and_o bring_v the_o believer_n flee_v unto_o he_o on_o upon_o his_o way_n till_o he_o put_v he_o in_o full_a possession_n of_o freedom_n from_o all_o sin_n and_o misery_n but_o yet_o this_o felicity_n be_v bring_v about_o not_o all_o at_o once_o but_o piece_n and_o piece_n and_o not_o without_o conflict_n with_o the_o enemy_n of_o our_o salvation_n and_o not_o without_o use_n of_o the_o mean_v appoint_v of_o god_n wherefore_o let_v the_o afflict_a be_v exhort_v to_o take_v courage_n unto_o he_o as_o become_v a_o soldier_n of_o christ_n and_o let_v he_o go_v on_o in_o the_o way_n of_o the_o lord_n in_o hope_n and_o patience_n be_v assure_v that_o whatsoever_o god_n have_v promise_v he_o will_v sure_o perform_v in_o that_o manner_n measure_n order_n and_o time_n and_o by_o his_o own_o appoint_a mean_n as_o he_o have_v set_v down_o in_o his_o holy_a scripture_n 6._o the_o three_o practical_a error_n of_o the_o afflict_a in_o the_o foresay_a case_n be_v that_o he_o do_v not_o judge_v right_o of_o his_o own_o faith_n nor_o of_o the_o fruit_n thereof_o for_o of_o his_o own_o faith_n he_o judge_v no_o otherways_o than_o of_o the_o faith_n of_o another_o man_n whileas_o there_o be_v a_o diverse_a way_n to_o judge_v of_o my_o own_o faith_n then_o of_o another_o man_n faith_n for_o because_o i_o can_v reach_v to_o the_o internal_a act_n of_o the_o soul_n of_o another_o man_n therefore_o i_o must_v judge_v only_o by_o the_o outward_a effect_n according_a to_o the_o rule_n that_o james_n give_v chap._n 2._o ver_fw-la 10._o show_v i_o thy_o faith_n without_o thy_o work_n and_o i_o will_v show_v thou_o my_o faith_n by_o my_o work_n yet_o of_o my_o own_o faith_n i_o may_v judge_v not_o only_o by_o the_o external_a effect_n of_o it_o which_o in_o the_o first_o close_v with_o christ_n be_v not_o yet_o observable_a possible_o but_o also_o by_o the_o internal_a act_n of_o faith_n which_o the_o holy_a spirit_n who_o know_v the_o heart_n do_v reveal_v unto_o i_o by_o make_v i_o not_o only_o hearty_o to_o embrace_v christ_n offer_v in_o the_o gospel_n and_o love_v he_o but_o also_o can_v make_v i_o reflect_v and_o turn_v back_o my_o eye_n upon_o his_o own_o gift_n and_o grace_n in_o i_o according_a to_o that_o of_o the_o apostle_n 1_o cor._n 2._o 12._o we_o have_v receive_v the_o spirit_n of_o god_n that_o we_o may_v know_v the_o thing_n free_o give_v to_o we_o of_o god_n again_o the_o afflict_a do_v not_o judge_v right_o of_o his_o own_o fruit_n of_o faith_n according_a as_o the_o truth_n be_v and_o as_o the_o lord_n in_o his_o word_n do_v judge_n he_o shall_v distinguish_v between_o the_o sincerity_n of_o the_o work_n and_o the_o perfection_n of_o it_o a_o work_n may_v be_v do_v upright_o and_o yet_o be_v imperfect_a he_o shall_v distinguish_v what_o be_v god_n part_n in_o the_o work_n from_o that_o which_o be_v wrong_a and_o corrupt_a flow_v from_o the_o remainder_n of_o sin_n in_o he_o these_o thing_n he_o do_v confound_v and_o do_v so_o fix_v his_o eye_n upon_o the_o defect_n and_o imperfection_n of_o his_o work_n that_o he_o see_v nothing_o but_o what_o be_v wrong_a when_o it_o be_v his_o duty_n both_o to_o observe_v what_o be_v wrong_a that_o he_o may_v be_v humble_v and_o cast_v away_o all_o confidence_n in_o his_o work_n and_o to_o observe_v also_o what_o be_v good_a and_o right_n in_o his_o work_n proceed_v from_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n in_o he_o and_o so_o praise_n and_o thank_v god_n for_o it_o in_o christ_n who_o will_v not_o quench_v the_o smoke_a flax_n isa._n 42._o 3._o 7._o for_o remedy_v therefore_o of_o this_o error_n let_v the_o afflict_a first_o look_v upon_o the_o act_n of_o his_o faith_n both_o internal_a and_o external_a both_o on_o the_o elicit_a act_n of_o faith_n and_o the_o imperat_fw-la act_n as_o they_o be_v call_v in_o the_o school_n and_o let_v he_o judge_v of_o both_o according_a to_o what_o be_v right_a and_o equitable_a that_o whatsoever_o be_v the_o measure_n of_o new_a obedience_n it_o may_v be_v difference_v from_o the_o mixture_n of_o infirmity_n defect_n or_o corruption_n and_o let_v he_o not_o judge_v of_o his_o work_n according_a to_o the_o suggestion_n and_o calumny_n of_o satan_n who_o always_o condemn_v so_o far_o as_o he_o can_v what_o be_v good_a in_o god_n child_n or_o if_o he_o can_v condemn_v it_o do_v labour_n to_o have_v it_o abuse_v second_o let_v the_o afflict_a observe_v the_o due_a order_n both_o in_o do_v his_o duty_n and_o in_o judge_v thereof_o for_o of_o necessity_n he_o must_v first_o put_v forth_o a_o act_n of_o faith_n and_o love_n on_o christ_n before_o he_o can_v pass_v judgement_n on_o it_o and_o let_v he_o first_o do_v the_o work_v command_v to_o the_o believer_n and_o then_o pass_v sentence_n that_o he_o may_v be_v strengthen_v to_o do_v more_o duty_n and_o so_o to_o present_v they_o to_o god_n to_o be_v washen_n accept_v and_o amend_v in_o his_o follow_a service_n three_o let_v he_o careful_o look_v unto_o the_o end_n which_o he_o shall_v propose_v to_o himself_o in_o judge_v of_o his_o act_n of_o faith_n and_o obedience_n for_o the_o end_n of_o judge_v ourselves_o and_o our_o work_n shall_v be_v to_o confirm_v our_o faith_n in_o christ_n when_o we_o find_v any_o thing_n do_v according_a to_o the_o rule_n and_o to_o â—lye_v to_o christ_n for_o pardon_n and_o grace_n if_o we_o conceive_v all_o be_v wrong_a after_o we_o have_v examine_v matter_n 6._o the_o four_o practical_a error_n be_v that_o the_o afflict_v first_o suffer_v his_o faith_n to_o be_v wound_v and_o weaken_v by_o satan_n tentation_n and_o then_o to_o be_v draw_v forth_o to_o the_o field_n to_o give_v a_o proof_n of_o the_o strength_n of_o his_o faith_n in_o some_o difficile_a duty_n before_o the_o wound_n of_o faith_n be_v bind_v up_o or_o heal_v for_o it_o be_v a_o great_a disadvantage_n to_o enter_v the_o list_n with_o satan_n about_o the_o fruit_n of_o faith_n whether_o they_o be_v sincere_a or_o not_o when_o faith_n be_v wound_v yea_o faint_v and_o be_v bring_v in_o question_n whether_o it_o be_v true_a faith_n or_o not_o now_o this_o be_v a_o special_a stratagem_n and_o wile_n of_o satan_n by_o whatsoever_o mean_v he_o can_v to_o hurt_v the_o faith_n of_o god_n child_n that_o he_o may_v by_o that_o mar_v communion-keeping_a with_o god_n and_o cut_v off_o if_o he_o can_v the_o conduit_n whereby_o the_o power_n of_o christ_n be_v convey_v to_o the_o believer_n for_o make_v he_o give_v acceptable_a obedience_n unto_o god_n and_o certain_o it_o be_v no_o less_o difficile_a when_o faith_n be_v wrest_v and_o for_o a_o time_n out_o of_o joint_n to_o set_v about_o acceptable_a service_n than_o it_o be_v to_o make_v a_o man_n to_o set_v upon_o his_o work_n when_o his_o arm_n be_v out_o of_o joint_n therefore_o for_o remedy_n of_o this_o error_n let_v the_o afflict_a so_o soon_o as_o he_o find_v his_o â—aith_n wound_v incontinent_a set_v himself_o down_o before_o god_n humble_o and_o acknowledge_v his_o foolishness_n want_v of_o watch_v unworthiness_n and_o inability_n either_o to_o know_v how_o he_o have_v grieve_v god_n spirit_n and_o make_v open_v a_o door_n for_o the_o tempter_n to_o fall_v in_o upon_o he_o or_o to_o repent_v the_o sin_n which_o he_o know_v may_v have_v provoke_v god_n so_o to_o exercise_v he_o and_o next_o let_v he_o look_v unto_o god_n in_o christ_n reconcil_n the_o world_n to_o himself_o and_o lie_v hold_v on_o the_o horn_n of_o the_o altar_n on_o the_o throne_n of_o grace_n for_o strengthen_v his_o faith_n that_o he_o may_v find_v help_n for_o the_o present_a need_n and_o thereafter_o also_o to_o walk_v more_o wise_o for_o this_o be_v the_o counsel_n which_o christ_n do_v give_v to_o the_o corrupt_a church_n of_o sardis_n revel_v 3._o 2._o strengthen_v the_o thing_n which_o remain_v and_o be_v ready_a to_o die_v thus_o may_v the_o afflict_a recover_v strength_n of_o faith_n and_o ability_n to_o resist_v satan_n and_o furniture_n for_o bring_v forth_o unquestionable_a fruit_n of_o faith_n chap._n viii_o wherein_o the_o regenerate_a man_n doubt_n whether_o he_o be_v in_o the_o state_n of_o grace_n arise_v from_o his_o unquietness_n of_o spirit_n be_v answer_v this_o case_n be_v incident_a to_o many_o dear_a child_n of_o god_n and_o may_v befall_v champion_n in_o time_n of_o sad_a affliction_n as_o we_o see_v in_o the_o prophet_n ps._n 42._o 11._o and_o 43._o 5._o why_o be_v thou_o cast_v down_o o_o my_o soul_n and_o why_o be_v thou_o disquiet_v within_o i_o but_o even_o in_o time_n of_o outward_a prosperity_n or_o when_o no_o great_a affliction_n bodily_a lie_v on_o many_o who_o in_o the_o sense_n of_o their_o sinfulness_n have_v flee_v to_o jesus_n christ_n and_o have_v take_v
faith_n when_o the_o consolation_n be_v withdraw_v from_o we_o and_o we_o be_v put_v to_o hard_a exercise_n wherein_o it_o be_v our_o duty_n to_o glorify_v our_o god_n for_o his_o truth_n and_o grace_n whereof_o we_o have_v sometime_o have_v confirmation_n by_o feel_a consolation_n and_o patient_o to_o wait_v till_o he_o restore_v unto_o we_o the_o joy_n of_o his_o spirit_n for_o if_o in_o the_o want_n of_o sensible_a consolation_n we_o shall_v put_v aspersion_n upon_o the_o lord_n work_v and_o grace_n bestow_v upon_o we_o and_o call_v they_o in_o question_n we_o shall_v be_v find_v in_o so_o do_v more_o careful_a of_o self-satisfaction_n then_o to_o do_v the_o duty_n which_o god_n require_v of_o we_o four_o let_v the_o afflict_a learn_v so_o to_o describe_v and_o define_v every_o save_a grace_n of_o faith_n repentance_n hope_v love_n and_o mortification_n of_o sin_n as_o the_o description_n may_v take_v in_o the_o mean_a measure_n of_o those_o grace_n for_o it_o be_v hard_o to_o say_v that_o there_o be_v no_o sound_a faith_n where_o there_o be_v not_o a_o full_a persuasion_n for_o the_o hungry_a look_v of_o a_o tremble_a sinner_n unto_o christ_n must_v not_o be_v exclude_v from_o be_v a_o act_n of_o faith_n it_o be_v hard_o to_o restrain_v the_o exercise_n of_o repentance_n to_o the_o shed_v of_o tear_n for_o many_o other_o sign_n of_o repentance_n may_v be_v find_v where_o these_o be_v seldom_o such_o as_o be_v the_o hatred_n of_o sin_n strive_v against_o all_o tentation_n unto_o it_o and_o fly_v from_o all_o occasion_n which_o may_v ensnare_v the_o believer_n in_o christ_n in_o trespass_n five_o let_v the_o afflict_a distinguish_v between_o faith_n and_o sense_n of_o joy_n both_o be_v god_n gift_n but_o the_o ground_n of_o faith_n whereupon_o we_o be_v command_v to_o rest_v ourselves_o shall_v be_v rest_v on_o constant_o whatsoever_o dispensation_n of_o joy_n or_o grief_n we_o shall_v meet_v with_o and_o this_o be_v our_o perpetual_a duty_n but_o sense_n be_v at_o god_n free_a dispensation_n to_o give_v and_o withdraw_v and_o restore_v at_o his_o pleasure_n and_o be_v a_o movable_a benefit_n which_o the_o lord_n as_o his_o wisdom_n see_v expedient_a for_o our_o good_a do_v give_v and_o continue_v withdraw_v and_o restore_v diminish_v or_o augment_v and_o therefore_o the_o afflict_a be_v bind_v by_o duty_n still_o to_o believe_v and_o rejoice_v in_o believe_v and_o to_o have_v the_o joy_n of_o sense_n also_o he_o may_v lawful_o study_v but_o ought_v not_o to_o suffer_v his_o faith_n to_o be_v weaken_v by_o the_o want_n of_o it_o as_o the_o prophet_n do_v teach_v we_o ps._n 42._o 11._o and_o 43._o 5._o and_o 88_o last_o of_o all_o let_v the_o afflict_a be_v pose_v upon_o his_o conscience_n if_o he_o dare_v condemn_v his_o fly_n to_o christ_n in_o the_o sense_n of_o his_o sin_n as_o no_o act_n of_o faith_n or_o if_o he_o there_fw-mi deny_v his_o hunger_n after_o renew_a consolation_n and_o behold_v of_o god_n with_o joy_n as_o reconcile_v in_o christ_n to_o be_v a_o act_n of_o love_n to_o god_n and_o of_o communion_n with_o he_o therefore_o let_v he_o confess_v with_o the_o psalmist_n ps._n 77._o 10._o this_o my_o doubt_v be_v my_o infirmity_n i_o will_v remember_v the_o year_n of_o the_o right_a hand_n of_o the_o lord_n chap._n xvi_o wherein_o be_v solve_v the_o true_a convert_n doubt_v of_o his_o regeneration_n because_o he_o seem_v to_o himself_o not_o to_o grow_v in_o grace_n by_o the_o use_n of_o the_o mean_v appoint_v for_o his_o growth_n some_o true_a convert_n be_v bring_v to_o suspect_v their_o own_o regeneration_n because_o in_o the_o use_n of_o the_o mean_n lead_v to_o sanctification_n and_o salvation_n sundry_a complain_n and_o say_v i_o do_v not_o perceive_v the_o lord_n blessing_n on_o my_o pain_n and_o diligence_n i_o grow_v not_o in_o the_o knowledge_n of_o thing_n spiritual_a my_o faith_n do_v not_o grow_v by_o hear_v nor_o read_v of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n nor_o by_o meditation_n of_o it_o i_o do_v not_o prevail_v in_o wrestle_v against_o my_o inbred_a sin_n and_o corrupt_a nature_n neither_o by_o prayer_n nor_o fast_v and_o therefore_o what_o shall_v i_o judge_v of_o my_o state_n but_o that_o it_o be_v like_a i_o be_o not_o convert_v and_o renew_v for_o if_o i_o be_v indeed_o convert_v and_o reconcile_v with_o god_n i_o conceive_v it_o shall_v fair_o otherways_o with_o i_o than_o it_o do_v 2._o in_o this_o case_n the_o true_a convert_n be_v in_o hazard_n of_o grow_v slack_a and_o careless_a in_o the_o use_n of_o the_o mean_n and_o to_o grieve_v the_o holy_a spirit_n by_o prescribe_v unto_o he_o and_o limit_v of_o he_o unto_o such_o a_o measure_n of_o profit_v in_o the_o use_n of_o the_o mean_n and_o make_v he_o know_v how_o far_o he_o have_v profit_v and_o advance_v in_o the_o course_n of_o sanctification_n yea_o there_o be_v danger_n lest_o in_o this_o case_n the_o convert_v not_o only_o become_v cold-rife_a in_o the_o exercise_n of_o piety_n but_o also_o turn_v loose_a in_o his_o conversation_n and_o follow_v the_o allurement_n of_o the_o world_n have_v so_o far_o hearken_v to_o the_o temptation_n as_o to_o think_v it_o in_o vain_a that_o he_o have_v washen_v his_o hand_n in_o innocency_n as_o ps._n 73._o befall_v the_o prophet_n 3._o for_o remove_v of_o this_o doubt_n the_o afflict_a have_v reason_n to_o check_v himself_o for_o harken_v so_o far_o unto_o the_o temptation_n as_o to_o join_v with_o hypocrite_n in_o his_o complaint_n isa._n 58._o 5._o wherefore_o have_v we_o fast_v say_v they_o and_o thou_o â—â—st_n not_o wherefore_o have_v we_o afflict_v our_o soul_n and_o thou_o like_v no_o knowledge_n but_o because_o nothing_o do_v more_o trouble_v the_o afflict_a then_o his_o suspicion_n of_o his_o own_o hypocrisy_n let_v the_o cause_n be_v search_v from_o which_o his_o suspicion_n do_v arise_v one_o of_o they_o may_v be_v this_o that_o in_o the_o use_n of_o the_o mean_n the_o eye_n of_o the_o afflict_a be_v more_o and_o more_o open_v to_o perceive_v the_o power_n and_o poison_n of_o his_o natural_a corruption_n more_o clear_o than_o he_o perceive_v before_o and_o this_o decipher_n of_o sin_n more_o and_o more_o do_v hinder_v he_o to_o see_v the_o growth_n of_o his_o light_n and_o the_o growth_n of_o his_o hatred_n against_o manifest_a sin_n join_v with_o the_o overturning_a of_o his_o own_o high_a imagination_n and_o native_a pride_n another_o cause_n may_v be_v this_o that_o the_o true_a convert_n have_v promise_v unto_o himself_o in_o the_o use_n of_o the_o mean_n more_o and_o great_a benefit_n spiritual_a from_o god_n than_o he_o do_v by_o experience_n find_v which_o because_o he_o do_v not_o find_v he_o think_v he_o have_v not_o profit_v a_o three_o cause_n may_v be_v this_o that_o the_o lord_n be_v about_o the_o purge_n of_o he_o from_o practical_a error_n such_o as_o be_v the_o high_a estimation_n of_o his_o own_o diligence_n in_o the_o use_n of_o the_o mean_n as_o if_o there_o be_v some_o sort_n of_o merit_n annex_v unto_o the_o work_v prescribe_v to_o the_o convert_n by_o the_o lord_n or_o as_o if_o the_o use_n of_o the_o mean_n have_v in_o they_o some_o force_n and_o efficacy_n in_o produce_v such_o effect_n in_o he_o as_o the_o convert_n have_v expect_v or_o as_o if_o the_o lord_n have_v oblige_v himself_o to_o bless_v sensible_o diligence_n in_o the_o use_n of_o the_o mean_n to_o the_o diligent_a man_n satisfaction_n 4._o therefore_o first_o let_v the_o afflict_a continue_v in_o his_o diligence_n and_o bewar_n of_o the_o foresay_a practical_a error_n let_v he_o humble_v himself_o before_o christ_n that_o he_o may_v draw_v more_o virtue_n out_o of_o he_o by_o faith_n and_o by_o so_o much_o the_o more_o as_o he_o â—indeth_v sin_n himself_o and_o not_o profiâ—ing_v in_o the_o use_n of_o the_o mean_n let_v he_o lay_v the_o fast_o hold_v on_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n and_o on_o christ_n offer_v therein_o for_o give_v righteousness_n and_o sanctification_n second_o let_v he_o set_v upon_o the_o exercise_n of_o every_o duty_n with_o prayer_n that_o he_o may_v follow_v the_o duty_n in_o christ_n name_n with_o his_o eye_n fix_v on_o god_n grace_n and_o after_o the_o discharge_n of_o the_o duty_n let_v he_o look_v to_o christ_n that_o from_o he_o he_o may_v have_v the_o blessing_n for_o without_o christ_n we_o can_v do_v nothing_o acceptable_o nor_o with_o profit_n last_o of_o all_o let_v he_o not_o esteem_v light_o of_o the_o effect_n of_o his_o diligence_n as_o if_o he_o do_v no_o way_n profit_n but_o when_o he_o have_v right_o consider_v matter_n if_o he_o find_v the_o least_o fruit_n follow_v his_o use_n of_o the_o mean_n let_v he_o give_v the_o glory_n of_o it_o to_o god_n in_o christ_n the_o giver_n thereof_o and_o humble_o put_v up_o
his_o lamentation_n for_o his_o short-coming_a in_o duty_n unto_o god_n by_o prayer_n for_o this_o be_v the_o way_n to_o make_v progress_n in_o faith_n and_o repentance_n and_o humility_n and_o submission_n of_o his_o will_n unto_o god_n in_o the_o use_n of_o the_o mean_n and_o let_v he_o thank_v the_o lord_n that_o from_o day_n to_o day_n he_o be_v keep_v from_o scandalous_a out-breaking_a chap._n xvii_o wherein_o be_v solve_v the_o convert_n doubt_v whether_o he_o be_v regenerate_v because_o he_o seem_v to_o himself_o to_o follow_v religion_n and_o righteousness_n from_o the_o common_a operation_n of_o god_n work_v by_o moral_a suasion_n and_o not_o from_o the_o special_a operation_n and_o impulsion_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n there_o be_v some_o true_a convert_n who_o have_v profit_v so_o far_o in_o the_o amendment_n of_o their_o life_n and_o conform_v their_o conversation_n unto_o the_o rule_n of_o god_n word_n that_o the_o yoke_n of_o christ_n be_v become_v easy_a to_o they_o and_o their_o delight_n be_v to_o be_v frequent_o about_o the_o exercise_n of_o religion_n and_o work_n of_o righteousness_n and_o yet_o sometime_o they_o be_v trouble_v with_o suspicion_n whether_o the_o work_n of_o regeneration_n in_o they_o be_v solid_a because_o any_o thing_n they_o do_v may_v be_v do_v as_o they_o conceive_v by_o temporary_a believer_n in_o who_o no_o sound_a renovation_n of_o corrupt_a nature_n will_v be_v find_v i_o find_v nothing_o in_o i_o say_v one_o of_o the_o effectual_a motion_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n but_o all_o by_o way_n of_o moral_a suasion_n by_o imitation_n of_o other_o by_o education_n as_o may_v be_v find_v in_o the_o unrenewed_a disciple_n of_o moral_a philosophy_n for_o as_o they_o by_o frequent_a action_n do_v acquire_v habit_n wherewith_o be_v endue_v they_o discharge_v moral_a duty_n more_o easy_o and_o with_o delight_n so_o i_o by_o discharge_v act_n of_o religion_n and_o acquaint_v myself_o with_o they_o daily_o do_v seem_v to_o myself_o to_o have_v acquire_v a_o facility_n and_o delectation_n in_o religious_a action_n and_o work_n of_o righteousness_n towards_o my_o neighbour_n 2._o this_o case_n we_o grant_v be_v very_o perilous_a and_o subtile_o colour_v by_o satan_n to_o deceive_v and_o weaken_v the_o true_a convert_n for_o it_o be_v true_a what_o power_n have_v be_v see_v in_o moral_a philosophy_n among_o pagan_n to_o put_v a_o lustre_n on_o man_n civil_a conversation_n must_v be_v also_o grant_v to_o theology_n among_o profess_a christian_n because_o divine_a threaten_n and_o promise_n for_o procure_v outward_a reformation_n of_o a_o man_n life_n be_v more_o apt_a to_o prevail_v with_o a_o man_n than_o all_o moral_a philosophy_n and_o it_o be_v true_a also_o that_o education_n by_o parent_n and_o imitation_n of_o good_a man_n be_v of_o great_a force_n moral_o to_o persuade_v a_o man_n to_o the_o follow_v of_o the_o outward_a duty_n of_o religion_n and_o to_o a_o civil_a conversation_n wherefore_o it_o be_v no_o wonder_n to_o see_v a_o true_a convert_n doubt_n of_o his_o own_o regeneration_n when_o he_o compare_v external_a duty_n discharge_v by_o himself_o with_o the_o external_a duty_n discharge_v by_o other_o who_o heart_n he_o can_v see_v but_o must_v judge_v charitable_o of_o they_o and_o yet_o can_v neither_o be_v clear_a determinate_o to_o affirm_v all_o such_o to_o be_v true_a convert_n nor_o to_o affirm_v himself_o to_o be_v a_o true_a convert_n so_o long_o as_o he_o suspect_v that_o as_o some_o other_o reformation_n so_o also_o his_o own_o reformation_n may_v prove_v no_o better_o then_o from_o moral_a suasion_n which_o may_v be_v â—ound_v in_o a_o man_n unregenerat_a 3._o for_o louse_v of_o this_o doubt_n and_o strengthen_n of_o the_o faith_n of_o the_o true_a convert_n let_v he_o examine_v himself_o whether_o in_o the_o conscience_n of_o his_o natural_a sinfulness_n and_o sense_n of_o his_o own_o unworthiness_n and_o inability_n to_o deliver_v himself_o from_o the_o power_n of_o sin_n wrath_n and_o misery_n he_o have_v flee_v and_o from_o time_n to_o time_n do_v fly_v to_o christ_n according_a to_o the_o tenor_n of_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n to_o be_v justify_v sanctify_a and_o save_v by_o he_o and_o do_v follow_v the_o exercise_n of_o religion_n and_o righteousness_n in_o obedience_n to_o the_o command_n of_o god_n if_o his_o conscience_n answer_v he_o that_o so_o he_o do_v then_o first_o let_v he_o look_v upon_o his_o doubt_v of_o his_o state_n as_o the_o subtle_a tentation_n of_o satan_n and_o that_o he_o may_v be_v strong_a against_o this_o tentation_n let_v he_o renew_v the_o acknowledgement_n of_o his_o sin_n and_o sinfulness_n of_o his_o weakness_n and_o unworthiness_n and_o renew_v also_o his_o consent_n to_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n in_o jesus_n christ_n and_o his_o purpose_n to_o obey_v the_o commandment_n of_o god_n in_o the_o strength_n of_o christ_n for_o by_o this_o mean_v he_o shall_v gain_v the_o entry_n into_o his_o refuge_n wherefrom_a satan_n be_v draw_v he_o by_o furnish_v doubt_n and_o weaken_v his_o faith_n second_o have_v casten_z his_o anchor_n within_o the_o vail_n and_o settle_v his_o faith_n on_o christ_n jesus_n let_v he_o now_o maintain_v his_o former_a course_n so_o far_o as_o truth_n will_v suffer_v that_o his_o former_a course_n of_o life_n in_o follow_v with_o delight_n the_o exercise_n of_o religion_n and_o righteousness_n do_v proceed_v from_o the_o holy_a spirit_n and_o let_v he_o consider_v that_o it_o be_v not_o a_o sufficient_a reason_n to_o call_v in_o question_n the_o infuse_a habit_n of_o save_a grace_n because_o supernatural_a habit_n infuse_v immediate_o by_o the_o spirit_n of_o christ_n be_v entertain_v augment_v and_o confirm_v by_o frequent_a act_n and_o daily_a exercise_n no_o less_o than_o natural_a or_o moral_a habit_n be_v which_o be_v acquire_v by_o exercise_n and_o this_o be_v clear_a from_o scripture_n wherein_o be_v many_o exhortation_n to_o put_v faith_n love_n repentance_n patience_n etc._n etc._n in_o frequent_a exercise_n that_o these_o gracious_a habit_n may_v grow_v strong_a as_o the_o apostle_n peter_n do_v speak_v 2_o epist._n 1._o chap._n ver_fw-la 5_o 6._o etc._n etc._n three_o let_v he_o put_v a_o difference_n in_o judge_v of_o his_o own_o conversation_n and_o the_o conversation_n of_o other_o of_o who_o principle_n and_o end_n of_o outward_a godly_a carriage_n he_o can_v judge_v as_o he_o can_v do_v of_o his_o own_o for_o a_o man_n in_o nature_n unregenerat_a or_o a_o temporary_a believer_n may_v make_v profession_n of_o true_a religion_n and_o outward_o go_v on_o in_o a_o blameless_a conversation_n with_o this_o opinion_n that_o by_o his_o work_n he_o shall_v please_v god_n and_o procure_v salvation_n to_o himself_o but_o the_o true_a convert_n shall_v be_v find_v a_o renouncer_n of_o confidence_n in_o his_o own_o work_n a_o man_n sensible_a of_o his_o own_o sinfulness_n and_o imperfection_n who_o have_v flee_v and_o resolve_v still_o to_o adhere_v to_o christ_n for_o righteousness_n and_o salvation_n through_o he_o the_o find_v whereof_o in_o any_o measure_n after_o examination_n may_v solve_v the_o convert_n doubt_v for_o a_o man_n in_o nature_n can_v so_o hate_v sin_n and_o follow_v holiness_n as_o to_o renounce_v confidence_n in_o his_o holiness_n and_o slve_v unto_o christ_n for_o righteousness_n four_o let_v the_o afflict_a convert_n consider_v that_o the_o lord_n deal_v with_o his_o child_n both_o by_o moral_a motive_n and_o by_o effectual_a persuasion_n unto_o the_o obedience_n of_o faith_n may_v and_o do_v very_o well_o concur_v and_o agree_v together_o neither_o be_v the_o special_a operation_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n with_o any_o reason_n to_o be_v suspect_v because_o he_o sweet_o lead_v on_o his_o child_n by_o way_n of_o counsel_n without_o the_o child_n observation_n of_o any_o notable_a impulse_n make_v he_o to_o overcome_v strong_a tentation_n unto_o sin_n whereunto_o he_o be_v natural_o incline_v for_o the_o more_o victorious_a grace_n be_v over_o corruption_n the_o efficacy_n of_o the_o lord_n grace_n be_v the_o more_o conspicuous_a and_o that_o obedience_n be_v most_o pleasant_a to_o god_n wherein_o corrupt_a nature_n make_v most_o opposition_n therefore_o in_o this_o case_n here_o presuppose_v let_v he_o stand_v to_o the_o defence_n of_o his_o faith_n in_o christ_n and_o go_v on_o cheerful_o in_o the_o way_n of_o righteousness_n against_o satan_n tentation_n solicit_v he_o to_o doubt_v and_o discouragement_n which_o counsel_n if_o he_o follow_v he_o shall_v find_v by_o experience_n that_o he_o have_v make_v use_n of_o the_o shield_n of_o faith_n and_o get_v the_o victory_n not_o without_o the_o special_a operation_n and_o impulse_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n chap._n xviii_o wherein_o be_v solve_v the_o true_a convert_n doubt_v whether_o he_o be_v regenerate_v because_o he_o find_v not_o self-denial_n in_o the_o measure_n which_o be_v requisite_a in_o convert_n
water_n in_o a_o glass_n which_o howsoever_o it_o be_v trouble_v and_o toss_v remain_v most_o pure_a and_o free_a of_o all_o muddinesse_n obj._n but_o at_o least_o be_v there_o not_o a_o conflict_n in_o our_o lord_n between_o his_o faith_n and_o the_o temptation_n to_o doubt_v ans._n we_o grant_v not_o only_o a_o conflict_n of_o christ_n humane_a natural_a strength_n with_o the_o burden_n of_o affliction_n but_o also_o a_o conflict_n and_o wrestle_n of_o his_o faith_n against_o the_o temptation_n to_o doubt_v for_o wrestle_v do_v not_o always_o argue_v the_o infirmity_n of_o the_o wrestler_n for_o the_o angel_n who_o be_v call_v god_n hos._n 12._o wrestle_v with_o jacob_n and_o in_o god_n be_v no_o infirmity_n again_o wrestle_v do_v not_o argue_v always_o infirmity_n but_o do_v only_a evidence_n the_o wrestler_n power_n and_o the_o importunat_a obstinacy_n of_o a_o adversary_n who_o be_v repulse_v and_o cast_v down_o do_v not_o at_o first_o leave_v the_o field_n but_o rise_v up_o again_o insist_o and_o press_v on_o so_o long_o as_o it_o please_v the_o most_o powerful_a party_n to_o suffer_v the_o adversary_n to_o make_v opposition_n obj._n but_o you_o must_v grant_v that_o in_o the_o conflict_n of_o christ_n humane_a natural_a strength_n with_o the_o affliction_n and_o burden_n of_o the_o punishment_n lay_v upon_o he_o by_o the_o father_n he_o be_v overcome_v and_o succumb_v and_o die_v ans._n yes_o indeed_o but_o we_o must_v put_v a_o difference_n between_o the_o conflict_n of_o natural_a strength_n with_o the_o burden_n of_o affliction_n and_o the_o conflict_n between_o faith_n and_o a_o temptation_n unto_o sin_n in_o the_o conflict_n of_o holy_a humane_a nature_n in_o christ_n with_o the_o punishment_n of_o our_o sin_n lay_v on_o he_o it_o be_v not_o a_o sin_n to_o have_v his_o natural_a strength_n overpower_v and_o to_o lie_v down_o under_o the_o burden_n and_o to_o lay_v down_o his_o life_n and_o die_v but_o it_o be_v a_o main_a part_n of_o his_o obedience_n it_o be_v the_o performance_n of_o his_o promise_n and_o undertake_n to_o yield_v himself_o to_o justice_n and_o to_o die_v for_o we_o that_o we_o may_v be_v deliver_v from_o death_n eternal_a but_o in_o the_o wrestle_n of_o his_o faith_n with_o the_o temptation_n unto_o doubt_v it_o have_v be_v a_o sin_n to_o have_v yield_v in_o the_o least_o degree_n and_o that_o which_o can_v not_o consist_v with_o the_o perfect_a holiness_n of_o the_o mediator_n surety_n for_o sinner_n obj._n but_o do_v not_o the_o perplexity_n of_o his_o thought_n and_o the_o anxiety_n of_o his_o mind_n diminish_v something_o of_o the_o vigour_n and_o constancy_n of_o his_o faith_n ans._n it_o do_v diminish_v nothing_o of_o the_o vigour_n and_o constancy_n of_o his_o faith_n for_o there_o be_v a_o great_a difference_n between_o the_o trouble_v of_o the_o thought_n and_o the_o hesitation_n or_o weaken_n of_o faith_n as_o there_o be_v also_o a_o great_a difference_n between_o the_o perturbation_n of_o the_o mind_n and_o the_o perturbation_n of_o the_o conscience_n for_o as_o the_o mind_n may_v be_v trouble_v when_o in_o the_o consideration_n of_o some_o difficulty_n it_o can_v at_o first_o perceive_v a_o outgate_n meantime_n the_o conscience_n remain_v sound_a and_o quiet_a so_o may_v the_o work_n of_o the_o mind_n be_v discourse_v be_v interrupt_v and_o at_o a_o stay_n for_o a_o time_n faith_n mean_a time_n remain_v untouched_a whole_o sound_a and_o quiet_a for_o example_n upon_o the_o sudden_a receive_n of_o a_o wound_n or_o upon_o a_o unexpected_a report_n of_o some_o great_a loss_n such_o as_o befall_v job_n the_o wheel_n of_o the_o reason_a faculty_n may_v be_v at_o a_o stand_n for_o a_o time_n and_o the_o conscience_n in_o the_o mean_a time_n be_v quiet_a yea_o and_o faith_n in_o the_o mean_a time_n remain_v strong_a as_o we_o see_v in_o jobâ—_n first_o exercise_n now_o if_o this_o may_v be_v find_v in_o a_o holy_a imperfect_a man_n in_o any_o measure_n why_o shall_v we_o not_o consider_v right_o of_o the_o exercise_n of_o the_o holy_a one_o of_o israel_n suffer_v in_o his_o humane_a nature_n the_o punishment_n of_o our_o sin_n let_v we_o consider_v but_o one_o of_o the_o passage_n of_o our_o lord_n exercise_v joh._n 12._o 27._o 28._o now_o say_v he_o my_o soul_n be_v trouble_v wherein_o behold_v the_o perplexity_n of_o his_o mind_n smite_v with_o the_o horror_n of_o the_o curse_n due_a to_o we_o come_v upon_o he_o then_o come_v forth_o what_o shall_v i_o say_v wherein_o behold_v reason_n stand_v mute_a and_o altogether_o silent_a only_o he_o let_v forth_o the_o confession_n of_o his_o perplexity_n present_o after_o this_o he_o subjoin_v father_n save_v i_o from_o this_o hour_n wherein_o behold_v holy_a nature_n tremble_v and_o shrink_v to_o fall_v into_o the_o wrath_n of_o the_o father_n and_o according_a to_o the_o principle_n of_o holy_a nature_n testify_v the_o simple_a abhorrency_n of_o his_o soul_n from_o such_o a_o evil_a as_o be_v the_o wrath_n of_o god_n his_o father_n which_o have_v it_o not_o be_v for_o love_n to_o save_v our_o soul_n he_o can_v not_o have_v yield_v his_o humane_a nature_n to_o endure_v or_o bear_v it_o therefore_o he_o consider_v that_o we_o be_v but_o lose_v for_o ever_o if_o he_o shall_v not_o suffer_v wrath_n for_o we_o he_o repeat_v the_o sum_n of_o the_o covenant_n of_o redemption_n agree_v upon_o but_o for_o this_o cause_n come_v i_o unto_o this_o hour_n and_o last_o of_o all_o shut_v up_o his_o speech_n and_o exercise_n in_o the_o triumph_a voice_n of_o victorious_a and_o untainted_a faith_n father_n glorify_v thy_o name_n and_o here_o he_o rest_v wherewith_o the_o father_n be_v so_o well_o please_v as_o that_o from_o heaven_n he_o speak_v to_o the_o hear_n of_o the_o multitude_n stand_v by_o i_o have_v both_o glorify_v it_o and_o will_v glorify_v it_o again_o 10._o among_o the_o deep_a degree_n of_o the_o suffering_n of_o christ_n in_o his_o soul_n we_o reckon_v that_o desertion_n whereof_o christ_n on_o the_o cross_n give_v a_o account_n cry_v out_o my_o god_n my_o god_n why_o have_v thou_o forsake_v i_o by_o which_o speech_n he_o do_v not_o mean_a that_o then_o the_o personal_a union_n of_o the_o nature_n be_v in_o he_o dissolve_v nor_o yet_o that_o god_n have_v withdraw_v his_o sustain_a strength_n and_o help_n from_o the_o humane_a nature_n nor_o that_o the_o love_n of_o the_o father_n be_v take_v off_o he_o nor_o that_o any_o point_n of_o the_o perfection_n of_o holiness_n be_v take_v from_o he_o but_o his_o true_a intent_n be_v to_o show_v that_o god_n for_o a_o time_n have_v take_v away_o sensible_a consolation_n and_o feel_v joy_n from_o his_o humane_a soul_n that_o so_o justice_n may_v in_o his_o suffering_n be_v the_o more_o full_o satisfy_v and_o this_o be_v the_o forsake_n of_o he_o here_o give_v to_o we_o to_o understand_v in_o which_o desertion_n christ_n be_v not_o to_o be_v look_v upon_o simple_o as_o he_o be_v in_o his_o own_o person_n the_o son_n of_o the_o father_n in_o who_o he_o be_v always_o well_o please_v but_o as_o he_o stand_v in_o the_o room_n of_o sinner_n surety_n and_o cautioner_n pay_v their_o debt_n in_o which_o respect_n he_o behove_v to_o be_v deal_v with_o as_o stand_v in_o our_o name_n guilty_a and_o pay_v the_o debt_n of_o be_v forsake_v of_o god_n which_o we_o be_v bind_v to_o suffer_v full_o and_o for_o ever_o if_o he_o have_v not_o interpose_v for_o we_o 11._o the_o last_o degree_n of_o christ_n suffering_n wherein_o he_o may_v be_v say_v to_o have_v descend_v into_o hell_n so_o far_o as_o scripture_n in_o the_o old_a testament_n or_o the_o history_n of_o christ_n passion_n in_o the_o new_a will_v suffer_v we_o to_o expound_v that_o expression_n be_v that_o curse_n wherein_o the_o full_a wrath_n of_o god_n and_o the_o dregs_o of_o that_o horrible_a cup_n be_v pour_v forth_o upon_o his_o holy_a humane_a nature_n while_o heaven_n and_o earth_n and_o hell_n seem_v to_o conspire_v to_o take_v vengeance_n on_o he_o and_o full_o to_o punish_v our_o sin_n in_o the_o person_n of_o he_o our_o surety_n by_o that_o curse_a death_n of_o the_o cross_n which_o be_v the_o evidence_n foretell_v of_o the_o malediction_n of_o god_n lie_v on_o he_o in_o so_o far_o as_o be_v necessary_a to_o compleet_v the_o punishment_n of_o loss_n and_o feeling_n both_o in_o soul_n and_o body_n and_o therefore_o not_o without_o ground_n have_v orthodox_n divine_v taken-in_a christ_n suffering_n in_o his_o soul_n and_o the_o detain_v of_o his_o body_n in_o the_o grave_n put_v in_o as_o the_o close_a and_o last_o part_n of_o christ_n suffering_n as_o the_o true_a meaning_n of_o that_o expression_n he_o descend_v into_o hell_n not_o only_o because_o these_o pain_n which_o christ_n suffer_v both_o in_o body_n and_o soul_n be_v
conclusion_n draw_v therefrom_o and_o by_o holy_a reason_n tie_v themselves_o to_o believe_v and_o obey_v the_o word_n of_o god_n rom._n 6._o 11._o likeways_o say_v he_o by_o reason_v reckon_v you_o yourselves_o to_o be_v deal_n unto_o sin_n but_o alive_a unto_o god_n through_o jesus_n christ_n our_o lord_n and_o give_v a_o example_n of_o this_o reason_n 2_o cor._n 5._o 14._o 15._o the_o love_n of_o god_n constrain_v we_o because_o we_o thus_o judge_v etc._n etc._n 11._o because_o the_o lord_n divers_a way_n according_a to_o his_o own_o wisdom_n exercise_v man_n that_o sometime_o by_o his_o long-suffering_a patience_n he_o lead_v they_o unto_o repentance_n sometime_o also_o by_o his_o word_n and_o rod_n he_o do_v drive_v they_o thereunto_o therefore_o let_v the_o use_n of_o all_o exercise_n all_o temptation_n and_o affliction_n and_o the_o use_n of_o all_o benefit_n and_o divine_a dispensation_n of_o providence_n be_v careful_o make_v use_n of_o that_o man_n may_v so_o look_v upon_o god_n bounty_n and_o long-suffering_a on_o the_o one_o hand_n and_o upon_o their_o own_o sin_n and_o ill_a deserve_n on_o the_o other_o hand_n as_o they_o may_v be_v lead_v and_o constrain_v in_o love_n to_o seek_v after_o so_o gracious_a a_o god_n and_o to_o flee_v for_o refuge_n unto_o christ_n mourn_v for_o their_o provoke_v of_o justice_n so_o oft_o against_o themselves_o and_o in_o whatsoever_o condition_n of_o prosperity_n or_o adversity_n to_o submit_v themselves_o to_o god_n however_o he_o shall_v be_v please_v to_o dispose_v of_o they_o 12._o the_o doctrine_n of_o reprobation_n must_v not_o be_v determinate_o apply_v to_o any_o particular_a person_n how_o wicked_a soever_o he_o shall_v for_o the_o present_a appear_v neither_o must_v the_o suspicion_n which_o any_o man_n may_v have_v of_o his_o own_o reprobation_n be_v â—ostered_v because_o particular_a reprobation_n of_o this_o or_o that_o person_n be_v among_o the_o secret_n of_o the_o lord_n not_o to_o be_v meddle_v with_o whereof_o a_o man_n may_v not_o give_v out_o sentence_n before_o the_o lord_n have_v reveal_v his_o own_o decree_n but_o on_o the_o contrair_a all_o the_o hearer_n must_v be_v warn_v and_o press_v to_o be_v wary_a to_o entertain_v any_o hostile_a thought_n of_o god_n or_o to_o foster_v suspicion_n of_o he_o as_o implacable_a but_o rather_o think_v of_o he_o as_o their_o faithful_a creator_n just_o indeed_o yet_o merciful_a long-suffering_a and_o bountiful_a both_o to_o the_o kind_n and_o the_o un-kind_n as_o they_o shall_v find_v if_o they_o will_v seek_v he_o for_o satan_n will_v press_v this_o temptation_n hard_a enough_o and_o foster_v the_o suspicion_n which_o he_o have_v suggest_v against_o god_n in_o the_o mind_n of_o they_o who_o god_n have_v afflict_v albeit_o he_o get_v no_o assistance_n by_o any_o imprudent_a and_o un-just_a application_n of_o the_o lord_n word_n unto_o this_o or_o that_o particular_a person_n to_o conclude_v their_o reprobation_n 13._o the_o scope_n of_o all_o doctrine_n must_v be_v this_o that_o sinner_n may_v be_v humble_v in_o the_o sense_n of_o their_o unrighteousness_n indigence_n infirmity_n and_o unworthiness_n and_o be_v humble_v may_v be_v lead_v unto_o christ_n believe_v in_o he_o and_o be_v more_o and_o more_o glue_v unto_o he_o and_o grow_v in_o the_o love_n of_o he_o and_o rest_v their_o soul_n upon_o he_o as_o god_n one_o with_o the_o father_n and_o holy_a spirit_n worship_v he_o in_o spirit_n and_o truth_n endeavour_v according_a to_o their_o vocation_n to_o advance_v his_o kingdom_n in_o themselves_o and_o other_o and_o to_o this_o end_n let_v neither_o on_o the_o one_o hand_n his_o incarnation_n nor_o humiliation_n in_o the_o day_n of_o his_o flesh_n wherein_o he_o be_v in_o pay_v the_o promise_a price_n of_o our_o redemption_n derogat_v any_o thing_n to_o the_o estimation_n of_o his_o person_n who_o be_v one_o god_n with_o the_o father_n and_o holy_a spirit_n god_n over_o all_o bless_a for_o ever_o nor_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n his_o majesty_n make_v sinner_n stand_v off_o or_o be_v afraid_a to_o make_v their_o address_n to_o he_o but_o by_o the_o contrair_a that_o the_o personal_a union_n of_o the_o divine_a and_o humane_a nature_n in_o he_o and_o his_o clothing_n himself_o with_o the_o office_n of_o prophet_n priest_n and_o king_n may_v allure_v all_o sinner_n who_o hear_v of_o he_o to_o come_v to_o he_o as_o mediator_a who_o will_v not_o deal_v with_o they_o who_o come_v unto_o he_o as_o a_o judge_n against_o they_o but_o as_o a_o advocate_n surety_n and_o intercessor_n for_o they_o and_o who_o will_v save_v to_o the_o uttermost_a every_o one_o that_o come_v unto_o god_n through_o he_o heb._n 7._o 25._o 14._o for_o trial_n of_o a_o man_n regeneration_n and_o come_v right_o to_o christ_n and_o grow_v in_o grace_n the_o exercise_n of_o these_o three_o duty_n be_v necessary_o require_v to_o wit_n 1._o the_o exercise_n of_o repentance_n or_o the_o entertain_n in_o himself_o of_o the_o sense_n of_o his_o natural_a sinfulness_n and_o infirmity_n to_o do_v good_a and_o of_o the_o power_n of_o inherent_a corruption_n whereby_o he_o may_v be_v make_v more_o and_o more_o to_o renounce_v all_o confidence_n in_o himself_o and_o walk_v humble_o before_o god_n 2._o the_o exercise_n of_o faith_n or_o the_o daily_o renew_v employ_v of_o christ_n for_o grace_n and_o actual_a help_n in_o all_o thing_n as_o his_o case_n require_v 3._o the_o exercise_n of_o love_n or_o the_o endeavour_n of_o new_a obedience_n flow_v from_o love_n to_o god_n and_o his_o neighbour_n through_o christ._n chap._n ix_o of_o the_o more_o special_a application_n of_o divine_a covenant_n for_o remove_v the_o impediment_n of_o regeneration_n we_o have_v speak_v of_o the_o prudent_a application_n of_o divine_a covenant_n in_o general_a it_o follow_v that_o we_o speak_v of_o the_o cure_n of_o the_o sickness_n of_o the_o conscience_n concern_v regeneration_n more_o special_o some_o of_o these_o sickness_n do_v tend_v to_o hinder_v regeneration_n that_o it_o be_v not_o wrought_v at_o all_o whereof_o we_o shall_v speak_v god_n willing_a in_o the_o rest_n of_o this_o first_o book_n other_o sickness_n do_v tend_v to_o obscure_v the_o work_n of_o regeneration_n begin_v and_o to_o foster_v question_n in_o the_o regenerate_a man_n and_o make_v he_o doubt_v whether_o he_o be_v regenerate_v or_o not_o or_o whether_o he_o be_v in_o the_o state_n of_o grace_n or_o not_o and_o of_o these_o we_o shall_v speak_v somewhat_o in_o the_o second_o book_n and_o last_o of_o all_o some_o case_n and_o sickness_n of_o the_o conscience_n do_v tend_v towards_o the_o deceive_n of_o the_o regenerate_a man_n about_o his_o present_a condition_n wherein_o he_o be_v without_o call_v his_o state_n in_o question_n at_o the_o first_o and_o of_o these_o we_o shall_v speak_v in_o the_o three_o book_n 2._o as_o for_o the_o first_o sort_n these_o case_n which_o impede_fw-la and_o altogether_o mar_v regeneration_n can_v easy_o be_v number_v because_o of_o the_o multitude_n of_o deceit_n whereby_o the_o unregenerat_a be_v delude_v but_o it_o shall_v suffice_v for_o our_o purpose_n to_o name_v some_o of_o they_o only_o for_o example_n cause_n in_o handle_v whereof_o the_o way_n of_o cure_v other_o like_a case_n may_v be_v observe_v in_o handle_v of_o these_o case_n it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v expect_v we_o shall_v follow_v any_o exact_a method_n or_o accurate_a distinction_n of_o one_o case_n from_o another_o partly_o because_o many_o fault_n may_v be_v various_o interweave_v one_o with_o another_o partly_o because_o in_o all_o these_o case_n the_o same_o fault_n be_v find_v after_o divers_a way_n to_o put_v forth_o their_o poison_n we_o therefore_o that_o we_o may_v follow_v the_o easy_a course_n shall_v divide_v all_o unregenerat_a man_n impede_v their_o own_o regeneration_n in_o three_o rank_n the_o first_o rank_n shall_v be_v of_o those_o who_o eshew_v so_o far_o as_o they_o can_v all_o examination_n of_o their_o own_o conscience_n lest_o it_o shall_v pronounce_v sentence_n of_o their_o state_n and_o disquiet_v they_o the_o second_o rank_n shall_v be_v of_o those_o who_o do_v judge_v themselves_o indeed_o according_a to_o the_o law_n of_o god_n but_o after_o examination_n do_v despair_n of_o any_o remedy_n the_o three_o rank_n shall_v be_v of_o those_o who_o make_v a_o slight_a examination_n of_o themselves_o and_o upon_o some_o slight_a pretence_n give_v our_o sentence_n of_o absolution_n of_o themselves_o which_o god_n will_v not_o allow_v 3._o as_o to_o the_o first_o rank_n to_o wit_n of_o those_o that_o eshew_v all_o examination_n of_o their_o own_o conscience_n we_o shall_v name_v only_o seven_o sickness_n or_o impediment_n hinder_v their_o self-examination_n and_o pass_a sentence_n on_o themselves_o the_o first_o be_v gross_a ignorance_n of_o their_o natural_a sin_n and_o misery_n and_o of_o deliverance_n to_o be_v have_v through_o christ_n
the_o pastor_n have_v speak_v to_o all_o these_o head_n short_o and_o repeat_v again_o and_o inculcat_fw-la at_o some_o other_o few_o meeting_n till_o the_o people_n have_v somewhat_o understand_v the_o business_n than_o he_o may_v draw_v forth_o these_o seven_o head_n in_o some_o few_o question_n take_v answer_n of_o the_o people_n in_o their_o own_o word_n as_o they_o have_v conceive_v the_o purpose_n these_o ground_n be_v lay_v the_o pastor_n shall_v find_v by_o god_n blessing_n some_o desire_n and_o appetite_n raise_v in_o the_o people_n after_o more_o knowledge_n of_o these_o ground_n and_o hope_v put_v in_o they_o to_o overtake_v a_o form_v catechise_v and_o to_o have_v it_o by_o heart_n as_o may_v be_v to_o which_o end_n the_o people_n must_v be_v encourage_v by_o promise_n on_o the_o one_o hand_n and_o stir_v up_o by_o threaten_n on_o the_o other_o hand_n such_o as_o be_v joh._n 17._o 3._o and_o 2_o thess._n 1._o 7_o 8._o and_o other_o like_o place_n now_o when_o the_o people_n or_o any_o ignorant_a before_o be_v begin_v to_o understand_v these_o seven_o ground_n they_o must_v be_v press_v to_o make_v use_n thereof_o and_o that_o 1._o they_o shall_v acknowledge_v their_o sin_n and_o deserve_a judgement_n according_a to_o the_o covenant_n of_o work_n which_o curse_v every_o sinner_n for_o every_o sin_n 2._o that_o they_o shall_v fly_v for_o refuge_n to_o christ_n according_a to_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n and_o 3._o that_o every_o one_o who_o be_v flee_v to_o christ_n for_o grace_n and_o mercy_n must_v take_v on_o his_o yoke_n and_o endeavour_v new_a obedience_n of_o his_o holy_a command_n by_o his_o grace_n and_o furniture_n for_o remove_v of_o the_o second_o impediment_n the_o second_o impediment_n of_o self-examination_n which_o be_v a_o unrenewed_a man_n infection_n with_o some_o deadly_a error_n in_o religion_n and_o this_o be_v not_o easy_o remove_v for_o the_o conscience_n that_o be_v deceive_v by_o error_n absolve_v the_o sinner_n from_o the_o crime_n whereof_o the_o error_n make_v he_o guilty_a how_o grievous_a soever_o it_o be_v and_o therefore_o so_o long_o as_o he_o lie_v in_o the_o error_n he_o secure_o contemn_v all_o accuâ—ations_n and_o threaten_n for_o his_o error_n and_o erroneous_a practice_n till_o he_o be_v convince_v of_o his_o error_n and_o usual_o four_o cause_n do_v concur_v to_o obdure_v he_o in_o his_o error_n the_o first_o be_v the_o cunningness_n and_o malice_n of_o the_o devil_n who_o when_o he_o can_v altogether_o obscure_v and_o suppress_v all_o the_o article_n of_o save_a doctrine_n nor_o banish_v the_o scripture_n out_o of_o the_o world_n he_o use_v by_o his_o emissary_n of_o old_a destinat_fw-la to_o this_o damnation_n to_o spread_v doctrine_n of_o devil_n in_o the_o visible_a church_n whereby_o so_o far_o as_o he_o can_v he_o may_v detain_v man_n in_o their_o sin_n the_o second_o cause_n be_v the_o wisdom_n of_o the_o flesh_n which_o be_v enimity_n to_o god_n and_o therefore_o very_o bend_v to_o defend_v every_o lust_n whereunto_o man_n be_v incline_v and_o to_o sight_n against_o the_o truth_n of_o god_n contrair_n to_o their_o lust_n the_o three_o cause_n be_v the_o multitude_n of_o these_o who_o consent_n with_o the_o pervert_v conscience_n and_o avouch_v the_o same_o error_n the_o four_o be_v the_o righteous_a judgement_n of_o god_n who_o upon_o such_o as_o receive_v not_o the_o truth_n in_o love_n send_v powerful_a delusion_n and_o efficacy_n of_o error_n that_o they_o may_v believe_v a_o lie_n and_o so_o be_v damn_v who_o have_v not_o receive_v the_o truth_n in_o love_n but_o have_v pleasure_n in_o unrighteousness_n 2._o but_o because_o the_o pastor_n can_v know_v any_o man_n reprobation_n in_o particular_a and_o therefore_o must_v take_v the_o best_a course_n he_o can_v for_o every_o man_n salvation_n who_o be_v under_o his_o charge_n if_o the_o erroneous_a person_n can_v be_v content_a to_o fall_v upon_o christian_a conference_n in_o private_a with_o the_o pastor_n it_o seem_v not_o expedient_a to_o fall_v flat_a at_o the_o first_o upon_o the_o error_n wherewith_o he_o be_v infect_v but_o to_o hold_v upon_o agree_v unto_o principle_n and_o from_o these_o ground_n lay_v open_a the_o merit_n of_o these_o sin_n whereof_o the_o erroneous_a party_n will_v grant_v himself_o no_o less_o guilty_a than_o other_o man_n will_v be_v â—ound_v to_o be_v and_o labour_n to_o convince_v he_o that_o for_o these_o common_a sin_n no_o ransom_n can_v satisfy_v god_n justice_n save_o the_o perfect_a obedience_n which_o christ_n give_v to_o the_o father_n even_o to_o the_o death_n of_o the_o cross_n in_o name_n of_o all_o that_o flee_v unto_o he_o for_o the_o benefit_n of_o redemption_n if_o the_o erroneous_a party_n can_v condescend_v to_o cast_v himself_o whole_o on_o christ_n mercy_n offer_v in_o the_o gospel_n for_o pardon_n of_o acknowledge_v sin_n then_o at_o another_o time_n the_o conference_n may_v be_v further_o follow_v and_o the_o danger_n of_o the_o error_n may_v be_v lay_v out_o before_o the_o erroneous_a and_o he_o no_o more_o urge_v for_o the_o time_n but_o that_o he_o will_v consider_v what_o have_v be_v tell_v he_o and_o that_o he_o will_v by_o prayer_n for_o christ_n cause_n beg_v light_n from_o god_n in_o the_o point_n question_v and_o so_o go_v on_o with_o he_o in_o all_o meekness_n and_o evidence_n of_o love_n to_o his_o soul_n as_o the_o lord_n open_v a_o door_n for_o use_v of_o all_o mean_n that_o may_v reclaim_v the_o party_n erroneous_a 3._o but_o if_o the_o error_n be_v likely_a to_o infect_v the_o flock_n let_v the_o pastor_n open_o refute_v the_o error_n or_o heresy_n and_o that_o not_o only_o by_o hint_v at_o some_o argument_n against_o it_o but_o of_o set_a purpose_n once_o at_o least_o solid_o show_v how_o contrair_a it_o be_v to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o what_o be_v the_o fearful_a consequence_n thereof_o that_o it_o may_v become_v in_o the_o sight_n of_o the_o judicious_a no_o less_o vile_a and_o odious_a then_o gross_a transgression_n against_o the_o second_o table_n of_o the_o law_n which_o sort_n of_o sin_n be_v more_o hate_a of_o natural_a reasonable_a man_n than_o sin_n against_o the_o first_o table_n for_o nature_n light_n be_v sharp_a sight_v in_o the_o mutual_a duty_n of_o man_n to_o man_n then_o in_o the_o matter_n of_o god_n and_o religion_n wherein_o a_o man_n have_v no_o light_n at_o all_o in_o special_a save_o that_o which_o be_v by_o revelation_n of_o scripture_n the_o true_a intent_n and_o meaning_n whereof_o if_o a_o man_n be_v ignorant_a of_o it_o or_o shall_v mistake_v it_o the_o conscience_n run_v headlong_o without_o the_o least_o secret_a check_n after_o the_o error_n and_o darkness_n which_o man_n natural_o love_v more_o than_o truth_n and_o light_n for_o remove_v the_o three_o impediment_n the_o three_o impediment_n of_o self-examination_n to_o wit_n infidelity_n dissemble_v and_o cover_v with_o gross_a hypocrisy_n whereof_o the_o man_n himself_o be_v conscious_a and_o study_v to_o hide_v and_o delight_v himself_o in_o his_o cheat_v of_o other_o of_o all_o evil_n be_v most_o hard_o cure_v of_o this_o sort_n of_o hypocrite_n be_v they_o who_o think_v they_o can_v give_v a_o reason_n of_o all_o their_o way_n to_o any_o man_n and_o because_o they_o respect_v the_o law_n of_o the_o kingdom_n wherein_o they_o live_v more_o than_o the_o scripture_n therefore_o they_o cover_v over_o all_o their_o avarice_n and_o cruelty_n with_o practice_n of_o law_n that_o beholder_n think_v what_o they_o please_v can_v say_v nothing_o against_o their_o follow_v of_o the_o civil_a law_n for_o such_o man_n fear_v not_o god_n and_o be_v not_o afraid_a for_o his_o judgement_n and_o albeit_o they_o large_o commend_v the_o piety_n of_o holy_a man_n before_o some_o auditor_n to_o who_o they_o conceive_v their_o speech_n will_v be_v plausible_a yet_o under_o hand_n and_o among_o such_o as_o themselves_o be_v they_o do_v but_o laugh_v and_o scorn_v all_o such_o piety_n as_o put_v man_n in_o hazard_n of_o any_o worldly_a inconvenience_n for_o in_o those_o man_n eye_n the_o simplicity_n of_o the_o godly_a be_v foolishness_n and_o their_o faith_n in_o god_n in_o their_o estimation_n be_v madness_n especial_o if_o for_o defence_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o religion_n they_o suffer_v persecution_n these_o hypocrite_n the_o psalmist_n call_v unwise_a and_o foolish_a psal._n 14._o 1._o the_o fool_n have_v say_v in_o his_o heart_n there_o be_v no_o god_n and_o vers_n 6._o you_o have_v shame_v the_o counsel_n of_o the_o poor_a because_o the_o lord_n be_v his_o refuge_n such_o man_n as_o these_o albeit_o they_o feign_v themselves_o to_o be_v holy_a yet_o in_o heart_n they_o be_v hater_n of_o all_o true_a saint_n in_o who_o the_o spark_n of_o grace_n and_o solid_a religion_n do_v appear_v for_o so_o say_v the_o lord_n of_o they_o psal._n 14._o
his_o yoke_n upon_o they_o be_v trouble_v with_o doubt_n whether_o they_o be_v of_o the_o number_n of_o true_a believer_n whether_o they_o have_v right_o come_v unto_o christ_n whether_o they_o have_v be_v well_o accept_v of_o he_o and_o for_o their_o doubt_v they_o can_v give_v no_o other_o reason_n save_v this_o i_o can_v be_v quiet_a nor_o rest_n in_o assurance_n that_o i_o be_o in_o the_o state_n of_o grace_n if_o they_o be_v interrogat_n what_o they_o think_v of_o the_o evident_a sign_n of_o their_o regeneration_n which_o have_v be_v and_o be_v to_o be_v see_v in_o their_o conversation_n since_o they_o begin_v in_o earnest_a to_o seek_v the_o face_n of_o god_n in_o christ_n they_o will_v possible_o not_o altogether_o deny_v god_n work_n in_o they_o but_o yet_o dare_v not_o lean_a weight_n upon_o these_o sign_n because_o they_o do_v find_v these_o sign_n also_o bring_v in_o question_n whether_o they_o have_v be_v or_o be_v kind_o and_o sincere_a mean_v time_n they_o be_v about_o to_o do_v that_o which_o be_v acceptable_a to_o god_n in_o the_o course_n of_o their_o call_n albeit_o with_o more_o heaviness_n and_o less_o alacrity_n than_o become_v person_n reconcile_v to_o god_n in_o christ._n 2._o this_o disease_n will_v be_v find_v complicat_fw-la and_o make_v up_o of_o more_o mistake_n and_o error_n than_o one_o and_o therefore_o be_v to_o be_v the_o more_o narrow_o consider_v because_o it_o be_v no_o small_a hindrance_n of_o a_o comfortable_a christian_n conversation_n which_o god_n do_v allow_v on_o his_o child_n for_o in_o the_o party_n trouble_v with_o unquietness_n we_o presuppone_v iâ—_n there_o be_v a_o serious_a sense_n of_o sin_n and_o purpose_n to_o do_v better_o 2._o a_o unfeigned_a embrace_v of_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n and_o reconciliation_n in_o christ_n jâ—sus_fw-la and_o 3._o a_o honest_a though_o weak_a endeavour_v to_o bring_v forth_o the_o fruit_n of_o new_a obedience_n and_o yet_o notwithstanding_o the_o person_n be_v not_o quiet_a but_o walk_v heavy_o and_o be_v discourage_v by_o reason_n of_o his_o uncertainty_n whether_o he_o be_v in_o the_o state_n of_o grace_n or_o not_o yea_o he_o be_v cast_v down_o and_o disquiet_v because_o he_o be_v disquiet_v and_o can_v get_v a_o reasonable_a answer_n from_o his_o conscience_n when_o he_o ask_v of_o it_o why_o be_v thou_o cast_v down_o and_o disquiet_v within_o i_o 3._o the_o mistake_n and_o error_n whence_o this_o dissatisfaction_n and_o unquietness_n do_v flow_v be_v many_o but_o we_o shall_v condescend_v upon_o eight_o or_o nine_o only_o the_o first_o error_n and_o cause_n of_o unquietness_n be_v or_o may_v be_v this_o that_o the_o party_n afflict_v albeit_o he_o have_v the_o habit_n of_o save_a grace_n in_o he_o and_o do_v by_o god_n grace_n put_v forth_o these_o habit_n in_o actual_a exercise_n yet_o he_o do_v not_o reflect_v upon_o nor_o turn_v his_o eye_n to_o observe_v the_o operation_n of_o god_n holy_a spirit_n in_o himself_o nor_o the_o act_n of_o save_a grace_n which_o the_o holy_a spirit_n have_v make_v he_o put_v forth_o of_o which_o if_o he_o take_v not_o notice_n they_o be_v to_o he_o for_o the_o time_n as_o if_o they_o be_v not_o and_o so_o no_o wonder_n he_o be_v disquiet_a while_o he_o perceive_v not_o in_o himself_o that_o which_o may_v make_v he_o quiet_a for_o example_n when_o the_o sense_n of_o sin_n be_v raise_v up_o in_o a_o man_n spirit_n by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n if_o he_o do_v not_o observe_v that_o this_o be_v one_o of_o the_o operation_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n convince_a the_o world_n of_o sin_n or_o if_o he_o do_v not_o turn_v back_o his_o eye_n on_o this_o operation_n and_o upon_o his_o own_o act_n stir_v up_o thereby_o to_o subscribe_v the_o sentence_n of_o the_o law_n against_o himself_o no_o wonder_n that_o he_o doubt_v of_o his_o conversion_n till_o he_o see_v the_o footstep_n of_o god_n the_o converter_n of_o he_o from_o the_o love_n and_o approbation_n of_o sin_n unto_o the_o hatred_n of_o it_o and_o when_o he_o be_v â—lâ—d_v to_o christ_n the_o only_a redeemer_n from_o sin_n and_o misery_n and_o have_v lay_v hold_n on_o he_o according_a to_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n offer_v in_o he_o if_o he_o do_v not_o look_v back_o on_o this_o operation_n of_o god_n draw_v he_o to_o christ_n and_o upon_o his_o own_o act_n of_o come_v unto_o christ_n by_o the_o draught_n of_o god_n spirit_n what_o wonder_v he_o do_v not_o reckon_v himself_o among_o believer_n albeit_o he_o be_v in_o god_n account_n one_o of_o that_o number_n and_o when_o the_o holy_a spirit_n have_v kindle_v in_o he_o not_o only_o a_o purpose_n of_o new_a obedience_n but_o also_o a_o begin_v endeavour_n to_o live_v holy_o just_o and_o sober_o if_o he_o do_v not_o observe_v and_o acknowledge_v these_o operation_n of_o god_n spirit_n make_v he_o to_o bring_v forth_o these_o act_n what_o wonder_v that_o this_o mistake_n and_o inconsideration_n do_v open_a a_o door_n to_o disquietness_n and_o doubt_v whether_o he_o be_v in_o the_o state_n of_o grace_n or_o not_o 4._o for_o remove_v this_o cause_n of_o disquietness_n the_o afflict_a person_n must_v beware_v that_o he_o pass_v not_o sentence_n of_o god_n dispensation_n towards_o he_o according_a to_o the_o tentation_n and_o suggestion_n of_o satan_n nor_o yet_o according_a to_o the_o opinion_n which_o his_o pastor_n or_o friend_n may_v have_v of_o he_o judge_v somewhat_o uncharitable_o of_o he_o upon_o sinister_a suspicion_n neither_o let_v he_o stand_v to_o the_o suspicion_n of_o his_o own_o incredulous_a heart_n but_o let_v he_o consider_v what_o the_o word_n of_o the_o lord_n have_v say_v of_o the_o person_n in_o who_o these_o three_o graceâ—_n do_v concur_v to_o wit_n 1._o the_o sense_n of_o sin_n and_o inability_n to_o help_v ourselves_o 2._o fly_v unto_o christ_n for_o relief_n from_o sin_n and_o misery_n and_o 3._o some_o measure_n of_o upright_a purpose_n and_o endeavour_v to_o serve_v god_n in_o new_a obedience_n for_o of_o such_o say_v the_o apostle_n phil._n 3._o 3_o we_o be_v the_o circumcision_n or_o true_a israelit_n who_o have_v no_o confidence_n in_o the_o flesh_n but_o rejoice_v in_o jesus_n christ_n and_o worship_n god_n in_o the_o spirit_n let_v he_o therefore_o esteem_v the_o discovery_n of_o his_o sinful_a and_o wretched_a estate_n in_o himself_o to_o be_v the_o very_a fruit_n of_o the_o eyesalve_n and_o work_n of_o the_o spirit_n bestow_v on_o he_o by_o christ_n and_o let_v he_o esteem_v his_o hearty_a consent_n give_v to_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n and_o reconciliation_n to_o be_v the_o undoubted_a act_n of_o save_a faith_n for_o hearty_a consent_n to_o the_o offer_n of_o grace_n in_o jesus_n christ_n presuppone_n first_o that_o the_o person_n see_v no_o stand_v for_o he_o by_o the_o law_n or_o covenant_n of_o work_n but_o be_v beat_v from_o all_o confidence_n in_o himself_o and_o make_v to_o believe_v and_o subscribe_v the_o righteous_a sentence_n of_o the_o law_n against_o himself_o to_o the_o praise_n of_o god_n truth_n and_o justice_n second_o it_o import_v the_o man_n believe_v the_o testimony_n which_o god_n have_v give_v of_o christ_n jesus_n to_o wit_n that_o god_n have_v make_v a_o gift_n of_o life_n eternal_a to_o the_o soul_n that_o hunger_v and_o thirst_v for_o righteousness_n and_o that_o this_o life_n be_v in_o his_o son_n yea_o it_o import_v the_o man_n receive_v and_o embrace_v of_o christ_n offer_v in_o the_o gospel_n three_o it_o import_v that_o the_o consenter_n to_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n as_o he_o have_v renounce_v confidence_n in_o his_o own_o work_n so_o he_o have_v give_v up_o himself_o to_o god_n to_o live_v by_o the_o grace_n of_o jesus_n christ_n unto_o eternal_a life_n now_o if_o the_o afflict_a shall_v reflect_v upon_o these_o two_o operation_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n make_v he_o humble_a in_o the_o sense_n of_o sin_n hearty_o to_o receive_v christ_n jesus_n for_o his_o relief_n and_o withal_o do_v observe_v a_o unfeigned_a purpose_n and_o begin_v endeavour_n to_o live_v more_o holy_o and_o fruitful_o by_o the_o grace_n and_o furniture_n of_o christ_n howsoever_o he_o labour_v under_o many_o infirmity_n not_o only_o be_v he_o undoubted_o a_o new_a creature_n but_o also_o by_o observe_v the_o foresay_a evidence_n thereof_o may_v conclude_v that_o god_n have_v begin_v a_o good_a work_n of_o grace_n in_o he_o and_o so_o shall_v this_o first_o cause_n of_o disquietness_n be_v remove_v 5._o another_o cause_n of_o disquietness_n be_v or_o may_v be_v this_o if_o the_o afflict_a after_o examination_n of_o the_o work_n of_o grace_n in_o himself_o be_v convince_v of_o his_o bless_a estate_n and_o confirm_v by_o present_a sense_n of_o god_n love_v shed_v abroad_o in_o his_o heart_n do_v not_o hold_v fast_o his_o estimation_n of_o god_n work_n in_o himself_o long_a
dissimilitude_n of_o manner_n or_o discrepance_n of_o judgement_n or_o contention_n about_o any_o mater_fw-la than_o partiality_n hinder_v a_o right_a judgement_n one_o of_o another_o and_o affection_n mar_v reason_n many_o time_n that_o it_o can_v discern_v what_o be_v right_a therefore_o let_v the_o person_n afflict_v with_o this_o tentation_n turn_v himself_o to_o god_n who_o search_v the_o reins_n and_o let_v he_o humble_v himself_o in_o his_o sight_n renew_v the_o exercise_n of_o repentance_n and_o faith_n in_o christ_n and_o let_v he_o apply_v to_o himself_o what_o the_o scripture_n do_v pronounce_v of_o these_o who_o in_o the_o sense_n of_o their_o sin_n do_v fly_v to_o christ_n jesus_n that_o in_o he_o they_o may_v have_v remission_n of_o sin_n and_o amendment_n of_o their_o life_n for_o so_o do_v the_o prophet_n in_o the_o whole_a psal._n 17._o when_o he_o have_v to_o do_v with_o his_o uncharitable_a friend_n and_o kinsfolk_n and_o so_o let_v the_o afflict_a do_v chap._n xv._n wherein_o the_o convert_v doubt_v of_o his_o be_v in_o the_o state_n of_o grace_n so_o oft_o as_o he_o do_v not_o feel_v the_o sense_n of_o his_o reconciliation_n with_o god_n be_v examine_v and_o answer_v soâ—e_fw-la true_a convert_n be_v who_o indeed_o be_v endue_v with_o the_o save_a grace_n of_o faith_n hope_n and_o charity_n and_o give_v evident_a proof_n of_o the_o indwelling_a of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n in_o they_o and_o do_v rejoice_v now_o and_o then_o in_o god_n their_o saviour_n when_o his_o love_n to_o they_o be_v shed_v abroad_o in_o their_o heart_n but_o when_o a_o cloud_n come_v over_o their_o eye_n and_o they_o do_v not_o feel_v the_o warm_a beam_n of_o the_o sun_n of_o righteousness_n shine_v in_o their_o soul_n as_o they_o before_o have_v feel_v they_o be_v assault_v with_o doubt_v if_o any_o save_a grace_n be_v in_o they_o at_o all_o and_o do_v entertain_v these_o tentation_n ofttimes_o so_o far_o as_o to_o suspect_v and_o express_v in_o word_n that_o there_o be_v no_o solid_a faith_n in_o themselves_o no_o lively_a hope_n no_o christian_n charity_n no_o mortification_n of_o sin_n no_o purity_n of_o heart_n and_o such_o like_a if_o when_o they_o be_v thus_o tempt_v and_o toss_v they_o lie_v hold_v on_o christ_n as_o in_o their_o first_o conversion_n and_o find_v the_o sensible_a comfort_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n by_o the_o word_n of_o the_o gospel_n apply_v unto_o they_o than_o all_o be_v well_o their_o doubt_v be_v overcome_v for_o the_o time_n they_o rejoice_v and_o praise_n god_n but_o if_o the_o lord_n shall_v delay_v for_o his_o own_o wise_a end_n to_o renew_v their_o sensible_a consolation_n and_o to_o renew_v the_o earnest-penny_n of_o their_o inheritance_n forthwith_o they_o begin_v to_o doubt_v again_o and_o to_o hearken_v to_o satan_n suggestion_n and_o to_o suspect_v that_o their_o former_a feeling_n be_v but_o temporary_a and_o not_o the_o special_a operation_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n and_o at_o length_n break_v forth_o in_o many_o sad_a complaint_n and_o in_o a_o word_n they_o do_v not_o maintain_v the_o work_n of_o save_a grace_n in_o themselves_o long_a than_o the_o sun_n shine_v of_o spiritual_a feel_v consolation_n abide_v with_o they_o and_o albeit_o their_o exercise_n be_v no_o way_n so_o hard_a as_o be_v the_o prophet_n psal._n 77._o yet_o they_o fall_v out_o in_o the_o same_o complaint_n which_o the_o prophet_n express_v ver_fw-la 7_o 8_o 9_o will_v the_o lord_n cast_v off_o for_o ever_o and_o will_v he_o be_v favourable_a no_o more_o be_v his_o mercy_n clean_o go_v for_o ever_o do_v his_o promise_n fail_v for_o evermore_o have_v god_n forget_v to_o be_v gracious_a have_v he_o in_o anger_n shut_v up_o his_o tender_a mercy_n 2._o for_o clear_v of_o this_o case_n two_o disease_n may_v be_v perceive_v in_o the_o afflict_a which_o be_v here_o describe_v the_o one_o be_v this_o the_o afflict_a set_v himself_o to_o live_v rather_o by_o sense_n then_o by_o faith_n and_o do_v put_v his_o faith_n on_o work_n of_o set_a purpose_n that_o he_o may_v obtain_v or_o recover_v consolation_n short_o but_o if_o his_o desire_n be_v not_o short_o grant_v he_o make_v not_o use_v of_o the_o former_o feel_v consolation_n to_o strengthen_v his_o own_o â—aith_n when_o consolation_n be_v withdraw_v the_o other_o sickness_n be_v this_o the_o afflict_a do_v not_o take_v up_o the_o nature_n of_o save_a grace_n nor_o perceive_v the_o beauty_n thereof_o except_o in_o the_o sunshine_n of_o sensible_a divine_a approbation_n thereof_o he_o do_v not_o take_v up_o the_o right_a definition_n or_o description_n of_o save_a grace_n for_o sai_z be_v to_o he_o nothing_o if_o it_o be_v not_o a_o full_a persuasion_n except_o he_o can_v pour_v forth_o tear_n always_o he_o think_v he_o do_v not_o repent_v except_o he_o find_v a_o joyful_a expectation_n of_o christ_n come_v in_o glory_n he_o think_v his_o hope_n not_o lively_a and_o so_o of_o charity_n and_o patience_n temperance_n righteousness_n and_o holiness_n if_o he_o do_v not_o find_v they_o in_o some_o eminent_a measur_n as_o they_o may_v nearâ—by_o stand_v before_o the_o law_n the_o afflict_a of_o who_o we_o be_v now_o speak_v think_v he_o have_v nothing_o of_o save_v grace_n in_o he_o we_o grant_v that_o this_o sickness_n be_v very_o rare_a and_o few_o they_o be_v that_o be_v trouble_v with_o it_o yet_o where_o it_o appear_v it_o must_v be_v speedy_o cure_v but_o with_o great_a circumspection_n cure_v for_o the_o earnest_n desire_v he_o have_v of_o feel_v the_o sweet_a sense_n of_o the_o joy_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n must_v not_o be_v disallow_v but_o commend_v to_o he_o and_o he_o teach_v to_o cry_v as_o it_o be_v say_v cant._n 2._o 5._o stay_v i_o with_o flagon_n comfort_v i_o with_o apple_n for_o i_o be_o sick_a of_o love_n yet_o with_o holy_a submission_n unto_o god_n will_n for_o time_n manner_n and_o measure_n 2._o he_o be_v also_o to_o be_v commend_v that_o in_o his_o trouble_n he_o go_v to_o god_n in_o christ_n not_o altogether_o without_o faith_n which_o he_o put_v forth_o in_o active_a exercise_n thereof_o by_o confession_n of_o sin_n by_o supplication_n and_o otherways_o but_o here_o be_v he_o to_o be_v reprove_v that_o while_o he_o be_v actual_o exercise_v faith_n love_n hope_v etc._n etc._n he_o reckon_v all_o he_o do_v to_o be_v nothing_o no_o faith_n no_o hope_n etc._n etc._n because_o it_o be_v not_o in_o such_o a_o measure_n as_o he_o will_v 3._o he_o be_v to_o be_v commend_v that_o he_o do_v aim_n at_o the_o high_a degree_n of_o faith_n love_n hope_v patience_n mortification_n of_o sin_n and_o practice_n of_o holiness_n and_o all_o command_v virtue_n but_o here_o he_o fail_v that_o he_o count_v all_o as_o nought_o when_o consolation_n and_o sensible_a approbation_n of_o what_o he_o have_v be_v not_o feel_v for_o here_o he_o despise_v the_o day_n of_o small_a thing_n and_o unthankful_o misregardeth_a the_o low_a degree_n of_o these_o save_a grace_n which_o notwithstanding_o be_v buy_v to_o the_o redeem_v by_o the_o same_o price_n wherewith_o the_o high_a degree_n be_v buy_v to_o wit_n with_o the_o precious_a blood_n of_o jesus_n christ._n 3._o wherefore_o let_v the_o afflict_a consider_v first_o that_o the_o will_n of_o god_n reveal_v require_v of_o we_o that_o we_o walk_v by_o faith_n and_o under_o the_o sense_n of_o our_o sinfulness_n and_o affliction_n whatsoever_o hold_v fast_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n in_o christ_n jesus_n and_o by_o adhere_v unto_o he_o hold_v up_o our_o heart_n and_o entertain_v spiritual_a life_n in_o we_o second_o let_v he_o consider_v that_o this_o way_n of_o live_v by_o faith_n and_o dependence_n on_o the_o word_n of_o god_n grace_n do_v please_v the_o lord_n well_o for_o without_o faith_n it_o be_v impossible_a to_o please_v he_o and_o thus_o live_v by_o faith_n in_o he_o do_v give_v more_o glory_n of_o truth_n grace_n mercy_n and_o constancy_n unto_o god_n then_o when_o we_o suspend_v the_o glorify_v of_o he_o till_o we_o find_v the_o sense_n of_o consolation_n from_o he_o for_o if_o we_o believe_v in_o god_n only_o because_o we_o find_v the_o consolation_n of_o his_o spirit_n our_o faith_n in_o that_o case_n be_v weak_a and_o lean_v more_o upon_o the_o pledge_n and_o sensible_a evidence_n of_o his_o truth_n bestow_v upon_o we_o then_o upon_o his_o promise_n without_o a_o pledge_n for_o no_o man_n will_v refuse_v to_o give_v credit_n to_o a_o man_n upon_o a_o pawn_n but_o god_n be_v worthy_a to_o be_v credit_v upon_o his_o word_n without_o a_o pawn_n yea_o when_o his_o dispensation_n seem_v contrary_a to_o his_o promise_n three_o let_v he_o consider_v that_o the_o lord_n use_v to_o give_v sensible_a consolation_n not_o only_o to_o help_v our_o faith_n in_o the_o time_n of_o consolation_n but_o also_o to_o help_v our_o
let_v the_o convert_v thus_o mistake_v after_o his_o experience_n feel_v that_o he_o have_v be_v carnal_o confident_a not_o be_v discourage_v as_o if_o his_o confidence_n which_o he_o seem_v to_o have_v place_v on_o god_n be_v altogether_o vain_a and_o in_o no_o degree_n spiritual_a but_o let_v he_o first_o be_v humble_v before_o god_n and_o submit_v himself_o to_o the_o lord_n rod_n let_v he_o acknowledge_v the_o wisdom_n justice_n and_o mercy_n of_o god_n who_o have_v remove_v this_o prop_n of_o carnal_a confidence_n and_o reduce_v he_o from_o go_v astray_o to_o depend_v more_o on_o god_n than_o he_o have_v do_v 2._o let_v he_o strengthen_v his_o faith_n in_o christ_n according_a to_o the_o renor_n of_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n and_o that_o so_o much_o the_o more_o as_o he_o find_v his_o own_o unrighteousness_n in_o follow_v and_o rely_v on_o creature-comfort_n to_o have_v be_v great_a 3._o let_v he_o set_v his_o affection_n upon_o thing_n spiritual_a which_o be_v above_o the_o earth_n and_o to_o be_v find_v in_o jesus_n christ_n who_o be_v at_o the_o right_a hand_n of_o the_o father_n col._n 3._o 1._o 23._o and_o to_o loose_v his_o estimation_n and_o affection_n from_o these_o thing_n that_o be_v on_o earth_n 4._o because_o this_o sickness_n be_v not_o well_o observe_v except_o in_o the_o time_n of_o adversity_n let_v the_o afflict_a person_n approve_v himself_o in_o the_o point_n of_o sincerity_n of_o adherence_n unto_o god_n by_o his_o trust_n in_o god_n now_o when_o he_o want_v mean_n and_o creature-comfort_n as_o job_n do_v who_o in_o this_o condition_n bless_v god_n for_o the_o give_v of_o the_o benefit_n and_o bless_a god_n at_o the_o remove_n of_o they_o from_o he_o job._n 1._o 21._o for_o by_o so_o do_v he_o shall_v learn_v both_o to_o have_v and_o want_v and_o in_o every_o condition_n to_o be_v content_a as_o the_o apostle_n be_v teach_v phil_n 4._o 12._o and_o this_o be_v for_o the_o first_o sort_n of_o carnal_a confidence_n the_o other_o sort_n of_o carnal_a confidence_n be_v that_o which_o too_o much_o lean_v to_o some_o apparent_a measure_n of_o the_o operation_n and_o fruit_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n observe_v by_o the_o convert_n in_o himself_o and_o this_o sickness_n may_v be_v take_v up_o and_o perceive_v chief_o by_o comparison_n of_o the_o convert_v strong_a confidence_n of_o the_o love_n of_o god_n towards_o he_o so_o long_o as_o he_o can_v find_v evidencâ—_n sign_n of_o his_o regeneration_n and_o work_v of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n 〈◊〉_d himself_o with_o â—is_n weak_a confidence_n of_o the_o love_n of_o god_n towards_o he_o under_o the_o cloud_n of_o descrtion_n or_o under_o some_o powerful_a temptation_n when_o these_o evident_a sign_n of_o his_o conversion_n be_v darken_v or_o do_v not_o appear_v so_o clear_o unto_o himself_o as_o they_o do_v 〈◊〉_d in_o which_o case_n his_o confidence_n be_v great_o weaken_v and_o his_o faith_n not_o a_o little_a shake_v with_o doubt_v in_o both_o the_o one_o and_o the_o other_o condition_n the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n stand_v fix_v and_o the_o promise_n of_o the_o gospel_n remain_v the_o same_o and_o the_o convert_v still_o adher_v to_o the_o covenant_n and_o claim_v interest_n in_o christ_n more_o or_o less_o confident_a whence_o come_v then_o this_o difference_n between_o his_o former_a confidence_n which_o be_v strong_a and_o his_o weak_a confidence_n now_o in_o the_o change_n of_o his_o case_n be_v bring_v low_a certain_o it_o proceed_v from_o the_o smite_v of_o the_o pillar_n whereupon_o his_o former_a confidence_n be_v too_o much_o fix_v for_o whensoever_o the_o mist_n be_v clear_v up_o and_o he_o find_v the_o livelynesse_n of_o the_o work_n of_o grace_n in_o himself_o his_o confidence_n convalesce_v and_o return_n to_o it_o be_v former_a strength_n as_o it_o seem_v to_o he_o and_o when_o his_o grace_n be_v darken_v he_o fall_v in_o a_o languish_a weakness_n of_o faith_n this_o sickness_n be_v so_o frequent_o incident_a to_o the_o saint_n that_o few_o shall_v be_v find_v who_o be_v not_o again_o and_o again_o overtake_v in_o it_o for_o how_o few_o be_v they_o who_o be_v not_o much_o more_o confident_a when_o they_o find_v a_o heart_n free_o pour_v forth_o in_o prayer_n when_o they_o enjoy_v the_o peace_n of_o god_n in_o their_o heart_n when_o the_o love_n of_o god_n be_v shed_v abroad_o in_o their_o heart_n when_o they_o find_v the_o consolation_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n when_o they_o observe_v the_o â—ruits_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n in_o themselves_o when_o the_o candle_n of_o the_o lord_n shine_v in_o their_o soul_n and_o the_o token_n of_o god_n savour_n towards_o they_o be_v manifest_a and_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n when_o they_o find_v their_o spiritual_a condition_n change_v when_o darkness_n fall_v on_o their_o spirit_n when_o they_o find_v themselves_o unfit_a for_o worship_n and_o unable_a to_o do_v service_n but_o most_o of_o all_o when_o they_o perceive_v token_n of_o fatherly_a wrath_n against_o they_o superadd_v unto_o the_o foresay_a evil_n in_o this_o case_n who_o be_v he_o that_o beside_o the_o inevitable_a perturbation_n of_o mind_n incident_a to_o those_o who_o be_v strong_a in_o faith_n do_v not_o find_v a_o diminution_n of_o his_o former_a confidence_n and_o a_o conflict_n with_o temptation_n fear_n doubt_n and_o difficulty_n which_o diminution_n and_o abate_v of_o his_o confidence_n in_o his_o trial_n and_o inward_a exercise_n do_v evident_o prove_v that_o in_o his_o best_a condition_n he_o have_v lay_v too_o much_o weight_n upon_o on_o the_o mutable_a disposition_n of_o his_o soul_n and_o have_v not_o so_o stucken_v to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n grace_n through_o jesus_n as_o become_v he_o 2._o that_o this_o sickness_n may_v be_v the_o more_o easy_o clear_v and_o cure_v it_o be_v expedient_a to_o answer_v some_o question_n which_o be_v discuss_v may_v inform_v and_o edify_v the_o afflict_a question_v 1_o the_o first_o question_n which_o the_o afflict_a may_v propound_v be_v this_o see_v the_o sign_n of_o god_n favour_n manifest_v in_o the_o bestow_n and_o continue_v of_o common_a benefit_n and_o gift_n outward_a and_o inward_a do_v certain_o serve_v to_o confirm_v a_o man_n faith_n in_o god_n be_v it_o not_o very_o reasonable_a to_o say_v that_o the_o sign_n of_o god_n wrath_n manifest_v in_o the_o remove_n of_o those_o benefit_n do_v certain_o serve_v to_o debilitat_fw-la and_o weaken_v a_o man_n faith_n ans._n 1._o sign_n of_o god_n favour_n and_o sign_n of_o god_n wrath_n be_v not_o inconsistent_a because_o god_n can_v carry_v love_n and_o favour_n to_o a_o man_n and_o be_v angry_a at_o he_o also_o for_o the_o present_a ill_a disposition_n wherein_o he_o be_v for_o love_n and_o fatherly_a wrath_n be_v not_o opposite_a and_o inconsistent_a but_o love_n and_o hatred_n be_v inconsistent_a 2._o let_v it_o be_v grant_v that_o any_o sign_n whatsoever_o of_o god_n favour_n may_v be_v make_v use_n of_o by_o the_o convert_n for_o strengthen_v of_o his_o faith_n yet_o it_o must_v not_o be_v grant_v that_o the_o take_v away_o of_o those_o sign_n of_o favour_n shall_v be_v make_v use_n of_o for_o weaken_v of_o a_o man_n faith_n for_o many_o thing_n may_v encourage_v a_o man_n to_o do_v his_o duty_n which_o be_v remove_v must_v not_o discourage_v he_o or_o just_o hinder_v he_o to_o do_v his_o duty_n 3._o there_o be_v a_o great_a difference_n between_o the_o man_n who_o never_o find_v any_o other_o sign_n of_o god_n favour_n beside_o prosperity_n in_o common_a benefit_n and_o the_o man_n who_o beside_o common_a benefit_n have_v feel_v a_o work_n of_o grace_n upon_o his_o spirit_n bring_v he_o unto_o the_o sense_n of_o sin_n and_o chase_v he_o to_o christ_n and_o make_v he_o to_o take_v on_o his_o yoke_n the_o first_o sort_n of_o man_n can_v neither_o from_o the_o have_v nor_o want_v or_o removal_n of_o common_a benefit_n conclude_v eh_n be_v love_v or_o hate_v for_o so_o be_v we_o teach_v eccles._n 9_o 1_o 2_o no_o man_n know_v either_o love_n or_o hatred_n by_o all_o that_o be_v before_o he_o all_o thing_n come_v alike_o to_o all_o etc._n etc._n but_o a_o man_n of_o this_o sort_n have_v reason_n to_o judge_v that_o the_o send_n on_o he_o adversity_n and_o waken_n of_o he_o out_o of_o a_o flâ—shly_a and_o deadly_a security_n do_v speak_v more_o of_o god_n favour_n to_o he_o than_o his_o prosperity_n do_v and_o this_o other_o sort_n of_o man_n who_o have_v feel_v a_o work_n of_o special_a grace_n on_o their_o heart_n may_v make_v use_n both_o of_o their_o prosperity_n and_o adversity_n for_o confirmation_n of_o their_o faith_n 4._o put_v case_n that_o a_o convert_n chase_v unto_o christ_n in_o the_o sense_n of_o his_o sin_n and_o resolve_v to_o bear_v christ_n yoke_n upon_o he_o shall_v find_v common_a benefit_n take_v back_o
doctrine_n and_o discipline_n of_o christ._n of_o which_o question_n there_o be_v enough_o write_v by_o learned_a and_o godly_a man_n and_o and_o in_o this_o place_n it_o do_v not_o fall_v in_o convenient_o to_o be_v dispute_v 2._o concern_v the_o other_o pretence_n of_o be_v ofttimes_o deceive_v by_o sundry_a such_o as_o be_v unworthy_a of_o respect_n we_o grant_v that_o there_o be_v many_o hypocrite_n who_o pretend_v to_o be_v saint_n and_o worthy_a to_o be_v blame_v in_o that_o respect_n and_o it_o be_v no_o wonder_n that_o the_o charity_n of_o many_o wax_n cold_a when_o so_o many_o speak_v vanity_n every_o man_n to_o his_o neighbour_n ps._n 12._o 2._o for_o this_o our_o lord_n foretell_v mat._n 24._o 12._o because_o iniquity_n shall_v abound_v the_o love_n of_o many_o shall_v wax_v cold_a yet_o it_o be_v not_o justifiable_a to_o cut_v charity_n short_a because_o of_o man_n illdeserving_a river_n of_o tear_n say_v david_n run_v down_o my_o eye_n because_o they_o keep_v not_o thy_o command_n here_o be_v love_n to_o god_n glory_n and_o pity_n towards_o perish_a â—ouls_n such_o mourner_n be_v spare_v in_o the_o day_n of_o god_n wrath_n ezek._n 9_o 9_o 1._o ob._n but_o some_o may_v say_v the_o same_o psalmist_n do_v hate_v the_o wicked_a and_o profane_a ans._n 1._o but_o he_o do_v so_o with_o a_o perfect_a hatred_n not_o with_o a_o carnal_a and_o corrupt_a hatred_n against_o their_o person_n but_o with_o a_o spiritual_a and_o sincere_a hatred_n tend_v to_o the_o abolish_n of_o their_o vice_n and_o safety_n of_o their_o person_n for_o which_o end_n the_o psalmist_n present_v his_o affection_n to_o be_v examine_v of_o god_n and_o teach_v man_n by_o his_o example_n to_o purify_v their_o heart_n in_o hate_v sinner_n 2._o 〈◊〉_d caâ—e_o that_o god_n do_v reveal_v unto_o the_o prophet_n the_o reprobation_n of_o some_o enemy_n of_o god_n for_o who_o perdition_n he_o pray_v in_o sundry_a psalm_n that_o the_o justice_n of_o god_n may_v be_v minister_v and_o the_o church_n preserve_v from_o their_o malice_n this_o his_o practice_n be_v not_o to_o be_v imiâ—aâ—_n by_o they_o who_o know_v not_o of_o what_o spirit_n â—hey_n be_v and_o can_v justify_v before_o god_n the_o integrity_n of_o 〈◊〉_d â—_z in_o the_o particular_a 2._o ob._n but_o put_v case_n say_v one_o that_o i_o be_o a_o civil_a judge_n shall_v my_o charity_n hinder_v justice_n and_o cut_v off_o malefactor_n man-slayer_n or_o other_o suchlike_a ans._n not_o for_o charity_n to_o the_o malefactor_n may_v stand_v with_o the_o love_n of_o justice_n and_o the_o commonwealth_n when_o the_o malefactor_n be_v adjudge_v to_o death_n for_o when_o joshua_n be_v to_o destroy_v achan_n he_o exhort_v he_o to_o repent_v and_o give_v glory_n to_o god_n that_o his_o soul_n may_v be_v save_v jos._n 7._o 19_o likeways_o the_o prophet_n when_o they_o denounce_v the_o destruction_n of_o city_n and_o nation_n have_v melt_a heart_n in_o compassion_n towards_o they_o who_o be_v condemn_v by_o god_n is._n 16._o 11._o jer_z 48._o 36._o and_o christ_n our_o lord_n charity_n itself_o weep_v for_o the_o misery_n of_o jerusalem_n destinat_fw-la just_o to_o destruction_n mat._n 23._o 37._o 3._o obj._n but_o say_v he_o a_o special_a regard_n must_v be_v have_v towards_o believer_n in_o the_o exercise_n of_o charity_n gal._n 6._o 10._o ans._n it_o be_v true_a but_o the_o apostle_n word_n be_v as_o we_o have_v opportunity_n let_v we_o do_v good_a unto_o all_o man_n especial_o unto_o they_o that_o be_v of_o the_o household_n of_o faith_n which_o household_n consist_v of_o all_o they_o who_o by_o profession_n have_v subject_v themselves_o to_o the_o doctrine_n and_o discipline_n of_o christ_n and_o be_v member_n of_o the_o visible_a church_n 4._o ob._n but_o say_v he_o as_o all_o that_o be_v of_o israel_n be_v not_o the_o israel_n of_o god_n rom._n 9_o 6._o so_o all_o that_o be_v in_o the_o visible_a church_n be_v not_o of_o the_o household_n of_o god_n ans._n who_o have_v make_v thou_o a_o judge_n either_o to_o discern_v who_o be_v elect_v who_o not_o or_o to_o discern_v what_o shall_v become_v of_o this_o man_n or_o that_o man_n whereby_o thou_o may_v abandon_v charity_n towards_o he_o god_n have_v give_v to_o we_o his_o spirit_n say_v the_o apostle_n that_o we_o may_v know_v what_o save_v grace_n he_o have_v give_v to_o ourselves_o but_o not_o to_o know_v what_o he_o have_v bestow_v on_o other_o 1_o cor._n 2._o 10_o 11._o god_n who_o only_o search_v the_o secret_n of_o all_o heart_n have_v reserve_v the_o judgement_n of_o man_n heart_n to_o himself_o and_o he_o alone_o can_v discern_v who_o be_v the_o hypocrite_n and_o in_o who_o heart_n there_o be_v no_o guile_n 5._o ob._n but_o say_v he_o the_o judgement_n of_o charity_n iâ—_n not_o blind_a but_o shall_v be_v according_a as_o the_o truth_n be_v otherways_o i_o shall_v esteem_v a_o man_n a_o true_a convert_n who_o be_v not_o regenerate_v and_o so_o deceive_v myself_o ans._n the_o judgement_n of_o charity_n concern_v other_o man_n inward_a estate_n and_o condition_n be_v not_o one_o always_o with_o the_o judgement_n according_a to_o verity_n for_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o judgement_n of_o charity_n be_v equity_n and_o command_v duty_n reserve_v the_o judgement_n according_a to_o verity_n to_o god_n for_o this_o distinction_n the_o apostle_n give_v ground_n phil._n 1._o 6_o 7._o in_o charity_n judge_v all_o the_o philippian_n to_o be_v sincere_a convert_n he_o say_v his_o speech_n and_o estimation_n of_o they_o be_v according_a as_o be_v meet_v for_o he_o to_o think_v now_o equity_n require_v that_o he_o shall_v judge_v the_o best_a of_o they_o all_o albeit_o he_o do_v not_o know_v the_o heart_n of_o they_o all_o as_o he_o say_v 1._o cor._n 13._o 7._o charity_n believe_v all_o thing_n hope_v all_o thing_n endure_v all_o thing_n but_o for_o the_o judgement_n of_o other_o man_n estate_n and_o condition_n in_o grace_n according_a to_o verity_n he_o do_v forbid_v man_n to_o judge_v before_o the_o time_n 1_o cor._n 4._o 3._o 5._o rom._n 14._o 4._o jam._n 4._o 12._o and_o 1_o pet._n 5._o 12._o the_o apostle_n speak_v in_o charity_n of_o sylvanus_n say_v he_o be_v a_o faithful_a brother_n as_o i_o suppose_v 2._o if_o we_o see_v it_o our_o duty_n to_o show_v charity_n to_o our_o neighbour_n whatsoever_o he_o be_v our_o charity_n be_v not_o blind_a but_o clear-sighted_a 6._o ob._n but_o say_v he_o mens_fw-la profanity_n wickedness_n and_o atheism_n may_v clear_o be_v see_v for_o the_o psalmist_n say_v the_o transgression_n of_o the_o wicked_a say_v within_o my_o heart_n that_o there_o be_v no_o fear_n of_o god_n before_o his_o eye_n ps._n 36._o 1._o and_o christ_n speak_v of_o false_a prophet_n mat._n 7._o 16._o say_v you_o shall_v know_v they_o by_o their_o fruit_n ans._n what_o the_o prophet_n say_v by_o the_o spirit_n and_o what_o christ_n say_v be_v true_a and_o we_o grant_v that_o man_n ill_a deed_n and_o corrupt_a doctrine_n do_v be_v wray_v their_o naughty_a inward_a disposition_n but_o what_o serve_v this_o to_o justify_v thy_o rash_a judgement_n of_o thy_o brother_n that_o there_o be_v no_o save_v work_n of_o grace_n in_o he_o because_o they_o can_v perceive_v the_o evident_a sign_n thereof_o in_o he_o in_o who_o possible_o thou_o can_v find_v any_o reign_a vice_n or_o open_a out-breaking_a scandal_n what_o do_v this_o serve_v to_o hinder_v expression_n and_o fruit_n of_o charity_n towards_o open_a sinner_n so_o long_o as_o god_n wait_v patient_o on_o their_o repentance_n it_o be_v one_o thing_n to_o be_v wary_a lest_o we_o be_v infect_v with_o the_o contagion_n of_o man_n ill_a manner_n or_o corrupt_a doctrine_n another_o thing_n to_o cut_v they_o off_o from_o be_v the_o object_n of_o our_o charity_n 7._o ob._n but_o we_o be_v forbid_v say_v he_o to_o have_v fellowship_n with_o sinner_n who_o may_v entice_v we_o to_o sin_n pro._n 1._o 11._o and_o to_o make_v friendship_n with_o a_o angry_a man_n pro._n 22._o 24._o ans._n this_o wariness_n may_v consist_v with_o charity_n for_o albeit_o we_o can_v be_v partaker_n with_o evil_a worker_n or_o enter_v in_o needless_a familiarity_n with_o those_o with_o who_o we_o can_v converse_v and_o be_v free_a of_o damnage_n from_o they_o yet_o we_o may_v not_o exclude_v they_o from_o the_o object_n of_o our_o charity_n or_o carry_v ourselves_o so_o towards_o they_o as_o they_o can_v take_v no_o good_a from_o our_o hand_n for_o so_o long_o as_o we_o live_v in_o the_o world_n we_o must_v follow_v peace_n with_o all_o man_n and_o holiness_n heb._n 12_o 14._o 1_o cor._n 5._o 10_o 8._o obj._n albeit_o it_o be_v true_a that_o we_o must_v in_o common_a duty_n of_o civility_n and_o humanity_n prudent_o behave_v ourselves_o yet_o we_o must_v carry_v otherways_o to_o profess_a christian_n if_o their_o conversation_n
and_o for_o ever_o but_o for_o a_o short_a time_n and_o that_o he_o keep_v love_n to_o they_o constant_o albeit_o he_o do_v hide_v the_o token_n of_o his_o love_n sometime_o and_o dispose_v of_o the_o act_n of_o his_o love_n as_o he_o see_v sit_v for_o the_o advantage_n of_o the_o work_n of_o grace_n in_o they_o let_v he_o put_v difference_n between_o desertion_n and_o the_o gift_n of_o discern_v of_o the_o desertion_n for_o albeit_o desertion_n be_v of_o itself_o a_o sad_a visitation_n yet_o the_o sight_n and_o observation_n of_o it_o testify_v god_n presence_n with_o his_o child_n giving_z eyesalve_n and_o light_n and_o thereby_o do_v not_o only_o teach_v that_o wound_n to_o be_v curable_a but_o also_o that_o the_o physician_n be_v begin_v the_o cure_n of_o it_o by_o pance_v and_o lance_v the_o wound_n 3._o let_v he_o not_o count_v it_o a_o desertion_n when_o god_n in_o any_o service_n whereunto_o he_o put_v his_o child_n empty_v he_o of_o all_o conceit_n of_o his_o own_o ability_n that_o he_o may_v open_v his_o mouth_n wyd_v and_o be_v fill_v for_o this_o empty_n of_o the_o convert_n be_v the_o very_o fit_v of_o he_o for_o fresh_a supply_n from_o christ_n to_o go_v about_o the_o service_n in_o christ_n strength_n and_o furniture_n which_o the_o apostle_n feel_v by_o experience_n 2_o cor._n 12._o 10._o when_o i_o be_o weak_a say_v he_o than_o i_o be_o strong_a poverty_n of_o spirit_n and_o hunger_n and_o thirst_n for_o righteousness_n be_v not_o to_o be_v count_v desertion_n 4._o let_v he_o observe_v the_o degree_n of_o god_n presence_n no_o less_o than_o the_o degree_n of_o his_o absence_n as_o the_o psalmist_n do_v when_o he_o recollect_v himself_o ps._n 73._o 23._o after_o the_o tentation_n which_o trouble_v he_o be_v overcome_v nevertheless_o i_o be_o continual_o with_o thou_o thou_o hold_v i_o by_o thy_o right_a hand_n and_o ver_fw-la 26._o my_o flesh_n and_o my_o heart_n fail_v but_o god_n be_v the_o strength_n of_o my_o heart_n and_o my_o portion_n for_o ever_o 5._o let_v he_o put_v a_o right_a construction_n upon_o god_n dispensation_n believe_v always_o that_o god_n do_v what_o he_o do_v for_o good_a to_o his_o afflict_a subject_n whether_o he_o draw_v forth_o by_o his_o desertion_n the_o latent-corruption_n of_o the_o heart_n as_o he_o do_v to_o ezekiah_n 2_o chron._n 32._o 31._o or_o whether_o to_o prevent_v out-breaking_a of_o corruption_n as_o he_o do_v to_o the_o apostle_n 2_o cor._n 12._o 7._o 8_o 9_o or_o whether_o to_o exercise_v his_o faith_n love_n and_o patience_n and_o to_o sharpen_v his_o prayer_n as_o he_o do_v to_o the_o psalmist_n frequent_o and_o therefore_o let_v he_o in_o the_o observation_n of_o whatsoever_o degree_n of_o desertion_n humble_v himself_o before_o god_n fly_v in_o more_o close_o unto_o christ_n and_o patient_o wait_v upon_o the_o change_n of_o his_o conditon_n in_o the_o use_n of_o the_o mean_n and_o follow_v the_o duty_n of_o his_o call_n as_o the_o lord_n shall_v enable_v he_o for_o this_o be_v the_o counsel_n of_o the_o lord_n isa._n 50._o 10._o who_o be_v he_o among_o you_o that_o fear_v the_o lord_n that_o obey_v the_o voice_n of_o his_o servont_n that_o walk_v in_o darkness_n and_o have_v no_o light_n let_v he_o trust_v in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o stay_v upon_o his_o god_n and_o this_o much_o suffice_v for_o instance_n of_o the_o three_o sort_n of_o the_o convert_v mistake_v his_o condition_n chap._n xxviii_o concern_v case_n wherein_o the_o convert_n be_v in_o doubt_n what_o to_o determine_v about_o his_o condition_n it_o rest_v that_o we_o speak_v of_o the_o four_o sort_n of_o case_n of_o the_o conscience_n of_o the_o convert_n wherein_o he_o be_v at_o a_o stand_n and_o in_o doubt_n what_o to_o determine_v of_o his_o present_a condition_n 2._o in_o these_o doubtful_a case_n the_o convert_n be_v not_o proper_o deceive_v as_o in_o the_o former_a rank_n of_o case_n it_o be_v presuppose_v of_o he_o because_o in_o this_o sort_n of_o case_n the_o convert_n do_v not_o positive_o determine_v the_o question_n wherein_o he_o be_v fall_v but_o stand_v in_o doubt_n what_o to_o resolve_v upon_o 3._o case_n of_o this_o sort_n pertain_v to_o the_o mind_n and_o judgement_n of_o the_o convert_n and_o if_o his_o judgement_n be_v clear_v by_o lose_v of_o the_o question_n incontinent_a he_o be_v satisfy_v and_o quiet_a 4._o it_o be_v necessary_a for_o the_o convert_v clear_v that_o he_o form_n the_o question_n right_o and_o to_o this_o end_n 1._o let_v he_o consider_v his_o case_n and_o condition_n in_o himself_o so_o accurat_o as_o he_o can_v 2._o let_v he_o ingenuous_o lay_v forth_o the_o question_n or_o doubt_v he_o have_v before_o his_o pastor_n or_o christian_a friend_n acquaint_v with_o case_n of_o conscience_n and_o ask_v their_o judgement_n what_o to_o think_v of_o or_o what_o to_o do_v in_o such_o a_o case_n the_o reason_n why_o he_o must_v examine_v narrow_o his_o own_o condition_n before_o he_o speak_v of_o it_o to_o another_o be_v partly_o because_o otherways_o his_o doubt_n or_o question_n may_v prove_v frivolous_a and_o unworthy_a of_o a_o answer_n partly_o because_o the_o convert_n after_o examination_n of_o his_o case_n and_o prayer_n unto_o god_n may_v find_v satisfaction_n to_o his_o doubt_n and_o partly_o because_o if_o his_o doubt_n remain_v the_o question_n may_v be_v the_o more_o clear_o propound_v and_o so_o receive_v the_o more_o clear_a and_o speedy_a answer_n for_o his_o satisfaction_n 5._o of_o this_o sort_n of_o question_n we_o shall_v propound_v some_o example_n and_o give_v some_o resolution_n unto_o they_o whereof_o use_n may_v be_v make_v when_o such_o like_a question_n shall_v occur_v the_o first_o question_n shall_v be_v concern_v confusion_n of_o mind_n it_o come_v to_o pass_v sometime_o when_o a_o convert_n be_v upon_o examination_n of_o his_o own_o estate_n or_o condition_n that_o such_o a_o mist_n and_o darkness_n fall_v on_o his_o mind_n and_o such_o a_o crowd_n and_o throng_n of_o thought_n within_o he_o that_o he_o can_v discern_v nothing_o but_o mist_n multitude_n of_o thought_n and_o darkness_n and_o confusion_n the_o question_n be_v what_o shall_v he_o think_v or_o do_v for_o remove_v of_o this_o confusion_n of_o thought_n and_o darkness_n of_o mind_n ans._n this_o case_n befall_v convert_n frequent_o and_o therefore_o have_v need_n to_o be_v the_o more_o careful_o cure_v which_o cure_n that_o it_o may_v the_o better_o go_v on_o let_v the_o afflict_a renew_v the_o examination_n of_o his_o former_a behaviour_n and_o see_v if_o he_o can_v find_v out_o the_o meritorious_a cause_n thereof_o in_o himself_o for_o this_o case_n ofttimes_o be_v the_o castigation_n of_o the_o afflict_a for_o his_o former_a negligence_n and_o omission_n of_o duty_n or_o slight_a discharge_n of_o religious_a worship_n yea_o it_o may_v be_v find_v possible_o that_o the_o afflict_a have_v be_v so_o careless_a in_o keep_v his_o heart_n in_o the_o fear_n of_o god_n that_o he_o have_v involve_v himself_o too_o far_o in_o earthly_a and_o thorny_a affair_n or_o have_v exceed_v in_o the_o use_n of_o thing_n lawful_a or_o by_o some_o corrupt_a communication_n have_v grieve_v the_o lord_n spirit_n and_o so_o have_v draw_v on_o some_o desertion_n and_o withdraw_a of_o illumination_n from_o he_o 2._o this_o case_n may_v also_o fall_v out_o from_o some_o present_a perturbation_n of_o mind_n and_o passion_n whereby_o his_o reason_n be_v so_o take_v up_o for_o the_o time_n that_o it_o can_v discharge_v its_o duty_n as_o come_v to_o pass_v usual_o in_o anger_n or_o fear_n or_o grief_n or_o some_o such_o like_a passion_n as_o may_v be_v see_v when_o a_o man_n be_v injure_v by_o his_o neighbour_n or_o do_v meet_v with_o some_o damnage_n or_o be_v put_v in_o fear_n of_o some_o imminent_a evil_a come_n on_o he_o or_o find_v sharp_a pain_n of_o body_n or_o some_o such_o like_a cause_n perplex_v he_o the_o question_n be_v what_o shall_v he_o think_v of_o this_o condition_n ans._n if_o the_o afflict_a shall_v examine_v how_o he_o be_v fall_v in_o this_o case_n and_o shall_v in_o consideration_n of_o his_o weakness_n be_v humble_v before_o god_n by_o prayer_n he_o shall_v not_o want_v clearness_n of_o mind_n and_o direction_n from_o god_n what_o to_o do_v and_o how_o to_o behave_v himself_o in_o order_v of_o his_o conversation_n aright_o ps._n 50._o 23._o for_o the_o lord_n give_v wisdom_n liberal_o to_o all_o that_o ask_v it_o of_o he_o in_o faith_n jam._n 1._o 5._o and_o this_o his_o present_a condition_n give_v he_o a_o errand_n to_o god_n the_o second_o question_n be_v concern_v the_o convert_n who_o most_o part_n walk_v heavy_o there_o be_v some_o true_a convert_n who_o after_o examination_n of_o themselves_o can_v deny_v but_o their_o heart_n be_v towards_o the_o way_n of_o god_n