never_o give_v that_o repose_n and_o satisfaction_n to_o the_o mind_n as_o the_o internal_a witness_n or_o seal_v of_o the_o spirit_n do_v for_o that_o may_v be_v a_o delusion_n but_o this_o can_v the_o witness_n of_o our_o own_o heart_n may_v amount_v to_o a_o strong_a probability_n but_o the_o witness_n of_o the_o spirit_n be_v demonstration_n 1_o joh._n 4._o 24._o so_o that_o as_o it_o be_v the_o design_n and_o work_v of_o satan_n to_o cast_v in_o doubt_n and_o fear_n into_o gracious_a heart_n to_o perplex_v and_o entangle_v they_o so_o opposite_o it_o be_v the_o work_n of_o the_o spirit_n to_o clear_v and_o settle_v the_o sanctify_a soul_n and_o fill_v it_o with_o peace_n and_o joy_n in_o believe_v joh._n 16._o 7._o rom._n 14._o 17._o in_o seal_v he_o both_o atte_v the_o fidem_fw-la quae_fw-la creditur_fw-la the_o doctrine_n or_o object_n of_o faith_n and_o the_o fidem_fw-la quâ_fw-la creditur_fw-la the_o infuse_a habit_n or_o grace_n of_o faith_n of_o the_o former_a he_o say_v this_o be_v my_o word_n of_o the_o latter_a this_o be_v my_o work_n and_o his_o seal_n or_o testimony_n be_v evermore_o agreeable_a to_o the_o write_a word_n isa._n 8._o 20._o so_o that_o what_o he_o speak_v in_o our_o heart_n and_o what_o he_o say_v in_o the_o scripture_n be_v evermore_o concordant_a and_o harmonious_a testimony_n to_o conclude_v in_o seal_v the_o believer_n he_o do_v not_o make_v use_n of_o a_o audible_a voice_n nor_o the_o ministry_n of_o angel_n nor_o immediate_a and_o extraordinary_a revelation_n but_o he_o make_v use_v of_o his_o own_o grace_n implant_v in_o our_o heart_n and_o his_o own_o promise_n write_v in_o the_o scripture_n and_o in_o this_o method_n he_o usual_o bring_v the_o doubt_v tremble_a heart_n of_o the_o believer_n to_o rest_n and_o comfort_n 2._o query_n why_o be_v none_o seal_v till_o after_o believe_v query_n answ._n it_o can_v be_v deny_v but_o that_o many_o person_n in_o the_o state_n of_o nature_n and_o unbelief_n may_v have_v ungrounded_a confidence_n and_o false_a comfort_n build_v thereupon_o this_o be_v evident_a from_o matth._n 7._o 22._o many_o will_v say_v unto_o i_o in_o that_o day_n lord_n lord_n have_v not_o we_o prophesy_v in_o thy_o name_n and_o joh._n 8._o 54_o 55._o of_o who_o you_o say_v that_o he_o be_v your_o god_n and_o yet_o you_o have_v not_o know_v he_o and_o beyond_o all_o be_v that_o startle_a scripture_n heb._n 6._o 4_o 5._o who_o be_v once_o enlighten_v and_o have_v taste_v of_o the_o heavenly_a gift_n and_o be_v make_v partaker_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o have_v taste_v the_o good_a word_n of_o god_n and_o the_o power_n of_o the_o world_n to_o come_v if_o they_o fall_v away_o etc._n etc._n but_o for_o any_o except_o real_a believer_n to_o have_v those_o witness_n and_o sealing_n of_o the_o spirit_n describe_v above_o be_v utter_o impossible_a and_o will_v evident_o appear_v to_o be_v so_o whether_o we_o consider_v the_o author_n nature_n object_n medium_n end_v and_o design_n of_o this_o work_n first_o consider_v the_o author_n of_o this_o work_n the_o spirit_n of_o god_n who_o be_v a_o holy_a 1._o spirit_n as_o the_o text_n call_v he_o and_o the_o spirit_n of_o truth_n as_o christ_n call_v he_o joh._n 14._o 17._o and_o it_o can_v be_v that_o ever_o he_o shall_v give_v testimony_n to_o a_o lie_n or_o give_v a_o false_a witness_n quite_o cross_a to_o the_o very_a tenor_n of_o the_o write_a word_n as_o he_o must_v do_v shall_v he_o seal_v a_o unbeliever_n what_o though_o they_o be_v elect_a yet_o whilst_o unregenerate_a they_o have_v no_o actual_a interest_n in_o christ_n and_o the_o promise_n and_o therefore_o can_v have_v none_o seal_v by_o the_o spirit_n prius_fw-la est_fw-la praedicare_fw-la de_fw-fr esse_fw-la quam_fw-la de_fw-la cognosci_fw-la we_o must_v be_v saint_n befose_v we_o can_v be_v know_v to_o be_v so_o second_o consider_v but_o the_o nature_n 2._o of_o this_o work_n and_o it_o can_v be_v that_o ever_o a_o unbeliever_n shall_v be_v seal_v by_o the_o spirit_n for_o assurance_n be_v produce_v in_o our_o soul_n by_o the_o reflexive_a act_n of_o our_o faith_n the_o spirit_n help_v we_o to_o reflect_v upon_o what_o have_v be_v do_v by_o he_o former_o upon_o our_o heart_n hereby_o we_o know_v that_o we_o know_v he_o 1_o joh._n 2._o 3._o to_o know_v that_o we_o know_v be_v a_o reflex_n act_n now_o it_o be_v impossible_a there_o shall_v be_v a_o reflex_n before_o there_o have_v be_v a_o direct_a act_n no_o man_n can_v have_v the_o evidence_n of_o his_o faith_n before_o the_o habit_n be_v infuse_v and_o the_o vital_a act_n first_o perform_v three_o consider_v the_o object_n matter_n 3._o to_o which_o he_o seal_v and_o it_o will_v be_v find_v to_o be_v his_o own_o sanctify_a operation_n upon_o our_o heart_n and_o consequent_o to_o our_o privilege_n in_o christ_n rom._n 8._o 16._o 1_o joh._n 3._o 24._o the_o thing_n or_o matter_n attest_v be_v that_o christ_n abide_v in_o we_o and_o that_o we_o be_v the_o child_n of_o god_n but_o no_o such_o thing_n can_v be_v seal_v till_o we_o believe_v for_o neither_o our_o adoption_n nor_o sanctification_n can_v be_v before_o faith_n four_o consider_v the_o medium_n or_o 4._o instrument_n use_v by_o the_o spirit_n in_o his_o seal_v work_n the_o promise_n be_v his_o seal_a instrument_n and_o on_o that_o account_n he_o be_v call_v the_o spirit_n of_o promise_n in_o the_o text_n not_o only_o because_o he_o be_v the_o spirit_n promise_v but_o as_o the_o promise_v contain_v the_o spirit_n so_o the_o spirit'use_v the_o promise_n i._n e._n clear_v they_o to_o our_o understanding_n and_o help_v we_o to_o apply_v they_o to_o our_o soul_n but_o this_o he_o never_o do_v nor_o can_v do_v till_o the_o soul_n by_o faith_n have_v union_n with_o christ_n for_o till_o then_o it_o have_v no_o right_a in_o the_o promise_n five_o and_o last_o consider_v the_o end_n 5._o and_o design_n of_o this_o work_n of_o the_o spirit_n which_o be_v to_o secure_v to_o the_o soul_n its_o peace_n pardon_n and_o salvation_n in_o christ_n he_o seal_v believer_n to_o the_o day_n of_o redemption_n eph._n 4._o 30._o i._n e._n to_o their_o complete_a salvation_n so_o than_o it_o must_v be_v equal_o impossible_a for_o a_o unbeliever_n to_o be_v seal_v as_o to_o be_v save_v 3._o query_n the_o next_o enquiry_n be_v whether_o all_o believer_n query_n be_v seal_v by_o the_o spirit_n answ._n the_o resolution_n of_o this_o query_n will_v depend_v upon_o several_a distinction_n that_o must_v be_v make_v upon_o this_o matter_n 1._o distinction_n we_o must_v distinguish_v the_o different_a kind_n of_o the_o spirit_n seal_v all_o his_o 1._o seal_v work_n be_v not_o of_o one_o kind_n nor_o to_o one_o and_o the_o same_o use_n and_o end_n there_o be_v a_o objective_n seal_v which_o distinguish_v the_o person_n and_o a_o formal_a seal_n which_o clear_v and_o ratify_v his_o interest_n in_o christ_n and_o salvation_n the_o first_o he_o do_v in_o sanctify_v we_o the_o second_o in_o assure_v we_o when_o he_o seal_v we_o objective_o that_o be_v when_o he_o sanctify_v we_o real_o by_o the_o infusion_n of_o grace_n he_o seal_v we_o by_o way_n of_o distinction_n from_o other_o man_n which_o be_v one_o end_n of_o seal_v for_o though_o in_o respect_n of_o god_n decree_n and_o purpose_n there_o be_v a_o difference_n betwixt_o we_o and_o other_o before_o time_n 2_o tim._n 2._o 19_o and_o although_o in_o regard_n of_o christ_n intention_n in_o his_o death_n there_o be_v a_o difference_n betwixt_o we_o and_o other_o joh._n 17._o 9_o yet_o all_o this_o while_n there_o be_v no_o personal_a actual_a difference_n betwixt_o we_o and_o other_o till_o sanctification_n do_v make_v one_o eph._n 2._o 3._o and_o 1_o cor._n 6._o 11._o but_o the_o sanctification_n of_o the_o spirit_n make_v a_o real_a difference_n in_o the_o state_n and_o temper_n of_o the_o person_n 2_o cor._n 5._o 17._o and_o manifest_v that_o difference_n which_o election_n put_v betwixt_o we_o and_o other_o beforetime_n 1_o thes._n 1._o 4_o 5._o and_o yet_o all_o this_o while_n a_o man_n may_v not_o be_v formal_o seal_v i_o e._n his_o sanctification_n may_v be_v very_o doubtful_a to_o himself_o and_o he_o may_v labour_v under_o great_a fear_n about_o it_o 2._o distinction_n the_o season_n of_o the_o spirit_n seal_v must_v be_v distinguish_v and_o these_o be_v 2._o to_o some_o first_o immediate_o upon_o the_o soul_n first_o close_n with_o christ_n at_o conversion_n especial_o when_o conversion_n be_v wrought_v at_o ripe_a age_n and_o be_v usher_v in_o by_o a_o great_a degree_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o bondage_n and_o deep_a inward_a terror_n thus_o the_o prodigal_n the_o emblem_n of_o a_o convert_n so_o bring_v home_o to_o god_n be_v entertain_v with_o the_o fat_a calf_n and_o music_n but_o all_o
christian_n that_o know_v how_o cheerful_o christ_n come_v from_o the_o bosom_n of_o the_o father_n to_o die_v for_o they_o what_o have_v we_o to_o leave_v or_o lose_v in_o comparison_n with_o he_o what_o be_v our_o suffering_n to_o christ_n alas_o there_o be_v no_o compare_n there_o be_v more_o bitterness_n in_o one_o drop_n of_o his_o suffering_n than_o in_o a_o sea_n of_o we_o to_o conclude_v your_o delight_n and_o readiness_n in_o the_o path_n of_o obedience_n be_v the_o very_a measure_n of_o your_o sanctification_n the_o nine_o meditation_n upon_o zech._n 22._o part_n of_o ver_fw-la 10._o and_o they_o shall_v look_v upon_o i_o who_o they_o have_v pierce_v and_o they_o shall_v mourn_v for_o he_o as_o one_o mourn_v for_o his_o only_a son_n and_o shall_v be_v in_o bitterness_n for_o he_o as_o one_o that_o be_v in_o bitterness_n for_o his_o first-born_a this_o promise_n be_v confess_v to_o have_v a_o special_a respect_n to_o the_o jew_n conversion_n to_o christ._n it_o be_v in_o part_n accomplish_v in_o the_o apostle_n day_n act_n 2._o 37._o yet_o that_o be_v but_o a_o specimen_fw-la or_o handsel_v of_o what_o shall_v be_v when_o the_o body_n of_o that_o nation_n shall_v be_v call_v but_o yet_o it_o can_v be_v deny_v that_o all_o christian_n find_v the_o same_o piercing_a sorrow_n and_o wound_a sense_n of_o sin_n when_o god_n awaken_v they_o by_o conviction_n and_o bring_v they_o to_o see_v the_o evil_n of_o sin_n and_o the_o grace_n of_o christ_n that_o be_v here_o express_v concern_v they_o at_o their_o conversion_n the_o word_n present_v we_o with_o three_o very_a remarkable_a particular_n in_o evangelical_n repentance_n viz._n first_o the_o spring_n and_o principle_n of_o it_o second_o the_o effect_n and_o fruit_n of_o it_o three_o the_o depth_n and_o measure_n of_o it_o first_o the_o spring_n and_o principle_n of_o repentance_n express_v in_o these_o word_n 1._o they_o shall_v look_v upon_o i_o who_o they_o have_v pierce_v this_o look_v upon_o christ_n be_v a_o act_n of_o faith_n for_o so_o it_o be_v describe_v in_o scripture_n joh._n 6._o 40._o isa._n 45._o 22._o and_o it_o respect_v christ_n crucify_v as_o its_o proper_a object_n yea_o and_o that_o by_o they_o not_o only_o as_o their_o progenitor_n involve_v they_o in_o that_o guilt_n by_o entail_v it_o on_o they_o but_o as_o their_o own_o sin_n be_v the_o meritorious_a cause_n of_o his_o death_n and_o suffering_n they_o shall_v look_v upon_o i_o who_o they_o have_v pierce_v second_o the_o effect_n and_o fruit_n of_o 2._o such_o a_o aspect_n of_o faith_n upon_o christ_n be_v here_o also_o note_v they_o shall_v mourn_v and_o be_v in_o bitterness_n i._n e._n it_o shall_v melt_v and_o thaw_v they_o into_o godly_a sorrow_n it_o shall_v break_v their_o hard_a and_o stony_a heart_n to_o piece_n the_o eye_n of_o faith_n shall_v affect_v their_o heart_n for_o indeed_o evangelical_n sorrow_n be_v hearty_a and_o undissembled_a tear_n drop_v out_o of_o the_o eye_n of_o faith_n three_o and_o last_o the_o depth_n and_o measure_n of_o their_o sorrow_n be_v here_o likewise_o 3._o note_v and_o it_o be_v compare_v with_o the_o great_a and_o most_o pierce_a sorrow_n man_n be_v acquaint_v with_o in_o this_o world_n even_o the_o sorrow_n of_o a_o tender-hearted_a father_n mourn_v over_o a_o dead_a son_n yea_o a_o only_a son_n and_o his_o first_o bear_v than_o which_o no_o earthly_a sorrow_n be_v more_o penetrate_a and_o sharp_a jer._n 6._o 26._o hence_o the_o note_n will_v be_v doct._n that_o the_o suffering_n of_o christ_n be_v exceed_v prwerful_a to_o melt_v believer_n heart_n into_o doct._n godly_a sorrow_n the_o eye_n of_o faith_n be_v a_o precious_a eye_n and_o according_a to_o its_o various_a aspect_n upon_o christ_n it_o produce_v various_a effect_n upon_o the_o heart_n of_o man_n eye_v christ_n as_o our_o complete_a righteousness_n so_o it_o pacify_v and_o quiet_v the_o heart_n eye_v he_o as_o our_o pattern_n so_o it_o direct_v and_o regulate_v our_o action_n eye_v he_o as_o our_o sacrifice_n offer_v up_o to_o divine_a justice_n for_o our_o sin_n so_o it_o powerful_o thaw_v the_o heart_n and_o melt_v the_o affection_n by_o melt_n i_o do_v not_o only_o understand_v tear_n as_o if_o they_o only_o be_v expressive_a of_o all_o spiritual_a sorrow_n for_o it_o be_v possible_a the_o water_n of_o sorrow_n may_v run_v deep_a in_o the_o heart_n when_o the_o eye_n can_v yield_v a_o drop_n there_o be_v two_o thing_n in_o repentance_n trouble_v and_o tear_n the_o first_o be_v essential_a the_o last_o contingent_a the_o first_o flow_v from_o the_o influence_n of_o faith_n upon_o the_o soul_n the_o last_o much_o depend_v upon_o the_o temper_n and_o constitution_n of_o the_o body_n it_o be_v a_o mercy_n when_o our_o tear_n can_v flow_v from_o a_o heart_n fill_v with_o sorrow_n sore_a sin_n and_o love_n to_o christ_n and_o yet_o it_o often_o fall_v out_o that_o there_o be_v a_o heavy_a heart_n where_o the_o eye_n be_v dry_a but_o that_o there_o be_v efficacy_n in_o faith_n to_o melt_v the_o heart_n by_o looklng_v upon_o the_o suffering_n of_o christ_n for_o sin_n be_v undoubted_a and_o how_o it_o become_v so_o powerful_a a_o instrument_n to_o this_o end_n i_o will_v show_v you_o in_o the_o follow_a particular_n first_o faith_n eye_n the_o dignity_n of_o the_o person_n of_o christ_n who_o be_v pierce_v for_o 1._o we_o how_o excellent_a and_o glorious_a a_o person_n he_o be_v in_o the_o captivity_n it_o be_v for_o a_o lamentation_n that_o prince_n be_v hang_v up_o by_o the_o hand_n and_o the_o face_n of_o elder_n be_v not_o reverence_v lam._n 5._o 12._o we_o read_v also_o the_o lamentation_n of_o david_n 2_o sam._n 3._o 38._o as_o he_o follow_v abner_n hearse_n a_o prince_n and_o a_o great_a man_n be_v fall_v in_o israel_n to_o day_n but_o what_o be_v abner_n and_o what_o be_v the_o prince_n of_o israel_n to_o the_o son_n of_o god_n loe_o here_o by_o faith_n the_o believer_n see_v the_o prince_n of_o the_o king_n of_o the_o earth_n the_o only_o beget_v of_o the_o father_n equal_a to_o god_n in_o nature_n and_o dignity_n he_o who_o all_o the_o angel_n worship_n hang_v dead_a upon_o the_o curse_a tree_n faith_n see_v royal_a blood_n the_o blood_n of_o god_n pour_v out_o by_o the_o sword_n of_o justice_n for_o satisfaction_n and_o reconciliation_n and_o this_o can_v but_o deep_o affect_v the_o believe_a soul._n second_o faith_n represent_v the_o severity_n of_o divine_a justice_n to_o jesus_n christ_n and_o the_o extremity_n of_o his_o suffering_n and_o this_o sight_n be_v a_o melt_a sight_n the_o apostle_n tell_v we_o gal._n 3._o 13._o he_o be_v make_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d a_o curse_n and_o execration_n for_o we_o it_o relate_v to_o the_o kind_n and_o manner_n of_o his_o death_n upon_o the_o cross_n which_o be_v the_o death_n of_o a_o slave_n servile_a supplicium_fw-la a_o free_a man_n be_v privilege_v from_o that_o punishment_n it_o look_v upon_o and_o well_o consider_v the_o sad_a plight_n and_o condition_n christ_n be_v in_o in_o the_o day_n of_o his_o humiliation_n for_o we_o it_o be_v say_v of_o he_o matth._n 26._o 38._o he_o be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d undequaque_fw-la tristis_fw-la surround_v with_o grief_n exact_o answerable_a to_o his_o name_n isa._n 53._o 3._o a_o man_n of_o sorrow_n let_v he_o look_v which_o way_n he_o will_v outward_a or_o inward_a upward_o or_o downward_o to_o friend_n or_o enemy_n he_o can_v behold_v nothing_o but_o sorrow_n and_o what_o may_v increase_v his_o misery_n another_o evangelist_n say_v he_o be_v sore_o amaze_v mark_n 14._o 33._o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d it_o note_v such_o a_o consternation_n as_o make_v the_o hair_n of_o the_o head_n stand_v upright_o horripilatio_fw-la a_o three_o tell_v we_o his_o sâ—…ul_n be_v trouble_v joh._n 12._o 27._o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d unde_fw-la tartarus_n a_o word_n from_o whence_o hell_n be_v derive_v and_o denote_v the_o anguish_n and_o trouble_n of_o they_o that_o be_v in_o that_o place_n of_o torment_n and_o the_o four_o tell_v we_o he_o be_v in_o a_o agony_n luk._n 24._o 44._o all_o express_v in_o several_a emphatical_a notion_n and_o metaphor_n the_o extremity_n of_o christ_n anguish_n and_o torment_n this_o can_v but_o great_o affect_v and_o break_v the_o believer_n heart_n three_o but_o then_o that_o which_o most_o affect_v the_o heart_n be_v christ_n undergo_a all_o this_o not_o only_o in_o love_n to_o we_o but_o in_o our_o room_n and_o stead_n he_o suffer_v not_o for_o any_o evil_n he_o have_v do_v for_o there_o be_v no_o guile_n find_v in_o his_o mouth_n isa._n 53._o 4_o 5._o but_o the_o just_a suffer_v for_o the_o unjust_a 1_o pet._n 3._o 18._o it_o be_v for_o i_o a_o vile_a wretched_a worthless_a sinner_n it_o be_v my_o pride_n
the_o cup_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n in_o my_o blood_n which_o be_v shed_v for_o many_o for_o the_o remission_n of_o sin_n and_o what_o footing_n can_v thy_o faith_n find_v for_o pardon_n and_o salvation_n any_o where_o else_o it_o be_v christ_n crucify_a that_o faith_n clasp_v as_o the_o last_o and_o only_a hope_n and_o refuge_n of_o a_o poor_a sinner_n here_o all_o believer_n drop_v anchor_n this_o be_v that_o bless_a object_n on_o who_o they_o take_v the_o dead_a gripe_n or_o last_o grasp_v when_o their_o eyestring_n and_o heartstring_n be_v break_v when_o you_o see_v the_o blood_n of_o christ_n flow_v forth_o how_o can_v faith_n be_v silent_a in_o thy_o soul_n when_o he_o bid_v thou_o as_o it_o be_v to_o put_v thy_o finger_n into_o his_o side_n show_v thou_o his_o hand_n and_o his_o foot_n there_o it_o will_v cry_v out_o in_o thy_o soul_n my_o lord_n and_o my_o god_n second_o the_o flow_a spring_n of_o repentance_n be_v here_o if_o there_o be_v any_o fire_n 2._o that_o can_v melt_v or_o hammer_v that_o can_v break_v a_o hard_a heart_n here_o it_o be_v zech._n 12._o 10._o they_o shall_v look_v upon_o i_o who_o they_o have_v pierce_v and_o mourn_v nothing_o lay_v a_o gracious_a soul_n low_a in_o itself_o than_o to_o see_v how_o low_a christ_n be_v lay_v in_o his_o humiliation_n for_o it_o here_o the_o evil_n of_o sin_n be_v also_o represent_v in_o the_o clear_a glass_n that_o ever_o the_o eye_n of_o man_n see_v it_o in_o the_o suffering_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n discover_v the_o evil_a of_o sin_n more_o than_o the_o everlasting_a torment_n of_o the_o damn_a can_v do_v so_o that_o if_o there_o be_v but_o one_o drop_n of_o spiritual_a sorrow_n in_o the_o heart_n of_o a_o christian_a here_o methinks_v it_o shall_v be_v see_v drop_v from_o the_o eye_n of_o faith_n three_o the_o most_o attractive_a object_n 3._o of_o love_n be_v here_o put_v all_o create_a beauty_n excellency_n and_o perfection_n together_o and_o what_o be_v they_o but_o blackness_n and_o deformity_n compare_v with_o lovely_a jesus_n my_o beloved_n say_v the_o enamour_a spouse_n be_v white_a and_o ruddy_a cant._n 5._o 10._o behold_v he_o at_o the_o table_n in_o his_o perfect_a innocency_n and_o unparalleled_a suffering_n this_o be_v he_o who_o be_v rich_a but_o for_o our_o sake_n become_v poor_a that_o we_o through_o his_o poverty_n may_v be_v rich_a 2_o cor._n 8._o 9_o this_o be_v he_o that_o part_v with_o his_o honour_n first_o and_o his_o life_n next_o yea_o he_o part_v with_o his_o honour_n in_o his_o incarnation_n that_o he_o may_v be_v capable_a to_o part_v with_o his_o life_n for_o our_o redemption_n behold_v here_o the_o degree_n of_o his_o suffering_n and_o by_o they_o measure_v the_o degree_n of_o his_o love_n behold_v in_o his_o death_n as_o in_o the_o deluge_n all_o the_o fountain_n beneath_o and_o the_o window_n of_o heaven_n above_o open_v the_o wrath_n of_o god_n the_o cruelty_n of_o man_n the_o fury_n of_o hell_n break_v in_o together_o upon_o he_o and_o his_o soul_n surround_v with_o sorrow_n and_o how_o can_v this_o be_v represent_v and_o thy_o soul_n not_o astonish_v at_o this_o amaze_a matchless_a love_n of_o christ_n sure_o one_o flame_n do_v not_o more_o natural_o produce_v another_o than_o the_o love_n of_o christ_n thus_o represent_v to_o a_o gracious_a soul_n do_v produce_v love_n to_o christ_n and_o that_o in_o the_o most_o intense_a degree_n use_v 1_o how_o natural_o do_v this_o doctrine_n shame_n and_o humble_v the_o best_a heart_n for_o use._n their_o sinful_a discomposure_n vanity_n and_o deadness_n for_o the_o roving_n and_o wander_n of_o their_o heart_n even_o when_o they_o come_v near_o the_o lord_n in_o such_o a_o solemn_a ordinance_n as_o this_o be_v the_o holy_a man_n upon_o earth_n may_v lay_v his_o hand_n upon_o his_o breast_n and_o say_v lord_n how_o unsultable_a be_v this_o heart_n of_o i_o to_o such_o a_o object_n of_o faith_n as_o be_v here_o present_v to_o i_o do_v such_o a_o temper_n of_o spirit_n suit_n thy_o awful_a presence_n shall_v the_o represent_a agony_n and_o suffering_n of_o christ_n for_o i_o be_v behold_v with_o a_o spirit_n no_o more_o concern_v pierce_v and_o wound_v for_o sin_n o_o how_o can_v i_o look_v upon_o he_o who_o i_o have_v pierce_v and_o not_o mourn_v and_o be_v in_o bitterness_n for_o he_o as_o for_o a_o only_a son_n a_o first-born_a o_o the_o stupify_a and_o benumb_a power_n of_o sin_n oh_o the_o efficacy_n of_o unbelief_n it_o be_v charge_v upon_o the_o israelite_n as_o the_o great_a aggravation_n of_o their_o sin_n that_o they_o provoke_v god_n at_o the_o sea_n even_o at_o the_o 7._o red_a sea_n the_o place_n where_o their_o miraculous_a salvation_n be_v wrought_v but_o lord_n jesus_n my_o hard_a heart_n provoke_v thou_o in_o a_o high_a degree_n even_o at_o the_o red_a sea_n of_o thy_o precious_a invaluable_a blood_n by_o which_o my_o eternal_a salvation_n be_v wrought_v o_o my_o god_n what_o a_o heart_n have_v i_o do_v the_o blood_n of_o christ_n run_v out_o so_o free_o and_o abundant_o for_o i_o and_o can_v i_o shed_v one_o tear_n for_o my_o sin_n that_o pierce_v he_o o_o let_v i_o never_o be_v friend_n with_o my_o own_o heart_n till_o it_o love_v christ_n better_a and_o hate_v sin_n more_o use_v 2._o this_o scripture_n have_v also_o a_o awake_v 2._o voice_n to_o all_o that_o come_v nigh_o to_o god_n in_o any_o of_o his_o ordinance_n especial_o in_o this_o ordinance_n o_o christian_n bethink_v yourselves_o where_o you_o be_v and_o what_o you_o be_v do_v know_v you_o not_o that_o the_o king_n come_v in_o to_o see_v the_o guest_n yea_o you_o do_v know_v that_o god_n be_v in_o this_o place_n a_o awful_a majesty_n behold_v you_o all_o the_o church_n shall_v know_v that_o i_o be_o he_o that_o search_v the_o heart_n and_o the_o reins_o and_o will_v give_v to_o every_o one_o as_o his_o work_n shall_v be_v rev._n 2._o 23._o thy_o business_n christian_n be_v not_o with_o man_n but_o with_o god_n and_o the_o solemne_v business_n that_o ever_o thy_o thought_n be_v versant_a about_o thou_o be_v here_o to_o recognize_v the_o suffering_n of_o thy_o redeemer_n to_o take_v the_o seal_n and_o pledge_n of_o thy_o salvation_n from_o the_o hand_n of_o his_o spirit_n imagine_v the_o same_o thing_n which_o be_v now_o to_o be_v do_v spiritual_o and_o by_o the_o ministry_n of_o faith_n be_v but_o to_o be_v perform_v visible_o and_o audible_o by_o the_o ministry_n of_o thy_o sense_n suppose_v jesus_n christ_n do_v personal_o show_v himself_o at_o this_o table_n and_o be_v please_v to_o make_v himself_o know_v in_o break_v of_o bread_n as_o once_o he_o do_v to_o the_o disciple_n suppose_v thou_o see_v he_o appear_v at_o this_o table_n as_o he_o now_o do_v appear_v in_o heaven_n as_o a_o lamb_n that_o have_v be_v slay_v imagine_v thou_o hear_v he_o say_v believer_n this_o precious_a blood_n of_o i_o be_v shed_v for_o thou_o there_o be_v million_o of_o man_n and_o woman_n in_o the_o world_n natural_o as_o good_a as_o thou_o that_o shall_v have_v no_o interest_n in_o it_o or_o benefit_n by_o it_o but_o for_o thou_o it_o be_v shed_v and_o for_o the_o remission_n of_o thy_o sin_n my_o blood_n be_v the_o only_a thing_n in_o the_o world_n that_o be_v equal_a to_o the_o demerit_n of_o thy_o sin_n and_o it_o have_v make_v full_a satisfaction_n to_o god_n for_o they_o all_o thy_o sin_n which_o be_v many_o be_v therefore_o forgive_v thou_o my_o blood_n have_v purchase_v the_o eternal_a inheritance_n of_o glory_n for_o thou_o and_o this_o day_n i_o be_o come_v to_o delâ—…er_v the_o seal_n and_o pledge_n thereof_o into_o thy_o hand_n take_v then_o the_o seal_n of_o eternal_a salvation_n this_o day_n take_v thy_o own_o christ_n with_o all_o that_o he_o be_v and_o have_v in_o thy_o arm_n whatever_o i_o have_v suffer_v do_v or_o procure_v for_o any_o of_o my_o saint_n i_o have_v suffer_v do_v and_o procure_v the_o same_o for_o thou_o why_o all_o this_o be_v here_o to_o be_v do_v as_o real_o and_o true_o though_o in_o a_o more_o spiritual_a way_n at_o this_o table_n and_o shall_v not_o such_o business_n as_o this_o be_v full_o fix_v and_o engage_v thy_o heart_n what_o then_o shall_v do_v it_o awake_v faith_n awake_v repentance_n awake_v love_n yea_o let_v all_o the_o power_n of_o my_o soul_n be_v thorough_o awaken_v this_o day_n to_o attend_v the_o lord_n the_o second_o meditation_n upon_o jer._n 12._o 2._o thou_o be_v near_o in_o their_o mouth_n and_o far_o from_o their_o reins_o this_o scripture_n give_v we_o the_o character_n and_o description_n of_o a_o hypocrite_n and_o he_o be_v here_o describe_v two_o way_n viz._n 1._o by_o what_o he_o have_v 2._o by_o what_o he_o have_v not_o
perpetual_a we_o shall_v be_v ever_o with_o the_o lord_n 1_o thes._n 4._o 7._o long_o therefore_o to_o drink_v that_o new_a wine_n in_o the_o father_n kingdom_n the_o spirit_n and_o the_o bride_n say_v come_v and_o let_v he_o that_o hear_v say_v come_v even_o so_o come_v lord_n jesus_n come_v quick_o the_o eleven_o meditation_n upon_o cant._n 8._o v._n 6._o set_v i_o as_o a_o seal_n upon_o thy_o heart_n as_o a_o seal_n upon_o thy_o arm_n for_o love_n be_v strong_a as_o death_n jealousy_n be_v cruel_a as_o the_o grave_n the_o coal_n thereof_o be_v coal_n of_o fire_n which_o have_v a_o most_o vehement_a flame_n this_o book_n be_v a_o sacred_a allegory_n the_o sense_n thereof_o be_v deep_a and_o spiritual_a our_o unacquaintedness_n with_o such_o scheme_n and_o figure_n of_o speech_n together_o with_o the_o want_n of_o spiritual_a light_n and_o experience_n make_v it_o difficult_a to_o be_v understand_v but_o the_o allegory_n be_v once_o unfold_v by_o reason_n of_o its_o affinity_n with_o the_o fancy_n truth_n be_v more_o easy_o and_o affect_o transmit_v both_o to_o the_o mind_n and_o heart_n st._n augustine_n assign_v this_o reason_n why_o we_o be_v so_o much_o delight_v with_o metaphor_n and_o allegory_n because_o they_o be_v so_o much_o proportion_v to_o our_o sense_n with_o which_o our_o reason_n have_v contract_v a_o intimacy_n and_o familiarity_n and_o therefore_o god_n to_o accommodate_v his_o truth_n to_o our_o capacity_n do_v as_o it_o be_v embody_n it_o in_o earthly_a expression_n according_a to_o that_o of_o the_o ancient_a gaballist_n lumen_fw-la supremum_fw-la nunquam_fw-la descendit_fw-la sine_fw-la in_o dumentâ—…_n heavenly_a truth_n never_o descend_v to_o we_o without_o its_o vail_n and_o cover_n the_o word_n before_o we_o be_v the_o request_n of_o the_o spouse_n to_o jesus_n christ_n and_o consist_v of_o two_o part_n viz._n 1._o her_o suit_n which_o be_v earnest_a 2._o her_o argument_n which_o be_v weighty_a her_o earnest_a suit_n or_o request_n to_o jesus_n christ_n set_v i_o as_o a_o seal_n upon_o thy_o heart_n 1._o as_o a_o seal_n upon_o thy_o arm_n the_o heart_n of_o christ_n note_v his_o most_o dear_a inward_a and_o tender_a affection_n his_o arm_n note_v his_o protect_a and_o preserve_v care_n and_o power_n the_o last_o natural_o follow_v the_o first_o what_o man_n dear_o affect_v they_o tender_o and_o careful_o protect_v and_o by_o set_v she_o as_o a_o seal_n upon_o his_o heart_n and_o arm_n she_o mean_v a_o sure_a and_o a_o well-confirmed_n interest_n both_o in_o his_o love_n and_o power_n this_o she_o will_v have_v firm_o seal_v and_o ratify_v and_o that_o this_o be_v her_o meaning_n will_v plain_o appear_v from_o the_o argument_n with_o which_o she_o enforce_v her_o request_n for_o love_n be_v strong_a as_o 2._o death_n jealousy_n be_v cruel_a as_o the_o grave_n etc._n etc._n by_o jealousy_n we_o must_v understand_v her_o fear_n and_o suspicion_n of_o come_v short_a of_o christ_n and_o his_o love_n q._n d._n what_o if_o after_o all_o i_o shall_v be_v deceive_v what_o if_o jesus_n christ_n do_v not_o love_v i_o with_o a_o special_a love_n o_o these_o fear_n and_o suspicion_n be_v intolerable_a torment_n to_o she_o she_o can_v bear_v they_o they_o be_v cruel_a as_o the_o grave_n insufferable_a as_o coal_n of_o fire_n which_o have_v a_o most_o vehement_a flame_n q._n d._n lord_n if_o thou_o leave_v i_o in_o the_o midst_n of_o these_o jealousy_n of_o thy_o love_n i_o shall_v be_v but_o a_o torment_n to_o myself_o i_o shall_v live_v as_o one_o upon_o the_o rack_n or_o in_o the_o flame_n hence_o the_o note_n be_v doct._n that_o there_o be_v nothing_o in_o this_o world_n which_o true_a christian_n more_o earnest_o desire_n than_o to_o be_v well_o assure_v and_o satisfy_v of_o the_o love_n of_o jesus_n christ_n to_o their_o soul_n in_o the_o meditation_n of_o this_o point_n two_o thing_n must_v be_v inquire_v into_o 1._o why_o this_o assurance_n be_v so_o desirable_a 2._o how_o it_o may_v be_v obtain_v why_o the_o assurance_n of_o the_o love_n of_o 1._o christ_n be_v so_o desirable_n in_o the_o eye_n of_o true_a christian_n and_o among_o other_o there_o be_v two_o thing_n that_o especial_o make_v it_o so_o viz._n 1._o the_o sweetness_n of_o its_o enjoyment_n 2._o the_o difficulty_n of_o its_o attainment_n the_o sweetness_n of_o its_o enjoyment_n which_o be_v unexpressable_a and_o inconceivable_a 1._o for_o it_o be_v a_o mercy_n above_o all_o estimation_n it_o be_v 1._o the_o riches_n of_o faith_n 2._o the_o rest_n and_o ease_v of_o the_o heart_n 3._o the_o pleasure_n of_o life_n 4._o a_o cordial_n in_o death_n 5._o a_o sweet_a support_n in_o all_o trouble_n 1._o it_o be_v the_o very_a riches_n of_o faith_n the_o most_o pleasant_a fruit_n which_o grow_v upon_o the_o top_n branch_n of_o faith_n the_o scripture_n tell_v we_o of_o a_o assurance_n of_o understanding_n hope_v and_o faith_n all_o these_o grace_n be_v precious_a in_o themselve_n but_o the_o assurance_n of_o each_o of_o they_o be_v the_o most_o sweet_a and_o pleasant_a part_n knowledge_n above_o knowledge_n be_v the_o full_a assurance_n of_o knowledge_n hope_v above_o hope_n be_v the_o full_a assurance_n of_o hope_n and_o faith_n above_o faith_n be_v the_o full_a assurance_n of_o faith_n the_o least_o and_o low_a act_n of_o save_a faith_n be_v precious_a &_o above_o all_o value_n what_o then_o must_v the_o high_a and_o most_o excellent_a act_n of_o faith_n be_v certain_o there_o be_v a_o sweetness_n in_o the_o assurance_n of_o faith_n that_o few_o man_n have_v the_o privilege_n to_o taste_v and_o they_o that_o do_v can_v find_v no_o word_n able_a to_o express_v it_o to_o another_o understanding_n the_o weak_a christian_n be_v exalt_v above_o other_o man_n but_o the_o assure_a christian_n have_v a_o preference_n before_o all_o other_o christian_n 2._o it_o be_v heart_n ease_n the_o very_a sabbath_n and_o sweet_a repose_n of_o the_o soul._n thousand_o of_o poor_a christian_n will_v part_v with_o all_o they_o possess_v in_o this_o world_n to_o enjoy_v it_o but_o it_o fly_v from_o they_o the_o life_n that_o most_o of_o they_o live_v be_v a_o life_n betwixt_o hope_n and_o fear_n their_o interest_n in_o christ_n be_v very_o doubtful_a to_o they_o sometime_o they_o be_v encourage_v from_o sensible_a workingâ—…_n of_o grace_n than_o all_o be_v dash_v again_o by_o the_o contrary_a stir_n and_o work_n of_o their_o own_o corruption_n now_o the_o sun_n shine_v out_o clear_a by_o and_o by_o the_o heaven_n be_v overcast_v and_o cloud_v again_o but_o the_o assure_a christian_n be_v at_o rest_n from_o those_o torment_a fear_n and_o jealousy_n which_o my_o text_n speak_v of_o that_o be_v as_o cruel_a as_o the_o grave_n and_o as_o insufferable_a as_o coal_n of_o fire_n in_o a_o man_n bosom_n he_o can_v take_v christ_n into_o the_o arm_n of_o his_o faith_n and_o say_v my_o beloved_n be_v i_o and_o i_o be_o he_o return_v to_o thy_o rest_n o_o my_o soul_n for_o the_o lord_n have_v deal_v bountiful_o with_o thou_o 3._o it_o be_v the_o pleasure_n of_o life_n yea_o the_o most_o rational_a pure_a and_o transport_v pleasure_n what_o be_v life_n without_o pleasure_n and_o what_o pleasure_n be_v there_o in_o the_o world_n comparable_a to_o this_o pleasure_n for_o let_v the_o seal_a and_o assure_a believer_n consider_v and_o compare_v and_o he_o must_v needs_o find_v a_o joy_n and_o pleasure_n beyond_o the_o joy_n of_o the_o whole_a earth_n if_o he_o consider_v well_o what_o he_o be_v assure_v of_o it_o be_v no_o common_a mercy_n but_o christ_n himself_o and_o his_o love_n a_o mercy_n incomprehensible_a by_o man_n or_o angel_n eph._n 3._o 19_o put_v christ_n into_o the_o sensible_a possession_n of_o a_o believer_n and_o joy_n be_v no_o more_o under_o his_o command_n for_o that_o time_n he_o can_v no_o more_o refuse_v to_o rejoice_v than_o he_o that_o be_v tickle_v can_v forbear_v to_o laugh_v and_o especial_o when_o his_o thought_n be_v exercise_v in_o compare_v state_n and_o condition_n either_o his_o own_o with_o other_o man_n or_o his_o own_o now_o with_o what_o it_o be_v and_o what_o it_o shall_v be_v to_o think_v with_o thyself_o thus_o i_o be_o assure_v of_o christ_n and_o his_o love_n my_o interest_n in_o he_o be_v seal_v but_o this_o be_v a_o mercy_n few_o enjoy_v beside_o i_o there_o be_v million_o of_o soul_n of_o equal_a value_n with_o i_o by_o nature_n that_o shall_v never_o enjoy_v such_o a_o mercy_n as_o this_o yea_o the_o time_n be_v when_o i_o myself_o be_v far_o from_o it_o in_o my_o unregenerate_a estate_n lord_n how_o be_v it_o i_o have_v not_o then_o be_v seal_v to_o damnation_n o_o it_o be_v well_o with_o i_o for_o present_v that_o i_o can_v call_v christ_n my_o own_o and_o yet_o it_o will_v be_v better_a and_o better_o my_o condition_n will_v