put_v out_o of_o doubt_n and_o make_v to_o know_v that_o they_o have_v yet_o no_o right_n to_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n never_o consider_v that_o the_o knowledge_n of_o our_o misery_n may_v be_v one_o degree_n to_o get_v out_o of_o it_o 2._o in_o such_o as_o see_v all_o be_v slothful_a 2._o they_o be_v slothful_a not_o well_o with_o they_o the_o cause_n be_v slothfulness_n mingle_v with_o horrible_a presumption_n they_o have_v rather_o wear_v out_o their_o day_n in_o danger_n then_o be_v at_o the_o pain_n to_o use_v the_o mean_n for_o their_o own_o repentance_n and_o reformation_n they_o will_v wretchlesly_n put_v it_o to_o the_o venture_n 3._o other_o will_v adventure_v hope_n 3._o they_o rest_v upon_o the_o common_a hope_n upon_o their_o common_a hope_n of_o mercy_n they_o have_v certain_a general_a confuse_a apprehension_n of_o mercy_n in_o god_n upon_o which_o they_o wilful_o engage_v their_o hope_n without_o care_n of_o reformation_n or_o the_o particular_a warrant_n of_o their_o hope_n from_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o so_o miserable_o perish_v their_o hope_n prove_v but_o as_o the_o house_n of_o the_o spider_n and_o the_o imaginary_a mercy_n fail_v they_o they_o die_v either_o as_o stock_n without_o sense_n or_o as_o judas_n in_o horrible_a despair_n 4._o other_o rest_v themselves_o religion_n or_o 4._o upon_o their_o outward_a profession_n of_o religion_n upon_o their_o outward_a profession_n of_o religion_n and_o some_o general_a thing_n wrought_v in_o they_o and_o the_o good_a opinion_n other_o have_v of_o they_o and_o so_o be_v somewhat_o near_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n they_o be_v content_a to_o rest_v there_o as_o the_o israelit_n do_v near_o canaan_n though_o they_o never_o possess_v it_o we_o see_v many_o think_v there_o need_v no_o more_o to_o be_v sure_a they_o be_v in_o a_o good_a condition_n then_o to_o hear_v sermon_n and_o abstain_v from_o gross_a outward_a profaneness_n and_o to_o be_v well_o repute_v of_o among_o the_o godly_a etc._n etc._n please_v themselves_o with_o the_o show_n of_o godliness_n though_o as_o yet_o they_o deny_v the_o power_n of_o it_o as_o have_v attain_v no_o other_o righteousness_n than_o the_o righteousness_n of_o the_o scribe_n and_o pharise_n 5._o in_o multitude_n of_o assurance_n or_o 5._o they_o have_v evil_a opinion_n about_o assurance_n man_n there_o be_v seat_v evil_a opinion_n about_o assurance_n they_o think_v either_o it_o be_v impossible_a to_o be_v have_v or_o it_o be_v needless_a or_o it_o be_v presumption_n to_o seek_v it_o 6._o all_o wicked_a man_n be_v hinder_v by_o their_o belove_a sin_n 6._o they_o be_v let_v by_o their_o belove_a sin_n sin_n which_o they_o be_v not_o willing_a to_o part_v with_o but_o of_o purpose_n forbear_v the_o care_n of_o heaven_n that_o they_o may_v the_o more_o secure_o live_v in_o sin_n thus_o of_o wicked_a man_n it_o be_v true_a also_o that_o many_o godly_a christian_n have_v be_v and_o be_v extreme_o estate_n why_o some_o that_o be_v godly_a neglect_n the_o trial_n of_o their_o estate_n faulty_a in_o neglect_v the_o trial_n of_o their_o estate_n and_o their_o assurance_n and_o the_o cause_n of_o this_o negligence_n in_o they_o be_v diverse_a as_o 1._o some_o be_v so_o much_o opinion_n 1._o evil_a opinion_n mislead_v by_o the_o surmise_n of_o their_o own_o heart_n that_o they_o think_v that_o assurance_n will_v breed_v security_n and_o that_o it_o be_v a_o better_a way_n to_o keep_v their_o own_o heart_n humble_a to_o be_v somewhat_o doubtful_a not_o know_v that_o unbelief_n be_v the_o chief_a cause_n of_o slothfulness_n and_o security_n and_o that_o the_o assurance_n of_o faith_n be_v the_o chief_a mean_n to_o purge_v the_o heart_n and_o quiet_a the_o soul_n and_o work_v effectual_o in_o all_o the_o duty_n of_o love_n 2._o in_o the_o most_o ignorance_n ignorance_n 2._o ignorance_n of_o their_o own_o gift_n and_o god_n promise_n be_v the_o cause_n for_o if_o christian_n do_v see_v distinct_o how_o far_o the_o lord_n have_v bring_v they_o by_o his_o grace_n and_o withal_o do_v behold_v the_o evidence_n of_o their_o faith_n and_o hope_v in_o god_n promise_n they_o can_v not_o fail_v of_o comfort_n &_o establishment_n of_o heart_n 3._o smother_n of_o doubt_n temptation_n 3._o smother_n of_o doubt_n and_o temptation_n and_o temptation_n be_v a_o great_a let_v in_o many_o diverse_a christian_n be_v secret_o and_o daily_o assault_v with_o certain_a strange_a doubt_n which_o if_o they_o do_v propound_v and_o get_v sound_a answer_n unto_o their_o heart_n will_v heal_v within_o they_o and_o the_o work_n of_o faith_n prosper_v 4._o some_o christian_n be_v overmuch_o they_o be_v wicked_a overmuch_o keep_v without_o assurance_n through_o the_o overmuch_o view_v of_o their_o own_o daily_a infirmity_n in_o all_o part_n of_o god_n service_n they_o be_v wicked_a overmuch_o whereas_o if_o they_o will_v study_v those_o scripture_n that_o show_v how_o gracious_o the_o lord_n stand_v incline_v towards_o his_o people_n notwithstanding_o their_o daily_a want_n their_o heart_n will_v be_v much_o ease_v and_o their_o mind_n clear_o resolve_v to_o trust_v upon_o the_o everlasting_a mercy_n of_o their_o god_n 5._o in_o some_o the_o cause_n be_v melancholy_n 5._o melancholy_n find_v in_o the_o disease_n of_o their_o body_n melancholy_a when_o it_o be_v grow_v to_o a_o disease_n be_v a_o most_o stiff_a and_o pertinacious_a adversary_n to_o comfort_n and_o assurance_n it_o do_v fill_v the_o heart_n with_o so_o many_o sad_a conceit_n and_o fancy_n and_o be_v a_o humour_n so_o unteachable_a that_o comfort_n for_o the_o most_o part_n be_v as_o water_v spill_v upon_o the_o ground_n and_o the_o more_o difficult_a it_o be_v to_o remove_v this_o let_v because_o usual_o the_o party_n possess_v by_o this_o humour_n be_v so_o far_o from_o seek_v help_n that_o they_o will_v not_o be_v persuade_v that_o they_o be_v trouble_v with_o any_o such_o disease_n 6._o some_o christian_n be_v passion_n 6._o passion_n hinder_v by_o their_o own_o passion_n they_o be_v so_o froward_a and_o unquiet_a in_o their_o disposition_n that_o their_o heart_n be_v daily_o lift_v off_o from_o the_o benefit_n of_o settle_a assurance_n by_o their_o own_o habitual_a discontent_n frowardness_n be_v a_o mischievous_a distemper_n that_o weaken_v both_o body_n and_o mind_n and_o assurance_n and_o strength_n of_o faith_n seldom_o dwell_v in_o a_o unquiet_a mind_n 7._o other_o want_v assurance_n mean_n 7_o neglect_v of_o the_o mean_n because_o they_o neglect_v the_o mean_n of_o assurance_n they_o do_v not_o try_v all_o thing_n and_o keep_v that_o which_o be_v good_a or_o they_o call_v not_o upon_o god_n daily_o fervent_o and_o constant_o to_o give_v they_o the_o spirit_n of_o revelation_n to_o show_v they_o the_o hope_n of_o their_o call_v and_o their_o glorious_a inheritance_n ephe._n 1._o 18_o 19_o 8._o a_o barren_a life_n be_v a_o life_n 8._o a_o barren_a life_n uncomfortable_a life_n and_o contrariwise_o to_o abound_v in_o 58._o 1_o cor._n 15._o 58._o good_a work_n have_v steadfastness_n and_o a_o secret_a rest_n of_o heart_n as_o a_o unseparable_a companion_n of_o it_o 9_o the_o love_n of_o earthly_a thing_n 9_o too_o much_o love_n of_o earthly_a thing_n thing_n be_v another_o great_a impediment_n many_o professor_n have_v their_o thought_n and_o care_n so_o eat_v up_o with_o worldliness_n that_o they_o can_v serious_o seek_v god_n kingdom_n nor_o constant_o hold_v out_o in_o any_o course_n for_o the_o attainment_n of_o assurance_n this_o degree_n of_o faith_n require_v some_o degree_n of_o the_o contempt_n of_o the_o world_n 10._o in_o some_o there_o lodge_v sin_n 10._o secret_a sin_n some_o secret_a sin_n which_o they_o know_v and_o do_v not_o judge_v themselves_o for_o and_o do_v daily_o prevail_v in_o they_o and_o this_o either_o keep_v out_o faith_n or_o keep_v it_o down_o in_o the_o cradle_n that_o it_o can_v get_v no_o strength_n when_o i_o say_v secret_a sin_n i_o mean_v secret_a from_o other_o not_o from_o themselves_o for_o sin_n of_o mere_a ignorance_n god_n do_v not_o scourge_v in_o his_o servant_n so_o as_o to_o withhold_v his_o grace_n from_o they_o chap._n i._n contain_v the_o sign_n of_o open_a wicked_a man_n the_o trial_n of_o the_o estate_n of_o all_o sort_n of_o christian_n may_v be_v perform_v by_o examine_v themselves_o by_o two_o sort_n of_o sign_n some_o be_v such_o as_o describe_v the_o wicked_a man_n and_o some_o such_o as_o describe_v the_o godly_a man_n and_o of_o the_o trial_n of_o the_o godly_a man_n i_o have_v entreat_v before_o wicked_a man_n in_o the_o church_n be_v not_o all_o of_o a_o sort_n for_o some_o be_v manifest_o profane_a and_o careless_a of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n and_o some_o be_v in_o outward_a show_n such_o as_o profess_v the_o seek_n of_o god_n kingdom_n but_o yet_o in_o deed_n and_o in_o heart_n be_v without_o god_n
of_o our_o love_n even_o towards_o they_o that_o hate_n and_o persecute_v us._n 2._o there_o be_v none_o so_o wicked_a but_o they_o have_v something_o good_a in_o they_o and_o worthy_a to_o be_v respect_v 3._o our_o enemy_n do_v we_o good_a though_o they_o intend_v it_o not_o we_o ought_v to_o like_v the_o very_a rod_n that_o mend_v we_o and_o regard_v the_o water_n that_o wash_v we_o white_a &_o make_v much_o of_o the_o stone_n that_o try_v we_o and_o the_o glass_n that_o show_v we_o our_o spot_n and_o not_o mis-like_a the_o tent_n that_o search_v our_o wound_n 4._o if_o ever_o god_n turn_v their_o heart_n they_o will_v be_v effectual_a instrument_n of_o our_o praise_n and_o god_n glory_n in_o the_o day_n of_o their_o visitation_n they_o will_v then_o willing_o bear_v the_o shame_n of_o their_o own_o sinful_a opposition_n i_o forbear_v to_o set_v down_o the_o direction_n for_o the_o attainment_n of_o the_o love_n of_o the_o appear_v of_o christ_n because_o i_o have_v at_o large_a handle_v that_o point_n in_o the_o treatise_n of_o the_o cure_n of_o the_o fear_n of_o death_n chap._n viii_o thus_o of_o the_o direction_n that_o concern_v the_o first_o sort_n of_o gift_n concern_v the_o attainment_n of_o the_o other_o grace_n the_o direction_n now_o follow_v and_o first_o for_o the_o attainment_n himself_o how_o to_o get_v and_o increase_v save_v knowledge_n 1._o he_o must_v be_v wise_a for_o himself_o of_o save_v knowledge_n and_o the_o increase_n of_o it_o these_o direction_n be_v of_o excellent_a use_n 1._o first_o in_o hear_v or_o read_v the_o scripture_n he_o must_v be_v wise_a for_o himself_o that_o be_v mark_v distinct_o what_o he_o hear_v or_o read_v that_o may_v special_o concern_v himself_o prou._n 9_o 12._o 2._o he_o must_v study_v those_o thing_n 2._o he_o must_v study_v only_o profitable_a thing_n thing_n exact_o which_o most_o concern_v he_o avoid_v vain_a question_n and_o fruitless_a contemplation_n and_o vain_a jangling_n and_o controversy_n he_o must_v especial_o labour_v to_o know_v god_n nature_n aright_o and_o the_o distinct_a manner_n of_o god_n true_a worship_n how_o he_o may_v serve_v he_o he_o must_v study_v to_o know_v his_o own_o particular_a offence_n and_o christ_n crucify_v as_o his_o saviour_n with_o the_o benefit_n of_o his_o meditation_n &_o the_o necessary_a thing_n that_o concern_v his_o own_o justification_n sanctification_n and_o final_a salvation_n 3._o he_o must_v redeem_v the_o time_n 3._o he_o must_v redeem_v the_o time_n time_n and_o by_o forecast_n and_o order_n provide_v so_o that_o some_o time_n may_v be_v daily_o allow_v for_o holy_a study_n to_o recover_v his_o former_a time_n lose_v 4._o he_o must_v inquire_v and_o doubt_n 4._o he_o must_v propound_v his_o doubt_n take_v counsel_n he_o must_v take_v heed_n of_o smother_a his_o doubt_n but_o must_v careful_o seek_v satisfaction_n to_o his_o conscience_n as_o occasion_n arise_v there_o be_v more_o profit_n in_o this_o rule_n than_o many_o blood_n 5._o he_o must_v not_o consult_v with_o flesh_n and_o blood_n christian_n be_v aware_a of_o 5._o he_o must_v take_v heed_n of_o consult_v with_o flesh_n and_o blood_n he_o must_v not_o regard_v other_o man_n opinion_n or_o his_o own_o carnal_a reason_n but_o resolve_v to_o give_v the_o glory_n to_o god_n word_n so_o as_o to_o submit_v himself_o to_o what_o he_o shall_v find_v therein_o require_v to_o be_v believe_v or_o do_v or_o avoid_v other_o rule_n he_o may_v find_v in_o the_o direction_n for_o the_o private_a read_n of_o the_o scripture_n as_o also_o in_o the_o rule_n of_o life_n thus_o of_o save_v knowledge_n thou_o how_o the_o love_n of_o god_n may_v be_v wrought_v in_o thou_o that_o thou_o may_v inflame_v in_o thy_o heart_n the_o love_n of_o god_n 1._o thou_o must_v avoid_v with_o special_a care_n these_o thing_n first_o forgetfulness_n of_o world_n 1._o thou_o must_v avoid_v forgetfulness_n of_o god_n &_o the_o love_n of_o the_o world_n god_n thou_o must_v not_o dare_v to_o go_v whole_a day_n or_o week_n without_o communion_n with_o god_n or_o remember_v his_o holy_a presence_n second_o the_o love_n of_o the_o world_n we_o can_v love_v the_o father_n while_o our_o heart_n dote_v upon_o any_o earthly_a thing_n of_o necessity_n some_o degree_n of_o the_o contempt_n of_o the_o world_n must_v be_v breed_v in_o we_o before_o we_o can_v love_v god_n 2._o we_o must_v labour_v for_o praise_n 2._o thou_o must_v study_v god_n praise_n a_o distinct_a knowledge_n of_o the_o dreadful_a praise_n of_o god_n nature_n and_o work_n as_o they_o be_v describe_v in_o the_o scripture_n or_o may_v be_v observe_v by_o experience_n this_o be_v a_o needful_a direction_n and_o miserable_o neglect_v 3._o we_o must_v frequent_v house_n 3._o thou_o must_v frequent_v his_o house_n his_o house_n especial_o when_o his_o glory_n do_v most_o shine_n in_o the_o power_n of_o his_o ordinance_n in_o his_o sanctuary_n 4._o we_o shall_v especial_o mercy_n 4._o thou_o must_v study_v god_n mercy_n study_v the_o mercy_n of_o god_n and_o all_o the_o good_a thing_n he_o have_v promise_v or_o give_v unto_o we_o that_o we_o may_v after_o a_o solid_a manner_n cause_v our_o heart_n to_o know_v how_o infinite_o we_o stand_v bind_v to_o god_n 5._o we_o shall_v observe_v infirmity_n 5._o thou_o must_v observe_v thy_o daily_a infirmity_n careful_o and_o daily_o our_o own_o sinfulness_n and_o vileness_n and_o unworthiness_n for_o unless_o we_o cast_v out_o self_n love_n we_o shall_v never_o get_v in_o the_o true_a love_n of_o god_n 6._o we_o shall_v pray_v much_o 6._o thou_o must_v pray_v much_o much_o for_o a_o holy_a course_n in_o prayer_n do_v breed_v in_o man_n a_o wonderful_a love_n of_o god_n and_o admiration_n of_o that_o fellowship_n which_o thereby_o they_o have_v with_o god_n 7._o we_o shall_v resort_v christian_n 7._o thou_o must_v resort_v to_o experience_a christian_n often_o to_o such_o as_o use_v to_o speak_v much_o of_o the_o praise_n of_o god_n and_o mark_v the_o experience_n of_o god_n wonderful_a providence_n or_o the_o glory_n of_o his_o word_n 8._o it_o will_v much_o further_o godly_a 8._o thou_o must_v behave_v thyself_o love_o towards_o the_o godly_a the_o love_n of_o god_n to_o get_v and_o increase_v in_o we_o a_o love_a respect_n of_o and_o behaviour_n towards_o such_o as_o fear_n god_n and_o bear_v his_o image_n thus_o of_o the_o love_n of_o god_n concern_v the_o love_n of_o the_o brethren_n two_o question_n may_v be_v demand_v godly_a what_o we_o must_v do_v to_o get_v the_o love_n of_o the_o godly_a the_o one_o what_o we_o must_v do_v to_o get_v a_o hearty_a love_n to_o the_o godly_a and_o the_o other_o what_o we_o must_v do_v to_o preserve_v it_o when_o it_o be_v get_v for_o the_o first_o he_o that_o will_v hearty_o be_v affect_v towards_o all_o the_o godly_a with_o a_o brotherly_a love_n must_v observe_v these_o rule_n 1._o he_o must_v not_o haunt_v wicked_a 1._o avoid_v the_o company_n of_o the_o wicked_a with_o vicious_a person_n nor_o go_v with_o dissembler_n nor_o hold_v needless_a society_n with_o such_o as_o hate_v godliness_n and_o godly_a person_n psal_n 26._o 4_o 5._o 2._o he_o must_v much_o meditate_v us._n 2._o meditate_v much_o of_o god_n love_n to_o us._n of_o god_n love_n to_o he_o and_o of_o the_o great_a thing_n be_v do_v by_o jesus_n christ_n and_o of_o those_o rich_a mercy_n be_v offer_v he_o in_o christ_n and_o of_o the_o wonderful_a love_n that_o god_n and_o christ_n do_v bear_v to_o true_a christian_n and_o how_o glorious_a they_o shall_v be_v in_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n the_o argument_n take_v from_o god_n love_n to_o we_o or_o christ_n suffering_n for_o we_o be_v often_o use_v in_o the_o first_o epistle_n of_o john_n to_o persuade_v we_o to_o the_o love_n of_o the_o brethren_n as_o 1._o joh._n 4._o 8_o 9_o 10_o 11_o 12._o psalm_n 16._o 2_o 3._o 3._o he_o must_v take_v notice_n commandment_n 3._o consider_v god_n commandment_n of_o god_n peremptory_a commandment_n who_o require_v this_o of_o he_o as_o one_o principal_a duty_n that_o he_o love_v the_o godly_a with_o a_o utter_a disclaim_n of_o he_o if_o he_o do_v not_o love_v they_o to_o for_o the_o preservation_n of_o our_o love_n 3_o thing_n must_v be_v look_v to_o 1._o joh._n 3._o 10_o 11_o 12_o 23._o for_o the_o second_o that_o he_o will_v continue_v &_o increase_v and_o abound_v in_o love_n 1._o he_o must_v seek_v and_o hold_v and_o not_o forsake_v the_o fellowship_n that_o he_o have_v with_o the_o godly_a in_o the_o gospel_n but_o make_v they_o the_o constant_a companion_n of_o his_o life_n heb._n 10._o 25._o 2._o when_o he_o find_v his_o affection_n stir_v up_o he_o must_v make_v use_n of_o all_o opportunity_n by_o his_o deed_n to_o show_v the_o fruit_n of_o his_o love_n upon_o all_o
the_o sign_n of_o the_o wicked_a man._n together_o with_o direction_n that_o show_v how_o the_o several_a gift_n and_o grace_n of_o god_n spirit_n may_v be_v attain_v needful_a for_o such_o as_o want_v those_o grace_n and_o for_o such_o as_o desire_v to_o increase_v in_o they_o by_o n._n bifield_n preacher_n of_o god_n word_n at_o isleworth_n in_o middlesex_n london_n print_v by_o george_n purslow_v for_o ralph_n rounthwaite_v and_o be_v to_o be_v sell_v at_o his_o shop_n at_o the_o flower_n de-luce_n and_o crown_n in_o paul_n churchyard_n 1619._o to_o the_o much_o honour_a lady_n the_o lady_n bridget_n tracy_n nicholas_n bifield_n wish_v all_o prosperity_n in_o the_o thing_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o christ_n madam_n be_v destitute_a of_o a_o better_a gift_n to_o bestow_v upon_o your_o ladyship_n to_o testify_v my_o thankfulness_n or_o observance_n i_o present_v this_o little_a treatise_n unto_o you_o it_o may_v have_v more_o use_n than_o it_o show_v for_o for_o if_o thing_n shine_v more_o clear_o when_o their_o contrary_n be_v set_v by_o they_o then_o may_v this_o description_n of_o the_o estate_n of_o a_o wicked_a man_n by_o sign_n serve_v much_o to_o establish_v the_o godly_a in_o the_o point_n of_o assurance_n when_o he_o see_v himself_o free_v from_o those_o fearful_a &_o forlorn_a mark_n and_o if_o man_n use_v to_o make_v much_o of_o all_o those_o direction_n by_o which_o any_o gain_n or_o treasure_n may_v be_v certain_o compass_v then_o ought_v the_o direction_n not_o to_o be_v despise_v that_o show_v how_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n and_o the_o grace_n thereof_o may_v be_v attain_v for_o by_o these_o direction_n both_o those_o that_o want_v the_o true_a grace_n of_o christ_n may_v here_o learn_v how_o to_o get_v they_o and_o such_o as_o have_v they_o but_o in_o weak_a measure_n may_v by_o the_o same_o rule_n learn_v how_o to_o increase_v they_o i_o have_v be_v induce_v to_o think_v of_o your_o ladyship_n in_o this_o dedication_n partly_o in_o acknowledgement_n of_o the_o great_a respect_n due_a to_o the_o family_n out_o of_o which_o you_o come_v as_o it_o have_v be_v a_o principal_a mean_n of_o cause_v the_o light_n of_o the_o gospel_n for_o many_o year_n to_o shine_v in_o those_o place_n where_o the_o people_n have_v sit_v in_o darkness_n and_o in_o the_o shadow_n of_o death_n and_o partly_o draw_v by_o the_o many_o praise_n i_o have_v observe_v in_o your_o ladyship_n since_o the_o time_n of_o your_o sojourn_v in_o the_o noble_a family_n you_o now_o live_v in_o your_o great_a respect_n of_o my_o ministry_n and_o your_o constant_a pain_n to_o employ_v yourself_o about_o religious_a duty_n deserve_v from_o i_o more_o acknowledgement_n than_o so_o mean_v a_o gift_n as_o this_o can_v discharge_v madam_n you_o be_v happy_a above_o many_o that_o god_n have_v incline_v your_o heart_n to_o bear_v the_o yoke_n of_o christ_n in_o your_o youth_n and_o discern_v the_o glory_n of_o the_o spiritual_a kingdom_n of_o jesus_n christ_n your_o meekness_n assure_v i_o liberty_n to_o beseech_v you_o to_o go_v on_o in_o the_o good_a way_n of_o god_n and_o to_o cleave_v fast_o with_o all_o hearty_a affection_n unto_o the_o truth_n as_o you_o have_v learned_a jesus_n christ_n it_o shall_v be_v a_o great_a increase_n of_o your_o glory_n to_o increase_v in_o the_o knowledge_n and_o grace_n of_o christ_n and_o in_o sound_a denial_n of_o yourself_o and_o contempt_n of_o the_o world_n to_o fashion_v yourself_o to_o all_o the_o course_n by_o which_o you_o may_v be_v please_v in_o the_o eye_n of_o god_n while_o multitude_n in_o the_o gentry_n of_o the_o land_n of_o both_o sex_n by_o follow_v foolish_a vanity_n forsake_v their_o own_o mercy_n now_o the_o god_n of_o peace_n sanctify_v you_o throughout_o and_o so_o prosper_v his_o own_o work_n in_o you_o that_o your_o whole_a spirit_n and_o soul_n and_o body_n may_v be_v preserve_v blameless_a unto_o the_o come_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n march_n 9_o 1618._o your_o ladyship_n to_o be_v command_v in_o christ_n jesus_n n._n bifield_n the_o content_n the_o preface_n show_v the_o necessity_n of_o the_o trial_n of_o man_n estate_n and_o the_o cause_n why_o wicked_a man_n will_v not_o try_v themselves_o and_o also_o why_o diverse_a godly_a person_n be_v negligent_a herein_o page_n 1._o to_o 18._o chap._n i._n thirty_o sign_n of_o a_o open_a wicked_a man_n p._n 18._o to_o 33_o chap._n ii_o thirteen_o sign_n of_o a_o hypocrite_n p._n 33._o to_o 40_o chap._n iii_o sixteen_o sign_n of_o such_o professor_n as_o be_v likely_a to_o fall_v away_o p._n 40._o to_o 47_o chap._n four_o seven_o argument_n of_o hope_n that_o show_v a_o wicked_a man_n that_o he_o may_v be_v save_v if_o he_o will_v be_v direct_v p._n 47._o to_o 52_o chap._n v._o how_o he_o may_v get_v faith_n p._n 53._o to_o 59_o chap._n vi_o how_o he_o may_v get_v to_o be_v poor_a in_o spirit_n p._n 59_o to_o 68_o how_o he_o may_v attain_v godly_a sorrow_n p._n 68_o to_o 77_o chap._n vii_o how_o the_o spirit_n of_o adoption_n may_v be_v have_v pa._n 78._o to_o 81_o how_o he_o may_v get_v a_o love_n to_o the_o word_n p._n 81._o to_o 86_o how_o he_o may_v get_v the_o gift_n of_o prayer_n p._n 86._o to_o 94_o how_o he_o may_v attain_v to_o the_o fear_n of_o god_n p._n 94._o to_o 95_o how_o he_o may_v be_v make_v to_o love_v his_o enemy_n p._n 96._o to_o 99_o chap._n viii_o how_o save_v knowledge_n may_v be_v get_v and_o increase_v p._n 99_o to_o 102_o how_o the_o love_n of_o god_n may_v be_v wrought_v in_o us._n p._n 102._o to_o 106_o how_o the_o love_n of_o the_o godly_a may_v be_v attain_v and_o how_o it_o may_v be_v preserve_v pag._n 106._o to_o 111_o chap._n ix_o how_o uprightness_n and_o sound_a sincerity_n of_o conversation_n may_v be_v attain_v p._n 111._o to_o the_o end_n the_o preface_n to_o the_o christian_a and_o careful_a reader_n how_o necessary_a it_o be_v for_o all_o sort_n of_o man_n in_o the_o visible_a church_n to_o try_v their_o estate_n whether_o they_o be_v true_a christian_n or_o no_o may_v appear_v by_o the_o express_a charge_n give_v in_o the_o scripture_n concern_v it_o the_o apostle_n paul_n charge_v man_n to_o examine_v themselves_o whether_o they_o be_v in_o the_o faith_n and_o whether_o christ_n jesus_n be_v in_o they_o unless_o they_o be_v reprobate_n 2._o cor._n 13._o 5._o and_o the_o apostle_n peter_n will_v have_v all_o christian_n diligent_a to_o make_v their_o call_v and_o election_n sure_a 2._o pet._n 1._o 10._o and_o the_o like_a commandment_n lay_v upon_o man_n in_o the_o church_n of_o the_o jew_n in_o the_o old_a testament_n as_o may_v appear_v by_o that_o exhortation_n lam._n 3._o 40._o let_v we_o search_v and_o try_v our_o way_n and_o turn_v again_o unto_o the_o lord_n and_o the_o prophet_n david_n in_o this_o case_n charge_v man_n to_o commune_v with_o their_o own_o heart_n psal_n 4._o 4._o how_o can_v man_n draw_v near_o unto_o god_n in_o the_o full_a assurance_n of_o faith_n if_o they_o will_v not_o be_v at_o the_o pain_n to_o examine_v themselves_o heb._n 10._o 22._o or_o how_o shall_v we_o ever_o know_v that_o we_o be_v of_o god_n or_o attain_v unto_o any_o confidence_n of_o faith_n as_o we_o ought_v to_o do_v 1._o joh._n 5._o 19_o ephes_n 3._o 12._o how_o fearful_o this_o point_n of_o sound_a trial_n be_v neglect_v and_o how_o miserable_o must_v man_n be_v deceive_v for_o want_n of_o it_o may_v appear_v by_o this_o observation_n which_o may_v usual_o be_v make_v of_o man_n in_o the_o most_o place_n viz._n that_o many_o that_o be_v carnal_a man_n say_v they_o be_v godly_a and_o many_o that_o be_v godly_a man_n say_v they_o be_v but_o carnal_a beside_o that_o a_o multitude_n of_o man_n both_o good_a and_o bad_a live_v in_o security_n the_o one_o not_o care_v to_o get_v out_o of_o so_o woeful_a a_o estate_n and_o the_o other_o not_o regard_v the_o riches_n of_o assurance_n the_o cause_n of_o this_o miserable_a security_n may_v be_v observe_v and_o note_v both_o in_o wicked_a &_o in_o godly_a man_n in_o wicked_a man_n these_o thing_n may_v be_v easy_o discern_v 1._o a_o loathness_n to_o examine_v well_o why_o wicked_a man_n neglect_v the_o trial_n of_o their_o estate_n 1._o because_o they_o be_v afraid_a all_o be_v not_o well_o themselves_o and_o try_v their_o estate_n exact_o for_o fear_v lest_o they_o shall_v find_v that_o they_o be_v not_o in_o a_o good_a estate_n their_o heart_n secret_o condemn_v they_o and_o they_o think_v if_o they_o shall_v take_v particular_a notice_n of_o their_o own_o condition_n it_o will_v be_v find_v that_o they_o have_v indeed_o no_o true_a grace_n in_o they_o and_o therefore_o they_o rather_o choose_v to_o live_v in_o that_o doubtful_a estate_n then_o to_o be_v
be_v kindle_v yea_o and_o the_o flame_n of_o affection_n be_v much_o dull_v in_o who_o they_o be_v best_a excite_v psal_n 119._o 115._o 6._o such_o as_o find_v some_o hereof_o 6._o and_o of_o neglect_n of_o the_o increase_n hereof_o beginning_n of_o desire_n after_o the_o word_n and_o like_v to_o it_o must_v take_v heed_n that_o they_o estrange_v not_o themselves_o from_o the_o exercise_n thereof_o for_o if_o they_o hear_v or_o read_v but_o now_o &_o then_o either_o the_o heart_n will_v never_o be_v thorough_o heat_v or_o if_o it_o be_v it_o will_v easy_o wax_v cold_a again_o and_o yet_o herein_o excess_n or_o excess_n some_o be_v to_o be_v warn_v to_o take_v heed_n of_o disorder_a excess_n for_o that_o will_v breed_v dulness_n as_o well_o as_o neglect_v as_o when_o they_o will_v read_v daily_o for_o diverse_a hour_n or_o when_o they_o provide_v unto_o themselves_o a_o heap_n of_o teacher_n as_o some_o that_o live_v in_o great_a city_n think_v it_o religion_n to_o hear_v all_o sort_n of_o man_n and_o all_o the_o sermon_n can_v be_v come_v unto_o as_o if_o the_o power_n of_o godliness_n lie_v only_o in_o the_o use_n of_o the_o mean_n of_o godliness_n 7._o we_o must_v practice_v hear_v 7._o practice_v what_o thou_o hear_v what_o we_o hear_v and_o labour_n to_o show_v forth_o the_o fruit_n of_o the_o doctrine_n he_o that_o will_v be_v in_o love_n with_o husbandry_n must_v sow_v his_o seed_n in_o his_o ground_n and_o then_o the_o gain_n of_o the_o harvest_n will_v still_o allure_v he_o to_o like_v the_o trade_n if_o we_o be_v fruitless_a hearer_n of_o the_o word_n we_o can_v love_v it_o or_o if_o we_o do_v it_o will_v be_v but_o for_o a_o flash_n or_o small_a time_n thus_o of_o the_o love_n to_o the_o word_n he_o that_o will_v learn_v prayer_n to_o attain_v the_o gift_n of_o prayer_n to_o pray_v must_v follow_v these_o direction_n 1._o he_o must_v go_v to_o god_n thou_o 1._o pray_v god_n to_o teach_v thou_o in_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n and_o beseech_v he_o to_o give_v he_o word_n and_o by_o his_o spirit_n to_o teach_v he_o to_o pray_v it_o be_v god_n only_o can_v make_v a_o man_n speak_v a_o pure_a language_n for_o he_o only_o can_v instruct_v the_o heart_n of_o man_n and_o endue_v it_o with_o this_o heavenly_a gift_n rom._n 8._o 26._o ephes_n 3._o 9_o 2._o it_o will_v much_o help_v pray_v 2._o join_v with_o such_o as_o can_v pray_v he_o to_o join_v himself_o to_o such_o as_o call_v upon_o the_o name_n of_o the_o lord_n with_o a_o pure_a heart_n especial_o in_o the_o day_n of_o their_o humiliation_n 2._o tim._n 2._o 22._o 3._o there_o be_v three_o distinct_a prayer_n 3._o how_o he_o may_v furnish_v himself_o in_o every_o part_n of_o prayer_n thing_n which_o a_o man_n may_v with_o singular_a profit_n propound_v unto_o himself_o in_o his_o prayer_n confession_n of_o sin_n petition_v for_o grace_n and_o thanksgiving_n for_o mercy_n receive_v now_o the_o weak_a christian_n may_v be_v through_o god_n blessing_n comfortable_o furnish_v for_o his_o own_o particular_a if_o he_o take_v such_o a_o course_n as_o this_o to_o go_v aside_o and_o with_o all_o question_n 3._o question_n secrecy_n and_o attention_n of_o heart_n before_o the_o lord_n ask_v himself_o these_o three_o question_n 1._o what_o sin_n have_v i_o commit_v which_o either_o now_o do_v trouble_v i_o or_o if_o i_o be_v to_o die_v will_v make_v i_o afraid_a let_v he_o set_v they_o down_o in_o a_o paper_n or_o in_o his_o memory_n distinct_o till_o he_o can_v bethink_v himself_o of_o no_o more_o it_o be_v no_o great_a matter_n for_o the_o order_n how_o he_o set_v they_o down_o so_o he_o be_v sure_a he_o have_v the_o chief_a sin_n in_o which_o he_o daily_o offend_v or_o have_v offend_v 2._o what_o will_v i_o have_v the_o lord_n do_v for_o i_o if_o i_o may_v have_v what_o i_o wish_v let_v he_o set_v the_o particular_n down_o till_o he_o can_v remember_v no_o more_o as_o for_o example_n i_o will_v have_v he_o forgive_v i_o my_o sin_n and_o i_o will_v have_v he_o give_v i_o knowledge_n and_o i_o will_v have_v he_o give_v i_o strength_n against_o such_o and_o such_o sin_n &_o i_o will_v have_v he_o give_v i_o faith_n and_o assurance_n and_o i_o will_v have_v he_o give_v i_o heaven_n when_o i_o die_v and_o so_o go_v on_o with_o all_o the_o thing_n he_o feel_v a_o desire_n in_o his_o heart_n to_o seek_v of_o god_n till_o he_o can_v remember_v no_o more_o and_o if_o at_o any_o other_o time_n he_o remember_v some_o special_a thing_n which_o he_o will_v further_o have_v which_o he_o have_v not_o in_o his_o catalogue_n let_v he_o set_v it_o down_o as_o from_o time_n to_o time_n he_o see_v cause_n 3._o what_o special_a favour_n have_v god_n show_v to_o i_o which_o i_o see_v i_o ought_v to_o take_v special_a notice_n of_o let_v he_o set_v they_o down_o distinct_o whether_o they_o be_v deliverance_n or_o such_o and_o such_o spiritual_a or_o outward_a mercy_n preserve_v the_o memory_n principal_o of_o the_o chief_a of_o they_o now_o when_o he_o have_v thus_o furnish_v these_o three_o head_n with_o thing_n that_o in_o particular_a concern_v himself_o they_o be_v all_o matter_n of_o weight_n he_o must_v now_o carry_v these_o thing_n or_o the_o chief_a of_o they_o in_o his_o mind_n and_o frame_v his_o heart_n to_o speak_v to_o god_n in_o the_o best_a word_n he_o can_v get_v to_o signify_v his_o detestation_n of_o those_o sin_n his_o humble_a request_n for_o those_o grace_n and_o his_o unfeigned_a thankfulness_n for_o those_o blessing_n howsoever_o he_o may_v be_v rude_a or_o unperfect_a in_o his_o language_n about_o these_o at_o the_o first_o yet_o exercise_n will_v bring_v he_o to_o a_o ripeness_n and_o by_o this_o course_n he_o shall_v be_v sure_a to_o speak_v of_o thing_n that_o concern_v himself_o near_o and_o that_o god_n which_o have_v teach_v parent_n to_o regard_v the_o unperfect_a language_n of_o their_o little_a child_n when_o they_o begin_v to_o speak_v unto_o they_o will_v himself_o much_o more_o delight_n to_o hear_v the_o desire_n of_o his_o servant_n that_o be_v grieve_v that_o they_o can_v speak_v in_o a_o better_a sort_n unto_o he_o the_o profit_n and_o comfort_n of_o this_o course_n will_v appear_v by_o experience_n to_o be_v exceed_o great_a beside_o it_o be_v a_o easy_a way_n when_o there_o be_v in_o any_o a_o true_a desire_n to_o be_v at_o the_o pain_n to_o learn_v this_o language_n of_o speak_v to_o god_n by_o prayer_n and_o god_n spirit_n will_v help_v and_o teach_v the_o poor_a christian_a and_o draw_v his_o petition_n for_o he_o and_o prompt_v he_o both_o with_o word_n and_o affection_n and_o the_o christian_a must_v know_v this_o that_o when_o he_o have_v confess_v his_o sin_n and_o show_v what_o he_o will_v have_v god_n do_v for_o he_o with_o the_o best_a word_n he_o can_v in_o the_o truth_n of_o his_o heart_n he_o have_v make_v a_o most_o effectual_a prayer_n to_o god_n thus_o of_o prayer_n the_o awful_a fear_n of_o god_n us._n how_o the_o fear_n of_o god_n may_v be_v beget_v in_o us._n and_o the_o reverend_a dread_v of_o god_n may_v be_v beget_v and_o increase_v in_o we_o if_o we_o thorough_o remember_v and_o deep_o ponder_v upon_o 1._o the_o surpass_a glory_n and_o transcendent_a excellency_n and_o perfection_n of_o his_o nature_n his_o absolute_a purity_n and_o exact_a justice_n and_o holiness_n 2._o the_o wonderful_a work_n of_o god_n especial_o those_o stand_a miracle_n show_v in_o the_o hang_n of_o this_o mighty_a earth_n and_o those_o huge_a heap_n of_o water_n in_o the_o cloud_n and_o the_o bound_a of_o these_o mighty_a fea_z and_o such_o like_a 3._o his_o fearful_a threaten_n of_o all_o sort_n of_o woe_n against_o the_o transgression_n of_o man_n 4._o the_o terror_n of_o the_o last_o day_n and_o the_o dreadfulness_n of_o death_n and_o judgement_n 5._o the_o fearful_a and_o sudden_a judgement_n which_o have_v fall_v upon_o wicked_a man_n either_o record_v in_o scripture_n or_o report_v in_o history_n or_o observe_v in_o experience_n 6._o especial_o if_o we_o 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