take_v a_o false_a delusion_n for_o the_o light_n of_o the_o spirit_n three_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n witness_v according_a as_o the_o word_n witness_v try_v the_o spirit_n to_o the_o law_n and_o to_o the_o testimony_n etc._n etc._n the_o scripture_n be_v indict_v by_o the_o spirit_n and_o the_o spirit_n can_v contradict_v himself_o so_o that_o whosoever_o rebel_v against_o the_o light_n of_o the_o word_n shall_v never_o have_v the_o light_n of_o the_o spirit_n quest._n see_v as_o the_o spirit_n breathe_v when_o it_o please_v so_o it_o shine_v when_o it_o please_v whether_o then_o may_v a_o christian_n that_o have_v but_o the_o single_a testimony_n of_o his_o own_o spirit_n be_v assure_v of_o his_o salvation_n answ._n the_o witness_n of_o our_o own_o spirit_n be_v a_o true_a assurance_n though_o it_o be_v not_o so_o clear_a a_o assurance_n i_o may_v see_v a_o thing_n certain_o by_o the_o light_n of_o a_o candle_n yet_o i_o may_v see_v it_o more_o clear_o by_o the_o light_n of_o the_o sun_n the_o light_n of_o the_o spirit_n may_v and_o do_v often_o withdraw_v itself_o and_o leave_v we_o only_o the_o witness_n of_o our_o own_o spirit_n and_o yet_o then_o the_o soul_n have_v assurance_n quest._n but_o what_o if_o i_o have_v not_o the_o witness_n of_o god_n spirit_n norâ—_n of_o my_o own_o neither_o answ._n have_v recourse_n to_o former_a assurance_n do_v thou_o remember_v that_o once_o thou_o have_v a_o sweet_a serenity_n of_o soul_n that_o a_o enlighten_v conscience_n upon_o good_a ground_n do_v speak_v peace_n to_o thou_o do_v thou_o never_o see_v the_o light_n of_o the_o spirit_n crown_v thy_o soul_n with_o satisfy_a beam_n then_o be_v sure_a that_o thou_o be_v still_o in_o the_o same_o condition_n for_o there_o be_v no_o total_a fall_n from_o grace_n god_n love_v like_o himself_o be_v immutable_a the_o spirit_n testimony_n be_v of_o eternal_a truth_n so_o do_v david_n when_o his_o joy_n be_v extinguish_v and_o he_o will_v fain_o have_v it_o light_v again_o psal._n 51.12_o restore_v unto_o i_o the_o joy_n of_o thy_o salvation_n and_o uphold_v i_o with_o thy_o free_a spirit_n whence_o be_v imply_v 1._o that_o for_o the_o present_a it_o be_v take_v away_o 2._o that_o he_o have_v it_o 3._o he_o remember_v that_o he_o have_v it_o and_o therefore_o pray_v to_o have_v it_o restore_v david_n own_o spirit_n be_v now_o very_o unquiet_a and_o god_n spirit_n have_v withdraw_v itself_o and_o now_o his_o best_a refresh_v be_v his_o former_a assurance_n remember_v this_o that_o the_o least_o drop_n of_o true_a grace_n shall_v never_o be_v exhaust_v the_o least_o spark_n of_o true_a joy_n shall_v never_o be_v extinguish_v quest._n but_o suppose_v we_o have_v neither_o the_o testimony_n of_o god_n spirit_n nor_o of_o our_o own_o nor_o can_v recall_v former_a assurance_n what_o shall_v the_o soul_n do_v then_o answ._n in_o such_o a_o time_n look_v to_o the_o beginning_n of_o grace_n look_v now_o to_o the_o soul_n prize_v of_o a_o christ_n to_o the_o whimpering_n after_o the_o breast_n to_o the_o long_n and_o breathe_n after_o its_o belove_a thought_n upon_o he_o desire_v after_o he_o endeavour_n for_o he_o there_o be_v much_o comfort_n and_o sweetness_n in_o these_o i_o and_o some_o kind_n of_o assurance_n for_o first_o god_n that_o have_v begin_v this_o great_a and_o good_a work_n in_o thou_o will_v never_o give_v it_o over_o till_o it_o be_v full_a and_o complete_a he_o use_v not_o to_o leave_v his_o work_n imperfect_a the_o very_a first_o motion_n be_v of_o his_o own_o plant_n and_o shall_v lack_v no_o water_v for_o increase_v second_o the_o least_o seed_n of_o grace_n as_o its_o choice_n and_o precious_a so_o its_o vigorous_a and_o active_a it_o will_v never_o leave_v work_v till_o christ_n be_v form_v in_o thou_o who_o have_v despise_v the_o day_n of_o small_a thing_n zach._n 4.10_o he_o that_o be_v rich_a in_o grace_n begin_v with_o a_o small_a stock_n improve_v but_o present_a strength_n and_o god_n will_v send_v thou_o in_o fresh_a supply_n that_o thou_o may_v walk_v from_o strength_n to_o strength_n thirdlie_o if_o thou_o can_v not_o spy_v out_o any_o grace_n in_o thyself_o borrow_v light_n of_o another_o lay_v open_a thy_o soul_n to_o a_o interpreter_n one_o of_o a_o thousand_o that_o may_v explain_v thy_o condition_n better_o than_o thou_o can_v thyself_o job_n 33.23_o he_o will_v show_v thou_o here_o be_v grace_n and_o there_o be_v grace_n and_o there_o be_v a_o evidence_n etc._n etc._n quest._n but_o what_o if_o after_o all_o this_o there_o be_v a_o total_a eclipse_n all_o cloud_n and_o blackness_n and_o darkness_n and_o the_o very_a valley_n of_o the_o shadow_n of_o death_n answ._n first_o when_o there_o be_v no_o certainty_n of_o evidence_n yet_o even_o then_o have_v a_o certainty_n of_o adherence_n and_o recumbency_n now_o grasp_v a_o promise_n roll_v thyself_o upon_o the_o free_a grace_n of_o god_n in_o christ._n say_v if_o i_o perish_v i_o perish_v and_o though_o thou_o kill_v i_o yet_o will_v i_o trust_v in_o thou_o like_a man_n ready_a to_o be_v drown_v take_v fast_o hold_v cast_v anchor_n though_o in_o the_o dark_a second_o study_v self-denial_n though_o thou_o long_o and_o breath_n after_o assurance_n yet_o resign_v up_o thyself_o whole_o to_o god_n will_v and_o be_v content_a to_o want_v it_o if_o he_o see_v it_o best_o for_o thou_o take_v heed_n of_o murmur_a throw_v thyself_o at_o god_n foot_n and_o say_v o_o my_o god_n i_o will_v bless_v thou_o for_o those_o eternal_a treasure_n of_o sweetness_n that_o be_v in_o thou_o though_o i_o shall_v never_o taste_v of_o they_o i_o will_v bless_v thou_o for_o those_o smile_n of_o thy_o face_n which_o thou_o bestow_v upon_o other_o though_o thou_o will_v not_o cast_v one_o gracious_a look_n upon_o my_o soul_n i_o will_v bless_v thou_o for_o those_o rich_a offer_n of_o grace_n thou_o make_v to_o i_o though_o i_o have_v not_o a_o heart_n to_o lay_v hold_n of_o they_o three_o put_v thy_o soul_n into_o a_o wait_a posture_n and_o stay_v till_o he_o please_v to_o display_v some_o of_o himself_o to_o thou_o the_o patient_a expectation_n of_o the_o poor_a shall_v not_o perish_v for_o â—ver_v psal._n 9.18_o one_o beam_n of_o his_o countenance_n be_v worth_a wait_a for_o all_o thy_o life-time_n yet_o wait_v upon_o he_o in_o prayer_n in_o his_o ordinance_n where_o the_o spirit_n breathe_v and_o god_n show_v his_o face_n thus_o wait_v upon_o he_o in_o his_o own_o way_n yea_o and_o in_o his_o own_o time_n too_o think_v not_o time_n tedious_a he_o that_o believe_v make_v not_o haste_n isa._n 28.16_o consider_v that_o god_n be_v all_o this_o while_n prepare_v thou_o and_o make_v thou_o more_o capable_a of_o his_o love_n yea_o suppose_v the_o worst_a that_o thou_o shall_v die_v under_o a_o cloud_n as_o christ_n do_v yet_o thy_o condition_n be_v safe_a thou_o shall_v then_o come_v to_o a_o full_a assurance_n nay_o to_o a_o full_a possession_n of_o thy_o inheritance_n quest._n what_o be_v the_o special_a seal_a time_n wherein_o christian_n have_v this_o assurance_n answ._n first_o sometime_o at_o their_o first_o conversion_n when_o the_o spirit_n of_o bondage_n have_v pass_v upon_o the_o soul_n and_o by_o a_o strong_a conviction_n have_v apply_v particular_o guilt_n and_o wrath_n unto_o it_o then_o the_o gospel_n bring_v welcome_a news_n of_o a_o pardon_n and_o the_o spirit_n of_o adoption_n apply_v grace_n and_o mercy_n to_o the_o soul_n this_o make_v strong_a impression_n of_o joy_n and_o cause_v they_o to_o cry_v out_o i_o be_o my_o belove_n and_o my_o beloved_n be_v i_o cant._n 2.16_o hos._n 11.1_o when_o israel_n be_v a_o child_n than_o i_o love_v he_o i_o teach_v ephraim_n also_o to_o go_v take_v he_o by_o the_o arm_n etc._n etc._n god_n have_v a_o special_a care_n of_o tender_a plant_n and_o christ_n do_v the_o rather_o reveal_v his_o love_n to_o young_a convert_v for_o their_o encouragement_n in_o the_o way_n of_o grace_n he_o oil_n the_o wheel_n of_o the_o soul_n and_o imprint_n the_o sense_n of_o his_o love_n which_o constrain_v they_o to_o obedience_n and_o hence_o it_o be_v that_o young_a convert_v be_v usual_o so_o active_a in_o the_o way_n of_o religion_n so_o forward_o and_o vehement_a second_o sacrament-time_n be_v seal_v time_n for_o in_o the_o lord_n supper_n we_o have_v the_o new_a covenant_n seal_v up_o to_o the_o soul_n the_o soul_n have_v not_o only_o his_o grace_n increase_v but_o they_o be_v print_v clear_a there_o we_o have_v plain_a and_o visible_a demonstration_n of_o the_o love_n of_o a_o saviour_n and_o have_v the_o sense_n of_o this_o love_n give_v into_o our_o heart_n we_o feed_v not_o only_o upon_o sacramental_a bread_n but_o upon_o hide_a manna_n too_o here_o be_v a_o feast_n of_o fat_a thing_n the_o soul_n be_v satisfy_v as_o
spirit_n of_o grace_n zach._n 12.10_o 11._o and_o godly_a sorrow_n work_v repentance_n etc._n etc._n 2_o cor._n 7.10_o the_o blood_n of_o christ_n which_o be_v shed_v for_o the_o kill_n of_o sin_n make_v they_o sensible_a of_o their_o sin_n with_o the_o aggravation_n of_o it_o be_v now_o not_o only_o against_o the_o law_n of_o god_n but_o against_o the_o blood_n and_o love_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n the_o contrary_a doctrine_n be_v very_o false_a and_o pernicious_a quest._n whether_o be_v the_o law_n give_v as_o a_o rule_n to_o believer_n under_o the_o gospel_n answ._n yea_o as_o may_v be_v prove_v by_o these_o argument_n first_o if_o sin_n be_v the_o transgression_n of_o the_o law_n as_o the_o apostle_n affirm_v it_o to_o be_v 1_o john_n 3.4_o than_o a_o believer_n be_v bind_v to_o attend_v the_o law_n as_o his_o rule_n that_o so_o he_o may_v not_o transgress_v it_o as_o david_n do_v psal._n 119.11_o for_o whosoever_o make_v conscience_n of_o sin_n can_v but_o make_v conscience_n of_o observe_v the_o rule_n and_o they_o which_o lie_v aside_o the_o rule_n can_v make_v conscience_n of_o sin_n which_o be_v downright_a atheism_n and_o profaneness_n pâ—rquius_fw-la a_o great_a libertine_n in_o calvin_n time_n make_v this_o only_a to_o be_v sin_n viz._n to_o see_v know_v or_o feel_v sin_n and_o that_o the_o great_a sin_n of_o man_n be_v to_o think_v that_o he_o do_v sin_n and_o that_o the_o old_a man_n be_v put_v off_o by_o not_o see_v sin_n but_o these_o be_v liar_n 1_o john_n 1.8_o 10._o second_o a_o true_a believer_n though_o he_o can_v keep_v the_o law_n perfect_o as_o his_o rule_n yet_o he_o love_v it_o dear_o and_o blame_v himself_o when_o he_o can_v keep_v it_o and_o cry_v out_o with_o the_o apostle_n rom._n 7.12_o the_o law_n be_v holy_a and_o good_a though_o i_o be_o carnal_a he_o love_v his_o copy_n though_o he_o can_v but_o scribble_v after_o it_o three_o have_v believer_n be_v free_a from_o this_o directive_n power_n of_o the_o law_n paul_n will_v never_o have_v persuade_v they_o to_o love_v upon_o this_o ground_n because_o its_o the_o fulfil_n of_o the_o law_n gal._n 5.13_o 14._o ob._n but_o the_o law_n write_v in_o the_o heart_n and_o the_o spirit_n be_v the_o rule_n of_o life_n therefore_o not_o the_o write_a law_n answ._n first_o the_o law_n write_v in_o the_o heart_n be_v call_v a_o law_n not_o in_o respect_n of_o perfect_a direction_n which_o be_v essential_a to_o the_o rule_n but_o in_o respect_n of_o â—ighty_a and_o effectual_a operation_n 〈◊〉_d be_v a_o power_n in_o it_o as_o of_o a_o strong_a law_n effectual_o and_o sweet_o compel_v â—o_o â—he_v obedience_n of_o the_o law_n second_o for_o the_o spirit_n he_o be_v indeed_o the_o principle_n of_o our_o obedience_n whereby_o we_o conform_v unto_o the_o rule_n but_o not_o the_o rule_n itself_o only_o this_o be_v true_a 1._o that_o the_o spirit_n incline_v the_o heart_n to_o the_o obedience_n of_o the_o rule_n 2._o it_o illuminate_v the_o mind_n many_o time_n to_o see_v it_o by_o secret_a shining_n of_o prevent_v as_o well_o as_o bring_v thing_n to_o remembrance_n which_o we_o know_v before_o 3._o it_o act_v they_o also_o sometime_o as_o when_o we_o know_v not_o what_o to_o pray_v it_o prompt_v we_o rom._n 8.26_o when_o we_o know_v not_o what_o to_o speak_v before_o our_o adversaty_n it_o give_v it_o in_o to_o we_o mâ—t._n 10.19_o when_o we_o know_v not_o whither_o or_o how_o to_o go_v it_o be_v a_o voice_n behind_o we_o and_o lead_v we_o to_o the_o fountain_n of_o live_a water_n isa._n 30.21_o rev._n 7.17_o but_o all_o these_o quicken_a act_n prove_v it_o not_o to_o be_v a_o rule_n by_o which_o we_o ought_v to_o walk_v but_o only_o by_o mean_n of_o which_o we_o come_v to_o walk_v and_o be_v incline_v direct_v and_o enable_v to_o walk_v according_a to_o the_o rule_n four_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n which_o indict_v the_o scripture_n and_o this_o law_n be_v in_o the_o scripture_n and_o in_o the_o law_n as_o well_o as_o in_o the_o believer_n heart_n and_o therefore_o to_o forsake_v or_o reject_v the_o scripture_n or_o this_o write_a rule_n be_v to_o forsake_v and_o reject_v the_o spirit_n speak_v in_o it_o as_o our_o rule_n nay_o it_o be_v to_o forsake_v that_o spirit_n which_o be_v the_o supreme_a judge_n according_a to_o which_o all_o private_a spirit_n nay_o all_o the_o act_n dictate_v moving_n and_o speaking_n of_o god_n spirit_n in_o we_o be_v to_o be_v try_v examine_v and_o judge_v as_o isa._n 8.20_o john_n 5.39_o for_o which_o the_o man_n of_o bereah_n be_v commend_v actâ—_n 17.11_o ob._n the_o difference_n between_o the_o old_a and_o new_a testament_n be_v this_o that_o of_o moses_n be_v a_o ministry_n from_o without_o but_o that_o of_o christ_n from_o within_o and_o therefore_o the_o letter_n of_o the_o scripture_n be_v not_o a_o law_n to_o a_o christian_a but_o the_o law_n write_v in_o their_o heart_n &_o c_o answ._n if_o this_o be_v the_o difference_n between_o the_o dispensation_n of_o the_o old_a and_o new_a testament_n ministry_n than_o we_o may_v all_o burn_v our_o bibles_n as_o useless_a and_o then_o its_o a_o marvel_n why_o the_o apostle_n preach_v or_o why_o they_o write_v the_o gospel_n for_o aftertime_n that_o man_n miâ—ht_v believe_v etc._n etc._n as_o it_o be_v john_n 20.31_o 1_o john_n 5.13_o for_o either_o their_o writing_n and_o preach_v be_v not_o a_o external_a ministry_n which_o be_v contrary_a to_o sense_n or_o it_o be_v not_o christ_n ministry_n which_o be_v blasphemous_a whereas_o christ_n in_o the_o spirit_n lead_v we_o to_o christ_n in_o the_o letter_n the_o spirit_n within_o to_o the_o word_n without_o by_o which_o we_o shall_v be_v judge_v at_o the_o last_o day_n john_n 12.48_o and_o therefore_o certain_o we_o be_v to_o be_v regulate_v by_o it_o now_o ob._n but_o the_o faithful_a receive_v a_o unction_n of_o the_o spirit_n which_o teach_v they_o all_o thing_n answ._n this_o teach_n be_v either_o immediate_a or_o mediate_a if_o immediate_a why_o do_v st._n john_n tell_v they_o that_o he_o write_v to_o they_o that_o they_o may_v hereby_o know_v that_o they_o have_v eternal_a life_n 1_o john_n 5_o 13._o but_o if_o mediate_a to_o wit_n by_o the_o word_n external_o preach_v or_o write_v than_o that_o external_a word_n be_v still_o to_o be_v our_o rule_n which_o the_o anoint_v of_o the_o spirit_n help_v we_o to_o know_v when_o therefore_o he_o say_v 1_o john_n 2.27_o that_o be_v teach_v of_o the_o spirit_n they_o need_v not_o that_o any_o man_n shall_v teach_v they_o he_o speak_v not_o of_o the_o immediate_a teach_n of_o the_o spirit_n but_o explain_v his_o meaning_n in_o the_o word_n follow_v you_o need_v not_o that_o any_o man_n shall_v teach_v you_o i._n e._n otherwise_o or_o after_o another_o manner_n of_o way_n then_o the_o spirit_n teach_v they_o but_o as_o the_o anoint_v teach_v you_o all_o thing_n and_o be_v truth_n for_o if_o minister_n be_v to_o preach_v in_o demonstration_n of_o the_o spirit_n than_o they_o that_o hear_v they_o and_o be_v teach_v by_o they_o need_v no_o man_n to_o teach_v they_o otherwise_o then_o as_o the_o same_o spirit_n in_o the_o same_o demonstration_n teach_v they_o all_o thing_n as_o therefore_o the_o spirit_n lead_v we_o to_o the_o word_n so_o the_o word_n lead_v we_o to_o the_o spirit_n but_o never_o to_o a_o spirit_n without_o or_o beyond_o the_o word_n whereby_o the_o outward_a administration_n in_o the_o word_n or_o letter_n shall_v cease_v when_o the_o inward_a administration_n of_o christ_n in_o the_o spirit_n come_v ob._n we_o be_v not_o to_o be_v lead_v or_o guide_v by_o any_o outward_a command_n in_o our_o obedience_n unto_o god_n because_o god_n be_v to_o work_v all_o our_o work_n for_o we_o and_o we_o be_v not_o to_o live_v but_o christ_n be_v to_o live_v in_o we_o answ._n it_o be_v vain_a to_o think_v that_o we_o be_v not_o to_o look_v at_o any_o promise_n because_o christ_n be_v to_o accomplish_v all_o promise_n for_o we_o if_o the_o question_n therefore_o be_v by_o what_o we_o be_v to_o live_v the_o apostle_n answer_n be_v full_a gal._n 2_o 19_o 20._o we_o be_v to_o live_v by_o the_o faith_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n but_o if_o the_o question_n be_v according_a to_o what_o rule_n be_v we_o to_o live_v the_o answer_n be_v give_v by_o david_n psal._n 119.4_o 5._o thou_o have_v command_v we_o to_o keep_v thy_o precept_n diligent_o etc._n etc._n so_o v._n 17.77_o if_o any_o demand_n what_o be_v the_o rule_n of_o faith_n by_o which_o we_o live_v answ._n the_o gospel_n phil._n 3.16_o but_o if_o you_o demand_v what_o be_v the_o rule_n of_o life_n itself_o answ._n the_o moral_a law_n and_o of_o this_o be_v the_o controversy_n ob._n but_o we_o be_v neither_o subject_n
thing_n according_a to_o their_o nature_n and_o capacity_n they_o shall_v never_o deceive_v we_o if_o we_o require_v nothing_o of_o they_o above_o their_o nature_n confidence_n be_v good_a according_a to_o the_o goodness_n of_o the_o subject_n that_o it_o repose_v upon_o wherefore_o confidence_n in_o god_n the_o only_a sovereign_a good_a perfect_a solid_a immutable_a be_v the_o best_a of_o all_o and_o the_o only_a thing_n that_o can_v give_v assurance_n and_o content_a to_o the_o soul._n he_o that_o be_v blessed_v with_o that_o confidence_n be_v half_a in_o paradise_n already_o he_o be_v firm_a safe_a meek_a serene_a and_o too_o strong_a for_o all_o his_o enemy_n psal._n 84.12_o god_n be_v to_o he_o a_o sun_n to_o give_v he_o light_n heat_n life_n and_o plenty_n of_o all_o good_n and_o a_o shield_n to_o guard_v he_o and_o shelter_v he_o from_o all_o evil_n he_o give_v he_o grace_v in_o this_o life_n and_o glory_n in_o the_o next_o o_o lord_n of_o host_n bless_a be_v the_o man_n that_o trust_v in_o thou_o dr._n du_n moulin_n of_o contentment_n chap._n xlii_o question_n and_o case_n of_o conscience_n about_o the_o conflict_n or_o combat_v between_o the_o flesh_n and_o spirit_n quest._n how_o will_v it_o appear_v that_o there_o be_v such_o a_o conflict_n in_o every_o regenerate_a person_n answ._n by_o plain_a testimony_n of_o scripture_n as_o gal._n 5.17_o the_o flâ—sh_n lust_v against_o the_o spirit_n and_o the_o spirit_n against_o the_o flesh_n etc._n etc._n rom._n 7.19_o 22.23_o quest._n what_o be_v the_o spiritual_a conflict_n answ._n it_o be_v nothing_o else_o but_o a_o continual_a combat_n between_o the_o unregenerate_a part_n the_o flesh_n with_o the_o lust_n thereof_o and_o the_o part_n regenerate_v the_o spirit_n with_o all_o the_o holy_a quality_n grace_n and_o motion_n thereof_o by_o reason_n of_o their_o contrariety_n in_o nature_n and_o conjunction_n in_o place_n whereby_o they_o mutual_o lust_n and_o strive_v one_o against_o the_o other_o the_o flesh_n willing_a and_o embrace_v that_o evil_a which_o the_o spirir_fw-fr nill_v and_o hate_v and_o nill_v and_o shun_v that_o good_a which_o the_o spirit_n will_v and_o affect_v and_o contrariwise_o for_o in_o this_o conflict_n they_o mutual_o assault_v each_o other_o with_o irreconcilable_a hatred_n so_o that_o as_o the_o one_o get_v the_o other_o lose_v as_o one_o gather_v strength_n the_o other_o be_v weaken_v as_o in_o a_o pair_n of_o scale_n when_o own_o rise_v the_o other_o fall_v they_o be_v like_o light_n and_o darkness_n etc._n etc._n quest._n what_o be_v the_o cause_n of_o this_o conflict_n answ._n the_o principal_a cause_n be_v god_n will_n for_o the_o manifestation_n of_o his_o own_o glory_n for_o which_o purpose_n he_o do_v not_o perfect_a our_o sanctification_n in_o this_o life_n but_o in_o part_n regenerate_v and_o leave_v we_o in_o part_n unregenerate_v quest._n but_o why_o do_v not_o the_o lord_n who_o can_v easy_o have_v do_v it_o perfect_a sanctification_n in_o we_o at_o first_o as_o he_o do_v by_o his_o only_a word_n at_o first_o create_v and_o make_v we_o perfect_a answ._n be_v there_o no_o other_o reason_n but_o that_o good_a pleasure_n of_o his_o most_o wise_a will_n it_o be_v sufficient_a to_o satisfy_v we_o for_o he_o best_o know_v what_o to_o give_v and_o when_o to_o give_v but_o yet_o divers_a reason_n may_v be_v assign_v for_o it_o as_o first_o this_o course_n be_v most_o profitable_a both_o for_o the_o set_n forth_o of_o god_n glory_n and_o the_o advance_n of_o our_o good_a quest._n how_o do_v it_o more_o manifest_a and_o magnify_v god_n glory_n answ._n that_o the_o weak_a we_o be_v in_o our_o regenerate_a part_n and_o the_o strong_a the_o flesh_n be_v and_o all_o other_o the_o enemy_n of_o our_o salvation_n the_o more_o clear_o god_n wisdom_n shine_v forth_o in_o strengthen_v this_o weak_a part_n and_o enable_v it_o to_o stand_v in_o the_o day_n of_o battle_n yea_o in_o cause_v it_o to_o obtain_v a_o full_a and_o final_a victory_n put_v all_o its_o mighty_a enemy_n to_o flight_n this_o move_v the_o lord_n to_o suffer_v the_o prick_n in_o the_o flesh_n to_o molest_v paul_n 2_o cor._n 12.9_o that_o his_o grace_n may_v be_v perfect_v in_o the_o apostle_n weakness_n 2._o god_n be_v more_o glorify_v when_o as_o we_o see_v the_o strength_n of_o our_o natural_a corruption_n and_o our_o frailty_n and_o the_o many_o infirmity_n of_o our_o spiritual_a part_n be_v move_v hereby_o to_o attribute_v all_o the_o glory_n and_o praise_n of_o our_o salvation_n to_o the_o alone_a mercy_n of_o god_n both_o in_o the_o respect_n of_o the_o beginning_n and_o perfect_v thereof_o and_o utter_o deny_v our_o own_o self_n and_o all_o our_o righteousness_n do_v whole_o rely_v upon_o the_o perfect_a righteousness_n of_o christ_n whereas_o if_o there_o be_v in_o we_o perfect_a sanctification_n we_o shall_v hardly_o acknowledge_v the_o lord_n to_o be_v all_o in_o all_o in_o our_o salvation_n 3._o the_o wisdom_n and_o power_n of_o god_n be_v more_o manifest_v and_o glorify_v when_o as_o he_o do_v his_o great_a work_n by_o contrary_a mean_n and_o cause_n which_o in_o their_o own_o nature_n will_v rather_o hinder_v they_o therefore_o he_o will_v have_v we_o blind_a that_o we_o may_v see_v and_o foolish_a that_o we_o may_v be_v wise_a etc._n etc._n he_o will_v give_v blessedness_n to_o we_o who_o have_v so_o many_o want_n and_o corruption_n yea_o make_v our_o imperfection_n to_o serve_v as_o mean_n for_o the_o increase_n of_o our_o happiness_n this_o do_v exceed_o magnify_v his_o power_n and_o wisdom_n 4._o we_o be_v hereby_o make_v more_o thankful_a to_o the_o lord_n and_o more_o cheerful_a in_o set_v forth_o his_o praise_n when_o notwithstanding_o our_o want_n and_o imperfection_n we_o be_v support_v and_o save_v then_o if_o he_o shall_v at_o first_o endue_v we_o with_o all_o perfection_n for_o the_o more_o we_o have_v find_v the_o want_n of_o god_n benefit_n the_o more_o we_o prize_v they_o and_o so_o be_v the_o more_o thankful_a for_o they_o so_o it_o be_v with_o st._n paul_n when_o through_o the_o violence_n of_o the_o flesh_n he_o have_v be_v lead_v captive_a to_o sin_n rom._n 7.24_o 25._o how_o do_v he_o break_v forth_o into_o thankfulness_n i_o thank_v god_n through_o jesus_n christ_n my_o lord_n 5._o hereby_o we_o more_o glorify_v god_n when_o we_o be_v assure_v by_o our_o growth_n in_o grace_n by_o which_o we_o be_v enable_v to_o resist_v the_o flesh_n and_o the_o lust_n thereof_o that_o they_o be_v the_o free_a gift_n of_o god_n and_o that_o he_o begin_v increase_v and_o continue_v they_o in_o we_o whereas_o otherwise_o we_o will_v think_v they_o to_o be_v some_o natural_a faculty_n and_o ability_n and_o not_o give_v we_o of_o god_n quest._n how_o be_v this_o conflict_n profitable_a for_o our_o good_a answ._n 1._o because_o its_o a_o notable_a mean_n to_o train_v we_o up_o in_o humility_n which_o be_v a_o grace_n most_o acceptable_a unto_o god_n and_o this_o be_v do_v when_o we_o see_v and_o consider_v what_o a_o miserable_a spoil_n sin_n have_v make_v of_o all_o those_o grace_n and_o excellent_a endowment_n which_o we_o have_v by_o creation_n how_o it_o have_v poison_v and_o corrupt_v all_o the_o power_n and_o part_n of_o soul_n and_o body_n how_o it_o have_v make_v we_o unfit_a for_o any_o good_a and_o prone_a to_o all_o evil_a which_o corruption_n do_v in_o a_o great_a measure_n remain_v in_o we_o after_o regeneration_n darken_n our_o understanding_n defile_v our_o conscience_n pervert_v out_o will_n harden_v our_o heart_n etc._n etc._n so_o that_o if_o we_o be_v not_o continual_o assist_v by_o the_o special_a grace_n of_o god_n we_o shall_v easy_o be_v foil_v in_o the_o conflict_n and_o make_v a_o prey_n to_o our_o malicious_a enemy_n 1_o cor._n 4.7_o 2._o it_o be_v most_o effectual_a to_o work_v in_o we_o self-deniall_n without_o which_o we_o can_v be_v christ_n disciple_n for_o when_o we_o plain_o discern_v that_o there_o be_v nothing_o in_o ourselves_o to_o rest_v upon_o for_o the_o satisfy_n of_o god_n justice_n this_o will_v make_v we_o fly_v to_o christ_n to_o hunger_n and_o thirst_n after_o his_o perfect_a righteousness_n and_o so_o it_o will_v make_v we_o whole_o to_o rely_v upon_o he_o for_o justification_n and_o salvation_n 3._o we_o be_v hereby_o move_v to_o abhor_v sin_n which_o god_n so_o hate_v and_o that_o with_o the_o great_a detestation_n when_o as_o by_o our_o own_o experience_n we_o find_v and_o feel_v the_o poison_n of_o it_o work_v in_o ourselves_o and_o to_o bewail_v and_o forsake_v it_o with_o more_o earnest_a endeavour_n when_o we_o see_v what_o miserable_a effect_n it_o produce_v and_o what_o curse_a fruit_n it_o bring_v forth_o in_o we_o 4._o we_o be_v hereby_o occasion_v to_o fly_v often_o unto_o god_n by_o fervent_a prayer_n acknowledge_v and_o
god_n the_o armour_n of_o faith_n and_o charity_n with_o other_o grace_n wrought_v in_o we_o by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n be_v to_o fortify_v we_o against_o vice_n and_o to_o enable_v we_o to_o a_o virtuous_a life_n all_o the_o good_a motion_n from_o god_n tend_v to_o persuade_v we_o to_o virtue_n and_o to_o dissuade_v we_o from_o vice_n god_n therefore_o give_v we_o so_o many_o teacher_n and_o preacher_n to_o keep_v we_o from_o sin_n and_o to_o allure_v we_o to_o godliness_n the_o scripture_n be_v write_v as_o letter_n of_o love_n from_o god_n to_o invite_v we_o to_o virtue_n and_o dehort_v we_o from_o vice_n the_o sacrament_n those_o seal_n of_o the_o covenant_n be_v institute_v for_o the_o spiritual_a refresh_n and_o water_v of_o our_o soul_n to_o the_o increase_n of_o virtue_n in_o we_o god_n in_o infinite_a mercy_n beside_o his_o word_n have_v give_v we_o the_o example_n of_o godly_a and_o virtuous_a man_n but_o especial_o of_o christ_n himself_o to_o draw_v we_o to_o the_o imitation_n of_o their_o virtue_n by_o virtue_n of_o the_o communion_n of_o saint_n we_o enjoy_v the_o prayer_n of_o all_o the_o faithful_a who_o continual_o beg_v this_o mercy_n for_o we_o god_n by_o his_o continual_a providence_n do_v watch_n over_o we_o for_o our_o good_a to_o sustain_v our_o weakness_n to_o raise_v we_o when_o we_o fall_v to_o direct_v we_o when_o we_o err_v to_o succour_v we_o in_o our_o want_n to_o mitigate_v the_o tempest_n of_o tentation_n and_o to_o moderate_v the_o wave_n of_o wicked_a occasion_n virtue_n of_o itself_o if_o neither_o reward_n have_v be_v promise_v nor_o judgement_n threaten_v because_o of_o her_o internal_a beauty_n grace_n and_o excellency_n may_v move_v we_o to_o love_n and_o follow_v she_o remember_v the_o rare_a and_o precious_a promise_n that_o be_v make_v to_o those_o that_o follow_v after_o righteousness_n quest._n be_v it_o not_o mercenary_a to_o yield_v obedience_n to_o god_n upon_o hope_n of_o reward_n answ._n no_o for_o if_o the_o lord_n use_v such_o mean_n and_o motive_n to_o quicken_v we_o in_o heaven_n way_n it_o be_v not_o mercenary_a but_o lawful_a to_o make_v use_n of_o they_o for_o that_o end_n so_o john_n 3.16_o 18._o rom._n 2.7_o heb._n 11.26_o quest._n wherein_o stand_v the_o sanctify_a exercise_n of_o those_o affection_n that_o fly_v from_o their_o object_n answ._n in_o that_o they_o shun_v all_o evil_n sound_o orderly_o and_o constant_o according_a to_o the_o direction_n of_o god_n word_n quest._n what_o reason_n may_v induce_v we_o to_o shun_v that_o which_o be_v evil_a answ._n the_o remorse_n and_o pang_n of_o conscience_n in_o the_o very_a act_n of_o sin_v may_v deter_v we_o from_o it_o the_o infamy_n and_o disgrace_n which_o attend_v wickedness_n for_o no_o man_n can_v true_o love_v a_o vicious_a man_n all_o well-governed_a commonwealth_n appoint_v punishment_n for_o vice_n to_o root_v they_o out_o by_o sin_n we_o deface_v god_n image_n in_o we_o and_o so_o be_v injurious_a not_o only_o to_o ourselves_o but_o to_o god_n our_o father_n and_o king_n vicious_a person_n profane_v their_o body_n and_o soul_n the_o temple_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n who_o they_o put_v forth_o of_o his_o just_a possession_n by_o their_o wickedness_n the_o dreadful_a judgement_n threaten_v in_o scripture_n and_o inflict_v for_o sin_n shall_v deter_v we_o from_o it_o it_o cast_v adam_n out_o of_o paradise_n drown_v the_o old_a world_n cast_v the_o angel_n out_o of_o heaven_n etc._n etc._n but_o especial_o the_o bitter_a suffering_n of_o our_o crucify_a saviour_n in_o soul_n and_o body_n be_v the_o monument_n of_o sin_n and_o memorial_n of_o our_o wicked_a life_n the_o extreme_a wrong_n we_o offer_v to_o god_n by_o it_o transgress_v his_o law_n pervert_v his_o order_n injure_v his_o infinite_a goodness_n despise_v his_o majesty_n and_o show_v ourselves_o ungrateful_a for_o his_o love_n shall_v above_o all_o dissuade_v we_o from_o sin_n by_o vice_n our_o soul_n be_v spoil_v of_o their_o riches_n their_o most_o precious_a robe_n and_o heavenly_a attire_n be_v make_v the_o very_a den_n of_o devil_n and_o therefore_o we_o shall_v avoid_v it_o no_o day_n nor_o hour_n pass_v wherein_o appear_v not_o some_o silent_a sermon_n to_o persuade_v we_o to_o avoid_v sin_n and_o follow_v goodness_n as_o sickness_n plague_n pain_n disease_n etc._n etc._n and_o death_n of_o other_o show_v we_o what_o be_v the_o wage_n of_o sin_n by_o sin_n we_o abuse_v god_n mercy_n to_o his_o great_a dishonour_n like_o ungrateful_a deblois_n who_o oppose_v their_o creditor_n with_o their_o own_o good_n by_o it_o we_o abuse_v our_o soul_n and_o body_n with_o all_o the_o power_n and_o part_n which_o we_o have_v receive_v from_o god_n by_o make_v they_o instrument_n of_o his_o dishonour_n all_o creature_n make_v by_o god_n for_o our_o use_n exclaim_v against_o a_o vicious_a life_n the_o sun_n give_v light_a to_o work_n of_o light_n and_o not_o of_o darkness_n etc._n etc._n the_o exquisite_a and_o eternal_a torment_n of_o hell_n and_o the_o loss_n of_o the_o beatifical_a vision_n shall_v warn_v we_o to_o fly_v from_o sin_n and_o pursue_v good_a quest._n but_o be_v it_o not_o servile_a to_o forego_v sin_n for_o fear_n of_o punishment_n answ._n the_o scripture_n command_v the_o godly_a to_o fear_v he_o that_o be_v able_a to_o cast_v both_o soul_n and_o body_n into_o hell_n mat._n 10._o â—8_o heb._n 4.1_o and_o 2.3_o and_o 10.26_o fear_v of_o eternal_a wrath_n as_o it_o make_v man_n avoid_v sin_n may_v well_o stand_v with_o confident_a assurance_n of_o eternal_a happiness_n and_o final_a perseverance_n quest._n may_v the_o state_n of_o our_o soul_n be_v discern_v by_o our_o affection_n answ._n yea_o we_o may_v know_v our_o estate_n to_o be_v good_a by_o our_o embrace_v of_o good_a thing_n by_o our_o joy_n and_o delight_n in_o they_o and_o by_o our_o wonderment_n at_o they_o as_o oh_o how_o i_o love_v thy_o law_n psal._n 119.97_o one_o day_n in_o thy_o court_n be_v better_a thâ—n_n a_o thousand_o elsewhere_o psal._n 84.10_o oh_o the_o depth_n of_o his_o mercy_n rom._n 11.33_o one_o thing_n have_v i_o desire_v of_o the_o lord_n and_o i_o will_v desire_v it_o etc._n etc._n psal._n 27.4_o when_o the_o soul_n stand_v in_o admiration_n of_o god_n and_o good_a thing_n ready_a to_o welcome_a christ_n and_o heavenly_a thing_n and_o in_o comparison_n thereof_o to_o count_v all_o but_o dung_n etc._n etc._n a_o man_n be_v then_o in_o a_o good_a estate_n when_o hear_v of_o the_o excellency_n of_o heavenly_a thing_n he_o be_v exceed_o affect_v therewith_o and_o give_v they_o a_o room_n in_o his_o heart_n it_o show_v our_o faith_n to_o be_v true_a for_o where_o there_o be_v true_a faith_n there_o be_v always_o love_n joy_n and_o delight_n in_o the_o thing_n believe_v and_o on_o the_o contrary_a deadness_n in_o affection_n discover_v atheism_n and_o unbelief_n in_o the_o heart_n quest_n how_o happen_v it_o then_o that_o god_n child_n sometime_o even_o when_o their_o judgement_n be_v convince_v yet_o find_v their_o affection_n so_o flat_a cry_v out_o alas_o that_o i_o shall_v believe_v such_o happiness_n as_o heaven_n such_o glory_n and_o yet_o shall_v have_v my_o affection_n no_o more_o stir_v in_o i_o can_v i_o be_v a_o child_n of_o god_n answ._n sometime_o the_o judgement_n may_v be_v convince_v and_o yet_o the_o affection_n not_o so_o quick_a 1._o because_o there_o may_v be_v some_o division_n at_o the_o same_o time_n as_o some_o present_a cross_n or_o some_o present_a thing_n lawful_o love_v that_o may_v take_v up_o our_o affection_n at_o that_o time_n god_n child_n be_v sometime_o deceive_v in_o judge_v of_o their_o affection_n but_o when_o opposition_n come_v than_o they_o be_v discover_v as_o for_o want_v of_o stir_v up_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n in_o themselves_o or_o for_o want_n of_o good_a mean_n or_o by_o bodily_a indisposition_n their_o affection_n may_v seem_v dull_a but_o let_v religion_n be_v disgrace_v or_o oppose_v any_o way_n and_o then_o you_o shall_v find_v that_o their_o affection_n be_v deep_o root_v towards_o heavenly_a thing_n but_o they_o appear_v not_o before_o because_o there_o be_v no_o opposition_n this_o be_v a_o certain_a rule_n that_o a_o man_n affection_n be_v as_o his_o persuasion_n be_v and_o his_o perwasion_n as_o his_o â—ight_n be_v as_o he_o have_v a_o heavenly_a light_n discover_v heavenly_a thing_n so_o be_v his_o persuasion_n of_o a_o better_a state_n than_o the_o world_n can_v yield_v and_o answerable_a to_o his_o persuasion_n so_o be_v his_o soul_n raise_v up_o to_o delight_n in_o the_o best_a thing_n quest._n what_o rule_n be_v to_o be_v observe_v for_o the_o better_a government_n of_o our_o affection_n answ._n they_o must_v be_v guide_v by_o the_o word_n of_o god_n if_o they_o have_v not_o this_o rule_n to_o guide_v they_o they_o will_v wander_v
because_o thou_o be_v a_o sinner_n fear_v not_o thou_o be_v free_a from_o damnation_n christ_n die_v for_o thou_o answ._n be_v a_o poor_a drunkard_n a_o villain_n that_o never_o believe_v in_o a_o state_n of_o condemnation_n rom._n 8.1_o paul_n say_v there_o be_v no_o condemnation_n to_o they_o that_o be_v in_o christ_n but_o where_o be_v they_o free_v that_o be_v out_o of_o christ_n who_o be_v by_o nature_n the_o child_n of_o wrath_n while_o dead_a in_o sin_n eph._n 2.1_o etc._n etc._n much_o less_o be_v such_o to_o believe_v because_o they_o be_v such_o be_v not_o such_o minister_n therefore_o that_o preach_v this_o doctrine_n like_o the_o false_a prophet_n isa._n 48._o ult_n and_o 57_o ult_n that_o cry_n peace_n peace_n when_o god_n say_v there_o be_v no_o peace_n to_o the_o wicked_a and_o say_v not_o christ_n john_n 3._o ult_n he_o that_o believe_v not_o the_o wrath_n of_o god_n abide_v on_o he_o it_o be_v upon_o he_o before_o and_o when_o he_o believe_v not_o it_o abide_v still_o on_o he_o must_v the_o minister_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n preach_v lie_n and_o tell_v drunkard_n and_o villain_n before_o they_o reject_v the_o gospel_n by_o unbelief_n that_o the_o lord_n love_v they_o and_o there_o be_v no_o condemnation_n to_o they_o object_n to_o judge_v of_o justification_n by_o sanctification_n be_v a_o doubtful_a evidence_n a_o carnal_a and_o inferior_a evidence_n answ._n if_o to_o be_v under_o the_o power_n and_o dominion_n of_o sin_n be_v a_o certain_a evidence_n of_o condemnation_n so_o that_o he_o that_o say_v he_o know_v christ_n and_o yet_o walk_v in_o darkness_n be_v a_o liar_n 1_o john_n 1.6_o and_o 2.4_o then_o sanctification_n whereby_o we_o be_v free_v from_o the_o power_n of_o sin_n be_v a_o clear_a and_o full_a evidence_n of_o our_o actual_a justification_n 1_o â—oh_o 2.3_o hereby_o we_o know_v that_o we_o know_v he_o if_o we_o keep_v his_o commandment_n so_o act._n 3._o ult_n christ_n be_v send_v to_o bless_v his_o people_n by_o turn_v theâ—_n from_o their_o iniquity_n then_o they_o that_o be_v turn_v from_o they_o by_o he_o may_v know_v certain_o that_o they_o be_v bless_v so_o 1_o tim._n 4.8_o godliness_n have_v the_o promise_n of_o this_o life_n and_o that_o which_o be_v to_o come_v therefore_o sanctification_n be_v a_o clear_a evidence_n of_o god_n love_n to_o we_o sanctification_n be_v always_o a_o evidence_n in_o itself_o of_o a_o justify_v estate_n though_o it_o be_v not_o always_o evident_a unto_o we_o now_o to_o prove_v that_o it_o be_v no_o carnal_a and_o inferior_a but_o the_o first_o evidence_n and_o a_o principal_a one_o take_v thâ—se_a proposition_n first_o the_o free_a offer_n of_o grace_n be_v the_o first_o evidence_n to_o a_o poor_a lose_a sinner_n that_o he_o may_v be_v belove_v second_o the_o receive_n of_o this_o offer_n by_o faith_n relative_o consider_v in_o respect_n of_o christ_n spotless_a righteousness_n be_v the_o first_o evidence_n that_o show_v why_o he_o be_v belove_v and_o what_o have_v move_v god_n actual_o to_o love_v he_o three_o the_o work_n of_o sanctification_n which_o be_v the_o fruit_n of_o our_o receive_v this_o offer_n be_v the_o first_o evidence_n show_v that_o he_o be_v belove_v see_v shepherd_n morality_n of_o the_o sabbath_n object_n that_o which_o reveal_v any_o evidence_n of_o assurance_n that_o i_o be_o christ_n and_o he_o be_v i_o be_v the_o spirit_n speak_v personal_o and_o particular_o to_o my_o heart_n with_o such_o a_o voice_n son_n be_v of_o good_a cheer_n thy_o sin_n be_v forgive_v thou_o and_o this_o be_v that_o broad_a seal_n of_o the_o spirit_n make_v a_o immediate_a impression_n on_o my_o heart_n without_o any_o beg_a testimony_n from_o work_n of_o sanctification_n which_o be_v the_o reveal_n evidence_n of_o my_o interest_n in_o christ_n and_o the_o receive_a evidence_n be_v faith_n believe_v this_o testimony_n of_o the_o spirit_n only_o because_o the_o spirit_n say_v so_o not_o because_o i_o have_v evidence_n or_o particular_a work_n of_o sanctification_n such_o as_o be_v universal_a obedience_n sincerity_n of_o heart_n and_o love_n of_o the_o brethren_n answ._n the_o papist_n be_v the_o black_a devil_n take_v away_o all_o certainty_n of_o assurance_n the_o antinomian_n be_v the_o white_a devil_n a_o spirit_n of_o hell_n clothe_v with_o all_o heaven_n and_o the_o notion_n of_o freegrace_n they_o say_v freegrace_n in_o we_o be_v a_o dream_n sanctification_n inherent_a be_v a_o fiction_n christ_n be_v all_o there_o be_v no_o grace_n existent_a in_o the_o creature_n grace_n be_v all_o in_o christ_n and_o nothing_o but_o impute_a righteousness_n but_o if_o work_v of_o sanctification_n can_v give_v no_o assurance_n than_o first_o the_o joy_n and_o rejoice_v which_o we_o have_v in_o the_o testimony_n of_o a_o good_a conscience_n that_o in_o simplicity_n and_o godly_a sincerity_n not_o with_o fleshly_a wisdom_n but_o by_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n we_o have_v our_o conversation_n in_o the_o world_n 2_o cor._n 1.12_o must_v be_v but_o a_o dream_n david_n job_n moses_n samuel_n the_o prophet_n and_o apostle_n their_o joy_v in_o a_o good_a conscience_n must_v arise_v from_o doubtful_a and_o conjectural_a evidence_n yea_o than_o none_o can_v say_v in_o any_o assurance_n i_o believe_v in_o christ_n in_o the_o inward_a man_n i_o delight_v in_o the_o law_n of_o god_n i_o be_o crucify_v to_o the_o world_n my_o conversation_n be_v in_o heaven_n etc._n etc._n for_o all_o these_o be_v inherent_a qualification_n in_o a_o child_n of_o god_n but_o they_o be_v doubtful_a and_o uncertain_a how_o then_o have_v god_n promise_v to_o love_v the_o righteous_a to_o give_v the_o prize_n to_o he_o that_o run_v etc._n etc._n second_o the_o testimony_n of_o the_o spirit_n bear_v witness_n to_o our_o spirit_n that_o we_o be_v the_o child_n of_o god_n rom._n 8.16_o be_v in_o this_o sense_n a_o immediate_a act_n of_o the_o spirit_n because_o the_o reflex_n act_v of_o the_o soul_n be_v perform_v without_o any_o other_o medium_n or_o mean_n but_o that_o whereby_o the_o direct_a act_n be_v perform_v i_o know_v that_o i_o know_v and_o i_o know_v that_o i_o believe_v my_o sense_n by_o the_o same_o immediate_a operation_n of_o the_o spirit_n by_o that_o which_o i_o know_v god_n without_o any_o other_o light_n teach_v i_o to_o know_v that_o i_o know_v god_n as_o by_o light_n i_o see_v colour_n and_o my_o common_a sense_n need_v not_o another_o liâ—ht_n to_o make_v i_o know_v that_o i_o see_v colour_n so_o when_o i_o believe_v in_o christ_n that_o habitual_a instinct_n of_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n actuate_v and_o stir_v up_o by_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n make_v i_o know_v that_o i_o know_v god_n and_o that_o i_o believe_v and_o so_o that_o i_o be_o in_o christ_n to_o my_o own_o certain_a feel_n and_o apprehension_n but_o this_o do_v not_o hinder_v but_o the_o assurance_n of_o my_o interest_n in_o christ_n be_v make_v evident_a to_o i_o by_o other_o inferior_a evidence_n as_o 1_o john_n 2.3_o hereby_o we_o know_v that_o we_o know_v he_o if_o we_o keep_v his_o commandment_n by_o keep_v god_n commandment_n we_o do_v not_o simple_o know_v that_o we_o know_v he_o by_o certainty_n of_o faith_n but_o we_o know_v that_o we_o know_v god_n these_o two_o way_n 1._o we_o know_v the_o instinct_n of_o the_o new_a man_n be_v stir_v up_o to_o action_n by_o the_o wind_n which_o blow_v when_o and_o where_o it_o lust_v our_o know_v of_o god_n to_o be_v sound_n save_v and_o true_a we_o do_v not_o so_o much_o know_v our_o know_v of_o god_n by_o this_o supernatual_a sense_n as_o we_o know_v the_o supernatural_a qualification_n and_o sincerity_n of_o our_o know_v of_o god_n so_o that_o we_o rather_o know_v the_o qualification_n of_o the_o act_n that_o the_o work_n be_v do_v according_a to_o god_n then_o the_o act_n according_a to_o its_o substance_n though_o we_o do_v also_o know_v it_o in_o this_o relation_n so_o 1_o john_n 3.14_o we_o know_v that_o we_o have_v pass_v from_o death_n to_o life_n because_o we_o love_v the_o brethren_n i._n e._n our_o love_n to_o the_o brethren_n do_v evidence_n to_o we_o both_o that_o we_o be_v translate_v to_o the_o kingdom_n of_o grace_n and_o also_o we_o know_v that_o that_o translation_n be_v real_a true_a sincere_a and_o effectual_a by_o love_n and_o all_o the_o fruit_n of_o the_o spirit_n 2._o by_o these_o work_n of_o sanctification_n we_o have_v evidence_n that_o we_o have_v interest_n in_o christ_n not_o as_o by_o formal_a light_n suggest_v to_o we_o that_o the_o immediate_a impression_n of_o this_o great_a and_o broad_a seal_n of_o god_n and_o his_o personal_a and_o particular_a testimony_n be_v true_a for_o god_n spirit_n need_v not_o another_o witness_n to_o add_v authority_n to_o what_o he_o say_v but_o because_o this_o conclusion_n thou_o john_n
thomas_n etc._n etc._n have_v interest_n in_o christ_n to_o thy_o own_o feel_n must_v be_v prove_v by_o scripture_n except_o with_o enthusiast_n we_o separate_v the_o word_n and_o the_o spirit_n therefore_o these_o work_n of_o sanctification_n prove_v the_o conclusion_n consequent_o by_o scripture_n and_o sense_n and_o so_o lead_v we_o to_o the_o word_n of_o promise_n thus_o he_o that_o believe_v and_o make_v sure_a his_o belief_n by_o walk_v not_o after_o the_o flesh_n but_o after_o the_o spirit_n have_v a_o clear_a evidence_n to_o his_o own_o feel_n that_o he_o have_v interest_n in_o christ._n but_o i_o john_n thomas_n etc._n etc._n do_v believe_v and_o do_v make_v sure_a my_o belief_n by_o walk_v not_o after_o the_o flesh_n but_o after_o the_o spirit_n therefore_o i_o have_v a_o clear_a evidence_n to_o my_o own_o feel_n that_o i_o have_v interest_n in_o christ._n the_o proposition_n be_v scripture_n john_n 3.36_o and_o 5.24_o and_o 11.25_o 26._o rom._n 8.1_o 2._o 1_o john_n 1.4_o and_o 2.3_o the_o assumption_n be_v make_v sure_a by_o sense_n not_o at_o all_o time_n but_o when_o the_o spirit_n be_v breathe_v upon_o the_o soul._n for_o though_o i_o do_v believe_v and_o walk_v after_o the_o spirit_n yet_o to_o my_o own_o feel_n i_o have_v only_a evidence_n of_o my_o interest_n in_o christ_n when_o the_o spirit_n stir_v up_o my_o sense_n to_o compare_v my_o faith_n and_o walk_v with_o the_o promise_n of_o god_n in_o christ._n ob._n if_o this_o be_v so_o than_o all_o the_o certainty_n that_o i_o have_v of_o my_o interest_n in_o christ_n be_v ultimate_o and_o principal_o resolve_v into_o this_o weak_a and_o rot_a foundation_n of_o my_o own_o good_a work_n which_o be_v examine_v by_o the_o law_n of_o god_n will_v be_v find_v so_o sinful_a that_o they_o must_v needs_o involve_v i_o under_o the_o curse_n of_o god_n answ._n this_o will_v not_o follow_v for_o if_o our_o work_n of_o sanctification_n be_v the_o cause_n of_o our_o peace_n and_o comfort_n than_o it_o may_v have_v some_o colour_n of_o truth_n but_o though_o these_o work_n have_v sin_n cleave_v to_o they_o yet_o because_o our_o supernatural_a sense_n of_o the_o spirit_n suggest_v that_o these_o work_n be_v the_o fruit_n of_o faith_n and_o be_v do_v in_o some_o measure_n of_o sincerity_n and_o flow_v not_o from_o the_o spirit_n of_o the_o law_n but_o from_o the_o spirit_n of_o the_o gospel_n therefore_o they_o lead_v we_o to_o christ_n and_o drive_v we_o upon_o a_o clear_a gospel-promise_a thus_o first_o that_o the_o adherent_a sinfulness_n of_o our_o work_n be_v purge_v by_o the_o blood_n of_o christ._n second_o that_o our_o peace_n and_o assurance_n depend_v not_o upon_o our_o work_n but_o upon_o the_o promise_v of_o the_o gospel_n in_o such_o scripture_n as_o these_o 2_o tim._n 4.7_o 8._o 1_o cor._n 9.24_o rev._n 22.14_o only_o our_o inherent_a qualification_n lead_v we_o as_o a_o moral_a motive_n to_o look_v to_o the_o promise_n of_o god_n which_o be_v the_o foundation_n of_o our_o peace_n three_o if_o work_v of_o sanctification_n be_v no_o sure_a mark_n of_o our_o interest_n in_o christ_n because_o sin_n cleave_v to_o they_o which_o involve_v we_o in_o the_o curse_n than_o neither_o can_v faith_n in_o christ_n be_v a_o sure_a mark_n of_o our_o interest_n in_o christ_n because_o it_o be_v mix_v with_o sinful_a doubt_n but_o as_o faith_n justify_v not_o because_o its_o great_a and_o perfect_a but_o because_o its_o lively_a and_o true_a as_o a_o palsie-hand_n may_v receive_v a_o piece_n of_o gold_n as_o well_o as_o a_o strong_a one_o so_o also_o do_v our_o inherent_a work_n of_o sanctification_n evidence_n to_o we_o that_o we_o be_v in_o christ_n and_o so_o lead_v we_o to_o the_o promise_n of_o the_o gospel_n as_o sign_n not_o cause_n of_o our_o interest_n in_o christ_n and_o that_o under_o this_o notion_n because_o they_o be_v sincere_o perform_v not_o because_o they_o be_v perfect_a and_o without_o sin_n four_o in_o exalt_v christ_n righteousness_n one_o way_n by_o make_v christ_n all_o they_o make_v christ_n nothing_o another_o way_n by_o vilify_a the_o glory_n of_o sanctify_a grace_n for_o we_o be_v not_o by_o good_a work_n to_o make_v our_o call_n and_o election_n sure_a to_o ourselves_o and_o in_o the_o evidence_n of_o our_o own_o conscience_n if_o our_o good_a work_n be_v no_o sign_n of_o our_o interest_n in_o christ._n five_o the_o spirit_n which_o they_o make_v the_o only_a witness_n must_v be_v know_v to_o we_o by_o scripture_n not_o to_o be_v a_o delude_a spirit_n for_o if_o this_o spirit_n can_v be_v know_v by_o those_o thing_n which_o be_v call_v the_o fruit_n of_o the_o spirit_n gal._n 5.22_o love_n joy_n peace_n etc._n etc._n as_o the_o fruit_n be_v evidence_n of_o the_o life_n of_o the_o tree_n than_o man_n be_v to_o labour_v for_o faith_n and_o the_o rapture_n impression_n and_o the_o immediate_a and_o personal_a influence_n of_o a_o spirit_n from_o heaven_n without_o make_v any_o conscience_n of_o holy_a ving_z and_o so_o this_o be_v the_o highway_n for_o man_n void_a of_o all_o sanctification_n to_o believe_v that_o they_o be_v in_o christ_n and_o they_o may_v live_v after_o the_o flesh_n and_o yet_o believe_v the_o testimony_n of_o the_o broad_a seal_n of_o a_o immediate_a work_a spirit_n mr._n rutherford_n parl._n sermon_n ob._n but_o rom._n 4.5_o it_o be_v say_v that_o god_n justify_v the_o ungodly_a answ._n first_o some_o answer_n it_o thus_o that_o these_o word_n be_v not_o to_o be_v understand_v in_o sensu_fw-la composito_fw-la but_o diviso_fw-la and_o antecedenter_v he_o that_o be_v ungodly_a be_v be_v justify_v make_v godly_a also_o though_o that_o godliness_n do_v not_o justify_v he_o and_o so_o they_o compare_v these_o passage_n with_o those_o of_o make_v the_o blind_a to_o see_v and_o the_o deaf_a to_o hear_v not_o that_o they_o do_v see_v while_o they_o be_v blind_a but_o those_o that_o be_v blind_a do_v now_o see_v which_o be_v true_a and_o good_a but_o second_o ungodly_a here_o be_v mean_v of_o such_o who_o be_v so_o consider_v in_o their_o nature_n have_v not_o a_o absolute_a righteousness_n so_o than_o the_o subject_n of_o justification_n be_v a_o sinner_n but_o withal_o a_o believer_n now_o its_o impossible_a that_o a_o man_n shall_v be_v a_o believer_n and_o not_o have_v his_o heart_n purify_v act_v 15.9_o for_o whole_a christ_n be_v the_o object_n of_o his_o faith_n who_o be_v receive_v not_o only_o to_o justify_v but_o also_o to_o sanctify_v ob._n but_o rom._n 5.10_o christ_n die_v for_o we_o while_o we_o be_v enemy_n answ._n if_o christ_n die_v for_o we_o while_o we_o be_v enemy_n why_o do_v they_o say_v that_o if_o a_o man_n be_v as_o great_a a_o enemy_n as_o enmity_n itself_o can_v make_v he_o if_o he_o be_v willing_a to_o take_v christ_n and_o to_o close_v with_o he_o he_o shall_v be_v pardon_v which_o include_v a_o contradiction_n for_o how_o can_v a_o enemy_n to_o christ_n close_o with_o christ_n but_o christ_n die_v not_o only_o to_o justify_v but_o to_o save_v we_o now_o will_v they_o hence_o infer_v that_o profane_a man_n live_v and_o die_v so_o shall_v be_v save_v and_o indeed_o the_o grand_a principle_n that_o christ_n have_v purchase_v and_o obtain_v all_o grace_n antecedent_o to_o we_o in_o their_o sense_n will_v as_o necessary_o infer_v that_o a_o drunkard_n abide_v so_o shall_v be_v save_v as_o well_o as_o justify_v ob._n but_o it_o be_v say_v that_o christ_n die_v and_o rose_z again_o for_o sinner_n answ._n we_o must_v know_v that_o this_o be_v the_o meritorious_a cause_n of_o our_o pardon_n and_o salvation_n but_o beside_o this_o cause_n there_o be_v instrumental_a cause_n that_o go_v to_o the_o whole_a work_n of_o justification_n therefore_o some_o divine_n as_o they_o speak_v of_o a_o conversion_n passive_n and_o active_a so_o also_o of_o a_o justification_n active_a and_o passive_a and_o they_o call_v that_o passive_a not_o only_a when_o the_o meritorious_a cause_n but_o the_o instrument_n apply_v it_o be_v also_o present_a than_o the_o person_n be_v justify_v so_o then_o to_o that_o grand_a mercy_n of_o justification_n something_o be_v requisite_a as_o the_o efficient_a viz._n the_o grace_n of_o god_n something_o as_o meritorious_a viz._n christ_n suffering_n something_o as_o instrumental_a viz._n i'faith_o and_o one_o be_v as_o necessary_a as_o the_o other_o mr._n burges_n vindiciae_fw-la legis_fw-la chap._n xii_o question_n and_o case_n of_o conscience_n about_o apostasy_n or_o fall_v away_o quest_n what_o be_v apostasy_n answ._n it_o be_v a_o leave_v or_o forsake_v that_o good_a way_n and_o course_n which_o man_n have_v once_o take_v for_o the_o obtain_n of_o grace_n so_o gal._n 5.4_o you_o be_v fall_v from_o grace_n object_n how_o many_o sort_n of_o apostasy_n be_v there_o answ._n first_o there_o be_v a_o fall_n
this_o will_v not_o satisfy_v the_o soul_n which_o will_v still_o question_v how_o shall_v i_o know_v that_o my_o grace_n be_v such_o so_o than_o that_o which_o we_o must_v ultimate_o resolve_v it_o into_o be_v that_o double_a testimony_n rom._n 8.16_o the_o same_o spirit_n bear_v witness_n with_o our_o spirit_n that_o we_o be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n both_o these_o witness_n do_v full_o agree_v and_o make_v up_o one_o entire_a testimony_n so_o that_o the_o soul_n may_v say_v here_o as_o paul_n do_v rom._n 9.1_o i_o speak_v the_o truth_n i_o lie_v not_o my_o conscience_n bear_v i_o witness_n by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n so_o that_o the_o whole_a work_n of_o assurance_n be_v sum_v up_o in_o this_o practical_a syllogism_n whosoever_o believe_v shall_v be_v save_v but_o i_o believe_v therefore_o i_o shall_v certain_o be_v save_v the_o assumption_n be_v put_v out_o of_o doubt_n for_o 1._o conscience_n come_v in_o with_o a_o full_a testimony_n which_o be_v better_o than_o a_o thousand_o witness_n 1_o john_n 3.10_o he_o that_o believe_v have_v a_o witness_n in_o himself_o so_o 1_o john_n 3.21_o if_o our_o heart_n condemn_v we_o not_o then_o have_v we_o confidence_n towards_o god_n ob._n but_o jer._n 17.9_o the_o heart_n be_v deceitful_a above_o all_o thing_n how_o then_o can_v we_o trust_v it_o answ._n first_o some_o understand_v it_o of_o the_o unregenerate_a heart_n of_o which_o it_o be_v say_v all_o the_o imagination_n of_o the_o thought_n of_o man_n heart_n be_v altogether_o evil_a second_o the_o drift_n of_o the_o text_n be_v to_o show_v the_o deceitfulness_n of_o man_n heart_n in_o respect_n of_o other_o for_o it_o be_v bring_v in_o by_o way_n of_o objection_n thus_o the_o jewsâ—an_v â—an_z delude_v the_o prophet_n and_o so_o think_v to_o evade_v the_o curse_n no_o i_o the_o lord_n search_v the_o heart_n all_o be_v naked_a in_o my_o sight_n jer._n 17.10_o heb._n 4.13_o three_o its_o true_a the_o sincere_a heart_n be_v very_o deceitful_a so_o be_v david_n psa._n 19.12_o who_o can_v know_v the_o error_n of_o his_o way_n no_o man_n can_v be_v acquaint_v with_o every_o turn_n and_o wind_v of_o his_o heart_n but_o this_o hinder_v not_o but_o that_o he_o may_v know_v the_o general_a frame_n and_o bent_n of_o his_o heart_n the_o soul_n know_v which_o way_n its_o faculty_n stream_n with_o most_o vehemency_n conscience_n can_v be_v bribe_v it_o will_v give_v in_o true_a judgement_n especial_o a_o enlighten_v conscience_n there_o be_v none_o but_o if_o he_o search_v and_o examine_v his_o soul_n in_o a_o strict_a and_o impartial_a manner_n may_v know_v whether_o he_o be_v sincere_a or_o no_o 1_o cor._n 2.11_o who_o know_v the_o thing_n of_o a_o man_n but_o the_o spirit_n of_o a_o man_n that_o be_v in_o he_o else_o why_o be_v we_o so_o often_o enjoin_v to_o search_v and_o try_v and_o examine_v our_o heart_n etc._n etc._n if_o after_o all_o our_o diligence_n we_o may_v be_v deceive_v ob._n if_o by_o the_o testimony_n of_o conscience_n man_n may_v know_v the_o frame_n of_o their_o spirit_n whether_o they_o be_v upright_o or_o no_o why_o then_o be_v not_o all_o true_a christian_n assure_v of_o their_o salvation_n have_v they_o not_o their_o heart_n and_o conscience_n about_o they_o answ._n first_o many_o be_v not_o so_o well_o acquaint_v with_o their_o own_o heart_n as_o they_o shall_v they_o do_v not_o search_v and_o try_v their_o way_n they_o have_v a_o treasure_n but_o know_v it_o not_o second_o eternity_n do_v so_o amaze_v and_o swallow_v up_o their_o thought_n when_o they_o think_v of_o it_o that_o they_o be_v ready_a to_o tremble_v though_o they_o be_v secure_a as_o a_o man_n on_o a_o high_a tower_n know_v that_o he_o be_v safe_a &_o yet_o when_o he_o look_v down_o he_o be_v afraid_a of_o fall_v three_o conscience_n sometime_o give_v in_o a_o dark_a and_o cloudy_a evidence_n when_o it_o be_v disquiet_v and_o lie_v under_o new_a guilt_n so_o that_o then_o the_o soul_n can_v so_o clear_o read_v its_o own_o evidence_n it_o may_v be_v it_o have_v deal_v hypocritical_o in_o some_o one_o particular_a and_o therefore_o begin_v to_o question_v all_o its_o sincerity_n the_o conscience_n indeed_o do_v not_o always_o give_v in_o a_o clear_a and_o full_a testimony_n but_o sometime_o it_o do_v and_o that_o with_o absolute_a certainty_n come_v we_o then_o to_o the_o second_o testimony_n the_o great_a and_o the_o supreme_a witness_n of_o the_o spirit_n not_o only_o the_o gift_n and_o grace_n of_o the_o spirit_n but_o the_o spirit_n itself_o ob._n this_o seem_v to_o be_v the_o same_o with_o the_o former_a for_o we_o can_v know_v our_o sincerity_n till_o the_o spirit_n reveal_v we_o to_o ourselves_o the_o soul_n can_v see_v its_o own_o face_n till_o the_o spirit_n unmask_v it_o answ._n we_o grant_v that_o to_o the_o least_o motion_n in_o spiritual_n there_o be_v necessary_o require_v the_o concurrence_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n but_o yet_o there_o be_v a_o great_a difference_n between_o the_o work_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o the_o witness_n of_o the_o spirit_n there_o be_v a_o efficacious_a work_n of_o the_o spirit_n when_o faith_n be_v wrought_v in_o the_o soul_n but_o yet_o there_o be_v not_o the_o testimony_n of_o the_o spirit_n for_o then_o every_o believer_n shall_v be_v present_o seal_v so_o that_o though_o the_o testimony_n of_o our_o own_o spirit_n can_v be_v without_o the_o assistance_n of_o god_n spirit_n yet_o it_o be_v clear_o distinct_a from_o the_o testimony_n of_o the_o spirit_n for_o here_o the_o spirit_n enable_v the_o soul_n to_o see_v its_o grace_n by_o the_o soul_n light_n but_o when_o it_o come_v with_o a_o testimony_n than_o it_o bring_v a_o new_a light_n of_o its_o own_o and_o lend_v the_o soul_n some_o auxiliâ—y_a beam_n for_o the_o more_o clear_a reveal_n of_o it_o quest._n what_o kind_n of_o testimony_n be_v that_o of_o the_o spirit_n answ._n first_o it_o be_v a_o clear_a testimony_n a_o full_a and_o satisfy_a light_n which_o scatter_v all_o cloud_n and_o doubt_n 1_o john_n 3.24_o by_o this_o we_o know_v that_o he_o dwell_v in_o we_o by_o the_o spirit_n which_o he_o have_v give_v we_o if_o a_o angel_n shall_v tell_v we_o so_o there_o may_v be_v some_o doubt_n about_o it_o but_o the_o inward_a testimony_n of_o the_o spirit_n be_v more_o powerful_a then_o if_o it_o be_v by_o a_o outward_a voice_n second_o a_o sure_a testimony_n for_o it_o be_v the_o witness_n of_o the_o spirit_n that_o can_v neither_o deceive_v nor_o be_v deceive_v 1._o he_o can_v deceive_v for_o he_o be_v truth_n itself_o 2._o he_o can_v be_v deceive_v for_o he_o be_v all_o eye_n omniscience_n itself_o he_o dwell_v in_o the_o bosom_n of_o god_n and_o be_v full_o acquaint_v with_o the_o mind_n of_o god_n it_o be_v such_o a_o certainty_n as_o make_v they_o cry_v abba_n father_n and_o that_o with_o confidence_n it_o be_v oppose_v to_o the_o spirit_n of_o bondage_n and_o therefore_o take_v away_o all_o doubt_n yea_o the_o very_a end_n why_o the_o holy_a ghost_n come_v to_o the_o soul_n be_v to_o make_v all_o sure_a and_o therefore_o he_o be_v call_v a_o seal_n and_o a_o â—arnest_n now_o he_o assure_v the_o soul._n 1._o by_o a_o powerful_a application_n of_o the_o promise_n for_o as_o faith_n appropriate_v the_o promise_n on_o our_o part_n so_o the_o spirit_n apply_v it_o on_o god_n part_n this_o spirit_n of_o adoption_n seek_v love_n and_o peace_n and_o pardon_n and_o that_o by_o a_o particular_a application_n of_o the_o promise_n to_o we_o as_o when_o the_o promise_n of_o pardon_n of_o sin_n and_o life_n everlasting_a be_v general_o propound_v in_o the_o ministry_n of_o the_o word_n the_o holy_a ghost_n do_v particular_o apply_v it_o to_o the_o heart_n and_o so_o seal_v up_o the_o promise_n to_o the_o soul._n 2._o by_o a_o bright_a irradiation_n or_o enlighten_v of_o the_o soul_n clear_v its_o evidence_n discover_v its_o grace_n and_o show_v they_o to_o be_v true_a and_o not_o counterfeit_v 1_o cor._n 2.12_o we_o have_v receive_v the_o spirit_n which_o be_v of_o god_n that_o we_o may_v know_v the_o thing_n which_o be_v free_o give_v we_o of_o god_n ob._n but_o many_o think_v they_o have_v the_o spirit_n when_o they_o have_v not_o satan_n transform_v himself_o into_o a_o angel_n of_o light_n answ._n first_o one_o man_n self-deceit_n do_v not_o prejudice_v anothet_n certainty_n a_o man_n in_o a_o dream_n think_v himself_o awake_a when_o he_o be_v not_o yet_o for_o all_o this_o a_o man_n that_o be_v awake_a may_v certain_o know_v that_o he_o be_v so_o second_o the_o spirit_n come_v with_o a_o convince_a light_n and_o give_v a_o full_a manifestation_n of_o his_o own_o presence_n so_o that_o we_o may_v soon_o take_v a_o glow-worm_n for_o the_o sun_n than_o a_o experience_a christian_n can_v