work_n he_o add_v therefore_o after_o all_o his_o seal_n to_o confirm_v we_o which_o seal_n be_v not_o faith_n for_o the_o apostle_n say_v after_o 13._o you_o believe_v you_o be_v seal_v where_o we_o see_v the_o work_n of_o faith_n and_o seal_v distinguish_v first_o the_o soul_n be_v set_v in_o a_o good_a estate_n and_o then_o follow_v assurance_n and_o establishment_n but_o what_o needs_o confirmation_n when_o we_o believe_v answ._n be_v not_o faith_n confirmation_n enough_o when_o a_o man_n may_v know_v by_o a_o private_a reflect_v act_n of_o the_o soul_n that_o he_o be_v in_o the_o state_n of_o grace_n this_o act_n of_o we_o in_o believe_v quest._n be_v oft_o terrible_o shake_v and_o god_n be_v wondrous_a desirous_a that_o we_o shall_v be_v secure_a of_o his_o love_n he_o know_v he_o can_v have_v no_o glory_n nor_o we_o any_o solid_a peace_n else_o therefore_o when_o we_o by_o faith_n have_v seal_v to_o his_o truth_n he_o see_v that_o we_o need_v further_a seal_n that_o our_o 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mannah_n say_v christ_n and_o a_o white_a stone_n which_o none_o can_v read_v but_o he_o that_o have_v it_o that_o be_v he_o shall_v have_v assurance_n that_o he_o be_v in_o the_o state_n of_o grace_n and_o the_o sweet_a savour_n of_o goodness_n itself_o shall_v be_v his_o portion_n usual_o god_n give_v comfort_n after_o we_o have_v conflict_v with_o some_o sinful_a disposition_n and_o have_v get_v the_o victory_n as_o we_o see_v in_o job_n after_o god_n have_v exercise_v that_o champion_n a_o long_a time_n at_o the_o last_o he_o discover_v himself_o in_o a_o glorious_a manner_n to_o he_o in_o the_o midst_n of_o affliction_n when_o a_o christian_a be_v under_o great_a cross_n and_o god_n see_v he_o must_v be_v support_v with_o spiritual_a strength_n or_o else_o he_o sink_v than_o he_o put_v in_o with_o supply_n from_o above_o when_o the_o creature_n can_v help_v we_o the_o creator_n of_o all_o thing_n will_n thus_o paul_n in_o the_o midst_n of_o the_o dungeon_n be_v seal_v with_o the_o spirit_n sing_v at_o midnight_n when_o he_o be_v in_o the_o stock_n and_o so_o david_n in_o the_o midst_n of_o persecution_n daniel_n in_o a_o lion_n den_n the_o three_o child_n in_o the_o fiery_a furnace_n etc._n etc._n god_n do_v as_o parent_n smile_v on_o their_o little_a one_o when_o they_o be_v sick_a and_o deject_a he_o reserve_v his_o choice_a comfort_n for_o the_o great_a exigent_n when_o god_n have_v a_o great_a work_n for_o his_o child_n to_o do_v or_o some_o sharp_a suffering_n for_o they_o to_o undergo_v as_o a_o encouragement_n beforehand_o he_o oft_o enlarge_v their_o spirit_n that_o they_o may_v be_v able_a to_o go_v through_o all_o as_o our_o saviour_n christ_n have_v james_n and_o john_n with_o he_o upon_o the_o mountain_n to_o strengthen_v they_o against_o his_o ensue_a suffering_n let_v we_o then_o examine_v ourselves_o by_o that_o which_o have_v be_v deliver_v have_v god_n speak_v to_o thy_o soul_n and_o say_v i_o be_o thy_o salvation_n thy_o sin_n be_v remit_v and_o thy_o person_n receive_v into_o my_o favour_n do_v god_n stir_v up_o thy_o spirit_n to_o call_v upon_o he_o especial_o in_o extremity_n and_o to_o go_v with_o boldness_n and_o earrestnesse_n to_o his_o throne_n sure_o this_o be_v a_o evidence_n of_o the_o seal_n of_o the_o spirit_n for_o who_o ever_o want_v this_o can_v look_v god_n in_o the_o face_n when_o distress_n be_v upon_o he_o saul_n in_o this_o case_n go_v to_o the_o witch_n and_o achitophel_n to_o desperate_a conclusion_n judas_n in_o extremity_n we_o see_v what_o become_v of_o he_o so_o every_o one_o that_o have_v not_o this_o seal_n of_o the_o spirit_n to_o who_o god_n speak_v not_o peace_n by_o shed_v abroad_o the_o love_n of_o christ_n in_o his_o heart_n must_v needs_o
his_o day_n god_n do_v this_o to_o mind_v he_o that_o he_o have_v that_o strength_n whereby_o he_o prevail_v out_o of_o himself_o a_o christian_a then_o shall_v use_v set_v upon_o nothing_o in_o his_o own_o strength_n hannah_n 9_o say_v comfortable_o no_o man_n shall_v be_v strong_a in_o his_o own_o might_n god_n be_v all_o our_o sufficiency_n man_n natural_o affect_v a_o kind_n of_o divinity_n and_o will_v set_v upon_o thing_n in_o confidence_n of_o his_o own_o ability_n without_o prayer_n and_o seek_v of_o god_n help_n he_o think_v to_o compass_v great_a matter_n and_o bring_v thing_n to_o a_o good_a issue_n by_o his_o own_o wit_n and_o discretion_n oh_o delude_v not_o yourselves_o this_o can_v be_v acknowledge_v god_n in_o all_o thy_o way_n and_o he_o shall_v direct_v 3_o thy_o path_n seek_v unto_o the_o lord_n in_o every_o enterprise_n thou_o go_v about_o acknowledge_v he_o in_o the_o beginning_n progress_n and_o issue_n of_o all_o thy_o employment_n what_o do_v we_o but_o make_v ourselves_o god_n when_o we_o set_v upon_o business_n without_o invocation_n and_o dependence_n a_o christian_a be_v wondrous_a weak_a even_a vanity_n of_o himself_o but_o take_v he_o as_o he_o be_v build_v upon_o the_o promise_n and_o as_o he_o be_v in_o god_n and_o then_o he_o be_v a_o kind_n of_o almighty_a person_n â—e_n can_v do_v all_o thing_n through_o christ_n that_o strengthen_v he_o a_o christian_a be_v in_o sort_n omnipotent_a whilst_o he_o commit_v his_o way_n to_o god_n and_o depend_v upon_o the_o promise_n otherwise_o he_o be_v weakness_n itself_o the_o most_o impotent_a creature_n in_o the_o world_n let_v god_n therefore_o have_v all_o the_o glory_n of_o our_o establi_fw-la sh_v and_o depend_v on_o he_o by_o prayer_n for_o the_o same_o as_o all_o come_v of_o his_o mere_a grace_n so_o let_v all_o return_n to_o his_o mere_a glory_n not_o to_o we_o lord_n not_o to_o we_o but_o to_o thy_o 115._o name_n he_o give_v the_o praise_n it_o be_v the_o song_n of_o the_o church_n militant_a on_o earth_n and_o it_o be_v the_o song_n of_o the_o church_n triumphant_a in_o heaven_n that_o all_o glory_n be_v to_o god_n in_o the_o whole_a carriage_n of_o our_o salvation_n the_o promise_n be_v in_o he_o he_o only_o make_v the_o covenant_n and_o he_o must_v perform_v it_o to_o we_o without_o he_o we_o can_v do_v nothing_o labour_v therefore_o to_o be_v wise_a in_o his_o wisdom_n strong_a in_o his_o strength_n to_o be_v all_o in_o all_o in_o christ_n jesus_n how_o shall_v we_o know_v object_n that_o a_o man_n have_v establish_v grace_n his_o assurance_n be_v firm_a answ._n when_o his_o temptation_n be_v grace_n great_a and_o his_o strength_n to_o resist_v little_a and_o yet_o notwithstanding_o he_o prevail_v over_o they_o satan_n be_v strong_a and_o subtle_a now_o if_o we_o can_v stand_v against_o his_o snare_n it_o be_v a_o clear_a evidence_n of_o great_a strength_n than_o be_v in_o ourselves_o in_o great_a affliction_n when_o goâ—_n seem_v a_o enemy_n and_o cloud_n appear_v between_o he_o and_o we_o if_o then_o a_o man_n faith_n can_v break_v through_o all_o and_o in_o the_o midst_n of_o darkness_n see_v god_n shine_v in_o christ_n upon_o he_o and_o resolve_v though_o thou_o kill_v i_o yet_o i_o will_v trust_v in_o thou_o here_o be_v a_o strong_a establish_n in_o the_o time_n of_o martyrdom_n there_o be_v fire_n and_o faggot_n and_o the_o frown_n of_o bloody_a man_n but_o who_o be_v the_o person_n suffer_v even_o many_o child_n old_a man_n and_o woman_n the_o weak_a of_o creature_n notwithstanding_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n be_v so_o strong_a in_o these_o feeble_a one_o as_o their_o life_n be_v not_o precious_a to_o they_o but_o the_o torment_n and_o threaten_n of_o their_o cruel_a persecutor_n be_v cheerful_o undergo_v by_o they_o as_o heb._n 11._o here_o be_v god_n power_n in_o man_n infirmity_n if_o we_o have_v not_o something_o above_o nature_n how_o be_v it_o possible_a we_o shall_v hold_v out_o in_o great_a trial_n mean_v to_o obtain_v stablish_v grace_n by_o what_o mean_n may_v a_o christian_a obtain_v this_o stablish_n grace_n first_o labour_n for_o fundamental_a grace_n grace_n if_o the_o root_n be_v strengthen_v the_o tree_n will_v stand_v fast_o humiliation_n be_v a_o special_a radical_a grace_n the_o foundation_n of_o religion_n be_v very_o low_a abasement_n of_o spirit_n be_v in_o all_o the_o part_n of_o holiness_n every_o grace_n have_v a_o mixture_n of_o humility_n because_o they_o be_v all_o dependence_n on_o god_n humility_n be_v a_o empty_v grace_n and_o acknowledge_v that_o in_o ourselves_o there_o be_v nothing_o if_o god_n withhold_v his_o influence_n i_o be_o go_v if_o he_o withdraw_v his_o grace_n i_o shall_v be_v like_o another_o man_n as_o samson_n be_v when_o his_o hair_n be_v cutoff_a selfe-emptinesse_n prepare_v for_o spiritual_a fullness_n when_o i_o be_o weak_a say_v bless_v paul_n than_o i_o be_o strong_a that_o be_v when_o i_o feel_v and_o acknowledge_v my_o weakness_n than_o my_o strength_n increase_v otherwise_o a_o man_n be_v not_o strong_a when_o he_o be_v weak_a but_o when_o he_o be_v sensible_a and_o groan_n under_o the_o burden_n of_o his_o infirmity_n then_o be_v he_o inward_o strong_a another_o fundamental_a grace_n be_v dependence_n upon_o god_n for_o consider_v our_o own_o insufficiency_n and_o that_o faith_n be_v a_o grace_n that_o go_v out_o of_o ourselves_o and_o lay_n hold_v of_o the_o righteousness_n of_o another_o to_o justi_fw-la fie_o we_o nothing_o can_v be_v more_o necessary_a to_o quiet_v the_o soul_n believe_v and_o you_o shall_v be_v establish_v as_o the_o promise_n be_v sure_a in_o themselves_o so_o shall_v we_o repose_v firm_a confidence_n in_o they_o but_o how_o do_v god_n establish_v object_n we_o by_o faith_n by_o work_v sound_a answ._n knowledge_n in_o we_o this_o be_v life_n eternal_a to_o know_v thou_o john_n 17._o when_o we_o know_v the_o truth_n of_o god_n word_n aright_o we_o have_v a_o firm_a ground_n to_o depend_v on_o for_o the_o more_o a_o man_n know_v god_n in_o covenant_n the_o more_o he_o know_v christ_n and_o the_o promise_n the_o more_o he_o will_v trust_v and_o rely_v upon_o they_o they_o that_o know_v 10._o thy_o name_n will_v trust_v in_o thou_o say_v the_o prophet_n therefore_o labour_n for_o certainty_n of_o knowledge_n that_o thou_o may_v have_v a_o certainty_n of_o faith_n what_o be_v the_o reason_n our_o faith_n be_v weak_a because_o we_o be_v careless_a to_o increase_v in_o knowledge_n the_o more_o we_o know_v of_o god_n the_o morewe_n shall_v trust_v in_o he_o the_o more_o we_o know_v of_o a_o man_n that_o he_o be_v able_a and_o just_a of_o his_o word_n the_o more_o safe_o we_o put_v confidence_n in_o he_o so_o the_o more_o our_o security_n be_v in_o god_n promise_n as_o his_o bond_n increase_v so_o our_o trust_n will_v be_v strengthen_v three_o if_o thou_o will_v have_v stablish_v grace_n beg_v prayer_n it_o earnest_o of_o god_n our_o strength_n in_o he_o be_v altogether_o by_o prayer_n bind_v he_o therefore_o with_o his_o own_o promise_n beseech_v he_o to_o do_v unto_o thou_o according_a to_o his_o good_a word_n he_o be_v the_o god_n of_o strength_n desire_v of_o he_o the_o spirit_n of_o strength_n allege_v to_o he_o thy_o own_o weakness_n and_o in_o ability_n without_o he_o &_o that_o if_o he_o help_v not_o thou_o shall_v soon_o be_v overcome_v lay_v open_a thy_o want_n in_o god_n presence_n show_v he_o how_o unable_a thou_o be_v of_o thyself_o to_o withstand_v temptation_n to_o bear_v cross_n to_o perform_v duty_n to_o do_v or_o suffer_v any_o thing_n aright_o turn_v his_o gracious_a promise_n into_o prayer_n desire_v god_n that_o he_o will_v establish_v thou_o by_o his_o grace_n that_o he_o will_v prop_v and_o uphold_v thy_o soul_n in_o all_o extremity_n what_o be_v the_o reason_n that_o quest._n christian_n be_v so_o daunt_v and_o fly_v off_o in_o time_n of_o danger_n they_o have_v no_o faith_n in_o the_o promise_n the_o righteous_a answ._n be_v as_o mount_v sinah_n that_o irksome_a shall_v not_o be_v move_v he_o build_v on_o a_o foundation_n that_o can_v never_o be_v shake_v for_o the_o heart_n be_v never_o draw_v to_o any_o sinful_a vanity_n or_o fright_v with_o any_o terror_n of_o trouble_n till_o faith_n let_v go_v its_o hold_n out_o of_o god_n there_o be_v nothing_o for_o the_o soul_n safe_o to_o stay_v itself_o upon_o no_o marvel_n to_o see_v man_n fall_v that_o rest_n on_o a_o break_a reed_n alas_o whatsoever_o be_v beside_o god_n be_v but_o a_o creature_n and_o can_v the_o creature_n be_v other_o than_o changeable_a the_o comfort_n that_o we_o have_v in_o god_n never_o fade_v it_o be_v a_o abide_n last_a comfort_n such_o as_o content_v the_o soul_n and_o satisfy_v all_o the_o want_n and_o desire_n of_o it_o which_o thing_n
unbelieved_a man_n he_o be_v please_v to_o condescend_v to_o our_o weakness_n he_o stoop_v to_o the_o low_a capacity_n and_o frame_v his_o speech_n to_o the_o understanding_n of_o the_o simple_a soul_n for_o which_o purpose_n this_o term_n of_o earnest_n be_v here_o borrow_a in_o these_o respect_v the_o spirit_n of_o god_n together_o with_o the_o grace_n of_o it_o and_o the_o comfort_v it_o bring_v for_o they_o be_v not_o divide_v be_v call_v a_o earnest_n and_o thus_o have_v clear_v the_o point_n we_o will_v observe_v this_o doctrine_n for_o our_o further_a instruction_n that_o a_o christian_a ought_v to_o be_v and_o may_v be_v assure_v of_o his_o interest_n in_o god_n because_o as_o i_o say_v before_o a_o earnest_n be_v give_v not_o so_o much_o for_o god_n sake_n as_o for_o our_o sake_n this_o than_o must_v needs_o follow_v from_o hence_o either_o none_o have_v this_o earnest_n or_o else_o those_o that_o have_v it_o may_v be_v assure_v of_o their_o comfortable_a condition_n otherwise_o god_n be_v fickle_a and_o play_v fast_o and_o loose_a with_o his_o child_n which_o be_v blasphemy_n to_o affirm_v beside_o if_o none_o have_v this_o earnest_n than_o the_o apostle_n speak_v false_a when_o he_o say_v god_n have_v establish_v we_o and_o give_v we_o the_o earnest_n of_o his_o spirit_n which_o be_v horrible_a impiety_n once_o to_o conceive_v if_o this_o be_v so_o then_o either_o quest._n such_o as_o have_v this_o seal_n and_o earnest_n of_o the_o spirit_n may_v be_v assure_v of_o their_o estate_n in_o grace_n or_o not_o and_o if_o not_o where_o be_v the_o fault_n will_v not_o god_n real_o and_o true_o vouchsafe_v unto_o his_o people_n this_o earnest_n of_o the_o spirit_n in_o their_o heart_n undoubted_o answ._n he_o will_v he_o be_v earnest_n desirous_a that_o we_o shall_v be_v persuade_v of_o his_o love_n in_o all_o thing_n and_o therefore_o we_o may_v and_o aught_o to_o be_v assure_v of_o his_o favour_n towards_o we_o s._n johns_n whole_a epistle_n contain_v little_a else_o but_o sundry_a mark_n &_o evidence_n how_o we_o may_v know_v that_o we_o be_v the_o child_n of_o god_n wherefore_o be_v christ_n himself_o seal_v of_o the_o father_n to_o the_o office_n of_o mediator_n wherefore_o do_v he_o die_v and_o rise_v again_o and_o wherefore_o do_v he_o still_o make_v intercession_n for_o we_o in_o heaven_n that_o we_o shall_v doubt_v of_o god_n love_n when_o as_o he_o have_v give_v we_o that_o which_o be_v great_a than_o salvation_n yea_o great_a than_o all_o the_o world_n even_o his_o own_o son_n no_o certain_o can_v we_o desire_v a_o more_o ample_a testimony_n of_o his_o favour_n than_o he_o have_v already_o bestow_v upon_o we_o be_v it_o not_o the_o errand_n of_o all_o god_n mercy_n to_o bring_v we_o near_o to_o himself_o that_o we_o shall_v not_o doubt_v of_o his_o love_n but_o rest_v secure_o upon_o he_o why_o then_o do_v we_o distrust_v the_o almighty_a who_o be_v truth_n itself_o and_o never_o fail_v any_o yet_o we_o must_v know_v that_o christian_n have_v not_o at_o all_o time_n alike_o assurance_n of_o alike_o their_o interest_n for_o there_o be_v a_o infancy_n of_o grace_n where_o in_o we_o be_v ignorant_a of_o our_o own_o condition_n and_o there_o be_v a_o time_n of_o desertion_n when_o as_o god_n to_o make_v we_o look_v better_o to_o our_o foot_n leave_v we_o a_o little_a as_o if_o he_o will_v forsake_v we_o quite_o when_o indeed_o he_o only_o withdraw_v his_o assistance_n for_o a_o while_n to_o make_v we_o cleave_v the_o close_a to_o he_o there_o be_v also_o certain_a season_n wherein_o though_o we_o be_v assure_v of_o god_n favour_n yet_o we_o have_v no_o feeling_n or_o apprehension_n of_o the_o same_o which_o differ_v in_o christian_n much_o according_a as_o they_o be_v more_o or_o less_o sensible_a of_o their_o estate_n some_o again_o use_v not_o that_o care_n and_o diligence_n in_o the_o use_n of_o mean_n which_o god_n require_v whereupon_o they_o be_v just_o deprive_v of_o that_o inward_a peace_n and_o comfort_n which_o other_o enjoy_v there_o be_v a_o difference_n likewise_o in_o growth_n and_o continuance_n in_o christianity_n some_o be_v strong_a christian_n and_o some_o weak_a answerable_a whereunto_o be_v the_o difference_n of_o assurance_n of_o god_n love_v usual_o in_o the_o heart_n of_o his_o people_n nay_o it_o be_v possible_a that_o for_o a_o long_a time_n the_o lord_n jewel_n his_o redeem_a one_o may_v want_v this_o bless_a comfort_n assurance_n for_o we_o must_v conceive_v there_o be_v a_o double_a act_n of_o faith_n first_o a_o act_n whereby_o a_o poor_a distress_a sinner_n cast_v himself_o upon_o god_n as_o reconcile_v to_o he_o in_o christ._n second_o there_o be_v a_o reflect_v act_n whereby_o know_v that_o we_o rely_v upon_o the_o truth_n and_o promise_n of_o the_o almighty_a we_o have_v assurance_n of_o his_o favour_n now_o a_o man_n may_v perform_v the_o one_o act_n and_o not_o the_o other_o many_o of_o the_o saint_n sometime_o can_v hardly_o say_v that_o they_o have_v any_o assurance_n but_o yet_o notwithstanding_o they_o will_v daily_o cast_v themselves_o upon_o the_o rich_a mercy_n and_o free_a grace_n of_o god_n in_o jesus_n christ._n assurance_n beside_o there_o be_v many_o thing_n which_o may_v hinder_v this_o act_n of_o assurance_n because_o together_o with_o believe_a god_n may_v present_v such_o thing_n to_o my_o mind_n as_o may_v so_o damp_n and_o disquiet_n my_o soul_n that_o i_o can_v have_v any_o definitive_a thought_n about_o that_o which_o god_n will_v especial_o have_v i_o to_o think_v upon_o as_o when_o god_n will_v humble_v a_o man_n he_o take_v not_o away_o the_o spirit_n of_o faith_n whole_o from_o he_o but_o set_v before_o such_o a_o sinful_a creature_n his_o anger_n and_o sore_a displeasure_n together_o with_o the_o hellish_a torment_n and_o pain_n of_o the_o damn_a as_o due_a to_o his_o soul_n which_o make_v he_o for_o the_o present_a to_o be_v in_o a_o estate_n little_o differ_v from_o the_o reprobate_n so_o that_o he_o be_v far_o from_o say_v he_o have_v any_o assurance_n at_o that_o time_n yet_o notwithstanding_o he_o do_v not_o leave_v off_o nor_o renounce_v his_o confidence_n but_o cast_v himself_o upon_o god_n mercy_n still_o though_o the_o lord_n kill_v he_o yet_o will_v he_o trust_v in_o he_o although_o he_o see_v nothing_o but_o terror_n &_o wrath_n before_o he_o this_o god_n do_v to_o tame_v our_o presumption_n and_o prepare_v we_o for_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o his_o future_a glory_n if_o we_o feel_v not_o sense_n of_o assurance_n it_o be_v good_a to_o bless_v god_n for_o what_o we_o have_v we_o can_v deny_v but_o god_n offer_v himself_o in_o mercy_n to_o we_o and_o that_o he_o intend_v our_o good_a thereby_o for_o so_o we_o ought_v to_o construe_v his_o merciful_a deal_n towards_o we_o and_o not_o have_v he_o in_o jealousy_n without_o ground_n have_v we_o but_o willing_a heart_n to_o praise_n god_n for_o that_o which_o we_o can_v but_o acknowledge_v come_v from_o he_o he_o will_v be_v ready_a in_o his_o time_n to_o show_v himself_o more_o clear_o to_o we_o we_o taste_v of_o his_o goodness_n many_o way_n &_o it_o be_v accompany_v with_o much_o patience_n and_o these_o in_o their_o nature_n shall_v lead_v we_o not_o only_o to_o repentance_n but_o to_o near_a dependence_n on_o he_o we_o ought_v to_o follow_v that_o which_o god_n lead_v we_o unto_o though_o he_o have_v not_o yet_o acquaint_v we_o with_o his_o secret_n these_o thing_n we_o must_v observe_v that_o we_o give_v not_o a_o false_a evidence_n against_o ourselves_o though_o we_o have_v not_o such_o assurance_n as_o we_o have_v have_v yet_o always_o there_o be_v some_o ground_n in_o we_o whereupon_o we_o may_v be_v comfort_v that_o we_o be_v god_n child_n can_v we_o but_o search_v into_o it_o let_v we_o not_o then_o be_v negligent_a in_o labour_v for_o the_o same_o and_o in_o the_o lord_n good_a time_n we_o shall_v certain_o obtain_v it_o it_o be_v the_o profaneness_n of_o the_o world_n that_o they_o improve_v not_o those_o help_n which_o god_n have_v afford_v for_o this_o purpose_n nay_o they_o have_v rather_o stagger_v and_o take_v contentment_n in_o their_o own_o way_n say_v if_o god_n will_v love_v i_o in_o a_o loose_a licentious_a course_n so_o it_o be_v but_o i_o will_v not_o give_v diligence_n to_o make_v my_o call_n and_o election_n sure_a i_o will_v never_o bar_v myself_o of_o such_o profit_n and_o delight_n nor_o forsake_v all_o chief_o to_o mind_v spiritual_a thing_n whereas_o we_o ought_v constant_o to_o endeavour_v for_o assurance_n of_o grace_n that_o god_n may_v have_v honour_n from_o we_o and_o we_o the_o more_o comfort_n from_o he_o again_o that_o we_o may_v live_v in_o the_o world_n above_o the_o world_n and_o pass_v cheerful_o through_o the_o manifold_a trouble_n and_o
counsel_n what_o do_v the_o truth_n vary_v according_a to_o man_n judgement_n must_v we_o bring_v the_o strait_a rule_n to_o the_o crooked_a timber_n for_o to_o be_v measure_v shall_v the_o judgement_n of_o any_o man_n be_v the_o rule_n of_o god_n unerring_a truth_n shall_v present_a man_n interpret_v it_o thus_o and_o say_v it_o be_v so_o now_o and_o shall_v other_o that_o succeed_v after_o say_v what_o ever_o it_o be_v then_o now_o it_o be_v thus_o and_o must_v we_o believe_v all_o god_n forbid_v this_o declare_v that_o no_o 4._o man_n can_v dispense_v with_o god_n law_n this_o write_a word_n be_v alike_o in_o all_o truth_n be_v truth_n and_o error_n error_n whether_o man_n think_v it_o to_o be_v so_o or_o no._n reason_n be_v reason_n in_o turk_n as_o well_o as_o among_o we_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n be_v the_o light_n of_o nature_n in_o any_o country_n as_o well_o as_o here_o principle_n of_o nature_n vary_v not_o as_o language_n do_v they_o be_v inbred_a thing_n and_o if_o principle_n of_o nature_n be_v inviolable_a and_o indispensable_a much_o more_o be_v divinity_n filth_n be_v filth_n we_o all_o confess_v opinion_n ought_v not_o to_o be_v the_o rule_n of_o thing_n but_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n itself_o therefore_o what_o be_v against_o nature_n none_o can_v dispense_v withal_o god_n can_v deny_v himself_o what_o be_v naught_o in_o one_o age_n be_v naught_o in_o another_o and_o for_o ever_o naught_o there_o be_v no_o monarch_n in_o the_o world_n can_v dispense_v with_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n or_o with_o the_o divine_a law_n of_o god_n for_o the_o opinion_n of_o any_o man_n in_o the_o world_n be_v not_o the_o rule_n which_o he_o may_v comfortable_o live_v by_o but_o the_o undoubted_a light_n of_o christ_n write_v word_n i_o speak_v this_o the_o rather_o to_o cross_v their_o base_a practice_n who_o when_o god_n call_v they_o to_o stand_v for_o his_o cause_n and_o truth_n they_o will_v bend_v and_o bow_v the_o sacred_a truth_n which_o be_v always_o yea_o and_o amen_o to_o their_o own_o by_o end_n and_o base_a respect_n as_o if_o the_o opinion_n of_o any_o man_n in_o the_o world_n be_v the_o rule_n of_o their_o faith_n and_o obedience_n this_o be_v to_o make_v god_n no_o god_n be_v not_o right_a right_a be_v not_o the_o law_n the_o law_n be_v not_o the_o word_n of_o christ_n a_o word_n that_o alter_v not_o but_o remain_v steadfast_a to_o all_o eternity_n assure_v yourselves_o there_o be_v a_o truth_n of_o god_n that_o we_o must_v maintain_v to_o the_o death_n not_o only_o in_o oppose_a heresy_n but_o resist_v of_o impiety_n wheresoever_o we_o meet_v it_o john_n baptist_n be_v a_o martyr_n when_o he_o stand_v out_o against_o herod_n and_o say_v thou_o must_v not_o have_v thy_o brother_n philip_n wife_n he_o will_v not_o be_v meal-mouthed_a in_o reprove_v his_o sin_n but_o cry_v out_o against_o the_o unlawfulnesse_n of_o it_o though_o it_o cost_v he_o his_o life_n man_n ought_v to_o suffer_v for_o the_o truth_n and_o not_o for_o base_a end_n deny_v the_o least_o word_n of_o god_n because_o it_o be_v a_o divine_a sparkle_n from_o himself_o for_o all_o the_o promise_n of_o god_n in_o he_o be_v yea_o and_o in_o he_o be_v amen_o this_o come_v in_o after_o this_o manner_n the_o word_n that_o i_o preach_v say_v paul_n be_v unvariable_a because_o christ_n himself_o be_v always_o yea_o and_o i_o have_v preach_v nothing_o but_o jesus_n christ_n among_o you_o my_o preach_v then_o must_v needs_o be_v a_o certain_a and_o immutable_a truth_n there_o be_v divers_a reading_n of_o the_o word_n but_o the_o most_o material_a be_v as_o this_o translation_n and_o the_o best_a expositor_n have_v it_o all_o the_o promise_n of_o god_n in_o christ_n be_v yea_o that_o be_v they_o be_v certain_a and_o constant_a in_o he_o and_o then_o they_o be_v amen_o that_o be_v in_o christ_n they_o be_v fulfil_v in_o he_o they_o be_v make_v and_o in_o he_o they_o be_v accomplish_v the_o whole_a carriage_n of_o the_o promise_n be_v in_o christ_n for_o his_o sake_n they_o be_v first_o give_v and_o in_o he_o they_o shall_v be_v perform_v as_o christ_n himself_o be_v yesterday_o and_o to_o day_n and_o the_o same_o for_o ever_o so_o be_v all_o god_n promise_v make_v in_o he_o undoubted_o eternal_o and_o unchangable_o true_a to_o all_o posterity_n here_o be_v divers_a truth_n which_o offer_v themselves_o to_o our_o consideration_n first_o take_v notice_n that_o since_o the_o fall_n of_o man_n it_o have_v please_v our_o good_a god_n to_o establish_v a_o covenant_n of_o grace_n in_o jesus_n christ_n and_o to_o make_v he_o a_o second_o adam_n by_o who_o we_o may_v be_v restore_v to_o a_o better_a estate_n than_o ever_o we_o have_v in_o the_o first_o adam_n in_o which_o happy_a condition_n there_o can_v be_v no_o intercourse_n betwixt_o god_n and_o man_n without_o some_o promise_n in_o his_o christ_n so_o that_o god_n now_o deal_v all_o by_o promise_n with_o we_o the_o reason_n be_v this_o how_o can_v poor_a dust_n and_o ash_n dare_v to_o challenge_v any_o thing_n of_o the_o great_a majesty_n of_o heaven_n without_o a_o warrant_n from_o himself_o how_o can_v the_o conscience_n be_v satisfy_v what_o conscience_n you_o know_v be_v a_o knowledge_n together_o with_o god_n how_o can_v that_o rest_n quiet_a in_o any_o thing_n but_o in_o what_o it_o be_v assure_v come_v from_o god_n and_o therefore_o promise_n for_o any_o good_a i_o hope_v for_o from_o god_n it_o behoove_v i_o to_o have_v some_o promise_n and_o word_n of_o his_o mouth_n for_o it_o this_o be_v his_o constant_a course_n of_o dispensation_n to_o his_o people_n while_o we_o live_v in_o this_o world_n we_o be_v always_o under_o hope_n we_o rejoice_v in_o hope_n of_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n now_o hope_v look_n still_o to_o the_o promise_n whereof_o some_o part_n be_v unperformed_a how_o do_v heaven_n differ_v from_o earth_n but_o in_o this_o heaven_n be_v a_o place_n all_o for_o performance_n here_o we_o have_v some_o performance_n to_o encourage_v we_o but_o be_v always_o under_o some_o promise_v not_o yet_o accomplish_v and_o therefore_o the_o manner_n of_o our_o apprehension_n of_o god_n in_o this_o world_n exceed_o differ_v from_o that_o in_o heaven_n here_o it_o be_v by_o faith_n and_o hope_n there_o it_o be_v by_o vision_n vision_n be_v fit_a for_o performance_n faith_n and_o hope_n look_v always_o to_o a_o word_n reveal_v god_n therefore_o rule_v his_o church_n in_o this_o manner_n for_o their_o great_a good_a alas_o what_o can_v we_o have_v from_o god_n but_o by_o the_o manifestation_n of_o hiis_fw-la own_o good_a will_n may_v we_o look_v for_o favour_n from_o god_n for_o any_o thing_n in_o ourselves_o it_o be_v a_o fond_a conceit_n again_o god_n will_v have_v his_o church_n rule_v by_o promise_n 2._o in_o all_o age_n to_o exercise_v the_o faithful_a in_o prayer_n and_o dependence_n upon_o he_o god_n will_v see_v of_o what_o credit_n be_v among_o man_n whether_o they_o will_v rely_v upon_o his_o bare_a promise_n or_o no._n he_o may_v do_v we_o good_a and_o give_v we_o no_o promise_n but_o he_o will_v try_v his_o grace_n in_o we_o by_o arm_v we_o against_o all_o difficulty_n and_o discouragement_n till_o the_o thing_n promise_v be_v perform_v to_o we_o promise_n be_v as_o it_o be_v the_o stay_n of_o the_o soul_n in_o a_o imperfect_a condition_n and_o so_o be_v faith_n in_o they_o until_o our_o hope_n shall_v end_v in_o full_a possession_n and_o we_o must_v know_v that_o divine_a promise_n promise_n be_v better_a than_o earthly_a performance_n let_v god_n give_v man_n never_o so_o much_o in_o the_o world_n if_o he_o have_v not_o a_o promise_n of_o better_a thing_n all_o will_v come_v to_o nothing_o at_o the_o last_o and_o therefore_o god_n support_v the_o spirit_n of_o his_o servant_n against_o all_o temptation_n both_o on_o the_o right_a hand_n and_o on_o the_o left_a by_o sweet_a promise_n he_o will_v have_v they_o live_v by_o faith_n which_o always_o have_v relation_n to_o a_o promise_n this_o be_v a_o general_a ground_n then_o that_o god_n now_o in_o christ_n jesus_n have_v appoint_v to_o govern_v his_o church_n by_o way_n of_o promise_n but_o what_o be_v a_o promise_n a_o promise_n be_v nothing_o but_o a_o manifestation_n of_o promise_n love_n a_o intendment_n of_o bestow_v some_o good_a and_o remove_v some_o evil_n from_o we_o a_o declare_v of_o a_o man_n free_a engagement_n in_o this_o kind_n be_v a_o promise_n it_o always_o come_v from_o love_n in_o the_o party_n promise_v and_o convey_v goodness_n to_o the_o believe_a soul_n now_o what_o love_n can_v there_o be_v in_o god_n to_o we_o since_o the_o fall_n which_o must_v not_o be_v ground_v on_o a_o better_a foundation_n than_o ourselves_o if_o god_n love_v we_o it_o
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the_o gen_n tile_n and_o many_o other_o thing_n christ_n be_v seal_v himself_o he_o seal_v all_o that_o he_o do_v for_o our_o redemption_n with_o his_o blood_n and_o have_v add_v for_o the_o strengthen_n of_o our_o faith_n outward_a seal_n the_o sacrament_n to_o secure_v his_o love_n more_o firm_o to_o we_o but_o in_o this_o place_n another_o manner_n of_o seal_v be_v to_o be_v understand_v for_o here_o be_v not_o mean_v the_o seal_n of_o christ_n but_o the_o seal_n of_o we_o that_o have_v communion_n with_o he_o the_o same_o spirit_n that_o seal_v the_o redeemer_n seal_v the_o redeem_v what_o be_v the_o manner_n of_o quest._n our_o seal_n by_o the_o spirit_n seal_v we_o know_v have_v answ._n divers_a use_n first_o of_o all_o it_o it_o do_v imprint_v a_o likeness_n of_o he_o that_o do_v seal_v when_o the_o king_n image_n be_v stamp_v upon_o the_o wax_n every_o thing_n in_o the_o wax_n answer_v to_o that_o in_o the_o seal_n face_n to_o face_n eye_n to_o eye_n body_z to_z body_z so_o 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to_o come_v whatsoever_o befall_v he_o in_o this_o life_n he_o know_v that_o god_n in_o all_o confusion_n of_o time_n know_v his_o own_o seal_n and_o that_o his_o destroy_a angel_n shall_v spare_v and_o pass_v over_o those_o that_o be_v mark_v ezech._n 9_o and_o though_o our_o body_n escape_v not_o yet_o our_o soul_n shall_v josias_n we_o see_v be_v take_v away_o from_o the_o evil_a to_o come_v and_o lot_n be_v deliver_v from_o the_o judgement_n of_o the_o sodomite_n if_o we_o partake_v not_o of_o the_o sin_n of_o the_o wicked_a we_o shall_v never_o partake_v of_o their_o plague_n god_n have_v a_o special_a care_n of_o his_o little_a one_o in_o this_o life_n and_o if_o he_o take_v they_o away_o yet_o their_o death_n be_v precious_a in_o his_o sight_n he_o 116._o will_v not_o part_v with_o they_o but_o upon_o special_a consideration_n he_o see_v if_o they_o live_v it_o will_v be_v worse_o for_o they_o their_o precious_a soul_n be_v in_o continual_a danger_n he_o see_v it_o be_v best_o 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from_o the_o danger_n of_o dark_a time_n why_o then_o shall_v we_o be_v afraid_a of_o evil_a tiding_n let_v any_o affliction_n or_o death_n itself_o come_v christ_n will_v know_v his_o own_o stamp_n in_o we_o he_o have_v a_o book_n of_o remembrance_n for_o those_o that_o be_v he_o and_o when_o he_o gather_v his_o jewel_n they_o will_v be_v high_o set_v by_o god_n in_o common_a calamity_n suffer_v his_o luggage_n wicked_a man_n to_o go_v to_o wrack_n but_o he_o will_v secure_v his_o jewel_n his_o darling_n what_o ever_o come_v of_o it_o labour_v therefore_o to_o be_v a_o seal_a person_n but_o you_o will_v say_v what_o quest._n shall_v i_o account_v of_o myself_o if_o there_o be_v
but_o a_o little_a sign_n of_o grace_n in_o i_o be_v not_o discourage_v you_o answ._n know_v in_o wax_n though_o the_o stamp_n be_v almost_o out_o yet_o it_o be_v currant_n in_o law_n notwithstanding_o put_v the_o case_n the_o stamp_n of_o the_o prince_n be_v a_o old_a coin_n be_v it_o not_o currant_n though_o it_o be_v crack_v suppose_v the_o mark_n of_o the_o spirit_n shall_v be_v dim_a and_o blur_v scarce_o discernible_a in_o we_o this_o aught_o to_o be_v our_o shame_n and_o grief_n yet_o some_o evidence_n of_o grace_n be_v still_o remain_v there_o be_v some_o sigh_n and_o groan_n against_o corruption_n which_o may_v continual_o support_v we_o if_o we_o mourn_v in_o our_o spirit_n and_o do_v not_o join_v with_o our_o lust_n nor_o allow_v ourselves_o in_o they_o this_o be_v a_o divine_a impression_n though_o it_o be_v as_o it_o be_v almost_o wear_v out_o the_o more_o comfort_n we_o desire_v the_o fresh_a she_o shall_v keep_v this_o seal_n of_o comfort_n and_o labour_v to_o grow_v 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and_o god_n speak_v peace_n to_o his_o inner_a man_n the_o transform_v of_o ourselves_o into_o the_o image_n of_o christ_n be_v the_o best_a picture_n in_o the_o world_n therefore_o we_o shall_v labour_v for_o the_o new_a creature_n that_o as_o we_o grow_v downward_o one_o way_n we_o may_v grow_v up_o towards_o heaven_n another_o that_o as_o the_o life_n of_o nature_n decay_v so_o the_o spiritual_a life_n may_v be_v more_o active_a and_o work_a it_o shall_v be_v our_o daily_a study_n while_o we_o live_v in_o this_o world_n to_o attain_v that_o holiness_n without_o which_o no_o man_n shall_v ever_o see_v god_n there_o be_v beside_o the_o common_a broad_a seal_n of_o god_n his_o privy_a seal_n what_o be_v the_o reason_n that_o many_o proud_a heart_a person_n be_v damn_v the_o truth_n be_v they_o be_v all_o for_o external_a contentment_n and_o despise_v the_o ordinance_n of_o god_n for_o though_o they_o stand_v upon_o their_o admission_n into_o the_o church_n upon_o the_o common_a seal_n and_o prerogative_n which_o in_o themselves_o be_v excellent_a yet_o rely_v on_o these_o thing_n overmuch_o betray_v many_o soul_n to_o the_o devil_n in_o the_o time_n of_o distress_n it_o be_v a_o other_o manner_n of_o seal_n than_o the_o outward_a seal_n in_o the_o sacrament_n that_o must_v settle_v peace_n in_o the_o conscience_n when_o once_o the_o beginning_n of_o faith_n be_v wrought_v in_o we_o than_o we_o may_v with_o comfort_n think_v upon_o our_o receive_n of_o the_o communion_n but_o the_o special_a thing_n to_o be_v eye_v be_v the_o hide_a seal_n if_o the_o external_a mean_n work_v no_o inward_a sanctification_n in_o our_o heart_n we_o shall_v be_v the_o worse_a rather_o than_o the_o better_a for_o they_o yet_o we_o must_v not_o be_v so_o profane_a as_o to_o think_v slight_o of_o god_n ordinance_n they_o be_v of_o great_a consequence_n for_o when_o satan_n shake_v the_o confidence_n of_o a_o christian_a and_o say_v thou_o be_v a_o hypocrite_n god_n do_v not_o love_v thou_o 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be_v a_o underling_n to_o our_o lust_n it_o repair_v and_o make_v up_o all_o our_o inward_a breach_n the_o spirit_n prepare_v his_o own_o dwell_n he_o beget_v knowledge_n and_o acquaintance_n of_o god_n within_o we_o he_o be_v not_o in_o we_o as_o he_o be_v in_o the_o wicked_a he_o only_o knock_v at_o their_o heart_n but_o have_v not_o his_o abode_n there_o second_o when_o the_o spirit_n come_v into_o a_o man_n he_o subdue_v whatsoever_o be_v contrary_a to_o it_o and_o make_v way_n for_o itself_o by_o pull_v down_o all_o strong_a hold_n which_o oppose_v it_o therefore_o we_o be_v say_v to_o mortify_v the_o deed_n of_o the_o flesh_n by_o the_o spirit_n ver_n 13._o those_o that_o by_o help_n of_o the_o spirit_n have_v get_v the_o victory_n of_o sin_n can_v in_o no_o wise_n be_v lead_v as_o slave_n by_o the_o flesh_n as_o on_o the_o contrary_a he_o that_o cherish_v corruption_n and_o crucify_v it_o not_o by_o spiritual_a reason_n but_o out_o of_o civil_a respect_n to_o be_v free_v from_o 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any_o opposition_n as_o have_v a_o spirit_n high_o than_o the_o world_n about_o he_o and_o see_v all_o but_o god_n far_o beneath_o he_o though_o i_o may_v name_v more_o what_o a_o many_o sweet_a evidence_n be_v here_o to_o manifest_v a_o soul_n true_o â—â—ted_v and_o lead_v by_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n how_o may_v a_o man_n obtain_v this_o bless_a guest_n to_o quest._n lodge_v in_o his_o soul_n and_o rule_n over_o he_o first_o attend_v upon_o the_o answ._n teach_n of_o the_o gospel_n receive_v you_o the_o spirit_n by_o the_o hear_n of_o the_o law_n or_o of_o faith_n preach_v say_v the_o apostle_n the_o spirit_n it_o usual_o give_v with_o a_o clear_a unfolding_n of_o christ._n second_o omit_v likewise_o no_o mean_n wherein_o the_o spirit_n be_v effectual_a for_o as_o a_o man_n walk_v in_o a_o garden_n though_o he_o think_v not_o of_o it_o draw_v a_o sweet_a send_v of_o the_o flower_n so_o the_o word_n of_o god_n be_v dictate_v by_o the_o spirit_n leave_v a_o heavenly_a favour_n in_o 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repentance_n do_v work_n together_o for_o the_o best_a unto_o we_o yea_o the_o circumstance_n of_o sin_n as_o continuance_n therein_o sin_n which_o much_o aggravate_v the_o sin_n when_o such_o a_o one_o true_o repent_v and_o be_v restore_v to_o christ_n it_o make_v he_o more_o zealous_a and_o watchful_a ever_o after_o as_o we_o see_v in_o paul_n and_o the_o thief_n on_o the_o cross_n who_o find_v favour_n acknowledge_v his_o worthiness_n of_o punishment_n reprehend_v his_o fellow_n on_o the_o cross_n &_o justify_v christ_n to_o have_v do_v all_o thing_n well_o and_o so_o give_v glory_n unto_o god_n and_o cry_v for_o mercy_n receive_v a_o comfortable_a promise_n of_o a_o heavenly_a kingdom_n all_o thing_n be_v possible_a to_o god_n we_o can_v never_o be_v so_o ill_a as_o he_o be_v powerful_a and_o good_a god_n can_v bring_v contrary_a out_o of_o contrary_a he_o have_v promise_v to_o pour_v clean_a water_n upon_o we_o which_o faith_n sue_v out_o and_o remember_v that_o christ_n have_v take_v upon_o he_o to_o purge_v his_o spouse_n and_o make_v her_o fit_a for_o himself_o further_o the_o very_a relapse_n and_o backslide_n of_o god_n servant_n into_o sin_n do_v not_o argue_v no_o repentance_n but_o a_o weak_a repentance_n and_o therefore_o when_o they_o be_v again_o rebuke_v and_o turn_v from_o sin_n their_o relapse_n do_v make_v they_o set_v upon_o the_o service_n of_o god_n more_o strong_o and_o run_v more_o constant_o in_o his_o way_n where_o true_a grace_n be_v sin_n lose_v strength_n by_o every_o new_a fall_n for_o hence_o issue_v deep_a humility_n strong_a hatred_n of_o evil_a fresh_a indignation_n against_o ourselves_o more_o experience_n of_o the_o deceitfulness_n of_o our_o heart_n and_o renew_a resolution_n till_o sin_n be_v bring_v under_o adam_n lose_v all_o by_o once_o sin_v but_o we_o be_v under_o a_o better_a covenant_n a_o covenant_n of_o mercy_n and_o be_v encourage_v to_o go_v to_o god_n every_o day_n for_o the_o sin_n of_o that_o day_n for_o it_o be_v not_o with_o god_n as_o it_o be_v with_o man_n who_o be_v offend_v will_v scarce_o be_v reconcile_v but_o god_n offend_v still_o offer_v mercy_n he_o be_v not_o only_o ready_a to_o receive_v we_o when_o we_o return_v but_o persuade_v and_o entreat_v we_o to_o come_v unto_o he_o yea_o after_o backslide_v and_o false_a deal_n with_o he_o wherein_o he_o allow_v no_o mercy_n to_o be_v show_v by_o man_n yet_o he_o will_v take_v liberty_n to_o show_v mercy_n himself_o as_o in_o jeremiah_n if_o a_o man_n have_v a_o adulterous_a wife_n and_o shall_v put_v she_o away_o and_o she_o become_v another_o man_n he_o will_v not_o receive_v she_o any_o more_o to_o he_o but_o say_v the_o lord_n thou_o have_v play_v the_o harlot_n with_o many_o lover_n yet_o turn_v again_o unto_o i_o for_o i_o be_o merciful_a and_o my_o wrath_n shall_v not_o fall_v upon_o you_o i_o will_v not_o always_o keep_v my_o anger_n though_o your_o sin_n be_v as_o crimson_n they_o shall_v be_v white_a as_o snow_n and_o though_o they_o be_v red_a like_o scarlet_n they_o shall_v be_v as_o white_a as_o wool_n if_o you_o will_v turn_v to_o i_o and_o wash_v you_o and_o make_v you_o clean_o and_o cease_v to_o do_v evil_a and_o learn_v to_o do_v well_o so_o revel_v 2._o christ_n speak_v to_o the_o church_n of_o ephesus_n sai_z she_o have_v fall_v from_o her_o first_o love_n but_o say_v he_o remember_v from_o whence_o thou_o be_v fall_v and_o repent_v and_o do_v thy_o first_o work_n and_o i_o will_v receive_v thou_o to_o favour_n by_o which_o we_o see_v that_o the_o relapse_n of_o god_n elect_v as_o they_o do_v not_o final_o hinder_v mercy_n from_o their_o soul_n so_o notwithstanding_o the_o same_o they_o be_v still_o encourage_v to_o return_v to_o god_n to_o renew_v their_o covenant_n by_o faith_n and_o repentance_n and_o cleave_v more_o strong_o to_o he_o as_o for_o outward_a evil_n evil_n they_o be_v first_o evil_n of_o estate_n as_o want_v and_o poverty_n which_o oft_o fall_v out_o to_o be_v the_o portion_n of_o god_n child_n yet_o be_v they_o not_o any_o whit_n the_o worse_a hereby_o but_o rather_o the_o better_a in_o their_o inner_a man_n for_o the_o less_o they_o have_v in_o this_o world_n the_o great_a and_o large_a happiness_n shall_v they_o partake_v of_o in_o another_o world_n what_o they_o lose_v one_o way_n be_v supply_v another_o whatsoever_o comfort_n we_o have_v in_o good_n or_o friend_n below_o it_o be_v all_o convey_v from_o god_n above_o who_o still_o remain_v though_o these_o be_v take_v away_o the_o saint_n see_v that_o if_o to_o preserve_v the_o dear_a thing_n in_o the_o world_n they_o break_v with_o god_n he_o can_v make_v it_o a_o dead_a contentment_n and_o a_o torment_n to_o they_o whereas_o if_o we_o care_v to_o preserve_v communion_n with_o god_n we_o shall_v be_v sure_a to_o find_v in_o he_o whatsoever_o we_o deny_v for_o he_o honour_n riches_n pleasure_n friend_n all_z so_o much_o the_o sweet_a by_o how_o much_o we_o have_v they_o more_o immediate_o from_o the_o springhead_n our_o riches_n and_o friend_n and_o life_n itself_o may_v soon_o depart_v but_o god_n never_o lose_v his_o right_n in_o we_o nor_o we_o our_o interest_n in_o he_o every_o thing_n beneath_o teach_v we_o by_o the_o vanity_n and_o vexation_n we_o find_v in_o they_o that_o our_o happiness_n be_v not_o there_o they_o send_v we_o to_o god_n they_o may_v make_v we_o worse_o but_o better_a they_o can_v our_o nature_n be_v above_o they_o and_o ordain_v for_o a_o great_a good_a they_o can_v but_o go_v along_o with_o we_o for_o a_o while_n and_o their_o end_n swallow_v up_o all_o the_o comfort_n of_o their_o beginning_n beside_o none_o have_v that_o experience_n of_o god_n goodness_n and_o faithfulness_n as_o those_o that_o be_v in_o want_n and_o misery_n god_n in_o his_o wisdom_n foresee_v what_o be_v best_a for_o his_o servant_n know_v that_o the_o more_o worldly_a wealth_n they_o do_v abound_v in_o the_o less_o their_o estimation_n will_v be_v of_o heavenly_a thing_n he_o see_v how_o apt_a the_o poor_a creature_n be_v to_o be_v carry_v away_o with_o present_a comfort_n and_o to_o have_v his_o love_n draw_v to_o the_o world_n from_o better_a contentment_n the_o poor_a they_o be_v in_o worldly_a riches_n the_o more_o they_o seek_v to_o be_v rich_a in_o grace_n in_o knowledge_n faith_n and_o repentance_n which_o heavenly_a treasure_n incomparable_o surmount_v the_o most_o transcendent_a excellency_n which_o the_o creature_n can_v yield_v as_o for_o the_o evil_a of_o lose_v slander_n a_o good_a name_n a_o thing_n oft_o befalling_a the_o child_n of_o god_n to_o be_v slander_v and_o evil_a speak_v of_o they_o upon_o every_o small_a disgrace_n take_v occasion_n to_o enter_v into_o themselves_o and_o try_v whether_o they_o be_v guilty_a of_o such_o hard_a imputation_n as_o be_v fling_v upon_o they_o and_o if_o upon_o a_o serious_a consideration_n he_o find_v himself_o disgrace_v for_o good_a thing_n he_o wear_v it_o as_o a_o crown_n and_o as_o a_o garland_n upon_o his_o head_n rejoice_v that_o he_o be_v account_v worthy_a to_o suffer_v for_o the_o lord_n jesus_n esteem_v the_o rebuke_n of_o christ_n great_a ter_z treasure_n than_o the_o riches_n of_o egypt_n a_o true_a believer_n resign_v his_o good_a name_n and_o all_o that_o he_o have_v to_o god_n he_o be_v assure_v that_o no_o man_n can_v take_v away_o that_o from_o he_o which_o god_n will_v give_v he_o and_o keep_v for_o he_o it_o be_v not_o in_o man_n power_n to_o make_v other_o conceive_v what_o they_o please_v of_o we_o for_o the_o evil_n of_o body_n body_n such_o as_o sickness_n and_o disease_n of_o all_o sort_n which_o daily_o attend_v our_o house_n of_o clay_n god_n by_o mean_n hereof_o acquaint_v his_o child_n with_o their_o frail_a condition_n and_o show_v they_o what_o a_o little_a time_n they_o have_v to_o provide_v for_o eternity_n thereby_o drive_v they_o to_o search_v their_o evidence_n &_o to_o make_v all_o straight_a betwixt_o he_o and_o they_o outward_a weakness_n be_v oft_o a_o mean_n to_o restrain_v man_n from_o inward_a evil_n god_n usual_o sanctify_v the_o pain_n and_o grief_n of_o his_o servant_n to_o make_v they_o better_o the_o time_n of_o sickness_n be_v a_o time_n of_o purge_v from_o that_o defilement_n we_o gather_v in_o our_o health_n we_o shall_v not_o be_v cast_v down_o so_o much_o for_o any_o bodily_a distemper_n as_o for_o sin_n that_o procure_v and_o invenome_v the_o same_o that_o be_v a_o good_a sickness_n which_o tend_v to_o the_o health_n of_o the_o soul_n naaman_n the_o assyrian_a if_o he_o have_v not_o have_v a_o leprosy_n in_o his_o body_n have_v continue_v a_o leper_n both_o in_o body_n and_o soul_n all_o his_o day_n his_o outward_a grievance_n make_v he_o inward_o sound_a the_o very_a
heathen_a can_v say_v that_o we_o be_v then_o best_a in_o soul_n when_o we_o be_v weak_a in_o body_n for_o than_o we_o be_v most_o in_o heavenly_a resolution_n and_o seek_v after_o god_n yea_o then_o it_o appear_v what_o good_a proficient_o we_o have_v be_v in_o time_n of_o health_n oh_o how_o happy_a be_v our_o condition_n if_o we_o be_v as_o good_a when_o we_o be_v well_o and_o in_o health_n as_o we_o usual_o be_v when_o we_o be_v sick_a and_o ill_a death_n even_o death_n itself_o which_o be_v the_o end_n of_o all_o though_o it_o be_v fearful_a and_o irksome_a to_o nature_n yet_o it_o be_v to_o god_n servant_n a_o bed_n of_o down_o ease_v they_o of_o all_o their_o misery_n and_o put_v they_o in_o possession_n of_o a_o heavenly_a kingdom_n therefore_o say_v solomon_n the_o day_n of_o death_n be_v better_a than_o the_o day_n of_o birth_n god_n will_v be_v the_o god_n of_o he_o not_o only_o unto_o death_n but_o in_o death_n death_n be_v the_o death_n of_o itself_o and_o not_o of_o we_o it_o be_v a_o disarm_v and_o conquer_v enemy_n to_o all_o the_o faithful_a for_o which_o cause_n s._n paul_n desire_v to_o be_v dissolve_v and_o to_o be_v with_o christ_n which_o be_v best_a of_o all_o death_n albeit_o it_o seem_v terrible_a and_o dreadful_a yet_o the_o sting_n thereof_o be_v take_v away_o by_o the_o death_n of_o christ_n it_o bring_v everlasting_a joy_n along_o with_o it_o and_o be_v only_o as_o a_o groom-porter_n to_o let_v we_o in_o to_o a_o stately_a palace_n whether_o tend_v all_o the_o trouble_v we_o meet_v with_o in_o this_o world_n but_o only_o to_o fit_v we_o for_o a_o better_a condition_n hereafter_o and_o to_o assure_v the_o soul_n that_o when_o earth_n can_v hold_v it_o no_o long_o heaven_n shall_v yea_o when_o friend_n forsake_v friend_n we_o and_o be_v false_a unto_o we_o god_n be_v a_o sure_a help_n in_o time_n of_o need_n he_o be_v our_o refuge_n from_o one_o generation_n to_o another_o do_v we_o not_o see_v that_o in_o the_o decay_n of_o worldly_a 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and_o all_o for_o the_o best_a to_o god_n servant_n it_o be_v good_a we_o shall_v be_v affliction_n exercise_v with_o present_a cross_n to_o put_v we_o in_o mind_n of_o the_o evil_n we_o have_v do_v long_o ago_o that_o so_o we_o may_v repent_v of_o they_o josephs_n brethren_n be_v afflict_v and_o imprison_v call_v to_o mind_n how_o hardly_o they_o have_v deal_v with_o their_o brother_n long_o before_o it_o shall_v be_v our_o wisdom_n while_o we_o remain_v here_o to_o consider_v our_o warfaring_a condition_n how_o we_o be_v daily_o environ_v with_o enemy_n and_o therefore_o aught_o to_o stand_v continual_o upon_o our_o guard_n against_o satan_n and_o the_o power_n of_o darkness_n and_o as_o pilgrim_n and_o stranger_n go_v on_o in_o our_o journey_n to_o heaven_n not_o start_v at_o the_o bark_n of_o every_o dog_n nor_o entangle_v ourselves_o in_o worldly_a thing_n whereby_o we_o shall_v be_v stop_v in_o our_o way_n it_o be_v for_o our_o best_a not_o to_o be_v condemn_v with_o the_o world_n affliction_n serve_v for_o this_o very_a end_n to_o make_v we_o more_o prize_n god_n &_o deny_v the_o creature_n with_o all_o its_o excellency_n be_v our_o cross_n great_a here_o let_v we_o not_o be_v daunt_v but_o bear_v they_o patient_o our_o comfort_n shall_v be_v the_o great_a afterward_o it_o be_v not_o only_o good_a for_o we_o that_o we_o shall_v have_v cross_n but_o that_o they_o shall_v be_v continue_v upon_o we_o that_o we_o may_v the_o better_o know_v ourselves_o if_o all_o be_v well_o with_o a_o man_n wound_v and_o the_o sore_a clean_o heal_v the_o plaster_n will_v fall_v off_o itself_o so_o be_v we_o thorough_o cure_v of_o our_o spiritual_a want_n and_o in_o a_o continual_a resistance_n of_o every_o evil_a way_n these_o affliction_n which_o be_v the_o plaster_n of_o our_o soul_n will_v soon_o cease_v and_o leave_v we_o furthermore_o satan_n himself_o and_o all_o his_o instrument_n heretic_n when_o they_o most_o set_v themselves_o against_o god_n people_n and_o seek_v their_o overthrow_n then_o be_v they_o work_v their_o chief_a good_a the_o devil_n when_o he_o think_v to_o make_v a_o end_n of_o christ_n by_o put_v he_o to_o death_n even_o then_o by_o that_o very_a thing_n be_v vanquish_v himself_o and_o the_o church_n of_o god_n full_o ransom_v from_o hell_n and_o damnation_n god_n suffer_v many_o heretic_n to_o be_v in_o the_o world_n but_o why_o not_o that_o the_o truth_n shall_v be_v hold_v in_o darkness_n but_o that_o it_o may_v thereby_o be_v more_o manifest_v and_o know_v it_o be_v satan_n continual_a trade_n to_o seek_v his_o rest_n in_o our_o disquiet_n when_o he_o see_v man_n will_v to_o heaven_n and_o that_o they_o have_v good_a title_n to_o it_o than_o he_o follow_v they_o with_o all_o tentation_n and_o discomfort_n that_o he_o can_v he_o can_v endure_v that_o a_o creature_n of_o mean_a rank_n than_o himself_o shall_v enjoy_v a_o happiness_n beyond_o he_o but_o our_o comfort_n be_v that_o christ_n be_v tempt_v that_o he_o may_v succour_v all_o poor_a soul_n in_o the_o like_a case_n we_o be_v keep_v by_o his_o power_n through_o faith_n unto_o salvation_n now_o the_o cause_n why_o all_o thing_n do_v work_v together_o best_a for_o the_o best_a to_o they_o that_o love_n god_n be_v these_o viz._n 1._o it_o be_v god_n decree_n 2._o it_o be_v god_n manner_n of_o work_v 3._o it_o be_v god_n bless_a covenant_n 4._o it_o be_v the_o foundation_n of_o the_o covenant_n christ_n jesus_n god_n decree_n and_o purpose_n decree_n be_v of_o bring_v all_o his_o elect_n unto_o eternal_a salvation_n and_o therefore_o all_o thing_n in_o heaven_n and_o earth_n must_v conduce_v to_o bring_v his_o servant_n unto_o glory_n the_o reason_n be_v this_o god_n be_v infinite_o wise_a and_o infinite_o strong_a provident_a and_o good_a therefore_o by_o his_o infinite_a wisdom_n power_n providence_n and_o mercy_n he_o turn_v all_o thing_n to_o the_o best_a for_o he_o whatsoever_o be_v in_o heaven_n earth_n or_o hell_n be_v order_v by_o god_n neither_o be_v there_o any_o thing_n without_o he_o therefore_o nothing_o can_v hinder_v his_o decree_n satan_n himself_o with_o all_o his_o instrument_n yea_o the_o worst_a of_o creature_n all_o must_v serve_v god_n purpose_n contrary_a to_o their_o nature_n for_o the_o good_a of_o his_o child_n the_o prophet_n say_v god_n have_v command_v salvation_n and_o he_o have_v command_v deliverance_n to_o jacob_n when_o god_n have_v determine_v to_o save_v any_o man_n all_o thing_n must_v needs_o serve_v he_o that_o overrule_v all_o thing_n as_o it_o be_v say_v of_o christ_n when_o he_o still_v the_o sea_n who_o be_v this_o that_o the_o very_a wind_n and_o sea_n obey_v he_o god_n command_v the_o whale_n to_o serve_v at_o his_o beck_n to_o save_v jonah_n and_o it_o obey_v all_o creature_n in_o the_o earth_n be_v at_o his_o dispose_n and_o serve_v to_o accomplish_v his_o pleasure_n the_o second_o cause_n why_o all_o work_n together_o for_o the_o work_v best_a to_o believer_n be_v the_o manner_n of_o god_n work_v in_o thing_n which_o be_v by_o contrary_n he_o bring_v light_a out_o of_o darkness_n glory_n out_o of_o shame_n and_o life_n out_o of_o death_n we_o fall_v by_o pride_n to_o hell_n and_o destruction_n and_o must_v be_v restore_v by_o humiliation_n to_o life_n and_o salvation_n christ_n humble_v himself_o be_v god_n to_o become_v man_n for_o we_o and_o by_o his_o death_n restore_v we_o to_o life_n when_o our_o sin_n have_v bring_v we_o to_o great_a extremity_n even_o than_o be_v we_o near_o to_o eternal_a happiness_n therefore_o say_v the_o apostle_n when_o we_o be_v weak_a then_o be_v we_o strong_a in_o the_o lord_n when_o we_o be_v abase_v then_o be_v we_o ready_a
faith_n in_o all_o case_n of_o extremity_n eye_n we_o shall_v have_v a_o double_a eye_n one_o to_o look_v upon_o our_o grievance_n and_o trouble_n and_o another_o to_o look_v upon_o the_o issue_n and_o event_n of_o they_o why_o do_v man_n in_o time_n of_o dangerous_a sickness_n take_v bitter_a physic_n which_o be_v almost_o death_n unto_o they_o why_o do_v they_o then_o undergo_v such_o thing_n as_o they_o loathe_v at_o other_o time_n be_v it_o not_o because_o they_o rest_v upon_o the_o skill_n of_o the_o physician_n and_o shall_v we_o then_o in_o our_o distress_n do_v rust_v god_n for_o our_o soul_n when_o we_o will_v trust_v a_o weak_a and_o mortal_a man_n with_o our_o body_n if_o conceit_n be_v so_o strong_a in_o earthly_a thing_n as_o indeed_o it_o be_v than_o faith_n be_v much_o strong_a when_o it_o ground_n itself_o upon_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o word_n when_o god_n exercise_v we_o with_o poverty_n or_o other_o affliction_n this_o shall_v teach_v we_o submission_n to_o his_o providence_n in_o any_o condition_n say_v lord_n do_v with_o i_o what_o thou_o will_v only_o let_v this_o poor_a soul_n be_v precious_a in_o thy_o eye_n thou_o have_v promise_v that_o howsoever_o these_o affliction_n lie_v heavy_a upon_o i_o yet_o in_o the_o end_n all_o shall_v turn_v to_o my_o good_a therefore_o dispose_v of_o thy_o servant_n at_o thy_o own_o pleasure_n i_o resign_v all_o to_o thou_o here_o be_v the_o rejoice_v joy_n of_o a_o christian_a which_o make_v he_o cheerful_o pass_v through_o any_o affliction_n he_o know_v that_o good_a be_v intend_v in_o all_o that_o befall_v he_o with_o what_o alacrity_n do_v joseph_n say_v unto_o his_o brethren_n you_o sell_v i_o hither_o but_o god_n have_v turn_v it_o to_o the_o best_a that_o i_o shall_v preserve_v and_o nourish_v you_o all_o and_o save_v much_o people_n alive_a who_o otherwise_o be_v like_a to_o have_v perish_v with_o famine_n this_o make_v job_n so_o patient_o to_o say_v the_o lord_n give_v &_o the_o lord_n take_v bless_a be_v the_o name_n of_o the_o lord_n this_o be_v the_o ground_n of_o all_o true_a contentation_n i_o have_v learn_v say_v s._n paul_n in_o contentment_n all_o estate_n to_o be_v content_a to_o be_v rich_a and_o to_o be_v poor_a to_o abound_v and_o to_o be_v in_o want_n and_o why_o so_o whatsoever_o his_o estate_n and_o condition_n be_v god_n turn_v it_o to_o the_o best_a shall_v any_o man_n dare_v to_o mislike_v of_o god_n allowlowance_n do_v not_o he_o know_v better_a what_o be_v good_a for_o we_o than_o we_o can_v possible_o imagine_v what_o be_v good_a for_o ourselves_o this_o likewise_o shall_v teach_v we_o not_o to_o take_v offence_n at_o the_o reproach_n and_o disgrace_n which_o be_v cast_v upon_o god_n child_n for_o mark_v the_o righteous_a say_v david_n and_o behold_v the_o upright_a the_o end_n of_o that_o man_n be_v peace_n the_o issue_n of_o their_o trouble_n be_v ever_o quietness_n take_v not_o one_o piece_n of_o a_o christian_a man_n life_n by_o itself_o but_o take_v it_o altogether_o and_o then_o thou_o shall_v see_v the_o truth_n of_o this_o doctrine_n to_o see_v joseph_n in_o the_o dungeon_n and_o in_o his_o iron_n we_o haply_o may_v be_v offend_v and_o call_v god_n providence_n in_o question_n but_o behold_v he_o in_o his_o honour_n and_o advancement_n we_o can_v but_o conclude_v he_o a_o happy_a man_n so_o if_o we_o look_v on_o job_n sit_v with_o sore_n on_o the_o dunghill_n there_o be_v matter_n of_o offence_n but_o to_o see_v he_o restore_v again_o and_o bless_v with_o a_o great_a estate_n than_o he_o have_v before_o this_o be_v matter_n of_o praise_v god_n if_o we_o consider_v of_o christ_n abase_v &_o hang_v upon_o a_o cross_n so_o there_o will_v be_v scandal_n but_o look_v on_o he_o exalt_v to_o glory_n far_o above_o all_o dignity_n and_o power_n and_o then_o the_o scandal_n be_v soon_o take_v away_o let_v we_o theresore_n lay_v one_o thing_n to_o another_o when_o we_o eye_n god_n people_n and_o we_o shall_v see_v a_o blessing_n under_o their_o great_a curse_n those_o thing_n which_o be_v contrive_v by_o man_n wit_n may_v argue_v great_a folly_n if_o one_o part_n be_v not_o annex_v to_o the_o other_o therefore_o look_v to_o the_o whole_a work_n towards_o his_o servant_n and_o then_o thou_o shall_v never_o be_v offend_v at_o their_o condition_n this_o also_o be_v a_o ground_n of_o boldness_n christian_a boldness_n in_o holy_a course_n when_o a_o man_n be_v full_o resolve_v that_o come_v what_o will_v come_v god_n will_v turn_v all_o to_o his_o good_a it_o encourage_v he_o cheersul_o to_o go_v through_o any_o difficulty_n what_o be_v the_o reason_n of_o the_o fearesulnesse_n and_o dastardnesse_n of_o most_o man_n but_o only_o this_o that_o if_o we_o do_v this_o or_o that_o duty_n or_o abstain_v not_o from_o this_o or_o that_o good_a action_n then_o this_o cross_n and_o this_o displeasure_n by_o such_o and_o such_o a_o person_n will_v be_v bring_v upon_o i_o the_o wise_a man_n say_v that_o the_o fear_n of_o man_n 29._o bring_v a_o snare_n but_o he_o that_o trust_v in_o the_o lord_n shall_v be_v exalt_v let_v we_o not_o regard_v the_o fear_n of_o man_n neglect_v our_o duty_n to_o god_n for_o he_o can_v turn_v the_o heart_n of_o the_o king_n on_o the_o earth_n to_o seek_v the_o welfare_n of_o his_o poor_a creature_n and_o make_v thy_o very_a enemy_n to_o be_v thy_o friend_n he_o that_o for_o sinister_a end_n will_v offend_v his_o maker_n may_v well_o be_v exclude_v to_o the_o god_n who_o they_o have_v serve_v go_v to_o the_o great_a man_n who_o person_n you_o have_v obey_v for_o advantage_n to_o your_o riches_n to_o your_o pleasure_n which_o you_o have_v love_v more_o than_o god_n or_o goodness_n you_o will_v not_o lose_v a_o base_a custom_n a_o superfluity_n for_o i_o therefore_o i_o will_v not_o own_v you_o now_o such_o man_n be_v more_o impudent_a than_o the_o devil_n himself_o that_o will_v claim_v acquaintance_n with_o god_n at_o last_o when_o they_o have_v carry_v themselves_o as_o his_o enemy_n all_o their_o day_n god_n want_v not_o mean_n to_o maintain_v he_o without_o be_v behold_v to_o the_o devil_n he_o have_v all_o help_n hide_v in_o himself_o and_o will_v then_o show_v it_o when_o it_o shall_v make_v most_o for_o his_o own_o glory_n he_o deserve_v not_o to_o live_v under_o the_o protection_n of_o a_o king_n that_o will_v displease_v he_o for_o fear_n of_o a_o subject_a the_o three_o child_n in_o daniel_n say_v know_v o_o king_n that_o our_o god_n can_v deliver_v we_o out_o of_o thy_o hand_n but_o if_o he_o will_v not_o yet_o nevertheless_o we_o will_v not_o fall_v down_o and_o worship_v thy_o image_n the_o righteous_a be_v bold_a as_o a_o lion_n say_v the_o wise_a man_n the_o lord_n be_v his_o strong_a tower_n 1_o what_o need_v we_o fear_v any_o creature_n when_o we_o have_v he_o on_o our_o side_n who_o have_v both_o man_n and_o devil_n at_o his_o beck_n and_o if_o god_n turn_v all_o 6._o thing_n whatsoever_o to_o our_o good_a shall_v not_o we_o through_o the_o whole_a carriage_n of_o our_o life_n chief_o aim_v at_o his_o honour_n god_n write_v our_o name_n in_o his_o book_n he_o number_v our_o hair_n and_o bottle_n up_o our_o tear_n he_o have_v a_o special_a care_n of_o we_o every_o good_a deed_n we_o do_v he_o write_v down_o to_o eternity_n yea_o if_o we_o give_v but_o a_o cup_n of_o cold_a water_n in_o his_o name_n he_o take_v notice_n of_o it_o and_o shall_v not_o we_o then_o take_v special_a occasion_n to_o magnify_v he_o in_o all_o thing_n we_o pray_v daily_o hallow_a be_v thy_o name_n therefore_o ought_v according_o to_o observe_v god_n deal_v with_o we_o how_o be_v it_o possible_a that_o we_o shall_v give_v he_o the_o glory_n of_o his_o mercy_n if_o we_o never_o observe_v they_o a_o wicked_a man_n consider_v this_o make_v for_o my_o advantage_n and_o this_o for_o my_o profit_n this_o tend_v to_o my_o ease_n and_o wealth_n etc._n etc._n study_v how_o to_o make_v friend_n and_o please_v person_n in_o place_n above_o he_o not_o respect_v god_n honour_n and_o glory_n in_o the_o least_o kind_n whereas_o the_o sincere_a chri_n stian_a look_n on_o all_o thing_n as_o they_o tend_v to_o his_o best_a happiness_n and_o therefore_o forecast_n thus_o if_o i_o do_v this_o or_o that_o good_a than_o i_o shall_v grow_v in_o grace_n &_o wisdom_n and_o knowledge_n but_o if_o i_o neglect_v it_o and_o be_v careless_a of_o well_o do_v i_o shall_v hurt_v and_o wound_v my_o soul_n and_o break_v the_o peace_n of_o my_o conscience_n by_o this_o company_n and_o good_a acquaintance_n i_o shall_v be_v further_v in_o holiness_n become_v wise_a and_o better_a in_o heavenly_a understanding_n if_o i_o fall_v they_o may_v raise_v i_o
he_o long_v after_o the_o house_n of_o god_n when_o the_o people_n be_v ready_a to_o stone_n he_o wherein_o do_v he_o trust_v but_o in_o the_o lord_n his_o strong_a â—ower_n in_o the_o last_o place_n will_v we_o know_v whether_o we_o can_v rest_v in_o god_n or_o no._n let_v we_o examine_v ourselves_o then_o what_o endeavour_n we_o have_v every_o day_n to_o cleanse_v our_o soul_n from_o sin_n that_o so_o god_n may_v take_v pleasure_n in_o we_o and_o we_o again_o may_v delight_v in_o he_o let_v we_o see_v how_o we_o restrain_v our_o affection_n from_o run_a riot_n after_o the_o world_n and_o sinful_a pleasure_n and_o how_o we_o set_v our_o joy_n upon_o god_n and_o frame_v ourselves_o to_o do_v his_o will_n i_o beseech_v you_o let_v we_o deal_v faithful_o with_o our_o own_o soul_n in_o this_o particular_a and_o if_o we_o find_v that_o our_o heart_n tell_v we_o as_o peter_n tell_v he_o lord_n thou_o know_v that_o i_o love_v thou_o i_o desire_v o_o lord_n to_o please_v thou_o above_o all_o thing_n i_o have_v set_v my_o heart_n upon_o thou_o and_o i_o joy_n in_o thou_o and_o in_o thy_o love_n more_o than_o in_o all_o thing_n else_o in_o the_o world_n if_o thus_o i_o say_v we_o can_v in_o the_o integrity_n of_o our_o spirit_n appeal_v to_o god_n who_o only_o know_v and_o search_v our_o way_n and_o say_v true_o lord_n thou_o know_v that_o i_o love_v thou_o it_o be_v a_o certain_a and_o infallible_a sign_n unto_o we_o that_o we_o be_v his_o and_o all_o thing_n shall_v work_v for_o the_o best_a unto_o we_o but_o take_v we_o heed_v how_o we_o deceive_v ourselves_o in_o these_o thing_n by_o love_n we_o be_v christian_n therefore_o labour_v for_o sincerity_n of_o affection_n a_o reprobate_n or_o a_o castaway_n may_v go_v far_o in_o these_o four_o sign_n of_o love_n he_o may_v admire_v and_o wonder_v at_o the_o good_a thing_n of_o god_n but_o he_o do_v it_o not_o from_o any_o thing_n within_o he_o but_o from_o the_o outward_a behold_v of_o they_o he_o can_v admire_v and_o talk_v of_o they_o but_o yet_o such_o man_n be_v without_o any_o relish_n or_o sweet_a taste_n of_o the_o thing_n they_o speak_v of_o so_o likewise_o a_o hypocrite_n may_v desire_v to_o please_v god_n in_o many_o thing_n but_o not_o in_o all_o thing_n as_o we_o see_v in_o herod_n he_o hear_v john_n baptist_n willing_o and_o obey_v in_o some_o thing_n but_o not_o in_o all_o he_o can_v not_o be_v cross_v in_o his_o belove_a sin_n which_o abode_n in_o he_o that_o must_v not_o be_v touch_v then_o farewell_n god_n and_o farewell_n christ_n and_o all_o so_o a_o castaway_n may_v desire_v to_o be_v in_o heaven_n as_o be_v a_o place_n good_a for_o he_o and_o he_o may_v have_v some_o little_a taste_n of_o those_o joy_n above_o as_o be_v mention_v in_o the_o hebrew_n but_o he_o have_v no_o relish_n of_o they_o from_o the_o love_n of_o god_n but_o only_o from_o the_o love_n of_o himself_o and_o his_o desire_n be_v not_o such_o as_o will_v draw_v he_o on_o to_o the_o use_n of_o mean_n for_o spiritual_a growth_n and_o progress_n thereunto_o as_o we_o see_v in_o balaam_n he_o have_v a_o desire_n to_o die_v the_o death_n of_o the_o righteous_a but_o this_o can_v not_o make_v he_o leave_v his_o covetous_a disposition_n and_o find_v a_o contentment_n in_o god_n alone_o a_o reprobate_n may_v be_v content_a with_o religion_n and_o with_o god_n way_n so_o long_o as_o peace_n do_v accompany_v the_o same_o as_o now_o in_o this_o our_o country_n christ_n come_v among_o we_o with_o plenty_n and_o prosperity_n therefore_o christ_n be_v a_o good_a christ_n but_o if_o the_o gospel_n and_o religion_n shall_v be_v profess_v with_o perfecution_n and_o danger_n and_o disgrace_n it_o will_v soon_o appear_v where_o man_n contentment_n be_v there_o be_v a_o rest_v not_o in_o the_o truth_n because_o it_o be_v truth_n but_o in_o regard_n of_o the_o good_a thing_n which_o follow_v it_o if_o we_o desire_v to_o approve_v ourselves_o to_o god_n let_v we_o examine_v ourselves_o about_o this_o affection_n and_o every_o branch_n of_o it_o the_o deceit_n be_v both_o common_a and_o deadly_a and_o the_o profession_n of_o religion_n in_o many_o christian_n be_v not_o for_o religion_n itself_o but_o for_o by_o end_n and_o sinister_a respect_n to_o which_o end_n consider_v further_o these_o particular_n where_o there_o be_v true_a love_n there_o will_v be_v a_o dedesire_n of_o union_n to_o the_o belove_a object_n so_o where_o the_o love_n of_o god_n be_v there_o will_v be_v a_o desire_n of_o the_o accomplishment_n of_o the_o marriage_n between_o god_n and_o the_o soul_n he_o that_o love_v a_o harlot_n say_v the_o wise_a man_n be_v one_o with_o she_o so_o he_o that_o affect_v the_o lord_n desire_n to_o be_v one_o with_o he_o therefore_o man_n have_v their_o name_n from_o what_o they_o love_v if_o they_o love_v the_o world_n they_o be_v call_v worldling_n if_o they_o love_v christ_n they_o be_v call_v christian_n how_o can_v thou_o say_v that_o thou_o love_v the_o lord_n and_o do_v not_o desire_v his_o presence_n in_o his_o ordinance_n can_v we_o say_v we_o love_v such_o a_o man_n when_o we_o care_v not_o for_o his_o company_n god_n observe_v not_o so_o much_o what_o we_o do_v as_o from_o what_o affection_n our_o duty_n proceed_v again_o if_o we_o love_v there_o will_v be_v a_o desire_n to_o give_v content_a to_o the_o party_n belove_v this_o appear_v even_o in_o carnal_a self-love_n for_o take_v a_o man_n that_o love_v himself_o he_o make_v himself_o his_o utmost_a aim_n and_o end_n in_o all_o his_o action_n but_o when_o once_o god_n have_v pluck_v this_o fleshly_a love_n out_o of_o our_o soul_n than_o our_o affection_n will_v be_v carry_v to_o christ_n only_o this_o make_v the_o prophet_n david_n say_v i_o love_v the_o 18._o lord_n dear_o he_o be_v my_o rock_n my_o fortress_n my_o deliverer_n 71._o a_o christian_a have_v his_o contentment_n in_o god_n alone_o he_o find_v a_o all-sufficiency_n in_o the_o almighty_a and_o therefore_o make_v he_o his_o rest_a place_n in_o all_o his_o trouble_n he_o will_v make_v god_n his_o deliverer_n and_o find_v more_o true_a comfort_n in_o he_o than_o in_o all_o the_o thing_n of_o the_o world_n beside_o therefore_o if_o god_n shall_v take_v all_o other_o thing_n from_o we_o yet_o if_o he_o leave_v we_o himself_o a_o christian_n be_v well_o content_v be_v cause_n he_o know_v his_o best_a being_n be_v in_o god_n but_o how_o shall_v i_o know_v quest._n whether_o i_o do_v esteem_v right_o of_o god_n or_o no_o if_o we_o high_o esteem_v answ._n any_o thing_n whether_o it_o be_v of_o this_o or_o a_o better_a life_n we_o will_v be_v often_o speak_v of_o they_o it_o be_v a_o sign_n man_n undervalue_v heavenly_a truth_n when_o they_o discourse_v little_a about_o they_o they_o much_o set_a light_n by_o god_n that_o have_v he_o not_o in_o all_o their_o thought_n again_o what_o we_o esteem_v of_o we_o will_v choose_v above_o other_o thing_n it_o appear_v we_o have_v a_o precious_a esteem_n of_o god_n when_o we_o choose_v he_o and_o he_o alone_o for_o our_o portion_n as_o david_n when_o he_o say_v one_o thing_n have_v i_o desire_v of_o the_o lord_n 26._o that_o i_o may_v dwell_v in_o his_o court_n for_o ever_o where_o god_n be_v true_o love_v there_o will_v be_v a_o fall_n of_o all_o earthly_a thing_n in_o that_o man_n estimation_n so_o he_o may_v gain_v christ_n he_o count_v all_o else_o but_o dross_n and_o dung_n last_o if_o thou_o love_v god_n thou_o will_v be_v afraid_a to_o offend_v he_o and_o careful_a to_o please_v he_o in_o all_o thing_n god_n delight_v not_o in_o a_o proud_a and_o haughty_a spirit_n but_o in_o a_o humble_a and_o meek_a soul_n these_o than_o shall_v be_v thy_o delight_n god_n be_v wonderful_a well_o please_v with_o faith_n for_o it_o be_v that_o which_o bind_v he_o to_o perform_v his_o promise_n therefore_o seek_v it_o earnest_o whatsoever_o god_n approve_v a_o christian_a shall_v take_v pleasure_n in_o every_o grace_n be_v a_o ornament_n to_o a_o christian_a and_o god_n delight_v to_o see_v his_o own_o grace_n in_o we_o isaac_n before_o he_o take_v rebecka_n to_o wife_n send_v her_o jewel_n to_o adorn_v she_o so_o christ_n send_v rich_a jewel_n to_o his_o child_n even_o the_o grace_n of_o his_o holy_a spirit_n to_o make_v we_o love_v he_o and_o fit_v we_o the_o more_o for_o he_o those_o that_o live_v in_o sin_n against_o conscience_n think_v we_o that_o these_o love_n god_n no_o certain_o if_o they_o do_v they_o will_v love_v that_o which_o he_o love_v and_o hate_v that_o which_o he_o hate_v what_o a_o pitiful_a thing_n be_v it_o to_o see_v man_n glory_v in_o that_o which_o be_v their_o shame_n in_o swear_v