the_o purpose_n for_o the_o question_n be_v not_o of_o epicure_n and_o worldling_n who_o have_v no_o faith_n or_o a_o dead_a faith_n but_o of_o true_a believer_n who_o bring_v forth_o the_o fruit_n of_o their_o faith_n at_o least_o in_o a_o holy_a desire_n and_o endeavour_n of_o serve_v the_o lord_n in_o holiness_n and_o righteousness_n for_o they_o that_o can_v be_v assure_v that_o they_o have_v faith_n can_v have_v any_o certainty_n of_o their_o election_n but_o none_o can_v have_v any_o assurance_n of_o faith_n unless_o they_o bring_v forth_o the_o fruit_n of_o their_o faith_n in_o die_v to_o sin_n and_o rise_v again_o to_o newness_n of_o life_n for_o faith_n purify_v the_o heart_n and_o work_v by_o love_n and_o therefore_o such_o as_o live_v in_o their_o sin_n without_o repentance_n have_v no_o faith_n can_v have_v no_o certainty_n of_o their_o election_n though_o they_o may_v delude_v themselves_o with_o a_o fond_a persuasion_n which_o have_v no_o other_o ground_n but_o carnal_a security_n and_o fond_a presumption_n but_o hence_o it_o follow_v not_o that_o because_o a_o dead_a faith_n afford_v no_o true_a certainty_n therefore_o a_o lively_a faith_n do_v it_o not_o because_o a_o profane_a epicure_n or_o carnal_a worldling_n deceive_v himself_o with_o a_o vain_a opinion_n therefore_o those_o that_o be_v true_o convert_v mortify_v unto_o sin_n and_o raise_v up_o to_o newness_n of_o life_n can_v have_v no_o certainty_n of_o their_o election_n and_o salvation_n for_o what_o similitude_n be_v there_o between_o light_n and_o darkness_n righteousness_n and_o unrighteousness_n the_o child_n of_o god_n and_o the_o child_n of_o belial_n the_o repentant_a and_o unrepentant_a faith_n and_o no_o faith_n last_o presumption_n §._o sect._n 11._o that_o this_o doctrine_n open_v no_o way_n to_o security_n and_o presumption_n they_o object_n that_o if_o we_o teach_v this_o doctrine_n of_o the_o certainty_n of_o election_n man_n will_v abuse_v it_o to_o nourish_v in_o they_o carnal_a security_n and_o presumption_n to_o which_o i_o answer_v that_o wicked_a man_n abuse_v the_o whole_a doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n to_o their_o destruction_n for_o when_o they_o be_v teach_v that_o god_n be_v most_o gracious_a and_o merciful_a that_o christ_n have_v die_v for_o we_o and_o give_v himself_o as_o a_o sufficient_a price_n to_o redeem_v we_o out_o of_o the_o power_n of_o sin_n satan_n death_n and_o damnation_n and_o make_v intercession_n for_o we_o to_o god_n his_o father_n that_o the_o lord_n be_v slow_a to_o wrath_n and_o ready_a to_o forgive_v they_o take_v occasion_n hereby_o of_o continue_v in_o their_o sin_n and_o defer_v their_o repentance_n till_o god_n take_v they_o away_o and_o consume_v they_o in_o his_o heavy_a displeasure_n but_o hence_o it_o follow_v not_o that_o the_o gospel_n must_v not_o be_v teach_v because_o carnal_a man_n abuse_v it_o to_o their_o just_a condemnation_n for_o though_o to_o these_o it_o be_v the_o savour_n of_o death_n unto_o death_n yet_o to_o those_o who_o be_v save_v it_o be_v the_o savour_n of_o life_n unto_o life_n 1.18_o 2._o cor._n 2.16_o 1._o cor._n 1.18_o as_o it_o be_v 2._o cor._n 2.16_o though_o it_o be_v foolishness_n to_o those_o that_o perish_v yet_o it_o be_v the_o power_n of_o god_n to_o those_o who_o god_n have_v ordain_v to_o salvation_n and_o god_n be_v no_o less_o glorify_v in_o the_o one_o by_o show_v his_o mercy_n than_o in_o the_o other_o by_o show_v his_o justice_n though_o worldly_a man_n abuse_v it_o to_o carnal_a security_n yet_o the_o godly_a be_v the_o more_o incite_v thereby_o to_o serve_v the_o lord_n in_o holiness_n and_o newness_n of_o life_n for_o like_o love_a child_n the_o more_o they_o be_v assure_v of_o the_o love_n of_o their_o heavenly_a father_n and_o secure_v of_o his_o mercy_n and_o bountiful_a benefit_n the_o more_o they_o love_v he_o again_o the_o more_o they_o love_v he_o the_o more_o zealous_a they_o be_v of_o his_o glory_n and_o the_o great_a their_o zeal_n be_v the_o great_a be_v their_o care_n in_o make_v the_o light_n of_o their_o godly_a and_o christian_n live_v to_o shine_v before_o man_n that_o their_o heavenly_a father_n may_v be_v glorify_v so_o that_o it_o be_v not_o the_o fault_n of_o this_o precious_a seed_n but_o the_o barrenness_n of_o the_o ground_n which_o make_v it_o fruitless_a or_o else_o for_o good_a wheat_n send_v tare_n cockle_n and_o darnel_n it_o be_v not_o any_o defect_n or_o ill_a disposition_n in_o this_o sweet_a smell_a flower_n but_o the_o venomous_a nature_n of_o these_o spider_n which_o turn_v honey_n into_o poison_n and_o therefore_o the_o seed_n must_v be_v cast_v upon_o the_o earth_n though_o there_o be_v stone_n with_o the_o good_a ground_n which_o will_v never_o bring_v forth_o fruit_n the_o flower_n of_o sweet_a consolation_n must_v not_o be_v pull_v up_o by_o the_o root_n and_o cast_v away_o for_o though_o the_o spider_n gather_v poison_n yet_o the_o profitable_a bee_n will_v gather_v honey_n out_o of_o they_o second_o when_o we_o teach_v the_o certainty_n of_o election_n we_o do_v not_o teach_v that_o man_n must_v gather_v it_o out_o of_o god_n secret_a counsel_n but_o from_o their_o own_o sanctification_n by_o which_o they_o may_v be_v assure_v that_o they_o be_v justify_v call_v and_o elect_v and_o therefore_o whosoever_o be_v not_o sanctify_v but_o continue_v in_o their_o sin_n without_o repentance_n can_v have_v no_o assurance_n by_o our_o doctrine_n that_o they_o be_v elect_v or_o shall_v be_v save_v nay_o contrariwise_o we_o teach_v out_o of_o god_n word_n that_o whosoever_o line_n in_o the_o flesh_n shall_v die_v rom._n 8.13_o that_o they_o which_o perform_v the_o lust_n thereof_o shall_v never_o inherit_v the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n gal._n 5.19.20_o 21._o that_o none_n who_o continue_v in_o their_o unrighteousness_n and_o uncleanness_n shall_v enter_v into_o the_o heavenly_a jerusalem_n 1._o cor._n 6.9.10_o reu._n 21.27_o but_o shall_v have_v their_o portion_n in_o the_o lake_n which_o burn_v with_o fire_n and_o brimstone_n as_o it_o be_v vers_n 8._o now_o what_o strong_a bridle_n to_o curb_v in_o our_o unruly_a flesh_n when_o it_o be_v ready_a to_o run_v into_o sin_n than_o to_o be_v assure_v that_o if_o we_o live_v in_o sin_n and_o fulfil_v our_o carnal_a lust_n we_o be_v in_o the_o state_n of_o condemnation_n what_o sharp_a spur_n to_o prick_v we_o forward_o when_o we_o be_v ready_a to_o faint_v or_o slack_v our_o pace_n in_o the_o christian_a race_n of_o holiness_n and_o righteousness_n than_o to_o consider_v that_o our_o sanctification_n and_o newness_n of_o life_n be_v the_o only_a mean_n whereby_o we_o may_v come_v to_o the_o assurance_n of_o our_o election_n and_o salvation_n chap._n xiii_o of_o our_o redemption_n §_o sect._n 1_o and_o thus_o much_o concern_v our_o election_n and_o the_o certainty_n thereof_o the_o next_o cause_n of_o our_o salvation_n be_v our_o redemption_n by_o jesus_n christ_n for_o as_o the_o lord_n have_v from_o all_o eternity_n elect_v we_o to_o salvation_n of_o his_o mere_a mercy_n without_o any_o respect_n of_o our_o work_n or_o worthiness_n so_o he_o have_v ordain_v in_o this_o his_o eternal_a decree_n our_o saviour_n christ_n to_o be_v the_o mediator_n who_o shall_v work_v the_o work_n of_o our_o salvation_n and_o as_o it_o be_v the_o conduit_n whereby_o he_o will_v convey_v his_o grace_n mercy_n and_o everlasting_a salvation_n unto_o we_o and_o have_v set_v he_o apart_o to_o be_v our_o saviour_n and_o redeemer_n who_o shall_v save_v and_o deliver_v we_o out_o of_o the_o captivity_n and_o bondage_n of_o our_o spiritual_a enemy_n and_o restore_v we_o to_o the_o glorious_a liberty_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n be_v redemption_n what_o it_o be_v this_o our_o redemption_n be_v a_o effect_n of_o god_n election_n whereby_o our_o saviour_n christ_n be_v set_v apart_o of_o his_o father_n for_o this_o purpose_n have_v free_v and_o deliver_v all_o god_n elect_v out_o of_o the_o captivity_n of_o their_o spiritual_a enemy_n sin_n death_n and_o the_o devil_n by_o offer_v himself_o for_o the_o price_n of_o their_o redemption_n and_o a_o sufficient_a sacrifice_n for_o sin_n for_o the_o appease_n of_o his_o father_n displeasure_n and_o satisfy_n of_o his_o justice_n to_o the_o end_n that_o be_v deliver_v they_o may_v serve_v he_o in_o holiness_n and_o righteousness_n all_o the_o day_n of_o this_o life_n and_o afterward_o may_v inherit_v the_o kingdom_n of_o glory_n and_o the_o crown_n of_o eternal_a happiness_n which_o be_v purchase_v for_o they_o explain_v the_o definition_n explain_v first_o i_o say_v that_o it_o be_v a_o effect_n of_o god_n election_n for_o who_o he_o have_v choose_v to_o everlasting_a life_n in_o christ_n those_o by_o christ_n he_o have_v save_v and_o redeem_v and_o those_o only_a as_o we_o shall_v see_v afterward_o second_o i_o show_v who_o be_v our_o
be_v refute_v and_o repel_v chap._n i._o answer_v to_o those_o temptation_n of_o satan_n whereby_o he_o persuade_v carnal_a man_n of_o god_n love_n §_o sect._n 1_o and_o so_o much_o concern_v the_o common_a affection_n of_o the_o christian_a conflict_n salvation_n that_o satan_n temptation_n impugn_v all_o the_o cause_n and_o mean_n of_o our_o salvation_n namely_o his_o manful_a withstand_v satan_n encounter_n and_o also_o his_o faint_a and_o fall_v into_o sin_n now_o we_o be_v to_o speak_v of_o the_o special_a temptation_n themselves_o and_o the_o mean_n whereby_o we_o may_v be_v strengthen_v against_o they_o where_o first_o we_o be_v to_o consider_v that_o satan_n temptation_n be_v not_o always_o one_o and_o the_o same_o neither_o impugn_v one_o or_o two_o point_n only_o of_o our_o faith_n and_o religion_n but_o as_o the_o cause_n and_o the_o mean_n of_o our_o salvation_n be_v manifold_a so_o also_o do_v he_o gather_v manifold_a objection_n against_o every_o one_o of_o they_o if_o they_o true_o appertain_v unto_o we_o that_o so_o he_o may_v impugn_v and_o raze_v our_o faith_n or_o else_o do_v fill_v we_o with_o vain_a presumption_n persuade_v we_o that_o all_o the_o cause_n and_o mean_n of_o salvation_n concur_v together_o in_o we_o when_o as_o in_o truth_n we_o be_v void_a and_o destitute_a of_o they_o all_o let_v we_o therefore_o consider_v of_o the_o several_a cause_n of_o our_o salvation_n and_o observe_v what_o temptation_n satan_n sugge_v in_o our_o mind_n against_o every_o one_o of_o they_o the_o first_o and_o principal_a cause_n of_o our_o salvation_n be_v god_n eternal_a love_n and_o immutable_a goodwill_n wherewith_o he_o have_v love_v his_o creature_n from_o before_o the_o foundation_n of_o the_o world_n be_v lay_v the_o which_o love_n and_o goodwill_n in_o himself_o do_v move_v he_o to_o elect_v they_o to_o salvation_n who_o he_o so_o love_v without_o any_o desert_n in_o themselves_o for_o how_o can_v they_o deserve_v any_o thing_n at_o god_n have_v before_o they_o be_v or_o what_o good_a can_v the_o lord_n foresee_v in_o they_o but_o that_o which_o in_o his_o eternal_a counsel_n he_o purpose_v to_o bestow_v and_o impart_v unto_o they_o god_n satan_n temptation_n whereby_o he_o persuade_v carnal_a man_n that_o they_o be_v belove_v of_o god_n first_o therefore_o we_o will_v speak_v of_o those_o temptation_n which_o concern_v the_o love_n of_o god_n towards_o we_o which_o be_v of_o two_o sort_n the_o first_o lead_v we_o to_o vain_a presumption_n and_o carnal_a security_n the_o other_o to_o horror_n and_o desperation_n for_o if_o satan_n see_v man_n live_v in_o carnal_a security_n freeze_v in_o the_o dregs_n of_o their_o sin_n so_o as_o in_o truth_n there_o be_v no_o sign_n that_o they_o be_v belove_v of_o god_n he_o will_v persuade_v they_o that_o they_o be_v high_o in_o his_o favour_n and_o love_n and_o therefore_o though_o they_o run_v on_o in_o their_o wicked_a course_n yet_o they_o shall_v be_v save_v do_v thou_o not_o perceive_v will_n he_o say_v that_o god_n dear_o love_v thou_o why_o consider_v that_o he_o have_v make_v thou_o one_o of_o his_o chief_a creature_n whereas_o otherwise_o he_o will_v have_v make_v thou_o a_o toad_n or_o serpent_n he_o have_v also_o like_o a_o tender_a father_n preserve_v and_o nourish_v thou_o from_o thy_o infancy_n and_o which_o be_v more_o he_o have_v send_v his_o dear_o belove_a son_n to_o die_v for_o thou_o and_o he_o have_v make_v choice_n of_o thou_o among_o many_o other_o to_o be_v a_o member_n of_o his_o church_n where_o thou_o injoye_v the_o preach_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o the_o use_n of_o the_o sacrament_n to_o the_o end_n thou_o may_v be_v assure_v of_o thy_o salvation_n without_o all_o question_n or_o doubt_v never_o therefore_o take_v care_n nor_o trouble_v thyself_o concern_v thy_o salvation_n use_v not_o such_o strictness_n and_o preciseness_n of_o life_n but_o take_v thy_o pleasure_n and_o follow_v those_o delight_n which_o the_o lord_n have_v bestow_v upon_o thou_o as_o pledge_n of_o his_o love_n for_o thou_o be_v not_o now_o a_o slave_n but_o a_o son_n and_o therefore_o may_v more_o free_o follow_v thy_o own_o desire_n and_o use_v thy_o liberty_n cast_v away_o all_o servile_a fear_n which_o make_v thou_o take_v such_o pain_n in_o use_v all_o mean_n whereby_o thou_o may_v be_v assure_v of_o salvation_n for_o thou_o be_v assure_v of_o the_o principal_a namely_o of_o god_n love_n and_o therefore_o thou_o need_v not_o to_o doubt_v of_o the_o rest_n nor_o to_o debar_v thyself_o of_o thy_o pleasure_n spend_v thy_o time_n in_o fear_n and_o care_n to_o the_o end_n thou_o may_v get_v the_o assurance_n of_o that_o which_o thou_o need_v not_o to_o call_v into_o question_n temptation_n the_o answer_n to_o the_o former_a temptation_n and_o thus_o do_v the_o devil_n fill_v man_n with_o presumption_n and_o lull_v they_o asleep_a in_o carnal_a security_n to_o their_o utter_a destruction_n and_o therefore_o it_o behoove_v we_o to_o arm_v ourselves_o against_o he_o that_o we_o be_v not_o circumvent_v and_o to_o this_o end_n let_v we_o consider_v that_o god_n love_n go_v not_o alone_o neither_o be_v it_o idle_a in_o those_o who_o he_o love_v but_o as_o the_o first_o link_n of_o a_o chain_n draw_v all_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o chain_n with_o it_o so_o the_o love_n of_o god_n which_o be_v the_o first_o cause_n of_o our_o salvation_n be_v accompany_v with_o all_o the_o other_o cause_n which_o be_v subordinate_a thereunto_o for_o who_o god_n love_v they_o he_o elect_v who_o he_o elect_v those_o in_o his_o good_a time_n he_o call_v who_o he_o effectual_o call_v they_o he_o justifi_v and_o who_o he_o justifi_v those_o he_o sanctifi_v if_o therefore_o we_o be_v not_o sanctify_v we_o be_v not_o justify_v if_o we_o be_v not_o justify_v we_o be_v not_o call_v if_o we_o be_v not_o call_v we_o can_v have_v no_o assurance_n that_o we_o be_v elect_v nor_o yet_o of_o god_n love_n and_o favour_n and_o consequent_o whosoever_o live_v in_o their_o blind_a ignorance_n in_o their_o infidelity_n and_o wallow_v themselves_o in_o the_o filthy_a puddle_n of_o their_o sin_n without_o any_o true_a sorrow_n for_o those_o which_o be_v past_a or_o any_o good_a purpose_n of_o heart_n to_o forsake_v they_o in_o the_o time_n to_o come_v they_o can_v have_v no_o assurance_n of_o god_n love_n but_o be_v rather_o just_o to_o fear_v lest_o they_o be_v in_o the_o number_n of_o those_o who_o the_o lord_n have_v eternal_o reject_v if_o they_o continue_v in_o this_o their_o miserable_a and_o desperate_a estate_n §_o sect._n 2_o neither_o let_v satan_n bewitch_v they_o with_o that_o vain_a opinion_n of_o god_n love_n towards_o they_o love_n temporal_a benefit_n no_o infallible_a sign_n of_o god_n love_n because_o of_o those_o general_a benefit_n which_o like_o the_o rain_n and_o sunshine_n be_v bestow_v both_o upon_o the_o good_a and_o bad_a for_o what_o in_o this_o respect_n can_v they_o promise_v more_o to_o themselves_o than_o esau_n and_o saul_n be_v not_o they_o create_v man_n according_a to_o god_n own_o likeness_n be_v they_o not_o preseur_v and_o nourish_v by_o god_n and_o that_o more_o liberal_o than_o many_o god_n own_o child_n for_o esau_n have_v so_o much_o the_o he_o profess_v to_o his_o brother_n jacob_n that_o he_o have_v enough_o and_o be_v attend_v upon_o by_o four_o hundred_o man_n and_o be_v not_o saul_n a_o mighty_a king_n who_o have_v all_o at_o command_n be_v not_o all_o these_o in_o the_o church_n of_o god_n and_o outward_o enjoy_v the_o word_n and_o sacrament_n as_o well_o as_o any_o other_o and_o yet_o god_n himself_o say_v that_o he_o hate_v esau_n and_o have_v reject_v saul_n and_o therefore_o let_v we_o never_o brag_v of_o our_o assurance_n of_o god_n love_n because_o of_o these_o outward_a and_o common_a benefit_n which_o he_o indifferent_o bestow_v both_o upon_o the_o elect_a and_o reprobate_a but_o if_o we_o will_v be_v assure_v indeed_o of_o god_n love_n let_v we_o look_v into_o ourselves_o and_o consider_v if_o he_o have_v bestow_v upon_o we_o his_o spiritual_a grace_n faith_n hope_n patience_n love_n of_o he_o and_o our_o brethren_n true_a repentance_n for_o our_o sin_n and_o holiness_n of_o life_n and_o the_o rest_n and_o then_o by_o the_o fruit_n of_o sanctification_n we_o may_v be_v assure_v that_o we_o be_v sanctify_v and_o consequent_o justify_v call_v elect_v and_o eternal_o love_v of_o god_n §_o sect._n 3_o and_o thus_o do_v satan_n false_o persuade_v the_o carnal_a man_n that_o he_o be_v high_o in_o the_o love_n and_o favour_n of_o god_n god_n how_o satan_n persuade_v weak_a christian_n that_o thâ—y_o be_v not_o belous_a of_o god_n but_o contrariwise_o when_o he_o assault_v the_o weak_a christian_a he_o change_v his_o copy_n and_o go_v about_o to_o persuade_v he_o
we_o move_v we_o to_o rebellion_n and_o impiety_n towards_o he_o and_o because_o he_o be_v gracious_a and_o long_a suffering_n shall_v we_o therefore_o the_o more_o offend_v he_o and_o as_o it_o be_v whet_v the_o edge_n of_o his_o wrath_n against_o we_o be_v it_o far_o from_o us._n nay_o rather_o if_o god_n be_v gracious_a and_o merciful_a let_v we_o be_v ashamed_a to_o offend_v so_o gracious_a and_o merciful_a a_o god_n and_o though_o we_o shall_v be_v so_o hard_o heart_a as_o not_o to_o fear_v his_o justice_n and_o fearful_a judgement_n yet_o even_o in_o common_a humanity_n let_v we_o blush_v for_o shame_n to_o offend_v he_o in_o consideration_n of_o his_o infinite_a love_n and_o mercy_n if_o we_o have_v a_o friend_n who_o by_o reason_n of_o the_o love_n he_o bear_v we_o will_v hardly_o be_v displease_v or_o move_v to_o anger_n against_o we_o will_v we_o make_v this_o use_n of_o his_o love_n and_o patience_n still_o to_o provoke_v he_o with_o new_a injury_n nay_o if_o their_o be_v any_o good_a nature_n and_o civility_n in_o we_o will_v not_o his_o love_n towards_o we_o move_v we_o to_o love_v he_o again_o and_o will_v not_o this_o love_n work_n in_o we_o a_o care_n and_o fear_v not_o to_o displease_v he_o yes_o assure_o o_o let_v not_o then_o the_o lord_n love_n patience_n and_o long_o suffer_v who_o be_v our_o friend_n of_o friend_n make_v we_o to_o take_v occasion_n of_o offend_v and_o displease_v he_o but_o rather_o let_v the_o consideration_n thereof_o be_v a_o forcible_a and_o strong_a motive_n to_o move_v we_o to_o repentance_n last_o though_o the_o lord_n be_v so_o gracious_a unsound_a rom._n 2.4_o §._o sect._n 5._o the_o last_o motive_n because_o repentance_n in_o time_n of_o sickness_n be_v often_o unsound_a and_o merciful_a that_o he_o be_v ready_a to_o receive_v we_o into_o his_o love_n and_o favour_n whensoever_o we_o unfeigned_o repent_v and_o true_o turn_v unto_o he_o yet_o forasmuch_o as_o he_o extend_v his_o mercy_n to_o those_o only_a who_o be_v true_o penitent_a &_o see_v the_o repentance_n of_o the_o most_o be_v feign_v and_o hypocritical_a which_o then_o only_o begin_v when_o death_n or_o some_o extreme_a danger_n approach_v this_o shall_v be_v a_o strong_a motive_n to_o persuade_v we_o to_o repent_v and_o turn_v unto_o the_o lord_n when_o we_o be_v in_o our_o perfect_a health_n strength_n and_o prosperite_v that_o so_o we_o may_v have_v assurance_n that_o our_o conversion_n be_v sincere_a and_o unfeigned_a and_o not_o force_v or_o dissemble_v we_o know_v that_o pharaoh_n himself_o when_o he_o be_v vex_v with_o god_n fearful_a plague_n 10.16.17_o exod._n 9.27_o &_o 10.16.17_o can_v say_v i_o have_v sin_v and_o promise_v amendment_n and_o saul_n when_o god_n threaten_v to_o cut_v he_o off_o and_o to_o take_v the_o kingdom_n from_o he_o can_v acknowledge_v his_o wickedness_n and_o pretend_v a_o desire_n to_o worship_v the_o lord_n and_o jeroboam_fw-la can_v show_v more_o contrition_n for_o the_o loss_n of_o his_o hand_n 15.14.25_o sam._n 15.14.25_o than_o he_o ever_o show_v for_o the_o loss_n of_o his_o soul_n and_o wicked_a achab_n when_o he_o hear_v heavy_a judgment_n denounce_v against_o he_o can_v outward_o humble_v himself_o 21.27_o 1._o king_n 13.6_o &_o 21.27_o put_v on_o sackeloth_n fast_o and_o go_v demure_o and_o who_o may_v not_o observe_v in_o his_o own_o experience_n how_o many_o there_o be_v who_o in_o the_o time_n of_o their_o sickness_n make_v godly_a show_n of_o repentance_n promise_v golden_a mountain_n and_o vow_v if_o they_o recover_v that_o they_o will_v lead_v a_o new_a life_n forsake_v their_o sin_n and_o endeavour_v to_o serve_v the_o lord_n in_o the_o duty_n of_o holiness_n and_o righteousness_n and_o yet_o the_o same_o man_n be_v restore_v to_o their_o heath_n with_o the_o dog_n return_v to_o their_o vomit_n and_o with_o the_o sow_n to_o wallow_v again_o in_o the_o filthy_a puddle_n of_o sin_n become_v as_o profane_n wicked_a irreligious_a and_o negligent_a in_o all_o duty_n of_o christianity_n as_o ever_o they_o be_v which_o be_v a_o most_o undoubted_a sign_n that_o there_o repentance_n be_v but_o feign_v and_o dissemble_v and_o that_o they_o be_v move_v thereunto_o not_o for_o any_o love_n of_o god_n or_o hatred_n of_o sin_n but_o for_o fear_n of_o god_n iudgmente_n and_o eternal_a condemnation_n and_o therefore_o as_o soon_o as_o the_o cause_n of_o their_o fear_n be_v a_o little_a remoove_v their_o repentance_n also_o cease_v moreover_o we_o know_v that_o true_a repentance_n be_v the_o gift_n of_o god_n and_o that_o we_o have_v it_o not_o at_o our_o own_o beck_n and_o call_v but_o when_o he_o offer_v and_o vouchsave_v it_o unto_o we_o and_o therefore_o it_o be_v no_o marvel_n if_o they_o who_o have_v scorn_v this_o gracious_a gift_n all_o the_o whole_a course_n of_o their_o life_n shall_v be_v deny_v it_o at_o the_o time_n of_o death_n &_o leave_v so_o to_o the_o hardness_n of_o their_o heart_n that_o though_o with_o esau_n they_o seek_v repentance_n with_o tear_n yet_o they_o shall_v never_o find_v it_o and_o though_o with_o the_o five_o foolish_a virgin_n they_o desire_v to_o buy_v oil_n for_o their_o lamp_n yet_o the_o time_n of_o grace_n be_v pass_v they_o shall_v be_v shut_v out_o of_o door_n and_o exclude_v from_o the_o marriage_n neither_o do_v the_o lord_n ordmary_o beget_v faith_n 4.11.12_o eph_n 4.11.12_o repentance_n and_o other_o sanctify_a grace_n in_o any_o man_n but_o by_o the_o use_n of_o the_o mean_n which_o he_o have_v ordain_v for_o this_o purpose_n now_o the_o mean_n ordain_v of_o god_n be_v not_o sickness_n or_o the_o infirmity_n of_o old_a age_n but_o the_o ministry_n of_o his_o word_n make_v effectual_a by_o the_o inward_a operation_n of_o his_o spirit_n for_o our_o conversion_n &_o sanctification_n and_o therefore_o if_o the_o lord_n have_v oftentimes_o grant_v we_o this_o mean_n and_o they_o have_v not_o be_v effectual_a for_o our_o conversion_n if_o he_o have_v often_o call_v we_o in_o the_o preach_n of_o the_o word_n and_o we_o have_v refuse_v to_o come_v what_o hope_n can_v we_o have_v that_o we_o shall_v turn_v unto_o god_n 6.44_o john_n 6.44_o without_o this_o mean_n in_o the_o time_n of_o sickness_n who_o by_o the_o continual_a hear_n of_o the_o word_n have_v not_o be_v convert_v in_o the_o time_n of_o our_o health_n see_v not_o any_o come_v unto_o christ_n but_o who_o the_o father_n draw_v and_o the_o mean_n whereby_o he_o draw_v we_o unto_o he_o be_v not_o sickness_n or_o the_o approach_n of_o death_n ordinary_o but_o the_o ministry_n of_o his_o word_n for_o when_o the_o sheep_n hear_v christ_n voice_n and_o thereby_o know_v he_o to_o be_v the_o true_a shepherd_n then_o and_o not_o before_o they_o follow_v he_o as_o it_o be_v john_n 10.27_o so_o that_o though_o we_o be_v sick_a and_o certain_o assure_v we_o shall_v die_v to_o morrow_n yet_o for_o all_o this_o we_o be_v never_o the_o near_a our_o conversion_n faith_n and_o repentance_n than_o we_o be_v before_o as_o appear_v in_o the_o example_n of_o the_o epicure_n 1._o cor._n 15.32_o let_v we_o eat_v and_o drink_v say_v they_o for_o to_o morrow_n we_o shall_v die_v a_o man_n will_v think_v they_o shall_v rather_o have_v say_v let_v we_o fast_o and_o pray_v for_o to_o morrow_n we_o shall_v die_v but_o this_o plain_o show_v that_o we_o be_v never_o the_o near_a our_o conversion_n unto_o god_n and_o true_a repentance_n though_o we_o be_v certain_a that_o death_n approach_v it_o be_v only_o the_o work_n of_o god_n spirit_n which_o ordinary_o work_v not_o by_o the_o mean_n of_o sickness_n or_o fear_n of_o death_n but_o by_o the_o ministry_n of_o the_o word_n which_o be_v god_n own_o ordinance_n 4.11.12_o eph._n 4.11.12_o institute_v of_o god_n for_o the_o gather_v together_o of_o the_o saint_n and_o for_o the_o edification_n of_o the_o body_n of_o christ_n and_o therefore_o while_o the_o lord_n call_v we_o in_o the_o preach_n of_o the_o word_n let_v we_o harken_v unto_o his_o voice_n and_o turn_v unto_o he_o by_o unfeigned_a repentance_n for_o if_o god_n own_o ordinance_n be_v not_o effectual_a for_o our_o conversion_n assure_o there_o be_v no_o hope_n that_o ever_o we_o will_v be_v convert_v by_o sickness_n or_o any_o other_o extraordinary_a mean_n whatsoever_o it_o be_v a_o admirable_a miracle_n wrought_v by_o the_o infinite_a wisdom_n and_o almighty_a power_n of_o god_n that_o a_o poor_a sinner_n shall_v be_v convert_v unto_o he_o by_o the_o preach_n of_o the_o word_n for_o hereby_o we_o who_o be_v dead_a in_o sin_n be_v raise_v up_o to_o newness_n of_o life_n we_o who_o be_v bear_v blind_a be_v endue_v with_o sight_n our_o heart_n more_o hard_a than_o the_o adamant_n be_v make_v flexible_a and_o soft_a as_o wax_v to_o receive_v any_o impression_n
at_o sometime_o they_o be_v withdraw_v from_o our_o sense_n and_o feeling_n yet_o shall_v they_o never_o be_v take_v from_o we_o and_o if_o at_o any_o time_n we_o have_v have_v assurance_n that_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n have_v dwell_v in_o we_o by_o this_o work_n thereof_o effectual_a prayer_n we_o may_v assure_v ourselves_o that_o it_o have_v not_o forsake_v we_o 8.26_o rom._n 8.26_o but_o will_v again_o help_v our_o infirmity_n and_o whereas_o we_o can_v tell_v how_o to_o pray_v as_o we_o ought_v the_o spirit_n itself_o will_v make_v request_n for_o we_o with_o sigh_n which_o can_v be_v express_v §_o sect._n 2_o second_o form_n consolation_n for_o such_o as_o complain_v that_o they_o can_v pray_v in_o any_o good_a form_n whereas_o they_o complain_v that_o they_o can_v pray_v in_o any_o good_a form_n but_o oftentimes_o fill_v god_n ear_n with_o impatient_a cry_n &_o uncomfortable_a roar_n in_o stead_n of_o prayer_n they_o be_v to_o know_v that_o this_o be_v often_o incident_a unto_o the_o child_n of_o god_n especial_o when_o his_o hand_n be_v heavy_a upon_o they_o either_o in_o some_o outward_a affliction_n of_o body_n or_o some_o inward_a anguish_n of_o mind_n for_o example_n the_o prophet_n david_n confess_v that_o when_o god_n hand_n be_v heavy_a upon_o he_o day_n and_o night_n his_o prayer_n be_v but_o roar_n psal_n 32.3_o 32.3_o psal_n 32.3_o so_o ezechias_n faith_n that_o when_o he_o shall_v have_v pray_v he_o chatter_v like_o a_o crane_n or_o a_o swallow_n &_o mourn_v as_o a_o dove_n esa_n 38.14_o 38.14_o esa_n 38.14_o and_o the_o poor_a publican_n oppress_v with_o the_o heavy_a burden_n of_o his_o sin_n in_o stead_n of_o a_o long_a &_o eloquent_a speech_n utter_v these_o few_o word_n o_o god_n be_v merciful_a unto_o i_o a_o sinner_n and_o yet_o our_o saviour_n christ_n testify_v of_o he_o that_o he_o receive_v the_o remission_n of_o his_o sin_n and_o go_v home_o justify_v 18.13.14_o luke_n 18.13.14_o luk._n 18.13.14_o neither_o in_o truth_n do_v the_o lord_n regard_v the_o eloquence_n of_o the_o tongue_n but_o the_o earnestness_n of_o the_o hart_n he_o respect_v not_o our_o well_o couch_a word_n and_o smooth_a utter_v stile_n but_o the_o fervency_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o our_o humble_a and_o hearty_a desire_n which_o be_v acceptable_o hear_v of_o he_o though_o our_o tongue_n be_v silent_a the_o sacrifice_n of_o god_n be_v not_o eloquent_a word_n but_o a_o contrite_a spirit_n a_o contrite_a and_o break_a heart_n will_v not_o the_o lord_n despise_v 51.17_o psal_n 51.17_o as_o it_o be_v psal_n 51.17_o the_o prayer_n indict_v by_o god_n spirit_n which_o also_o be_v according_a to_o the_o will_n of_o god_n consist_v not_o in_o the_o word_n of_o the_o mouth_n but_o in_o the_o sigh_n of_o the_o heart_n which_o can_v be_v express_v 8.26_o rom._n 8.26_o as_o the_o apostle_n teach_v us._n rom._n 8.26_o and_o therefore_o if_o we_o offer_v unto_o god_n a_o humble_a and_o contrite_a spirit_n if_o we_o can_v sigh_v and_o groan_v earnest_o desire_v those_o thing_n we_o want_v according_a to_o his_o holy_a will_n though_o we_o can_v express_v our_o mind_n in_o any_o good_a order_n or_o in_o a_o continue_a form_n of_o speech_n yet_o if_o we_o can_v from_o our_o heart_n roar_v with_o david_n chatter_v with_o ezechias_n and_o utter_v this_o abrupt_a speech_n with_o the_o poor_a publican_n o_o god_n be_v merciful_a unto_o i_o a_o sinner_n the_o lord_n will_v hear_v we_o and_o that_o as_o speedy_o as_o though_o we_o can_v pray_v unto_o he_o with_o the_o eloquence_n of_o man_n and_o angel_n for_o to_o what_o end_n principal_o serve_v word_n but_o that_o we_o may_v by_o they_o express_v our_o mind_n to_o man_n who_o otherwise_o can_v not_o understand_v they_o but_o the_o lord_n who_o search_v the_o heart_n understand_v our_o sigh_n which_o can_v be_v express_v 8.26_o rom._n 8.26_o as_o it_o be_v rom._n 8.26.27_o and_o he_o know_v our_o thought_n long_o before_o we_o think_v they_o as_o the_o psalmist_n speak_v psal_n 139.2_o 139.2_o psal_n 139.2_o he_o be_v a_o spirit_n yea_o a_o allseeing_a spirit_n and_o therefore_o our_o prayer_n unto_o he_o be_v the_o desire_n of_o the_o heart_n neither_o do_v our_o word_n serve_v to_o persuade_v he_o but_o to_o stir_v up_o our_o own_o dull_a spirit_n and_o to_o keep_v we_o from_o disorderly_a wander_a thought_n 14.15_o exod._n 14.15_o so_o that_o if_o we_o can_v with_o moses_n lift_v up_o our_o heart_n unto_o god_n with_o earnest_a desire_n this_o will_v be_v a_o strong_a cry_n in_o the_o ear_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o he_o will_v sure_o hear_v it_o if_o we_o can_v unfeigned_o say_v with_o the_o prophet_n david_n 38.9_o psal_n 38.9_o psal_n 38.9_o lord_n i_o pour_v my_o whole_a desire_n before_o thou_o and_o my_o sigh_v be_v not_o hide_v from_o thou_o we_o may_v be_v assure_v he_o will_v hear_v we_o and_o grant_v our_o request_n for_o he_o hear_v the_o desire_n of_o the_o poor_a he_o prepare_v their_o hart_n and_o bend_v his_o ear_n unto_o they_o 10.17_o psal_n 10.17_o as_o it_o be_v psal_a 10.17_o yea_o he_o do_v not_o only_o hear_v they_o and_o in_o some_o sort_n incline_v to_o their_o request_n but_o he_o will_v fulfil_v the_o desire_n of_o they_o that_o fear_v he_o he_o will_v hear_v their_o cry_n and_o save_v they_o as_o the_o same_o prophet_n speak_v psal_n 145.19_o 145.19_o psal_n 145.19_o we_o know_v that_o a_o kind_a love_a father_n if_o he_o see_v his_o son_n exceed_v sick_a will_v be_v very_o careful_a and_o tender_a over_o he_o to_o provide_v all_o thing_n necessary_a for_o he_o which_o may_v do_v he_o good_a and_o though_o with_o a_o falter_v tongue_n and_o unperfect_a speech_n he_o ask_v any_o thing_n which_o be_v profitable_a for_o he_o to_o receive_v yet_o how_o ready_o will_v he_o harken_v unto_o he_o and_o grant_v his_o desire_n yea_o if_o his_o sickness_n so_o increase_v that_o he_o become_v speechless_a utter_v nothing_o but_o deep_a groan_n even_o this_o language_n move_v he_o to_o no_o less_o care_n in_o use_v all_o mean_n which_o may_v do_v he_o good_a shall_v then_o we_o daily_o observe_v such_o fruit_n of_o love_n in_o sinful_a man_n and_o shall_v we_o doubt_v of_o find_v less_o in_o the_o lord_n who_o be_v infinite_a in_o love_n mercy_n and_o goodness_n far_o be_v it_o from_o us._n nay_o let_v we_o assure_v ourselves_o that_o though_o our_o soul_n be_v sick_a in_o sin_n and_o exceed_o dull_a and_o beat_v down_o with_o some_o grievous_a tentation_n we_o can_v utter_v any_o thing_n but_o unperfect_a speech_n yea_o though_o we_o be_v through_o the_o grievousnesse_n of_o our_o affliction_n and_o greatness_n of_o our_o corruption_n strike_v dumb_a and_o can_v utter_v nothing_o but_o groan_n and_o sigh_n yet_o if_o we_o desire_v to_o be_v free_v out_o of_o this_o wretched_a case_n and_o to_o have_v the_o comfort_n of_o god_n spirit_n the_o lord_n who_o search_v the_o hart_n and_o understand_v our_o secret_a thought_n will_v harken_v unto_o we_o and_o grant_v the_o desire_n of_o our_o hart_n at_o least_o so_o far_o forth_o as_o it_o will_v stand_v with_o his_o own_o glory_n and_o our_o everlasting_a good_a §_o sect._n 3_o three_o whereas_o other_o complain_v that_o their_o heart_n be_v so_o hard_a and_o their_o spirit_n so_o dull_a prayer_n consolation_n for_o such_o as_o bewail_v their_o coldness_n and_o dulness_n in_o prayer_n that_o they_o can_v utter_v unto_o god_n a_o prayer_n with_o any_o earnestness_n or_o fervency_n of_o spirit_n but_o exceed_v cold_o and_o very_o weak_o and_o therefore_o they_o fear_v that_o god_n will_v never_o hear_v they_o they_o be_v to_o remember_v that_o the_o lord_n hear_v we_o not_o nor_o grant_v our_o request_n for_o the_o worthiness_n and_o excellency_n of_o our_o prayer_n but_o for_o his_o son_n jesus_n christ_n sake_n who_o be_v our_o mediator_n and_o intercessor_n in_o who_o name_n we_o call_v upon_o god_n and_o therefore_o though_o our_o prayer_n be_v full_a of_o infirmity_n and_o utter_v with_o much_o weakness_n yet_o call_v upon_o the_o lord_n in_o our_o saviour_n name_n he_o will_v sure_o hear_v we_o as_o our_o saviour_n have_v promise_v 16.23_o joh._n 16.23_o joh._n 16.23_o very_o very_o i_o say_v unto_o you_o whatsoever_o you_o shall_v ask_v the_o father_n in_o my_o name_n he_o will_v give_v it_o you_o moreover_o we_o be_v to_o know_v that_o we_o do_v not_o offer_v up_o our_o prayer_n immediate_o unto_o god_n the_o father_n but_o by_o the_o mediation_n of_o jesus_n christ_n who_o put_v our_o prayer_n into_o the_o golden_a vial_n which_o be_v full_a of_o the_o precious_a odour_n of_o his_o merit_n thereby_o perfume_v they_o and_o make_v they_o a_o offering_n of_o sweet_a smell_a savour_n unto_o god_n 5.8_o apoc._n 5.8_o &_o by_o wash_v they_o in_o his_o