care_n of_o the_o head_n to_o bring_v his_o member_n to_o perfect_a blessedness_n joh._n 17.12_o where_o he_o be_v call_v the_o saviour_n of_o his_o body_n eph._n 5.23_o and_o this_o also_o be_v the_o scope_n of_o all_o châ—ists_n member_n that_o together_o with_o their_o head_n they_o may_v participate_v of_o that_o blessedness_n as_o paul_n phil._n 3.14_o three_o the_o head_n and_o member_n have_v a_o continuity_n between_o themselves_o and_o all_o have_v their_o act_n and_o information_n from_o the_o same_o soul_n so_o this_o mystical_a head_n and_o all_o his_o member_n have_v a_o certain_a continuity_n between_o themselves_o and_o have_v their_o spiritual_a information_n and_o vivification_n from_o the_o same_o principle_n for_o between_o châ—ist_n and_o his_o member_n there_o be_v a_o certain_a conjunction_n by_o mean_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n who_o rest_v more_o full_o in_o christ_n our_o head_n flow_v from_o thence_o into_o all_o the_o member_n give_v life_n to_o all_o and_o unite_n all_o ephes._n 4_o 16._o quest._n what_o be_v that_o body_n whereof_o christ_n be_v the_o head_n answ._n the_o church_n in_o latin_a ecclesia_fw-la ab_fw-la evocando_fw-la because_o its_o a_o company_n or_o multitude_n of_o call_v one_o who_o be_v call_v out_o of_o the_o world_n by_o the_o ministry_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o other_o mean_v appoint_v by_o god_n to_o draw_v man_n out_o of_o the_o state_n of_o ignorance_n and_o misery_n and_o to_o bring_v they_o to_o a_o state_n of_o glory_n in_o which_o sense_n we_o call_v such_o a_o company_n of_o person_n a_o church_n as_o profess_v the_o doctrine_n and_o religion_n of_o christ_n under_o lawful_a pastor_n such_o be_v the_o seven_o church_n of_o asia_n such_o that_o at_o rome_n corinth_n etc._n etc._n these_o congregation_n be_v call_v a_o church_n and_o such_o as_o live_v in_o they_o member_n of_o the_o church_n who_o also_o in_o the_o judgement_n of_o charity_n be_v to_o be_v repute_v member_n of_o the_o holy_a catholic_n church_n both_o because_o on_o god_n part_n they_o have_v offer_v unto_o they_o such_o mean_n whereby_o man_n be_v bring_v to_o partake_v of_o eternal_a life_n and_o because_o that_o on_o their_o part_n in_o regard_n of_o the_o external_a action_n and_o profession_n these_o mean_n be_v receive_v and_o use_v to_o their_o salvation_n this_o body_n of_o the_o church_n whereof_o christ_n be_v the_o head_n consist_v not_o of_o unbelieving_a and_o wicked_a member_n but_o only_o of_o holy_a and_o sanctify_a one_o who_o god_n have_v pull_v out_o of_o the_o power_n of_o darkness_n and_o have_v translate_v they_o into_o the_o kingdom_n of_o his_o dear_a son_n so_o that_o it_o be_v not_o sufficient_a to_o salvation_n to_o be_v a_o visible_a member_n of_o any_o particular_a visible_a church_n by_o the_o external_a profession_n of_o faith_n except_o withal_o a_o man_n be_v a_o mystical_a member_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n by_o true_a faith_n and_o the_o spirit_n dwell_v in_o his_o heart_n hence_o cyprian_a faith_n quid_fw-la faciâ—_n in_fw-la domo_fw-la fidei_fw-la pâ—rfidum_fw-la pectus_fw-la quest._n what_o else_o may_v we_o learn_v from_o hence_o answ._n first_o that_o christian_n must_v not_o envy_v those_o which_o be_v endow_v with_o more_o excellent_a gift_n than_o themselves_o because_o they_o be_v member_n of_o the_o same_o body_n that_o therefore_o which_o be_v give_v to_o one_o that_o we_o ought_v to_o esteem_v as_o give_v to_o every_o one_o according_a to_o that_o of_o st._n austin_n tolle_n invidiam_fw-la &_o tuum_fw-la est_fw-la quod_fw-la habeo_fw-la tolle_fw-la invidiam_fw-la &_o meum_fw-la est_fw-la quod_fw-la habes_fw-la take_v away_o envy_n and_o that_o which_o i_o have_v be_v thou_o take_v away_o envy_n and_o that_o which_o thou_o have_v be_v i_o second_o see_v god_n child_n be_v all_o member_n of_o the_o same_o body_n therefore_o they_o shall_v be_v ready_a to_o serve_v one_o another_o in_o love_n and_o to_o be_v affect_v each_o with_o other_o weal_n or_o woe_n as_o if_o it_o be_v their_o own_o 1_o cor._n 12.26_o dr._n davenant_n on_o col._n quest._n whether_o may_v the_o church_n fail_v answ._n neither_o the_o catholic_n church_n nor_o any_o part_n or_o member_n of_o it_o can_v fail_v or_o perish_v joh._n 3.16_o this_o church_n christ_n have_v undertake_v for_o to_o defend_v to_o the_o end_n matth._n 16.18_o and_o 28.20_o she_o be_v the_o first_o bear_v who_o name_n be_v write_v in_o heaven_n heb._n 12.22_o 23._o if_o it_o can_v be_v in_o one_o place_n or_o kingdom_n it_o will_v in_o another_o the_o woman_n when_o persecute_v have_v a_o place_n prepare_v in_o the_o wilderness_n to_o fly_v into_o but_o a_o particular_a church_n may_v fail_v and_o die_v and_o come_v to_o nothing_o as_o we_o see_v in_o the_o seven_o famous_a church_n of_o asia_n this_o may_v also_o be_v prove_v out_o of_o many_o place_n of_o scripture_n mat._n 21.43_o where_o christ_n foretell_v that_o the_o church_n of_o the_o jew_n which_o have_v as_o great_a privilege_n as_o any_o church_n on_o earth_n ever_o have_v shall_v cease_v paul_n tell_v the_o corinthian_n they_o may_v come_v to_o be_v no_o church_n 2_o cor._n 11.3_o and_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n rom._n 11.20_o 21_o 22._o the_o church_n of_o israel_n the_o ten_o tribe_n be_v dischurch_v hos._n 1.9_o quest._n what_o be_v the_o infallible_a mark_n of_o a_o true_a church_n answ._n first_o the_o sincere_a preach_n of_o the_o gospel_n hence_o a_o true_a church_n be_v describe_v by_o it_o rom._n 3.2_o so_o psal._n 147.19_o act._n 14.23_o and_o where_o the_o gospel_n cease_v in_o the_o sincere_a preach_n of_o it_o they_o be_v a_o undo_v people_n prov._n 29.18_o second_o true_a and_o sincere_a use_n of_o the_o sacrament_n at_o least_o in_o the_o substance_n of_o they_o hence_o the_o church_n of_o judah_n be_v call_v the_o circumcision_n rom._n 3.1_o and_o st._n paul_n define_v the_o church_n under_o the_o gospel_n by_o the_o sacrament_n phil._n 3.3_o three_o a_o sincere_a profession_n of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o true_a christian_a religion_n either_o in_o uprightness_n of_o heart_n or_o in_o the_o judgement_n of_o charity_n so_o 1_o cor._n 14.33_o so_o gal._n 1.22_o all_o particular_a church_n be_v church_n that_o be_v in_o christ_n and_o church_n of_o visible_a saint_n four_o true_a discipline_n and_o a_o right_a use_n of_o the_o censure_n of_o the_o church_n but_o this_o be_v only_o necessary_a to_o the_o well-being_n not_o to_o the_o essence_n of_o a_o church_n censure_n may_v be_v whole_o neglect_v yea_o pervert_v against_o the_o godly_a and_o yet_o the_o church_n be_v a_o true_a church_n as_o joh._n 9.22_o so_o rev._n 2.18_o 20._o mr._n fenner_n alarm_n second_o part_n chap._n xxxi_o question_n and_o case_n of_o conscience_n about_o circumspection_n and_o circumspect_a walk_n quest._n what_o be_v it_o to_o walk_v circumspect_o ans_fw-fr the_o greek_a word_n ephes._n 5.15_o signify_v exact_o or_o precise_o so_o that_o to_o walk_v circumspect_o imply_v a_o accurate_a study_n and_o diligence_n throughout_o our_o life_n that_o we_o offend_v none_o but_o by_o the_o light_n of_o faith_n and_o good_a work_n edify_v all_o the_o course_n of_o christianity_n be_v a_o exquisite_a course_n and_o strict_a walk_n quest._n in_o what_o other_o phrase_n be_v this_o circumspect_a course_n commend_v answ._n it_o be_v imply_v in_o the_o phrase_n of_o walk_v before_o god_n gen._n 17.1_o live_v honest_o heb._n 13.18_o walk_v worthy_a the_o lord_n in_o all_o well-pleasing_a col._n 1.10_o 11._o quest._n what_o thing_n be_v require_v in_o circumspect_a walk_n answ._n first_o that_o it_o be_v exact_a and_o considerate_a according_a to_o the_o true_a and_o perfect_a rule_n of_o god_n word_n in_o every_o thing_n great_a and_o small_a so_o as_o to_o go_v to_o the_o utmost_a of_o they_o and_o to_o all_o the_o rule_n that_o god_n prescribe_v not_o turn_v aside_o either_o to_o the_o right_a hand_n or_o leave_v deut._n 2.27_o and_o 5.32_o prov._n 4.27_o 2_o chron._n 34.2_o isa._n 30.21_o psal._n 119.9_o 10._o second_o it_o must_v be_v full_a in_o all_o fruit_n of_o holiness_n and_o justice_n go_v to_o the_o utmost_a of_o every_o command_n so_o cast_v our_o occasion_n that_o one_o duty_n justle_v not_o out_o another_o fear_v as_o to_o commit_v the_o least_o sin_n so_o to_o neglect_v any_o duty_n of_o piety_n or_o mercy_n deut._n 5.32_o col._n 1.10_o numb_a 14.24_o and_o 32.11_o 12._o jos._n 14.8_o 9_o 14._o such_o a_o one_o look_n to_o the_o thrive_a of_o all_o his_o grace_n his_o moderation_n shall_v not_o damp_n his_o zeal_n nor_o his_o zeal_n outrun_v his_o knowledge_n his_o providence_n shall_v not_o lessen_v his_o faith_n nor_o his_o faith_n destroy_v his_o providence_n etc._n etc._n all_o his_o grace_n run_v in_o a_o circle_n move_z strengthen_v and_o quicken_v each_o other_o three_o it_o make_v a_o man_n diligent_a to_o redeem_v seek_v
she_o be_v holy_a though_o not_o in_o respect_n of_o the_o great_a part_n 3._o whatsoever_o corruption_n of_o doctrine_n or_o manner_n spring_v up_o she_o reprove_v and_o censure_n not_o tolerate_v it_o 2._o she_o be_v meek_a love_a patient_a merciful_a etc._n etc._n jam._n 3.17_o full_a of_o good_a fruit_n her_o weapon_n be_v prayer_n and_o tear_n not_o fire_n and_o faggot_n four_o by_o her_o marriage_n a_o good_a way_n to_o know_v one_o by_o be_v the_o head_n and_o the_o church_n can_v be_v better_a know_v then_o by_o her_o head_n jesus_n christ_n who_o wife_n she_o be_v by_o who_o all_o the_o child_n of_o the_o church_n be_v beget_v by_o virtue_n of_o the_o eternal_a covenant_n of_o grace_n as_o in_o lawful_a wedlock_n cant._n 2.16_o and_o 5.10_o five_o by_o her_o carriage_n and_o behaviour_n 1._o to_o her_o husband_n to_o who_o in_o all_o her_o behaviour_n she_o express_v four_o virtue_n 1._o she_o be_v chaste_a and_o faithful_a to_o he_o she_o forget_v not_o the_o guide_n of_o her_o youth_n etc._n etc._n 2._o she_o be_v subject_a to_o he_o in_o all_o thing_n content_a to_o be_v try_v and_o rule_v in_o all_o case_n by_o his_o will_n reveal_v in_o his_o word_n 3._o she_o depend_v only_o on_o her_o husband_n for_o the_o mean_n of_o her_o welfare_n and_o all_o needful_a supply_n will_v not_o seek_v to_o any_o other_o advocate_n or_o mediator_n etc._n etc._n 4._o she_o honour_v her_o husband_n only_o and_o will_v give_v his_o honour_n to_o no_o other_o 2._o to_o her_o child_n who_o 1._o she_o nurce_v at_o she_o own_o breast_n put_v they_o not_o forth_o to_o such_o strange_a milk_n of_o tradition_n council_n decretal_n etc._n etc._n 2._o she_o instruct_v and_o teach_v they_o 3._o porvide_v for_o they_o she_o uphold_v the_o mean_n of_o salvation_n to_o keep_v her_o child_n in_o good_a state_n quest._n be_v the_o true_a church_n of_o christ_n always_o visible_a answ._n the_o true_a church_n be_v not_o always_o conspicuous_a visible_a and_o glorious_a to_o the_o world_n but_o may_v be_v oppress_v and_o hide_v so_o be_v the_o church_n in_o egypt_n thrust_v out_o into_o the_o wilderness_n so_o in_o elijah_n time_n when_o he_o complain_v that_o he_o be_v leave_v alone_o so_o in_o the_o babylonish_n captivity_n therefore_o compare_v to_o dead_a and_o dry_a bone_n ezek._n 37.2_o so_o rev._n 13.12_o quest._n what_o reason_n may_v be_v render_v for_o this_o answ._n first_o because_o the_o church_n be_v a_o select_a company_n call_v out_o of_o the_o world_n a_o little_a flock_n joh._n 15.9_o a_o garden_n enclose_v cant._n 4.12_o the_o blind_a world_n neither_o can_v nor_o will_v see_v the_o church_n second_o the_o church_n be_v such_o a_o body_n as_o be_v not_o always_o visible_a to_o man_n eye_n no_o not_o to_o good_a man_n as_o as_o we_o see_v in_o elias_n the_o foundation_n be_v in_o god_n election_n and_o the_o union_n spiritual_a three_o sometime_o the_o church_n abuse_v peace_n and_o prosperity_n make_v the_o lord_n to_o strip_v her_o naked_a and_o bare_a and_o to_o â—end_n she_o into_o the_o wilderness_n yea_o to_o make_v she_o as_o a_o wilderness_n hos._n 2.3_o four_o the_o church_n provide_v for_o her_o safety_n sometime_o by_o fly_v into_o the_o wilderness_n she_o be_v like_o a_o dove_n in_o the_o rock_n cant._n 2.19_o 5_o the_o church_n militant_a condition_n suffer_v she_o not_o always_o to_o be_v visible_a be_v not_o tie_v to_o any_o one_o estate_n or_o place_n therefore_o she_o be_v compare_v to_o the_o moon_n be_v sometimes_o in_o the_o full_a and_o sometime_o hide_v quest._n what_o conclusion_n may_v be_v lay_v down_o concern_v the_o visibility_n of_o the_o church_n answ._n first_o by_o the_o church_n which_o we_o hold_v invisible_a we_o mean_v the_o catholic_n church_n even_o the_o multitude_n of_o all_o the_o elect_a which_o have_v be_v be_v or_o shall_v be_v which_o church_n be_v holy_a and_o no_o wicked_a person_n belong_v to_o it_o it_o be_v a_o communion_n of_o saint_n only_o to_o which_o belong_v remission_n of_o sin_n and_o life_n everlasting_a and_o this_o be_v invisible_a to_o the_o world_n and_o that_o 1._o because_o the_o ground_n and_o foundation_n of_o it_o god_n election_n be_v invisible_a 2._o the_o great_a part_n of_o the_o elect_n be_v not_o subject_a to_o sense_n not_o the_o saint_n in_o heaven_n nor_o many_o on_o earth_n some_o be_v not_o bear_v other_o but_o new_a boâ—n_n 3._o visible_a thing_n be_v not_o believe_v but_o thing_n invisible_a faith_n be_v of_o thing_n not_o sâ—en_o and_o if_o we_o believe_v the_o holy_a catholic_n church_n we_o can_v see_v it_o second_o concern_v the_o militant_a church_n we_o hold_v 1._o that_o god_n will_v always_o have_v a_o part_n of_o his_o catholic_n church_n here_o on_o earth_n that_o shall_v hold_v and_o maintain_v the_o true_a faith_n in_o the_o several_a age_n to_o the_o world_n end_n and_o this_o can_v fail_v upon_o earth_n 2._o this_o part_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n consist_v of_o man_n that_o be_v visible_a and_o exercise_v visible_a ordinance_n as_o the_o word_n sacrament_n etc._n etc._n and_o often_o in_o peaceable_a time_n appear_v glorious_a in_o many_o particular_a and_o visible_a congregation_n 3._o that_o these_o visible_a and_o particular_a church_n be_v not_o always_o visible_a after_o the_o same_o manner_n neither_o be_v any_o part_n of_o the_o visible_a church_n always_o so_o necessary_o visible_a but_o that_o it_o may_v disappear_v as_o the_o church_n in_o the_o old_a and_o new_a testament_n have_v some_o time_n do_v 4._o this_o number_n of_o man_n in_o who_o this_o part_n of_o the_o church_n cont_v may_v come_v to_o be_v a_o few_o and_o by_o tyranny_n and_o heresy_n their_o profession_n may_v be_v so_o secret_a among_o themselves_o that_o the_o world_n can_v see_v they_o though_o like_o the_o sun_n she_o shine_v in_o herself_o yet_o she_o may_v be_v obscure_v from_o the_o sight_n of_o other_o 5._o though_o the_o church_n can_v fail_v upon_o earth_n yet_o the_o external_a government_n of_o it_o may_v fail_v for_o a_o time_n her_o pastor_n may_v be_v interrupt_v her_o sheep_n scatter_v her_o discipline_n hinder_v the_o external_a exercise_n of_o religion_n may_v be_v suspend_v and_o the_o sincerity_n of_o religion_n exceed_o corrupt_v so_o that_o the_o member_n of_o the_o church_n be_v only_o visible_a among_o themselves_o three_o though_o the_o church_n of_o god_n be_v not_o always_o see_v yet_o she_o be_v always_o safe_a and_o that_o 1._o because_o if_o she_o can_v be_v safe_a in_o the_o city_n she_o shall_v be_v safe_a in_o the_o wilderness_n where_o god_n will_v provide_v she_o a_o place_n as_o rev._n 12.14_o 2._o god_n purpose_n for_o the_o safety_n of_o his_o church_n can_v be_v alter_v by_o any_o enterprise_n of_o her_o enemy_n though_o pharaoh_n slay_v all_o the_o infant_n yet_o moses_n shall_v be_v preserve_v by_o his_o own_o daughter_n in_o his_o own_o bosom_n to_o be_v a_o deliverer_n though_o herod_n slay_v the_o infant_n he_o shall_v miss_v of_o he_o who_o he_o seek_v 3._o god_n make_v high_a account_n of_o his_o church_n as_o the_o signet_n of_o his_o right_a hand_n the_o apple_n of_o his_o eye_n therefore_o he_o will_v provide_v for_o her_o safety_n 4._o god_n wisdom_n make_v it_o healthful_a for_o his_o church_n sometime_o to_o be_v hide_v that_o she_o may_v always_o be_v safe_a otherwise_o the_o world_n will_v destroy_v she_o dr._n tailor_n on_o rev._n quest._n be_v not_o all_o christian_n bind_v to_o pray_v for_o the_o peace_n of_o the_o church_n answ._n yea_o 1._o we_o must_v pray_v for_o the_o whole_a church_n where_o ever_o disperse_v 2._o for_o the_o natural_a member_n and_o noble_a member_n especial_o the_o live_a stone_n those_o which_o be_v more_o instrumental_a and_o organical_a such_o as_o be_v eminent_a in_o power_n and_o place_n in_o worth_n and_o in_o service_n 3._o more_o particular_o for_o our_o own_o church_n to_o which_o we_o be_v relate_v and_o to_o the_o principal_n of_o it_o as_o city_n and_o university_n 4._o for_o the_o restore_n of_o the_o people_n of_o god_n even_o for_o the_o jew_n and_o for_o the_o set_n up_o of_o the_o new_a jerusalem_n as_o god_n have_v promise_v in_o his_o woâ—d_n 5._o by_o the_o same_o reason_n we_o must_v pray_v against_o such_o as_o be_v against_o the_o church_n quest._n but_o what_o must_v we_o pray_v for_o in_o the_o behalf_n of_o the_o church_n answ._n first_o in_o general_n for_o all_o blessing_n for_o all_o that_o be_v good_a and_o useful_a and_o tend_v to_o the_o welfare_n of_o it_o as_o for_o the_o protection_n of_o it_o deliverance_n of_o those_o that_o be_v in_o danger_n preservation_n from_o danger_n to_o those_o that_o be_v free_a for_o the_o perfection_n of_o it_o that_o god_n will_v reâ—ore_v those_o church_n that_o be_v overrun_v
spiritual_a watch_n this_o cause_v deadness_n in_o the_o church_n of_o sardis_n rev._n 3.12_o such_o lie_v open_a to_o the_o tentation_n of_o satan_n hence_o 1_o pet._n 5.8_o so_o we_o see_v in_o eve_n noah_n lot_n david_n etc._n etc._n hence_o paul_n 1_o cor._n 2.3_o i_o be_v among_o you_o with_o much_o fear_n three_o content_v ourselves_o with_o a_o low_a kind_n of_o religion_n that_o will_v never_o attain_v to_o any_o quicken_a whereas_o religion_n be_v a_o high_a thing_n prov._n 15.24_o it_o a_o high_a call_n phil._n 3.14_o so_o we_o see_v in_o jehosaphat_n 2_o chron._n 17.6_o we_o say_v the_o apostle_n have_v our_o conversation_n in_o heaven_n phil._n 3.20_o four_o vanity_n of_o man_n mind_n be_v another_o cause_n of_o great_a deadness_n hence_o david_n pray_v against_o it_o psal._n 119.37_o when_o a_o man_n give_v way_n to_o vain_a thought_n vain_a speech_n vain_a expense_n of_o time_n five_o evil_a example_n be_v another_o cause_n when_o we_o live_v among_o dead_a and_o decline_a christian_n and_o think_v all_o well_o if_o we_o be_v not_o worse_o than_o they_o six_o covetousness_n and_o wordlinesse_n whereas_o while_o we_o keep_v off_o our_o affection_n from_o the_o world_n we_o be_v full_a of_o life_n but_o when_o we_o dote_v upon_o the_o world_n it_o lay_v bolt_n and_o fetter_n upon_o our_o soul_n as_o we_o see_v in_o demas_n and_o 1_o tim._n 6.10_o see_v how_o heartless_a those_o heater_n be_v from_o this_o cause_n ezek._n 33.31_o hence_o eph._n 5.3_o let_v not_o covetousness_n be_v once_o name_v among_o you_o etc._n etc._n seven_o idleness_n and_o spiritual_a sloth_n when_o man_n let_v their_o mind_n go_v as_o a_o ship_n without_o a_o pilot_n see_v the_o danger_n of_o idleness_n prov._n 19.15_o so_o when_o we_o do_v not_o lay_v forth_o our_o talent_n and_o improve_v our_o gift_n and_o grace_n eighthly_a content_v ourselves_o with_o what_o we_o have_v attain_v to_o and_o not_o grow_v and_o go_v on_o towards_o perfection_n as_o heb._n 6.1_o where_o there_o be_v truth_n of_o grace_n there_o will_v be_v growth_n 1_o pet._n 2.2_o and_o so_o we_o be_v exhort_v to_o it_o 2_o pet._n 3.18_o quest._n what_o mean_n may_v we_o use_v to_o prevent_v this_o backslide_n and_o to_o be_v quicken_v in_o grace_n answ._n first_o we_o must_v go_v to_o christ_n for_o life_n and_o quicken_a grace_n he_o come_v for_o that_o end_n that_o we_o may_v have_v life_n etc._n etc._n john_n 10.10_o now_o to_o attain_v hereunto_o we_o must_v believe_v in_o he_o john_n 7.38_o and_o then_o he_o invite_v we_o isa._n 55.1_o believe_v in_o the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n set_v your_o heart_n upon_o he_o seek_v after_o he_o and_o you_o shall_v have_v all_o good_a even_a life_n itself_o second_o careful_o to_o attend_v upon_o the_o ministry_n of_o the_o word_n so_o 2_o cor._n 6.11_o 12._o you_o be_v not_o straiten_v in_o we_o but_o in_o your_o own_o bowel_n for_o our_o mouth_n be_v open_a to_o you_o q._n d._n in_o our_o ministry_n there_o be_v abundance_n of_o grace_n life_n etc._n etc._n we_o come_v with_o our_o arm_n full_a you_o may_v be_v enlarge_v sweet_o thereby_o but_o that_o you_o be_v straiten_v in_o your_o own_o bowel_n three_o a_o careful_a shun_v of_o all_o those_o cause_n of_o deadness_n and_o backslide_v which_o be_v beforementioned_a four_o be_v earnest_n with_o god_n to_o quicken_v thy_o heart_n to_o pray_v for_o his_o grace_n that_o god_n will_v be_v please_v to_o put_v life_n into_o thou_o pray_v as_o elijah_n do_v that_o fire_n from_o heaven_n may_v come_v upon_o thy_o sacrifice_n to_o warm_v and_o heat_v thy_o heart_n and_o to_o stir_v thou_o up_o to_o that_o which_o be_v good_a as_o the_o church_n do_v psal._n 30.18_o quicken_v we_o and_o we_o will_v call_v upon_o thy_o name_n of_o all_o petition_n we_o shall_v pray_v most_o for_o life_n and_o zeal_n next_o to_o god_n glory_n and_o our_o own_o salvation_n nay_o indeed_o as_o the_o very_a mean_n of_o both_o for_o indeed_o there_o be_v no_o grace_n that_o we_o have_v more_o need_n of_o then_o this_o for_o it_o set_v all_o other_o grace_n on_o work_n and_o its_o most_o acceptable_a to_o god_n yea_o it_o be_v the_o great_a blessing_n god_n can_v bestow_v upon_o we_o hence_o psal._n 119.156_o great_a be_v thy_o tender_a mercy_n quicken_v i_o o_o lord_n etc._n etc._n where_o he_o take_v the_o quicken_a of_o his_o heart_n as_o a_o gracious_a effect_n of_o god_n infinite_a mercy_n to_o his_o soul._n five_o be_v diligent_a to_o take_v earnest_a and_o effectual_a pain_n in_o this_o work_n and_o in_o all_o christian_a duty_n in_o all_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n there_o be_v a_o secret_a blessing_n upon_o all_o those_o that_o take_v pain_n even_o in_o the_o mean_a calling_n prov._n 10.4_o so_o it_o be_v in_o regard_n of_o spiritual_a life_n there_o be_v a_o secret_a blessing_n upon_o those_o that_o be_v diligent_a about_o the_o mean_n of_o grace_n as_o in_o prayer_n strive_v against_o sin_n hear_v the_o word_n sanctify_v the_o sabbath_n receive_v the_o sacrament_n etc._n etc._n such_o shall_v thrive_v in_o grace_n when_o other_o shall_v be_v like_o pharaoh_n lean_a cow_n prov._n 13.11_o he_o that_o gather_v by_o labour_n shall_v increase_v so_o be_v it_o here_o paul_n though_o he_o come_v late_o into_o the_o vineyard_n yet_o by_o his_o diligence_n he_o outgo_v all_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o apostle_n six_o we_o must_v exercise_v that_o grace_n we_o have_v and_o then_o we_o shall_v never_o fall_v if_o a_o man_n have_v but_o a_o little_a knowledge_n and_o use_v and_o improve_v it_o it_o will_v much_o increase_v if_o we_o make_v use_v of_o our_o relent_n and_o melt_n and_o strike_v while_o the_o iron_n be_v hot_a if_o we_o act_v and_o exercise_v any_o grace_n it_o will_v prove_v like_o the_o loaf_n in_o the_o disciple_n hand_n which_o while_o they_o be_v distribute_v increase_v grace_n be_v like_o a_o snowball_n that_o increase_v by_o roll_a seven_o and_o last_o consider_v the_o example_n of_o god_n worthy_n in_o all_o age_n which_o will_v much_o quicken_v we_o to_o be_v as_o forward_o as_o they_o when_o james_n will_v quicken_v they_o to_o patience_n he_o propose_v the_o example_n of_o job_n and_o the_o prophet_n jam._n 5.10_o so_o when_o he_o will_v quicken_v they_o to_o prayer_n he_o propose_v the_o example_n of_o elias_n v_o 17_o 18._o the_o zeal_n of_o other_o will_v provoke_v we_o 2_o cor._n 9.2_o so_o when_o christ_n will_v exhort_v his_o disciple_n to_o suffer_v persecution_n he_o say_v consider_v the_o prophet_n which_o be_v persecute_v mat._n 5.12_o quest._n what_o motive_n may_v persuade_v we_o to_o avoid_v that_o deadness_n which_o accompany_v or_o precede_v backslide_v answ._n first_o consider_v the_o woeful_a ingredient_n of_o this_o sin_n which_o be_v 1._o a_o dulness_n and_o blockishness_n to_o learn_v any_o thing_n that_o be_v good_a as_o it_o be_v say_v of_o the_o jew_n act_n 28.27_o when_o we_o enjoy_v excellent_a mean_n and_o profit_v not_o by_o they_o 2._o a_o awkardnesse_n and_o listlesnesse_n to_o the_o way_n of_o jesus_n christ_n as_o be_v say_v of_o the_o jew_n mat._n 15.8_o when_o we_o go_v about_o duty_n as_o have_v no_o heart_n to_o they_o 3._o senselessness_n of_o conscience_n when_o it_o feel_v not_o little_a sin_n and_o be_v little_a sensible_a of_o great_a one_o 4._o coldness_n and_o lukewarmnesse_n of_o affection_n when_o we_o neither_o pray_v nor_o hear_v etc._n etc._n with_o affection_n we_o can_v find_v tear_n upon_o other_o occasion_n but_o not_o for_o our_o sin_n our_o love_n wax_v cold_a as_o foretell_v mat._n 24.12_o 5._o weakness_n and_o faintness_n of_o endeavour_n as_o solomon_n say_v prov._n 13.4_o we_o will_v feign_v have_v heaven_n and_o salvation_n but_o we_o will_v not_o be_v at_o pain_n and_o cost_v to_o get_v it_o far_o unlike_a to_o john_n baptist_n hearer_n mat._n 11.12_o 6._o dullness_n and_o drowsiness_n of_o the_o whole_a man_n though_o we_o be_v very_o careful_a and_o industrious_a about_o the_o world_n yet_o we_o be_v extreme_a careless_a of_o our_o soul_n if_o our_o heart_n be_v contrite_a we_o shall_v soon_o be_v quicken_v isa._n 57.15_o second_o consider_v that_o so_o long_o as_o we_o be_v dead_a heart_a we_o can_v pray_v imply_v psal._n 80.18_o nor_o hear_v profitable_o imply_v by_o christ_n mat._n 11.16_o etc._n etc._n three_o while_o we_o be_v dead_a we_o can_v have_v no_o comfort_n no_o assurance_n to_o our_o soul_n that_o we_o have_v the_o truth_n of_o grace_n in_o we_o when_o christ_n give_v grace_n he_o be_v say_v to_o quicken_v that_o man_n john_n 5.21_o true_a repentance_n be_v from_o dead_a work_n and_o unto_o life_n faith_n be_v not_o faith_n if_o it_o do_v not_o quicken_v hence_o galat._n 2.20_o our_o sin_n be_v not_o forgive_v if_o we_o be_v not_o quicken_v col._n
take_v a_o false_a delusion_n for_o the_o light_n of_o the_o spirit_n three_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n witness_v according_a as_o the_o word_n witness_v try_v the_o spirit_n to_o the_o law_n and_o to_o the_o testimony_n etc._n etc._n the_o scripture_n be_v indict_v by_o the_o spirit_n and_o the_o spirit_n can_v contradict_v himself_o so_o that_o whosoever_o rebel_v against_o the_o light_n of_o the_o word_n shall_v never_o have_v the_o light_n of_o the_o spirit_n quest._n see_v as_o the_o spirit_n breathe_v when_o it_o please_v so_o it_o shine_v when_o it_o please_v whether_o then_o may_v a_o christian_n that_o have_v but_o the_o single_a testimony_n of_o his_o own_o spirit_n be_v assure_v of_o his_o salvation_n answ._n the_o witness_n of_o our_o own_o spirit_n be_v a_o true_a assurance_n though_o it_o be_v not_o so_o clear_a a_o assurance_n i_o may_v see_v a_o thing_n certain_o by_o the_o light_n of_o a_o candle_n yet_o i_o may_v see_v it_o more_o clear_o by_o the_o light_n of_o the_o sun_n the_o light_n of_o the_o spirit_n may_v and_o do_v often_o withdraw_v itself_o and_o leave_v we_o only_o the_o witness_n of_o our_o own_o spirit_n and_o yet_o then_o the_o soul_n have_v assurance_n quest._n but_o what_o if_o i_o have_v not_o the_o witness_n of_o god_n spirit_n norâ—_n of_o my_o own_o neither_o answ._n have_v recourse_n to_o former_a assurance_n do_v thou_o remember_v that_o once_o thou_o have_v a_o sweet_a serenity_n of_o soul_n that_o a_o enlighten_v conscience_n upon_o good_a ground_n do_v speak_v peace_n to_o thou_o do_v thou_o never_o see_v the_o light_n of_o the_o spirit_n crown_v thy_o soul_n with_o satisfy_a beam_n then_o be_v sure_a that_o thou_o be_v still_o in_o the_o same_o condition_n for_o there_o be_v no_o total_a fall_n from_o grace_n god_n love_v like_o himself_o be_v immutable_a the_o spirit_n testimony_n be_v of_o eternal_a truth_n so_o do_v david_n when_o his_o joy_n be_v extinguish_v and_o he_o will_v fain_o have_v it_o light_v again_o psal._n 51.12_o restore_v unto_o i_o the_o joy_n of_o thy_o salvation_n and_o uphold_v i_o with_o thy_o free_a spirit_n whence_o be_v imply_v 1._o that_o for_o the_o present_a it_o be_v take_v away_o 2._o that_o he_o have_v it_o 3._o he_o remember_v that_o he_o have_v it_o and_o therefore_o pray_v to_o have_v it_o restore_v david_n own_o spirit_n be_v now_o very_o unquiet_a and_o god_n spirit_n have_v withdraw_v itself_o and_o now_o his_o best_a refresh_v be_v his_o former_a assurance_n remember_v this_o that_o the_o least_o drop_n of_o true_a grace_n shall_v never_o be_v exhaust_v the_o least_o spark_n of_o true_a joy_n shall_v never_o be_v extinguish_v quest._n but_o suppose_v we_o have_v neither_o the_o testimony_n of_o god_n spirit_n nor_o of_o our_o own_o nor_o can_v recall_v former_a assurance_n what_o shall_v the_o soul_n do_v then_o answ._n in_o such_o a_o time_n look_v to_o the_o beginning_n of_o grace_n look_v now_o to_o the_o soul_n prize_v of_o a_o christ_n to_o the_o whimpering_n after_o the_o breast_n to_o the_o long_n and_o breathe_n after_o its_o belove_a thought_n upon_o he_o desire_v after_o he_o endeavour_n for_o he_o there_o be_v much_o comfort_n and_o sweetness_n in_o these_o i_o and_o some_o kind_n of_o assurance_n for_o first_o god_n that_o have_v begin_v this_o great_a and_o good_a work_n in_o thou_o will_v never_o give_v it_o over_o till_o it_o be_v full_a and_o complete_a he_o use_v not_o to_o leave_v his_o work_n imperfect_a the_o very_a first_o motion_n be_v of_o his_o own_o plant_n and_o shall_v lack_v no_o water_v for_o increase_v second_o the_o least_o seed_n of_o grace_n as_o its_o choice_n and_o precious_a so_o its_o vigorous_a and_o active_a it_o will_v never_o leave_v work_v till_o christ_n be_v form_v in_o thou_o who_o have_v despise_v the_o day_n of_o small_a thing_n zach._n 4.10_o he_o that_o be_v rich_a in_o grace_n begin_v with_o a_o small_a stock_n improve_v but_o present_a strength_n and_o god_n will_v send_v thou_o in_o fresh_a supply_n that_o thou_o may_v walk_v from_o strength_n to_o strength_n thirdlie_o if_o thou_o can_v not_o spy_v out_o any_o grace_n in_o thyself_o borrow_v light_n of_o another_o lay_v open_a thy_o soul_n to_o a_o interpreter_n one_o of_o a_o thousand_o that_o may_v explain_v thy_o condition_n better_o than_o thou_o can_v thyself_o job_n 33.23_o he_o will_v show_v thou_o here_o be_v grace_n and_o there_o be_v grace_n and_o there_o be_v a_o evidence_n etc._n etc._n quest._n but_o what_o if_o after_o all_o this_o there_o be_v a_o total_a eclipse_n all_o cloud_n and_o blackness_n and_o darkness_n and_o the_o very_a valley_n of_o the_o shadow_n of_o death_n answ._n first_o when_o there_o be_v no_o certainty_n of_o evidence_n yet_o even_o then_o have_v a_o certainty_n of_o adherence_n and_o recumbency_n now_o grasp_v a_o promise_n roll_v thyself_o upon_o the_o free_a grace_n of_o god_n in_o christ._n say_v if_o i_o perish_v i_o perish_v and_o though_o thou_o kill_v i_o yet_o will_v i_o trust_v in_o thou_o like_a man_n ready_a to_o be_v drown_v take_v fast_o hold_v cast_v anchor_n though_o in_o the_o dark_a second_o study_v self-denial_n though_o thou_o long_o and_o breath_n after_o assurance_n yet_o resign_v up_o thyself_o whole_o to_o god_n will_v and_o be_v content_a to_o want_v it_o if_o he_o see_v it_o best_o for_o thou_o take_v heed_n of_o murmur_a throw_v thyself_o at_o god_n foot_n and_o say_v o_o my_o god_n i_o will_v bless_v thou_o for_o those_o eternal_a treasure_n of_o sweetness_n that_o be_v in_o thou_o though_o i_o shall_v never_o taste_v of_o they_o i_o will_v bless_v thou_o for_o those_o smile_n of_o thy_o face_n which_o thou_o bestow_v upon_o other_o though_o thou_o will_v not_o cast_v one_o gracious_a look_n upon_o my_o soul_n i_o will_v bless_v thou_o for_o those_o rich_a offer_n of_o grace_n thou_o make_v to_o i_o though_o i_o have_v not_o a_o heart_n to_o lay_v hold_n of_o they_o three_o put_v thy_o soul_n into_o a_o wait_a posture_n and_o stay_v till_o he_o please_v to_o display_v some_o of_o himself_o to_o thou_o the_o patient_a expectation_n of_o the_o poor_a shall_v not_o perish_v for_o â—ver_v psal._n 9.18_o one_o beam_n of_o his_o countenance_n be_v worth_a wait_a for_o all_o thy_o life-time_n yet_o wait_v upon_o he_o in_o prayer_n in_o his_o ordinance_n where_o the_o spirit_n breathe_v and_o god_n show_v his_o face_n thus_o wait_v upon_o he_o in_o his_o own_o way_n yea_o and_o in_o his_o own_o time_n too_o think_v not_o time_n tedious_a he_o that_o believe_v make_v not_o haste_n isa._n 28.16_o consider_v that_o god_n be_v all_o this_o while_n prepare_v thou_o and_o make_v thou_o more_o capable_a of_o his_o love_n yea_o suppose_v the_o worst_a that_o thou_o shall_v die_v under_o a_o cloud_n as_o christ_n do_v yet_o thy_o condition_n be_v safe_a thou_o shall_v then_o come_v to_o a_o full_a assurance_n nay_o to_o a_o full_a possession_n of_o thy_o inheritance_n quest._n what_o be_v the_o special_a seal_a time_n wherein_o christian_n have_v this_o assurance_n answ._n first_o sometime_o at_o their_o first_o conversion_n when_o the_o spirit_n of_o bondage_n have_v pass_v upon_o the_o soul_n and_o by_o a_o strong_a conviction_n have_v apply_v particular_o guilt_n and_o wrath_n unto_o it_o then_o the_o gospel_n bring_v welcome_a news_n of_o a_o pardon_n and_o the_o spirit_n of_o adoption_n apply_v grace_n and_o mercy_n to_o the_o soul_n this_o make_v strong_a impression_n of_o joy_n and_o cause_v they_o to_o cry_v out_o i_o be_o my_o belove_n and_o my_o beloved_n be_v i_o cant._n 2.16_o hos._n 11.1_o when_o israel_n be_v a_o child_n than_o i_o love_v he_o i_o teach_v ephraim_n also_o to_o go_v take_v he_o by_o the_o arm_n etc._n etc._n god_n have_v a_o special_a care_n of_o tender_a plant_n and_o christ_n do_v the_o rather_o reveal_v his_o love_n to_o young_a convert_v for_o their_o encouragement_n in_o the_o way_n of_o grace_n he_o oil_n the_o wheel_n of_o the_o soul_n and_o imprint_n the_o sense_n of_o his_o love_n which_o constrain_v they_o to_o obedience_n and_o hence_o it_o be_v that_o young_a convert_v be_v usual_o so_o active_a in_o the_o way_n of_o religion_n so_o forward_o and_o vehement_a second_o sacrament-time_n be_v seal_v time_n for_o in_o the_o lord_n supper_n we_o have_v the_o new_a covenant_n seal_v up_o to_o the_o soul_n the_o soul_n have_v not_o only_o his_o grace_n increase_v but_o they_o be_v print_v clear_a there_o we_o have_v plain_a and_o visible_a demonstration_n of_o the_o love_n of_o a_o saviour_n and_o have_v the_o sense_n of_o this_o love_n give_v into_o our_o heart_n we_o feed_v not_o only_o upon_o sacramental_a bread_n but_o upon_o hide_a manna_n too_o here_o be_v a_o feast_n of_o fat_a thing_n the_o soul_n be_v satisfy_v as_o
18.28_o 34._o quest._n how_o must_v we_o relieve_v by_o free_a lend_n answ._n when_o their_o estate_n be_v decay_v and_o our_o lend_n may_v probable_o recover_v they_o again_o hence_o deut._n 15.8_o mat._n 5.42_o luk._n 6.35_o psal._n 112.5_o quest._n whether_o be_v alms-deed_n arbitrary_a or_o a_o act_n of_o righteousness_n answ._n by_o righteousness_n we_o understand_v not_o general_o all_o righteousness_n which_o consist_v in_o a_o total_a conformity_n to_o the_o whole_a law_n nor_o that_o part_n of_o legal_a righteousness_n which_o consist_v in_o obedience_n to_o the_o second_o table_n but_o certain_a special_a fruit_n of_o this_o righteousness_n in_o work_n of_o mercy_n which_o by_o the_o hebrew_n be_v call_v by_o the_o name_n of_o righteousness_n as_o dan._n 4.27_o which_o be_v a_o grace_n that_o rest_v not_o only_o in_o a_o internal_a habit_n or_o bare_a affection_n of_o the_o heart_n but_o also_o in_o the_o outward_a action_n of_o relieve_v the_o poor_a which_o also_o be_v call_v justice_n which_o be_v a_o virtue_n that_o give_v to_o every_o one_o those_o thing_n which_o be_v due_a to_o he_o mat._n 6.1_o when_o thou_o do_v thy_o alm_n which_o the_o syriack_n render_v when_o thou_o do_v thy_o justice_n call_v also_o righteousness_n 2_o corinth_n 9.9_o prov._n 11.18_o psalm_n 113.3_o now_o that_o almsdeed_n be_v not_o arbitrary_a but_o absolute_o necessary_a be_v prove_v for_o that_o 1._o they_o be_v not_o only_a work_n of_o mercy_n but_o fruit_n of_o righteousness_n which_o be_v strait_o enjoin_v in_o the_o law_n deuter._n 15.11_o isaiah_n 58.7_o ezek._n 18.7_o luke_n 3.11_o and_o 11.41_o matth._n 4.42_o ephes._n 4.28_o luke_n 12.33_o act_n 4.34_o 2._o our_o riches_n be_v not_o absolute_o our_o own_o but_o god_n talent_n commit_v to_o we_o not_o for_o the_o satisfy_n of_o our_o lust_n but_o for_o the_o honour_n of_o our_o master_n and_o good_a of_o our_o fellow_n servant_n hence_o heb._n 13.16_o 3_o such_o as_o neglect_v work_n of_o mercy_n commit_v three_o heinous_a sin_n theft_n sacrilege_n murder_n for_o they_o that_o have_v receive_v much_o and_o communicate_v not_o to_o the_o want_n of_o other_o shall_v be_v arraign_v and_o condemn_v for_o thief_n against_o god_n and_o their_o brethren_n beside_o what_o we_o be_v command_v to_o give_v to_o the_o poor_a be_v consecrate_v to_o god_n service_n call_v therefore_o sacrifice_n so_o that_o its_o sacrilege_n to_o rob_v they_o of_o it_o and_o last_o if_o we_o suffer_v the_o poor_a to_o perish_v in_o their_o want_n we_o be_v guilty_a of_o murder_n against_o the_o six_o commandment_n si_fw-mi non_fw-la pâ—visti_fw-la occiâ—isti_fw-la ambrose_n thou_o have_v kill_v the_o poor_a if_o thou_o have_v not_o feed_v they_o hoc_fw-la est_fw-la occidere_fw-la hominem_fw-la aquavitae_fw-la suae_fw-la ei_fw-la subsidia_fw-la denegare_fw-la ambr._n this_o be_v to_o kill_v a_o man_n when_o we_o deny_v to_o he_o the_o mean_n of_o preserve_v his_o life_n 4._o the_o lord_n who_o be_v the_o chief_a owner_n of_o our_o good_n have_v appoint_v all_o that_o we_o can_v spare_v to_o this_o use_n it_o be_v no_o long_o our_o own_o but_o the_o poor_n portion_n which_o they_o have_v as_o good_a right_n to_o as_o we_o have_v to_o the_o rest_n therefore_o its_o injustice_n to_o detain_v it_o only_o here_o be_v the_o difference_n god_n have_v give_v we_o our_o riches_n immediate_o himself_o but_o to_o the_o poor_a mediate_o by_o we_o est_fw-la panis_fw-la famelici_fw-la quem_fw-la tu_fw-la tenes_fw-fr nudi_fw-la tunica_fw-la quam_fw-la tu_fw-la in_o conclavi_fw-la conservas_fw-la basil._n it_o be_v the_o bread_n of_o the_o hungry_a which_o mould_v in_o thy_o cupboard_n the_o coat_n of_o the_o naked_a which_o hang_v useless_a in_o thy_o chamber_n etc._n etc._n hence_o jam._n 5.1_o prov._n 3.27_o 2_o cor._n 8.4_o and_o 9.1_o heb._n 6.10_o 1_o pet._n 4.10_o 5._o we_o be_v but_o steward_n and_o a_o day_n of_o account_n will_v come_v luke_n 16.2_o and_o therefore_o if_o we_o will_v give_v it_o up_o with_o joy_n we_o must_v show_v mercy_n mat._n 25.1_o and_o 24.45_o 46._o 6._o consider_v that_o communion_n that_o be_v between_o the_o poor_a and_o we_o with_o our_o head_n christ_n and_o its_o reason_n that_o such_o as_o be_v unite_v in_o communion_n of_o person_n shall_v also_o communicate_v in_o the_o use_n of_o their_o good_n for_o their_o mutual_a comfort_n rom._n 15.28_o 2_o cor._n 8.4_o and_o 9.13_o we_o partake_v of_o the_o same_o nature_n be_v redeem_v by_o the_o same_o blood_n be_v partaker_n of_o the_o same_o heavenly_a call_n 1_o cor_n 1_o 9_o 1_o pet._n 2_o 9_o and_o 3.9_o and_o 5.10_o partaker_n of_o the_o same_o precious_a promise_n eph._n 4.5_o be_v of_o one_o church_n have_v one_o religion_n etc._n etc._n jam._n 2.5_o christ_n take_v that_o that_o be_v do_v to_o they_o as_o do_v to_o himself_o and_o will_v rich_o reward_v it_o matth._n 25.40_o 7._o what_o we_o give_v to_o the_o poor_a we_o give_v to_o god_n himself_o prov._n 19.17_o dam_fw-la mihi_fw-la de_fw-la eo_fw-la quod_fw-la dedi_fw-la tibi_fw-la de_fw-fr meo_fw-la quaero_fw-la &_o mihi_fw-la non_fw-la donas_fw-la da_z &_o reddo_fw-la habuisti_fw-la i_o largitorem_fw-la facito_fw-la debitorem_fw-la aug._n god_n thus_o bespeak_v thou_o give_v i_o something_o of_o that_o which_o i_o have_v give_v unto_o thou_o i_o ask_v but_o my_o own_o and_o will_v not_o thou_o give_v it_o give_v and_o i_o will_v restore_v it_o thou_o have_v find_v i_o a_o free_a giver_n and_o now_o make_v i_o thy_o debtor_n quest._n what_o further_a argument_n may_v provoke_v we_o to_o charity_n answ._n first_o we_o resemble_v god_n in_o show_v mercy_n and_o that_o in_o such_o a_o attribute_n as_o he_o delight_v in_o above_o all_o other_o exod._n 34.6_o hence_o luke_n 6.36_o second_o such_o work_n please_v god_n and_o make_v we_o accept_v with_o he_o hos._n 6.6_o eleemosyna_fw-la non_fw-la tantum_fw-la pro_fw-la sacrificio_fw-la sed_fw-la prae_fw-la sacrificio_fw-la mic._n 6.6_o 8._o heb._n 13.16_o isa._n 58.6_o 7._o jam._n 1.27_o phil_n 4.18_o luk._n 11.41_o three_o hereby_o we_o make_v our_o call_n and_o election_n sure_a 2_o pet._n 1.7_o 8_o 10._o col._n 3.12_o alm_n show_v save_v knowledge_n and_o spiritual_a wisdom_n jam._n 3.17_o unfeigned_a repentance_n luk._n 19.8_o a_o lively_a faith_n jam._n 2.18_o true_a love_n to_o god_n 1_o john_n 3.17_o love_n to_o our_o neighbour_n 2_o cor._n 8.8_o 24._o contrary_a jam._n 2.15_o they_o be_v notable_a sign_n of_o the_o remission_n of_o our_o sin_n luk._n 7.27_o and_o that_o we_o be_v citizen_n of_o heaven_n prov._n 14.21_o and_o therefore_o bless_v four_o hereby_o we_o be_v assure_v of_o our_o interest_n in_o god_n promise_n as_o eccl._n 11.1_o mat._n 6.4_o and_o 10.42_o heb._n 6.10_o it_o shall_v not_o be_v lose_v but_o restore_v it_o may_v be_v when_o we_o have_v forget_v mat._n 25.44_o luk._n 6.38_o prov._n 19.17_o terrena_fw-la omne_fw-la seruâ—ndâ—_n amittimus_fw-la largiendo_fw-la servamus_fw-la isiodor_n earthly_a thing_n be_v lose_v by_o keep_v and_o keep_v by_o bestow_v solas_fw-la quas_fw-la dederis_fw-la semper_fw-la habebis_fw-la opes_fw-la hence_o luk._n 16.9_o five_o god_n will_v repay_v it_o with_o great_a increase_n luk._n 6.38_o prov._n 3.9_o 10._o contrary_a prov._n 11.24_o 2_o cor._n 9.6_o lucrum_fw-la est_fw-la pietatis_fw-la nomine_fw-la facere_fw-la sumptum_fw-la tertul._n eleemosyna_fw-la non_fw-la est_fw-la divitiarum_fw-la dispendium_fw-la sed_fw-la ditescendi_fw-la potius_fw-la compendium_n quaestusque_fw-la omnium_fw-la uberrimus_fw-la give_v alm_n be_v not_o the_o way_n to_o waste_v our_o wealth_n but_o the_o best_a art_n of_o thrive_a and_o the_o most_o compendious_a course_n to_o get_v riches_n hence_o it_o be_v compare_v to_o lend_v upon_o usury_n mat._n 10.30_o prov._n 19.17_o luk._n 6.35_o if_o we_o love_v our_o money_n it_o shall_v move_v we_o to_o part_v with_o it_o upon_o charitable_a use_n god_n be_v the_o best_a and_o the_o sure_a paymaster_n and_o alsufficient_a to_o perform_v nihil_fw-la promittit_fw-la &_o non_fw-la reddit_fw-la fidelis_fw-la ille_fw-la factus_fw-la est_fw-la debtor_n esto_fw-la tu_fw-la avarus_fw-la exactor_n aug._n god_n pay_v what_o he_o promise_v he_o be_v a_o true_a debtor_n be_v thou_o a_o covetous_a exactor_n six_o it_o be_v the_o end_n of_o riches_n to_o be_v employ_v for_o good_a use_n not_o to_o be_v lock_v up_o seven_o by_o give_v they_o to_o the_o poor_a we_o long_o enjoy_v they_o which_o by_o keep_v we_o can_v do_v what_o we_o give_v be_v send_v to_o heaven_n before_o we_o and_o what_o be_v hoard_v up_o be_v lose_v and_o leave_v behind_o we_o eight_o our_o inestimable_a gain_n will_v countervail_v our_o long_a forbearance_n hence_o gal._n 6.9_o eccl._n 11.1_o the_o rather_o consider_v the_o eternity_n of_o it_o nine_o such_o shall_v be_v bless_v in_o their_o posterity_n psal._n 112.2_o isaiah_n 58.10_o 11._o ten_o god_n reward_v alms-deed_n with_o corporal_a and_o earthly_a blessing_n prov._n 3.9_o 10._o and_o 28.27_o eleven_o god_n
nature_n as_o his_o divinity_n and_o humanity_n so_o do_v the_o woman_n of_o canaan_n matth._n 15.22_o john_n the_o baptist_n joh._n 1.20_o 27_o 34._o the_o eunuch_n act._n 8._o 37._o peter_n joh._n 6.69_o second_o his_o office_n so_o do_v nathaniel_n mat._n 16.16_o the_o woman_n of_o samaria_n joh._n 4.19_o 29._o and_o john_n the_o baptist_n john_n 1.29_o three_o his_o beauty_n excellency_n and_o dignity_n so_o do_v the_o church_n cant._n 5._o 9_o 10_o etc._n etc._n john_n the_o baptist_n joh._n 1.20_o 27._o and_o 3.28_o to_o 33._o so_o the_o saint_n rev._n 5.11_o 12_o 13._o four_o especial_o such_o thing_n concern_v christ_n as_o other_o deny_v or_o doubt_v of_o as_o they_o assert_v christ_n resurrection_n which_o be_v then_o deny_v act._n 4.2_o rom._n 10.9_o act._n 24.15_o and_o 23.6_o quest._n what_o else_o must_v we_o confess_v in_o reference_n to_o christ_n answ._n first_o our_o faith_n in_o he_o and_o his_o gospel_n so_o mark_v 9.24_o joh._n 9.38_o act._n 24.15_o isa._n 45.23_o 24._o our_o interest_n in_o god_n and_o christ._n so_o job_n 19.25_o etc._n etc._n joh._n 20.28_o cant._n 2.16_o second_o our_o grace_n receive_v from_o christ_n and_o of_o the_o work_n and_o work_n of_o it_o so_o 1_o cor._n 15.10_o 1_o tim._n 1.13_o 14._o 1_o king_n 18.12_o john_n 21.16_o psal._n 43.4_o gal._n 6.14_o 2_o cor._n 12.10_o three_o our_o worship_v of_o god_n after_o a_o gospel_n manner_n pure_o and_o spiritual_o without_o humane_a invention_n or_o superstitious_a vanity_n so_o act_v 24.13_o 14._o four_o our_o practice_n or_o manner_n of_o life_n what_o be_v the_o constant_a bent_n of_o our_o resolution_n and_o endeavour_n so_o psal._n 66.16_o 1_o john_n 1.1_o 3._o thus_o relation_n of_o experience_n be_v confession_n of_o christ_n before_o man_n so_o also_o to_o bear_v witness_n against_a sin_n though_o with_o our_o own_o danger_n so_o do_v john_n the_o baptist_n mark_v 6.18_o 27._o quest._n when_o must_v we_o thus_o make_v confession_n answ._n when_o we_o be_v call_v thereunto_o either_o public_o or_o private_o quest._n how_o may_v we_o be_v call_v public_o to_o it_o answ._n either_o by_o the_o church_n or_o by_o the_o magistrate_n quest._n when_o be_v we_o call_v to_o it_o by_o a_o church_n answ._n either_o at_o the_o constitution_n of_o it_o or_o at_o our_o admission_n into_o it_o quest._n how_o be_v we_o call_v to_o confession_n at_o the_o constitution_n of_o a_o church_n answ._n as_o christ_n make_v the_o confession_n of_o faith_n to_o be_v the_o foundation_n upon_o which_o his_o visible_a church_n be_v build_v mat._n 16.16_o to_o 19_o whence_o two_o thing_n may_v be_v collect_v 1._o that_o a_o good_a confession_n of_o faith_n in_o christ_n shall_v be_v make_v and_o lay_v as_o a_o foundation_n at_o the_o gather_n or_o constitute_v of_o a_o church_n which_o may_v be_v effectual_a to_o keep_v the_o member_n sound_v in_o the_o faith_n and_o to_o engage_v they_o to_o hold_v fast_o their_o principle_n 2._o that_o those_o be_v the_o fit_a stone_n for_o the_o build_n of_o a_o church_n that_o can_v give_v the_o best_a account_n of_o their_o faith_n in_o christ._n quest._n how_o be_v we_o call_v to_o confession_n at_o our_o admittance_n into_o a_o church_n answ._n at_o our_o admission_n into_o a_o church_n to_o which_o we_o desire_v to_o join_v ourselves_o be_v require_v to_o give_v a_o account_n of_o our_o faith_n and_o holiness_n we_o shall_v be_v free_a and_o ready_a to_o do_v it_o quest._n how_o may_v that_o be_v prove_v answ._n first_o because_o as_o to_o believe_v with_o the_o heart_n make_v a_o man_n a_o member_n of_o the_o invisible_a church_n so_o to_o confess_v with_o the_o mouth_n qualify_v he_o to_o be_v a_o member_n of_o the_o visible_a church_n of_o christ._n second_o this_o give_v the_o church_n knowledge_n of_o we_o and_o satisfaction_n in_o we_o yea_o move_v they_o to_o glorify_v god_n for_o we_o and_o to_o receive_v we_o in_o the_o lord_n unto_o the_o fellowship_n with_o they_o in_o all_o christ_n ordinance_n without_o which_o they_o may_v be_v afraid_a of_o we_o as_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n be_v of_o paul_n act._n 9.26_o 27._o three_o this_o seem_v to_o have_v be_v the_o practice_n of_o the_o primitive_a church_n as_o now_o it_o be_v of_o the_o reform_a church_n so_o act._n 2.41_o four_o what_o be_v do_v at_o the_o plant_n of_o a_o church_n be_v proper_a to_o be_v do_v in_o the_o augmentation_n of_o a_o church_n whosoever_o will_v be_v a_o lively_a stone_n in_o this_o build_n shall_v be_v a_o confessor_n of_o christ_n 1_o pet._n 2.5_o quest._n how_o be_v we_o call_v to_o this_o public_a confession_n by_o a_o magistrate_n answ._n when_o we_o be_v bring_v before_o ruler_n and_o governor_n for_o christ_n sake_n and_o examine_v about_o our_o religion_n than_o we_o ought_v to_o bear_v witness_n to_o christ_n and_o his_o truth_n as_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n do_v john_n 18.37_o 1_o tim._n 6.1_o luke_n 22.70_o mark_v 14.61_o 62._o so_o act._n 4.5_o to_o 16._o and_o 5.27_o to_o 33._o act._n 6.12.15_o and_o 24.14_o to_o 22._o and_o 26.2_o etc._n etc._n and_o 24.25_o etc._n etc._n quest._n when_o be_v we_o call_v to_o it_o private_o answ._n first_o when_o we_o be_v ask_v by_o a_o single_a person_n who_o desire_v information_n and_o lay_v not_o a_o snare_n for_o we_o 1_o pet._n 3.15_o so_o do_v christ_n joh._n 4.15_o 26._o and_o 10.24_o etc._n etc._n and_o 7.35_o etc._n etc._n second_o when_o we_o be_v engage_v in_o reason_v and_o dispute_n with_o other_o about_o the_o matter_n of_o christ_n and_o his_o gospel_n judas_n 3._o we_o be_v set_v for_o the_o defence_n of_o the_o gospel_n phil._n 1.17_o act._n 19.29_o and_o 17.18_o 24_o etc._n etc._n and_o 15.2_o and_o 6.9_o 10_o etc._n etc._n hence_o phil._n 1.27_o three_o when_o we_o be_v in_o company_n where_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n be_v blaspheme_v or_o his_o truth_n way_n servant_n be_v evil_a speak_v of_o then_o we_o ought_v to_o stand_v up_o for_o christ_n and_o his_o truth_n etc._n etc._n and_o to_o speak_v as_o much_o for_o they_o as_o other_o do_v against_o they_o yea_o to_o outspeak_v they_o and_o put_v they_o to_o silence_n quest._n why_o ought_v we_o to_o make_v confession_n with_o the_o mouth_n answ._n first_o in_o regard_n of_o god_n and_o that_o 1._o because_o its_o a_o homage_n and_o service_n that_o god_n require_v of_o we_o isa._n 45.23_o with_o rom._n 14.11_o 2._o god_n the_o father_n do_v confess_v and_o give_v testimony_n by_o a_o voice_n from_o heaven_n to_o his_o son_n christ_n jesus_n matth._n â—_o 17_o and_o 17.5_o so_o christ_n say_v john_n 5.32_o 37._o and_o 8.18_o and_o herein_o we_o shall_v be_v follower_n of_o god_n as_o dear_a child_n ephes._n 5.1_o 3._o hereby_o we_o give_v glory_n to_o god_n phil._n 2.11_o joh._n 7.19_o rom._n 15.6_o second_o in_o respect_n of_o christ_n and_o that_o 1._o because_o its_o christ_n privilege_n to_o be_v confess_v or_o a_o honorary_a that_o be_v confer_v on_o he_o by_o god_n for_o his_o deep_a humiliation_n phil._n 2.9_o 10._o and_o not_o to_o confess_v he_o be_v to_o rob_v he_o of_o that_o glory_n which_o be_v peculiar_a to_o he_o 2._o it_o be_v christ_n practice_n both_o in_o life_n and_o death_n he_o confess_v his_o father_n john_n 1.18_o and_o 8.38_o that_o god_n be_v a_o spirit_n john_n 4.24_o how_o he_o will_v be_v worship_v john_n 15.15_o and_o 3.32_o he_o do_v bear_v witness_n to_o the_o truth_n joh._n 18.37_o hence_o rev._n 1.5_o and_o 3.14_o three_o in_o regard_n of_o ourselves_o and_o that_o 1._o because_o we_o be_v god_n witness_n isa._n 43.10_o to_o this_o end_n god_n give_v we_o more_o knowledge_n and_o grace_n than_o he_o do_v to_o other_o that_o we_o may_v speak_v more_o of_o and_o for_o god_n than_o other_o hence_o mat._n 13.16_o it_o be_v our_o honour_n to_o be_v witness_n of_o christ_n joh._n 1.7_o and_o 21.24_o 2_o cor_fw-la 11.5_o act._n 26.16_o and_o 9.15_o 2._o if_o we_o confess_v god_n and_o christ_n and_o his_o truth_n we_o shall_v be_v confess_v by_o both_o 1._o by_o the_o father_n who_o will_v own_v and_o avouch_v we_o to_o be_v his_o people_n portion_n jewel_n friend_n etc._n etc._n and_o that_o 1._o before_o man_n if_o we_o testify_v for_o god_n he_o will_v give_v testimony_n of_o we_o as_o he_o do_v of_o abraham_n abel_n moses_n daniel_n enoch_n etc._n etc._n heb._n 11.4_o 5._o hence_o god_n servant_n have_v appeal_v to_o god_n to_o be_v their_o witness_n job_n 16.19_o psal._n 139.23_o 24._o and_o 7.8_o and_o 26.1_o 2._o if_o we_o plead_v for_o god_n he_o will_v plead_v for_o we_o as_o numb_a 12.8_o job_n 42.7_o lam._n 3.58_o psal._n 37.6_o 2._o before_o devil_n so_o job_n 1.8_o and_o 2.4_o 2._o by_o the_o son_n if_o we_o confess_v christ_n he_o will_v confess_v we_o