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
they_o read_v very_a fable_n and_o feign_a romance_n which_o they_o know_v to_o be_v such_o and_o yet_o they_o can_v command_v their_o affection_n in_o read_v of_o they_o may_v not_o then_o a_o unrenewed_a man_n give_v as_o much_o credit_n to_o holy_a scripture_n and_o be_v affect_v with_o the_o holy_a history_n thereof_o without_o any_o change_n make_v of_o his_o perverse_a nature_n the_o wisdom_n whereof_o be_v enmity_n against_o god_n and_o can_v subject_v itself_o either_o to_o his_o law_n or_o gospel_n second_o if_o we_o consider_v what_o the_o power_n of_o a_o natural_a conscience_n can_v work_v upon_o the_o affection_n by_o just_a accusation_n or_o excusation_n for_o raise_v grief_n and_o joy_n therein_o whereof_o not_o only_a scripture_n but_o also_o heathen_a writer_n do_v bear_v witness_n we_o need_v not_o doubt_n but_o the_o natural_a conscience_n may_v have_v the_o same_o power_n in_o a_o temporary_a believer_n three_o if_o we_o consider_v what_o the_o precept_n of_o moral_a philosophy_n have_v wrought_v upon_o the_o scholar_n of_o socrates_n and_o aristotle_n and_o other_o heathen_a master_n for_o the_o outward_a frame_n of_o they_o unto_o seem_a virtue_n we_o need_v not_o doubt_v what_o the_o precept_n of_o the_o moral_a law_n may_v work_v upon_o a_o temporary_a believer_n for_o put_v a_o lustre_n on_o his_o life_n as_o be_v to_o be_v find_v in_o sundry_a pharisee_n without_o conversion_n and_o renovation_n of_o the_o inner_a man_n towards_o god_n four_o if_o we_o consider_v what_o delight_n be_v find_v by_o scholar_n in_o the_o contemplation_n of_o these_o thing_n which_o philosophy_n do_v treat_v of_o we_o may_v easy_o persuade_v ourselves_o that_o more_o delight_n may_v be_v have_v in_o contemplation_n of_o what_o holy_a scripture_n do_v hold_v forth_o without_o make_v the_o man_n a_o new_a creature_n but_o when_o unto_o the_o natural_a man_n foresay_a seem_a perfection_n knowledge_n of_o the_o mystery_n of_o religion_n and_o the_o gift_n of_o preach_v and_o prophesy_v be_v superad_v which_o be_v but_o movable_a gift_n common_a to_o renew_v and_o unrenewed_a man_n and_o far_o from_o be_v save_v grace_n what_o wonder_v the_o natural_a man_n and_o temporary_a believer_n be_v puff_v up_o with_o a_o high_a estimation_n of_o his_o own_o worth_n and_o hope_n of_o be_v receive_v by_o christ_n the_o judge_n and_o yet_o be_v find_v at_o last_o to_o have_v deceive_v himself_o and_o unwarrantable_o absolve_v himself_o by_o his_o own_o delude_a conscience_n as_o christ_n give_v warning_n math._n 7._o 21._o quest._n but_o what_o can_v a_o temporary_a believer_n want_v come_v up_o all_o the_o length_n that_o be_v now_o speak_v of_o and_o suppose_v to_o be_v endue_v with_o so_o many_o seem_a good_a thing_n whereunto_o many_o save_v saint_n do_v not_o attain_v ans._n every_o save_a saint_n be_v beat_v out_o of_o self-estimation_n for_o any_o thing_n in_o himself_o beat_v out_o of_o confidence_n in_o any_o thing_n he_o do_v or_o can_v do_v and_o be_v humble_v in_o his_o heart_n by_o the_o law_n the_o spiritual_a perfection_n whereof_o be_v understand_v kill_v his_o natural_a pride_n rom._n 7._o 9_o 2._o every_o save_a saint_n be_v chase_v for_o refuge_n to_o fly_v to_o christ_n to_o his_o righteousness_n and_o the_o riches_n of_o grace_n hold_v forth_o in_o he_o and_o every_o save_v saint_n be_v a_o new_a creature_n aim_v more_o and_o more_o to_o follow_v the_o course_n of_o new_a obedience_n and_o draw_v virtue_n from_o christ_n by_o faith_n to_o please_v god_n and_o worship_n he_o in_o spirit_n phil._n 3._o 3_o so_o that_o his_o purpose_n and_o endeavour_v in_o some_o measure_n be_v like_a unto_o that_o of_o david_n psal._n 71._o 10_o 15_o 16._o saying_n i_o will_v hope_v continual_o and_o i_o will_v praise_v thou_o more_o and_o more_o my_o mouth_n shall_v show_v forth_o thy_o righteousness_n and_o thy_o salvation_n all_o the_o day_n for_o i_o know_v not_o the_o number_n thereof_o i_o will_v walk_v in_o the_o strength_n of_o the_o lord_n god_n i_o will_v make_v mention_n of_o thy_o righteousness_n even_o of_o thy_o only_a but_o the_o temporary_a believer_n reckon_v not_o for_o his_o debt_n and_o deserve_n with_o the_o law_n he_o be_v not_o humble_v in_o the_o sense_n of_o his_o sin_n and_o sinfulness_n and_o inability_n to_o satisfy_v the_o law_n by_o himself_o he_o have_v not_o the_o root_n of_o repentance_n in_o he_o for_o immediate_o upon_o the_o hear_n of_o the_o gospel_n he_o receive_v the_o word_n with_o joy_n without_o godly_a sorrow_n for_o his_o sin_n luk._n 8._o 13._o the_o temporary_a believer_n be_v ignorant_a of_o the_o righteousness_n of_o god_n by_o faith_n in_o jesus_n christ_n and_o go_v about_o to_o establish_v his_o own_o righteousness_n upon_o the_o bottom_n of_o his_o own_o blameless_a conversation_n privilege_n of_o the_o visible_a church_n common_a gift_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o success_n with_o prosperity_n all_o which_o because_o he_o be_v not_o justify_v by_o faith_n in_o christ_n do_v not_o advance_v he_o above_o the_o state_n of_o the_o worker_n of_o iniquity_n math._n 7._o 21_o 22_o 23._o the_o symptom_n and_o ordinary_a sign_n of_o this_o malady_n of_o unwarrantable_a self-absolution_n be_v these_o 1._o all_o of_o this_o sort_n be_v well_o please_v with_o their_o own_o way_n they_o be_v not_o daily_o humble_v in_o the_o sense_n of_o short-coming_a in_o duty_n and_o chase_v to_o christ_n righteousness_n which_o may_v hide_v their_o nakedness_n 2._o they_o be_v all_o secure_a and_o fear_v no_o wrath_n but_o put_v the_o evil_a day_n far_o from_o they_o 3._o they_o can_v be_v induce_v to_o any_o accurate_a examination_n of_o their_o own_o life_n way_n condition_n or_o estate_n if_o any_o man_n insinuate_v any_o suspicion_n of_o hypocrisy_n in_o they_o or_o if_o their_o own_o conscience_n begin_v to_o question_v their_o sincerity_n they_o can_v endure_v it_o 4._o albeit_o they_o say_v unto_o christ_n lord_n lord_n yet_o they_o make_v little_a use_n of_o his_o office_n of_o mediation_n of_o his_o power_n and_o virtue_n for_o illumination_n humiliation_n heal_v and_o help_v on_o to_o salvation_n 5._o they_o look_v more_o to_o the_o seem_a good_a thing_n in_o themselves_o for_o strengthen_v their_o carnal_a confidence_n than_o they_o take_v notice_n of_o the_o evil_a of_o a_o body_n of_o death_n in_o themselves_o to_o drive_v they_o to_o christ_n the_o only_a deliverer_n from_o it_o 6._o yea_o they_o all_o serve_v some_o idol_n lurk_v in_o their_o heart_n they_o yield_v obedience_n to_o some_o reign_a lust_n which_o they_o will_v not_o forsake_v for_o which_o cause_n christ_n foretell_v that_o he_o will_v declare_v they_o to_o be_v but_o worker_n of_o iniquity_n math._n 7._o 23._o the_o cause_n of_o this_o evil_a be_v 1._o the_o ignorance_n of_o the_o law_n and_o the_o utter_a inability_n yea_o averseness_n of_o nature_n to_o be_v subject_a to_o it_o the_o knowledge_n whereof_o may_v make_v man_n live_v all_o their_o day_n in_o a_o loathe_n of_o themselves_o and_o cut_v off_o all_o hope_n of_o obtain_v righteousness_n by_o the_o law_n 2._o the_o ignorance_n of_o that_o dear-bought_a righteousness_n of_o christ_n and_o of_o the_o riches_n of_o his_o grace_n offer_v to_o impute_v his_o satisfaction_n to_o every_o self-condemned_n sinner_n who_o shall_v fly_v to_o he_o and_o accept_v his_o offer_n 3_o the_o ignorance_n of_o the_o necessity_n of_o the_o bring_v forth_o the_o fruit_n of_o faith_n in_o love_n and_o study_v of_o new_a obedience_n and_o sanctification_n by_o the_o furniture_n of_o christ_n without_o which_o no_o man_n shall_v see_v god_n 4._o the_o take_n of_o a_o presumptuous_a dead_a faith_n in_o stead_n of_o that_o true_a justify_v faith_n which_o lay_v hold_v on_o christ_n and_o work_v by_o love_n the_o take_n of_o a_o vain_a groundless_a hope_n for_o that_o lively_a hope_n which_o purify_v both_o the_o heart_n and_o external_a conversation_n also_o 5._o the_o compare_v of_o themselves_o either_o with_o the_o worst_a sort_n of_o vile_a sinner_n or_o with_o such_o as_o be_v like_a to_o themselves_o or_o with_o the_o saint_n in_o their_o gross_a fail_n not_o judge_v themselves_o according_a to_o the_o law_n the_o use_n to_o be_v make_v of_o this_o doctrine_n be_v first_o to_o stir_v we_o up_o to_o take_v notice_n of_o that_o power_n of_o the_o soul_n call_v conscience_n which_o god_n have_v put_v in_o every_o man_n to_o observe_v all_o the_o man_n word_n deed_n and_o intention_n and_o to_o compare_v they_o with_o the_o law_n and_o will_n of_o god_n so_o far_o as_o it_o be_v inform_v and_o to_o accuse_v or_o excuse_v condemn_v or_o absolve_v smite_v or_o comfort_v the_o man_n as_o it_o find_v cause_n that_o we_o suffer_v not_o our_o own_o conscience_n to_o sleep_v but_o set_v it_o on_o work_n whilst_o it_o be_v time_n that_o we_o may_v know_v how_o
faith_n when_o the_o consolation_n be_v withdraw_v from_o we_o and_o we_o be_v put_v to_o hard_a exercise_n wherein_o it_o be_v our_o duty_n to_o glorify_v our_o god_n for_o his_o truth_n and_o grace_n whereof_o we_o have_v sometime_o have_v confirmation_n by_o feel_a consolation_n and_o patient_o to_o wait_v till_o he_o restore_v unto_o we_o the_o joy_n of_o his_o spirit_n for_o if_o in_o the_o want_n of_o sensible_a consolation_n we_o shall_v put_v aspersion_n upon_o the_o lord_n work_v and_o grace_n bestow_v upon_o we_o and_o call_v they_o in_o question_n we_o shall_v be_v find_v in_o so_o do_v more_o careful_a of_o self-satisfaction_n then_o to_o do_v the_o duty_n which_o god_n require_v of_o we_o four_o let_v the_o afflict_a learn_v so_o to_o describe_v and_o define_v every_o save_a grace_n of_o faith_n repentance_n hope_v love_n and_o mortification_n of_o sin_n as_o the_o description_n may_v take_v in_o the_o mean_a measure_n of_o those_o grace_n for_o it_o be_v hard_o to_o say_v that_o there_o be_v no_o sound_a faith_n where_o there_o be_v not_o a_o full_a persuasion_n for_o the_o hungry_a look_v of_o a_o tremble_a sinner_n unto_o christ_n must_v not_o be_v exclude_v from_o be_v a_o act_n of_o faith_n it_o be_v hard_o to_o restrain_v the_o exercise_n of_o repentance_n to_o the_o shed_v of_o tear_n for_o many_o other_o sign_n of_o repentance_n may_v be_v find_v where_o these_o be_v seldom_o such_o as_o be_v the_o hatred_n of_o sin_n strive_v against_o all_o tentation_n unto_o it_o and_o fly_v from_o all_o occasion_n which_o may_v ensnare_v the_o believer_n in_o christ_n in_o trespass_n five_o let_v the_o afflict_a distinguish_v between_o faith_n and_o sense_n of_o joy_n both_o be_v god_n gift_n but_o the_o ground_n of_o faith_n whereupon_o we_o be_v command_v to_o rest_v ourselves_o shall_v be_v rest_v on_o constant_o whatsoever_o dispensation_n of_o joy_n or_o grief_n we_o shall_v meet_v with_o and_o this_o be_v our_o perpetual_a duty_n but_o sense_n be_v at_o god_n free_a dispensation_n to_o give_v and_o withdraw_v and_o restore_v at_o his_o pleasure_n and_o be_v a_o movable_a benefit_n which_o the_o lord_n as_o his_o wisdom_n see_v expedient_a for_o our_o good_a do_v give_v and_o continue_v withdraw_v and_o restore_v diminish_v or_o augment_v and_o therefore_o the_o afflict_a be_v bind_v by_o duty_n still_o to_o believe_v and_o rejoice_v in_o believe_v and_o to_o have_v the_o joy_n of_o sense_n also_o he_o may_v lawful_o study_v but_o ought_v not_o to_o suffer_v his_o faith_n to_o be_v weaken_v by_o the_o want_n of_o it_o as_o the_o prophet_n do_v teach_v we_o ps._n 42._o 11._o and_o 43._o 5._o and_o 88_o last_o of_o all_o let_v the_o afflict_a be_v pose_v upon_o his_o conscience_n if_o he_o dare_v condemn_v his_o fly_n to_o christ_n in_o the_o sense_n of_o his_o sin_n as_o no_o act_n of_o faith_n or_o if_o he_o there_fw-mi deny_v his_o hunger_n after_o renew_a consolation_n and_o behold_v of_o god_n with_o joy_n as_o reconcile_v in_o christ_n to_o be_v a_o act_n of_o love_n to_o god_n and_o of_o communion_n with_o he_o therefore_o let_v he_o confess_v with_o the_o psalmist_n ps._n 77._o 10._o this_o my_o doubt_v be_v my_o infirmity_n i_o will_v remember_v the_o year_n of_o the_o right_a hand_n of_o the_o lord_n chap._n xvi_o wherein_o be_v solve_v the_o true_a convert_n doubt_v of_o his_o regeneration_n because_o he_o seem_v to_o himself_o not_o to_o grow_v in_o grace_n by_o the_o use_n of_o the_o mean_v appoint_v for_o his_o growth_n some_o true_a convert_n be_v bring_v to_o suspect_v their_o own_o regeneration_n because_o in_o the_o use_n of_o the_o mean_n lead_v to_o sanctification_n and_o salvation_n sundry_a complain_n and_o say_v i_o do_v not_o perceive_v the_o lord_n blessing_n on_o my_o pain_n and_o diligence_n i_o grow_v not_o in_o the_o knowledge_n of_o thing_n spiritual_a my_o faith_n do_v not_o grow_v by_o hear_v nor_o read_v of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n nor_o by_o meditation_n of_o it_o i_o do_v not_o prevail_v in_o wrestle_v against_o my_o inbred_a sin_n and_o corrupt_a nature_n neither_o by_o prayer_n nor_o fast_v and_o therefore_o what_o shall_v i_o judge_v of_o my_o state_n but_o that_o it_o be_v like_a i_o be_o not_o convert_v and_o renew_v for_o if_o i_o be_v indeed_o convert_v and_o reconcile_v with_o god_n i_o conceive_v it_o shall_v fair_o otherways_o with_o i_o than_o it_o do_v 2._o in_o this_o case_n the_o true_a convert_n be_v in_o hazard_n of_o grow_v slack_a and_o careless_a in_o the_o use_n of_o the_o mean_n and_o to_o grieve_v the_o holy_a spirit_n by_o prescribe_v unto_o he_o and_o limit_v of_o he_o unto_o such_o a_o measure_n of_o profit_v in_o the_o use_n of_o the_o mean_n and_o make_v he_o know_v how_o far_o he_o have_v profit_v and_o advance_v in_o the_o course_n of_o sanctification_n yea_o there_o be_v danger_n lest_o in_o this_o case_n the_o convert_v not_o only_o become_v cold-rife_a in_o the_o exercise_n of_o piety_n but_o also_o turn_v loose_a in_o his_o conversation_n and_o follow_v the_o allurement_n of_o the_o world_n have_v so_o far_o hearken_v to_o the_o temptation_n as_o to_o think_v it_o in_o vain_a that_o he_o have_v washen_v his_o hand_n in_o innocency_n as_o ps._n 73._o befall_v the_o prophet_n 3._o for_o remove_v of_o this_o doubt_n the_o afflict_a have_v reason_n to_o check_v himself_o for_o harken_v so_o far_o unto_o the_o temptation_n as_o to_o join_v with_o hypocrite_n in_o his_o complaint_n isa._n 58._o 5._o wherefore_o have_v we_o fast_v say_v they_o and_o thou_o â—â—st_n not_o wherefore_o have_v we_o afflict_v our_o soul_n and_o thou_o like_v no_o knowledge_n but_o because_o nothing_o do_v more_o trouble_v the_o afflict_a then_o his_o suspicion_n of_o his_o own_o hypocrisy_n let_v the_o cause_n be_v search_v from_o which_o his_o suspicion_n do_v arise_v one_o of_o they_o may_v be_v this_o that_o in_o the_o use_n of_o the_o mean_n the_o eye_n of_o the_o afflict_a be_v more_o and_o more_o open_v to_o perceive_v the_o power_n and_o poison_n of_o his_o natural_a corruption_n more_o clear_o than_o he_o perceive_v before_o and_o this_o decipher_n of_o sin_n more_o and_o more_o do_v hinder_v he_o to_o see_v the_o growth_n of_o his_o light_n and_o the_o growth_n of_o his_o hatred_n against_o manifest_a sin_n join_v with_o the_o overturning_a of_o his_o own_o high_a imagination_n and_o native_a pride_n another_o cause_n may_v be_v this_o that_o the_o true_a convert_n have_v promise_v unto_o himself_o in_o the_o use_n of_o the_o mean_n more_o and_o great_a benefit_n spiritual_a from_o god_n than_o he_o do_v by_o experience_n find_v which_o because_o he_o do_v not_o find_v he_o think_v he_o have_v not_o profit_v a_o three_o cause_n may_v be_v this_o that_o the_o lord_n be_v about_o the_o purge_n of_o he_o from_o practical_a error_n such_o as_o be_v the_o high_a estimation_n of_o his_o own_o diligence_n in_o the_o use_n of_o the_o mean_n as_o if_o there_o be_v some_o sort_n of_o merit_n annex_v unto_o the_o work_v prescribe_v to_o the_o convert_n by_o the_o lord_n or_o as_o if_o the_o use_n of_o the_o mean_n have_v in_o they_o some_o force_n and_o efficacy_n in_o produce_v such_o effect_n in_o he_o as_o the_o convert_n have_v expect_v or_o as_o if_o the_o lord_n have_v oblige_v himself_o to_o bless_v sensible_o diligence_n in_o the_o use_n of_o the_o mean_n to_o the_o diligent_a man_n satisfaction_n 4._o therefore_o first_o let_v the_o afflict_a continue_v in_o his_o diligence_n and_o bewar_n of_o the_o foresay_a practical_a error_n let_v he_o humble_v himself_o before_o christ_n that_o he_o may_v draw_v more_o virtue_n out_o of_o he_o by_o faith_n and_o by_o so_o much_o the_o more_o as_o he_o â—indeth_v sin_n himself_o and_o not_o profiâ—ing_v in_o the_o use_n of_o the_o mean_n let_v he_o lay_v the_o fast_o hold_v on_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n and_o on_o christ_n offer_v therein_o for_o give_v righteousness_n and_o sanctification_n second_o let_v he_o set_v upon_o the_o exercise_n of_o every_o duty_n with_o prayer_n that_o he_o may_v follow_v the_o duty_n in_o christ_n name_n with_o his_o eye_n fix_v on_o god_n grace_n and_o after_o the_o discharge_n of_o the_o duty_n let_v he_o look_v to_o christ_n that_o from_o he_o he_o may_v have_v the_o blessing_n for_o without_o christ_n we_o can_v do_v nothing_o acceptable_o nor_o with_o profit_n last_o of_o all_o let_v he_o not_o esteem_v light_o of_o the_o effect_n of_o his_o diligence_n as_o if_o he_o do_v no_o way_n profit_n but_o when_o he_o have_v right_o consider_v matter_n if_o he_o find_v the_o least_o fruit_n follow_v his_o use_n of_o the_o mean_n let_v he_o give_v the_o glory_n of_o it_o to_o god_n in_o christ_n the_o giver_n thereof_o and_o humble_o put_v up_o
his_o lamentation_n for_o his_o short-coming_a in_o duty_n unto_o god_n by_o prayer_n for_o this_o be_v the_o way_n to_o make_v progress_n in_o faith_n and_o repentance_n and_o humility_n and_o submission_n of_o his_o will_n unto_o god_n in_o the_o use_n of_o the_o mean_n and_o let_v he_o thank_v the_o lord_n that_o from_o day_n to_o day_n he_o be_v keep_v from_o scandalous_a out-breaking_a chap._n xvii_o wherein_o be_v solve_v the_o convert_n doubt_v whether_o he_o be_v regenerate_v because_o he_o seem_v to_o himself_o to_o follow_v religion_n and_o righteousness_n from_o the_o common_a operation_n of_o god_n work_v by_o moral_a suasion_n and_o not_o from_o the_o special_a operation_n and_o impulsion_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n there_o be_v some_o true_a convert_n who_o have_v profit_v so_o far_o in_o the_o amendment_n of_o their_o life_n and_o conform_v their_o conversation_n unto_o the_o rule_n of_o god_n word_n that_o the_o yoke_n of_o christ_n be_v become_v easy_a to_o they_o and_o their_o delight_n be_v to_o be_v frequent_o about_o the_o exercise_n of_o religion_n and_o work_n of_o righteousness_n and_o yet_o sometime_o they_o be_v trouble_v with_o suspicion_n whether_o the_o work_n of_o regeneration_n in_o they_o be_v solid_a because_o any_o thing_n they_o do_v may_v be_v do_v as_o they_o conceive_v by_o temporary_a believer_n in_o who_o no_o sound_a renovation_n of_o corrupt_a nature_n will_v be_v find_v i_o find_v nothing_o in_o i_o say_v one_o of_o the_o effectual_a motion_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n but_o all_o by_o way_n of_o moral_a suasion_n by_o imitation_n of_o other_o by_o education_n as_o may_v be_v find_v in_o the_o unrenewed_a disciple_n of_o moral_a philosophy_n for_o as_o they_o by_o frequent_a action_n do_v acquire_v habit_n wherewith_o be_v endue_v they_o discharge_v moral_a duty_n more_o easy_o and_o with_o delight_n so_o i_o by_o discharge_v act_n of_o religion_n and_o acquaint_v myself_o with_o they_o daily_o do_v seem_v to_o myself_o to_o have_v acquire_v a_o facility_n and_o delectation_n in_o religious_a action_n and_o work_n of_o righteousness_n towards_o my_o neighbour_n 2._o this_o case_n we_o grant_v be_v very_o perilous_a and_o subtile_o colour_v by_o satan_n to_o deceive_v and_o weaken_v the_o true_a convert_n for_o it_o be_v true_a what_o power_n have_v be_v see_v in_o moral_a philosophy_n among_o pagan_n to_o put_v a_o lustre_n on_o man_n civil_a conversation_n must_v be_v also_o grant_v to_o theology_n among_o profess_a christian_n because_o divine_a threaten_n and_o promise_n for_o procure_v outward_a reformation_n of_o a_o man_n life_n be_v more_o apt_a to_o prevail_v with_o a_o man_n than_o all_o moral_a philosophy_n and_o it_o be_v true_a also_o that_o education_n by_o parent_n and_o imitation_n of_o good_a man_n be_v of_o great_a force_n moral_o to_o persuade_v a_o man_n to_o the_o follow_v of_o the_o outward_a duty_n of_o religion_n and_o to_o a_o civil_a conversation_n wherefore_o it_o be_v no_o wonder_n to_o see_v a_o true_a convert_n doubt_n of_o his_o own_o regeneration_n when_o he_o compare_v external_a duty_n discharge_v by_o himself_o with_o the_o external_a duty_n discharge_v by_o other_o who_o heart_n he_o can_v see_v but_o must_v judge_v charitable_o of_o they_o and_o yet_o can_v neither_o be_v clear_a determinate_o to_o affirm_v all_o such_o to_o be_v true_a convert_n nor_o to_o affirm_v himself_o to_o be_v a_o true_a convert_n so_o long_o as_o he_o suspect_v that_o as_o some_o other_o reformation_n so_o also_o his_o own_o reformation_n may_v prove_v no_o better_o then_o from_o moral_a suasion_n which_o may_v be_v â—ound_v in_o a_o man_n unregenerat_a 3._o for_o louse_v of_o this_o doubt_n and_o strengthen_n of_o the_o faith_n of_o the_o true_a convert_n let_v he_o examine_v himself_o whether_o in_o the_o conscience_n of_o his_o natural_a sinfulness_n and_o sense_n of_o his_o own_o unworthiness_n and_o inability_n to_o deliver_v himself_o from_o the_o power_n of_o sin_n wrath_n and_o misery_n he_o have_v flee_v and_o from_o time_n to_o time_n do_v fly_v to_o christ_n according_a to_o the_o tenor_n of_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n to_o be_v justify_v sanctify_a and_o save_v by_o he_o and_o do_v follow_v the_o exercise_n of_o religion_n and_o righteousness_n in_o obedience_n to_o the_o command_n of_o god_n if_o his_o conscience_n answer_v he_o that_o so_o he_o do_v then_o first_o let_v he_o look_v upon_o his_o doubt_v of_o his_o state_n as_o the_o subtle_a tentation_n of_o satan_n and_o that_o he_o may_v be_v strong_a against_o this_o tentation_n let_v he_o renew_v the_o acknowledgement_n of_o his_o sin_n and_o sinfulness_n of_o his_o weakness_n and_o unworthiness_n and_o renew_v also_o his_o consent_n to_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n in_o jesus_n christ_n and_o his_o purpose_n to_o obey_v the_o commandment_n of_o god_n in_o the_o strength_n of_o christ_n for_o by_o this_o mean_v he_o shall_v gain_v the_o entry_n into_o his_o refuge_n wherefrom_a satan_n be_v draw_v he_o by_o furnish_v doubt_n and_o weaken_v his_o faith_n second_o have_v casten_z his_o anchor_n within_o the_o vail_n and_o settle_v his_o faith_n on_o christ_n jesus_n let_v he_o now_o maintain_v his_o former_a course_n so_o far_o as_o truth_n will_v suffer_v that_o his_o former_a course_n of_o life_n in_o follow_v with_o delight_n the_o exercise_n of_o religion_n and_o righteousness_n do_v proceed_v from_o the_o holy_a spirit_n and_o let_v he_o consider_v that_o it_o be_v not_o a_o sufficient_a reason_n to_o call_v in_o question_n the_o infuse_a habit_n of_o save_a grace_n because_o supernatural_a habit_n infuse_v immediate_o by_o the_o spirit_n of_o christ_n be_v entertain_v augment_v and_o confirm_v by_o frequent_a act_n and_o daily_a exercise_n no_o less_o than_o natural_a or_o moral_a habit_n be_v which_o be_v acquire_v by_o exercise_n and_o this_o be_v clear_a from_o scripture_n wherein_o be_v many_o exhortation_n to_o put_v faith_n love_n repentance_n patience_n etc._n etc._n in_o frequent_a exercise_n that_o these_o gracious_a habit_n may_v grow_v strong_a as_o the_o apostle_n peter_n do_v speak_v 2_o epist._n 1._o chap._n ver_fw-la 5_o 6._o etc._n etc._n three_o let_v he_o put_v a_o difference_n in_o judge_v of_o his_o own_o conversation_n and_o the_o conversation_n of_o other_o of_o who_o principle_n and_o end_n of_o outward_a godly_a carriage_n he_o can_v judge_v as_o he_o can_v do_v of_o his_o own_o for_o a_o man_n in_o nature_n unregenerat_a or_o a_o temporary_a believer_n may_v make_v profession_n of_o true_a religion_n and_o outward_o go_v on_o in_o a_o blameless_a conversation_n with_o this_o opinion_n that_o by_o his_o work_n he_o shall_v please_v god_n and_o procure_v salvation_n to_o himself_o but_o the_o true_a convert_n shall_v be_v find_v a_o renouncer_n of_o confidence_n in_o his_o own_o work_n a_o man_n sensible_a of_o his_o own_o sinfulness_n and_o imperfection_n who_o have_v flee_v and_o resolve_v still_o to_o adhere_v to_o christ_n for_o righteousness_n and_o salvation_n through_o he_o the_o find_v whereof_o in_o any_o measure_n after_o examination_n may_v solve_v the_o convert_n doubt_v for_o a_o man_n in_o nature_n can_v so_o hate_v sin_n and_o follow_v holiness_n as_o to_o renounce_v confidence_n in_o his_o holiness_n and_o slve_v unto_o christ_n for_o righteousness_n four_o let_v the_o afflict_a convert_n consider_v that_o the_o lord_n deal_v with_o his_o child_n both_o by_o moral_a motive_n and_o by_o effectual_a persuasion_n unto_o the_o obedience_n of_o faith_n may_v and_o do_v very_o well_o concur_v and_o agree_v together_o neither_o be_v the_o special_a operation_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n with_o any_o reason_n to_o be_v suspect_v because_o he_o sweet_o lead_v on_o his_o child_n by_o way_n of_o counsel_n without_o the_o child_n observation_n of_o any_o notable_a impulse_n make_v he_o to_o overcome_v strong_a tentation_n unto_o sin_n whereunto_o he_o be_v natural_o incline_v for_o the_o more_o victorious_a grace_n be_v over_o corruption_n the_o efficacy_n of_o the_o lord_n grace_n be_v the_o more_o conspicuous_a and_o that_o obedience_n be_v most_o pleasant_a to_o god_n wherein_o corrupt_a nature_n make_v most_o opposition_n therefore_o in_o this_o case_n here_o presuppose_v let_v he_o stand_v to_o the_o defence_n of_o his_o faith_n in_o christ_n and_o go_v on_o cheerful_o in_o the_o way_n of_o righteousness_n against_o satan_n tentation_n solicit_v he_o to_o doubt_v and_o discouragement_n which_o counsel_n if_o he_o follow_v he_o shall_v find_v by_o experience_n that_o he_o have_v make_v use_n of_o the_o shield_n of_o faith_n and_o get_v the_o victory_n not_o without_o the_o special_a operation_n and_o impulse_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n chap._n xviii_o wherein_o be_v solve_v the_o true_a convert_n doubt_v whether_o he_o be_v regenerate_v because_o he_o find_v not_o self-denial_n in_o the_o measure_n which_o be_v requisite_a in_o convert_n
may_v weaken_v their_o faith_n and_o to_o rejoice_v in_o believe_v and_o to_o be_v zealous_a for_o the_o lord_n glory_n and_o careful_a to_o bring_v forth_o more_o and_o more_o fruit_n of_o faith_n and_o love_n and_o work_v such_o other_o gracious_a work_n of_o his_o spirit_n in_o his_o child_n as_o may_v more_o and_o more_o mortify_v sin_n in_o they_o and_o perfect_a the_o image_n of_o god_n in_o his_o new_a creature_n this_o divine_a magisteriall_a and_o effectual_a application_n of_o real_a blessing_n belong_v to_o god_n only_o and_o be_v the_o end_n of_o all_o ministerial_a application_n which_o be_v of_o the_o external_a mean_n appoint_v of_o god_n to_o be_v make_v use_n of_o by_o man_n the_o blessing_n whereof_o must_v be_v leave_v to_o god_n to_o bestow_v on_o who_o how_o and_o in_o what_o measure_n and_o in_o what_o time_n it_o please_v he_o as_o the_o apostle_n do_v show_v unto_o we_o 1_o cor._n 3._o 6._o i_o have_v plant_v and_o apollo_n have_v water_v but_o god_n give_v the_o increase_n 3._o the_o external_a mean_n which_o do_v serve_v unto_o the_o foresay_a divine_a operation_n be_v 1._o the_o doctrine_n of_o life_n and_o salvation_n set_v down_o in_o the_o scripture_n to_o be_v hear_v and_o read_v by_o all_o man_n and_o meditat_fw-la upon_o with_o prayer_n for_o a_o blessing_n and_o 2._o send_v minister_n to_o who_o god_n have_v commit_v the_o word_n of_o reconciliation_n by_o who_o ministry_n disciple_n may_v be_v make_v unto_o christ_n out_o of_o all_o nation_n and_o 3._o the_o administration_n of_o the_o sacrament_n whereby_o they_o with_o their_o child_n be_v baptize_v and_o gather_v together_o in_o several_a church_n and_o put_v under_o the_o government_n of_o such_o church-officer_n as_o his_o testament_n have_v appoint_v and_o 4._o these_o church_n join_v together_o in_o the_o most_o edify_a way_n of_o mutual_a communion_n and_o strengthen_v one_o another_o in_o true_a doctrine_n pure_a worship_n and_o discipline_n which_o god_n providence_n do_v make_v way_n for_o that_o the_o kingdom_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n may_v continue_v and_o grow_v in_o the_o world_n and_o all_o his_o ordinance_n may_v be_v exercise_v public_o and_o private_o to_o the_o best_a advantage_n of_o the_o church_n for_o perfect_v of_o the_o saint_n for_o the_o work_n of_o the_o ministry_n and_o for_o the_o edify_n of_o the_o body_n of_o christ_n as_o the_o apostle_n require_v ephes._n 4._o 12_o 13_o 14._o 4._o in_o the_o use_n of_o these_o external_a mean_n and_o special_o in_o the_o application_n of_o these_o three_o covenant_n prudence_n be_v require_v both_o in_o pastor_n and_o people_n to_o which_o intent_n and_o purpose_n these_o follow_a consideration_n may_v serve_v 1._o the_o remedy_n of_o every_o sickness_n of_o the_o conscience_n must_v be_v ground_v on_o the_o doctrine_n of_o salvation_n set_v down_o in_o scripture_n which_o doctrine_n 〈…〉_z be_v know_v and_o believe_v by_o the_o porty_fw-la 〈◊〉_d before_o he_o can_v receive_v benefit_n thereby_o and_o 〈…〉_z a_o prudent_a application_n of_o wholesome_a and_o save_a doctrine_n may_v be_v make_v of_o necessity_n the_o party_n disease_v must_v be_v acquâ—â—ared_v with_o the_o doctrine_n to_o be_v apply_v unto_o he_o before_o he_o can_v make_v use_n thereof_o to_o his_o advantage_n for_o experience_n teach_v we_o how_o hardly_o gross_a ignorant_o can_v be_v convince_v of_o sin_n add_v how_o hardly_o such_o can_v be_v comfort_v when_o their_o conscience_n be_v waken_v with_o the_o terror_n of_o god_n because_o they_o neither_o know_v from_o the_o word_n of_o god_n the_o cause_n of_o the_o terror_n and_o anxiety_n wherein_o they_o be_v nor_o can_v they_o be_v capable_a of_o the_o remedy_n of_o their_o evil_n except_o they_o first_o be_v catechise_v in_o the_o head_n of_o save_a doctrine_n hâ—ld_v forth_o in_o the_o law_n and_o gospel_n which_o instruction_n can_v hardly_o be_v give_v or_o receive_v in_o a_o short_a time_n and_o howsoever_o a_o prudent_a pastor_n must_v make_v use_n of_o time_n as_o it_o be_v offer_v yet_o when_o death_n be_v near_o to_o the_o party_n to_o be_v instruct_v how_o little_a be_v it_o that_o can_v be_v expect_v to_o be_v do_v 2._o the_o order_n of_o apply_v save_v doctrine_n do_v not_o begin_v at_o the_o application_n either_o of_o the_o covenant_n of_o redemption_n or_o at_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n but_o he_o that_o will_v follow_v a_o right_a order_n must_v begin_v at_o the_o law_n and_o covenant_n of_o work_n under_o the_o yoke_n whereof_o we_o be_v all_o bear_v by_o nature_n child_n of_o wrath_n and_o if_o a_o man_n apply_v that_o covenant_n and_o law_n to_o his_o heart_n and_o subscribe_v his_o own_o dittey_n and_o deserve_a condemnation_n then_o may_v he_o turn_v up_o his_o soul_n to_o christ_n jesus_n the_o redeemer_n and_o fly_v to_o he_o for_o refuge_n and_o accept_v the_o offer_n which_o he_o make_v in_o his_o gospel_n of_o a_o new_a covenant_n of_o grace_n for_o pardon_v of_o sin_n and_o reconcile_n unto_o god_n in_o himself_o the_o person_n who_o be_v flee_v unto_o he_o and_o for_o sanctify_v and_o save_v of_o he_o which_o covenant_n when_o a_o chase_a soul_n do_v consent_n unto_o and_o lay_v hold_v on_o christ_n offer_v for_o relief_n from_o sin_n wrath_n death_n and_o hell_n then_o may_v he_o ascend_v by_o faith_n unto_o the_o covenant_n of_o redemption_n and_o apply_v to_o himself_o with_o god_n allowance_n all_o the_o save_a grace_n purchase_v by_o christ_n by_o that_o covenant_n to_o all_o that_o fly_v unto_o he_o and_o believe_v in_o he_o 3._o this_o order_n of_o make_v use_n of_o these_o three_o covenant_n many_o do_v not_o follow_v but_o they_o begin_v at_o the_o covenant_n of_o redemption_n and_o will_v either_o be_v satisfy_v about_o this_o whether_o they_o be_v elect_v or_o not_o give_v to_o christ_n to_o be_v redeem_v or_o not_o which_o be_v a_o secret_a and_o not_o to_o be_v inquire_v into_o save_v in_o god_n order_n as_o we_o have_v show_v or_o else_o they_o will_v not_o enter_v upon_o the_o use-making_a of_o these_o mean_n which_o god_n have_v appoint_v to_o bring_v a_o man_n to_o repentance_n and_o faith_n in_o christ._n this_o be_v a_o tentation_n of_o satan_n which_o if_o they_o yield_v unto_o it_o shall_v lead_v they_o either_o to_o resolute_a profanity_n with_o cain_n or_o to_o anxious_a desperation_n with_o judas_n 4._o there_o be_v some_o also_o who_o make_v leap-year_n of_o the_o covenant_n of_o work_n and_o do_v take_v no_o notice_n of_o their_o own_o natural_a sinfulness_n or_o wrath_n due_a to_o they_o and_o lie_v on_o they_o by_o nature_n but_o neglect_v this_o order_n do_v start_v a_o race_n and_o run_v to_o a_o presumptuous_a avouch_v of_o their_o faith_n in_o christ_n and_o will_v thrust_v in_o themselves_o in_o the_o number_n of_o the_o elect_a give_v before_o the_o world_n be_v unto_o christ_n to_o be_v redeem_v and_o save_v pretend_v their_o believe_v of_o the_o gospel_n when_o they_o have_v not_o believe_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o law_n and_o so_o do_v turn_v the_o grace_n of_o god_n into_o lasciviousness_n and_o wantonness_n and_o go_v about_o the_o satisfy_n and_o fulfil_n of_o their_o own_o lust_n wherefore_o it_o be_v necessary_a that_o every_o man_n who_o seek_v to_o be_v save_v and_o have_v resolve_v to_o follow_v god_n way_n to_o attain_v unto_o salvation_n do_v begin_v first_o at_o the_o covenant_n of_o work_n and_o examine_v himself_o according_a to_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o moral_a law_n how_o he_o have_v behave_v himself_o in_o obedience_n unto_o the_o first_o and_o second_o table_n and_o have_v sound_v a_o dittey_n great_a enough_o that_o he_o judge_v himself_o and_o pass_v sentence_n on_o himself_o as_o guilty_a and_o worthy_a of_o everlasting_a wrath_n for_o his_o sin_n second_o when_o he_o be_v convince_v of_o sin_n and_o deserve_a wrath_n and_o of_o his_o own_o utter_a impotency_n to_o deliver_v himself_o then_o let_v he_o flee_v to_o christ_n and_o lay_v hold_v on_o the_o grace_n offer_v in_o the_o gospel_n apply_v the_o same_o to_o his_o burden_a conscience_n according_a to_o the_o tenor_n of_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n full_o reveal_v in_o the_o gospel_n and_o three_o when_o he_o have_v in_o earnest_n consent_v unto_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n and_o reconciliation_n and_o have_v lay_v hold_n on_o christ_n with_o unfeigned_a faith_n seek_v in_o he_o remission_n of_o sin_n and_o renovation_n of_o life_n be_v resolve_v by_o the_o grace_n of_o christ_n to_o use_v the_o mean_n appoint_v of_o he_o for_o that_o end_n now_o it_o be_v time_n and_o not_o till_o now_o to_o look_v up_o unto_o the_o covenant_n of_o redemption_n and_o there_o to_o read_v his_o own_o name_n as_o it_o be_v write_v in_o the_o book_n of_o life_n and_o to_o acknowledge_v that_o the_o measure_n of_o repentance_n and_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
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
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
of_o the_o love_n of_o god_n through_o christ_n in_o all_o his_o tentation_n he_o can_v stand_v out_o in_o the_o conflict_n therefore_o that_o he_o may_v guard_v and_o strengthen_v his_o say_v first_o let_v he_o seek_v wisdom_n from_o god_n to_o expound_v the_o lord_n dispensation_n towards_o himself_o by_o the_o word_n and_o work_n of_o god_n in_o his_o child_n set_v down_o in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n in_o exercise_v of_o who_o by_o affliction_n he_o have_v discover_v the_o corruption_n of_o their_o nature_n the_o bitter_a fruit_n of_o sin_n and_o promove_v the_o work_n of_o the_o mortification_n of_o sinful_a lust_n that_o be_v in_o the_o world_n to_o wit_n the_o lust_n of_o the_o eye_n the_o lust_n of_o the_o flesh_n and_o pride_n of_o life_n and_o teach_v they_o humility_n meekness_n patience_n temperance_n and_o compassion_n towards_o other_o in_o affliction_n second_o let_v he_o set_v his_o affection_n on_o thing_n spiritual_a and_o on_o our_o bless_a redeemer_n jesus_n christ_n who_o be_v at_o the_o right_a hand_n of_o the_o father_n make_v intercession_n for_o all_o they_o that_o call_v upon_o he_o that_o they_o may_v be_v save_v always_o remember_v that_o as_o the_o law_n be_v a_o pedagogue_n to_o lead_v we_o and_o draw_v we_o unto_o christ_n so_o affliction_n be_v a_o pedagogue_n to_o lead_v we_o to_o the_o law_n and_o to_o christ_n the_o end_n of_o the_o law_n for_o righteousness_n and_o life_n three_o let_v he_o learn_v in_o examination_n of_o his_o own_o condition_n accurat_o to_o distinguish_v the_o lord_n part_v exercise_v he_o with_o trouble_n for_o trial_n and_o train_v he_o on_o in_o the_o obedience_n of_o faith_n as_o for_o his_o own_o glory_n so_o for_o the_o good_a of_o his_o afflict_a child_n and_o satan_n part_n in_o cruelty_n craftiness_n and_o malice_n tempt_v and_o and_o vex_v he_o and_o his_o own_o part_n who_o have_v deserve_v much_o more_o affliction_n than_o be_v come_v upon_o he_o which_o consideration_n may_v keep_v he_o from_o fret_v and_o murmur_v in_o his_o trouble_n how_o heavy_a soever_o it_o be_v four_o let_v he_o put_v difference_n between_o sin_v and_o suffer_v of_o trouble_n that_o he_o may_v choose_v to_o endure_v affliction_n rather_o than_o by_o sin_v draw_v on_o much_o more_o trouble_n 3._o but_o if_o the_o afflict_a convert_n seem_v to_o himself_o desert_v of_o god_n in_o respect_n of_o the_o special_a operation_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n let_v he_o be_v of_o good_a courage_n he_o be_v not_o altogether_o desert_v who_o can_v observe_v the_o decay_a of_o save_a grace_n from_o the_o measure_n he_o have_v find_v before_o he_o be_v not_o altogether_o desert_v who_o love_v communion_n with_o god_n and_o long_v after_o it_o and_o can_v go_v to_o god_n and_o regrat_a his_o desertion_n as_o a_o sad_a affliction_n for_o if_o our_o love_a lord_n jesus_n christ_n have_v withdraw_v himself_o out_o of_o the_o sight_n of_o his_o afflict_a child_n yet_o have_v he_o presume_a his_o own_o footstep_n with_o the_o unction_n of_o his_o own_o spirit_n that_o he_o may_v quicken_v and_o kindle_v his_o child_n love_n and_o desire_v towards_o he_o this_o regret_v desertion_n be_v but_o in_o part_n not_o altogether_o yea_o it_o be_v not_o a_o real_a but_o a_o seem_a desertion_n the_o lord_n rest_v in_o his_o love_n albeit_o he_o hide_v the_o effect_n of_o his_o love_n for_o a_o time_n he_o preserve_v the_o habit_n of_o save_a grace_n as_o his_o own_o seed_n in_o the_o afflict_a heart_n albeit_o he_o do_v not_o always_o draw_v they_o forth_o unto_o action_n if_o he_o withdraw_v the_o sight_n of_o save_v grace_n yet_o he_o augment_v the_o estimation_n of_o they_o and_o langour_n to_o find_v the_o lord_n work_v in_o he_o if_o the_o afflict_a observe_v well_o he_o shall_v see_v the_o hand_n of_o the_o lord_n in_o some_o part_n of_o his_o work_n so_o that_o in_o his_o hard_a condition_n he_o may_v say_v with_o the_o psalmist_n ps._n 73._o nevertheless_o i_o be_o continual_o with_o thou_o thou_o hold_v i_o with_o thy_o right_a hand_n 4._o if_o it_o shall_v please_v god_n with_o immediate_a affliction_n from_o himself_o to_o suffer_v not_o only_a satan_n to_o fight_v against_o the_o faith_n and_o consolation_n of_o his_o child_n but_o also_o to_o superadd_a a_o fiery_a trial_n of_o his_o faith_n by_o cruel_a persecution_n for_o righteousness_n let_v he_o still_o for_o all_o this_o be_v of_o good_a courage_n because_o in_o all_o such_o battle_n be_v the_o lord_n of_o host_n shall_v be_v with_o he_o who_o will_v not_o suffer_v his_o soldier_n to_o be_v tempt_v above_o their_o strength_n but_o with_o the_o tentation_n will_v give_v a_o issue_n that_o they_o may_v escape_v and_o will_v furnish_v strength_n to_o they_o that_o they_o shall_v overcome_v for_o he_o have_v lay_v up_o a_o crown_n of_o righteousness_n for_o all_o they_o that_o keep_v the_o faith_n and_o at_o last_o will_v give_v it_o to_o all_o that_o love_v the_o come_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n wherefore_o let_v the_o afflict_a convert_n humble_v himself_o under_o one_o or_o all_o these_o exercise_n and_o not_o doubt_v of_o his_o condition_n see_v it_o be_v agreeable_a to_o the_o scripture_n and_o lot_n of_o the_o saint_n 5._o it_o be_v true_a that_o all_o affliction_n to_o the_o flesh_n for_o the_o present_a be_v a_o bitter_a potion_n but_o yet_o reach_v forth_o to_o the_o patient_a by_o the_o hand_n of_o our_o physician_n and_o heavenly_a father_n it_o be_v a_o fire_n but_o will_v not_o consume_v the_o burn_a bush_n it_o be_v a_o furnace_n but_o will_v not_o destroy_v any_o metal_n but_o dross_n only_o it_o be_v a_o labour_n but_o shall_v in_o due_a time_n bring_v forth_o the_o quiet_a fruit_n of_o righteousness_n it_o be_v a_o rough_a file_n but_o the_o more_o sharp_a it_o be_v it_o shall_v so_o much_o soon_o rub_v away_o the_o rust_n of_o the_o vessel_n of_o grace_n make_v the_o soul_n of_o the_o penitent_a more_o bright_a and_o by_o the_o blessing_n of_o god_n render_v he_o more_o humble_a in_o his_o thought_n more_o fervent_a in_o prayer_n mor_n constant_a in_o the_o faith_n more_o strong_a to_o bear_v whatsoever_o burden_n shall_v be_v lay_v on_o he_o more_o desirous_a to_o grow_v in_o all_o virtue_n more_o careful_a to_o keep_v communion_n with_o god_n more_o innocent_a in_o his_o conversation_n more_o clean_a in_o his_o conscience_n and_o at_o last_o more_o bless_v let_v not_o then_o the_o afflict_a convert_n regard_v the_o labour_n he_o be_v put_v to_o but_o look_v to_o the_o fruit_n reckon_v the_o worth_n of_o heal_v and_o not_o the_o bitterness_n of_o his_o potion_n let_v he_o not_o look_v to_o the_o pain_n of_o the_o affliction_n but_o to_o the_o fatherly_a love_n of_o god_n chastise_v he_o who_o express_o have_v tell_v we_o that_o he_o chasten_v all_o who_o he_o love_v lest_o they_o perish_v with_o the_o world_n let_v he_o not_o shift_v the_o battle_n but_o set_v his_o eye_n on_o the_o crown_n and_o go_v on_o in_o the_o way_n of_o god_n how_o many_o soever_o his_o tribulation_n shall_v be_v for_o as_o the_o outward_a man_n by_o trouble_n do_v decay_v so_o the_o inward_a man_n be_v renew_v daily_o for_o the_o apostle_n who_o who_o be_v most_o acquaint_v with_o such_o exercise_n have_v for_o encouragement_n of_o all_o who_o be_v under_o the_o cross_n say_v our_o light_a affliction_n which_o be_v but_o for_o a_o moment_n work_v for_o we_o a_o far_o more_o exceed_a and_o eternal_a weight_n of_o glory_n while_o we_o look_v not_o at_o the_o thing_n which_o be_v see_v but_o at_o the_o thing_n which_o be_v not_o see_v for_o the_o thing_n which_o be_v see_v be_v temporal_a but_o the_o thing_n which_o be_v not_o see_v be_v eternal_a 2_o cor._n 4._o 17_o 18._o the_o seventeen_o and_o last_o question_n shall_v be_v about_o the_o relic_n of_o sin_n in_o the_o saint_n in_o this_o life_n the_o remainder_n of_o sin_n do_v oftentime_o drive_v true_a convert_n to_o many_o doubt_n for_o when_o carnal_a lust_n and_o sinful_a passion_n seem_v to_o be_v subdue_v and_o in_o a_o good_a measure_n mortify_v incontinent_a upon_o the_o least_o occasion_n as_o die_v ash_n when_o sulphureous_a powder_n be_v cast_v upon_o they_o they_o kindle_v and_o be_v inflame_v and_o when_o their_o spirit_n be_v most_o willing_a and_o ready_a to_o do_v good_a corrupt_a nature_n stand_v up_o and_o make_v opposition_n so_o that_o the_o coâ—vert_n can_v do_v the_o good_a he_o will_v yea_o such_o be_v the_o power_n thereof_o that_o ofttimes_o it_o force_v he_o to_o the_o ill_a he_o will_v not_o in_o which_o warfare_n be_v oft_o overcome_v he_o be_v so_o weary_a that_o he_o fall_v out_o with_o the_o apostle_n in_o his_o lamentation_n rom._n 7._o 24_o cry_v o_o miserable_a man_n that_o i_o be_o who_o shall_v deliver_v i_o