seal_v with_o the_o spirit_n of_o promise_n ephes._n 1._o 11._o as_o it_o be_v not_o sufficient_a to_o prove_v that_o wholesome_a water_n give_v to_o a_o feaver-sick_a person_n be_v not_o a_o wholesome_a drink_n because_o the_o cool_a refreshment_n by_o it_o endure_v but_o a_o short_a while_n so_o it_o be_v not_o sufficient_a to_o prove_v that_o consolation_n and_o joy_n give_v to_o a_o sorrowful_a sinner_n seek_v favour_n through_o christ_n be_v not_o solid_a and_o true_a joy_n because_o it_o stay_v but_o a_o short_a while_n it_o be_v sufficient_a that_o it_o have_v stay_v so_o long_o as_o be_v needful_a for_o after_o the_o word_n of_o promise_n be_v believe_v the_o joy_n be_v send_v to_o ease_v the_o afflict_a soul_n present_a grief_n and_o to_o give_v he_o earnest_n that_o full_a and_o last_a joy_n shall_v be_v give_v in_o due_a time_n unto_o he_o when_o the_o messenger_n have_v do_v his_o commission_n let_v he_o return_v to_o his_o master_n as_o the_o sheet_n let_v down_o in_o the_o vision_n from_o heaven_n to_o peter_n after_o it_o have_v serve_v for_o peter_n instruction_n it_o be_v take_v up_o to_o heaven_n again_o act._n 10._o the_o spouse_n in_o the_o canticle_n know_v by_o experience_n that_o her_o spiritual_a joy_n will_v not_o last_v long_o and_o therefore_o charge_v the_o daughter_n of_o jerusalem_n that_o they_o waken_v not_o she_o belove_v till_o he_o please_v 5._o another_o objection_n be_v this_o if_o my_o joy_n have_v be_v solid_a say_v the_o afflict_a it_o shall_v have_v bring_v forth_o better_a fruit_n than_o it_o have_v do_v but_o joy_n spiritual_a as_o i_o then_o call_v it_o do_v degenerate_a into_o a_o carnal_a security_n and_o i_o be_v not_o the_o more_o holy_a by_o it_o to_o which_o objection_n the_o answer_n may_v be_v this_o the_o blame_n of_o this_o be_v not_o to_o be_v lay_v on_o spiritual_a joy_n but_o upon_o the_o abuse_n of_o this_o mercy_n by_o ingratitude_n for_o this_o gracious_a blink_n of_o feel_a favour_n negligence_n in_o the_o use_n of_o mean_n to_o entertain_v this_o sense_n by_o sleepiness_n of_o conscience_n and_o other_o sin_n and_o namely_o the_o lay_v too_o much_o weight_n upon_o this_o sense_n and_o not_o fix_v the_o heart_n by_o so_o much_o more_o upon_o the_o word_n of_o promise_n when_o feel_v consolation_n may_v be_v withdraw_v be_v a_o just_a cause_n for_o spiritual_a joy_n be_v not_o give_v to_o any_o to_o build_v upon_o its_o continuance_n but_o to_o make_v the_o convert_n hold_v the_o confirm_a word_n of_o promise_n so_o much_o the_o fast_o when_o for_o the_o exercise_n of_o faith_n comfortable_a feeling_n be_v withdraw_v the_o spouse_n in_o the_o canticle_n after_o a_o feast_n of_o this_o kind_n fall_v a_o sleep_n and_o give_v slight_a entertain_v to_o the_o bridegroom_n when_o call_v upon_o by_o his_o word_n for_o which_o she_o be_v chastise_v by_o his_o withdraw_n of_o his_o comfortable_a presence_n cant._n 5._o 1_o 2_o 3._o etc._n etc._n but_o let_v we_o put_v the_o case_n that_o the_o feel_v joy_n of_o the_o spirit_n be_v not_o abuse_v yet_o be_v it_o not_o unusual_a for_o god_n to_o withdraw_v consolation_n and_o to_o send_v trouble_n and_o anguish_n on_o the_o soul_n of_o his_o dear_a child_n to_o try_v his_o faith_n and_o train_n he_o on_o to_o hold_v the_o word_n of_o his_o grace_n in_o the_o hard_a condition_n he_o can_v be_v into_o as_o he_o do_v exercise_n job_n and_o jeremie_n the_o prophet_n jer._n 20._o and_o the_o psalmist_n ps._n 77._o in_o which_o condition_n to_o suspect_v that_o the_o consolation_n and_o joy_n of_o the_o spirit_n speak_v to_o the_o heart_n by_o his_o word_n be_v not_o his_o gracious_a operation_n or_o be_v a_o delusion_n can_v but_o exceed_o grieve_v the_o lord_n and_o give_v he_o cause_n to_o chastise_v this_o suspicion_n with_o desertion_n 6._o but_o how_o may_v i_o know_v say_v the_o afflict_a that_o my_o joy_n be_v solid_a and_o be_v indeed_o the_o gracious_a operation_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n for_o answer_v 1._o if_o this_o joy_n be_v give_v to_o he_o when_o or_o after_o he_o be_v lament_v his_o sin_n and_o fear_v wrath_n deserve_v and_o fly_v unto_o christ_n offer_v in_o the_o gospel_n he_o have_v reason_n to_o reckon_v that_o joy_n to_o be_v such_o as_o the_o word_n of_o the_o gospel_n do_v promise_n and_o approve_v 2._o if_o during_o the_o time_n of_o his_o sweet_a feel_n of_o peace_n and_o joy_n through_o christ_n he_o find_v his_o faith_n in_o god_n and_o love_n to_o christ_n confirm_v and_o strengthen_v if_o the_o word_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v in_o more_o estimation_n with_o he_o if_o his_o heart_n be_v enlarge_v to_o bless_v praise_n and_o thank_v god_n for_o manifest_v himself_o in_o christ_n reconcile_v if_o the_o purpose_n of_o follow_v after_o holiness_n be_v renew_v in_o he_o he_o have_v no_o reason_n to_o suspect_v his_o joy_n and_o comfort_n 3._o if_o after_o the_o remove_n of_o this_o sweet_a feeling_n he_o be_v go_v on_o in_o the_o study_n of_o holiness_n believe_v in_o christ_n how_o heavy_a in_o heart_n soever_o he_o may_v be_v by_o affliction_n and_o tentation_n he_o may_v be_v assure_v his_o sometime_o feel_a joy_n of_o the_o lord_n spirit_n be_v solid_a and_o his_o present_a suspicion_n thereof_o to_o be_v a_o evidence_n of_o his_o infirmity_n and_o of_o a_o tentation_n from_o satan_n this_o be_v the_o way_n how_o the_o psalmist_n wrestle_v out_o of_o his_o sad_a condition_n ps._n 77._o chap._n fourteen_o of_o the_o convert_n suspect_v that_o his_o zeal_n for_o god_n and_o against_o the_o sin_n of_o other_o have_v be_v fleshly_a severity_n and_o imprudent_a temerity_n it_o come_v to_o pass_v that_o they_o who_o love_n god_n sincere_o and_o can_v endure_v the_o out-breaking_n of_o the_o wicked_a do_v sometime_o transgress_v the_o bound_n of_o moderate_a zeal_n and_o be_v overtake_v in_o some_o miscarriage_n for_o which_o be_v rebuke_v by_o their_o friend_n or_o by_o they_o in_o power_n censure_v or_o civil_o chastise_v do_v in_o stead_n of_o moderate_v their_o zeal_n in_o time_n come_v grow_v more_o slack_a and_o remiss_a in_o their_o zeal_n suspect_v themselves_o incline_v to_o unreasonable_a severity_n and_o rashness_n and_o ready_a to_o be_v esteem_v hater_n of_o man_n person_n by_o those_o among_o who_o they_o live_v as_o in_o some_o bygone_a experience_n they_o have_v already_o feel_v and_o upon_o this_o occasion_n the_o tentation_n of_o satan_n fall_v on_o tend_v to_o extinguish_v the_o fervency_n of_o true_a zeal_n require_v in_o all_o true_a convert_n and_o here_o there_o be_v danger_n lest_o true_a zeal_n grow_v cold_a and_o the_o convert_v become_v lukewarm_a both_o in_o curb_v sin_n in_o other_o under_o his_o charge_n and_o in_o pursue_v duty_n in_o his_o own_o person_n in_o which_o sickness_n he_o may_v be_v the_o better_o please_v with_o himself_o by_o so_o much_o as_o his_o friend_n and_o other_o do_v commend_v he_o for_o his_o moderation_n and_o prudence_n as_o they_o shall_v call_v it_o 2._o as_o to_o the_o remedy_n of_o this_o evil_a there_o be_v no_o doubt_n but_o that_o may_v befall_v true_a zeal_n which_o be_v common_a to_o other_o virtue_n of_o which_o there_o be_v none_o so_o perfect_a but_o some_o in-lake_n or_o excess_n may_v be_v observe_v in_o they_o and_o therefore_o as_o it_o be_v without_o reason_n to_o go_v back_o from_o pursue_v duty_n in_o the_o exercise_n of_o other_o virtue_n because_o imperfection_n therein_o be_v remarkable_a from_o time_n to_o time_n so_o be_v it_o without_o reason_n to_o grow_v lukewarm_a in_o zeal_n which_o may_v render_v a_o man_n loathsome_a unto_o christ_n rev._n 2._o 3._o wherefore_o let_v the_o convert_v take_v heed_n what_o the_o lord_n word_n do_v require_v of_o he_o in_o his_o call_n and_o labour_n to_o discharge_v his_o duty_n towards_o other_o so_o as_o he_o may_v be_v find_v both_o zealous_a and_o prudent_a that_o in_o the_o expression_n of_o his_o zeal_n against_o sin_n meekness_n and_o love_n to_o the_o offender_n may_v be_v manifest_v 2._o to_o this_o intent_n let_v the_o convert_v careful_o take_v heed_n to_o entertain_v these_o three_o property_n of_o commendable_a zeal_n which_o be_v 1._o the_o fear_n of_o god_n 2._o humility_n of_o heart_n 3._o the_o love_n of_o his_o neighbour_n for_o the_o fear_n of_o god_n will_v not_o suffer_v the_o convert_n to_o depart_v from_o his_o commandment_n humility_n of_o heart_n will_v make_v the_o man_n modest_a in_o his_o expression_n and_o the_o love_n of_o his_o neighbour_n will_v make_v he_o mix_v meekness_n and_o compassion_n towards_o sinner_n with_o his_o zeal_n against_o offence_n this_o be_v the_o right_a season_n of_o zeal_n which_o the_o apostle_n call_v the_o zeal_n of_o god_n according_a to_o knowledge_n chap._n xv._n of_o the_o convert_n suspect_v his_o aim_v at_o circumspect_a
conclusion_n draw_v therefrom_o and_o by_o holy_a reason_n tie_v themselves_o to_o believe_v and_o obey_v the_o word_n of_o god_n rom._n 6._o 11._o likeways_o say_v he_o by_o reason_v reckon_v you_o yourselves_o to_o be_v deal_n unto_o sin_n but_o alive_a unto_o god_n through_o jesus_n christ_n our_o lord_n and_o give_v a_o example_n of_o this_o reason_n 2_o cor._n 5._o 14._o 15._o the_o love_n of_o god_n constrain_v we_o because_o we_o thus_o judge_v etc._n etc._n 11._o because_o the_o lord_n divers_a way_n according_a to_o his_o own_o wisdom_n exercise_v man_n that_o sometime_o by_o his_o long-suffering_a patience_n he_o lead_v they_o unto_o repentance_n sometime_o also_o by_o his_o word_n and_o rod_n he_o do_v drive_v they_o thereunto_o therefore_o let_v the_o use_n of_o all_o exercise_n all_o temptation_n and_o affliction_n and_o the_o use_n of_o all_o benefit_n and_o divine_a dispensation_n of_o providence_n be_v careful_o make_v use_n of_o that_o man_n may_v so_o look_v upon_o god_n bounty_n and_o long-suffering_a on_o the_o one_o hand_n and_o upon_o their_o own_o sin_n and_o ill_a deserve_n on_o the_o other_o hand_n as_o they_o may_v be_v lead_v and_o constrain_v in_o love_n to_o seek_v after_o so_o gracious_a a_o god_n and_o to_o flee_v for_o refuge_n unto_o christ_n mourn_v for_o their_o provoke_v of_o justice_n so_o oft_o against_o themselves_o and_o in_o whatsoever_o condition_n of_o prosperity_n or_o adversity_n to_o submit_v themselves_o to_o god_n however_o he_o shall_v be_v please_v to_o dispose_v of_o they_o 12._o the_o doctrine_n of_o reprobation_n must_v not_o be_v determinate_o apply_v to_o any_o particular_a person_n how_o wicked_a soever_o he_o shall_v for_o the_o present_a appear_v neither_o must_v the_o suspicion_n which_o any_o man_n may_v have_v of_o his_o own_o reprobation_n be_v â—ostered_v because_o particular_a reprobation_n of_o this_o or_o that_o person_n be_v among_o the_o secret_n of_o the_o lord_n not_o to_o be_v meddle_v with_o whereof_o a_o man_n may_v not_o give_v out_o sentence_n before_o the_o lord_n have_v reveal_v his_o own_o decree_n but_o on_o the_o contrair_a all_o the_o hearer_n must_v be_v warn_v and_o press_v to_o be_v wary_a to_o entertain_v any_o hostile_a thought_n of_o god_n or_o to_o foster_v suspicion_n of_o he_o as_o implacable_a but_o rather_o think_v of_o he_o as_o their_o faithful_a creator_n just_o indeed_o yet_o merciful_a long-suffering_a and_o bountiful_a both_o to_o the_o kind_n and_o the_o un-kind_n as_o they_o shall_v find_v if_o they_o will_v seek_v he_o for_o satan_n will_v press_v this_o temptation_n hard_a enough_o and_o foster_v the_o suspicion_n which_o he_o have_v suggest_v against_o god_n in_o the_o mind_n of_o they_o who_o god_n have_v afflict_v albeit_o he_o get_v no_o assistance_n by_o any_o imprudent_a and_o un-just_a application_n of_o the_o lord_n word_n unto_o this_o or_o that_o particular_a person_n to_o conclude_v their_o reprobation_n 13._o the_o scope_n of_o all_o doctrine_n must_v be_v this_o that_o sinner_n may_v be_v humble_v in_o the_o sense_n of_o their_o unrighteousness_n indigence_n infirmity_n and_o unworthiness_n and_o be_v humble_v may_v be_v lead_v unto_o christ_n believe_v in_o he_o and_o be_v more_o and_o more_o glue_v unto_o he_o and_o grow_v in_o the_o love_n of_o he_o and_o rest_v their_o soul_n upon_o he_o as_o god_n one_o with_o the_o father_n and_o holy_a spirit_n worship_v he_o in_o spirit_n and_o truth_n endeavour_v according_a to_o their_o vocation_n to_o advance_v his_o kingdom_n in_o themselves_o and_o other_o and_o to_o this_o end_n let_v neither_o on_o the_o one_o hand_n his_o incarnation_n nor_o humiliation_n in_o the_o day_n of_o his_o flesh_n wherein_o he_o be_v in_o pay_v the_o promise_a price_n of_o our_o redemption_n derogat_v any_o thing_n to_o the_o estimation_n of_o his_o person_n who_o be_v one_o god_n with_o the_o father_n and_o holy_a spirit_n god_n over_o all_o bless_a for_o ever_o nor_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n his_o majesty_n make_v sinner_n stand_v off_o or_o be_v afraid_a to_o make_v their_o address_n to_o he_o but_o by_o the_o contrair_a that_o the_o personal_a union_n of_o the_o divine_a and_o humane_a nature_n in_o he_o and_o his_o clothing_n himself_o with_o the_o office_n of_o prophet_n priest_n and_o king_n may_v allure_v all_o sinner_n who_o hear_v of_o he_o to_o come_v to_o he_o as_o mediator_a who_o will_v not_o deal_v with_o they_o who_o come_v unto_o he_o as_o a_o judge_n against_o they_o but_o as_o a_o advocate_n surety_n and_o intercessor_n for_o they_o and_o who_o will_v save_v to_o the_o uttermost_a every_o one_o that_o come_v unto_o god_n through_o he_o heb._n 7._o 25._o 14._o for_o trial_n of_o a_o man_n regeneration_n and_o come_v right_o to_o christ_n and_o grow_v in_o grace_n the_o exercise_n of_o these_o three_o duty_n be_v necessary_o require_v to_o wit_n 1._o the_o exercise_n of_o repentance_n or_o the_o entertain_n in_o himself_o of_o the_o sense_n of_o his_o natural_a sinfulness_n and_o infirmity_n to_o do_v good_a and_o of_o the_o power_n of_o inherent_a corruption_n whereby_o he_o may_v be_v make_v more_o and_o more_o to_o renounce_v all_o confidence_n in_o himself_o and_o walk_v humble_o before_o god_n 2._o the_o exercise_n of_o faith_n or_o the_o daily_o renew_v employ_v of_o christ_n for_o grace_n and_o actual_a help_n in_o all_o thing_n as_o his_o case_n require_v 3._o the_o exercise_n of_o love_n or_o the_o endeavour_n of_o new_a obedience_n flow_v from_o love_n to_o god_n and_o his_o neighbour_n through_o christ._n chap._n ix_o of_o the_o more_o special_a application_n of_o divine_a covenant_n for_o remove_v the_o impediment_n of_o regeneration_n we_o have_v speak_v of_o the_o prudent_a application_n of_o divine_a covenant_n in_o general_a it_o follow_v that_o we_o speak_v of_o the_o cure_n of_o the_o sickness_n of_o the_o conscience_n concern_v regeneration_n more_o special_o some_o of_o these_o sickness_n do_v tend_v to_o hinder_v regeneration_n that_o it_o be_v not_o wrought_v at_o all_o whereof_o we_o shall_v speak_v god_n willing_a in_o the_o rest_n of_o this_o first_o book_n other_o sickness_n do_v tend_v to_o obscure_v the_o work_n of_o regeneration_n begin_v and_o to_o foster_v question_n in_o the_o regenerate_a man_n and_o make_v he_o doubt_v whether_o he_o be_v regenerate_v or_o not_o or_o whether_o he_o be_v in_o the_o state_n of_o grace_n or_o not_o and_o of_o these_o we_o shall_v speak_v somewhat_o in_o the_o second_o book_n and_o last_o of_o all_o some_o case_n and_o sickness_n of_o the_o conscience_n do_v tend_v towards_o the_o deceive_n of_o the_o regenerate_a man_n about_o his_o present_a condition_n wherein_o he_o be_v without_o call_v his_o state_n in_o question_n at_o the_o first_o and_o of_o these_o we_o shall_v speak_v in_o the_o three_o book_n 2._o as_o for_o the_o first_o sort_n these_o case_n which_o impede_fw-la and_o altogether_o mar_v regeneration_n can_v easy_o be_v number_v because_o of_o the_o multitude_n of_o deceit_n whereby_o the_o unregenerat_a be_v delude_v but_o it_o shall_v suffice_v for_o our_o purpose_n to_o name_v some_o of_o they_o only_o for_o example_n cause_n in_o handle_v whereof_o the_o way_n of_o cure_v other_o like_a case_n may_v be_v observe_v in_o handle_v of_o these_o case_n it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v expect_v we_o shall_v follow_v any_o exact_a method_n or_o accurate_a distinction_n of_o one_o case_n from_o another_o partly_o because_o many_o fault_n may_v be_v various_o interweave_v one_o with_o another_o partly_o because_o in_o all_o these_o case_n the_o same_o fault_n be_v find_v after_o divers_a way_n to_o put_v forth_o their_o poison_n we_o therefore_o that_o we_o may_v follow_v the_o easy_a course_n shall_v divide_v all_o unregenerat_a man_n impede_v their_o own_o regeneration_n in_o three_o rank_n the_o first_o rank_n shall_v be_v of_o those_o who_o eshew_v so_o far_o as_o they_o can_v all_o examination_n of_o their_o own_o conscience_n lest_o it_o shall_v pronounce_v sentence_n of_o their_o state_n and_o disquiet_v they_o the_o second_o rank_n shall_v be_v of_o those_o who_o do_v judge_v themselves_o indeed_o according_a to_o the_o law_n of_o god_n but_o after_o examination_n do_v despair_n of_o any_o remedy_n the_o three_o rank_n shall_v be_v of_o those_o who_o make_v a_o slight_a examination_n of_o themselves_o and_o upon_o some_o slight_a pretence_n give_v our_o sentence_n of_o absolution_n of_o themselves_o which_o god_n will_v not_o allow_v 3._o as_o to_o the_o first_o rank_n to_o wit_n of_o those_o that_o eshew_v all_o examination_n of_o their_o own_o conscience_n we_o shall_v name_v only_o seven_o sickness_n or_o impediment_n hinder_v their_o self-examination_n and_o pass_a sentence_n on_o themselves_o the_o first_o be_v gross_a ignorance_n of_o their_o natural_a sin_n and_o misery_n and_o of_o deliverance_n to_o be_v have_v through_o christ_n
professor_n of_o the_o christian_n religion_n and_o seem_v zealous_a worshipper_n cry_v lord_n lord_n may_v deceive_v themselves_o and_o miss_v heaven_n but_o also_o preacher_n of_o the_o gospel_n yea_o and_o prophet_n yea_o and_o man_n endue_v with_o the_o gift_n of_o do_v miracle_n and_o cast_v out_o of_o devil_n in_o christ_n name_n not_o a_o few_o shall_v be_v disclaim_v by_o christ_n and_o condemn_v by_o he_o in_o the_o day_n of_o judgement_n if_o it_o be_v ask_v what_o can_v be_v their_o mistake_n and_o the_o cause_n of_o christ_n reject_v of_o they_o we_o answer_v such_o man_n deceive_v themselves_o 1._o because_o both_o they_o and_o beholder_n also_o think_v they_o holy_a than_o they_o who_o be_v inferior_a in_o place_n and_o gift_n unto_o they_o 2._o they_o compare_v themselves_o with_o those_o they_o live_v among_o and_o not_o with_o the_o law_n of_o god_n 3._o they_o put_v not_o due_a difference_n between_o common_a gift_n and_o save_a grace_n 4._o they_o consider_v not_o that_o to_o who_o much_o be_v give_v much_o will_v be_v require_v of_o they_o and_o therefore_o after_o trial_n they_o will_v be_v find_v pu_v up_o with_o the_o estimation_n of_o gift_n enduement_n employment_n and_o success_n which_o they_o have_v have_v as_o if_o these_o be_v the_o undoubted_a evidence_n of_o their_o regeneration_n and_o of_o god_n special_a love_n towards_o they_o they_o will_v be_v find_v man_n void_a of_o repentance_n and_o far_o from_o humble_a walk_n in_o the_o sense_n of_o their_o natural_a habitual_a and_o actual_a sin_n they_o will_v be_v find_v void_a of_o all_o fear_n of_o wrath_n which_o may_v drive_v they_o in_o the_o acknowledgement_n of_o their_o blindness_n poverty_n and_o misery_n unto_o christ_n the_o redeemer_n and_o justifier_n of_o sinner_n and_o they_o will_v be_v find_v void_a of_o all_o care_n of_o and_o endeavour_v after_o new_a obedience_n conceive_v that_o the_o exercise_n of_o their_o gift_n and_o success_n in_o their_o employment_n be_v sufficient_a holiness_n and_o evidence_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n dwell_v in_o they_o and_o work_v by_o they_o for_o otherways_o christ_n will_v never_o disclaim_v they_o who_o have_v flee_v to_o he_o in_o the_o sense_n of_o their_o sin_n and_o haunt_v he_o as_o their_o refuge_n in_o the_o fear_n of_o deserve_a wrath_n and_o study_v by_o faith_n in_o he_o to_o be_v furnish_v to_o bring_v forth_o the_o fruit_n of_o the_o spirit_n which_o he_o have_v promise_v to_o they_o that_o abide_v in_o he_o it_o be_v one_o thing_n to_o be_v justify_v before_o god_n another_o thing_n to_o be_v repute_v righteous_a by_o man_n and_o esteem_v so_o by_o a_o man_n own_o self_n it_o be_v one_o thing_n to_o be_v endue_v with_o the_o knowledge_n of_o divine_a mystery_n another_o thing_n save_o to_o believe_v they_o and_o have_v they_o write_v in_o their_o heart_n it_o be_v one_o thing_n to_o teach_v other_o the_o way_n of_o salvation_n whereby_o the_o hearer_n may_v be_v save_v another_o thing_n to_o apply_v save_v doctrine_n to_o themselves_o and_o make_v right_a use_n of_o it_o it_o be_v one_o thing_n to_o cleanse_v the_o outer_a side_n of_o the_o plater_n and_o reform_v the_o man_n outward_a carriage_n another_o thing_n to_o be_v inward_o renew_v it_o be_v one_o thing_n to_o teach_v repentance_n and_o mortification_n of_o lust_n another_o thing_n by_o he_o spirit_n of_o christ_n ro_o mortify_v inbred_a pride_n and_o the_o love_n of_o the_o world_n vain_a glory_n and_o other_o carnal_a lust_n the_o course_n which_o paul_n follow_v be_v the_o only_a safe_a way_n though_o he_o be_v a_o man_n most_o laborious_a in_o the_o work_n of_o the_o lord_n yet_o he_o live_v most_o sensible_a of_o his_o natural_a corruption_n and_o the_o body_n of_o death_n he_o do_v not_o trust_v in_o his_o holy_a life_n but_o in_o jesus_n christ_n rom._n 7._o 24_o 25._o he_o so_o make_v use_v of_o faith_n in_o christ_n as_o he_o do_v not_o neglect_v the_o mean_n of_o mortification_n of_o his_o sinful_a nature_n 1_o cor._n 9_o 27._o i_o keep_v under_o my_o body_n and_o bring_v it_o under_o subjection_n lest_o that_o by_o any_o mean_n when_o i_o have_v preach_v to_o other_o i_o myself_o shall_v be_v a_o castaway_n the_o five_o and_o last_o sort_n of_o self-deceiver_n by_o absolve_v of_o themselves_o without_o the_o lord_n allowance_n or_o approbation_n be_v temporizer_n who_o for_o their_o temporary_a believe_v temporary_a repent_v temporary_a motion_n of_o their_o affection_n and_o temporary_a amendment_n of_o their_o manner_n do_v seem_v to_o themselves_o and_o other_o also_o true_a believer_n this_o sort_n however_o it_o be_v in_o sundry_a case_n coincident_a with_o one_o or_o more_o of_o the_o former_a four_o self-absolvers_a yet_o because_o our_o lord_n in_o the_o parable_n of_o the_o sour_a of_o seed_n matth._n 13._o 21._o and_o luke_n 4._o 17_o do_v put_v a_o difference_n between_o the_o stony_a ground_n and_o the_o other_o sort_n of_o ground_n we_o shall_v give_v it_o a_o room_n by_o itself_o special_o because_o it_o may_v have_v the_o own_o proper_a consideration_n temporizer_n then_o we_o call_v such_o as_o upon_o temporary_a motive_n from_o temporary_a principle_n for_o temporary_a end_n do_v embrace_v the_o word_n of_o the_o lord_n ready_o but_o slight_o and_o do_v as_o ready_o and_o light_o pass_v from_o it_o upon_o temporary_a motive_n in_o special_a when_o persecution_n arile_v for_o the_o word_n mark_v 4._o 16._o when_o they_o have_v hear_v the_o word_n immediate_o they_o receive_v it_o with_o gladness_n and_o afterward_o when_o affliction_n or_o persecution_n arise_v for_o the_o word_n sake_n immediate_o they_o be_v offend_v light_o they_o take_v up_o truth_n deliver_v and_o light_o do_v they_o pass_v from_o it_o again_o they_o have_v no_o root_n in_o themselves_o or_o solid_a believe_v of_o the_o truth_n for_o the_o truth_n cause_n but_o what_o please_v other_o please_v they_o and_o what_o displease_v other_o do_v displease_v they_o in_o the_o matter_n of_o religion_n the_o way_n of_o god_n set_v down_o in_o scripture_n when_o they_o hear_v it_o they_o can_v say_v nothing_o against_o it_o yea_o they_o think_v it_o good_a to_o hear_v the_o gospel_n and_o the_o largeness_n of_o god_n grace_n and_o because_o it_o show_v unto_o they_o a_o possibility_n of_o their_o salvation_n they_o receive_v it_o with_o a_o sort_n of_o natural_a gladness_n which_o sort_n of_o believe_v do_v endure_v for_o a_o time_n to_o wit_n so_o long_o as_o the_o way_n of_o other_o among_o who_o they_o live_v and_o the_o law_n of_o the_o country_n and_o prosperity_n and_o good_a estimation_n with_o other_o go_v along_o with_o the_o profession_n of_o the_o truth_n receive_v but_o when_o the_o wind_n of_o another_o doctrine_n blow_v and_o do_v carry_v with_o it_o power_n to_o trouble_v and_o persecute_v they_o who_o will_v not_o receive_v it_o by_z and_o by_o they_o be_v offend_v and_o renounce_v the_o truth_n controvert_v because_o it_o draw_v trouble_v with_o the_o profession_n of_o it_o for_o such_o person_n suppose_v that_o gain_n ease_n and_o applause_n be_v very_a godliness_n it_o be_v true_a sometime_o the_o true_a believer_n may_v be_v surprise_v with_o a_o sudden_a tentation_n to_o renounce_v the_o profession_n of_o truth_n in_o some_o point_n for_o fear_v of_o death_n as_o peter_n example_n do_v show_v we_o but_o true_a faith_n recover_v strength_n and_o arise_v after_o a_o fall_n and_o endure_v persecution_n for_o that_o truth_n as_o temporary_a belief_n do_v not_o but_o fail_v altogether_o and_o the_o temporizer_n repentance_n faill_v also_o because_o it_o arise_v from_o natural_a principle_n and_o be_v for_o natural_a motive_n and_o end_n such_o be_v the_o repentance_n of_o saul_n in_o weep_v and_o justify_v david_n for_o spare_v his_o life_n 1_o sam._n 27._o 21._o such_o be_v the_o repentance_n of_o the_o carnal_a israelit_v psal._n 78._o 36._o and_o the_o humiliation_n of_o ahab_n and_o such_o be_v their_o amendment_n of_o life_n all_o nothing_o but_o temporary_a and_o which_o do_v not_o continue_v as_o hosea_n chap._n 6._o 4._o show_v o_o ephraim_n what_o shall_v i_o do_v unto_o thou_o o_o judah_n what_o shall_v i_o do_v unto_o thou_o for_o thy_o goodness_n be_v like_o the_o morning_n cloud_n and_o like_v the_o early_a dew_n that_o pass_v soon_o away_o neither_o be_v it_o any_o wonder_n that_o unrenewed_a man_n may_v attain_v to_o something_o like_a unto_o faith_n and_o repentance_n and_o outward_a amendment_n of_o manner_n if_o we_o consider_v that_o humane_a write_n find_v so_o much_o credit_n with_o man_n as_o not_o to_o be_v call_v in_o question_n but_o believe_v to_o be_v true_a for_o experience_n testify_v that_o their_o affection_n be_v move_v sometime_o with_o delight_n and_o sometime_o with_o indignation_n and_o pity_n not_o only_a when_o they_o read_v history_n but_o also_o when_o
faith_n when_o the_o consolation_n be_v withdraw_v from_o we_o and_o we_o be_v put_v to_o hard_a exercise_n wherein_o it_o be_v our_o duty_n to_o glorify_v our_o god_n for_o his_o truth_n and_o grace_n whereof_o we_o have_v sometime_o have_v confirmation_n by_o feel_a consolation_n and_o patient_o to_o wait_v till_o he_o restore_v unto_o we_o the_o joy_n of_o his_o spirit_n for_o if_o in_o the_o want_n of_o sensible_a consolation_n we_o shall_v put_v aspersion_n upon_o the_o lord_n work_v and_o grace_n bestow_v upon_o we_o and_o call_v they_o in_o question_n we_o shall_v be_v find_v in_o so_o do_v more_o careful_a of_o self-satisfaction_n then_o to_o do_v the_o duty_n which_o god_n require_v of_o we_o four_o let_v the_o afflict_a learn_v so_o to_o describe_v and_o define_v every_o save_a grace_n of_o faith_n repentance_n hope_v love_n and_o mortification_n of_o sin_n as_o the_o description_n may_v take_v in_o the_o mean_a measure_n of_o those_o grace_n for_o it_o be_v hard_o to_o say_v that_o there_o be_v no_o sound_a faith_n where_o there_o be_v not_o a_o full_a persuasion_n for_o the_o hungry_a look_v of_o a_o tremble_a sinner_n unto_o christ_n must_v not_o be_v exclude_v from_o be_v a_o act_n of_o faith_n it_o be_v hard_o to_o restrain_v the_o exercise_n of_o repentance_n to_o the_o shed_v of_o tear_n for_o many_o other_o sign_n of_o repentance_n may_v be_v find_v where_o these_o be_v seldom_o such_o as_o be_v the_o hatred_n of_o sin_n strive_v against_o all_o tentation_n unto_o it_o and_o fly_v from_o all_o occasion_n which_o may_v ensnare_v the_o believer_n in_o christ_n in_o trespass_n five_o let_v the_o afflict_a distinguish_v between_o faith_n and_o sense_n of_o joy_n both_o be_v god_n gift_n but_o the_o ground_n of_o faith_n whereupon_o we_o be_v command_v to_o rest_v ourselves_o shall_v be_v rest_v on_o constant_o whatsoever_o dispensation_n of_o joy_n or_o grief_n we_o shall_v meet_v with_o and_o this_o be_v our_o perpetual_a duty_n but_o sense_n be_v at_o god_n free_a dispensation_n to_o give_v and_o withdraw_v and_o restore_v at_o his_o pleasure_n and_o be_v a_o movable_a benefit_n which_o the_o lord_n as_o his_o wisdom_n see_v expedient_a for_o our_o good_a do_v give_v and_o continue_v withdraw_v and_o restore_v diminish_v or_o augment_v and_o therefore_o the_o afflict_a be_v bind_v by_o duty_n still_o to_o believe_v and_o rejoice_v in_o believe_v and_o to_o have_v the_o joy_n of_o sense_n also_o he_o may_v lawful_o study_v but_o ought_v not_o to_o suffer_v his_o faith_n to_o be_v weaken_v by_o the_o want_n of_o it_o as_o the_o prophet_n do_v teach_v we_o ps._n 42._o 11._o and_o 43._o 5._o and_o 88_o last_o of_o all_o let_v the_o afflict_a be_v pose_v upon_o his_o conscience_n if_o he_o dare_v condemn_v his_o fly_n to_o christ_n in_o the_o sense_n of_o his_o sin_n as_o no_o act_n of_o faith_n or_o if_o he_o there_fw-mi deny_v his_o hunger_n after_o renew_a consolation_n and_o behold_v of_o god_n with_o joy_n as_o reconcile_v in_o christ_n to_o be_v a_o act_n of_o love_n to_o god_n and_o of_o communion_n with_o he_o therefore_o let_v he_o confess_v with_o the_o psalmist_n ps._n 77._o 10._o this_o my_o doubt_v be_v my_o infirmity_n i_o will_v remember_v the_o year_n of_o the_o right_a hand_n of_o the_o lord_n chap._n xvi_o wherein_o be_v solve_v the_o true_a convert_n doubt_v of_o his_o regeneration_n because_o he_o seem_v to_o himself_o not_o to_o grow_v in_o grace_n by_o the_o use_n of_o the_o mean_v appoint_v for_o his_o growth_n some_o true_a convert_n be_v bring_v to_o suspect_v their_o own_o regeneration_n because_o in_o the_o use_n of_o the_o mean_n lead_v to_o sanctification_n and_o salvation_n sundry_a complain_n and_o say_v i_o do_v not_o perceive_v the_o lord_n blessing_n on_o my_o pain_n and_o diligence_n i_o grow_v not_o in_o the_o knowledge_n of_o thing_n spiritual_a my_o faith_n do_v not_o grow_v by_o hear_v nor_o read_v of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n nor_o by_o meditation_n of_o it_o i_o do_v not_o prevail_v in_o wrestle_v against_o my_o inbred_a sin_n and_o corrupt_a nature_n neither_o by_o prayer_n nor_o fast_v and_o therefore_o what_o shall_v i_o judge_v of_o my_o state_n but_o that_o it_o be_v like_a i_o be_o not_o convert_v and_o renew_v for_o if_o i_o be_v indeed_o convert_v and_o reconcile_v with_o god_n i_o conceive_v it_o shall_v fair_o otherways_o with_o i_o than_o it_o do_v 2._o in_o this_o case_n the_o true_a convert_n be_v in_o hazard_n of_o grow_v slack_a and_o careless_a in_o the_o use_n of_o the_o mean_n and_o to_o grieve_v the_o holy_a spirit_n by_o prescribe_v unto_o he_o and_o limit_v of_o he_o unto_o such_o a_o measure_n of_o profit_v in_o the_o use_n of_o the_o mean_n and_o make_v he_o know_v how_o far_o he_o have_v profit_v and_o advance_v in_o the_o course_n of_o sanctification_n yea_o there_o be_v danger_n lest_o in_o this_o case_n the_o convert_v not_o only_o become_v cold-rife_a in_o the_o exercise_n of_o piety_n but_o also_o turn_v loose_a in_o his_o conversation_n and_o follow_v the_o allurement_n of_o the_o world_n have_v so_o far_o hearken_v to_o the_o temptation_n as_o to_o think_v it_o in_o vain_a that_o he_o have_v washen_v his_o hand_n in_o innocency_n as_o ps._n 73._o befall_v the_o prophet_n 3._o for_o remove_v of_o this_o doubt_n the_o afflict_a have_v reason_n to_o check_v himself_o for_o harken_v so_o far_o unto_o the_o temptation_n as_o to_o join_v with_o hypocrite_n in_o his_o complaint_n isa._n 58._o 5._o wherefore_o have_v we_o fast_v say_v they_o and_o thou_o â—â—st_n not_o wherefore_o have_v we_o afflict_v our_o soul_n and_o thou_o like_v no_o knowledge_n but_o because_o nothing_o do_v more_o trouble_v the_o afflict_a then_o his_o suspicion_n of_o his_o own_o hypocrisy_n let_v the_o cause_n be_v search_v from_o which_o his_o suspicion_n do_v arise_v one_o of_o they_o may_v be_v this_o that_o in_o the_o use_n of_o the_o mean_n the_o eye_n of_o the_o afflict_a be_v more_o and_o more_o open_v to_o perceive_v the_o power_n and_o poison_n of_o his_o natural_a corruption_n more_o clear_o than_o he_o perceive_v before_o and_o this_o decipher_n of_o sin_n more_o and_o more_o do_v hinder_v he_o to_o see_v the_o growth_n of_o his_o light_n and_o the_o growth_n of_o his_o hatred_n against_o manifest_a sin_n join_v with_o the_o overturning_a of_o his_o own_o high_a imagination_n and_o native_a pride_n another_o cause_n may_v be_v this_o that_o the_o true_a convert_n have_v promise_v unto_o himself_o in_o the_o use_n of_o the_o mean_n more_o and_o great_a benefit_n spiritual_a from_o god_n than_o he_o do_v by_o experience_n find_v which_o because_o he_o do_v not_o find_v he_o think_v he_o have_v not_o profit_v a_o three_o cause_n may_v be_v this_o that_o the_o lord_n be_v about_o the_o purge_n of_o he_o from_o practical_a error_n such_o as_o be_v the_o high_a estimation_n of_o his_o own_o diligence_n in_o the_o use_n of_o the_o mean_n as_o if_o there_o be_v some_o sort_n of_o merit_n annex_v unto_o the_o work_v prescribe_v to_o the_o convert_n by_o the_o lord_n or_o as_o if_o the_o use_n of_o the_o mean_n have_v in_o they_o some_o force_n and_o efficacy_n in_o produce_v such_o effect_n in_o he_o as_o the_o convert_n have_v expect_v or_o as_o if_o the_o lord_n have_v oblige_v himself_o to_o bless_v sensible_o diligence_n in_o the_o use_n of_o the_o mean_n to_o the_o diligent_a man_n satisfaction_n 4._o therefore_o first_o let_v the_o afflict_a continue_v in_o his_o diligence_n and_o bewar_n of_o the_o foresay_a practical_a error_n let_v he_o humble_v himself_o before_o christ_n that_o he_o may_v draw_v more_o virtue_n out_o of_o he_o by_o faith_n and_o by_o so_o much_o the_o more_o as_o he_o â—indeth_v sin_n himself_o and_o not_o profiâ—ing_v in_o the_o use_n of_o the_o mean_n let_v he_o lay_v the_o fast_o hold_v on_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n and_o on_o christ_n offer_v therein_o for_o give_v righteousness_n and_o sanctification_n second_o let_v he_o set_v upon_o the_o exercise_n of_o every_o duty_n with_o prayer_n that_o he_o may_v follow_v the_o duty_n in_o christ_n name_n with_o his_o eye_n fix_v on_o god_n grace_n and_o after_o the_o discharge_n of_o the_o duty_n let_v he_o look_v to_o christ_n that_o from_o he_o he_o may_v have_v the_o blessing_n for_o without_o christ_n we_o can_v do_v nothing_o acceptable_o nor_o with_o profit_n last_o of_o all_o let_v he_o not_o esteem_v light_o of_o the_o effect_n of_o his_o diligence_n as_o if_o he_o do_v no_o way_n profit_n but_o when_o he_o have_v right_o consider_v matter_n if_o he_o find_v the_o least_o fruit_n follow_v his_o use_n of_o the_o mean_n let_v he_o give_v the_o glory_n of_o it_o to_o god_n in_o christ_n the_o giver_n thereof_o and_o humble_o put_v up_o
some_o true_a convert_n be_v find_v who_o have_v for_o a_o time_n enjoy_v pâ—eace_n of_o conscience_n have_v call_v their_o conversion_n in_o question_n by_o occasion_n of_o hear_v or_o read_v some_o sermon_n of_o some_o zealous_a preacher_n press_v the_o mark_n of_o true_a and_o sincere_a conversion_n and_o make_v self-denial_n and_o love_v of_o god_n for_o himself_o the_o main_a mark_n of_o conversion_n and_o without_o circumspect_a and_o wise_a difference_n put_v by_o he_o betwixt_o legal_a perfection_n and_o evangelical_a sincerity_n press_v self-denial_n and_o the_o love_a of_o god_n abstract_o further_a than_o any_o saint_n do_v attain_v unto_o in_o this_o life_n whereupon_o some_o tender_a soul_n do_v fall_n in_o question_n with_o themselves_o whether_o they_o be_v among_o the_o true_a and_o sincere_a convert_n because_o they_o know_v that_o our_o lord_n require_v self-denial_n in_o every_o person_n who_o will_v follow_v he_o and_o do_v condemn_v they_o all_o for_o unbeliever_n who_o seek_v glory_n of_o man_n and_o not_o the_o glory_n which_o be_v of_o god_n and_o because_o the_o preacher_n possible_o have_v make_v the_o love_a of_o god_n for_o his_o benefit_n to_o be_v too_o too_o mercenary_a and_o have_v press_v without_o respect_n to_o benefit_n that_o god_n must_v be_v love_v for_o himself_o therefore_o the_o weak_a convert_n begin_v to_o be_v trouble_v as_o if_o he_o be_v not_o a_o true_a convert_n at_o all_o say_v what_o shall_v i_o think_v of_o myself_o and_o of_o my_o follow_v of_o christ_n see_v i_o feel_v so_o little_a of_o self-denial_n in_o i_o see_v i_o have_v love_v christ_n for_o my_o own_o good_a and_o many_o a_o time_n in_o my_o best_a action_n i_o have_v seek_v the_o commendation_n of_o man_n in_o my_o heart_n and_o i_o have_v be_v ill_o please_v when_o i_o do_v not_o obtain_v it_o 2._o for_o solve_v of_o this_o doubt_n we_o grant_v that_o every_o man_n who_o will_v follow_v christ_n be_v bind_v to_o deny_v himself_o and_o true_a it_o be_v there_o be_v nothing_o more_o difficile_a then_o to_o forsake_v our_o own_o carnal_a wisdom_n and_o estimation_n of_o our_o own_o worth_n work_n and_o ability_n how_o small_a â—oever_o neither_o be_v there_o any_o more_o dangerous_a evil_n then_o in_o the_o discharge_n of_o christian_a duty_n to_o seek_v or_o accept_v our_o own_o glory_n and_o the_o applause_n of_o man_n for_o he_o that_o in_o this_o point_n do_v foster_v his_o natural_a corruption_n certain_o do_v not_o in_o so_o far_o favour_v these_o thing_n which_o be_v god_n but_o serve_v his_o own_o flesh_n therefore_o because_o the_o relic_n of_o this_o and_o all_o other_o sin_n do_v remain_v in_o the_o regenerate_a the_o lord_n by_o variety_n of_o exercise_n set_v his_o child_n daily_o to_o learn_v this_o lesson_n over_o and_o over_o for_o mortify_v their_o corrupt_a lust_n it_o be_v their_o duty_n therefore_o when_o any_o spark_n of_o this_o evil_n of_o self-seeking_a do_v appear_v to_o cast_v themselves_o down_o humble_o at_o christ_n foot_n and_o confess_v the_o sin_n lest_o some_o spark_n of_o wrath_n break_v forth_o upon_o they_o from_o the_o lord_n for_o the_o end_n of_o this_o exercise_n yea_o and_o the_o reason_n of_o the_o lord_n not_o remove_v full_o indwelling_a sin_n be_v to_o humble_v we_o and_o send_v we_o to_o christ_n lest_o if_o he_o shall_v otherways_o deal_v with_o we_o we_o shall_v grow_v proud_a and_o not_o make_v such_o use_n as_o become_v we_o of_o god_n free_a grace_n and_o christ_n righteousness_n impute_v to_o the_o believer_n mean_v time_n we_o must_v not_o yield_v to_o satan_n tentation_n colour_v with_o pretence_n of_o scripture_n as_o if_o christ_n have_v discharge_v we_o to_o seek_v any_o good_a from_o he_o to_o ourselves_o or_o to_o love_v he_o for_o the_o good_a which_o he_o have_v purchase_v to_o we_o and_o which_o he_o from_o time_n to_o time_n bestow_v on_o we_o for_o when_o christ_n require_v of_o we_o to_o deny_v ourselves_o he_o require_v indeed_o the_o renounciation_n of_o our_o own_o carnal_a and_o corrupt_a lust_n and_o confidence_n in_o our_o own_o wisdom_n worth_a and_o work_n but_o he_o do_v not_o require_v of_o we_o to_o renounce_v the_o sanctify_a love_n of_o our_o own_o well-being_n or_o the_o seek_v our_o sanctification_n consolation_n and_o salvation_n in_o he_o alone_o for_o the_o love_n of_o god_n and_o of_o his_o glory_n be_v the_o main_a end_n of_o all_o our_o desire_n and_o the_o seek_v that_o god_n will_v glorify_v his_o own_o grace_n and_o truth_n in_o his_o promise_n to_o we_o by_o sanctify_v comfort_v and_o save_v we_o be_v a_o subordinat_a mean_n unto_o god_n glory_n yea_o the_o more_o we_o seek_v our_o righteousness_n consolation_n and_o salvation_n in_o god_n through_o christ_n the_o more_o we_o glorify_v god_n and_o do_v say_v in_o substance_n of_o god_n that_o he_o be_v the_o fountain_n of_o all_o felicity_n and_o that_o he_o be_v good_a and_o faithful_a to_o grant_v all_o good_a thing_n to_o such_o as_o believe_v in_o he_o and_o do_v seek_v grace_n for_o grace_n from_o he_o 3._o it_o be_v true_a that_o we_o shall_v love_v god_n above_o all_o thing_n and_o love_v he_o more_o than_o ourselves_o and_o love_v he_o though_o he_o shall_v slay_v we_o but_o it_o be_v true_a also_o that_o the_o more_o we_o love_v he_o for_o any_o cause_n the_o more_o we_o esteem_v of_o he_o the_o more_o we_o magnify_v and_o glorify_v he_o and_o what_o be_v love_n to_o and_o seek_v of_o god_n but_o the_o acknowledgement_n of_o our_o own_o emptiness_n and_o his_o all-sufficiency_n and_o what_o be_v our_o seek_a communion_n with_o he_o but_o a_o refound_a of_o ourselves_o into_o the_o fountain_n whence_o we_o have_v our_o be_v that_o he_o may_v be_v glorify_v in_o our_o be_v and_o full_o well-being_n and_o so_o our_o spiritual_a love_n of_o god_n for_o himself_o and_o for_o the_o goodness_n which_o be_v let_v forth_o in_o do_v good_a to_o we_o be_v not_o mercenary_a love_n but_o be_v the_o acknowledgement_n of_o his_o perfection_n and_o of_o his_o grace_n to_o we_o to_o who_o he_o will_v be_v our_o god_n in_o christ_n even_o all_o in_o all_o to_o we_o in_o he_o as_o for_o seek_v of_o man_n applause_n whensoever_o whether_o upon_o receive_v of_o any_o benefit_n or_o discharge_v of_o any_o duty_n the_o corrupt_a lust_n of_o vain_a glory_n do_v mix_v itself_o which_o can_v but_o obscure_v and_o hinder_v the_o shine_a of_o his_o glory_n which_o shall_v be_v aim_v at_o in_o all_o thing_n by_o we_o incontinent_a upon_o the_o first_o motion_n of_o this_o our_o sinful_a corruption_n perceive_v let_v out_o sin_n be_v humble_o acknowledge_v and_o confess_v unto_o god_n the_o searcher_n of_o the_o heart_n and_o let_v supplication_n in_o our_o spirit_n be_v make_v unto_o he_o to_o pardon_v our_o sin_n and_o mortify_v the_o bitter_a root_n of_o this_o and_o all_o other_o evil_n in_o we_o chap._n xix_o wherein_o be_v solve_v the_o doubt_n of_o the_o true_a convert_n whether_o he_o be_v indeed_o convert_v arise_v from_o this_o that_o he_o know_v no_o child_n of_o god_n so_o hardly_o exercise_v as_o he_o be_v some_o convert_n be_v who_o by_o the_o light_n of_o the_o law_n of_o god_n be_v bring_v to_o the_o acknowledgement_n of_o their_o sin_n and_o misery_n and_o by_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v bring_v to_o seek_v their_o relief_n in_o christ_n and_o have_v take_v on_o his_o yoke_n and_o submit_v themselves_o to_o his_o discipline_n and_o yet_o fall_v in_o question_n whether_o they_o be_v convert_v because_o they_o do_v find_v such_o inequality_n in_o their_o conversation_n and_o such_o change_n in_o their_o condition_n and_o variety_n of_o tentation_n as_o they_o can_v find_v no_o example_n of_o the_o like_a in_o scripture_n and_o where_o it_o please_v they_o to_o be_v free_a with_o their_o pastor_n or_o confident_a christian_a friend_n do_v fall_v out_o in_o question_n if_o ever_o they_o have_v read_v in_o scripture_n any_o like_a unto_o they_o in_o such_o and_o such_o particular_n as_o they_o please_v to_o condescend_v upon_o and_o if_o their_o pastor_n or_o christian_a friend_n shall_v give_v they_o some_o example_n in_o the_o scripture_n of_o god_n child_n so_o exercise_v they_o be_v ready_a to_o find_v such_o difference_n between_o the_o case_n of_o the_o godly_a in_o scripture_n and_o their_o case_n as_o they_o can_v receive_v satisfaction_n and_o if_o possible_o it_o be_v tell_v they_o that_o their_o caâ—e_n be_v not_o singular_a but_o such_o as_o have_v befall_v sundry_a of_o their_o christian_a acquaintance_n in_o this_o present_a age_n yet_o they_o can_v receive_v satisfaction_n for_o all_o this_o but_o still_o do_v insist_v that_o their_o case_n be_v not_o like_a to_o any_o of_o the_o godly_a whereupon_o they_o foster_v the_o suspicion_n of_o their_o not_o
of_o grace_n because_o he_o find_v himself_o frequent_o in_o a_o evil_a condition_n experience_n teach_v that_o sundry_a true_a convert_n because_o they_o feel_v themselves_o ofttimes_o in_o a_o ill_a condition_n do_v call_v in_o question_n their_o be_v in_o the_o bless_a state_n of_o grace_n not_o consider_v that_o the_o condition_n of_o a_o man_n whether_o in_o the_o state_n of_o nature_n unrenewed_a or_o in_o the_o state_n of_o grace_n may_v be_v comparative_o in_o better_a or_o worse_a condition_n and_o yet_o his_o state_n remain_v the_o same_o the_o multitude_n of_o the_o misbelieve_a hebrew_n be_v in_o a_o evil_a condition_n at_o the_o one_o side_n of_o the_o red_a sea_n when_o they_o repent_v their_o come_n out_o of_o egypt_n but_o in_o a_o better_a condition_n when_o they_o do_v sing_v praise_n unto_o god_n on_o the_o other_o side_n of_o the_o sea_n and_o yet_o for_o their_o state_n some_o be_v yea_o most_o part_n still_o in_o nature_n unrenewed_a moses_n and_o aaron_n be_v in_o a_o evil_a condition_n when_o their_o passion_n offend_v god_n at_o the_o smite_v of_o the_o rock_n but_o when_o they_o do_v intercede_v with_o god_n for_o the_o people_n when_o wrath_n be_v kindle_v against_o the_o host_n they_o be_v in_o a_o better_a condition_n and_o both_o in_o the_o one_o time_n and_o in_o the_o other_o they_o be_v in_o the_o state_n of_o grace_n true_a saint_n in_o god_n estimation_n this_o mistake_n of_o the_o weak_a in_o faith_n not_o put_v difference_n between_o their_o present_a disposition_n and_o their_o state_n make_v they_o judge_v of_o themselves_o to_o be_v in_o the_o state_n of_o grace_n when_o their_o condition_n be_v good_a and_o to_o be_v in_o the_o state_n of_o nature_n unrenewed_a when_o they_o feel_v themselves_o in_o a_o evil_a condition_n when_o they_o observe_v their_o heart_n enlarge_v to_o run_v the_o way_n of_o god_n commandment_n than_o they_o esteem_v themselves_o true_o regenerate_v and_o when_o they_o feel_v themselves_o sluggish_a in_o the_o work_n of_o the_o lord_n dull_a in_o hear_v the_o word_n flow_v to_o believe_v what_o the_o scripture_n speak_v when_o they_o esteem_v their_o ordinary_a service_n to_o be_v after_o a_o form_n of_o godliness_n without_o affection_n and_o power_n and_o what_o service_n they_o do_v to_o proceed_v from_o fear_n of_o wrath_n rather_o than_o from_o the_o new_a and_o right_a principle_n of_o a_o regenerate_a man_n than_o they_o question_v all_o the_o work_n of_o grace_n in_o themselves_o what_o shall_v i_o think_v say_v the_o afflict_a concern_v my_o state_n in_o grace_n when_o i_o find_v my_o condition_n so_o frequent_o not_o only_a short_a of_o what_o it_o shall_v be_v but_o also_o pollute_v with_o divers_a sort_n of_o sin_n 2._o for_o answer_v we_o must_v grant_v that_o the_o external_a duty_n of_o religion_n may_v be_v discharge_v from_o fleshly_a and_o corrupt_a principle_n for_o many_o do_v perform_v command_v external_a duty_n that_o they_o may_v eshew_v the_o reproach_n of_o impiety_n or_o that_o they_o may_v insinuat_fw-la themselves_z in_o the_o good_a estimation_n and_o favour_n of_o the_o godly_a or_o for_o some_o base_a earthly_a end_n for_o which_o gross_a hypocrite_n do_v whatsoever_o they_o do_v in_o religion_n like_o unto_o these_o be_v all_o self-deceiving_a hypocrite_n who_o go_v about_o to_o establish_v their_o own_o righteousness_n misken_v that_o righteousness_n which_o be_v of_o god_n by_o faith_n as_o if_o god_n can_v be_v oblige_v to_o take_v their_o performance_n for_o a_o full_a satisfaction_n for_o their_o former_a sin_n and_o will_v look_v upon_o their_o work_n as_o meritorious_a of_o eternal_a life_n and_o therefore_o because_o man_n may_v deceive_v themselves_o 1._o the_o afflict_a shall_v do_v well_o to_o examine_v himself_o whether_o he_o have_v renounce_v all_o confidence_n in_o the_o flesh_n or_o his_o own_o work_n phil._n 3._o 8_o 9_o and_o flee_v unto_o christ_n for_o righteousness_n with_o some_o measure_n of_o honest_a endeavour_v to_o worship_n and_o serve_v god_n in_o his_o spirit_n which_o if_o his_o conscience_n can_v witness_v unto_o he_o to_o be_v his_o way_n wherein_o he_o be_v walk_v then_o may_v he_o be_v assure_v that_o he_o be_v a_o true_a convert_n 2._o and_o albeit_o it_o be_v true_a that_o the_o imperfection_n of_o the_o regenerate_a man_n do_v many_o time_n obscure_v his_o state_n in_o grace_n yet_o can_v they_o not_o extinguish_v the_o sponk_n of_o regeneration_n begin_v in_o he_o or_o prove_v the_o work_n of_o grace_n in_o he_o not_o to_o be_v at_o all_o 3._o we_o grant_v that_o the_o condition_n of_o a_o true_a convert_n at_o sometime_o may_v be_v so_o bad_a by_o reason_n of_o sinful_a distemper_n and_o fleshly_a carriage_n that_o many_o unrenewed_a man_n conversation_n shall_v be_v find_v far_o more_o commendable_a than_o the_o present_a condition_n and_o carriage_n of_o the_o renew_a man_n in_o his_o sinful_a condition_n in_o which_o case_n neither_o god_n nor_o his_o own_o conscience_n nor_o any_o that_o fear_v god_n can_v speak_v any_o thing_n but_o wrath_n to_o he_o till_o he_o repent_v and_o turn_v to_o god_n for_o mercy_n in_o christ_n yet_o the_o afflict_a penitent_a convert_n lament_v his_o bad_a condition_n be_v in_o better_a case_n than_o any_o unrenewed_a man_n can_v be_v into_o for_o the_o very_a grief_n and_o perplexity_n which_o he_o find_v because_o his_o condition_n be_v so_o oft_o ill_a and_o sinful_a prove_v his_o good_a affection_n towards_o god_n and_o his_o earnest_a desire_n to_o walk_v before_o god_n unto_o all_o well-pleasing_a in_o all_o thing_n and_o at_o all_o time_n 3._o but_o if_o the_o afflict_a shall_v insist_v and_o object_n that_o the_o fear_n of_o god_n wrath_n and_o judgement_n ordinary_o be_v a_o main_a motive_n which_o set_v he_o on_o to_o do_v the_o duty_n and_o service_n which_o god_n require_v of_o he_o and_o not_o the_o love_n of_o god_n the_o feel_a in-lake_n whereof_o do_v make_v he_o go_v on_o halt_v and_o heavy_a in_o the_o way_n of_o god_n we_o answer_v that_o albeit_o the_o fear_n of_o god_n wrath_n and_o judgement_n look_v upon_o alone_o do_v not_o prove_v regeneration_n yet_o it_o may_v well_o consist_v with_o regeneration_n because_o god_n do_v not_o for_o nought_o join_v with_o his_o precept_n fearful_a threaten_n of_o judgement_n against_o those_o who_o shall_v transgress_v his_o command_n that_o they_o may_v be_v as_o a_o spur_n in_o his_o child_n side_n to_o press_v they_o to_o their_o duty_n and_o as_o a_o bridle_n to_o curb_v and_o check_v their_o vicious_a inclination_n unto_o sin_n which_o lodge_v in_o all_o man_n by_o nature_n and_o this_o motive_n be_v evident_a in_o the_o experience_n of_o the_o prophet_n ps_n 119._o 120._o my_o flesh_n tremble_v for_o fear_n of_o thou_o and_o i_o be_o afraid_a of_o thy_o judgement_n 2._o it_o may_v be_v that_o the_o afflict_a late_o convert_v unto_o god_n be_v not_o free_a as_o yet_o from_o the_o spirit_n of_o bondage_n but_o be_v keep_v in_o some_o measure_n under_o the_o bond_n of_o servile_a fear_n god_n so_o dispose_v for_o the_o humble_n exercise_v and_o train_n of_o his_o child_n late_o enter_v in_o his_o holy_a warfare_n in_o which_o condition_n his_o fear_n be_v commendable_a when_o it_o arise_v from_o the_o conscience_n of_o his_o sinful_a short-coming_a in_o god_n service_n and_o of_o the_o prevail_a of_o his_o corruption_n against_o the_o begin_a work_n of_o renovation_n wherefore_o let_v the_o afflict_a go_v about_o the_o discharge_n of_o command_v duty_n in_o his_o christian_n calling_n and_o particular_a station_n wherein_o god_n have_v place_v he_o in_o what_o condition_n soever_o he_o shall_v find_v himself_o 2._o let_v he_o compare_v his_o present_a condition_n which_o he_o do_v count_v a_o ill_a condition_n with_o the_o bygone_a better_a condition_n whereof_o he_o have_v have_v possible_o experience_n frequent_o and_o when_o he_o call_v to_o mind_v the_o comfort_n he_o have_v have_v and_o the_o enlargement_n of_o heart_n to_o run_v in_o the_o way_n of_o god_n commandment_n in_o hope_n of_o a_o change_n of_o his_o present_a condition_n to_o the_o better_a in_o hope_n of_o find_v renew_v blink_v of_o the_o lord_n countenance_n let_v he_o humble_o wait_v on_o god_n in_o the_o use_n of_o the_o mean_v appoint_v till_o the_o daystar_n arise_v in_o his_o heart_n pray_v with_o the_o psalmist_n that_o god_n will_v quicken_v he_o according_a to_o his_o love_a kindness_n 3._o let_v he_o cleave_v the_o more_o close_o to_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n and_o the_o righteousness_n which_o be_v by_o faith_n in_o jesus_n christ_n withal_o give_v thanks_o unto_o god_n for_o the_o grace_n bestow_v on_o he_o for_o the_o give_v unto_o he_o eyesalve_n to_o see_v his_o blindness_n nakedness_n and_o misery_n and_o for_o make_v sin_n odious_a and_o grievous_a unto_o he_o in_o any_o measure_n