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
A84690 The spirit of bondage and adoption: largely and practically handled, with reference to the way and manner of working both those effects; and the proper cases of conscience belonging to them both. In two treatises. Whereunto is added, a discourse concerning the duty of prayer in an afflicted condition, by way of supplement in some cases relating to the second treatise. / By SImon Ford B.D. and minister of the Gospel in Reading. Ford, Simon, 1619?-1699. 1655 (1655) Wing F1503; Thomason E1553_1; ESTC R209479 312,688 666

There are 18 snippets containing the selected quad. | View original text

it_o ephes_n 1._o 13._o in_o who_o after_o you_o hear_v you_o trust_v and_o after_o you_o believe_v credidistis_fw-la 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d aor_n 1._o postquam_fw-la credidisseti●_n not_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d dum_fw-la credidistis_fw-la or_o trust_v you_o be_v seal_v with_o the_o holy_a spirit_n of_o promise_n and_o receive_v its_o earnest_n see_v also_o 1_o joh._n 5._o 13._o now_o come_v to_o christ_n receive_v christ_n apply_v christ_n for_o justification_n be_v sufficient_a qualification_n to_o enable_v a_o man_n to_o receive_v the_o sacrament_n with_o profit_n because_o where_o spiritual_a life_n be_v there_o be_v a_o right_a to_o all_o such_o food_n as_o may_v strengthen_v it_o 2._o the_o sacrament_n be_v a_o seal_n of_o the_o covenant_n in_o all_o its_o promise_n now_o promise_v become_v i_o by_o claim_n and_o reliance_n if_o then_o i_o have_v right_a only_o to_o one_o promise_v nay_o if_o i_o can_v but_o lay_v claim_n to_o one_o i_o may_v come_v to_o the_o sacrament_n to_o have_v that_o seal_v to_o i_o suppose_v this_o i_o find_v my_o heart_n make_v weary_a of_o sin_n and_o account_v it_o the_o great_a burden_n in_o the_o world_n i_o apply_v myself_o to_o christ_n to_o ease_v i_o of_o it_o hereupon_o i_o lay_v claim_n to_o the_o promise_n thus_o lord_n jesus_n thou_o have_v do_v thus_o for_o i_o bless_a be_v thy_o name_n whereas_o i_o account_v sin_v a_o pleasure_n once_o now_o i_o account_v it_o a_o burden_n make_v good_a thy_o promise_n to_o i_o ease_v i_o i_o claim_v this_o on_o the_o credit_n of_o thy_o promise_n mat._n 11._o 28._o if_o hereupon_o i_o come_v to_o the_o sacrament_n desire_v god_n to_o seal_v to_o this_o promise_n which_o i_o lie_v hold_v upon_o i_o can_v be_v say_v to_o come_v unworthy_o though_o i_o have_v no_o witness_n in_o my_o heart_n from_o the_o spirit_n that_o i_o belong_v to_o christ_n i_o tell_v you_o before_o that_o it_o be_v the_o claim_n of_o christ_n and_o stand_v to_o that_o claim_n and_o be_v resolve_v to_o adventure_v my_o soul_n upon_o it_o that_o entitle_v i_o to_o he_o and_o that_o that_o entitle_v i_o to_o christ_n give_v i_o a_o right_n to_o the_o sacrament_n as_o i_o say_v but_o now_o upon_o the_o former_a head_n object_n but_o let_v this_o faith_n be_v what_o it_o will_v i_o must_v know_v that_o i_o have_v it_o ere_o i_o come_v else_o it_o be_v in_o vain_a to_o require_v examination_n before_o i_o come_v and_o if_o so_o then_o it_o be_v all_o one_o for_o substance_n to_o be_v assure_v that_o i_o be_o in_o christ_n and_o to_o be_v assure_v that_o i_o believe_v in_o he_o because_o believe_v in_o he_o necessary_o imply_v be_v in_o he_o answ_n sacramental_a examination_n do_v not_o presuppose_v a_o necessity_n of_o a_o certain_a or_o assure_a knowledge_n that_o i_o have_v the_o grace_n which_o i_o examine_v myself_o for_o but_o only_o a_o find_v those_o act_n in_o myself_o which_o ordinary_o those_o grace_n appear_v in_o my_o heart_n deal_v plain_o and_o faithful_o with_o itself_o in_o the_o search_n and_o my_o earnest_a desire_n and_o endeavour_v that_o they_o may_v be_v true_a though_o at_o present_a i_o see_v not_o that_o they_o be_v true_a suppose_v that_o i_o see_v nothing_o of_o weight_n according_a to_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o word_n to_o judge_v they_o false_a nay_o if_o i_o shall_v see_v cause_n to_o condemn_v those_o former_a act_n which_o i_o take_v for_o gracious_a as_o false_a and_o unsound_a yet_o upon_o that_o conviction_n if_o i_o serious_o labour_v to_o set_v they_o right_n now_o i_o ought_v not_o to_o keep_v from_o the_o sacrament_n for_o that_o but_o to_o draw_v nigh_o and_o from_o thence_o to_o expect_v strength_n to_o prosper_v my_o endeavour_n and_o give_v i_o evidence_n in_o god_n time_n of_o the_o reality_n of_o they_o if_o this_o be_v not_o true_a than_o every_o christian_a under_o desertion_n and_o doubt_v must_v be_v exclude_v from_o the_o sacrament_n and_o sure_o if_o so_o the_o fit_a person_n that_o can_v be_v will_v be_v debar_v there_o be_v none_o more_o fit_a for_o a_o strengthen_n ordinance_n then_o such_o soul_n to_o exemplify_v the_o present_a case_n a_o man_n examine_v his_o faith_n repentance_n etc._n etc._n he_o find_v some_o such_o act_n as_o look_v like_o the_o act_n of_o those_o grace_n yet_o he_o doubt_v whether_o they_o be_v true_a or_o no_o he_o therefore_o examine_v faith_n by_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o word_n purify_n the_o heart_n work_v by_o love_n overcome_v the_o world_n repentance_n by_o hatred_n of_o sin_n of_o all_o sin_n sincere_a endeavour_n of_o future_a obedience_n some_o such_o thing_n as_o these_o he_o see_v no_o sufficient_a ground_n to_o conclude_v he_o have_v not_o and_o yet_o he_o think_v he_o may_v deceive_v himself_o in_o think_v that_o he_o have_v they_o here_o be_v his_o case_n what_o shall_v this_o man_n do_v shall_v he_o come_v to_o the_o supper_n or_o no_o i_o answer_v yes_o for_o i_o be_o fit_a for_o the_o sacrament_n when_o my_o heart_n do_v not_o upon_o good_a ground_n condemn_v i_o unwarrantable_a scruple_n do_v not_o unfit_a i_o it_o be_v not_o require_v that_o my_o heart_n do_v always_o clear_o absolve_v i_o see_v what_o john_n faith_n in_o this_o case_n 1_o joh._n 3._o 20._o if_o our_o heart_n condemn_v we_o not_o he_o do_v not_o say_v if_o they_o actual_o absolve_v we_o many_o needless_a scruple_n may_v hinder_v that_o but_o if_o they_o condemn_v we_o not_o it_o must_v be_v mean_v of_o the_o conscience_n enlighten_v by_o the_o word_n a_o ignorant_a wordless_a conscience_n its_o absolution_n or_o condemnation_n be_v nothing_o in_o this_o case_n but_o a_o enlighten_v conscience_n then_o have_v we_o confidence_n i._n e._n ground_n of_o confidence_n towards_o god_n and_o by_o consequence_n ground_n of_o approach_n to_o those_o seal_n in_o which_o this_o confidence_n be_v bestow_v and_o increase_v 2_o it_o be_v not_o necessary_a to_o a_o worthy_a participation_n of_o the_o lord_n supper_n that_o i_o be_v able_a satisfactory_o to_o evidence_n to_o my_o own_o heart_n the_o truth_n of_o every_o grace_n require_v thereunto_o one_o grace_n sometime_o may_v be_v more_o conspicuous_a than_o another_o and_o it_o be_v sufficient_a it_o i_o can_v see_v any_o thing_n in_o myself_o of_o the_o new_a creature_n though_o i_o know_v not_o how_o to_o improve_v it_o by_o argument_n to_o prove_v such_o or_o such_o a_o grace_n thereby_o for_o example_n sometime_o repentance_n may_v be_v more_o conspicuous_a to_o a_o man_n then_o faith_n sometime_o love_v more_o visible_a then_o both_o sometime_o a_o man_n may_v be_v able_a to_o see_v neither_o of_o they_o all_o distinct_o yet_o he_o see_v something_o which_o he_o can_v but_o acknowledge_v be_v a_o fruit_n of_o a_o mighty_a and_o supernatural_a change_n and_o this_o change_n he_o find_v he_o can_v rest_v till_o it_o be_v increase_v and_o improve_v to_o great_a perfection_n if_o he_o can_v see_v nothing_o else_o yet_o he_o find_v earnest_a and_o hearty_a desire_n after_o christ_n not_o only_o as_o a_o fountain_n of_o pardon_v but_o also_o of_o purge_v grace_n these_o desire_n as_o far_o as_o he_o can_v judge_v be_v not_o counterfeit_v though_o many_o time_n weak_a now_o in_o such_o a_o case_n as_o this_o the_o soul_n must_v consider_v that_o christ_n have_v promise_v not_o to_o break_v the_o bruise_a reed_n nor_o quench_v the_o smoke_a flax_n though_o a_o man_n grace_n be_v very_o infirm_a if_o it_o be_v not_o a_o staff_n but_o a_o reed_n and_o a_o reed_n too_o not_o firm_a but_o bruise_v and_o though_o the_o kindle_n of_o grace_n be_v but_o in_o smoke_a flax_n a_o metaphor_n take_v from_o those_o that_o kindle_v a_o fire_n that_o put_v some_o peel_a stalk_n of_o flax_n or_o straw_n or_o some_o such_o combustible_a thing_n under_o the_o wood_n to_o make_v it_o burn_v which_o if_o it_o be_v moist_a will_v not_o flame_v out_o by_o and_o by_o but_o smoke_n a_o while_n and_o then_o kindle_v though_o grace_n be_v but_o yet_o a_o embryo_n as_o fire_n in_o smoke_a flax_n which_o a_o man_n can_v scarce_o tell_v whether_o it_o will_v burn_v or_o no_o yet_o god_n will_v not_o quench_v that_o be_v he_o will_v make_v much_o of_o it_o as_o a_o servant_n do_v of_o a_o little_a spark_n of_o fire_n in_o a_o wisp_n of_o straw_n and_o gentle_o blow_v it_o up_o till_o it_o flame_n isai_n 42._o 3._o he_o be_v to_o consider_v moreover_o that_o he_o ought_v to_o conclude_v from_o these_o small_a measure_n as_o far_o as_o he_o be_v ground_o persuade_v that_o they_o be_v true_a that_o though_o he_o can_v see_v faith_n repentance_n love_n yet_o where_o these_o desire_n be_v they_o be_v good_a sign_n of_o a_o gracious_a change_n though_o yet_o but_o in_o the_o beginning_n and_o a_o gracious_a change_n
of_o blow_v up_o the_o coal_n as_o well_o as_o by_o throw_v water_n upon_o they_o to_o move_v you_o hereunto_o consider_v 1_o there_o be_v little_a difference_n as_o to_o the_o comfort_n of_o grace_n between_o grace_n lie_v dead_a and_o no_o grace_n at_o all_o a_o man_n that_o have_v riches_n and_o god_n give_v he_o not_o a_o heart_n to_o enjoy_v they_o wherein_o be_v he_o better_o as_o to_o the_o comfort_n of_o his_o life_n than_o a_o man_n that_o have_v not_o a_o penny_n in_o the_o world_n this_o be_v a_o evil_a thing_n under_o the_o sun_n say_v solomon_n eccles_n 6._o 1_o 2._o a_o man_n that_o have_v no_o grace_n enjoy_v no_o communion_n with_o god_n sit_v dull_a and_o unprofitable_a under_o all_o ordinance_n make_v no_o spiritual_a advantage_n of_o any_o enjoyment_n and_o so_o do_v the_o man_n that_o have_v grace_n un-improved_n 2_o the_o less_o you_o stir_v up_o your_o grace_n the_o less_o you_o will_v be_v able_a to_o use_v they_o when_o you_o have_v need_n if_o a_o man_n faith_n humility_n sorrow_n for_o sin_n be_v away_o in_o one_o duty_n or_o two_o he_o will_v not_o find_v they_o ready_o at_o hand_n when_o he_o will_v make_v use_n of_o they_o again_o a_o tool_n a_o man_n use_v at_o every_o turn_n will_v not_o be_v so_o often_o out_o of_o the_o way_n as_o one_o he_o use_v but_o now_o and_o then_o beside_o suppose_v they_o constant_o at_o hand_n yet_o if_o not_o employ_v they_o will_v be_v rusty_a and_o unfit_a for_o use_v except_o they_o be_v rub_v up_o by_o constant_a employment_n 3_o corruption_n will_v be_v stir_v daily_o and_o satan_n will_v be_v perpetual_o blow_v they_o up_o especial_o in_o the_o duty_n of_o prayer_n there_o be_v no_o duty_n in_o which_o the_o people_n of_o god_n complain_v horat._n ut_fw-la jugulent_fw-la homines_fw-la surgunt_fw-la de_fw-la nocte_fw-la latrones_fw-la ut_fw-la teipsum_fw-la serve_v non_fw-la expergisceris_fw-la horat._n more_o of_o distemper_n and_o distraction_n than_o that_o duty_n the_o thief_n be_v abroad_o active_a and_o vigilant_a and_o shall_v the_o traveller_n ride_v on_o careless_o and_o not_o look_v about_o he_o to_o keep_v his_o weapon_n in_o a_o readiness_n for_o every_o assault_n there_o be_v no_o road_n more_o infest_a with_o thief_n then_o the_o road_n between_o earth_n and_o heaven_n the_o traffic_n be_v precious_a and_o therefore_o a_o man_n have_v need_n stir_v up_o and_o quicken_v himself_o to_o all_o the_o cautiousnesse_n that_o may_v be_v and_o muster_v up_o all_o his_o strength_n for_o a_o convoy_n to_o secure_v the_o passage_n now_o there_o be_v no_o convoy_n that_o more_o secure_v all_o our_o duty_n in_o that_o traffic_n and_o all_o our_o return_n than_o a_o convoy_n of_o active_a grace_n 4._o the_o saint_n of_o god_n have_v use_v to_o do_v so_o to_o call_v upon_o themselves_o and_o to_o quicken_v themselves_o unto_o a_o spiritual_a and_o lively_a performance_n of_o duty_n to_o god_n david_n be_v frequent_a herein_o psal_n 103._o 1._o all_o that_o be_v within_o i_o praise_v his_o holy_a name_n arise_v faith_n humility_n self-denial_n joy_n hope_v and_o be_v stir_v i_o be_o about_o a_o duty_n of_o importance_n and_o that_o to_o a_o god_n to_o who_o i_o stand_v deep_o oblige_v do_v your_o best_a therefore_o to_o help_v i_o to_o praise_v his_o holy_a name_n so_o psal_n 57_o 7_o 8._o my_o heart_n be_v fix_v or_o prepare_v or_o ready_a awake_v my_o glory_n tongue_n see_v you_o do_v your_o duty_n lively_a and_o vigorous_o awake_v my_o psaltery_a and_o i_o myself_o will_v awake_v early_o i._n e._n i_o will_v stir_v up_o all_o my_o grace_n to_o bear_v you_o company_n and_o the_o whole_a church_n complain_v of_o the_o want_n hereof_o isai_n 64._o 7._o 5_o god_n in_o all_o his_o grant_n take_v special_a notice_n of_o the_o activity_n of_o our_o grace_n in_o approach_v to_o he_o jer._n 30._o 21._o who_o be_v this_o that_o engage_v his_o heart_n to_o approach_v to_o i_o say_v the_o lord_n q._n d._n there_o be_v many_o that_o approach_n to_o i_o but_o who_o be_v that_o among_o all_o the_o rest_n that_o engage_v his_o heart_n to_o approach_v to_o i_o of_o all_o the_o rest_n i_o take_v notice_n of_o he_o he_o quicken_v all_o his_o grace_n and_o stir_v up_o all_o his_o soul_n on_o purpose_n that_o he_o may_v approach_v to_o i_o as_o if_o a_o great_a man_n come_v to_o a_o town_n and_o public_a entertainment_n be_v make_v he_o if_o any_o one_o among_o the_o rest_n be_v more_o active_a than_o ordinary_a he_o take_v especial_a notice_n of_o he_o who_o be_v this_o that_o make_v so_o much_o ado_n above_o all_o the_o rest_n i_o must_v take_v special_a notice_n of_o he_o and_o gratify_v he_o with_o some_o extraordinary_a favour_n god_n let_v we_o pass_v a_o hundred_o lazy_a petitioner_n and_o seek_v out_o a_o fervent_a one_o in_o a_o throng_n of_o christian_n 6_o if_o you_o do_v not_o stir_v up_o your_o grace_n to_o seek_v god_n god_n will_v stir_v they_o up_o for_o you_o if_o a_o horse_n that_o have_v metal_n enough_o grow_v dull_a the_o rider_n put_v to_o the_o spur_n to_o quicken_v he_o if_o you_o grow_v dull_a and_o careless_a in_o duty_n god_n will_v spur_v up_o your_o grace_n and_o quicken_v you_o to_o your_o pain_n and_o cost_v too_o indeed_o say_v god_n be_v it_o so_o can_v such_o a_o man_n afford_v i_o no_o better_a service_n than_o so_o be_v every_o slight_a slovenly_a performance_n good_a enough_o for_o i_o well_o i_o will_v be_v serve_v with_o that_o that_o cost_v he_o something_o before_o i_o have_v do_v with_o he_o withdraw_v thy_o comfort_n from_o he_o spirit_n smite_v he_o sickness_n vex_v he_o satan_n persecute_v he_o enemy_n i_o will_v warrant_v it_o i_o shall_v hear_v from_o he_o short_o in_o another_o guise_n manner_n hos_fw-la 5._o 15._o in_o their_o affliction_n they_o will_v seek_v i_o early_o take_v this_o for_o a_o usual_a rule_n ordinary_o after_o a_o continue_a deadness_n and_o formality_n of_o spirit_n upon_o a_o saint_n in_o duty_n come_v some_o sharp_a affliction_n or_o other_o chap_n lii_o a_o question_n how_o saint_n may_v recover_v out_o of_o deadness_n in_o prayer_n answer_v something_o about_o form_n quest_n but_o how_o shall_v i_o stir_v up_o myself_o to_o seek_v the_o lord_n how_o shall_v i_o recover_v out_o of_o this_o strange_a deadness_n and_o formality_n of_o spirit_n which_o i_o be_o fall_v into_o answ_n 1_o use_v not_o to_o set_v upon_o the_o duty_n in_o which_o you_o approach_v to_o god_n without_o meditation_n david_n say_v of_o himself_o while_o i_o be_v muse_v the_o fire_n kindle_v psal_n 39_o 3._o meditate_v principal_o upon_o the_o most_o proper_a move_a object_n of_o every_o grace_n i'faith_o act_n upon_o god_n faithfulness_n in_o his_o promise_n to_o stir_v up_o faith_n therefore_o meditate_v upon_o god_n in_o his_o faithfulness_n and_o that_o as_o declare_v in_o some_o special_a promise_n that_o concern_v thy_o case_n and_o condition_n love_n and_o thankfulness_n be_v exercise_v upon_o the_o goodness_n of_o god_n meditate_v upon_o the_o goodness_n of_o god_n to_o thou_o in_o particular_a to_o stir_v up_o those_o grace_n humility_n be_v most_o affect_a with_o a_o man_n own_o vileness_n and_o god_n glory_v compare_v together_o here_o then_o set_v out_o god_n in_o his_o majesty_n as_o glorious_o as_o thou_o can_v in_o thy_o meditation_n then_o view_v thy_o self_n and_o thy_o own_o vileness_n especial_o reflect_v upon_o those_o sin_n of_o thou_o which_o have_v have_v most_o vileness_n and_o loathsomnesse_n of_o circumstance_n and_o be_v attend_v with_o the_o most_o abominable_a aggravation_n and_o so_o in_o other_o grace_n 2._o choose_v the_o most_o free_a and_o lively_a season_n for_o duty_n the_o morning_n before_o worldly_a business_n have_v deadn_v &_o flat_v the_o spirit_n be_v of_o special_a use_n for_o prayer_n it_o be_v not_o for_o nothing_o that_o david_n so_o often_o make_v choice_n of_o that_o time_n psalm_n 5._o 3._o &_o 59_o 16._o &_o 88_o 13._o &_o 119._o 147._o &_o 63._o 1._o 108._o 2._o etc._n etc._n if_o a_o man_n will_v attend_v any_o business_n without_o distraction_n or_o disturbance_n that_o be_v the_o time_n to_o be_v beforehand_o with_o the_o disturbance_n of_o daily_a business_n and_o occasion_n when_o we_o slip_v out_o of_o every_o worldly_a employment_n into_o prayer_n or_o at_o night_n when_o we_o be_v half_o asleep_a mix_v nod_n with_o petition_n no_o wonder_n if_o we_o complain_v of_o deadness_n and_o dulness_n and_o distraction_n 3._o watch_v to_o prayer_n col._n 4._o 2._o continue_v in_o prayer_n and_o watch_v thereunto_o etc._n etc._n 1_o pet._n 4._o 7._o be_v sober_a and_o watch_v unto_o prayer_n watch_v against_o satan_n who_o will_v then_o be_v busy_a to_o disturb_v you_o it_o may_v be_v with_o atheistical_a and_o blasphemous_a thought_n and_o other_o
bondage_n and_o shall_v enable_v you_o to_o set_v your_o foot_n on_o his_o neck_n etc._n etc._n more_o clear_o isai_n 61._o 1_o 2_o 3._o he_o give_v christ_n and_o anoint_v and_o send_v he_o for_o that_o end_n to_o proclaim_v liberty_n to_o the_o captive_n and_o the_o open_n of_o the_o prison_n to_o they_o that_o be_v bind_v and_o not_o only_o to_o proclaim_v it_o by_o the_o word_n but_o to_o apply_v it_o by_o the_o spirit_n ver_fw-la 3._o to_o appoint_v to_o they_o beauty_n for_o ash_n the_o oil_n of_o joy_n for_o mourning_n and_o the_o garment_n of_o joy_n for_o the_o spirit_n of_o heaviness_n or_o the_o spirit_n of_o adoption_n for_o the_o spirit_n of_o bondage_n so_o psal_n 126._o 5_o 6._o they_o that_o sow_v in_o tear_n shall_v reap_v in_o joy_n etc._n etc._n and_o isai_n 57_o 15._o a_o remarkable_a promise_n i_o dwell_v with_o the_o contrite_a and_o humble_a spirit_n wherefore_o to_o revive_v the_o spirit_n of_o the_o humble_a and_o 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 lest_o the_o soul_n shall_v fail_v before_o i_o and_o the_o spirit_n which_o i_o have_v make_v see_v v._o 18_o 19_o the_o spirit_n that_o be_v promise_v by_o christ_n be_v call_v the_o comforter_n why_o so_o if_o not_o to_o denote_v the_o principal_a part_n of_o his_o work_n the_o comfort_v of_o the_o heart_n of_o god_n people_n john_n 14._o 26._o arg._n 2._o the_o design_n of_o god_n in_o trouble_v the_o conscience_n soul-trouble_n be_v not_o bring_v on_o we_o mere_o for_o their_o own_o sake_n for_o god_n afflict_v not_o willing_o nor_o grieve_v the_o 33._o lam._n 3._o 33._o child_n of_o man_n but_o they_o be_v ordinary_a prologue_n of_o comfort_n and_o peace_n and_o therefore_o ordain_v to_o fit_v we_o to_o receive_v and_o prize_v it_o hos_fw-la 2._o 14._o i_o will_v bring_v she_o into_o the_o wilderness_n and_o speak_v comfortable_o unto_o she_o to_o her_o heart_n heb._n into_o the_o wilderness_n i._n e._n a_o maze_n and_o wood_n of_o trouble_n that_o she_o shall_v know_v no_o way_n out_o of_o into_o such_o a_o condition_n in_o which_o a_o dram_n of_o comfort_n will_v be_v dear_a than_o all_o the_o world_n and_o then_o i_o will_v speak_v to_o her_o heart_n when_o she_o be_v quite_o out_o of_o heart_n god_n usage_n to_o his_o people_n in_o this_o world_n be_v like_o tragicomedy_n sad_a beginning_n divers_a time_n that_o put_v all_o the_o spectator_n into_o a_o maze_n to_o think_v what_o will_v come_v of_o they_o that_o so_o he_o may_v come_v off_o the_o more_o glorious_o at_o the_o last_o by_o give_v a_o comfortable_a close_o beside_o all_o man_n expectation_n he_o set_v off_o as_o painter_n do_v a_o light_a colour_n by_o the_o neighbourhood_n of_o a_o dark_a he_o cause_v light_a at_o the_o first_o to_o shine_v out_o of_o darkness_n not_o before_o it_o or_o 6_o 2_o cor._n 4._o 6_o without_o it_o but_o out_o of_o it_o and_o as_o he_o do_v in_o conversion_n so_o in_o comfort_n first_o darkness_n in_o conversion_n than_o light_n you_o be_v darkness_n 8_o ephes_n 5._o 8_o etc._n etc._n so_o he_o do_v in_o the_o work_n of_o consolation_n when_o i_o sit_v in_o darkness_n the_o lord_n shall_v be_v a_o light_n to_o i_o say_v the_o church_n micah_n 7._o 8._o so_o in_o the_o apostle_n experience_n we_o have_v the_o sentence_n of_o death_n in_o ourselves_o that_o we_o may_v trust_v not_o in_o ourselves_o but_o in_o he_o that_o raise_v the_o dead_a 2_o cor._n 1._o 9_o and_o as_o christ_n will_v not_o keep_v lazarus_n from_o die_v when_o he_o can_v have_v do_v so_o but_o rather_o choose_v to_o raise_v he_o from_o the_o dead_a by_o a_o miracle_n so_o will_v christ_n deal_v with_o his_o people_n quite_o bring_v they_o to_o the_o grave_n that_o then_o he_o may_v get_v the_o glory_n of_o a_o kind_n of_o miracle_n and_o say_v return_v you_o son_n 3_o psalm_n 90._o 3_o and_o daughter_n of_o man_n now_o can_v we_o think_v that_o god_n will_v lose_v the_o glory_n of_o his_o grace_n when_o he_o so_o aim_v at_o it_o in_o those_o trouble_n that_o work_v it_o and_o sure_o he_o will_v do_v so_o if_o his_o people_n perish_v under_o they_o thence_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n teach_v the_o saint_n in_o darkness_n to_o urge_v that_o as_o a_o argument_n will_v thou_o show_v wonder_n to_o the_o dead_a etc._n etc._n what_o remembrance_n of_o thou_o be_v there_o in_o the_o grave_n where_o all_o thing_n be_v forget_v psalm_n 88_o 10_o 11_o and_o 6._o 5._o q._n d._n i_o know_v thy_o aim_n in_o all_o these_o dark_a night_n that_o i_o undergo_v be_v to_o make_v thy_o glory_n shine_v the_o clear_a and_o be_v this_o the_o way_n to_o let_v a_o poor_a soul_n that_o will_v fain_o praise_v thou_o to_o drop_v into_o the_o grave_n and_o for_o aught_o he_o know_v into_o hell_n in_o darkness_n without_o the_o least_o smile_n from_o thou_o etc._n etc._n arg._n 3._o the_o duty_n god_n expect_v of_o his_o saint_n which_o can_v be_v so_o perfect_o and_o ingenuous_o perform_v by_o any_o as_o by_o a_o assure_a spirit_n indeed_o the_o truth_n of_o they_o may_v proceed_v from_o a_o soul_n that_o be_v not_o assure_v but_o such_o high_a and_o noble_a measure_n can_v 1_o love_n to_o he_o again_o a_o man_n may_v and_o every_o saint_n do_v love_n god_n by_o a_o holy_a sympathy_n as_o soon_o as_o he_o be_v regenerate_v whether_o he_o know_v it_o or_o no_o and_o the_o demonstration_n of_o that_o love_n in_o the_o saint_n when_o they_o come_v to_o discern_v it_o become_v a_o mean_n of_o assurance_n to_o they_o as_o in_o antipathy_n sometime_o they_o be_v strong_a in_o nature_n and_o no_o reason_n can_v be_v give_v for_o they_o non_fw-la amo_fw-la te_fw-la sabidi_fw-la nec_fw-la possum_fw-la dicere_fw-la quare_fw-la &c_n &c_n so_o in_o sympathy_n found_v in_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n why_o do_v iron_n love_v the_o loadstone_n and_o cleave_v to_o it_o or_o the_o needle_n touch_v with_o it_o point_v northward_o this_o i_o constant_o affirm_v that_o where_o the_o soul_n love_v god_n god_n love_n be_v the_o cause_n of_o that_o love_n to_o he_o and_o so_o it_o be_v whether_o it_o be_v manifest_v to_o his_o conscience_n or_o no_o because_o every_o grace_n be_v a_o fruit_n of_o god_n eternal_a love_n this_o i_o be_o sure_a be_v hold_v out_o in_o that_o excellent_a place_n 1_o john_n 4._o 19_o though_o i_o shall_v not_o grant_v it_o a_o fruit_n thereof_o only_o when_o know_v it_o be_v not_o say_v because_o we_o be_v assure_v he_o love_v we_o first_o but_o because_o he_o love_v we_o first_o but_o yet_o the_o love_n that_o be_v without_o assurance_n be_v not_o so_o strong_a so_o rational_a so_o active_a as_o that_o that_o proceed_v from_o assurance_n when_o the_o love_n of_o god_n be_v shed_v abroad_o in_o the_o heart_n by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n for_o this_o will_v enable_v a_o soul_n to_o love_n much_o luke_n 7._o 47._o to_o rejoice_v in_o tribulation_n rom._n 5._o 3_o 5_o and_z do_v many_o other_o difficult_a duty_n with_o more_o vigour_n and_o activity_n a_o young_a child_n may_v true_o love_v the_o father_n when_o it_o be_v unable_a to_o reason_n itself_o into_o the_o duty_n of_o love_n from_o experience_n of_o the_o father_n love_n but_o the_o love_n that_o a_o grow_v child_n show_v to_o the_o father_n after_o his_o experience_n of_o many_o act_n of_o love_n for_o many_o year_n be_v more_o strong_a solid_a and_o rational_a so_o when_o a_o soul_n can_v say_v as_o david_n i_o love_v the_o lord_n for_z etc._n etc._n psal_n 116_o 1_o now_o god_n require_v his_o child_n shall_v grow_v up_o into_o a_o ingenuous_a filial_a love_n upon_o ground_n of_o thankfulness_n and_o reciprocation_n ephes_n 1._o 16_o 17_o 18_o 19_o he_o will_v have_v they_o be_v root_v and_o ground_v in_o the_o experimental_a knowledge_n of_o the_o love_n of_o christ_n and_o thence_o to_o draw_v strength_n to_o obey_v he_o in_o all_o thing_n and_o therefore_o it_o must_v needs_o be_v his_o ordinary_a way_n to_o those_o saint_n from_o who_o he_o expect_v this_o fruit_n to_o give_v they_o the_o spirit_n of_o adoption_n to_o testify_v this_o love_n to_o they_o and_o there_o be_v a_o promise_n that_o love_n of_o good_a will_n to_o christ_n shall_v be_v second_v with_o manifestation_n of_o love_n from_o christ_n joh._n 14._o 21._o 2_o joy_n in_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o that_o always_o 1_o thes_n 5._o 16_o now_o although_o a_o soul_n may_v have_v some_o sprinkling_n of_o joy_n upon_o the_o general_a hope_n which_o it_o gather_v to_o itself_o from_o general_a promise_n yet_o it_o be_v nothing_o to_o that_o whic●_n particular_a assurance_n give_v now_o god_n will_v have_v the_o joy_n of_o his_o saint_n full_a joy_n john_n 15._o 11._o and_o
benefit_n to_o be_v lay_v hold_v on_o by_o i_o be_v the_o ground_n of_o faith_n the_o frequent_a repetition_n of_o that_o representation_n especial_o by_o such_o visible_a sign_n must_v needs_o feed_v it_o and_o suppose_v it_o feed_v mere_o a_o faith_n of_o applicatory_a reliance_n and_o adherence_n yet_o as_o you_o have_v be_v also_o before_o teach_v act_v of_o reliance_n frequent_o exercise_v will_v grow_v into_o act_n of_o assurance_n 4_o conference_n with_o the_o people_n of_o god_n especial_o those_o who_o have_v &_o maintain_v a_o constant_a communion_n and_o familiar_a acquaintance_n with_o god_n such_o as_o walk_v in_o the_o light_n of_o his_o countenance_n and_o the_o joy_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n all_o the_o day_n long_o a_o man_n that_o will_v keep_v a_o good_a constitution_n of_o body_n will_v sometime_o converse_v and_o discourse_n with_o a_o age_a healthy_a father_n &_o know_v of_o he_o how_o he_o have_v order_v himself_o to_o live_v to_o that_o age_n and_o maintain_v a_o constant_a good_a temper_n of_o body_n so_o long_o and_o it_o will_v be_v much_o for_o our_o advantage_n to_o converse_v with_o such_o person_n as_o be_v most_o common_o in_o the_o sunshine_n to_o learn_v from_o they_o how_o they_o maintain_v such_o a_o constant_a light_n upon_o their_o spirit_n whereas_o other_o have_v it_o but_o as_o a_o flash_n of_o lightning_n and_o it_o vanish_v away_o again_o how_o it_o come_v to_o pass_v that_o god_n that_o be_v to_o other_o but_o like_o a_o sojourner_n or_o a_o traveller_n that_o tarry_v but_o for_o a_o night_n become_v their_o constant_a inmate_n beside_o such_o person_n mouth_n be_v usual_o full_a of_o the_o high_a praise_n of_o god_n they_o speak_v of_o 6_o psal_n 149._o 6_o the_o righteousness_n of_o god_n and_o make_v their_o boast_n of_o god_n all_o the_o day_n long_o they_o will_v tell_v 24_o psal_n 44._o 8_o and_o 71._o 24_o you_o what_o god_n have_v do_v for_o their_o soul_n psal_n 66_o 16._o and_o glad_a they_o will_v be_v that_o you_o will_v give_v they_o the_o hear_n with_o any_o delight_n now_o it_o must_v needs_o feed_v the_o same_o gracious_a assurance_n in_o you_o to_o find_v other_o record_v the_o same_o great_a thing_n of_o god_n work_v for_o and_o towards_o they_o which_o you_o find_v in_o yourself_o as_o it_o increase_v &_o confirm_v a_o man_n knowledge_n to_o talk_v with_o know_v man_n concern_v their_o experience_n in_o that_o way_n of_o learning_n in_o which_o he_o himself_o be_v a_o practitioner_n a_o melancholy_a man_n be_v affect_v more_o deep_o with_o the_o sad_a story_n of_o a_o melancholy_a companion_n and_o no_o question_n but_o there_o be_v a_o like_a sympathy_n in_o the_o affection_n of_o joy_n and_o confidence_n etc._n etc._n so_o it_o be_v in_o way_n of_o duty_n as_o iron_n sharpen_v iron_n so_o do_v the_o countenance_n of_o a_o man_n his_o friend_n say_v solomon_n and_o no_o question_n god_n will_v bless_v that_o mean_n which_o he_o himself_o have_v bestow_v upon_o other_o that_o they_o may_v administer_v upon_o occasion_n 5._o 2_o cor._n 1._o 5._o 2._o strengthen_v exercise_n exercise_n of_o act_n of_o assurance_n strengthen_v the_o habit_n renew_v the_o act_n of_o that_o faith_n of_o evidence_n which_o thou_o have_v every_o morning_n and_o evening_n or_o often_o if_o it_o may_v be_v frequent_o every_o hour_n as_o god_n give_v occasion_n get_v renew_v experience_n of_o the_o love_n of_o god_n often_o by_o trust_v he_o often_o in_o particular_a case_n david_n often_o do_v so_o for_o the_o conquer_a of_o such_o or_o such_o a_o corruption_n for_o the_o resist_a such_o or_o such_o a_o particular_a temptation_n etc._n etc._n adventure_v yourselves_o now_o and_o then_o upon_o the_o credit_n of_o particular_a promise_n which_o be_v so_o many_o specimina_fw-la so_o many_o exemplification_n of_o our_o interest_n in_o god_n answer_n of_o prayer_n in_o particular_a case_n be_v a_o great_a strengthen_n to_o assurance_n save_v gift_n and_o sanctify_a gift_n be_v in_o themselves_o evidence_n of_o god_n love_n much_o more_o when_o particular_o ask_v yet_o take_v need_n of_o tempt_a god_n which_o i_o do_v 1_o when_o i_o oblige_v he_o absolute_o where_o he_o be_v bind_v but_o conditional_o as_o in_o temporal_n and_o in_o spiritual_n not_o absolute_o necessary_a in_o themselves_o or_o not_o so_o necessary_a as_o some_o other_o thing_n may_v be_v which_o possible_o we_o ask_v not_o 2_o when_o i_o put_v too_o much_o weight_n upon_o my_o desire_n as_o resolve_v to_o make_v experiment_n of_o god_n love_n by_o they_o and_o to_o conclude_v in_o case_n of_o suspension_n or_o denial_n that_o it_o be_v a_o answer_n from_o god_n that_o he_o love_v i_o not_o god_n will_v not_o have_v they_o make_v trial_n of_o his_o love_n a_o father_n will_v not_o allow_v a_o child_n to_o say_v father_n if_o you_o love_v i_o give_v i_o this_o or_o that_o but_o when_o a_o child_n submissive_o beg_v and_o receive_v they_o he_o will_v allow_v he_o to_o say_v now_o i_o know_v my_o father_n love_v i_o by_o his_o give_v such_o and_o such_o thing_n 3_o when_o i_o tie_v god_n up_o to_o circumstance_n of_o time_n manner_n measure_n let_v i_o ask_v the_o thing_n believe_o according_a to_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o word_n as_o far_o as_o they_o be_v good_a for_o i_o i._n e._n may_v not_o hinder_v some_o better_a design_n of_o god_n or_o a_o great_a good_a to_o i_o and_o if_o i_o receive_v take_v comfort_n in_o my_o answer_n from_o god_n as_o those_o that_o be_v so_o many_o pregnant_a example_n of_o his_o care_n for_o i_o 3_o strengthen_v providence_n providence_n alone_o be_v no_o evidence_n that_o god_n love_v i_o but_o when_o he_o do_v love_v a_o man_n before_o and_o a_o man_n know_v it_o by_o more_o certain_a rule_n this_o be_v a_o good_a confirmation_n to_o our_o faith_n psalm_n 41._o 11._o such_o a_o one_o david_n call_v a_o token_n for_o good_a psal_n 86._o 17._o some_o passage_n of_o providence_n have_v a_o stamp_n of_o some_o immediate_a interposition_n of_o divine_a grace_n and_o power_n for_o a_o man_n good_a chap._n xxviii_o the_o discovery_n of_o several_a moth_n that_o eat_v out_o a_o christian_n evidence_n 3_o take_v heed_n of_o several_a thing_n that_o tend_v to_o the_o weaken_n of_o assurance_n that_o promote_v satan_n malignant_a design_n against_o it_o 1_o of_o spiritual_a pride_n this_o be_v a_o sin_n which_o be_v feed_v by_o the_o high_a attainment_n of_o a_o christian_a in_o this_o life_n it_o be_v think_v it_o get_v into_o heaven_n in_o the_o fall_a angel_n it_o be_v a_o hard_a matter_n for_o a_o poor_a contemptible_a worm_n to_o be_v take_v up_o into_o the_o bosom_n and_o familiar_a acquaintance_n with_o god_n and_o not_o to_o be_v proud_a of_o it_o the_o proud_a person_n in_o earthly_a court_n be_v those_o who_o from_o a_o mean_a estate_n be_v raise_v up_o to_o be_v favourite_n the_o strong_a the_o liquor_n be_v that_o a_o man_n drink_v the_o soon_o it_o will_v fly_v up_o into_o his_o brain_n and_o intoxicate_a he_o temporal_a distinction_n between_o saint_n and_o other_o find_v matter_n enough_o in_o our_o corrupt_a nature_n to_o blow_v up_o our_o heart_n with_o high_a conceit_n and_o certain_o then_o that_o which_o make_v great_a difference_n if_o it_o find_v a_o heart_n apt_a to_o kindle_v will_v make_v the_o fire_n of_o pride_n and_o self-conceit_n flame_n much_o more_o but_o this_o be_v a_o dangerous_a sin_n in_o such_o a_o case_n it_o be_v the_o ready_a way_n to_o procure_v a_o abatement_n at_o least_o if_o not_o a_o total_a withdraw_a of_o the_o fuel_n that_o kindle_v it_o this_o be_v a_o continual_a smoke_n in_o god_n nose_n a_o thing_n that_o will_v make_v he_o turn_v away_o his_o face_n isai_n 65._o 5._o see_v a_o remarkable_a example_n in_o this_o case_n 2_o cor._n 12._o 7._o the_o apostle_n paul_n have_v be_v take_v up_o by_o a_o special_a rapture_n into_o the_o three_o heaven_n and_o have_v abundance_n of_o high_a revelation_n and_o likely_a enough_o he_o be_v apt_a to_o be_v lift_v up_o with_o they_o in_o his_o own_o spirit_n but_o lest_o it_o shall_v be_v so_o god_n gracious_o prevent_v the_o kindle_v of_o spiritual_a pride_n by_o a_o messenger_n of_o satan_n which_o be_v send_v on_o purpose_n to_o buffet_v he_o to_o prevent_v it_o and_o he_o be_v in_o such_o a_o case_n that_o he_o be_v fain_o to_o pray_v hard_a and_o often_o i_o petition_v the_o lord_n thrice_o and_o yet_o he_o can_v not_o prevail_v for_o the_o removal_n of_o it_o if_o god_n give_v such_o harsh_a potion_n for_o the_o mere_a prevention_n of_o this_o disease_n how_o bitter_a think_v we_o will_v he_o give_v for_o the_o heal_n of_o it_o sad_n temptation_n sad_a fall_n and_o sad_a desertion_n ordinary_o attend_v spiritual_a pride_n 1_o this_o occasion_v the_o
to_o drink_v of_o the_o cup_n of_o which_o he_o drink_v and_o to_o be_v baptize_v with_o the_o baptism_n wherewith_o he_o be_v baptize_v mat._n 20._o 22_o 23._o beside_o some_o of_o the_o cause_n of_o christ_n suffering_n be_v the_o same_o with_o those_o of_o his_o member_n although_o in_o all_o there_o be_v not_o a_o parity_n for_o our_o saviour_n christ_n be_v under_o the_o discipline_n of_o the_o rod_n and_o a_o learner_n by_o it_o god_n open_v his_o ear_n with_o a_o rod_n as_o he_o do_v the_o saint_n isai_n 50._o 5._o he_o be_v make_v perfect_a by_o suffering_n christ_n grace_n have_v a_o additional_a perfection_n of_o degree_n luke_n 2._o 52._o and_o in_o they_o he_o grow_v as_o other_o saint_n under_o the_o ordinance_n and_o among_o other_o ordinance_n under_o the_o rod_n heb._n 2._o 10._o 17_o 18._o he_o learned_a obedience_n by_o the_o thing_n which_o he_o suffer_v 2_o as_o for_o temptation_n consider_v 1._o the_o policy_n of_o satan_n who_o first_o disturb_v thy_o peace_n by_o unlawful_a and_o vexatious_a clamour_n and_o then_o persuade_v thou_o thou_o have_v no_o right_a to_o it_o because_o he_o have_v unjust_o render_v it_o litigious_a which_o be_v as_o if_o a_o vexatious_a lawyer_n shall_v call_v my_o freehold_n in_o question_n unjust_o and_o then_o endeavour_v to_o persuade_v i_o to_o quit_v my_o title_n to_o he_o because_o he_o have_v make_v it_o disputable_a 2_o be_v it_o reasonable_a for_o i_o to_o conclude_v that_o god_n be_v not_o my_o friend_n because_o the_o devil_n be_v my_o enemy_n or_o rather_o be_v not_o the_o argument_n more_o true_a on_o the_o contrary_a side_n because_o god_n be_v my_o friend_n therefore_o satan_n will_v be_v my_o enemy_n what_o be_v temptation_n but_o a_o malicious_a persecution_n of_o the_o soul_n by_o satan_n tend_v either_o to_o foil_v or_o defile_v the_o soul_n and_o in_o both_o to_o work_v its_o discomfort_n and_o shall_v satan_n malice_n be_v a_o ground_n sufficient_a for_o i_o to_o dispute_v god_n love_n upon_o if_o satan_n can_v by_o temptation_n render_v such_o a_o dispute_n rational_a what_o child_n of_o god_n shall_v ever_o sit_v quiet_a in_o the_o possession_n of_o god_n favour_n or_o countenance_n who_o he_o have_v either_o malice_n or_o power_n enough_o to_o tempt_v 3_o be_v not_o christ_n example_n in_o this_o case_n of_o sufficient_a weight_n to_o carry_v this_o conclusion_n in_o it_o that_o no_o child_n of_o god_n be_v free_a from_o the_o worst_a of_o temptation_n in_o this_o life_n see_v our_o saviour_n himself_o have_v the_o most_o monstrous_a black_a suggestion_n that_o hell_n can_v yield_v present_v to_o he_o such_o as_o idolatry_n the_o worst_a of_o idolatrye_n worship_v the_o devil_n himself_o infidelity_n and_o distrust_n of_o god_n providence_n and_o the_o use_n of_o unlawful_a mean_n for_o necessary_a supply_n and_o last_o self-murder_n though_o not_o in_o the_o forehead_n yet_o in_o the_o bosom_n and_o inside_n of_o that_o temptation_n cast_v thyself_o down_o &c_n &c_n mat._n 43_o 6_o 9_o 4_o the_o way_n to_o be_v free_a from_o temptation_n be_v not_o to_o yield_v they_o the_o victory_n in_o the_o cause_n they_o contest_v for_o but_o to_o resist_v they_o steadfast_o in_o the_o faith_n if_o they_o weaken_v thy_o faith_n in_o the_o assurance_n of_o god_n love_n they_o will_v quick_o lay_v thou_o on_o thy_o back_n in_o more_o foul_a fail_n &_o miscarriage_n when_o satan_n be_v winnow_v than_o a_o saint_n faith_n shall_v be_v most_o weighty_a that_o it_o may_v not_o easy_o be_v blow_v away_o no_o temptation_n ever_o get_v the_o field_n till_o faith_n qui●ted_v its_o ground_n faith_n be_v the_o bulwark_n of_o all_o other_o grace_n if_o satan_n batter_v down_o or_o blow_v up_o that_o or_o any_o way_n can_v but_o make_v a_o breach_n in_o it_o he_o will_v quick_o enter_v with_o legion_n chap._n xl._n the_o case_n of_o not_o hear_v prayer_n and_o ability_n to_o pray_v as_o it_o occasion_n the_o like_a questioning_n state_v obj._n but_o what_o if_o i_o have_v long_o cry_v to_o god_n and_o he_o will_v not_o bear_v i_o nor_o vouchsafe_v i_o a_o answer_n i_o be_o tell_v that_o god_n hear_v not_o sinner_n and_o it_o be_v because_o i_o be_o such_o that_o god_n will_v not_o hear_v i_o a._n sure_o god_n hear_v sinner_n in_o a_o sense_n or_o else_o he_o hear_v not_o saint_n or_o which_o be_v more_o absurd_a saint_n be_v not_o sinner_n the_o truth_n be_v god_n hear_v not_o man_n in_o a_o sinful_a state_n under_o the_o guilt_n and_o power_n of_o sin_n but_o he_o hear_v man_n guilty_a of_o sinful_a act_n otherwise_o it_o be_v sad_a with_o all_o the_o best_a man_n on_o earth_n if_o thou_o doubt_v thou_o be_v in_o a_o sinful_a estate_n because_o god_n hear_v thou_o not_o than_o i_o inquire_v 1._o do_v god_n ever_o hear_v thou_o former_o in_o the_o day_n of_o thy_o peace_n if_o he_o do_v then_o either_o thou_o be_v not_o a_o sinner_n or_o else_o god_n do_v hear_v sinner_n and_o if_o he_o hear_v thou_o not_o now_o then_o either_o satan_n must_v prove_v that_o thou_o be_v now_o a_o sinner_n otherwise_o then_o thou_o be_v then_o or_o else_o if_o thou_o be_v as_o former_o that_o be_v not_o the_o cause_n why_o god_n hear_v thou_o not_o now_o as_o he_o do_v then_o because_o god_n hear_v not_o sinner_n 2_o but_o the_o truth_n be_v the_o argument_n be_v fallacious_a god_n hear_v not_o sinner_n the_o tempter_n say_v and_o therefore_o see_v he_o hear_v not_o thou_o thou_o be_v a_o sinner_n the_o consequence_n be_v invalid_a he_o shall_v have_v frame_v it_o thus_o god_n refuse_v to_o hear_v none_o but_o sinner_n therefore_o if_o he_o hear_v not_o thou_o thou_o be_v a_o sinner_n but_o whereas_o he_o say_v mere_o god_n hear_v not_o sinner_n this_o proposition_n may_v be_v grant_v and_o so_o may_v this_o also_o god_n hear_v not_o some_o that_o be_v not_o sinner_n and_o so_o it_o will_v not_o follow_v more_o that_o thou_o be_v a_o sinner_n then_o that_o thou_o be_v not_o a_o sinner_n from_o god_n not_o hear_v thou_o 3_o how_o many_o saint_n have_v complain_v of_o this_o usage_n from_o god_n that_o he_o cover_v himself_o with_o a_o thick_a cloud_n that_o their_o prayer_n can_v pass_v through_o that_o he_o fortify_v against_o they_o and_o when_o they_o cry_v and_o groan_n he_o shut_v out_o their_o prayer_n lam._n 3._o 8_o 44._o that_o he_o be_v far_o from_o help_v they_o and_o from_o the_o word_n of_o their_o roar_n psal_n 22._o 2._o 4_o god_n delay_n be_v not_o denial_n except_o we_o can_v set_v down_o the_o time_n how_o long_a god_n may_v delay_v the_o suit_n of_o a_o child_n of_o he_o we_o can_v never_o draw_v conclusion_n of_o enmity_n from_o that_o delay_n 5_o be_v the_o thing_n thou_o ask_v necessary_a to_o thy_o be_v here_o in_o grace_n and_o hereafter_o in_o glory_n or_o be_v they_o but_o thing_n additional_a and_o convenient_a in_o such_o thing_n as_o be_v not_o necessary_a to_o the_o be_v of_o a_o christian_a many_o time_n delay_n be_v mercy_n and_o denial_n more_o hasty_a grant_n even_o in_o very_o useful_a and_o necessary_a thing_n may_v lose_v god_n much_o in_o point_n of_o honour_n and_o thou_o in_o point_n of_o patience_n faith_n humility_n etc._n etc._n how_o much_o more_o than_o in_o unnecessary_n beside_o sometime_o thy_o petition_n may_v be_v improper_a to_o thy_o condition_n and_o good_a thing_n ill_o apply_v and_o not_o administer_v with_o due_a respect_n to_o the_o patient_n particular_a case_n may_v be_v poison_n in_o such_o a_o case_n denial_n be_v act_n of_o tender_a love_n and_o affection_n no_o man_n but_o account_v it_o a_o act_n of_o true_a love_n to_o deny_v a_o friend_n a_o knife_n when_o he_o be_v mad_a object_n but_o now_o in_o come_v another_o objector_n and_o he_o may_v plead_v thus_o indeed_o be_v my_o case_n such_o as_o the_o last_o you_o answer_v i_o can_v from_o those_o answer_n rest_v satisfy_v but_o my_o condition_n be_v yet_o worse_o for_o i_o can_v pray_v nor_o be_v hear_v because_o i_o can_v pray_v and_o i_o know_v god_n spirit_n be_v a_o spirit_n of_o supplication_n ans_fw-fr thou_o can_v not_o pray_v can_v thou_o ever_o pray_v a_o child_n of_o god_n may_v be_v smite_v dumb_a who_o be_v able_a to_o speak_v father_n plain_n and_o tell_v large_a story_n of_o his_o own_o condition_n and_o in_o such_o a_o case_n it_o be_v evidence_n enough_o that_o thou_o have_v once_o the_o spirit_n of_o adoption_n that_o thou_o once_o can_v pray_v though_o now_o thou_o can_v not_o 2._o thou_o can_v not_o pray_v nor_o ever_o will_v again_o as_o thou_o have_v so_o long_o as_o thou_o will_v own_v no_o relation_n to_o god_n if_o satan_n can_v make_v thou_o question_v thy_o relation_n from_o thy_o impotency_n in_o this_o particular_a he_o have_v
those_o horrid_a temptation_n and_o gratify_v satan_n by_o self_n destruction_n if_o he_o will_v have_v give_v thou_o over_o to_o satan_n why_o not_o soon_o if_o he_o have_v preserve_v thou_o hitherto_o why_o may_v he_o not_o long_o while_o thou_o live_v there_o be_v hope_n he_o that_o be_v above_o ground_n be_v insight_n of_o heaven_n see_v and_o acknowledge_v the_o gracious_a conduct_n even_o of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n hitherto_o and_o do_v not_o by_o too_o long_o and_o wilful_a adventure_n to_o parley_n with_o the_o enemy_n of_o thy_o soul_n drive_v he_o from_o thou_o chap._n v._o wherein_o be_v several_a caution_n emerge_v from_o the_o premise_n nor_o will_v this_o truth_n yield_v we_o less_o matter_n of_o caution_n in_o these_o particular_n 1._o take_v heed_n how_o you_o carry_v yourselves_o towards_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n you_o harden_a sinner_n when_o the_o spirit_n woo_v you_o with_o gospel_n language_n draw_v with_o cord_n of_o love_n presenting_z you_o with_o the_o incomparable_a loveliness_n of_o he_o for_o who_o he_o solicit_v the_o beauty_n of_o his_o person_n the_o vastness_n of_o his_o power_n the_o riches_n of_o his_o inheritance_n the_o unfainednesse_n of_o his_o love_n and_o beseech_v you_o for_o christ_n sake_n to_o be_v reconcile_v to_o god_n friend_n do_v not_o grieve_v vex_v resist_v quench_v the_o spirit_n of_o grace_n let_v i_o tell_v you_o if_o cord_n of_o love_n will_v not_o draw_v you_o he_o have_v chain_n of_o wrath_n to_o hamper_v you_o in_o if_o you_o will_v follow_v other_o lover_n 6._o hos_fw-la 2._o 6._o he_o have_v hedge_n of_o thorn_n to_o hedge_v up_o your_o way_n withal_o if_o he_o can_v not_o draw_v you_o by_o the_o love_n of_o christ_n to_o love_v he_o again_o he_o can_v take_v another_o course_n with_o you_o to_o make_v you_o love_v he_o for_o your_o own_o need_n remember_v friend_n he_o that_o now_o offer_v upon_o easy_a term_n to_o become_v a_o spirit_n of_o adoption_n to_o you_o if_o you_o receive_v he_o can_v and_o will_v be_v a_o spirit_n of_o bondage_n to_o you_o if_o you_o refuse_v he_o if_o he_o let_v loose_v the_o law_n upon_o you_o he_o can_v in_o a_o moment_n damp_n all_o your_o comfort_n if_o he_o shoot_v terror_n into_o your_o spirit_n all_o the_o world_n can_v ease_v you_o if_o he_o command_v the_o least_o sin_n to_o seize_v upon_o your_o conscience_n he_o can_v make_v a_o cloud_n of_o a_o hand_n breadth_n to_o cover_v the_o whole_a heaven_n of_o all_o your_o comfort_n if_o he_o lay_v but_o the_o little_a finger_n of_o one_o curse_n or_o threaten_v upon_o your_o back_n he_o can_v make_v it_o heavy_a than_o the_o loin_n of_o all_o the_o grief_n &_o trouble_n that_o you_o ever_o undergo_v in_o all_o your_o life_n if_o he_o command_v horror_n of_o spirit_n to_o rack_v you_o they_o will_v quick_o break_v your_o bone_n and_o drink_v up_o your_o spirit_n and_o make_v your_o eye_n old_a with_o weep_v and_o your_o 4._o psal_n 51._o 8._o isa_n 38._o 13._o psal_n 6._o psal_n 31._o psal_n 38._o 77._o psal_n 4._o couch_n swim_v with_o your_o tear_n and_o your_o heart_n pant_v and_o your_o strength_n fail_v and_o your_o wound_n stink_v he_o can_v quick_o fill_v your_o loin_n with_o a_o loathsome_a disease_n he_o can_v keep_v your_o eye_n wake_v distract_v you_o with_o his_o terror_n and_o turn_v your_o moisture_n into_o the_o drought_n of_o summer_n and_o make_v 15._o psalm_n 88_o 15._o isay_n 38._o 15._o you_o go_v soft_o in_o the_o bitterness_n of_o your_o soul_n and_o if_o all_o this_o will_v not_o do_v he_o can_v deliver_v you_o over_o to_o satan_n at_o last_o to_o give_v you_o a_o taste_n of_o hell_n here_o and_o translate_v you_o from_o that_o to_o a_o worse_a hereafter_o 2._o take_v heed_n you_o carnal_a wretch_n do_v not_o miscall_v the_o spirit_n of_o bondage_n man_n too_o often_o look_v upon_o trouble_n of_o spirit_n as_o bare_a effect_n of_o a_o melancholy_a distemper_n more_o proper_a for_o the_o physician_n to_o deal_v withal_o then_o the_o divine_a and_o be_v too_o apt_a to_o impute_v that_o to_o the_o infirmity_n of_o body_n which_o be_v indeed_o the_o immediate_a hand_n of_o god_n upon_o the_o soul_n ignorant_a people_n because_o they_o be_v unacquainted_a with_o the_o deal_n of_o god_n in_o this_o kind_n often_o blaspheme_v the_o work_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o grace_n and_o call_v it_o downright_a madness_n and_o reproach_v such_o preacher_n as_o god_n make_v use_v of_o to_o wound_v the_o conscience_n as_o those_o that_o make_v man_n mad_a true_o the_o body_n and_o soul_n be_v such_o near_a friend_n as_o there_o can_v be_v no_o trouble_n in_o the_o one_o but_o the_o other_o sympathize_v and_o so_o distemper_v of_o body_n may_v possible_o heighten_v a_o soul_n trouble_v yea_o and_o possible_o occasion_n it_o yet_o must_v we_o take_v heed_n how_o we_o darken_v the_o work_n of_o the_o spirit_n by_o too_o much_o look_v at_o that_o in_o such_o trouble_n a_o discern_a minister_n or_o christian_n observe_v the_o ground_n and_o occasion_n of_o the_o trouble_n the_o coherency_n or_o incoherency_n of_o discourse_n the_o evenesse_n or_o unevennesse_n of_o carriage_n and_o the_o like_a symptom_n need_v not_o to_o be_v much_o mistake_v in_o judge_v the_o case_n of_o a_o person_n in_o the_o first_o particular_a oh_o friend_n take_v heed_n what_o you_o do_v look_v with_o reverence_n and_o fear_n upon_o such_o deal_n of_o god_n towards_o your_o friend_n and_o acquaintance_n rather_o do_v what_o job_n call_v for_o from_o his_o friend_n take_v pity_n upon_o they_o for_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o lord_n have_v smite_v they_o job_n 19_o 21._o remember_v it_o be_v old_a elies_n uncharitable_a censure_n to_o take_v hannah_n for_o a_o drunken_a woman_n when_o she_o be_v a_o woman_n of_o a_o sorrowful_a spirit_n 1._o sam._n 1._o 14_o take_v heed_n of_o persecute_v he_o who_o the_o lord_n have_v smite_v and_o talk_v to_o the_o grief_n of_o he_o who_o he_o have_v wound_v psal_n 69._o 26_o 3._o take_v heed_n of_o judge_v the_o condition_n of_o those_o who_o the_o spirit_n have_v thus_o bring_v under_o bondage_n indeed_o their_o wound_n be_v grievous_a and_o appear_v incurable_a yet_o consider_v he_o that_o latch_v they_o so_o deep_a be_v a_o wise_a and_o skilful_a and_o tender_a and_o experience_a chirurgeon_n take_v heed_n how_o you_o think_v they_o the_o great_a sinner_n who_o he_o lay_v most_o fetter_n upon_o it_o be_v the_o lord_n who_o prisoner_n they_o be_v and_o he_o may_v have_v gracious_a end_n of_o 24._o acts._n 16._o 24._o that_o severity_n he_o may_v lay_v a_o paul_n and_o silas_n in_o the_o inner_a prison_n and_o put_v their_o foot_n into_o the_o stock_n that_o he_o may_v the_o more_o exalt_v himself_o in_o their_o delivery_n he_o may_v hurt_v the_o foot_n of_o his_o joseph_n with_o fetter_n and_o their_o soul_n may_v come_v into_o iron_n as_o the_o original_n read_v ps_n 105._o 18._o and_o all_o this_o to_o exalt_v they_o and_o comfort_v other_o 4._o take_v heed_n how_o you_o attempt_v to_o break_v loose_a you_o who_o be_v in_o the_o spirit_n fetter_n herein_o 6_o 2_o cor._n 1._o 6_o we_o too_o often_o offend_v more_o way_n than_o one_o 1._o there_o be_v nothing_o more_o usual_a then_o to_o endeavour_v to_o obliterate_v those_o impression_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n by_o civil_a and_o sometime_o by_o uncivil_a diversion_n it_o be_v no_o small_a evil_n when_o we_o will_v as_o felix_n do_v paul_n sermon_n of_o righteousness_n and_o temperance_n and_o the_o judgement_n to_o come_v act_v 24._o 25._o put_v off_o the_o spirit_n motion_n till_o a_o more_o convenient_a time_n man_n be_v loath_a as_o the_o devil_n mat._n 8._o 29._o to_o be_v torment_v before_o their_o time_n and_o therefore_o be_v willing_a to_o make_v any_o shift_n for_o the_o present_a to_o cast_v those_o truth_n out_o of_o their_o mind_n which_o may_v disturb_v the_o quiet_a of_o their_o conscience_n such_o serious_a truth_n must_v be_v dismiss_v till_o a_o serious_a time_n in_o sickness_n on_o the_o death_n bed_n they_o will_v send_v for_o they_o again_o when_o the_o physician_n can_v do_v no_o more_o than_o they_o will_v admit_v the_o divine_a it_o seem_v too_o contrary_a to_o nature_n and_o too_o grievous_a to_o flesh_n and_o blood_n to_o suffer_v a_o scrupulous_a inquiry_n after_o the_o thing_n of_o eternity_n which_o they_o think_v they_o shall_v not_o have_v to_o do_v with_o for_o many_o year_n to_o deprive_v they_o of_o carnal_a content_n in_o that_o age_n which_o be_v only_o capable_a of_o enjoy_v they_o and_o therefore_o if_o conscience_n be_v clamorous_a and_o serious_a question_n intrude_v company_n and_o employment_n must_v be_v make_v use_n of_o to_o plead_v a_o excuse_n for_o our_o lay_v they_o aside_o youthful_a pleasure_n must_v be_v admit_v to_o rarify_v the_o
penitent_n to_o rest_n matth._n 8._o 28._o but_o to_o those_o other_o advantage_n which_o be_v offer_v to_o sinner_n in_o christ_n no_o sinner_n be_v call_v as_o a_o sinner_n but_o to_o some_o as_o a_o humble_a contrite_a sinner_n to_o other_o as_o a_o renew_a convert_a sinner_n those_o who_o god_n call_v they_o he_o justify_v and_o who_o he_o justify_v they_o he_o glorify_v rom_n 8._o 30_o he_o call_v sinner_n justify_v when_o call_v glorify_v when_o justify_v for_o the_o application_n of_o the_o merit_n of_o christ_n and_o justification_n thereby_o presuppose_v the_o condemnation_n of_o the_o law_n to_o have_v pass_v upon_o every_o person_n to_o who_o it_o be_v due_a and_o that_o not_o only_o in_o the_o sentence_n of_o the_o law_n and_o court_n of_o god_n but_o in_o the_o sentence_n of_o the_o heart_n and_o court_n of_o conscience_n also_o thence_o the_o difference_n between_o the_o pharisee_fw-mi and_o the_o publican_n in_o point_n of_o divine_a justification_n be_v in_o scripture_n attribute_v to_o the_o self-justification_n of_o the_o one_o and_o self_n condemation_n of_o the_o other_o not_o to_o the_o procure_a cause_n but_o the_o dispose_n qualification_n luke_n 18._o 14._o and_o the_o apostle_n paul_n tell_v we_o that_o while_o the_o jew_n go_v about_o to_o make_v their_o own_o righteousness_n by_o the_o law_n to_o stand_v they_o fail_v of_o justification_n because_o that_o keep_v they_o from_o submit_v to_o the_o righteousness_n of_o god_n rom._n 10._o 3._o and_o as_o for_o comfort_n and_o reward_n they_o presuppose_v justification_n and_o by_o consequence_n self-condemnation_n and_o a_o spirit_n of_o bondage_n for_o peace_n with_o god_n and_o joy_n and_o comfort_n in_o the_o hope_n of_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n follow_v justification_n rom._n 5._o 1_o 2._o thus_o then_o to_o apply_v althat_o have_v be_v say_v if_o what_o have_v be_v before_o say_v seem_v too_o severe_o to_o knock_v any_o of_o those_o upon_o the_o finger_n who_o lay_v hold_v on_o christ_n know_v it_o be_v only_o the_o presumptuous_a sinner_n who_o be_v thus_o handle_v because_o he_o lay_v not_o hold_v on_o that_o in_o christ_n which_o he_o regular_o aught_o to_o come_v to_o he_o for_o and_o fasten_v upon_o that_o which_o in_o the_o condition_n wherein_o he_o stand_v and_o under_o the_o disposition_n and_o frame_n of_o spirit_n which_o at_o present_a possess_v he_o belong_v not_o to_o he_o and_o herein_o minister_n be_v no_o way_n unblamable_a as_o if_o a_o great_a prince_n proclaim_v a_o free_a grant_n of_o some_o especial_a bounty_n or_o favour_n to_o all_o that_o will_v receive_v it_o suppose_v pardon_n and_o liberty_n to_o a_o thousand_o malefactor_n and_o that_o without_o any_o consideration_n of_o any_o thing_n to_o be_v give_v or_o perform_v by_o they_o only_o because_o he_o will_v have_v they_o sensible_a of_o his_o goodness_n therein_o and_o warn_v from_o such_o course_n for_o the_o future_a he_o resolve_v they_o shall_v all_o be_v bring_v to_o the_o trial_n of_o the_o law_n and_o abide_v its_o sentence_n and_o receive_v their_o pardon_n upon_o the_o gallow_n at_o the_o very_a in_o mean_v in_o which_o the_o ladder_n be_v turn_v or_o the_o cart_n drive_v away_o and_o then_o also_o not_o without_o acceptance_n of_o it_o upon_o such_o term_n and_o condition_n to_o be_v mutual_o sign_v if_o now_o a_o rabble_n of_o thief_n or_o murderer_n that_o fear_v the_o law_n will_v one_o day_n overtake_v they_o and_o therefore_o be_v willing_a to_o secure_v themselves_o for_o time_n past_a and_o to_o fortify_v themselves_o against_o justice_n in_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o same_o villain_n for_o time_n to_o come_v shall_v rude_o intrude_v and_o challenge_v the_o benefit_n of_o the_o prince_n free_a pardon_n without_o any_o such_o formality_n as_o be_v before_o mention_v be_v they_o to_o be_v blame_v who_o be_v but_o the_o instrument_n for_o the_o distribute_v of_o these_o pardon_n if_o they_o bid_v they_o stand_v off_o yea_o and_o knock_v off_o their_o finger_n if_o they_o shall_v lay_v hold_n upon_o they_o in_o such_o a_o disorderly_a way_n this_o be_v the_o case_n of_o the_o minister_n of_o jesus_n christ_n now_o adays_o a_o company_n of_o brazen-faced_a presumptuous_a intruder_n make_v a_o tumult_n and_o arrogate_v to_o themselves_o and_o their_o complice_n the_o name_n of_o saint_n and_o challenge_v a_o interest_n in_o christ_n pardon_n privilege_n and_o comfort_n in_o a_o way_n quite_o inconsistent_a with_o the_o stand_a rule_n of_o the_o word_n and_o the_o constant_a experience_n of_o all_o that_o be_v saint_n indeed_o and_o because_o the_o minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n will_v not_o betray_v their_o trust_n and_o let_v go_v the_o pardon_n and_o privilege_n which_o christ_n have_v put_v in_o their_o keep_n upon_o such_o term_n and_o contend_v earnest_o against_o their_o irregular_a way_n of_o demand_v they_o and_o advise_v they_o to_o be_v content_v to_o take_v they_o in_o the_o way_n and_o order_n prescribe_v by_o christ_n to_o seek_v of_o he_o in_o the_o use_n of_o mean_n a_o new_a heart_n sensible_a of_o the_o burden_n of_o their_o sin_n and_o the_o wrath_n due_a unto_o they_o and_o in_o that_o way_n to_o come_v to_o christ_n for_o pardon_n and_o peace_n and_o it_o shall_v then_o be_v as_o free_o they_o as_o any_o one_o be_v in_o the_o world_n these_o impudent_a slanderer_n reproach_v the_o minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n as_o unfaithful_a to_o their_o trust_n as_o streighten_v the_o free_a grace_n of_o their_o master_n christ_n for_o their_o own_o end_n and_o with_o these_o clamour_n get_v into_o corner_n and_o forge_v counterfeit_a writing_n and_o seal_n themselves_o and_o invite_v other_o to_o come_v in_o and_o take_v the_o like_a from_o they_o at_o the_o same_o rate_n on_o which_o they_o come_v by_o they_o and_o thus_o become_v this_o delude_a generation_n to_o be_v so_o pester_v with_o a_o rabble_n of_o drunken_a lie_v sabbath_n break_v unclean_a heretical_a blasphemous_a pretender_n to_o saintship_n and_o salvation_n which_o be_v the_o reproach_n and_o burden_n of_o this_o and_o will_v be_v except_o god_n be_v infinite_o gracious_a unto_o this_o land_n beyond_o expectation_n the_o bane_n as_o to_o religion_n and_o godliness_n of_o succeed_v generation_n chap._n xv._o encourage_v early_a convert_n and_o vindicate_v the_o preach_n of_o the_o law_n from_o the_o exception_n of_o touchy_a hearer_n from_o the_o thesis_n so_o clear_v and_o vindicate_v learn_v 1._o what_o a_o thrifty_a course_n it_o be_v to_o be_v a_o early_a convert_n if_o a_o man_n must_v come_v under_o the_o spirit_n bond_n the_o soon_o the_o better_a so_o much_o the_o long_o true_a peace_n and_o liberty_n we_o attain_v by_o how_o much_o the_o early_o we_o have_v get_v through_o this_o aprenticeship_n how_o rich_a do_v such_o grow_v if_o not_o neglect_v their_o time_n and_o opportunity_n who_o get_v early_o out_o of_o their_o service_n whereas_o if_o one_o be_v a_o man_n before_o he_o become_v a_o apprentice_n beside_o that_o the_o service_n will_v be_v more_o tedious_a and_o irksome_a at_o such_o a_o age_n how_o much_o of_o the_o prime_n of_o his_o day_n do_v he_o lose_v wherein_o he_o may_v get_v a_o great_a estate_n be_v he_o his_o own_o man_n o_o how_o much_o joy_n and_o peace_n and_o assurance_n of_o god_n love_n how_o much_o comfortable_a communion_n with_o he_o how_o many_o rich_a experience_n how_o great_a a_o accession_n of_o grace_n how_o many_o opportunity_n of_o service_n and_o if_o there_o be_v degree_n of_o glory_n how_o much_o of_o the_o weight_n of_o their_o crown_n do_v they_o lose_v that_o pass_v the_o pang_n and_o throw_n of_o the_o new_a birth_n when_o they_o be_v even_o ready_a to_o go_v out_o of_o the_o world_n o_o friend_n how_o good_a be_v it_o for_o a_o man_n to_o bear_v this_o yoke_n in_o his_o youth_n see_v it_o must_v be_v bear_v at_o one_o time_n or_o other_o lam._n 3._o 27._o the_o strength_n of_o the_o bearer_n be_v then_o great_a the_o burden_n of_o sin_n at_o that_o age_n not_o be_v greatn_v by_o the_o many_o aggravation_n of_o a_o ripe_a and_o more_o experience_a familiarity_n with_o it_o will_v be_v light_a the_o working_n and_o flow_n of_o heavenly_a affection_n under_o it_o will_v be_v sweet_a more_o ingenuous_a and_o unmixed_a with_o self-end_n and_o hypocritical_a collusion_n the_o removal_n of_o it_o in_o likelihood_n will_v be_v the_o soon_o at_o least_o the_o sure_a god_n have_v engage_v himself_o that_o they_o that_o seek_v he_o early_o shall_v find_v he_o whosoever_o miss_v he_o they_o shall_v not_o prov._n 8._o 17._o this_o be_v much_o set_v forth_o by_o what_o be_v before_o say_v concern_v the_o measure_n of_o conviction_n which_o the_o spirit_n work_v by_o the_o long_o we_o continue_v in_o a_o unregenerate_a condition_n the_o more_o do_v we_o multiply_v the_o sorrow_n and_o throw_n of_o
again_o 2_o another_o affirmative_a and_o adversative_a but_o i._n e_o in_o lieu_n of_o it_o you_o have_v receive_v another-guise_n gift_n the_o spirit_n of_o adoption_n all_o these_o part_n shall_v receive_v their_o full_a explication_n in_o the_o follow_a treatise_n which_o i_o shall_v marshal_v under_o four_o proposition_n or_o thesis_n whereof_o the_o first_o be_v i._n thesis_n i._n the_o spirit_n of_o bondage_n in_o god_n elect_a end_n in_o a_o spirit_n of_o adoption_n the_o handle_n of_o this_o point_n will_v afford_v we_o these_o main_a head_n of_o discourse_n 1_o what_o adoption_n be_v 2_o what_o be_v the_o work_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o adoption_n 3_o how_o this_o thesis_n be_v to_o be_v understand_v 4_o how_o the_o truth_n of_o it_o appear_v 5_o why_o the_o spirit_n do_v in_o such_o person_n so_o work_v 6_o certain_z other_z question_n and_o the_o use_n of_o the_o whole_a concern_v the_o first_o that_o fall_v in_o occasional_o in_o this_o chapter_n quest_n 1._o what_o be_v adoption_n ans_fw-fr adoption_n be_v to_o be_v look_v on_o under_o a_o double_a respect_n 1_o active_a &_o 2_o passive_a whereby_o it_o have_v relation_n 1_o to_o its_o cause_n 2_o to_o its_o subject_a so_o it_o be_v 1_o a_o act_n of_o grace_n as_o it_o be_v the_o work_n of_o god_n adopt_v 2_o a_o gracious_a privilege_n as_o it_o be_v the_o state_n of_o man_n adopt_a we_o shall_v join_v both_o together_o and_o describe_v it_o as_o a_o privilege_n of_o we_o but_o depend_v upon_o its_o cause_n thus_o adoption_n be_v a_o gracious_a privilege_n whereby_o the_o elect_a of_o god_n and_o they_o only_o be_v out_o of_o the_o special_a grace_n and_o good_a will_n of_o god_n the_o father_n make_v his_o child_n through_o jesus_n christ_n and_o entitle_v with_o he_o to_o the_o joint_a inheritance_n of_o all_o the_o privilege_n belong_v to_o the_o son_n of_o god_n both_o here_o and_o hereafter_o 1_o the_o general_a nature_n of_o it_o be_v a_o gracious_a privilege_n and_o so_o the_o scripture_n speak_v of_o it_o every_o where_o 1_o john_n 3._o 1._o two_o special_a note_n set_v it_o out_o a_o note_n of_o attention_n behold_v and_o another_o import_a admiration_n what_o manner_n of_o love_n be_v this_o etc._n etc._n the_o word_n be_v in_o the_o original_a in_o what_o soil_n do_v this_o strange_a plant_n grow_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d in_o quo_fw-la solo_fw-la natus_fw-la est_fw-la talis_fw-la amor_fw-la if_o david_n think_v it_o so_o great_a a_o honour_n and_o privilege_v to_o be_v the_o king_n son_n in_o law_n 1_o sam._n 18._o 18_o 23._o if_o it_o be_v note_v as_o a_o special_a act_n of_o self-denial_n in_o moses_n to_o reject_v that_o offer_a relation_n of_o be_v a_o adopt_a son_n to_o pharaoh_n daughter_n heb._n 11._o 24_o which_o import_v it_o be_v such_o a_o privilege_n as_o scarce_o any_o but_o a_o moses_n will_v have_v refuse_v certain_o it_o must_v be_v a_o privilege_n of_o a_o high_a nature_n to_o be_v make_v a_o son_n or_o daughter_n to_o god_n almighty_a and_o this_o must_v needs_o be_v a_o gracious_a privilege_n see_v the_o picture_n of_o it_o be_v so_o full_a of_o glory_n rom._n 9_o 4._o it_o be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d a_o special_a right_n authority_n joh._n 1._o 12._o 2_o this_o the_o more_o appear_v because_o it_o be_v appropriate_v to_o a_o very_a few_o the_o subject_n of_o it_o be_v god_n elect_a and_o they_o only_a ephes_n 1._o 5_o he_o have_v predestinate_v we_o to_o the_o adoption_n of_o child_n and_o those_o elect_n be_v not_o actual_o so_o till_o they_o become_v actual_a believer_n john_n 1._o 12._o to_o as_o many_o as_o receive_v he_o i_o e._n believe_v in_o his_o name_n he_o give_v power_n etc._n etc._n and_o needs_o must_v it_o be_v so_o for_o by_o nature_n we_o be_v child_n of_o wrath_n as_o well_o as_o other_o ephes_n 2._o 2_o and_o we_o be_v the_o child_n of_o the_o first_o adam_n till_o we_o be_v the_o child_n of_o god_n by_o faith_n in_o christ_n jesus_n gal._n 3._o 2._o 3_o the_o cause_n of_o it_o be_v 1_o principal_a 2_o less_o principal_a 1_o the_o principal_a cause_n be_v god_n the_o father_n the_o fountain_n of_o this_o relation_n he_o be_v the_o power_n of_o adopt_v son_n it_o be_v the_o usual_a act_n of_o the_o father_n thus_o to_o adopt_v no_o child_n can_v adopt_v a_o father_n because_o it_o be_v a_o honour_n and_o the_o superior_a be_v not_o honour_v by_o the_o inferior_a but_o the_o inferior_a by_o the_o superior_a ephes_n 1._o 3_o 5._o compare_v so_o 1_o john_n 3._o 1_o what_o manner_n of_o love_n the_o father_n have_v bestow_v upon_o we_o that_o we_o shall_v be_v call_v the_o child_n of_o god_n the_o vouchsafement_n of_o it_o be_v from_o he_o to_o we_o 2_o the_o less_o principal_a be_v either_o 1_o that_o that_o inward_o move_v he_o which_o the_o school_n call_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d and_o that_o as_o follow_v be_v his_o mere_a grace_n and_o good_a will_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d ephes_n 1._o 5._o and_o this_o chapter_n from_o ver_fw-la 3_o to_o 14._o be_v a_o perfect_a common_a place_n upon_o it_o have_v predestinate_v we_o to_o adoption_n according_a to_o the_o good_a pleasure_n of_o his_o will_n and_o therefore_o he_o will_v have_v that_o grace_n of_o his_o alone_a glorify_a thereby_o ver_fw-la 6._o and_o indeed_o what_o else_o can_v move_v he_o we_o be_v poor_a forlorn_a condemn_a creature_n the_o seed_n of_o a_o traitor_n and_o cast_v out_o in_o our_o nativity_n to_o the_o contempt_n of_o our_o person_n etc._n etc._n as_o be_v describe_v ezek_n 16._o 3_o 4_o 2_o the_o outward_a procure_a cause_n call_v also_o by_o they_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d be_v jesus_n christ_n which_o follow_v next_o in_o the_o description_n through_o jesus_n christ_n now_o christ_n have_v a_o special_a influence_n upon_o this_o work_n two_o way_n 1._o as_o the_o purchaser_n of_o it_o unto_o we_o for_o he_o redeem_v we_o that_o we_o may_v receive_v the_o adoption_n 5._o gal._n 4._o 5._o of_o son_n we_o be_v not_o capable_a of_o this_o adoption_n till_o redeem_v unto_o it_o for_o we_o be_v by_o nature_n the_o subject_n nay_o the_o slave_n to_o another_o prince_n who_o rule_v effectual_o in_o the_o child_n 2._o ephes_n 2._o 2._o of_o disobedience_n nay_o we_o be_v condemn_v by_o the_o justice_n of_o god_n and_o so_o till_o our_o life_n and_o liberty_n be_v thus_o purchase_v be_v not_o capable_a of_o any_o inheritance_n our_o very_a being_n and_o estate_n be_v legal_o forfeit_v and_o but_o by_o christ_n purchase_n we_o have_v never_o be_v capable_a of_o inherit_v any_o thing_n but_o hell_n ephes_n 1._o 7_o 11._o 1._o pet._n 1._o 3_o 4._o 2._o as_o the_o deriver_n of_o it_o upon_o we_o he_o be_v the_o head_n of_o all_o the_o adopt_a family_n from_o who_o the_o privilege_n of_o the_o blood_n and_o right_a of_o inheritance_n be_v derive_v as_o a_o stream_n from_o the_o fountain_n upon_o we_o god_n first_o adopt_v christ_n &_o in_o he_o we_o for_o our_o privilege_n do_v not_o flow_v proper_o from_o the_o natural_a relation_n of_o christ_n to_o god_n the_o father_n but_o from_o the_o moral_a &_o assume_v relation_n that_o which_o christ_n receive_v from_o he_o when_o he_o undertake_v to_o bring_v many_o child_n to_o glory_n for_o the_o privilege_n of_o christ_n natural_a relation_n to_o the_o father_n can_v be_v communicate_v therefore_o he_o be_v call_v god_n only_o beget_v son_n and_o this_o be_v the_o blasphemy_n of_o the_o familist_n both_o old_a and_o new_a that_o the_o godhead_n dwell_v in_o the_o saint_n as_o it_o do_v in_o christ_n whence_o it_o will_v follow_v contrary_a to_o scripture_n that_o the_o saint_n also_o be_v the_o natural_a son_n of_o god_n this_o be_v that_o that_o i_o will_v say_v god_n have_v anoint_v christ_n as_o the_o second_o adam_n and_o the_o head_n of_o his_o church_n with_o the_o oil_n of_o gladness_n above_o his_o fellow_n bestow_v upon_o he_o the_o grace_n of_o justification_n sanctification_n and_o all_o privilege_n belong_v to_o they_o in_o a_o eminent_a manner_n and_o so_o make_v he_o the_o first_o bear_v son_n of_o his_o grace_n by_o adoption_n psal_n 89._o 26_o 27._o i_o will_v make_v he_o my_o first_o bear_v this_o filiation_n be_v not_o that_o natural_a relation_n to_o god_n for_o he_o be_v never_o make_v the_o natural_a son_n of_o god_n and_o in_o that_o respect_n see_v he_o have_v no_o brethren_n he_o can_v not_o proper_o be_v a_o first_o bear_v it_o must_v therefore_o be_v mean_v of_o a_o primogeniture_n by_o adoption_n and_o because_o primogeniture_n carry_v a_o right_a of_o authority_n with_o it_o among_o prince_n therefore_o it_o follow_v high_a than_o the_o king_n of_o the_o earth_n i_o will_v give_v he_o power_n over_o all_o the_o
than_o he_o be_v full_o satisfy_v so_o the_o immediate_a and_o direct_a testimony_n of_o the_o spirit_n though_o sometime_o when_o the_o spirit_n give_v a_o man_n to_o believe_v it_o it_o may_v drown_v all_o doubt_n and_o fear_n yet_o in_o a_o time_n of_o temptation_n when_o a_o soul_n begin_v to_o question_v whether_o all_o its_o former_a refreshment_n from_o the_o spirit_n be_v not_o dream_n and_o delusion_n it_o be_v never_o so_o full_o satisfy_v as_o when_o it_o evident_o see_v and_o own_v the_o token_n of_o god_n love_n in_o its_o own_o heart_n the_o fruit_n of_o her_o marriage_n with_o christ_n and_o feel_v the_o child_n of_o grace_n leap_v in_o the_o womb_n then_o say_v the_o soul_n sure_o i_o be_o marry_v to_o christ_n for_o he_o do_v not_o drink_v water_n out_o of_o any_o cistern_n but_o his_o own_o and_o the_o seed_n of_o true_a grace_n can_v possible_o be_v the_o issue_n of_o a_o unlawful_a bed_n chap._n vii_o a_o discourse_n concern_v the_o manner_n of_o the_o mediate_v and_o argumentative_a testimony_n of_o the_o spirit_n q._n how_o we_o may_v distinct_o conceive_v the_o witness_v of_o god_n spirit_n with_o our_o spirit_n in_o that_o mediate_v and_o argumentative_a way_n which_o we_o last_o speak_v of_o answ_n for_o answer_v hereunto_o see_v this_o work_n be_v direct_o opposite_a to_o that_o of_o the_o spirit_n of_o bondage_n before_o mention_v i_o shall_v review_v that_o again_o here_o and_o lay_v the_o comparison_n between_o they_o which_o i_o conceive_v will_v give_v we_o a_o clear_a light_n in_o this_o particular_a in_o the_o work_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o bondage_n i_o tell_v you_o the_o soul_n be_v bring_v under_o the_o conviction_n of_o a_o practical_a syllogism_n such_o a_o one_o as_o this_o every_o unbeliever_n every_o person_n that_o be_v in_o a_o state_n of_o nature_n in_o general_a or_o in_o particular_a every_o drunkard_n swearer_n etc._n etc._n live_v under_o the_o reign_a power_n of_o such_o or_o the_o like_a sin_n be_v a_o child_n of_o wrath_n etc._n etc._n but_o thou_o be_v say_v the_o spirit_n of_o god_n i_o say_v a_o man_n own_o spirit_n be_o such_o a_o one_o therefore_o thou_o be_v say_v god_n spirit_n i_o be_o say_v a_o man_n own_o spirit_n a_o child_n of_o wrath_n etc._n etc._n the_o three_o proposition_n of_o this_o syllogism_n i_o tell_v you_o employ_v three_o sort_n of_o conviction_n 1._o conviction_n of_o law_n 2._o conviction_n of_o case_n or_o fact_n 3._o conviction_n of_o state_n with_o the_o consequent_n of_o these_o suitable_o in_o unlock_v this_o prison_n there_o must_v be_v a_o key_n of_o as_o many_o ward_n as_o there_o be_v in_o the_o lock_n and_o those_o answerable_a to_o they_o for_o a_o key_n will_v not_o unlock_v a_o door_n that_o have_v not_o answerable_a ward_n to_o the_o lock_n that_o fasten_v it_o now_o these_o ward_n of_o the_o spirit_n key_n be_v 1._o conviction_n of_o gospel_n opposite_a to_o that_o of_o law_n 2_o conviction_n of_o another_o case_n suitable_a thereunto_o 3_o conviction_n of_o another_o state_n arise_v from_o both_o these_o 4_o and_o the_o consequent_n 1_o conviction_n of_o gospel_n for_o as_o the_o law_n the_o bondwoman_n from_o mount_n sinai_n be_v the_o ground_n of_o terror_n engender_v unto_o bondage_n gal._n 4._o so_o the_o gospel_n be_v the_o free_a woman_n the_o jerusalem_n from_o above_o that_o engender_v to_o liberty_n ibid._n and_o 2_o cor._n 3._o 17._o and_o so_o be_v the_o special_a ground_n of_o comfort_n the_o law_n be_v the_o warrant_n upon_o which_o the_o spirit_n imprison_v the_o conscience_n and_o the_o gospel_n the_o warrant_n on_o which_o it_o release_v it_o again_o and_o as_o it_o be_v in_o civil_a affair_n a_o man_n that_o be_v under_o a_o execution_n for_o body_n and_o good_n by_o such_o or_o such_o a_o statute_n hide_v and_o fly_n and_o be_v under_o fear_n and_o sometime_o lay_v fast_o in_o prison_n and_o can_v be_v release_v but_o either_o upon_o a_o repeal_n of_o that_o law_n or_o the_o annex_v some_o condition_n to_o it_o under_o which_o he_o sue_v for_o and_o recover_v his_o liberty_n so_o it_o be_v in_o this_o case_n the_o law_n say_v every_o one_o be_v accurse_v that_o continue_v not_o in_o every_o thing_n write_v in_o that_o book_n no_o fornicator_n idolater_n covetous_a etc._n etc._n shall_v enter_v into_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n now_o a_o man_n that_o be_v under_o the_o sentence_n of_o this_o law_n in_o his_o own_o conscience_n be_v capable_a of_o release_n no_o way_n but_o either_o by_o the_o repeal_n of_o that_o law_n or_o add_v some_o such_o limitation_n or_o restriction_n or_o condition_n to_o it_o as_o may_v include_v he_o therefore_o when_o the_o spirit_n give_v peace_n from_o the_o word_n by_o way_n of_o argument_n it_o first_o produce_v the_o law_n of_o liberty_n the_o gospel_n against_o the_o law_n of_o bondage_n it_o be_v confess_v say_v the_o spirit_n in_o the_o conscience_n of_o a_o convert_a sinner_n the_o law_n give_v i_o no_o hope_n but_o there_o be_v a_o addition_n to_o and_o a_o exception_n from_o that_o law_n which_o i_o plead_v for_o my_o release_n there_o be_v a_o pardon_n proclaim_v for_o such_o sinner_n as_o i_o be_o isai_n 55._o 7._o prov._n 28._o 13._o the_o law_n in_o the_o new_a edition_n except_v believer_n joh._n 3._o 26_o from_o its_o sentence_n now_o the_o apprehend_n and_o assent_v to_o this_o truth_n be_v the_o first_o work_n of_o the_o spirit_n in_o order_n to_o this_o regular_a assurance_n of_o a_o man_n heart_n before_o god_n a_o man_n in_o a_o state_n of_o spiritual_a darkness_n be_v like_o hagar_n in_o the_o wilderness_n 19_o gen._n 21._o 19_o she_o and_o her_o son_n ishmael_n be_v ready_a to_o die_v for_o thirst_n when_o there_o be_v a_o well_o near_o they_o but_o they_o can_v not_o see_v it_o till_o the_o angel_n show_v it_o they_o so_o be_v it_o in_o the_o child_n of_o the_o law_n that_o hagar_n and_o ishmael_n shadow_v out_o when_o they_o be_v under_o bondage_n of_o spirit_n there_o be_v many_o precious_a well_n of_o salvation_n in_o the_o bible_n but_o all_o these_o be_v hide_v from_o their_o eye_n the_o bible_n be_v a_o seal_a book_n to_o they_o and_o the_o fountain_n of_o life_n be_v fountain_n shut_v up_o as_o to_o they_o till_o the_o spirit_n that_o lead_v into_o all_o truth_n direct_v a_o man_n or_o woman_n in_o such_o a_o case_n to_o such_o promise_n as_o may_v be_v a_o ground_n of_o peace_n to_o he_o that_o may_v satisfy_v the_o weary_a soul_n and_o refresh_v the_o sorrowful_a soul_n 25._o jer._n 31._o 25._o i_o appeal_v to_o the_o experience_n of_o all_o the_o saint_n of_o god_n that_o know_v what_o this_o mean_n whether_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n have_v not_o many_o time_n guide_v they_o to_o place_n of_o scripture_n as_o it_o be_v by_o his_o own_o finger_n when_o they_o have_v even_o throw_v the_o bible_n away_o after_o much_o search_n for_o a_o comfort_a word_n and_o resolve_v to_o look_v no_o more_o for_o that_o that_o be_v not_o to_o be_v find_v there_o have_v not_o a_o secret_a whisper_n like_o that_o to_o augustine_n in_o his_o conversion_n tolle_fw-la lege_fw-la be_v cast_v into_o they_o try_v once_o again_o and_o have_v they_o not_o unexpected_o dip_v and_o light_v on_o a_o place_n that_o have_v satisfy_v they_o as_o with_o marrow_n and_o fatness_n have_v it_o not_o be_v with_o they_o as_o with_o a_o godly_a minister_n that_o i_o know_v when_o i_o be_v a_o child_n who_o have_v be_v under_o a_o spirit_n of_o bondage_n for_o many_o year_n and_o now_o even_o ready_a to_o die_v in_o that_o condition_n when_o the_o eight_o chapter_n of_o the_o roman_n be_v read_v to_o he_o a_o little_a before_o his_o last_o gasp_n stop_v at_o the_o first_o verse_n now_o there_o be_v no_o condemnation_n to_o they_o that_o be_v in_o christ_n jesus_n etc._n etc._n stay_v say_v he_o i_o never_o see_v so_o much_o in_o those_o word_n in_o my_o day_n as_o now_o though_o i_o read_v they_o often_o so_o i_o say_v can_v you_o not_o say_v that_o you_o have_v read_v such_o and_o such_o chapter_n ten_o twenty_o thirty_o forty_o time_n over_o and_o that_o not_o slight_o or_o cursory_o but_o deliberate_o and_o with_o meditation_n and_o yet_o can_v see_v never_o a_o well_o of_o salvation_n in_o they_o and_o yet_o afterward_o from_o those_o very_a place_n of_o scripture_n the_o spirit_n of_o god_n have_v make_v you_o draw_v water_n with_o joy_n so_o that_o it_o be_v the_o spirit_n that_o do_v this_o first_o work_n discover_v and_o convince_v of_o gospel_n truth_n the_o ground_n of_o our_o assurance_n now_o this_o conviction_n be_v either_o 1._o general_n and_o so_o the_o soul_n be_v convince_v of_o those_o very_a truth_n long_o before_o it_o can_v take_v comfort_n from_o they_o and_o believe_v they_o
so_o in_o the_o case_n of_o assurance_n from_o the_o spirit_n because_o some_o godly_a minister_n can_v preach_v so_o every_o way_n experimental_o as_o other_o can_v many_o trouble_a spirit_n decline_v they_o and_o their_o ministry_n and_o will_v scarce_o vouchsafe_v to_o discover_v their_o case_n to_o they_o none_o must_v be_v suppose_v able_a to_o do_v they_o good_a but_o such_o and_o such_o well_o such_o man_n ministry_n be_v try_v and_o it_o may_v be_v not_o out_o of_o any_o deficiency_n in_o they_o who_o it_o be_v possible_a may_v preach_v truth_n and_o apply_v medicine_n of_o sovereign_a value_n and_o virtue_n but_o mere_o through_o a_o secret_a hand_n of_o god_n render_v they_o unsuccessful_a that_o he_o may_v keep_v the_o mean_a of_o his_o eembassadour_n from_o contempt_n and_o the_o most_o eminent_a humble_a and_o let_v people_n know_v that_o the_o spirit_n of_o consolation_n and_o adoption_n as_o well_o as_o that_o of_o grace_n and_o supplication_n blow_v where_o and_o whence_o and_o when_o and_o how_o he_o list_v the_o soul-patient_a find_v no_o recovery_n but_o it_o be_v fain_o at_o last_o to_o be_v behold_v to_o a_o man_n of_o very_o mean_a ability_n and_o to_o a_o word_n which_o seem_v empty_a and_o barren_a before_o for_o comfort_n and_o assurance_n so_o for_o time_n a_o soul_n enlarge_v in_o prayer_n steep_v in_o tear_n inflame_v with_o desire_n think_v now_o very_o the_o time_n the_o set_a time_n be_v come_v god_n will_v be_v find_v of_o i_o in_o a_o way_n of_o peace_n and_o satisfaction_n no_o friend_n no_o such_o matter_n god_n it_o may_v be_v will_v make_v thou_o stay_v till_o thou_o have_v even_o doubt_v thyself_o out_o of_o all_o hope_n because_o of_o thy_o barrenness_n and_o deadness_n and_o inability_n to_o perform_v any_o service_n as_o thou_o ought_v and_o then_o he_o will_v send_v his_o spirit_n to_o shed_v abroad_o his_o love_n in_o thy_o heart_n thou_o shall_v bring_v forth_o this_o child_n of_o comfort_n when_o as_o sarahs_n womb_n thy_o soul_n be_v dead_a and_o almost_o hopelesse_o barren_a 8._o a_o sinful_a ambition_n of_o self-preparation_n for_o comfort_n and_o peace_n be_v i_o so_o much_o humble_v say_v the_o poor_a soul_n so_o kind_o and_o ingenuous_o affect_v with_o my_o sin_n can_v i_o recover_v of_o this_o deadness_n and_o flatnesse_n of_o spirit_n into_o any_o measure_n of_o liveliness_n and_o spiritualnesse_n in_o my_o performance_n then_o i_o will_v believe_v comfort_n and_o assurance_n of_o god_n love_n belong_v to_o i_o but_o that_o a_o soul_n so_o little_a so_o legal_o break_v as_o i_o be_o so_o barren_a sapless_a lifeless_a spiritless_a in_o all_o my_o service_n shall_v have_v any_o share_n in_o christ_n any_o title_n to_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n any_o part_n or_o portion_n with_o the_o saint_n of_o god_n i_o can_v i_o will_v not_o believe_v this_o be_v just_a like_o peter_n unreasonable_a motion_n depart_v from_o i_o for_o i_o be_o a_o sinful_a man_n o_o lord_n luke_n 5._o 8._o foolish_a man_n to_o who_o shall_v the_o physician_n come_v but_o to_o the_o sick_a it_o be_v a_o fond_a thing_n to_o imagine_v the_o patient_n must_v be_v recover_v before_o he_o come_v that_o he_o may_v be_v sit_v to_o entertain_v he_o so_o here_o thou_o will_v not_o entertain_v any_o persuasion_n of_o a_o interest_n in_o christ_n till_o thou_o attain_v such_o and_o such_o proportion_n and_o measure_n of_o grace_n alas_o man_n till_o thou_o have_v some_o evidence_n of_o thy_o interest_n in_o christ_n thou_o will_v never_o a_o tain_n they_o it_o be_v want_n of_o that_o evidence_n occasion_n thy_o defect_n in_o humiliation_n thy_o deadness_n and_o sapplessenesse_n in_o duty_n etc._n etc._n man_n travel_v heartlesse_o in_o the_o dark_a because_o they_o know_v not_o whether_o they_o go_v backward_o or_o forward_o whether_o the_o next_o step_n may_v not_o be_v a_o precipice_n to_o ruin_v they_o but_o when_o the_o daylight_n arise_v and_o show_v they_o by_o the_o coast_n of_o the_o country_n that_o they_o be_v in_o their_o way_n this_o put_v new_a life_n and_o spirit_n into_o they_o the_o joy_n of_o the_o lord_n be_v a_o christian_n strength_n neh._n 8._o 10._o nor_o be_v it_o meet_v while_o thou_o be_v in_o this_o frame_n that_o thou_o shall_v have_v this_o witness_n in_o thy_o spirit_n for_o if_o thou_o shall_v recover_v more_o life_n and_o vigour_n of_o grace_n and_o duty_n and_o thy_o assurance_n therein_o thou_o perhaps_o will_v be_v proud_a of_o thy_o attainment_n and_o attribute_v thy_o assurance_n to_o they_o and_o so_o god_n will_v have_v less_o honour_n and_o thou_o less_o certainty_n of_o it_o god_n will_v have_v less_o honour_n because_o as_o i_o say_v grace_n i_o will_v scarce_o be_v see_v through_o such_o qualification_n the_o smell_n of_o some_o delicious_a field_n they_o say_v so_o take_v the_o dog_n that_o they_o forget_v their_o prey_n and_o follow_v it_o no_o more_o such_o delicious_a field_n of_o duty_n may_v d●aw_v off_o the_o soul_n from_o the_o send_v of_o christ_n and_o thou_o will_v have_v less_o certainty_n of_o continue_v it_o for_o it_o will_v rise_v and_o fall_v according_a to_o thy_o own_o qualification_n and_o ablity_n for_o water_n in_o a_o watercourse_n will_v never_o rise_v above_o its_o spring_n if_o the_o spring_n of_o assurance_n be_v your_o own_o perfection_n then_o as_o that_o be_v high_a and_o low_o so_o will_v the_o assurance_n be_v you_o that_o one_o time_n find_v your_o grace_n at_o a_o spring_n tide_n another_o time_n will_v find_v they_o at_o the_o low_a ebb_n and_o then_o your_o assurance_n will_v ebb_v with_o they_o as_o it_o flow_v with_o they_o 9_o give_v too_o much_o way_n to_o prejudices_fw-la against_o god_n and_o his_o love_n from_o present_a sense_n and_o feeling_n for_o hereby_o we_o make_v the_o spirit_n double_a work_n first_o to_o untie_v and_o untangle_v our_o own_o knotty_a and_o snarl_v reason_v and_o then_o to_o build_v in_o we_o a_o new_a persuasion_n upon_o new_a argument_n of_o his_o own_o a_o man_n have_v better_o catechise_v a_o child_n or_o a_o rude_a ignorant_a heathen_a then_o endeavour_v to_o reduce_v a_o heretic_n because_o the_o one_o as_o he_o know_v not_o the_o truth_n so_o he_o be_v not_o prejudice_v against_o it_o the_o other_o be_v not_o only_o ignorant_a of_o it_o but_o he_o be_v possess_v with_o contrary_a principle_n and_o have_v subtlety_n of_o argument_n to_o resist_v it_o so_o a_o builder_n that_o be_v to_o lay_v foundataion_n where_o the_o ground_n be_v clear_a and_o have_v not_o be_v occupy_v that_o way_n before_o will_v not_o need_v to_o do_v much_o ere_o he_o set_v upon_o his_o work_n but_o he_o that_o be_v to_o lay_v new_a foundation_n and_o build_v a_o new_a house_n where_o the_o ruin_n of_o a_o old_a abbey_n be_v already_o must_v have_v double_a work_n dig_v up_o the_o old_a and_o then_o lay_v the_o new_a now_o it_o be_v strange_a to_o hear_v what_o argument_n soul_n in_o this_o darkness_n be_v prepossess_v withal_o that_o god_n do_v not_o love_v they_o 1._o present_a smart_n can_v love_n consist_v with_o such_o blow_n those_o stroke_n sure_o be_v the_o stroke_n of_o a_o enemy_n to_o deliver_v i_o over_o to_o satan_n to_o be_v buffet_v by_o he_o in_o such_o a_o manner_n to_o set_v i_o as_o a_o spectacle_n to_o man_n and_o angel_n and_o shut_v i_o up_o in_o such_o a_o dungeon_n of_o horror_n as_o none_o beside_o i_o ever_o come_v into_o be_v this_o consistent_a with_o love_n 2._o past_a obstinacy_n god_n have_v say_v he_o will_v not_o hear_v i_o and_o just_o for_o he_o have_v call_v many_o time_n and_o i_o have_v turn_v the_o deaf_a ear_n to_o he_o yea_o this_o be_v that_o the_o lord_n have_v say_v prov._n 1._o 24._o etc._n etc._n be_v sure_a to_o stop_v the_o mouth_n of_o these_o prejudices_fw-la by_o heb._n 12._o 6._o and_o isay_n 55._o 7_o 8_o 9_o jo._n 6._o 37._o and_o other_o such_o place_n 10._o slackness_n and_o remissness_n in_o occasion_v by_o successelessenesse_n of_o ordinance_n and_o duty_n when_o once_o those_o prejudices_fw-la cause_n a_o soul_n to_o cry_v out_o there_o be_v no_o hope_n god_n 8._o lam._n 3._o 6_o 7_o 8._o have_v build_v against_o i_o he_o shut_v out_o my_o prayer_n then_o there_o be_v no_o temptation_n more_o likely_a to_o succeed_v then_o this_o why_o man_n what_o do_v thou_o labour_v for_o why_o do_v thou_o sow_v thy_o precious_a prayer_n on_o the_o sand_n of_o the_o sea_n shore_n whence_o there_o can_v no_o harvest_n be_v expect_v and_o hereupon_o the_o soul_n be_v if_o not_o take_v off_o from_o duty_n yet_o for_o want_v of_o faith_n which_o be_v the_o l●fe_n of_o duty_n the_o chariot_n move_v slow_o when_o the_o wheel_n be_v take_v off_o hope_n to_o speed_n be_v the_o great_a encouragement_n to_o duty_n you_o clip_v
that_o god_n he_o take_v he_o for_o that_o there_o be_v error_n personae_fw-la in_o the_o match_n 7_o beware_v of_o that_o which_o i_o have_v often_o before_o warn_v you_o of_o vain_a unprofitable_a erroneous_a or_o ungodly_a company_n this_o will_v not_o only_a damp_n conviction_n i_o have_v show_v you_o so_o much_o before_o but_o comfort_n also_o ordinary_o our_o spirit_n by_o sympathy_n become_v muchwhat_a of_o the_o temper_n and_o alloy_n with_o those_o with_o who_o we_o converse_v it_o be_v a_o difficult_a thing_n for_o a_o man_n spirit_n to_o continue_v free_a from_o impression_n of_o sadness_n that_o converse_v with_o a_o mourn_a company_n and_o it_o be_v no_o less_o difficult_a for_o a_o soul_n to_o be_v serious_o affect_v though_o he_o have_v never_o so_o important_a business_n in_o hand_n when_o the_o person_n he_o be_v most_o familiar_o conversant_a with_o be_v all_o set_v as_o we_o say_v upon_o a_o merry_a pin_n 1_o vain_a and_o unprofitable_a company_n have_v not_o weight_n enough_o in_o they_o to_o add_v any_o ballast_n to_o a_o spirit_n under_o the_o full_a sail_n of_o gracious_a assurance_n nay_o they_o subtract_v and_o withdraw_v that_o which_o it_o have_v before_o within_o itself_o and_o than_o it_o be_v no_o wonder_n if_o it_o be_v overturn_v while_o the_o heavenly_a gale_n that_o fill_v those_o sail_n for_o want_n of_o a_o serious_a care_n to_o manage_v it_o leave_v the_o soul_n to_o a_o blast_n of_o frothy_a carnal_a delight_n which_o will_v soon_o overset_a it_o 2_o erroneous_a and_o for_o in_o this_o case_n we_o may_v very_o well_o put_v they_o together_o ungodly_a company_n on_o the_o other_o side_n will_v make_v it_o their_o business_n to_o bore_v hole_n in_o the_o vessel_n itself_o to_o corrupt_v a_o man_n principle_n and_o let_v in_o upon_o he_o such_o a_o flood_n of_o brackish_a and_o unsavoury_a water_n both_o opinion_n and_o practice_n as_o will_v so_o mar_v all_o the_o precious_a lade_n of_o the_o soul_n that_o the_o spirit_n in_o just_a discontent_n will_v refuse_v to_o fill_v its_o sail_n any_o more_o it_o be_v not_o worth_a the_o labour_n to_o bring_v that_o vessel_n to_o harbour_v which_o be_v lade_v with_o mere_a trash_n and_o rot_a commodity_n erroneous_a company_n will_v endeavour_v to_o break_v the_o chain_n of_o truth_n in_o which_o assurance_n hang_v one_o truth_n lose_v lose_v it_o in_o a_o word_n the_o holy_a spirit_n of_o god_n will_v not_o partake_v in_o the_o scandal_n of_o such_o a_o association_n if_o i_o be_v never_o so_o much_o a_o acquaintance_n or_o intimate_v friend_n to_o a_o man_n yet_o i_o will_v not_o accompany_v he_o into_o all_o society_n which_o possible_o he_o may_v be_v engage_v unto_o if_o he_o will_v converse_v with_o i_o i_o expect_v that_o he_o shall_v do_v it_o either_o in_o a_o way_n of_o privacy_n or_o if_o in_o a_o more_o communicative_a way_n yet_o in_o such_o company_n only_o as_o may_v suit_v my_o genius_n or_o disposition_n my_o quality_n and_o reputation_n or_o else_o there_o i_o will_v leave_v he_o and_o if_o i_o see_v he_o intend_v to_o make_v a_o consolidation_n of_o acquaintance_n and_o converse_n between_o i_o and_o such_o as_o i_o can_v comfortable_o converse_v withal_o i_o will_v break_v off_o familiarity_n with_o he_o altogether_o and_o sure_o i_o can_v expect_v that_o the_o spirit_n of_o grace_n truth_n and_o holiness_n shall_v serve_v i_o otherwise_o if_o i_o abase_v he_o so_o far_o in_o my_o esteem_n as_o to_o endeavour_v to_o draw_v he_o into_o partnership_n with_o i_o in_o the_o society_n of_o empty_a erroneous_a and_o wicked_a man_n no_o question_n but_o such_o a_o affront_n will_v cause_v he_o to_o withdraw_v chap._n xxix_o a_o four_o and_o five_o direction_n concern_v the_o use_n of_o our_o evidence_n 4._o be_v much_o in_o the_o act_n of_o love_n and_o thankfulness_n 1_o love_n coolings_n of_o affection_n on_o our_o part_n towards_o god_n god_n can_v bear_v it_o be_v a_o unnatural_a &_o monstrous_a ingratitude_n at_o such_o a_o time_n to_o flag_n in_o our_o love_n when_o we_o be_v under_o the_o full_a and_o most_o enlarge_a enjoyment_n of_o his_o love_n to_o we_o then_o if_o ever_o when_o god_n countenance_n shine_v upon_o we_o will_v it_o make_v our_o face_n reflect_v the_o same_o smile_a beam_n of_o love_n upon_o he_o again_o sure_o such_o enjoyment_n act_n much_o beneath_o themselves_o if_o they_o produce_v not_o a_o love_n strong_a than_o death_n itself_o if_o the_o saint_n of_o god_n use_n to_o love_n god_n and_o it_o be_v their_o duty_n so_o to_o do_v even_o then_o when_o he_o break_v they_o in_o the_o place_n of_o dragon_n and_o cover_v they_o with_o the_o shadow_n 19_o psal_n 44._o 19_o of_o death_n if_o when_o he_o will_v not_o vouchsafe_v they_o one_o smile_n upon_o their_o soul_n will_v not_o speak_v one_o good_a word_n to_o their_o ache_a heart_n but_o all_o they_o see_v from_o he_o be_v ghastly_a frown_n and_o all_o they_o fear_v from_o he_o be_v chide_v and_o thunder_n how_o much_o more_o may_v we_o think_v it_o reasonable_a and_o just_a they_o shall_v do_v so_o when_o he_o spread_v his_o own_o banner_n of_o love_n over_o they_o when_o he_o bring_v they_o into_o the_o banquet_a 4._o cant._n 2._o 4._o house_n when_o he_o lay_v his_o left_a hand_n under_o their_o head_n and_o his_o right_a hand_n embrace_v they_o 2_o cant._n 8._o 3._o 1._o 2_o when_o he_o kiss_v they_o with_o the_o kiss_n of_o his_o mouth_n and_o pave_v all_o those_o chariot_n of_o ordinance_n and_o duty_n wherein_o he_o convey_v himself_o to_o they_o and_o they_o to_o himself_o with_o love_n and_o 10._o cant._n 3._o 10._o therefore_o if_o at_o such_o a_o time_n your_o love_n kindle_v not_o beyond_o the_o ordinary_a proportion_n you_o can_v but_o provoke_v he_o to_o withdraw_v in_o displeasure_n see_v what_o one_o cold_a entertainment_n of_o a_o visit_a christ_n cost_v the_o church_n cant._n 5._o i_o open_v to_o my_o belove_a but_o my_o beloved_n have_v withdraw_v himself_o and_o be_v go_v his_o love_n be_v hot_a in_o the_o visit_n but_o she_o be_v too_o cold_a that_o give_v he_o such_o a_o entertainment_n and_o therefore_o when_o she_o open_v at_o last_o he_o be_v go_v v._o 6._o and_o then_o when_o the_o scene_n be_v change_v and_o the_o visit_n fall_v out_o to_o be_v on_o her_o part_n he_o serve_v she_o in_o the_o same_o fashion_n he_o will_v not_o be_v within_o she_o seek_v he_o but_o she_o find_v he_o not_o 2_o thankfulness_n i_o can_v imagine_v if_o a_o soul_n be_v to_o wish_v a_o good_a thing_n on_o this_o side_n heaven_n and_o have_v it_o what_o it_o can_v desire_v like_o spiritual_a assurance_n of_o god_n love_n it_o be_v as_o near_o of_o kin_n to_o heaven_n itself_o as_o possible_o can_v be_v it_o be_v a_o kind_n of_o beatifical_a vision_n proportion_v to_o the_o capacity_n of_o a_o mortal_a creature_n and_o certain_o the_o more_o we_o be_v admit_v to_o the_o life_n of_o heaven_n in_o happiness_n the_o more_o near_o we_o ought_v to_o come_v to_o the_o life_n of_o heaven_n in_o thankfulness_n because_o a_o heavenly_a life_n be_v a_o life_n of_o the_o great_a fruit_n ion_n therefore_o it_o be_v a_o life_n of_o great_a thankfulness_n to_o receive_v extraordinary_a mercy_n with_o a_o ordinary_a spirit_n a_o spirit_n not_o warm_v into_o extraordinary_a sensibleness_n of_o it_o and_o thankfulness_n for_o it_o be_v among_o the_o great_a provocation_n of_o god_n the_o giver_n of_o they_o that_o can_v be_v discovery_n of_o god_n love_n have_v use_v to_o nonplus_n the_o utmost_a ability_n of_o a_o thankful_a heart_n psal_n 116._o 11_o 12._o what_o shall_v i_o render_v say_v david_n to_o the_o lord_n for_o all_o his_o benefit_n towards_o i_o and_o then_o be_v thankfulness_n great_a when_o like_o the_o peace_n of_o god_n which_o occasion_n it_o it_o pass_v all_o understanding_n 5_o let_v love_n and_o thankfulness_n carry_v you_o on_o with_o delight_n in_o all_o the_o way_n of_o duty_n and_o obedience_n the_o truth_n be_v this_o be_v the_o proper_a use_n of_o divine_a discovery_n why_o do_v the_o father_n smile_v upon_o and_o make_v much_o of_o his_o child_n be_v it_o not_o that_o he_o may_v be_v thereby_o encourage_v to_o dutifulness_n and_o obedience_n why_o do_v the_o sun_n shine_v upon_o the_o earth_n except_o to_o make_v it_o fruitful_a upon_o these_o term_n the_o church_n be_v engage_v to_o run_v after_o christ_n cant._n 1._o 2._o 3_o 4._o if_o christ_n draw_v with_o ointment_n and_o kiss_n the_o fragrant_a allurement_n and_o temptation_n of_o his_o love_n it_o be_v a_o addition_n of_o strength_n and_o agility_n to_o a_o poor_a cripple_a soul_n now_o if_o christ_n find_v that_o you_o receive_v his_o favour_n but_o reject_v his_o command_n that_o his_o countenance_n be_v delightful_a and_o his_o
love_v thou_o do_v he_o ever_o crush_v any_o soul_n under_o his_o foot_n that_o he_o do_v not_o kick_v into_o hell_n at_o last_o and_o no_o wonder_n if_o satan_n when_o he_o have_v the_o command_n of_o all_o the_o port_n and_o advenue_n of_o the_o soul_n will_v let_v it_o receive_v no_o intelligence_n but_o what_o he_o please_v and_o use_v it_o to_o such_o daily_a object_n as_o augment_v its_o terror_n if_o he_o raise_v such_o mist_n as_o hinder_v it_o from_o discern_v any_o thing_n distinct_o 4_o partly_o by_o take_v the_o work_n out_o of_o the_o spirit_n hand_n as_o sometime_o he_o do_v the_o lord_n permit_v it_o also_o for_o secret_a reason_n of_o his_o own_o and_o hereof_o i_o shall_v show_v you_o some_o instance_n by_o which_o you_o may_v judge_v of_o his_o deal_n in_o other_o the_o like_a case_n 1_o many_o time_n the_o spirit_n stir_v up_o the_o soul_n to_o examine_v its_o growth_n in_o and_o improvement_n of_o grace_n possible_o upon_o occasion_n of_o some_o late_a notable_a delay_n and_o to_o endeavour_v a_o recovery_n of_o lose_a strength_n a_o quicken_a of_o what_o be_v ready_a to_o die_v this_o motion_n be_v from_o the_o spirit_n thus_o far_o now_o satan_n take_v it_o up_o and_o from_o feel_v barrenness_n and_o deadness_n stir_v up_o the_o soul_n far_o to_o inquire_v afresh_o whether_o ever_o that_o be_v true_a grace_n that_o be_v now_o so_o barren_a whether_o such_o a_o tree_n have_v ever_o any_o life_n that_o manifest_v so_o little_a growth_n 2_o many_o time_n the_o spirit_n set_v home_o the_o consideration_n of_o some_o affliction_n and_o put_v the_o soul_n upon_o enquiry_n why_o the_o lord_n thus_o contend_v with_o it_o now_o come_v in_o satan_n and_o alter_v the_o question_n and_o put_v the_o soul_n upon_o the_o enquiry_n whether_o such_o affliction_n may_v stand_v with_o god_n love_n or_o no_o 3_o many_o time_n the_o spirit_n stir_v up_o to_o repentance_n and_o recovery_n from_o grievous_a fall_n satan_n take_v up_o this_o work_n and_o put_v the_o soul_n upon_o question_v whether_o ever_o it_o have_v any_o grace_n see_v there_o be_v yet_o in_o the_o heart_n a_o liableness_n to_o such_o great_a corruption_n this_o i_o touch_v before_o thus_o you_o see_v whence_o the_o terror_n that_o surprise_v saint_n after_o conversion_n and_o assurance_n do_v arise_v and_o so_o the_o thesis_n clear_v from_o mistake_n proceed_v we_o now_o to_o the_o application_n of_o it_o chap._n xxxvi_o saint_n convince_v of_o folly_n in_o give_v way_n to_o trouble_v thought_n after_o conversion_n and_o assurance_n i._o therefore_o for_o application_n 1_o hence_o the_o saint_n of_o god_n may_v see_v how_o little_a reason_n or_o warrant_v they_o have_v to_o justify_v themselves_o in_o admission_n of_o s●ulfetters_n after_o conversion_n but_o especial_o after_o assurance_n 1_o will_v a_o man_n think_v it_o be_v a_o discreet_a act_n in_o himself_o to_o be_v afraid_a of_o every_o leaf_n that_o stir_v and_o startle_v at_o every_o reed_n that_o shake_v a_o wise_a man_n when_o he_o be_v in_o quiet_a possession_n of_o what_o he_o enjoy_v will_v see_v good_a authority_n ere_o he_o will_v be_v dispossess_v upon_o any_o pretence_n whatsoever_o the_o devil_n never_o bring_v a_o true_a authority_n for_o the_o disturbance_n of_o any_o saint_n peace_n i_o be_o bind_v to_o take_v notice_n of_o no_o authority_n in_o matter_n of_o inward_a trouble_n and_o peace_n but_o that_o of_o god_n spirit_n my_o conscience_n be_v his_o throne_n and_o i_o can_v answer_v it_o unto_o god_n if_o i_o permit_v satan_n to_o usurp_v it_o i_o ought_v to_o be_v able_a to_o discover_v that_o counterfeit_n and_o oppose_v he_o though_o he_o come_v as_o a_o angel_n of_o light_n how_o much_o more_o when_o he_o come_v like_o a_o prince_n of_o darkness_n 2_o what_o account_n can_v i_o give_v to_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n the_o comforter_n for_o resign_v so_o slight_o the_o garrison_n of_o strength_n the_o ground_n of_o gracious_a assurance_n which_o he_o have_v put_v into_o my_o hand_n saint_n must_v make_v as_o much_o conscience_n of_o part_v with_o their_o comfort_n without_o sufficient_a cause_n as_o of_o embezel_v any_o thing_n else_o with_o which_o god_n entrust_v they_o friend_n we_o be_v accountable_a for_o our_o comfort_n and_o therefore_o it_o will_v concern_v we_o not_o to_o be_v easy_o cheat_v of_o they_o they_o be_v precious_a thing_n the_o joy_n of_o the_o lord_n be_v our_o strength_n 10._o nehem._n 8._o 10._o if_o we_o betray_v our_o strength_n by_o lose_v our_o comfort_n how_o shall_v we_o answer_v the_o rob_n god_n of_o so_o much_o service_n as_o he_o may_v lose_v from_o we_o thereby_o 3_o how_o shall_v we_o answer_v the_o mischief_n that_o may_v accrue_v to_o other_o who_o use_v in_o trouble_n and_o distemper_n of_o mind_n to_o have_v recourse_n to_o our_o counsel_n and_o experience_n see_v job_n 4._o 2_o 3_o 4_o 5_o 6._o if_o i_o must_v not_o prodigal_o throw_v away_o my_o estate_n nay_o if_o i_o must_v labour_v with_o my_o hand_n that_o i_o may_v have_v to_o give_v the_o bodily_a food_n to_o he_o that_o need_v certain_o i_o must_v even_o in_o mere_a charity_n to_o other_o endeavour_v to_o maintain_v that_o spiritual_a joy_n which_o be_v their_o refreshment_n chap._n xxxvii_o the_o way_n how_o to_o discard_v they_o this_o also_o give_v a_o stand_a rule_n to_o we_o concern_v the_o entertainment_n of_o soul-terrour_n after_o conversion_n and_o assurance_n if_o they_o have_v no_o warrant_n from_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n then_o why_o will_v thou_o entertain_v so_o much_o as_o a_o conference_n with_o they_o i_o think_v uncomfortable_a thought_n ought_v to_o be_v cast_v out_o without_o dispute_n as_o blasphemous_a and_o atheistical_a suggestion_n in_o some_o case_n q._n but_o how_o far_o and_o in_o what_o case_n may_v it_o be_v be_v lawful_a to_o reject_v such_o thought_n as_o tend_v to_o the_o question_n of_o assurance_n former_o receive_v without_o dispute_n for_o it_o seem_v the_o case_n of_o blasphemous_a and_o atheistical_a suggestion_n and_o these_o we_o be_v now_o speak_v of_o differ_v very_o much_o those_o be_v at_o first_o blush_n by_o any_o soul_n competent_o enlighten_v to_o be_v discern_v to_o be_v contrary_a to_o the_o express_a word_n of_o god_n and_o so_o matter_n out_o of_o all_o dispute_n these_o it_o may_v be_v pretend_v ground_n from_o the_o word_n and_o be_v in_o their_o own_o nature_n such_o as_o i_o be_o allow_v to_o dispute_v a._n it_o be_v true_a there_o be_v some_o difference_n between_o the_o matter_n of_o the_o suggestion_n themselves_o but_o yet_o as_o to_o i_o and_o my_o case_n they_o may_v be_v in_o effect_n the_o same_o for_o i_o may_v by_o a_o precede_a assurance_n from_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n be_v as_o much_o ascertain_v that_o i_o be_o a_o child_n of_o god_n as_o i_o be_o that_o there_o be_v a_o god_n or_o concern_v any_o other_o fundamental_a point_n of_o faith_n so_o that_o i_o may_v be_v very_o well_o allow_v the_o same_o way_n of_o proceed_v in_o the_o one_o case_n which_o i_o be_o prescribe_v in_o the_o other_o and_o i_o conceive_v i_o may_v do_v so_o in_o these_o case_n 1._o when_o the_o present_a doubt_n or_o dispute_v concern_v my_o condition_n be_v not_o hand_v to_o i_o in_o the_o way_n and_o method_n of_o divine_a motion_n god_n usual_a way_n of_o put_v the_o soul_n upon_o enquiry_n concern_v its_o own_o condition_n to_o such_o as_o enjoy_v ordinance_n be_v under_o the_o administration_n of_o they_o if_o therefore_o without_o any_o such_o ground_n whether_o from_o the_o private_a work_n of_o my_o own_o thought_n or_o from_o such_o injection_n as_o i_o can_v give_v no_o account_n of_o i_o begin_v after_o assurance_n to_o fall_v a_o question_n i_o own_o condition_n i_o may_v well_o fear_v the_o hand_n of_o satan_n be_v in_o this_o and_o i_o may_v silence_v they_o for_o the_o present_a as_o come_v to_o trouble_v my_o peace_n without_o a_o warrant_n as_o if_o a_o arrest_n shall_v be_v lay_v upon_o i_o out_o of_o the_o ordinary_a way_n of_o law_n i_o may_v defend_v myself_o by_o force_n or_o escape_v by_o sleight_n and_o the_o law_n will_v judge_v i_o in_o so_o do_v to_o have_v do_v no_o more_o than_o what_o i_o may_v lawful_o do_v 2_o when_o the_o present_a dispute_n concern_v my_o state_n and_o condition_n be_v impose_v upon_o i_o under_o such_o circumstance_n as_o render_v it_o unlikely_a to_o be_v manage_v candid_o clear_o and_o impartial_o so_o that_o there_o be_v no_o likelihood_n but_o it_o shall_v rather_o end_v in_o confusion_n and_o further_a disturbance_n than_o peace_n and_o solid_a satisfaction_n if_o i_o shall_v be_v provoke_v to_o dispute_v with_o a_o adversary_n concern_v such_o or_o such_o a_o point_n at_o a_o time_n when_o i_o be_o not_o furnish_v with_o such_o help_n
as_o a_o disputant_n in_o that_o case_n may_v lawful_o require_v at_o such_o a_o time_n when_o my_o mind_n by_o reason_n of_o some_o great_a oppression_n or_o other_o business_n be_v not_o at_o liberty_n to_o recollect_v its_o strength_n or_o before_o such_o judge_n as_o be_v already_o prepossess_v by_o he_o and_o strong_o engage_v on_o his_o side_n etc._n etc._n i_o may_v very_o justifiable_o decline_v it_o and_o answer_v his_o challenge_n with_o silence_n and_o provocation_n with_o slight_v see_v so_o disingenuous_a a_o carriage_n on_o his_o part_n deserve_v no_o other_o so_o when_o i_o be_o solicit_v to_o put_v my_o evidence_n for_o salvation_n in_o dispute_n at_o such_o a_o time_n when_o i_o want_v my_o wont_a influence_n from_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n when_o as_o the_o church_n 9_o psalm_n 74._o 9_o complain_v in_o another_o case_n i_o see_v not_o my_o token_n when_o my_o spirit_n be_v overwhelm_v and_o swallow_v up_o with_o the_o oppression_n of_o soul-trouble_n when_o last_o i_o perceive_v i_o must_v plead_v my_o cause_n before_o sense_n and_o reason_n who_o be_v already_o prepossess_v and_o fee_v on_o the_o adversary_n side_n i_o may_v very_o just_o refuse_v to_o enter_v the_o list_n upon_o such_o term_n and_o reflect_v the_o disgrace_n of_o so_o dishonourable_a a_o challenge_n upon_o my_o adversary_n before_o god_n and_o conscience_n 3._o when_o i_o find_v such_o doubt_n concern_v my_o condition_n inject_v or_o suggest_v upon_o design_n to_o hinder_v and_o disturb_v i_o in_o some_o present_a service_n wherein_o i_o have_v special_a use_n of_o assurance_n to_o put_v they_o off_o at_o least_o till_o a_o more_o convenient_a time_n in_o such_o a_o case_n be_v a_o special_a part_n of_o spiritual_a wisdom_n it_o be_v find_v by_o the_o usual_a experience_n of_o god_n saint_n that_o when_o they_o have_v most_o to_o do_v for_o their_o assurance_n they_o shall_v have_v it_o most_o to_o seek_v suppose_v when_o they_o go_v to_o pray_v especial_o upon_o any_o extraordinary_a occasion_n when_o they_o address_v themselves_o to_o the_o sacrament_n of_o the_o lord_n supper_n when_o they_o be_v under_o some_o heavy_a affliction_n it_o may_v be_v when_o they_o be_v in_o some_o sort_n call_v forth_o to_o suffer_v for_o god_n now_o it_o be_v plain_a that_o when_o our_o doubt_n and_o trouble_n of_o spirit_n in_o our_o observation_n usual_o return_v upon_o we_o at_o such_o season_n they_o be_v then_o inject_v upon_o a_o special_a design_n to_o hinder_v we_o in_o the_o present_a service_n wherefore_o see_v by_o admit_v so_o much_o as_o a_o dispute_n upon_o they_o at_o such_o a_o time_n i_o yield_v the_o devil_n his_o know_a design_n i_o may_v very_o safe_o reject_v they_o except_o i_o think_v it_o a_o course_n more_o eligible_a to_o gratify_v the_o enemy_n of_o god_n glory_n and_o my_o own_o good_a with_o the_o neglect_n or_o heartless_a performance_n of_o a_o duty_n then_o to_o break_v through_o a_o bug_n bear_v impediment_n purposely_o lay_v in_o my_o way_n and_o set_v about_o it_o with_o that_o furniture_n which_o god_n have_v gracious_o vouchsafe_v to_o enable_v i_o thereunto_o and_o so_o much_o shall_v suffice_v for_o the_o answer_n of_o this_o case_n concern_v the_o way_n of_o turn_v a_o troublesome_a incruder_n out_o of_o door_n but_o it_o may_v be_v far_o object_v object_n but_o they_o pretend_v still_o they_o come_v from_o the_o spirit_n &_o see_v you_o tell_v i_o the_o beginning_n of_o they_o &_o occasional_a ground_n of_o they_o may_v be_v from_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n and_o i_o find_v withal_o that_o they_o have_v grow_v out_o of_o such_o work_n of_o the_o spirit_n as_o you_o have_v but_o now_o describe_v how_o shall_v i_o know_v how_o far_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n lead_v i_o and_o where_o satan_n work_n begin_v that_o i_o may_v submit_v to_o the_o one_o and_o resist_v the_o other_o ans_fw-fr in_o general_n see_v i_o have_v before_o give_v you_o some_o non-ultra's_a beyond_o which_o the_o spirit_n can_v go_v and_o therefore_o must_v refer_v you_o to_o those_o for_o particular_n i_o say_v in_o general_n that_o while_o nothing_o be_v press_v upon_o you_o but_o what_o may_v stand_v with_o the_o supposal_n of_o a_o renew_a estate_n what_o ever_o motion_n yield_v you_o your_o title_n to_o god_n and_o grace_n and_o neither_o in_o their_o nature_n or_o in_o their_o ground_n tend_v to_o weaken_v your_o evidence_n must_v be_v obey_v as_o the_o motion_n of_o god_n spirit_n though_o never_o so_o harsh_a or_o unpleasing_a as_o far_o as_o they_o have_v any_o command_n or_o allow_v example_n in_o the_o word_n you_o must_v not_o take_v it_o for_o a_o motion_n of_o satan_n that_o bid_v you_o repent_v of_o confess_v mourn_v for_o renew_a sin_n that_o bid_v you_o examine_v your_o heart_n and_o way_n and_o turn_v to_o the_o lord_n under_o affliction_n etc._n etc._n but_o if_o such_o motion_n be_v improve_v to_o the_o question_n of_o the_o whole_a work_n of_o god_n upon_o the_o soul_n this_o be_v suspicious_a and_o so_o far_o you_o must_v not_o go_v along_o with_o it_o chap._n xxxviii_o some_o ground_n upon_o which_o satan_n use_v to_o reduce_v convert_v and_o once_o assure_v soul_n into_o trouble_n answer_v wherein_o also_o be_v some_o case_n concern_v fall_v into_o sin_n after_o these_o mercy_n receive_v object_n yea_o but_o the_o ground_n methinks_v upon_o which_o these_o thought_n be_v press_v and_o urge_v upon_o my_o soul_n be_v such_o as_o seem_v to_o come_v from_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n and_o therefore_o although_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n never_o become_v a_o spirit_n of_o bondage_n again_o where_o he_o have_v be_v a_o spirit_n of_o adoption_n yet_o he_o may_v by_o such_o ground_n as_o these_o convince_v i_o of_o my_o former_a mistake_n in_o apprehend_v he_o to_o have_v be_v a_o spirit_n of_o adoption_n when_o he_o be_v not_o and_o it_o be_v good_a to_o lay_v a_o sure_a foundation_n answ_n it_o be_v good_a to_o lay_v a_o sure_a foundation_n but_o if_o upon_o every_o slight_a suggestion_n that_o it_o be_v amiss_o i_o must_v be_v bind_v to_o remove_v it_o and_o new-lay_a it_o i_o shall_v neither_o ever_o lie_v a_o foundation_n to_o the_o purpose_n nor_o build_v upon_o it_o as_o i_o ought_v to_o do_v suppose_v thy_o foundation_n rather_o to_o be_v good_a and_o strive_v to_o build_v holiness_n upon_o it_o and_o thou_o will_v thereby_o be_v satisfy_v in_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o foundation_n but_o what_o be_v those_o ground_n upon_o which_o thou_o conceive_v god_n spirit_n tell_v thou_o thou_o have_v be_v former_o mistake_v in_o thy_o condition_n object_n 1._o i_o be_o tell_v that_o a_o child_n of_o god_n especial_o after_o sound_a assurance_n have_v of_o his_o salvation_n can_v commit_v such_o sin_n as_o i_o have_v do_v since_o the_o time_n of_o my_o suppose_a assurance_n a._n i_o answer_v 1._o no_o child_n of_o god_n be_v either_o by_o convert_v or_o assure_v grace_n secure_v from_o the_o act_n of_o any_o sin_n while_o he_o live_v here_o below_o but_o from_o the_o love_n custom_n and_o trade_n of_o sin_n that_o in_o many_o thing_n we_o sin_v all_o the_o apostle_n james_n tell_v we_o and_o put_v himself_o in_o the_o number_n though_o certain_o he_o be_v a_o saint_n of_o the_o high_a attainment_n in_o point_n of_o assurance_n and_o comfort_n james_n 3._o 2._o i_o need_v not_o tell_v you_o of_o the_o dangerous_a fall_n of_o peter_n afer_fw-la conversion_n nor_o of_o the_o fowl_n fall_v of_o noah_n lot_n and_o david_n it_o be_v strange_a that_o mere_a pretender_n to_o religion_n shall_v be_v able_a to_o urge_v their_o example_n to_o harden_v themselves_o and_o you_o can_v make_v any_o use_n of_o they_o to_o support_v yourselves_o 2._o it_o may_v make_v for_o god_n great_a glory_n and_o your_o great_a good_a that_o you_o have_v fall_v so_o foul_o if_o in_o stead_n of_o draw_v discourage_a conclusion_n from_o thence_o you_o make_v your_o repentance_n as_o visible_a and_o eminent_a as_o your_o fall_n if_o you_o learn_v hereby_o and_o show_v hereafter_o a_o profess_a distrust_n of_o your_o own_o heart_n careful_o watch_v against_o temptation_n and_o occasion_n of_o the_o like_a sin_n and_o renew_v your_o address_n to_o god_n for_o fresh_a assistance_n of_o strength_n to_o fortify_v your_o renew_a resolution_n against_o they_o a_o saint_n get_v ground_n by_o stumble_v while_o he_o hasten_v to_o recover_v his_o pace_n the_o more_o for_o it_o 3_o you_o can_v never_o bring_v either_o of_o those_o bless_a fruit_n god_n glory_n or_o your_o own_o good_a out_o of_o your_o present_a condition_n in_o the_o way_n wherein_o you_o now_o be_v for_o god_n be_v not_o glorify_v in_o your_o unbelief_n suppose_v you_o the_o great_a sinner_n in_o the_o world_n but_o rather_o in_o this_o that_o you_o dare_v adventure_v a_o hideous_a
thou_o sure_a enough_o for_o one_o while_n for_o recover_v either_o thy_o evidence_n of_o that_o or_o thy_o ability_n in_o this_o for_o thou_o shall_v never_o want_v let_v to_o prayer_n if_o those_o will_v make_v thou_o doubt_v thy_o sonship_n and_o thou_o shall_v never_o but_o doubt_v thy_o sonship_n if_o thou_o will_v take_v those_o let_v for_o a_o sufficient_a confutation_n of_o thy_o relation_n and_o will_v thereby_o be_v keep_v from_o prayer_n again_o which_o be_v satan_n aim_n to_o lead_v thou_o in_o a_o ring_n of_o mistake_n everlasting_o 3._o thou_o can_v not_o pray_v but_o can_v thou_o not_o groan_v neither_o if_o thou_o can_v the_o spirit_n of_o adoption_n may_v be_v in_o a_o groan_n as_o well_o as_o in_o a_o prayer_n rom._n 8._o 26._o i_o shall_v have_v occasion_n to_o add_v more_o concern_v this_o on_o the_o last_o point_n chap._n xli_o the_o case_n of_o decay_n in_o spiritual_a affection_n deadness_n burthensomnesse_n of_o duty_n and_o several_a other_o occasional_o thus_o far_o also_o state_v object_n but_o if_o it_o be_v well_o with_o i_o i_o shall_v love_v and_o delight_n in_o holy_a thing_n more_o than_o i_o do_v i_o find_v it_o a_o burden_n to_o i_o to_o draw_v nigh_o to_o god_n in_o any_o ordinance_n my_o affection_n that_o shall_v be_v lively_a be_v dead_a and_o i_o know_v not_o how_o it_o be_v with_o i_o but_o i_o find_v i_o be_o a_o unprofitable_a lump_n of_o clay_n and_o there_o be_v little_a difference_n between_o a_o mere_a block_n &_o i_o answ_n this_o case_n i_o confess_v have_v much_o discomfort_n in_o it_o but_o as_o uncomfortable_a as_o it_o be_v yet_o it_o be_v not_o unsafe_a indeed_o be_v a_o saint_n foundation_n of_o his_o own_o lay_n there_o can_v nothing_o more_o weighty_a and_o considerable_a be_v object_v to_o shake_v it_o but_o our_o foundation_n be_v the_o foundation_n of_o god_n and_o that_o stand_v sure_a under_o our_o great_a deficiency_n &_o uncertainty_n but_o to_o answer_v that_o which_o occasion_n thy_o present_a trouble_n 1._o trouble_a spirit_n have_v not_o so_o much_o distinct_a and_o undisturbed_a reason_n in_o they_o as_o to_o find_v fanlt_fw-ge with_o the_o devil_n logic_n else_o i_o can_v tell_v they_o it_o be_v a_o mere_a inconsequence_n that_o such_o or_o such_o a_o soul_n be_v now_o dead_a &_o lumpish_a therefore_o it_o be_v never_o true_o assure_v of_o the_o love_n of_o god_n for_o the_o allowance_n of_o this_o consequence_n affirm_v this_o falsehood_n that_o it_o be_v impossible_a for_o one_o that_o have_v have_v true_a assurance_n to_o be_v afterward_o in_o a_o spiritual_a swoon_n as_o to_o the_o excercise_n of_o grace_n or_o gift_n in_o duty_n which_v that_o it_o be_v a_o falsehood_n as_o black_a as_o satan_n himself_o that_o suggest_v it_o the_o saint_n of_o god_n from_o their_o own_o experience_n abundant_o testify_v and_o the_o scripture_n in_o the_o exhortation_n that_o they_o give_v to_o the_o saint_n to_o blow_v up_o the_o gift_n of_o god_n that_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d be_v in_o they_o suppose_v they_o may_v be_v like_o fi●e_n cover_v with_o ash_n and_o may_v look_v as_o if_o their_o fire_n be_v quite_o out_o 2_o tim._n 1._o 6._o and_o when_o they_o bid_v we_o quicken_v the_o thing_n that_o be_v ready_a ●_o apoc._n 3_o ●_o to_o die_v they_o suppose_v some_o life_n even_o where_o grace_n be_v most_o languish_v 2._o apoc._n 3._o 2._o object_n yea_o sir_n can_v i_o be_v assure_v it_o be_v but_o a_o swoon_n i_o shall_v take_v comfort_n but_o i_o fear_v i_o be_o quite_o dead_a dead_a and_o bury_v and_o a_o great_a stone_n upon_o the_o grave_n mouth_n that_o will_v never_o be_v remove_v and_o god_n seal_v upon_o it_o too_o that_o it_o may_v not_o be_v so_o answ_n if_o thou_o be_v quite_o dead_a thou_o will_v be_v pass_v fear_v it_o but_o the_o present_a fear_n demonstrate_v that_o yet_o there_o be_v life_n fear_n be_v a_o passion_n that_o arise_v from_o apprehension_n of_o a_o imminent_a danger_n if_o a_o tower_n be_v tumble_v upon_o a_o dead_a corpse_n he_o fear_v it_o not_o because_o he_o apprehend_v it_o not_o and_o apprehend_v it_o not_o because_o he_o be_v dead_a nay_o thy_o fear_n discover_v that_o it_o be_v not_o so_o much_o as_o a_o complete_a swoon_n that_o thou_o be_v in_o but_o a_o palsy_n rather_o seize_v upon_o thy_o outmost_a part_n while_o thy_o heart_n be_v still_o sound_a and_o sensible_a it_o be_v such_o a_o half-sleep_n as_o the_o church_n when_o her_o heart_n be_v awake_v all_o the_o while_n cant._n 5._o 2._o methinks_v there_o be_v certain_a pretty_a contradiction_n in_o the_o apprehension_n of_o a_o trouble_a spirit_n you_o shall_v hear_v he_o complain_v he_o be_v not_o humble_v when_o the_o very_a visible_a brokennesse_n of_o heart_n in_o his_o complaint_n confute_v he_o and_o he_o be_v dead_a when_o he_o give_v evidence_n against_o his_o conceit_n by_o his_o passionate_a sense_n of_o his_o condition_n i_o shall_v as_o soon_o believe_v a_o child_n when_o he_o lay_v his_o head_n in_o his_o mother_n lap_n and_o say_v i_o be_o asleep_a as_o thou_o when_o thou_o say_v i_o be_o dead_a and_o yet_o complain_v object_n but_o my_o complaint_n signify_v nothing_o and_o my_o fear_n just_a as_o much_o as_o my_o complaint_n i_o complain_v out_o of_o form_n because_o i_o know_v not_o what_o else_o to_o say_v when_o i_o be_o examine_v concern_v my_o condition_n i_o must_v maintain_v discourse_n and_o i_o be_o a_o notorious_a hypocrite_n in_o all_o this_o therefore_o i_o pray_v you_o think_v not_o better_o of_o i_o then_o i_o be_o for_o any_o thing_n you_o hear_v from_o i_o a._n 1._o yet_o more_o contradiction_n thou_o be_v afraid_a man_n shall_v think_v too_o well_o of_o thou_o and_o thou_o endeavoure_v to_o make_v thyself_o as_o vile_a as_o may_v be_v lest_o they_o shall_v do_v so_o and_o be_v this_o a_o sign_n of_o a_o hypocrite_n 2._o beside_o friend_n let_v i_o ask_v you_o and_o let_v your_o conscience_n deal_v faithful_o with_o yourself_o and_o i_o do_v you_o not_o come_v unwilling_o to_o make_v these_o complaint_n to_o any_o body_n be_v it_o not_o the_o mere_a sense_n of_o such_o burden_n as_o if_o you_o shall_v smother_v will_v oppress_v you_o utter_o that_o drive_v you_o to_o speak_v these_o thing_n of_o yourself_o and_o which_o also_o have_v not_o they_o be_v draw_v from_o you_o by_o discourse_n you_o rather_o resolve_v to_o have_v keep_v to_o yourself_o and_o call_v you_o this_o hypocrsie_n for_o a_o poor_a slave_n under_o a_o intolerable_a burden_n to_o groan_v to_o save_v his_o heart_n from_o break_v by_o give_v it_o some_o vent_n 3._o take_v heed_n of_o hypocrisy_n rather_o in_o this_o evasion_n and_o other_o of_o the_o like_a kind_n if_o it_o be_v hypocrisy_n to_o endeavour_v to_o seem_v what_o we_o be_v not_o than_o i_o fear_v complaint_n of_o hypocrisy_n many_o time_n be_v not_o altogether_o free_a from_o it_o it_o may_v be_v it_o be_v not_o intend_v by_o thou_o to_o deceive_v god_n minister_n and_o people_n into_o a_o worse_a conceit_n of_o thou_o but_o it_o be_v material_o no_o less_o than_o i_o tell_v thou_o beware_v of_o it_o 4._o tell_v i_o do_v thou_o not_o tell_v god_n the_o same_o story_n as_o well_o as_o thou_o can_v which_o thou_o tell_v thy_o minister_n or_o fellow-christian_a object_n yea_o but_o may_v i_o not_o play_v the_o hypocrite_n with_o god_n too_o ans_fw-fr take_v heed_n of_o hear_v false_a witness_n against_o thyself_o and_o tell_v i_o again_o do_v thou_o not_o complain_v to_o god_n with_o a_o hearty_a and_o earnest_a desire_n of_o be_v relieve_v of_o the_o burden_n of_o deadness_n that_o oppress_v thou_o will_v thou_o not_o purchase_v deliverance_n from_o it_o if_o god_n will_v put_v thou_o to_o it_o upon_o those_o term_n at_o any_o rate_n ob._n yea_o but_o it_o be_v but_o form_n still_o it_o be_v but_o a_o discourse_n for_o want_v of_o another_o subject_n to_o speak_v of_o and_o so_o it_o be_v in_o prayer_n to_o god_n i_o must_v say_v something_o and_o i_o know_v not_o what_o else_o to_o say_v answer_v but_o why_o shall_v such_o discourse_n be_v more_o frequent_a in_o thy_o mouth_n then_o any_o other_o both_o to_o god_n and_o man_n be_v it_o not_o that_o the_o matter_n of_o it_o be_v much_o in_o thy_o heart_n out_o ●f_n the_o abundance_n of_o the_o heart_n the_o mouth_n speak_v mat._n 12._o 34._o 2._o discourse_n that_o be_v of_o mere_a form_n be_v most_o common_o form_v discourse_n but_o thy_o complaint_n both_o to_o god_n and_o man_n be_v rough-hewed_n confuse_a distract_a misshapen_v thing_n it_o appear_v there_o be_v no_o art_n in_o they_o by_o the_o discomposure_n of_o they_o no_o form_n by_o their_o confusion_n 3._o either_o there_o be_v real_o in_o thou_o that_o evil_a which_o be_v
10._o 37._o suppose_v i_o can_v say_v to_o thou_o by_o a_o certain_a revelation_n from_o heaven_n the_o next_o moment_n o_o sad_a soul_n the_o lord_n will_v smile_v upon_o thou_o and_o sorrow_n and_o sigh_v shall_v fly_v away_o how_o will_v this_o affect_v thou_o will_v not_o this_o make_v a_o sudden_a alteration_n in_o thou_o will_v not_o faith_n joy_n and_o love_n and_o thankfulness_n strive_v which_o shall_v break_v out_o first_o sure_o they_o will_v but_o if_o thou_o be_v quite_o dead_a this_o will_v not_o affect_v thou_o a_o natural_a man_n take_v no_o pleasure_n in_o the_o approach_n of_o god_n he_o have_v rather_o have_v he_o far_o off_o they_o say_v to_o god_n depart_v from_o we_o job_n 21._o 14._o if_o the_o sun_n be_v never_o so_o near_o the_o earth_n yet_o the_o dead_a tree_n be_v not_o sensible_a of_o its_o influence_n it_o cause_v no_o alteration_n therein_o no_o leaf_n no_o bud_n no_o fruit_n testify_v its_o approach_n object_n but_o may_v not_o a_o wicked_a man_n delight_n in_o the_o approach_n of_o god_n comfort_v and_o refresh_v presence_n especial_o under_o trouble_n of_o conscience_n although_o there_o be_v no_o spiritual_a life_n in_o he_o at_o all_o ans_fw-fr he_o may_v delight_v in_o the_o removal_n of_o his_o present_a terror_n by_o application_n of_o comfort_n but_o it_o be_v not_o god_n in_o comfort_n that_o he_o look_v after_o let_v he_o have_v comfort_n or_o peace_n any_o way_n he_o be_v well_o please_v whether_o god_n draw_v nigh_o to_o he_o or_o no._n if_o the_o devil_n will_v conjure_v down_o his_o trouble_n if_o the_o world_n will_v choke_v they_o if_o music_n will_v fiddle_n they_o away_o if_o the_o cup_n will_v drown_v they_o it_o be_v all_o one_o to_o he_o shall_v i_o say_v nay_o it_o be_v more_o than_o if_o god_n speak_v they_o away_o but_o a_o live_a soul_n say_v if_o god_n will_v not_o let_v i_o out_o of_o this_o pit_n this_o dungeon_n i_o will_v never_o go_v out_o it_o be_v less_o to_o i_o to_o be_v free_a then_o to_o be_v free_v by_o he_o that_o he_o be_v the_o author_n of_o my_o liberty_n endear_v it_o to_o i_o to_o enjoy_v a_o quiet_a conscience_n and_o not_o enjoy_v god_n in_o that_o quiet_a of_o conscience_n be_v a_o worse_a hell_n to_o i_o then_o my_o former_a terror_n lord_n restore_v my_o fetter_n and_o chain_n te_fw-la i_o give_v i_o my_o horri●l●_n pit_n my_o mire_n and_o clay_n my_o water_a bed_n my_o break_a bone_n my_o distract_a spirit_n again_o i_o have_v rather_o choose_v they_o all_o than_o not_o receive_v my_o liberty_n from_o thy_o single_a hand_n any_o chain_n be_v easy_a if_o they_o be_v compare_v with_o a_o godless_a liberty_n 2_o but_o grant_v that_o a_o wicked_a man_n may_v possible_o desire_v the_o comfort_a presence_n of_o god_n too_o yet_o he_o can_v delight_v in_o the_o approach_n of_o god_n sanctify_a presence_n friend_n can_v i_o tell_v thou_o that_o god_n be_v approach_v to_o thou_o as_o a_o refiner_n fire_n to_o purge_v out_o all_o thy_o dross_n and_o take_v away_o all_o thy_o tin_n isai_n 1._o 25._o that_o the_o comfortable_a presence_n of_o god_n will_v be_v the_o death_n of_o thy_o dear_a lust_n sure_o thou_o will_v say_v yea_o sir_n let_v he_o come_v and_o welcome_a it_o be_v a_o day_n i_o have_v pray_v for_o long_v for_o weep_v for_o wait_v for_o o_o i_o will_v not_o accept_v of_o the_o monarchy_n of_o the_o whole_a world_n for_o my_o share_n in_o this_o tiding_n i_o will_v not_o take_v heaven_n upon_o term_n of_o reconciliation_n with_o my_o lust_n be_v it_o thus_o with_o thou_o my_o life_n for_o thou_o thou_o be_v not_o dead_a chap._n xliii_o a_o case_n whether_o instead_o of_o grow_v a_o real_a saint_n may_v not_o decay_v in_o the_o act_n of_o some_o grace_n and_o yet_o either_o the_o universal_a habit_n of_o the_o new_a creature_n or_o the_o same_o very_a grace_n grow_v more_o habitual_o strong_a in_o he_o obj._n but_o i_o be_v once_o more_o quick_a and_o lively_a than_o i_o be_o now_o and_o therefore_o i_o find_v sensible_a decay_n of_o what_o good_a i_o once_o think_v i_o have_v now_o true_a grace_n where_o ever_o it_o be_v will_v be_v ever_o grow_v the_o path_n of_o the_o just_a be_v like_o the_o morning_n light_n which_o shine_v more_o and_o more_o until_o perfect_a day_n prov._n 4._o 18._o ans_fw-fr i_o shall_v satisfy_v this_o doubt_n by_o answer_v two_o question_n quest_n 1._o whether_o a_o saint_n may_v not_o decay_v in_o stead_n of_o grow_v in_o the_o act_n of_o some_o grace_n which_o appear_v more_o visible_o in_o he_o before_o while_o yet_o he_o grow_v in_o the_o habit_n quest_n 2._o how_o a_o man_n may_v know_v that_o he_o grow_v in_o grace_n when_o he_o be_v under_o such_o sensible_a decay_n answ_n to_o the_o first_o i_o answer_v 1_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n saint_n in_o the_o act_n and_o operation_n of_o they_o be_v not_o always_o alike_o high_a so_o we_o see_v in_o the_o holy_a man_n of_o god_n throughout_o the_o whole_a current_n of_o the_o word_n the_o faith_n of_o abraham_n how_o high_a be_v it_o upon_o the_o mount_n when_o he_o will_v have_v sacrifice_v his_o son_n but_o how_o low_a 2_o gen._n 22._o 1._o etc._n etc._n heb._n 11._o 17._o 1_o sam._n 20._o 2_o when_o he_o cowardly_o deny_v his_o wife_n david_n one_o while_o dare_v fight_v with_o a_o goliath_n and_o another_o throw_v his_o gauntlet_n and_o challenge_v a_o whole_a army_n another_o while_o he_o quake_v and_o 3_o 1_o sam._n 16._o psal_n 27._o 3_o tremble_v through_o distrust_n and_o cry_v out_o i_o shall_v one_o day_n perish_v by_o the_o hand_n of_o saul_n one_o while_o 1._o 1_o sam._n 27._o 1._o peter_n be_v so_o valiant_a that_o he_o draw_v a_o sword_n in_o christ_n defence_n and_o that_o against_o a_o whole_a band_n of_o man_n and_o follow_v he_o into_o the_o high_a priest_n hall_n a_o little_a after_o a_o silly_a maid_n dash_v his_o faith_n out_o of_o countenance_n 1_o the_o truth_n be_v the_o continue_a high_a act_n of_o some_o grace_n be_v not_o fit_a for_o a_o mortal_a condition_n and_o those_o that_o wish_v they_o such_o 19_o job_n 4._o 19_o be_v unmindful_a that_o they_o dwell_v in_o tabernacle_n of_o clay_n and_o that_o their_o foundation_n be_v lay_v in_o the_o dust_n such_o be_v holy_a joy_n which_o if_o keep_v up_o perpetual_o to_o the_o height_n of_o ecstasy_n must_v needs_o overspread_v the_o spirit_n and_o dissolve_v nature_n 2_o some_o grace_n be_v of_o a_o mighty_a unite_n nature_n and_o bind_v the_o soul_n to_o the_o object_n so_o that_o it_o can_v mind_v nothing_o else_o during_o their_o impression_n such_o be_v faith_n and_o love_n now_o god_n have_v other_o grace_n to_o be_v act_v and_o work_v to_o be_v do_v by_o we_o wherein_o we_o may_v glorify_v he_o and_o therefore_o allow_v they_o their_o time_n also_o nay_o a_o godly_a man_n be_v describe_v by_o this_o that_o he_o be_v a_o tree_n that_o bring_v forth_o fruit_n in_o the_o season_n proper_a to_o it_o ps_n 1._o 4._o 3._o all_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n saint_n be_v now_o and_o then_o assault_v with_o strong_a temptation_n and_o powerfull_a corruption_n then_o at_o other_o time_n and_o grace_n that_o will_v act_v high_a when_o it_o be_v free_a from_o opposition_n or_o under_o slender_a opposition_n will_v not_o act_v so_o under_o great_a that_o strength_n that_o will_v bear_v a_o hundred_o weight_n will_v appear_v little_a or_o none_o at_o all_o when_o it_o come_v to_o lift_v a_o thousand_o 4._o it_o may_v be_v thy_o condition_n be_v alter_v and_o thy_o grace_n be_v yet_o unacquainted_a with_o the_o way_n of_o manage_v a_o new_a condition_n as_o a_o able_a scholar_n put_v out_o of_o his_o way_n of_o study_n may_v be_v outgo_v by_o a_o mean_a because_o those_o study_n to_o which_o he_o be_v disuse_v must_v needs_o be_v entertain_v strange_o and_o it_o will_v be_v some_o time_n ere_o he_o can_v get_v their_o familiar_a acquaintance_n here_o the_o fault_n be_v not_o in_o the_o ability_n of_o the_o man_n but_o in_o the_o newness_n of_o the_o employment_n so_o in_o point_n of_o grace_n a_o very_a gracious_a man_n and_o one_o who_o in_o some_o condition_n and_o employment_n be_v excellent_a in_o other_o be_v to_o seek_v not_o for_o a_o tool_n to_o work_v with_o but_o for_o skill_n to_o manage_v it_o as_o a_o tradesman_n when_o he_o change_v his_o trade_n lose_v not_o his_o skill_n of_o deal_n in_o the_o world_n but_o be_v unacquainted_a with_o the_o mystery_n of_o put_v it_o forth_o to_o present_a service_n 5._o many_o time_n god_n suffer_v decay_n and_o not_o only_o so_o but_o inflict_v they_o as_o chastisement_n upon_o his_o dear_a people_n that_o he_o may_v make_v they_o 1._o humble_a so_o he_o use_v sickness_n of_o
confute_v he_o many_o a_o man_n compare_v his_o inward_a frame_n to_o day_n with_o his_o frame_n yesterday_o and_o if_o he_o be_v not_o sensible_o advance_v in_o spiritual_a growth_n every_o day_n he_o present_o cry_v i_o grow_v not_o but_o decay_n man_n if_o thou_o will_v compare_v thyself_o with_o what_o thou_o be_v to_o try_v thy_o growth_n thou_o must_v not_o examine_v it_o but_o by_o convenient_a distance_n of_o time_n a_o man_n will_v be_v conceit_v a_o child_n grow_v nothing_o that_o measure_v his_o height_n every_o day_n grace_n grow_v pedetentim_fw-la by_o little_a and_o little_a by_o small_a and_o undiscernible_a accession_n a_o elegant_a discourse_n upon_o this_o subject_n you_o have_v mark_v 4._o 26._o 27._o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n be_v as_o if_o a_o man_n shall_v cast_v seed_n into_o the_o ground_n and_o shall_v sleep_v and_o rise_v night_n and_o day_n to_o wit_n to_o examine_v its_o growth_n but_o it_o grow_v he_o know_v not_o how_o i._n e._n insensible_o so_o when_o grace_n be_v sow_o and_o wrought_v in_o the_o heart_n set_v a_o man_n compare_v himself_o with_o what_o he_o be_v allow_v such_o a_o competent_a distance_n of_o time_n as_o may_v render_v his_o growth_n discernible_a he_o shall_v find_v it_o grow_v though_o he_o know_v not_o how_o that_o be_v can_v give_v no_o account_n of_o every_o particular_a day_n improvement_n a_o man_n will_v be_v too_o ripe_a for_o earth_n too_o soon_o if_o he_o can_v sensible_o recount_v his_o daily_a improvement_n 2_o compare_v not_o yourselves_o too_o much_o with_o other_o no_o not_o of_o the_o same_o stand_n in_o the_o school_n of_o christ_n with_o yourselves_o except_o it_o be_v now_o and_o then_o to_o shame_v your_o sloth_n and_o quicken_v your_o industry_n but_o if_o you_o examine_v your_o growth_n by_o that_o rule_n you_o may_v deceive_v yourselves_o very_o easy_o rye_n and_o wheat_n be_v sow_v near_o the_o same_o time_n yet_o the_o one_o be_v but_o in_o the_o blade_n while_o the_o other_o be_v in_o the_o ear_n and_o notwithstanding_o both_o may_v be_v ripe_a together_o some_o child_n shoot_v up_o mighty_o at_o first_o and_o overtop_n all_o their_o contemporary_n but_o a_o while_n after_o a_o fit_a of_o sickness_n pull_v they_o down_o and_o they_o fall_v as_o much_o behind_o they_o so_o that_o those_o that_o they_o once_o outstrip_v again_o come_v to_o outstrip_v they_o and_o may_v be_v at_o full_a growth_n as_o soon_o or_o soon_o it_o may_v be_v thy_o sickness_n keep_v thou_o down_o at_o present_a while_o other_o outgrow_a thou_o labour_v to_o recover_v they_o and_o thou_o will_v quick_o top_v they_o again_o the_o truth_n be_v slow_n and_o sure_a be_v a_o good_a rule_n in_o this_o case_n as_o in_o divers_z other_o praecox_fw-la ingenium_fw-la a_o over-ripe_a infancy_n many_o time_n be_v attend_v with_o a_o sottish_a old_a age_n slow_a part_n follow_v with_o industry_n hold_v out_o long_o beside_o thou_o will_v want_v the_o spur_n of_o holy_a emulation_n to_o quicken_v thou_o if_o none_o shall_v out-go_v thou_o thy_o be_v cast_v behind_o may_v win_v thou_o the_o goal_n that_o horse_n in_o a_o long_a race_n that_o be_v cast_v a_o mile_n behind_o by_o the_o hot_a metal_n of_o a_o fiery_a competitor_n many_o time_n outruns_a he_o at_o long_o run_v when_o his_o metal_n have_v a_o little_a beat_v he_o off_o his_o leg_n last_o it_o may_v be_v that_o thou_o have_v no_o less_o grace_n but_o thou_o be_v not_o cast_v upon_o the_o same_o exercise_n with_o other_o now_o it_o be_v exercise_v which_o make_v gift_n and_o part_n and_o grace_n also_o to_o be_v more_o ready_a and_o vigorous_a too_o 3_o examine_v not_o your_o growth_n in_o winter_n which_o be_v not_o the_o grow_a season_n the_o state_n of_o spiritual_a darkness_n and_o soul_n trouble_v be_v a_o very_a improper_a condition_n to_o examine_v one_o growth_n in_o it_o be_v enough_o for_o grass_n and_o corn_n and_o tree_n to_o keep_v life_n in_o their_o root_n in_o a_o hard_a winter_n it_o be_v growth_n enough_o that_o they_o be_v not_o dead_a so_o while_o thy_o soul-trouble_n last_o it_o be_v well_o thou_o maintaine_v any_o spark_n of_o spiritual_a life_n that_o thou_o be_v not_o quite_o kill_v with_o the_o extremity_n of_o the_o season_n in_o such_o a_o time_n spread_v the_o root_n of_o faith_n about_o the_o rock_n christ_n by_o act_n of_o reliance_n in_o all_o duty_n and_o stand_v fast_o be_v not_o blow_v down_o by_o temptation_n this_o be_v growth_n enough_o in_o such_o a_o time_n a_o more_o warm_a season_n will_v come_v and_o then_o the_o sun_n will_v draw_v forth_o the_o sap_n from_o the_o root_n into_o leaf_n and_o fruit_n too_o 4_o examine_v not_o your_o growth_n or_o decay_n of_o grace_n by_o the_o growth_n or_o decay_n of_o your_o gift_n this_o be_v as_o if_o i_o shall_v examine_v a_o man_n growth_n and_o improvement_n in_o a_o temporal_a estate_n by_o the_o fineness_n or_o plainness_n of_o his_o habit_n and_o outward_a garment_n gift_n be_v but_o the_o garment_n of_o a_o christian_n that_o man_n purse_n may_v be_v full_a of_o gold_n that_o go_v in_o plain_a russet_a when_o another_o may_v have_v less_o in_o his_o pocket_n then_o on_o his_o cloak_n it_o be_v too_o frequent_o our_o fault_n we_o judge_v our_o grace_n grow_v not_o because_o we_o can_v pray_v so_o fluent_o as_o we_o can_v be_v straighten_v in_o meditation_n etc._n etc._n a_o dram_n of_o grace_n be_v worth_a a_o pound_n of_o gift_n many_o a_o man_n be_v like_o that_o cardinal_n in_o the_o book_n of_o martyr_n that_o will_v needs_o for_o state_n march_v through_o london_n with_o so_o many_o mule_n load_v but_o by_o accident_n one_o of_o his_o beast_n fling_v off_o his_o burden_n and_o discover_v his_o master_n affect_a pomp_n to_o be_v a_o mere_a pageantry_n by_o the_o lumber_n that_o be_v scatter_v about_o the_o street_n so_o many_o a_o man_n make_v a_o great_a show_n with_o gift_n but_o at_o last_o death_n come_v and_o knock_v the_o trunk_n to_o piece_n and_o then_o he_o discover_v that_o how_o gawdy_a soever_o the_o outside_n be_v the_o inside_n be_v as_o bare_a a_o christian_a be_v like_o a_o preacher_n a_o young_a scholar_n from_o the_o university_n preach_v high_a strain_n but_o afterward_o sound_a divinity_n 5_o judge_v not_o of_o your_o growth_n or_o decay_n in_o grace_n by_o your_o frequent_a and_o strong_a temptation_n the_o assault_n of_o strong_a corruption_n or_o your_o sometime_o fall_v under_o they_o i_o put_v these_o together_o because_o they_o be_v handle_v more_o at_o large_a in_o a_o excellent_a practical_a piece_n of_o a_o late_a early_o ripe_a labourer_n who_o know_v how_o to_o judge_n of_o growth_n by_o his_o own_o experience_n be_v so_o exceed_o tall_a at_o so_o young_a a_o age_n degree_n mr._n christopher_n love_n of_o grace_n and_o its_o different_a degree_n as_o make_v many_o of_o his_o reverend_a father_n emulate_v he_o you_o have_v if_o you_o will_v needs_o judge_v by_o this_o rule_n more_o ground_n to_o conclude_v your_o grace_n strong_a and_o thrive_a because_o god_n do_v not_o use_v to_o lay_v great_a burden_n upon_o weak_a shoulder_n nor_o call_v forth_o a_o pigmy_n to_o encounter_v with_o a_o giant_n 6_o judge_v not_o of_o your_o growth_n and_o decay_n in_o grace_n by_o your_o ability_n or_o disability_n to_o present_a service_n nay_o though_o you_o find_v it_o short_a of_o what_o it_o be_v former_o for_o present_a ability_n many_o time_n run_v low_a in_o the_o most_o high-flowne_a saint_n that_o be_v the_o man_n of_o might_n say_v david_n can_v not_o find_v their_o hand_n psa_n 76_o 5._o a_o saint_n may_v be_v unable_a to_o find_v his_o hand_n when_o he_o be_v put_v upon_o a_o work_n not_o that_o he_o want_v they_o but_o that_o he_o be_v by_o distemper_n disable_v from_o use_v they_o a_o man_n of_o one_o and_o twenty_o year_n old_a in_o sickness_n and_o distemper_n may_v not_o be_v able_a to_o do_v what_o he_o can_v at_o thirteen_o and_o yet_o be_v grow_v for_o all_o that_o 2_o in_o special_a i_o answer_v 1_o a_o growth_n of_o self-denial_n and_o humility_n discover_v a_o universal_a growth_n do_v not_o thou_o daily_o grow_v more_o and_o more_o out_o of_o conceit_n with_o thy_o own_o righteousness_n be_v not_o thou_o daily_o more_o and_o more_o ashamed_a of_o thyself_o in_o the_o presence_n of_o god_n do_v not_o thou_o see_v daily_o more_o and_o more_o vileness_n and_o selfe-abhorrency_a in_o thyself_o the_o near_a approach_n to_o god_n use_v to_o breed_v this_o frame_n isai_n 6._o 5._o the_o more_o a_o man_n improve_v in_o knowledge_n the_o more_o he_o see_v that_o he_o do_v not_o know_v and_o so_o the_o more_o any_o one_o grow_v in_o grace_n the_o more_o grace_n he_o see_v he_o want_v 2_o a_o growth_n of_o alienation_n of_o the_o heart_n
displeasure_n on_o go_n 4._o from_o the_o manifestation_n of_o our_o relation_n to_o christ._n christ_n name_n be_v the_o only_a ground_n of_o all_o gracious_a boldness_n and_o fervency_n in_o prayer_n heb_fw-mi 4._o 15_o 16._o and_o 10._o 20._o the_o spirit_n show_v we_o christ_n as_o our_o mediator_n at_o the_o right_a hand_n of_o god_n assure_v we_o we_o have_v a_o mighty_a powerful_a advocate_n the_o father_n favourite_n at_o his_o right_a hand_n one_o who_o have_v his_o ear_n as_o we_o say_v at_o command_n and_o his_o heart_n too_o who_o plead_v strong_o on_o our_o behalf_n and_o therefore_o under_o the_o wing_n of_o such_o a_o mediator_n we_o may_v come_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d with_o assume_v a_o liberty_n to_o speak_v any_o thing_n we_o will_v keep_v within_o the_o bound_n of_o reverence_n in_o the_o ear_n of_o god_n the_o father_n as_o the_o author_n to_o the_o hebrew_n affirm_v in_o the_o place_n but_o now_o quote_v before_o the_o application_n of_o this_o point_n it_o be_v needful_a to_o answer_v a_o question_n or_o two_o hint_v at_o before_o but_o now_o particular_o to_o be_v handle_v chap._n xlvii_o two_o case_n state_v whether_o saint_n be_v at_o all_o time_n alike_o heighten_v in_o their_o spirit_n in_o prayer_n and_o if_o not_o whence_o the_o difference_n that_o be_v in_o they_o at_o several_a time_n proceed_v que._n 1_o be_v all_o that_o have_v receive_v the_o witness_n of_o the_o spirit_n at_o all_o time_n alike_o bold_a in_o prayer_n que._n 2_o if_o not_o how_o come_v it_o to_o pass_v that_o there_o be_v such_o a_o alteration_n in_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n people_n that_o at_o one_o time_n they_o be_v more_o bold_a and_o fervent_a in_o prayer_n then_o at_o another_o answ_n for_o answer_v to_o the_o first_o of_o these_o you_o be_v to_o know_v 1._o that_o the_o boldness_n of_o god_n people_n in_o prayer_n depend_v not_o upon_o the_o reception_n of_o the_o witness_n in_o themselves_o but_o upon_o the_o actual_a improvement_n of_o that_o testimony_n if_o a_o man_n have_v never_o so_o good_a a_o evidence_n lie_v by_o he_o and_o he_o have_v it_o not_o ready_a to_o produce_v in_o court_n when_o he_o be_v plead_v his_o cause_n he_o can_v be_v so_o confident_a in_o his_o plea_n as_o at_o another_o time_n when_o he_o have_v it_o in_o his_o hand_n and_o therefore_o 2_o the_o best_a of_o god_n saint_n as_o i_o have_v show_v you_o before_o may_v not_o at_o all_o time_n have_v his_o evidence_n at_o hand_n to_o plead_v many_o a_o saint_n dare_v not_o sometime_o to_o own_o his_o relation_n to_o god_n and_o their_o assurance_n admit_v of_o actual_a ebbing_n and_o flow_n 3_o thereupon_o not_o doubt_n there_o must_v needs_o be_v less_o life_n and_o confidence_n in_o draw_v nigh_o to_o god_n for_o at_o such_o a_o time_n 1_o all_o the_o promise_n be_v like_o a_o book_n seal_v to_o the_o soul_n in_o all_o the_o word_n of_o god_n it_o can_v find_v one_o promise_n that_o it_o can_v urge_v with_o confidence_n for_o the_o spirit_n testimony_n be_v the_o only_a light_n in_o which_o we_o can_v challenge_v and_o lay_v claim_n to_o any_o promise_n now_o the_o promise_n be_v the_o very_a spirit_n and_o life_n of_o prayer_n because_o they_o be_v the_o only_a obligation_n upon_o which_o the_o soul_n can_v claim_v any_o thing_n from_o god_n 2._o in_o such_o a_o season_n the_o relation_n between_o god_n and_o the_o soul_n be_v cloud_v the_o soul_n think_v god_n a_o enemy_n oftentimes_o and_o always_o in_o such_o a_o condition_n question_n at_o least_o whether_o he_o be_v a_o friend_n or_o rather_o whether_o he_o be_v not_o a_o mere_a stranger_n now_o sure_o a_o man_n will_v have_v little_a heart_n or_o face_n to_o prefer_v a_o petition_n to_o one_o who_o love_n he_o suspect_v much_o less_o to_o one_o who_o by_o all_o probability_n he_o judge_v to_o be_v a_o enemy_n 3_o in_o such_o a_o season_n all_o grace_n that_o be_v the_o very_a lung_n whence_o prayer_n be_v breathe_v be_v very_o low_a and_o flat_a in_o their_o act_n the_o absence_n of_o the_o sun_n in_o winter_n make_v the_o plant_n cast_v their_o leaf_n and_o pluck_v in_o their_o blossom_n and_o the_o absence_n of_o the_o spirit_n must_v needs_o make_v grace_n look_v dead_a and_o wither_a and_o sapless_a true_o there_o be_v life_n in_o the_o root_n but_o little_a appear_v grace_n be_v benumb_v in_o such_o a_o season_n and_o can_v act_v so_o free_o as_o at_o other_o time_n as_o samson_n when_o his_o spirit_n of_o strength_n from_o thr_fw-mi lord_n have_v leave_v he_o think_v to_o have_v go_v forth_o and_o shake_v himself_o as_o at_o other_o time_n but_o he_o can_v not_o a_o man_n think_v under_o spiritual_a with-drawing_n of_o god_n now_o i_o will_v rub_v up_o my_o grace_n and_o bestir_v myself_o in_o prayer_n as_o at_o other_o time_n but_o he_o be_v deceive_v the_o spirit_n of_o god_n be_v with-drawn_a from_o he_o quest_n 2._o but_o show_v more_o particular_o from_o whence_o this_o variety_n of_o temper_n in_o prayer_n proceed_v answ_n what_o ever_o cloud_n the_o testimony_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o i_o have_v speak_v much_o to_o that_o head_n before_o must_v needs_o cause_v this_o difference_n in_o the_o frame_n of_o god_n people_n in_o prayer_n but_o to_o answer_v more_o particular_o 1_o it_o may_v be_v neglect_n of_o our_o frequent_a application_n to_o god_n in_o that_o way_n a_o friend_n that_o a_o man_n converse_v with_o every_o day_n he_o can_v speak_v more_o bold_o and_o familiar_o to_o than_o one_o that_o he_o see_v but_o now_o and_o then_o when_o a_o soul_n visit_v god_n but_o now_o and_o then_o there_o grow_v strangeness_n and_o jealousy_n between_o god_n and_o he_o and_o a_o man_n be_v to_o seek_v whether_o he_o be_v the_o same_o to_o he_o as_o he_o be_v in_o time_n past_a and_o so_o speak_v to_o he_o with_o more_o faintness_n and_o flatnesse_n of_o spirit_n 2_o it_o may_v be_v a_o fresh_a guilt_n of_o sin_n admit_v into_o the_o conscience_n this_o as_o it_o weaken_v assurance_n so_o it_o faint_v prayer_n a_o child_n scarce_o dare_v come_v to_o ask_v a_o favour_n from_o a_o displease_a father_n and_o how_o unwilling_a we_o be_v under_o such_o consciousness_n of_o guilt_n to_o come_v to_o god_n in_o prayer_n see_v in_o two_o example_n of_o david_n psal_n 40._o 12._o innumerable_a evil_n have_v compass_v i_o about_o my_o iniquity_n have_v take_v hold_v upon_o i_o so_o that_o i_o can_v look_v up_o in_o former_a time_n i_o can_v have_v look_v up_o with_o life_n and_o confidence_n in_o prayer_n but_o now_o they_o force_v i_o to_o hang_v down_o my_o head_n yea_o they_o be_v more_o than_o the_o hair_n of_o my_o head_n therefore_o my_o heart_n fail_v i_o i_o have_v neither_o the_o face_n nor_o the_o heart_n to_o come_v to_o god_n which_o i_o have_v have_v the_o other_o example_n be_v that_o of_o the_o prodigal_n when_o he_o have_v be_v sow_v his_o wild_a oat_n and_o begin_v to_o return_v towards_o his_o father_n see_v how_o low_o he_o speak_v father_n i_o be_o not_o worthy_a to_o be_v call_v thy_o son_n etc._n etc._n and_o yet_o he_o still_o have_v the_o comfort_n of_o his_o relation_n in_o some_o measure_n he_o can_v say_v father_n still_o how_o much_o low_a must_v a_o soul_n speak_v that_o have_v sin_v away_o the_o remembrance_n or_o at_o least_o present_a sense_n of_o that_o dear_a relation_n 3_o many_o time_n the_o stream_n of_o life_n and_o confidence_n in_o prayer_n run_v low_a for_o want_v of_o a_o endeavour_n to_o quicken_v our_o grace_n and_o this_o even_a under_o the_o sense_n of_o assurance_n for_o a_o man_n may_v live_v in_o the_o light_n of_o god_n countenance_n and_o that_o may_v prove_v a_o temptation_n to_o he_o to_o walk_v more_o slight_o and_o not_o make_v such_o preparation_n for_o communion_n with_o god_n in_o a_o duty_n as_o former_o when_o a_o friend_n grow_v a_o daily_a guest_n we_o do_v not_o feast_v he_o as_o when_o he_o come_v but_o seldom_o we_o then_o entertain_v he_o with_o household_n fare_n whereas_o if_o he_o visit_v we_o but_o now_o and_o then_o we_o will_v as_o we_o say_v make_v a_o stranger_n of_o he_o and_o provide_v for_o he_o of_o the_o best_a so_o when_o god_n grow_v a_o daily_a guest_n to_o a_o soul_n he_o be_v apt_a to_o grow_v bold_a to_o address_v himself_o to_o he_o with_o a_o ordinary_a frame_n and_o temper_n of_o spirit_n to_o make_v no_o extraordinary_a preparation_n by_o trim_v up_o his_o grace_n and_o lay_v out_o his_o strength_n in_o duty_n and_o when_o god_n see_v this_o he_o frown_v and_o we_o hang_v down_o our_o head_n when_o we_o come_v to_o he_o afterward_o chap._n xlviii_o a_o three_o case_n whether_o the_o spirit_n furnish_v the_o saint_n at_o all_o time_n with_o
comprehend_v every_o grace_n in_o kind_n and_o it_o concern_v he_o to_o come_v to_o the_o sacrament_n to_o promote_v it_o caution_n yet_o let_v i_o add_v last_o that_o i_o speak_v not_o this_o to_o encourage_v a_o lazy_a credulousness_n by_o which_o we_o be_v apt_a to_o be_v easy_o persuade_v without_o any_o sufficient_a enquiry_n to_o take_v it_o for_o grant_v that_o we_o have_v grace_n because_o we_o have_v now_o and_o then_o some_o good_a wish_n when_o as_o our_o own_o heart_n if_o they_o be_v well_o search_v will_v witness_v to_o we_o the_o faintness_n coldness_n inconstancy_n laziness_n of_o our_o affection_n towards_o heavenly_a thing_n especial_o in_o comparison_n with_o those_o large_a measure_n of_o earnestness_n importunity_n and_o diligence_n with_o which_o they_o be_v attend_v in_o the_o thing_n that_o concern_v this_o present_a life_n which_o may_v be_v a_o sufficient_a confutation_n of_o all_o our_o good_a conceit_n that_o we_o have_v of_o ourselves_o friend_n take_v heed_n that_o you_o do_v not_o make_v such_o truth_n as_o these_o a_o protection_n for_o your_o supine_n negligence_n to_o examine_v yourselves_o more_o thorough_o and_o exact_o the_o truth_n be_v the_o person_n to_o who_o this_o cordial_a be_v intend_v be_v only_o those_o who_o after_o earnest_a enquiry_n after_o their_o own_o estate_n from_o other_o evidence_n be_v drive_v to_o this_o sanctuary_n as_o their_o last_o refuge_n not_o to_o those_o who_o because_o they_o will_v spare_v their_o pain_n to_o inquire_v more_o at_o large_a and_o particular_o fly_v to_o this_o as_o the_o most_o compendious_a way_n and_o that_o wherein_o least_o pain_n be_v require_v to_o satisfy_v themselves_o concern_v their_o condition_n yet_o i_o fear_v such_o truth_n by_o god_n just_a judgement_n accidental_o stumble_v many_o soul_n and_o no_o wonder_n the_o doctrine_n of_o free_a grace_n i_o dare_v say_v accidental_o damn_v million_o chap._n xviii_o three_o other_o direction_n and_o a_o case_n of_o conscience_n concern_v the_o discern_a the_o motion_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n from_o tentation_n and_o the_o inclination_n of_o our_o own_o heart_n 3_o take_v notice_n of_o the_o least_o approach_n iii_o direct_v iii_o of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n to_o the_o soul_n in_o a_o witness_v way_n and_o follow_v they_o by_o meditation_n and_o prayer_n sometime_o the_o witness_n of_o the_o spirit_n be_v not_o full_a and_o through_o to_o the_o satisfaction_n of_o all_o our_o doubt_n yet_o it_o speak_v something_o tend_v that_o way_n it_o speak_v many_o thing_n several_o and_o by_o parcel_n which_o lay_v together_o will_v amount_v to_o a_o full_a testimony_n now_o in_o such_o case_n a_o soul_n must_v be_v very_o watchful_a to_o take_v and_o improve_v the_o least_o hint_n of_o the_o spirit_n as_o in_o a_o humane_a testimony_n the_o witness_n that_o witness_v in_o a_o case_n before_o a_o judge_n do_v not_o all_o speak_v pointblank_o to_o the_o case_n in_o question_n but_o sometime_o very_o faint_o break_o and_o imperfect_o now_o a_o good_a judge_n in_o such_o a_o case_n do_v not_o slight_a such_o testimony_n as_o come_v not_o full_o up_o to_o a_o business_n but_o observe_v and_o retain_v in_o memory_n every_o thing_n that_o be_v depose_v though_o very_o defective_a as_o to_o a_o full_a proof_n and_o at_o last_o what_o one_o testimony_n do_v not_o sufficient_o clear_a in_o terminis_fw-la many_o testimony_n will_v make_v up_o a_o full_a proof_n of_o if_o lay_v together_o by_o a_o skilful_a and_o judicious_a lawyer_n this_o art_n we_o find_v the_o church_n use_v in_o desertion_n cant._n 29._o there_o she_o discover_v christ_n first_o at_o a_o distance_n leap_v upon_o the_o mountain_n remove_v the_o great_a impediment_n to_o the_o manifestation_n of_o himself_o suppose_v conquer_a mountainous_a corruption_n and_o mountainous_a temptation_n suppose_v deadness_n and_o flatnesse_n of_o heart_n in_o duty_n etc._n etc._n which_o look_v like_o a_o mountain_n of_o separation_n between_o christ_n and_o the_o soul_n ver_fw-la 8._o she_o find_v herself_o unexpected_o enlarge_v and_o open_v in_o her_o address_n to_o he_o thence_o she_o conclude_v he_o be_v a_o come_n he_o prepare_v his_o way_n as_o it_o be_v say_v in_o another_o case_n of_o john_n he_o make_v every_o mountain_n and_o hill_n low_a isai_n 40._o 4._o and_o every_o valley_n he_o exalt_v that_o he_o may_v make_v his_o way_n smooth_a then_o she_o espy_v he_o behind_o the_o wall_n look_v in_o through_o the_o lattess_n near_a than_o he_o be_v but_o yet_o he_o stand_v much_o undiscovered_a the_o wall_n and_o the_o lattess_n here_o it_o may_v be_v be_v the_o obstacle_n of_o prejudice_n and_o doubt_v and_o distrust_n in_o our_o own_o heart_n which_o keep_v we_o from_o see_v christ_n clear_o when_o he_o come_v to_o we_o but_o yet_o something_o of_o christ_n shine_v through_o they_o and_o the_o church_n take_v notice_n of_o these_o dark_a approach_n puts_z a_o behold_v upon_o they_o all_o behold_v he_o come_v behold_v he_o stand_v behind_o our_o wall_n and_o at_o last_o he_o call_v she_o forth_o into_o a_o pleasant_a converse_n and_o walk_v with_o he_o v._o 10._o 11._o and_o there_o full_o manife_v himself_o to_o she_o if_o god_n write_v thou_o a_o love-letter_n though_o the_o hand_n in_o which_o it_o be_v write_v be_v but_o uneven_a and_o it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v read_v but_o by_o spell_a every_o word_n will_v thou_o not_o take_v that_o pain_n that_o thou_o may_v understand_v it_o the_o spirit_n testimony_n when_o it_o come_v under_o god_n hand_n and_o seal_v to_o the_o heart_n be_v oftentimes_o so_o obscure_o write_v that_o a_o man_n be_v fain_o to_o spell_v and_o put_v together_o many_o word_n experience_n providence_n to_o make_v it_o up_o however_o the_o evidence_n may_v be_v sufficient_a that_o be_v pick_v out_o of_o they_o altogether_o think_v then_o such_o a_o time_n i_o be_v refresh_v at_o a_o sermon_n enlarge_v extraordinary_o in_o such_o a_o prayer_n my_o heart_n be_v affect_v with_o a_o extraordinary_a measure_n of_o tenderness_n in_o such_o a_o sacrament_n i_o be_v even_o ready_a to_o despair_v and_o god_n stay_v i_o by_o a_o promise_n even_o ready_a at_o another_o time_n to_o make_v away_o with_o myself_o and_o god_n stay_v i_o with_o a_o unexpected_a providence_n etc._n etc._n all_o these_o put_v together_o may_v perhaps_o make_v up_o as_o much_o as_o this_o fear_v not_o i_o be_o thy_o salvation_n etc._n etc._n thy_o sin_n be_v forgive_v thou_o god_n answer_v sometime_o 8_o psalm_n 85._o 8_o in_o a_o soft_a voice_n in_o a_o whisper_n and_o it_o concern_v we_o to_o observe_v narrow_o as_o benhadad_n servant_n 1_o king_n 20_o 33_o 4._o labour_v aft●r_o more_o of_o the_o spirit_n of_o sanctification_n and_o that_o be_v the_o way_n to_o get_v the_o iv_o direct_v iv_o witness_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o adoption_n the_o spirit_n that_o seal_v we_o up_o to_o a_o holy_a assurance_n be_v a_o holy_a spirit_n ephes_n 1._o 13._o this_o be_v certain_a the_o more_o holiness_n the_o more_o assurance_n the_o promise_n run_v so_o isai_n 32._o 17._o the_o work_n of_o righteousness_n shall_v be_v peace_n and_o the_o effect_n of_o righteousness_n quietness_n and_o assurance_n for_o ever_o i_o conceive_v the_o place_n intend_v inherent_a righteousness_n compare_v it_o with_o the_o former_a verse_n where_o it_o be_v attribute_v to_o the_o spirit_n as_o his_o work_n in_o barren_a heart_n the_o like_a promise_n we_o have_v from_o our_o saviour_n jo._n 14._o 21._o he_o that_o have_v my_o commandment_n and_o keep_v they_o he_o it_o be_v that_o love_v i_o and_o he_o that_o love_v i_o shall_v be_v love_v of_o my_o father_n and_o i_o will_v love_v he_o and_o manifest_v myself_o unto_o he_o i_o be_o confident_a the_o reason_n why_o many_o person_n do_v not_o recover_v a_o evidence_n of_o the_o spirit_n assure_v their_o conscience_n of_o their_o good_a condition_n be_v either_o that_o in_o their_o judgement_n they_o prefer_v peace_n before_o grace_n ease_n before_o holiness_n and_o pour_v out_o many_o more_o prayer_n and_o tear_n for_o those_o then_o for_o these_o or_o else_o that_o they_o content_v themselves_o with_o find_v in_o themselves_o some_o generality_n of_o good_a desire_n and_o sincerity_n in_o the_o main_a and_o so_o sit_v down_o in_o a_o form_n of_o godliness_n content_v to_o stand_v at_o that_o stay_n belove_a it_o will_v concern_v we_o to_o press_v hard_o after_o the_o lord_n to_o follow_v after_o reach_v forward_o and_o press_v on_o they_o be_v the_o phrase_n of_o the_o apostle_n ph._n 3_o 12_o 13_o 14._o that_o we_o may_v apprehend_v that_o for_o which_o we_o be_v apprehend_v 1._o if_o a_o evidence_n be_v never_o so_o fair_a yet_o if_o we_o be_v careless_a of_o it_o and_o let_v it_o gather_v dust_n or_o dirt_n or_o filth_n we_o may_v not_o be_v able_a to_o read_v it_o and_o certain_o