spiritual_a enemy_n but_o they_o notwithstanding_o conspire_v with_o satan_n to_o work_v the_o overthrow_n of_o god_n church_n deprive_v they_o of_o the_o use_n of_o the_o sword_n of_o the_o spirit_n the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o so_o betray_v they_o into_o the_o power_n of_o satan_n be_v able_a to_o make_v no_o resistance_n when_o their_o chief_a weapon_n be_v take_v from_o they_o chap._n xvi_o of_o prayer_n §_o sect._n 1_o the_o last_o and_o chief_a mean_n whereby_o we_o may_v both_o defend_v ourselves_o and_o offend_v our_o enemy_n armour_n eph._n 6.18_o that_o prayer_n be_v the_o mean_n of_o obtain_v god_n assistance_n and_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o spiritual_a armour_n be_v fervent_a and_o effectual_a prayer_n which_o the_o apostle_n exhort_v we_o to_o use_v eph._n 6.18_o and_o pray_v always_o with_o etc._n etc._n the_o necessity_n and_o profit_n of_o which_o exercise_n be_v exceed_o great_a in_o this_o spiritual_a combat_n because_o thereby_o we_o do_v obtain_v all_o our_o strength_n to_o fight_v and_o victory_n also_o over_o our_o enemy_n for_o first_o we_o can_v endure_v the_o least_o assault_n of_o satan_n by_o our_o own_o strength_n unless_o we_o be_v arm_v with_o the_o power_n of_o god_n might_n as_o before_o i_o have_v show_v and_o the_o lord_n assistance_n whereby_o only_o we_o can_v overcome_v be_v obtain_v by_o earnest_n and_o effectual_a prayer_n according_a to_o that_o psal_n 50.15_o call_v upon_o i_o in_o the_o day_n of_o trouble_n 50.15_o psal_n 50.15_o so_o will_v i_o deliver_v thou_o and_o thou_o shall_v glorify_v i_o and_o our_o saviour_n prescribe_v we_o this_o mean_n to_o free_v ourselves_o from_o temptation_n or_o at_o least_o from_o be_v overcome_v by_o they_o by_o crave_v the_o lord_n assistance_n say_v lead_v we_o not_o into_o temptation_n 6.13_o matth._n 6.13_o but_o deliver_v we_o from_o evil_a matth._n 6.13_o so_o he_o exhort_v his_o disciple_n unto_o prayer_n lest_o they_o shall_v enter_v into_o temptation_n 22.40_o luk._n 22.40_o luk._n 22.40_o 46._o second_o we_o can_v obtain_v the_o spiritual_a armour_n before_o describe_v by_o any_o mean_n of_o our_o own_o but_o those_o grace_n of_o god_n spirit_n be_v his_o gift_n from_o who_o every_o good_a and_o perfect_a gift_n descend_v 1.17_o jam._n 1.17_o jam._n 1.17_o and_o therefore_o be_v to_o be_v beg_v at_o his_o hand_n by_o earnest_n and_o effectual_a prayer_n we_o have_v his_o gracious_a promise_n 7.7_o matth._n 7.7_o that_o if_o we_o ask_v we_o shall_v receive_v math._n 7.7_o and_o our_o saviour_n have_v assure_v we_o that_o whatsoever_o we_o ask_v the_o father_n in_o his_o name_n 16.23_o joh._n 16.23_o he_o will_v give_v it_o we_o joh._n 16.23_o and_o to_o this_o his_o promise_n he_o add_v his_o commandment_n in_o the_o verse_n follow_v say_v 11.13_o verse_n 24._o luk._n 11.13_o ask_v and_o you_o shall_v receive_v yea_o if_o we_o do_v but_o true_o desire_v the_o holy_a ghost_n the_o father_n will_v give_v he_o unto_o we_o luk._n 11.13_o and_o he_o come_v not_o alone_o but_o bring_v with_o he_o our_o spiritual_a armour_n even_o all_o his_o grace_n fit_a for_o to_o arm_v we_o in_o the_o spiritual_a combat_n against_o all_o the_o assault_n of_o satan_n and_o his_o assistant_n §_o sect._n 2_o but_o whereas_o these_o grace_n be_v in_o this_o life_n but_o weak_a and_o imperfect_a in_o we_o prayer_n the_o rest_n of_o the_o spiritual_a armour_n be_v not_o sufficient_a without_o prayer_n our_o truth_n be_v mix_v with_o will-worship_n and_o hypocrisy_n the_o purity_n of_o our_o conscience_n be_v stain_v with_o our_o corruption_n our_o knowledge_n of_o the_o gospel_n but_o in_o part_n and_o shadow_v with_o the_o veil_n of_o ignorance_n our_o faith_n mix_v with_o doubt_v and_o weaken_v with_o incredulity_n our_o hope_n shake_v from_o our_o anker-hold_a when_o the_o promise_n of_o god_n be_v delay_v and_o whereas_o we_o also_o be_v unskilful_a to_o use_v this_o spiritual_a armour_n for_o our_o best_a advantage_n therefore_o it_o behoove_v we_o after_o we_o have_v arm_v ourselves_o at_o all_o point_n not_o to_o trust_v altogether_o in_o our_o armour_n but_o to_o have_v our_o recourse_n unto_o our_o grand_a captain_n christ_n jesus_n acknowledge_v our_o own_o weakness_n and_o desire_v his_o aid_n and_o assistance_n that_o be_v arm_v with_o his_o power_n we_o may_v obtain_v a_o glorious_a victory_n over_o our_o spiritual_a enemy_n and_o as_o moses_n join_v with_o josuahs_n sword_n his_o own_o effectual_a prayer_n which_o be_v of_o far_o great_a efficacy_n for_o when_o he_o hold_v up_o his_o hand_n in_o prayer_n israel_n prevail_v but_o when_o he_o faint_v amaleck_n have_v the_o upper_a hand_n so_o we_o be_v to_o fight_v against_o the_o spiritual_a amalekite_n be_v not_o whole_o to_o trust_v in_o our_o spiritual_a weapon_n but_o we_o be_v to_o implore_v continual_o the_o lord_n assistance_n by_o hearty_a prayer_n assure_v ourselves_o that_o if_o we_o lift_v up_o our_o hand_n and_o heart_n unto_o god_n we_o shall_v in_o the_o end_n obtain_v a_o full_a victory_n but_o if_o we_o faint_v the_o spiritual_a amaleck_n will_v prevail_v against_o us._n while_o our_o mind_n lie_v grovel_v on_o the_o earth_n it_o be_v a_o easy_a matter_n for_o these_o spiritual_a wickedness_n to_o overcome_v we_o see_v they_o fight_v against_o we_o from_o high_a place_n but_o if_o we_o lift_v up_o our_o heart_n in_o prayer_n unto_o god_n our_o mind_n and_o soul_n shall_v be_v as_o it_o be_v transport_v into_o heaven_n which_o be_v a_o tower_n of_o strength_n into_o which_o our_o spiritual_a enemy_n can_v approach_v whensoever_o therefore_o we_o be_v assault_v by_o satan_n let_v we_o lift_v up_o our_o soul_n into_o heaven_n by_o effectual_a prayer_n and_o so_o we_o shall_v be_v out_o of_o his_o reach_n §_o sect._n 3_o now_o that_o our_o prayer_n may_v be_v effectual_a there_o be_v diverse_a condition_n and_o property_n require_v in_o they_o by_o the_o apostle_n in_o this_o place_n first_o that_o we_o pray_v continual_o prayer_n luk._n 18.1_o 1._o thess_n 5.17_o the_o property_n require_v in_o prayer_n which_o also_o our_o saviour_n christ_n enjoin_v we_o luk._n 18.1_o and_o paul_n also_o 1._o thess_n 5.17_o not_o that_o we_o must_v neglect_v all_o other_o exercise_n and_o do_v nothing_o but_o pray_v for_o there_o be_v a_o time_n to_o hear_v the_o word_n to_o do_v the_o work_n of_o mercy_n and_o of_o our_o calling_n but_o his_o meaning_n be_v that_o we_o be_v always_o ready_a to_o pray_v upon_o all_o good_a occasion_n especial_o in_o the_o time_n of_o temptation_n this_o duty_n be_v require_v according_a to_o that_o psal_n 50.15_o 50.15_o psal_n 50.15_o and_o therefore_o the_o apostle_n say_v not_o that_o we_o must_v pray_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d in_o every_o particular_a time_n and_o season_n but_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d in_o every_o fit_a time_n when_o just_a occasion_n and_o opportunity_n be_v offer_v see_v therefore_o in_o the_o time_n of_o temptation_n we_o do_v especial_o need_v the_o lord_n help_v therefore_o that_o above_o all_o other_o be_v the_o opportune_a and_o convenient_a time_n wherein_o we_o be_v to_o implore_v the_o lord_n assistance_n where_o by_o the_o way_n the_o stint_a prayer_n of_o the_o popish_a rabble_n which_o they_o restrain_v to_o set_v hour_n be_v confute_v for_o the_o apostle_n will_v we_o always_o to_o be_v in_o readiness_n when_o any_o fit_a occasion_n be_v offer_v the_o second_o thing_n require_v be_v that_o we_o pray_v with_o all_o manner_n of_o prayer_n and_o supplication_n the_o former_a word_n here_o use_v be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d which_o signify_v the_o earnest_n desire_v of_o any_o good_a thing_n the_o other_o be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d which_o be_v the_o deprecation_n of_o some_o evil_n so_o that_o whether_o we_o want_v any_o thing_n that_o be_v good_a or_o will_v be_v deliver_v from_o any_o thing_n which_o be_v evil_a we_o must_v have_v recourse_n unto_o god_n by_o prayer_n that_o we_o may_v obtain_v the_o one_o and_o avoid_v the_o other_o but_o more_o especial_o when_o we_o feel_v the_o want_n or_o weakness_n of_o any_o part_n of_o the_o spiritual_a armour_n the_o grace_n of_o god_n spirit_n we_o be_v to_o beg_v they_o at_o god_n hand_n that_o so_o we_o may_v be_v enable_v to_o stand_v in_o the_o encounter_n and_o when_o we_o apprehend_v the_o extreme_a malice_n join_v with_o the_o great_a power_n and_o cunning_a policy_n of_o our_o spiritual_a enemy_n we_o be_v earnest_o to_o pray_v that_o the_o lord_n will_v not_o lead_v we_o into_o temptation_n or_o if_o he_o do_v yet_o that_o he_o will_v not_o suffer_v we_o to_o fall_v therein_o and_o to_o be_v overthrow_v and_o these_o our_o prayer_n must_v not_o only_o be_v public_a in_o the_o church_n but_o also_o private_a in_o our_o chamber_n neither_o must_v we_o be_v always_o beg_v these_o
careful_a in_o withstand_v this_o dangerous_a assault_n for_o there_o be_v not_o any_o one_o temptation_n wherewith_o satan_n prevail_v more_o than_o by_o persuade_v man_n to_o content_v themselves_o with_o a_o civil_a kind_n of_o honesty_n which_o be_v destitute_a of_o religion_n and_o the_o true_a fear_n of_o god_n and_o to_o this_o end_n let_v we_o consider_v that_o civil_a honesty_n sever_v from_o true_a piety_n be_v but_o glorious_a iniquity_n for_o when_o we_o have_v attain_v to_o as_o great_a a_o measure_n thereof_o as_o possible_o we_o can_v in_o this_o age_n of_o corruption_n we_o shall_v come_v short_a in_o diverse_a duty_n of_o many_o of_o the_o heathen_n who_o have_v excel_v in_o these_o moral_a and_o civil_a virtue_n and_o consequent_o when_o we_o be_v at_o the_o best_a we_o shall_v be_v but_o honest_a infidel_n and_o good_a nature_a worldling_n if_o we_o do_v not_o join_v thereunto_o the_o duty_n of_o piety_n and_o how_o goodly_a a_o show_n soever_o our_o work_n make_v in_o the_o eye_n of_o man_n yet_o be_v they_o odious_a in_o god_n sight_n if_o they_o be_v not_o do_v in_o knowledge_n and_o ground_v on_o god_n word_n and_o commandment_n but_o in_o ignorance_n and_o according_a to_o our_o own_o invention_n and_o the_o fond_a conceit_n of_o our_o blind_a understanding_n if_o they_o proceed_v not_o from_o the_o true_a love_n of_o god_n which_o be_v the_o only_a fountain_n of_o all_o acceptable_a obedience_n but_o from_o the_o love_n of_o ourselves_o and_o other_o carnal_a respect_n if_o they_o be_v not_o the_o fruit_n of_o a_o lively_a faith_n but_o do_v in_o ignorance_n and_o infidelity_n for_o what_o soever_o be_v not_o do_v in_o faith_n be_v sin_n 11.6_o rom._n 14.23_o heb._n 11.6_o as_o it_o be_v rom._n 14.23_o and_o therefore_o can_v please_v god_n heb._n 11.6_o by_o which_o we_o be_v not_o to_o understand_v a_o historical_a faith_n whereby_o we_o know_v and_o be_v assure_v that_o those_o work_n we_o do_v be_v command_v in_o god_n word_n but_o a_o true_a justify_n faith_n which_o do_v apply_v unto_o we_o christ_n jesus_n and_o all_o god_n merciful_a promise_n make_v in_o he_o for_o that_o our_o work_n may_v be_v acceptable_a before_o god_n there_o be_v require_v first_o that_o our_o person_n be_v acceptable_a unto_o he_o neither_o can_v any_o thing_n we_o do_v please_v he_o so_o long_o as_o we_o remain_v his_o enemy_n in_o which_o state_n we_o be_v by_o nature_n till_o we_o be_v reconcile_v in_o christ_n our_o mediator_n as_o appear_v rom._n 5.10_o 1.20_o rom._n 5.10_o col._n 1.20_o now_o unless_o we_o have_v faith_n we_o can_v apply_v unto_o we_o christ_n nor_o his_o merit_n and_o righteousness_n by_o who_o only_o we_o be_v reconcile_v unto_o god_n and_o consequent_o we_o remain_v god_n enemy_n who_o can_v do_v nothing_o please_v in_o his_o sight_n second_o the_o best_a of_o our_o work_n be_v imperfect_a and_o mingle_v with_o many_o corruption_n and_o therefore_o can_v abide_v the_o examination_n of_o god_n exact_a justice_n till_o their_o imperfection_n be_v cover_v by_o christ_n righteousness_n and_o their_o corruption_n wash_v away_o with_o his_o most_o precious_a blood_n now_o christ_n and_o his_o merit_n can_v by_o any_o other_o mean_n be_v apply_v unto_o we_o but_o by_o the_o hand_n of_o a_o lively_a faith_n last_o if_o all_o our_o work_n and_o honest_a deal_n be_v not_o do_v in_o zeal_n of_o god_n glory_n &_o refer_v to_o this_o end_n that_o god_n name_n may_v be_v magnify_v they_o be_v not_o acceptable_a before_o god_n for_o the_o cause_n why_o he_o will_v have_v our_o light_n shine_v before_o man_n be_v that_o he_o our_o heavenly_a father_n may_v be_v glorify_v 3.16_o matth._n 3.16_o as_o it_o be_v matth_n 5._o 16._o and_o the_o main_a and_o wherefore_o we_o shall_v have_v our_o conversation_n honest_a among_o the_o gentile_n and_o unbeliever_n be_v that_o they_o which_o speak_v evil_a of_o we_o as_o of_o evil_a doer_n may_v by_o our_o good_a work_n which_o they_o shall_v see_v glorify_v god_n in_o the_o day_n of_o their_o visitation_n 2.12_o 1._o pet._n 2.12_o as_o it_o be_v 1._o pet._n 2.12_o and_o therefore_o let_v not_o satan_n deceive_v we_o in_o persuade_v we_o to_o rest_v in_o civil_a honesty_n for_o if_o it_o be_v sever_v from_o true_a piety_n from_o save_v knowledge_n from_o sincere_a love_n of_o god_n justify_v faith_n and_o a_o zeal_n of_o god_n glory_n it_o will_v not_o be_v acceptable_a in_o god_n sight_n as_o proceed_v from_o the_o love_n of_o ourselves_o and_o other_o carnal_a respect_n namely_o to_o obtain_v praise_n or_o profit_n thereby_o §_o sect._n 5_o and_o thus_o satan_n deal_v with_o civil_a worldling_n but_o if_o those_o which_o he_o incounter_v be_v professor_n of_o religion_n religion_n how_o satan_n deal_v with_o professor_n of_o religion_n than_o he_o seek_v to_o persuade_v they_o that_o if_o they_o outward_o perform_v the_o duty_n of_o piety_n as_o the_o hear_n of_o god_n word_n the_o public_a and_o private_a call_n upon_o god_n name_n the_o frequent_a receive_n of_o the_o sacrament_n if_o they_o attain_v to_o the_o knowledge_n and_o profession_n of_o religion_n and_o can_v tip_v their_o tongue_n with_o godliness_n then_o they_o may_v live_v how_o they_o listen_v among_o their_o brethren_n neglect_v all_o the_o duty_n of_o the_o second_o table_n so_o they_o outward_o observe_v the_o first_o for_o though_o they_o be_v barren_a of_o good_a work_n destitute_a of_o charity_n fill_v with_o pride_n addict_v to_o covetousness_n oppression_n and_o all_o deceitful_a deal_n yet_o they_o shall_v be_v justify_v by_o their_o faith_n and_o approve_v of_o god_n for_o their_o outward_a profession_n sake_n but_o let_v such_o man_n know_v that_o this_o be_v a_o notable_a stratagem_n of_o satan_n to_o cause_v we_o to_o fall_v into_o his_o secret_a ambushment_n to_o our_o destruction_n inseparable_a that_o piety_n and_o honesty_n be_v inseparable_a which_o if_o they_o will_v prevent_v and_o avoid_v let_v they_o consider_v that_o piety_n and_o charitable_a honesty_n be_v two_o such_o twin_n as_o be_v bear_v live_v and_o die_v both_o together_o that_o they_o be_v the_o life_n and_o soul_n of_o a_o christian_n which_o can_v possible_o be_v sever_v that_o it_o be_v as_o possible_a for_o the_o good_a tree_n to_o bring_v forth_o bad_a fruit_n for_o the_o fire_n to_o be_v without_o heat_n and_o the_o sun_n without_o light_n as_o it_o be_v for_o a_o lively_a faith_n to_o be_v void_a of_o good_a work_n true_a profession_n to_o be_v sever_v from_o holy_a practice_n and_o justification_n before_o god_n from_o sanctification_n and_o holiness_n of_o life_n before_o man_n that_o whosoever_o brag_v of_o his_o love_n to_o god_n and_o love_v not_o his_o brethren_n be_v a_o liar_n and_o there_o be_v no_o truth_n in_o he_o 4.20_o 1._o joh._n 4.20_o 1._o joh._n 4.20_o that_o though_o they_o profess_v themselves_o the_o child_n of_o god_n yet_o if_o they_o do_v not_o the_o work_n of_o righteousness_n as_o well_o as_o the_o work_n of_o piety_n and_o love_v their_o brethren_n they_o be_v in_o truth_n the_o child_n of_o the_o devil_n 2.13_o 1._o joh._n 3.10_o rom._n 2.13_o as_o appear_v 1._o joh._n 3.10_o that_o not_o the_o hearer_n of_o the_o word_n but_o the_o doer_n thereof_o be_v justify_v rom._n 2.13_o that_o not_o every_o one_o who_o say_v lord_n lord_n shall_v enter_v into_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n 7.21_o matth._n 7.21_o but_o they_o who_o do_v the_o will_n of_o the_o father_n which_o be_v in_o heaven_n matth._n 7.21_o that_o they_o deceive_v themselves_o who_o look_v to_o be_v save_v by_o hear_v the_o word_n 1.22_o jam._n 1.22_o if_o they_o practise_v not_o that_o which_o they_o hear_v jam._n 1.22_o for_o in_o stead_n thereof_o they_o shall_v plunge_v themselves_o into_o deep_a condemnation_n for_o the_o servant_n that_o know_v his_o master_n will_v and_o do_v it_o not_o 12.47_o luk._n 12.47_o shall_v be_v beat_v with_o many_o stripe_n luk._n 12.47_o and_o it_o shall_v be_v more_o easy_a for_o tyre_n and_o sidon_n sodom_n and_o gomorrah_n 11.21_o mat._n 11.21_o who_o have_v not_o the_o gospel_n preach_v among_o they_o nor_o see_v christ_n miracle_n than_o for_o corazin_n and_o bethsaida_n which_o enjoy_v both_o matth._n 11.21_o for_o there_o as_o he_o give_v great_a mean_n of_o knowledge_n there_o he_o expect_v great_a fruit_n in_o practice_n and_o as_o he_o will_v be_v honour_v in_o all_o so_o especial_o in_o those_o that_o come_v nigh_o unto_o he_o as_o it_o be_v levit._n 10.3_o last_o 10.3_o leu._n 10.3_o that_o the_o sentence_n of_o salvation_n and_o damnation_n shall_v not_o be_v give_v according_a to_o our_o word_n and_o profession_n but_o according_a to_o our_o deed_n and_o the_o holy_a practice_n of_o the_o work_n of_o mercy_n and_o christianity_n which_o be_v the_o inseparable_a fruit_n and_o
himself_o profess_v esa_n 43.25_o i_o even_o i_o be_o he_o that_o put_v away_o thy_o iniquity_n for_o my_o own_o sake_n and_o will_v not_o remember_v thy_o sin_n and_o therefore_o the_o prophet_n daniel_n call_v upon_o the_o lord_n for_o mercy_n in_o the_o behalf_n of_o himself_o and_o the_o people_n disclaim_v their_o own_o righteousness_n and_o all_o respect_n of_o their_o own_o merit_n and_o worthiness_n say_v we_o do_v not_o present_v our_o supplication_n before_o thou_o for_o our_o own_o righteousness_n but_o for_o thy_o great_a tender_a mercy_n o_o lord_n hear_v o_o lord_n forgive_v o_o lord_n consider_v and_o do_v it_o defer_v not_o for_o thy_o own_o sake_n dan._n 9.18.19_o §_o sect_n 5_o but_o here_o sathan_n will_v be_v ready_a to_o object_v unto_o the_o afflict_a conscience_n labour_v under_o the_o burden_n of_o sin_n mercy_n that_o the_o grievousnesse_n of_o sin_n can_v debar_v the_o repentant_a sinner_n of_o god_n mercy_n that_o god_n indeed_o be_v merciful_a but_o yet_o he_o will_v never_o extend_v his_o mercy_n towards_o such_o heinous_a offender_n who_o sin_n be_v in_o number_n numberless_a and_o in_o quality_n and_o nature_n most_o grievous_a and_o outrageous_a for_o answer_v of_o which_o tentation_n we_o be_v to_o know_v that_o though_o our_o sin_n be_v never_o so_o innumerable_a and_o heinous_a yet_o this_o shall_v not_o discourage_v we_o from_o come_v to_o god_n by_o unfeigned_a repentance_n with_o assure_a hope_n of_o forgiveness_n for_o though_o our_o sin_n be_v great_a his_o mercy_n be_v infinite_a and_o consequent_o though_o it_o be_v imagine_v that_o all_o the_o sin_n which_o be_v ever_o commit_v in_o the_o world_n be_v join_v together_o yet_o in_o comparison_n of_o god_n mercy_n they_o be_v without_o all_o comparison_n less_o than_o a_o mote_n in_o the_o sun_n to_o all_o the_o world_n neither_o be_v god_n like_a unto_o man_n who_o bounty_n &_o mercy_n be_v limit_v in_o some_o straight_a bound_n which_o they_o will_v not_o pass_v and_o therefore_o they_o be_v soon_o weary_a both_o in_o give_v to_o those_o who_o want_v and_o forgive_a those_o that_o offend_v but_o his_o bounty_n be_v endless_a and_o his_o mercy_n infinite_a and_o therefore_o he_o can_v and_o will_v as_o easy_o forgive_v we_o the_o debt_n of_o ten_o thousand_o million_o of_o pound_n as_o one_o penny_n and_o as_o soon_o pardon_v the_o sin_n of_o a_o wicked_a manasses_n as_o of_o a_o righteous_a abraham_n if_o we_o come_v unto_o he_o by_o unfeigned_a repentance_n and_o earnest_o desire_v and_o implore_v his_o grace_n and_o mercy_n and_o this_o our_o saviour_n christ_n show_v in_o the_o parable_n of_o the_o poor_a publican_n who_o heinous_a sin_n the_o lord_n present_o forgive_v upon_o his_o true_a conversion_n 7.41_o luke_n 7.41_o and_o in_o the_o parable_n of_o the_o two_o debtor_n where_o the_o lender_n our_o bountiful_a god_n as_o easy_o forgive_v the_o 500_o penny_n as_o the_o fifty_o that_o be_v innumerable_a great_a sin_n as_o well_o as_o few_o and_o less_o and_o the_o apostle_n paul_n teach_v we_o that_o where_o sin_n have_v abound_v there_o grace_n have_v much_o more_o abound_v rom._n 5.20_o mercy_n that_o we_o must_v not_o so_o aggravate_v our_o sin_n that_o we_o derogate_v from_o god_n mercy_n see_v therefore_o god_n mercy_n be_v infinite_a and_o without_o all_o limit_n let_v not_o we_o restrain_v it_o neither_o let_v we_o so_o aggravate_v our_o sin_n as_o that_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n we_o derogate_v from_o god_n mercy_n if_o a_o prince_n shall_v send_v his_o general_a pardon_n unto_o a_o number_n of_o offender_n without_o any_o exception_n or_o limitation_n and_o one_o among_o the_o rest_n shall_v say_v this_o pardon_n do_v not_o appertain_v unto_o i_o because_o i_o be_o so_o great_a a_o offender_n and_o therefore_o i_o will_v still_o stand_v in_o doubt_n of_o my_o prince_n mercy_n and_o suspect_v his_o word_n who_o will_v not_o accuse_v such_o a_o one_o both_o of_o folly_n in_o refuse_v his_o pardon_n and_o of_o ungratefulnes_n and_o diffidence_n in_o distrust_v his_o gracious_a prince_n call_v his_o great_a mercy_n and_o truth_n in_o his_o promise_n into_o question_n who_o will_v not_o think_v this_o offence_n great_a than_o all_o the_o rest_n but_o the_o lord_n who_o be_v infinite_a in_o mercy_n have_v send_v his_o general_a pardon_n to_o all_o repentant_a and_o believe_a sinner_n without_o all_o exception_n why_o therefore_o shall_v we_o make_v question_n of_o his_o mercy_n because_o of_o our_o hamous_a sin_n why_o shall_v we_o unto_o our_o other_o sin_n add_v this_o which_o be_v more_o heinous_a than_o all_o the_o rest_n indoubt_v and_o distrust_v his_o word_n and_o promise_n and_o in_o extenuate_v his_o infinite_a and_o endless_a mercy_n for_o if_o we_o think_v our_o debt_n so_o great_a that_o god_n will_v never_o forgive_v it_o what_o do_v we_o else_o but_o detract_v from_o god_n rich_a bounty_n and_o liberality_n if_o we_o suppose_v our_o sin_n may_v not_o be_v for_o give_v because_o of_o their_o greatness_n what_o do_v we_o else_o but_o imagine_v that_o they_o surpass_v god_n infinite_a mercy_n which_o be_v a_o most_o horrible_a blasphemy_n once_o to_o conceive_v §_o sect._n 6_o the_o mercy_n of_o the_o lord_n extend_v itself_o to_o the_o beast_n of_o the_o field_n work_n that_o god_n mercy_n be_v over_o all_o his_o work_n and_o he_o gracious_o feed_v the_o raven_n and_o young_a lion_n which_o in_o their_o brutish_a manner_n implore_v his_o help_n &_o shall_v he_o not_o extend_v his_o mercy_n to_o reasonable_a creature_n that_o seek_v after_o they_o 145.9_o psal_n 36.6_o &_o 104.21.27_o &_o 147.9_o &_o 145.9_o yea_o the_o lord_n be_v good_a to_o all_o and_o his_o mercy_n be_v over_o all_o his_o work_n as_o it_o be_v psal_n 145.9_o and_o will_v not_o the_o lord_n be_v gracious_a to_o man_n who_o be_v his_o most_o excellent_a workmanship_n create_v according_a to_o his_o own_o image_n if_o he_o sue_v unto_o he_o for_o grace_n and_o desire_v to_o be_v partaker_n of_o his_o mercy_n his_o goodness_n stretch_v itself_o unto_o his_o obstinate_a enemy_n for_o he_o cause_v his_o rain_n to_o fall_v and_o his_o sun_n to_o shine_v both_o upon_o the_o evil_a and_o the_o good_a on_o the_o just_a and_o unjust_a matth._n 5.45_o and_o shall_v it_o be_v restrain_v from_o his_o repentant_a servant_n he_o multiply_v his_o mercy_n in_o temporal_a benefit_n upon_o the_o wicked_a and_o reprobate_a and_o shall_v it_o be_v scant_v towards_o his_o elect_a he_o be_v very_o gracious_a to_o malicious_a rebel_n and_o will_v he_o deny_v grace_n to_o humble_a suer_n for_o mercy_n and_o repentant_a sinner_n he_o show_v his_o goodness_n and_o long_o suffer_v unto_o wicked_a achab_n upon_o his_o feign_a and_o hypocritical_a humiliation_n and_o will_v he_o not_o extend_v it_o towards_o those_o who_o be_v true_o penitent_a unfeigned_o turn_v unto_o he_o yes_o assure_o for_o though_o he_o be_v good_a to_o all_o even_o senseless_a creature_n brute_n beast_n and_o rebellious_a sinner_n yet_o he_o be_v in_o especial_a manner_n good_a to_o those_o who_o be_v of_o the_o household_n of_o faith_n §_o sect._n 7_o but_o if_o we_o can_v behold_v god_n mercy_n in_o their_o own_o glorious_a brightness_n mercy_n that_o even_o man_n be_v merciful_a towards_o the_o penitent_a and_o therefore_o much_o more_o god_n who_o be_v infinite_a in_o mercy_n let_v we_o look_v upon_o they_o in_o some_o small_a resemblance_n and_o little_a counterfeit_n if_o we_o can_v comprehend_v they_o in_o their_o own_o infinite_a nature_n yet_o let_v we_o view_v they_o in_o a_o small_a model_n even_o man_n himself_o who_o have_v but_o a_o spark_n of_o this_o mighty_a flame_n and_o a_o small_a drop_n of_o this_o bottomless_a ocean_n spare_v his_o son_n when_o he_o offend_v pardon_v his_o servant_n when_o he_o desire_v forgiveness_n yea_o be_v oftentimes_o reconcile_v to_o his_o enemy_n who_o have_v many_o way_n wrong_v he_o when_o he_o sue_v for_o reconciliation_n and_o confess_v his_o fault_n shall_v therefore_o man_n who_o have_v receive_v a_o little_a spark_n from_o this_o ever_o burn_a flame_n of_o god_n goodness_n a_o small_a drop_n of_o this_o endless_a and_o bottomless_a ocean_n and_o but_o a_o little_a model_n of_o this_o infinite_a greatness_n who_o great_a mercy_n compare_v with_o god_n be_v but_o savage_a and_o barbarous_a cruelty_n shall_v he_o i_o say_v be_v ready_a to_o spare_v his_o son_n forgive_v his_o servant_n and_o be_v reconcile_v unto_o his_o enemy_n and_o shall_v not_o god_n spare_v forgive_v and_o be_v reconcile_v unto_o those_o who_o turn_v from_o their_o sin_n by_o unfeigned_a repentance_n and_o earnest_o sue_v for_o grace_n shall_v we_o see_v and_o acknowledge_v the_o mercy_n of_o man_n and_o shall_v we_o doubt_v of_o the_o mercy_n of_o god_n which_o be_v the_o plentiful_a fountain_n from_o which_o like_o a_o pirl_a
know_v that_o this_o word_n impute_v or_o imputation_n be_v take_v two_o way_n in_o the_o scripture_n first_o when_o as_o the_o thing_n impute_v be_v in_o ourselves_o and_o so_o it_o be_v say_v psal_n 106.31_o 5.13_o psal_n 106.31_o rom._n 5.13_o that_o the_o fact_n of_o phinees_n be_v impute_v unto_o he_o for_o righteousness_n so_o rom._n 5.13_o but_o sin_n be_v not_o impute_v while_o there_o be_v no_o law_n second_o when_o as_o the_o thing_n impute_v be_v out_o of_o ourselves_o and_o of_o this_o 18.27_o levit._fw-la 17.4_o numb_a 18.27_o mention_n be_v make_v levit._n 17.4_o and_o numb_a 18.27_o and_o in_o this_o latter_a sense_n the_o word_n be_v to_o be_v understand_v in_o the_o doctrine_n of_o justification_n and_o not_o in_o the_o former_a for_o our_o sin_n be_v impute_v unto_o christ_n when_o he_o offer_v himself_o to_o stand_v in_o our_o place_n to_o pay_v our_o debt_n and_o to_o make_v full_a satisfaction_n to_o his_o father_n justice_n by_o suffer_v those_o punishment_n which_o we_o by_o our_o sin_n have_v deserve_v in_o which_o respect_n the_o scripture_n say_v that_o he_o be_v repute_v among_o the_o wicked_a 5.21_o mar._n 15.28_o 2._o cor._n 5.21_o mar._n 15.28_o and_o that_o he_o be_v make_v sin_n for_o we_o 2._o cor._n 5.21_o not_o by_o infusion_n of_o our_o sin_n and_o corruption_n into_o his_o most_o holy_a nature_n but_o by_o imputation_n only_o and_o contrariwise_o we_o be_v make_v just_a or_o justify_v not_o by_o infusion_n of_o inherent_a righteousness_n into_o we_o but_o by_o imputation_n of_o christ_n righteousness_n when_o as_o believe_v in_o he_o notwithstanding_o that_o our_o nature_n be_v still_o defile_v with_o sin_n and_o manifold_a corruption_n through_o the_o mere_a mercy_n and_o free_a grace_n of_o god_n for_o the_o merit_n and_o obedience_n of_o christ_n we_o be_v repute_v just_a as_o though_o we_o have_v never_o commit_v sin_n and_o have_v perform_v perfect_a obedience_n unto_o god_n commandment_n and_o so_o adjudge_v heir_n of_o everlasting_a life_n so_o that_o this_o imputation_n consist_v not_o in_o god_n repute_v of_o we_o just_a in_o respect_n of_o our_o inherent_a righteousness_n infuse_v into_o we_o but_o in_o the_o free_a mercy_n and_o grace_n of_o god_n which_o for_o christ_n his_o sake_n cover_v our_o sin_n which_o be_v indeed_o inherent_a in_o we_o so_o as_o they_o shall_v never_o be_v impute_v unto_o we_o for_o our_o condemnation_n &_o impute_v unto_o we_o the_o righteousness_n which_o be_v not_o in_o we_o but_o in_o christ_n wherewith_o be_v full_o possess_v he_o repute_v of_o we_o as_o most_o innocent_a and_o perfect_o righteous_a §_o sect._n 6_o now_o that_o imputation_n be_v to_o be_v understand_v in_o this_o latter_a sense_n 4.4.5_o the_o former_a point_n prove_v by_o testimony_n of_o the_o scripture_n rom._n 4.4.5_o it_o be_v most_o manifest_a where_o the_o apostle_n paul_n set_v down_o the_o word_n in_o both_o these_o sense_n deny_v that_o in_o this_o doctrine_n of_o justification_n it_o be_v to_o be_v understand_v of_o the_o former_a and_o affirm_v it_o of_o the_o latter_a to_o he_o say_v he_o that_o work_v the_o wage_n be_v not_o impute_v by_o favour_n but_o by_o debt_n namely_o because_o he_o have_v merit_v it_o by_o his_o own_o righteousness_n 5._o but_o to_o he_o that_o work_v not_o but_o believe_v in_o he_o that_o justifi_v the_o ungodly_a his_o faith_n be_v count_v or_o impute_v for_o righteousness_n even_o as_o david_n declare_v the_o blessedness_n of_o the_o man_n unto_o who_o god_n impute_v righteousness_n without_o work_n in_o which_o word_n he_o plain_o show_v that_o there_o be_v a_o kind_n of_o imputation_n which_o have_v his_o ground_n or_o foundation_n in_o work_n and_o inherent_a righteousness_n and_o this_o he_o affirm_v be_v not_o of_o grace_n and_o that_o there_o be_v another_o kind_n of_o imputation_n which_o have_v not_o it_o ground_n and_o foundation_n in_o he_o to_o who_o it_o be_v make_v but_o in_o the_o free_a mercy_n of_o god_n justify_v the_o wicked_a without_o his_o work_n and_o therefore_o not_o only_o destitute_a of_o inherent_a righteousness_n whereby_o he_o may_v be_v justify_v but_o also_o guilty_a of_o inherent_a corruption_n and_o actual_a transgression_n whereby_o he_o may_v be_v condemn_v if_o god_n shall_v enter_v into_o judgement_n with_o he_o so_o also_o he_o plain_o affirm_v eph._n 2.8_o that_o we_o be_v save_v by_o grace_n through_o faith_n 2.8_o eph._n 2.8_o and_o that_o not_o of_o ourselves_o it_o be_v the_o gift_n of_o god_n 9_o not_o of_o work_n lest_o any_o man_n shall_v boast_v himself_o §_o sect._n 7_o second_o abraham_n the_o former_a point_n prove_v by_o the_o example_n of_o abraham_n this_o may_v be_v prove_v by_o the_o example_n of_o abraham_n upon_o which_o the_o apostle_n in_o the_o former_a place_n insi_v for_o by_o that_o impute_a righteousness_n whereby_o he_o be_v justify_v we_o be_v also_o justify_v but_o the_o apostle_n plain_o affirm_v that_o this_o imputation_n be_v not_o of_o abraham_n inherent_a righteousness_n with_o the_o which_o notwithstanding_o he_o be_v plentiful_o endue_v for_o as_o he_o say_v if_o abraham_n be_v justify_v by_o work_n he_o have_v wherein_o to_o rejoice_v but_o not_o in_o god_n but_o that_o abraham_n believe_v in_o god_n and_o this_o be_v count_v to_o he_o for_o righteousness_n 4.2.3_o rom._n 4.2.3_o as_o it_o be_v rom._n 4.2.3_o and_o therefore_o we_o be_v not_o justify_v by_o our_o work_n and_o inherent_a righteousness_n but_o by_o the_o righteousness_n of_o christ_n impute_v unto_o us._n §_o sect._n 8_o three_o that_o righteousness_n which_o justifi_v we_o 3.2_o that_o perfect_a righteousness_n be_v require_v to_o our_o justification_n jam._n 3.2_o must_v consist_v in_o perfect_a obedience_n and_o fulfil_n of_o the_o law_n of_o god_n in_o that_o exact_a manner_n and_o measure_n which_o god_n justice_n do_v require_v but_o this_o can_v possible_o be_v do_v by_o any_o righteousness_n which_o be_v in_o we_o which_o be_v most_o imperfect_a and_o mingle_v with_o many_o sin_n and_o corruption_n for_o in_o many_o thing_n we_o sin_v all_o as_o it_o be_v jam._n 3.2_o and_o he_o that_o say_v he_o have_v no_o sin_n be_v a_o liar_n as_o john_n speak_v 1._o ep_n 1.8_o and_o our_o best_a righteousness_n be_v like_o a_o pollute_a cloth_n 64.6_o 1._o joh._n 1.8_o esa_n 64.6_o as_o it_o be_v esa_n 64.6_o but_o by_o the_o alone_a righteousness_n of_o jesus_n christ_n which_o be_v impute_v unto_o we_o be_v sufficient_a to_o answer_v and_o satisfy_v god_n exact_a and_o most_o perfect_a justice_n that_o our_o righteousness_n whereby_o we_o be_v to_o be_v justify_v must_v be_v perfect_a 3.31_o rom._n 3.31_o and_o such_o as_o the_o law_n and_o exact_a justice_n of_o god_n require_v it_o appear_v rom._n 3.31_o whereas_o the_o apostle_n plain_o affirm_v that_o when_o faith_n be_v impute_v unto_o righteousness_n 2.10_o jam._n 2.10_o the_o law_n be_v not_o make_v void_a but_o rather_o confirm_v and_o fulfil_v do_v we_o then_o say_v he_o make_v the_o law_n of_o none_o effect_v through_o faith_n god_n forbid_v yea_o we_o establish_v the_o law_n but_o this_o can_v be_v do_v by_o our_o righteousness_n which_o be_v imperfect_a and_o mingle_v with_o innumerable_a sin_n but_o by_o the_o alone_a most_o perfect_a righteousness_n of_o jesus_n christ_n impute_v unto_o us._n again_o the_o lord_n have_v command_v and_o strait_o charge_v that_o in_o our_o civil_a judgement_n the_o righteous_a shall_v be_v justify_v 25.1_o deut._n 25.1_o and_o the_o wicked_a condemn_v deut._n 25.1_o and_o the_o wise_a man_n say_v that_o he_o that_o justifi_v the_o wicked_a 17.15_o pro._n 17.15_o and_o he_o that_o condemn_v the_o just_a even_o they_o both_o be_v abomination_n unto_o the_o lord_n pro._n 17.15_o and_o the_o prophet_n esay_n denounce_v a_o woe_n against_o they_o which_o commit_v this_o sin_n 5.23_o esa_n 5.23_o chap._n 5._o vers_fw-la 23._o now_o shall_v the_o lord_n require_v this_o of_o we_o and_o shall_v we_o think_v that_o he_o who_o will_n be_v the_o rule_n of_o justice_n will_v justify_v any_o who_o righteousness_n be_v imperfect_a and_o not_o according_a to_o his_o law_n no_o he_o have_v tell_v we_o that_o it_o be_v more_o easy_a that_o heaven_n and_o earth_n shall_v pass_v away_o 16.17_o luk._n 16.17_o than_o that_o one_o title_n of_o the_o law_n shall_v fall_v unaccomplish_v luk._n 16.17_o and_o therefore_o let_v we_o not_o trust_v unto_o our_o own_o imperfect_a righteousness_n but_o whole_o rest_v upon_o the_o alone_a righteousness_n of_o jesus_n christ_n by_o a_o lively_a faith_n for_o our_o justification_n for_o he_o be_v the_o lord_n our_o righteousness_n 45.24_o jere._n 23.6_o esa_n 45.24_o jere._n 23.6_o in_o he_o we_o have_v righteousness_n and_o strength_n esa_n 45.24_o he_o be_v make_v unto_o we_o of_o god_n wisdom_n righteousness_n sanctification_n and_o redemption_n 1._o cor._n 1.30_o 1.30_o
host_n of_o senacherib_n at_o the_o siege_n of_o jerusalem_n and_o so_o when_o he_o give_v the_o strong_a christian_n who_o be_v full_a of_o grace_n victory_n over_o satan_n his_o power_n appear_v for_o unless_o he_o be_v strengthen_v with_o his_o grace_n he_o can_v not_o stand_v but_o when_o one_o who_o seem_v in_o his_o own_o eye_n destitute_a of_o grace_n and_o full_a of_o sin_n and_o corruption_n so_o that_o he_o plain_o see_v that_o he_o be_v altogether_o unable_a to_o withstand_v the_o least_o assault_n be_v notwithstanding_o so_o support_v by_o god_n almighty_a hand_n and_o immediate_a power_n that_o he_o do_v not_o only_o stand_v in_o the_o battle_n but_o in_o the_o end_n obtain_v victory_n hereby_o the_o power_n and_o goodness_n of_o god_n most_o clear_o appear_v to_o themselves_o and_o all_o the_o world_n see_v then_o our_o sin_n and_o fall_n do_v show_v unto_o we_o our_o own_o infirmity_n &_o weakness_n and_o these_o do_v declare_v god_n unresistable_a power_n and_o might_n which_o notwithstanding_o our_o feebleness_n do_v uphold_v we_o therefore_o let_v we_o so_o despair_v in_o ourselves_o as_o that_o thereby_o we_o may_v be_v move_v to_o rely_v whole_o upon_o the_o lord_n have_v so_o much_o more_o hope_n of_o victory_n as_o the_o strength_n of_o god_n excel_v the_o strength_n of_o man_n let_v we_o be_v so_o humble_v with_o a_o true_a sense_n and_o sorrow_n for_o our_o own_o infirmity_n and_o corruption_n as_o that_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n we_o may_v receive_v more_o sound_a consolation_n and_o true_a joy_n because_o we_o stand_v not_o by_o our_o own_o strength_n which_o every_o hour_n will_v fail_v we_o but_o by_o the_o power_n of_o god_n might_n and_o therefore_o though_o satan_n and_o all_o the_o power_n of_o hell_n conspire_v and_o band_n themselves_o against_o we_o yet_o shall_v they_o not_o prevail_v and_o though_o they_o foil_v we_o yet_o shall_v they_o never_o final_o overcome_v for_o he_o that_o be_v with_o we_o be_v strong_a than_o all_o they_o who_o be_v against_o we_o and_o the_o great_a our_o weakness_n be_v the_o fit_a occasion_n shall_v the_o lord_n have_v of_o show_v his_o omnipotent_a power_n in_o give_v we_o victory_n selfe-confidence_n horror_n fear_n and_o despair_n follow_v our_o fall_n argue_v our_o diffidence_n in_o god_n and_o selfe-confidence_n but_o if_o have_v bewray_v thy_o infirmity_n and_o get_v a_o foil_n in_o the_o spiritual_a conflict_n thou_o present_o be_v discourage_v and_o despair_v of_o victory_n sure_o it_o be_v a_o manifest_a sign_n that_o thou_o do_v trust_v too_o little_a in_o god_n assistance_n and_o too_o much_o in_o thy_o own_o strength_n which_o because_o it_o have_v fail_v thou_o have_v cast_v away_o all_o hope_n and_o the_o great_a thy_o horror_n and_o despair_n be_v which_o follow_v thy_o fall_n the_o great_a be_v thy_o self-confidence_n and_o the_o less_o thy_o affiance_n in_o god_n for_o he_o that_o altogether_o rely_v upon_o the_o lord_n assistance_n and_o whole_o distru_v his_o own_o strength_n when_o he_o fall_v in_o the_o time_n of_o temptation_n be_v not_o much_o astonish_v with_o any_o great_a wonder_n know_v that_o through_o his_o own_o infirmity_n and_o weakness_n he_o be_v most_o apt_a to_o fall_v when_o god_n leave_v he_o to_o himself_o neither_o be_v he_o utter_o discourage_v and_o overwhelm_v with_o despair_n as_o though_o now_o there_o be_v no_o mean_n to_o stand_v in_o the_o spiritual_a combat_n and_o to_o obtain_v victory_n but_o hate_v and_o with_o a_o peaceable_a and_o quiet_a sorrow_n mourn_v for_o his_o sin_n because_o thereby_o he_o have_v dishonour_v his_o god_n and_o offend_v his_o divine_a majesty_n he_o do_v not_o abate_v his_o hope_n but_o with_o less_o confidence_n in_o himself_o and_o more_o confidence_n in_o god_n he_o renew_v the_o fight_n against_o his_o spiritual_a enemy_n with_o undaunted_a courage_n know_v that_o the_o lord_n in_o who_o he_o trust_v and_o whole_o rely_v will_n never_o fail_v he_o and_o therefore_o let_v we_o no_o more_o rest_n in_o ourselves_o if_o ever_o we_o will_v enjoy_v the_o peace_n of_o conscience_n or_o will_v have_v any_o assurance_n of_o the_o lord_n assistance_n for_o he_o will_v be_v all_o in_o all_o neither_o can_v he_o abide_v any_o share_n in_o the_o glory_n of_o the_o victory_n and_o therefore_o so_o long_o as_o we_o trust_v in_o our_o own_o strength_n and_o fight_v with_o our_o own_o force_n he_o will_v withdraw_v his_o help_n till_o our_o often_o fall_n and_o foil_n have_v teach_v we_o to_o know_v our_o own_o infirmity_n and_o corruption_n that_o so_o despair_v whole_o in_o our_o own_o strength_n we_o may_v peaceable_o rest_v whole_o upon_o his_o almighty_a power_n and_o promise_a assistance_n §_o sect._n 12_o last_o assistance_n the_o last_o consolation_n take_v from_o the_o experience_n which_o we_o have_v have_v of_o the_o lord_n assistance_n let_v those_o who_o be_v true_o humble_v in_o regard_v of_o those_o foil_n which_o they_o receive_v in_o the_o spiritual_a conflict_n comfort_n themselves_o by_o the_o experience_n of_o god_n love_n care_n and_o goodness_n both_o in_o other_o and_o in_o themselves_o for_o how_o many_o have_v be_v cast_v down_o as_o well_o as_o they_o and_o yet_o have_v in_o the_o end_n be_v raise_v up_o how_o many_o have_v sorrow_v and_o mourn_v that_o now_o rejoice_v and_o have_v receive_v comfort_n how_o many_o have_v take_v notable_a foil_n and_o grievous_a fall_n in_o the_o spiritual_a conflict_n and_o yet_o in_o the_o end_n have_v obtain_v victory_n in_o a_o word_n who_o have_v depend_v upon_o the_o lord_n and_o have_v be_v reject_v who_o have_v be_v true_o humble_v and_o have_v not_o be_v comfort_v who_o have_v fight_v against_o their_o spiritual_a enemy_n and_o have_v not_o by_o the_o lord_n assistance_n overcome_v and_o be_v the_o lord_n arm_v now_o shorten_v or_o be_v his_o mercy_n come_v to_o a_o end_n have_v he_o forget_v to_o be_v gracious_a or_o have_v he_o shut_v up_o his_o love_a kindness_n in_o displeasure_n nay_o rather_o say_v it_o be_v thy_o own_o infirmity_n for_o the_o lord_n be_v the_o same_o he_o be_v without_o change_n or_o shadow_n of_o change_n and_o therefore_o as_o he_o have_v comfort_v and_o strengthen_v and_o give_v victory_n unto_o other_o so_o will_v he_o comfort_v and_o strengthen_v and_o give_v unto_o thou_o a_o famous_a victory_n over_o thy_o spiritual_a enemy_n if_o thou_o will_v depend_v upon_o he_o and_o wait_v his_o leisure_n but_o if_o this_o will_v not_o comfort_v thou_o when_o thou_o hear_v of_o god_n mercy_n and_o assistance_n in_o support_v other_o yet_o at_o least_o let_v thou_o own_o experience_n confirm_v thou_o in_o the_o assurance_n of_o god_n love_n and_o succour_v for_o have_v thou_o not_o endure_v many_o assault_n of_o thy_o spiritual_a enemy_n and_o yet_o thou_o stand_v in_o the_o encounter_n but_o i_o pray_v thou_o by_o who_o strength_n sure_o not_o thou_o own_o for_o thou_o be_v weak_a and_o feeble_a and_o thy_o enemy_n strong_a and_o mighty_a and_o therefore_o able_a to_o destroy_v thou_o every_o minute_n if_o the_o lord_n do_v not_o support_v thou_o by_o his_o almighty_a power_n have_v thou_o not_o also_o receive_v many_o foil_n and_o bewray_v notable_a corruption_n and_o yet_o thou_o be_v not_o quite_o overthrow_v nor_o swallow_v up_o by_o thy_o sin_n and_o who_o have_v preserve_v thou_o sure_o not_o thyself_o for_o if_o thou_o can_v not_o stand_v against_o satan_n while_o thou_o be_v fight_v much_o less_o can_v thou_o rise_v up_o again_o when_o thou_o be_v cast_v down_o but_o it_o be_v the_o spirit_n of_o the_o lord_n who_o have_v raise_v thou_o up_o by_o unfeigned_a repentance_n and_o have_v renew_v thy_o strength_n so_o that_o again_o thou_o be_v ready_a to_o withstand_v and_o resist_v satan_n and_o his_o temptation_n why_o therefore_o shall_v thou_o fear_v lest_o satan_n will_v in_o the_o end_n overcome_v and_o destroy_v thou_o why_o shall_v thou_o doubt_v of_o the_o lord_n assistance_n in_o the_o time_n to_o come_v of_o which_o thou_o have_v have_v sufficient_a experience_n in_o time_n past_a see_v himself_o be_v unchangeable_a and_o his_o gift_n without_o repentance_n and_o therefore_o those_o who_o he_o have_v defend_v he_o will_v defend_v those_o that_o he_o have_v once_o raise_v up_o he_o will_v ever_o raise_v up_o and_o to_o whosoever_o he_o have_v give_v grace_n to_o withstand_v their_o spiritual_a enemy_n to_o those_o he_o will_v continue_v and_o increase_v his_o grace_n till_o in_o the_o end_n they_o have_v a_o final_a victory_n and_o the_o crown_n of_o victory_n everlasting_a glory_n the_o end_n of_o the_o first_o book_n the_o second_o book_n entreat_v of_o satan_n special_a and_o particular_a temptation_n which_o he_o sugge_v against_o the_o several_a cause_n of_o our_o salvation_n and_o of_o the_o answer_n whereby_o they_o be_v to_o
so_o he_o will_v say_v to_o the_o other_o depart_v from_o i_o you_o curse_v into_o everlasting_a fire_n which_o be_v prepare_v for_o the_o devil_n and_o his_o angel_n let_v they_o know_v that_o neither_o fornicator_n nor_o idolater_n nor_o adulterer_n nor_o wantoness_n nor_o bugger_n not_o thief_n nor_o covetous_a 6.9.10_o 1._o cor._n 6.9.10_o nor_o drunkard_n nor_o railer_n nor_o extortioner_n nor_o any_o that_o live_v in_o the_o like_a sin_n without_o repentance_n shall_v inherit_v the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n for_o truth_n itself_o have_v speak_v it_o 1._o cor._n 6.9.10_o but_o they_o shall_v have_v their_o part_n in_o the_o lake_n which_o burn_v with_o fire_n and_o brimstone_n 21.8_o reu._n 21.8_o which_o be_v the_o second_o death_n as_o it_o be_v revel_v 21.8_o and_o therefore_o let_v not_o satan_n bewitch_v they_o by_o set_v before_o their_o eye_n god_n mercy_n for_o as_o sure_a as_o god_n be_v just_a and_o true_a of_o his_o word_n so_o sure_o shall_v such_o as_o continue_v in_o their_o sin_n without_o repentance_n be_v eternal_o condemn_v neither_o be_v it_o any_o impeachment_n to_o god_n mercy_n if_o he_o exercise_v his_o justice_n in_o inflict_v due_a punishment_n upon_o obstinate_a and_o rebellious_a sinner_n see_v it_o be_v sufficient_o manifest_v in_o the_o salvation_n of_o those_o who_o repent_v and_o believe_v §_o sect._n 2_o the_o second_o temptation_n which_o satan_n sugge_v into_o the_o mind_n of_o carnal_a man_n to_o the_o end_n they_o may_v run_v on_o in_o their_o desperate_a course_n and_o wallow_v still_o in_o the_o please_a filth_n of_o their_o corruption_n he_o thus_o frame_v why_o enjoy_v thou_o not_o say_v he_o thy_o pleasure_n why_o be_v thou_o afraid_a to_o satisfy_v all_o thy_o desire_n what_o need_v thou_o to_o take_v any_o pain_n in_o perform_v god_n worship_n and_o service_n predestination_n satan_n temptation_n ground_v upon_o the_o unchangeableness_n of_o god_n predestination_n and_o to_o what_o purpose_n shall_v thou_o forsake_v thy_o please_a sin_n study_v and_o strive_v after_o mortification_n and_o newness_n of_o life_n which_o be_v so_o bitter_a and_o unpleasant_a unto_o thou_o for_o god_n decree_n of_o predestination_n be_v sure_a and_o most_o unchangeable_a as_o himself_o be_v without_o change_n and_o therefore_o if_o thou_o be_v elect_v of_o god_n thou_o may_v follow_v thy_o delight_n go_v on_o in_o thy_o sin_n live_v as_o thou_o listen_v yet_o sure_o thou_o shall_v be_v save_v and_o he_o will_v give_v thou_o repentance_n though_o it_o be_v defer_v to_o the_o last_o gasp_n but_o if_o on_o the_o other_o side_n thou_o be_v a_o reprobate_n reject_v of_o god_n in_o his_o eternal_a council_n then_o take_v what_o pain_n thou_o will_v make_v thy_o throat_n hoarse_o with_o pray_v and_o thy_o bag_n empty_a with_o give_v alm_n be_v never_o so_o diligent_a in_o god_n service_n never_o so_o careful_a in_o mortify_v thy_o sin_n yet_o all_o be_v in_o vain_a for_o those_o who_o he_o have_v reprobate_v shall_v be_v condemn_v and_o therefore_o much_o better_a be_v it_o to_o take_v thy_o pleasure_n and_o to_o follow_v thy_o own_o desire_n while_o thou_o be_v in_o this_o life_n for_o the_o punishment_n of_o the_o life_n to_o come_v will_v be_v enough_o though_o thou_o adde_v no_o torment_n of_o this_o life_n unto_o they_o impious_a that_o the_o former_a temptation_n be_v both_o foolish_a and_o ridiculous_a false_a and_o impious_a and_o thus_o do_v satan_n reason_n in_o the_o mind_n of_o a_o carnal_a man_n partly_o to_o continue_v and_o increase_v his_o security_n in_o the_o course_n of_o sin_n and_o partly_o to_o discredit_v the_o holy_a doctrine_n of_o god_n eternal_a predestination_n as_o though_o it_o open_v a_o door_n to_o all_o licentiousness_n but_o if_o we_o consider_v of_o this_o temptation_n aright_o and_o sound_v it_o to_o the_o bottom_n we_o shall_v find_v first_o that_o it_o be_v most_o foolish_a and_o ridiculous_a second_o that_o it_o be_v most_o false_a and_o impious_a that_o it_o be_v most_o foolish_a it_o will_v easy_o appear_v if_o we_o use_v the_o like_a manner_n of_o reason_v in_o worldly_a matter_n for_o it_o be_v all_o one_o as_o if_o a_o man_n shall_v thus_o say_v thy_o time_n be_v appoint_v and_o the_o lord_n in_o his_o counsel_n have_v set_v down_o how_o long_o thou_o shall_v live_v if_o therefore_o it_o be_v ordain_v that_o thy_o time_n shall_v be_v short_a use_v what_o mean_v thou_o will_v of_o physic_n and_o good_a diet_n yet_o shall_v thou_o not_o prolong_v it_o one_o day_n but_o if_o god_n have_v decree_v that_o thou_o shall_v live_v to_o old_a age_n take_v what_o course_n thou_o will_v run_v into_o all_o desperate_a danger_n use_v surfeit_v and_o all_o disorder_n of_o diet_n nay_o eat_v no_o meat_n at_o all_o and_o yet_o thou_o shall_v live_v till_o thou_o be_v a_o old_a man_n or_o as_o if_o he_o shall_v say_v god_n have_v decree_v already_o whether_o thou_o shall_v be_v rich_a or_o poor_a and_o if_o he_o have_v appoint_v thou_o to_o be_v poor_a take_v never_o so_o much_o pain_n follow_v thy_o call_n as_o diligent_o as_o thou_o will_v abstain_v from_o all_o wastfulnesse_n and_o prodigality_n yet_o shall_v thou_o never_o get_v any_o wealth_n but_o if_o thou_o be_v preordain_v to_o be_v rich_a sell_v all_o thou_o have_v and_o scatter_v it_o abroad_o in_o the_o street_n spend_v thy_o time_n in_o game_n drink_v and_o whore_v never_o trouble_v thy_o head_n with_o care_n nor_o thy_o hand_n with_o work_n yet_o shall_v thou_o be_v a_o wealthy_a man_n now_o who_o will_v not_o laugh_v at_o such_o absurd_a manner_n of_o reason_v if_o any_o shall_v use_v it_o because_o every_o man_n know_v that_o as_o god_n have_v decree_v the_o time_n of_o our_o life_n so_o he_o have_v decree_v also_o that_o we_o shall_v use_v the_o mean_n whereby_o our_o life_n may_v be_v preserve_v so_o long_o as_o he_o have_v ordain_v that_o we_o shall_v live_v namely_o avoid_v of_o danger_n good_a diet_n and_o physic_n and_o as_o he_o have_v decree_v that_o a_o man_n shall_v be_v rich_a so_o he_o have_v decree_v also_o that_o he_o shall_v use_v all_o good_a mean_n of_o attain_v unto_o riches_n namely_o providence_n and_o pain_n in_o get_v and_o care_n and_o frugality_n in_o keep_v that_o he_o have_v get_v and_o whosoever_o use_v not_o the_o mean_n do_v make_v it_o manifest_a that_o they_o be_v not_o ordain_v unto_o the_o end_n although_o indeed_o because_o the_o lord_n will_v show_v his_o absolute_a and_o almighty_a power_n he_o do_v not_o always_o tie_v himself_o unto_o mean_n but_o sometime_o cross_v and_o make_v they_o uneffectual_a to_o their_o end_n and_o sometime_o he_o effect_v what_o he_o will_v without_o or_o contrary_n to_o all_o mean_n and_o hence_o it_o be_v that_o some_o quick_o die_v who_o use_v all_o mean_n to_o preserve_v health_n and_o some_o become_v poor_a who_o use_v all_o mean_n of_o obtain_v riches_n whereas_o other_o be_v deprive_v of_o the_o mean_n attain_v unto_o long_a life_n and_o riches_n by_o the_o immediate_a blessing_n of_o god_n but_o ordinary_o the_o mean_n and_o end_n go_v together_o and_o therefore_o it_o be_v fond_a presumption_n to_o imagine_v or_o hope_v without_o the_o use_n of_o the_o mean_n to_o attain_v unto_o the_o end_n and_o thus_o it_o be_v also_o in_o spiritual_a matter_n appertain_v to_o everlasting_a life_n those_o who_o god_n have_v elect_v he_o have_v ordain_v also_o that_o they_o shall_v attain_v unto_o and_o use_v all_o good_a mean_n tend_v thereunto_o namely_o faith_n repentance_n sanctification_n and_o newness_n of_o life_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v as_o absurd_a for_o any_o to_o imagine_v that_o they_o shall_v be_v save_v continue_v in_o their_o ignorance_n infidelity_n unrepentancie_n and_o filthy_a corruption_n as_o it_o be_v for_o a_o man_n to_o think_v that_o he_o shall_v live_v to_o be_v old_a and_o yet_o run_v into_o all_o danger_n forsake_v physic_n yea_o and_o food_n also_o whereby_o his_o life_n shall_v be_v sustain_v for_o the_o spiritual_a mean_n of_o salvation_n be_v as_o well_o nay_o much_o more_o contain_v in_o god_n decree_n as_o the_o corporal_a mean_n of_o preserve_v life_n for_o it_o have_v be_v heard-of_a that_o some_o have_v live_v in_o the_o midst_n of_o danger_n and_o in_o the_o absence_n of_o meat_n for_o a_o long_a time_n but_o it_o be_v never_o hear_v that_o any_o have_v attain_v unto_o everlasting_a life_n without_o faith_n repentance_n and_o sanctification_n for_o even_o the_o thief_n upon_o the_o cross_n believe_v in_o christ_n and_o show_v the_o fruit_n of_o his_o faith_n in_o acknowledge_v his_o own_o sin_n reprove_v his_o fellow_n in_o confess_v our_o saviour_n christ_n even_o then_o when_o his_o apostle_n deny_v and_o forsake_v he_o in_o call_v upon_o his_o name_n and_o desire_v by_o his_o mean_n everlasting_a life_n §_o sect._n
and_o shall_v be_v save_v notwithstanding_o that_o they_o live_v in_o their_o sin_n without_o repentance_n make_v no_o conscience_n of_o their_o way_n nor_o indeavor_v to_o serve_v the_o lord_n in_o holiness_n and_o righteousness_n of_o life_n then_o be_v it_o not_o the_o testimony_n of_o god_n spirit_n but_o a_o presumptuous_a fantasy_n and_o a_o secure_a and_o carnal_a imagination_n for_o the_o testimony_n of_o god_n spirit_n in_o the_o conscience_n be_v the_o same_o with_o the_o testimony_n of_o the_o word_n and_o therefore_o it_o do_v not_o bear_v witness_n nor_o give_v any_o assurance_n that_o they_o be_v save_v which_o god_n word_n pronounce_v to_o be_v in_o the_o state_n of_o damnation_n when_o therefore_o this_o testimony_n be_v give_v in_o a_o faithful_a man_n and_o agreeable_a to_o god_n word_n it_o be_v the_o testimony_n of_o the_o spirit_n which_o seal_v we_o in_o the_o full_a assurance_n of_o that_o we_o believe_v according_a to_o that_o ephesian_n 1.13_o where_o the_o apostle_n say_v 1.13_o eph._n 1.13_o that_o after_o the_o faithful_a have_v receive_v the_o word_n of_o truth_n even_o the_o gospel_n of_o their_o salvation_n and_o believe_v therein_o they_o be_v seal_v with_o the_o holy_a spirit_n of_o promise_n but_o those_o who_o make_v no_o conscience_n of_o hear_v the_o gospel_n preach_v and_o when_o they_o hear_v it_o do_v not_o believe_v it_o nor_o apply_v it_o to_o themselves_o by_o a_o true_a and_o lively_a faith_n nor_o bring_v forth_o any_o fruit_n thereof_o in_o a_o holy_a and_o christian_a life_n they_o have_v neither_o faith_n nor_o god_n spirit_n and_o therefore_o if_o they_o have_v any_o persuasion_n of_o their_o election_n and_o salvation_n it_o be_v not_o the_o testimony_n of_o god_n spirit_n but_o their_o own_o fantasy_n and_o a_o vain_a opinion_n arise_v from_o carnal_a security_n and_o presumption_n §_o sect._n 6_o second_o spirit_n another_o mean_n to_o discern_v the_o testimony_n of_o the_o spirit_n the_o testimony_n of_o god_n spirit_n may_v hereby_o be_v know_v first_o in_o that_o it_o thorough_o persuade_v the_o faithful_a of_o their_o election_n and_o salvation_n second_o by_o the_o manner_n of_o persuade_v they_o three_o by_o the_o effect_n of_o this_o testimony_n and_o persuasion_n for_o the_o first_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n do_v not_o only_o give_v this_o bare_a testimony_n that_o we_o be_v elect_v adopt_a and_o shall_v be_v save_v but_o also_o do_v full_o persuade_v we_o hereof_o as_o be_v a_o thing_n most_o certain_a and_o without_o question_n so_o 1_o cor._n 2.12_o the_o apostle_n say_v that_o we_o have_v receive_v the_o spirit_n of_o god_n 2.12_o 1._o cor._n 2.12_o that_o we_o may_v know_v the_o thing_n that_o be_v give_v to_o we_o of_o god_n and_o eph._n 1._o 17_o 18._o god_n spirit_n be_v call_v the_o spirit_n of_o wisdom_n and_o revelation_n 1.17.18_o eph._n 1.17.18_o which_o do_v inlighten_v the_o eye_n of_o our_o understanding_n that_o we_o may_v know_v what_o the_o hope_n be_v of_o his_o call_n and_o what_o the_o riches_n of_o his_o glorious_a inheritance_n be_v in_o the_o saint_n and_o what_o be_v the_o exceed_a greatness_n of_o his_o power_n particular_o towards_o we_o that_o believe_v according_a to_o the_o work_n of_o his_o mighty_a power_n so_o the_o apostle_n john_n say_v 3.24_o 1._o joh._n 3.24_o hereby_o we_o know_v that_o christ_n abide_v in_o we_o even_o by_o the_o spirit_n which_o he_o have_v give_v we_o 1._o joh._n 3.24_o so_o that_o we_o may_v be_v assure_v that_o we_o have_v god_n spirit_n &_o thereby_o be_v thorough_o persuade_v that_o christ_n dwell_v in_o we_o and_o consequent_o that_o we_o be_v elect_v and_o shall_v be_v save_v and_o chap._n 4.13_o hereby_o know_v we_o that_o we_o dwell_v in_o he_o and_o he_o in_o we_o 4.13_o and_o 4.13_o because_o he_o have_v give_v we_o of_o his_o spirit_n and_o the_o apostle_n paul_n by_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n be_v so_o steadfast_o assure_v of_o god_n love_n that_o he_o profess_v that_o he_o be_v firm_o persuade_v that_o nothing_o can_v separate_v he_o from_o it_o 39_o rom._n 8.38_o 39_o rom._n 8.38_o 39_o so_o that_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n thorough_o persuade_v the_o faithful_a that_o they_o be_v elect_v and_o shall_v be_v save_v whereas_o the_o wicked_a who_o be_v destitute_a of_o god_n spirit_n may_v well_o have_v a_o fond_a opinion_n and_o a_o foolish_a conceit_n that_o they_o be_v high_o in_o god_n love_n and_o elect_v to_o salvation_n through_o carnal_a security_n and_o vain_a presumption_n but_o they_o be_v never_o thorough_o persuade_v hereof_o for_o when_o any_o affliction_n of_o body_n or_o mind_n be_v inflict_v on_o they_o their_o vain_a persuasion_n vanish_v away_o and_o nothing_o remain_v but_o doubt_v which_o in_o the_o end_n bring_v they_o to_o utter_v desperation_n but_o here_o the_o tempter_n will_v take_v occasion_n to_o discourage_v the_o weak_a christian_a and_o to_o persuade_v he_o that_o he_o have_v not_o god_n spirit_n see_v he_o do_v not_o feel_v in_o himself_o this_o firm_a persuasion_n of_o god_n love_n and_o his_o election_n and_o salvation_n feeling_n the_o persuasion_n of_o the_o spirit_n not_o always_o discern_v in_o our_o sense_n and_o feeling_n to_o which_o we_o be_v to_o answer_v that_o god_n spirit_n do_v thorough_o persuade_v although_o not_o at_o all_o time_n neither_o in_o our_o present_a sense_n and_o feeling_n for_o immediate_o after_o our_o conversion_n when_o we_o be_v new_o regenerate_v and_o like_o new_a bear_v babe_n in_o christ_n the_o motion_n of_o the_o spirit_n be_v but_o weak_a in_o we_o and_o we_o be_v not_o skilful_a in_o understand_v this_o heavenly_a language_n of_o the_o spirit_n wherewith_o we_o have_v be_v altogether_o unacquainted_a but_o the_o spirit_n wax_v strong_a in_o we_o and_o we_o grow_v to_o a_o ripe_a age_n in_o christ_n do_v cry_v in_o our_o heart_n abba_n father_n and_o testify_v to_o our_o spirit_n that_o we_o be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n which_o we_o then_o be_v better_o acquaint_v with_o this_o heavenly_a speech_n do_v well_o understand_v and_o be_v thorough_o persuade_v thereby_o and_o second_o when_o the_o poor_a christian_a who_o have_v receive_v a_o great_a measure_n of_o the_o spirit_n be_v exercise_v in_o the_o spiritual_a conflict_n the_o hideous_a noise_n of_o satan_n temptation_n which_o like_a canonshot_n sound_v in_o his_o ear_n and_o the_o tumultuous_a outcry_n of_o his_o own_o passion_n do_v so_o disturb_v and_o whole_o possess_v he_o that_o he_o can_v not_o hear_v the_o voice_n of_o the_o spirit_n persuade_v he_o that_o he_o be_v the_o child_n of_o god_n till_o the_o skirmish_n be_v past_a and_o the_o noise_n of_o temptation_n cease_v and_o then_o again_o as_o in_o former_a time_n he_o hear_v to_o his_o comfort_n the_o spirit_n of_o god_n persuade_v he_o of_o god_n love_n and_o hereby_o he_o be_v again_o assure_v thereof_o so_o that_o we_o be_v not_o to_o judge_v of_o the_o have_v of_o god_n spirit_n in_o the_o time_n of_o our_o christian_a infancy_n and_o spiritual_a nonage_n nor_o yet_o according_a to_o our_o present_a sense_n in_o the_o time_n of_o temptation_n but_o when_o we_o be_v come_v to_o perfect_a age_n and_o when_o the_o conflict_n of_o temptation_n be_v cease_v second_o the_o testimony_n of_o god_n spirit_n persuade_v we_o of_o his_o love_n and_o our_o election_n be_v know_v by_o the_o manner_n whereby_o it_o persuade_v we_o namely_o it_o persuade_v we_o hereof_o with_o argument_n ground_v upon_o god_n word_n and_o draw_v not_o from_o any_o worthiness_n in_o ourselves_o but_o from_o god_n free_a grace_n and_o underserued_a mercy_n and_o from_o the_o righteousness_n and_o merit_n of_o christ_n whereas_o satan_n and_o our_o own_o flesh_n never_o use_v such_o reason_n but_o either_o move_v we_o to_o a_o bare_a and_o vain_a opinion_n which_o have_v no_o ground_n at_o all_o but_o self-love_n which_o make_v man_n easy_o believe_v that_o which_o they_o desire_v or_o else_o with_o some_o argument_n draw_v from_o some_o outward_a common_a benefit_n bestow_v indifferent_o upon_o the_o good_a and_o bad_a or_o last_o from_o a_o pharisaical_a conceit_n and_o false_a opinion_n of_o our_o own_o worthiness_n and_o desert_n §_o sect._n 7_o last_o thereof_o the_o 3._o mean_n to_o discern_v the_o spirit_n namely_o by_o the_o fruit_n thereof_o the_o testimony_n of_o god_n spirit_n be_v know_v and_o discern_v by_o the_o effect_n thereof_o for_o after_o that_o it_o have_v effectual_o persuade_v we_o that_o we_o be_v elect_v and_o the_o dear_a child_n of_o god_n we_o be_v move_v thereby_o to_o trust_v whole_o in_o god_n and_o to_o love_v he_o as_o our_o gracious_a father_n from_o which_o love_n proceed_v a_o zeal_n of_o his_o glory_n and_o a_o true_a hatred_n of_o sin_n because_o thereby_o our_o heavenly_a father_n be_v dishonour_v &_o displease_v with_o we_o and_o a_o
true_a love_n and_o hearty_a endeavour_n of_o embrace_a holiness_n and_o righteousness_n because_o thereby_o our_o gracious_a father_n be_v glorify_v and_o well_o please_v with_o us._n if_o therefore_o these_o effect_n and_o fruit_n follow_v this_o persuasion_n of_o god_n love_n and_o our_o election_n we_o may_v be_v assure_v that_o it_o be_v the_o spirit_n of_o god_n which_o do_v persuade_v we_o but_o if_o we_o have_v no_o such_o trust_n and_o affiance_n no_o such_o love_n of_o god_n no_o zeal_n of_o his_o glory_n no_o hatred_n of_o sin_n no_o love_n nor_o desire_n of_o embrace_v righteousness_n but_o remain_v as_o carnal_a worldly_a and_o profane_a as_o ever_o we_o be_v then_o let_v we_o brag_v as_o much_o as_o we_o will_v of_o our_o persuasion_n of_o god_n love_n and_o our_o election_n yet_o it_o be_v most_o certain_a that_o this_o persuasion_n be_v not_o wrought_v in_o we_o by_o god_n spirit_n but_o that_o it_o be_v a_o vain_a conceit_n and_o fond_a opinion_n which_o proceed_v from_o self-love_n carnal_a security_n and_o fond_a presumption_n which_o in_o the_o end_n vanish_v away_o will_v leave_v we_o in_o despair_n chap._n ix_o of_o the_o mean_n whereby_o we_o may_v be_v assure_v of_o our_o election_n §_o sect._n 1_o and_o thus_o have_v i_o prove_v that_o those_o who_o be_v convert_v unto_o god_n justify_v ghost_n the_o first_o mean_v the_o testimony_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o in_o some_o measure_n sanctify_v may_v ordinary_o attain_v unto_o the_o assurance_n of_o their_o election_n now_o i_o will_v show_v the_o mean_n and_o sign_n whereby_o we_o may_v be_v thus_o assure_v the_o first_o and_o principal_a mean_n which_o assure_v we_o of_o our_o election_n be_v the_o inward_a testimony_n of_o god_n spirit_n which_o cry_v in_o our_o heart_n abba_n father_n 16._o rom._n 8.15_o 16._o and_o witness_v unto_o our_o spirit_n that_o we_o be_v the_o child_n of_o god_n as_o it_o be_v rom._n 8.15_o 16._o which_o testimony_n it_o do_v not_o give_v by_o extraordinary_a revelation_n but_o by_o a_o secret_a application_n of_o the_o promise_n of_o the_o gospel_n unto_o we_o and_o by_o a_o inward_a cooperation_n whereby_o it_o make_v the_o outward_a ministry_n of_o the_o word_n effectual_a for_o the_o beget_n of_o faith_n in_o we_o whereby_o as_o with_o a_o hand_n we_o do_v appropriate_v the_o general_a promise_n of_o the_o word_n unto_o our_o own_o self_n and_o when_o the_o minister_n use_v reason_n to_o persuade_v we_o of_o god_n love_n in_o christ_n the_o holy_a ghost_n open_v our_o deaf_a care_n and_o inlighten_v our_o blind_a understanding_n and_o powerful_o incline_v our_o will_n so_o that_o we_o may_v attentive_o hear_v true_o understand_v and_o be_v full_o assure_v of_o that_o truth_n which_o be_v deliver_v not_o only_o in_o respect_n of_o the_o whole_a church_n but_o also_o in_o respect_n of_o ourselves_o particular_o so_o as_o we_o can_v say_v i_o believe_v that_o these_o promise_n of_o god_n be_v true_a and_o that_o they_o belong_v to_o all_o the_o faithful_a and_o consequent_o unto_o i_o who_o do_v believe_v and_o be_o assure_v of_o they_o see_v they_o be_v promise_v on_o no_o other_o condition_n security_n diverse_a difference_n between_o the_o testimony_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o presumptuous_a security_n but_o the_o tempter_n will_v object_v that_o many_o through_o carnal_a presumption_n do_v persuade_v themselves_o that_o all_o the_o promise_n of_o the_o gospel_n do_v belong_v unto_o they_o and_o therefore_o we_o may_v easy_o be_v deceive_v not_o be_v able_a to_o discern_v between_o the_o testimony_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o presumptuous_a security_n i_o answer_v that_o those_o who_o be_v endue_v with_o god_n spirit_n may_v easy_o discern_v the_o testimony_n of_o the_o spirit_n from_o the_o carnal_a language_n of_o presumption_n as_o be_v evident_a by_o that_o which_o before_o i_o have_v deliver_v and_o also_o may_v more_o plain_o appear_v by_o manifest_a difference_n if_o the_o one_o be_v compare_v with_o the_o other_o for_o presumption_n be_v a_o fruit_n of_o original_a corruption_n which_o accompany_v we_o from_o our_o mother_n womb_n till_o it_o be_v beat_v down_o with_o god_n sanctify_a spirit_n but_o the_o testimony_n of_o the_o spirit_n be_v a_o thing_n supernatural_a which_o no_o man_n ever_o feel_v before_o his_o conversion_n unto_o god_n when_o as_o by_o the_o preach_n of_o the_o word_n he_o be_v humble_v under_o the_o burden_n of_o sin_n sorrow_v and_o grieve_v for_o his_o sin_n past_a and_o detest_a they_o from_o his_o hart_n and_o purpose_v to_o leave_v and_o forsake_v they_o in_o the_o time_n to_o come_v if_o therefore_o we_o have_v have_v always_o this_o testimony_n in_o our_o mind_n that_o we_o be_v in_o god_n favour_n and_o elect_a and_o never_o feel_v our_o conversion_n nor_o discern_v any_o fruit_n thereof_o then_o do_v this_o testimony_n proceed_v from_o carnal_a presumption_n and_o not_o from_o god_n spirit_n second_o those_o who_o have_v the_o testimony_n of_o the_o spirit_n make_v conscience_n of_o the_o diligent_a and_o careful_a use_n of_o the_o outward_a mean_n of_o salvation_n as_o the_o hear_n and_o read_v of_o the_o word_n the_o receive_n of_o the_o sacrament_n and_o other_o holy_a duty_n of_o god_n service_n because_o they_o know_v that_o the_o inward_a testimony_n of_o the_o spirit_n be_v not_o ordinary_o sever_v from_o the_o outward_a testimony_n of_o the_o word_n and_o the_o assurance_n of_o god_n love_n and_o our_o election_n be_v not_o wrought_v immediate_o in_o we_o by_o revelation_n of_o the_o spirit_n but_o by_o the_o prea_n of_o the_o word_n and_o use_n of_o the_o sacrament_n make_v effectual_a by_o the_o inward_a cooperation_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n but_o presumption_n as_o it_o arise_v not_o from_o the_o use_n of_o these_o mean_n make_v thus_o effectual_a but_o from_o carnal_a security_n so_o be_v it_o not_o confirm_v thereby_o for_o the_o less_o that_o the_o presumptuous_a man_n hear_v the_o word_n and_o perform_v the_o duty_n of_o piety_n and_o god_n service_n the_o more_o confident_o do_v he_o boast_v of_o his_o faith_n and_o full_a assurance_n and_o therefore_o he_o make_v no_o conscience_n of_o use_v these_o mean_n ordain_v of_o god_n nay_o contrariwise_o he_o will_v not_o stick_v to_o affirm_v that_o the_o hear_n of_o the_o word_n too_o often_o be_v the_o cause_n that_o trouble_v man_n mind_n and_o afflict_v their_o conscience_n move_v they_o to_o doubt_v of_o god_n mercy_n which_o before_o they_o never_o call_v into_o question_n and_o why_o be_v this_o but_o because_o hereby_o man_n be_v rouse_v out_o of_o their_o sleep_n of_o security_n and_o have_v their_o confident_a presumption_n beat_v down_o if_o then_o we_o be_v careful_a to_o use_v all_o holy_a mean_n ordain_v of_o god_n to_o assure_v we_o of_o our_o salvation_n that_o assurance_n and_o testimony_n which_o follow_v be_v the_o testimony_n of_o god_n spirit_n otherwise_o it_o be_v nothing_o else_o but_o fond_a presumption_n three_o presumption_n be_v most_o confident_a and_o never_o doubt_v nor_o make_v any_o question_n of_o his_o election_n &_o salvation_n who_o thus_o presume_v but_o this_o testimony_n of_o the_o spirit_n be_v much_o assault_v with_o doubt_v and_o oftentimes_o thereby_o so_o exceed_o weaken_v that_o we_o can_v hear_v the_o voice_n thereof_o as_o we_o may_v see_v in_o the_o example_n of_o job_n david_n the_o father_n of_o the_o possess_a child_n the_o two_o disciple_n who_o iourney_v to_o emaus_n and_o in_o all_o god_n child_n who_o have_v not_o yet_o attain_v unto_o fullness_n of_o persuasion_n unto_o which_o none_o can_v come_v but_o by_o degree_n and_o therefore_o if_o we_o can_v brag_v with_o secure_a worldling_n and_o say_v with_o the_o proud_a pharisee_n i_o never_o be_v trouble_v i_o thank_v god_n with_o any_o doubt_n of_o my_o election_n &_o salvation_n as_o many_o be_v but_o always_o have_v have_v a_o strong_a belief_n that_o i_o be_o in_o god_n love_n and_o shall_v undoubted_o be_v save_v we_o may_v assure_v ourselves_o that_o this_o be_v the_o voice_n of_o presumption_n and_o not_o the_o testimony_n of_o god_n spirit_n four_o presumption_n be_v join_v with_o worldliness_n and_o prophanesse_n but_o the_o testimony_n of_o god_n spirit_n be_v never_o sever_v from_o sanctification_n or_o at_o least_o from_o a_o earnest_a desire_n and_o holy_a endeavour_n of_o serve_v the_o lord_n in_o holiness_n and_o righteousness_n for_o as_o i_o say_v the_o testimony_n of_o the_o spirit_n in_o the_o conscience_n be_v never_o contrary_a to_o the_o testimony_n of_o the_o spirit_n in_o the_o word_n neither_o do_v it_o bear_v witness_v that_o those_o be_v in_o god_n love_n and_o elect_v to_o salvation_n which_o the_o scripture_n witness_v to_o be_v in_o god_n displeasure_n and_o in_o the_o state_n of_o condemnation_n namely_o all_o unrepentant_a sinner_n continue_v in_o their_o
say_v eccles_n 5.5_o which_o they_o thus_o read_v de_fw-fr propitiato_fw-la peccato_fw-la noli_fw-la esse_fw-la sine_fw-la metu_fw-la neque_fw-la adijcias_fw-la peccatum_fw-la super_fw-la peccatum_fw-la that_o be_v be_v not_o without_o fear_n concern_v sin_n forgive_v neither_o add_v sin_n unto_o sin_n to_o which_o first_o i_o answer_v that_o this_o book_n be_v not_o canonical_a scripture_n and_o therefore_o not_o to_o be_v allege_v for_o the_o determine_n of_o question_n in_o controversy_n nor_o for_o the_o confirm_v of_o doctrine_n of_o faith_n second_o i_o answer_v that_o they_o have_v corrupt_o translate_v the_o original_a text_n for_o he_o will_v we_o not_o to_o fear_v concern_v our_o sin_n forgive_v but_o concern_v the_o forgiveness_n of_o they_o before_o they_o be_v remit_v lest_o we_o shall_v secure_o add_v sin_n unto_o sin_n because_o forgiveness_n be_v promise_v whensoever_o we_o repent_v and_o so_o abuse_v the_o mercy_n and_o long_o suffer_v of_o god_n to_o our_o just_a condemnation_n so_o that_o he_o forbid_v not_o to_o believe_v certain_o that_o our_o sin_n be_v remit_v when_o god_n have_v pardon_v they_o but_o he_o forbid_v we_o to_o run_v on_o in_o sin_n secure_o presume_v upon_o forgiveness_n as_o plain_o appear_v by_o the_o original_a text_n and_o the_o whole_a drift_n and_o scope_n of_o the_o place_n for_o in_o the_o verse_n go_v before_o he_o use_v this_o speech_n say_v not_o i_o have_v sin_v and_o what_o evil_a have_v happen_v unto_o i_o for_o the_o lord_n be_v long_o suffer_v but_o yet_o he_o will_v not_o dismiss_v or_o acquit_v thou_o and_o in_o this_o verse_n he_o bid_v we_o not_o to_o be_v without_o fear_n concern_v the_o forgiveness_n of_o sin_n add_v sin_n unto_o sin_n that_o be_v we_o must_v not_o go_v on_o in_o sin_n presume_v upon_o forgiveness_n and_o vers_fw-la 6._o do_v not_o say_v that_o his_o mercy_n be_v great_a he_o will_v forgive_v my_o manifold_a sin_n 7._o for_o mercy_n and_o wrath_n be_v swift_a with_o he_o but_o upon_o sinner_n his_o indignation_n shall_v rest_v 8._o do_v not_o defer_v to_o turn_v unto_o the_o lord_n neither_o put_v it_o off_o from_o day_n to_o day_n for_o sudden_o the_o wrath_n of_o the_o lord_n shall_v break_v forth_o and_o in_o thy_o security_n thou_o shall_v be_v destroy_v and_o thou_o shall_v perish_v in_o the_o time_n of_o vengeance_n in_o all_o which_o word_n he_o do_v not_o take_v away_o the_o assurance_n of_o the_o forgiveness_n of_o our_o sin_n after_o we_o have_v true_o repent_v of_o they_o but_o carnal_a security_n and_o vain_a presumption_n whereby_o man_n defer_v their_o repentance_n upon_o hope_n of_o mercy_n and_o forgiveness_n whensoever_o they_o repent_v last_o though_o this_o place_n be_v to_o be_v understand_v concern_v sin_n forgive_v yet_o the_o scope_n thereof_o be_v not_o to_o hinder_v our_o assurance_n of_o forgiveness_n when_o we_o have_v true_o repent_v but_o only_o that_o we_o do_v not_o after_o we_o have_v obtain_v remission_n of_o our_o sin_n take_v occasion_n thereby_o of_o fall_v into_o sin_n again_o and_o so_o abuse_v the_o mercy_n and_o goodness_n of_o god_n use_v it_o as_o a_o argument_n to_o move_v we_o to_o go_v on_o in_o sin_n because_o the_o lord_n upon_o our_o repentance_n be_v always_o ready_a to_o receive_v we_o to_o mercy_n chap._n xii_o the_o reason_n allege_v against_o the_o assurance_n ofour_fw-fr salvation_n answer_v §_o sect._n 1_o and_o so_o much_o concern_v the_o testimony_n of_o scripture_n salvation_n that_o it_o be_v not_o arrogancy_n or_o presumption_n to_o be_v assure_v of_o our_o salvation_n which_o be_v allege_v against_o the_o certainty_n of_o faith_n now_o let_v we_o consider_v their_o reason_n first_o they_o object_n that_o it_o be_v proud_a arrogancy_n and_o heretical_a presumption_n for_o a_o miserable_a sinner_n without_o all_o doubt_v to_o assure_v himself_o that_o he_o be_v elect_v and_o shall_v be_v save_v to_o which_o i_o answer_v that_o if_o with_o the_o pharisaical_a papist_n and_o proud_a iusticiaries_n we_o do_v build_v our_o assurance_n upon_o our_o own_o merit_n and_o worthiness_n it_o be_v indeed_o intolerable_a arragancie_n and_o proud_a presumption_n not_o only_o certain_o to_o believe_v but_o even_o to_o doubt_v whether_o we_o be_v elect_v and_o shall_v be_v save_v for_o where_o as_o doubt_v be_v there_o be_v some_o hope_n also_o whereas_o the_o scripture_n peremptory_o conclude_v that_o they_o who_o look_v for_o righteousness_n and_o salvation_n by_o the_o law_n be_v under_o the_o curse_n gal._n 3.10_o 3.20_o galat._n 3.10_o rom._n 3.20_o and_o that_o by_o the_o work_n of_o the_o law_n shall_v no_o flesh_n be_v justify_v in_o god_n sight_n rom._n 3.20_o and_o that_o we_o be_v justify_v not_o by_o our_o desert_n in_o whole_a or_o in_o part_n but_o free_o by_o god_n grace_n through_o the_o redemption_n which_o be_v in_o christ_n jesus_n as_o it_o be_v vers_n 24._o but_o see_v we_o whole_o disclaim_v our_o own_o righteousness_n and_o humble_o acknowledge_v our_o own_o misery_n and_o wretchedness_n do_v whole_o rely_v ourselves_o upon_o the_o gracious_a promise_n of_o god_n and_o the_o merit_n of_o christ_n jesus_n see_v we_o become_v nothing_o in_o ourselves_o in_o the_o work_n of_o our_o salvation_n that_o god_n may_v be_v all_o in_o all_o see_v we_o cast_v away_o all_o glory_n from_o ourselves_o that_o we_o may_v whole_o glory_v in_o the_o lord_n according_a to_o that_o jerem._n 9.24_o let_v he_o that_o glori_v 9.24_o jer._n 9.24_o glory_n in_o this_o that_o he_o understand_v and_o know_v i_o this_o be_v not_o proud_a arrogancy_n nor_o heretical_a presumption_n but_o christian_n humility_n which_o give_v all_o glory_n unto_o god_n leave_v nothing_o to_o ourselves_o but_o the_o comfort_n which_o be_v wrought_v in_o our_o heart_n by_o the_o assurance_n we_o have_v of_o god_n promise_n nay_o the_o more_o undoubted_o we_o trust_v in_o god_n promise_n the_o great_a be_v our_o humility_n for_o the_o more_o wretched_a we_o be_v in_o our_o own_o eye_n the_o more_o we_o see_v our_o imperfection_n yea_o our_o nothing_o in_o god_n sight_n and_o hereby_o we_o be_v move_v to_o go_v out_o of_o ourselves_o to_o seek_v for_o salvation_n only_o in_o god_n free_a grace_n and_o christ_n merit_n and_o to_o rest_v in_o they_o with_o full_a assurance_n as_o be_v in_o themselves_o all_o sufficient_a without_o our_o work_n and_o worthiness_n on_o the_o otherside_n the_o more_o we_o doubt_v of_o our_o salvation_n in_o respect_n of_o our_o unworthiness_n the_o more_o be_v our_o pride_n and_o arrogancy_n for_o we_o will_v not_o doubt_v in_o regard_n of_o our_o unworthiness_n unless_o we_o look_v for_o salvation_n by_o our_o worthiness_n and_o therefore_o we_o come_v so_o far_o short_a in_o faith_n and_o hope_n as_o we_o find_v ourselves_o short_a in_o merit_n and_o whence_o can_v this_o proceed_v but_o from_o arrogancy_n and_o pride_n which_o make_v man_n to_o look_v for_o salvation_n in_o themselves_o and_o to_o doubt_v of_o god_n mercy_n and_o christ_n merit_n unless_o they_o find_v that_o they_o have_v deserve_v they_o by_o their_o own_o work_n and_o worthiness_n let_v we_o therefore_o abhor_v this_o proud_a humility_n of_o the_o papist_n which_o make_v they_o doubt_v of_o god_n merciful_a promise_n and_o consequent_o of_o his_o truth_n 5.10_o 1._o joh._n 5.10_o for_o as_o it_o be_v 1._o joh._n 5.10_o he_o that_o believe_v not_o god_n have_v make_v he_o a_o liar_n and_o also_o of_o the_o sufficiency_n and_o value_n of_o that_o inestimable_a price_n which_o christ_n jesus_n have_v give_v for_o our_o redemption_n as_o though_o it_o be_v imperfect_a in_o itself_o unless_o it_o be_v eitch_v and_o patch_v up_o with_o our_o own_o merit_n and_o worthiness_n and_o though_o we_o be_v most_o abject_a wretched_a and_o in_o a_o desperate_a case_n in_o respect_n of_o ourselves_o yet_o let_v we_o have_v assure_v trust_n and_o confident_a boldness_n yea_o a_o triumphant_a boast_n and_o glory_v in_o respect_n of_o our_o saviour_n christ_n as_o the_o apostle_n speak_v ephes_n 3.12_o rom._n 5.2_o notable_a be_v the_o say_n of_o austin_n to_o this_o purpose_n sunt_fw-la eph._n 3.12_o rom._n 5.2_o serm._n 28._o deverbis_fw-la domini_fw-la omnia_fw-la tibi_fw-la peccata_fw-la tua_fw-la dimissa_fw-la sunt_fw-la ideo_fw-la praesume_v non_fw-fr de_fw-fr operatione_n tua_fw-la sed_fw-la de_fw-la christi_fw-la gratia_fw-la presume_v therefore_o say_v he_o not_o of_o thy_o own_o work_n but_o of_o christ_n grace_n for_o you_o be_v save_v by_o grace_n say_v the_o apostle_n therefore_o here_o be_v no_o arrogancy_n but_o faith_n to_o show_v what_o thou_o have_v receive_v it_o be_v not_o pride_n but_o devotion_n so_o in_o another_o place_n 88_o in_o psal_n 88_o hoc_fw-la dixit_fw-la deus_fw-la hoc_fw-la promisit_fw-la si_fw-la parum_fw-la est_fw-la hoc_fw-la iuravit_fw-la the_o lord_n have_v say_v this_o he_o have_v promise_v it_o and_o if_o this_o be_v not_o
from_o the_o world_n and_o ingraft_v as_o lively_a member_n into_o the_o body_n of_o christ_n jesus_n motive_n motive_n to_o persuade_v to_o the_o diligent_a hear_n of_o god_n word_n the_o first_o motive_n let_v we_o therefore_o strong_o arm_v ourselves_o against_o this_o temption_n as_o be_v most_o pernicious_a unto_o our_o own_o soul_n and_o to_o this_o end_n let_v we_o brief_o consider_v of_o some_o reason_n whereby_o we_o may_v be_v stir_v up_o diligent_o to_o frequent_a god_n holy_a assembly_n to_o be_v make_v partaker_n of_o this_o heavenly_a ambassage_n first_o therefore_o be_v be_v to_o know_v that_o the_o ministry_n of_o the_o word_n be_v god_n own_o ordinance_n which_o he_o have_v institute_v and_o ordain_v for_o the_o gather_v together_o of_o the_o saint_n and_o build_v the_o body_n of_o his_o church_n 4.11.12_o eph._n 4.11.12_o as_o appear_v eph._n 4.11.12_o neither_o do_v he_o use_v ordinary_o any_o other_o mean_n especial_o where_o this_o be_v to_o be_v have_v for_o the_o true_a conversion_n of_o his_o child_n and_o for_o the_o work_n of_o the_o sanctify_a grace_n of_o his_o spirit_n in_o they_o and_o therefore_o though_o he_o can_v by_o extraordinary_a mean_n have_v sufficient_o instruct_v the_o eunuch_n in_o the_o way_n of_o salvation_n yet_o he_o will_v not_o but_o rather_o use_v his_o own_o ordinance_n and_o send_v philip_n to_o preach_v unto_o he_o act._n 8._o though_o he_o can_v have_v illuminate_v the_o eye_n and_o understanding_n of_o paul_n 9.6.17_o act._n 8._o act._n 9.6.17_o by_o the_o immediate_a work_n of_o his_o spirit_n yet_o he_o choose_v rather_o to_o send_v he_o to_o ananias_n act._n 9.6.17_o though_o he_o can_v by_o the_o ministry_n of_o his_o angel_n have_v sufficient_o infourm_v cornelius_n in_o thing_n necessary_a to_o salvation_n yet_o he_o will_v not_o offer_v so_o great_a disparagement_n to_o his_o own_o ordinance_n 10.5.6_o act._n 10.5.6_o and_o therefore_o he_o cause_v he_o to_o send_v for_o the_o apostle_n peter_n act._n 10.5.6_o and_o therefore_o if_o we_o will_v have_v any_o assurance_n of_o our_o effectual_a call_n and_o true_a conversion_n unto_o god_n let_v we_o with_o all_o care_n all_o diligence_n hear_v the_o word_n of_o god_n preach_v unto_o us._n motive_n the_o second_o motive_n second_o let_v we_o consider_v that_o it_o be_v even_o god_n himself_o who_o speak_v by_o the_o mouth_n of_o his_o ambassador_n and_o that_o they_o come_v not_o in_o their_o own_o name_n but_o in_o christ_n stead_n to_o entreat_v we_o that_o we_o will_v be_v reconcile_v unto_o god_n 5.20_o 2._o cor._n 5.20_o as_o it_o be_v 2._o cor._n 5.20_o that_o though_o they_o be_v but_o earthen_a vessel_n yet_o they_o bring_v from_o the_o world_n and_o be_v yet_o hide_v to_o those_o that_o perish_v 4.7_o 2._o cor._n 4.7_o 2._o cor._n 4.7_o and_o hence_o it_o be_v that_o the_o prophet_n be_v to_o pronounce_v their_o prophecy_n still_o begin_v with_o the_o word_n of_o the_o lord_n and_z thus_o say_v the_o lord_n and_o god_n himself_o send_v jeremie_n to_o preach_v say_v that_o he_o have_v put_v his_o word_n into_o his_o mouth_n jere._n 1.9_o 1.9_o jere._n 1.9_o whosoever_o therefore_o refuse_v to_o hear_v the_o word_n of_o god_n preach_v refuse_v to_o hear_v the_o lord_n himself_o as_o our_o saviour_n plain_o affirm_v luk._n 10.16_o he_o that_o hear_v you_o hear_v i_o 10.16_o luk._n 10.16_o and_o he_o that_o despise_v you_o despise_v i_o and_o what_o hope_n can_v they_o have_v of_o come_v unto_o god_n who_o can_v endure_v to_o hear_v his_o voice_n call_v they_o unto_o he_o §_o sect._n 3_o three_o 5.18_o the_o three_o motive_n 2._o cor._n 5.18_o the_o title_n which_o be_v give_v unto_o the_o word_n in_o the_o scripture_n may_v serve_v as_o strong_a argument_n to_o move_v we_o careful_o to_o hear_v the_o same_o for_o it_o be_v call_v the_o ministry_n of_o reconciliation_n whereby_o we_o be_v reconcile_v unto_o god_n 2._o cor._n 5.18_o and_o therefore_o without_o it_o there_o be_v no_o other_o ordinary_a mean_n of_o reconciliation_n we_o remain_v still_o god_n enemy_n it_o be_v call_v the_o gospel_n of_o peace_n 6.15_o eph._n 6.15_o eph._n 6.15_o without_o which_o we_o have_v neither_o peace_n with_o god_n nor_o the_o peace_n of_o conscience_n it_o be_v call_v the_o word_n of_o grace_n act._n 14.3_o and_o 18.32_o because_o it_o be_v the_o mean_n whereby_o the_o lord_n derive_v unto_o we_o his_o grace_n and_o mercy_n 14.3_o act._n 14.3_o and_o all_o the_o spiritual_a grace_n of_o his_o sanctify_a spirit_n 13.26_o phil._n 2.16_o act._n 13.26_o it_o be_v call_v the_o word_n of_o life_n phil._n 2.16_o and_o the_o word_n of_o salvation_n act._n 13.26_o because_o it_o be_v the_o mean_n whereby_o we_o be_v save_v out_o of_o the_o hand_n of_o spiritual_a enemy_n and_o be_v certain_o assure_v of_o everlasting_a life_n and_o happiness_n 13.44_o matth._n 13.44_o it_o be_v call_v the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n matth._n 13.44_o because_o thereby_o we_o be_v bring_v first_o into_o the_o kingdom_n of_o grace_n and_o afterward_o into_o the_o kingdom_n of_o glory_n it_o be_v that_o heavenly_a seed_n whereby_o we_o be_v beget_v unto_o god_n in_o which_o respect_n the_o minister_n thereof_o be_v call_v spiritual_a father_n 4.15_o 1._o cor._n 4.15_o 1._o cor._n 4.15_o and_o therefore_o without_o it_o we_o can_v never_o be_v regenerate_v and_o bear_v unto_o god_n it_o be_v the_o food_n of_o our_o soul_n even_o milk_n for_o babe_n 5.12_o 1._o cor._n 3.2_o heb._n 5.12_o and_o strong_a meat_n for_o man_n of_o ripe_a year_n 1._o cor._n 3.2_o heb._n 5.12_o whereby_o we_o be_v nourish_v unto_o everlasting_a life_n and_o therefore_o let_v we_o not_o refuse_v this_o heavenly_a food_n like_o wayward_a child_n when_o our_o heavenly_a father_n offer_v it_o unto_o we_o for_o so_o our_o soul_n be_v hunger-starved_a nothing_o can_v follow_v but_o eternal_a death_n and_o destruction_n it_o be_v the_o physic_n of_o our_o soul_n whereby_o be_v sick_a in_o sin_n they_o be_v cure_v and_o restore_v for_o as_o christ_n be_v our_o heavenly_a physician_n so_o be_v his_o word_n the_o potion_n which_o he_o give_v to_o purge_v we_o from_o our_o corruption_n and_o the_o preservative_n which_o confirm_v we_o in_o health_n and_o preserve_v we_o from_o the_o leprous_a infection_n of_o sin_n yea_o this_o physic_n be_v so_o sovereign_a that_o though_o with_o lazarus_n be_v have_v lie_v dead_a in_o our_o grave_n four_o day_n that_o be_v continue_v long_o in_o our_o natural_a corruption_n yet_o this_o physic_n be_v apply_v will_v raise_v we_o up_o to_o newness_n of_o life_n and_o therefore_o those_o who_o neglect_v this_o divine_a physic_n be_v subject_a to_o all_o infection_n of_o sin_n and_o be_v infect_v can_v never_o attain_v to_o their_o health_n again_o it_o be_v the_o square_a and_o rule_v of_o our_o life_n from_o which_o we_o must_v not_o decline_v neither_o on_o the_o right_a hand_n nor_o on_o the_o left_a 5.32_o deut._n 5.32_o deut._n 5.32_o and_o therefore_o without_o it_o our_o work_n must_v needs_o be_v crooked_a in_o god_n sight_n it_o be_v a_o lantern_n to_o our_o foot_n 119.105_o psal_n 119.105_o and_o a_o light_n unto_o our_o path_n psal_n 119.105_o whereby_o we_o be_v guide_v in_o the_o way_n of_o holiness_n and_o righteousness_n which_o lead_v we_o to_o everlasting_a happiness_n which_o be_v take_v away_o we_o shall_v walk_v in_o darkness_n and_o be_v every_o step_n ready_a to_o fall_v into_o sin_n and_o eternal_a destruction_n it_o be_v the_o sword_n of_o the_o spirit_n wherewith_o we_o defend_v ourselves_o and_o offend_v our_o spiritual_a enemy_n 6.17_o eph._n 6.17_o eph._n 6.17_o which_o be_v neglect_v or_o not_o skilful_o use_v we_o shall_v lie_v open_a to_o all_o thrust_n and_o blow_n and_o be_v easy_o overcome_v in_o a_o word_n it_o be_v profitable_a for_o all_o use_n as_o be_v the_o only_a ordinary_a mean_n ordain_v to_o convey_v unto_o we_o all_o good_a and_o to_o preserve_v we_o from_o all_o evil_a and_o therefore_o great_a folly_n it_o be_v for_o any_o man_n to_o contemn_v it_o or_o to_o prefer_v before_o it_o vain_a pleasure_n or_o trifle_a commodity_n which_o also_o be_v momentanie_n and_o uncertain_a §_o sect._n 4_o four_o motive_n the_o four_o motive_n the_o manifold_a benefit_n which_o by_o the_o word_n of_o god_n be_v derive_v unto_o we_o may_v serve_v as_o a_o strong_a argument_n to_o stir_v we_o up_o to_o the_o diligent_a and_o careful_a hear_n thereof_o for_o first_o thereby_o we_o become_v true_a member_n of_o the_o church_n out_o of_o which_o there_o be_v no_o salvation_n and_o be_v ingraft_v into_o the_o body_n of_o christ_n be_v make_v partaker_n of_o all_o his_o benefit_n and_o this_o appear_v eph._n 4.11.12_o 4.11.12_o eph._n 4.11.12_o where_o the_o apostle_n show_v that_o the_o end_n of_o the_o ministry_n be_v for_o the_o gather_v together_o
they_o handle_v be_v the_o argument_n which_o they_o handle_v and_o the_o end_n whereunto_o they_o tend_v for_o the_o subject_n whereof_o they_o entreat_v be_v the_o great_a work_n of_o the_o everliving_a god_n how_o he_o exercise_v his_o mercy_n towards_o his_o child_n in_o sustain_v defend_v and_o save_v they_o from_o all_o their_o enemy_n and_o his_o justice_n towards_o the_o wicked_a in_o turn_v their_o counsel_n to_o foolishness_n in_o overthrow_v their_o design_n and_o purpose_n curb_v in_o their_o rage_n and_o violence_n and_o in_o punish_v and_o destroy_v they_o now_o if_o you_o consider_v and_o peruse_v all_o other_o writing_n in_o the_o world_n beside_o you_o shall_v find_v no_o such_o matter_n contain_v in_o they_o for_o some_o labour_n in_o polish_n humane_a art_n some_o set_v out_o large_a history_n of_o the_o action_n counsel_n success_n policy_n enterprise_n and_o perturbation_n of_o man_n like_o themselves_o so_o that_o at_o the_o first_o sight_n we_o may_v know_v that_o they_o be_v indict_v by_o the_o spirit_n of_o man_n see_v they_o be_v whole_o spend_v in_o humane_a affair_n never_o intermeddle_v with_o any_o spiritual_a matter_n appertain_v unto_o god_n moreover_o the_o scripture_n attribute_v the_o govern_n and_o wise_a dispose_n of_o all_o thing_n to_o god_n all-ruling_a providence_n that_o he_o may_v have_v the_o whole_a praise_n of_o his_o own_o work_n as_o when_o they_o speak_v of_o some_o famous_a victory_n they_o do_v ascribe_v it_o neither_o to_o the_o wisdom_n of_o the_o captain_n nor_o to_o the_o valour_n of_o the_o common_a soldier_n but_o unto_o the_o lord_n of_o host_n alone_o neither_o do_v they_o make_v poem_n in_o the_o praise_n of_o moses_n josua_n david_n ezechias_n or_o any_o other_o of_o the_o king_n and_o leader_n but_o in_o the_o praise_n of_o the_o lord_n who_o by_o his_o own_o strong_a arm_n have_v give_v his_o child_n victory_n over_o their_o enemy_n now_o whence_o can_v this_o proceed_v but_o from_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n indite_v they_o who_o contrary_a to_o the_o nature_n of_o man_n which_o desire_v rather_o all_o praise_n himself_o do_v move_v he_o to_o refuse_v all_o glory_n attribute_v to_o himself_o that_o all_o the_o praise_n may_v be_v ascribe_v unto_o god_n so_o when_o they_o speak_v of_o any_o benefit_n receive_v by_o the_o church_n they_o do_v not_o attribute_v it_o to_o worldly_a friend_n their_o good_a fortune_n or_o their_o own_o industry_n and_o labour_n but_o to_o the_o blessing_n of_o god_n proceed_v of_o his_o mere_a mercy_n &_o goodness_n towards_o they_o and_o contrariwise_o when_o they_o set_v down_o the_o destruction_n of_o the_o wicked_a they_o do_v not_o ascribe_v it_o to_o any_o want_n of_o their_o own_o care_n and_o providence_n nor_o to_o the_o malice_n or_o power_n of_o their_o enemy_n nor_o to_o blind_a chance_n or_o other_o outward_a accident_n but_o to_o the_o hand_n of_o god_n exercise_v his_o judgement_n upon_o they_o and_o punish_v they_o for_o their_o sin_n now_o if_o you_o peruse_v all_o other_o writing_n you_o shall_v find_v that_o they_o aim_v at_o nothing_o less_o than_o god_n glory_n for_o some_o write_v to_o show_v their_o eloquence_n other_o to_o extol_v their_o wit_n and_o deep_a learning_n other_o to_o advance_v the_o praise_n of_o mortal_a man_n above_o the_o cloud_n some_o for_o one_o end_n and_o some_o for_o another_o all_o aim_v at_o their_o own_o praise_n pleasure_n or_o profit_n never_o so_o much_o as_o once_o respect_v god_n glory_n in_o their_o least_o think_v and_o hence_o it_o be_v that_o set_n down_o any_o victory_n they_o ascribe_v it_o to_o the_o weakness_n or_o want_n of_o wit_n providence_n or_o courage_n of_o the_o adverse_a part_n or_o to_o the_o fortitude_n of_o the_o captain_n the_o resoluteness_n of_o the_o soldier_n the_o advantage_n of_o the_o place_n sun_n wind_n and_o such_o like_a circumstance_n in_o the_o mean_a time_n exclude_v the_o god_n of_o battle_n as_o though_o he_o have_v no_o stroke_n in_o this_o business_n so_o likewise_o when_o they_o speak_v of_o any_o other_o affair_n or_o accident_n which_o fall_v out_o in_o the_o government_n of_o the_o world_n they_o ascribe_v all_o to_o outward_a circumstance_n inferior_a mean_n and_o subordinate_a cause_n as_o though_o god_n have_v give_v over_o the_o government_n of_o the_o earth_n and_o have_v commit_v the_o rule_n of_o the_o stern_a to_o blind_a fortune_n now_o whence_o can_v this_o exceed_a difference_n proceed_v that_o they_o shall_v altogether_o aim_v at_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n and_o these_o whole_o at_o the_o praise_n pleasure_n &_o profit_n of_o man_n that_o they_o shall_v always_o ascribe_v the_o government_n and_o dispose_n of_o all_o thing_n to_o the_o wise_a providence_n of_o god_n and_o these_o to_o outward_a accident_n natural_a cause_n and_o inferior_a mean_n sure_o because_o they_o be_v indict_v by_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n and_o therefore_o themselves_o be_v divine_a savour_v whole_o of_o the_o author_n of_o they_o and_o these_o by_o the_o spirit_n of_o man_n and_o therefore_o all_o contain_v in_o they_o be_v mere_o humane_a carnal_a &_o natural_a §_o sect._n 2_o scripture_n the_o nine_o reason_n take_v from_o the_o stile_n of_o the_o scripture_n the_o nine_o reason_n may_v be_v take_v from_o the_o stile_n and_o manner_n of_o pen_v the_o scripture_n in_o which_o they_o much_o differ_v from_o all_o other_o writing_n whatsoever_o for_o whereas_o man_n in_o their_o writing_n affect_v the_o praise_n of_o flow_a eloquence_n and_o loftiness_n of_o phrase_n the_o holy_a ghost_n in_o pen_v the_o scripture_n have_v use_v great_a simplicity_n and_o wonderful_a plainness_n apply_v himself_o to_o the_o capacity_n of_o the_o most_o unlearned_a in_o which_o low_a and_o humble_a manner_n of_o speech_n he_o do_v notwithstanding_o set_v forth_o the_o deep_a wisdom_n of_o god_n and_o the_o profound_a mystery_n of_o religion_n the_o bottom_n whereof_o the_o most_o wise_a and_o learned_a in_o the_o world_n can_v not_o search_v into_o and_o under_o the_o veil_n of_o simple_a and_o plain_a speech_n there_o shine_v such_o divine_a wisdom_n and_o glorious_a majesty_n that_o all_o the_o humane_a writing_n in_o the_o world_n though_o never_o so_o adorn_v with_o the_o flower_n of_o eloquence_n and_o sharp_a conceit_n of_o wit_n and_o learning_n can_v so_o deep_o pierce_v the_o heart_n of_o man_n nor_o so_o forcible_o work_v upon_o his_o affection_n nor_o so_o powerful_o incline_v his_o will_n either_o to_o the_o embrace_n of_o that_o which_o be_v good_a or_o avoid_v of_o that_o which_o be_v evil_a as_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o whence_o can_v this_o proceed_v but_o from_o the_o virtue_n power_n and_o wisdom_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n who_o be_v the_o author_n of_o they_o moreover_o we_o may_v observe_v in_o the_o stile_n of_o the_o scripture_n a_o majestical_a authority_n above_o all_o other_o witing_n which_o only_o beseem_v the_o glorious_a king_n and_o sovereign_a commander_n of_o heaven_n and_o earth_n for_o they_o speak_v in_o the_o same_o manner_n and_o enjoin_v the_o like_a obedience_n to_o prince_n and_o people_n rich_a and_o poor_a learned_a and_o unlearned_a without_o any_o difference_n or_o respect_n of_o person_n not_o use_v any_o argument_n reason_n or_o persuasion_n but_o absolute_o command_v that_o duty_n which_o be_v to_o be_v do_v and_o forbid_v that_o sin_n which_o shall_v be_v leave_v undo_v and_o that_o under_o the_o promise_n of_o everlasting_a life_n and_o blessedness_n and_o the_o pain_n not_o of_o the_o gallows_n rack_n or_o wheel_n but_o of_o eternal_a death_n and_o damnation_n and_o who_o beseem_v it_o to_o promise_v everlasting_a life_n or_o to_o threaten_v evelrasting_a death_n but_o he_o only_o who_o be_v himself_o eternal_a and_o everlasting_a and_o who_o have_v this_o absolute_a authority_n of_o command_v all_o without_o any_o difference_n but_o he_o who_o be_v lord_n creator_n and_o governor_n of_o the_o prince_n as_o well_o as_o the_o people_n last_o this_o word_n of_o god_n do_v not_o only_o extend_v itself_o to_o the_o outward_a action_n and_o conversation_n require_v only_o the_o external_a obedience_n which_o be_v in_o fact_n and_o outward_a behaviour_n which_o be_v the_o uttermost_a that_o humane_a law_n respect_v because_o the_o lawgiver_n can_v see_v no_o further_o but_o the_o law_n of_o god_n require_v especial_o the_o obedience_n of_o the_o heart_n and_o forbid_v not_o only_o consent_v to_o any_o evil_n but_o even_o concupiscence_n and_o lust_n now_o who_o can_v make_v law_n for_o the_o heart_n and_o conscience_n or_o though_o he_o shall_v be_v so_o fond_a to_o make_v they_o who_o can_v either_o reward_v the_o obedient_a or_o punish_v the_o disobedient_a but_o god_n alone_o who_o search_v the_o heart_n and_o reins_n the_o stile_n therefore_o of_o the_o scripture_n be_v peculiar_a unto_o themselves_o show_v majesty_n in_o lowliness_n
&_o meanness_n a_o overrule_a power_n in_o persuade_v without_o render_v reason_n or_o bring_v any_o argument_n beside_o absolute_a authority_n and_o a_o universal_a jurisdiction_n over_o all_o without_o difference_n or_o respect_n and_o that_o as_o well_o in_o regard_n of_o the_o secret_a thought_n as_o the_o outward_a action_n do_v manifest_o show_v that_o they_o be_v not_o the_o invention_n of_o man_n but_o the_o word_n of_o god_n indict_v by_o his_o holy_a spirit_n §_o sect._n 3_o but_o it_o may_v be_v object_v stile_n why_o the_o scripture_n be_v pen_v in_o a_o simple_a lowly_a and_o plain_a stile_n that_o if_o the_o lord_n who_o be_v infinite_a in_o wisdom_n be_v the_o author_n of_o the_o scripture_n they_o will_v have_v excel_v all_o humane_a writing_n in_o conceit_n of_o wit_n and_o excellency_n of_o phrase_n and_o stile_n as_o far_o as_o god_n excel_v man_n whereas_o we_o see_v that_o they_o be_v pen_v after_o a_o most_o simple_a plain_n and_o unpolished_a manner_n to_o which_o i_o answer_v that_o it_o do_v not_o become_v a_o prince_n to_o play_v the_o orator_n when_o he_o set_v out_o a_o edict_n nor_o to_o use_v rhetorical_a figure_n and_o allure_a persuasion_n when_o he_o have_v to_o deal_v with_o his_o subject_n but_o rather_o peremptory_a commandment_n and_o plain_a phrase_n full_a of_o gravity_n and_o authority_n without_o all_o affectation_n and_o how_o much_o less_o shall_v the_o chief_a commander_n of_o king_n and_o subject_a use_v such_o a_o stile_n as_o savour_v any_o whit_n of_o humane_a eloquence_n see_v it_o better_o beseem_v his_o majesty_n plain_o to_o command_v than_o to_o persuade_v or_o allure_v with_o entice_a speech_n second_o the_o scripture_n be_v pen_v by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n not_o only_o for_o the_o wise_a and_o learned_a but_o also_o for_o the_o simple_a and_o ignorant_a and_o therefore_o howsoever_o the_o lord_n in_o the_o profundity_n of_o his_o wisdom_n can_v have_v write_v in_o such_o a_o lofty_a stile_n as_o will_v have_v fill_v even_o the_o most_o learned_a with_o admiration_n yet_o he_o use_v a_o simple_a easy_a stile_n fit_a for_o the_o capacity_n of_o all_o because_o it_o be_v for_o the_o use_n of_o all_o and_o necessary_a to_o salvation_n to_o be_v understand_v of_o all_o sort_n and_o condition_n as_o therefore_o he_o frame_v himself_o to_o our_o shallow_a capacity_n in_o the_o pen_n of_o the_o scripture_n and_o speak_v not_o according_a to_o his_o unsearchable_a wisdom_n but_o after_o the_o manner_n of_o man_n or_o else_o no_o man_n no_o not_o the_o most_o wise_a and_o learned_a can_v understand_v he_o so_o he_o think_v it_o fit_a to_o speak_v aswell_o to_o the_o capacity_n of_o the_o simple_a as_o the_o wise_a because_o the_o knowledge_n of_o his_o word_n be_v no_o less_o necessary_a to_o salvation_n to_o these_o than_o to_o the_o other_o and_o in_o his_o mercy_n and_o goodness_n he_o vouchsafe_v as_o well_o milk_n to_o the_o babe_n as_o strong_a meat_n to_o those_o who_o be_v come_v to_o more_o ripe_a year_n in_o knowledge_n and_o spiritual_a wisdom_n at_o which_o the_o wise_a and_o learned_a have_v no_o reason_n to_o be_v offend_v see_v the_o salvation_n of_o one_o be_v as_o dear_a to_o god_n as_o of_o another_o and_o they_o may_v with_o great_a facility_n understand_v the_o scripture_n be_v plain_a and_o easy_a which_o can_v not_o be_v understand_v of_o the_o simple_a if_o they_o be_v pen_v in_o a_o lofty_a eloquent_a phrase_n and_o yet_o if_o they_o examine_v the_o scripture_n in_o the_o balance_n of_o a_o true_a judgement_n they_o may_v find_v food_n therein_o contain_v fit_a for_o their_o own_o palate_n and_o taste_n for_o under_o this_o humility_n they_o shall_v discern_v more_o majesty_n under_o this_o simplicity_n more_o deep_a wisdom_n under_o this_o unpolished_a plainness_n more_o powerful_a persuasion_n to_o work_v upon_o and_o incline_v the_o affection_n than_o in_o all_o humane_a writing_n whatsoever_o three_o humane_a eloquence_n and_o witty_a sharp_a conceit_n be_v not_o only_o unfitting_a the_o grave_a majesty_n of_o our_o heavenly_a king_n but_o also_o needless_a in_o respect_n of_o the_o scripture_n themselves_o for_o what_o be_v they_o but_o god_n truth_n and_o what_o be_v more_o agreeable_a and_o beseem_a truth_n than_o plainness_n and_o simplicity_n for_o what_o needs_o beauty_n the_o help_n of_o paint_v or_o a_o precious_a diamond_n much_o art_n to_o polish_v it_o see_v they_o be_v glorious_a in_o their_o own_o nature_n and_o what_o need_v the_o truth_n of_o god_n which_o in_o itself_o shine_v clear_o like_o the_o sun_n in_o his_o chief_a brightness_n the_o goodly_a ornament_n of_o humane_a eloquence_n which_o will_v but_o darken_v the_o beam_n thereof_o or_o what_o need_v that_o which_o be_v heavenly_a and_o divine_a any_o help_n from_o that_o which_o be_v earthly_a and_o carnal_a to_o commend_v it_o to_o man_n judgement_n no_o no_o the_o flower_n of_o rhetoric_n and_o help_n of_o witty_a sophistry_n be_v more_o fit_a for_o tully_n oration_n whereby_o oft_o time_n a_o good_a cause_n be_v make_v bad_a and_o a_o bad_a one_o good_a right_a wrong_n and_o wrong_v right_a than_o for_o god_n divine_a truth_n which_o like_o the_o sun_n shine_v most_o glorious_o when_o it_o be_v bare_a &_o naked_a last_o it_o be_v to_o be_v observe_v that_o the_o lord_n in_o his_o wisdom_n do_v manifest_v his_o power_n in_o weakness_n his_o majesty_n in_o baseness_n and_o his_o wisdom_n in_o foolishness_n to_o the_o end_n that_o weakness_n baseness_n and_o folly_n may_v serve_v as_o foil_n to_o make_v his_o power_n majesty_n and_o wisdom_n appear_v to_o we_o more_o glorious_a though_o in_o truth_n in_o themselves_o they_o be_v infinite_a and_o nothing_o can_v be_v add_v to_o their_o excellency_n but_o because_o we_o lie_v grovel_v on_o the_o earth_n and_o be_v ready_a to_o ascribe_v all_o to_o the_o inferior_a mean_n and_o nothing_o unto_o god_n therefore_o the_o lord_n choose_v weak_a and_o simple_a mean_n that_o his_o own_o power_n and_o wisdom_n may_v be_v in_o they_o more_o manifest_a for_o example_n if_o the_o lord_n have_v pen_v the_o scripture_n in_o such_o a_o eloquent_a stile_n as_o will_v have_v ravish_v the_o reader_n with_o delight_n we_o will_v like_o fool_n have_v stand_v admire_v at_o the_o curious_a work_n of_o the_o casket_n and_o never_o open_v it_o to_o look_v upon_o the_o precious_a jewel_n therein_o contain_v &_o have_v be_v so_o much_o affect_v with_o the_o word_n that_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n we_o will_v have_v neglect_v the_o matter_n but_o when_o this_o treasure_n be_v bring_v unto_o we_o but_o in_o a_o earthen_a vessel_n when_o this_o beautiful_a feature_n be_v clothe_v in_o mean_a attire_n and_o the_o divine_a wisdom_n of_o god_n set_v forth_o in_o a_o humble_a and_o simple_a stile_n we_o leave_v shadow_n and_o behold_v the_o substance_n neither_o do_v we_o rest_v in_o the_o outward_a letter_n but_o search_v after_o the_o inward_a truth_n so_o also_o if_o the_o lord_n have_v in_o the_o pen_n of_o the_o scripture_n use_v entice_a eloquence_n or_o affect_v humane_a learning_n man_n will_v have_v be_v ready_a to_o have_v say_v that_o by_o the_o force_n thereof_o so_o many_o be_v draw_v or_o entice_v to_o embrace_v religion_n and_o to_o spend_v their_o life_n in_o god_n service_n but_o when_o as_o in_o outward_a show_n there_o be_v nothing_o but_o unpolished_a plainness_n and_o simple_a rudeness_n by_o which_o nevertheless_o the_o hearer_n understanding_n be_v more_o enlighten_v his_o will_n more_o powerful_o incline_v his_o affection_n more_o strong_o rule_v than_o by_o all_o the_o eloquent_a persuasion_n which_o wit_n and_o learning_n can_v invent_v they_o be_v drive_v to_o confess_v that_o the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n be_v hide_v under_o this_o simplicity_n his_o power_n under_o this_o outward_a weakness_n and_o that_o the_o scripture_n have_v their_o virtue_n and_o force_n not_o from_o the_o entice_a speech_n of_o man_n wisdom_n and_o excellency_n of_o word_n but_o from_o the_o power_n and_o plain_a evidence_n of_o god_n spirit_n who_o be_v the_o author_n and_o inditer_n of_o they_o §_o sect._n 4_o the_o ten_o reason_n reason_n the_o ten_o reason_n take_v from_o the_o content_n of_o the_o scripture_n which_o in_o many_o thing_n be_v above_o the_o reach_n of_o humane_a reason_n to_o prove_v that_o the_o scripture_n be_v not_o the_o invention_n of_o man_n but_o the_o word_n of_o god_n indict_v by_o his_o spirit_n be_v that_o many_o thing_n contain_v therein_o be_v above_o the_o reach_n of_o humane_a understanding_n and_o so_o deep_a that_o man_n wisdom_n and_o reason_n can_v conceive_v they_o nor_o search_v they_o to_o the_o bottom_n for_o example_n though_o all_o man_n know_v by_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n that_o there_o be_v a_o god_n see_v this_o truth_n be_v write_v in_o large_a character_n in_o the_o
not_o know_v his_o time_n but_o as_o the_o fish_n which_o be_v take_v in_o a_o evil_a net_n and_o as_o the_o bird_n that_o be_v catch_v in_o the_o snare_n so_o be_v the_o child_n of_o man_n snare_v in_o the_o evil_a time_n when_o it_o fall_v upon_o they_o sudden_o when_o the_o evil_a servant_n shall_v say_v in_o his_o heart_n my_o master_n do_v defer_v his_o come_n and_o shall_v begin_v to_o smite_v his_o fellow_n and_o to_o eat_v and_o drink_v and_o to_o be_v drunken_a that_o servant_n master_n will_v come_v in_o a_o day_n when_o he_o look_v not_o for_o he_o and_o in_o a_o hour_n that_o he_o be_v not_o aware_a of_o and_o will_v cut_v he_o off_o and_o give_v he_o his_o portion_n with_o the_o unbeliever_n as_o our_o saviour_n have_v teach_v us._n luke_n 12.45.46_o and_o we_o know_v what_o happen_v to_o the_o rich_a man_n who_o say_v unto_o his_o soul_n soul_n thou_o have_v much_o good_n lay_v up_o for_o many_o year_n live_v at_o ease_n eat_v drink_n and_o take_v thy_o pastime_n even_o the_o same_o night_n god_n say_v unto_o he_o o_o fool_n this_o night_n will_v they_o fetch_v thy_o soul_n from_o thou_o and_o then_o who_o shall_v those_o thing_n be_v which_o thou_o have_v provide_v luke_n 12.19.20_o §_o sect._n 4_o moreover_o how_o many_o may_v we_o observe_v in_o our_o own_o experience_n who_o have_v defer_v their_o repentance_n from_o day_n to_o day_n think_v to_o repent_v either_o in_o their_o old_a age_n or_o in_o the_o time_n of_o their_o sickness_n judgement_n that_o many_o purpose_v to_o repent_v in_o old_a age_n be_v cut_v of_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n by_o god_n judgement_n and_o have_v be_v prevent_v and_o cut_v of_o by_o god_n judgement_n do_v we_o not_o see_v that_o many_o have_v be_v take_v away_o with_o sudden_a and_o violent_a death_n many_o deprive_v of_o the_o use_n of_o their_o sense_n memory_n and_o understanding_n in_o the_o time_n of_o their_o sickness_n and_o have_v so_o die_v mad_a frantic_a and_o senseless_a many_o who_o come_v to_o their_o old_a age_n and_o yet_o be_v further_o from_o repentance_n then_o in_o the_o time_n of_o their_o youth_n and_o this_o come_v to_o pass_v by_o the_o just_a judgement_n of_o god_n for_o what_o can_v be_v more_o righteous_a than_o that_o the_o lord_n shall_v contemn_v they_o at_o the_o hour_n of_o death_n who_o have_v contemn_v he_o their_o whole_a life_n that_o they_o shall_v loose_v their_o memory_n and_o understanding_n in_o the_o time_n of_o sickness_n who_o have_v continual_o abuse_v they_o to_o the_o dishonour_n of_o god_n in_o the_o time_n of_o their_o health_n that_o they_o shall_v die_v impenitent_a who_o have_v live_v in_o impenitency_n that_o they_o shall_v forget_v god_n when_o they_o be_v ready_a to_o go_v out_o of_o the_o world_n who_o will_v never_o remember_v he_o whilst_o they_o be_v in_o the_o world_n that_o god_n shall_v withdraw_v his_o grace_n when_o they_o be_v sick_a which_o be_v often_o offer_v they_o despise_v when_o they_o be_v in_o health_n and_o this_o the_o lord_n threaten_v pro._n 1.24_o because_o i_o have_v call_v and_o you_o have_v refuse_v i_o have_v stretch_v out_o my_o hand_n &_o none_o will_v regard_v v._o 25._o but_o you_o have_v despise_v all_o my_o counsel_n and_o will_v none_o of_o my_o correction_n v._o 26._o i_o will_v also_o laugh_v at_o your_o destruction_n &_o mock_v when_o your_o fear_n come_v v._o 27._o when_o your_o fear_n come_v like_o sudden_a desolation_n and_o your_o destruction_n shall_v come_v like_o a_o whirlwind_n etc._n etc._n and_o v._o 28._o than_o shall_v they_o call_v upon_o i_o but_o i_o will_v not_o answer_v they_o shall_v seek_v i_o early_o but_o they_o shall_v not_o find_v i_o v._o 29._o because_o they_o hate_v knowledge_n and_o do_v not_o choose_v the_o fear_n of_o the_o lord_n so_o zachar_n 7.11.12.13_o the_o prophet_n say_v that_o because_o the_o people_n refuse_v to_o harken_v pull_v back_o their_o shoulder_n and_o stop_v their_o ear_n that_o they_o shall_v not_o hear_v but_o make_v their_o heart_n as_o a_o adamant_n stone_n lest_o they_o shall_v hear_v the_o word_n of_o the_o lord_n send_v in_o his_o spirit_n by_o the_o ministry_n of_o the_o former_a prophet_n therefore_o come_v a_o great_a wrath_n from_o the_o lord_n of_o host_n whereof_o it_o come_v to_o pass_v that_o as_o he_o cry_v and_o they_o will_v not_o hear_v so_o they_o cry_v and_o the_o lord_n will_v not_o hear_v their_o cry_n and_o therefore_o when_o the_o lord_n call_v let_v we_o answer_v lord_n i_o come_v let_v we_o not_o delay_v our_o conversion_n from_o day_n to_o day_n but_o seek_v the_o lord_n while_o he_o may_v be_v find_v and_o call_v upon_o he_o while_o he_o be_v near_o let_v the_o wicked_a now_o forsake_v his_o way_n and_o the_o unrighteous_a his_o own_o imagination_n and_o return_n unto_o the_o lord_n and_o he_o will_v have_v mercy_n upon_o he_o and_o to_o our_o god_n for_o he_o be_v very_o ready_a to_o forgive_v as_o it_o be_v esay_n 55.6.7_o but_o if_o we_o contemn_v the_o ministry_n of_o his_o word_n and_o when_o god_n call_v to_o refuse_v answer_n if_o we_o harden_v our_o heart_n against_o the_o mean_n of_o our_o conversion_n &_o quench_v the_o good_a motion_n of_o his_o spirit_n when_o he_o put_v they_o into_o our_o mind_n sure_o it_o will_v come_v to_o pass_v that_o as_o we_o neglect_v the_o lord_n so_o he_o will_v neglect_v we_o and_o though_o he_o call_v we_o today_o yet_o he_o will_v not_o call_v again_o to_o morrow_n but_o will_v let_v we_o die_v in_o our_o sin_n without_o repentance_n let_v we_o remember_v the_o fearful_a example_n of_o esau_n who_o contemn_v his_o blessing_n and_o birthright_n afterward_o when_o he_o will_v have_v inherit_v the_o blessing_n be_v reject_v for_o he_o find_v no_o place_n to_o repentance_n though_o he_o seek_v it_o with_o tear_n as_o it_o be_v hebr._n 12.16.17_o and_o of_o the_o 5._o foolish_a virgin_n who_o neglect_v the_o opportune_a time_n of_o provide_v oil_n for_o their_o lamp_n afterward_o go_v to_o buy_v when_o it_o be_v too_o late_o 25._o matth._n 25._o for_o the_o bridegroom_n pass_v by_o and_o they_o be_v shut_v out_o of_o door_n call_v to_o mind_n the_o fearful_a example_n of_o pharaoh_n who_o still_o harden_v his_o hart_n against_o god_n word_n send_v unto_o he_o and_o confirm_v by_o many_o miracle_n and_o wonder_n at_o last_o be_v destroy_v with_o his_o whole_a army_n so_o herode_fw-la have_v hard_a john_n baptist_n willing_o and_o perform_v obedience_n to_o some_o thing_n which_o he_o have_v learn_v yet_o because_o he_o do_v not_o turn_v to_o the_o lord_n with_o his_o whole_a heart_n nor_o repent_v of_o his_o incest_n be_v never_o after_o call_v again_o but_o leave_v of_o god_n to_o his_o own_o hardness_n of_o hart_n the_o like_a may_v be_v say_v of_o pilate_n agrippa_n foelix_n judas_n demas_n julian_n the_o apostata_fw-la who_o have_v not_o hearken_v to_o the_o lord_n call_v but_o quench_v the_o good_a motion_n of_o his_o spirit_n afterward_o be_v give_v over_o of_o god_n to_o a_o reprobate_a sense_n to_o their_o everlasting_a ruin_n and_o destruction_n so_o likewise_o when_o as_o the_o lord_n give_v the_o false_a prophetess_n jesabel_n a_o time_n to_o repent_v 2.21.22_o apoc._n 2.21.22_o and_o she_o repent_v not_o he_o threaten_v his_o heavy_a judgement_n against_o she_o in_o a_o word_n this_o be_v manifest_a in_o the_o example_n of_o carnal_a secure_a man_n in_o these_o day_n who_o have_v abuse_v god_n mercy_n and_o long_o suffer_v and_o defer_v their_o conversion_n from_o day_n to_o day_n at_o last_o they_o be_v take_v away_o in_o god_n heavy_a displeasure_n and_o as_o they_o live_v like_o beast_n so_o common_o they_o die_v like_o beast_n and_o therefore_o as_o we_o love_v the_o salvation_n of_o our_o soul_n let_v we_o harken_v when_o the_o lord_n call_v and_o not_o harden_v our_o heart_n against_o the_o good_a motion_n of_o his_o spirit_n for_o if_o we_o be_v like_o these_o man_n in_o our_o wicked_a practice_n there_o be_v no_o hope_n we_o shall_v be_v unlike_o they_o in_o fearful_a punishment_n §_o sect._n 5_o three_o we_o be_v to_o consider_v that_o our_o conversion_n and_o turn_n unto_o godly_a unfeigned_a and_o true_a repentance_n gift_n the_o 3._o motive_n because_o repentance_n be_v god_n gift_n be_v the_o gift_n of_o god_n from_o who_o every_o good_a and_o perfect_a gift_n descend_v as_o it_o be_v jam._n 1.17_o and_o therefore_o we_o be_v to_o accept_v of_o this_o gift_n when_o he_o offer_v it_o unto_o we_o for_o god_n do_v not_o promise_v his_o gift_n and_o grace_n with_o condition_n that_o we_o may_v receive_v they_o when_o we_o listen_v but_o when_o he_o offer_v they_o psal_n 95.7_o to_o day_n if_o you_o will_v hear_v his_o voice_n harden_v not_o
which_o the_o lord_n wilimprint_v in_o they_o and_o we_o be_v move_v to_o deny_v ourselves_o and_o to_o cast_v away_o our_o own_o righteousness_n and_o to_o rest_n and_o rely_v upon_o christ_n jesus_n alone_o for_o our_o justification_n and_o salvation_n which_o be_v quite_o contrary_a to_o our_o natural_a disposition_n but_o it_o be_v a_o miracle_n of_o miracle_n that_o all_o these_o thing_n shall_v be_v wrought_v in_o we_o by_o sickness_n which_o the_o lord_n have_v not_o ordain_v for_o this_o purpose_n when_o as_o the_o mean_v appoint_v by_o god_n himself_o the_o ministry_n of_o his_o word_n which_o be_v god_n own_o ordinance_n can_v never_o work_v they_o in_o us._n it_o may_v be_v indeed_o that_o god_n hand_n lie_v heavy_a upon_o we_o in_o the_o time_n of_o sickness_n and_o fear_v worse_o judgement_n in_o the_o life_n to_o come_v we_o may_v be_v move_v hereby_o to_o make_v a_o goodly_a show_n and_o to_o vow_v great_a reformation_n if_o we_o may_v be_v restore_v to_o our_o health_n it_o may_v be_v that_o with_o pharaoh_n we_o may_v make_v a_o feign_a confession_n of_o our_o sin_n and_o promise_v to_o amend_v if_o this_o judgement_n may_v be_v remove_v or_o that_o we_o may_v with_o achab_n outward_o humble_v ourselves_o before_o god_n to_o the_o end_n we_o may_v escape_v those_o fearful_a punishment_n which_o be_v threaten_v in_o his_o word_n but_o it_o be_v a_o thousand_o to_o one_o if_o we_o then_o true_o repent_v who_o have_v live_v our_o whole_a time_n in_o impenitency_n or_o then_o turn_v unto_o god_n if_o we_o be_v not_o before_o that_o time_n effectual_o call_v and_o convert_v for_o as_o we_o live_v so_o we_o common_o die_v neither_o be_v it_o likely_a that_o have_v lead_v our_o life_n like_o wicked_a balaam_n we_o shall_v die_v the_o death_n of_o the_o righteous_a that_o have_v always_o hitherto_o be_v thorn_n and_o thistle_n we_o shall_v now_o bring_v forth_o sweet_a fig_n and_o pleasant_a grape_n when_o we_o be_v ready_a to_o be_v cut_v down_o and_o to_o be_v cast_v into_o the_o fire_n that_o have_v all_o our_o life_n sow_v the_o seed_n of_o wickedness_n we_o shall_v at_o our_o death_n reap_v the_o fruit_n of_o godliness_n and_o therefore_o as_o the_o apostle_n exhort_v let_v we_o not_o be_v deceive_v god_n be_v not_o mock_v for_o whatsoever_o a_o man_n sow_v that_o shall_v he_o also_o reap_v for_o he_o that_o sow_v to_o his_o flesh_n shall_v of_o the_o flesh_n reap_v corruption_n but_o he_o that_o sow_v to_o the_o spirit_n shall_v of_o the_o spirit_n reap_v life_n everlasting_a as_o it_o be_v gal._n 6.7.8_o let_v we_o now_o turn_v unto_o god_n while_o he_o call_v we_o and_o grant_v we_o the_o mean_n of_o our_o conversion_n the_o ministry_n of_o his_o word_n now_o be_v the_o acceptable_a time_n now_o be_v the_o day_n of_o our_o salvation_n and_o if_o we_o will_v now_o turn_v unto_o god_n and_o true_o repent_v while_o we_o may_v continue_v in_o our_o sin_n we_o may_v be_v assure_v our_o repentance_n be_v true_a and_o unfeigned_a and_o not_o press_v out_o of_o we_o with_o sense_n of_o present_a pain_n nor_o force_v with_o fear_n of_o future_a punishment_n and_o that_o turn_n to_o god_n we_o shall_v be_v receive_v to_o grace_n and_o mercy_n see_v we_o then_o offer_v to_o serve_v he_o when_o we_o may_v have_v serve_v satan_n the_o world_n and_o our_o own_o corrupt_a flesh_n chap._n xxx_o two_o let_n which_o hinder_v worldling_n from_o speedy_a repentance_n remoove_v §_o sect._n 1_o and_o so_o much_o concern_v these_o motive_n whereby_o we_o may_v be_v persuade_v to_o speedy_a repentance_n promisee_fw-mi the_o first_o let_v be_v the_o misaply_v of_o god_n mercy_n and_o gracious_a promisee_fw-mi all_o which_o the_o worldly_a secure_a man_n ward_v and_o bear_v of_o with_o a_o double_a fence_n so_o as_o they_o can_v never_o beat_v he_o down_o with_o true_a humility_n nor_o pierce_v his_o heart_n with_o unfeigned_a sorrow_n for_o sin_n the_o one_o be_v by_o allege_v god_n mercy_n manifest_o declare_v unto_o we_o in_o the_o sweet_a promise_n of_o the_o gospel_n the_o other_o by_o object_v the_o example_n of_o the_o convert_a thief_n who_o though_o he_o have_v spend_v his_o whole_a life_n in_o sin_n and_o wickedness_n yet_o at_o the_o last_o hour_n be_v receive_v to_o mercy_n for_o the_o first_o 11.28_o ezech._n 13.32_o &_o 33.11_o math._n 9.13_o math._n 11.28_o have_v not_o the_o lord_n will_v they_o say_v protest_v in_o his_o word_n that_o he_o desire_v not_o the_o death_n of_o a_o sinner_n but_o that_o he_o turn_v from_o his_o way_n and_o live_v have_v not_o our_o saviour_n tell_v we_o that_o he_o come_v not_o to_o call_v the_o righteous_a but_o sinner_n to_o repentance_n and_o do_v he_o not_o invite_v such_o unto_o he_o as_o labour_v under_o the_o heavy_a burden_n of_o sin_n promise_v that_o he_o will_v ease_v they_o and_o have_v not_o the_o apostle_n paul_n teach_v we_o 2.4_o 1._o tim._n 2.4_o that_o god_n will_v be_v that_o all_o man_n shall_v be_v save_v and_o come_v to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o his_o truth_n see_v therefore_o god_n be_v so_o merciful_a why_o shall_v we_o doubt_v of_o our_o salvation_n why_o shall_v we_o fear_v to_o defer_v our_o repentance_n &_o follow_v our_o pleasure_n and_o delight_n for_o a_o time_n see_v the_o lord_n will_v receive_v we_o to_o mercy_n whensoever_o we_o turn_v unto_o he_o remove_v the_o first_o let_v remove_v i_o answer_v first_o that_o though_o all_o this_o be_v certain_a true_a and_o not_o to_o be_v doubt_v of_o yet_o it_o be_v a_o most_o unthankful_a part_n and_o horrible_a ingratitude_n against_o our_o gracious_a god_n and_o love_a father_n to_o take_v occasion_n of_o his_o mercy_n the_o more_o to_o offend_v he_o as_o before_o i_o have_v show_v second_o i_o answer_v that_o as_o god_n have_v show_v his_o mercy_n in_o the_o gracious_a promise_n of_o the_o gospel_n so_o also_o he_o have_v as_o plain_o declare_v his_o justice_n in_o the_o severe_a threaten_n of_o the_o law_n and_o he_o be_v as_o true_a in_o the_o one_o as_o in_o the_o other_o and_o therefore_o all_o the_o question_n be_v who_o shall_v taste_v of_o his_o mercy_n and_o who_o of_o his_o justice_n see_v that_o be_v promise_v to_o some_o and_o this_o threaten_a against_o other_o or_o rather_o in_o truth_n it_o be_v without_o all_o question_n for_o the_o lord_n have_v plain_o show_v in_o his_o word_n that_o he_o will_v extend_v his_o mercy_n to_o all_o repentant_a sinner_n and_o to_o they_o only_o and_o that_o he_o will_v declare_v his_o justice_n in_o pour_v out_o his_o just_a judgement_n upon_o the_o wicked_a who_o live_v in_o their_o sin_n and_o especial_o upon_o those_o who_o take_v occasion_n of_o god_n mercy_n to_o continue_v in_o their_o unrepentancie_n despise_v the_o riches_n of_o his_o bountifulness_n his_o patience_n &_o long_o suffer_v for_o hereby_o they_o heap_v unto_o themselves_o wrath_n against_o the_o day_n of_o wrath_n and_o the_o declaration_n of_o the_o just_a judgement_n of_o god_n as_o the_o apostle_n speak_v rom._n 2.4.5_o though_o then_o there_o be_v never_o so_o many_o sweet_a promise_n in_o the_o gospel_n yet_o they_o who_o continue_v in_o their_o sin_n without_o repentance_n can_v reap_v no_o true_a comfort_n by_o they_o because_o they_o be_v not_o make_v to_o they_o but_o to_o repentant_a sinner_n and_o on_o the_o other_o side_n though_o there_o be_v never_o so_o many_o terrible_a threaten_n denounce_v in_o the_o law_n yet_o the_o penitent_a sinner_n need_v not_o to_o fear_v they_o see_v they_o be_v threaten_v only_o against_o those_o who_o continue_v in_o their_o impaenitencie_n though_o god_n be_v of_o infinite_a mercy_n let_v not_o the_o wicked_a man_n who_o live_v in_o his_o sin_n presume_v see_v it_o be_v sufficient_o declare_v in_o pardon_v the_o sin_n of_o repentant_a sinner_n neither_o let_v he_o who_o be_v true_o penitent_a despair_n because_o god_n be_v of_o infinite_a justice_n see_v it_o be_v sufficient_o manifest_v in_o punish_v the_o sin_n of_o those_o who_o continue_v in_o their_o unrepentancie_n let_v not_o he_o who_o be_v turn_v unto_o god_n from_o his_o wicked_a way_n fear_v god_n justice_n for_o it_o be_v full_o satisfy_v in_o christ_n and_o therefore_o it_o shall_v never_o attach_v he_o neither_o let_v he_o who_o continue_v in_o his_o sin_n without_o repentance_n hope_v in_o god_n mercy_n for_o it_o do_v not_o belong_v unto_o he_o nor_o yet_o in_o the_o sweet_a promise_n of_o the_o gospel_n which_o though_o they_o be_v never_o so_o general_a yet_o be_v they_o always_o to_o be_v restrain_v to_o the_o condition_n of_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n faith_n and_o repentance_n and_o this_o be_v manifest_a in_o the_o place_n before_o allege_v which_o worldly_a man_n so_o much_o abuse_v to_o nourish_v in_o they_o carnal_a
conversion_n in_o singular_a fruit_n thereof_o for_o he_o make_v a_o notable_a confession_n of_o his_o saviour_n and_o redeemer_n even_o when_o all_o his_o disciple_n for_o fear_n forsake_v he_o he_o justifi_v christ_n when_o all_o man_n condemn_v he_o and_o even_o his_o apostle_n doubt_v of_o he_o he_o pray_v fervent_o unto_o he_o when_o the_o multitude_n mock_v and_o revile_v he_o he_o humble_o confess_v his_o own_o sin_n and_o love_o admonish_v his_o fellow_n of_o his_o wickedness_n desire_v earnest_o that_o as_o they_o have_v be_v fellow_n and_o copartner_n in_o sin_n so_o they_o may_v be_v partaker_n in_o pardon_n and_o in_o the_o benefitte_n of_o redemption_n wrought_v by_o christ_n whereas_o most_o common_o their_o repentance_n be_v force_v and_o dissemble_v for_o fear_n of_o punishment_n rather_o than_o for_o hatred_n of_o sin_n or_o love_n of_o god_n as_o they_o usual_o make_v it_o manifest_a if_o they_o recover_v of_o their_o sickness_n and_o therefore_o see_v there_o be_v such_o great_a dissimilitude_n and_o difference_n in_o their_o purpose_n life_n and_o course_n it_o be_v not_o probable_a that_o they_o will_v ever_o be_v like_a in_o their_o conversion_n death_n and_o salvation_n chap._n xxxi_o satan_n tentation_n move_v man_n to_o rest_n in_o a_o counterfeit_a repentance_n answer_v §_o sect._n 1_o and_o somuch_o for_o the_o answer_n of_o those_o tentation_n whereby_o satan_n labour_v to_o make_v we_o delay_v and_o defer_v our_o repentance_n from_o day_n to_o day_n repentserious_o that_o the_o promise_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v make_v only_o to_o those_o who_o repentserious_o with_o which_o if_o he_o can_v prevail_v both_o because_o we_o see_v the_o necessity_n of_o repentance_n unto_o salvation_n and_o also_o plain_o perceive_v by_o the_o former_a reason_n that_o delay_n be_v most_o dangerous_a than_o he_o will_v labour_n in_o the_o next_o place_n to_o persuade_v we_o to_o content_v ourselves_o with_o a_o small_a measure_n of_o repentance_n or_o rather_o in_o truth_n with_o a_o counterfeit_a worke-repentance_n which_o be_v only_o in_o outward_a show_n and_o never_o pierce_v the_o heart_n make_v we_o believe_v that_o if_o when_o we_o see_v our_o sin_n have_v our_o conscience_n convince_v out_o of_o god_n word_n we_o do_v in_o some_o general_a term_n confess_v that_o we_o be_v all_o sinner_n and_o desire_v god_n after_o a_o formal_a manner_n to_o have_v mercy_n upon_o we_o if_o we_o can_v sometime_o strain_v from_o we_o a_o break_a sigh_n and_o be_v content_a to_o leave_v some_o of_o our_o least_o please_a sin_n our_o repentance_n will_v be_v very_o acceptable_a to_o god_n and_o sufficient_a for_o our_o salvation_n and_o with_o this_o tentation_n satan_n delude_v and_o destroy_v innumerable_a man_n in_o these_o our_o day_n and_o therefore_o it_o behoove_v every_o man_n to_o prepare_v himself_o for_o this_o encounter_n and_o to_o this_o end_n we_o be_v to_o know_v that_o the_o mercy_n of_o god_n and_o merit_n of_o christ_n dotâ—_n not_o belong_v unto_o those_o who_o thus_o slubber_v over_o their_o repentance_n neither_o do_v christ_n jesus_n call_v unto_o he_o such_o as_o slight_o sorrow_n for_o their_o sin_n and_o think_v the_o burden_n of_o they_o light_n and_o easy_a to_o be_v bear_v but_o such_o as_o labour_v and_o be_v heavy_a load_v as_o appear_v matth._n 11.28_o come_v unto_o i_o all_o you_o who_o be_v weary_a and_o heavy_a load_v and_o i_o will_v ease_v you_o in_o which_o word_n our_o saviour_n christ_n plain_o show_v who_o he_o call_v to_o the_o participation_n of_o the_o work_n of_o redemption_n wrought_v by_o he_o and_o what_o measure_n of_o repentance_n he_o require_v of_o they_o for_o the_o first_o word_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d signify_v such_o as_o labour_v until_o they_o be_v weary_a and_o the_o other_o word_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d signify_v such_o as_o be_v heavy_a lade_v with_o a_o burden_n unsupportable_a and_o therefore_o be_v grievous_o press_v therewith_o they_o desire_v nothing_o more_o then_o to_o be_v case_n of_o it_o for_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d from_o which_o this_o word_n be_v derive_v proper_o signify_v the_o burden_n of_o a_o ship_n and_o be_v take_v metaphorical_o for_o any_o thing_n which_o be_v very_o troublesome_a and_o grievous_a so_o that_o by_o join_v these_o two_o together_o our_o saviour_n evident_o declare_v who_o he_o call_v and_o invit_v unto_o he_o namely_o those_o only_o who_o know_v acknowledge_v and_o feel_v that_o their_o sin_n be_v a_o intolerable_a heavy_a burden_n and_o be_v exceed_o vex_v with_o they_o most_o earnest_o desire_v to_o be_v ease_v and_o release_v of_o they_o and_o to_o this_o purpose_n flee_v unto_o christ_n by_o a_o true_a and_o lively_a faith_n find_v themselves_o destitute_a of_o all_o mean_n whereby_o they_o may_v otherwise_o be_v ease_v and_o relieve_v §_o sect._n 2_o if_o than_o we_o can_v have_v any_o assurance_n that_o we_o be_v in_o the_o number_n of_o those_o who_o christ_n call_v and_o invit_v unto_o he_o we_o must_v have_v first_o a_o sight_n and_o sense_n of_o our_o sin_n repent_v what_o thing_n be_v require_v in_o those_o who_o true_o repent_v and_o a_o true_a and_o feel_a knowledge_n of_o our_o miserable_a and_o wretched_a estate_n in_o which_o we_o be_v by_o reason_n of_o they_o and_o the_o punishment_n due_a unto_o they_o second_o we_o must_v be_v weary_a in_o bear_v this_o heavy_a burden_n as_o be_v most_o irksome_a and_o grievous_a unto_o we_o three_o we_o must_v have_v a_o earnest_a desire_n to_o be_v ease_v and_o free_v from_o it_o last_o we_o must_v come_v unto_o christ_n by_o a_o true_a and_o lively_a faith_n to_o the_o end_n that_o he_o may_v ease_v and_o release_v us._n sin_n 1._o knowledge_n and_o sight_n of_o their_o sin_n for_o the_o first_o we_o must_v come_v to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o our_o sin_n before_o we_o can_v true_o repent_v of_o they_o for_o we_o can_v sorrow_n for_o they_o until_o we_o see_v they_o neither_o be_v it_o sufficient_a that_o we_o see_v and_o know_v that_o we_o be_v grievous_a and_o heinous_a sinner_n unless_o we_o also_o feel_v the_o weight_n of_o this_o intolerable_a burden_n press_v we_o down_o and_o vex_v and_o grieve_v we_o even_o to_o the_o very_a heart_n for_o wicked_a and_o profane_a man_n may_v see_v their_o sin_n for_o what_o can_v hide_v they_o from_o their_o eye_n be_v so_o innumerable_a in_o multitude_n and_o so_o grievous_a and_o heinous_a in_o respect_n of_o their_o quantity_n and_o quality_n but_o yet_o they_o feel_v not_o their_o weight_n neither_o be_v trouble_v with_o they_o nay_o it_o be_v a_o pastime_n to_o a_o fool_n to_o do_v wicked_o as_o it_o be_v prou._n 10.23_o and_o the_o abominable_a filthy_a sinner_n drink_v iniquity_n like_o water_n as_o it_o be_v job._n 15.16_o and_o there_o be_v some_o so_o delight_v with_o ungodliness_n and_o all_o lewd_a prophanesse_n that_o they_o even_o draw_v unto_o they_o iniquity_n with_o the_o cord_n of_o vanity_n and_o sin_n as_o with_o cart-rope_n as_o the_o prophet_n speak_v esa_n 5.18_o and_o though_o they_o be_v lade_v with_o their_o sin_n as_o it_o be_v with_o a_o intolerable_a burden_n yet_o they_o feel_v they_o not_o neither_o be_v they_o any_o thing_n vex_v with_o their_o weight_n and_o though_o the_o iniquity_n of_o sinner_n be_v so_o heavy_a that_o the_o earth_n can_v bear_v it_o but_o reel_v too_o and_o fro_o like_o a_o drunken_a man_n and_o be_v remoove_v like_o a_o tent_n as_o it_o be_v esay_n 24.20_o though_o it_o make_v all_o the_o creature_n groan_v and_o travail_v in_o pain_n together_o as_o the_o apostle_n show_v rom._n 8.22_o yea_o though_o it_o even_o weari_v god_n himself_o in_o suffer_v and_o bear_v with_o it_o as_o it_o be_v esa_n 43.24_o yet_o do_v they_o walk_v bolt_n upright_o and_o with_o stretch_a out_o neck_n never_o so_o much_o as_o stoop_v under_o this_o unsupportable_a burden_n till_o at_o last_o it_o grow_v so_o heavy_a that_o it_o overwhelm_v they_o and_o press_v they_o down_o to_o the_o bottom_n of_o hell_n the_o reason_n here_o of_o be_v because_o they_o be_v whole_o plunge_v yea_o drown_a and_o dead_a in_o their_o sin_n and_o therefore_o as_o those_o who_o be_v dive_v to_o the_o bottom_n of_o some_o deep_a water_n do_v not_o feel_v the_o weight_n of_o that_o which_o be_v above_o they_o whereas_o if_o they_o be_v pull_v out_o of_o the_o water_n they_o will_v be_v overwhelm_v with_o the_o burden_n of_o one_o ton_n so_o those_o who_o be_v deep_o plunge_v into_o the_o gulf_n of_o sin_n and_o wickedness_n do_v not_o feel_v the_o weight_n of_o this_o intolerable_a burden_n but_o if_o once_o they_o come_v out_o of_o their_o sin_n by_o unfeigned_a repentance_n the_o weight_n of_o some_o few_o of_o they_o will_v press_v they_o down_o unto_o the_o gate_n of_o hell_n
if_o they_o be_v not_o support_v and_o free_v from_o this_o burden_n by_o our_o saviour_n jesus_n christ_n but_o such_o as_o these_o be_v not_o call_v by_o our_o saviour_n neither_o will_v he_o ease_v they_o though_o their_o burden_n be_v never_o so_o intolerable_a but_o he_o invit_v those_o only_o who_o be_v heavy_a lade_v and_o find_v their_o burden_n irksome_a be_v weary_a of_o it_o and_o desire_n to_o be_v ease_v he_o harken_v only_o unto_o those_o who_o from_o their_o heart_n cry_v out_o with_o david_n psal_n 38.4_o my_o iniquity_n be_v go_v over_o my_o head_n and_o as_o a_o weighty_a burden_n they_o be_v to_o heavy_a for_o i_o 6._o i_o be_o bow_v and_o crooked_a very_a sore_n i_o go_v mourn_v all_o the_o day_n he_o respect_v only_o those_o who_o be_v of_o a_o break_a heart_n and_o contrite_a spirit_n 66.2_o psal_n 51.17_o esay_n 66.2_o for_o these_o only_o perform_v the_o condition_n of_o the_o covenant_n and_o consequent_o to_o they_o alone_o the_o promise_v contain_v in_o the_o covenant_n do_v appertain_v §_o sect._n 3_o the_o condition_n of_o the_o covenant_n be_v faith_n and_o repentance_n repentance_n that_o he_o who_o feel_v not_o his_o sin_n have_v neither_o faith_n nor_o repentance_n neither_o of_o which_o do_v he_o perform_v who_o do_v not_o see_v nor_o feel_v the_o burden_n of_o his_o sin_n for_o we_o will_v never_o rest_v upon_o christ_n for_o our_o salvation_n unless_o we_o see_v that_o we_o have_v no_o mean_n of_o our_o own_o to_o escape_v condemnation_n we_o will_v never_o seek_v unto_o christ_n to_o be_v our_o redeemer_n unless_o we_o perceive_v that_o we_o be_v the_o bondslave_n of_o sin_n and_o satan_n we_o will_v never_o labour_v to_o obtain_v the_o riches_n of_o his_o righteousness_n unless_o we_o discern_v our_o own_o nakedness_n and_o beggary_n we_o will_v never_o come_v unto_o christ_n to_o be_v wash_v and_o purge_v from_o the_o pollution_n of_o our_o sin_n and_o corruption_n with_o his_o blood_n unless_o we_o see_v our_o natural_a filthiness_n we_o will_v never_o desire_v to_o be_v ease_v of_o the_o heavy_a burden_n of_o our_o sin_n unless_o we_o feel_v the_o weight_n of_o they_o we_o will_v never_o entreat_v christ_n to_o be_v our_o physician_n unless_o we_o find_v that_o our_o soul_n be_v sick_a in_o sin_n we_o will_v never_o go_v unto_o he_o who_o be_v the_o author_n of_o life_n unless_o we_o see_v that_o we_o be_v dead_a in_o our_o sin_n in_o a_o word_n we_o will_v never_o entreat_v god_n mercy_n until_o we_o feel_v our_o own_o misery_n if_o therefore_o without_o this_o sense_n of_o sin_n we_o will_v never_o come_v unto_o christ_n then_o consequent_o without_o it_o we_o shall_v never_o be_v ease_v for_o heâ—â—â—â—th_v those_o only_a from_o condemnation_n who_o rely_v themselves_o whole_o upon_o he_o for_o their_o salvation_n he_o come_v to_o be_v their_o redeemer_n alone_o who_o feel_v their_o miserable_a captivity_n and_o earnest_o desire_v to_o be_v release_v he_o will_v not_o enrich_v any_o but_o those_o who_o perceive_v their_o own_o beggary_n and_o crave_v relief_n he_o will_v not_o wash_v any_o with_o his_o precious_a blood_n but_o those_o who_o see_v their_o pollution_n and_o filthiness_n and_o come_v unto_o he_o entreat_v he_o to_o purge_v and_o cleanse_v they_o he_o will_v not_o ease_v any_o but_o those_o who_o find_v their_o sin_n to_o be_v a_o heavy_a burden_n be_v weary_a and_o come_v unto_o he_o to_o be_v free_v from_o they_o he_o come_v into_o the_o world_n to_o be_v a_o physician_n not_o to_o those_o who_o feel_v no_o infirmity_n but_o to_o those_o who_o be_v sick_a and_o disease_a he_o come_v to_o give_v life_n to_o those_o alone_o who_o be_v dead_a in_o their_o sin_n and_o trespass_n neither_o will_v the_o lord_n show_v mercy_n unto_o any_o but_o unto_o those_o alone_o who_o perceive_v their_o estate_n to_o be_v most_o wretched_a and_o miserable_a for_o who_o can_v imagine_v that_o the_o lord_n who_o be_v most_o infinite_a in_o wisdom_n shall_v unaduised_o bestow_v his_o benefit_n upon_o such_o as_o find_v no_o want_n of_o they_o do_v not_o desire_v they_o when_o they_o be_v without_o they_o nor_o esteem_v they_o though_o they_o have_v they_o and_o consequent_o will_v never_o be_v true_o thankful_a for_o that_o which_o they_o neither_o want_v desire_v nor_o esteem_n who_o can_v in_o reason_n conceive_v that_o he_o will_v offer_v himself_o to_o be_v a_o saviour_n to_o such_o as_o do_v not_o think_v themselves_o lose_v and_o condemn_v or_o to_o be_v their_o redeemer_n who_o will_v not_o acknowledge_v that_o they_o be_v in_o captivity_n or_o that_o he_o will_v bestow_v the_o riches_n of_o his_o righteousness_n upon_o such_o proud_a beggar_n as_o find_v no_o need_n thereof_o be_v righteous_a enough_o themselves_o in_o their_o own_o conceit_n that_o he_o will_v vain_o spend_v his_o precious_a blood_n in_o wash_v of_o those_o who_o think_v themselves_o clean_o already_o and_o need_v no_o such_o purge_n that_o he_o will_v in_o compassion_n ease_v those_o of_o the_o burden_n of_o their_o sin_n who_o be_v never_o trouble_v with_o bear_v of_o they_o that_o he_o will_v offer_v they_o any_o physic_n who_o will_v not_o acknowledge_v themselves_o sick_a or_o to_o give_v life_n to_o those_o who_o will_v not_o confess_v that_o they_o be_v dead_a in_o sin_n and_o who_o can_v imagine_v that_o the_o lord_n will_v ever_o show_v to_o those_o his_o mercy_n who_o will_v never_o show_v to_o the_o lord_n their_o wretched_a misery_n whosoever_o therefore_o have_v not_o a_o true_a sense_n and_o feel_n of_o the_o heavy_a burden_n of_o their_o sin_n they_o will_v never_o come_v unto_o christ_n neither_o can_v they_o ever_o have_v any_o assurance_n that_o he_o will_v ease_v they_o &_o consequent_o they_o be_v destiture_n of_o a_o true_a faith_n which_o be_v the_o chief_a condition_n of_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n but_o as_o they_o want_v faith_n so_o also_o they_o can_v never_o attain_v unto_o true_a repentance_n for_o so_o long_o as_o they_o have_v not_o the_o sense_n of_o their_o sin_n they_o be_v not_o grieve_v with_o they_o neither_o do_v they_o desire_v to_o leave_v and_o forsake_v they_o and_o as_o those_o who_o bear_v a_o burden_n and_o be_v not_o vex_v with_o the_o weight_n they_o be_v not_o weary_a of_o bear_v it_o nor_o desirous_a to_o leave_v it_o so_o those_o who_o be_v load_v with_o the_o unsupportable_a burden_n of_o their_o sin_n and_o have_v no_o sense_n of_o the_o weight_n they_o be_v not_o grieve_v with_o weariness_n nor_o desirous_a to_o be_v free_v from_o it_o and_o consequent_o they_o be_v destitute_a of_o true_a repentance_n which_o be_v nothing_o else_o but_o a_o hearty_a grief_n and_o a_o true_a sorrow_n for_o our_o sin_n past_a and_o a_o earnest_a desire_n and_o endeavour_n to_o leave_v and_o forsake_v they_o in_o the_o time_n to_o come_v §_o sect._n 4_o so_o that_o whosoever_o have_v not_o a_o true_a sense_n and_o feel_n of_o the_o unsupportable_a weight_n of_o sin_n testimony_n the_o former_a point_n prove_v by_o particular_a testimony_n they_o be_v destitute_a of_o true_a faith_n and_o repentance_n and_o therefore_o the_o promise_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v make_v only_o to_o the_o faithful_a &_o repentant_a sinner_n do_v not_o appertain_v unto_o they_o which_o may_v more_o evident_o appear_v if_o we_o consider_v some_o of_o the_o particular_n esay_n 61.1_o it_o be_v say_v that_o our_o saviour_n christ_n be_v send_v to_o preach_v glad_a tiding_n unto_o the_o poor_a to_o bind_v up_o the_o break_a heart_a to_o preach_v liberty_n to_o the_o captive_n and_o to_o they_o that_o be_v bind_v the_o open_n of_o the_o prison_n 2._o to_o comfort_v all_o that_o mourn_n and_o to_o give_v unto_o they_o beauty_n for_o ash_n the_o oil_n of_o joy_n for_o mourning_n and_o the_o garment_n of_o gladness_n for_o the_o spirit_n of_o heaviness_n math._n 9.13_o our_o saviour_n say_v that_o he_o come_v not_o to_o call_v the_o righteous_a but_o sinner_n to_o repentance_n and_o the_o apostle_n witness_v of_o he_o that_o he_o come_v into_o the_o world_n to_o save_v sinner_n 1._o tim._n 1.15_o if_o therefore_o we_o be_v not_o poor_a in_o spirit_n and_o break_a heart_a if_o we_o be_v not_o miserable_a captive_n heavy_a mourner_n &_o wretched_a sinner_n our_o saviour_n christ_n be_v not_o send_v to_o preach_v the_o glad_a tiding_n of_o the_o gospel_n unto_o we_o he_o will_v not_o give_v we_o liberty_n nor_o afford_v we_o any_o comfort_n he_o come_v not_o to_o call_v we_o neither_o will_v he_o save_v us._n so_o our_o saviour_n profess_v math._n 18.11_o that_o he_o come_v to_o save_v that_o which_o be_v lose_v and_o to_o fetch_v home_o the_o wander_a sheep_n if_o therefore_o we_o be_v not_o lose_v in_o ourselves_o we_o shall_v never_o be_v find_v of_o christ_n if_o we_o do_v
call_v unto_o they_o and_o he_o in_o who_o power_n it_o be_v every_o minute_n utter_o to_o destroy_v they_o first_o of_o all_o desire_v a_o parley_n he_o who_o may_v well_o abhor_v to_o vouchsafe_v they_o his_o presence_n earnest_o desire_v conference_n with_o they_o say_v ver_fw-la 18._o come_v now_o and_o let_v we_o reason_n together_o say_v the_o lord_n though_o your_o sin_n be_v as_o crimson_a they_o shall_v be_v make_v as_o white_a as_o snow_n though_o they_o be_v red_a like_o scarlet_n they_o shall_v be_v as_o wool_n §_o sect._n 6_o christ_n the_o example_n of_o the_o israelite_n in_o the_o time_n of_o our_o saviour_n christ_n in_o like_a manner_n in_o the_o time_n of_o our_o saviour_n christ_n the_o same_o jew_n most_o wicked_o rebel_v against_o the_o lord_n for_o when_o the_o lord_n in_o his_o rich_a mercy_n send_v the_o promise_a messiah_n to_o deliver_v they_o out_o of_o the_o hand_n of_o their_o enemy_n they_o will_v not_o receive_v he_o nay_o they_o continual_o afflict_v and_o persecute_v he_o they_o mock_v and_o revile_v he_o they_o hale_v he_o before_o the_o judgement_n seat_n and_o cause_v he_o to_o be_v condemn_v who_o come_v to_o justify_v and_o acquit_v they_o they_o buffet_v and_o whip_v he_o and_o prefer_v a_o wicked_a murderer_n before_o he_o who_o prefer_v their_o salvation_n before_o his_o own_o life_n last_o in_o most_o ignominious_a sort_n they_o crucify_v and_o kill_v he_o after_o all_o which_o outrageous_a wickedness_n offer_v against_o the_o lord_n of_o life_n they_o continue_v in_o their_o hardness_n of_o heart_n and_o impaenitencie_n never_o acknowledge_v their_o fault_n not_o desire_v pardon_n nay_o rather_o as_o they_o have_v persecute_v the_o head_n our_o lord_n and_o saviour_n jesus_n christ_n so_o when_o they_o can_v offer_v no_o more_o wrong_a unto_o he_o in_o his_o own_o person_n they_o be_v ready_a to_o satisfy_v and_o glut_v their_o malicious_a rage_n in_o persecute_v his_o poor_a member_n now_o what_o more_o hellish_a impiety_n be_v ever_o commit_v what_o more_o outrageous_a sin_n be_v ever_o hear_v of_o who_o will_v ever_o have_v imagine_v that_o there_o be_v any_o hope_n of_o pardon_n for_o such_o rebellious_a bloody_a wretch_n but_o o_o the_o infinite_a and_o bottomless_a depth_n of_o god_n mercy_n while_o their_o wickedness_n be_v fresh_a in_o memory_n and_o their_o hand_n still_o embrue_v in_o the_o guiltless_a blood_n of_o this_o innocent_a lamb_n when_o as_o they_o continue_v in_o their_o course_n and_o run_v headlong_o forward_o in_o their_o wickedness_n without_o any_o sense_n of_o sin_n or_o desire_v of_o pardon_n the_o lord_n send_v his_o apostle_n unto_o they_o to_o bring_v they_o to_o repentance_n and_o to_o assure_v they_o that_o their_o sin_n be_v pardon_v 2.38_o act._n 2.38_o see_v therefore_o these_o obtain_v the_o remission_n of_o their_o sin_n who_o need_v to_o doubt_v of_o pardon_n who_o earnest_o desire_v it_o for_o do_v the_o lord_n gratioussy_a offer_n forgiveness_n to_o such_o rebellious_a wretch_n and_o will_v he_o not_o grant_v it_o to_o less_o offender_n if_o they_o desire_v it_o do_v he_o offer_v they_o mercy_n before_o they_o seek_v it_o and_o will_v he_o deny_v mercy_n unto_o any_o who_o earnest_o seek_v and_o sue_v for_o it_o do_v he_o seek_v to_o draw_v man_n to_o repentance_n and_o to_o turn_v unto_o he_o and_o will_v he_o not_o receive_v they_o when_o they_o do_v repent_v be_v he_o so_o exceed_o merciful_a in_o time_n past_a and_o shall_v we_o now_o think_v his_o arm_n shorten_v or_o his_o mercy_n abate_v nay_o assure_o he_o be_v immutable_a ever_o like_o himself_o one_o and_o the_o same_o most_o gracious_a most_o merciful_a &_o full_a of_o all_o goodness_n and_o compassion_n towards_o all_o they_o that_o come_v unto_o he_o and_o therefore_o if_o we_o turn_v from_o our_o sin_n by_o unfeigned_a repentance_n we_o may_v assure_v ourselves_o though_o they_o be_v never_o so_o many_o and_o grievous_a they_o shall_v be_v pardon_v and_o we_o receive_v into_o god_n love_n and_o favour_n §_o sect._n 7_o to_o these_o example_n of_o whole_a multitude_n mercy_n particular_a example_n of_o god_n mercy_n we_o may_v add_v the_o example_n of_o particular_a sinner_n who_o have_v be_v receyve_v to_o mercy_n and_o obtain_v pardon_n though_o their_o sin_n have_v be_v many_o and_o grievous_a as_o matthew_n zacheus_n levi_n who_o be_v sinful_a publican_n that_o get_v their_o live_n by_o pill_v &_o poll_n oppression_n and_o extortion_n man_n so_o notorious_o wicked_a that_o publican_n and_o sinner_n be_v join_v together_o as_o though_o they_o be_v sinner_n by_o profession_n and_o therefore_o as_o synonimon_n or_o diverse_a word_n of_o one_o signification_n they_o interpret_v one_o another_o and_o yet_o such_o be_v the_o riches_n of_o god_n mercy_n that_o even_o these_o profess_a sinner_n be_v convert_v and_o receive_v remission_n of_o all_o their_o outrageous_a wickedness_n the_o like_a may_v be_v say_v of_o mary_n magdalene_n who_o though_o she_o have_v be_v a_o woman_n of_o lewd_a behaviour_n and_o loose_a life_n though_o she_o be_v possess_v of_o many_o devil_n and_o common_o note_v for_o a_o infamous_a and_o notorious_a sinner_n yet_o upon_o her_o true_a repentance_n obtain_v the_o remission_n of_o her_o sin_n and_o while_o she_o wash_v the_o foot_n of_o our_o saviour_n christ_n with_o her_o tear_n he_o purge_v and_o cleanse_v her_o body_n and_o soul_n from_o the_o filthy_a leprosy_n of_o sin_n with_o his_o own_o most_o precious_a blood_n while_o she_o wipe_v they_o with_o the_o hair_n of_o her_o head_n he_o beautify_v and_o adorn_v she_o with_o the_o rich_a robe_n of_o his_o righteousness_n yea_o she_o be_v receive_v into_o a_o high_a degree_n of_o favour_n with_o our_o saviour_n christ_n so_o as_o she_o have_v in_o some_o thing_n the_o pre-eminence_n before_o his_o chief_a apostel_n for_o after_o christ_n rise_n again_o he_o first_o vouchsafe_v she_o his_o presence_n and_o use_v she_o as_o his_o messenger_n to_o certify_v the_o rest_n of_o his_o resurrection_n so_o likewise_o the_o apostle_n paul_n before_o his_o call_n be_v not_o only_o no_o lover_n but_o a_o bitter_a and_o fierce_a persecuter_n of_o the_o truth_n and_o of_o all_o the_o professor_n thereof_o imprison_a ston_a and_o cruel_o murder_v the_o saint_n of_o god_n but_o behold_v and_o admire_v the_o wonderful_a mercy_n of_o god_n even_o while_o his_o imbrue_a hand_n be_v yet_o red_a with_o the_o blood_n of_o god_n faithful_a child_n and_o while_o his_o heart_n be_v so_o full_a of_o burn_a rage_n that_o he_o breathe_v out_o still_o threaten_n and_o slaughter_n against_o the_o disciple_n of_o the_o lord_n it_o please_v god_n wonderful_o to_o convert_v he_o to_o assure_v he_o of_o the_o remission_n of_o all_o these_o his_o horrible_a sin_n and_o to_o make_v he_o of_o a_o bloody_a persecuter_n a_o most_o excellent_a preacher_n of_o his_o gospel_n and_o of_o a_o ravenous_a devour_a wolf_n a_o most_o vigilant_a and_o painful_a shepherd_n to_o these_o we_o may_v add_v the_o example_n of_o the_o thief_n who_o though_o he_o have_v spend_v his_o whole_a life_n wicked_o &_o profane_o yet_o be_v convert_v at_o the_o hour_n of_o death_n and_o receive_v the_o pardon_n of_o his_o sin_n be_v present_o assure_v of_o everlasting_a happiness_n but_o i_o shall_v not_o need_v to_o heap_v up_o many_o particular_n only_o i_o can_v not_o pass_v that_o notable_a example_n of_o manasses_n one_o of_o the_o most_o outrageous_a sinner_n and_o profane_v wretch_n that_o ever_o live_v as_o the_o holy_a ghost_n have_v describe_v he_o in_o the_o 21._o 21._o 2._o king_n 21._o chap._n of_o the_o 2._o book_n of_o the_o king_n for_o there_o he_o affirm_v of_o he_o that_o he_o be_v a_o most_o horrible_a idolater_n a_o most_o malicious_a enemy_n and_o cruel_a persecuter_n of_o god_n truth_n a_o defiler_n of_o god_n holy_a temple_n a_o sacrificer_n of_o his_o own_o child_n unto_o idol_n that_o be_v devil_n a_o notable_a witch_n and_o wicked_a sorcerer_n a_o bloody_a murderer_n of_o exceed_v many_o the_o dear_a saint_n and_o true_a prophet_n of_o the_o lord_n one_o who_o do_v not_o run_v headlong_o alone_a into_o all_o hellish_a impiety_n but_o also_o lead_v the_o people_n under_o his_o government_n out_o of_o the_o way_n to_o do_v more_o wicked_o than_o do_v the_o heathen_a people_n who_o the_o lord_n destroy_v before_o the_o child_n of_o israel_n and_o in_o a_o word_n wrought_v more_o abomination_n and_o outrageous_a wickedness_n than_o the_o curse_a amorites_n and_o canaanite_n of_o who_o notwithstanding_o the_o land_n surfeit_v and_o spew_v they_o out_o for_o their_o cry_a sin_n and_o yet_o this_o manasses_n this_o wretch_n more_o like_o a_o devil_n incarnate_a than_o a_o saint_n of_o god_n repent_v he_o of_o his_o sin_n from_o the_o bottom_n of_o his_o heart_n be_v receive_v i_o can_v speak_v
apostle_n speak_v 1._o tim._n 2.4_o where_o he_o say_v that_o it_o be_v the_o will_n of_o god_n that_o all_o man_n shall_v be_v save_v 2.4_o 1._o tim._n 2.4_o and_o come_v to_o the_o acknowledge_v of_o the_o truth_n that_o be_v to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o god_n and_o assent_v thereunto_o pardonable_a the_o 2._o degree_n a_o persuasion_n that_o our_o sin_n be_v pardonable_a the_o second_o degree_n be_v a_o assurance_n that_o our_o sin_n be_v pardonable_a which_o be_v wrought_v in_o we_o by_o the_o knowledge_n and_o due_a consideration_n of_o god_n infinite_a mercy_n and_o christ_n invaluable_a merit_n and_o indefinite_a promise_n of_o the_o gospel_n make_v with_o out_o exception_n to_o ill_a repentant_a and_o believe_a sinner_n from_o whence_o also_o arise_v a_o general_a hope_n that_o we_o shall_v receive_v the_o pardon_n and_o remission_n of_o our_o sin_n which_o hope_n be_v nourish_v and_o increase_v by_o this_o consideration_n that_o the_o lord_n have_v place_v we_o in_o his_o church_n and_o gracious_o grant_v unto_o we_o the_o outward_a mean_n whereby_o we_o may_v be_v bring_v unto_o unfeigned_a repentance_n and_o have_v a_o lively_a faith_n wrought_v in_o we_o even_o the_o ministry_n of_o the_o word_n and_o administration_n of_o the_o sacrament_n upon_o which_o only_a condition_n the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n and_o all_o the_o sweet_a promise_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v make_v and_o assure_v unto_o us._n §_o sect._n 4_o the_o three_o degree_n be_v a_o hunger_a desire_n after_o grace_n that_o be_v not_o only_o to_o be_v make_v partaker_n of_o god_n mercy_n grace_n the_o 3._o ddegree_n a_o hunger_a desire_n after_o grace_n and_o christ_n merit_n and_o righteousness_n by_o which_o we_o be_v justify_v reconcile_v unto_o god_n and_o receive_v the_o pardon_n and_o remission_n of_o all_o our_o sin_n but_o also_o after_o the_o mean_n and_o instrumental_a cause_n whereby_o the_o assurance_n of_o god_n mercy_n and_o christ_n merit_n be_v derive_v unto_o we_o namely_o true_a faith_n and_o unfeigned_a repentance_n and_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n sanctify_a spirit_n the_o which_o desire_v of_o grace_n be_v the_o begin_n of_o grace_n neither_o can_v we_o desire_v it_o till_o in_o some_o measure_n it_o be_v wrought_v in_o we_o for_o regeneration_n and_o sanctification_n be_v begin_v at_o the_o same_o time_n in_o all_o the_o part_n and_o faculty_n of_o our_o body_n and_o fowl_n so_o that_o he_o who_o be_v true_o regenerate_v many_o faculty_n or_o part_n be_v also_o regenerate_v in_o the_o whole_a man_n and_o therefore_o whosoever_o have_v his_o will_n renew_v and_o sanctify_v to_o desire_v that_o which_o be_v good_a be_v also_o sanctify_a and_o renew_v in_o his_o understanding_n affection_n and_o in_o all_o the_o power_n and_o faculty_n of_o body_n and_o soul_n moreover_o as_o before_o i_o have_v deliver_v at_o large_a our_o desire_n of_o grace_n faith_n and_o repentance_n be_v the_o grace_n themselves_o which_o we_o desire_v at_o least_o in_o god_n acceptation_n who_o accept_v of_o the_o will_n for_o the_o deed_n and_o of_o our_o affection_n for_o the_o action_n and_o therefore_o if_o we_o earnest_o desire_v to_o repent_v &_o believe_v we_o do_v repent_v and_o believe_v in_o god_n sight_n and_o the_o lord_n have_v make_v the_o like_a gracious_a promise_n to_o this_o earnest_a desire_n of_o grace_n which_o he_o have_v make_v to_o those_o who_o find_v themselves_o plentiful_o endue_v with_o the_o grace_n themselves_o so_o matth._n 5.6_o bless_a be_v they_o which_o hunger_n and_o thirst_n for_o righteousness_n for_o they_o shall_v be_v fill_v so_o the_o virgin_n marie_n say_v in_o her_o song_n luk._n 1.53_o 1.53_o luke_n 1.53_o that_o the_o lord_n fill_v the_o hungry_a with_o good_a thing_n and_o send_v away_o the_o rich_a empty_a and_o our_o saviour_n christ_n call_v unto_o he_o such_o as_o thus_o hunger_n and_o thirst_n promise_v that_o he_o will_v satisfy_v they_o john_n 7.37_o revel_v 21.6_o and_o 22.17_o 7.37_o joh._n 7.37_o last_o whosoever_o feel_v this_o desire_n in_o he_o join_v with_o a_o careful_a and_o continual_a use_n of_o the_o mean_n whereby_o his_o desire_n may_v be_v satisfy_v he_o may_v assure_v himself_o that_o the_o lord_n who_o have_v wrought_v in_o he_o the_o will_n to_o desire_v will_v also_o in_o his_o good_a time_n work_v in_o he_o ability_n to_o perform_v and_o the_o grace_n which_o he_o so_o earnest_o desire_v for_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 also_o hear_v their_o cry_n and_o will_v save_v they_o as_o it_o be_v psal_n 145.19_o so_o psal_n 10.17_o 10.17_o psal_n 145.19_o &_o 10.17_o lord_n thou_o have_v hear_v the_o desire_n of_o the_o poor_a thou_o prepare_v their_o heart_n and_o bende_v thy_o ear_n unto_o they_o and_o therefore_o if_o in_o the_o midst_n of_o our_o affliction_n and_o grievous_a tentation_n we_o can_v cry_v out_o with_o the_o prophet_n david_n psalm_n 38.9_o lord_n i_o pour_v my_o whole_a desire_n before_o thou_o 38.9_o psal_n 38.9_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 how_o miserable_a soever_o we_o be_v in_o our_o own_o sense_n and_o feeling_n that_o we_o be_v in_o the_o state_n of_o grace_n and_o shall_v have_v our_o desire_n satisfy_v for_o he_o that_o have_v begin_v this_o good_a work_n in_o we_o 1.6_o phil._n 1.6_o will_v also_o in_o his_o good_a time_n finish_v and_o perfect_v it_o as_o the_o apostle_n speak_v phil._n 1.6_o §_o sect._n 5_o the_o four_o degree_n be_v a_o approach_n unto_o the_o throne_n of_o mercy_n that_o we_o may_v in_o all_o humility_n confess_v our_o sin_n 4.16_o the_o 4._o degree_n a_o approach_n to_o the_o throne_n of_o grace_n heb._n 4.16_o and_o acknowledge_v that_o we_o be_v guilty_a of_o death_n and_o condemnation_n and_o also_o that_o we_o may_v in_o the_o name_n and_o mediation_n of_o christ_n obtain_v the_o pardon_n and_o remission_n of_o they_o and_o of_o this_o the_o apostle_n speak_v heb._n 4.16_o let_v we_o therefore_o go_v bold_o unto_o the_o throne_n of_o grace_n that_o we_o may_v receive_v mercy_n and_o find_v grace_n to_o help_v in_o time_n of_o need_n and_o the_o prophet_n hosea_n cap._n 14.2_o o_o israel_n return_n unto_o the_o lord_n thy_o god_n for_o thou_o have_v fall_v by_o thy_o iniquity_n 3._o take_v unto_o you_o word_n and_o turn_v unto_o the_o lord_n and_o say_v unto_o he_o take_v away_o all_o iniquity_n and_o receive_v we_o gracious_o so_o will_v we_o render_v the_o calf_n of_o our_o lip_n a_o example_n hereof_o we_o have_v in_o the_o prophet_n david_n psal_n 32.5_o then_o say_v he_o i_o acknowledge_v my_o sin_n unto_o thou_o 32.5_o psal_n 32.5_o neither_o hide_v i_o my_o iniquity_n for_o i_o think_v i_o will_v confess_v my_o wickedness_n unto_o the_o lord_n and_o thou_o forgave_v the_o punishment_n of_o my_o sin_n so_o likewise_o the_o prodigal_a son_n have_v attain_v unto_o the_o sight_n of_o his_o sin_n and_o to_o a_o desire_n of_o forgiveness_n resolve_v to_o go_v unto_o his_o father_n and_o to_o say_v 15.18.19_o luk._n 15.18.19_o father_n i_o have_v sin_v against_o heaven_n and_o before_o thou_o &_o be_o no_o more_o worthy_a to_o be_v call_v thy_o son_n make_v i_o as_o one_o of_o thy_o hire_a servant_n luke_n 15.18.19_o §_o sect._n 6_o the_o five_o degree_n be_v a_o special_o persuasion_n wrought_v in_o we_o by_o god_n spirit_n whereby_o we_o particular_o apply_v unto_o we_o the_o sweet_a promise_n of_o the_o gospel_n promise_n the_o 5._o degree_n a_o special_a application_n of_o the_o promise_n and_o be_v assure_v of_o god_n love_n and_o favour_n &_o of_o the_o remission_n of_o our_o sin_n for_o the_o merit_n righteousness_n and_o obedience_n of_o jesus_n christ_n rest_v upon_o he_o alone_o for_o our_o salvation_n a_o example_n whereof_o we_o have_v in_o the_o apostle_n paul_n gal._n 2.20_o 2.20_o gala._n 2.20_o thus_o say_v he_o i_o live_v yet_o not_o i_o now_o but_o christ_n live_v in_o i_o and_o in_o that_o i_o now_o live_v in_o the_o flesh_n i_o live_v by_o faith_n in_o the_o son_n of_o god_n who_o have_v love_v i_o and_o give_v himself_o for_o i_o and_o this_o persuasion_n ought_v to_o go_v before_o sense_n and_o experience_n for_o first_o we_o believe_v and_o be_v persuade_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o god_n promise_n and_o resist_v diffidence_n and_o doubt_v and_o afterwards_o follow_v joyful_a sense_n and_o experience_n of_o god_n mercy_n truth_n and_o goodness_n towards_o us._n and_o hence_o it_o be_v that_o the_o apostle_n define_v faith_n to_o be_v the_o ground_n of_o thing_n which_o be_v hope_v for_o and_o the_o demonstration_n or_o evidence_n of_o thing_n not_o see_v 29._o heb._n 11.1_o joh._n 20_o 29._o heb._n 11.1_o &_o to_o this_o purpose_n our_o saviour_n christ_n say_v to_o thomas_n
lust_n thereof_o and_o to_o serve_v the_o lord_n in_o holiness_n and_o newness_n of_o life_n and_o if_o we_o believe_v in_o jesus_n christ_n rest_v upon_o he_o for_o our_o salvation_n or_o though_o present_o we_o feel_v not_o this_o faith_n and_o repentance_n yet_o if_o ever_o in_o former_a time_n we_o have_v discern_v it_o in_o we_o that_o then_o we_o be_v receive_v into_o god_n love_n and_o favour_n and_o therefore_o shall_v have_v his_o love_n continue_v unto_o we_o unto_o the_o end_n be_v make_v partaker_n of_o his_o gracious_a promise_n &_o heir_n of_o everlasting_a life_n for_o the_o promise_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v not_o restrain_v to_o those_o who_o feel_v their_o faith_n but_o to_o those_o that_o have_v faith_n not_o to_o those_o who_o feel_v that_o they_o do_v believe_v but_o unto_o those_o who_o do_v believe_v §_o sect._n 4_o false_a that_o conclusion_n ground_v upon_o our_o sense_n be_v often_o false_a neither_o be_v the_o not_o feel_v of_o god_n love_n and_o favour_v a_o good_a argument_n to_o prove_v that_o we_o be_v out_o of_o his_o love_n and_o favour_n or_o the_o apprehension_n of_o his_o wrath_n and_o anger_n in_o our_o sense_n and_o feel_v a_o sound_a reason_n to_o persuade_v we_o that_o we_o be_v subject_a to_o his_o wrathful_a displeasure_n see_v the_o be_v of_o a_o thing_n and_o the_o sensible_a discern_v of_o the_o thing_n to_o be_v be_v diverse_a and_o therefore_o howsoever_o at_o sometime_o they_o concur_v yet_o oftentimes_o they_o be_v sever_v and_o disjoin_v so_o that_o the_o conclusion_n which_o be_v infer_v negative_o from_o the_o sense_n to_o prove_v the_o not_o be_v of_o their_o object_n be_v not_o only_o common_o false_a but_o also_o oftentimes_o absurd_a and_o ridiculous_a for_o example_n sometime_o we_o see_v not_o the_o beam_n of_o the_o sun_n as_o in_o the_o night_n season_n or_o when_o it_o be_v cover_v with_o some_o thick_a black_a cloud_n but_o shall_v we_o herehence_a conclude_v that_o the_o sun_n shine_v not_o nor_o will_v ever_o again_o appear_v unto_o we_o so_o the_o bright_a beam_n of_o god_n love_n and_o favour_n be_v sometime_o hide_v from_o we_o in_o the_o night_n of_o tentation_n and_o so_o shadow_v with_o the_o cloud_n of_o our_o grievous_a sin_n that_o we_o can_v sensible_o discern_v they_o but_o shall_v we_o hence_o infer_v that_o there_o be_v no_o grace_n and_o mercy_n to_o be_v find_v with_o god_n or_o that_o he_o will_v never_o again_o make_v they_o shine_v upon_o we_o the_o one_o be_v as_o absurd_a as_o the_o other_o and_o both_o gross_o false_a so_o sometime_o the_o sun_n be_v eclipse_v by_o the_o interposition_n of_o the_o moon_n so_o as_o we_o can_v discern_v his_o light_n or_o very_o dim_o but_o if_o any_o man_n shall_v conclude_v from_o hence_o that_o it_o be_v quite_o take_v away_o or_o that_o we_o be_v deprive_v utter_o of_o his_o life-preseruing_a influence_n the_o experience_n of_o two_o or_o three_o hour_n will_v show_v the_o sottish_a weakness_n of_o his_o sensible_a argument_n and_o so_o in_o like_a manner_n god_n favour_n and_o love_n be_v sometime_o so_o eclipse_v with_o the_o interposition_n of_o some_o great_a affliction_n that_o we_o can_v discern_v they_o for_o a_o time_n or_o but_o very_o dim_o but_o if_o we_o shall_v infer_v hereof_o that_o they_o be_v quite_o take_v from_o we_o and_o that_o they_o cast_v forth_o no_o comfortable_a influence_n on_o we_o our_o present_a preservation_n from_o be_v swallow_v up_o into_o utter_a destruction_n and_o the_o speedy_a return_n of_o wont_a joy_n and_o consolation_n by_o the_o apprehension_n of_o god_n love_n and_o goodness_n towards_o we_o will_v evident_o show_v that_o this_o argument_n take_v from_o the_o sense_n be_v void_a of_o reason_n §_o sect._n 5_o they_o that_o god_n dear_a child_n have_v not_o at_o all_o time_n sensible_o discern_v god_n love_n and_o the_o grace_n of_o his_o spirit_n in_o they_o last_o it_o appear_v by_o the_o example_n of_o god_n child_n from_o time_n to_o time_n that_o though_o they_o have_v be_v endue_v with_o a_o great_a measure_n of_o faith_n and_o in_o a_o high_a degree_n of_o favour_n and_o love_n with_o almighty_a god_n yet_o sometime_o in_o their_o own_o sense_n they_o have_v find_v in_o they_o in_o stead_n of_o faith_n nothing_o but_o doubt_v diffidence_n and_o infidelity_n and_o for_o god_n love_n and_o favour_n they_o have_v apprehend_v nothing_o in_o their_o present_a feeling_n but_o the_o wrathful_a anger_n of_o god_n and_o his_o grievous_a displeasure_n look_v upon_o the_o holy_a man_n job_n who_o by_o god_n own_o testimony_n be_v the_o just_a man_n upon_o earth_n and_o high_o in_o god_n love_n and_o favour_n and_o you_o shall_v find_v that_o sometime_o he_o show_v in_o his_o grievous_a affliction_n no_o sign_n of_o faith_n but_o gross_a doubt_v and_o in_o outward_a appearance_n utter_v despair_n of_o god_n mercy_n and_o love_n for_o he_o curse_v the_o day_n of_o his_o nativity_n and_o wish_v that_o he_o have_v never_o be_v bear_v he_o complain_v that_o god_n be_v his_o enemy_n and_o have_v make_v he_o as_o a_o mark_n whereat_o he_o shoot_v venime_v arrow_n that_o god_n terror_n do_v fight_v against_o he_o and_o that_o he_o do_v hide_v his_o love_a countenance_n from_o he_o so_o the_o prophet_n david_n a_o man_n according_a to_o god_n own_o hart_n show_v plain_o that_o sometime_o he_o have_v no_o sense_n and_o feel_n of_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n spirit_n in_o he_o 51.10_o psal_n 51.10_o as_o when_o he_o desire_v the_o lord_n to_o create_v in_o he_o a_o clean_a hart_n and_o to_o renew_v a_o right_a spirit_n within_o he_o to_o restore_v he_o to_o the_o joy_n of_o his_o salvation_n &_o to_o establish_v he_o with_o his_o free_a spirit_n &_o sometime_o he_o apprehend_v in_o his_o present_a sense_n &_o feeling_n in_o stead_n of_o god_n love_n and_o favour_n nothing_o but_o his_o wrath_n and_o displeasure_n and_o therefore_o complain_v as_o one_o reject_v and_o forsake_v of_o god_n so_o psal_n 22.1_o my_o god_n my_o god_n why_o have_v thou_o forsake_v i_o 88.14_o psal_n 22.1_o &_o 77.7_o &_o 88.14_o and_o be_v so_o far_o from_o my_o health_n and_o from_o the_o word_n of_o my_o roar_n 2._o o_o my_o god_n i_o cry_v by_o day_n but_o thou_o hear_v not_o and_z in_o the_o night_n and_o have_v no_o audience_n and_o psal_n 77.7_o he_o thus_o complain_v will_v the_o lord_n absent_v himself_o for_o ever_o and_o will_v he_o show_v no_o more_o favour_n 8._o be_v his_o mercy_n clean_o go_v for_o ever_o do_v his_o promise_n fail_v for_o evermore_o 9_o have_v god_n forget_v to_o be_v merfull_a have_v he_o shut_v up_o his_o tender_a mercy_n in_o displeasure_n 10._o and_o i_o say_v this_o be_v my_o death_n etc._n etc._n so_o psal_n 88.14_o lord_n why_o do_v thou_o reject_v my_o soul_n and_o hide_v thy_o face_n from_o i_o 15._o i_o be_o afflict_v and_o at_o the_o point_n of_o death_n from_o my_o youth_n i_o suffer_v thy_o terror_n doubt_v of_o my_o life_n 16._o thy_o indignation_n go_v over_o i_o and_o thy_o fear_n have_v cut_v i_o off_o the_o prophet_n jeremy_n likewise_o be_v grievous_o afflict_v in_o body_n and_o mind_n 20.14.15_o jer._n 20.14.15_o be_v for_o a_o time_n deprive_v of_o the_o sense_n of_o god_n love_n and_o favour_n apprehend_v nothing_o but_o present_a misery_n and_o in_o stead_n of_o faith_n affiance_n in_o god_n peace_n of_o conscience_n and_o other_o sanctify_a grace_n he_o bewray_v his_o doubt_n diffidence_n and_o impatiency_n curse_v the_o day_n of_o his_o birth_n and_o even_o the_o man_n that_o bring_v first_o news_n hereof_o to_o his_o father_n and_o wish_v that_o his_o mother_n have_v be_v his_o grave_n or_o her_o womb_n a_o perpetual_a conception_n as_o appear_v jerem._n 20.14.15_o etc._n etc._n the_o like_a may_v be_v say_v of_o the_o apostle_n peter_n for_o where_o i_o pray_v you_o be_v the_o sense_n &_o feeling_n of_o his_o faith_n affiance_n in_o god_n zeal_n of_o his_o glory_n love_n fear_v and_o other_o sanctify_a grace_n when_o as_o he_o shameful_o deny_v his_o master_n yea_o forswear_v he_o with_o bitter_a curse_v and_o yet_o we_o must_v either_o grant_v that_o peter_n at_o this_o time_n be_v endue_v with_o a_o lively_a faith_n or_o else_o that_o the_o prayer_n of_o our_o lord_n and_o saviour_n jesus_n christ_n be_v not_o effectual_a for_o he_o have_v pray_v for_o he_o that_o his_o faith_n may_v not_o fail_v as_o appear_v luk._n 22.32_o 22.32_o luke_n 22.32_o but_o what_o shall_v i_o insist_v in_o the_o example_n of_o these_o the_o servant_n of_o god_n see_v the_o alone_a example_n of_o christ_n himself_o be_v sufficient_a to_o clear_v this_o point_n for_o though_o he_o be_v the_o only_o beget_v and_o best_a belove_a son_n of_o his_o heavenly_a father_n yet_o in_o his_o
as_o the_o apostle_n speak_v 2.2_o 1._o joh._n 2.2_o 1._o joh._n 2.2_o see_v therefore_o our_o debt_n how_o great_a soever_o it_o be_v be_v already_o discharge_v and_o our_o sin_n how_o outrageous_a soever_o they_o be_v be_v full_o punish_v long_o ago_o in_o our_o saviour_n christ_n and_o see_v god_n himself_o who_o have_v receive_v this_o debt_n and_o take_v this_o punishment_n be_v of_o infinite_a justice_n and_o mercy_n why_o shall_v we_o now_o despair_v of_o pardon_n nay_o why_o shall_v we_o not_o most_o certain_o be_v assure_v that_o the_o roull_a and_o reckon_n of_o our_o sin_n how_o long_o soever_o it_o be_v be_v quite_o blot_v out_o and_o cancel_v so_o as_o they_o shall_v never_o again_o be_v lay_v to_o our_o charge_n §_o sect._n 4_o four_o 5.10_o the_o 4._o mean_n to_o consider_v that_o desperation_n be_v a_o most_o heinous_a sin_n 1._o joh._n 5.10_o we_o be_v to_o consider_v that_o desperation_n itself_o be_v a_o most_o heinous_a and_o outrageous_a sin_n for_o it_o cause_v man_n to_o deny_v god_n truth_n in_o his_o promise_n &_o to_o account_v he_o a_o liar_n as_o the_o apostle_n plain_o speak_v 1._o joh._n 5.10_o he_o that_o believe_v not_o god_n have_v make_v he_o a_o liar_n because_o he_o believe_v not_o the_o record_n that_o god_n witness_v of_o that_o his_o son_n it_o make_v they_o to_o deny_v the_o infinitenes_n of_o his_o mercy_n as_o be_v overmatch_v with_o the_o multitude_n of_o their_o sin_n and_o the_o sufficiency_n of_o christ_n merit_n as_o though_o they_o be_v not_o a_o full_a satisfaction_n for_o their_o horrible_a offence_n yea_o it_o make_v they_o to_o deny_v god_n justice_n in_o think_v that_o he_o will_v punish_v that_o sin_n again_o in_o they_o which_o have_v already_o be_v punish_v in_o christ_n and_o exact_v that_o debt_n which_o he_o have_v already_o discharge_v now_o to_o deny_v the_o truth_n mercy_n and_o justice_n of_o god_n be_v to_o deny_v god_n himself_o for_o his_o attribute_n be_v his_o essence_n the_o truth_n of_o god_n be_v the_o true_a god_n the_o mercy_n of_o god_n be_v the_o merciful_a god_n and_o the_o justice_n of_o god_n be_v the_o just_a god_n so_o that_o he_o who_o despair_v fall_v into_o the_o most_o horrible_a and_o capital_a sin_n of_o atheism_n even_o the_o high_a degree_n of_o wickedness_n and_o therefore_o more_o heinous_o offend_v god_n by_o this_o sin_n alone_o then_o by_o all_o his_o other_o sin_n whatsoever_o though_o they_o appear_v never_o so_o monstrous_a and_o abominable_a in_o his_o own_o eye_n for_o example_n the_o sin_n of_o cain_n in_o despair_v of_o god_n mercy_n be_v far_o more_o horrible_a than_o his_o monstrous_a sin_n which_o he_o commit_v in_o murder_v his_o own_o brother_n the_o sin_n of_o judas_n in_o despair_v of_o god_n mercy_n be_v without_o comparison_n great_a than_o his_o sin_n in_o betray_v his_o lord_n and_o master_n in_o a_o word_n to_o commit_v idolatry_n blasphemy_n murder_n adultery_n &_o such_o like_a be_v heinous_a sin_n but_o utter_o to_o despair_v of_o god_n mercy_n be_v great_a than_o they_o all_o though_o then_o we_o have_v commit_v other_o horrible_a wickedness_n against_o the_o lord_n yet_o in_o no_o case_n let_v we_o despair_v for_o this_o be_v to_o add_v sin_n unto_o sin_n and_o to_o clog_v our_o conscience_n more_o with_o the_o last_o then_o with_o all_o the_o former_a till_o with_o their_o intolerable_a weight_n they_o press_v we_o down_o unto_o hell_n you_o will_v count_v he_o worse_o than_o mad_a who_o be_v oppress_v with_o a_o heavy_a burden_n shall_v in_o stead_n of_o use_v other_o mean_n to_o ease_v himself_o add_v thereunto_o a_o double_a or_o treble_a weight_n till_o he_o be_v press_v down_o grovel_v unto_o the_o earth_n but_o assure_o such_o and_o great_a madness_n it_o be_v when_o we_o feel_v our_o conscience_n clog_v with_o a_o heavy_a burden_n of_o sin_n in_o stead_n of_o seek_v ease_n in_o come_v to_o christ_n by_o a_o lively_a faith_n to_o fall_v into_o utter_a desperation_n and_o thereby_o to_o add_v a_o treble_a weight_n to_o the_o already_o intolerable_a burden_n of_o sin_n which_o lie_v upon_o our_o conscience_n until_o they_o be_v press_v down_o into_o the_o torment_n of_o hell_n every_o one_o will_v esteem_v he_o a_o most_o desperate_a wretch_n who_o have_v offend_v such_o a_o gracious_a prince_n as_o will_v most_o sure_o forgive_v he_o upon_o his_o unfeigned_a sorrow_n for_o his_o fault_n shall_v in_o stead_n of_o humble_v himself_o and_o ask_v pardon_n desperate_o refuse_v his_o prince_n mercy_n and_o with_o all_o deny_v his_o truth_n in_o his_o promise_n his_o mercy_n justice_n and_o even_o disavow_v he_o for_o be_v a_o lawful_a prince_n but_o such_o and_o much_o more_o wickedness_n do_v they_o desperate_o commit_v who_o have_v offend_v god_n by_o their_o grievous_a sin_n who_o be_v so_o gracious_a &_o merciful_a that_o he_o will_v most_o certain_o forgive_v they_o upon_o their_o true_a repentance_n in_o stead_n of_o humble_v themselves_o by_o unfeigned_a sorrow_n do_v desperate_o refuse_v to_o be_v partaker_n of_o his_o mercy_n and_o not_o only_o so_o but_o deny_v the_o infinitenes_n of_o his_o mercy_n justice_n truth_n in_o his_o promise_n and_o consequent_o his_o godhead_n and_o be_v and_o therefore_o when_o the_o weight_n of_o sin_n press_v we_o satan_n persuade_v we_o to_o despair_v of_o mercy_n and_o forgiveness_n let_v we_o in_o any_o case_n resist_v this_o tentation_n and_o bold_o say_v unto_o the_o tempter_n it_o be_v enough_o and_o too_o much_o that_o i_o have_v offend_v my_o gracious_a god_n with_o my_o other_o sin_n though_o i_o do_v not_o add_v thereunto_o this_o sin_n which_o be_v great_a than_o all_o the_o rest_n the_o weight_n of_o my_o other_o wickedness_n be_v already_o too_o too_o heavy_a upon_o my_o conscience_n &_o therefore_o far_o be_v it_o from_o i_o to_o load_v it_o with_o a_o far_o more_o unsupportable_a burden_n i_o have_v already_o too_o much_o dishonour_v my_o good_a god_n by_o my_o horrible_a sin_n and_o therefore_o i_o will_v in_o no_o case_n more_o dishonour_v he_o now_o then_o in_o commit_v all_o my_o other_o sin_n by_o deny_v his_o mercy_n justice_n truth_n and_o even_o the_o godhead_n itself_o for_o what_o be_v this_o but_o be_v already_o in_o a_o burn_a fever_n to_o cast_v myself_o into_o the_o fire_n or_o be_v go_v over_o the_o shoe_n in_o the_o filthy_a puddle_n of_o sin_n to_o plunge_v myself_o over_o head_n and_o ear_n and_o even_o to_o drown_v myself_o in_o the_o bottomless_a gulf_n of_o desperation_n nay_o rather_o know_v i_o will_v break_v of_o my_o sin_n by_o unfeigned_a repentance_n and_o turn_n unto_o the_o lord_n who_o i_o have_v offend_v assure_v myself_o that_o his_o mercy_n be_v infinite_a and_o therefore_o he_o be_v ready_a to_o forgive_v and_o the_o merit_n of_o christ_n a_o full_a satisfaction_n for_o all_o my_o sin_n though_o many_o and_o heinous_a and_o therefore_o in_o he_o i_o may_v bold_o challenge_v forgiveness_n as_o a_o thing_n of_o right_n appertain_v to_o i_o and_o thus_o be_v we_o to_o resist_v satan_n tentation_n and_o though_o we_o be_v often_o foil_v yet_o to_o rise_v again_o in_o no_o case_n suffer_v he_o to_o pluck_v out_o of_o our_o hand_n the_o shield_n of_o faith_n though_o he_o have_v disarm_v we_o of_o the_o breastplate_n of_o righteousness_n for_o if_o once_o we_o be_v deprive_v of_o this_o part_n of_o this_o spiritual_a armour_n we_o shall_v lie_v open_a to_o all_o his_o blow_n and_o thrust_v until_o we_o be_v wound_v to_o the_o very_a death_n §_o sect._n 5_o but_o most_o lamentable_a it_o be_v to_o see_v the_o grievous_a misery_n of_o poor_a humble_a sinner_n whereinto_o they_o be_v bring_v through_o the_o violence_n of_o satan_n tentation_n desperation_n though_o the_o afflict_a conscience_n abhor_v other_o sin_n yet_o it_o easy_o incline_v to_o desperation_n for_o howsoever_o feel_v the_o heavy_a weight_n of_o their_o other_o sin_n they_o earnest_o desire_v to_o be_v free_v from_o they_o howsoever_o be_v torment_v with_o the_o grievous_a smart_n of_o their_o other_o wickedness_n they_o hate_v and_o abhor_v it_o yet_o they_o easy_o suffer_v themselves_o to_o be_v plunge_v into_o desperation_n with_o every_o frivoulous_a tentation_n and_o quiet_o offer_v their_o hand_n to_o be_v manacle_v and_o bind_v in_o these_o give_v of_o hell_n without_o resistance_n but_o let_v all_o such_o stir_v up_o themselves_o and_o gather_v their_o oppress_a spirit_n together_o say_v to_o their_o own_o conscience_n i_o hate_v and_o detest_v from_o my_o heart_n my_o former_a wickedness_n and_o shall_v i_o now_o entertain_v a_o sin_n more_o horrible_a than_o all_o the_o rest_n the_o burden_n of_o my_o other_o sin_n oppress_v i_o and_o make_v i_o earnest_o to_o desire_v ease_n and_o shall_v i_o add_v a_o load_n far_o more_o
intolerable_a to_o my_o afflict_a conscience_n i_o be_o fill_v with_o shame_n and_o confusion_n because_o by_o my_o former_a sin_n i_o have_v dishonour_v my_o gracious_a god_n and_o shall_v i_o continue_v more_o to_o dishonour_v he_o by_o doubt_v of_o and_o deny_v his_o mercy_n justice_n and_o truth_n in_o his_o promise_n i_o have_v heretofore_o with_o judas_n betray_v my_o saviour_n christ_n unto_o the_o death_n yea_o and_o with_o my_o sin_n i_o have_v whip_v mock_v and_o crucify_v he_o and_o now_o he_o have_v make_v full_a satisfaction_n for_o my_o sin_n and_o call_v i_o unto_o he_o that_o he_o may_v ease_v i_o of_o this_o intolerable_a burchen_n shall_v i_o with_o judas_n refuse_v to_o come_v desperate_o cast_v of_o all_o hope_n of_o mercy_n and_o become_v my_o own_o hangman_n be_v it_o far_o from_o i_o nay_o as_o i_o hate_v all_o other_o sin_n so_o let_v i_o hate_v this_o above_o all_o the_o rest_n as_o be_v more_o heinous_a than_o all_o the_o rest_n as_o i_o desire_v to_o be_v ease_v and_o free_v from_o the_o heavy_a burden_n of_o other_o my_o wickedness_n so_o i_o will_v with_o all_o my_o power_n resist_v satan_n when_o he_o seek_v to_o load_v i_o with_o this_o load_n of_o desperation_n as_o be_v far_o more_o intolerable_a heretofore_o i_o have_v dishonour_v god_n by_o my_o sin_n but_o now_o i_o will_v give_v he_o glory_n in_o believe_v and_o acknowledge_v his_o infinite_a mercy_n goodness_n justice_n and_o truth_n in_o his_o promise_n and_o see_v by_o my_o sin_n i_o have_v crucify_v the_o lord_n of_o life_n i_o will_v not_o add_v hereunto_o this_o outrageous_a wickedness_n to_o trample_v his_o precious_a blood_n under_o my_o filthy_a foot_n as_o a_o thing_n unholy_a and_o of_o no_o worth_n neither_o will_v i_o through_o my_o unbelief_n make_v it_o to_o be_v spill_v in_o vain_a but_o now_o with_o all_o care_n and_o conscience_n i_o will_v gather_v it_o up_o as_o a_o most_o precious_a balm_n and_o with_o the_o hand_n of_o faith_n apply_v it_o to_o those_o grisly_a gash_n and_o deep_a wound_n which_o sin_n have_v make_v in_o my_o soul_n and_o conscience_n and_o with_o this_o spiritual_a laver_n i_o will_v wash_v my_o pollute_a soul_n till_o it_o be_v thorough_o purge_v from_o all_o uncleanness_n and_o see_v i_o have_v deprive_v my_o soul_n of_o that_o inherent_a righteousness_n wherewith_o it_o be_v endue_v by_o creation_n now_o i_o will_v apply_v thereunto_o a_o far_o more_o excellent_a righteousness_n by_o the_o hand_n of_o faith_n even_o the_o righteousness_n of_o jesus_n christ_n god_n and_o man_n wherewith_o be_v adorn_v i_o may_v bold_o offer_v myself_o into_o the_o presence_n of_o my_o heavenly_a father_n &_o receive_v the_o blessing_n of_o everlasting_a happiness_n §_o sect._n 6_o last_o we_o be_v to_o consider_v that_o as_o desperation_n be_v a_o sin_n in_o it_o own_o nature_n most_o grievous_a pernicious_a that_o desperation_n be_v a_o sin_n most_o pernicious_a so_o also_o it_o be_v unto_o ourselves_o most_o pernicious_a for_o whereas_o other_o sin_n make_v we_o worthy_a of_o the_o torment_n of_o hell_n and_o eternal_a condemnation_n this_o as_o it_o above_o all_o the_o rest_n intitle_v we_o unto_o the_o right_n of_o this_o hellish_a inheritance_n so_o also_o it_o enter_v we_o into_o the_o most_o certain_a and_o present_a possession_n thereof_o even_o while_o we_o live_v upon_o the_o earth_n for_o what_o be_v the_o torment_n of_o a_o despair_a conscience_n but_o the_o flashing_n of_o hell_n fire_n and_o what_o be_v their_o blasphemy_n which_o they_o utter_v against_o god_n and_o their_o impatient_a curse_n of_o their_o accurse_a self_n but_o the_o yell_a cry_n of_o damn_a soul_n and_o therefore_o if_o we_o will_v not_o cast_v ourselves_o into_o the_o jaw_n of_o hell_n if_o we_o will_v not_o while_o we_o live_v begin_v to_o die_v a_o everlasting_a death_n let_v we_o in_o no_o case_n suffer_v ourselves_o to_o be_v plunge_v with_o the_o violence_n of_o satan_n tentation_n into_o this_o bottomless_a pit_n of_o utter_a desperation_n §_o sect._n 7_o yea_o will_v the_o afflict_a soul_n say_v but_o how_o shall_v i_o avoid_v it_o belief_n that_o we_o must_v hope_v against_o hope_n &_o believe_v against_o belief_n see_v i_o be_o forcible_o press_v into_o it_o with_o the_o intolerable_a weight_n of_o my_o sin_n and_o with_o the_o sense_n and_o apprehension_n of_o god_n fearful_a wrath_n and_o displeasure_n feel_v no_o comfort_n nor_o assurance_n that_o ever_o i_o shall_v receive_v pardon_n to_o which_o i_o answer_v that_o yet_o in_o no_o case_n they_o be_v to_o despair_v but_o to_o hope_v against_o hope_n and_o to_o believe_v against_o belief_n and_o as_o it_o be_v from_o the_o bottom_n of_o hell_n to_o cast_v up_o the_o eye_n of_o faith_n into_o heaven_n lay_v hold_n of_o god_n mercy_n and_o christ_n merit_n know_v that_o faith_n be_v of_o thing_n not_o see_v neither_o with_o the_o bodily_a eye_n nor_o with_o the_o eye_n of_o reason_n and_o that_o the_o lord_n seem_v often_o to_o hate_v those_o who_o in_o truth_n he_o dear_o love_v for_o so_o long_o as_o we_o believe_v god_n promise_n and_o have_v some_o hope_n that_o our_o sin_n be_v either_o pardon_v or_o at_o least_o pardonable_a there_o be_v certain_a comfort_n but_o when_o as_o all_o hope_n be_v cast_v of_o and_o that_o we_o reject_v all_o god_n promise_n through_o unbelief_n and_o fall_n into_o utter_a desperation_n there_o nothing_o remain_v but_o most_o certain_a destruction_n when_o sin_n lie_v upon_o we_o it_o no_o question_v exceed_o vex_v we_o with_o the_o torment_n of_o conscience_n but_o if_o we_o despair_v we_o present_o in_o stead_n of_o obtain_v ease_n cast_v ourselves_o into_o the_o torment_n of_o hell_n the_o pang_n of_o conscience_n cause_v by_o the_o sense_n of_o the_o heavy_a burden_n of_o sin_n be_v a_o good_a mean_n to_o bring_v we_o to_o christ_n that_o we_o may_v be_v ease_v of_o this_o burden_n but_o despair_n stay_v we_o in_o the_o midway_n and_o utter_o debar_v we_o from_o ever_o be_v partaker_n of_o christ_n or_o any_o of_o his_o benefit_n and_o therefore_o though_o the_o burden_n of_o sin_n be_v never_o so_o irksome_a and_o grievous_a yet_o let_v we_o be_v content_v to_o bear_v it_o till_o we_o come_v unto_o christ_n for_o ease_n let_v we_o beware_v in_o any_o case_n that_o we_o do_v not_o faint_v through_o impatiency_n and_o want_n of_o hope_n and_o so_o fall_v into_o desperation_n for_o so_o shall_v we_o but_o increase_v the_o weight_n of_o our_o sin_n in_o exceed_a measure_n which_o already_o we_o think_v a_o intolerable_a burden_n and_o consequent_o our_o horror_n of_o conscience_n so_o shall_v we_o bring_v ourselves_o from_o a_o doubtful_a or_o rather_o hopeful_a state_n to_z most_o certain_a and_o present_a destruction_n so_o shall_v we_o change_v our_o temporary_a grief_n for_o that_o which_o be_v everlasting_a and_o the_o terror_n of_o conscience_n for_o the_o torment_n of_o hell_n so_o shall_v that_o which_o we_o most_o fear_v and_o flee_v present_o overtake_v and_o overwhelm_v we_o for_o while_o in_o a_o horrible_a manner_n we_o fear_v the_o pain_n of_o hell_n we_o cast_v ourselves_o into_o they_o by_o fall_v into_o utter_a desperation_n as_o if_o a_o man_n for_o fear_n of_o death_n shall_v cut_v his_o own_o throat_n or_o for_o fear_n of_o hang_v shall_v drink_v some_o deadly_a poison_n whereby_o they_o be_v present_o torment_v with_o that_o which_o they_o fearful_o abhor_v and_o choose_v rather_o to_o be_v oppress_v with_o the_o evil_n they_o fear_v than_o any_o long_a to_o endure_v the_o fear_n itself_o which_o howsoever_o it_o may_v carry_v some_o show_n of_o reason_n in_o undergo_n a_o momentany_a and_o temporary_a death_n wherein_o oftentimes_o the_o fear_n be_v more_o intolerable_a than_o the_o pain_n fear_v yet_o it_o be_v extreme_a madness_n to_o plunge_v a_o man_n self_n body_n and_o soul_n into_o the_o eternal_a torment_n of_o hell_n rather_o than_o for_o a_o time_n to_o endure_v the_o horror_n thereof_o see_v this_o horror_n and_o fear_n be_v but_o a_o small_a flea-bite_n in_o respect_n of_o those_o hellish_a punishment_n and_o as_o it_o be_v but_o a_o smoke_n of_o that_o eternal_a fire_n chap._n xlvi_o satan_n tentation_n concern_v smallness_n and_o weakness_n of_o faith_n answer_v §_o sect._n 1_o and_o so_o much_o for_o answer_v those_o tentation_n doubt_v there_o be_v no_o such_o perfect_a faith_n which_o be_v not_o assault_v with_o doubt_v whereby_o satan_n labour_v to_o persuade_v the_o afflict_a christian_n that_o they_o have_v no_o faith_n wherewith_o if_o he_o can_v prevail_v in_o the_o next_o place_n he_o will_v tell_v they_o that_o their_o faith_n be_v so_o small_a if_o it_o be_v any_o at_o all_o so_o overwhelm_v with_o doubt_v so_o unfruitful_a and_o so_o mix_v with_o imperfection_n that_o it_o will_v
yet_o all_o true_a faith_n and_o sufsicient_a for_o salvation_n that_o so_o long_o as_o we_o continue_v in_o this_o life_n our_o knowledge_n be_v but_o imperfect_a and_o veil_a with_o much_o darkness_n and_o ignorance_n for_o we_o know_v but_o in_o part_n as_o even_o the_o apostle_n speak_v in_o his_o own_o person_n 13.12_o 1._o cor._n 13.12_o 1._o cor._n 13.12_o and_o therefore_o our_o assent_n and_o persuasion_n must_v needs_o be_v imperfect_a and_o but_o in_o part_n and_o often_o assault_v with_o much_o doubt_n that_o howsoever_o faith_n and_o doubt_v be_v oppose_v in_o their_o own_o nature_n yet_o notwithstanding_o they_o may_v be_v together_o in_o the_o same_o subject_n in_o respect_n of_o diverse_a part_n for_o we_o be_v partly_o flesh_n and_o partly_o spirit_n and_o these_o two_o with_o their_o several_a fruit_n do_v continual_o fight_v and_o strive_v one_o against_o the_o other_o and_o sometime_o the_o flesh_n sometime_o the_o spirit_n with_o their_o several_a fruit_n get_v the_o upper_a hand_n in_o the_o mean_a time_n both_o retain_v their_o own_o nature_n and_o property_n howsoever_o they_o do_v not_o so_o evident_o appear_v nor_o so_o powerful_o work_v their_o several_a action_n when_o the_o adverse_a part_n prevail_v and_o have_v put_v they_o to_o the_o foil_n for_o example_n faith_n which_o be_v a_o fruit_n of_o the_o spirit_n be_v continual_o assault_v by_o doubt_v which_o be_v a_o fruit_n of_o the_o flesh_n and_o proceed_v from_o the_o root_n of_o infidelity_n and_o sometime_o faith_n prevail_v and_o sometime_o it_o receive_v the_o foil_n but_o yet_o at_o the_o same_o time_n howsoever_o we_o can_v sensible_o discern_v it_o nor_o the_o action_n thereof_o yet_o it_o retain_v it_o own_o nature_n and_o property_n neither_o be_v it_o deprive_v of_o his_o firmness_n constancy_n and_o certainty_n howsoever_o they_o be_v for_o a_o time_n cover_v &_o hide_v out_o of_o our_o sight_n like_o the_o fire_n under_o the_o ash_n or_o the_o sun_n under_o a_o cloud_n as_o before_o i_o have_v say_v though_o therefore_o we_o find_v in_o we_o much_o inconstancy_n and_o doubt_v yet_o let_v not_o satan_n persuade_v we_o that_o these_o be_v of_o the_o nature_n and_o property_n of_o our_o faith_n and_o that_o therefore_o our_o faith_n be_v not_o true_a but_o temporary_a false_a and_o counterfeit_n for_o this_o inconstancy_n and_o doubt_v proceed_v not_o from_o faith_n and_o from_o the_o spiritual_a and_o regenerate_a part_n but_o from_o the_o flesh_n and_o the_o part_n unregenerate_a and_o therefore_o howsoever_o it_o be_v assault_v and_o sometime_o foil_v by_o they_o yet_o in_o it_o own_o nature_n it_o be_v true_a certain_a and_o constant_a §_o sect._n 2_o second_o answer_v satan_n tentation_n ground_v on_o the_o strong_a faith_n of_o some_o of_o god_n child_n answer_v he_o will_v suggest_v that_o the_o saint_n mention_v in_o the_o scripture_n have_v most_o certain_a &_o strong_a faith_n &_o in_o exceed_o great_a measure_n that_o they_o bring_v forth_o continual_o most_o notable_a fruit_n thereof_o &_o be_v not_o subject_a to_o such_o infirmity_n and_o doubt_v as_o we_o feel_v in_o ourselves_o to_o which_o we_o be_v to_o answer_v that_o this_o tentation_n be_v full_a of_o untruth_n and_o have_v no_o sound_a part_n in_o it_o for_o first_o we_o be_v to_o assure_v ourselves_o that_o they_o fall_v into_o manifold_a doubt_n and_o be_v subject_a unto_o innumerable_a infirmity_n and_o corruption_n which_o be_v not_o specify_v in_o the_o book_n of_o god_n neither_o be_v it_o fit_n or_o expedient_a that_o it_o shall_v be_v a_o register_n of_o all_o humane_a infirmity_n and_o of_o their_o manifold_a fall_n but_o only_o that_o some_o shall_v be_v record_v for_o our_o warning_n that_o we_o may_v more_o wary_o watch_v over_o ourselves_o lest_o we_o shall_v fall_v into_o the_o like_a sin_n and_o for_o our_o comfort_n also_o when_o we_o be_v fall_v in_o that_o our_o case_n be_v common_a with_o god_n dear_a child_n in_o which_o respect_n the_o scripture_n be_v not_o want_v look_v upon_o abraham_n the_o father_n of_o the_o faithful_a who_o faith_n be_v so_o strong_a that_o he_o above_o hope_v believe_v under_o hope_n and_o you_o shall_v see_v that_o his_o faith_n notwithstanding_o be_v sometime_o shake_v with_o diffidence_n and_o doubt_v as_o when_o distrust_v god_n gracious_a promise_n make_v unto_o he_o and_o not_o rest_v upon_o his_o almighty_a power_n he_o be_v content_a to_o take_v unto_o he_o hagar_n his_o maid_n and_o commit_v sin_n with_o she_o that_o so_o by_o his_o own_o devise_n he_o may_v make_v good_a god_n promise_v and_o obtain_v the_o bless_a seed_n as_o though_o god_n can_v not_o perform_v that_o which_o he_o have_v speak_v unless_o he_o help_v he_o by_o such_o unlawful_a mean_n so_o where_o be_v the_o strength_n and_o constancy_n of_o moses_n faith_n when_o he_o dishonour_v god_n before_o the_o people_n in_o not_o believe_v his_o word_n &_o by_o show_v his_o impatiency_n numb_a 20.10.11_o where_o be_v the_o strength_n and_o constancy_n of_o david_n faith_n 11._o num_fw-la 20.10_o 11._o when_o he_o complain_v that_o he_o be_v forsake_v that_o god_n have_v fail_v in_o his_o promise_n that_o he_o have_v forget_v to_o be_v merciful_a and_o have_v shut_v up_o his_o tender_a mercy_n in_o displeasure_n psal_n 22.1_o and_o 77.8.9_o or_o of_o job_n faith_n when_o he_o curse_v the_o day_n of_o his_o birth_n and_o account_v god_n his_o enemy_n 77.8.9_o psal_n 22.1_o and_o 77.8.9_o who_o have_v set_v he_o up_o as_o a_o mark_n against_o which_o he_o shoot_v poison_v arrow_n or_o of_o jeremy_n when_o he_o likewise_o wish_v that_o he_o have_v never_o be_v bear_v and_o bewray_v great_a impatiency_n 20._o jere._n 20._o jer._n 20._o or_o of_o jonas_n when_o he_o rebel_v against_o god_n commandment_n and_o flee_v from_o his_o presence_n or_o when_o after_o his_o miraculous_a delivery_n he_o murmur_v and_o utter_v impatient_a speech_n even_o against_o god_n himself_o for_o the_o loss_n of_o a_o poor_a gourd_n which_o keep_v he_o from_o the_o heat_n of_o the_o sun_n and_o when_o the_o lord_n merciful_o and_o mild_o reprove_v he_o say_v do_v thou_o well_o to_o be_v angry_a for_o the_o gourd_n he_o stubborne_o answer_v i_o do_v well_o to_o be_v angry_a unto_o the_o death_n 4.9_o jon._n 4.9_o jon._n 4.9_o or_o of_o the_o apostle_n themselves_o when_o they_o flee_v away_o and_o forsake_v their_o lord_n and_o master_n jesus_n christ_n for_o fear_n of_o worldly_a punishment_n and_o when_o after_o his_o death_n they_o will_v not_o believe_v the_o woman_n report_v that_o he_o be_v rise_v again_o until_o their_o own_o eye_n have_v see_v they_o last_o though_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o diverse_a of_o the_o saint_n mention_v in_o the_o scripture_n have_v a_o far_o great_a measure_n of_o faith_n and_o bring_v forth_o much_o more_o plentiful_a fruit_n than_o we_o can_v discern_v in_o ourselves_o yet_o this_o be_v no_o good_a reason_n to_o prove_v that_o our_o weak_a &_o small_a faith_n be_v no_o faith_n or_o uneffectual_a for_o our_o salvation_n for_o this_o be_v a_o absurd_a consequence_n the_o moon_n give_v much_o less_o light_a than_o the_o sun_n therefore_o it_o give_v no_o light_n at_o all_o one_o hand_n be_v far_o great_a than_o another_o therefore_o the_o lesser_a be_v not_o a_o true_a hand_n this_o man_n excel_v another_o in_o the_o use_n of_o reason_n and_o therefore_o the_o other_o be_v unreasonable_a because_o the_o diverse_a degree_n in_o the_o quantity_n of_o thing_n do_v not_o take_v away_o the_o truth_n of_o their_o be_v and_o existence_n so_o long_o as_o they_o be_v of_o the_o same_o nature_n and_o quality_n beside_o as_o the_o holy_a ghost_n have_v set_v down_o example_n of_o most_o strong_a faith_n in_o some_o of_o god_n servant_n so_o have_v he_o make_v mention_n of_o some_o who_o have_v have_v but_o weak_a and_o little_a faith_n to_o the_o end_n that_o we_o shall_v so_o labour_v to_o attain_v unto_o the_o high_a degree_n as_o that_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n we_o be_v not_o utter_o discourage_v with_o the_o low_a for_o example_n as_o he_o have_v remember_v the_o faith_n of_o abraham_n who_o believe_v above_o hope_n under_o hope_n so_o he_o have_v not_o forget_v his_o weak_a faith_n who_o cry_v i_o believe_v lord_n help_v thou_o my_o unbelief_n as_o he_o have_v mention_v the_o faith_n of_o job_n who_o grow_v to_o this_o resolution_n though_o he_o kill_v i_o yet_o will_v i_o trust_v in_o he_o so_o he_o have_v express_v also_o the_o faith_n of_o nicodemus_n in_o knowledge_n weak_a and_o simple_a and_o in_o practice_n and_o profession_n cowardly_a and_o fearful_a as_o he_o have_v set_v down_o the_o strong_a faith_n of_o paul_n who_o grow_v to_o this_o fullness_n of_o persuasion_n that_o nothing_o shall_v be_v able_a to_o separate_v he_o from_o the_o love_n of_o
he_o will_v not_o rest_v till_o he_o have_v again_o reviue_v and_o quicken_v we_o with_o his_o holy_a spirit_n moreover_o our_o saviour_n have_v say_v 12.20_o math._n 12.20_o that_o he_o will_v not_o break_v the_o bruise_a reed_n nor_o quench_v the_o smoke_a flax_n matth._n 12.20_o but_o he_o will_v support_v our_o weakness_n with_o his_o almighty_a power_n so_o that_o though_o with_o the_o reed_n we_o be_v bear_v down_o to_o the_o ground_n with_o the_o boisterous_a blast_n of_o satan_n tentation_n yet_o we_o shall_v be_v raise_v up_o again_o 37.24_o psal_n 37.24_o according_a to_o that_o psal_n 37.24_o though_o he_o fall_v he_o shall_v not_o be_v cast_v off_o for_o the_o lord_n put_v under_o his_o hand_n and_o he_o will_v blow_v upon_o we_o with_o the_o breath_n of_o his_o holy_a spirit_n till_o he_o turn_v our_o small_a smoke_n to_o a_o great_a flame_n which_o shall_v never_o be_v quench_v by_o all_o the_o malice_n of_o our_o spiritual_a enemy_n so_o matth._n 13.12_o our_o saviour_n christ_n have_v promise_v 13.12_o math._n 13.12_o that_o whosoever_o have_v to_o he_o it_o shall_v be_v give_v and_o he_o shall_v have_v abundance_n neither_o do_v he_o limit_v or_o define_v any_o quantity_n less_o or_o more_o but_o indefinite_o promiss_v abundant_a increase_n even_o unto_o the_o least_o so_o far_o be_v he_o from_o take_v away_o that_o which_o he_o have_v once_o bestow_v and_o whereas_o we_o through_o our_o weakness_n and_o frailness_n be_v easy_o cast_v down_o and_o fall_v away_o and_o therefore_o have_v good_a cause_n if_o we_o shall_v only_o look_v upon_o our_o infirmity_n to_o doubt_n and_o despair_n of_o perseverance_n yet_o in_o respect_n of_o god_n omnipotent_a power_n watchful_a providence_n and_o promise_v assistance_n we_o may_v confirm_v ourselves_o in_o faith_n hope_n and_o certain_a assurance_n of_o continue_v unto_o the_o end_n for_o the_o lord_n uphold_v all_o that_o be_v fall_v and_z lifteth_z up_o those_o who_o be_v already_o down_o as_o the_o psalmist_n speak_v psal_n 145.14_o 145.14_o psal_n 145.14_o the_o power_n of_o god_n be_v manifest_v in_o our_o weakness_n 12.9_o 2._o cor._n 12.9_o his_o riches_n in_o our_o beggerlinesse_n his_o mercy_n and_o goodness_n in_o our_o frailness_n and_o manifold_a corruption_n and_o with_o his_o holy_a spirit_n he_o help_v our_o infirmity_n as_o it_o be_v rom._n 8.26_o 8.26_o ro._n 8.26_o we_o have_v not_o a_o high_a priest_n which_o can_v be_v touch_v with_o the_o feel_n of_o our_o infirmity_n but_o be_v in_o all_o thing_n tempt_v in_o like_a sort_n yet_o without_o sin_n and_o therefore_o he_o be_v able_a sufficient_o to_o have_v compassion_n on_o they_o that_o be_v ignorant_a and_o out_o of_o the_o way_n because_o that_o he_o also_o be_v compass_v with_o our_o infirmity_n and_o the_o apostle_n reason_v 5.2_o heb._n 4.15_o &_o 5.2_o heb._n 4.15_o and_o 5.2_o §_o sect._n 5_o second_o it_o appear_v manifest_o by_o god_n work_n example_n the_o foreman_n point_v illustrate_v by_o example_n administration_n and_o practice_v that_o he_o will_v not_o deprive_v any_o of_o that_o sanctify_a grace_n which_o he_o have_v once_o bestow_v though_o the_o measure_n thereof_o be_v never_o so_o small_a neither_o can_v we_o observe_v either_o by_o our_o read_v the_o whole_a book_n of_o god_n or_o by_o our_o own_o experience_n that_o any_o man_n have_v receive_v the_o least_o grain_n of_o true_a faith_n have_v utter_o be_v deprive_v of_o it_o and_o reject_v of_o god_n even_o the_o disciple_n themselves_o when_o they_o be_v reproove_v for_o their_o little_a faith_n be_v by_o he_o strengthen_v and_o confirm_v so_o that_o all_o the_o power_n of_o hell_n can_v not_o prevail_v against_o it_o and_o though_o satan_n endeavour_v to_o sift_v they_o as_o wheat_n yet_o christ_n intercession_n be_v more_o mighty_a to_o defend_v they_o than_o the_o devil_n to_o destroy_v they_o and_o his_o intercession_n a_o strong_a prop_n to_o uphould_v they_o than_o the_o weight_n of_o satan_n tentation_n to_o overthrow_v and_o bring_v they_o to_o ruin_n so_o he_o who_o cry_v out_o i_o believe_v lord_n help_v thou_o my_o unbelief_n though_o his_o faith_n be_v weak_a yet_o it_o perish_v not_o but_o rather_o receive_v a_o great_a increase_n yea_o he_o reject_v not_o thomas_n in_o his_o wilful_a doubt_v and_o obstinate_a incredulity_n but_o offer_v all_o occasion_n of_o confirm_v his_o weak_a faith_n and_o never_o cease_v till_o he_o have_v full_o assure_v he_o of_o his_o resurrection_n in_o a_o word_n all_o the_o saint_n of_o god_n at_o one_o time_n or_o other_o have_v have_v experience_n of_o this_o mercy_n power_n and_o goodness_n of_o god_n in_o support_v their_o weakness_n uphould_v they_o in_o their_o great_a infirmity_n and_o in_o raise_v they_o when_o they_o be_v fall_v to_o the_o ground_n and_o to_o this_o end_n our_o saviour_n be_v anoint_v by_o god_n spirit_n unto_o the_o office_n of_o his_o mediation_n that_o he_o shall_v preach_v the_o gospel_n unto_o the_o poor_a heal_v the_o break_a heart_a that_o he_o shall_v preach_v deliverance_n unto_o captive_n and_o recovery_n of_o sight_n to_o the_o blind_a and_o set_v at_o liberty_n they_o that_o be_v bruise_v luk._n 4.18_o 4.18_o luk._n 4.18_o to_o this_o end_n he_o have_v familiar_a society_n with_o the_o frail_a and_o weak_a with_o those_o who_o have_v little_a faith_n that_o he_o may_v increase_v it_o and_o no_o faith_n that_o he_o may_v beget_v it_o with_o publican_n and_o sinner_n and_o man_n full_a of_o infirmity_n to_o this_o purpose_n he_o call_v such_o as_o thirst_n and_o hunger_n feel_v their_o own_o emptiness_n of_o grace_n and_o earnest_o desire_v to_o be_v fill_v and_o satisfy_v and_o such_o also_o as_o labour_v and_o be_v heavy_a lade_v with_o the_o unsupportable_a weight_n of_o their_o corruption_n promise_v that_o he_o will_v ease_v they_o last_o to_o this_o end_n he_o have_v ordain_v the_o ministry_n of_o the_o word_n and_o administration_n of_o the_o sacrament_n not_o only_o to_o beget_v faith_n where_o it_o be_v not_o but_o to_o nourish_v and_o increase_v it_o where_o it_o be_v weak_a and_o feeble_a and_o therefore_o though_o our_o faith_n be_v never_o so_o weak_a and_o small_a let_v not_o satan_n persuade_v we_o that_o therefore_o it_o shall_v be_v overthrow_v and_o turn_v into_o infidelity_n for_o the_o lord_n have_v assure_v we_o both_o by_o his_o gracious_a promise_n in_o his_o word_n and_o also_o by_o the_o performance_n thereof_o in_o his_o work_n from_o the_o begin_n to_o this_o day_n that_o where_o he_o have_v give_v the_o least_o measure_n of_o faith_n or_o any_o other_o sanctify_a grace_n there_o he_o will_v also_o increase_v strengthen_v and_o confirm_v it_o and_o where_o he_o have_v begin_v any_o good_a work_n there_o he_o will_v finish_v and_o perfect_v it_o notwithstanding_o our_o frail_a weakness_n and_o the_o forcible_a violence_n of_o all_o our_o spiritual_a enemy_n chap._n xlviii_o of_o our_o justification_n and_o so_o much_o concern_v those_o tentation_n of_o satan_n which_o he_o sugge_v to_o the_o end_n that_o he_o may_v frustrate_v our_o effectual_a call_n §_o sect._n 1_o 8.30_o of_o the_o efficient_a cause_n of_o our_o justification_n rom._n 8.30_o the_o next_o subordinate_a cause_n and_o mean_n of_o our_o salvation_n be_v our_o justification_n for_o whosoever_o the_o lord_n effectual_o call_v those_o also_o he_o justifi_v as_o it_o be_v rom._n 8.30_o in_o speak_v whereof_o i_o will_v first_o show_v what_o it_o be_v and_o afterward_o answer_v such_o tentation_n of_o satan_n as_o he_o sugge_v into_o our_o mind_n to_o the_o end_n that_o he_o may_v infringe_v the_o doctrine_n of_o justification_n and_o make_v it_o vain_a and_o unprofitable_a unto_o us._n for_o the_o first_o justification_n be_v a_o action_n orworke_n of_o the_o whole_a trinity_n the_o father_n son_n and_o holy_a ghost_n whereby_o god_n gracious_o and_o free_o impute_v unto_o every_o faithful_a man_n the_o righteousness_n and_o obedience_n of_o christ_n the_o mediator_n do_v accept_v of_o he_o and_o pronounce_v he_o to_o be_v just_a and_o righteous_a for_o the_o glory_n of_o his_o name_n and_o salvation_n of_o the_o believer_n the_o efficient_a cause_n of_o our_o justification_n be_v god_n alone_o as_o appear_v by_o manifest_a testimony_n esa_n 43.25_o ay_o 16.8_o esa_n 43.25_o ezec._n 16.8_o even_o i_o be_o he_o that_o put_v away_o thy_o iniquity_n for_o my_o own_o sake_n and_o will_v not_o remember_v thy_o sin_n so_o ezech._n 16.8_o the_o lord_n thus_o speak_v to_o his_o church_n and_o people_n i_o spread_v my_o skirt_n over_o thou_o and_o cover_v thy_o filthiness_n 9_o then_o i_o wash_v thou_o with_o water_n yea_o i_o wash_v away_o thy_o blood_n from_o thou_o and_o anoint_v thou_o with_o oil_n 10._o 51.4_o rom._n 4.5_o and_o 8.33_o psal_n 51.4_o i_o clothe_v thou_o with_o broydred_a work_n etc._n etc._n whereby_o he_o signify_v
that_o he_o purge_v it_o with_o the_o blood_n of_o christ_n from_o all_o sin_n and_o adorn_v it_o with_o the_o rich_a robe_n of_o his_o righteousness_n the_o apostle_n likewise_o say_v that_o it_o be_v god_n who_o justifi_v he_o who_o in_o himself_o be_v ungodly_a rom._n 4.5_o and_o 8.33_o it_o be_v god_n who_o justifi_v who_o shall_v condemn_v the_o reason_n hereof_o be_v manifest_a because_o it_o be_v the_o lord_n against_o who_o we_o have_v sin_v as_o david_n speak_v psal_n 51.4_o and_o he_o alone_o be_v our_o supreme_a judge_n who_o have_v authority_n to_o absolve_v or_o condemn_v we_o and_o therefore_o he_o only_o can_v give_v unto_o we_o the_o pardon_n and_o remission_n of_o our_o sin_n and_o accept_v of_o we_o as_o just_a and_o righteous_a and_o this_o work_n be_v not_o peculiar_a unto_o any_o one_o person_n but_o be_v commune_v to_o the_o whole_a trinity_n for_o god_n the_o father_n be_v full_o satisfy_v by_o the_o full_a satisfaction_n righteousness_n and_o obedience_n of_o christ_n the_o son_n apply_v unto_o we_o by_o the_o holy_a spirit_n do_v pardon_n and_o forgive_v we_o all_o our_o sin_n and_o pronounce_v and_o accept_v of_o we_o as_o innocent_a and_o endue_v with_o perfect_a righteousness_n the_o motive_n or_o impulsive_a cause_n which_o move_v the_o lord_n thus_o to_o justify_v we_o be_v not_o any_o thing_n in_o we_o or_o out_o of_o himself_o but_o of_o his_o mere_a mercy_n and_o free_a good_a will_n wherewith_o he_o have_v love_v we_o from_o the_o beginning_n as_o it_o manifest_o appear_v rom._n 3.24_o 3.24_o rom._n 3.24_o where_o the_o apostle_n say_v that_o we_o be_v justify_v free_o by_o his_o grace_n through_o the_o redemption_n that_o be_v in_o christ_n jesus_n and_o tit._n 3.5.7_o 3.5.7_o tit._n 3.5.7_o not_o by_o the_o work_n of_o righteousness_n which_o we_o have_v do_v but_o according_a to_o his_o mercy_n he_o save_v we_o by_o the_o wash_n of_o the_o new_a birth_n and_o renew_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n 7._o that_o be_v justify_v by_o his_o grace_n we_o shall_v be_v make_v heir_n according_a to_o the_o hope_n of_o eternal_a life_n the_o instrumental_a cause_n be_v of_o two_o sort_n first_o on_o god_n part_n the_o word_n and_o the_o sacrament_n whereby_o the_o lord_n offer_v convaigh_v seal_v and_o assure_v unto_o we_o his_o mercy_n &_o grace_n christ_n jesus_n with_o his_o merit_n righteousness_n and_o obedience_n the_o remission_n of_o our_o sin_n and_o everlasting_a life_n second_o on_o our_o part_n a_o true_a and_o lively_a faith_n whereby_o we_o receive_v and_o apply_v unto_o ourselves_o the_o mercy_n of_o god_n christ_n jesus_n &_o all_o his_o benefit_n rest_v upon_o he_o alone_o for_o our_o salvation_n §_o sect._n 2_o the_o material_a cause_n of_o our_o justification_n be_v the_o active_a and_o passive_a righteousness_n and_o obedience_n of_o jesus_n christ_n cause_n the_o material_a cause_n his_o inhaerent_a holiness_n his_o fulfil_n of_o the_o law_n his_o death_n sacrifice_n and_o full_a satisfaction_n so_o that_o we_o be_v not_o justify_v by_o the_o essential_a righteousness_n of_o the_o godhead_n nor_o by_o our_o own_o work_n join_v with_o christ_n merit_n nor_o by_o any_o inhaerent_a righteousness_n infuse_v of_o god_n through_o the_o merit_n of_o christ_n or_o by_o any_o other_o thing_n in_o ourselves_o or_o any_o other_o mere_a creature_n but_o by_o the_o alone_a righteousness_n of_o our_o mediator_n jesus_n christ_n god_n and_o man_n which_o be_v out_o of_o ourselves_o and_o in_o christ_n as_o the_o proper_a subject_n thereof_o and_o not_o belong_v to_o we_o till_o by_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n and_o a_o lively_a faith_n it_o be_v apply_v unto_o we_o and_o so_o become_v we_o cause_n of_o the_o formal_a cause_n the_o formal_a cause_n of_o our_o justification_n be_v a_o reciprocal_a imputation_n or_o transmutation_n of_o the_o sin_n of_o the_o believer_n unto_o christ_n and_o of_o his_o righteousness_n unto_o the_o believer_n whereby_o it_o come_v to_o pass_v that_o the_o faithful_a man_n have_v not_o his_o sin_n impute_v unto_o he_o nor_o the_o punishment_n due_a unto_o they_o inflict_v on_o he_o because_o christ_n have_v take_v upon_o he_o the_o guilt_n and_o punishment_n and_o by_o make_v full_a satisfaction_n unto_o his_o father_n justice_n have_v obtain_v the_o pardon_n and_o remission_n of_o all_o his_o sin_n and_o also_o be_v clothe_v with_o the_o glorious_a robe_n of_o christ_n jesus_n righteousness_n and_o so_o appear_v before_o god_n both_o free_a from_o all_o sin_n and_o endue_v with_o perfect_a righteousness_n he_o be_v justify_v reconcile_v and_o eternal_o save_v and_o of_o this_o impute_a righteousness_n the_o apostle_n speak_v rom._n 4.5_o 4.5_o rom._n 4.5_o but_o to_o he_o that_o work_v not_o but_o believe_v in_o he_o that_o justifi_v the_o ungodly_a his_o faith_n be_v count_v for_o righteousness_n 6._o even_o as_o david_n declare_v the_o blessedness_n of_o the_o man_n unto_o who_o god_n impute_v righteousness_n without_o work_n say_v 7._o bless_a be_v they_o who_o iniquity_n be_v forgive_v and_o who_o sin_n be_v cover_v 8._o blessed_a be_v the_o man_n unto_o who_o the_o lord_n impute_v not_o sin_n and_o 2._o cor._n 5.19_o 5.19_o 2._o cor._n 5.19_o for_o god_n be_v in_o christ_n and_o reconcile_v the_o world_n unto_o himself_o not_o impute_v their_o sin_n unto_o they_o etc._n etc._n 21._o for_o he_o have_v make_v he_o to_o be_v sin_n for_o we_o which_o know_v no_o sin_n that_o we_o shall_v be_v make_v the_o righteousness_n of_o god_n in_o he_o and_o the_o apostle_n affirm_v 1._o cor._n 1.30_o that_o jesus_n christ_n be_v make_v unto_o we_o of_o god_n wisdom_n 1.30_o 1._o cor._n 1.30_o righteousness_n sanctification_n and_o redemption_n so_o that_o now_o christ_n righteousness_n be_v our_o righteousness_n his_o obedience_n our_o obedience_n his_o merit_n our_o merit_n as_o certain_o perfect_o and_o effectual_o even_o as_o if_o we_o ourselves_o have_v be_v most_o innocent_a fulfil_v the_o law_n or_o make_v full_a satisfaction_n to_o god_n justice_n by_o which_o it_o appear_v that_o in_o respect_n of_o ourselves_o we_o be_v justify_v free_o of_o god_n mere_a mercy_n &_o grace_n without_o any_o respect_n of_o our_o own_o righteousness_n or_o worthiness_n but_o yet_o through_o christ_n and_o for_o his_o righteousness_n and_o obedience_n impute_v pute_v to_o we_o 3.23.24_o rom._n 3.23.24_o both_o which_o be_v signify_v by_o the_o apostle_n rom._n 3.23.24_o where_o he_o say_v that_o all_o in_o themselves_o be_v wretched_a sinner_n without_o difference_n and_o thereby_o be_v deprive_v of_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n kingdom_n 24._o and_o be_v justify_v free_o of_o his_o grace_n through_o the_o redemption_n which_o be_v in_o christ_n jesus_n §_o sect._n 3_o cause_n the_o final_a cause_n the_o final_a cause_n of_o our_o instification_n be_v two_o fold_n the_o chief_a and_o principal_n be_v the_o glory_n of_o god_n for_o hereby_o the_o lord_n have_v most_o notable_o manifest_v his_o infinite_a justice_n and_o mercy_n his_o justice_n in_o that_o he_o will_v rather_o punish_v our_o sin_n in_o his_o only_a beget_v son_n than_o he_o will_v suffer_v they_o to_o go_v unpunished_a his_o mercy_n in_o that_o for_o our_o sake_n he_o spare_v not_o his_o best_a belove_a son_n but_o give_v he_o to_o suffer_v death_n yea_o the_o death_n of_o the_o cross_n that_o by_o his_o one_o oblation_n he_o may_v make_v full_a satisfaction_n for_o our_o sin_n and_o purchase_v for_o we_o everlasting_a life_n and_o also_o in_o that_o he_o vouchsafe_v unto_o we_o the_o outward_a mean_n of_o his_o word_n and_o sacrament_n and_o the_o inward_a assistance_n of_o his_o holy_a spirit_n whereby_o we_o be_v unite_v unto_o christ_n and_o have_v a_o lively_a faith_n beget_v in_o we_o which_o apprehend_v christ_n his_o righteousness_n and_o merit_n we_o be_v justify_v sanctify_a and_o eternal_o save_v and_o this_o end_n be_v signify_v by_o the_o apostle_n rom._n 3.24.25_o where_o he_o say_v that_o god_n have_v justify_v we_o free_o by_o his_o grace_n 5.21_o rom_n 3.24_o &_o 5.21_o through_o the_o redemption_n which_o be_v in_o christ_n jesus_n to_o declare_v his_o righteousness_n by_o the_o forgiveness_n of_o sin_n and_o may_v show_v himself_o just_a by_o justify_v he_o who_o be_v of_o the_o faith_n of_o jesus_n and_o cap._n 5.21_o he_o say_v that_o as_o under_o the_o law_n sin_n have_v reign_v unto_o death_n so_o now_o grace_n reign_v by_o righteousness_n unto_o eternal_a life_n through_o jesus_n christ_n our_o lord_n 2.5.6.7_o ephe._n 2.5.6.7_o so_o eph._n 2.5.6.7_o he_o affirm_v that_o god_n have_v quicken_v we_o in_o christ_n who_o be_v dead_a in_o our_o sin_n &_o have_v raise_v we_o up_o in_o he_o that_o he_o may_v show_v in_o the_o age_n to_o come_v the_o exceed_a riches_n of_o his_o grace_n through_o his_o kindness_n towards_o we_o in_o christ_n jesus_n the_o
and_o be_v ready_a again_o to_o give_v they_o the_o foil_n and_o to_o lead_v they_o captive_a into_o the_o same_o sin_n if_o the_o lord_n uphold_v they_o not_o so_o that_o inrespect_n of_o their_o own_o strength_n they_o may_v fall_v again_o as_o in_o former_a time_n second_o the_o same_o cause_n still_o remain_v which_o may_v move_v the_o lord_n to_o leave_v they_o to_o themselves_o and_o suffer_v they_o to_o fall_v namely_o that_o hereby_o they_o may_v be_v more_o humble_v and_o more_o serious_o bewail_v their_o corruption_n that_o they_o may_v more_o earnest_o implore_v his_o mercy_n and_o he_o more_o manifest_a it_o in_o pardon_v their_o sin_n to_o the_o praise_n of_o his_o glory_n three_o howsoever_o this_o be_v not_o usual_a with_o the_o child_n of_o god_n to_o fall_v diverse_a time_n into_o a_o sin_n which_o be_v great_a and_o grievous_a yet_o every_o one_o find_v in_o his_o own_o experience_n that_o he_o often_o commit_v such_o sin_n as_o be_v not_o so_o heinous_a through_o infirmity_n and_o weakness_n as_o to_o hear_v the_o word_n negligent_o and_o careless_o to_o be_v distract_v with_o wander_a thought_n in_o prayer_n to_o fall_v into_o unjust_a anger_n to_o lie_v and_o use_v idle_a communication_n and_o such_o like_a of_o which_o notwithstanding_o repent_v he_o be_v receive_v unto_o mercy_n so_o that_o it_o be_v not_o the_o often_o fall_v into_o the_o same_o sin_n that_o exclude_v we_o out_o of_o the_o number_n of_o god_n child_n or_o debar_v we_o of_o pardon_n so_o that_o we_o often_o repent_v lay_v hold_v upon_o christ_n with_o a_o lively_a faith_n neither_o do_v the_o scripture_n limit_v and_o restrain_v god_n mereie_v and_o the_o virtue_n of_o christ_n merit_n to_o the_o pardon_v and_o take_v away_o of_o diverse_a sin_n once_o commit_v but_o extend_v they_o also_o to_o the_o same_o sin_n commit_v diverse_a time_n yea_o to_o all_o sin_n whatsoever_o of_o which_o we_o true_o repent_v chap._n xi_o satan_n temptation_n persuade_v the_o christian_n that_o he_o have_v sin_v against_o the_o holy_a ghost_n answer_v §_o sect._n 1_o and_o thus_o have_v i_o answer_v satan_n temptation_n draw_v from_o these_o sin_n which_o the_o weak_a christian_n have_v fall_v into_o ghost_n of_o the_o sin_n against_o the_o holy_a ghost_n but_o if_o he_o can_v so_o prevail_v than_o he_o will_v false_o accuse_v they_o of_o those_o sin_n which_o they_o never_o commit_v and_o especial_o of_o that_o unpardonable_a sin_n against_o the_o holy_a ghost_n take_v advantage_n of_o their_o ignorance_n that_o so_o he_o may_v plunge_v they_o into_o desperation_n and_o utter_o discourage_v they_o from_o go_v forward_o in_o the_o course_n of_o godliness_n the_o which_o his_o temptation_n be_v so_o usual_a and_o common_a that_o there_o be_v scarce_o any_o who_o be_v exercise_v in_o this_o spiritual_a warfare_n if_o they_o be_v convert_v unto_o god_n out_o of_o their_o ignorance_n who_o he_o do_v not_o encounter_v with_o this_o weapon_n for_o as_o much_o therefore_o as_o ignorance_n be_v the_o chief_a ground_n of_o this_o temptation_n therefore_o the_o best_a mean_n to_o strengthen_v ourselves_o against_o it_o be_v to_o know_v what_o this_o sin_n be_v which_o if_o we_o once_o understand_v there_o be_v no_o danger_n of_o be_v foil_v in_o this_o assault_n be_v what_o the_o sin_n against_o the_o holy_a ghost_n be_v the_o sin_n against_o the_o holy_a ghost_n be_v a_o general_a denial_n and_o oppugn_v of_o the_o truth_n and_o all_o religion_n of_o which_o the_o understanding_n and_o conscience_n by_o the_o illumination_n of_o the_o spirit_n be_v persuade_v and_o convict_v proceed_v from_o a_o obstinate_a will_n and_o purpose_a malice_n against_o god_n and_o his_o truth_n the_o which_o sin_n be_v commit_v of_o two_o sort_n of_o man_n first_o of_o those_o who_o have_v make_v profession_n of_o the_o truth_n and_o afterward_o become_v apostate_n not_o from_o some_o part_n only_o but_o from_o all_o religion_n condemn_v blaspheme_a and_o persecute_v as_o heretical_a and_o impious_a that_o truth_n which_o before_o they_o profess_v and_o of_o which_o they_o be_v persuade_v and_o thus_o do_v hymeneus_n and_o alexander_n sin_n 1.20_o 1._o tim._n 1.20_o of_o who_o paul_n speak_v 1._o tim._n 1.20_o second_o of_o those_o who_o be_v never_o professor_n thereof_o martyr_n matth._n 12.24.31_o steven_n gardner_n see_v his_o story_n in_o the_o book_n of_o martyr_n who_o conscience_n notwithstanding_o be_v convict_v of_o that_o truth_n which_o they_o do_v oppugn_v a_o example_n whereof_o we_o have_v in_o the_o scribe_n and_o pharisee_n matth._n 12.24.31_o and_o in_o many_o of_o the_o learned_a papist_n in_o these_o day_n who_o malicious_o deny_v and_o persecute_v that_o truth_n which_o they_o know_v and_o be_v convict_v of_o §_o sect._n 2_o hereby_o therefore_o it_o appear_v that_o not_o every_o grievous_a sin_n against_o knowledge_n and_o conscience_n be_v the_o sin_n against_o the_o holy_a ghost_n sin_n how_o to_o distinguish_v the_o sin_n against_o the_o holy_a ghost_n from_o other_o sin_n for_o thus_o david_n offend_v who_o be_v a_o man_n according_a to_o god_n own_o heart_n nor_o every_o deny_v of_o the_o know_a truth_n if_o it_o proceed_v from_o fear_n and_o infirmity_n and_o not_o from_o malice_n and_o obstinate_a rebellion_n for_o thus_o peter_n sin_v in_o deny_v his_o master_n nor_o all_o kind_n of_o oppose_v and_o persecute_v of_o the_o truth_n if_o it_o be_v not_o against_o knowledge_n and_o conscience_n but_o upon_o blindness_n and_o ignorance_n for_o thus_o paul_n offend_v before_o his_o conversion_n 1.13_o 1._o tim._n 1.13_o as_o appear_v 1._o tim._n 1.13_o and_o many_o of_o the_o jew_n who_o crucify_v christ_n as_o the_o apostle_n peter_n testify_v 3.17_o act._n 3.17_o act._n 3.17_o nor_o all_o malicious_a oppose_v against_o every_o know_a truth_n but_o of_o the_o truth_n in_o general_a and_o all_o true_a religion_n for_o this_o sin_n be_v a_o universal_a apostasy_n from_o god_n and_o his_o truth_n and_o not_o only_o a_o defection_n from_o some_o particular_a point_n thereof_o so_o that_o though_o a_o man_n sin_n against_o knowledge_n and_o conscience_n through_o infirmity_n and_o not_o of_o malice_n though_o he_o deny_v the_o truth_n through_o fear_n and_o weakness_n though_o he_o persecute_v it_o through_o blindness_n and_o ignorance_n though_o he_o witting_o oppose_v against_o and_o willing_o persecute_v some_o particular_a point_n thereof_o and_o yet_o hold_v and_o profess_v the_o general_a howsoever_o he_o have_v most_o heinous_o offend_v yet_o he_o have_v not_o commit_v this_o unpardonable_a sin_n against_o the_o holy_a spirit_n and_o therefore_o be_v not_o exclude_v from_o repentance_n nor_o upon_o his_o repentance_n from_o pardon_n and_o forgiveness_n whereby_o it_o manifest_o appear_v that_o these_o poor_a christian_n which_o labour_n under_o the_o burden_n of_o sin_n be_v mere_o delude_v by_o satan_n false_a suggestion_n and_o gross_o abuse_v through_o their_o own_o ignorance_n when_o as_o he_o make_v they_o believe_v that_o they_o have_v sin_v against_o the_o holy_a ghost_n but_o let_v such_o know_v to_o their_o comfort_n that_o so_o long_o as_o they_o will_v not_o commit_v this_o sin_n or_o fear_v lest_o they_o have_v already_o fall_v into_o it_o they_o be_v as_o yet_o most_o free_a from_o it_o see_v it_o be_v not_o do_v of_o infirmity_n or_o at_o unaware_o but_o upon_o a_o malicious_a will_n clear_a knowledge_n and_o settle_a resolution_n §_o sect._n 3_o but_o here_o the_o poor_a christian_n be_v ready_a to_o complain_v that_o he_o be_v continual_o trouble_v with_o impious_a thought_n suggestion_n of_o impious_a and_o blasphemous_a suggestion_n and_o horrible_a blasphemy_n against_o god_n and_o his_o holy_a spirit_n which_o he_o fear_v to_o be_v the_o sin_n against_o the_o holy_a ghost_n i_o answer_v as_o before_o that_o see_v these_o thought_n be_v a_o trouble_n unto_o he_o and_o see_v he_o fear_v to_o commit_v this_o sin_n thereby_o it_o be_v manifest_a that_o he_o be_v not_o fall_v into_o it_o as_o appeareth_z by_o that_o which_o have_v be_v say_v second_o he_o be_v to_o know_v that_o his_o state_n be_v common_a with_o god_n faithful_a child_n who_o be_v thus_o vex_v especial_o in_o the_o conflict_n of_o temptation_n and_o before_o they_o have_v receive_v a_o great_a measure_n of_o faith_n and_o fullness_n of_o persuasion_n of_o god_n love_n and_o favour_n whereby_o they_o be_v move_v entire_o to_o love_v he_o again_o neither_o need_v this_o to_o seem_v strange_a unto_o any_o who_o consider_v of_o that_o mass_n of_o natural_a corruption_n which_o remain_v in_o we_o even_o after_o regeneration_n which_o continual_o boil_v and_o foam_v up_o the_o filthy_a scumine_fw-la of_o wicked_a thought_n and_o blasphemous_a imagination_n and_o of_o the_o malice_n of_o our_o spiritual_a enemy_n satan_n who_o be_v still_o ready_a to_o tempt_v we_o by_o his_o suggestion_n to_o the_o
undoubted_a sign_n of_o true_a faith_n and_o therefore_o let_v not_o satan_n delude_v we_o 25._o matth._n 25._o by_o persuade_v swade_v we_o that_o piety_n without_o honesty_n profession_n without_o practice_n faith_n without_o work_n be_v sufficient_a for_o our_o salvation_n §_o sect._n 6_o but_o if_o they_o be_v sincere_a professor_n christian_n how_o satan_n deal_v with_o sincere_a professor_n and_o first_o with_o the_o weak_a christian_n than_o he_o observe_v whether_o they_o be_v babe_n or_o strong_a man_n in_o christ_n if_o he_o find_v they_o babe_n than_o he_o seek_v to_o abuse_v their_o simplicity_n by_o draw_v they_o either_o into_o error_n and_o heresy_n or_o at_o least_o into_o blind_a zeal_n and_o superstition_n if_o he_o can_v so_o prevail_v by_o reason_n that_o the_o bright_a beam_n of_o the_o gospel_n shine_v in_o the_o preach_n of_o the_o word_n do_v discover_v his_o error_n and_o lie_n give_v light_n to_o those_o that_o sit_v in_o the_o darkness_n of_o ignorance_n and_o in_o the_o shadow_n of_o death_n whereby_o their_o foot_n be_v guide_v into_o the_o way_n of_o peace_n than_o he_o labour_v to_o overwhelm_v they_o with_o the_o burden_n of_o their_o sin_n and_o to_o plunge_v they_o into_o the_o bottomless_a gulf_n of_o horror_n and_o despair_n by_o aggravate_v the_o odiousnes_n of_o their_o rebellion_n and_o huge_a multitude_n of_o their_o outrageous_a transgression_n by_o set_v before_o they_o the_o curse_n of_o the_o law_n the_o vengeance_n of_o god_n due_a unto_o they_o his_o infinite_a and_o exact_a justice_n which_o must_v be_v satisfy_v and_o the_o unspeakable_a and_o endless_a torment_n prepare_v for_o the_o damn_a but_o if_o he_o can_v aggravate_v their_o sin_n which_o in_o truth_n they_o have_v commit_v and_o make_v of_o they_o such_o a_o huge_a mountain_n as_o may_v serve_v to_o overwhelm_v they_o he_o add_v unto_o they_o his_o own_o sin_n by_o cast_v into_o their_o mind_n outrageous_a blasphemy_n against_o god_n and_o such_o horrible_a suggestion_n of_o impiety_n as_o it_o will_v make_v their_o hair_n to_o stand_v on_o end_n when_o they_o do_v but_o think_v of_o they_o persuade_v they_o that_o they_o be_v their_o own_o thought_n and_o therefore_o horrible_a sin_n whereas_o in_o truth_n they_o be_v but_o his_o suggestion_n and_o therefore_o if_o we_o do_v repel_v and_o reject_v they_o they_o be_v not_o our_o sin_n but_o the_o sin_n of_o the_o tempter_n for_o as_o it_o be_v not_o our_o fault_n if_o a_o thief_n entice_v we_o to_o steal_v so_o we_o do_v not_o entertain_v his_o motion_n but_o show_v our_o detestation_n of_o his_o sin_n so_o it_o be_v not_o a_o sin_n to_o be_v tempt_v if_o we_o present_o do_v repel_v the_o suggestion_n and_o do_v not_o yield_v unto_o the_o temptation_n and_o this_o may_v appear_v by_o our_o saviour_n christ_n himself_o who_o though_o he_o be_v free_a from_o sin_n yet_o he_o be_v tempt_v in_o all_o thing_n like_v unto_o we_o and_o so_o not_o free_a from_o satan_n suggestion_n for_o he_o be_v tempt_v to_o diffidence_n to_o tempt_a god_n yea_o to_o the_o worship_v of_o the_o devil_n himself_o but_o resist_v satan_n suggestion_n he_o be_v not_o guilty_a of_o sin_n who_o example_n if_o we_o imitate_v satan_n blasphemous_a temptation_n shall_v never_o be_v lay_v to_o our_o charge_n neither_o be_v it_o possible_a to_o be_v free_a from_o temptation_n although_o it_o be_v possible_a by_o god_n grace_n to_o resist_v they_o but_o more_o of_o this_o hereafter_o §_o sect._n 7_o if_o by_o this_o mean_v he_o can_v overthrow_v their_o faith_n &_o bring_v they_o to_o despair_n ignorance_n how_o satan_n entice_v the_o weak_a christian_a to_o commit_v sin_n of_o ignorance_n than_o he_o take_v advantage_n of_o their_o simplicity_n by_o entice_v they_o to_o commit_v sin_n of_o ignorance_n for_o example_n he_o will_v tell_v they_o that_o it_o be_v lawful_a nay_o expedient_a to_o use_v their_o christian_a liberty_n when_o he_o tempt_v they_o to_o licentiousness_n and_o to_o the_o end_n he_o may_v more_o easy_o deceive_v they_o he_o will_v set_v a_o fair_a gloss_n upon_o foul_a sin_n and_o seek_v to_o justify_v they_o by_o god_n word_n apparel_v vice_n in_o the_o habit_n of_o those_o virtue_n which_o most_o resemble_v they_o he_o will_v tempt_v to_o covetousness_n under_o show_n of_o frugality_n tell_v they_o that_o they_o who_o provide_v not_o for_o their_o family_n be_v worse_o than_o infidel_n and_o to_o prodigality_n under_o the_o pretence_n of_o liberality_n allege_v that_o they_o who_o sow_v plentiful_o shall_v reap_v plentiful_o he_o will_v allure_v they_o to_o tempt_v god_n by_o neglect_v those_o mean_n which_o he_o have_v grant_v they_o under_o the_o colour_n of_o affiance_n in_o god_n and_o to_o trust_v in_o the_o mean_n under_o the_o vizard_n of_o careful_a providence_n he_o will_v tempt_v they_o to_o propound_v this_o end_n of_o their_o good_a work_n that_o they_o may_v be_v save_v by_o they_o because_o god_n have_v promise_v to_o reward_v they_o or_o to_o neglect_v good_a work_n as_o unnecessary_a to_o salvation_n because_o faith_n alone_o justifi_v which_o temptation_n if_o we_o will_v withstand_v we_o must_v labour_v after_o true_a save_a knowledge_n that_o we_o may_v discern_v between_o virtue_n and_o vice_n truth_n and_o error_n that_o which_o god_n have_v forbid_v as_o unlawful_a from_o that_o which_o he_o have_v command_v as_o lawful_a to_o this_o end_n use_v diligent_o all_o good_a mean_n which_o tend_v to_o this_o purpose_n as_o hear_v read_v meditate_v and_o confer_v of_o god_n word_n that_o so_o the_o cloud_n of_o ignorance_n be_v dispel_v with_o the_o light_n of_o knowledge_n we_o may_v discover_v satan_n delusion_n and_o deceit_n otherwise_o if_o he_o deprive_v we_o of_o knowledge_n which_o be_v the_o eye_n of_o the_o soul_n he_o may_v easy_o seduce_v we_o out_o of_o the_o right_a way_n into_o the_o gulf_n of_o perdition_n §_o sect._n 8_o and_o thus_o satan_n deal_v with_o the_o weak_a christian_a but_o if_o he_o find_v those_o who_o he_o assault_v strong_a man_n in_o christ_n so_o that_o he_o can_v take_v any_o advantage_n of_o their_o ignorance_n christian_a how_o satan_n deal_v with_o the_o strong_a christian_a nor_o overthrow_v their_o faith_n than_o he_o labour_v to_o make_v they_o wound_v their_o conscience_n by_o commit_v sin_n of_o presumption_n against_o their_o knowledge_n use_v the_o violence_n of_o their_o affection_n to_o abuse_v their_o reason_n and_o mislead_v their_o judgement_n the_o danger_n of_o which_o temptation_n david_n well_o discern_v by_o his_o own_o woeful_a experience_n do_v earnest_o entreat_v the_o lord_n to_o preserve_v he_o from_o presumptuous_a sin_n 19.13_o psal_n 19.13_o psal_n 19.13_o and_o thus_o have_v satan_n prevail_v with_o so_o many_o of_o god_n own_o child_n that_o he_o dare_v therewith_o assault_v our_o saviour_n christ_n himself_o by_o offer_v he_o the_o whole_a world_n and_o the_o glory_n thereof_o if_o he_o will_v fall_v down_o and_o worship_v he_o that_o his_o affection_n tickle_v with_o ambition_n may_v move_v he_o to_o commit_v this_o sin_n for_o the_o satisfy_a his_o desire_n but_o if_o he_o can_v thus_o prevail_v 11.14_o 2._o cor._n 11.14_o he_o will_v transform_v himself_o into_o a_o angel_n of_o light_n and_o tempt_v they_o to_o the_o do_v of_o a_o less_o good_a that_o they_o may_v neglect_v a_o great_a or_o that_o which_o be_v in_o itself_o lawful_a and_o command_v in_o his_o due_a time_n &_o place_n he_o will_v tempt_v they_o to_o perform_v it_o unreasonable_o when_o as_o other_o duty_n in_o respect_n of_o present_a occasion_n be_v more_o necessary_a and_o so_o use_v one_o virtue_n or_o duty_n to_o shoulder_v another_o &_o thrust_v it_o disorderly_o out_o of_o it_o own_o place_n and_o stand_v for_o example_n in_o the_o hear_n of_o the_o word_n he_o will_v cast_v into_o their_o mind_n meditation_n in_o their_o own_o nature_n good_a and_o acceptable_a to_o god_n in_o their_o due_a time_n and_o place_n to_o the_o end_n he_o may_v distract_v their_o mind_n and_o make_v they_o hear_v without_o profit_n in_o the_o time_n of_o prayer_n he_o will_v not_o stick_v to_o recall_v to_o their_o memory_n some_o profitable_a instruction_n which_o they_o have_v hear_v at_o the_o sermon_n to_o the_o end_n he_o may_v disturb_v they_o in_o that_o holy_a exercise_n and_o keep_v they_o from_o lift_v up_o their_o heart_n whole_o unto_o god_n moreover_o in_o all_o his_o temptation_n he_o will_v allege_v scripture_n but_o then_o either_o he_o deprave_v the_o place_n by_o add_v or_o distract_n as_o when_o he_o allege_v scripture_n to_o our_o saviour_n christ_n matth._n 4_o 6._o it_o be_v write_v he_o will_v give_v his_o angel_n charge_v over_o thou_o etc._n etc._n and_o leave_v out_o to_o keep_v thou_o in_o all_o thy_o way_n which_o be_v express_v in_o the_o place_n he_o quote_v psal_n
undertake_v above_o all_o humane_a reason_n and_o power_n for_o have_v not_o the_o devil_n in_o former_a time_n and_o do_v he_o not_o still_o at_o this_o day_n oppose_v himself_o against_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o do_v not_o his_o curse_a instrument_n ungodly_a man_n the_o more_o they_o exceed_v in_o wickedness_n the_o more_o bend_v their_o whole_a power_n malicious_o to_o oppugn_v this_o truth_n persecute_v the_o child_n of_o god_n for_o this_o cause_n only_o that_o they_o be_v professor_n and_o practizer_n of_o god_n true_a religion_n and_o whence_o proceed_v this_o malicious_a opposition_n but_o from_o this_o that_o the_o scripture_n be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o therefore_o as_o they_o hate_v and_o oppose_v themselves_o against_o god_n himself_o so_o also_o against_o his_o word_n and_o because_o they_o know_v that_o by_o this_o light_a their_o work_n of_o darkness_n be_v discover_v therefore_o they_o labour_v to_o put_v it_o clean_o out_o that_o their_o wickedness_n may_v not_o be_v descry_v because_o it_o be_v pure_a and_o holy_a they_o can_v endure_v it_o they_o themselves_o be_v corrupt_a and_o wicked_a because_o it_o be_v the_o rule_n of_o justice_n which_o show_v the_o crookedness_n of_o their_o way_n they_o will_v if_o they_o be_v able_a burn_v it_o or_o cut_v it_o in_o piece_n because_o it_o be_v the_o word_n by_o which_o they_o be_v condemn_v therefore_o they_o loathe_v as_o much_o to_o hear_v it_o as_o the_o prisoner_n do_v abhor_v to_o hear_v the_o sentence_n of_o the_o just_a judge_n and_o hence_o proceed_v their_o opposition_n and_o oppugn_v of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n with_o all_o their_o force_n and_o might_n but_o all_o in_o vain_a for_o the_o more_o the_o devil_n and_o wicked_a man_n rage_n against_o the_o word_n of_o god_n the_o more_o by_o the_o almighty_a power_n of_o god_n support_v it_o the_o glory_n thereof_o appear_v and_o spread_v itself_o over_o the_o face_n of_o the_o earth_n the_o more_o they_o labour_v to_o keep_v it_o down_o the_o more_o it_o flourish_v and_o as_o they_o who_o go_v about_o to_o stop_v the_o current_n of_o a_o mighty_a river_n do_v but_o make_v it_o to_o swell_v the_o high_a and_o overflow_v all_o the_o country_n whereas_o before_o it_o be_v contain_v within_o the_o compass_n of_o his_o own_o bank_n so_o when_o satan_n and_o his_o wicked_a imp_n do_v seek_v to_o stay_v this_o heavenly_a stream_n which_o flow_v from_o god_n sanctuary_n and_o labour_n may_v and_o main_a to_o hinder_v the_o passage_n &_o propagation_n of_o god_n truth_n the_o more_o it_o spread_v itself_o maugre_o their_o malice_n and_o overflow_v the_o whole_a earth_n and_o whence_o can_v the_o defeat_n and_o frustrate_v of_o this_o powerful_a violence_n proceed_v but_o from_o a_o great_a power_n even_o the_o power_n of_o god_n for_o though_o all_o man_n shall_v combine_v themselves_o together_o they_o be_v unable_a to_o resist_v satan_n rage_n or_o protect_v the_o word_n of_o god_n from_o utter_a ruin_n only_o the_o lord_n who_o power_n be_v omnipotent_a can_v thus_o uphold_v it_o and_o make_v it_o prevail_v against_o all_o the_o power_n of_o hell_n and_o as_o the_o lord_n by_o preserve_v and_o defend_v the_o scripture_n from_o the_o begin_n unto_o this_o day_n do_v evident_o show_v that_o they_o be_v his_o own_o word_n and_o reveal_v will_n so_o also_o by_o punish_v even_o in_o this_o life_n with_o utter_a ruin_n and_o destruction_n all_o those_o who_o have_v most_o violent_o and_o malicious_o oppose_v themselves_o against_o it_o and_o persecute_v the_o saint_n of_o god_n for_o the_o profession_n hereof_o as_o may_v appear_v notable_o in_o the_o example_n of_o antiochus_n epiphanes_n herod_n nero_n domitian_n dioclesian_n julian_n the_o apostata_fw-la and_o many_o other_o who_o by_o their_o shameful_a and_o horrible_a death_n testify_v and_o prove_v the_o scripture_n to_o be_v the_o truth_n of_o god_n which_o they_o have_v oppugn_v and_o persecute_v the_o whole_a course_n of_o their_o wicked_a life_n §_o sect._n 7_o six_o the_o lord_n have_v approve_v the_o scripture_n to_o be_v his_o truth_n by_o wonderful_a miracle_n miracle_n the_o sixth_o reason_n take_v from_o miracle_n which_o satan_n himself_o can_v so_o much_o as_o imitate_v as_o by_o give_v the_o blind_a their_o sight_n raise_v the_o dead_a to_o life_n turn_v back_o the_o course_n of_o the_o sun_n in_o the_o firmament_n divide_v the_o sea_n in_o two_o part_n and_o such_o like_a which_o miracle_n be_v wrought_v by_o the_o almighty_a power_n of_o god_n to_o this_o end_n that_o the_o faithful_a may_v be_v confirm_v in_o the_o assurance_n of_o god_n truth_n and_o the_o wicked_a convince_a but_o against_o this_o satan_n will_v be_v ready_a to_o suggest_v that_o there_o be_v never_o any_o such_o miracle_n as_o be_v record_v in_o the_o scripture_n to_o which_o i_o answer_v that_o these_o miracle_n be_v not_o do_v in_o a_o corner_n or_o in_o hug_a mugger_n but_o in_o the_o presence_n of_o great_a multitude_n otherwise_o the_o prophet_n and_o apostle_n who_o be_v but_o mean_a and_o simple_a man_n shall_v have_v labour_v in_o vain_a to_o have_v persuade_v man_n to_o have_v embrace_v their_o doctrine_n and_o religion_n especial_o be_v so_o contrary_a to_o humane_a wisdom_n and_o our_o natural_a disposition_n and_o affection_n if_o they_o have_v only_o themselves_o report_v or_o bring_v some_o few_o witness_n of_o their_o miracle_n wrought_v and_o not_o public_o show_v they_o to_o all_o the_o people_n moreover_o see_v this_o doctrine_n have_v have_v so_o many_o enemy_n from_o the_o beginning_n it_o be_v not_o probable_a but_o that_o they_o will_v have_v exclame_v and_o write_v against_o the_o writing_n of_o the_o prophet_n and_o apostle_n as_o soon_o as_o they_o be_v publish_v for_o write_v such_o thing_n as_o be_v never_o do_v but_o among_o all_o those_o who_o have_v oppose_v themselves_o against_o the_o scripture_n there_o be_v no_o man_n so_o impudent_a as_o to_o deny_v that_o such_o miracle_n be_v do_v of_o which_o so_o many_o be_v eye-witness_n nay_o contrariwise_o the_o heathen_a themselves_o who_o neither_o know_v god_n nor_o his_o true_a religion_n have_v make_v mention_n of_o they_o in_o their_o writing_n and_o the_o jew_n who_o to_o this_o day_n withstand_v the_o work_n of_o redemption_n wrought_v by_o christ_n do_v notwithstanding_o confess_v that_o such_o miracle_n be_v wrought_v by_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n neither_o in_o truth_n be_v they_o able_a to_o gainsay_v they_o see_v they_o have_v receive_v this_o truth_n by_o tradition_n from_o their_o father_n and_o therefore_o they_o be_v drive_v to_o confess_v that_o christ_n be_v a_o great_a prophet_n though_o not_o the_o promise_a messiah_n §_o sect._n 8_o seventhly_a the_o constant_a testimony_n of_o innumerable_a martyr_n who_o have_v seal_v this_o truth_n with_o their_o dear_a blood_n martyr_n the_o seven_o reason_n take_v from_o the_o testimony_n of_o martyr_n be_v a_o notable_a argument_n to_o assure_v we_o that_o it_o be_v indeed_o the_o word_n of_o god_n for_o it_o be_v not_o likely_a that_o so_o many_o will_v so_o constant_o and_o cheerful_o have_v suffer_v for_o their_o profession_n the_o most_o exquisite_a torment_n that_o wit_n and_o malice_n can_v invent_v if_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n have_v not_o certain_o assure_v they_o that_o it_o be_v the_o truth_n of_o god_n and_o if_o it_o have_v not_o support_v they_o in_o suffer_v these_o torment_n above_o all_o humane_a power_n and_o strength_n and_o whereas_o it_o may_v be_v object_v that_o wicked_a man_n have_v suffer_v also_o for_o their_o sect_n opinion_n and_o heresy_n we_o be_v to_o know_v that_o there_o be_v great_a differece_n between_o they_o first_o because_o the_o number_n have_v be_v few_o who_o have_v suffer_v for_o their_o several_a sect_n and_o heresy_n but_o the_o martyr_n almost_o innumerable_a who_o have_v suffer_v for_o the_o same_o truth_n second_o the_o same_o cheerfulness_n constancy_n and_o rejoice_v in_o their_o suffering_n have_v not_o be_v in_o they_o who_o have_v suffer_v for_o their_o error_n which_o have_v always_o be_v observe_v in_o god_n saint_n and_o last_o these_o heretic_n have_v always_o be_v confute_v and_o convince_v of_o their_o error_n and_o heresy_n before_o their_o suffering_n whereas_o god_n saint_n direct_v by_o his_o holy_a spirit_n have_v stop_v the_o mouth_n of_o their_o adversary_n with_o the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n word_n which_o satan_n himself_o can_v resist_v and_o through_o violent_a rage_n be_v unconuict_v have_v be_v lead_v to_o the_o slaughter_n chap._n xx._n other_o reason_n to_o prove_v that_o the_o scripture_n be_v indict_v by_o god_n spirit_n take_v from_o the_o scripture_n themselves_o §_o sect._n 1_o the_o eight_o reason_n to_o prove_v that_o the_o scripture_n be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n handle_v the_o eight_o reason_n take_v from_o the_o argument_n which_o