his_o knowledge_n be_v these_o three_o knowledge_n the_o love_n of_o god_n and_o the_o love_n of_o the_o brethren_n these_o be_v perfect_v and_o not_o abolish_v by_o death_n and_o first_o in_o his_o knowledge_n man_n and_o so_o he_o differ_v from_o wicked_a man_n he_o differ_v from_o all_o wicked_a man_n and_o so_o in_o diverse_a thing_n as_o first_o in_o the_o thing_n he_o know_v in_o the_o thing_n he_o know_v know_v he_o know_v the_o nature_n of_o god_n in_o a_o right_a manner_n he_o know_v god_n in_o jesus_n christ_n he_o know_v the_o vileness_n of_o his_o own_o sin_n he_o know_v after_o a_o effectual_a manner_n the_o mystery_n that_o concern_v the_o salvation_n of_o his_o soul_n he_o know_v his_o own_o conversion_n and_o the_o forgiveness_n of_o his_o sin_n and_o the_o thing_n that_o be_v give_v he_o of_o god_n mat._n 13._o 13._o john_n 17._o 3._o jere._n 31._o 34._o 1._o cor._n 2._o 12._o he_o know_v that_o jesus_n christ_n be_v in_o he_o 2._o cor._n 13._o 5._o 2._o second_o in_o the_o knowledge_n 2._o in_o the_o cause_n of_o his_o knowledge_n cause_n of_o his_o knowledge_n for_o flesh_n and_o blood_n do_v not_o reveal_v those_o thing_n unto_o he_o he_o come_v not_o by_o they_o by_o the_o use_n of_o natural_a mean_n but_o they_o be_v wrought_v in_o he_o by_o the_o word_n &_o spirit_n of_o god_n mat._n 16._o 17._o 1._o john_n 2._o 27._o and_o 5._o 10._o 1._o cor._n 1._o 30._o three_o in_o the_o effect_n knowledge_n 3._o in_o the_o effect_n of_o his_o knowledge_n of_o his_o knowledge_n for_o 1._o it_o breed_v in_o he_o a_o unspeakable_a refresh_n and_o gladness_n of_o heart_n in_o god_n presence_n psal_n 36._o 8._o 9_o 10._o philip._n 1._o 9_o 2._o it_o inflame_v he_o to_o a_o wonderful_a love_n of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n above_o all_o earthly_a thing_n psal_n 119._o 97._o 98._o 3._o it_o work_v in_o he_o a_o effectual_a savour_v and_o taste_v of_o the_o goodness_n of_o spiritual_a thing_n ro._n 8._o 5._o 4._o it_o incline_v he_o to_o a_o constant_a obedience_n and_o practice_n of_o god_n will_n pro._n 8._o 9_o 17._o john_n 7._o 17._o deut._n 4._o 6._o it_o redress_v his_o way_n psal_n 119._o 10._o 1._o joh._n 2._o 3._o and_o 3._o 24._o 5._o it_o beat_v down_o pride_n and_o conceitednes_n and_o frowardness_n and_o make_v he_o humble_a and_o teachable_a pro._n 3._o 5._o 6._o and_o 8._o 13._o 14._o james_n 3._o 17._o four_o in_o the_o property_n knowledge_n 4._o in_o the_o property_n of_o his_o knowledge_n of_o his_o knowledge_n for_o 1._o it_o be_v infallible_a his_o knowledge_n have_v much_o assurance_n in_o many_o thing_n with_o strong_a confidence_n and_o resolution_n at_o some_o time_n especial_o when_o he_o be_v before_o god_n 1._o thes_n 1._o 5._o 2._o it_o be_v indelible_a it_o can_v be_v utter_o blot_v out_o it_o be_v fast_o grave_v in_o his_o heart_n contrary_a doctrine_n or_o persecution_n can_v raze_v it_o out_o jere._n 31._o 34._o eph._n 4._o 13._o prou._n 4._o 5._o 6._o 3._o it_o be_v sincere_a for_o first_o it_o incline_v he_o to_o give_v glory_n to_o god_n and_o receive_v all_o truth_n as_o well_o as_o any_o truth_n he_o receive_v the_o doctrine_n of_o god_n though_o it_o be_v above_o reason_n and_o against_o the_o common_a opinion_n of_o man_n or_o cross_v his_o profit_n or_o desire_n or_o the_o like_a second_o it_o lead_v he_o principal_o to_o understand_v his_o own_o way_n and_o guide_v he_o to_o study_v the_o thing_n chief_o that_o concern_v his_o own_o reformation_n and_o salvation_n pro._n 14._o 8._o colos_n 3._o 16._o and_o thus_o he_o differ_v from_o wicked_a man_n in_o his_o knowledge_n second_o in_o his_o love_n sign_n his_o love_n to_o god_n try_v by_o 9_o sign_n to_o god_n he_o have_v these_o thing_n which_o no_o wicked_a man_n can_v attain_v to_o 1._o he_o have_v a_o deliberate_a inward_a inflame_a estimation_n of_o god_n above_o all_o thing_n account_v his_o love_a kindness_n better_o than_o life_n and_o the_o sign_n of_o his_o favour_n his_o great_a joy_n psal_n 63._o 2._o 11._o 2._o he_o love_v &_o belong_v for_o the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n with_o certain_a &_o sincere_a affection_n ephes_n 6._o 24._o 2._o tim._n 4._o 8._o 3._o he_o delight_v in_o god_n presence_n and_o show_v it_o by_o his_o unfeigned_a love_n to_o god_n house_n psalm_n 26._o 8_o and_o by_o his_o hearty_a grief_n for_o god_n absence_n cant._n 3._o 1_o and_o by_o his_o carefulness_n to_o set_v the_o lord_n daily_o before_o he_o walk_v in_o his_o sight_n psal_n 16._o 8._o 4._o he_o hate_v sin_n hearty_o because_o god_n hate_v it_o and_o he_o dislike_v sinner_n because_o they_o hate_v god_n account_v god_n enemy_n as_o if_o they_o be_v his_o own_o enemy_n psal_n 139._o 21._o 22._o and_o 97._o 10._o 5._o he_o constant_o desire_v to_o be_v like_o god_n in_o holiness_n be_v careful_a to_o approve_v his_o affection_n to_o god_n by_o his_o obedience_n to_o his_o commandment_n so_o as_o it_o be_v not_o grievous_a to_o he_o to_o receive_v direction_n but_o serve_v god_n with_o all_o his_o heart_n be_v fearful_a to_o displease_v god_n in_o any_o thing_n joh._n 14._o 21._o 1._o io._n 5._o 3._o deut._n 10._o 12._o and_o 11._o 22_o &_o be_v more_o affect_v with_o god_n approbation_n then_o all_o the_o praise_n of_o man_n rom._n 2._o 26._o 6._o he_o be_v much_o affect_v with_o god_n mercy_n &_o the_o blessing_n bestow_v upon_o he_o which_o he_o thankful_o remember_v to_o the_o praise_n of_o god_n free_a grace_n esa_n 63._o 7._o psal_n 63._o 2._o 3._o 4._o 6._o 8._o &_o 107._o 22._o job_n 36._o 24._o deut._n 6._o 2._o 7._o he_o love_v all_o the_o godly_a for_o this_o reason_n chief_o because_o they_o be_v like_a unto_o god_n in_o holiness_n as_o be_v beget_v by_o he_o 1._o joh._n 5._o 1._o 8._o he_o be_v as_o hearty_o vex_v for_o any_o dishonour_n do_v to_o god_n as_o for_o any_o disgrace_n offer_v to_o himself_o 9_o final_o he_o show_v it_o in_o diverse_a case_n that_o befall_v he_o in_o his_o course_n in_o this_o life_n as_o 1._o if_o he_o be_v put_v to_o suffer_v any_o thing_n for_o god_n sake_n he_o endure_v it_o with_o much_o joy_n and_o patience_n 1._o thess_n 1._o 6._o act._n 5._o john_n 22._o 15_o to_o 19_o 2._o if_o at_o any_o time_n he_o offend_v god_n by_o his_o own_o faultinesse_n he_o be_v hearty_o grieve_a and_o cast_v down_o and_o do_v constant_o desire_v to_o forsake_v any_o sin_n though_o never_o so_o please_a or_o gainful_a unto_o he_o rather_o than_o he_o will_v displease_v god_n deut._n 30._o 6._o 3._o in_o all_o strait_n and_o want_n he_o run_v to_o god_n rely_v upon_o god_n as_o his_o defence_n rock_n and_o refuge_n in_o all_o time_n of_o trouble_n make_v his_o moan_n unto_o he_o and_o pour_v out_o his_o prayer_n and_o complaint_n before_o he_o psal_n 18._o 1._o 2._o thus_o of_o his_o love_n to_o god_n three_o his_o love_n to_o sign_n his_o love_n to_o the_o godly_a try_v by_o ten_o sign_n the_o godly_a do_v also_o distinguish_v he_o from_o all_o the_o wicked_a man_n in_o the_o world_n because_o here_o be_v diverse_a thing_n to_o be_v note_v in_o his_o affection_n to_o they_o which_o can_v be_v find_v in_o wicked_a man_n 1._o as_o first_o he_o love_v the_o godly_a above_o all_o other_o sort_n of_o man_n in_o the_o world_n he_o account_v they_o as_o the_o only_a excellent_a people_n psal_n 16._o 3._o 1._o joh._n 3._o 14._o and_o affect_v they_o as_o if_o they_o be_v his_o natural_a kindred_n rom._n 12._o 9_o 10._o 2._o he_o love_v they_o not_o for_o carnal_a respect_n but_o for_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n in_o they_o for_o the_o truth_n sake_n and_o because_o they_o be_v beget_v of_o god_n 1._o joh._n 5._o 1._o 2._o joh._n 1._o 2._o 3._o joh._n 1._o 3._o he_o delight_v in_o their_o fellowship_n and_o society_n in_o the_o gospel_n as_o account_v they_o the_o happy_a companion_n of_o this_o life_n psal_n 16._o 3._o 3._o joh._n 8._o philippian_n 1._o 5._o 4._o he_o have_v a_o fellow_n feel_v of_o their_o misery_n he_o be_v in_o some_o measure_n affection_a to_o weep_v with_o they_o that_o weep_v and_o rejoice_v with_o they_o that_o rejoice_v especial_o he_o be_v glad_a when_o their_o soul_n prosper_v rom._n 12._o 16._o 3._o joh._n 3._o 5._o his_o desire_n be_v to_o walk_v inoffensive_o as_o be_v loath_a any_o way_n to_o be_v a_o occasion_n of_o stumble_v or_o scandal_n to_o any_o christian_a 1_o joh._n 2._o 10._o 6._o he_o can_v bear_v their_o infirmity_n take_v thing_n in_o the_o best_a sense_n suffer_v long_o &_o be_v not_o easy_o provoke_v he_o hope_v all_o thing_n and_o boast_v not_o himself_o or_o envy_v they_o nor_o will_v receive_v a_o evil_a report_n against_o they_o 1._o
the_o spiritval_n touchstone_n or_o the_o sign_n of_o a_o godly_a man_n draw_v in_o so_o plain_a and_o profitable_a a_o manner_n as_o all_o sort_n of_o christian_n may_v try_v themselves_o thereby_o together_o with_o direction_n how_o the_o weak_a christian_a by_o the_o use_n of_o these_o sign_n may_v establish_v his_o assurance_n by_o n._n bifield_n preacher_n of_o god_n word_n at_o isleworth_n in_o middlesex_n 2._o cor._n 13._o 5._o examine_v yourselves_o whether_o you_o be_v in_o the_o faith_n prove_v your_o own_o self_n know_v you_o not_o your_o own_o self_n how_o that_o jesus_n christ_n be_v in_o you_o except_o you_o be_v reprobate_n london_n print_v by_o r._n field_n for_o ionas_n man._n 1619._o to_o the_o much_o honour_a lady_n the_o lady_n ruth_n scydamore_n increase_v of_o peace_n and_o joy_n in_o believe_v how_o great_a the_o benefit_n of_o assurance_n of_o god_n favour_n and_o of_o our_o own_o salvation_n be_v those_o only_o know_v that_o be_v either_o scourge_v with_o the_o conflict_n and_o terror_n of_o their_o own_o doubt_n or_o that_o be_v solace_v and_o establish_v with_o the_o sweet_a dew_n of_o refresh_v that_o arise_v from_o a_o root_a and_o well_o ground_a faith_n if_o man_n study_v assurance_n so_o much_o for_o their_o outward_a possession_n in_o this_o world_n how_o much_o more_o earnest_a and_o diligent_a shall_v man_n be_v to_o assure_v god_n love_n and_o the_o inheritance_n of_o the_o glory_n to_o come_v there_o be_v not_o a_o clear_a sign_n of_o a_o profane_a heart_n then_o to_o account_v these_o care_n needless_a nor_o do_v i_o know_v a_o just_a exception_n against_o any_o religion_n then_o that_o it_o shall_v teach_v that_o when_o a_o man_n have_v do_v what_o he_o can_v to_o observe_v the_o direction_n of_o that_o religion_n yet_o he_o can_v be_v sure_a he_o shall_v go_v to_o heaven_n but_o since_o i_o know_v that_o all_o that_o be_v possess_v of_o the_o grace_n of_o jesus_n christ_n do_v account_n assurance_n great_a riches_n i_o therefore_o conceive_v hope_n that_o my_o pain_n about_o this_o subject_n will_v not_o be_v altogether_o unacceptable_a and_o the_o rather_o because_o in_o this_o present_a treatise_n i_o have_v endeavour_v to_o express_v the_o sign_n of_o trial_n in_o a_o much_o more_o easy_a way_n then_o before_o and_o beside_o have_v add_v direction_n that_o show_v how_o a_o weak_a christian_a may_v establish_v himself_o in_o his_o assurance_n i_o make_v bold_a to_o dedicate_v my_o new_a essay_n herein_o unto_o your_o ladyship_n you_o have_v hear_v the_o substance_n hereof_o preach_v and_o receive_v it_o with_o much_o gladness_n and_o in_o the_o private_a use_n of_o these_o sign_n you_o have_v be_v please_v to_o profess_v to_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n that_o you_o have_v find_v much_o contentment_n and_o establishment_n of_o your_o own_o assurance_n your_o eminency_n in_o the_o sincere_a profession_n and_o practice_n of_o true_a religion_n and_o the_o shine_a of_o the_o grace_n here_o entreat_v of_o long_o acknowledge_v by_o many_o witness_n have_v make_v you_o worthy_a to_o be_v public_o observe_v and_o praise_v in_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n and_o your_o great_a respect_n and_o favour_n show_v to_o i_o have_v make_v this_o way_n of_o testify_v my_o thankfulness_n but_o as_o a_o small_a pledge_n and_o assurance_n of_o my_o desire_n to_o do_v your_o ladyship_n any_o service_n in_o the_o thing_n of_o jesus_n christ_n thus_o beseech_v god_n to_o enlarge_v the_o comfort_n of_o his_o spirit_n in_o your_o heart_n and_o to_o prosper_v you_o in_o all_o thing_n that_o concern_v the_o bless_a hope_n of_o the_o appear_v of_o jesus_n christ_n our_o mighty_a god_n and_o saviour_n i_o end_v and_o rest_v your_o ladyship_n to_o be_v command_v n._n bifield_n chap._n i._n describe_v the_o godly_a man_n by_o such_o sign_n as_o discover_v he_o to_o the_o observation_n of_o other_o man_n the_o sign_n of_o the_o true_a christian_n that_o have_v true_a grace_n in_o this_o world_n and_o shall_v be_v save_v in_o heaven_n when_o he_o die_v may_v be_v cast_v into_o two_o catalogue_n the_o sign_n two_o catalogue_n of_o sign_n one_o more_o brief_a the_o other_o more_o large_a the_o one_o catalogue_n of_o sign_n describe_v he_o by_o such_o mark_n as_o for_o the_o most_o part_n do_v outward_o distinguish_v he_o among_o man_n the_o large_a catalogue_n i_o intend_v especial_o as_o a_o more_o infallible_a and_o effectual_a way_n of_o trial_n as_o contain_v such_o sign_n as_o for_o the_o most_o part_n be_v not_o observe_v by_o other_o man_n or_o not_o full_o but_o be_v know_v to_o himself_o and_o can_v be_v find_v in_o no_o reprobate_a for_o the_o first_o catalogue_n chapter_n the_o short_a catalogue_n handle_v in_o this_o chapter_n the_o true_a christian_a usual_o discover_v himself_o by_o these_o mark_n first_o he_o will_v not_o have_v wicked_a 1._o he_o avoid_v the_o company_n of_o the_o wicked_a fellowship_n with_o the_o unfruitful_a work_n of_o darkness_n he_o will_v not_o walk_v in_o the_o counsel_n of_o the_o wicked_a nor_o stand_v in_o the_o way_n of_o sinner_n he_o will_v not_o sort_v himself_o with_o worker_n of_o iniquity_n psal_n 1._o 1._o &_o 26._o 2._o cor._n 6._o second_o he_o will_v afflict_v sin_n 2._o he_o be_v sorrowful_a for_o his_o sin_n &_o humble_v his_o soul_n for_o his_o sin_n mourn_v and_o weep_v for_o they_o till_o the_o lord_n be_v please_v to_o show_v mercy_n and_o forgive_v he_o he_o do_v account_v his_o sin_n to_o be_v his_o great_a burden_n he_o can_v make_v a_o mock_n of_o sin_n etc._n etc._n three_o he_o labour_v conversation_n 3._o he_o be_v thorough_o reform_v in_o conversation_n to_o be_v holy_a in_o all_o part_n of_o his_o conversation_n watch_v over_o his_o own_o way_n at_o all_o time_n and_o in_o all_o company_n psal_n 50._o 23._o esa_n 56._o 8._o 2._o pet._n 3._o four_o he_o make_v great_a 4._o he_o make_v conscience_n of_o lesser_a sin_n as_o well_o as_o great_a conscience_n of_o the_o least_o commandment_n as_o well_o as_o the_o great_a avoid_v filthy_a speak_v and_o vain_a jest_n and_o lasciviousness_n as_o well_o as_o whoredom_n lesser_a oath_n as_o well_o as_o the_o great_a reproachful_a speech_n as_o well_o as_o violent_a action_n etc._n etc._n five_o he_o love_v and_o preach_v 5._o he_o love_v preach_v esteem_v and_o labour_n for_o the_o powerful_a preach_n of_o the_o word_n above_o all_o earthly_a treasure_n six_o he_o honour_v man_n 6._o he_o esteem_v the_o godly_a above_o all_o man_n and_o high_o account_v of_o the_o godly_a and_o delight_n in_o the_o company_n of_o such_o as_o true_o fear_v god_n above_o all_o other_o psal_n 15._o seventh_o he_o be_v careful_a sabbath_n 7._o he_o be_v careful_a of_o the_o sanctification_n of_o the_o sabbath_n of_o the_o sanctification_n of_o the_o sabbath_n neither_o dare_v to_o violate_v that_o holy_a rest_n by_o labour_n nor_o to_o neglect_v the_o holy_a duty_n belong_v to_o god_n service_n public_a or_o private_a esa_n 56._o and_o 58._o eight_o he_o love_v not_o world_n 8._o he_o be_v not_o in_o love_n with_o the_o world_n the_o world_n neither_o the_o thing_n thereof_o but_o be_v more_o hearty_o affect_v in_o thing_n that_o concern_v a_o better_a life_n and_o so_o do_v in_o some_o degree_n love_v the_o appear_v of_o christ_n nine_o he_o be_v easy_a enemy_n 9_o he_o love_v his_o enemy_n to_o be_v entreat_v he_o can_v forgive_v his_o enemy_n desire_v peace_n and_o will_v do_v good_a even_o to_o they_o that_o persecute_v he_o if_o it_o lie_v in_o his_o power_n math._n 5._o ten_o he_o go_v oppose_v 10._o he_o be_v constant_a in_o good_a course_n though_o oppose_v on_o in_o the_o profession_n of_o the_o sincerity_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o do_v such_o duty_n as_o he_o know_v god_n require_v of_o he_o in_o business_n of_o his_o soul_n notwithstanding_o the_o opposition_n of_o profane_a person_n or_o the_o dislike_n of_o carnal_a friend_n etc._n etc._n eleventh_o he_o set_v family_n 11._o he_o serve_v god_n in_o his_o family_n up_o a_o daily_a course_n of_o serve_v of_o god_n and_o that_o with_o his_o family_n too_o if_o he_o have_v any_o and_o exercise_v himself_o in_o the_o word_n of_o god_n as_o the_o chief_a joy_n of_o his_o heart_n and_o the_o daily_a refuge_n of_o his_o life_n call_v upon_o god_n continual_o etc._n etc._n chap._n ii_o show_v the_o general_a division_n of_o the_o sign_n and_o the_o way_n how_o the_o sign_n be_v find_v out_o thus_o of_o the_o short_a catalogue_n of_o sign_n now_o it_o follow_v that_o i_o proceed_v to_o those_o infallible_a mark_n of_o election_n and_o salvation_n and_o whereas_o i_o have_v diverse_a year_n since_o publish_v a_o treatise_n which_o i_o call_v essay_n or_o sign_n of_o god_n love_n and_o man_n salvation_n have_v observe_v treatise_n the_o occasion_n of_o this_o treatise_n
it_o when_o he_o be_v deliver_v he_o be_v not_o like_o the_o israelite_n mention_v psal_n 78._o 36._o 37._o 22._o he_o make_v a_o supernatural_a thing_n 22._o he_o account_v of_o spiritual_a thing_n as_o the_o best_a thing_n valuation_n of_o spiritual_a thing_n account_v they_o as_o pearl_n of_o the_o best_a price_n not_o too_o dear_a buy_v if_o he_o purchase_v they_o with_o all_o the_o worldly_a thing_n he_o have_v and_o contrariwise_o account_v himself_o exceed_v poor_a if_o he_o want_v they_o or_o the_o mean_n of_o they_o math._n 13._o 45._o 46._o psal_n 42._o &_o 63._o 1._o 3._o 23._o he_o have_v lose_v his_o world_n 23._o he_o do_v not_o savour_n the_o thing_n of_o the_o flesh_n and_o the_o world_n wont_a taste_n in_o earthly_a thing_n his_o heart_n be_v not_o transport_v with_o the_o admiration_n of_o they_o or_o the_o inordinate_a desire_n after_o worldly_a thing_n he_o love_v not_o the_o world_n &_o this_o life_n as_o he_o be_v wont_a to_o do_v though_o he_o use_v the_o world_n yet_o he_o easy_o confess_v himself_o to_o be_v a_o stranger_n and_o pilgrim_n here_o he_o give_v over_o the_o unnecessary_a pleasure_n &_o profit_n of_o this_o life_n heb._n 11._o 13._o 1._o joh._n 2._o 14._o 15._o rom._n 8._o 6._o he_o be_v weary_a of_o the_o world_n and_o willing_a to_o forgo_v society_n with_o the_o man_n of_o this_o world_n the_o worker_n of_o iniquity_n psalm_n 6._o 8._o 9_o and_o 39_o 12._o and_o 26._o 1_o 2_o 3_o 4._o 24._o if_o the_o lord_n be_v silent_a himself_o 24._o he_o be_v much_o grieve_v if_o god_n hide_v himself_o and_o answer_v not_o his_o desire_n but_o hide_v his_o face_n his_o spirit_n fail_v and_o he_o be_v as_o one_o that_o go_v down_o into_o the_o pit_n it_o trouble_v he_o as_o a_o sore_a cross_n and_o so_o contrariwise_o psal_n 26._o 1_o and_o 88_o 13_o 14_o 15_o and_o 143._o 7._o joh._n 16._o 23._o 28._o 25._o if_o he_o have_v be_v lamb_n 25._o of_o a_o lion_n he_o become_v a_o lamb_n a_o man_n subject_n to_o boisterous_a violent_a and_o hurtful_a affection_n he_o be_v now_o become_v tame_a of_o a_o lion_n he_o be_v become_v a_o lamb_n &_o a_o little_a child_n may_v lead_v he_o esay_n 11._o 9_o 26._o he_o have_v a_o spirit_n guile_n 26._o his_o spirit_n be_v without_o guile_n without_o guile_n psal_n 32._o 2._o he_o be_v more_o desirous_a to_o be_v good_a then_o to_o be_v think_v to_o be_v so_o and_o more_o seek_v the_o power_n of_o godliness_n than_o the_o show_n of_o it_o job._n 1._o 1._o prou._n 20._o 6._o 7._o his_o praise_n be_v of_o god_n and_o not_o of_o man_n rom._n 2._o 26._o and_o thus_o much_o of_o the_o trial_n of_o his_o humiliation_n the_o sign_n of_o his_o faith_n follow_v chap._n four_o the_o trial_n of_o a_o godly_a man_n by_o his_o faith_n faith_n be_v the_o next_o thing_n to_o be_v try_v in_o a_o child_n of_o god_n and_o in_o as_o much_o as_o there_o be_v diverse_a kind_n of_o faith_n faith_n why_o we_o shall_v try_v our_o faith_n and_o experience_n show_v in_o many_o that_o give_v no_o sign_n of_o repentance_n that_o they_o will_v not_o be_v beat_v from_o a_o confident_a presumption_n that_o christ_n die_v for_o they_o even_o for_o they_o in_o particular_a it_o stand_v we_o in_o hand_n to_o try_v our_o persuasion_n by_o true_a rule_n of_o scripture_n that_o so_o if_o it_o will_v abide_v the_o trial_n of_o the_o touchstone_n we_o may_v lay_v it_o up_o as_o a_o hide_a treasure_n and_o a_o wonderful_a grace_n of_o god_n and_o if_o otherwise_o we_o may_v repent_v we_o of_o presumption_n as_o a_o deceivable_a sin_n but_o before_o i_o open_v the_o sign_n of_o this_o sign_n the_o reader_n must_v be_v admonish_v of_o three_o thing_n first_o that_o i_o intend_v not_o breed_v the_o drift_n be_v to_o show_v how_o faith_n may_v be_v prove_v not_o how_o it_o may_v be_v breed_v by_o these_o sign_n to_o show_v how_o faith_n may_v be_v breed_v or_o beget_v in_o we_o but_o how_o faith_n may_v be_v prove_v and_o declare_v to_o be_v in_o us._n for_o it_o be_v the_o promise_n of_o god_n in_o the_o scripture_n that_o breed_v faith_n nor_o can_v humane_a reason_n believe_v such_o great_a thing_n from_o god_n for_o any_o thing_n that_o be_v in_o we_o but_o only_o because_o we_o see_v the_o word_n of_o god_n assure_v such_o happiness_n unto_o such_o as_o lay_v hold_n upon_o they_o so_o that_o that_o which_o breed_v faith_n be_v the_o revelation_n of_o god_n promise_n by_o his_o word_n and_o spirit_n yet_o notwithstanding_o the_o assurance_n of_o faith_n be_v much_o increase_v and_o confirm_v by_o the_o sight_n of_o those_o sign_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o our_o faith_n and_o other_o grace_n of_o god_n in_o us._n second_o that_o i_o stand_v caveat_n a_o second_o caveat_n not_o precise_o upon_o the_o order_n of_o these_o grace_n of_o god_n in_o we_o nor_o determine_v that_o question_n which_o grace_n be_v first_o wrought_v in_o the_o heart_n of_o a_o man_n but_o that_o which_o i_o have_v special_o aim_v at_o in_o the_o order_n of_o set_v they_o down_o be_v to_o begin_v at_o those_o that_o either_o first_o appear_v in_o a_o christian_a or_o be_v easy_a as_o i_o conceive_v to_o be_v discern_v in_o he_o three_o that_o i_o intend_v preface_n the_o 3._o note_n by_o way_n of_o preface_n especial_o the_o trial_n of_o such_o christian_n as_o agree_v in_o this_o that_o they_o be_v persuade_v that_o christ_n die_v for_o they_o that_o so_o the_o true_a christian_a may_v see_v reason_n to_o comfort_v himself_o that_o his_o persuasion_n be_v no_o presumption_n as_o be_v the_o persuasion_n of_o the_o most_o it_o be_v true_a that_o diverse_a of_o the_o sign_n of_o faith_n here_o to_o be_v handle_v will_v show_v faith_n in_o the_o weak_a christian_a though_o he_o will_v not_o yet_o be_v bring_v to_o acknowledge_v any_o persuasion_n for_o this_o persuasion_n may_v be_v secret_o wrought_v upon_o the_o hart_n as_o it_o be_v when_o it_o rely_v upon_o the_o merit_n of_o christ_n only_o for_o salvation_n though_o the_o judgement_n of_o the_o christian_a be_v not_o resolve_v against_o his_o doubt_n the_o question_n than_o be_v how_o a_o christian_a may_v try_v his_o persuasion_n of_o god_n mercy_n and_o his_o interest_n in_o christ_n merit_n whether_o it_o be_v right_a or_o no._n for_o answer_v thereunto_o i_o say_v that_o the_o true_a christian_a do_v prove_v his_o faith_n and_o persuasion_n faith_n the_o true_a faith_n to_o be_v right_a by_o those_o sign_n follow_v first_o his_o faithor_n persuasion_n preach_v 1._o be_v wrought_v by_o the_o word_n preach_v be_v wrought_v by_o the_o hear_n of_o the_o word_n preach_v &_o therefore_o thou_o must_v first_o ask_v thyself_o how_o thou_o come_v by_o thy_o persuasion_n for_o if_o thou_o say_v thou_o be_v always_o so_o persuade_v or_o do_v attain_v it_o by_o mere_a natural_a mean_n or_o help_n thou_o be_v deceive_v for_o faith_n be_v first_o wrought_v by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n in_o the_o preach_n of_o the_o gospel_n as_o it_o be_v most_o clear_a by_o the_o word_n of_o the_o apostle_n how_o shall_v they_o believe_v in_o he_o of_o who_o they_o have_v not_o hear_v and_o how_o shall_v they_o hear_v without_o a_o preacher_n rom._n 10._o 14._o and_o whereas_o it_o may_v be_v that_o many_o christian_n have_v not_o observe_v the_o working_n of_o their_o faith_n and_o have_v forget_v the_o time_n of_o their_o conversion_n and_o have_v not_o judgement_n to_o discern_v how_o the_o lord_n by_o the_o ministry_n of_o his_o servant_n do_v change_v their_o heart_n and_o lead_v they_o to_o christ_n therefore_o when_o this_o first_o sign_n can_v comfort_v they_o must_v try_v themselves_o by_o the_o rest_n that_o follow_v second_o he_o have_v a_o thing_n 2._o esteem_v christ_n above_o all_o thing_n high_a estimation_n of_o jesus_n christ_n for_o the_o man_n that_o have_v true_a faith_n account_v all_o thing_n most_o base_a in_o comparison_n of_o the_o knowledge_n of_o christ_n and_o the_o love_n of_o god_n in_o he_o he_o have_v rather_o be_v sure_a of_o christ_n then_o to_o gain_v the_o whole_a world_n christ_n be_v more_o precious_a than_o all_o the_o world_n yea_o be_v the_o only_a thing_n in_o request_n in_o the_o desire_n of_o the_o christian_n now_o christ_n be_v precious_a only_o to_o they_o that_o believe_v 1._o pet._n 2._o 6._o and_o by_o this_o sign_n paul_n know_v that_o he_o be_v grow_v far_o beyond_o himself_o in_o his_o former_a life_n and_o beyond_o all_o the_o pharise_n in_o the_o world_n phil._n 3._o 9_o three_o he_o ready_o world_n 3._o receive_v the_o testimony_n of_o god_n minister_n before_o all_o the_o world_n receive_v the_o testimony_n of_o god_n minister_n speak_v out_o of_o the_o word_n &_o stick_v to_o it_o against_o all_o the_o contradiction_n
a_o humility_n 4._o humility_n true_a faith_n exclude_v boast_v of_o our_o own_o labour_n gift_n or_o praise_n and_o make_v we_o able_a out_o of_o the_o sense_n of_o our_o own_o vileness_n to_o acknowledge_v all_o the_o glory_n to_o god_n free_a grace_n and_o love_n in_o jesus_n christ_n rom._n 3._o 17._o gal._n 3._o 22._o 5._o the_o confession_n confession_n 5_o confession_n and_o profession_n of_o the_o truth_n faith_n will_v make_v a_o man_n speak_v in_o defence_n of_o the_o truth_n i_o have_v believe_v therefore_o have_v i_o speak_v say_v david_n psalm_n 116_o which_o the_o apostle_n plead_v to_o prove_v their_o faith_n also_o 2._o cor._n 4._o 13._o 14._o 6._o the_o put_v on_o of_o righteousness_n 6._o application_n of_o christ_n righteousness_n righteousness_n which_o be_v not_o by_o the_o work_n of_o the_o law_n do_v by_o us._n the_o application_n of_o and_o rely_v upon_o the_o righteousness_n of_o jesus_n christ_n be_v the_o proper_a and_o only_a work_n of_o true_a faith_n rom._n 10._o 7._o it_o open_v a_o spring_n grace_n 7._o a_o very_a spring_n of_o grace_n of_o grace_n in_o the_o heart_n of_o a_o true_a christian_a he_o that_o be_v a_o true_a believer_n be_v qualify_v with_o sundry_a heavenly_a gift_n which_o be_v not_o in_o he_o by_o nature_n which_o gift_n do_v daily_o discover_v themselves_o in_o his_o heart_n flow_v from_o thence_o as_o if_o there_o be_v a_o spring_n of_o live_a water_n in_o his_o belly_n sanctification_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o faith_n of_o the_o truth_n be_v inseparable_a joh._n 7._o 38._o 2._o thessalonian_o 2._o 13._o chap._n v._n the_o trial_n of_o a_o godly_a man_n by_o such_o heavenly_a gift_n as_o serve_v he_o in_o his_o journey_n to_o heaven_n thus_o of_o his_o trial_n in_o his_o humiliation_n and_o in_o his_o faith_n it_o follow_v in_o the_o three_o place_n to_o try_v he_o by_o his_o gift_n which_o be_v the_o fruit_n of_o faith_n the_o true_a christian_a differ_v from_o the_o wicked_a man_n in_o two_o sort_n christian_n two_o sort_n of_o grace_n in_o a_o christian_n of_o gift_n some_o of_o they_o be_v such_o gift_n as_o be_v bestow_v upon_o he_o from_o above_o but_o serve_v he_o only_o for_o his_o spiritual_a use_n while_o he_o be_v on_o the_o way_n in_o his_o journey_n to_o heaven_n and_o so_o only_o in_o this_o life_n such_o as_o be_v the_o sacred_a thirst_n the_o love_n to_o the_o word_n and_o mean_n of_o his_o holiness_n the_o spirit_n of_o supplication_n the_o love_n of_o his_o enemy_n and_o his_o desire_n after_o the_o appearance_n of_o jesus_n christ_n other_o gift_n he_o have_v which_o will_v accompany_v he_o home_o into_o his_o heavenly_a country_n and_o abide_v upon_o he_o for_o ever_o and_o be_v not_o abolish_v by_o death_n such_o as_o be_v save_v knowledge_n the_o love_n of_o god_n and_o the_o love_n of_o the_o godly_a first_o therefore_o of_o those_o heavenly_a gift_n which_o will_v pass_v away_o and_o so_o he_o be_v qualify_v with_o five_o distinct_a holy_a gift_n which_o can_v be_v find_v in_o any_o reprobate_n the_o first_o be_v his_o holy_a sign_n the_o holy_a thirst_n that_o be_v in_o the_o godly_a christian_a try_v by_o four_o sign_n thirst_n which_o be_v a_o heavenly_a kind_n of_o appetite_n by_o which_o he_o be_v carry_v to_o the_o desire_n of_o thing_n above_o nature_n such_o as_o be_v the_o merit_n and_o righteousness_n of_o christ_n the_o favour_n of_o god_n the_o presence_n of_o god_n the_o full_a deliverance_n from_o all_o sin_n the_o remove_n of_o spiritual_a judgement_n the_o salvation_n of_o other_o man_n and_o the_o like_a and_o this_o thirst_n be_v a_o sign_n the_o more_o infallible_a 1._o because_o it_o be_v constant_a and_o indelible_a in_o this_o life_n there_o be_v no_o part_n of_o his_o life_n but_o it_o continue_v either_o in_o the_o sense_n of_o his_o affection_n or_o in_o the_o judgement_n of_o his_o understanding_n so_o as_o he_o account_v spiritual_a thing_n to_o be_v the_o best_a thing_n and_o though_o at_o some_o time_n his_o affection_n may_v be_v the_o less_o move_v after_o they_o yet_o his_o appetite_n be_v daily_o renew_v as_o it_o be_v in_o the_o hunger_n or_o thirst_n that_o be_v bodily_a 2._o because_o it_o be_v industrious_a for_o this_o holy_a thirst_n will_v guide_v he_o to_o a_o careful_a use_n of_o all_o the_o mean_n by_o which_o good_a thing_n may_v be_v attain_v and_o do_v not_o breathe_v itself_o out_o only_o with_o sudden_a and_o vain_a wish_n or_o flash_n of_o desire_n psal_n 27._o 4._o 1._o pet._n 2._o 2._o psal_n 63._o 1._o 2._o psalm_n 1._o 2._o act_n 2._o 37._o 3._o because_o it_o work_v a_o constant_a and_o secret_a meditation_n of_o heavenly_a thing_n desire_v the_o heart_n frequent_o seek_v after_o god_n day_n and_o night_n isaiah_n 26._o 9_o psalm_n 63._o 1._o 6._o for_o what_o we_o desire_v fervent_o we_o think_v on_o almost_o continual_o 4._o because_o if_o the_o lord_n quench_v his_o thirst_n and_o satisfy_v his_o desire_n in_o spiritual_a thing_n the_o soul_n become_v as_o a_o water_a garden_n and_o then_o follow_v in_o he_o a_o heavenly_a kind_n of_o satisfaction_n and_o contentment_n with_o singular_a delight_n in_o the_o soul_n and_o vow_n and_o wish_n of_o infinite_a and_o eternal_a thankfulness_n psalm_n 63._o 4._o 5._o jere._n 31._o 25._o 26._o and_o thus_o much_o of_o the_o first_o gift_n second_o the_o love_n word_n his_o trial_n by_o his_o love_n to_o the_o word_n to_o the_o word_n be_v another_o sign_n that_o he_o be_v the_o child_n of_o god_n and_o a_o clear_a evidence_n of_o his_o salvation_n now_o because_o all_o sort_n of_o wicked_a man_n may_v resort_v to_o the_o exercise_n of_o the_o word_n and_o those_o that_o have_v but_o a_o temporary_a faith_n may_v show_v a_o great_a estimation_n of_o the_o word_n and_o find_v joy_n in_o the_o hear_n of_o it_o &_o show_v much_o zeal_n in_o thing_n that_o concern_v the_o word_n and_o may_v yield_v some_o obedience_n to_o the_o direction_n of_o the_o word_n also_o it_o be_v profitable_a to_o consider_v how_o the_o true_a christian_a may_v prove_v that_o his_o affection_n to_o the_o word_n be_v more_o sincere_a than_o that_o affection_n which_o any_o wicked_a man_n can_v bring_v to_o the_o word_n and_o thus_o he_o may_v find_v that_o his_o heart_n be_v sound_a in_o his_o love_n to_o the_o word_n by_o these_o mark_n 1._o by_o his_o manner_n of_o by_o 13._o sign_n to_o try_v his_o affection_n to_o the_o word_n by_o receive_v it_o when_o he_o do_v receive_v the_o word_n as_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o not_o of_o man_n set_v his_o heart_n before_o god_n presence_n and_o be_v affect_v as_o if_o the_o lord_n himself_o shall_v speak_v unto_o he_o this_o no_o wicked_a man_n dare_v do_v he_o dare_v not_o present_v himself_o with_o the_o whole_a intendment_n of_o his_o heart_n before_o the_o lord_n for_o this_o sign_n the_o apostle_n paul_n acknowledge_v the_o thessalonian_o to_o be_v true_a christian_n 1._o thessaly_n 2._o 13._o 2._o by_o his_o appetite_n to_o the_o word_n for_o there_o be_v in_o a_o godly_a man_n as_o true_a a_o hunger_n after_o the_o word_n as_o the_o food_n of_o his_o soul_n as_o there_o be_v in_o his_o stomach_n after_o the_o food_n of_o his_o body_n which_o show_v itself_o to_o be_v the_o more_o sincere_a because_o it_o be_v constant_a he_o desire_v the_o word_n at_o all_o time_n and_o as_o his_o appoint_a food_n daily_o as_o it_o be_v in_o the_o bodily_a appetite_n though_o after_o feed_v the_o stomach_n may_v seem_v to_o be_v full_a and_o satisfy_v yet_o the_o hunger_n revive_v again_o every_o day_n so_o it_o be_v with_o the_o heart_n of_o a_o child_n of_o god_n whereas_o wicked_a man_n regard_v the_o word_n but_o by_o fit_n and_o in_o a_o passion_n and_o then_o at_o length_n fall_v clean_o away_o from_o the_o affection_n to_o it_o psal_n 119._o 20._o job._n 23._o 12._o 3._o by_o his_o love_n to_o they_o that_o love_v the_o word_n 4._o by_o his_o sorrow_n because_o other_o man_n keep_v not_o the_o word_n psal_n 119._o 136._o 5._o by_o his_o unfeigned_a estimation_n of_o the_o word_n above_o all_o worldly_a thing_n account_v it_o to_o be_v a_o happy_a portion_n to_o enjoy_v the_o word_n in_o the_o power_n and_o profit_n of_o it_o psal_n 119._o 14._o 72._o 111._o 6._o by_o his_o desire_n &_o delight_n to_o exercise_v himself_o in_o it_o day_n and_o night_n that_o be_v constant_o psal_n 1._o 2._o 7._o by_o his_o grief_n either_o for_o the_o want_n of_o the_o mean_n by_o which_o the_o word_n may_v be_v teach_v unto_o he_o with_o power_n account_v such_o want_n of_o the_o mean_n to_o be_v a_o sore_a famine_n or_o for_o want_v of_o success_n in_o the_o use_v of_o the_o mean_n when_o he_o do_v enjoy_v it_o psa_n 42._o 3._o am._n