_o the_o same_o outward_a mean_n to_o help_v you_o nor_o the_o same_o inward_a assistance_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n when_o you_o have_v these_o therefore_o make_v use_n of_o they_o and_o fix_v your_o waver_a soul_n and_o take_v your_o question_n and_o doubt_v as_o resolve_v and_o do_v not_o tempt_v god_n by_o call_v he_o to_o new_a answer_n again_o and_o again_o as_o if_o he_o have_v give_v you_o no_o answer_n before_o you_o will_v never_o want_v some_o occasion_n of_o jealousy_n and_o fear_n as_o long_o as_o you_o have_v corruption_n in_o your_o heart_n and_o sin_n in_o your_o life_n and_o a_o tempter_n to_o be_v trouble_v you_o but_o if_o you_o will_v suffer_v any_o such_o wind_n to_o shake_v your_o peace_n and_o comfort_n you_o will_v be_v always_o shake_v and_o fluctuate_a as_o a_o wave_n of_o the_o sea_n and_o you_o must_v labour_v to_o apprehend_v not_o only_o the_o uncomfortableness_n but_o the_o sinfulness_n also_o of_o this_o course_n for_o though_o the_o question_v your_o own_o sincerity_n on_o every_o small_a occasion_n be_v not_o near_o so_o great_a a_o sin_n as_o the_o question_n of_o god_n merciful_a nature_n or_o the_o truth_n of_o his_o promise_n or_o his_o readiness_n to_o show_v mercy_n to_o the_o penitent_a soul_n or_o the_o freeness_n and_o fullness_n of_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n yet_o even_o this_o be_v no_o contemptible_a sin_n for_o 1._o you_o be_v do_v satan_n work_n in_o deny_v god_n grace_n and_o accuse_v yourself_o false_o and_o so_o please_v the_o devil_n in_o disquiet_v yourself_o 2._o you_o slander_v god_n spirit_n as_o well_o as_o your_o own_o soul_n in_o say_v he_o have_v not_o renew_a and_o sanctify_v you_o when_o he_o have_v 3._o this_o will_n necessitate_v you_o to_o further_a unthankfulness_n for_o who_o can_v be_v thankful_a for_o a_o mercy_n that_o think_v he_o never_o receive_v it_o 4._o this_o will_v shut_v your_o mouth_n against_o all_o those_o praise_n of_o god_n and_o that_o heavenly_a joyful_a commemoration_n of_o his_o great_a unspeakable_a love_n to_o your_o soul_n which_o shall_v be_v the_o bless_a work_n of_o your_o life_n 5_o this_o will_v much_o abate_v your_o love_n to_o god_n and_o your_o sense_n of_o the_o love_n of_o christ_n in_o die_v for_o you_o and_o all_o the_o rest_n of_o your_o grace_n while_o you_o be_v still_o question_v your_o interest_n in_o god_n love_n 6._o it_o will_v lay_v such_o a_o discouragement_n on_o your_o soul_n as_o will_v both_o destroy_v the_o sweetness_n of_o all_o duty_n to_o you_o which_o be_v a_o great_a evil_n and_o thereby_o make_v you_o backward_o to_o they_o and_o heartless_a in_o they_o you_o will_v have_v no_o mind_n of_o pray_v meditation_n or_o other_o duty_n because_o all_o will_v seem_v dark_a to_o you_o and_o you_o will_v think_v that_o every_o thing_n make_v against_o you_o 7._o you_o rob_v all_o about_o you_o of_o that_o cheerful_a encourage_a example_n &_o persuasion_n which_o they_o shall_v have_v from_o you_o and_o by_o which_o you_o may_v win_v many_o soul_n to_o god_n and_o contrary_o you_o be_v a_o discouragement_n and_o hindrance_n to_o they_o i_o can_v mention_v many_o more_o sinful_a aggravation_n of_o your_o deny_v god_n grace_n in_o you_o on_o every_o small_a insufficient_a occasion_n which_o methinks_v shall_v make_v you_o be_v very_o tender_a of_o it_o if_o not_o to_o avoid_v unnecessary_a trouble_n to_o yourself_o yet_o at_o least_o to_o avoid_v sin_n against_o god_n and_o what_o i_o have_v say_v of_o evidence_n and_o assurance_n i_o will_v have_v you_o understand_v also_o of_o your_o experience_n you_o must_v not_o make_v use_v only_o at_o the_o present_a of_o your_o experience_n but_o lay_v they_o up_o for_o the_o time_n to_o come_v nor_o must_v you_o tempt_v god_n so_o far_o as_o to_o expect_v new_a experience_n upon_o every_o new_a scruple_n or_o doubt_n of_o you_o as_o the_o israelite_n expect_v new_a miracle_n in_o the_o wilderness_n still_o forget_v the_o old_a if_o a_o scholar_n shall_v in_o his_o study_n forget_v all_o that_o he_o have_v read_v and_o learned_a and_o all_o the_o resolution_n of_o his_o doubt_n which_o in_o study_n he_o have_v attain_v and_o leave_v his_o understanding_n still_o as_o a_o unwritten_a paper_n as_o receptive_a of_o every_o mutation_n and_o new_a apprehension_n and_o contrary_a conceit_n as_o if_o he_o have_v never_o study_v the_o point_n before_o he_o will_v make_v but_o a_o poor_a proficiency_n and_o have_v but_o a_o fluctuate_a unsettle_a brain_n a_o scholar_n shall_v make_v all_o the_o study_n of_o his_o life_n to_o compose_v one_o entire_a image_n of_o truth_n in_o his_o soul_n as_o a_o painter_n make_v every_o line_n he_o draw_v to_o compose_v one_o entire_a picture_n of_o a_o man_n and_o as_o a_o weaver_n make_v every_o thread_n to_o compose_v one_o web_n so_o shall_v you_o make_v all_o former_a examination_n discovery_n evidence_n and_o experience_n compose_v one_o full_a discovery_n of_o your_o condition_n that_o so_o you_o may_v have_v a_o settle_a peace_n of_o soul_n and_o see_v that_o you_o tie_v both_o end_n together_o and_o neither_o look_n on_o your_o present_a trouble_a state_n without_o your_o former_a lest_o you_o be_v unthankful_a and_o unjust_o discourage_v nor_o on_o
come_v not_o among_o they_o or_o pity_v they_o not_o as_o you_o shall_v and_o do_v not_o your_o duty_n for_o the_o save_n of_o their_o soul_n but_o think_v it_o belong_v not_o to_o you_o but_o to_o other_o do_v you_o use_v to_o deal_v with_o servant_n and_o neighbour_n about_o you_o and_o tell_v they_o of_o sin_n and_o misery_n and_o the_o remedy_n and_o seek_v to_o draw_v their_o heart_n to_o christ_n and_o bring_v they_o to_o duty_n i_o doubt_v you_o do_v little_a in_o this_o and_o that_o be_v sad_a unmercifulness_n for_o if_o you_o do_v true_o you_o can_v not_o choose_v but_o find_v such_o miserable_a ignorance_n such_o senselesness_n and_o blockishness_n such_o hate_v reproof_n and_o unwillingness_n to_o be_v reform_v such_o love_n of_o this_o world_n and_o slavery_n to_o the_o flesh_n and_o so_o little_a savour_n of_o christ_n grace_n heaven_n and_o the_o thing_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o especial_o such_o a_o unteachableness_n intractableness_n as_o thorn_n and_o briar_n and_o so_o great_a a_o difficulty_n of_o move_v they_o a_o inch_n from_o what_o they_o be_v that_o you_o will_v have_v be_v willing_a ever_o after_o to_o have_v minister_n preach_v more_o rouse_o then_o they_o do_v and_o you_o will_v be_v glad_a for_o their_o sake_n when_o you_o hear_v that_o which_o may_v awake_v they_o and_o prick_v they_o to_o the_o heart_n yea_o if_o you_o have_v try_v how_o hard_o a_o work_n it_o be_v to_o bring_v worldly_a formal_a hypocrite_n to_o see_v their_o hypocrisy_n or_o to_o come_v over_o to_o christ_n from_o the_o creature_n and_o to_o be_v in_o good_a earnest_n in_o the_o business_n of_o their_o salvation_n you_o will_v be_v glad_a to_o have_v preacher_n search_v they_o to_o the_o quick_a and_o ransack_v their_o heart_n and_o help_v they_o against_o their_o affect_a and_o obstinate_a self-delusion_n beside_o you_o shall_v consider_v that_o the●_n case_n be_v far_o different_a from_o you_o your_o disease_n be_v pain_n and_o trouble_v they_o be_v stark_o dead_a you_o have_v god_n favour_n and_o doubt_n of_o it_o they_o be_v his_o enemy_n and_o never_o suspect_v it_o you_o want_v comfort_n and_o they_o want_v pardon_n and_o life_n if_o your_o disease_n shall_v never_o here_o be_v cure_v it_o be_v but_o go_v more_o sad_o to_o heaven_n but_o if_o they_o be_v not_o recover_v by_o regeneration_n they_o must_v lie_v for_o ever_o in_o hell_n and_o shall_v we_o not_o then_o pity_v they_o more_o than_o you_o and_o study_v more_o for_o they_o and_o preach_v more_o for_o they_o and_o rather_o forget_v you_o in_o a_o sermon_n then_o they_o shall_v you_o not_o wish_v we_o so_o to_o do_v shall_v we_o more_o regard_v the_o comfort_v of_o one_o than_o the_o save_n of_o a_o hundred_o nay_o more_o we_o shall_v not_o only_o neglect_v they_o but_o dangerous_o hurt_v they_o if_o we_o shall_v preach_v too_o much_o to_o the_o case_n of_o trouble_a soul_n for_o you_o be_v not_o so_o apt_a to_o misapply_v passage_n of_o terror_n and_o to_o take_v their_o portion_n as_o they_o be_v apt_a to_o apply_v to_o themselves_o such_o passage_n for_o comfort_n and_o take_v your_o portion_n to_o themselves_o i_o know_v some_o will_v say_v that_o it_o be_v preach_v christ_n and_o set_v forth_o god_n love_n that_o will_v win_v they_o best_o and_o terror_n do_v but_o make_v unwilling_a hypocrital_a professor_n this_o make_v i_o remember_v how_o i_o have_v hear_v some_o preacher_n of_o the_o time_n blame_v their_o brethren_n for_o not_o preach_v christ_n to_o their_o people_n when_o they_o preach_v the_o danger_n of_o reject_v christ_n disobey_v he_o and_o resist_v his_o spirit_n do_v these_o man_n think_v that_o it_o be_v no_o preach_v christ_n when_o we_o have_v first_o many_o year_n tell_v man_n the_o fullness_n of_o his_o satisfaction_n the_o freeness_n and_o general_a extent_n of_o his_o covenant_n or_o promise_n and_o the_o riches_n of_o his_o grace_n and_o the_o incomprehensibleness_n of_o his_o glory_n and_o the_o truth_n of_o all_o to_o tell_v they_o afterward_o the_o danger_n of_o refuse_v neglect_v and_o disobey_v he_o and_o of_o live_v after_o the_o flesh_n and_o prefer_v the_o world_n before_o he_o and_o serve_a mammon_n and_o fall_v off_o in_o persecution_n and_o avoid_v the_o cross_n and_o yield_v in_o temptation_n and_o quench_v the_o spirit_n and_o decline_v from_o their_o first_o love_n and_o not_o improve_n their_o talent_n and_o not_o forgive_a and_o love_v their_o brethren_n yea_o and_o enemy_n etc._n etc._n be_v none_o of_o this_o gospel_n nor_o preach_v christ_n yea_o be_v not_o repentance_n itself_o except_o despair_v repentance_n proper_a to_o the_o gospel_n see_v the_o law_n exclude_v it_o and_o all_o manner_n of_o hope_n blame_v i_o not_o reader_n if_o i_o be_v zealous_a against_o these_o man_n that_o not_o only_o know_v no_o better_o what_o preach_v christ_n be_v but_o in_o their_o ignorance_n reproach_v their_o brethren_n for_o not_o preach_v christ_n and_o withal_o condemn_v christ_n himself_o and_o all_o his_o apostle_n do_v they_o think_v that_o christ_n himself_o know_v not_o what_o it_o be_v to_o preach_v christ_n or_o that_o he_o set_v we_o a_o pattern_n too_o low_o for_o our_o imitation_n i_o desire_v they_o sober_o to_o read_v mat._n 5.6_o 7_o 10_o 25._o rom._n 8._o from_o the_o first_o verse_n to_o the_o 14._o rom._n 2._o heb._n 2._o &_o 4._o &_o 5._o &_o 10_o and_o then_o tell_v i_o whether_o we_o preach_v as_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n do_v but_o to_o the_o objection_n i_o answer_v first_o we_o do_v set_v forth_o god_n love_n and_o the_o fullness_n of_o christ_n and_o the_o sufficiency_n of_o his_o death_n and_o satisfaction_n for_o all_o and_o the_o freeness_n and_o extent_n of_o his_o offer_n and_o promise_v of_o mercy_n and_o his_o readiness_n to_o welcome_v return_v sinner_n this_o we_o do_v first_o mix_v with_o this_o the_o discovery_n of_o their_o natural_a misery_n by_o sin_n which_o must_v be_v first_o know_v and_o next_o we_o show_v they_o the_o danger_n of_o reject_v christ_n and_o his_o offer_n 2._o when_o we_o find_v man_n settle_v under_o the_o preach_n of_o free_a grace_n in_o a_o base_a contempt_n or_o sleepy_a neglect_n of_o it_o prefer_v the_o world_n and_o their_o carnal_a pleasure_n and_o ease_n before_o all_o the_o glory_n of_o heaven_n and_o riches_n of_o christ_n and_o grace_n be_v it_o not_o time_n for_o we_o to_o say_v how_o shall_v you_o escape_v if_o you_o neglect_v so_o great_a salvation_n heb._n 2.3_o and_o of_o how_o much_o soarer_n punishment_n shall_v he_o be_v think_v worthy_a that_o tread_v under_o foot_n the_o blood_n of_o the_o covenant_n heb._n 10.26_o when_o man_n grow_v careless_a and_o unbelieving_a must_v we_o not_o say_v take_v heed_n lest_o a_o promise_n be_v lest_o of_o enter_v into_o his_o rest_n any_o of_o you_o shall_v seem_v to_o come_v short_a of_o it_o heb._n 4.1_o 3._o have_v not_o christ_n lead_v we_o command_v we_o and_o teach_v we_o this_o way_n except_o you_o repent_v you_o shall_v all_o perish_v be_v his_o doctrine_n luke_n 13.3_o 5._o go_v into_o the_o world_n and_o preach_v the_o gospel_n to_o every_o creature_n what_o be_v that_o gospel_n he_o that_o believe_v shall_v be_v save_v and_o he_o that_o believe_v not_o shall_v be_v damn_v mark_v 16.16_o those_o my_o enemy_n that_o will_v not_o i_o shall_v reign_v over_o they_o bring_v hither_o and_o stay_v they_o before_o i_o luke_n 19.27_o do_v any_o of_o the_o apostle_n speak_v more_o of_o hellfire_n and_o the_o worm_n that_o never_o die_v and_o the_o fire_n that_o never_o be_v quench_v their_o christ_n himself_n do_v and_o do_v not_o his_o apostle_n go_v the_o same_o way_n even_o paul_n the_o great_a preacher_n of_o faith_n 2_o thess_n 1_o 7_o 8_o 9_o and_o 2.12_o etc._n etc._n what_o more_o common_a alas_o what_o work_n shall_v we_o make_v if_o we_o shall_v stroke_n and_o smooth_a all_o man_n with_o antinomian_a language_n it_o be_v the_o way_n to_o please_v all_o the_o sensual_a profane_a multitude_n but_o it_o be_v none_o of_o christ_n way_n to_o save_v their_o soul_n i_o be_o ready_a to_o think_v that_o these_o man_n will_v have_v christ_n preach_v as_o the_o papist_n will_v have_v he_o pray_v to_o to_o say_v jesus_n jesus_n jesus_n nine_o time_n together_o and_o this_o oft_o over_o be_v their_o pray_v to_o he_o and_o to_o have_v christ_n name_n oft_o in_o the_o preacher_n mouth_n some_o man_n think_v be_v the_o right_n preach_v christ_n let_v i_o now_o desire_v you_o hereafter_o to_o be_v glad_a to_o hear_v minister_n awaken_v the_o profane_a and_o dead-hearted_n hearer_n and_o search_v all_o to_o the_o quick_a and_o misapply_v nothing_o to_o yourself_o but_o if_o you_o think_v any_o passage_n do_v near_o concern_v you_o open_v your_o mind_n to_o the_o minister_n private_o
passion_n by_o sanctify_a grace_n and_o by_o put_v both_o promise_n and_o dreadful_a threaten_n into_o his_o word_n i_o say_v if_o god_n by_o all_o these_o mean_n have_v give_v you_o several_a motive_n to_o obedience_n take_v heed_n of_o separate_v they_o do_v not_o once_o ask_v your_o heart_n such_o a_o question_n whether_o it_o will_v obey_v if_o there_o be_v no_o threaten_v and_o be_v no_o ●ear_n nor_o on_o the_o otherside_n do_v not_o let_v fear_n do_v all_o without_o love_n doubtless_o the_o more_o love_n constrain_v to_o duty_n the_o better_a it_o be_v and_o you_o shall_v endeavour_v with_o all_o your_o might_n that_o you_o may_v feel_v more_o of_o the_o force_n of_o love_n in_o your_o duty_n but_o do_v you_o not_o mark_v how_o you_o cherish_v that_o corruption_n that_o you_o complain_v of_o your_o doubt_n and_o torment_a fear_n be_v the_o thing_n that_o love_n shall_v cast_v out_o why_o then_o do_v you_o entertain_v they_o if_o you_o say_v i_o can_v help_v it_o why_o then_o do_v you_o cherish_v they_o and_o own_v they_o and_o plead_v and_o dispute_v for_o they_o and_o say_v you_o do_v well_o to_o doubt_v and_o you_o have_v cause_n will_v this_o ever_o cast_v out_o torment_v fear_n do_v you_o not_o know_v that_o the_o way_n to_o cast_v they_o out_o be_v not_o to_o maintain_v they_o by_o distrustful_a thought_n or_o word_n but_o to_o see_v their_o sinfulness_n and_o abhor_v they_o and_o to_o get_v more_o high_a thought_n of_o the_o lovingkindness_n of_o god_n and_o the_o tender_a mercy_n of_o the_o redeemer_n and_o the_o unspeakable_a love_n that_o he_o have_v manifest_v in_o his_o suffering_n for_o you_o that_o so_o the_o love_n of_o god_n may_v be_v more_o advance_v and_o powerful_a in_o your_o soul_n and_o may_v be_v able_a to_o cast_v out_o your_o torment_a fear_n why_o do_v you_o not_o do_v this_o instead_o of_o doubt_v if_o torment_v fear_n and_o doubt_n be_v a_o sin_n why_o do_v you_o not_o make_v conscience_n of_o they_o and_o bewail_v it_o that_o you_o have_v be_v so_o guilty_a of_o they_o will_v you_o therefore_o doubt_v because_o you_o have_v slavish_a fear_n why_o that_o be_v to_o doubt_v because_o you_o doubt_v and_o to_o fear_v because_o you_o fear_v and_o so_o to_o sin_v still_o because_o you_o have_v sin_v consider_v well_o of_o the_o folly_n of_o this_o course_n doubt_v vii_o but_o i_o be_o not_o able_a to_o believe_v and_o without_o faith_n there_o be_v no_o please_a god_n nor_o hope_v of_o salvation_n i_o fear_v unbelief_n will_v be_v my_o ruin_n answer_n 1._o i_o have_v answer_v this_o doubt_n full_o before_o it_o be_v ground_v on_o a_o mistake_n of_o the_o nature_n of_o true_a faith_n you_o think_v that_o faith_n be_v the_o believe_v that_o you_o be_v in_o god_n favour_n and_o that_o you_o be_v justify_v but_o proper_o this_o be_v no_o faith_n at_o all_o but_o only_a assurance_n which_o be_v sometime_o a_o fruit_n of_o faith_n and_o sometime_o never_o in_o this_o life_n obtain_v by_o a_o believer_n faith_n consist_v of_o two_o part_n 1._o assent_v to_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o word_n 2._o acceptance_n of_o christ_n as_o he_o be_v offer_v which_o immediate_o produce_v a_o trust_v on_o christ_n for_o salvation_n and_o a_o consent_n to_o be_v govern_v by_o he_o and_o resolution_n to_o obey_v he_o which_o in_o the_o full_a sense_n be_v also_o act_n of_o faith_n now_o do_v not_o you_o believe_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o do_v you_o not_o accept_v of_o christ_n as_o he_o be_v offer_v therein_o if_o you_o be_v true_o willing_a to_o have_v christ_n as_o he_o be_v offer_v i_o dare_v say_v you_o be_v a_o true_a believer_n if_o you_o be_v not_o willing_a for_o shame_n never_o complain_v man_n use_v rather_o to_o speak_v against_o those_o that_o they_o be_v unwilling_a of_o then_o complain_v of_o their_o absence_n and_o that_o they_o can_v enjoy_v they_o 2._o however_o see_v you_o complain_v of_o unbelief_n in_o the_o name_n of_o god_n do_v not_o cherish_v it_o and_o plead_v for_o it_o and_o by_o your_o own_o cogitation_n fetch_v in_o daily_a matter_n to_o feed_v it_o but_o do_v more_o in_o detestation_n of_o it_o as_o well_o as_o complain_v doubt_v viii_o but_o i_o be_o a_o stranger_n to_o the_o witness_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o the_o joy_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o communion_n with_o god_n and_o therefore_o how_o can_v i_o be_v a_o true_a believer_n answer_n 1._o feed_v your_o doubt_n and_o perplexity_n and_o argue_v for_o they_o be_v not_o a_o mean_n to_o get_v the_o testimony_n and_o joy_n of_o the_o spirit_n but_o rather_o study_v with_o all_o saint_n to_o know_v the_o love_n of_o christ_n which_o pass_v knowledge_n to_o comprehend_v the_o height_n and_o breadth_n and_o length_n and_o depth_n of_o his_o love_n and_o seek_v to_o understand_v the_o thing_n that_o be_v give_v you_o of_o god_n acknowledge_v god_n general_a love_n to_o mankind_n both_o in_o his_o gracious_a nature_n and_o common_a providence_n and_o redemption_n by_o christ_n and_o deny_v not_o his_o special_a mercy_n to_o yourself_o but_o dwell_v in_o the_o study_n of_o the_o riches_n of_o grace_n and_o that_o be_v the_o way_n to_o come_v to_o the_o joy_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n 2._o i_o have_v tell_v you_o before_o what_o the_o witness_n of_o the_o spirit_n be_v and_o what_o be_v the_o ordinary_a mistake_n herein_o if_o you_o have_v the_o grace_n and_o holy_a operation_n of_o the_o spirit_n you_o have_v the_o witness_n of_o the_o spirit_n whether_o you_o know_v it_o or_o not_o 3._o if_o by_o your_o own_o doubt_n you_o have_v deprive_v yourself_o of_o the_o joy_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n bewail_v it_o and_o do_v so_o no_o more_o but_o do_v not_o therefore_o say_v you_o have_v not_o the_o holy_a ghost_n for_o the_o holy_a ghost_n often_o work_v regeneration_n and_o holiness_n before_o he_o work_v any_o sensible_a joy_n 4._o you_o have_v some_o hope_n of_o salvation_n by_o christ_n leave_v in_o you_o you_o be_v not_o yet_o in_o utter_a despair_n and_o be_v it_o no_o comfort_n to_o you_o to_o think_v that_o you_o have_v yet_o any_o hope_n and_o be_v not_o quite_o past_a all_o remedy_n it_o may_v be_v your_o sorrow_n may_v so_o cloud_v it_o that_o you_o take_v no_o notice_n of_o it_o but_o i_o know_v you_o can_v have_v the_o least_o hope_n without_o some_o answerable_a comfort_n and_o may_v not_o that_o comfort_n ●e_v true_o the_o joy_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n 5._o and_o for_o communion_n with_o god_n let_v i_o ask_v you_o have_v you_o no_o recourse_n to_o he_o by_o prayer_n in_o your_o strait_n do_v you_o not_o wait_v at_o his_o mouth_n for_o the_o law_n and_o direction_n of_o your_o life_n have_v you_o receive_v no_o holy_a desire_n or_o other_o grace_n from_o he_o nay_o be_v you_o sure_a that_o you_o be_v not_o a_o member_n of_o christ_n who_o be_v one_o with_o he_o how_o can_v you_o then_o say_v that_o you_o have_v no_o communion_n with_o he_o can_v there_o be_v communication_n of_o prayer_n and_o obedience_n from_o you_o yea_o your_o own_o self_n deliver_v up_o to_o christ_n and_o a_o communication_n of_o any_o life_n of_o grace_n from_o god_n by_o christ_n and_o the_o spirit_n and_o all_o this_o without_o communion_n it_o can_v be_v many_o a_o soul_n have_v most_o near_a communion_n with_o christ_n that_o know_v it_o not_o doubt_v ix_o i_o have_v not_o the_o spirit_n of_o prayer_n when_o i_o shall_v pour_v out_o my_o soul_n to_o god_n i_o have_v neither_o bold_a access_n nor_o matter_n of_o prayer_n nor_o word_n answer_n do_v you_o know_v what_o the_o spirit_n of_o prayer_n be_v it_o contain_v 1._o desire_v of_o the_o soul_n after_o the_o thing_n we_o want_v especial_o christ_n and_o his_o grace_n 2._o an_z addressing_z ourselves_o to_o god_n with_o these_o desire_n that_o we_o may_v have_v help_n and_o relief_n from_o he_o have_v not_o you_o both_o these_o do_v you_o not_o desire_n christ_n and_o grace_n justification_n and_o sanctification_n do_v you_o not_o look_v to_o god_n as_o he_o who_o alone_o be_v able_a to_o supply_v your_o want_n and_o bid_v you_o ask_v that_o you_o may_v receive_v do_v you_o utter_o despair_v of_o help_n and_o to_o seek_v to_o none_o or_o do_v you_o make_v your_o address_n by_o prayer_n to_o any_o but_o god_n but_o perhaps_o you_o look_v at_o word_n and_o matter_n to_o dilate_v upon_o that_o you_o may_v be_v able_a to_o hold_v out_o in_o a_o long_a speech_n to_o god_n and_o you_o think_v that_o be_v the_o effect_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o prayer_n but_o where_o do_v you_o find_v that_o in_o god_n word_n i_o confess_v that_o in_o many_o and_o most_o the_o spirit_n which_o help_v to_o desire_n do_v also_o help_v to_o some_o kind_n of_o
seven_o or_o eight_o year_n last_o pass_v this_o be_v so_o you_o must_v look_v that_o your_o perseverance_n shall_v be_v by_o be_v preserve_v from_o temptation_n and_o must_v rather_o examine_v whether_o you_o have_v that_o grace_n which_o will_v enable_v you_o to_o avoid_v temptation_n then_o whether_o you_o have_v grace_n enough_o to_o overcome_v they_o if_o you_o rush_v into_o they_o but_o if_o god_n avoidable_o cast_v you_o upon_o they_o keep_v up_o your_o watch_n and_o prayer_n and_o you_o have_v no_o cause_n to_o trouble_v yourself_o with_o distrustful_a fear_n doubt_v xiii_o i_o be_o afraid_a lest_o i_o have_v commit_v the_o unpardonable_a sin_n against_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o then_o there_o be_v no_o hope_n of_o my_o salvation_n answer_n it_o seem_v you_o know_v not_o what_o the_o sin_n against_o the_o holy_a ghost_n be_v it_o be_v this_o when_o a_o man_n be_v convince_v that_o christ_n and_o his_o disciple_n do_v real_o work_v those_o glorious_a miracle_n which_o be_v record_v in_o the_o gospel_n and_o yet_o will_v not_o believe_v that_o christ_n be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n and_o his_o doctrine_n true_a though_o seal_v with_o all_o those_o miracle_n and_o other_o holy_a and_o wonderful_a work_n of_o the_o spirit_n but_o do_v blasphemous_o maintain_v that_o they_o be_v do_v by_o the_o power_n of_o the_o devil_n this_o be_v the_o sin_n against_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o dare_v you_o say_v that_o you_o be_v guilty_a of_o this_o if_o you_o be_v than_o you_o do_v not_o believe_v that_o christ_n be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n and_o the_o messiah_n and_o his_o gospel_n true_a and_o then_o you_o will_v sure_o oppose_v he_o and_o maintain_v that_o he_o be_v a_o deceiver_n and_o that_o the_o devil_n be_v the_o author_n of_o all_o the_o miraculous_a and_o gracious_a work_n of_o his_o spirit_n then_o you_o will_v never_o fear_v his_o displeasure_n nor_o call_v he_o serious_o either_o lord_n or_o saviour_n nor_o tender_v he_o any_o service_n any_o more_o than_o you_o do_v to_o mahomet_n none_o but_o infidel_n do_v commit_v the_o blasphemy_n against_o the_o holy_a ghost_n nor_o but_o few_o of_o they_o unbelief_n be_v eminent_o call_v sin_n in_o the_o gospel_n and_o that_o unbelief_n which_o be_v maintain_v by_o blaspheme_v the_o glorious_a work_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n which_o christ_n and_o his_o disciple_n through_o many_o year_n time_n do_v perform_v for_o a_o testimony_n to_o his_o truth_n that_o be_v call_v singular_o the_o sin_n against_o the_o holy_a ghost_n you_o may_v meet_v with_o other_o description_n of_o this_o sin_n which_o may_v occasion_v your_o terror_n but_o i_o be_o full_o persuade_v that_o this_o be_v the_o plain_a truth_n doubt_v fourteen_o but_o i_o great_o fear_v lest_o the_o time_n of_o grace_n be_v pass_v and_o lest_o i_o have_v out_o sit_v the_o day_n of_o mercy_n and_o now_o mercy_n have_v whole_o forsake_v i_o for_o i_o have_v oft_o hear_v minister_n tell_v i_o from_o the_o word_n now_o be_v the_o accept_v time_n now_o be_v the_o day_n of_o your_o visitation_n to_o day_n while_o it_o be_v call_v to_o day_n harden_v not_o your_o heart_n lest_o god_n swear_v in_o his_o wrath_n that_o you_o shall_v not_o enter_v into_o his_o rest_n but_o i_o have_v stand_v out_o long_o after_o i_o have_v resist_v and_o quench_v the_o spirit_n and_o now_o it_o be_v i_o fear_v depart_v from_o i_o answer_n here_o be_v sufficient_a matter_n for_o humiliation_n but_o the_o doubt_v arise_v mere_o from_o ignorance_n the_o day_n of_o grace_n may_v in_o two_o respect_n be_v say_v to_o be_v over_o the_o first_o and_o most_o proper_o so_o call_v be_v when_o god_n will_v not_o accept_v of_o a_o sinner_n though_o he_o shall_v repent_v and_o return_v this_o be_v never_o in_o this_o life_n for_o certain_a and_o he_o that_o imagine_v any_o such_o thing_n as_o that_o it_o be_v too_o late_o while_o his_o soul_n be_v in_o his_o body_n to_o repent_v and_o accept_v of_o christ_n and_o mercy_n be_v mere_o ignorant_a of_o the_o tenor_n and_o sense_n of_o the_o gospel_n for_o the_o new_a law_n of_o grace_n do_v limit_v no_o time_n on_o earth_n for_o god_n accept_n of_o a_o return_v sinner_n true_a faith_n and_o repentance_n do_v as_o sure_o save_v at_o the_o last_o hour_n of_o the_o day_n as_o at_o the_o first_o god_n have_v say_v that_o whosoever_o believe_v in_o christ_n shall_v not_o perish_v but_o have_v everlasting_a life_n he_o have_v no_o where_o except_v late_a believer_n or_o repenter_n show_v any_o such_o exception_n if_o you_o can_v 2._o the_o second_o sense_n in_o which_o it_o may_v be_v say_v that_o the_o day_n of_o grace_n be_v over_o be_v this_o when_o a_o man_n have_v so_o long_o resist_v the_o spirit_n that_o god_n have_v give_v he_o over_o to_o wilful_a obstinate_a refusal_n of_o mercy_n and_o of_o christ_n government_n resolve_v that_o he_o will_v never_o give_v he_o the_o prevail_a grace_n of_o his_o spirit_n where_o note_n 1._o that_o this_o same_o man_n may_v still_o have_v grace_n as_o soon_o as_o any_o other_o if_o he_o be_v but_o willing_a to_o accept_v christ_n and_o grace_n in_o he_o 2._o that_o no_o man_n can_v know_v of_o himself_o or_o any_o other_o that_o god_n have_v thus_o final_o forsake_v he_o for_o god_n have_v give_v we_o no_o sign_n to_o know_v it_o by_o at_o lest_o who_o sin_v not_o against_o the_o holy_a ghost_n god_n have_v not_o tell_v we_o his_o secret_a intent_n concern_v such_o 4._o yet_o some_o man_n have_v far_o great_a cause_n to_o fear_v it_o than_o other_o especial_o those_o man_n who_o under_o the_o most_o search_a lively_a sermon_n do_v continue_v secure_a and_o wilful_a in_o know_a wickedness_n either_o hate_v godliness_n and_o godly_a person_n and_o all_o that_o do_v reprove_v they_o or_o at_o least_o be_v ●●●●pified_v that_o they_o feel_v no_o more_o than_o a_o post_n the_o force_n of_o god_n terror_n or_o the_o sweetness_n of_o his_o promise_n but_o make_v a_o jest_n of_o sin_v and_o think_v the_o life_n of_o godliness_n a_o needless_a thing_n especial_o if_o they_o grow_v old_a in_o this_o course_n i_o confess_v such_o have_v great_a cause_n to_o fear_v lest_o they_o be_v quite_o forsake_v of_o god_n for_o very_o few_o such_o be_v ever_o recover_v 5._o and_o therefore_o it_o may_v well_o be_v say_v to_o all_o man_n to_o day_n if_o you_o will_v hear_v his_o voice_n harden_v not_o your_o heart_n etc._n etc._n and_o this_o be_v the_o acceptable_a time_n this_o be_v the_o day_n of_o salvation_n both_o as_o this_o life_n be_v call_v the_o day_n of_o salvation_n and_o because_o no_o man_n be_v certain_a to_o live_v another_o day_n that_o he_o may_v repent_v nor_o yet_o to_o have_v grace_n to_o repent_v if_o he_o live_v 6._o but_o what_o be_v all_o this_o to_o you_o that_o do_v repent_v can_v you_o have_v cause_n to_o fear_v that_o your_o day_n of_o grace_n be_v over_o that_o have_v receive_v grace_n why_o that_o be_v as_o foolish_a a_o thing_n as_o if_o a_o man_n shall_v come_v to_o the_o market_n and_o buy_v corn_n and_o when_o he_o have_v do_v go_v home_o lament_v that_o the_o market_n be_v past_a before_o he_o come_v or_o as_o a_o man_n shall_v come_v and_o hear_v the_o sermon_n and_o when_o he_o have_v do_v lament_v that_o the_o sermon_n be_v do_v before_o he_o come_v if_o your_o day_n of_o grace_n be_v past_a tell_v i_o and_o do_v not_o wrong_v god_n where_o have_v you_o the_o grace_n of_o repentance_n how_o come_v you_o by_o that_o grace_n of_o holy_a des●res_n who_o make_v you_o willing_a to_o have_v christ_n for_o your_o lord_n and_o saviour_n so_o that_o you_o have_v rather_o have_v he_o and_o god_n favour_n and_o a_o holy_a heart_n and_o life_n than_o all_o the_o glory_n of_o the_o world_n how_o come_v you_o to_o desire_v that_o you_o be_v such_o a_o one_o as_o god_n will_v have_v you_o to_o be_v and_o to_o desire_v that_o all_o your_o sin_n be_v dead_a and_o may_v never_o live_v in_o you_o more_o and_o that_o you_o be_v able_a to_o love_n god_n and_o delight_n in_o he_o and_o please_v he_o even_o in_o perfection_n and_o that_o you_o be_v so_o trouble_v that_o you_o can_v do_v it_o be_v these_o sign_n that_o your_o day_n of_o grace_n be_v over_o do_v god_n spirit_n breath_n out_o groan_v after_o christ_n and_o grace_n within_o you_o and_o yet_o be_v the_o day_n of_o grace_n over_o nay_o what_o if_o you_o have_v no_o grace_n do_v you_o not_o hear_v god_n daily_o offer_v you_o christ_n and_o grace_n do_v he_o not_o entreat_v and_o beseech_v you_o to_o be_v reconcile_v unto_o he_o 2_o cor._n 5.19_o 20._o and_o will_v he_o not_o compel_v you_o to_o come_v in_o mat._n 22._o do_v you_o not_o feel_v some_o unquietness_n in_o your_o
sinful_a condition_n and_o some_o motion_n and_o strive_n at_o your_o heart_n to_o get_v out_o of_o it_o certain_o though_o you_o shall_v be_v one_o that_o have_v yet_o no_o grace_n to_o salvation_n yet_o these_o continue_a offer_n of_o grace_n and_o strive_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o christ_n with_o your_o heart_n do_v show_v that_o god_n have_v not_o quite_o forsake_v you_o and_o that_o your_o day_n of_o grace_n and_o visitation_n be_v not_o past_a doubt_v xv._n but_o i_o have_v sin_v since_o my_o profession_n and_o that_o even_o against_o my_o knowledge_n and_o conscience_n i_o have_v have_v temptation_n to_o sin_n and_o i_o have_v consider_v of_o the_o evil_a and_o danger_n and_o yet_o in_o the_o very_o sober_a deliberation_n i_o have_v resolve_v to_o sin_n and_o how_o can_v such_o a_o one_o have_v any_o true_a grace_n or_o be_v save_v answer_n 1._o if_o you_o have_v not_o true_a grace_n god_n be_v still_o offer_v it_o and_o ready_a to_o work_v it_o 2._o where_o do_v you_o find_v in_o scripture_n that_o none_o who_o have_v true_a grace_n do_v sin_n know_o or_o deliberate_o perhaps_o you_o will_v say_v in_o heb._n 10.24_o if_o we_o sin_v wilful_o after_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o truth_n there_o remain_v no_o more_o sacrifice_n for_o sin_n but_o a_o fearful_a look_v for_o of_o judgement_n and_o fire_n which_o shall_v devour_v the_o adversary_n ans_fw-fr but_o you_o must_v know_v that_o it_o be_v not_o every_o wilful_a sin_n which_o be_v there_o mention_v but_o as_o even_o now_o i_o tell_v you_o unbelief_n be_v peculiar_o call_v sin_n in_o the_o new_a testament_n and_o the_o true_a meaning_n of_o the_o text_n be_v if_o we_o utter_o renounce_v christ_n by_o infidelity_n as_o not_o be_v the_o true_a messiah_n after_o we_o have_v know_v his_o truth_n then_o etc._n etc._n indeed_o none_o sin_n more_o against_o knowledge_n then_o the_o godly_a when_o they_o do_v sin_n for_o they_o know_v more_o for_o the_o most_o part_n than_o other_o do_v and_o passion_n and_o sensuality_n the_o remnant_n of_o it_o which_o yet_o remain_v will_v be_v work_v strong_o in_o your_o very_a deliberation_n against_o sin_n and_o either_o pervert_n the_o judgement_n to_o doubt_v whether_o it_o be_v a_o sin_n or_o whether_o there_o be_v any_o such_o danger_n in_o it_o or_o whether_o it_o be_v not_o a_o very_a little_a sin_n or_o else_o blind_a it_o that_o it_o can_v see_v the_o argument_n against_o the_o sin_n in_o their_o full_a vigour_n or_o at_o least_o prepossess_v the_o heart_n and_o delight_n and_o so_o hinder_v our_o reason_n against_o sin_n from_o go_v down_o to_o the_o heart_n and_o work_n on_o the_o will_n and_o so_o from_o command_v the_o action_n of_o the_o body_n this_o may_v befall_v a_o godly_a man_n and_o moreover_o god_n may_v withdraw_v his_o grace_n as_o he_o do_v from_o peter_n and_o david_n in_o their_o sin_n and_o then_o our_o consideration_n will_v work_v but_o faint_o and_o sensuality_n and_o sinful_a passion_n will_v work_v effectual_o it_o be_v scarce_o possible_a i_o think_v that_o such_o a_o man_n as_o david_n can_v be_v so_o long_o about_o so_o horrid_a a_o sin_n and_o after_o contrive_v the_o murder_n of_o vriah_n and_o all_o this_o without_o deliberation_n or_o any_o reason_n in_o himself_o to_o the_o contrary_n 3._o the_o truth_n be_v though_o this_o be_v to_o good_a cause_n for_o any_o repent_v sinner_n to_o doubt_v of_o salvation_n yet_o it_o be_v a_o very_a grievous_a aggravation_n of_o sin_n to_o commit_v it_o against_o knowledge_n and_o conscience_n and_o upon_o consideration_n and_o therefore_o i_o advise_v all_o that_o love_v their_o peace_n or_o salvation_n to_o take_v heed_n of_o it_o for_o as_o they_o will_v find_v that_o no_o sin_n do_v deep●ier_n wound_v the_o conscience_n and_o plunge_v the_o sinner_n into_o fearful_a perplexity_n which_o oft_o time_n hang_v on_o he_o very_o long_o so_o the_o often_o such_o zeal_n and_o passion_n but_o let_v i_o tell_v you_o that_o you_o may_v grow_v in_o these_o and_o not_o grow_v in_o the_o body_n of_o your_o grace_n doubtless_o satan_n himself_o may_v do_v much_o to_o kindle_v your_o zeal_n if_o he_o do_v but_o see_v it_o void_a of_o sound_a knowledge_n as_o he_o do_v in_o james_n and_o john_n when_o they_o will_v have_v call_v for_o fire_n from_o heaven_n but_o know_v not_o what_o spirit_n they_o be_v of_o for_o the_o doleful_a case_n of_o christ_n church_n in_o this_o age_n have_v put_v quite_o beyond_o dispute_n that_o none_o do_v the_o devil_n work_v more_o effectual_o nor_o oppose_v the_o kingdom_n of_o christ_n more_o desperate_o than_o they_o that_o have_v the_o hot_a zeal_n with_o the_o weak_a judgement_n and_o as_o fire_n be_v most_o excellent_a and_o necessary_a in_o the_o chimney_n but_o in_o the_o thatch_n it_o be_v worse_a than_o the_o vile_a dung_n so_o be_v zeal_n most_o excellent_a when_o guide_v by_o sound_a judgement_n but_o more_o destructive_a than_o profane_a sensuality_n when_o it_o be_v let_v loose_a and_o misguided_a on_o the_o other_o side_n you_o may_v decay_v much_o in_o feeling_n and_o fervour_n of_o affection_n and_o yet_o grow_v in_o grace_n if_o you_o do_v but_o grow_v in_o the_o understanding_n and_o the_o will._n and_o indeed_o this_o be_v the_o common_a growth_n which_o christian_n have_v in_o their_o age_n examine_v therefore_o whether_o you_o have_v this_o or_o no._n do_v you_o not_o understand_v the_o thing_n of_o the_o spirit_n better_o than_o you_o former_o do_v do_v you_o not_o value_n god_n christ_n glory_n and_o grace_n at_o high_a rate_n then_o former_o be_v you_o not_o more_o full_o resolve_v to_o stick_v to_o christ_n to_o the_o death_n then_o former_o you_o have_v be_v i_o do_v not_o think_v but_o it_o will_v be_v a_o hard_a work_n for_o satan_n to_o draw_v you_o from_o christ_n to_o the_o flesh_n then_o heretofore_o when_o the_o tree_n have_v do_v grow_v in_o visible_a greatness_n it_o grow_v in_o rootedness_n the_o fruit_n grow_v first_o in_o bulk_n and_o quantity_n and_o then_o in_o mellow_a sweetness_n be_v not_o you_o less_o censorious_a and_o more_o peaceable_a than_o heretofore_o i_o tell_v you_o that_o be_v a_o more_o noble_a growth_n than_o a_o great_a deal_n of_o austere_a and_o bitter_a youthful_a censorious_a divide_v zeal_n of_o many_o will_v prove_v mark_v most_o age_a experience_a christian_n that_o walk_v upright_o and_o you_o will_v find_v that_o they_o quite_o outstrip_v the_o young_a 1._o in_o experience_n knowledge_n prudence_n and_o foundness_n of_o judgement_n 2._o in_o well-setled_n resolution_n for_o christ_n his_o truth_n and_o cause_n 3._o in_o a_o love_n of_o peace_n especial_o in_o the_o church_n and_o a_o hatred_n of_o dissension_n perverse_a contending_n and_o division_n if_o you_o can_v show_v this_o growth_n say_v not_o that_o you_o do_v not_o grow_v 3._o but_o suppose_v you_o do_v not_o grow_v shall_v you_o therefore_o deny_v the_o sincerity_n of_o your_o grace_n i_o will_v not_o persuade_v any_o soul_n that_o they_o grow_v when_o they_o do_v not_o but_o if_o you_o do_v not_o be_v humble_v for_o it_o and_o endeavour_v it_o for_o the_o future_a make_v it_o your_o desire_n and_o daily_a business_n and_o spare_v not_o lie_v not_o still_o complain_v but_o rouse_v up_o your_o soul_n and_o see_v what_o be_v amiss_o and_o set_v upon_o neglect_a duty_n and_o remove_v those_o corruption_n that_o hinder_v your_o growth_n converse_v with_o grow_v christian_n and_o under_o quicken_a mean_n endeavour_v the_o good_a of_o other_o man_n soul_n as_o well_o as_o your_o own_o and_o than_o you_o will_v find_v that_o growth_n which_o will_v silence_v this_o doubt_n and_o do_v much_o more_o for_o you_o then_o that_o doubt_v xvii_o i_o be_o trouble_v with_o such_o blaspemous_a thought_n and_o temptation_n to_o unbelief_n even_o against_o god_n and_o christ_n and_o scripture_n and_o the_o life_n to_o come_v that_o i_o doubt_v i_o have_v no_o faith_n answer_n to_o be_v tempt_v be_v no_o sign_n of_o gracelesness_n but_o to_o yield_v to_o the_o temptation_n nor_o every_o yield_v neither_o but_o to_o be_v overcome_v of_o the_o temptation_n most_o melancholy_a people_n especial_o that_o have_v any_o knowledge_n in_o religion_n be_v frequent_o haunt_v with_o blasphemous_a temptation_n i_o have_v oft_o wonder_v that_o the_o devil_n shall_v have_v such_o a_o power_n and_o advantage_n in_o the_o predominancy_n of_o that_o distemper_n scarce_o one_o person_n of_o ten_o who_o ever_o be_v with_o i_o in_o deep_a melancholy_n either_o for_o the_o cure_n of_o body_n or_o mind_n but_o have_v be_v haunt_v with_o these_o blasphemous_a thought_n and_o that_o so_o impetuous_o and_o violent_o set_v on_o and_o follow_v that_o it_o may_v appear_v to_o be_v from_o the_o devil_n yea_o even_o many_o that_o never_o seem_v godly_a or_o to_o mind_v any_o such_o
we_o doubt_n we_o shall_v do_v nothing_o but_o doubt_n i_o know_v you_o may_v easy_o tell_v a_o long_a and_o a_o sad_a story_n of_o your_o sin_n how_o you_o be_v trouble_v with_o this_o and_o that_o and_o many_o a_o distemper_n and_o weak_a and_o want_v in_o every_o grace_n and_o duty_n and_o have_v commit_v many_o sin_n but_o do_v it_o follow_v that_o therefore_o you_o have_v no_o true_a grace_n learn_v therefore_o to_o be_v humble_v for_o every_o sin_n but_o not_o to_o doubt_v of_o your_o sincerity_n and_o salvation_n for_o every_o sin_n direction_n xxx_o 30._o whatsoever_o new_a doubt_n do_v arise_v in_o your_o soul_n see_v that_o you_o careful_o discern_v whether_o they_o be_v such_o as_o must_v be_v resolve_v from_o the_o consideration_n of_o general_n grace_n or_o of_o special_a grace_n and_o especial_o be_v sure_a of_o this_o that_o when_o you_o want_v or_o lose_v your_o certainty_n of_o sincerity_n and_o salvation_n you_o have_v present_o recourse_n to_o the_o probability_n of_o it_o and_o lose_v not_o the_o comfort_n of_o that_o or_o if_o you_o shall_v lose_v the_o sight_n of_o a_o probability_n of_o special_a grace_n yet_o see_v that_o you_o have_v recourse_n at_o the_o utmost_a to_o general_n grace_n and_o never_o let_v go_v the_o comfort_n of_o that_o at_o the_o worst_a this_o rule_n be_v of_o unspeakable_a necessity_n and_o use_n for_o your_o peace_n and_o comfort_n here_o be_v three_o several_a degree_n of_o the_o ground_n of_o comfort_n it_o be_v exceed_a weakness_n for_o a_o man_n that_o be_v beat_v from_o one_o of_o these_o hold_v therefore_o to_o let_v go_v the_o other_o too_o and_o because_o he_o can_v have_v the_o high_a degree_n therefore_o to_o conclude_v that_o he_o have_v none_o at_o all_o i_o beseech_v you_o in_o all_o your_o doubt_n and_o complain_n still_o remember_v the_o two_o rule_n here_o lay_v down_o 1._o all_o doubt_n arise_v not_o from_o the_o same_o cause_n and_o therefore_o must_v not_o have_v the_o same_o cure_n let_v the_o first_o thing_n which_o you_o do_v upon_o every_o doubt_n be_v this_o to_o consider_v whether_o it_o come_v from_o the_o vnbelieving_a or_o low_a apprehension_n of_o the_o general_a ground_n of_o comfort_n or_o from_o the_o want_n of_o evidence_n of_o special_a grace_n for_o that_o which_o be_v a_o fit_a remedy_n for_o one_o of_o these_o will_v do_v little_a for_o the_o cure_n of_o the_o other_o 2._o if_o your_o doubt_v be_v only_o whether_o you_o be_v sincere_a in_o believe_v love_a hope_v repent_v and_o obey_v then_o it_o will_v not_o answer_v this_o doubt_n though_o you_o discern_v never_o so_o much_o of_o god_n merciful_a nature_n or_o christ_n gracious_a office_n or_o the_o universal_a sufficiency_n of_o his_o death_n and_o satisfaction_n or_o the_o freeness_n and_o extent_n of_o the_o promise_n of_o pardon_n for_o i_o profess_v considerate_o that_o i_o do_v not_o know_v in_o all_o the_o body_n of_o popery_n concern_v merit_n justification_n humane_a satisfaction_n assurance_n or_o any_o other_o point_n about_o grace_n for_o which_o we_o unchurch_n they_o that_o they_o err_v half_a so_o dangerous_o as_o saltmarsh_n and_o such_o antinomian_o do_v in_o this_o one_o point_n when_o they_o say_v that_o christ_n have_v repent_v and_o believe_v for_o we_o meaning_n it_o of_o that_o faith_n and_o repentance_n which_o he_o have_v make_v the_o condition_n of_o our_o salvation_n and_o that_o we_o must_v no_o more_o question_v our_o own_o faith_n than_o we_o must_v question_v christ_n the_o object_n of_o it_o it_o will_v be_v no_o save_a plea_n at_o the_o day_n of_o judgement_n to_o say_v though_o i_o repent_v not_o and_o believe_v not_o yet_o christ_n die_v for_o i_o or_o god_n be_v merciful_a or_o christ_n repent_v and_o believe_v for_o i_o or_o god_n make_v i_o a_o free_a promise_n and_o gift_n of_o salvation_n if_o i_o will_v repent_v and_o believe_v what_o comfort_n will_v such_o a_o answer_n give_v they_o and_o therefore_o doubtless_o it_o will_v not_o serve_v now_o to_o quiet_a any_o know_a christian_a against_o those_o doubt_n that_o arise_v from_o the_o want_n of_o particular_a evidence_n of_o special_a grace_n though_o in_o their_o own_o place_n the_o general_a ground_n of_o comfort_n be_v of_o absolute_a necessity_n thereto_o 2._o on_o the_o other_o side_n if_o your_o doubt_n arise_v from_o any_o defect_n in_o your_o apprehension_n of_o general_a grace_n it_o be_v not_o your_o look_v after_o mark_v in_o yourself_o that_o be_v the_o way_n to_o resolve_v they_o i_o tell_v you_o in_o the_o beginning_n that_o the_o general_a ground_n of_o comfort_n lie_v in_o four_o particular_n that_o square_a foundation_n which_o will_v bear_v up_o all_o the_o faith_n of_o the_o saint_n first_o god_n merciful_a and_o unconceivable_o good_a and_o gracious_a nature_n and_o his_o love_n to_o mankind_n second_o the_o gracious_a nature_n of_o the_o mediator_n god_n and_o man_n with_o his_o most_o gracious_a undertake_v office_n of_o save_v and_o reconcile_n three_o the_o sufficiency_n of_o christ_n death_n and_o satisfaction_n for_o all_o the_o world_n to_o save_v they_o if_o they_o will_v accept_v he_o and_o his_o grace_n i_o put_v it_o in_o term_n beyond_o dispute_n because_o i_o will_v not_o build_v up_o believer_n comfort_n on_o point_n which_o godly_a divine_n do_v contradict_v as_o little_a as_o may_v be_v yet_o i_o be_o pass_v all_o doubt_n myself_o that_o christ_n do_v actual_o make_v satisfaction_n to_o god_n justice_n for_o all_o and_o that_o no_o man_n perish_v for_o want_v of_o a_o expiatory_a sacrifice_n but_o for_o want_v of_o faith_n to_o believe_v and_o apply_v it_o or_o for_o want_n of_o repentance_n and_o yield_v to_o recover_v grace_n the_o four_o be_v the_o universal_a grant_n of_o pardon_n and_o right_o to_o salvation_n on_o condition_n of_o faith_n and_o repentance_n if_o your_o doubt_n arise_v from_o the_o ignorance_n or_o overlook_v of_o any_o of_o these_o to_o these_o must_v you_o have_v recourse_n for_o your_o cure_n where_o note_n that_o all_o those_o doubt_n which_o come_v from_o the_o greatness_n of_o your_o sin_n as_o such_o that_o you_o think_v will_v not_o therefore_o be_v forgive_v or_o that_o come_v from_o the_o sense_n of_o unworthiness_n in_o a_o legal_a sense_n or_o want_v of_o merit_n in_o yourself_o and_o all_o your_o doubt_n whether_o god_n be_v willing_a to_o accept_v and_o forgive_v you_o though_o you_o shall_v repent_v and_o believe_v or_o whether_o any_o sacrifice_n be_v offer_v by_o christ_n for_o your_o sin_n i_o say_v all_o these_o come_v from_o your_o ignorance_n or_o unbelief_n of_o some_o or_o all_o of_o the_o four_o general_a ground_n here_o mention_v and_o from_o they_o must_v be_v cure_v note_v also_o in_o a_o special_a manner_n that_o there_o be_v a_o great_a difference_n between_o these_o four_o general_a ground_n and_o your_o particular_a evidence_n in_o point_n of_o certainty_n for_o these_o four_o corner-stone_n be_v fast_o found_v beyond_o all_o possibility_n of_o removal_n so_o that_o they_o be_v always_o of_o as_o undoubted_a certainty_n as_o that_o the_o heaven_n be_v over_o your_o head_n and_o they_o be_v immutable_a still_o the_o same_o these_o you_o be_v command_v strict_o to_o believe_v with_o a_o divine_a faith_n as_o be_v the_o clear_o reveal_v truth_n of_o god_n and_o if_o you_o shall_v not_o believe_v they_o yet_o they_o remain_v firm_a and_o true_a and_o your_o unbelief_n shall_v not_o make_v void_a the_o universal_a promise_n and_o grace_n of_o god_n but_o your_o own_o evidence_n of_o special_a grace_n be_v not_o so_o certain_a so_o clear_a or_o so_o immutable_a nor_o be_v you_o bind_v to_o believe_v they_o but_o to_o search_v after_o they_o that_o you_o may_v know_v they_o you_o be_v not_o bind_v by_o any_o word_n of_o god_n strict_o to_o believe_v that_o you_o do_v believe_v or_o repent_v but_o to_o try_v and_o discern_v it_o this_o then_o be_v the_o first_o part_n of_o this_o direction_n that_o you_o always_o discover_v whether_o your_o trouble_n arise_v from_o low_a unbelieving_a or_o ignorant_a thought_n of_o god_n mercifulness_n christ_n gracious_a nature_n and_o office_n general_n satisfaction_n or_o the_o universal_a promise_n or_o whether_o they_o arise_v from_o want_n of_o evidence_n of_o sincerity_n in_o yourself_o and_o according_o in_o your_o thought_n apply_v the_o remedy_n the_o second_o part_n of_o the_o direction_n be_v that_o you_o hold_v fast_a probability_n of_o special_a grace_n when_o you_o lose_v your_o certainty_n and_o that_o you_o hold_v fast_o your_o general_n ground_n when_o you_o lose_v both_o the_o former_a never_o forget_v this_o in_o any_o of_o your_o doubt_n you_o say_v your_o faith_n and_o obedience_n have_v such_o breach_n and_o sad_a defect_n in_o they_o that_o you_o can_v be_v certain_a that_o they_o be_v sincere_a suppose_v it_o be_v so_o do_v you_o see_v
this_o doctrine_n they_o must_v have_v none_o because_o they_o can_v be_v no_o sure_a that_o christ_n die_v for_o they_o than_o they_o be_v that_o themselves_o be_v sincere_a believer_n and_o true_o sanctify_v and_o when_o thankfulness_n for_o christ_n death_n and_o redemption_n cease_v gospel_n obedience_n cease_v and_o legal_a &_o slavish_a terror_n do_v take_v place_n though_o the_o same_o can_v be_v say_v of_o thankfulness_n for_o special_a renew_n pardon_v grace_n 4._o the_o four_o part_n of_o the_o christian_a life_n be_v cheerful_a obedience_n god_n love_v a_o cheerful_a giver_n and_o so_o he_o do_v in_o every_o part_n of_o obedience_n deut._n 28.47_o because_o thou_o serve_v not_o the_o lord_n thy_o god_n with_o joyfulness_n &_o with_o gladness_n of_o heart_n for_o the_o abundance_n of_o all_o thing_n thou_o shall_v serve_v thy_o enemy_n in_o hunger_n &_o thirst_n etc._n etc._n will_v you_o now_o lie_v all_o this_o together_o and_o make_v it_o for_o the_o time_n to_o come_v your_o business_n and_o try_v whether_o whether_o it_o will_v not_o be_v the_o true_a way_n to_o comfort_n and_o make_v your_o life_n a_o bless_a life_n will_v you_o make_v it_o your_o end_n in_o hear_v read_v pray_v and_o meditation_n to_o raise_v your_o soul_n to_o delight_n in_o god_n will_v you_o strive_v as_o much_o to_o work_v it_o to_o this_o delight_n as_o ever_o you_o do_v to_o work_v it_o to_o sorrow_n certain_o you_o have_v more_o reason_n and_o certain_o there_o be_v more_o matter_n of_o delight_n in_o the_o face_n and_o love_n of_o god_n then_o in_o all_o the_o thing_n in_o the_o world_n beside_o consider_v but_o the_o scripture_n command_v and_o then_o lie_v to_o heart_n your_o duty_n phil._n 4.4_o rejoice_v in_o the_o lord_n always_o and_o again_o i_o say_v rejoice_v phil._n 3.1_o zech._n 10.7_o joel_n 2.23_o isa_n 41.16_o psal_n 33.1_o rejoice_v in_o the_o lord_n o_o you_o righteous_a for_o praise_n be_v comely_a for_o the_o upright_a psal_n 97.12_o 1_o thess_n 5.16_o rejoice_v evermore_o 1_o pet._n 1._o 6_o 8_o rom._n 5.2_o john_n 4.36_o psal_n 5.11_o &_o 33.21_o &_o 35.9_o &_o 66.6_o &_o 68.3_o 4._o &_o 71.23_o &_o 89.16_o &_o 105.3_o &_o 149.2_o &_o 49.4_o &_o 27.6_o john_n 16.24_o rom._n 15_o 13._o and_o 14.17_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n be_v in_o righteousness_n peace_n and_o joy_n in_o the_o holy_a ghost_n gal._n 5.22_o psal_n 32.11_o be_v glad_a in_o the_o lord_n and_o rejoice_v o_o you_o righteous_a and_o shout_n for_o joy_n all_o you_o that_o be_v upright_o in_o heart_n psal_n 132.9_o 16._o &_o 5.11_o &_o 35.27_o hab._n 3.18_o with_o a_o hundred_o more_o the_o like_a have_v you_o make_v conscience_n of_o this_o great_a duty_n according_a to_o its_o excellency_n and_o these_o press_a command_n of_o god_n have_v you_o make_v conscience_n of_o the_o duty_n of_o praise_n thanksgiving_n and_o cheerful_a obedience_n as_o much_o as_o of_o grieve_v for_o sin_n perhaps_o you_o will_v say_v i_o can_v do_v it_o for_o want_n of_o assurance_n if_o i_o know_v that_o i_o be_v one_o of_o the_o righteous_a and_o upright_o in_o heart_n than_o i_o can_v be_v glad_a and_o shout_n for_o joy_n ans_fw-fr 1._o i_o have_v before_o show_v you_o how_o you_o may_v know_v that_o when_o you_o discover_v it_o in_o yourself_o see_v that_o you_o make_v more_o conscience_n of_o this_o duty_n 2._o you_o have_v have_v hope_n and_o probabilite_n of_o your_o sincerity_n do_v you_o endeavour_v to_o answer_v those_o probability_n in_o your_o joy_n 3._o if_o you_o will_v but_o labour_v to_o get_v this_o delight_n in_o god_n it_o will_v help_v you_o to_o assurance_n for_o it_o will_v be_v one_o of_o your_o clear_a evidence_n o_o how_o the_o subtle_a enemy_n disadvantage_v the_o gospel_n by_o the_o misapprehension_n and_o deject_a spirit_n of_o believer_n it_o be_v the_o very_a design_n of_o the_o everblessed_n god_n to_o glorify_v love_n and_o mercy_n as_o high_o in_o the_o work_n of_o redemption_n as_o ever_o he_o glorify_a omnipotency_n in_o the_o work_n of_o creation_n and_o he_o have_v purposely_o unhindged_a the_o sabbath_n which_o be_v appoint_v to_o commemorate_v that_o work_n of_o power_n in_o creation_n to_o the_o first_o day_n of_o the_o week_n that_o it_o may_v be_v spend_v as_o a_o weekly_a day_n of_o thanksgiving_n and_o praise_n for_o the_o now_o more_o glorious_a work_n of_o redemption_n that_o love_n may_v not_o only_o be_v equal_o admire_v with_o power_n but_o even_o go_v before_o it_o so_o that_o he_o have_v lay_v the_o foundation_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o grace_n in_o love_n and_o mercy_n and_o in_o love_n and_o mercy_n have_v he_o frame_v the_o whole_a structure_n of_o the_o edifice_n and_o love_n and_o mercy_n be_v write_v in_o legible_a indelible_a character_n upon_o every_o piece_n and_o the_o whole_a frame_n of_o his_o work_n and_o temple-service_n have_v he_o so_o compose_v that_o all_o may_v be_v the_o resound_a echo_n of_o love_n and_o the_o praise_n and_o glorious_a commeration_n of_o love_n and_o mercy_n may_v be_v the_o great_a business_n of_o our_o solemn_a assembly_n and_o the_o new_a creation_n within_o we_o and_o without_o we_o be_v so_o order_v that_o love_n thankfulness_n and_o delight_n may_v be_v both_o the_o way_n and_o the_o end_n and_o the_o serpent_n who_o most_o oppose_v god_n where_o he_o seek_v most_o glory_n especial_o the_o glory_n of_o his_o grace_n do_v labour_n so_o successful_o to_o obscure_v this_o glory_n that_o he_o have_v bring_v multitude_n of_o poor_a christian_n to_o have_v poor_a low_a thought_n of_o the_o riches_n of_o this_o grace_n and_o to_o set_v every_o sin_n of_o they_o against_o it_o which_o shall_v but_o advance_v it_o and_o even_o to_o question_v the_o very_a foundation_n of_o the_o whole_a building_n whether_o christ_n have_v redeem_a the_o world_n by_o his_o sacrifice_n yea_o he_o put_v such_o a_o vail_n over_o the_o glory_n of_o the_o gospel_n that_o man_n can_v hardly_o be_v bring_v to_o receive_v it_o as_o glad_a tiding_n till_o they_o first_o have_v assurance_n of_o their_o own_o sanctification_n and_o the_o very_a nature_n of_o god_n kingdom_n be_v so_o unknown_a that_o some_o man_n think_v it_o to_o be_v unrighteousness_n and_o libertinism_n and_o other_o to_o be_v pensive_a dejection_n and_o torment_a scruple_n and_o fear_n and_o but_o few_o know_v it_o to_o be_v righteousness_n and_o peace_n and_o joy_n in_o the_o hoy_n ghost_n and_o the_o very_a business_n of_o a_o christian_n life_n and_o god_n service_n be_v rather_o take_v to_o be_v scruple_v quarrel_v and_o ve●●●_n ourselves_o and_o the_o church_n of_o god_n then_o to_o be_v love_n and_o gratitude_n and_o a_o delight_v our_o soul_n in_o god_n and_o cheerful_o obey_v he_o and_o thus_o when_o christianity_n seem_v a_o thraldom_n and_o torment_n and_o the_o service_n of_o the_o world_n the_o flesh_n and_o the_o devil_n seem_v the_o only_a freedom_n and_o quiet_a and_o delight_n no_o wonder_n if_o the_o devil_n have_v more_o unfeigned_a servant_n then_o christ_n and_o if_o man_n tremble_v at_o the_o name_n of_o holiness_n and_o fly_v away_o from_o religion_n as_o a_o mischief_n what_o can_v be_v more_o contrary_a to_o its_o nature_n and_o to_o god_n design_n in_o form_v it_o then_o for_o the_o professor_n to_o live_v such_o deject_a and_o dolorous_a life_n god_n call_v man_n from_o vexation_n and_o vanity_n to_o high_a delight_n and_o peace_n and_o man_n come_v to_o god_n as_o from_o peace_n and_o pleasure_n to_o vexation_n all_o our_o preach_n will_v do_v little_a to_o win_v soul_n from_o sensuality_n to_o holiness_n while_o they_o look_v upon_o the_o sad_a life_n of_o the_o professor_n of_o holiness_n as_o it_o will_v more_o deter_v a_o sick_a man_n from_o meddle_v with_o a_o physician_n to_o see_v all_o that_o he_o have_v have_v in_o hand_n to_o lie_v languish_v in_o continual_a pain_n to_o their_o death_n than_o all_o his_o word_n and_o promise_n will_v encourage_v they_o o_o what_o bless_a life_n may_v god_n people_n live_v if_o they_o understand_v the_o love_n of_o god_n in_o the_o mystery_n of_o man_n redemption_n and_o do_v addict_v themselves_o to_o the_o consideration_n and_o improvement_n of_o it_o and_o do_v believe_o eye_v the_o promise_a glory_n and_o hereupon_o do_v make_v it_o the_o business_n of_o their_o life_n to_o delight_n their_o soul_n in_o he_o that_o have_v love_v they_o and_o what_o a_o wonderful_a success_n may_v we_o expect_v to_o our_o preach_v if_o the_o holy_a delight_n and_o cheerful_a obedience_n of_o the_o saint_n do_v preach_v as_o clear_o to_o the_o eye_n of_o the_o world_n as_o we_o preach_v loud_o to_o their_o ear_n but_o flesh_n will_v be_v flesh_n yet_o a_o while_n and_o unbelief_n will_v be_v unbelief_n we_o be_v all_o too_o blame_v the_o lord_n forgive_v our_o overlook_v his_o
they_o for_o it_o why_o he_o use_v this_o same_o distinction_n between_o humiliation_n for_o sin_n and_o doubt_v of_o sincerity_n and_o salvation_n and_o he_o help_v they_o to_o the_o former_a and_o help_v they_o against_o the_o latter_a can_v you_o not_o watch_v with_o i_o one_o hour_n say_v he_o there_o he_o convince_v they_o of_o the_o sin_n that_o they_o may_v be_v humble_v for_o it_o the_o spirit_n indeed_o be_v willing_a but_o the_o flesh_n be_v weak_a say_v he_o there_o he_o utter_o resist_v their_o doubt_n or_o prevent_v they_o show_v they_o wherein_o sincere_a grace_n consist_v even_o in_o the_o spirit_n willingness_n and_o tell_v they_o that_o they_o have_v that_o grace_n and_o then_o tell_v they_o whence_o come_v their_o sin_n even_o from_o the_o weakness_n of_o the_o flesh_n 2._o i_o have_v show_v you_o that_o as_o every_o man_n will_n be_v but_o partly_o sanctify_v as_o to_o the_o degree_n of_o holiness_n and_o so_o far_o as_o it_o be_v imperfect_a it_o will_v be_v unwilling_a so_o that_o there_o be_v something_o in_o the_o duty_n of_o secret_a prayer_n meditation_n and_o reproof_n which_o make_v most_o man_n more_o backward_o to_o they_o then_o other_o duty_n the_o last_o do_v so_o cross_a our_o fleshly_a interest_n and_o the_o two_o former_a be_v so_o spiritual_a and_o require_v so_o pure_a and_o spiritual_a a_o soul_n and_o set_v a_o man_n so_o immediate_o before_o the_o live_a god_n as_o if_o we_o be_v speak_v to_o he_o face_n to_o face_n and_o have_v nothing_o of_o external_a pomp_n to_o draw_v we_o that_o it_o be_v no_o wonder_n if_o while_o there_o be_v flesh_n within_o we_o we_o be_v backward_o to_o they_o especial_o while_o we_o be_v so_o unacquainted_a with_o god_n and_o while_o strangeness_n and_o consciousness_n of_o sin_n do_v make_v we_o draw_v back_o beside_o that_o the_o devil_n will_v more_o busy_o hinder_v we_o here_o then_o anywhere_o 3._o the_o question_n therefore_o be_v not_o whether_o you_o have_v a_o unwillingness_n &_o backwardness_n to_o good_a for_o so_o have_v all_o nor_o yet_o whether_o you_o have_v any_o cold_a uneffectual_a wish_n for_o so_o have_v the_o ungodly_a bu●_n whether_o your_o willingness_n be_v not_o more_o than_o your_o unwillingness_n and_o in_o that_o 1._o it_o must_v not_o be_v in_o every_o single_a act_n of_o duty_n for_o a_o godly_a man_n may_v be_v actual_o more_o unwilling_a to_o a_o duty_n at_o this_o particular_a time_n then_o willing_a and_o thereupon_o may_v omit_v it_o but_o it_o must_v be_v about_o your_o habitual_a willingness_n manifest_v in_o ordinary_a actual_a willingness_n 2._o you_o must_v not_o exclude_v any_o of_o those_o motive_n which_o god_n have_v give_v you_o to_o make_v you_o willing_a to_o duty_n he_o have_v command_v it_o and_o his_o authority_n shall_v move_v you_o he_o have_v threaten_v you_o and_o therefore_o fear_n shall_v move_v you_o or_o else_o he_o will_v never_o have_v threaten_v he_o have_v make_v promise_n of_o reward_n and_o therefore_o the_o hope_n of_o that_o shall_v move_v and_o therefore_o you_o may_v perceive_v here_o what_o a_o dangerous_a mistake_v it_o be_v to_o think_v that_o we_o have_v no_o grace_n except_o our_o willingness_n to_o duty_n be_v without_o god_n motive_n from_o a_o mere_a love_n to_o the_o duty_n itself_o or_o to_o its_o effect_n nay_o it_o be_v a_o dangerous_a antinomian_n mistake_v to_o imagine_v that_o it_o be_v our_o duty_n to_o be_v willing_a to_o good_a without_o these_o motive_n of_o god_n i_o say_v to_o take_v it_o so_o much_o as_o for_o our_o duty_n to_o exclude_v god_n motive_n though_o we_o shall_v not_o judge_v of_o our_o grace_n by_o it_o for_o it_o be_v but_o a_o accusation_n of_o christ_n and_o his_o law_n who_o have_v ordain_v these_o motive_n of_o punishment_n and_o reward_n to_o be_v his_o instrument_n to_o move_v the_o soul_n to_o duty_n let_v i_o therefore_o put_v the_o right_a question_n to_o you_o whether_o all_o god_n motive_n lay_v together_o and_o consider_v the_o ordinary_a prevail_a part_n of_o your_o will_n be_v not_o rather_o for_o duty_n then_o against_o it_o this_o you_o will_v know_v by_o your_o practice_n for_o if_o the_o prevail_a part_n be_v against_o duty_n you_o will_v not_o do_v it_o if_o it_o be_v for_o duty_n you_o will_v ordinary_o perform_v it_o though_o you_o can_v do_v it_o so_o well_o as_o you_o will_v and_o then_o you_o may_v see_v that_o your_o backwardness_n and_o remain_a unwillingness_n must_v still_o be_v matter_n of_o humiliation_n and_o resistance_n to_o you_o but_o not_o matter_n of_o doubt_v nay_o thank_v god_n that_o enable_v you_o to_o pull_v down_o yourself_o on_o your_o knee_n when_o you_o be_v unwilling_a for_o what_o be_v that_o but_o the_o prevail_a of_o your_o willingness_n against_o your_o unwillingness_n shall_v your_o unwillingness_n once_o prevail_v you_o will_v turn_v your_o back_n upon_o the_o most_o acknowledge_a duty_n doubt_n vi_o but_o i_o be_o afraid_a that_o it_o be_v only_o slavish_a fear_n of_o hell_n and_o not_o the_o love_n of_o god_n that_o cause_v i_o to_o obey_v and_o if_o it_o be_v not_o for_o this_o fear_n i_o doubt_v whether_o i_o shall_v not_o quite_o give_v over_o all_o and_o perfect_a love_n cast_v out_o fear_n answer_n i_o have_v answer_v this_o already_o love_n will_v not_o be_v perfect_a in_o this_o life_n in_o the_o life_n to_o come_v it_o will_v cast_v out_o all_o fear_n of_o damnation_n and_o all_o fear_n that_o drive_v the_o soul_n from_o god_n and_o all_o fear_n of_o man_n which_o be_v mean_v in_o rev._n 21.8_o where_o the_o fearful_a and_o unbeliever_n be_v condemn_v that_o be_v those_o that_o fear_v man_n more_o than_o god_n and_o that_o 1_o john_n 4.17_o 18._o speak_v of_o a_o torment_a fear_n which_o be_v it_o that_o i_o be_o persuade_v you_o from_o and_o consist_v in_o terror_n of_o soul_n upon_o a_o apprehension_n that_o god_n will_v condemn_v you_o but_o it_o speak_v not_o of_o a_o filial_a fear_n nor_o of_o a_o fear_n lest_o we_o shall_v by_o forsake_v god_n or_o by_o yield_v to_o temptation_n lose_v the_o crown_n of_o life_n and_o so_o perish_v as_o long_o as_o this_o be_v not_o a_o torment_a fear_n but_o a_o cautelous_a preserve_v prevent_a fear_n beside_o the_o text_n plain_o say_v it_o be_v that_o we_o may_v have_v boldness_n in_o the_o day_n of_o judgement_n that_o love_n cast_v out_o this_o fear_n and_o at_o that_o day_n of_o judgement_n love_n will_v have_v more_o full_o overcome_v it_o it_o be_v a_o great_a mistake_n to_o think_v that_o filial_a fear_n be_v only_o the_o fear_n of_o temporal_a chastisement_n and_o that_o all_o fear_n of_o hell_n be_v slavish_a even_o filial_a fear_n be_v a_o fear_n of_o hell_n but_o with_o this_o difference_n a_o son_n if_o he_o know_v himself_o to_o be_v a_o son_n have_v such_o a_o persuasion_n of_o his_o father_n love_n to_o he_o that_o he_o know_v he_o will_v not_o cast_v he_o off_o except_o he_o shall_v be_v so_o vile_a as_o to_o renounce_v his_o father_n which_o he_o be_v moderate_o fearful_a or_o careful_a lest_o by_o temptation_n he_o shall_v be_v draw_v to_o do_v but_o not_o distrustful_o fearful_a as_o know_v the_o help_n and_o mercy_n of_o his_o father_n but_o a_o slavish_a fear_n be_v when_o a_o man_n have_v no_o apprehension_n of_o god_n love_v or_o willingness_n to_o show_v he_o mercy_n do_v look_v that_o god_n shall_v deal_v with_o he_o as_o a_o slave_n and_o destroy_v he_o when_o ever_o he_o do_v amiss_o it_o be_v this_o slavish_a torment_a fear_n which_o i_o spend_v all_o this_o writing_n against_o but_o yet_o a_o great_a deal_n even_o of_o this_o slavish_a fear_n may_v be_v in_o those_o son_n that_o know_v not_o themselves_o to_o be_v son_n but_o suppose_v you_o be_v out_o of_o all_o fear_n of_o damnation_n do_v not_o belie_v your_o own_o heart_n and_o tell_v i_o have_v you_o not_o rather_o be_v holy_a then_o unholy_a please_a to_o god_n then_o displease_v and_o will_v not_o the_o hope_n of_o salvation_n draw_v you_o from_o sin_n to_o duty_n without_o the_o fear_n of_o damnation_n in_o hell_n but_o you_o will_v say_v that_o be_v still_o mercenary_a and_o as_o bad_a as_o slavish_a fear_n i_o answer_v not_o so_o this_o hope_n of_o salvation_n be_v the_o hope_n of_o enjoy_v god_n and_o live_v in_o perfect_a pleasingness_n to_o he_o and_o pleasure_n in_o he_o in_o glory_n and_o the_o desire_n of_o this_o be_v a_o desire_n of_o love_n it_o be_v love_n to_o god_n that_o make_v you_o desire_v he_o and_o hope_v to_o enjoy_v he_o last_o i_o say_v again_o take_v heed_n of_o separate_v what_o god_n have_v join_v if_o god_n by_o put_v in_o your_o nature_n the_o several_a passion_n of_o hope_n fear_v love_n etc._n etc._n and_o by_o put_v a_o holiness_n into_o these_o