a_o most_o wise_a course_n so_o to_o execute_v the_o decree_n of_o election_n and_o redemption_n as_o he_o shall_v be_v sure_a to_o bring_v in_o his_o own_o to_o himself_o and_o not_o open_o up_o his_o counsel_n in_o particular_a to_o the_o discourage_a of_o any_o as_o be_v tell_v by_o the_o father_n isa._n 52._o 13._o my_o servant_n shall_v deal_v prudent_o and_o prosper_v the_o chief_a mean_v appoint_v be_v the_o preach_n of_o the_o gospel_n to_o all_o nation_n command_v all_o man_n where_o the_o gospel_n be_v by_o god_n providence_n preach_v to_o repent_v and_o believe_v in_o the_o name_n of_o jesus_n christ_n and_o to_o love_v one_o another_o as_o he_o have_v command_v they_o act_v 17._o 30._o and_o 1_o joh._n 3._o 23._o and_o they_o who_o refuse_v to_o obey_v be_v without_o excuse_n another_o mean_a be_v the_o bring_n of_o so_o many_o as_o profess_v their_o acceptation_n of_o the_o offer_n of_o grace_n by_o christ_n jesus_n they_o and_o their_o child_n into_o the_o bond_n of_o a_o express_a solemn_a covenant_n that_o they_o shall_v submit_v themselves_o to_o the_o doctrine_n and_o government_n of_o christ_n and_o teach_v their_o child_n so_o to_o do_v as_o abraham_n the_o father_n of_o believer_n do_v gen._n 18._o 19_o matth._n 28._o 19_o 20._o make_v disciple_n of_o all_o nation_n or_o make_v all_o nation_n disciple_n to_o me._n a_o three_o mean_v be_v the_o seal_n of_o the_o covenant_n by_o the_o sacrament_n of_o baptism_n matth._n 28._o 19_o 20._o make_v all_o nation_n disciple_n to_o i_o baptise_v they_o in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o father_n of_o the_o son_n and_o of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n a_o four_o mean_n be_v the_o gather_v they_o into_o all_o lawful_a and_o possible_a communion_n with_o other_o his_o disciple_n that_o by_o their_o church-fellowship_n one_o with_o another_o they_o may_v be_v edify_v under_o their_o officer_n appoint_v in_o christ_n testament_n to_o feed_v govern_v and_o lead_v they_o on_o in_o the_o obedience_n of_o all_o the_o command_n which_o christ_n have_v command_v his_o people_n in_o his_o testament_n by_o which_o mean_n he_o go_v about_o his_o work_n and_o do_v call_v effectual_o sanctify_v and_o save_v his_o own_o redeem_a one_o leave_v all_o other_o without_o excuse_n concern_v all_o these_o and_o other_o mean_n and_o manner_n also_o of_o execute_v his_o decree_n it_o be_v agree_v upon_o between_o the_o father_n and_o his_o son_n christ_n as_o his_o holy_a spirit_n have_v reveal_v it_o to_o we_o in_o scripture_n all_o which_o may_v be_v take_v up_o in_o two_o head_n the_o one_o be_v the_o agreement_n about_o the_o doctrine_n and_o direction_n give_v to_o his_o church_n the_o other_o be_v about_o action_n operation_n and_o all_o effect_n to_o be_v bring_v about_o for_o make_v his_o word_n good_a concern_v his_o doctrine_n christ_n say_v joh._n 12._o 49._o 50._o i_o have_v not_o speak_v of_o myself_o but_o the_o father_n who_o have_v send_v i_o he_o give_v i_o a_o commandment_n what_o i_o shall_v say_v and_o what_o i_o shall_v speak_v and_o i_o know_v that_o his_o commandment_n be_v life_n everlasting_a whatsoever_o i_o speak_v therefore_o eveâ—â—_n as_o the_o father_n say_v unto_o i_o so_o i_o speak_v concern_v action_n and_o operation_n and_o the_o executiou_n of_o the_o decree_n it_o be_v agree_v also_o between_o the_o father_n and_o the_o son_n joh._n 8._o 16._o if_o i_o judge_v my_o judgement_n be_v true_a for_o i_o be_o not_o alone_a but_o i_o and_o the_o father_n that_o send_v i_o and_o vers_n 29._o he_o that_o send_v i_o be_v with_o i_o the_o father_n have_v not_o leave_v i_o alone_o for_o i_o do_v always_o these_o thing_n that_o please_v he_o and_o joh._n 6._o 38._o i_o come_v down_o from_o heaven_n not_o to_o do_v my_o own_o will_n without_o the_o consent_n of_o the_o father_n but_o the_o will_n of_o he_o that_o send_v i_o in_o a_o word_n the_o consent_n and_o agreement_n of_o the_o father_n and_o the_o son_n jesus_n christ_n our_o lord_n be_v such_o that_o the_o son_n â—oth_v nothing_o by_o his_o spirit_n but_o that_o which_o the_o father_n â—oth_v work_v by_o the_o same_o spirit_n from_o the_o begin_n of_o the_o world_n joh._n 5._o 17._o my_o father_n work_v hitherto_o and_o i_o work_v and_o col._n 1._o 16._o for_o by_o christ_n be_v all_o thing_n create_v that_o â—re_n in_o heaven_n and_o that_o be_v in_o earth_n visible_a and_o invisible_a â—hether_o they_o be_v thron_n or_o dominion_n or_o principality_n or_o 〈◊〉_d 〈…〉_z create_v by_o he_o and_o for_o he_o he_o be_v alpha_fw-la and_o omega_n the_o beginning_n and_o the_o end_n the_o first_o efficient_a and_o the_o last_o end_n of_o all_o thing_n rev._n 1._o 8._o because_o for_o the_o glory_n of_o christ_n the_o creation_n the_o covenant_n of_o work_n and_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n be_v make_v and_o have_v and_o shall_v have_v their_o full_a execution_n all_o for_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n in_o christ_n by_o who_o all_o thing_n be_v make_v and_o do_v subsist_v chap._n v._n of_o the_o covenant_n of_o work_n we_o have_v speak_v of_o the_o first_o divine_a covenant_n wherein_o god_n and_o god_n incarnate_a be_v the_o party_n it_o follow_v to_o speak_v of_o the_o next_o divine_a covenant_n to_o wit_n the_o covenant_n of_o work_n between_o god_n and_o man_n adam_n and_o his_o posterity_n make_v in_o man_n integrity_n in_o which_o covenant_n god_n be_v only_o the_o one_o party_n of_o the_o covenant_n and_o man_n create_v with_o all_o natural_a perfection_n be_v the_o other_o party_n in_o this_o covenant_n man_n continue_a in_o a_o happy_a life_n be_v promise_v upon_o condition_n of_o perfect_a personal_a obedience_n to_o be_v do_v by_o he_o out_o of_o his_o own_o natural_a strength_n bestow_v upon_o he_o as_o the_o apostle_n teach_v we_o gal._n 3._o 12._o the_o law_n be_v not_o of_o faith_n but_o the_o man_n who_o shall_v do_v these_o thing_n shall_v live_v by_o they_o and_o unto_o this_o law_n or_o covenant_n of_o work_n be_v add_v a_o threaten_n of_o death_n in_o case_n man_n shall_v transgress_v the_o sense_n whereof_o be_v â—old_a by_o the_o apostle_n gal._n 3._o 10._o curse_a be_v every_o one_o who_o do_v not_o abide_v in_o all_o thing_n that_o be_v write_v in_o the_o book_n of_o the_o law_n to_o do_v they_o the_o difference_n between_o the_o law_n and_o the_o covenant_n of_o work_n the_o word_n law_n be_v sometime_o take_v for_o the_o mater_fw-la or_o substance_n of_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n write_v in_o the_o heart_n of_o our_o first_o parent_n by_o creation_n the_o work_n of_o which_o law_n be_v to_o be_v find_v in_o the_o heart_n of_o their_o posterity_n unto_o this_o day_n and_o in_o this_o sense_n the_o word_n law_n be_v take_v by_o the_o apostle_n rom._n 2._o 15._o the_o gentile_n say_v he_o show_v the_o wrok_n of_o the_o law_n write_v in_o their_o heart_n their_o conscience_n also_o bear_v witness_n etc._n etc._n sometime_o the_o word_n be_v take_v for_o the_o formal_a covenant_n of_o work_n as_o gal._n 3._o 10._o as_o many_o as_o be_v of_o the_o work_n of_o the_o law_n that_o be_v under_o the_o covenant_n of_o work_n be_v under_o the_o curse_n for_o it_o be_v write_v curse_a be_v every_o one_o that_o continue_v not_o in_o all_o thing_n that_o be_v write_v in_o the_o book_n of_o the_o law_n to_o do_v they_o 2._o the_o law_n as_o it_o be_v take_v for_o the_o covenant_n of_o work_n differ_v from_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n write_v by_o creation_n in_o the_o heart_n of_o our_o first_o parent_n first_o because_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n write_v in_o the_o heart_n of_o man_n in_o order_n both_o of_o nature_n and_o time_n go_v before_o the_o covenant_n make_v for_o keep_v that_o law_n because_o the_o covenant_n for_o keep_v that_o law_n be_v not_o make_v till_o after_o man_n creation_n and_o after_o his_o bring_n into_o the_o garden_n to_o dress_v it_o and_o to_o keep_v it_o gen._n 2._o 16._o 17._o second_o god_n by_o virtue_n of_o the_o law_n write_v in_o manâ—_n heart_n do_v not_o obliedge_v himself_o to_o perpetuat_fw-la man_n happy_a life_n for_o albeit_o man_n have_v keep_v that_o law_n most_o acurat_o god_n be_v free_a to_o dispose_v of_o he_o as_o he_o see_v fit_a before_o he_o make_v the_o covenant_n with_o he_o but_o so_o soon_o as_o he_o make_v the_o covenant_n he_o oblige_v himself_o to_o preserve_v he_o in_o a_o happy_a life_n so_o long_o as_o he_o shall_v go_v on_o in_o obedience_n to_o his_o law_n and_o command_n according_a to_o the_o tenor_n of_o the_o covenant_n do_v this_o and_o live_v three_o death_n be_v the_o natural_a wage_n and_o merit_n of_o sin_n albeit_o there_o have_v no_o covenant_n be_v make_v at_o all_o for_o sin_n against_o god_n deserve_v of_o its_o own_o nature_n
prison_n and_o stock_n pinch_v and_o press_v the_o bind_v sinner_n and_o the_o part_n of_o the_o burrio_fw-la scourge_v and_o torment_v he_o but_o the_o conscience_n after_o examination_n find_v the_o man_n either_o innocent_a and_o free_a of_o the_o crime_n or_o forgive_v and_o reconcile_v to_o god_n by_o christ_n after_o repentance_n and_o faith_n embrace_v the_o redeemer_n it_o do_v the_o part_n of_o a_o honest_a friend_n careful_o comfort_v the_o innocent_a or_o penitent_a and_o the_o part_n of_o a_o advocate_n excuse_v and_o defend_v the_o man_n against_o all_o challenge_n and_o the_o part_n of_o witness_n compurgatour_n and_o the_o part_n of_o the_o judge_n absolve_v and_o the_o part_n of_o the_o rewarder_n and_o so_o much_o concern_v the_o nature_n and_o use_n of_o conscience_n as_o may_v suffice_v our_o purpose_n chap._n ii_o of_o case_n of_o conscience_n in_o general_n a_o case_n of_o conscience_n take_v in_o a_o large_a sense_n comprehend_v every_o accident_n which_o any_o way_n affect_v or_o qualifi_v the_o conscience_n and_o in_o this_o sense_n the_o persuasion_n and_o certainty_n which_o the_o conscience_n may_v have_v the_o soundness_n health_n and_o strength_n of_o the_o conscience_n may_v be_v call_v case_n and_o good_a case_n of_o the_o conscience_n so_o also_o any_o effect_n which_o the_o conscience_n do_v work_v on_o the_o soul_n such_o as_o be_v peace_n of_o conscience_n comfort_n and_o joy_n in_o the_o heart_n may_v be_v call_v case_n of_o the_o conscience_n also_o but_o the_o case_n whereof_o we_o be_v to_o treat_v be_v the_o ill_a case_n of_o the_o conscience_n whereby_o it_o be_v fall_v from_o the_o soundness_n and_o straightness_n it_o shall_v have_v which_o we_o call_v by_o the_o name_n of_o wound_n disease_n and_o sickness_n of_o the_o conscience_n whereunto_o that_o we_o may_v descend_v to_o speak_v more_o orderly_o a_o twofold_a difference_n be_v to_o be_v observe_v 2._o first_o we_o must_v put_v difference_n between_o a_o healthy_a and_o a_o sick_a conscience_n a_o healthy_a conscience_n be_v that_o which_o after_o examination_n of_o our_o way_n according_a to_o the_o rule_n of_o god_n word_n do_v just_o absolve_v we_o and_o speak_v peace_n to_o we_o towards_o god_n of_o such_o a_o conscience_n it_o be_v say_v by_o solomon_n a_o sound_a heart_n be_v the_o life_n of_o the_o flesh_n prov._n 14._o 30._o by_o the_o heart_n he_o mean_v the_o conscience_n which_o ordinary_o in_o scripture_n be_v call_v the_o heart_n and_o he_o say_v the_o sound_a conscience_n be_v the_o life_n of_o the_o flesh_n because_o the_o body_n be_v so_o much_o in_o better_a case_n that_o the_o conscience_n be_v at_o peace_n towards_o god_n and_o this_o blessing_n be_v allow_v upon_o every_o believer_n in_o christ_n in_o his_o orderly_a walk_n 2_o tim._n 1._o 7._o god_n have_v not_o give_v we_o the_o spirit_n of_o fear_n but_o of_o power_n of_o love_n and_o of_o a_o sound_a mind_n a_o conscience_n in_o this_o disposition_n need_v not_o medicine_n but_o spiritual_a nourishment_n and_o exercise_n in_o all_o christian-duty_n a_o sick_a conscience_n we_o call_v that_o which_o either_o be_v senseless_a of_o its_o own_o evil_n and_o danger_n it_o be_v in_o and_o sit_v down_o secure_o and_o rest_v without_o a_o warrant_n or_o which_o be_v just_o wound_v and_o labour_n under_o the_o sense_n of_o its_o pain_n or_o which_o be_v unquiet_a upon_o mistake_n and_o ignorance_n of_o make_v use_n of_o the_o true_a remedy_n of_o such_o a_o sick_a conscience_n we_o be_v to_o speak_v if_o possible_a by_o god_n blessing_n a_o word_n in_o season_n may_v be_v speak_v to_o waken_v a_o secure_a conscience_n or_o to_o refresh_v the_o weary_a soul_n that_o be_v recover_v from_o its_o malady_n it_o may_v be_v able_a to_o feed_v upon_o the_o bread_n and_o water_n of_o life_n and_o work_v the_o work_n of_o god_n in_o the_o strength_n of_o christ._n 3._o second_o we_o must_v put_v difference_n between_o a_o trouble_a soul_n and_o a_o trouble_a conscience_n for_o the_o soul_n be_v more_o large_o take_v then_o the_o conscience_n the_o soul_n comprehend_v all_o the_o power_n and_o faculty_n of_o the_o man_n but_o the_o conscience_n as_o we_o speak_v of_o it_o be_v only_o one_o faculty_n of_o the_o mind_n judge_v of_o the_o man_n moral_n ill_a or_o well-being_n and_o so_o all_o case_n of_o the_o conscience_n be_v case_n of_o the_o soul_n but_o all_o the_o case_n of_o the_o soul_n be_v not_o case_n of_o the_o conscience_n for_o the_o soul_n may_v be_v trouble_v while_o the_o conscience_n be_v not_o trouble_v at_o all_o yea_o a_o man_n may_v have_v a_o commendable_a trouble_n in_o his_o soul_n when_o he_o see_v god_n dishonour_v or_o his_o church_n in_o hazard_n whereby_o his_o conscience_n be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v trouble_v that_o such_o a_o holy_a trouble_n strengthen_v his_o conscience_n in_o his_o address_n to_o god_n as_o be_v in_o many_o place_n of_o the_o psalm_n to_o be_v see_v again_o a_o man_n mind_n may_v be_v trouble_v by_o sundry_a natural_a or_o civil_a motive_n while_o the_o conscience_n be_v allowable_o quiet_a as_o in_o loss_n of_o thing_n temporal_a fear_n pain_n or_o unexpected_a inconvenience_n occur_v yea_o there_o may_v be_v passion_n and_o perturbation_n of_o the_o mind_n in_o person_n that_o be_v not_o capable_a for_o the_o time_n of_o the_o exercise_n of_o conscience_n as_o may_v be_v see_v in_o young_a infant_n and_o in_o the_o elder_a sort_n in_o fit_n of_o fever_n melancholy_a and_o frenzy_n and_o yet_o further_o it_o be_v possible_a that_o passion_n perturbation_n and_o trouble_n of_o soul_n may_v be_v find_v without_o any_o disease_n of_o the_o conscience_n because_o our_o lord_n jesus_n in_o the_o day_n of_o his_o humiliation_n be_v a_o man_n acquaint_v with_o sorrow_n but_o be_v not_o obnoxious_a to_o sin_n or_o any_o self-challenging_a for_o he_o know_v no_o sin_n in_o himself_o he_o have_v trouble_v in_o his_o soul_n but_o can_v not_o have_v trouble_n of_o conscience_n job_n 12._o 27._o now_o be_v my_o soul_n trouble_v and_o what_o shall_v i_o say_v â—ather_o save_v i_o from_o this_o hour_n but_o for_o this_o cause_n come_v i_o unto_o this_o hour_n of_o the_o case_n of_o the_o soul_n we_o speak_v not_o here_o but_o of_o the_o sinful_a disease_n of_o the_o conscience_n 4._o there_o be_v also_o a_o three_o difference_n to_o be_v observe_v between_o common_a case_n of_o conscience_n and_o these_o that_o special_o concern_v regeneration_n common_a case_n comprehend_v all_o these_o question_n and_o doubt_n wherein_o the_o conscience_n be_v seek_v light_n and_o resolution_n about_o the_o rule_n of_o faith_n and_o manner_n that_o it_o may_v better_o inform_v itself_o about_o the_o sense_n of_o scripture_n and_o about_o the_o application_n thereof_o in_o the_o point_n of_o direction_n in_o faith_n and_o practice_n these_o common_a case_n be_v of_o as_o large_a extent_n as_o the_o bulk_n of_o divinity_n as_o large_a as_o the_o doctrine_n hold_v forth_o in_o scripture_n concern_v faith_n and_o manner_n for_o there_o be_v not_o any_o one_o article_n of_o faith_n or_o duty_n prescribe_v as_o a_o point_n of_o piety_n or_o righteousness_n about_o which_o question_n may_v not_o be_v move_v and_o case_n propound_v wherein_o the_o conscience_n may_v seek_v satisfaction_n of_o this_o huge_a great_a tree_n we_o take_v but_o only_o one_o branch_n to_o speak_v of_o so_o far_o as_o make_v for_o our_o purpose_n concern_v regeneration_n chap._n iii_o of_o regeneration_n what_o it_o be_v and_o the_o regenerate_a man_n who_o he_o be_v we_o speak_v not_o here_o of_o the_o regeneration_n of_o elect_a infant_n die_v in_o their_o infancy_n god_n have_v his_o own_o way_n of_o deal_n with_o they_o but_o of_o the_o regeneration_n of_o those_o who_o be_v capable_a of_o be_v outward_o call_v by_o the_o ministry_n of_o the_o word_n which_o we_o may_v thus_o describe_v regeneration_n be_v one_o in_o effect_n with_o effectual_a cal_a be_v the_o work_n of_o god_n invincible_a power_n and_o mere_a grace_n wherein_o by_o his_o spirit_n accompany_v his_o word_n he_o quicken_v a_o redeem_a person_n lie_v dead_a in_o his_o sin_n and_o renew_v he_o in_o his_o mind_n will_n and_o all_o the_o power_n of_o his_o soul_n convince_v he_o saving_o of_o sin_n righteousness_n and_o judgement_n and_o make_v he_o hearty_o to_o embrace_v christ_n and_o salvation_n and_o to_o consecrat_v himself_o to_o the_o service_n of_o god_n in_o christ_n all_o the_o day_n of_o his_o life_n 2._o the_o main_a thing_n we_o must_v take_v heed_n to_o in_o this_o work_n be_v to_o give_v to_o god_n entire_o the_o glory_n of_o his_o grace_n and_o power_n and_o wisdom_n so_o that_o the_o glory_n of_o man_n regeneration_n be_v neither_o give_v to_o man_n nor_o man_n make_v sharer_n of_o the_o glory_n with_o god_n but_o god_n may_v have_v
whereby_o he_o be_v make_v more_o capable_a of_o regeneration_n to_o be_v wrought_v in_o he_o for_o the_o material_a disposition_n of_o he_o fit_v he_o for_o regeneration_n be_v neither_o a_o part_n nor_o a_o degree_n of_o regeneration_n for_o albeit_o the_o lord_n be_v not_o bind_v to_o these_o preparatory_a disposition_n yet_o he_o will_v have_v man_n bind_v to_o make_v use_n of_o these_o external_a mean_n which_o may_v prepare_v he_o because_o by_o the_o use_n of_o external_a mean_n such_o as_o be_v hear_v of_o the_o word_n catechise_v and_o conference_n etc._n etc._n a_o man_n may_v be_v bring_v more_o near_o unto_o regeneration_n as_o christ_n do_v teach_v we_o by_o his_o speech_n to_o that_o pharisee_fw-mi who_o be_v instruct_v in_o the_o law_n and_o answer_v discreedy_a unto_o christ_n thou_o be_v not_o far_o say_v he_o from_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n mark_n 12._o 24._o this_o preparatory_a disposition_n in_o order_n unto_o regeneration_n be_v like_a unto_o the_o dry_n of_o timber_n to_o make_v it_o soon_o take_v fire_n when_o it_o be_v casten_z into_o it_o for_o dryness_n in_o the_o timber_n be_v neither_o a_o part_n nor_o a_o degree_n of_o kindle_v or_o inflammation_n of_o it_o but_o only_o a_o preparation_n of_o the_o timber_n to_o receive_v inflammation_n when_o the_o fire_n shall_v be_v set_v to_o it_o or_o it_o put_v in_o the_o fire_n possible_o a_o long_a time_n after_o in_o these_o preparatory_a exercise_n then_o no_o man_n will_v deny_v that_o the_o natural_a man_n unrenewed_a have_v a_o natural_a power_n to_o go_v and_o hear_v a_o sermon_n preach_v to_o read_v the_o scripture_n to_o be_v inform_v by_o catechise_v and_o conference_n of_o religion_n and_o regeneration_n whereof_o god_n when_o he_o please_v may_v make_v use_n in_o regeneration_n of_o the_o man_n wherefore_o whosoever_o in_o the_o preach_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v charge_v and_o command_v to_o repent_v to_o believe_v in_o christ_n or_o turn_v unto_o god_n they_o be_v command_v also_o to_o use_v all_o these_o external_a mean_n whereby_o they_o may_v be_v inform_v of_o the_o duty_n require_v and_o of_o the_o mean_n lead_v thereunto_o in_o the_o exercise_n of_o which_o external_a mean_n they_o may_v meet_v with_o sundry_a common_a operation_n and_o effect_n of_o god_n spirit_n before_o they_o be_v regenerate_v or_o convert_v whereof_o the_o use_n may_v be_v sound_a not_o only_o in_o but_o also_o after_o conversion_n and_o if_o any_o man_n shall_v refuse_v slight_a or_o neglect_v to_o follow_v these_o preparatory_a exercise_n which_o may_v prepare_v he_o for_o conversion_n he_o be_v inexcusable_a before_o god_n and_o man_n and_o guilty_a of_o reject_v of_o the_o offer_n of_o reconciliation_n yea_o guilty_a of_o resist_v of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n of_o which_o sin_n and_o guiltiness_n the_o holy_a martyr_n stephen_n charge_v the_o misbelieve_a jew_n act_n 7._o 51._o 8._o as_o for_o the_o regenerate_a man_n he_o it_o be_v who_o in_o the_o acknowledgement_n of_o his_o sinfulness_n and_o deserve_a misery_n and_o of_o his_o utter_a inability_n to_o help_v himself_o do_v cast_v away_o all_o confidence_n in_o his_o own_o part_n and_o possible_a righteousness_n of_o his_o own_o work_n and_o flee_v to_o christ_n offer_v in_o the_o gospel_n that_o in_o christ_n alone_o he_o may_v have_v true_a wisdom_n righteousness_n sanctification_n and_o redemption_n and_o do_v with_o full_a purpose_n of_o heart_n consecrat_v himself_o and_o endeavour_v in_o the_o strength_n of_o christ_n to_o serve_v god_n acceptable_o all_o the_o day_n of_o his_o life_n for_o the_o ground_n of_o this_o description_n we_o have_v the_o word_n of_o the_o apostle_n philip._n 3._o 3_o where_o put_v a_o difference_n between_o the_o true_a people_n of_o god_n and_o the_o counterfeit_n he_o say_v we_o be_v the_o circumcision_n who_o worship_n god_n in_o the_o spirit_n and_o rejoice_v in_o jesus_n christ_n and_o have_v no_o confidence_n in_o the_o flesh_n in_o which_o description_n of_o the_o regenerate_a man_n the_o apostle_n first_o point_v forth_o unto_o we_o three_o special_a operation_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o regeneration_n than_o three_o duty_n of_o the_o man_n regenerate_v the_o first_o operation_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n the_o only_a circumciser_n of_o the_o heart_n be_v the_o humble_v of_o the_o man_n in_o the_o sense_n of_o his_o sin_n by_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o law_n and_o cut_v off_o all_o his_o confidence_n in_o his_o own_o worth_n wit_n freewill_n and_o strength_n to_o help_v himself_o so_o that_o the_o man_n have_v no_o confidence_n in_o the_o flesh_n the_o second_o operation_n be_v the_o infusion_n of_o save_a faith_n make_v the_o man_n humble_v to_o close_v with_o christ_n in_o the_o covenant_n of_o reconciliation_n and_o to_o rest_v upon_o he_o as_o the_o only_a and_o sufficient_a remedy_n of_o sin_n and_o misery_n so_o that_o christ_n become_v to_o he_o the_o ground_n of_o rejoice_v and_o gloriation_n the_o three_o operation_n be_v the_o upstirring_a and_o enable_v of_o the_o believer_n in_o christ_n to_o endeavour_v new_a obedience_n and_o to_o worship_n god_n in_o the_o spirit_n as_o for_o the_o three_o duty_n of_o the_o man_n regenerate_v the_o first_o be_v to_o follow_v the_o lead_n of_o the_o spirit_n in_o the_o point_n of_o more_o and_o more_o humble_v of_o himself_o before_o god_n in_o the_o sense_n of_o his_o own_o insufficiency_n and_o eshew_v of_o all_o lean_v on_o his_o own_o part_n gift_n work_n or_o suffering_n or_o any_o thing_n else_o beside_o christ_n he_o must_v have_v no_o confidence_n in_o the_o flesh_n the_o second_o duty_n be_v to_o grow_v in_o the_o estimation_n of_o christ_n righteousness_n and_o fullness_n of_o all_o grace_n to_o be_v let_v forth_o to_o the_o believer_n employ_v he_o by_o faith_n and_o comfort_v himself_o in_o christ_n against_o all_o difficulty_n trouble_n and_o temptation_n he_o must_v rejoice_v in_o jesus_n christ._n the_o three_o duty_n be_v to_o endeavour_v communion-keeping_a with_o god_n in_o the_o course_n of_o new_a obedience_n in_o all_o case_n worship_v and_o serve_v god_n in_o sincerity_n of_o heart_n he_o must_v be_v a_o worshipper_n of_o god_n as_o to_o the_o last_o thing_n hold_v forth_o in_o the_o apostle_n word_n which_o be_v the_o undoubted_a mark_n and_o evidence_n of_o the_o man_n regenerate_v and_o circumcise_v in_o heart_n it_o stand_v in_o the_o constant_a endeavour_n to_o grow_v in_o these_o three_o duty_n joint_o so_o as_o each_o of_o they_o may_v advance_v another_o for_o many_o fail_n and_o short-coming_n will_v be_v find_v in_o our_o new_a obedience_n and_o worship_v of_o god_n in_o the_o spirit_n but_o let_v these_o fail_n be_v make_v use_n of_o to_o extinguish_v and_o abolish_v all_o confidence_n in_o our_o own_o part_n and_o righteousness_n that_o our_o daily_a fail_n may_v humble_v we_o and_o cut_v we_o off_o from_o all_o confidence_n in_o the_o flesh_n but_o let_v not_o these_o fail_n so_o discourage_v we_o as_o to_o hinder_v we_o to_o put_v confidence_n in_o christ_n but_o by_o the_o contrair_a the_o less_o ground_n of_o confidence_n we_o find_v in_o ourselves_o let_v we_o raise_v so_o much_o high_a the_o estimation_n of_o remission_n of_o sin_n and_o imputation_n of_o christ_n righteousness_n and_o stir_v up_o ourselves_o by_o faith_n to_o draw_v more_o strength_n and_o ability_n out_o of_o christ_n for_o enable_v we_o to_o walk_v more_o holy_o and_o righteous_o before_o god_n and_o have_v flee_v to_o christ_n and_o comfort_v ourselves_o in_o he_o let_v we_o not_o turn_v his_o grace_n into_o wantonness_n but_o the_o more_o we_o believe_v the_o grace_n of_o jesus_n christ_n let_v we_o strive_v in_o his_o strength_n so_o much_o the_o more_o to_o glorify_v god_n in_o new_a obedience_n and_o in_o the_o circle_n of_o these_o three_o duty_n let_v we_o wind_v ourselves_o up_o stair_n towards_o heaven_n for_o god_n have_v promise_v that_o such_o as_o wait_v on_o the_o lord_n shall_v renew_v their_o strength_n they_o shall_v mount_v up_o with_o wing_n as_o eagle_n they_o shall_v run_v and_o not_o be_v weary_a they_o shall_v walk_v and_o not_o faint_a isaiah_n 40._o 31._o in_o the_o conjunction_n of_o these_o three_o duty_n the_o evidence_n of_o regeneration_n be_v find_v if_o there_o be_v not_o a_o sincere_a endeavour_n after_o all_o these_o three_o duty_n the_o evidence_n of_o regeneration_n be_v by_o so_o much_o darken_v and_o short_a for_o probation_n for_o it_o be_v not_o sufficient_a to_o prove_v a_o man_n regenerate_v that_o he_o be_v drive_v from_o all_o confidence_n in_o his_o own_o righteousness_n and_o fill_v with_o the_o sense_n of_o sin_n and_o deserve_a wrath_n because_o a_o man_n that_o have_v no_o more_o than_o that_o may_v perish_v in_o this_o miserable_a condition_n as_o we_o see_v in_o judas_n the_o traitor_n who_o conscience_n be_v burden_v with_o the_o sense_n of_o
sin_n but_o do_v not_o seek_v mercy_n and_o pardon_n neither_o be_v it_o sufficient_a to_o boast_v of_o acquaintance_n with_o christ_n and_o profess_v great_a respect_n to_o he_o because_o many_o do_v cry_v lord_n lord_n who_o neither_o renounce_v their_o confidence_n in_o their_o own_o righteousness_n nor_o worship_n god_n in_o spirit_n for_o of_o such_o christ_n say_v matth._n 7._o 21._o not_o every_o one_o that_o say_v to_o he_o lord_n lord_n shall_v enter_v into_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n neither_o be_v it_o sufficient_a to_o pretend_v the_o worship_v of_o god_n in_o spirit_n for_o all_o they_o who_o think_v to_o be_v justify_v by_o their_o own_o work_n do_v esteem_v their_o manner_n of_o serve_v of_o god_n true_a and_o spiritual_a service_n and_o worship_n as_o may_v be_v see_v in_o the_o proud_a pharisee_fw-mi glory_v before_o god_n in_o his_o own_o righteousness_n and_o acknowledge_v that_o god_n be_v the_o giver_n unto_o he_o of_o the_o holiness_n and_o righteousness_n which_o he_o have_v luke_n 18._o 11._o i_o thank_v thou_o o_o god_n say_v he_o that_o i_o be_o not_o like_o other_o man_n extortioner_n unjust_a adulterer_n or_o even_o as_o this_o publican_n for_o of_o this_o man_n christ_n say_v he_o return_v to_o his_o house_n unjustified_a that_o be_v a_o man_n lie_v still_o in_o sin_n unreconciled_a neither_o be_v it_o sufficient_a to_o prove_v a_o man_n regenerate_v to_o confess_v sin_n and_o bygone_a unrighteousness_n and_o to_o promise_v and_o begin_v to_o amend_v his_o way_n and_o future_a conversation_n for_o so_o much_o may_v a_o pharisee_fw-mi attain_v and_o there_o be_v many_o that_o profess_v themselves_o christian_n who_o think_v to_o be_v justify_v by_o the_o merit_n of_o their_o own_o and_o other_o saint_n do_n and_o suffering_n and_o do_v disdainful_o scoff_n and_o mock_v at_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o impute_a righteousness_n of_o christ_n how_o many_o be_v they_o also_o who_o think_v their_o by-gone_a sin_n may_v be_v washen_n away_o and_o be_v recompense_v by_o their_o purpose_n to_o amend_v their_o life_n in_o time_n to_o come_v how_o many_o be_v they_o who_o be_v willing_o ignorant_a of_o the_o righteousness_n of_o god_n which_o be_v of_o faith_n in_o jesus_n christ_n go_v about_o to_o establish_v their_o own_o righteousness_n as_o the_o jew_n do_v rom._n 10._o 3._o and_o how_o few_o be_v they_o who_o follow_v the_o example_n of_o the_o apostle_n who_o careful_o serve_v god_n in_o spirit_n and_o truth_n but_o do_v not_o lean_a to_o his_o own_o righteousness_n but_o seek_v more_o and_o more_o to_o be_v find_v in_o christ_n not_o have_v his_o own_o righteousness_n which_o behove_v to_o be_v make_v up_o of_o his_o imperfect_a obedience_n of_o the_o law_n but_o that_o righteousness_n which_o be_v by_o faith_n in_o jesus_n christ_n philip._n 3._o 9_o but_o that_o man_n who_o daily_o in_o the_o sense_n of_o his_o sinfulness_n and_o poverty_n slee_v unto_o jesus_n christ_n that_o he_o may_v be_v justify_v by_o his_o righteousness_n and_o endeavour_v by_o faith_n in_o he_o to_o bring_v forth_o the_o fruit_n of_o new_a obedience_n and_o do_v not_o put_v confidence_n in_o these_o his_o work_n when_o he_o have_v do_v they_o but_o rejoice_v in_o jesus_n christ_n the_o fountain_n of_o holiness_n and_o blessedness_n that_o man_n i_o say_v undoubted_o be_v regenerate_v and_o a_o new_a creature_n for_o so_o do_v the_o apostle_n describe_v he_o philip._n 3._o 3_o chap._n iu._n of_o divine_a covenant_n about_o the_o eternal_a salvation_n of_o man_n and_o in_o special_a of_o the_o covenant_n of_o redemption_n show_v that_o there_o be_v such_o a_o covenant_n and_o what_o be_v the_o article_n thereof_o because_o the_o heal_n of_o the_o sickness_n of_o the_o conscience_n come_v by_o a_o right_a application_n of_o divine_a covenant_n about_o our_o salvation_n therefore_o it_o be_v necessary_a that_o some_o measure_n of_o the_o knowledge_n thereof_o be_v open_v up_o 1._o a_o divine_a covenant_n we_o call_v a_o contract_n or_o paction_n wherein_o god_n be_v at_o least_o the_o one_o party_n contracter_n of_o this_o sort_n of_o covenant_n about_o the_o eternal_a salvation_n of_o man_n which_o sort_n chiefl_o belong_v to_o our_o purpose_n there_o be_v three_o the_o first_o be_v the_o covenant_n of_o redemption_n pass_v between_o god_n and_o christ_n god_n appoint_v mediator_n before_o the_o world_n be_v in_o the_o council_n of_o the_o trinity_n the_o second_o be_v the_o covenant_n of_o work_n make_v between_o god_n and_o man_n in_o adam_n in_o his_o integrity_n endue_v with_o all_o natural_a perfection_n enable_v he_o to_o keep_v it_o so_o long_o as_o it_o please_v he_o to_o stand_v to_o the_o condition_n the_o three_o be_v the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n and_o reconciliation_n through_o christ_n make_v between_o god_n and_o believer_n with_o their_o child_n in_o christ._n 2._o as_o to_o the_o covenant_n of_o redemption_n for_o clear_v the_o mater_fw-la we_o must_v distinguish_v the_o sundry_a acception_n of_o the_o word_n redemption_n for_o 1._o sometime_o it_o be_v take_v for_o the_o contract_n and_o agreement_n of_o sell_v and_o buying-back_a to_o eternal_a salvation_n of_o lose_a man_n look_v upon_o as_o in_o the_o state_n of_o sin_n and_o misery_n in_o which_o sense_n we_o be_v say_v to_o be_v buy_v by_o christ_n both_o soul_n and_o body_n 1_o cor._n 6._o 19_o 20._o you_o be_v not_o your_o own_o for_o you_o be_v buy_v with_o a_o price_n therefore_o glorify_v god_n in_o your_o body_n and_o in_o your_o spirit_n which_o be_v go_n and_o this_o may_v be_v call_v redemption_n by_o paction_n and_o agree_v bargain_n 2._o sometime_o redemption_n be_v take_v for_o the_o pay_v of_o the_o price_n agree_v upon_o in_o which_o sense_n christ_n be_v say_v to_o have_v redeem_v we_o by_o suffer_v of_o the_o punishment_n due_a to_o we_o and_o ransome_v of_o we_o gal._n 3._o 13._o christ_n have_v redeem_v we_o from_o the_o curse_n of_o the_o law_n be_v make_v a_o curse_n for_o we_o 3._o sometime_o redemption_n be_v take_v for_o the_o begin_v application_n of_o the_o benefit_n purchase_v in_o the_o covenant_n by_o the_o price_n pay_v ephes._n 1._o 7._o in_o who_o we_o have_v redemption_n through_o his_o blood_n even_o the_o remission_n of_o sin_n according_a to_o the_o riches_n of_o his_o grace_n 4._o sometime_o redemption_n be_v take_v for_o the_o perfect_a and_o full_a possession_n of_o all_o the_o benefit_n agree_v upon_o between_o the_o father_n and_o christ_n his_o son_n the_o mediator_n in_o which_o sense_n we_o be_v say_v to_o be_v seal_v with_o the_o holy_a spirit_n of_o promise_n which_o be_v the_o earnest_n of_o our_o inheritance_n until_o the_o redemption_n of_o the_o purchase_a possession_n ephes._n 1._o 14._o and_o ephes._n 4._o 30._o it_o be_v say_v grieve_v not_o the_o holy_a spirit_n of_o god_n whereby_o you_o be_v seal_v unto_o the_o day_n of_o redemption_n which_o be_v the_o day_n of_o judgement_n when_o christ_n shall_v put_v we_o in_o full_a possession_n of_o all_o the_o blessedness_n which_o he_o purchase_v by_o bargain_n and_o payment_n for_o we_o in_o this_o place_n we_o take_v redemption_n in_o the_o first_o sense_n for_o the_o covenant_n pass_v between_o the_o father_n and_o christ_n his_o son_n design_v mediator_n about_o our_o redemption_n 3._o when_o we_o name_v the_o father_n as_o the_o one_o party_n and_o his_o son_n christ_n as_o the_o other_o party_n in_o this_o covenant_n we_o do_v not_o seclude_v the_o son_n and_o holy_a spirit_n from_o be_v the_o party_n offend_v but_o do_v look_v upon_o the_o father_n son_n and_o spirit_n one_o god_n in_o three_o person_n as_o offend_v by_o man_n sin_n and_o yet_o all_o three_o content_v to_o take_v satisfaction_n to_o divine_a justice_n for_o man_n sin_n in_o the_o person_n of_o the_o son_n as_o design_v mediator_n to_o be_v incarnate_a whereby_o the_o son_n be_v both_o the_o party_n offend_v as_o god_n one_o essential_o with_o the_o father_n and_o holy_a spirit_n and_o the_o party_n contracter_n also_o as_o god_n design_v mediator_n personal_o for_o redeem_v man_n who_o with_o consent_n of_o the_o father_n and_o holy_a spirit_n from_o all_o eternity_n will_v and_o purpose_v in_o the_o fullness_n of_o time_n to_o assume_v the_o humane_a nature_n in_o personal_a union_n with_o himself_o and_o for_o the_o elect_v sake_n to_o become_v man_n and_o to_o take_v the_o cause_n of_o the_o elect_a in_o hand_n to_o bring_v they_o back_o to_o the_o friendship_n of_o god_n and_o full_a enjoyment_n of_o felicity_n for_o evermore_o when_o therefore_o we_o make_v the_o father_n the_o one_o party_n and_o the_o son_n design_v mediator_n the_o other_o party_n speak_v with_o the_o scripture_n for_o the_o more_o easy_a uptake_n of_o the_o covenant_n let_v we_o look_v to_o one_o god_n in_o three_o person_n have_v absolute_a right_n and_o sovereign_a
creature_n presuppose_v innocent_a be_v call_v grace_n because_o it_o be_v impossible_a that_o a_o mere_a creature_n can_v proper_o merit_v any_o good_a thing_n of_o god_n because_o the_o creature_n neither_o have_v nor_o can_v have_v that_o which_o it_o have_v not_o receive_v rom._n 11._o 35._o who_o have_v first_o give_v to_o he_o and_o it_o shall_v be_v recompense_v to_o he_o again_o sometime_o grace_n be_v take_v for_o every_o gift_n or_o good_a bestow_v by_o god_n upon_o the_o ill_a deserver_n in_o which_o sense_n gist_n common_a to_o elect_v and_o reprobat_fw-la be_v call_v by_o the_o name_n of_o grace_n rom._n 1._o 5._o ephes._n 4._o 7._o sometime_o grace_n be_v take_v in_o opposition_n to_o the_o pactioâ—all_a merit_n of_o work_n or_o to_o the_o reward_n due_a by_o debt_n covenant_v as_o rom._n 4._o 4._o to_o he_o that_o work_v the_o reward_n be_v not_o reckon_v of_o grace_n but_o of_o debt_n in_o which_o sense_n that_o which_o be_v give_v for_o work_n be_v not_o give_v of_o grace_n rom._n 11._o 16._o and_o in_o this_o sense_n we_o take_v grace_n as_o it_o be_v oppose_v to_o the_o covenant_n of_o work_n for_o the_o condition_n of_o the_o covenant_n of_o work_n be_v the_o give_v perfect_a obedience_n to_o the_o law_n but_o the_o condition_n of_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n be_v the_o receive_n of_o christ_n by_o faith_n unto_o righteousness_n and_o life_n offer_v in_o the_o gospel_n without_o the_o work_n of_o the_o law_n which_o covenant_n may_v thus_o be_v describe_v the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n be_v a_o contract_n between_o god_n and_o man_n procure_v by_o christ_n upon_o these_o term_n that_o whosoever_o in_o the_o sense_n of_o their_o own_o sinfulness_n shall_v receive_v christ_n jesus_n offer_v in_o the_o gospel_n for_o righteousness_n and_o life_n shall_v have_v he_o and_o all_o the_o benefit_n purchase_v by_o he_o according_a to_o the_o covenant_n of_o redemption_n and_o that_o god_n will_v be_v his_o god_n and_o the_o god_n of_o his_o child_n this_o covenant_n of_o grace_n be_v found_v upon_o the_o covenant_n of_o redemption_n pass_v between_o god_n and_o christ_n wherein_o it_o be_v agree_v that_o all_o the_o elect_v give_v unto_o christ_n shall_v be_v reconcile_v in_o due_a time_n to_o god_n and_o that_o to_o this_o end_n this_o grace_n shall_v be_v preach_v to_o bring_v about_o the_o reconciliation_n and_o therefore_o christ_n be_v call_v the_o mediator_n of_o the_o new_a covenant_n heb._n 12._o 22._o of_o infant_n interest_n in_o this_o covenant_n quest._n what_o interest_n have_v infant_n in_o this_o covenant_n ans._n the_o same_o which_o they_o have_v since_o the_o first_o express_v and_o formal_a make_v thereof_o with_o abraham_n to_o who_o god_n promise_v to_o be_v his_o god_n and_o the_o god_n of_o his_o child_n who_o child_n all_o be_v who_o be_v in_o christ_n gal._n 3._o 27_o 28_o 29._o for_o of_o the_o redeem_v some_o come_v to_o age_n who_o god_n have_v call_v by_o the_o preach_n of_o the_o gospel_n do_v induce_v and_o effectual_o move_v to_o embrace_v solemn_o the_o offer_a fellowship_n with_o god_n and_o his_o saint_n in_o christ_n and_o to_o consecrat_v themselves_o and_o their_o child_n unto_o the_o service_n of_o god_n there_o be_v other_o redeem_v one_o who_o die_v in_o their_o infancy_n before_o they_o come_v to_o the_o use_n of_o reason_n to_o who_o salvation_n god_n have_v express_v respect_n in_o make_v his_o covenant_n with_o their_o parent_n that_o he_o will_v not_o have_v they_o exclude_v from_o the_o blessing_n when_o he_o call_v their_o parent_n to_o he_o but_o in_o the_o common_a offer_n of_o grace_n and_o reconciliation_n by_o christ_n he_o make_v the_o promise_n joint_o to_o the_o parent_n and_o the_o child_n for_o in_o one_o sentence_n and_o as_o it_o be_v with_o one_o breath_n he_o say_v i_o will_v be_v thy_o god_n and_o thy_o seed_n after_o thou_o gen._n 15._o 17._o whereof_o the_o apostle_n make_v good_a use_n act_v 2._o 39_o declare_v the_o promise_n to_o be_v make_v to_o the_o jew_n and_o their_o child_n and_o to_o the_o call_v gentile_n and_o their_o child_n and_o upon_o this_o ground_n paul_n and_o silas_n timeous_o do_v offer_v consolation_n to_o the_o jailor_n tremble_v and_o anxious_a what_o way_n he_o shall_v be_v save_v act_v 16._o 31._o saying_n believe_v in_o christ_n jesus_n and_o thou_o shall_v be_v save_v thou_o and_o thy_o house_n as_o for_o the_o manner_n how_o the_o lord_n deal_v with_o the_o soul_n of_o infant_n in_o convert_v they_o the_o scripture_n do_v not_o speak_v for_o this_o lie_v among_o the_o secret_n of_o god_n which_o do_v not_o concern_v we_o to_o search_v after_o deut._n 29._o 29._o it_o shall_v be_v sufficient_a to_o we_o that_o god_n in_o covenant_v with_o the_o parent_n promise_v to_o be_v the_o god_n of_o their_o child_n and_o according_a to_o this_o covenant_n the_o lord_n complain_v of_o their_o stay_n and_o offer_v their_o child_n unto_o idol_n call_v they_o his_o own_o son_n and_o daughter_n ezek._n 16._o 20._o and_o upon_o this_o ground_n in_o the_o second_o command_n the_o lord_n promise_v to_o show_v mercy_n to_o the_o thousand_o generation_n of_o believe_a parent_n and_o 1_o cor._n 7._o 14._o the_o apostle_n do_v call_v the_o child_n of_o one_o of_o the_o parent_n believe_v holy_a child_n because_o of_o their_o consecration_n unto_o god_n by_o the_o believe_a confederate_a parent_n and_o in_o regard_n of_o god_n right_a and_o interest_n in_o they_o as_o the_o child_n of_o his_o own_o family_n by_o covenant_n and_o christ_n our_o lord_n upon_o this_o ground_n do_v call_v the_o child_n of_o confederate_a parent_n burgess_n of_o heaven_n of_o such_o be_v the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n matth._n 19_o 13_o 14._o and_o because_o infant_n be_v dedicat_fw-la to_o christ_n to_o be_v teach_v and_o govern_v by_o he_o in_o his_o own_o way_n and_o order_n they_o be_v call_v disciple_n act_n 15._o 10._o as_o the_o disputer_n for_o the_o circumcision_n of_o christian_n child_n as_o well_o as_o of_o their_o parent_n after_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n do_v make_v it_o manifest_a and_o in_o the_o institution_n of_o baptism_n our_o lord_n give_v the_o privilege_n of_o the_o covenant_n unto_o every_o nation_n no_o less_o then_o to_o the_o jew_n that_o by_o covenant_n whole_a nation_n may_v be_v draw_v in_o and_o give_v up_o as_o disciple_n to_o his_o doctrine_n matth._n 28._o 29._o make_v all_o nation_n disciple_n by_o your_o doctrine_n baptise_v they_o etc._n etc._n that_o the_o child_n with_o the_o parent_n may_v be_v partaker_n by_o baptism_n of_o the_o seal_n of_o the_o covenant_n for_o the_o righteousness_n of_o faith_n no_o less_o than_o the_o child_n of_o israelite_n be_v by_o circumcision_n of_o the_o mean_n to_o draw_v on_o the_o make_n of_o this_o covenant_n of_o these_o mean_v we_o have_v speak_v in_o the_o four_o article_n of_o the_o covenant_n of_o redemption_n and_o need_v not_o to_o insist_v more_o about_o they_o then_o to_o name_v they_o the_o first_o mean_v to_o draw_v man_n into_o this_o bless_a covenant_n and_o to_o keep_v they_o in_o it_o be_v the_o external_a revelation_n of_o the_o will_n of_o god_n for_o teach_v man_n how_o great_a their_o sin_n and_o misery_n be_v and_o how_o they_o may_v be_v reconcile_v and_o deliver_v by_o the_o grace_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n and_o how_o they_o may_v testify_v their_o thankfulness_n be_v reconcile_v for_o such_o a_o mercy_n which_o ground_n of_o save_a knowledge_n be_v full_o and_o faithful_o set_v down_o in_o holy_a scripture_n and_o commit_v to_o his_o servant_n in_o the_o ministry_n who_o shall_v in_o preach_v of_o the_o gospel_n inform_v and_o persuade_v man_n to_o repent_v and_o embrace_v the_o grace_n of_o christ_n and_o put_v on_o his_o sweet_a yoke_n of_o obedience_n upon_o they_o the_o second_o mean_n be_v after_o application_n of_o the_o lord_n word_n to_o the_o hearer_n for_o convince_a they_o of_o sin_n in_o they_o and_o righteousness_n in_o christ_n and_o judgement_n to_o follow_v to_o wit_n of_o absolution_n of_o the_o believer_n and_o of_o condemnation_n of_o such_o as_o believe_v not_o to_o receive_v into_o the_o bond_n of_o this_o covenant_n of_o grace_n all_o that_o appear_v serious_o to_o consecrat_v themselves_o and_o their_o child_n to_o the_o faith_n and_o obedience_n of_o the_o doctrine_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n without_o determine_v whether_o they_o be_v regenerate_v for_o the_o present_a or_o not_o the_o three_o mean_v be_v the_o solemn_a seal_n of_o this_o covenant_n for_o righteousness_n of_o faith_n and_o salvation_n through_o christ_n by_o baptise_v both_o the_o parent_n that_o accept_v the_o covenant_n and_o their_o child_n also_o and_o by_o exhortation_n promise_n and_o commination_n and_o all_o other_o argument_n which_o may_v more_o and_o more_o
faith_n in_o christ_n bestow_v on_o himself_o now_o in_o experience_n have_v flow_v from_o that_o fountain_n of_o god_n love_n and_o free_a grace_n through_o christ._n except_o this_o order_n be_v keep_v a_o man_n can_v warrantable_o and_o with_o confidence_n and_o comfort_n make_v application_n of_o these_o covenant_n hence_o it_o follow_v that_o it_o be_v a_o preposterous_a and_o perilous_a course_n which_o some_o do_v follow_v and_o press_v other_o to_o follow_v that_o present_o upon_o the_o hear_n of_o the_o gospel_n every_o man_n shall_v believe_v that_o christ_n have_v die_v for_o he_o for_o christ_n call_v no_o man_n warrand_v no_o man_n to_o come_v to_o he_o except_o he_o first_o do_v acknowledge_v his_o sin_n and_o himself_o to_o be_v worthy_a of_o wrath_n condemnation_n and_o hell_n for_o his_o sin_n and_o to_o be_v utter_o unable_a to_o save_v himself_o by_o any_o mean_a save_v by_o christ_n for_o luke_n 5._o 32._o christ_n say_v i_o come_v not_o to_o call_v the_o righteous_a but_o sinner_n unto_o repentance_n neither_o do_v christ_n require_v of_o any_o man_n to_o believe_v himself_o to_o be_v of_o the_o number_n of_o christ_n sheep_n for_o who_o he_o lay_v down_o his_o life_n except_o he_o come_v by_o faith_n as_o a_o lose_a sinner_n to_o he_o and_o submit_v himself_o to_o his_o doctrine_n and_o discipline_n and_o pastoral_a care_n over_o he_o for_o joh._n 17._o 9_o christ_n say_v i_o pray_v not_o for_o the_o world_n but_o for_o these_o thou_o have_v give_v i_o out_o of_o the_o world_n and_o no_o man_n shall_v know_v that_o himself_o be_v give_v of_o the_o father_n to_o christ_n till_o first_o he_o come_v in_o the_o order_n foresay_a unto_o christ_n and_o when_o he_o be_v come_v to_o christ_n resolve_v to_o abide_v with_o he_o then_o may_v he_o say_v the_o father_n have_v give_v i_o to_o christ_n and_o draw_v i_o to_o christ_n for_o this_o be_v the_o mark_n which_o christ_n give_v joh._n 6._o 37._o all_o that_o the_o father_n have_v give_v unto_o i_o shall_v come_v to_o i_o and_o again_o vers_fw-la 44._o no_o man_n come_v unto_o i_o except_o the_o father_n draw_v he_o 3._o there_o be_v a_o order_n alâ—o_o to_o be_v observe_v in_o the_o application_n of_o the_o grace_n offer_v in_o the_o gospel_n for_o in_o the_o evangel_n first_o christ_n himself_o be_v offer_v as_o the_o only_a and_o sufficient_a remedy_n against_o sin_n and_o misery_n and_o next_o unto_o the_o person_n that_o receive_v christ_n hearty_o all_o christ_n benefit_n be_v promise_v to_o come_v to_o he_o by_o christ_n and_o be_v to_o be_v find_v in_o and_o through_o christ_n such_o as_o be_v justification_n adoption_n the_o indwel_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n love_n joy_n peace_n gentleness_n bounty_n fidelity_n meekness_n temperance_n and_o other_o christian_a grace_n gal_n 5._o 22._o for_o no_o man_n have_v right_a unto_o christ_n benefit_n before_o he_o be_v a_o believer_n in_o christ._n but_o so_o soon_o as_o a_o man_n in_o the_o foresay_a order_n be_v flee_v unto_o christ_n and_o have_v lay_v hold_n on_o he_o by_o faith_n straight_a way_n a_o door_n and_o entresse_n be_v open_v unto_o he_o unto_o the_o rich_a treasure_n of_o grace_n and_o right_o be_v give_v to_o he_o unto_o all_o the_o benefit_n of_o christ_n for_o all_o the_o promise_n be_v yea_o and_o amen_o not_o before_o a_o man_n come_v to_o christ_n not_o to_o a_o man_n without_o christ_n but_o they_o be_v all_o yea_o and_o a_o man_n in_o christ._n 4._o therefore_o they_o wrong_v both_o god_n and_o their_o own_o self_n who_o when_o they_o come_v unto_o the_o throne_n of_o grace_n do_v prescribe_v unto_o god_n another_o order_n of_o work_v than_o he_o have_v set_v down_o in_o his_o word_n crave_v in_o the_o first_o place_n consolation_n and_o sensible_a peace_n in_o their_o conscience_n feel_v in_o their_o heart_n and_o that_o god_n will_v work_v some_o such_o save_a grace_n in_o their_o heart_n which_o the_o reprobat_fw-la can_v counterfeit_v which_o direction_n if_o god_n will_v take_v off_o their_o hand_n and_o bestow_v his_o grace_n on_o they_o sensible_o as_o they_o prescribe_v unto_o he_o than_o they_o will_v stand_v oblige_v to_o continue_v in_o the_o faith_n of_o christ_n but_o if_o they_o find_v not_o their_o direction_n obey_v and_o their_o petition_n in_o their_o order_n grant_v then_o with_o grief_n of_o heart_n they_o begin_v to_o complain_v and_o to_o pretend_v that_o they_o dare_v not_o approach_v unto_o god_n or_o christ_n so_o long_o as_o these_o petition_n be_v not_o first_o grant_v and_o feel_v to_o be_v grant_v this_o temptation_n do_v invert_v and_o overturn_v the_o order_n of_o goâ—s_n call_v for_o christ_n do_v not_o call_v unto_o he_o well-doer_n or_o these_o that_o do_v find_v their_o faith_n upon_o their_o own_o good_a behaviour_n and_o lean_a to_o their_o own_o work_n which_o they_o desire_v to_o find_v in_o themselves_o before_o they_o fasten_v faith_n on_o christ_n but_o christ_n do_v call_v sinner_n in_o their_o own_o sense_n and_o acknowledgement_n who_o renounce_v all_o confidence_n in_o their_o own_o work_n past_a present_a or_o to_o come_v he_o call_v such_o as_o be_v lose_v in_o their_o own_o sense_n and_o do_v feel_v themselves_o utter_o unable_a so_o much_o as_o to_o think_v a_o good_a thought_n of_o themselves_o that_o they_o may_v be_v clothe_v with_o the_o impute_a righteousness_n of_o christ_n and_o endue_v with_o the_o spirit_n of_o sanctification_n by_o he_o and_o christ_n will_n be_v that_o they_o who_o believe_v in_o he_o abide_v in_o he_o and_o suck_v by_o faith_n out_o of_o he_o as_o the_o branch_n do_v suck_v sap_n out_o of_o the_o tree_n grace_v to_o bring_v forth_o fruit_n more_o and_o more_o abundant_o for_o this_o be_v the_o order_n which_o christ_n do_v prescribe_v unto_o his_o disciple_n joh._n 15._o 5._o he_o that_o abide_v in_o i_o and_o i_o in_o he_o the_o same_o bring_v forth_o much_o fruit_n for_o without_o i_o you_o can_v do_v nothing_o whosoever_o therefore_o will_v not_o believe_v in_o christ_n or_o do_v think_v it_o be_v not_o lawful_a to_o approach_v unto_o he_o till_o first_o they_o find_v in_o themselves_o amendment_n of_o life_n and_o evident_a fruit_n of_o save_a faith_n they_o do_v in_o effect_n change_v the_o condition_n of_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n and_o do_v suspend_v their_o faith_n in_o christ_n till_o they_o find_v work_n to_o build_v upon_o when_o it_o be_v their_o duty_n the_o more_o they_o feel_v their_o barrenness_n so_o much_o the_o more_o strait_o to_o lay_v hold_n on_o christ_n and_o hold_v he_o fast_o and_o ply_v he_o with_o earnest_a supplication_n to_o make_v good_a his_o promise_n to_o they_o who_o do_v abide_v in_o he_o joh._n 15._o 5._o 5._o it_o be_v necessary_a to_o press_v every_o man_n who_o do_v believe_v his_o justification_n by_o faith_n that_o he_o be_v careful_a to_o observe_v the_o moral_a law_n or_o ten_o command_n as_o the_o perpetual_a and_o unchangeable_a rule_n of_o good_a work_n prescribe_v of_o god_n for_o christ_n come_v not_o to_o destroy_v the_o law_n but_o to_o fulfil_v it_o matth._n 5._o 17._o he_o have_v indeed_o unto_o believer_n in_o he_o dissolve_v the_o covenant_n of_o the_o law_n not_o only_o by_o his_o doctrine_n teach_v they_o that_o by_o the_o work_n of_o the_o law_n no_o flesh_n shall_v be_v justify_v in_o the_o sight_n of_o god_n because_o by_o the_o law_n be_v the_o knowledge_n of_o sin_n get_v but_o no_o absolution_n from_o sin_n rom._n 3._o 20._o but_o also_o by_o absolve_v every_o believer_n in_o he_o that_o walk_v not_o after_o the_o flesh_n but_o after_o the_o spirit_n from_o all_o condemnation_n rom._n 8._o 1â—_n mean_a while_o he_o have_v not_o break_v the_o yoke_n of_o obedience_n of_o the_o law_n from_o off_o the_o believer_n as_o he_o have_v break_v off_o the_o yoke_n of_o the_o covenant_n of_o work_n but_o by_o the_o contrair_a he_o prescribe_v to_o they_o who_o come_v unto_o he_o for_o remission_n of_o sin_n that_o they_o take_v on_o his_o yoke_n upon_o they_o and_o bring_v forth_o work_v of_o new_a obedience_n matth._n 11._o 29._o and_o this_o be_v the_o order_n which_o the_o apostle_n do_v prescribe_v tit._n 3._o 8._o this_o be_v a_o faithful_a say_n and_o these_o thing_n i_o will_v thou_o affirm_v constant_o that_o they_o which_o have_v believe_v in_o god_n may_v be_v careful_a to_o maintain_v good_a work_n these_o thing_n be_v good_a and_o profitable_a unto_o man_n 6._o the_o moral_a precept_n of_o the_o law_n be_v so_o to_o be_v press_v that_o the_o hearer_n whether_o un-converted_n or_o convert_v may_v by_o they_o whether_o in_o some_o measure_n obey_v or_o disobey_v be_v drive_v to_o christ_n that_o the_o law_n may_v ever_o in_o some_o sort_n be_v a_o pedagogue_n unto_o christ_n for_o before_o conversion_n
4._o they_o eat_v up_o my_o people_n as_o they_o eat_v bread_n and_o call_v not_o upon_o the_o lord_n they_o have_v a_o form_n of_o godliness_n but_o in_o their_o deed_n they_o deny_v the_o power_n of_o it_o for_o they_o believe_v never_o a_o word_n of_o what_o be_v preach_v of_o thing_n spiritual_a reveal_v in_o the_o word_n of_o god_n no_o wonder_n therefore_o that_o they_o will_v not_o examine_v themselves_o nor_o receive_v any_o accusation_n from_o their_o own_o conscience_n for_o any_o sin_n of_o this_o sort_n which_o concern_v godliness_n 2._o the_o cause_n of_o such_o man_n harden_v of_o their_o heart_n may_v be_v four_o the_o first_o be_v the_o measure_n of_o worldly_a wisdom_n grant_v to_o they_o and_o other_o like_o themselves_o above_o common_a people_n with_o the_o conceit_n whereof_o they_o be_v so_o puff_v up_o that_o they_o care_v for_o nothing_o save_o this_o present_a world_n they_o acknowledge_v no_o other_o holiness_n but_o civil_a observance_n of_o humane_a law_n as_o if_o scripture_n and_o all_o religious_a exercise_n be_v to_o be_v refer_v to_o this_o only_a end_n that_o man_n live_v according_a to_o the_o law_n and_o custom_n receive_v into_o the_o society_n they_o live_v into_o shall_v study_v to_o make_v the_o best_a they_o can_v of_o this_o present_a world_n and_o this_o worldly_a and_o carnal_a wisdom_n be_v call_v psal._n 1._o the_o counsel_n of_o the_o ungodly_a because_o all_o ungodly_a person_n do_v think_v it_o shall_v be_v more_o safe_a to_o walk_v in_o the_o way_n of_o their_o wisdom_n then_o to_o be_v hem_v in_o by_o the_o law_n of_o god_n the_o second_o cause_n of_o their_o obduration_n be_v carnal_a confidence_n in_o their_o worldly_a prosperity_n which_o they_o hope_v always_o to_o enjoy_v and_o that_o by_o the_o principle_n of_o their_o own_o wisdom_n psal._n 10._o 6._o he_o have_v say_v in_o his_o heart_n i_o shall_v never_o be_v move_v i_o shall_v never_o be_v in_o adversity_n the_o three_o cause_n be_v the_o stumble_a block_n of_o the_o cross_n and_o affliction_n wherewith_o they_o perceive_v the_o godly_a usual_o to_o be_v exercise_v upon_o which_o offence_n they_o stumble_v the_o more_o ready_o because_o they_o judge_v that_o the_o great_a part_n of_o the_o affliction_n of_o the_o godly_a proceed_v from_o their_o own_o imprudency_n and_o do_v ascribe_v their_o own_o prosperity_n to_o their_o own_o wisdom_n wherein_o they_o be_v so_o lift_v up_o in_o their_o own_o estimation_n that_o they_o despise_v all_o man_n in_o comparison_n of_o themselves_o psal._n 10._o 5._o as_o for_o his_o enemy_n he_o puff_v at_o they_o the_o four_o cause_n be_v the_o not_o observe_v the_o slight_n and_o despise_v of_o god_n judgement_n concern_v which_o they_o do_v not_o give_v credit_n unto_o god_n when_o he_o speak_v and_o therefore_o do_v not_o make_v use_n of_o the_o operation_n of_o his_o hand_n psal._n 10._o 5._o thy_o judgement_n be_v far_o above_o out_o of_o his_o sight_n 3._o albeit_o there_o be_v very_o small_a hope_n of_o the_o conversion_n of_o any_o such_o because_o they_o can_v abide_v free_a deal_n from_o any_o man_n in_o private_a for_o to_o give_v they_o any_o admonition_n be_v to_o they_o a_o reproach_n and_o they_o can_v endure_v it_o and_o nothing_o can_v cut_v they_o at_o the_o heart_n more_o than_o that_o any_o man_n shall_v suspect_v they_o of_o hypocrisy_n and_o atheism_n yet_o because_o no_o pastor_n may_v despair_v of_o any_o man_n or_o judge_v he_o a_o reprobat_fw-la so_o long_o as_o the_o long-suffering_a patience_n of_o god_n invit_v he_o to_o repentance_n therefore_o the_o pastor_n must_v deal_v with_o such_o man_n in_o the_o general_a in_o his_o sermon_n that_o from_o the_o scripture_n he_o may_v convince_v they_o of_o their_o ignorance_n of_o god_n way_n and_o of_o their_o atheism_n to_o which_o end_n and_o purpose_n first_o he_o must_v point_v such_o man_n forth_o in_o their_o colour_n as_o the_o scripture_n do_v describe_v they_o yet_o so_o as_o he_o hold_v himself_o in_o general_a in_o deal_v with_o all_o such_o person_n without_o particular_a description_n of_o any_o man_n by_o particular_a circumstance_n whereby_o such_o a_o man_n one_o or_o more_o of_o the_o auditor_n may_v appear_v to_o be_v pick_v out_o and_o shot_n at_o second_o he_o must_v denounce_v grave_o and_o with_o compassion_n the_o heavy_a judgement_n of_o god_n against_o they_o three_o he_o must_v pull_v the_o mask_n of_o civil_a honesty_n off_o their_o face_n and_o let_v they_o know_v the_o righteousness_n of_o christ_n impute_v to_o humble_a sinner_n fly_v to_o he_o to_o be_v the_o only_a garment_n to_o hide_v nakedness_n if_o possible_o the_o hearer_n may_v conceive_v hope_n he_o may_v be_v forgive_v his_o former_a hypocrisy_n and_o be_v allure_v unto_o christ._n four_o let_v he_o often_o against_o such_o person_n make_v use_v of_o the_o apostle_n admonition_n 1_o cor._n 3._o 18_o 19_o let_v no_o man_n deceive_v himself_o if_o any_o man_n among_o you_o seem_v to_o be_v wise_a in_o this_o world_n let_v he_o become_v a_o fool_n that_o he_o may_v be_v wise_a for_o the_o wisdom_n of_o this_o world_n be_v foolishness_n with_o god_n for_o it_o be_v write_v he_o take_v the_o wise_a in_o their_o own_o craftiness_n five_o let_v the_o pastor_n observe_v the_o occasion_n if_o at_o any_o time_n it_o shall_v please_v god_n to_o lay_v calamity_n on_o such_o a_o man_n and_o then_o let_v he_o wise_o labour_n with_o all_o meekness_n and_o tenderness_n to_o awaken_v up_o his_o conscience_n to_o take_v notice_n of_o the_o spark_n of_o wrath_n lest_o he_o perish_v in_o god_n displeasure_n if_o he_o do_v not_o humble_v himself_o before_o god_n and_o draw_v in_o to_o christ_n upon_o which_o condition_n let_v he_o make_v the_o fair_a offer_n of_o grace_n and_o mercy_n that_o the_o gospel_n can_v yield_v to_o he_o if_o possible_o the_o lord_n may_v give_v he_o repentance_n and_o faith_n in_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ._n for_o remove_v the_o four_o impediment_n the_o four_o impediment_n of_o self-examination_n be_v the_o stupidity_n and_o senslesness_n of_o the_o conscience_n past_a feeling_n as_o it_o be_v burn_v with_o a_o hot_a iron_n this_o disease_n may_v be_v see_v in_o besotted_a epicure_n give_v to_o their_o brutish_a lust_n who_o be_v so_o carry_v on_o after_o their_o furious_a beastly_a affection_n that_o they_o have_v no_o more_o power_n over_o themselves_o then_o beast_n and_o such_o monster_n of_o man_n by_o frequent_a sin_v have_v extinguish_v all_o sense_n of_o sin_n for_o albeit_o by_o nature_n there_o be_v some_o remainder_n of_o light_n in_o fall_v man_n whereby_o the_o work_n of_o the_o law_n may_v be_v find_v write_v in_o their_o heart_n as_o far_o as_o to_o make_v they_o inexcusable_a when_o they_o do_v contrary_a to_o it_o and_o albeit_o there_o be_v leâ—t_v in_o the_o natural_a man_n some_o natural_a power_n of_o the_o conscience_n to_o vex_v he_o that_o rebell_v against_o it_o to_o restrain_v he_o thereafter_o from_o do_v the_o like_a yet_o some_o have_v so_o sell_v themselves_o to_o the_o lust_n and_o wantonness_n of_o their_o flâ—sh_n that_o they_o will_v not_o hear_v any_o admonition_n or_o check_n of_o the_o conscience_n which_o may_v make_v any_o remorse_n but_o do_v run_v mad_o after_o all_o sort_n of_o uncleanness_n corrupt_v themselves_o as_o brute_n beast_n the_o like_a disposition_n may_v be_v see_v in_o open_o profane_a person_n who_o not_o only_o in_o their_o deed_n have_v deny_v the_o power_n of_o godliness_n but_o also_o renounce_v the_o profession_n of_o all_o form_n of_o godliness_n and_o shameless_o foam_v forth_o their_o ungodliness_n as_o a_o open_a rot_a grave_n cast_v forth_o the_o stink_n thereof_o of_o this_o sort_n be_v these_o who_o when_o they_o do_v blaspheme_v will_v not_o be_v reprove_v psal._n 12._o 4._o our_o tongue_n be_v our_o own_o who_o be_v lord_n over_o we_o and_o who_o as_o dog_n do_v trample_v underfoot_n all_o holy_a thing_n and_o rend_v they_o who_o reprove_v they_o and_o who_o insult_v over_o the_o godly_a in_o their_o affliction_n say_v with_o david_n enemy_n where_o be_v their_o god_n and_o who_o open_o scorn_v all_o religion_n like_o these_o desperate_a scoffer_n 2_o pet._n 3._o 4._o saying_n where_o be_v the_o promise_n of_o his_o come_n such_o as_o these_o be_v practical_o atheist_n and_o in_o some_o sort_n also_o in_o their_o mind_n for_o albeit_o they_o have_v some_o natural_a principle_n of_o a_o godhead_n imprint_v on_o they_o yet_o they_o smother_v all_o knowledge_n of_o god_n and_o belch_v out_o their_o own_o shame_n against_o god_n and_o religion_n and_o all_o the_o godly_a 2._o of_o man_n fall_v unto_o such_o a_o fearful_a abomination_n four_o cause_n may_v be_v render_v the_o first_o be_v the_o man_n violence_n use_v against_o his_o conscience_n frequent_o in_o commit_v of_o grievous_a
faith_n and_o to_o follow_v hard_o after_o the_o growth_n of_o sanctification_n without_o which_o no_o man_n shall_v see_v the_o face_n of_o god_n and_o let_v we_o so_o extol_v the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n and_o freedom_n of_o the_o believer_n from_o the_o covenant_n of_o work_n that_o we_o neglect_v not_o to_o keep_v up_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o moral_a law_n and_o the_o command_v thereof_o as_o the_o perpetual_a rule_n of_o new_a obedience_n the_o use_n whereof_o be_v very_o profitable_a in_o the_o whole_a course_n of_o a_o christian_a life_n to_o hold_v forth_o the_o duty_n of_o believer_n in_o christ_n and_o to_o show_v unto_o they_o by_o their_o short-coming_a in_o duty_n the_o poison_n and_o power_n of_o corruption_n remain_v in_o the_o saint_n and_o to_o make_v they_o sensible_a of_o the_o necessity_n of_o fly_v daily_o to_o that_o impute_a righteousness_n by_o faith_n in_o christ_n and_o of_o draw_v strength_n from_o christ_n to_o bring_v forth_o more_o abundant_a fruit_n whereby_o christ_n shall_v be_v more_o and_o more_o precious_a in_o our_o eye_n and_o be_v acknowledge_v absolute_o necessary_a for_o our_o justification_n sanctification_n and_o salvation_n 15._o when_o question_n be_v make_v concern_v christian_n virtue_n and_o operation_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n in_o we_o the_o order_n of_o god_n work_v hold_v forth_o to_o we_o in_o scripture_n be_v careful_o to_o be_v mark_v by_o we_o which_o be_v that_o sense_n of_o sin_n shall_v go_v before_o faith_n in_o christ_n for_o the_o law_n be_v a_o pedagogue_n to_o christ_n for_o he_o come_v not_o to_o call_v the_o righteous_a but_o sinner_n to_o repentance_n matth._n 9_o 13._o and_o faith_n in_o christ_n go_v before_o the_o fruit_n of_o faith_n and_o the_o fruit_n of_o faith_n before_o the_o sensible_a approbation_n of_o they_o and_o approbation_n of_o the_o fruit_n by_o scripture_n go_v before_o the_o sensible_a feeling_n of_o the_o believer_n and_o the_o quiet_v of_o the_o conscience_n in_o its_o approbation_n of_o what_o the_o scripture_n approve_v for_o after_o we_o have_v believe_v we_o come_v to_o be_v seal_v ephes._n 1._o 13._o now_o for_o the_o not_o observe_v this_o order_n many_o real_a christian_n do_v make_v unto_o themselves_o a_o very_a un-comfortable_a life_n for_o albeit_o they_o be_v convince_v of_o sin_n and_o humble_v in_o the_o sense_n of_o their_o own_o inability_n to_o help_v themselves_o and_o be_v flee_v to_o christ_n for_o pardon_n and_o help_v and_o do_v lead_v a_o life_n blameless_a yet_o do_v they_o unhappy_o suspend_v the_o acknowledge_v of_o the_o work_n of_o faith_n bestow_v upon_o they_o and_o do_v disquiet_v themselves_o so_o as_o they_o can_v rest_v on_o christ_n but_o do_v quarrel_v the_o reality_n of_o their_o faith_n till_o they_o shall_v feel_v and_o perceive_v with_o approbation_n of_o their_o conscience_n such_o and_o such_o fruit_n of_o faith_n in_o themselves_o and_o that_o in_o such_o a_o measure_n as_o they_o have_v fore-imagined_n to_o be_v the_o necessary_a evidence_n of_o faith_n yea_o and_o they_o refuse_v to_o account_v themselves_o person_n justify_v because_o they_o can_v perceive_v such_o mature_a fruit_n in_o themselves_o as_o they_o conceive_v must_v not_o only_o be_v but_o be_v acknowledge_v also_o to_o be_v in_o the_o justify_v person_n before_o he_o can_v lay_v hold_n on_o justification_n such_o person_n do_v in_o effect_n invert_v the_o order_n which_o they_o shall_v observe_v for_o when_o it_o be_v their_o part_n to_o fly_v unto_o christ_n the_o only_a mediator_n because_o they_o come_v short_a of_o new_a obedience_n and_o because_o they_o be_v load_v with_o sin_n that_o in_o he_o they_o may_v have_v god_n reconcile_v to_o they_o and_o by_o his_o spirit_n pour_v in_o of_o his_o grace_n in_o their_o soul_n to_o make_v they_o more_o holy_a they_o take_v another_o and_o contrary_a course_n by_o suspend_v their_o faith_n upon_o their_o work_n and_o do_v exact_a of_o themselves_o work_v before_o faith_n and_o so_o do_v weaken_v their_o own_o faith_n and_o hinder_v it_o to_o bring_v forth_o such_o fruit_n as_o they_o do_v require_v it_o be_v reason_n indeed_o to_o prove_v our_o faith_n by_o our_o work_n and_o it_o be_v just_a that_o such_o a_o faith_n be_v account_v dead_a which_o be_v not_o accompany_v with_o the_o purpose_n and_o endeavour_v to_o live_v holy_o just_o and_o sober_o but_o it_o be_v against_o all_o reason_n and_o equity_n to_o condemn_v weak_a faith_n accompany_v with_o the_o purpose_n of_o a_o new_a life_n as_o if_o it_o be_v no_o faith_n because_o it_o have_v not_o as_o yet_o bring_v forth_o so_o fair_a and_o full_o ripe_a fruit_n as_o the_o weak_a believer_n will_v it_o be_v their_o wisdom_n when_o they_o perceive_v such_o impotency_n to_o do_v what_o be_v good_a and_o such_o strength_n of_o the_o body_n of_o death_n in_o they_o to_o fly_v unto_o the_o redeemer_n so_o much_o the_o more_o and_o in_o he_o to_o seek_v remission_n of_o sin_n and_o strength_n to_o bring_v forth_o good_a fruit_n and_o to_o be_v suck_a juice_n and_o sap_n out_o of_o he_o as_o the_o true_a vine_n for_o if_o we_o come_v to_o he_o and_o abide_v in_o he_o we_o shall_v bring_v forth_o much_o fruit_n job._n 15._o 4_o 5._o for_o faith_n in_o christ_n in_o order_n of_o nature_n go_v before_o good_a work_n for_o only_o they_o who_o come_v to_o christ_n and_o abide_v in_o he_o do_v bring_v forth_o abundant_a fruit_n and_o not_o they_o who_o upon_o the_o apprehension_n of_o their_o want_n of_o fruit_n do_v loose_a or_o slacken_v their_o grip_n of_o faith_n and_o upon_o discouragement_n be_v ready_a to_o depart_v from_o the_o live_a god_n 16._o the_o like_a wisdom_n be_v require_v in_o deal_v with_o the_o conscience_n of_o man_n concern_v the_o preparatory_a disposition_n of_o such_o as_o may_v confident_o come_v unto_o christ_n to_o be_v justify_v sanctify_a and_o save_v for_o albeit_o it_o be_v true_a that_o all_o that_o come_v to_o christ_n aught_o to_o come_v in_o the_o sense_n of_o their_o sin_n and_o acknowledgement_n of_o wrath_n and_o death_n deserve_v for_o their_o sin_n aught_o to_o come_v with_o contrition_n of_o heart_n with_o godly_a sorrow_n for_o their_o sin_n and_o a_o humble_a renunciation_n of_o all_o confidence_n in_o themselves_o yet_o must_v not_o such_o person_n as_o do_v not_o satisfy_v themselves_o in_o the_o measure_n or_o sincerity_n of_o such_o preparatory_a disposition_n in_o themselves_o be_v keep_v back_o or_o debar_v from_o come_v to_o christ_n because_o they_o not_o only_o want_v as_o they_o conceive_v both_o the_o humiliation_n and_o sorrow_n of_o heart_n for_o sin_n and_o fear_v of_o wrath_n require_v in_o such_o as_o have_v access_n unto_o christ_n but_o also_o do_v perceive_v in_o themselves_o such_o blindness_n of_o mind_n and_o vanity_n thereof_o such_o stupidity_n of_o conscience_n and_o stubborness_n of_o a_o proud_a heart_n as_o be_v not_o fit_a as_o they_o conceive_v to_o be_v receive_v by_o christ_n or_o fit_a to_o be_v comfort_v by_o he_o such_o person_n i_o say_v be_v not_o to_o be_v forthwith_o debar_v from_o come_v to_o the_o throne_n of_o grace_n for_o ofttimes_o sincerity_n of_o conviction_n compunction_n and_o humiliation_n be_v to_o be_v find_v in_o such_o as_o be_v displease_v with_o their_o own_o short-coming_a in_o such_o preparatory_a disposition_n more_o than_o in_o many_o other_o who_o make_v a_o fair_a show_n and_o profession_n of_o their_o godly_a sorrow_n and_o humiliation_n and_o be_v well_o please_v with_o themselves_o in_o that_o respect_n we_o must_v be_v wary_a also_o while_o we_o require_v sorrow_n and_o humiliation_n and_o other_o like_a preparatory_a disposition_n in_o they_o who_o may_v come_v unto_o christ_n lest_o we_o secret_o import_v and_o insinuat_fw-la a_o sort_n of_o merit_n to_o be_v in_o such_o disposition_n so_o as_o if_o he_o that_o do_v not_o perceive_v himself_o thus_o qualify_v can_v expect_v no_o good_a at_o christ_n hand_n except_o he_o have_v in_o his_o hand_n such_o preparatory_a disposition_n as_o if_o it_o be_v a_o price_n of_o purchase_v address_n to_o christ._n but_o let_v we_o hold_v this_o fast_n that_o the_o more_o poor_a and_o empty_a a_o man_n be_v in_o his_o own_o eye_n he_o ought_v to_o draw_v the_o more_o near_o unto_o the_o riches_n of_o grace_n in_o christ_n because_o in_o he_o only_o be_v to_o be_v find_v all_o the_o treasure_n of_o every_o save_a grace_n and_o preparatory_a disposition_n for_o receive_v thereof_o he_o be_v that_o exalt_a prince_n who_o give_v repentance_n unto_o israel_n act._n 5._o 31._o he_o be_v the_o author_n and_o finisher_n of_o faith_n unto_o who_o all_o they_o who_o in_o the_o sense_n of_o their_o want_n of_o repentance_n and_o faith_n do_v sigh_n in_o themselves_o ought_v and_o safe_o may_v come_v that_o they_o may_v have_v from_o he_o a_o more_o ample_a
his_o yoke_n upon_o they_o be_v trouble_v with_o doubt_n whether_o they_o be_v of_o the_o number_n of_o true_a believer_n whether_o they_o have_v right_o come_v unto_o christ_n whether_o they_o have_v be_v well_o accept_v of_o he_o and_o for_o their_o doubt_v they_o can_v give_v no_o other_o reason_n save_v this_o i_o can_v be_v quiet_a nor_o rest_n in_o assurance_n that_o i_o be_o in_o the_o state_n of_o grace_n if_o they_o be_v interrogat_n what_o they_o think_v of_o the_o evident_a sign_n of_o their_o regeneration_n which_o have_v be_v and_o be_v to_o be_v see_v in_o their_o conversation_n since_o they_o begin_v in_o earnest_a to_o seek_v the_o face_n of_o god_n in_o christ_n they_o will_v possible_o not_o altogether_o deny_v god_n work_n in_o they_o but_o yet_o dare_v not_o lean_a weight_n upon_o these_o sign_n because_o they_o do_v find_v these_o sign_n also_o bring_v in_o question_n whether_o they_o have_v be_v or_o be_v kind_o and_o sincere_a mean_v time_n they_o be_v about_o to_o do_v that_o which_o be_v acceptable_a to_o god_n in_o the_o course_n of_o their_o call_n albeit_o with_o more_o heaviness_n and_o less_o alacrity_n than_o become_v person_n reconcile_v to_o god_n in_o christ._n 2._o this_o disease_n will_v be_v find_v complicat_fw-la and_o make_v up_o of_o more_o mistake_n and_o error_n than_o one_o and_o therefore_o be_v to_o be_v the_o more_o narrow_o consider_v because_o it_o be_v no_o small_a hindrance_n of_o a_o comfortable_a christian_n conversation_n which_o god_n do_v allow_v on_o his_o child_n for_o in_o the_o party_n trouble_v with_o unquietness_n we_o presuppone_v iâ—_n there_o be_v a_o serious_a sense_n of_o sin_n and_o purpose_n to_o do_v better_o 2._o a_o unfeigned_a embrace_v of_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n and_o reconciliation_n in_o christ_n jâ—sus_fw-la and_o 3._o a_o honest_a though_o weak_a endeavour_v to_o bring_v forth_o the_o fruit_n of_o new_a obedience_n and_o yet_o notwithstanding_o the_o person_n be_v not_o quiet_a but_o walk_v heavy_o and_o be_v discourage_v by_o reason_n of_o his_o uncertainty_n whether_o he_o be_v in_o the_o state_n of_o grace_n or_o not_o yea_o he_o be_v cast_v down_o and_o disquiet_v because_o he_o be_v disquiet_v and_o can_v get_v a_o reasonable_a answer_n from_o his_o conscience_n when_o he_o ask_v of_o it_o why_o be_v thou_o cast_v down_o and_o disquiet_v within_o i_o 3._o the_o mistake_n and_o error_n whence_o this_o dissatisfaction_n and_o unquietness_n do_v flow_v be_v many_o but_o we_o shall_v condescend_v upon_o eight_o or_o nine_o only_o the_o first_o error_n and_o cause_n of_o unquietness_n be_v or_o may_v be_v this_o that_o the_o party_n afflict_v albeit_o he_o have_v the_o habit_n of_o save_a grace_n in_o he_o and_o do_v by_o god_n grace_n put_v forth_o these_o habit_n in_o actual_a exercise_n yet_o he_o do_v not_o reflect_v upon_o nor_o turn_v his_o eye_n to_o observe_v the_o operation_n of_o god_n holy_a spirit_n in_o himself_o nor_o the_o act_n of_o save_a grace_n which_o the_o holy_a spirit_n have_v make_v he_o put_v forth_o of_o which_o if_o he_o take_v not_o notice_n they_o be_v to_o he_o for_o the_o time_n as_o if_o they_o be_v not_o and_o so_o no_o wonder_n he_o be_v disquiet_a while_o he_o perceive_v not_o in_o himself_o that_o which_o may_v make_v he_o quiet_a for_o example_n when_o the_o sense_n of_o sin_n be_v raise_v up_o in_o a_o man_n spirit_n by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n if_o he_o do_v not_o observe_v that_o this_o be_v one_o of_o the_o operation_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n convince_a the_o world_n of_o sin_n or_o if_o he_o do_v not_o turn_v back_o his_o eye_n on_o this_o operation_n and_o upon_o his_o own_o act_n stir_v up_o thereby_o to_o subscribe_v the_o sentence_n of_o the_o law_n against_o himself_o no_o wonder_n that_o he_o doubt_v of_o his_o conversion_n till_o he_o see_v the_o footstep_n of_o god_n the_o converter_n of_o he_o from_o the_o love_n and_o approbation_n of_o sin_n unto_o the_o hatred_n of_o it_o and_o when_o he_o be_v â—lâ—d_v to_o christ_n the_o only_a redeemer_n from_o sin_n and_o misery_n and_o have_v lay_v hold_n on_o he_o according_a to_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n offer_v in_o he_o if_o he_o do_v not_o look_v back_o on_o this_o operation_n of_o god_n draw_v he_o to_o christ_n and_o upon_o his_o own_o act_n of_o come_v unto_o christ_n by_o the_o draught_n of_o god_n spirit_n what_o wonder_v he_o do_v not_o reckon_v himself_o among_o believer_n albeit_o he_o be_v in_o god_n account_n one_o of_o that_o number_n and_o when_o the_o holy_a spirit_n have_v kindle_v in_o he_o not_o only_o a_o purpose_n of_o new_a obedience_n but_o also_o a_o begin_v endeavour_n to_o live_v holy_o just_o and_o sober_o if_o he_o do_v not_o observe_v and_o acknowledge_v these_o operation_n of_o god_n spirit_n make_v he_o to_o bring_v forth_o these_o act_n what_o wonder_v that_o this_o mistake_n and_o inconsideration_n do_v open_a a_o door_n to_o disquietness_n and_o doubt_v whether_o he_o be_v in_o the_o state_n of_o grace_n or_o not_o 4._o for_o remove_v this_o cause_n of_o disquietness_n the_o afflict_a person_n must_v beware_v that_o he_o pass_v not_o sentence_n of_o god_n dispensation_n towards_o he_o according_a to_o the_o tentation_n and_o suggestion_n of_o satan_n nor_o yet_o according_a to_o the_o opinion_n which_o his_o pastor_n or_o friend_n may_v have_v of_o he_o judge_v somewhat_o uncharitable_o of_o he_o upon_o sinister_a suspicion_n neither_o let_v he_o stand_v to_o the_o suspicion_n of_o his_o own_o incredulous_a heart_n but_o let_v he_o consider_v what_o the_o word_n of_o the_o lord_n have_v say_v of_o the_o person_n in_o who_o these_o three_o graceâ—_n do_v concur_v to_o wit_n 1._o the_o sense_n of_o sin_n and_o inability_n to_o help_v ourselves_o 2._o fly_v unto_o christ_n for_o relief_n from_o sin_n and_o misery_n and_o 3._o some_o measure_n of_o upright_a purpose_n and_o endeavour_v to_o serve_v god_n in_o new_a obedience_n for_o of_o such_o say_v the_o apostle_n phil._n 3._o 3_o we_o be_v the_o circumcision_n or_o true_a israelit_n who_o have_v no_o confidence_n in_o the_o flesh_n but_o rejoice_v in_o jesus_n christ_n and_o worship_n god_n in_o the_o spirit_n let_v he_o therefore_o esteem_v the_o discovery_n of_o his_o sinful_a and_o wretched_a estate_n in_o himself_o to_o be_v the_o very_a fruit_n of_o the_o eyesalve_n and_o work_n of_o the_o spirit_n bestow_v on_o he_o by_o christ_n and_o let_v he_o esteem_v his_o hearty_a consent_n give_v to_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n and_o reconciliation_n to_o be_v the_o undoubted_a act_n of_o save_a faith_n for_o hearty_a consent_n to_o the_o offer_n of_o grace_n in_o jesus_n christ_n presuppone_n first_o that_o the_o person_n see_v no_o stand_v for_o he_o by_o the_o law_n or_o covenant_n of_o work_n but_o be_v beat_v from_o all_o confidence_n in_o himself_o and_o make_v to_o believe_v and_o subscribe_v the_o righteous_a sentence_n of_o the_o law_n against_o himself_o to_o the_o praise_n of_o god_n truth_n and_o justice_n second_o it_o import_v the_o man_n believe_v the_o testimony_n which_o god_n have_v give_v of_o christ_n jesus_n to_o wit_n that_o god_n have_v make_v a_o gift_n of_o life_n eternal_a to_o the_o soul_n that_o hunger_v and_o thirst_v for_o righteousness_n and_o that_o this_o life_n be_v in_o his_o son_n yea_o it_o import_v the_o man_n receive_v and_o embrace_v of_o christ_n offer_v in_o the_o gospel_n three_o it_o import_v that_o the_o consenter_n to_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n as_o he_o have_v renounce_v confidence_n in_o his_o own_o work_n so_o he_o have_v give_v up_o himself_o to_o god_n to_o live_v by_o the_o grace_n of_o jesus_n christ_n unto_o eternal_a life_n now_o if_o the_o afflict_a shall_v reflect_v upon_o these_o two_o operation_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n make_v he_o humble_a in_o the_o sense_n of_o sin_n hearty_o to_o receive_v christ_n jesus_n for_o his_o relief_n and_o withal_o do_v observe_v a_o unfeigned_a purpose_n and_o begin_v endeavour_n to_o live_v more_o holy_o and_o fruitful_o by_o the_o grace_n and_o furniture_n of_o christ_n howsoever_o he_o labour_v under_o many_o infirmity_n not_o only_o be_v he_o undoubted_o a_o new_a creature_n but_o also_o by_o observe_v the_o foresay_a evidence_n thereof_o may_v conclude_v that_o god_n have_v begin_v a_o good_a work_n of_o grace_n in_o he_o and_o so_o shall_v this_o first_o cause_n of_o disquietness_n be_v remove_v 5._o another_o cause_n of_o disquietness_n be_v or_o may_v be_v this_o if_o the_o afflict_a after_o examination_n of_o the_o work_n of_o grace_n in_o himself_o be_v convince_v of_o his_o bless_a estate_n and_o confirm_v by_o present_a sense_n of_o god_n love_v shed_v abroad_o in_o his_o heart_n do_v not_o hold_v fast_o his_o estimation_n of_o god_n work_n in_o himself_o long_a
these_o and_o the_o like_a ground_n the_o apostle_n live_v a_o comfortable_a life_n phil._n 4._o 12._o i_o know_v both_o how_o to_o be_v abase_v and_o i_o know_v how_o to_o abound_v every_o where_o and_o in_o all_o thing_n i_o be_o instruct_v both_o to_o be_v full_a and_o to_o be_v hungry_a both_o to_o abound_v and_o suffer_v need_n i_o can_v do_v all_o thing_n through_o christ_n who_o strengthen_v i_o thus_o must_v christian_n soldier_n live_v in_o the_o midst_n of_o their_o toil_a in_o warfare_n in_o want_n of_o many_o thing_n in_o watch_v and_o run_v hazard_n of_o life_n in_o hope_n of_o victory_n and_o promise_a glory_n hold_v up_o their_o heart_n by_o faith_n in_o christ._n and_o these_o thing_n which_o we_o have_v speak_v in_o explication_n of_o this_o case_n be_v not_o intend_v to_o hinder_v the_o tender_a heart_a believer_n from_o pray_v and_o endeavour_v by_o all_o mean_n that_o the_o face_n of_o the_o lord_n may_v shine_v upon_o he_o and_o that_o he_o may_v be_v fill_v with_o the_o joy_n of_o his_o spirit_n for_o we_o be_v charge_v to_o seek_v his_o face_n and_o strength_n continual_o psal._n 105._o 4._o but_o all_o our_o speech_n do_v drive_v at_o this_o main_o that_o the_o afflict_a in_o his_o discouragement_n and_o unquietness_n meek_o submit_v himself_o to_o the_o will_n of_o god_n howsoever_o he_o be_v exercise_v always_o go_v on_o in_o the_o way_n of_o god_n according_a to_o his_o vocation_n through_o honour_n and_o dishonour_n through_o good_a report_n and_o evil_a report_n look_v unto_o the_o promise_n which_o be_v make_v to_o he_o that_o endure_v to_o the_o end_n and_o what_o be_v speak_v here_o of_o live_v by_o faith_n must_v not_o be_v abuse_v to_o soft_a negligence_n in_o well_o do_v or_o bring_v forth_o fruit_n of_o faith_n in_o every_o condition_n or_o to_o hinder_v the_o daily_a exercise_n of_o repentance_n or_o to_o require_v of_o a_o christian_a a_o stoical_a stupidity_n under_o trouble_n but_o the_o thing_n we_o aim_v at_o be_v that_o the_o christian_a in_o all_o cross_a dispensation_n and_o vexation_n endeavour_v by_o faith_n to_o be_v of_o good_a courage_n in_o the_o lord_n and_o endeavour_v to_o draw_v virtue_n from_o christ_n to_o bring_v forth_o fruit_n give_v glory_n to_o he_o whatsoever_o measure_n he_o shall_v bestow_v more_o or_o less_o because_o it_o be_v christ_n who_o be_v make_v unto_o we_o wisdom_n and_o righteousness_n sanctification_n and_o redemption_n and_o in_o he_o alone_o shall_v the_o soul_n of_o the_o afflict_a have_v rest_n matth._n 11._o 24._o chap._n ix_o wherein_o the_o convert_v doubt_v arise_v from_o his_o uncertainty_n as_o what_o time_n he_o be_v convert_v be_v solve_v there_o be_v some_o true_a convert_n who_o after_o they_o have_v pass_v a_o good_a part_n of_o their_o journey_n to_o heaven_n begin_v to_o halt_v and_o make_v slow_a progress_n by_o doubt_v whether_o they_o be_v walk_v in_o the_o true_a convert_n footstep_n or_o whether_o they_o be_v convert_v at_o all_o or_o not_o the_o reason_n of_o their_o doubt_n arise_v from_o this_o that_o in_o conference_n with_o sundry_a of_o the_o saint_n of_o their_o acquaintance_n they_o have_v observe_v that_o every_o one_o of_o they_o can_v design_v the_o time_n of_o their_o conversion_n and_o from_o that_o time_n can_v reckon_v their_o age_n in_o christ_n or_o from_o this_o be_v their_o doubt_n arisen_a that_o in_o the_o treatise_n of_o some_o modern_a writer_n they_o have_v read_v or_o from_o the_o sermon_n of_o some_o well_o esteem_v preacher_n they_o have_v hear_v some_o such_o doctrine_n whereupon_o the_o true_a convert_n fall_v out_o with_o himself_o in_o say_v i_o be_v breed_v and_o bring_v up_o in_o a_o godly_a family_n i_o have_v follow_v the_o exercise_n of_o religion_n after_o hear_v the_o head_n and_o sum_n of_o christian_n religion_n i_o have_v embrace_v the_o truth_n i_o seem_v to_o myself_o to_o believe_v in_o christ_n and_o entertain_v the_o exercise_n of_o repentance_n and_o to_o endeavour_v the_o amendment_n of_o my_o life_n i_o love_v these_o who_o i_o see_v to_o live_v holy_o and_o i_o do_v hate_v the_o way_n of_o the_o profane_a but_o because_o i_o can_v tell_v when_o or_o what_o day_n or_o year_n i_o be_v real_o convert_v as_o i_o know_v sundry_a of_o the_o godly_a of_o my_o acquaintance_n can_v do_v therefore_o i_o doubt_v whether_o my_o conversion_n be_v begin_v or_o not_o but_o mean_a time_n though_o i_o will_v not_o turn_v off_o the_o way_n i_o have_v be_v follow_v yet_o i_o go_v on_o halt_v and_o heartless_a till_o i_o be_v clear_v of_o my_o doubt_n 2._o for_o remove_v this_o doubt_n we_o must_v yield_v this_o far_o to_o the_o afflict_a that_o many_o indeed_o deceive_v themselves_o who_o be_v civil_o educate_v and_o from_o their_o bairn-age_n accustom_v with_o the_o exercise_n of_o religion_n be_v nothing_o beyond_o the_o foolish_a virgin_n and_o do_v rest_v satisfy_v with_o their_o own_o and_o other_o opinion_n of_o themselves_o if_o such_o person_n be_v question_v when_o they_o begin_v to_o repent_v or_o believe_v in_o christ_n it_o be_v true_a they_o can_v design_v the_o time_n when_o they_o be_v unconvert_v but_o have_v still_o be_v please_v and_o be_v please_v with_o their_o own_o estate_n and_o in_o effect_n be_v never_o convert_v but_o it_o be_v no_o less_o true_a on_o the_o other_o hand_n that_o there_o be_v some_o who_o indeed_o be_v renew_v in_o who_o piece_n and_o piece_n without_o any_o notable_a change_n faith_n and_o repentance_n and_o a_o holy_a conversation_n have_v grow_v with_o the_o grow_a knowledge_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o will_v of_o god_n therein_o of_o who_o it_o may_v be_v true_o say_v the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n come_v not_o with_o observation_n of_o who_o it_o be_v say_v mark_n 4._o 26._o so_o be_v the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n as_o if_o a_o man_n shall_v cast_v seed_n into_o the_o ground_n and_o shall_v sleep_v and_o rise_v night_n and_o day_n and_o the_o seed_n shall_v spring_v and_o grow_v up_o he_o know_v not_o how_o but_o to_o solve_v the_o doubt_n it_o matter_n not_o whether_o a_o man_n know_v or_o not_o know_v the_o day_n of_o his_o conversion_n provide_v he_o be_v indeed_o regenerate_v and_o make_v a_o new_a creature_n wherefore_o the_o afflict_a may_v be_v of_o good_a courage_n if_o after_o serious_a examination_n of_o his_o own_o conscience_n he_o be_v humble_v frequent_o in_o the_o sense_n not_o only_o of_o his_o actual_a sin_n and_o short-coming_a of_o his_o duty_n but_o also_o in_o the_o sense_n of_o his_o original_n and_o indwelling_a corruption_n or_o body_n of_o death_n if_o as_o he_o do_v indeed_o loath_a himself_o and_o renounce_v all_o confidence_n in_o his_o best_a work_n so_o he_o serious_o embrace_v the_o impute_a righteousness_n of_o christ_n and_o in_o his_o strength_n by_o faith_n in_o he_o do_v endeavour_n to_o live_v holy_o righteous_o and_o sober_o albeit_o join_v with_o many_o imperfection_n he_o may_v conclude_v he_o be_v regenerate_v for_o if_o these_o three_o be_v join_v in_o he_o in_o any_o measure_n of_o honesty_n he_o need_v not_o be_v anxious_a what_o day_n month_n or_o year_n the_o holy_a spirit_n begin_v to_o work_v these_o thing_n in_o he_o only_o let_v he_o give_v all_o diligence_n to_o grow_v in_o humility_n faith_n and_o new_a obedience_n and_o to_o hold_v on_o this_o way_n whatsoever_o doubt_n or_o impediment_n he_o shall_v meet_v with_o for_o the_o apostle_n exeem_v such_o a_o man_n from_o the_o number_n of_o hypocrite_n and_o unconvert_v phil._n 3._o 3_o we_o say_v he_o be_v the_o circumcision_n or_o the_o christian_a convert_n who_o worship_n god_n in_o the_o spirit_n and_o rejoice_v in_o christ_n jesus_n and_o have_v no_o confidence_n in_o the_o flesh_n chap._n x._o wherein_o be_v solve_v the_o convert_n doubt_v of_o his_o regeneration_n arise_v from_o his_o apprehension_n that_o the_o begin_n of_o the_o change_n of_o his_o life_n be_v not_o from_o the_o sincere_a love_n of_o god_n but_o either_o from_o terror_n or_o self-love_n which_o he_o conceive_v to_o be_v but_o carnal_a some_o true_a convert_n be_v who_o can_v design_v the_o time_n of_o the_o change_n of_o their_o way_n from_o sin_n to_o christ_n and_o to_o a_o holy_a life_n whereof_o they_o have_v not_o only_o the_o church_n they_o live_v in_o but_o also_o their_o own_o conscience_n witness_n yet_o after_o a_o considerable_a time_n do_v fall_n in_o suspicion_n whether_o that_o time_n of_o their_o change_n be_v the_o time_n of_o their_o effectual_a call_n some_o of_o they_o bring_v no_o other_o reason_n of_o their_o doubt_n save_o this_o that_o they_o be_v never_o much_o trouble_v with_o the_o terror_n of_o the_o law_n but_o most_o part_n allure_v to_o draw_v near_o to_o god_n and_o to_o eshew_v the_o way_n of_o sin_v by_o the_o love_n
dissimilitude_n of_o manner_n or_o discrepance_n of_o judgement_n or_o contention_n about_o any_o mater_fw-la than_o partiality_n hinder_v a_o right_a judgement_n one_o of_o another_o and_o affection_n mar_v reason_n many_o time_n that_o it_o can_v discern_v what_o be_v right_a therefore_o let_v the_o person_n afflict_v with_o this_o tentation_n turn_v himself_o to_o god_n who_o search_v the_o reins_n and_o let_v he_o humble_v himself_o in_o his_o sight_n renew_v the_o exercise_n of_o repentance_n and_o faith_n in_o christ_n and_o let_v he_o apply_v to_o himself_o what_o the_o scripture_n do_v pronounce_v of_o these_o who_o in_o the_o sense_n of_o their_o sin_n do_v fly_v to_o christ_n jesus_n that_o in_o he_o they_o may_v have_v remission_n of_o sin_n and_o amendment_n of_o their_o life_n for_o so_o do_v the_o prophet_n in_o the_o whole_a psal._n 17._o when_o he_o have_v to_o do_v with_o his_o uncharitable_a friend_n and_o kinsfolk_n and_o so_o let_v the_o afflict_a do_v chap._n xv._n wherein_o the_o convert_v doubt_v of_o his_o be_v in_o the_o state_n of_o grace_n so_o oft_o as_o he_o do_v not_o feel_v the_o sense_n of_o his_o reconciliation_n with_o god_n be_v examine_v and_o answer_v soâ—e_fw-la true_a convert_n be_v who_o indeed_o be_v endue_v with_o the_o save_a grace_n of_o faith_n hope_n and_o charity_n and_o give_v evident_a proof_n of_o the_o indwelling_a of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n in_o they_o and_o do_v rejoice_v now_o and_o then_o in_o god_n their_o saviour_n when_o his_o love_n to_o they_o be_v shed_v abroad_o in_o their_o heart_n but_o when_o a_o cloud_n come_v over_o their_o eye_n and_o they_o do_v not_o feel_v the_o warm_a beam_n of_o the_o sun_n of_o righteousness_n shine_v in_o their_o soul_n as_o they_o before_o have_v feel_v they_o be_v assault_v with_o doubt_v if_o any_o save_a grace_n be_v in_o they_o at_o all_o and_o do_v entertain_v these_o tentation_n ofttimes_o so_o far_o as_o to_o suspect_v and_o express_v in_o word_n that_o there_o be_v no_o solid_a faith_n in_o themselves_o no_o lively_a hope_n no_o christian_n charity_n no_o mortification_n of_o sin_n no_o purity_n of_o heart_n and_o such_o like_a if_o when_o they_o be_v thus_o tempt_v and_o toss_v they_o lie_v hold_v on_o christ_n as_o in_o their_o first_o conversion_n and_o find_v the_o sensible_a comfort_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n by_o the_o word_n of_o the_o gospel_n apply_v unto_o they_o than_o all_o be_v well_o their_o doubt_v be_v overcome_v for_o the_o time_n they_o rejoice_v and_o praise_n god_n but_o if_o the_o lord_n shall_v delay_v for_o his_o own_o wise_a end_n to_o renew_v their_o sensible_a consolation_n and_o to_o renew_v the_o earnest-penny_n of_o their_o inheritance_n forthwith_o they_o begin_v to_o doubt_v again_o and_o to_o hearken_v to_o satan_n suggestion_n and_o to_o suspect_v that_o their_o former_a feeling_n be_v but_o temporary_a and_o not_o the_o special_a operation_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n and_o at_o length_n break_v forth_o in_o many_o sad_a complaint_n and_o in_o a_o word_n they_o do_v not_o maintain_v the_o work_n of_o save_a grace_n in_o themselves_o long_a than_o the_o sun_n shine_v of_o spiritual_a feel_v consolation_n abide_v with_o they_o and_o albeit_o their_o exercise_n be_v no_o way_n so_o hard_a as_o be_v the_o prophet_n psal._n 77._o yet_o they_o fall_v out_o in_o the_o same_o complaint_n which_o the_o prophet_n express_v ver_fw-la 7_o 8_o 9_o will_v the_o lord_n cast_v off_o for_o ever_o and_o will_v he_o be_v favourable_a no_o more_o be_v his_o mercy_n clean_o go_v for_o ever_o do_v his_o promise_n fail_v for_o evermore_o have_v god_n forget_v to_o be_v gracious_a have_v he_o in_o anger_n shut_v up_o his_o tender_a mercy_n 2._o for_o clear_v of_o this_o case_n two_o disease_n may_v be_v perceive_v in_o the_o afflict_a which_o be_v here_o describe_v the_o one_o be_v this_o the_o afflict_a set_v himself_o to_o live_v rather_o by_o sense_n then_o by_o faith_n and_o do_v put_v his_o faith_n on_o work_n of_o set_a purpose_n that_o he_o may_v obtain_v or_o recover_v consolation_n short_o but_o if_o his_o desire_n be_v not_o short_o grant_v he_o make_v not_o use_v of_o the_o former_o feel_v consolation_n to_o strengthen_v his_o own_o â—aith_n when_o consolation_n be_v withdraw_v the_o other_o sickness_n be_v this_o the_o afflict_a do_v not_o take_v up_o the_o nature_n of_o save_a grace_n nor_o perceive_v the_o beauty_n thereof_o except_o in_o the_o sunshine_n of_o sensible_a divine_a approbation_n thereof_o he_o do_v not_o take_v up_o the_o right_a definition_n or_o description_n of_o save_a grace_n for_o sai_z be_v to_o he_o nothing_o if_o it_o be_v not_o a_o full_a persuasion_n except_o he_o can_v pour_v forth_o tear_n always_o he_o think_v he_o do_v not_o repent_v except_o he_o find_v a_o joyful_a expectation_n of_o christ_n come_v in_o glory_n he_o think_v his_o hope_n not_o lively_a and_o so_o of_o charity_n and_o patience_n temperance_n righteousness_n and_o holiness_n if_o he_o do_v not_o find_v they_o in_o some_o eminent_a measur_n as_o they_o may_v nearâ—by_o stand_v before_o the_o law_n the_o afflict_a of_o who_o we_o be_v now_o speak_v think_v he_o have_v nothing_o of_o save_v grace_n in_o he_o we_o grant_v that_o this_o sickness_n be_v very_o rare_a and_o few_o they_o be_v that_o be_v trouble_v with_o it_o yet_o where_o it_o appear_v it_o must_v be_v speedy_o cure_v but_o with_o great_a circumspection_n cure_v for_o the_o earnest_n desire_v he_o have_v of_o feel_v the_o sweet_a sense_n of_o the_o joy_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n must_v not_o be_v disallow_v but_o commend_v to_o he_o and_o he_o teach_v to_o cry_v as_o it_o be_v say_v cant._n 2._o 5._o stay_v i_o with_o flagon_n comfort_v i_o with_o apple_n for_o i_o be_o sick_a of_o love_n yet_o with_o holy_a submission_n unto_o god_n will_n for_o time_n manner_n and_o measure_n 2._o he_o be_v also_o to_o be_v commend_v that_o in_o his_o trouble_n he_o go_v to_o god_n in_o christ_n not_o altogether_o without_o faith_n which_o he_o put_v forth_o in_o active_a exercise_n thereof_o by_o confession_n of_o sin_n by_o supplication_n and_o otherways_o but_o here_o be_v he_o to_o be_v reprove_v that_o while_o he_o be_v actual_o exercise_v faith_n love_n hope_v etc._n etc._n he_o reckon_v all_o he_o do_v to_o be_v nothing_o no_o faith_n no_o hope_n etc._n etc._n because_o it_o be_v not_o in_o such_o a_o measure_n as_o he_o will_v 3._o he_o be_v to_o be_v commend_v that_o he_o do_v aim_n at_o the_o high_a degree_n of_o faith_n love_n hope_v patience_n mortification_n of_o sin_n and_o practice_n of_o holiness_n and_o all_o command_v virtue_n but_o here_o he_o fail_v that_o he_o count_v all_o as_o nought_o when_o consolation_n and_o sensible_a approbation_n of_o what_o he_o have_v be_v not_o feel_v for_o here_o he_o despise_v the_o day_n of_o small_a thing_n and_o unthankful_o misregardeth_a the_o low_a degree_n of_o these_o save_a grace_n which_o notwithstanding_o be_v buy_v to_o the_o redeem_v by_o the_o same_o price_n wherewith_o the_o high_a degree_n be_v buy_v to_o wit_n with_o the_o precious_a blood_n of_o jesus_n christ._n 3._o wherefore_o let_v the_o afflict_a consider_v first_o that_o the_o will_n of_o god_n reveal_v require_v of_o we_o that_o we_o walk_v by_o faith_n and_o under_o the_o sense_n of_o our_o sinfulness_n and_o affliction_n whatsoever_o hold_v fast_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n in_o christ_n jesus_n and_o by_o adhere_v unto_o he_o hold_v up_o our_o heart_n and_o entertain_v spiritual_a life_n in_o we_o second_o let_v he_o consider_v that_o this_o way_n of_o live_v by_o faith_n and_o dependence_n on_o the_o word_n of_o god_n grace_n do_v please_v the_o lord_n well_o for_o without_o faith_n it_o be_v impossible_a to_o please_v he_o and_o thus_o live_v by_o faith_n in_o he_o do_v give_v more_o glory_n of_o truth_n grace_n mercy_n and_o constancy_n unto_o god_n then_o when_o we_o suspend_v the_o glorify_v of_o he_o till_o we_o find_v the_o sense_n of_o consolation_n from_o he_o for_o if_o we_o believe_v in_o god_n only_o because_o we_o find_v the_o consolation_n of_o his_o spirit_n our_o faith_n in_o that_o case_n be_v weak_a and_o lean_v more_o upon_o the_o pledge_n and_o sensible_a evidence_n of_o his_o truth_n bestow_v upon_o we_o then_o upon_o his_o promise_n without_o a_o pledge_n for_o no_o man_n will_v refuse_v to_o give_v credit_n to_o a_o man_n upon_o a_o pawn_n but_o god_n be_v worthy_a to_o be_v credit_v upon_o his_o word_n without_o a_o pawn_n yea_o when_o his_o dispensation_n seem_v contrary_a to_o his_o promise_n three_o let_v he_o consider_v that_o the_o lord_n use_v to_o give_v sensible_a consolation_n not_o only_o to_o help_v our_o faith_n in_o the_o time_n of_o consolation_n but_o also_o to_o help_v our_o
not_o please_v god_n now_o it_o be_v a_o act_n of_o injustice_n not_o to_o give_v unto_o god_n the_o praise_n of_o every_o good_a thing_n in_o a_o man_n especial_o when_o the_o man_n be_v find_v to_o be_v cast_v down_o in_o himself_o and_o to_o be_v thirst_v in_o his_o soul_n for_o a_o more_o intimate_fw-la communion_n with_o christ_n as_o be_v presuppose_v in_o this_o case_n 3._o the_o second_o cause_n be_v or_o may_v be_v this_o that_o the_o afflict_a albeit_o he_o have_v have_v oft_o time_n sweet_a and_o sensible_a consolation_n and_o confirmation_n of_o the_o promise_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o have_v thereby_o be_v put_v out_o of_o doubt_n of_o his_o adoption_n for_o the_o time_n yet_o when_o new_a temptation_n do_v arise_v according_a to_o what_o be_v expedient_a for_o the_o exercise_n of_o his_o faith_n because_o the_o same_o sweetness_n be_v not_o feel_v but_o heaviness_n for_o the_o while_n 1_o pet._n 1._o 6_o 7._o he_o forget_v the_o consolation_n he_o have_v have_v or_o suffer_v they_o to_o be_v call_v in_o question_n for_o remove_v whereof_o whensoever_o the_o afflict_a be_v cut_v short_a in_o the_o point_n of_o sense_n or_o sensible_a consolation_n let_v he_o then_o strive_v to_o abound_v in_o the_o work_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o not_o slacken_v his_o hand_n in_o the_o exercise_n of_o religion_n and_o of_o his_o lawful_a call_n and_o his_o endeavour_n to_o please_v god_n in_o all_o thing_n for_o see_v the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n embrace_v be_v a_o firm_a and_o solid_a ground_n for_o â—aith_n to_o fix_v upon_o albeit_o full_a persuasion_n and_o victorious_a consolation_n be_v neither_o at_o all_o or_o but_o very_o rare_o â—elt_v in_o this_o life_n the_o afflict_a who_o we_o have_v to_o speak_v to_o here_o have_v no_o cause_n to_o stumble_v but_o reason_n to_o bless_v god_n who_o have_v in_o any_o measure_n at_o any_o time_n comfort_v he_o by_o the_o gospel_n for_o that_o condition_n which_o the_o afflict_a wish_v for_o be_v reserve_v unto_o we_o in_o heaven_n and_o promise_n such_o as_o be_v make_v to_o the_o meek_a and_o merciful_a mat._n 5._o which_o qualify_v promise_n they_o look_v upon_o as_o conditional_a exclude_v they_o as_o they_o conceive_v who_o do_v not_o find_v in_o themselves_o such_o qualification_n and_o partly_o because_o they_o be_v not_o clear_a about_o their_o right_n to_o receive_v the_o offer_n of_o the_o gospel_n because_o they_o want_v as_o they_o conceive_v fitness_n in_o themselves_o to_o receive_v the_o same_o and_o thus_o be_v they_o ofttimes_o vex_v with_o doubt_n whether_o they_o be_v in_o the_o state_n of_o grace_n or_o not_o 2._o for_o louse_v of_o this_o doubt_n sundry_a thing_n be_v already_o say_v by_o the_o way_n in_o answer_v other_o doubtful_a case_n but_o because_o many_o do_v meet_v with_o this_o difficulty_n we_o shall_v speak_v a_o little_a more_o particular_o to_o the_o case_n and_o first_o it_o be_v needful_a that_o the_o afflict_a be_v confirm_v about_o that_o which_o be_v right_a in_o he_o that_o the_o thing_n which_o remain_v and_o be_v ready_a to_o die_v may_v be_v strengthen_v to_o this_o intent_n we_o commend_v the_o afflict_a that_o be_v sensible_a of_o sin_n and_o fear_v for-wrath_n he_o have_v flee_v unto_o christ_n for_o refuge_n next_o we_o commend_v he_o that_o he_o have_v begin_v to_o give_v new_a obedience_n to_o god_n law_n and_o do_v purpose_n to_o follow_v on_o as_o he_o shall_v be_v enable_v and_o three_o we_o commend_v he_o that_o albeit_o he_o can_v attain_v that_o near_a conjunction_n with_o christ_n which_o he_o will_v yet_o he_o neither_o will_v nor_o dare_v forsake_v christ_n not_o put_v himself_o out_o of_o the_o number_n of_o weak_a believer_n in_o christ_n for_o he_o have_v say_v in_o his_o heart_n with_o peter_n joh._n 6._o 68_o to_o who_o shall_v i_o go_v for_o christ_n have_v the_o word_n of_o eternal_a life_n hitherto_o all_o be_v right_a and_o the_o afflict_a must_v resolve_v to_o cleave_v close_o to_o this_o foundation_n because_o christ_n have_v say_v joh._n 6._o 37._o these_o that_o come_v unto_o i_o i_o will_v in_o no_o case_n cast_v out_o 3._o for_o his_o doubt_n arise_v from_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o promise_n absolute_a conditional_a and_o qualify_v look_v upon_o by_o he_o as_o if_o they_o be_v conditional_a we_o answer_v â—_o that_o these_o qualify_a promise_n have_v some_o mark_n in_o they_o of_o true_a believer_n be_v not_o exclusive_a of_o these_o believer_n who_o find_v in_o themselves_o a_o defect_n of_o the_o qualification_n but_o they_o be_v inductive_a unto_o all_o believer_n to_o study_v the_o attain_n of_o that_o qualification_n and_o be_v corroborative_n of_o these_o beliver_v who_o find_v in_o any_o sensible_a measure_n these_o qualification_n for_o example_n promise_v make_v to_o the_o merciful_a to_o the_o peacemaker_n to_o the_o upright_a in_o heart_n do_v not_o exclude_v these_o who_o find_v themselves_o short_a in_o these_o grace_n and_o yet_o be_v hungry_a and_o thirsty_a for_o righteousness_n yet_o be_v poor_a and_o indigent_a of_o all_o good_a in_o themselves_o and_o daily_a beggar_n at_o the_o throne_n of_o grace_n for_o what_o they_o want_v mat._n 5._o for_o these_o qualification_n find_v in_o a_o weak_a believer_n be_v sign_n and_o effect_n of_o sound_a faith_n in_o they_o and_o we_o must_v grant_v that_o of_o these_o grace_n specify_v in_o these_o qualify_a promise_n some_o of_o they_o be_v more_o eminent_a in_o some_o of_o the_o saint_n and_o other_o some_o of_o they_o more_o eminent_o see_v and_o feel_v in_o other_o some_o of_o the_o saint_n and_o in_o the_o same_o person_n one_o of_o these_o qualification_n may_v sometime_o shine_v more_o clear_o and_o at_o another_o time_n by_o some_o tentation_n or_o mistake_v be_v overclouded_n and_o not_o shine_v so_o clear_o as_o before_o yet_o the_o qualification_n be_v comfortable_a to_o all_o they_o who_o find_v the_o same_o in_o themselves_o and_o be_v inductive_a to_o make_v every_o believer_n to_o aim_v to_o excel_v in_o these_o grace_n and_o so_o to_o confirm_v their_o own_o faith_n more_o and_o more_o as_o 2_o pet._n 1._o 4_o 5_o 6_o 7._o we_o be_v exhort_v again_o these_o qualification_n be_v sign_n of_o a_o believer_n already_o enter_v in_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n by_o faith_n in_o christ_n and_o begin_v to_o bring_v forth_o good_a fruit_n but_o they_o be_v not_o the_o condition_n of_o enter_v into_o the_o covenant_n for_o than_o none_o can_v enter_v in_o covenant_n till_o first_o these_o qualification_n in_o exercise_n be_v sound_a in_o they_o and_o that_o be_v to_o disannul_a the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n and_o to_o set_v up_o a_o sort_n of_o covenant_n of_o work_n for_o there_o be_v not_o another_o condition_n of_o enter_v in_o the_o covenant_n but_o faith_n in_o christ_n only_o whereby_o the_o humble_a sinner_n renounce_v all_o confidence_n in_o any_o good_a in_o himself_o or_o from_o himself_o do_v betake_v himself_o whole_o to_o the_o grace_n offer_v in_o jesus_n christ_n in_o who_o perfect_a righteousness_n be_v to_o be_v find_v now_o unto_o the_o man_n who_o shall_v believe_v in_o christ_n all_o the_o promise_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v make_v upon_o this_o condition_n that_o he_o do_v believe_v in_o jesus_n christ_n which_o condition_n of_o presuppose_v the_o afflict_a shall_v have_v what_o he_o wish_v consolation_n always_o run_v like_o a_o river_n where_o be_v place_n for_o try_v exercise_v and_o train_n of_o he_o in_o his_o faith_n but_o let_v he_o work_v and_o wrestle_v on_o and_o among_o hand_n he_o shall_v have_v as_o much_o peace_n as_o may_v suffice_v a_o pilgrim_n 4._o the_o three_o cause_n be_v or_o may_v be_v this_o that_o the_o afflict_a have_v grieve_v the_o spirit_n of_o god_n either_o by_o ascribe_v his_o gracious_a operation_n to_o some_o other_o cause_n then_o grace_n or_o count_v his_o consolation_n to_o be_v but_o flash_n and_o like_v unto_o delusion_n or_o that_o the_o afflict_a by_o corrupt_a communication_n or_o gross_a offence_n have_v provoke_v god_n to_o anger_n as_o befall_v david_n psal._n 51._o for_o remove_v of_o this_o cause_n whether_o the_o sin_n of_o the_o afflict_a have_v be_v more_o or_o less_o provoke_v let_v he_o with_o david_n ps._n 51._o renew_v the_o exercise_n of_o repentance_n and_o faith_n in_o god_n mercy_n who_o only_o can_v renew_v a_o right_a spirit_n in_o he_o or_o rather_o restore_v he_o to_o the_o formerly-felt_a consolation_n and_o joy_n of_o his_o spirit_n and_o let_v he_o walk_v more_o wary_o hereafter_o that_o he_o provoke_v not_o to_o wrath_n so_o merciful_a a_o father_n 5._o the_o four_o cause_n be_v or_o may_v be_v this_o that_o the_o afflict_a albeit_o he_o have_v consent_v to_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n and_o have_v embrace_v christ_n jesus_n offer_v in_o the_o evangel_n yet_o he_o do_v not_o
himself_o some_o true_a convert_n judge_v their_o state_n by_o some_o false_a rule_n do_v not_o only_o torment_v themselves_o but_o also_o so_o far_o as_o in_o they_o lie_v by_o pronounce_v false_a sentence_n of_o their_o own_o state_n go_v about_o to_o extinguish_v the_o spunk_n of_o piety_n which_o be_v in_o they_o the_o false_a rule_n whereby_o they_o do_v judge_v themselves_o be_v strengthen_v by_o a_o groundless_a persuasion_n that_o it_o be_v a_o true_a and_o sure_a rule_n and_o ordinary_o when_o they_o think_v or_o speak_v of_o it_o they_o prefix_v no_o reason_n for_o it_o but_o some_o confident_a asseveration_n such_o as_o without_o doubt_n it_o be_v most_o certain_a and_o i_o be_o persuade_v of_o it_o and_o such_o like_a if_o i_o be_v regenerate_v and_o true_o convert_v without_o doubt_n i_o shall_v be_v in_o a_o better_a disposition_n than_o i_o be_o i_o shall_v love_v the_o lord_n more_o fervent_o i_o shall_v understand_v the_o mystery_n of_o god_n word_n more_o clear_o i_o shall_v not_o be_v so_o little_o affect_v with_o the_o sense_n of_o god_n benefit_n bestow_v on_o i_o i_o shall_v not_o go_v so_o light_o under_o the_o conviction_n of_o so_o many_o sin_n against_o god_n as_o i_o feel_v in_o i_o i_o shall_v be_v more_o diligent_a in_o the_o work_n of_o the_o lord_n in_o my_o call_n i_o shall_v walk_v more_o humble_o and_o circumspect_o in_o all_o my_o conversation_n and_o such_o like_a many_o expression_n the_o same_o course_n do_v the_o afflict_a follow_n in_o his_o examination_n of_o the_o operation_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n and_o of_o every_o christian_a virtue_n in_o himself_o without_o doubt_n say_v he_o if_o this_o be_v true_o as_o a_o christian_a virtue_n in_o i_o there_o will_v not_o be_v such_o a_o disposition_n as_o i_o find_v in_o i_o my_o condition_n shall_v be_v such_o and_o such_o as_o become_v a_o new_a creature_n which_o because_o i_o do_v not_o find_v in_o i_o i_o have_v just_a reason_n to_o call_v in_o question_n my_o conversion_n and_o here_o be_v a_o port_n open_v for_o satan_n to_o enter_v at_o and_o to_o throw_v all_o his_o fiery_a dart_n at_o the_o miserable_a soul_n of_o the_o weak_a convert_n whence_o many_o complaint_n do_v break_v forth_o and_o thanksgiving_n for_o mercy_n receive_v and_o for_o the_o time_n enjoy_v be_v break_v off_o and_o cease_v and_o partly_o through_o diffidence_n partly_o through_o murmur_v the_o spirit_n of_o the_o lord_n be_v provoke_v to_o wrath_n 2._o we_o grant_v that_o this_o be_v a_o dangerous_a evil_a not_o only_o to_o the_o person_n afflict_v but_o also_o to_o such_o as_o be_v familiar_o acquaint_v with_o his_o condition_n because_o this_o disease_n ready_o do_v infect_v other_o as_o it_o come_v to_o pass_v in_o the_o camp_n of_o israel_n where_o the_o murmur_a of_o some_o set_v the_o body_n of_o the_o army_n on_o a_o mutiny_n against_o god_n for_o one_o that_o be_v weak_a in_o the_o faith_n when_o he_o hear_v such_o complaint_n in_o the_o mouth_n of_o one_o who_o he_o judge_v to_o be_v holy_a than_o himself_o incontinent_a he_o fall_v on_o complain_v of_o his_o own_o state_n say_v that_o he_o have_v more_o weighty_a reason_n to_o suspect_v the_o soundness_n of_o his_o conversion_n than_o the_o person_n have_v who_o he_o have_v hear_v suspect_v his_o be_v in_o the_o state_n of_o grace_n 3._o wherefore_o let_v the_o afflict_a before_o he_o shall_v vent_v his_o suspicion_n of_o his_o state_n examine_v the_o rule_n whereby_o he_o have_v pass_v sentence_n on_o himself_o whether_o he_o can_v make_v it_o good_a from_o the_o scripture_n for_o it_o be_v not_o sufficient_a to_o say_v without_o doubt_n and_o i_o be_o persuade_v it_o be_v true_a except_o it_o can_v be_v confirm_v by_o the_o infallible_a warrant_n of_o god_n word_n and_o let_v his_o friend_n who_o shall_v hear_v his_o complaint_n express_o require_v a_o reason_n of_o his_o confidence_n that_o such_o a_o rule_n be_v clear_a from_o scripture_n and_o that_o the_o application_n thereof_o be_v make_v righteous_o which_o if_o he_o can_v prove_v otherways_o then_o satan_n do_v enforce_v his_o tentation_n that_o be_v either_o without_o scripture_n or_o by_o abuse_v scripture_n contrary_n to_o the_o intent_n thereof_o let_v he_o acknowledge_v his_o readiness_n to_o misbelieve_v and_o disobey_v the_o word_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o to_o hearken_v to_o satan_n tentation_n to_o the_o weaken_n of_o his_o own_o faith_n and_o hinder_v of_o his_o cheerful_a obedience_n to_o the_o lord_n command_n and_o because_o such_o question-making_a of_o be_v in_o the_o state_n of_o grace_n be_v ofttimes_o very_o inconsiderat_o utter_v even_o before_o they_o who_o do_v not_o allow_v the_o complainer_n misconstruction_n of_o his_o state_n or_o if_o they_o shall_v allow_v it_o and_o say_v to_o the_o complainer_n that_o they_o believe_v that_o suspicion_n of_o his_o state_n be_v very_o just_a it_o shall_v grieve_v the_o complainer_n more_o than_o the_o doubt_n itself_o therefore_o let_v the_o afflict_v neither_o hearken_v to_o the_o suspicion_n nor_o vent_v it_o when_o it_o be_v strong_o suggest_v but_o let_v he_o humble_v himself_o before_o christ_n because_o of_o these_o defect_n and_o want_n of_o such_o evidence_n of_o save_a grace_n as_o he_o will_v have_v and_o in_o the_o sense_n of_o these_o want_n let_v he_o cleave_v close_o to_o christ_n for_o cover_v his_o nakedness_n and_o earnest_o endeavour_v by_o faith_n in_o christ_n to_o be_v make_v more_o and_o more_o conform_a to_o the_o examplar_n of_o holiness_n hold_v forth_o in_o the_o scripture_n chap._n xxiv_o wherein_o be_v solve_v the_o convert_n doubt_v of_o his_o own_o conversion_n because_o he_o have_v find_v the_o deceitfulness_n of_o his_o own_o heart_n and_o dare_v not_o trust_v it_o any_o more_o some_o sincere_a convert_n who_o upright_o do_v serve_v christ_n and_o adhere_v unto_o he_o by_o faith_n when_o they_o consider_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o deceitfulness_n of_o the_o heart_n of_o man_n and_o how_o many_o be_v deceive_v by_o trust_v to_o the_o testimony_n of_o their_o own_o heart_n concern_v their_o regeneration_n and_o justification_n do_v begin_v to_o call_v in_o question_n all_o the_o work_n of_o their_o own_o conversion_n and_o do_v fear_n lest_o they_o be_v find_v in_o the_o number_n of_o the_o fine_a sort_n of_o hypocrite_n who_o deceive_v both_o themselves_o and_o other_o have_v nothing_o in_o they_o but_o a_o civil_a life_n and_o form_n of_o religion_n without_o the_o power_n of_o godliness_n and_o do_v sleep_n to_o death_n in_o security_n of_o which_o sort_n our_o lord_n jesus_n forewarn_v that_o not_o only_o private_a person_n but_o also_o many_o preacher_n shall_v be_v find_v mat._n 7._o 22._o of_o who_o we_o may_v suppone_v that_o they_o be_v not_o conscious_a of_o open_a and_o gross_a wickedness_n but_o be_v of_o a_o blameless_a carriage_n before_o the_o world_n profess_v the_o christian_a faith_n and_o teach_v other_o to_o believe_v in_o christ_n and_o doubt_v nothing_o but_o christ_n shall_v judge_v of_o they_o as_o real_a saint_n to_o who_o for_o all_o that_o christ_n shall_v one_o day_n say_v depart_v from_o i_o you_o worker_n of_o iniquity_n i_o never_o know_v you_o it_o be_v certain_a that_o such_o man_n have_v be_v deceive_v by_o their_o own_o heart_n which_o when_o the_o afflict_a do_v consider_v he_o stand_v astonish_v and_o tremble_v for_o fear_n say_v with_o himself_o what_o shall_v i_o think_v of_o my_o former_a opinion_n of_o my_o blessed_a state_n i_o fear_v my_o heart_n have_v deceive_v i_o as_o other_o of_o great_a gift_n and_o better_a life_n have_v be_v deceive_v by_o their_o own_o heart_n 2._o this_o be_v a_o doubt_n which_o have_v need_n to_o be_v solve_v but_o neither_o this_o nor_o any_o other_o doubt_n can_v be_v solid_o and_o effectual_o solve_v by_o any_o mean_a except_o the_o holy_a spirit_n give_v a_o blessing_n to_o the_o mean_n for_o it_o be_v certain_a that_o there_o be_v many_o who_o be_v religious_o educat_fw-la and_o free_a from_o gross_a vice_n do_v not_o repent_v of_o their_o sin_n be_v not_o touch_v with_o the_o sense_n of_o their_o original_a sin_n and_o corrupt_v lust_n but_o without_o take_v any_o burden_n on_o their_o conscience_n for_o these_o do_v pass_v by_o their_o time_n well_o please_v with_o their_o own_o estate_n some_o also_o there_o be_v who_o have_v fall_v in_o gross_a and_o scandalous_a sin_n do_v find_v for_o some_o time_n remorse_n of_o conscience_n for_o these_o gross_a sin_n but_o for_o their_o other_o sin_n beside_o those_o and_o for_o their_o inborn_a corruption_n be_v not_o careful_a think_v it_o sufficient_a if_o thereafter_o they_o do_v not_o fall_v in_o such_o gross_a fault_n the_o first_o sort_n of_o man_n do_v deceive_v themselves_o think_v they_o have_v little_a to_o repent_v ofâ—_n in_o regard_n they_o be_v
free_a of_o gross_a out-breaking_n this_o last_o sort_n deceive_v themselves_o also_o because_o they_o esteem_v their_o natural_a sorrow_n for_o such_o sin_n as_o be_v gross_a and_o scandalous_a to_o be_v true_a repentance_n albeit_o they_o be_v not_o humble_v for_o the_o fountain_n of_o these_o out-breaking_n to_o wit_n their_o inborn_a corruption_n of_o nature_n and_o filthy_a concupiscence_n and_o the_o daily_a out-breaking_n thereof_o to_o the_o pollute_v of_o their_o spirit_n whereof_o they_o do_v take_v little_a or_o no_o notice_n many_o also_o there_o be_v who_o deceive_v themselves_o esteem_v the_o outward_a exercise_n of_o religion_n and_o some_o work_n in_o themselves_o commendable_a to_o be_v sufficient_a fruit_n and_o evidence_n of_o their_o faith_n in_o christ_n and_o of_o their_o regeneration_n albeit_o they_o have_v not_o as_o yet_o flee_v to_o christ_n sincere_o neither_o ever_o put_v a_o right_a estimation_n upon_o the_o impute_a righteousness_n of_o christ._n such_o man_n when_o they_o shall_v renounce_v all_o confidence_n in_o their_o own_o work_n and_o in_o the_o sense_n of_o their_o sinfulness_n fly_v unto_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n offer_v in_o christ_n that_o in_o he_o they_o may_v have_v remission_n of_o sin_n and_o from_o he_o by_o faith_n draw_v strength_n and_o ability_n to_o bring_v forth_o good_a work_n they_o run_v a_o contrary_a course_n for_o in_o the_o confidence_n of_o their_o own_o strength_n they_o go_v about_o sundry_a duty_n towards_o man_n and_o exercise_n of_o religion_n towards_o god_n trust_v in_o those_o work_n as_o if_o by_o work_v they_o be_v to_o be_v justify_v therefore_o just_o shall_v christ_n say_v unto_o they_o depart_v from_o i_o you_o worker_n of_o iniquity_n i_o never_o know_v you_o such_o be_v many_o of_o the_o israelit_n who_o be_v ignorant_a of_o the_o righteousness_n of_o god_n go_v about_o to_o establish_v their_o own_o righteousness_n these_o thing_n when_o one_o weak_a in_o faith_n do_v consider_v no_o wonder_n he_o be_v trouble_v and_o be_v afraid_a lest_o he_o deceive_v himself_o and_o perish_v as_o other_o have_v do_v 3._o this_o be_v a_o dangerous_a disease_n and_o so_o long_o as_o it_o be_v not_o cure_v it_o hinder_v much_o the_o tender_a beginning_n of_o the_o new_a creature_n that_o it_o can_v come_v up_o to_o manly_a strength_n first_o therefore_o let_v the_o afflict_a wise_o examine_v the_o course_n of_o his_o bygone_a life_n lest_o he_o either_o absolve_v or_o condemn_v himself_o rash_o and_o let_v he_o beware_v lest_o he_o esteem_v the_o worse_a of_o the_o evidence_n of_o a_o new_a creature_n and_o the_o fruit_n of_o faith_n because_o these_o that_o look_v to_o be_v justify_v by_o their_o work_n can_v produce_v the_o like_a work_n second_o let_v the_o afflict_a call_n to_o mind_n whether_o in_o the_o begin_n of_o the_o reformation_n of_o his_o life_n the_o law_n as_o a_o pedagogue_n do_v lead_v he_o unto_o christ_n and_o whether_o since_o that_o time_n the_o law_n do_v daily_o put_v he_o on_o and_o force_v he_o to_o â—lye_v to_o christ_n and_o to_o embrace_v christ_n and_o his_o righteousness_n and_o have_v make_v he_o to_o study_v obedience_n to_o the_o law_n out_o of_o love_n to_o god_n so_o much_o the_o more_o careful_o as_o he_o perceive_v himself_o oblige_v thankful_o to_o acknowledge_v grace_n grant_v in_o christ_n to_o he_o for_o if_o any_o measure_n of_o the_o daily_a exercise_n of_o repentance_n if_o any_o measure_n of_o love_n to_o christ_n and_o any_o measure_n of_o endeavour_n of_o new_a obedience_n be_v find_v after_o examination_n in_o the_o person_n afflict_v out_o of_o doubt_v the_o ground_n be_v lay_v solid_o of_o his_o salvation_n out_o of_o doubt_n he_o have_v a_o evidence_n of_o the_o work_n of_o grace_n by_o the_o operation_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n in_o himself_o 4._o if_o in_o this_o examination_n the_o afflict_a be_v not_o clear_a but_o the_o doubt_n do_v yet_o stick_v because_o of_o the_o suspicion_n he_o have_v of_o the_o feel_a deceitfulness_n of_o his_o own_o heart_n we_o offer_v unto_o he_o this_o counsel_n that_o he_o quick_o humble_a himself_o before_o god_n and_o do_v ingenuous_o acknowledge_v the_o native_a perverseness_n and_o deceitfulness_n of_o his_o heart_n and_o for_o that_o very_a reason_n let_v he_o embrace_v christ_n the_o redeemer_n in_o the_o arm_n of_o faith_n offer_v himself_o to_o every_o condemn_a sinner_n and_o let_v he_o thank_v god_n who_o have_v decipher_v unto_o he_o this_o deceitfulness_n of_o his_o heart_n and_o offer_v christ_n unto_o he_o for_o the_o true_a remedy_n of_o this_o and_o every_o other_o sinful_a malady_n and_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n let_v he_o put_v a_o difference_n between_o himself_o and_o a_o hypocrite_n in_o who_o the_o deceit_n of_o the_o heart_n be_v neither_o acknowledge_v nor_o see_v but_o foster_v and_o defend_v for_o a_o close_a hypocrite_n after_o hear_v of_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o deceitfulness_n of_o the_o heart_n will_v stand_v to_o the_o defend_n of_o his_o own_o sincerity_n and_o will_v take_v it_o hardly_o if_o any_o man_n labour_n to_o convince_v he_o of_o any_o measure_n of_o hypocrisy_n but_o a_o true_a convert_n or_o regenerate_a person_n will_v not_o deny_v but_o much_o hypocrisy_n may_v be_v find_v in_o he_o and_o albeit_o he_o be_v sorrowful_a that_o this_o deceitfulness_n of_o heart_n have_v have_v lodging_n in_o he_o and_o lurk_v too_o long_o yet_o be_v he_o willing_a and_o glad_a to_o have_v this_o evil_n more_o and_o more_o discover_v unto_o he_o and_o hearty_o do_v he_o deliver_v up_o this_o traitor_n to_o christ_n to_o be_v mortify_v and_o abolish_v by_o his_o spirit_n 5._o but_o if_o the_o afflict_v can_v be_v quiet_a and_o satisfy_v still_o fear_v and_o suspect_v he_o be_v find_v a_o man_n unrenewed_a and_o that_o for_o the_o run_a issue_n of_o this_o filthy_a boil_v open_v up_o to_o he_o by_o the_o sword_n of_o the_o spirit_n let_v he_o beware_v that_o he_o pass_v not_o permptor_n sentence_n against_o himself_o that_o he_o do_v not_o conclude_v himself_o to_o be_v a_o man_n altogether_o in_o the_o bond_n of_o iniquity_n but_o let_v he_o suspend_v for_o a_o time_n the_o disputation_n and_o do_v that_o which_o be_v allow_v unto_o every_o self-condemned_n man_n in_o the_o begin_n of_o his_o conversion_n that_o be_v quick_o let_v he_o fly_v unto_o christ_n for_o remission_n of_o sin_n let_v he_o lay_v hold_n on_o that_o righteousness_n purchase_v by_o he_o and_o the_o more_o he_o fear_v to_o find_v god_n a_o severe_a judge_n let_v he_o the_o more_o firm_o lie_v hold_v on_o jesus_n christ_n the_o mediator_n who_o justify_v the_o ungodly_a by_o faith_n this_o be_v the_o only_a solid_a way_n to_o persevere_v in_o faith_n to_o overcome_v satan_n to_o solve_v doubt_n to_o resist_v temptation_n and_o to_o cure_v the_o wound_n make_v by_o satan_n fiery_a dart_n for_o unto_o that_o man_n who_o in_o the_o sense_n of_o his_o sin_n and_o ill_a deserve_n and_o inability_n to_o help_v himself_o do_v fly_v unto_o christ_n it_o shall_v never_o be_v say_v by_o christ_n depart_v from_o i_o i_o never_o know_v thou_o 6._o now_o when_o the_o person_n afflict_v have_v of_o new_a lay_v hold_n on_o christ_n and_o guard_v the_o fortress_n of_o faith_n and_o repulse_v the_o tempter_n who_o by_o all_o mean_n and_o special_o by_o quarrel_v and_o question_v the_o bypass_a work_n of_o grace_n in_o he_o have_v labour_v to_o weaken_v and_o overturn_v his_o faith_n for_o bygones_a and_o for_o the_o present_a also_o lest_o it_o shall_v convalesce_v and_o grow_v strong_a for_o time_n to_o come_v now_o i_o say_v let_v the_o afflict_a after_o victory_n return_v to_o the_o dispute_n and_o to_o the_o examination_n of_o his_o state_n in_o grace_n of_o his_o faith_n in_o christ_n and_o of_o his_o regeneration_n and_o he_o shall_v see_v all_o the_o begin_v save_v grace_n which_o be_v darken_v by_o temptation_n clear_o appear_v and_o shall_v perceive_v the_o several_a step_n and_o degree_n of_o god_n grace_n towards_o he_o in_o former_a time_n more_o evident_o than_o he_o can_v discern_v they_o in_o the_o hour_n of_o darkness_n and_o temptation_n and_o so_o he_o shall_v return_v from_o this_o battle_n strongerin_o faith_n then_o he_o be_v before_o and_o more_o persuade_v of_o the_o work_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n in_o he_o than_o he_o be_v before_o the_o temptation_n chap._n xxv_o wherein_o be_v solve_v the_o doubt_n of_o the_o true_a convert_v conversion_n arise_v from_o his_o breach_n of_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n as_o he_o conceive_v there_o be_v some_o sincere_a convert_n who_o albeit_o they_o do_v not_o doubt_v but_o penitent_n fly_v to_o christ_n be_v receive_v in_o favour_n with_o god_n be_v justify_v from_o their_o sin_n and_o do_v obtain_v right_a unto_o all_o the_o privilege_n of_o the_o saint_n yet_o they_o doubt_v
from_o he_o in_o fatherly_a wrath_n yet_o must_v he_o not_o yield_v to_o the_o weaken_n of_o his_o faith_n but_o rather_o yet_o more_o humble_a himself_o in_o the_o sense_n of_o his_o sin_n which_o have_v stir_v up_o wrath_n against_o he_o and_o fly_v in_o to_o christ_n and_o lie_v hold_v more_o close_o upon_o his_o grace_n because_o god_n be_v offend_v be_v not_o pacify_v nor_o please_v save_v only_o by_o fly_v in_o tâ—_n jesus_n christ._n quest._n ii_o q._n but_o what_o will_v you_o say_v unto_o they_o who_o confidence_n be_v weaken_v whether_o they_o will_v or_o not_o whensoever_o they_o apprehend_v god_n angry_a against_o they_o and_o especial_o when_o they_o feel_v that_o god_n be_v provoke_v just_o remove_v gift_n and_o benefit_n comfortable_a from_o they_o ans._n it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v doubt_v that_o the_o confidence_n of_o many_o true_a convert_n be_v shake_v and_o weaken_v in_o this_o case_n but_o the_o question_n be_v what_o shall_v be_v say_v unto_o they_o we_o answer_v that_o they_o must_v acknowledge_v that_o they_o have_v lean_v too_o much_o upon_o these_o carnal_a prop_n the_o fail_v whereof_o make_v they_o to_o fall_v 2._o let_v they_o be_v humble_v yet_o more_o because_o of_o such_o sin_n as_o have_v provoke_v god_n to_o change_v his_o dispensation_n towards_o they_o 3._o let_v they_o lean_v more_o upon_o the_o only_a rock_n of_o free_a grace_n in_o jesus_n christ_n offer_v in_o the_o gospel_n for_o the_o comfort_n and_o relief_n of_o all_o those_o who_o in_o the_o sense_n of_o sin_n and_o unworthiness_n in_o the_o sense_n of_o their_o ill_a deserve_n and_o of_o any_o measure_n of_o apparent_a fatherly_a wrath_n that_o hereafter_o however_o it_o fair_a with_o they_o they_o may_v rely_v upon_o jesus_n christ_n who_o be_v the_o only_a foundation_n to_o build_v ourselves_o upon_o and_o who_o grace_n be_v sufficient_a to_o help_v and_o uphold_v they_o who_o have_v their_o recourse_n unto_o he_o in_o every_o condition_n whether_o it_o be_v adversity_n or_o prosperity_n quest._n iii_o q._n albeit_o common_a benefit_n be_v not_o sufficient_a evidence_n of_o god_n favour_n yet_o new_a obedience_n of_o faith_n and_o fruit_n of_o the_o spirit_n be_v sure_a sign_n of_o god_n special_a favour_n bestow_v only_o on_o the_o elect_a see_v then_o as_o these_o sign_n when_o they_o be_v present_a serve_v much_o for_o the_o strengthen_n of_o faith_n so_o also_o when_o they_o be_v amiss_v have_v as_o great_a force_n of_o reason_n to_o debilitat_fw-la faith_n yea_o see_v faith_n without_o fruit_n be_v dead_a may_v it_o not_o be_v conclude_v where_o no_o fruit_n be_v no_o faith_n be_v ans._n if_o the_o question_n be_v of_o the_o universal_a want_n of_o all_o fruit_n of_o faith_n such_o as_o be_v to_o be_v find_v in_o all_o unrenewed_a man_n who_o fruit_n can_v be_v good_a so_o long_o as_o the_o tree_n be_v evil_a who_o seem_a service_n can_v be_v acceptable_a so_o long_o as_o they_o remain_v unreconciled_a to_o god_n through_o christ_n let_v the_o question_n be_v yield_v unto_o but_o we_o be_v speak_v of_o the_o true_a convert_n in_o who_o there_o be_v a_o miss_v of_o the_o measure_n of_o former_o feel_v fruit_n and_o that_o in_o the_o time_n present_a wherein_o by_o some_o temptation_n or_o trial_n their_o faith_n be_v sift_v and_o winnow_v and_o here_o indeed_o there_o be_v a_o vast_a difference_n between_o they_o that_o be_v never_o humble_v in_o the_o sense_n of_o their_o sin_n nor_o lead_v for_o relief_n from_o sin_n and_o misery_n unto_o jesus_n christ_n and_o the_o true_a convert_n who_o have_v renounce_v the_o work_n of_o darkness_n and_o have_v flee_v unto_o christ_n and_o consecrate_v himself_o to_o his_o service_n and_o who_o be_v set_v upon_o a_o new_a course_n of_o life_n have_v bring_v forth_o new_a fruit_n of_o repentance_n faith_n love_n and_o hope_n and_o have_v feel_v consolation_n in_o this_o course_n and_o now_o under_o exercise_n of_o conscience_n look_v upon_o himself_o as_o barren_a ground_n do_v lament_v his_o impotency_n to_o bring_v forth_o good_a fruit_n and_o while_o he_o be_v under_o this_o exercise_n live_v in_o a_o sad_a condition_n blameless_a and_o free_a of_o scandal-giving_a great_a odds_n between_o this_o man_n and_o a_o man_n yet_o in_o nature_n we_o grant_v in_o the_o unrenewed_a man_n who_o be_v a_o stranger_n to_o the_o life_n of_o grace_n and_o true_a godliness_n the_o sentence_n hold_v no_o fruit_n no_o faith_n but_o as_o for_o the_o convert_n who_o have_v have_v comfort_n in_o christ_n and_o bring_v forth_o good_a fruit_n in_o some_o measure_n he_o must_v not_o reason_n from_o his_o present_a dead_a condition_n feel_v and_o lament_a barrenness_n to_o the_o deny_v of_o true_a faith_n in_o christ_n or_o to_o the_o weaken_n of_o his_o say_v or_o mar_v his_o confidence_n further_o then_o to_o acknowledge_v he_o have_v lean_v too_o much_o on_o his_o former_o feel_a fruit_n and_o have_v not_o ground_v himself_o whole_o on_o christ_n and_o the_o rock_n of_o free_a grace_n in_o he_o but_o may_v and_o shall_v maintain_v his_o faith_n in_o christ_n against_o his_o discouragement_n that_o he_o may_v be_v enable_v to_o bring_v forth_o more_o ripe_a and_o abundant_a fruit_n quest._n iu._n q._n but_o what_o shall_v be_v say_v to_o humble_a convert_n who_o look_v to_o the_o holy_a law_n of_o god_n and_o find_v no_o fruit_n such_o as_o shall_v be_v do_v pass_v sentence_n in_o the_o time_n of_o tentation_n upon_o all_o their_o work_n as_o unworthy_a of_o the_o name_n of_o the_o fruit_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o then_o do_v dispute_v against_o their_o own_o faith_n by_o the_o apostle_n word_n jam._n 2._o 20._o faith_n without_o work_n be_v dead_a ans._n if_o the_o conscience_n do_v pronounce_v according_a to_o the_o truth_n as_o the_o mater_fw-la be_v indeed_o it_o can_v be_v deny_v but_o faith_n without_o work_n be_v dead_a and_o god_n be_v great_a than_o the_o conscience_n and_o know_v all_o thing_n but_o when_o the_o conscience_n be_v mislead_v by_o a_o tentation_n powerful_o press_v in_o by_o satan_n in_o the_o time_n of_o some_o sad_a affliction_n and_o appearance_n of_o god_n displeasure_n the_o testimony_n of_o the_o conscience_n be_v not_o a_o sufficient_a proof_n to_o infer_v so_o hard_a a_o conclusion_n for_o it_o come_v to_o pass_v ofttimes_o that_o the_o convert_n who_o live_v blameless_o and_o entertain_v the_o love_n and_o purpose_n of_o well-doing_n in_o his_o heart_n follow_v the_o exercise_n of_o religion_n constant_o be_v not_o negligent_a in_o his_o call_n and_o be_v ready_a upon_o occasion_n offer_v to_o let_v forth_o the_o fruit_n of_o love_n to_o his_o neighbour_n for_o all_o this_o sometime_o walk_v in_o darkness_n and_o under_o desertion_n see_v no_o light_n as_o isaiah_n 50._o 10._o in_o this_o case_n it_o may_v be_v he_o set_v all_o his_o work_n at_o nought_o as_o no_o way_n answerable_a to_o the_o lord_n law_n i_o see_v nothing_o say_v he_o but_o sin_n in_o i_o i_o see_v no_o fruit_n of_o true_a faith_n in_o i_o i_o feel_v no_o operation_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n in_o i_o save_o the_o work_n of_o convince_a i_o of_o sin_n and_o unrighteousness_n in_o this_o case_n we_o must_v not_o give_v credit_n to_o the_o afflict_a but_o convince_v he_o rather_o of_o his_o error_n and_o in_o special_a of_o his_o lean_v too_o much_o weight_n on_o his_o work_n before_o this_o sad_a exercise_n fall_v upon_o he_o for_o when_o a_o convert_n maintain_v his_o faith_n in_o christ_n only_o so_o oft_o and_o so_o long_o as_o he_o find_v in_o himself_o the_o fruit_n of_o new_a obedience_n but_o when_o he_o have_v new_a experience_n of_o the_o power_n of_o the_o body_n of_o death_n and_o find_v the_o course_n of_o good_a behaviour_n and_o bring_v forth_o good_a fruit_n to_o be_v interrupt_v in_o himself_o incontinent_a he_o resile_n from_o his_o confidence_n such_o a_o man_n certain_o give_v evidence_n that_o he_o have_v rely_v too_o much_o on_o his_o former_a feel_a righteousness_n an_o himself_o for_o he_o do_v as_o if_o he_o dare_v not_o for_o sin_n approach_v unto_o christ_n and_o so_o he_o fall_v in_o peter_n case_n who_o look_v on_o his_o own_o sinfulness_n and_o the_o brightness_n of_o christ_n godhead_n shine_v in_o a_o recent_a miracle_n cry_v out_o luke_n 5._o 8._o depart_n from_o i_o o_o lord_n i_o be_o a_o sinful_a man_n for_o peter_z in_o this_o case_n do_v forget_v christ_n mediatory_a office_n and_o that_o he_o stand_v so_o much_o the_o more_o need_n of_o christ_n draw_v near_a to_o he_o as_o he_o be_v a_o man_n convince_v of_o sinfulness_n another_o answer_n we_o give_v to_o this_o question_n the_o afflict_a person_n must_v not_o think_v that_o he_o want_v altogether_o the_o fruit_n of_o faith_n albeit_o he_o find_v they_o to_o be_v short_a of_o the_o
this_o evil_a these_o five_o thing_n must_v be_v distinguish_v by_o the_o afflict_a convert_n 1._o the_o labour_n of_o the_o lip_n or_o formality_n in_o prayer_n or_o devotion_n 2._o prayer_n in_o faith_n 3._o prayer_n with_o felt_n and_o observe_v affection_n in_o prayer_n 4._o prayer_n approven_v of_o god_n 5._o prayer_n with_o the_o sense_n and_o feel_n of_o god_n approbation_n as_o to_o the_o first_o the_o labour_n of_o the_o lip_n or_o formality_n in_o prayer_n which_o the_o scripture_n do_v condemn_v be_v when_o a_o man_n pray_v with_o his_o mouth_n for_o thing_n necessary_a or_o lawful_a and_o be_v about_o the_o external_a work_n of_o devotion_n wherein_o he_o please_v himself_o and_o do_v rest_n upon_o the_o work_n wrought_v without_o affection_n of_o heart_n or_o faith_n as_o we_o see_v is._n 58._o 1_o 2_o 3._o and_o this_o be_v not_o the_o case_n of_o the_o convert_n of_o who_o we_o be_v speak_v for_o because_o he_o esteem_v his_o devotion_n to_o be_v but_o a_o formality_n he_o be_v displease_v with_o himself_o and_o be_v unquiet_a as_o to_o the_o second_o prayer_n in_o faith_n be_v when_o the_o convert_n miss_v freedom_n of_o speech_n and_o answerable_a affection_n to_o his_o speech_n in_o his_o devotion_n in_o prayer_n praise_n thanksgiving_n intercession_n etc._n etc._n yet_o because_o the_o duty_n be_v command_v he_o do_v offer_v it_o up_o to_o god_n with_o hope_n of_o acceptation_n and_o yet_o be_v displease_v with_o himself_o and_o humble_v in_o the_o sense_n of_o his_o coldrife_n affection_n which_o be_v the_o duty_n of_o the_o convert_n of_o who_o we_o be_v speak_v but_o the_o not_o esteem_v this_o his_o devotion_n through_o christ_n acceptable_a be_v his_o fault_n as_o to_o the_o three_o prayer_n or_o devotion_n with_o feel_a affection_n in_o discharge_v it_o be_v when_o the_o convert_n pour_v out_o his_o heart_n unto_o god_n with_o freedom_n of_o speech_n and_o yet_o can_v be_v quiet_a because_o he_o do_v not_o feel_v any_o sign_n of_o god_n approbation_n of_o he_o and_o hear_n of_o his_o supplication_n and_o this_o be_v the_o case_n of_o the_o psalmist_n in_o sundry_a psalm_n but_o this_o be_v not_o the_o case_n of_o the_o convert_n we_o be_v speak_v of_o for_o he_o complain_v of_o the_o hardness_n of_o his_o heart_n and_o want_n of_o affection_n and_o do_v weaken_v his_o own_o faith_n which_o be_v his_o fault_n as_o to_o the_o four_o prayer_n approven_v of_o god_n be_v when_o the_o convert_n do_v offer_v his_o devotion_n to_o god_n in_o sincerity_n and_o pray_v for_o what_o be_v promise_v in_o hope_n to_o be_v hear_v and_o answer_v in_o due_a time_n and_o this_o prayer_n or_o devotion_n be_v approven_v by_o god_n in_o scripture_n whether_o the_o convert_v be_v satisfy_v with_o the_o measure_n of_o answerable_a affection_n to_o his_o word_n or_o not_o as_o the_o apostle_n testify_v 1_o joh._n 5._o 14_o 15._o and_o this_o shall_v be_v observe_v by_o the_o convert_n of_o who_o we_o be_v speak_v for_o rectify_v his_o judgement_n and_o quiet_v of_o he_o albeit_o he_o neither_o find_v his_o affection_n move_v as_o he_o will_v nor_o find_v consolation_n from_o god_n as_o he_o will_v as_o to_o the_o five_o prayer_n or_o devotion_n with_o the_o sense_n and_o feel_n of_o god_n approbation_n be_v when_o god_n not_o only_o approve_v the_o convert_n prayer_n and_o devotion_n by_o his_o word_n in_o the_o scripture_n but_o also_o by_o his_o spirit_n do_v sensible_o comfort_v the_o supplicant_n and_o send_v he_o to_o his_o call_n with_o joy_n so_o do_v he_o deal_v ofttimes_o with_o the_o psalmist_n david_n and_o so_o do_v he_o comfort_n samuel_n mother_n in_o and_o after_o her_o prayer_n 1_o sam._n 1._o this_o be_v the_o thing_n which_o the_o convert_v we_o speak_v of_o will_v be_v at_o and_o which_o will_v satisfy_v he_o if_o he_o can_v come_v to_o it_o 4._o this_o condition_n be_v the_o sweet_a to_o the_o supplicant_n and_o much_o to_o be_v desire_v with_o submission_n to_o god_n dispensation_n whatsoever_o it_o be_v but_o it_o be_v not_o the_o only_a condition_n acceptable_a to_o god_n as_o we_o see_v 1_o joh._n 5._o 14._o 15._o this_o be_v the_o confidence_n which_o we_o have_v in_o god_n that_o if_o we_o ask_v any_o thing_n according_a to_o his_o will_n he_o hear_v we_o and_o if_o we_o know_v that_o he_o hear_v we_o whatsoever_o we_o ask_v we_o know_v we_o have_v the_o petition_n that_o we_o desire_v of_o he_o and_o that_o the_o mater_fw-la be_v so_o may_v be_v perceive_v in_o david_n condition_n at_o sundry_a time_n for_o ps._n 119_o seven_o or_o eight_o time_n he_o pray_v quicken_v thou_o i_o according_a to_o thy_o word_n he_o find_v in_o himself_o much_o deadness_n of_o spirit_n yet_o he_o continue_v meek_o pray_v to_o be_v quicken_v in_o the_o service_n of_o god_n 5._o wherefore_o so_o oft_o as_o the_o convert_n be_v displease_v for_o any_o defect_n he_o find_v in_o his_o devotion_n let_v he_o 1._o humble_a himself_o in_o the_o sense_n of_o his_o imperfection_n and_o betake_v himself_o so_o much_o the_o more_o to_o the_o intercession_n of_o christ_n and_o lie_v hold_v more_o firm_o upon_o the_o satisfaction_n make_v by_o the_o mediator_n and_o draw_v by_o faith_n grace_n for_o grace_n out_o of_o his_o fullness_n and_o let_v he_o in_o faith_n and_o sincerity_n worship_n god_n and_o live_v holy_o in_o his_o conversation_n and_o not_o be_v afraid_a that_o his_o devotion_n shall_v be_v esteem_v of_o god_n to_o be_v but_o lip-labour_n 2._o to_o this_o end_n let_v he_o right_o construe_v god_n dispensation_n and_o consider_v that_o his_o gift_n be_v wise_o give_v forth_o for_o the_o good_a of_o his_o people_n for_o sometime_o he_o give_v to_o will_n that_o which_o be_v good_a without_o ability_n for_o the_o time_n to_o effectuate_v what_o the_o convert_n will_v he_o may_v give_v a_o willing_a heart_n to_o pray_v affectionate_o and_o not_o for_o the_o time_n grant_v ability_n to_o pray_v as_o his_o child_n will_v rom._n 7._o 18._o sometime_o he_o may_v give_v no_o more_o but_o to_o sigh_v and_o groan_n without_o ability_n to_o express_v the_o confuse_a desire_n of_o his_o heart_n rom._n 8._o 26_o 27._o sometime_o he_o will_v suggest_v word_n and_o make_v the_o supplicant_n in_o sincerity_n of_o faith_n present_a the_o word_n put_v in_o his_o mouth_n hos_n 14._o 1._o 2._o sometime_o he_o will_v grant_v to_o the_o supplicant_n to_o bear_v out_o much_o disputation_n in_o his_o prayer_n without_o sensible_a consolation_n ps._n 77._o sometime_o he_o will_v grant_v the_o supplicant_n a_o lose_a heart_n in_o prayer_n and_o abundance_n of_o tear_n and_o yet_o seem_v for_o a_o time_n not_o to_o regard_v they_o ps._n 6._o sometime_o he_o will_v grant_v confidence_n and_o consolation_n to_o the_o supplicant_n as_o ps._n 6._o and_o many_o other_o psalm_n and_o certain_o the_o variety_n of_o divine_a dispensation_n to_o his_o child_n can_v be_v tell_v in_o all_o which_o he_o require_v of_o his_o supplicant_n meek_a submission_n and_o perseverance_n in_o prayer_n with_o confidence_n to_o find_v a_o good_a answer_n at_o last_o for_o if_o his_o child_n do_v not_o accept_v well_o of_o the_o measure_n which_o be_v bestow_v on_o he_o he_o may_v ready_o find_v the_o measure_n he_o complain_v of_o more_o scant_o and_o confusion_n of_o mind_n without_o word_n to_o fall_v upon_o he_o and_o if_o yet_o he_o shall_v not_o wise_o submit_v himself_o to_o god_n exercise_v of_o he_o he_o may_v fall_v in_o hard_a trouble_n and_o question_v of_o his_o state_n in_o grace_n and_o be_v tempt_v to_o restrain_v prayer_n till_o he_o cease_v complain_v and_o fly_v for_o refuge_n to_o christ_n the_o mediator_n and_o come_v to_o a_o better_a estimation_n of_o the_o measure_n of_o presence_n with_o he_o when_o he_o begin_v to_o complain_v chap._n xviii_o concern_v the_o convert_n look_v upon_o the_o sight_n of_o his_o faith_n as_o if_o it_o be_v the_o fail_n of_o his_o faith_n sincere_a faith_n in_o christ_n be_v the_o special_a grace_n of_o god_n give_v to_o the_o elect_a only_o which_o grace_n the_o more_o we_o do_v exercise_v it_o the_o more_o we_o please_v god_n for_o without_o faith_n it_o be_v impossible_a to_o please_v he_o heb._n 11._o 6._o this_o save_a grace_n the_o lord_n take_v pleasure_n to_o put_v it_o unto_o trial_n and_o exercise_n that_o thereby_o he_o may_v train_v it_o on_o and_o foster_v and_o increase_v it_o and_o bring_v it_o forth_o to_o light_n both_o for_o his_o own_o glory_n and_o for_o the_o commendation_n of_o his_o child_n as_o be_v tell_v we_o 1._o pet._n 1._o 7._o in_o which_o exercise_n the_o true_a convert_n be_v ofttimes_o much_o mistake_v and_o do_v misconstrue_v his_o condition_n the_o reason_n be_v 1_o the_o faith_n of_o young_a convert_n be_v very_o imperfect_a knowledge_n be_v many_o
be_v gross_o scandalous_a for_o with_o such_o we_o be_v forbid_v to_o eat_v 1_o cor._n 5._o 11._o ans._n this_o place_n pertain_v to_o the_o exercise_n of_o the_o key_n of_o discipline_n and_o execution_n of_o the_o censure_n of_o excommunication_n judicial_o pronounce_v by_o the_o church_n as_o ver_fw-la 12._o follow_v do_v declare_v and_o this_o as_o it_o do_v not_o cut_v off_o natural_a duty_n of_o parent_n or_o child_n or_o party_n marry_v one_o to_o another_o so_o it_o can_v well_o consist_v with_o charity_n towards_o the_o excommunicate_a who_o in_o order_n to_o his_o salvation_n shall_v be_v thus_o deal_v with_o that_o he_o may_v be_v humble_v and_o bring_v to_o repentance_n and_o so_o do_v the_o apostle_n give_v warrant_n for_o when_o he_o have_v give_v order_n to_o excommunicate_a such_o as_o walk_v disorderly_a 2_o thess._n 3._o 14_o 15._o he_o subjoine_v for_o keep_v charity_n to_o the_o excommunicate_a person_n say_v count_v he_o not_o as_o a_o enemy_n but_o admonish_v he_o as_o a_o brother_n 9_o obj._n but_o i_o say_v he_o have_v be_v mistake_v and_o deceive_v ofttimes_o when_o i_o esteem_v charitable_o of_o some_o love_v they_o dear_o and_o bestow_v not_o spare_o on_o those_o who_o prove_v afterward_o unworthy_a of_o such_o respect_n and_o deal_n ans._n our_o lord_n word_n may_v satisfy_v this_o objection_n promise_v whatsoever_o be_v do_v to_o a_o disciple_n in_o name_n of_o a_o disciple_n shall_v not_o want_v a_o reward_n thou_o therefore_o need_v not_o count_v thyself_o deceive_v in_o this_o respect_n but_o if_o thou_o by_o rash_a intrude_a thyself_o to_o judge_v better_a or_o worse_o of_o the_o man_n inward_a condition_n have_v deceive_v thyself_o be_v more_o wise_a in_o time_n come_v for_o remedy_n of_o this_o evil_a 1._o let_v not_o the_o convert_n mistake_v in_o the_o point_n of_o charity_n be_v fear_v to_o be_v mistake_v and_o hinder_v from_o exercise_n of_o his_o charity_n because_o he_o know_v not_o the_o sincerity_n of_o the_o man_n profession_n there_o be_v relation_n enough_o between_o he_o and_o the_o party_n towards_o who_o charity_n be_v to_o be_v exercise_v such_o as_o bond_n natural_a civil_a ecclesiastic_a and_o spiritual_a oblige_v to_o the_o duty_n 2._o let_v he_o be_v spare_v in_o judge_v of_o his_o neighbour_n even_o within_o himself_o and_o far_o more_o in_o express_v his_o judgement_n of_o he_o to_o his_o prejudice_n 3._o let_v he_o rather_o judge_v this_o that_o he_o lay_v no_o stumble_a block_n before_o his_o foot_n which_o may_v hinder_v he_o in_o a_o good_a or_o harden_v he_o in_o a_o evil_a course_n rom._n 14._o 13._o let_v he_o not_o be_v rigid_a and_o censorious_a in_o aggrege_v every_o sinful_a infirmity_n in_o his_o neighbour_n for_o this_o be_v forbid_v jam._n 3._o 1_o 2._o in_o a_o word_n let_v a_o convert_v beware_v to_o alienat_fw-la any_o man_n from_o make_v use_n of_o his_o charity_n whether_o by_o injust_a suspicion_n of_o he_o or_o inhuman_a deal_n with_o he_o or_o imprudent_a speech_n of_o he_o but_o rather_o let_v his_o whole_a carriage_n towards_o all_o in_o every_o case_n be_v such_o that_o a_o patent_n door_n may_v be_v for_o mutual_a give_v and_o get_v good_a one_o by_o another_o chap._n xx._n concern_v the_o convert_n mistake_v his_o condition_n because_o of_o feel_a in-lake_n in_o his_o charity_n and_o love_n to_o god_n and_o man_n hitherto_o we_o have_v speak_v of_o two_o sort_n of_o the_o convert_v mistake_v of_o their_o condition_n and_o have_v give_v some_o instance_n of_o their_o be_v well_o please_v with_o themselves_o in_o a_o evil_a condition_n and_o some_o instance_n of_o their_o be_v displease_v with_o themselves_o in_o a_o good_a condition_n it_o follow_v that_o we_o give_v some_o instance_n of_o a_o three_o sort_n of_o mistake_v in_o the_o convert_v complain_v of_o his_o condition_n as_o if_o it_o be_v altogether_o evil_a when_o indeed_o his_o condition_n be_v partly_o good_a and_o partly_o evil_a and_o the_o first_o shall_v be_v of_o those_o who_o do_v lament_v their_o condition_n because_o they_o can_v be_v affect_v with_o the_o sense_n of_o their_o sin_n nor_o with_o the_o sense_n of_o god_n benefit_n and_o favour_n bestow_v on_o they_o as_o they_o shall_v can_v be_v affect_v with_o the_o sense_n of_o threaten_a judgement_n as_o be_v require_v and_o can_v be_v affect_v with_o the_o sense_n of_o the_o misery_n and_o mercy_n dispense_v towards_o other_o and_o can_v come_v up_o to_o the_o obedience_n of_o the_o apostle_n precept_n to_o rejoice_v with_o they_o that_o rejoice_v and_o to_o mourn_v with_o they_o that_o mourn_v which_o do_v so_o afflict_v they_o as_o they_o reckon_v this_o their_o condition_n altogether_o evil_a and_o be_v near_o unto_o discouragement_n because_o of_o their_o apprehend_a hardness_n of_o heart_n 2._o for_o remedy_n of_o this_o evil_a 1._o let_v the_o convert_v consider_v that_o the_o hardness_n of_o heart_n whereof_o he_o complain_v be_v not_o that_o hardness_n of_o heart_n which_o the_o scripture_n call_v hardness_n of_o heart_n for_o the_o scripture_n do_v not_o charge_v any_o man_n of_o this_o sin_n who_o lament_v his_o sinfulness_n but_o those_o who_o do_v not_o acknowledge_v their_o sin_n and_o go_v on_o in_o they_o when_o they_o hear_v they_o reprove_v misregarding_a what_o god_n say_v command_v commend_v or_o threaten_v mean_a time_n we_o do_v not_o deny_v but_o those_o inlake_n whereof_o the_o convert_n do_v complain_v be_v sinful_a defect_n of_o duty_n and_o inclination_n of_o corrupt_a nature_n unto_o hardness_n of_o heart_n but_o we_o deny_v that_o this_o defect_n lament_v be_v charge_v in_o scripture_n for_o hardness_n of_o heart_n 2._o let_v the_o convert_n consider_v the_o difference_n between_o the_o evil_a whereof_o he_o complain_v and_o the_o good_a gift_n of_o god_n point_v out_o that_o evil_a unto_o he_o and_o make_v he_o to_o disallow_v it_o and_o lament_v it_o and_o he_o shall_v find_v his_o condition_n not_o altogether_o evil_a but_o such_o as_o he_o have_v cause_n to_o be_v humble_v in_o himself_o for_o it_o and_o also_o to_o bless_v god_n for_o discover_v this_o defect_n and_o make_v he_o lament_v it_o 3._o let_v he_o consider_v that_o his_o lament_v his_o coldrise_n affection_n to_o god_n and_o his_o small_a compassion_n towards_o man_n be_v good_a and_o commendable_a for_o this_o lament_v the_o defect_n bear_v witness_n of_o his_o will_n and_o desire_v towards_o the_o duty_n and_o in_o effect_n be_v a_o part_n of_o the_o exercise_n of_o repentance_n and_o of_o begin_v renovation_n of_o his_o heart_n 4._o let_v he_o consider_v that_o there_o may_v be_v make_v good_a use_n of_o this_o condition_n both_o for_o the_o exercise_n of_o humility_n because_o of_o feel_v defect_n of_o needful_a grace_n and_o also_o for_o the_o exercise_n of_o faith_n in_o christ_n by_o application_n of_o his_o impute_a righteousness_n which_o hide_v the_o nakedness_n of_o feel_a defect_n and_o draw_v virtue_n from_o christ_n to_o sanctify_v and_o renew_v the_o heart_n more_o and_o more_o 5._o and_o last_o of_o all_o let_v the_o convert_v under_o the_o sense_n of_o this_o defect_n in_o his_o affection_n study_v to_o bring_v forth_o the_o effect_n of_o those_o affection_n that_o be_v to_o say_v let_v he_o go_v about_o to_o do_v the_o work_n of_o a_o lover_n of_o god_n in_o have_v respect_n to_o all_o his_o commandment_n and_o to_o do_v the_o work_n of_o a_o compassionate_a affection_n towards_o man_n in_o misery_n of_o soul_n or_o body_n and_o so_o what_o seem_v to_o he_o in-laking_a in_o his_o heart_n shall_v be_v find_v forthcoming_a in_o his_o hand_n and_o action_n for_o the_o great_a glory_n to_o god_n and_o edification_n of_o his_o neighbour_n chap._n xxi_o concern_v the_o convert_n despise_v of_o his_o own_o exercise_n of_o religion_n because_o of_o his_o feel_a vanity_n of_o mind_n therein_o ali_n true_a convert_n do_v agree_v in_o this_o principle_n that_o god_n shall_v be_v worship_v in_o spirit_n and_o truth_n and_o that_o the_o more_o a_o man_n strive_v to_o be_v sincere_a and_o upright_a in_o his_o worship_n the_o less_o can_v be_v comport_v with_o the_o sin_n which_o do_v hinder_v his_o worship_n when_o therefore_o a_o true_a convert_n do_v perceive_v in_o himself_o so_o great_a levity_n of_o his_o thought_n that_o in_o the_o very_a time_n of_o hear_v sermon_n pray_v to_o god_n or_o sing_a of_o psalm_n his_o mind_n run_v out_o to_o think_v of_o naughty_a and_o profane_a thing_n impertinent_a idle_a and_o foolish_a matter_n unworthy_a of_o his_o thought_n at_o any_o time_n but_o most_o untimous_a and_o sinful_a in_o the_o time_n of_o divine_a service_n he_o be_v so_o displease_v with_o his_o condition_n that_o he_o condemn_v all_o the_o service_n and_o devotion_n he_o be_v about_o for_o the_o time_n and_o cast_v it_o away_o as_o altogether_o pollute_v and_o
if_o he_o find_v this_o sickness_n from_o day_n to_o day_n cleave_v fast_o unto_o he_o he_o fall_v in_o discouragement_n and_o in_o question_n with_o himself_o whether_o it_o be_v better_a to_o break_v off_o at_o least_o in_o secret_a such_o ragged_a worship_n or_o to_o go_v on_o to_o offer_v the_o sacrifice_n of_o a_o fool_n unto_o god_n for_o so_o he_o do_v esteem_n of_o his_o devotion_n thus_o leaven_v with_o vaige_v and_o vanity_n of_o his_o mind_n in_o this_o case_n the_o convert_n do_v not_o only_a misregard_n what_o be_v right_a in_o his_o devotion_n or_o divine_a service_n but_o also_o by_o fret_v discouragement_n and_o mis-behaviour_n of_o his_o spirit_n be_v ready_a to_o augment_v his_o sinful_a condition_n and_o to_o provoke_v the_o lord_n to_o be_v wroth_a with_o he_o indeed_o 2._o for_o remedy_n of_o this_o evil_a let_v the_o convert_v judge_n wise_o of_o his_o condition_n that_o he_o charge_v not_o himself_o with_o guiltiness_n more_o than_o he_o ought_v to_o do_v and_o that_o he_o may_v take_v a_o right_a course_n to_o be_v free_a of_o guiltiness_n and_o heal_v of_o this_o sickness_n where_o guiltiness_n be_v find_v and_o to_o this_o end_n 1._o let_v he_o put_v difference_n between_o vaige_v of_o mind_n with_o interruption_n of_o worship_n and_o the_o natural_a course_n of_o his_o fantasy_n and_o understanding_n which_o may_v consist_v with_o the_o continue_a act_n of_o worship_n for_o as_o the_o eye_n of_o a_o man_n run_v to_o some_o place_n can_v choose_v but_o see_v every_o visible_a thing_n in_o his_o way_n and_o yet_o run_v on_o without_o stay_v till_o he_o come_v to_o the_o place_n he_o aim_v at_o so_o the_o fantasy_n and_o understanding_n can_v choose_v but_o take_v up_o and_o discern_v whatsoever_o be_v offer_v unto_o they_o in_o time_n of_o prayer_n from_o the_o outward_a sense_n or_o from_o the_o memory_n and_o yet_o make_v no_o interruption_n of_o prayer_n such_o be_v the_o natural_a agility_n of_o a_o man_n mind_n and_o therefore_o this_o natural_a course_n of_o imagination_n or_o fantasy_n must_v not_o be_v charge_v as_o guiltiness_n upon_o the_o worshipper_n who_o follow_v on_o the_o work_n of_o worship_n notwithstanding_o 2._o sundry_a suggestion_n may_v be_v cast_v into_o the_o convert_n mind_n by_o satan_n to_o mar_v his_o worship_n which_o must_v be_v charge_v on_o satan_n chief_o and_o the_o worshipper_n not_o always_o make_v guilty_a thereby_o 3._o when_o the_o worship_n indeed_o be_v interrupt_v and_o the_o mind_n fall_v off_o from_o the_o work_n of_o devotion_n or_o divine_a service_n and_o enter_v upon_o discourse_n about_o vain_a vile_a or_o impertinent_a matter_n let_v the_o convert_v not_o only_o acknowledge_v guiltiness_n here_o but_o also_o examine_v if_o this_o his_o vaige_n of_o mind_n in_o prayer_n and_o divine_a service_n be_v not_o also_o a_o chastisement_n from_o god_n for_o his_o not_o acknowledge_v of_o god_n in_o his_o affair_n and_o and_o for_o lose_v reins_o to_o his_o mind_n to_o roave_fw-it all_fw-mi the_o day_n which_o just_o meet_v he_o at_o night_n in_o his_o devotion_n as_o a_o rod_n on_o his_o back_n for_o his_o voluntar_n vaige_v from_o god_n in_o his_o former_a walk_n 3._o these_o consideration_n be_v premise_v and_o the_o sin_n which_o have_v draw_v on_o this_o evil_n be_v discover_v and_o the_o power_n of_o indwelling-sin_n perceive_v and_o the_o power_n of_o satan_n temptation_n notice_v and_o the_o lord_n chastise_v rod_n justify_v and_o his_o own_o culpable_a infirmity_n acknowledge_v 1._o let_v he_o humble_v himself_o and_o fly_v to_o the_o rich_a grace_n of_o god_n offer_v in_o christ_n and_o lie_v strong_a hold_n on_o the_o satisfaction_n make_v by_o christ_n impute_v to_o all_o believer_n in_o he_o that_o guiltiness_n may_v be_v by_o free_a pardon_n remove_v 2._o let_v he_o pray_v for_o more_o assistance_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n in_o all_o the_o exercise_n of_o religion_n and_o expect_v a_o gracious_a grant_v thereof_o in_o god_n wise_a dispensation_n of_o the_o measure_n of_o his_o grace_n in_o the_o use_n of_o holy_a ordinance_n 3._o let_v his_o heart_n be_v in_o the_o fear_n of_o the_o lord_n all_o the_o day_n long_o make_v he_o lift_v up_o his_o eye_n from_o time_n to_o time_n to_o god_n in_o the_o midst_n of_o his_o lawful_a affair_n how_o mean_a so_o ever_o 4._o let_v he_o gather_v his_o thought_n before_o every_o religious_a exercise_n by_o way_n of_o preparation_n lest_o he_o take_v the_o name_n of_o the_o lord_n in_o vain_a by_o rash_a and_o unreverent_a rush_v in_o upon_o divine_a service_n 5._o let_v he_o thank_v the_o lord_n for_o grant_v he_o grace_n to_o see_v his_o sinful_a vaige_n of_o mind_n and_o to_o be_v displease_v with_o it_o and_o to_o confess_v it_o 6._o let_v he_o be_v comfort_v in_o the_o lord_n who_o gather_v the_o ragged_a and_o scatter_a honest_a desire_n of_o supplicant_n and_o take_v away_o the_o iniquity_n of_o the_o service_n of_o his_o client_n as_o our_o high_a priest_n bearing_z in_o his_o appear_v for_o we_o as_o it_o be_v on_o his_o forehead_n holiness_n unto_o the_o lord_n chap._n xxii_o concern_v the_o convert_n discour_n agment_n for_o feel_a want_n of_o ability_n to_o do_v the_o duty_n command_v whereunto_o his_o renew_a will_n be_v very_o bend_v sundry_a true_a convert_n find_v a_o will_n to_o do_v that_o which_o be_v good_a but_o not_o find_v power_n how_o to_o perform_v that_o which_o be_v good_a do_v fall_n in_o disquietness_n and_o discouragement_n when_o they_o shall_v go_v and_o seek_v to_o make_v good_a use_n of_o their_o infirmity_n and_o go_v to_o christ_n for_o remeed_n as_o the_o apostle_n do_v rom._n 7._o 18._o the_o cause_n of_o this_o evil_n be_v the_o relic_n of_o corrupt_a natural_a inclination_n to_o seek_v to_o be_v justify_v by_o work_n and_o to_o have_v in_o our_o hand_n ability_n to_o do_v the_o good_a which_o we_o will_v do_v for_o albeit_o the_o convert_v be_v force_v to_o seek_v reconciliation_n with_o god_n by_o remission_n of_o sin_n in_o his_o conversion_n yet_o in_o his_o course_n towards_o heaven_n and_o salvation_n he_o desire_v to_o have_v a_o store-house_n and_o treasure_n of_o strength_n in_o himself_o to_o be_v make_v use_n of_o as_o he_o will_v for_o it_o seem_v to_o he_o in_o his_o carnal_a wisdom_n a_o poor_a shift_n to_o be_v in_o every_o good_a action_n put_v to_o beg_v supply_n from_o christ_n by_o prayer_n and_o to_o stand_v wait_v on_o in_o a_o dependence_n on_o christ_n till_o furniture_n come_v from_o heaven_n unto_o he_o which_o furniture_n of_o strength_n because_o our_o lord_n do_v suspend_v to_o give_v till_o his_o infirm_a and_o humble_a child_n hold_v up_o his_o heart_n as_o a_o empty_a vessel_n to_o receive_v influence_n from_o he_o according_a to_o his_o wise_a pleasure_n the_o inconsider_v at_o convert_n do_v trouble_v himself_o and_o fall_v in_o a_o distemper_n 2._o this_o case_n be_v not_o altogether_o evil_a as_o the_o convert_n do_v take_v it_o but_o this_o much_o be_v right_a that_o he_o look_v upon_o the_o law_n as_o holy_a spiritual_a and_o good_a that_o he_o desire_v earnest_o to_o obey_v it_o and_o that_o he_o loathe_v himself_o for_o his_o feel_a unconformity_n unto_o it_o yet_o this_o be_v wrong_n in_o he_o that_o he_o do_v not_o humble_a himself_o but_o be_v cast_v down_o and_o discourage_v that_o he_o do_v not_o make_v christ_n his_o sanctification_n as_o well_o as_o his_o righteousness_n that_o he_o do_v not_o consider_v of_o the_o furniture_n to_o be_v bring_v unto_o he_o from_o heaven_n by_o faith_n in_o christ_n and_o that_o this_o grace_n be_v near_a and_o more_o ready_a to_o serve_v his_o turn_n then_o if_o it_o be_v in_o his_o own_o hand_n 3._o therefore_o let_v he_o renounce_v more_o and_o more_o all_o confidence_n in_o his_o own_o righteousness_n with_o the_o apostle_n phil._n 3._o 8_o 9_o let_v he_o thank_v god_n in_o christ_n in_o who_o a_o out-gate_n be_v to_o be_v find_v in_o all_o difficulty_n rom._n 7._o 25_o let_v he_o trust_v christ_n for_o supply_v in_o all_o service_n in_o who_o if_o a_o man_n abide_v he_o shall_v bring_v forth_o much_o fruit_n and_o without_o who_o he_o can_v do_v nothing_o joh._n 15._o 5._o for_o if_o he_o depend_v on_o christ_n in_o his_o emptiness_n and_o weakness_n he_o shall_v find_v by_o experience_n that_o when_o he_o be_v weak_a then_o be_v he_o strong_a chap._n xxiii_o concern_v the_o convert_n imprudent_a censure_n of_o himself_o for_o feel_v ingratitude_n some_o convert_v sometime_o do_v pass_v rash_a sentence_n against_o themselves_o for_o ingratitude_n namely_o when_o after_o receive_v some_o notable_a benefit_n for_o which_o they_o have_v make_v earnest_a supplication_n to_o god_n and_o for_o which_o before_o the_o receive_n of_o the_o benefit_n they_o have_v oblige_v themselves_o by_o vow_n to_o a_o