xiiii_o satan_n temptation_n concern_v our_o redemption_n wherewith_o he_o move_v the_o worldling_n to_o presumption_n answer_v §_o sect._n 1_o and_o thus_o have_v i_o show_v what_o our_o redemption_n be_v temptation_n the_o temptation_n now_o let_v we_o consider_v of_o those_o temptation_n of_o satan_n which_o he_o sugge_v into_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n whereby_o he_o labour_v to_o deprive_v they_o of_o this_o great_a benefit_n and_o to_o keep_v they_o still_o in_o his_o captivity_n or_o to_o pull_v they_o back_o again_o when_o they_o be_v escape_v and_o these_o be_v of_o two_o sort_n the_o first_o lead_v to_o security_n and_o presumption_n the_o other_o to_o doubt_v and_o desperation_n for_o if_o he_o have_v to_o deal_v with_o worldly_a man_n who_o be_v never_o true_o convert_v unto_o god_n he_o labour_v to_o persuade_v they_o that_o they_o be_v redeem_v by_o christ_n and_o therefore_o though_o they_o live_v in_o their_o sin_n yet_o they_o shall_v be_v save_v for_o christ_n come_v into_o the_o world_n to_o save_v sinner_n but_o when_o he_o assault_v the_o true_a christian_n who_o be_v indeed_o the_o redeem_v of_o the_o lord_n then_o he_o move_v he_o to_o doubt_v and_o despair_n either_o of_o the_o sufficiency_n or_o of_o the_o efficacy_n of_o the_o work_n of_o our_o redemption_n wrought_v by_o jesus_n christ_n that_o he_o may_v continue_v the_o worldly_a man_n in_o his_o carnal_a security_n and_o fond_a presumption_n he_o use_v two_o principal_a reason_n the_o first_o that_o the_o redemption_n wrought_v by_o christ_n be_v universal_a and_o effectual_a for_o the_o salvation_n of_o all_o the_o world_n out_o of_o which_o he_o frame_v this_o temptation_n christ_n have_v shed_v his_o precious_a blood_n and_o suffer_v death_n for_o all_o the_o world_n and_o have_v redeem_v all_o mankind_n which_o be_v lose_v in_o adam_n out_o of_o the_o bondage_n of_o satan_n death_n and_o hell_n why_o therefore_o shall_v thou_o be_v so_o strict_a in_o fly_v sin_n with_o which_o thou_o be_v so_o much_o delight_v why_o do_v thou_o strive_v against_o the_o stream_n of_o thy_o corruption_n and_o wherefore_o shall_v thou_o take_v any_o great_a pain_n in_o the_o work_n of_o holiness_n and_o righteousness_n which_o be_v so_o bitter_a and_o unpleasant_a to_o thy_o taste_n and_o appetite_n for_o christ_n come_v into_o the_o world_n to_o save_v all_o man_n and_o not_o those_o only_o who_o be_v so_o strict_a in_o their_o way_n he_o come_v to_o redeem_v the_o whole_a world_n &_o give_v himself_o as_o a_o sufficient_a ransom_n for_o all_o man_n and_o therefore_o doubtless_o he_o will_v not_o lose_v his_o labour_n nor_o spill_v his_o blood_n in_o vain_a he_o will_v not_o willing_o let_v any_o perish_v who_o he_o have_v purchase_v at_o so_o high_a a_o rate_n and_o redeem_v with_o so_o dear_a a_o price_n he_o be_v also_o so_o powerful_a that_o nothing_o shall_v be_v able_a to_o pull_v they_o out_o of_o his_o hand_n 10.28_o joh._n 10.28_o as_o himself_o affirm_v joh._n 10.28_o and_o so_o wise_a that_o he_o will_v not_o shed_v his_o blood_n for_o those_o who_o he_o will_v not_o save_v and_o who_o can_v imagine_v that_o god_n who_o be_v most_o just_a will_v impute_v those_o sin_n unto_o thou_o for_o which_o christ_n have_v suffer_v inflict_v death_n on_o thou_o for_o who_o christ_n die_v and_o require_v that_o debt_n again_o which_o be_v already_o discharge_v or_o who_o can_v imagine_v that_o god_n who_o be_v immutable_a shall_v show_v such_o inconstancy_n as_o to_o send_v his_o son_n into_o the_o world_n to_o suffer_v death_n for_o the_o redemption_n of_o those_o who_o he_o now_o will_v not_o save_v for_o if_o he_o will_v who_o can_v resist_v his_o will_n or_o withstand_v his_o power_n and_o therefore_o if_o he_o have_v redeem_v all_o sure_o he_o will_v save_v all_o and_o consequent_o thou_o among_o the_o rest_n though_o thou_o live_v as_o thou_o listen_v and_o follow_v the_o lust_n of_o thy_o own_o heart_n for_o thy_o sin_n and_o unbelief_n can_v make_v his_o purpose_n void_a nor_o annihilate_v the_o work_n of_o thy_o redemption_n nay_o the_o more_o thy_o sin_n abound_v the_o more_o his_o grace_n will_v abound_v also_o §_o sect._n 2_o for_o the_o answer_n of_o which_o temptation_n we_o be_v to_o know_v temptation_n the_o answer_n to_o the_o former_a temptation_n that_o universal_a redemption_n which_o be_v the_o ground_n and_o foundation_n thereof_o be_v a_o idle_a dream_n of_o man_n brain_n which_o can_v be_v justify_v by_o the_o word_n of_o god_n which_o be_v the_o touchstone_n of_o all_o truth_n neither_o have_v our_o saviour_n christ_n redeem_v any_o other_o than_o those_o who_o he_o effectual_o call_v unto_o the_o save_a knowledge_n of_o their_o redemption_n endu_v with_o true_a faith_n and_o unfeigned_a repentance_n justifi_v sanctifi_v and_o last_o save_v if_o we_o respect_v the_o purpose_n of_o god_n and_o the_o will_n of_o our_o bless_a saviour_n although_o indeed_o the_o price_n he_o give_v for_o our_o redemption_n be_v of_o sufficient_a value_n for_o the_o sin_n of_o all_o the_o world_n if_o it_o be_v apply_v by_o a_o lively_a faith_n but_o because_o this_o doctrine_n have_v many_o enemy_n redemption_n testimony_n of_o scripture_n allege_v against_o universal_a redemption_n it_o be_v not_o sufficient_a to_o propound_v it_o unless_o i_o prove_v it_o and_o therefore_o i_o will_v show_v first_o by_o testimony_n of_o scripture_n and_o after_o by_o strong_a reason_n that_o our_o saviour_n christ_n have_v die_v for_o and_o by_o his_o death_n redeem_v those_o only_o who_o he_o endu_v with_o true_a faith_n and_o unfeigned_a repentance_n and_o not_o for_o all_o the_o world_n as_o they_o imagine_v matth._n 20.28_o it_o be_v say_v that_o he_o come_v into_o the_o world_n to_o give_v his_o life_n a_o ransom_n for_o many_o 26.28_o matth._n 20.2_o and_o 26.28_o and_o 26.28_o that_o his_o blood_n be_v shed_v for_o many_o for_o the_o remission_n of_o sin_n and_o esa_n 53.11_o that_o christ_n shall_v justify_v many_o by_o bear_v their_o iniquity_n so_o that_o he_o have_v not_o give_v his_o life_n a_o ransom_n and_o shed_v his_o blood_n and_o by_o bear_v their_o iniquity_n justify_v all_o but_o many_o that_o be_v part_n of_o all_o luk._n 2.34_o simeon_n say_v 2.34_o luk._n 2.34_o that_o christ_n be_v appoint_v by_o god_n decree_n for_o the_o fall_n and_o rise_v again_o of_o many_o that_o be_v for_o the_o fall_n of_o many_o reprobate_n and_o the_o rise_n again_o of_o many_o who_o be_v elect_v and_o therefore_o not_o for_o the_o redemption_n of_o all_o so_o christ_n say_v that_o he_o lay_v down_o his_o life_n for_o his_o sheep_n joh._n 10.15_o and_o therefore_o not_o for_o wolf_n and_o goat_n 15.14_o joh._n 10.15_o and_o 15.14_o for_o his_o friend_n joh._n 15.14_o &_o therefore_o not_o for_o his_o wicked_a enemy_n for_o we_o that_o be_v for_o the_o company_n of_o the_o faithful_a believer_n rom._n 8.32.33_o and_o therefore_o not_o for_o the_o synagogue_n of_o satan_n and_o wicked_a unbeliever_n 1.21_o rom._n 8.32.33_o matth._n 1.21_o so_o matth._n 1.21_o he_o be_v say_v to_o be_v the_o saviour_n of_o his_o people_n and_o not_o of_o aliens_n and_o stranger_n and_o to_o have_v give_v himself_o for_o his_o church_n 5.25_o eph._n 5.25_o eph._n 5.25_o and_o not_o for_o those_o who_o have_v no_o fellowship_n in_o the_o communion_n of_o saint_n that_o he_o shall_v die_v for_o the_o nation_n that_o be_v as_o john_n say_v for_o all_o god_n child_n jew_n and_o gentile_n 3.22.25.26_o joh._n 11.52_o rom._n 3.22.25.26_o joh._n 11.52_o and_o therefore_o not_o for_o the_o wicked_a and_o the_o child_n of_o satan_n so_o that_o apostle_n rom._n 3.22_o say_v that_o the_o righteousness_n of_o god_n that_o be_v the_o righteousness_n of_o jesus_n christ_n impute_v unto_o we_o by_o god_n or_o the_o righteousness_n of_o christ_n god_n and_o man_n be_v manifest_v upon_o all_o and_o unto_o all_o that_o believe_v and_o vers_fw-la 23._o that_o god_n have_v set_v forth_o christ_n to_o be_v a_o reconciliation_n through_o faith_n in_o his_o blood_n and_o verse_n 26._o that_o he_o be_v the_o justifier_n of_o he_o which_o be_v of_o the_o faith_n of_o jesus_n where_o the_o imputation_n of_o christ_n righteousness_n reconciliation_n with_o god_n and_o justification_n be_v restrain_v to_o the_o believer_n only_o and_o to_o the_o same_o purpose_n be_v that_o of_o the_o apostle_n 5.9_o heb._n 5.9_o heb._n 5.9_o where_o christ_n be_v say_v to_o be_v the_o author_n of_o eternal_a salvation_n unto_o all_o that_o obey_v he_o and_o therefore_o not_o unto_o they_o who_o continue_v in_o their_o rebellion_n not_o observe_v his_o will_n nor_o submit_v themselves_o to_o be_v rule_v by_o the_o sceptre_n of_o his_o word_n and_o as_o by_o these_o place_n it_o be_v apparent_a that_o christ_n and_o his_o benefit_n be_v restrain_v to_o the_o faithful_a so_o also_o
charity_n judge_v the_o best_a when_o they_o see_v not_o evident_a reason_n to_o the_o contrary_a or_o it_o may_v be_v understand_v of_o hypocrite_n as_o they_o be_v in_o their_o own_o opinion_n or_o according_a to_o their_o vain_a boast_n and_o so_o those_o that_o be_v in_o show_n or_o in_o their_o own_o opinion_n redeem_v by_o christ_n death_n may_v be_v reprobate_n and_o condemn_v but_o not_o any_o who_o be_v redeem_v in_o truth_n second_o those_o hypocrite_n that_o be_v in_o the_o outward_a visible_a church_n be_v say_v to_o be_v redeem_v in_o respect_n that_o they_o be_v number_v for_o a_o time_n among_o the_o faithful_a till_o they_o bewray_v their_o hypocrisy_n and_o depart_v from_o the_o communion_n and_o fellowship_n which_o they_o have_v outward_o with_o the_o saint_n though_o they_o be_v not_o in_o truth_n redeem_v unless_o they_o be_v of_o the_o church_n and_o member_n of_o christ_n body_n §_o sect._n 6_o last_o it_o be_v object_v that_o as_o in_o adam_n all_o die_n even_o so_o in_o christ_n shall_v all_o be_v make_v alive_a 15.22_o that_o all_o be_v not_o redeem_v by_o christ_n who_o perish_v in_o adam_n 1._o cor._n 15.22_o as_o the_o apostle_n speak_v 1._o cor._n 15.22_o but_o all_o die_v in_o adam_n and_o therefore_o all_o be_v make_v alive_a in_o christ_n i_o answer_v that_o the_o apostle_n here_o understand_v all_o the_o faithful_a of_o who_o resurrection_n he_o here_o dispute_v and_o it_o be_v as_o much_o as_o if_o he_o have_v say_v as_o all_o the_o faithful_a die_v in_o adam_n so_o all_o shall_v be_v make_v alive_a in_o christ_n or_o though_o it_o be_v understand_v of_o all_o that_o they_o die_v in_o adam_n yet_o it_o proove_v not_o that_o all_o be_v redeem_v by_o christ_n for_o then_o the_o sense_n be_v thus_o much_o as_o adam_z derive_v death_n unto_o all_o his_o by_o natural_a propagation_n so_o christ_n have_v derive_v life_n to_o all_o his_o by_o grace_n and_o this_o appear_v in_o the_o verse_n follow_v where_o he_o say_v that_o first_o christ_n rise_v and_o afterward_o they_o that_o be_v of_o christ_n shall_v rise_v at_o his_o come_n now_o they_o only_o be_v christ_n who_o be_v lead_v by_o his_o spirit_n and_o therefore_o they_o who_o have_v not_o their_o part_n in_o the_o first_o resurrection_n whereby_o be_v sanctify_v they_o rise_v again_o from_o the_o death_n of_o sin_n to_o newness_n of_o life_n shall_v not_o have_v their_o part_n of_o the_o second_o resurrection_n whereby_o they_o rise_v to_o inherit_v those_o joy_n which_o christ_n have_v purchase_v for_o they_o but_o it_o may_v be_v further_o urge_v that_o if_o all_o do_v not_o live_v in_o christ_n who_o die_v in_o adam_n adam_n sin_n shall_v be_v of_o more_o force_n than_o christ_n death_n and_o satisfaction_n and_o adam_n shall_v be_v more_o strong_a to_o destroy_v than_o christ_n to_o save_v i_o answer_v that_o their_o power_n and_o strength_n be_v not_o to_o be_v measure_v by_o the_o number_n of_o those_o who_o be_v destroy_v and_o save_v but_o according_a to_o the_o manner_n whereby_o they_o be_v destroy_v and_o save_v or_o according_a to_o the_o virtue_n and_o force_n require_v to_o save_v and_o destroy_v for_o it_o be_v far_o more_o easy_a to_o hurt_v many_o than_o to_o help_v a_o few_o to_o kill_v a_o multitude_n than_o to_o restore_v one_o to_o life_n for_o even_o bruit_n beast_n can_v kill_v and_o destroy_v but_o neither_o man_n angel_n nor_o other_o creature_n can_v give_v life_n save_o god_n alone_o and_o so_o it_o be_v no_o hard_a matter_n for_o adam_n to_o plunge_v all_o mankind_n into_o the_o gulf_n of_o perdition_n but_o to_o save_v and_o deliver_v we_o out_o of_o this_o wretched_a estate_n neither_o he_o nor_o any_o other_o can_v perform_v save_o christ_n alone_o and_o therefore_o though_o our_o saviour_n have_v free_v and_o restore_v to_o life_n but_o only_o one_o and_o adam_n by_o his_o sin_n destroy_v all_o yet_o christ_n death_n be_v strong_a and_o of_o more_o virtue_n in_o save_v than_o adam_n sin_n in_o destroy_v second_o i_o answer_v that_o christ_n death_n be_v as_o sufficient_a for_o the_o redemption_n of_o all_o the_o world_n as_o adam_n sin_n for_o their_o condemnation_n in_o respect_n of_o the_o infinite_a value_n and_o price_n thereof_o if_o as_o adam_n sin_n be_v derive_v unto_o all_o by_o natural_a propagation_n so_o christ_n death_n and_o merit_n be_v apply_v unto_o they_o by_o faith_n for_o there_o be_v no_o want_n of_o virtue_n in_o this_o precious_a salve_n to_o heal_v but_o the_o cause_n why_o it_o heal_v not_o be_v because_o it_o be_v reject_v and_o cast_v away_o through_o incredulity_n three_o christ_n death_n be_v of_o far_o more_o virtue_n and_o force_n than_o adam_n sin_n in_o that_o it_o bring_v unto_o we_o far_o better_a thing_n than_o we_o lose_v in_o adam_n for_o we_o lose_v by_o adam_n but_o earthly_a benefit_n but_o we_o have_v derive_v unto_o we_o by_o christ_n heavenly_a glory_n and_o everlasting_a happiness_n adam_n cast_v we_o out_o of_o the_o possession_n of_o the_o earthly_a paradise_n but_o christ_n give_v we_o possession_n of_o the_o heavenly_a jerusalem_n adam_n make_v we_o of_o the_o servant_n of_o god_n the_o bondslave_n of_o satan_n but_o christ_n make_v we_o of_o the_o bondslave_n of_o satan_n the_o son_n of_o god_n and_o heir_n of_o his_o kingdom_n chap._n xv._o that_o all_o who_o be_v redeem_v be_v also_o sanctify_v §_o sect._n 1_o and_o thus_o i_o have_v take_v away_o the_o ground_n of_o satan_n first_o temptation_n licentiousness_n satan_n temptation_n to_o persuade_v man_n to_o all_o licentiousness_n whereby_o he_o move_v carnal_a man_n secure_o to_o continue_v in_o their_o sin_n because_o christ_n have_v redeem_v and_o will_v save_v the_o wicked_a as_o well_o as_o the_o godly_a by_o prove_v that_o christ_n have_v redeem_v the_o faithful_a only_o the_o second_o temptation_n which_o he_o use_v to_o the_o same_o purpose_n he_o thus_o frame_v christ_n have_v redeem_v all_o at_o lest_o who_o believe_v in_o he_o be_v their_o sin_n never_o so_o many_o and_o grievous_a and_o therefore_o thou_o may_v continue_v in_o thy_o sin_n with_o pleasure_n and_o delight_n and_o satisfy_v the_o lust_n of_o thy_o own_o flesh_n only_o believe_v and_o thou_o shall_v be_v save_v for_o christ_n require_v no_o other_o condition_n neither_o be_v there_o any_o other_o end_n of_o christ_n come_n but_o that_o he_o shall_v by_o his_o suffer_a take_v away_o thy_o sin_n and_o therefore_o why_o shall_v thou_o vex_v and_o torment_v thyself_o in_o embrace_v bitter_a mortification_n and_o newness_n of_o life_n and_o in_o shun_v thy_o sweet_a and_o please_a sin_n see_v christ_n redeem_v the_o great_a sinner_n as_o well_o as_o the_o least_o the_o answer_n to_o this_o we_o be_v to_o answer_v that_o there_o be_v no_o sin_n so_o innumerable_a in_o multitude_n and_o so_o heinous_a in_o their_o quality_n and_o nature_n which_o will_v exclude_v we_o from_o the_o benefit_n of_o our_o redemption_n wrought_v by_o christ_n so_o we_o apply_v his_o death_n and_o merit_n unto_o we_o by_o a_o true_a and_o lively_a faith_n but_o yet_o notwithstanding_o this_o can_v be_v no_o encouragement_n for_o any_o to_o continue_v in_o their_o sin_n for_o first_o we_o be_v to_o know_v that_o none_o have_v part_n in_o this_o redemption_n wrought_v by_o christ_n but_o those_o only_o who_o be_v make_v partaker_n thereof_o by_o a_o true_a and_o lively_a faith_n which_o be_v never_o separate_v from_o the_o fruit_n thereof_o true_a repentance_n and_o holiness_n of_o life_n neither_o be_v it_o possible_a that_o any_o shall_v be_v assure_v of_o god_n love_n but_o this_o assurance_n will_v make_v they_o to_o love_n god_n again_o and_o this_o love_n will_v work_v in_o their_o heart_n a_o zeal_n of_o his_o glory_n and_o a_o care_n to_o glorify_v his_o name_n by_o cause_v the_o light_n of_o their_o godly_a life_n to_o shine_v before_o man_n it_o be_v not_o possible_a that_o any_o who_o true_o believe_v that_o that_o they_o be_v redeem_v with_o the_o precious_a blood_n of_o christ_n shall_v not_o high_o esteem_v and_o be_v exceed_o thankful_a to_o christ_n for_o this_o inestimable_a benefit_n which_o none_o can_v do_v who_o tread_v the_o blood_n of_o christ_n under_o their_o foot_n and_o voluntary_o cast_v themselves_o into_o the_o bondage_n of_o sin_n out_o of_o which_o we_o be_v redeem_v with_o so_o precious_a a_o price_n and_o so_o scorn_v this_o benefit_n and_o despite_n our_o saviour_n who_o have_v bestow_v it_o it_o can_v be_v that_o any_o shall_v be_v so_o foolish_a as_o to_o sell_v their_o soul_n unto_o sin_n for_o every_o vain_a pleasure_n and_o trifle_a commodity_n if_o they_o be_v assure_v that_o christ_n redeem_v they_o with_o the_o price_n of_o his_o precious_a blood_n which_o be_v of_o more_o value_n than_o many_o world_n
the_o christian_a warfare_n wherein_o be_v first_o general_o show_v the_o malice_n power_n and_o politic_a stratagem_n of_o the_o spiritual_a enemy_n of_o our_o salvation_n satan_n and_o his_o assistant_n the_o world_n and_o the_o flesh_n with_o the_o mean_n also_o whereby_o the_o christian_a may_v withstand_v and_o defeat_v they_o and_o afterward_o more_o special_o their_o particular_a have_v against_o the_o several_a cause_n and_o mean_n of_o our_o salvation_n whereby_o on_o the_o one_o side_n they_o allure_v we_o to_o security_n and_o presumption_n and_o on_o the_o other_o side_n draw_v we_o to_o doubt_v and_o desperation_n be_v express_v and_o answer_v write_a especial_o for_o their_o sake_n who_o be_v exercise_v in_o the_o spiritual_a conflict_n of_o temptation_n and_o be_v afflict_v in_o conscience_n in_o the_o sight_n and_o sense_n of_o their_o sin_n by_o i._o downame_n preacher_n of_o god_n word_n put_v on_o the_o whole_a armour_n of_o god_n that_o you_o may_v be_v able_a to_o stand_v against_o the_o assault_n of_o the_o devil_n ephes_n 6.11_o at_o london_n print_v by_o felix_n kyngston_n for_o cuthbert_n burby_n and_o be_v to_o be_v sell_v at_o his_o shop_n in_o paul_n churchyard_n at_o the_o sign_n of_o the_o swan_n 1604._o to_o the_o godly_a zealous_n and_o sincere_a professor_n of_o god_n true_a religion_n sir_n john_n scot_n sir_n thomas_n smith_n and_o their_o lady_n master_n robert_n chamberlaine_n esquire_n and_o mistress_n anne_n chamberlaine_n his_o wife_n his_o well-beloved_a and_o most_o respect_a friend_n i._o d._n wish_v the_o fruition_n of_o all_o the_o true_a comfort_n of_o this_o life_n and_o eternal_a happiness_n in_o the_o life_n to_o come_v manifold_n right_a worshipful_a and_o most_o dangerous_a be_v the_o temptation_n and_o assault_n of_o our_o spiritual_a enemy_n whereby_o they_o labour_v to_o hinder_v the_o salvation_n of_o god_n elect_v and_o to_o increase_v the_o greatness_n of_o their_o hellish_a dominion_n by_o withdraw_v if_o it_o be_v possible_a god_n servant_n from_o their_o subjection_n and_o allegiance_n and_o make_v they_o their_o slave_n and_o perpetual_a vassal_n to_o this_o end_n they_o take_v indefatigable_a pain_n go_v continual_o about_o seek_v who_o they_o may_v devour_v sometime_o like_o roar_a lion_n compel_v by_o violent_a force_n and_o sometime_o like_o old_a serpent_n allure_a and_o deceive_v with_o treacherous_a policy_n neither_o do_v they_o rest_v in_o the_o time_n of_o our_o rest_n but_o wake_v and_o sleep_v they_o set_v upon_o we_o one_o while_o entice_v we_o to_o swallow_v the_o poison_n of_o sin_n with_o the_o sugar_a bait_n of_o worldly_a vanity_n and_o another_o while_n drive_v we_o into_o their_o snare_n of_o perdition_n with_o the_o sharp_a prick_a goad_n of_o misery_n and_o affliction_n before_o we_o they_o set_v carnal_a pleasure_n deceive_v riches_n and_o vain_a honour_n to_o allure_v we_o to_o come_v into_o the_o broad_a way_n that_o lead_v to_o destruction_n and_o behind_o we_o they_o hold_v the_o three-stringed_n whip_v of_o loss_n shame_n and_o punishment_n to_o keep_v we_o from_o go_v back_o and_o to_o hasten_v we_o with_o wing_a speed_n to_o run_v forward_o in_o this_o hellish_a journey_n neither_o do_v they_o great_o care_v what_o path_n we_o choose_v in_o this_o common_a way_n of_o perdition_n whether_o the_o spacious_a way_n of_o security_n and_o presumption_n or_o the_o strait_a path_n of_o horror_n and_o desperation_n whether_o the_o toil_a way_n of_o unsatiable_a covetousness_n or_o the_o soft_a fair_a way_n of_o bewitch_a pleasure_n whether_o the_o open_a way_n of_o worldliness_n and_o atheism_n or_o through_o the_o hide_a thicket_n of_o hypocrisy_n and_o dissimulation_n in_o a_o word_n they_o regard_v not_o in_o what_o way_n we_o walk_v so_o we_o go_v forward_o in_o the_o way_n of_o sin_n for_o though_o they_o seem_v diverse_a and_o contrary_a one_o to_o another_o yet_o they_o have_v all_o the_o same_o end_n meet_v together_o in_o hell_n and_o destruction_n and_o howsoever_o they_o can_v with_o all_o their_o malice_n power_n and_o policy_n attain_v unto_o their_o desire_n by_o bring_v god_n elect_v and_o faithful_a one_o to_o perdition_n and_o endless_a misery_n because_o god_n their_o heavenly_a father_n who_o have_v take_v upon_o he_o their_o protection_n frustrate_v all_o their_o subtle_a policy_n with_o his_o all-seeing_a wifedome_n and_o withstand_v all_o their_o might_n with_o his_o almighty_a power_n yet_o do_v they_o exceed_o with_o their_o assault_n and_o temptation_n foil_n vex_v and_o trouble_v they_o by_o work_v in_o some_o forgetfulness_n of_o god_n and_o of_o themselves_o security_n and_o careless_a retchlesnesse_n and_o turmoyl_a other_o with_o horrible_a fear_n desperate_a doubt_v and_o bitter_a agony_n whereby_o it_o come_v to_o pass_v that_o the_o one_o sort_n secure_o go_v on_o in_o sin_n forget_v the_o end_n of_o their_o creation_n redemption_n and_o holy_a vocation_n unto_o which_o god_n have_v call_v they_o until_o with_o solomon_n they_o have_v find_v in_o the_o end_n of_o their_o worldly_a delight_n nothing_o but_o vanity_n and_o vexation_n of_o spirit_n and_o the_o other_o be_v so_o affright_v astonish_v and_o continual_o torment_v with_o doubt_n fear_n and_o the_o continual_a assault_n of_o their_o spiritual_a enemy_n that_o they_o go_v mourn_v all_o the_o day_n long_o pine_v away_o in_o grief_n and_o anguish_n of_o mind_n till_o at_o last_o they_o grow_v weary_a of_o their_o life_n think_v their_o soul_n a_o intolerable_a burden_n to_o their_o body_n and_o their_o body_n to_o the_o earth_n the_o consideration_n of_o which_o lamentable_a and_o too_o too_o miserable_a effect_n as_o it_o shall_v move_v all_o christian_n to_o stand_v upon_o their_o guard_n and_o to_o arm_v themselves_o with_o the_o spiritual_a armour_n that_o they_o may_v not_o be_v overcome_v of_o their_o temptation_n and_o fall_v into_o these_o great_a mischief_n so_o shall_v it_o move_v god_n faithful_a minister_n who_o duty_n it_o be_v not_o only_a themselves_o to_o walk_v in_o the_o way_n of_o righteousness_n but_o also_o as_o spiritual_a guide_n to_o lead_v other_o with_o they_o in_o discharge_n of_o their_o conscience_n before_o god_n and_o in_o christian_n commiseration_n and_o compassion_n towards_o their_o brethren_n to_o use_v all_o good_a mean_n both_o by_o speak_v and_o write_v whereby_o they_o may_v be_v preserve_v and_o free_v from_o these_o snare_n which_o their_o spiritual_a enemy_n do_v lay_v to_o entrap_v they_o by_o beat_v down_o with_o the_o cannon-shot_n of_o god_n threaten_n the_o high_a fort_n of_o their_o proud_a presumption_n and_o rouse_a they_o out_o of_o the_o deep_a slumber_n of_o reckless_a security_n as_o also_o by_o raise_v up_o and_o comfort_v those_o that_o mourn_n in_o zion_n stoop_v yea_o lie_v grovel_a under_o the_o heavy_a burden_n of_o their_o sin_n the_o which_o howsoever_o it_o be_v perform_v by_o many_o in_o respect_n of_o their_o several_a charge_n commit_v to_o they_o and_o some_o also_o have_v brief_o touch_v some_o point_n in_o writing_n which_o concern_v the_o comfort_v and_o raise_v up_o of_o their_o private_a friend_n yet_o not_o any_o that_o i_o know_v of_o have_v in_o our_o language_n large_o and_o general_o handle_v these_o controversy_n and_o spiritual_a conflict_n between_o the_o christian_n and_o the_o enemy_n of_o his_o salvation_n for_o the_o common_a good_a of_o the_o whole_a church_n and_o therefore_o have_v with_o elihu_n long_o wait_v to_o see_v if_o those_o who_o be_v more_o ancient_a better_o experience_v and_o more_o rich_o furnish_v with_o god_n gift_n and_o grace_n than_o myself_o will_v undertake_v this_o work_n which_o be_v to_o god_n most_o acceptable_a and_o to_o his_o saint_n and_o child_n so_o profitable_a and_o necessary_a at_o length_n after_o other_o long_a silence_n i_o resolve_v to_o speak_v and_o no_o long_o to_o conceal_v such_o true_a comfort_n as_o god_n have_v reveal_v unto_o i_o to_o the_o end_n that_o hereby_o i_o may_v relieve_v and_o comfort_v those_o who_o be_v poor_a in_o spirit_n and_o humble_v in_o the_o sight_n of_o sin_n or_o at_o least_o by_o offer_v willing_o to_o this_o use_n my_o small_a mite_n i_o may_v give_v a_o occasion_n unto_o other_o better_a able_a to_o unlock_v and_o open_v their_o rich_a treasury_n that_o they_o may_v bestow_v upon_o their_o poor_a brethren_n their_o great_a talent_n and_o gift_n of_o better_a value_n the_o which_o my_o labour_n as_o i_o do_v not_o rash_o undertake_v they_o so_o i_o have_v not_o sudden_o finish_v they_o for_o almost_o three_o year_n since_o i_o purpose_v to_o take_v this_o work_n in_o hand_n which_o i_o have_v now_o by_o god_n assistance_n finish_v but_o at_o the_o first_o i_o confess_v i_o intend_v not_o that_o it_o shall_v come_v in_o to_o public_a view_n but_o only_o as_o other_o before_o i_o propound_v as_o the_o end_n of_o my_o labour_n the_o comfort_v
god_n again_o and_o earnest_o labour_v after_o mortification_n and_o newness_n of_o life_n and_o whosoever_o be_v destitute_a of_o god_n love_n and_o live_v in_o his_o sin_n without_o any_o sorrow_n for_o those_o which_o be_v past_a or_o purpose_n to_o leave_v they_o for_o the_o time_n to_o come_v he_o may_v well_o brag_v of_o his_o faith_n and_o assurance_n of_o god_n love_n but_o in_o very_a truth_n there_o be_v as_o yet_o nothing_o in_o he_o but_o carnal_a security_n and_o vain_a presumption_n §_o sect._n 6_o second_o love_n that_o every_o particular_a christian_n may_v assure_v himself_o of_o god_n love_n the_o tempter_n will_v object_v that_o the_o lord_n have_v give_v all_o these_o testimony_n and_o pledge_n of_o his_o love_n unto_o his_o church_n and_o that_o it_o therefore_o may_v well_o be_v assure_v thereof_o but_o as_o for_o particular_a man_n they_o notwithstanding_o may_v just_o doubt_v of_o his_o love_n see_v they_o have_v no_o special_a reason_n to_o persuade_v they_o that_o these_o testimony_n and_o pledge_n be_v give_v unto_o they_o but_o i_o answer_v that_o this_o be_v a_o fond_a of_o objection_n for_o what_o be_v the_o church_n but_o the_o whole_a company_n of_o god_n saint_n what_o be_v it_o but_o a_o body_n consist_v of_o many_o member_n which_o be_v particular_a christian_n how_o therefore_o can_v the_o whole_a church_n be_v persuade_v of_o god_n love_n if_o all_o the_o several_a member_n doubt_v thereof_o how_o can_v any_o thing_n belong_v to_o the_o whole_a which_o belong_v not_o to_o the_o particular_a part_n as_o though_o a_o whole_a city_n can_v be_v assure_v of_o the_o prince_n favour_n and_o yet_o all_o the_o particular_a man_n in_o the_o city_n shall_v think_v themselves_o in_o his_o displeasure_n saint_n paul_n teach_v we_o another_o lesson_n in_o his_o own_o person_n say_v 2.20_o gal._n 2.20_o gal._n 2.20_o who_o have_v love_v i_o and_o give_v his_o life_n for_o i_o he_o say_v not_o who_o have_v love_v and_o give_v his_o life_n for_o the_o church_n but_o for_o himself_o neither_o do_v the_o apostle_n here_o speak_v this_o by_o revelation_n whereby_o he_o may_v extraordinary_o be_v assure_v of_o god_n love_n but_o he_o use_v for_o his_o argument_n a_o reason_n common_a to_o all_o christian_n namely_o that_o god_n love_v he_o because_o he_o have_v give_v himself_o to_o death_n for_o he_o whosoever_o therefore_o believe_v with_o paul_n that_o christ_n die_v for_o he_o may_v be_v assure_v also_o with_o he_o of_o god_n love_n §_o sect._n 7_o second_o if_o we_o do_v not_o believe_v that_o god_n love_v we_o he_o that_o doubt_v of_o god_n love_n be_v injurious_a unto_o he_o we_o make_v he_o a_o liar_n for_o he_o have_v profess_v his_o love_n and_o give_v we_o many_o testimony_n thereof_o in_o his_o word_n neither_o do_v he_o require_v any_o condition_n at_o our_o hand_n but_o that_o we_o believe_v he_o for_o his_o merciful_a promise_n do_v not_o exclude_v any_o for_o their_o unworthiness_n but_o for_o their_o unbelief_n according_a to_o that_o john_n 3.16_o so_o god_n love_v the_o world_n that_o he_o give_v his_o only_a beget_v son_n that_o whosoever_o believe_v in_o he_o shall_v not_o perish_v 3.16_o joh._n 3.16_o but_o have_v everlasting_a life_n see_v then_o there_o be_v no_o other_o condition_n require_v but_o faith_n for_o the_o assurance_n of_o god_n love_n and_o everlasting_a life_n sure_o most_o desperate_o do_v we_o sin_v against_o our_o own_o soul_n and_o most_o blasphemous_o against_o god_n if_o we_o will_v not_o believe_v his_o word_n confirm_v by_o his_o seal_n no_o not_o his_o oath_n whereby_o he_o have_v ratify_v his_o covenant_n between_o he_o and_o we_o but_o make_v he_o who_o be_v truth_n itself_o a_o liar_n a_o covenant_n breaker_n yea_o a_o perjure_a person_n for_o so_o the_o apostle_n speak_v 1._o john_n 5.10_o he_o that_o believe_v not_o god_n have_v make_v he_o a_o liar_n 5.10_o 1._o joh._n 5.10_o because_o he_o believe_v not_o the_o record_n that_o god_n witness_v of_o his_o son_n though_o therefore_o we_o sin_n yet_o let_v we_o not_o thus_o blaspheme_v though_o we_o be_v grievous_a sinner_n and_o unworthy_a god_n love_n yet_o let_v we_o not_o add_v this_o to_o all_o our_o other_o sin_n and_o unworthiness_n to_o distrust_v god_n truth_n in_o his_o gracious_a promise_n for_o if_o we_o put_v all_o our_o other_o sin_n into_o the_o one_o school_n and_o this_o alone_a into_o the_o other_o yet_o will_v it_o weigh_v down_o all_o the_o rest_n neither_o be_v we_o damn_v for_o our_o other_o sin_n if_o we_o do_v not_o add_v unto_o they_o infidelity_n for_o whereas_o the_o precious_a balm_n of_o our_o saviour_n blood_n be_v a_o sovereign_a salve_n to_o cure_v all_o other_o sore_n of_o sin_n yet_o this_o it_o can_v help_v because_o it_o do_v refuse_v the_o cure_n and_o as_o it_o be_v pull_v off_o this_o precious_a plaster_n when_o it_o be_v lay_v on_o it_o §_o sect._n 8_o but_o as_o this_o distrust_v and_o doubt_v of_o god_n love_n be_v injurious_a unto_o he_o ourselves_o doubt_v of_o god_n love_n pernicious_a unto_o ourselves_o so_o also_o it_o be_v pernicious_a unto_o our_o own_o soul_n for_o first_o it_o torment_v our_o mind_n and_o set_v our_o conscience_n upon_o the_o rack_n when_o as_o we_o have_v no_o other_o assurance_n of_o god_n love_n but_o only_o so_o far_o forth_o as_o we_o find_v ourselves_o worthy_a of_o it_o for_o so_o often_o as_o we_o fall_v and_o the_o sight_n of_o our_o sin_n come_v before_o our_o eye_n have_v no_o other_o ground_n of_o god_n love_n but_o our_o own_o desert_n we_o doubt_v and_o stagger_v like_o a_o ship_n toss_v with_o the_o billow_n of_o the_o sea_n and_o in_o the_o end_n sink_v into_o the_o gulf_n of_o despair_n be_v over_o balance_v and_o too_o heavy_o lade_v with_o the_o unsupportable_a weight_n of_o our_o sin_n whereas_o if_o we_o be_v thorough_o persuade_v of_o god_n free_a love_n and_o goodwill_n ground_v on_o his_o own_o good_a pleasure_n and_o not_o on_o our_o worthiness_n if_o we_o do_v fall_v we_o will_v be_v grieve_v in_o deed_n even_o at_o the_o very_a heart_n because_o we_o have_v displease_v our_o gracious_a god_n and_o love_a father_n but_o yet_o our_o sin_n will_v not_o make_v we_o despair_v or_o doubt_v of_o his_o love_n towards_o we_o because_o it_o have_v not_o it_o ground_n on_o our_o worthiness_n but_o upon_o god_n own_o free_a mercy_n grace_n and_o good_a will_n us._n that_o we_o can_v love_v god_n if_o we_o have_v no_o assurance_n of_o his_o love_n towards_o us._n second_o if_o we_o doubt_v and_o distrust_n of_o god_n love_n towards_o we_o we_o shall_v never_o love_v he_o from_o our_o heart_n for_o who_o love_v he_o entire_o of_o who_o love_n he_o be_v not_o persuade_v or_o who_o can_v perform_v the_o duty_n of_o love_n to_o such_o a_o one_o as_o hate_v and_o abhor_v he_o cos_n amoris_fw-la amor_fw-la love_n be_v the_o whetstone_n of_o love_n and_o if_o this_o be_v true_a among_o man_n then_o much_o more_o between_o god_n and_o we_o 4.19_o 1._o joh._n 4.19_o for_o we_o love_v he_o because_o he_o love_v we_o first_o as_o the_o apostle_n say_v 1._o joh._n 4.19_o as_o therefore_o the_o cold_a stone_n can_v of_o itself_o cast_v forth_o no_o heat_n till_o it_o be_v first_o warm_v by_o the_o sun_n beam_n and_o then_o it_o reflectsth_n again_o some_o of_o the_o heat_n which_o it_o receive_v so_o no_o more_o can_v our_o cold_a heart_n cast_v any_o beam_n of_o hearty_a love_n towards_o god_n till_o they_o be_v warm_v with_o the_o apprehension_n of_o his_o love_n towards_o we_o and_o then_o they_o begin_v to_o return_v some_o spark_n of_o love_n towards_o god_n after_o they_o be_v inflame_v with_o the_o beam_n of_o his_o love_n clear_o shine_v in_o they_o unless_o therefore_o we_o be_v assure_v of_o god_n love_n we_o can_v love_v he_o 13.8_o rom._n 13.8_o and_o consequent_o can_v perform_v any_o duty_n of_o love_n in_o obedience_n to_o his_o will_n for_o as_o love_n be_v the_o fulfil_n of_o the_o law_n as_o it_o be_v rom._n 13.8_o so_o the_o want_n of_o love_n be_v the_o transgress_a of_o all_o the_o commandment_n for_o all_o consist_v in_o the_o love_n of_o god_n which_o be_v the_o fountain_n of_o all_o true_a obedience_n and_o in_o the_o love_n of_o our_o neighbour_n which_o as_o a_o spring_n issue_v from_o it_o nay_o when_o we_o despair_v of_o god_n love_n then_o do_v we_o despair_v of_o our_o salvation_n and_o therefore_o have_v no_o hope_n of_o happiness_n in_o the_o life_n to_o come_v we_o be_v ready_a to_o seek_v all_o the_o pleasure_n and_o delight_n which_o this_o life_n will_v afford_v unto_o we_o give_v ourselves_o over_o to_o the_o satisfy_n of_o all_o the_o filthy_a lust_n of_o the_o flesh_n and_o spend_v our_o
seven_o devil_n or_o in_o matthew_n and_o zacheus_n the_o publican_n or_o in_o paul_n who_o persecute_a the_o church_n of_o god_n in_o a_o word_n what_o worthiness_n be_v in_o any_o of_o god_n saint_n before_o the_o lord_n by_o the_o preach_n of_o his_o word_n make_v effectual_a by_o the_o inward_a operation_n of_o his_o spirit_n have_v call_v and_o convert_v and_o pull_v they_o out_o of_o their_o sin_n and_o corruption_n in_o which_o they_o wallow_v and_o endue_v they_o with_o some_o measure_n of_o his_o sanctify_a and_o save_v grace_n §_o sect._n 2_o second_o hear_v that_o our_o unfitnesse_n to_o hear_v shall_v not_o make_v we_o neglect_v hear_v whereas_o he_o object_v our_o unfitness_n to_o hear_v because_o our_o ear_n be_v dull_a our_o eye_n blind_a our_o heart_n hard_a and_o our_o will_n affection_n and_o all_o the_o power_n and_o faculty_n of_o our_o body_n and_o soul_n whole_o corrupt_v and_o disorder_v this_o must_v not_o move_v we_o to_o neglect_v the_o hear_n of_o god_n word_n but_o to_o become_v hearer_n thereof_o with_o more_o care_n and_o diligence_n for_o it_o be_v the_o two-edged_a sword_n of_o the_o spirit_n which_o will_v pierce_v and_o make_v way_n for_o itself_o to_o enter_v and_o will_v build_v a_o lodging_n for_o itself_o to_o dwell_v in_o it_o be_v not_o only_o a_o light_n to_o guide_v those_o that_o see_v but_o a_o precious_a eye-salue_n to_o give_v sight_n unto_o those_o who_o be_v bear_v blind_a it_o be_v not_o only_o the_o heavenly_a dew_n which_o make_v god_n grace_n to_o spring_v in_o we_o but_o also_o that_o divine_a seed_n which_o give_v they_o be_v and_o root_n in_o our_o heart_n it_o be_v not_o only_o the_o food_n of_o our_o soul_n to_o preserve_v and_o increase_v that_o strength_n which_o we_o already_o have_v but_o also_o that_o immortal_a seed_n by_o which_o we_o be_v first_o beget_v unto_o god_n and_o bear_v again_o who_o before_o be_v dead_a in_o our_o sin_n and_o that_o excellent_a physic_n of_o our_o soul_n by_o which_o they_o be_v purge_v from_o their_o corruption_n and_o restore_v unto_o health_n which_o before_o be_v deadly_a sick_a in_o sin_n it_o make_v we_o first_o to_o will_v that_o which_o be_v good_a and_o then_o further_o to_o desire_v it_o it_o give_v we_o life_n who_o before_o be_v dead_a in_o our_o sin_n and_o then_o preserve_v this_o life_n it_o beget_v and_o begin_v faith_n &_o sanctification_n and_o all_o other_o grace_n in_o we_o and_o be_v beget_v and_o begin_v it_o strengthen_v &_o increase_v they_o and_o therefore_o let_v not_o satan_n dissuade_v we_o from_o the_o hear_n of_o god_n word_n because_o of_o our_o sin_n unworthiness_n and_o unfitnesse_n for_o as_o it_o be_v a_o notable_a mean_n ordain_v of_o god_n for_o the_o increase_n of_o grace_n where_o it_o already_o be_v so_o be_v it_o no_o less_o effectual_a for_o the_o beget_n of_o grace_n where_o it_o never_o be_v there_o be_v no_o wise_a man_n that_o will_v neglect_v his_o trade_n and_o live_v idle_o because_o he_o be_v poor_a but_o rather_o this_o will_v move_v he_o to_o be_v more_o painful_a therein_o as_o be_v the_o mean_n whereby_o he_o may_v become_v rich_a neither_o do_v man_n refuse_v all_o nourishment_n because_o they_o have_v empty_a and_o hungry_a stomach_n but_o do_v more_o earnest_o desire_v meat_n that_o they_o may_v be_v fill_v and_o satisfy_v yea_o even_o those_o who_o stomach_n be_v weak_a do_v not_o altogether_o refuse_v their_o food_n but_o eat_v something_o to_o sharpen_v their_o appetite_n and_o so_o by_o little_a and_o little_a in_o use_v their_o stomach_n they_o get_v stomach_n let_v we_o follow_v the_o like_a practice_n and_o when_o we_o perceive_v our_o beggerlinesse_n in_o god_n grace_n let_v we_o more_o earnest_o â—â—bour_n after_o this_o heavenly_a treasure_n and_o precious_a pearl_n that_o we_o may_v be_v make_v rich_a when_o we_o feel_v our_o emptiness_n of_o all_o virtue_n aâ—â—_n goodness_n let_v we_o more_o eager_o hunger_n after_o this_o spiritual_a mâ—â—na_n that_o we_o may_v be_v fill_v and_o satisfy_v when_o we_o find_v our_o appetite_n weak_a and_o our_o stomach_n indispose_v to_o eat_v of_o this_o heavenly_a food_n let_v we_o a_o little_a force_n ourselves_o against_o the_o appetite_n or_o 〈◊〉_d all_o good_a mean_n to_o quicken_v and_o sharpen_v it_o and_o so_o we_o shall_v find_v that_o the_o often_o we_o eat_v the_o often_o we_o shall_v desire_v the_o more_o we_o hear_v the_o word_n of_o god_n the_o more_o we_o shall_v desire_v to_o hear_v and_o the_o great_a benefit_n we_o shall_v receive_v by_o it_o whereas_o neglect_n of_o hear_v will_v make_v we_o every_o day_n more_o unfit_a to_o hear_v even_o as_o long_a abstinence_n do_v quite_o spoil_v the_o stomach_n chap._n xxvi_o how_o we_o must_v arm_v ourselves_o against_o satan_n temptation_n whereby_o he_o labour_v to_o make_v the_o word_n of_o god_n fruitless_a §_o sect._n 1_o and_o these_o be_v the_o temptation_n which_o satan_n use_v to_o dissuade_v we_o from_o hear_v the_o word_n hear_v that_o satan_n tempt_v we_o to_o careless_a negligence_n in_o hear_v but_o if_o we_o break_v these_o snare_n and_o can_v be_v withhold_v from_o frequent_v god_n holy_a assembly_n then_o he_o will_v labour_v by_o all_o mean_n to_o make_v the_o word_n of_o god_n which_o we_o hear_v fruitless_a and_o uneffectual_a for_o our_o conversion_n and_o salvation_n and_o to_o this_o end_n he_o will_v labour_v to_o work_v in_o we_o a_o negligent_a carelessness_n in_o harken_v to_o those_o thing_n which_o be_v deliver_v and_o this_o be_v usual_o accompany_v with_o dulness_n of_o spirit_n drowsiness_n and_o sleepiness_n or_o if_o we_o set_v ourselves_o to_o hear_v the_o word_n with_o any_o care_n and_o conscience_n to_o profit_v thereby_o than_o he_o will_v seek_v to_o distract_v our_o mind_n with_o wander_a thought_n either_o by_o offering_n and_o suggest_v to_o our_o consideration_n and_o memory_n the_o world_n and_o the_o vanity_n thereof_o as_o our_o affair_n and_o business_n and_o those_o pleasure_n wherewith_o we_o be_v most_o delight_v or_o if_o this_o will_v not_o prevail_v by_o cast_v into_o our_o mind_n thing_n in_o their_o own_o nature_n good_a and_o religious_a if_o they_o be_v think_v upon_o in_o time_n convenient_a to_o the_o end_n that_o we_o may_v be_v distract_v and_o be_v make_v unfit_a to_o hear_v the_o word_n with_o profit_n hear_v that_o to_o resist_v satan_n we_o must_v prepare_v ourselves_o before_o we_o hear_v which_o temptation_n we_o be_v to_o withstand_v as_o be_v most_o dangerous_a and_o pernicious_a and_o to_o this_o purpose_n there_o be_v something_o require_v at_o our_o hand_n to_o be_v perform_v before_o our_o come_n to_o god_n assembly_n and_o something_o afterward_o before_o we_o come_v to_o the_o hear_n of_o the_o word_n there_o be_v require_v due_a preparation_n whereby_o our_o mind_n be_v make_v fit_a vessel_n to_o receive_v the_o spiritual_a treasure_n and_o food_n of_o our_o soul_n for_o if_o we_o come_v into_o the_o congregation_n of_o the_o faithful_a without_o any_o premeditation_n reverence_n or_o regard_n of_o the_o action_n which_o we_o be_v to_o take_v in_o hand_n if_o we_o present_v ourselves_o rash_o and_o unaduised_o as_o if_o we_o go_v to_o a_o play_n or_o to_o dispatch_v some_o worldly_a business_n we_o shall_v hardly_o keep_v our_o mind_n from_o negligent_a wander_a and_o worldly_a distraction_n which_o will_v make_v the_o word_n of_o god_n fruitless_a and_o unprofitable_a §_o sect._n 2_o now_o this_o preparation_n do_v principal_o consist_v first_o in_o the_o purge_n of_o our_o corrupt_a affection_n 4.17_o wherein_o this_o preparation_n consist_v eccl._n 4.17_o to_o which_o duty_n the_o wise_a man_n exhort_v we_o eccl._n 4.17_o take_v heed_n to_o thy_o foot_n when_o thou_o enterest_n into_o the_o house_n of_o god_n that_o be_v be_v careful_a to_o purge_v thy_o affection_n which_o be_v the_o foot_n of_o thy_o soul_n and_o this_o be_v typical_o signify_v by_o the_o outward_a wash_n of_o the_o israelite_n before_o the_o promulgation_n of_o the_o law_n 19.10_o exod._n 19.10_o exod._n 19.10_o where_o by_o the_o wash_n of_o their_o clothes_n and_o body_n the_o purge_n of_o the_o secret_a corruption_n of_o the_o heart_n be_v signify_v and_o represent_v which_o duty_n be_v necessary_o to_o be_v perform_v of_o all_o those_o who_o will_v hear_v the_o word_n with_o profit_n for_o as_o the_o most_o pure_a liquor_n be_v defile_v and_o make_v unprofitable_a for_o use_v if_o it_o be_v put_v into_o a_o pollute_a and_o stink_a vessel_n so_o the_o pure_a liquor_n of_o god_n word_n be_v defile_v and_o make_v fruitless_a unto_o all_o those_o who_o receive_v it_o into_o a_o heart_n pollute_v with_o unclean_a affection_n as_o therefore_o moses_n be_v enjoin_v by_o god_n to_o put_v off_o his_o shoe_n from_o his_o foot_n before_o he_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
of_o the_o saint_n and_o for_o the_o edification_n of_o the_o body_n of_o christ._n a_o notable_a example_n whereof_o we_o have_v act._n 2.41_o where_o 2.41_o act._n 2.41_o by_o one_o sermon_n three_o thousand_o soul_n be_v add_v to_o the_o church_n second_o hereby_o we_o be_v regenerate_v and_o beget_v unto_o god_n and_o therefore_o in_o this_o respect_n paul_n profess_v himself_o the_o father_n of_o the_o corinthian_n 1._o cor._n 4.15_o 4.15_o 1._o cor._n 4.15_o and_o without_o this_o regeneration_n and_o new_a birth_n none_o shall_v ever_o enter_v into_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n as_o our_o saviour_n show_v we_o joh._n 3.5_o three_o 3.5_o joh._n 3.5_o unless_o the_o blind_a eye_n of_o our_o understanding_n be_v illuminate_v we_o shall_v fall_v into_o a_o labyrinth_n of_o error_n and_o never_o find_v the_o hard_a way_n which_o lead_v to_o god_n kingdom_n but_o the_o word_n of_o god_n be_v that_o heavenly_a light_n which_o shine_v unto_o we_o who_o sit_v in_o darkness_n and_o in_o the_o shadow_n of_o death_n guide_v our_o foot_n into_o the_o way_n of_o peace_n as_o it_o be_v luk._n 1.79_o and_o in_o this_o respect_n 13.47_o luk._n 1.79_o matth._n 5.14_o act._n 13.47_o god_n minister_n be_v call_v the_o light_n of_o the_o world_n math._n 5.14_o act._n 13.47_o because_o as_o light_n they_o guide_v and_o direct_v man_n in_o the_o way_n of_o salvation_n and_o reveal_v unto_o they_o the_o great_a light_n even_o the_o sun_n of_o righteousness_n christ_n jesus_n four_o through_o faith_n we_o be_v save_v ephes_n 2.8_o neither_o be_v it_o possible_a 2.8_o eph._n 2.8_o that_o without_o say_v we_o shall_v ever_o attain_v unto_o salvation_n for_o this_o be_v the_o condition_n of_o all_o the_o promise_n of_o the_o gospel_n without_o which_o we_o can_v have_v any_o assurance_n of_o they_o 11.6_o joh._n 1.12_o and_o 3.16.18_o rom._n 14.23_o heb._n 11.6_o joh._n 1.12_o and_o 3.16.18_o moreover_o whatsoever_o be_v not_o do_v of_o faith_n be_v sin_n rom._n 14.23_o and_o without_o faith_n it_o be_v impossible_a to_o please_v god_n heb._n 11.6_o but_o the_o preach_n of_o the_o word_n be_v the_o ordinary_a mean_n of_o beget_v faith_n in_o we_o as_o appear_v rom._n 10.17_o faith_n come_v by_o hear_v 10.17_o rom._n 10.17_o and_o hear_v by_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o therefore_o whosoever_o contemn_v or_o neglect_v the_o hear_n of_o god_n word_n they_o refuse_v the_o mean_n of_o faith_n and_o be_v without_o faith_n all_o they_o do_v be_v sin_n and_o can_v please_v god_n neither_o can_v they_o ever_o have_v any_o assurance_n of_o god_n promise_n or_o their_o own_o salvation_n last_o by_o the_o hear_n of_o god_n word_n we_o be_v save_v and_o therefore_o god_n minister_n in_o this_o respect_n be_v call_v saviour_n of_o the_o people_n 1._o tim._n 4.16_o take_v heed_n unto_o thyself_o and_o unto_o learning_n 4.16_o 1._o tim._n 4.16_o continue_v therein_o for_o in_o so_o do_v thou_o shall_v both_o save_v thyself_o and_o they_o that_o hear_v thou_o because_o they_o be_v the_o minister_n of_o god_n who_o he_o use_v as_o mean_n and_o instrument_n in_o work_v the_o salvation_n of_o the_o elect_a and_o therefore_o see_v by_o the_o preach_n of_o the_o word_n we_o be_v make_v member_n of_o the_o body_n of_o christ_n regenerate_v &_o enlighten_v see_v thereby_o we_o attain_v unto_o faith_n &_o everlasting_a salvation_n let_v we_o as_o we_o love_v our_o own_o soul_n diligent_o hear_v the_o word_n and_o not_o suffer_v ourselves_o to_o be_v hinder_v from_o frequent_v the_o holy_a assembly_n of_o god_n saint_n with_o every_o vain_a pleasure_n and_o base_a commodity_n §_o sect._n 5_o but_o here_o the_o tempter_n will_v be_v ready_a to_o object_n answer_v satan_n temptation_n whereby_o he_o withdraw_v man_n from_o the_o diligent_a hear_n of_o god_n word_n answer_v that_o though_o the_o word_n preach_v be_v thus_o necessary_a and_o profitable_a at_o sometime_o when_o we_o be_v at_o leisure_n yet_o this_o shall_v be_v no_o reason_n to_o move_v we_o to_o neglect_v our_o business_n or_o abandon_v our_o pleasure_n for_o when_o once_o by_o the_o hear_n thereof_o we_o be_v convert_v enlighten_v with_o the_o knowledge_n of_o god_n true_a religion_n and_o endue_v with_o faith_n it_o be_v sufficient_a if_o we_o but_o seldom_o hear_v it_o for_o what_o in_o substance_n can_v we_o learn_v which_o we_o have_v not_o already_o learned_a or_o what_o can_v the_o preacher_n teach_v we_o which_o we_o do_v not_o know_v as_o well_o as_o he_o against_o which_o temptation_n which_o be_v so_o common_a and_o pernicious_a it_o behoove_v every_o christian_n most_o careful_o to_o arm_v himself_o and_o to_o this_o end_n let_v we_o know_v first_o that_o this_o neglect_n of_o god_n word_n be_v a_o manifest_a sign_n that_o such_o be_v not_o as_o yet_o true_o convert_v nor_o endue_v with_o any_o measure_n of_o save_v knowledge_n and_o true_a faith_n 10.27_o joh._n 8.47_o and_o 10.27_o for_o whosoever_o be_v of_o god_n hear_v his_o word_n joh._n 8.47_o and_o all_o christ_n sheep_n hear_v his_o voice_n and_o follow_v he_o as_o it_o be_v joh._n 10.3.4.27_o whosoever_o have_v attain_v unto_o knowledge_n faith_n and_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n sanctify_a spirit_n they_o will_v be_v so_o ravish_v with_o the_o excellency_n of_o they_o that_o it_o be_v not_o possible_a for_o they_o to_o content_v themselves_o with_o a_o small_a measure_n but_o still_o they_o will_v labour_v to_o grow_v from_o knowledge_n to_o knowledge_n from_o faith_n to_o faith_n from_o one_o grace_n to_o another_o till_o they_o become_v perfect_a man_n in_o christ_n and_o as_o those_o who_o have_v but_o once_o taste_v of_o some_o delicious_a meat_n be_v not_o satisfy_v therewith_o but_o again_o and_o again_o feed_v upon_o it_o if_o easy_o they_o may_v come_v by_o it_o because_o their_o taste_n be_v exceed_o delight_v therewith_o so_o if_o ever_o we_o do_v but_o true_o taste_v of_o this_o heavenly_a manna_n and_o spiritual_a food_n of_o our_o soul_n the_o word_n of_o god_n we_o will_v not_o rest_v so_o content_v but_o when_o opportunity_n be_v offer_v we_o will_v often_o feed_v upon_o it_o until_o our_o soul_n be_v full_o satisfy_v and_o nourish_v unto_o perfect_a strength_n 12.13_o 1._o cor._n 12.13_o and_o forasmuch_o as_o so_o long_o as_o we_o continue_v here_o our_o knowledge_n be_v but_o in_o part_n and_o our_o faith_n weak_a and_o god_n grace_n but_o in_o small_a measure_n therefore_o we_o will_v continual_o feed_v on_o this_o heavenly_a nourishment_n to_o the_o end_n of_o our_o life_n that_o thereby_o our_o knowledge_n may_v be_v increase_v our_o faith_n strengthen_v and_o all_o other_o grace_n confirm_v and_o multiply_v in_o us._n but_o if_o on_o the_o otherside_n we_o loathe_v this_o heavenly_a manna_n it_o be_v a_o manifest_a sign_n we_o never_o taste_v thereof_o in_o truth_n or_o that_o our_o soul_n be_v exceed_o sick_a in_o sin_n which_o make_v they_o that_o they_o can_v relish_v this_o dainty_a and_o delicious_a food_n and_o that_o we_o have_v not_o knowledge_n faith_n or_o any_o grace_n beget_v in_o we_o neither_o that_o ourselves_o be_v beget_v unto_o god_n for_o as_o the_o child_n be_v beget_v and_o conceive_v do_v present_o draw_v nourishment_n from_o the_o mother_n and_o the_o big_a it_o wax_v the_o more_o it_o desire_v till_o it_o come_v unto_o perfect_a age_n and_o strength_n so_o as_o soon_o as_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n spirit_n be_v beget_v in_o we_o by_o the_o preach_n of_o the_o word_n they_o draw_v nourishment_n from_o their_o spiritual_a mother_n the_o church_n and_o the_o strong_a they_o wax_v in_o grace_n the_o more_o earnest_o they_o desire_v a_o great_a pittance_n till_o they_o become_v perfect_a man_n in_o christ_n and_o therefore_o where_o there_o be_v no_o desire_n of_o this_o food_n there_o be_v no_o regeneration_n nor_o new_a birth_n receive_v god_n word_n the_o food_n of_o our_o soul_n often_o to_o be_v receive_v moreover_o the_o word_n of_o god_n be_v the_o food_n of_o our_o soul_n whereby_o we_o be_v nourish_v and_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n spirit_n confirm_v and_o increase_v in_o we_o and_o therefore_o it_o be_v not_o sufficient_a to_o eat_v of_o this_o food_n once_o or_o twice_o but_o continual_o even_o as_o often_o as_o the_o lord_n call_v we_o to_o this_o spiritual_a banquet_n for_o as_o the_o body_n will_v wax_v faint_a and_o quick_o perish_v unless_o that_o which_o waste_v away_o be_v continual_o supply_v by_o nourishment_n so_o will_v the_o soul_n languish_v and_o wax_v faint_a in_o spiritual_a grace_n unless_o it_o be_v often_o nourish_v with_o this_o heavenly_a manna_n let_v not_o therefore_o satan_n persuade_v we_o that_o seldom_o hear_v of_o god_n word_n be_v sufficient_a whereas_o this_o banquet_n be_v often_o provide_v for_o though_o in_o the_o time_n of_o scarcity_n by_o the_o