life_n rev._n 22.17_o and_o that_o ask_n of_o which_o our_o saviour_n speak_v john_n 4.10_o if_o thou_o have_v know_v the_o gift_n etc._n etc._n thou_o will_v have_v ask_v god_n make_v the_o humble_a soul_n in_o the_o former_a act_n of_o faith_n to_o know_v his_o gift_n and_o to_o believe_v the_o worth_n and_o goodness_n of_o it_o and_o therefore_o now_o he_o earnest_o desire_v and_o ask_v it_o and_o here_o we_o see_v at_o the_o very_a entrance_n how_o far_o man_n be_v from_o saving-faith_n and_o hope_n in_o christ_n that_o do_v not_o earnest_o desire_v after_o god_n and_o holiness_n a_o man_n can_v never_o hope_v for_o that_o which_o he_o desire_v not_o and_o to_o desire_v after_o god_n and_o not_o hate_v sin_n and_o all_o unrighteousness_n be_v utter_o impossible_a as_o for_o a_o man_n to_o desire_v to_o be_v in_o the_o light_n and_o yet_o not_o be_v out_o of_o love_n with_o darkness_n no_o wicked_a man_n while_o he_o continue_v so_o have_v any_o true_a desire_n after_o the_o salvation_n of_o god_n in_o christ_n freedom_n from_o punishment_n he_o may_v desire_v but_o holiness_n and_o union_n with_o god_n he_o desire_v not_o nor_o can_v he_o have_v any_o good_a affection_n towards_o it_o yea_o he_o say_v to_o god_n depart_v from_o i_o i_o desire_v not_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o most_o high_a job_n 21.14_o now_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o most_o high_a be_v life_n eternal_a john_n 17.3_o so_o that_o wicked_a man_n whatsoever_o profession_n they_o may_v make_v of_o faith_n and_o hope_n in_o christ_n for_o life_n eternal_a do_v not_o so_o much_o as_o desire_v life_n eternal_a no_o you_o will_v say_v be_v there_o any_o that_o do_v not_o desire_v eternal_a life_n god_n that_o know_v the_o language_n of_o their_o heart_n and_o will_v not_o wrong_v they_o in_o the_o interpretation_n of_o it_o give_v we_o this_o account_n of_o what_o be_v say_v by_o wicked_a man_n in_o general_a within_o themselves_o we_o desire_v not_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o almighty_a we_o desire_v not_o his_o acquaintance_n no_o communion_n with_o he_o they_o have_v rather_o starve_v than_o go_v and_o dwell_v in_o the_o father_n house_n to_o eat_v bread_n there_o and_o live_v 2._o as_o the_o belief_n of_o the_o gospel_n make_v the_o humble_a soul_n earnest_o desire_v the_o salvation_n of_o god_n so_o it_o give_v he_o a_o persuasion_n that_o he_o may_v attain_v it_o and_o this_o make_v his_o desire_n a_o hopeful_a desire_n i._n e._n it_o give_v it_o the_o nature_n of_o hope_n a_o man_n that_o right_o understand_v and_o believe_v the_o gospel_n and_o earnest_o desire_v the_o salvation_n propound_v in_o it_o must_v needs_o apprehend_v a_o possibility_n at_o least_o of_o his_o own_o salvation_n while_o he_o remain_v under_o the_o dispensation_n of_o the_o gospel_n for_o say_v the_o soul_n if_o the_o salvation_n of_o christ_n be_v free_o offer_v to_o all_o to_o who_o the_o gospel_n be_v preach_v i._n e._n if_o it_o be_v the_o good_a pleasure_n of_o god_n that_o whosoever_o accept_v this_o salvation_n shall_v have_v it_o and_o if_o he_o invite_v and_o command_v all_o to_o accept_v it_o without_o any_o other_o condition_n or_o any_o exception_n than_o there_o be_v fair_a probability_n that_o i_o may_v have_v my_o part_n in_o it_o i_o be_o sure_a i_o desire_v it_o more_o than_o any_o thing_n in_o the_o world_n and_o though_o i_o be_v never_o so_o unworthy_a yet_o the_o gift_n be_v free_a and_o though_o the_o law_n condemn_v i_o yet_o christ_n have_v so_o answer_v the_o law_n that_o god_n may_v with_o honour_n save_o i_o if_o he_o will_n who_o know_v then_o but_o even_o i_o may_v attain_v everlasting_a life_n by_o jesus_n christ_n under_o this_o persuasion_n now_o the_o humble_a soul_n earnest_o desire_v the_o salvation_n of_o christ_n and_o this_o be_v hope_n so_o the_o prodigal_n as_o he_o hungry_o desire_v to_o eat_v of_o his_o father_n bread_n so_o he_o have_v a_o good_a persuasion_n that_o at_o his_o father_n house_n he_o may_v have_v entertainment_n that_o his_o father_n will_v not_o shut_v the_o door_n against_o he_o but_o receive_v he_o and_o in_o this_o hope_n he_o go_v the_o merchant_n matth._n 13._o have_v not_o only_o a_o desire_n to_o be_v owner_n of_o the_o pearl_n but_o a_o persuasion_n that_o sell_v all_o that_o he_o have_v he_o may_v certain_o entitle_v himself_o to_o it_o so_o he_o that_o come_v to_o the_o water_n of_o life_n come_v not_o only_o in_o a_o thirst_a desire_n after_o it_o but_o under_o a_o hopeful_a apprehension_n that_o he_o may_v take_v and_o have_v it_o free_o for_o his_o own_o refreshment_n that_o his_o soul_n may_v live_v this_o be_v very_o ample_o express_v in_o those_o word_n of_o the_o apostle_n gal._n 2.16_o we_o know_v that_o a_o man_n be_v not_o justify_v by_o the_o work_n of_o the_o law_n but_o by_o the_o faith_n of_o jesus_n christ_n even_o we_o have_v believe_v in_o jesus_n christ_n that_o we_o may_v be_v justify_v by_o the_o faith_n of_o christ_n 1._o they_o know_v and_o believe_v the_o gospel_n that_o justification_n pardon_v of_o sin_n and_o so_o salvation_n be_v to_o be_v attain_v only_o through_o jesus_n christ_n 2._o this_o justification_n or_o pardon_v and_o salvation_n they_o earnest_o desire_v else_o they_o will_v not_o have_v prosecute_v it_o 3._o they_o have_v a_o persuasion_n that_o they_o may_v possible_o attain_v it_o as_o well_o as_o other_o and_o so_o they_o believe_v in_o jesus_n christ_n that_o they_o may_v actual_o attain_v it_o this_o persuasion_n be_v utter_o want_v in_o devil_n and_o despair_a sinner_n though_o they_o shall_v be_v never_o so_o earnest_a in_o desire_n of_o salvation_n yet_o they_o have_v no_o persuasion_n that_o they_o shall_v or_o may_v obtain_v it_o the_o former_a have_v no_o gospel_n for_o it_o the_o latter_a no_o right_a understanding_n nor_o true_a belief_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o therefore_o they_o have_v no_o hope_n no_o trust_n in_o jesus_n christ_n and_o as_o this_o persuasion_n grow_v strong_a and_o strong_a in_o he_o that_o sincere_o hunger_n and_o thirst_v after_o christ_n so_o his_o hope_n get_v up_o to_o better_a measure_n and_o degree_n in_o these_o two_o thing_n we_o see_v the_o father_n draw_v of_o soul_n to_o jesus_n christ_n john_n 4.44_o it_o be_v a_o work_n do_v by_o the_o gospel_n 1._o man_n hear_v the_o gospel_n 2._o hear_v it_o they_o learn_v it_o i._n e._n they_o believe_v it_o with_o a_o assent_v faith_n they_o believe_v 1._o the_o excellency_n of_o salvation_n as_o propound_v in_o the_o gospel_n and_o so_o they_o desire_v it_o 2._o they_o believe_v the_o free_a offer_n and_o grant_v that_o be_v there_o make_v of_o it_o to_o poor_a sinner_n without_o exception_n and_o so_o they_o get_v a_o persuasion_n that_o they_o themselves_o may_v attain_v it_o and_o thus_o they_o come_v to_o he_o for_o it_o they_o come_v to_o he_o in_o their_o hopeful_a desire_n of_o his_o salvation_n thus_o much_o of_o the_o end_n of_o faith_n which_o be_v salvation_n and_o the_o tendency_n of_o faith_n to_o that_o end_n in_o a_o way_n of_o hope_n three_o the_o next_o thing_n to_o be_v consider_v be_v the_o ground_n or_o foundation_n of_o this_o hope_n the_o free_a mercy_n of_o god_n in_o jesus_n christ_n in_o all_o hope_n the_o expect_a soul_n have_v somewhat_o to_o rest_n and_o bear_v upon_o as_o the_o foundation_n and_o basis_n of_o its_o hope_n and_o that_o rest_v and_o lean_v be_v the_o formal_a proper_a act_n of_o a_o fiducial_a faith_n the_o lame_a man_n act_n 5._o hope_v that_o the_o apostle_n will_v give_v he_o money_n and_o ground_v that_o hope_n in_o their_o suppose_a liberality_n so_o he_o trust_v in_o their_o liberality_n in_o hope_n of_o a_o alms._n the_o governor_n act_v 24.26_o hope_a for_o a_o bribe_n and_o ground_v that_o hope_n upon_o the_o love_n it_o be_v likely_a which_o he_o suppose_v paul_n friend_n have_v for_o he_o so_o he_o trust_v in_o the_o interest_n that_o paul_n have_v in_o his_o money_a friend_n in_o hope_n of_o a_o bribe_n thus_o believer_n hope_v for_o the_o salvation_n of_o god_n propound_v in_o the_o gospel_n and_o ground_n their_o hope_n on_o his_o free_a mercy_n in_o christ_n i._n e._n they_o trust_v on_o the_o free_a mercy_n of_o god_n in_o christ_n in_o hope_n of_o salvation_n as_o in_o faith_n of_o assent_n there_o be_v a_o persuasion_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o doctrine_n contain_v in_o the_o gospel_n and_o a_o rest_v on_o the_o testimony_n of_o god_n in_o that_o persuasion_n so_o in_o fiducial_a faith_n there_o be_v a_o hope_v for_o salvation_n propound_v in_o the_o gospel_n and_o a_o rest_v on_o the_o mercy_n of_o god_n in_o christ_n in_o that_o hope_n now_o that_o the_o mercy_n of_o god_n in_o christ_n be_v the_o proper_a ground_n whereon_o the_o soul_n
rather_o and_o if_o you_o tell_v the_o humble_a soul_n that_o they_o that_o sin_n against_o the_o holy_a ghost_n never_o hearty_o repent_v of_o it_o and_o no_o man_n in_o this_o life_n can_v certain_o conclude_v himself_o reprobate_v because_o for_o aught_o any_o know_v he_o may_v repent_v and_o turn_v to_o god_n he_o will_v yet_o object_v object_n 6._o it_o may_v be_v god_n will_v be_v so_o merciful_a as_o to_o save_v sinner_n that_o be_v deep_o and_o kind_o humble_v for_o their_o sin_n and_o full_a of_o the_o spirit_n of_o mourning_n and_o it_o be_v mercy_n indeed_o if_o he_o will_v save_v such_o but_o i_o have_v a_o hard_a heart_n and_o a_o uncontrite_a spirit_n i_o can_v grieve_v for_o sin_n to_o any_o purpose_n though_o i_o know_v myself_o to_o be_v one_o of_o the_o chief_a of_o sinner_n all_o these_o and_o many_o more_o such_o objection_n will_v be_v unanswerable_a if_o the_o soul_n consider_v only_o the_o absolute_a mercy_n of_o god_n for_o god_n may_v indeed_o be_v merciful_a and_o glorious_o merciful_a in_o save_v sinner_n though_o he_o shall_v only_o save_v some_o of_o the_o most_o restrain_v and_o least_o provoke_v the_o soon_a yield_v and_o most_o signal_o humble_v and_o mourn_a sinner_n and_o so_o the_o soul_n that_o judge_n worse_o of_o himself_o can_v have_v no_o hope_n of_o his_o salvation_n but_o the_o mercy_n of_o god_n in_o christ_n be_v such_o as_o that_o he_o free_o offer_v his_o salvation_n to_o all_o even_o the_o worst_a of_o sinner_n to_o who_o the_o gospel_n be_v preach_v invite_v and_o command_v they_o to_o accept_v it_o and_o rely_v upon_o he_o for_o it_o and_o this_o answer_v all_o objection_n the_o worst_a the_o soul_n can_v say_v against_o himself_o exempt_v he_o not_o from_o the_o number_n of_o sinner_n and_o salvation_n be_v free_o offer_v to_o all_o sinner_n in_o general_n he_o be_v one_o of_o they_o let_v he_o make_v as_o bad_a of_o himself_o as_o he_o can_v and_o though_o he_o think_v it_o never_o so_o unreasonable_a for_o he_o to_o hope_v for_o mercy_n yet_o no_o reason_n in_o the_o world_n can_v have_v any_o force_n against_o the_o command_n of_o the_o most_o high_a god_n which_o require_v he_o to_o repose_v his_o hope_n and_o trust_v in_o christ_n for_o his_o salvation_n thus_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o the_o ground_n of_o a_o christian_n hope_n or_o that_o which_o he_o rely_v and_o rest_v upon_o in_o his_o hope_n of_o salvation_n be_v the_o free_a mercy_n of_o god_n in_o christ_n and_o therefore_o be_v faith_n common_o in_o scripture_n call_v a_o trust_n or_o believe_v in_o jesus_n christ_n because_o the_o satisfaction_n which_o he_o have_v give_v to_o the_o law_n and_o the_o free_a tender_a of_o salvation_n which_o he_o make_v in_o the_o gospel_n to_o sinner_n in_o general_a be_v the_o only_a sufficient_a ground_n that_o any_o soul_n have_v to_o stay_v and_o rest_n upon_o in_o hope_n of_o his_o salvation_n john_n 3.15_o 16_o 18_o 36._o john_n 6.35_o 1_o pet._n 2.6_o act_n 11.17_o act_n 16.31_o and_o many_o other_o place_n faith_n be_v a_o believe_v in_o god_n but_o it_o be_v a_o believe_a on_o he_o look_v upon_o and_o consider_v as_o he_o be_v in_o jesus_n christ_n the_o soul_n can_v believe_v or_o trust_v in_o god_n for_o salvation_n but_o as_o he_o trust_v in_o christ_n 1_o pet._n 1.21_o who_o by_o he_o believe_v on_o god_n who_o raise_v he_o from_o the_o dead_a etc._n etc._n it_o be_v a_o trust_n or_o hope_v in_o the_o mercy_n of_o god_n psalm_n 15.5_o psalm_n 147.11_o but_o it_o be_v a_o trust_n in_o mercy_n only_o as_o it_o be_v express_v display_v and_o offer_v to_o sinner_n in_o jesus_n christ_n it_o be_v a_o trust_n or_o hope_v in_o the_o word_n psalm_n 119.42_o 74._o in_o as_o much_o as_o it_o declare_v and_o propound_v that_o mercy_n of_o god_n in_o christ_n on_o which_o alone_o the_o soul_n may_v rest_v itself_o in_o hope_n of_o salvation_n thus_o have_v we_o see_v the_o sinner_n bring_v by_o the_o several_a step_n of_o consideration_n conviction_n humiliation_n etc._n etc._n to_o a_o fiducial_a faith_n or_o believe_v on_o jesus_n christ_n and_o now_o be_v he_o in_o the_o state_n of_o effectual_a call_v or_o conversion_n 1_o thess_n 2.13_o then_o man_n be_v call_v and_o convert_v when_o they_o believe_v in_o jesus_n christ_n as_o it_o be_v full_o prove_v in_o rom._n 1.16_o with_o 1_o cor._n 1.24_o now_o be_v the_o soul_n set_v safe_a from_o condemnation_n and_o therefore_o be_v this_o faith_n call_v justify_v faith_n rom._n 5.1_o now_o be_v the_o soul_n adopt_v and_o entitle_v to_o everlasting_a life_n and_o therefore_o be_v faith_n call_v save_v faith_n or_o believe_v to_o salvation_n heb._n 10._o yea_o now_o the_o soul_n be_v by_o the_o work_n of_o the_o spirit_n possess_v of_o all_o grace_n necessary_a to_o qualify_v and_o prepare_v he_o for_o heaven_n the_o heart_n be_v purify_v by_o faith_n act_v 15.9_o and_o take_v up_o by_o the_o lord_n jesus_n for_o his_o habitation_n ephes_n 2.22_o with_o ephes_n 2.17_o wherever_o there_o be_v faith_n in_o christ_n there_o be_v also_o love_n to_o god_n obedience_n patience_n humility_n self-denial_n and_o all_o other_o grace_n in_o which_o the_o law_n be_v write_v on_o renew_a heart_n the_o exercise_n and_o increase_v whereof_o come_v next_o to_o be_v consider_v the_o sum_n of_o all_o be_v 1._o the_o sinner_n take_v the_o estate_n of_o his_o soul_n into_o serious_a consideration_n ezek._n 18.28_o he_o consider_v and_o turn_v away_o from_o his_o transgression_n 2._o he_o find_v himself_o to_o be_v in_o a_o lose_a and_o perish_a condition_n luke_n 15.17_o i_o perish_v for_o hunger_n 3._o the_o sight_n of_o himself_o in_o this_o estate_n affect_v his_o soul_n with_o deep_a sorrow_n and_o distress_n trouble_v act_n 2.37_o when_o they_o hear_v this_o they_o be_v pierce_v at_o the_o heart_n 4._o this_o distress_n put_v he_o upon_o a_o studious_a consultation_n and_o enquiry_n for_o a_o remedy_n of_o his_o estate_n and_o they_o say_v man_n and_o brethren_n what_o shall_v we_o do_v 5._o upon_o this_o enquiry_n god_n direct_v he_o to_o a_o serious_a and_o heedful_a attention_n to_o the_o gospel_n act_n 11.14_o send_v for_o peter_n he_o shall_v tell_v thou_o word_n whereby_o thou_o and_o all_o thy_o house_n shall_v be_v save_v and_o act_v 10.33_o we_o be_v all_o etc._n etc._n 6._o thus_o attend_v the_o gospel_n he_o come_v to_o understand_v and_o believe_v the_o doctrine_n therein_o contain_v and_o to_o receive_v it_o for_o certain_a truth_n upon_o god_n testimony_n act_n 2.41_o they_o that_o glad_o receive_v his_o word_n be_v baptize_v john_n 6.45_o they_o shall_v be_v all_o teach_v of_o god_n every_o one_o therefore_o that_o have_v hear_v and_o learn_v of_o the_o father_n come_v to_o i_o 7._o upon_o the_o belief_n of_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n he_o proceed_v to_o a_o hearty_a reliance_n on_o the_o free_a mercy_n of_o god_n in_o christ_n in_o hope_n of_o his_o salvation_n for_o gal._n 2.16_o know_v that_o a_o man_n be_v not_o justify_v by_o the_o work_n of_o the_o law_n but_o by_o the_o faith_n of_o christ_n even_o we_o have_v believe_v in_o jesus_n christ_n that_o we_o may_v be_v justify_v by_o the_o faith_n of_o christ_n 1._o believe_v the_o gospel_n he_o be_v inform_v of_o the_o excellency_n of_o christ_n salvation_n and_o so_o desire_v it_o earnest_o for_o himself_o 2._o believe_v the_o gospel_n he_o see_v this_o salvation_n be_v free_o offer_v to_o sinner_n in_o general_a and_o so_o conceive_v hope_n that_o he_o may_v have_v it_o 3._o believe_v the_o gospel_n he_o see_v that_o salvation_n be_v procure_v and_o grant_v only_o through_o the_o mercy_n of_o god_n in_o christ_n and_o therefore_o he_o rest_v only_o upon_o that_o mercy_n in_o hope_n of_o his_o salvation_n part_n ii_o of_o the_o progress_n of_o a_o believer_n from_o his_o conversion_n to_o his_o perfection_n under_o the_o work_n of_o sanctification_n 1_o peter_z ii_o 2._o as_o newborn_a babe_n desire_v the_o sincere_a milk_n of_o the_o word_n that_o you_o may_v grow_v thereby_o the_o text_n be_v a_o exhortation_n to_o a_o earnest_a desire_n after_o the_o word_n where_o note_n first_o 1._o the_o person_n exhort_v they_o be_v late_o convert_v christian_n compare_v to_o newborn_a babe_n so_o young_a and_o incomplete_a christian_n be_v call_v 1_o cor._n 3.1_o and_o i_o brethren_n can_v not_o speak_v unto_o you_o as_o unto_o spiritual_a but_o as_o unto_o carnal_a even_o as_o unto_o babe_n in_o christ_n babe_n in_o christ_n because_o the_o work_n of_o sanctification_n have_v go_v on_o but_o a_o little_a way_n in_o they_o they_o be_v hitherto_o very_o carnal_a 2._o the_o matter_n of_o the_o exhortation_n a_o desire_n after_o the_o word_n where_o note_n first_o first_o the_o object_n of_o this_o desire_n
convert_v pardon_v and_o renew_v grace_n and_o the_o person_n return_v unto_o union_n with_o god_n that_o be_v into_o life_n and_o this_o life_n once_o begin_v by_o jesus_n christ_n be_v eternal_a thus_o christ_n salvation_n be_v set_v forth_o in_o plain_a term_n act._n 3._o god_n send_v christ_n to_o bless_v man_n to_o bless_v they_o i._n e._n to_o save_v they_o and_o make_v they_o happy_a to_o save_v they_o from_o the_o curse_n which_o they_o be_v under_o by_o nature_n by_o turn_v they_o from_o their_o iniquity_n that_o they_o may_v receive_v remission_n of_o sin_n and_o a_o inheritance_n among_o they_o that_o be_v sanctify_v act._n 26.18_o by_o which_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o as_o man_n can_v be_v save_v without_o pardon_n which_o free_v from_o punishment_n so_o neither_o can_v they_o be_v save_v by_o pardon_n without_o be_v turn_v from_o sin_n itself_o let_v pardon_n go_v as_o far_o as_o it_o can_v without_o holiness_n and_o the_o person_n be_v miserable_a still_o and_o dead_a still_o because_o separate_v from_o god_n this_o be_v the_o salvation_n which_o the_o gospel_n treat_v of_o and_o which_o be_v free_o offer_v to_o all_o sinner_n without_o exception_n to_o offer_v a_o thing_n free_o be_v to_o say_v here_o it_o be_v take_v it_o and_o it_o shall_v be_v thou_o so_o the_o gospel_n offer_v salvation_n by_o jesus_n christ_n as_o appear_v if_o we_o consider_v these_o two_o thing_n first_o it_o be_v the_o good_a pleasure_n of_o god_n that_o whosoever_o accept_v this_o salvation_n shall_v have_v it_o that_o whosoever_o will_v take_v of_o the_o water_n of_o life_n shall_v have_v it_o without_o money_n and_o without_o price_n rev._n 21._o isa_n 55.1_o to_o as_o many_o as_o receive_v jesus_n christ_n he_o give_v power_n to_o be_v call_v the_o son_n of_o god_n john_n 1.12_o 2._o he_o invite_v and_o command_v all_o to_o accept_v it_o without_o condition_n or_o exception_n whosoever_o will_v let_v he_o take_v etc._n etc._n ho_o every_o one_o that_o thirst_v come_v etc._n etc._n that_o word_n that_o thirst_v be_v no_o limitation_n at_o all_o it_o be_v but_o every_o one_o that_o list_v or_o be_v hearty_o willing_a and_o acceptance_n can_v be_v against_o or_o without_o the_o will._n as_o when_o a_o man_n offer_v meat_n at_o a_o table_n to_o all_o that_o have_v a_o appetite_n it_o be_v all_o one_o as_o to_o offer_v it_o to_o all_o so_o rest_n be_v promise_v to_o the_o weary_a matth._n 11._o i._n e._n to_o all_o that_o will_v come_v for_o it_o so_o the_o grant_n of_o salvation_n in_o the_o gospel_n be_v absolute_a and_o unconditional_a unless_o you_o will_v as_o some_o do_v call_v acceptance_n itself_o the_o condition_n and_o so_o it_o be_v a_o question_n whether_o any_o gift_n can_v possible_o be_v unconditional_a and_o certain_o no_o gift_n that_o be_v give_v oblative_o by_o way_n of_o offer_n can_v be_v without_o condition_n thus_o we_o see_v the_o sum_n of_o the_o gospel_n that_o must_v be_v understand_v and_o believe_v to_o salvation_n second_o the_o humble_a soul_n serious_o attend_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n not_o only_o understand_v what_o be_v the_o sum_n and_o substance_n of_o it_o but_o also_o discover_v the_o authority_n of_o god_n impress_v upon_o it_o and_o perceive_v his_o voice_n in_o it_o and_o so_o receive_v it_o for_o certain_a truth_n upon_o his_o testimony_n and_o this_o give_v form_n and_o be_v to_o the_o faith_n of_o assent_n viz._n a_o humble_a and_o reverential_a acquiescency_n in_o the_o testimony_n of_o god_n for_o the_o infallible_a certainty_n of_o the_o thing_n that_o be_v affirm_v 1_o john_n 5.10_o he_o that_o believe_v not_o god_n have_v make_v he_o a_o liar_n because_o he_o believe_v not_o the_o testimony_n that_o god_n have_v give_v of_o his_o son_n which_o imply_v immediate_o that_o he_o that_o do_v believe_v the_o testimony_n believe_v god_n in_o it_o and_o ground_n upon_o his_o veracity_n and_o never-failing_a truth_n believe_v be_v ground_v on_o the_o veracity_n of_o he_o who_o we_o believe_v and_o consequent_o to_o deny_v belief_n be_v to_o deny_v or_o question_v at_o least_o the_o veracity_n of_o the_o speaker_n john_n 3.33_o when_o we_o hearty_o assent_v to_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o be_v full_o persuade_v that_o it_o be_v certain_a truth_n and_o that_o persuasion_n be_v ground_v on_o the_o truth_n of_o god_n because_o we_o receive_v it_o as_o from_o his_o mouth_n who_o can_v deceive_v we_o this_o be_v believe_v the_o gospel_n and_o this_o be_v the_o six_o step_v or_o degree_n of_o this_o great_a work_n of_o salvation_n when_o god_n by_o make_v the_o soul_n heedful_o attend_v to_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n cause_v he_o so_o to_o understand_v it_o and_o comprehend_v the_o substance_n of_o it_o and_o so_o to_o apprehend_v and_o perceive_v the_o very_a voice_n and_o authority_n of_o god_n in_o it_o that_o he_o threupon_o sit_v down_o conclude_v in_o it_o as_o undeniable_a and_o undubitable_a because_o god_n affirm_v it_o see_v 1_o thess_n 2.13_o the_o man_n have_v often_o hear_v the_o gospel_n before_o it_o may_v be_v and_o know_v the_o content_n of_o it_o and_o do_v not_o deny_v the_o truth_n of_o they_o but_o let_v they_o pass_v for_o thing_n as_o common_o receive_v for_o truth_n in_o the_o place_n where_o he_o live_v maintain_v by_o learned_a man_n and_o deliver_v down_o from_o generation_n to_o generation_n so_o that_o it_o will_v have_v be_v matter_n of_o shame_n to_o he_o to_o have_v call_v they_o into_o question_n but_o now_o he_o have_v another_o sense_n and_o relish_v of_o the_o thing_n themselves_o than_o he_o have_v before_o and_o be_v strong_o persuade_v of_o the_o certain_a truth_n of_o they_o by_o the_o invincible_a authority_n of_o god_n from_o who_o as_o his_o oracle_n he_o receive_v they_o the_o seven_o step_n or_o degree_n of_o this_o great_a work_n be_v fiducial_a faith_n a_o rest_a or_o trust_v on_o the_o mercy_n of_o god_n in_o christ_n in_o hope_n of_o his_o salvation_n tender_v to_o sinner_n in_o the_o gospel_n these_o two_o grace_n if_o indeed_o they_o be_v two_o faith_n and_o hope_n be_v so_o near_o unite_v and_o conjoin_v that_o the_o one_o can_v neither_o be_v nor_o be_v define_v without_o the_o other_o rom._n 4.18_o abraham_n believe_v in_o hope_n and_o heb._n 11.1_o faith_n be_v the_o substance_n or_o subsistence_n of_o thing_n hope_v for_o hope_n be_v the_o intention_n of_o the_o soul_n to_o that_o good_a which_o a_o man_n be_v persuade_v he_o may_v attain_v faith_n fiducial_a be_v a_o man_n rest_v or_o trust_v in_o that_o thing_n or_o person_n by_o mean_n or_o help_v or_o favour_n whereof_o he_o hope_v to_o attain_v the_o good_a which_o he_o intend_v as_o act._n 3.5_o the_o impotent_a man_n expect_v to_o receive_v a_o alm_n from_o the_o apostle_n and_o trust_v in_o their_o suppose_a liberality_n so_o rom._n 4.18_o abraham_n hope_v to_o become_v a_o father_n of_o many_o nation_n and_o trust_v in_o the_o alsufficiency_n and_o faithfulness_n of_o god_n so_o all_o hope_n be_v ground_v in_o fiducial_a faith_n and_o all_o fiducial_a faith_n exert_v itself_o in_o hope_n hope_v look_n at_o the_o end_n which_o be_v intend_v and_o faith_n at_o that_o by_o mean_n and_o help_n whereof_o it_o be_v to_o be_v attain_v d._n ward_n de_fw-fr fide_fw-la justificante_fw-la but_o notwithstanding_o this_o distinction_n it_o be_v common_o observe_v that_o the_o scripture_n ofttimes_o express_v both_o faith_n and_o hope_n by_o one_o and_o the_o same_o word_n and_o refer_v hope_n as_o well_o to_o the_o mean_n as_o to_o the_o end_n as_o when_o we_o read_v of_o hope_v in_o god_n hope_v in_o christ_n and_o hope_v in_o mercy_n which_o be_v certain_o all_o one_o with_o trust_v in_o god_n and_o trust_v in_o christ_n and_o trust_v in_o mercy_n etc._n etc._n as_o the_o learned_a dr._n ward_n observe_v again_o trust_v be_v common_o refer_v to_o the_o end_n as_o well_o as_o to_o the_o mean_n as_o psal_n 22.8_o he_o trust_v in_o god_n that_o he_o will_v deliver_v he_o he_o trust_v that_o god_n will_v deliver_v he_o there_o be_v that_o which_o be_v distinct_o call_v hope_n and_o he_o trust_v in_o god_n there_o be_v that_o which_o be_v more_o precise_o call_v faith_n so_o phil._n 2.24_o i_o trust_v in_o the_o lord_n etc._n etc._n whereas_o in_o v._o 19_o it_o be_v i_o hope_v in_o the_o lord_n as_o the_o original_a word_n signify_v and_o beside_o our_o english_a translation_n common_o render_v the_o word_n hope_v by_o trust_n as_o rom._n 15.24_o 1_o cor._n 16.7_o 2_o cor._n 13.6_o etc._n etc._n plain_o imply_v that_o there_o be_v no_o absurdity_n in_o take_v they_o both_o for_o one_o and_o the_o same_o act_n of_o the_o soul_n which_o as_o it_o be_v refer_v to_o the_o end_n be_v call_v hope_n and_o as_o refer_v
the_o word_n compare_v to_o pure_a milk_n the_o sincere_a milk_n of_o the_o word_n that_o be_v the_o word_n which_o be_v for_o you_o as_o pure_a breast-milk_n be_v for_o the_o newborn_a babe_n sweet_a and_o please_a nourish_a and_o strengthen_v the_o mean_v appoint_v to_o the_o perfect_a of_o the_o work_n of_o sanctification_n john_n 17.17_o sanctify_v they_o by_o thy_o truth_n thy_o word_n be_v truth_n and_o edification_n unto_o glory_n act_v 20.32_o the_o word_n of_o his_o grace_n which_o be_v able_a to_o build_v you_o up_o and_o to_o give_v you_o a_o inheritance_n among_o all_o they_o which_o be_v sanctify_v second_o second_o the_o desire_n itself_o describe_v by_o the_o appetite_n of_o newborn_a infant_n to_o the_o nurse_n milk_n that_o be_v a_o vehement_a and_o importunate_a desire_n and_o such_o as_o will_v not_o otherwise_o be_v satisfy_v three_o the_o end_n of_o this_o desire_n growth_n in_o grace_n that_o you_o may_v grow_v thereby_o what_o that_o be_v in_o which_o they_o shall_v intend_v a_o growth_n appear_v plain_o by_o the_o sequel_n of_o the_o apostle_n discourse_n to_o be_v faith_n and_o holiness_n the_o grace_n wherewith_o the_o soul_n of_o christian_n be_v qualify_v by_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n unto_o salvation_n as_o it_o be_v express_v in_o the_o last_o word_n of_o the_o next_o epistle_n grow_v in_o grace_n growth_n be_v the_o gradual_a process_n of_o live_a creature_n to_o their_o due_a measure_n and_o maturity_n and_o of_o all_o the_o growth_n the_o growth_n of_o child_n which_o be_v here_o the_o apostle_n similitude_n be_v a_o very_a slow_a and_o imperceptible_a motion_n such_o be_v the_o tendency_n of_o save_a grace_n in_o the_o soul_n of_o christian_n towards_o its_o proper_a and_o purpose_a perfection_n mark_v 4.27_o the_o seed_n spring_v and_o grow_v up_o we_o know_v not_o how_o and_o hence_o we_o way_n observe_v direct_v 1._o that_o save_v grace_n begin_v in_o convert_a soul_n go_v gradual_o on_o to_o its_o perfection_n under_o the_o sanctify_a work_n of_o god_n justification_n be_v perfect_v at_o once_o and_o with_o it_o adoption_n but_o the_o work_n of_o holiness_n be_v begin_v in_o low_a degree_n and_o bring_v on_o by_o step_n to_o it_o its_o intend_a height_n and_o fullness_n see_v this_o prove_v in_o phil._n 1.6_o he_o that_o have_v begin_v a_o good_a work_n in_o you_o will_v perform_v it_o until_o the_o day_n of_o jesus_n christ_n so_o again_o in_o prov._n 4.18_o the_o path_n of_o the_o just_a be_v as_o the_o shine_a light_n which_o shine_v more_o and_o more_o unto_o the_o perfect_a day_n so_o likewise_o hosea_n 6.3_o his_o go_v forth_o be_v as_o the_o morning_n and_o mark_v 4.26_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n be_v as_o if_o a_o man_n shall_v cast_v seed_n into_o the_o ground_n etc._n etc._n the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n be_v his_o work_n of_o grace_n in_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n in_o which_o he_o begin_v that_o which_o in_o its_o perfection_n be_v the_o kingdom_n of_o glory_n so_o grotius_n and_o some_o other_o understand_v those_o three_o age_n 1_o john_n 2.12_o 13._o i_o write_v unto_o you_o little_a child_n because_o your_o sin_n be_v forgive_v you_o i_o write_v unto_o you_o father_n because_o you_o have_v know_v he_o that_o be_v from_o the_o beginning_n i_o write_v unto_o you_o young_a man_n because_o you_o have_v overcome_v the_o wicked_a one_o but_o i_o shall_v prosecute_v this_o doctrine_n in_o a_o distinct_a consideration_n of_o the_o several_a advance_n of_o grace_n in_o the_o soul_n of_o christian_n towards_o perfection_n from_o their_o first_o conversion_n and_o that_o in_o ten_o successive_a period_n of_o their_o motion_n first_o the_o first_o period_n or_o point_n of_o a_o christian_n motion_n towards_o perfection_n that_o i_o shall_v speak_v of_o be_v 1._o a_o vehement_a pursuit_n of_o some_o clear_a and_o comfortable_a assurance_n of_o salvation_n when_o once_o man_n be_v bring_v through_o the_o terror_n of_o the_o law_n by_o the_o invitation_n of_o the_o gospel_n to_o believe_v in_o christ_n for_o his_o salvation_n they_o present_o become_v very_o laborious_a to_o get_v some_o comfortable_a assurance_n that_o they_o be_v in_o a_o save_v estate_n they_o do_v not_o indeed_o neglect_v the_o duty_n of_o obedience_n the_o mortify_n of_o lust_n well_o order_v of_o their_o life_n and_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n as_o the_o end_n of_o all_o but_o that_o which_o they_o especial_o and_o most_o ambitious_o intend_v now_o at_o their_o first_o set_v out_o be_v a_o soul-quieting_a certainty_n that_o all_o be_v well_o between_o god_n and_o they_o though_o they_o do_v believe_v in_o christ_n and_o know_v that_o he_o that_o believe_v shall_v be_v save_v yet_o it_o be_v usual_o a_o great_a while_n before_o they_o can_v clear_o understand_v themselves_o to_o be_v believer_n in_o christ_n and_o by_o faith_n save_v person_n a_o man_n must_v be_v of_o necessity_n a_o believer_n before_o he_o can_v know_v himself_o to_o be_v so_o and_o faith_n be_v sometime_o very_o long_o unevident_a to_o he_o that_o have_v it_o and_o though_o he_o do_v perceive_v the_o believe_a act_n in_o himself_o and_o dare_v not_o deny_v it_o yet_o he_o be_v very_o doubtful_a whether_o it_o be_v true_a save_a faith_n or_o no_o and_o very_o impatient_a of_o the_o doubt_n and_o this_o be_v common_o the_o main_a intention_n of_o young_a convert_v and_o their_o great_a affair_n to_o assure_v themselves_o that_o they_o be_v in_o christ_n and_o not_o perish_v with_o the_o world_n it_o be_v true_a the_o very_a act_n of_o faith_n through_o the_o grace_n of_o christ_n bring_v in_o a_o sweet_a calmness_n of_o spirit_n ease_v the_o soul_n of_o those_o despair_a and_o torment_v fear_n with_o which_o it_o be_v overwhelm_v before_o and_o therefore_o faith_n itself_o be_v in_o scripture_n call_v a_o rest_v on_o the_o lord_n and_o a_o stay_n of_o the_o mind_n on_o god_n isa_n 26.3_o but_o a_o positive_a assurance_n of_o one_o be_v in_o the_o state_n of_o salvation_n be_v a_o further_a benefit_n and_o must_v be_v seek_v after_o in_o the_o use_n of_o mean_n appoint_v to_o the_o make_n of_o our_o call_v and_o election_n sure_a and_o this_o be_v usual_o the_o great_a study_n of_o new_a convert_v as_o hosea_n 6.2_o he_o will_v receive_v we_o that_o be_v it_o in_o prosecution_n whereof_o they_o stir_v up_o themselves_o to_o follow_v on_o to_o know_v the_o lord_n and_o that_o they_o do_v main_o intend_v and_o follow_v this_o appear_v first_o in_o their_o eager_a desire_n after_o ordinance_n and_o mean_n appoint_v to_o this_o end_n to_o confirm_v faith_n and_o work_v assurance_n as_o soon_o as_o the_o eunuch_n be_v convert_v he_o be_v present_o ambitious_a to_o be_v baptize_v upon_o the_o first_o opportunity_n act_n 8.36_o 37._o and_o the_o eunuch_n say_v see_v here_o be_v water_n what_o do_v hinder_v i_o to_o be_v baptize_v and_o philip_n say_v if_o thou_o believe_v with_o all_o thy_o heart_n thou_o may_v and_o he_o answer_v and_o say_v i_o believe_v that_o jesus_n christ_n be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n and_o they_o go_v down_o both_o into_o the_o water_n both_o philip_n and_o the_o eunuch_n and_o he_o baptize_v he_o baptism_n be_v a_o confirm_a ordinance_n a_o seal_n of_o the_o promise_n and_o covenant_n of_o grace_n he_o be_v very_o desirous_a to_o have_v that_o doctrine_n seal_v to_o he_o by_o wash_v which_o he_o have_v late_o hear_v preach_v out_o of_o isa_n 53._o and_o paul_n when_o convert_v assay_v to_o join_v himself_o with_o the_o church_n communion_n with_o saint_n be_v a_o good_a mean_n to_o inform_v we_o of_o our_o own_o good_a estate_n act_v 9.26_o and_o when_o saul_n be_v come_v to_o jerusalem_n he_o assay_v to_o join_v himself_o to_o the_o disciple_n two_o their_o earnest_n harken_v after_o promise_n and_o such_o part_n of_o the_o word_n as_o declare_v the_o love_n of_o god_n to_o poor_a sinner_n they_o be_v not_o at_o first_o so_o studious_a of_o that_o word_n which_o set_v forth_o that_o reward_n which_o saint_n shall_v have_v in_o heaven_n as_o of_o that_o word_n of_o promise_n which_o serve_v to_o give_v humble_v soul_n notice_n of_o their_o interest_n in_o christ_n and_o the_o love_n of_o god_n they_o go_v to_o every_o sermon_n that_o they_o hear_v in_o hope_n of_o a_o word_n of_o peace_n and_o be_v mighty_o take_v with_o that_o word_n which_o set_v forth_o the_o love_n of_o christ_n descend_v and_o stoop_v down_o to_o poor_a unworthy_a wretch_n though_o they_o hearty_o like_o a_o boanerges_n a_o son_n of_o thunder_n and_o bless_v god_n that_o ever_o they_o have_v hear_v the_o terror_n of_o the_o lord_n in_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o law_n yet_o now_o they_o be_v sore_o and_o wound_a and_o most_o earnest_o desire_v after_o barnabas_n the_o son_n of_o consolation_n to_o pour_v some_o oil_n into_o their_o wound_n
that_o many_o time_n the_o sin_n that_o most_o take_v up_o the_o thought_n of_o such_o a_o soul_n at_o first_o be_v some_o sin_n that_o have_v less_o of_o malignity_n against_o god_n in_o it_o than_o many_o other_o which_o the_o party_n have_v be_v guilty_a of_o as_o lie_v sabbath-breaking_a disobedience_n to_o parent_n or_o some_o external_a act_n of_o sin_n in_o which_o he_o have_v be_v more_o carry_v by_o his_o sensual_a inclination_n than_o malicious_o wicked_a 2._o he_o consider_v the_o severe_a judgement_n of_o god_n denounce_v against_o sinner_n and_o his_o own_o concernment_n in_o it_o the_o word_n say_v the_o soul_n that_o sin_n shall_v die_v and_o make_v eternal_a death_n the_o wage_n of_o every_o sin_n rom._n 6._o yea_o the_o word_n declare_v all_o man_n by_o nature_n dead_a in_o trespass_n and_o sin_n and_o child_n of_o wrath_n and_o hereupon_o the_o sinner_n reason_n thus_o with_o himself_o be_v there_o not_o a_o reality_n in_o these_o threaten_v word_n and_o do_v they_o not_o take_v effect_n upon_o sinner_n according_a to_o the_o plain_a sense_n and_o import_v of_o they_o what_o may_v i_o think_v then_o of_o myself_o be_o i_o liable_a to_o all_o this_o danger_n or_o have_v i_o any_o fence_n against_o it_o if_o i_o shall_v now_o die_v as_o i_o know_v not_o how_o soon_o i_o may_v what_o be_v like_a to_o come_v of_o i_o if_o i_o be_v under_o the_o force_n of_o these_o threaten_n woe_n unto_o i_o and_o what_o have_v i_o to_o plead_v against_o they_o if_o i_o be_v by_o nature_n a_o child_n of_o wrath_n how_o get_v i_o out_o of_o that_o condition_n or_o be_o i_o yet_o in_o the_o gall_n of_o bitterness_n and_o band_n of_o iniquity_n thus_o the_o soul_n study_v and_o examine_v his_o own_o estate_n and_o this_o be_v the_o first_o step_n towards_o conversion_n consideration_n the_o second_o step_n or_o degree_n of_o this_o work_n be_v a_o strong_a conviction_n of_o a_o miserable_a and_o perish_a estate_n but_o before_o we_o come_v direct_o to_o consider_v that_o work_n we_o must_v take_v notice_n of_o some_o hindrance_n or_o diversion_n by_o reason_n of_o which_o many_o man_n be_v take_v off_o even_o at_o the_o first_o step_n and_o never_o come_v to_o a_o sound_a conviction_n at_o all_o and_o other_o be_v long_o ere_o they_o come_v at_o it_o 1._o some_o grow_v weary_a of_o the_o unpleasant_a work_n of_o self-consideration_n and_o let_v it_o fall_v before_o ever_o they_o have_v bring_v it_o to_o any_o convince_v issue_n this_o be_v very_o ordinary_a with_o person_n a_o little_a shake_v under_o a_o sermon_n or_o gripe_v by_o conscience_n under_o a_o affliction_n or_o scare_v with_o the_o thought_n of_o death_n to_o ask_v the_o question_n what_o estate_n they_o be_v in_o but_o the_o subject_a be_v very_o ungrateful_a to_o nature_n they_o never_o stay_v their_o study_n upon_o it_o to_o bring_v it_o to_o any_o determinate_a conclusion_n as_o pilate_n ask_v what_o be_v truth_n but_o will_v not_o stay_v to_o hear_v the_o answer_n they_o translate_v their_o thought_n to_o other_o matter_n as_o be_v loath_a to_o endure_v the_o pain_n of_o a_o thorough_a examination_n of_o themselves_o 2._o from_o the_o consideration_n of_o themselves_o some_o turn_n aside_o to_o the_o survey_n of_o other_o who_o they_o think_v to_o be_v as_o great_a or_o great_a sinner_n and_o so_o content_v themselves_o in_o hope_n to_o speed_v as_o well_o as_o they_o they_o observe_v many_o as_o bad_a as_o they_o or_o worse_o who_o yet_o be_v confident_a of_o a_o safe_a estate_n yea_o they_o be_v know_v person_n and_o likely_a to_o understand_v their_o own_o condition_n as_o well_o as_o any_o they_o be_v learned_a man_n it_o may_v be_v minister_n that_o of_o all_o other_o shall_v see_v if_o there_o be_v any_o danger_n in_o their_o way_n and_o beside_o they_o be_v well_o think_v of_o general_o by_o their_o neighbour_n and_o few_o or_o none_o seem_v to_o question_v their_o estate_n why_o then_o say_v the_o a-little-startled_n sinner_n shall_v i_o further_o disquiet_v myself_o with_o sad_a and_o doubtful_a apprehension_n of_o my_o condition_n i_o see_v no_o probability_n but_o i_o may_v speed_v as_o well_o as_o thousand_o that_o be_v round_o about_o i_o i_o will_v even_o take_v up_o and_o run_v the_o common_a hazard_n of_o my_o neighbour_n and_o of_o mankind_n in_o general_n thus_o consideration_n be_v many_o time_n obstruct_v and_o fall_v short_a of_o a_o sound_a conviction_n but_o where_o god_n go_v on_o with_o the_o design_n of_o save_v a_o soul_n he_o hold_v the_o mind_n close_o and_o keep_v it_o from_o the_o vain_a study_n of_o other_o thing_n and_o person_n till_o he_o have_v make_v the_o sinner_n plain_o see_v himself_o wretched_a miserable_a and_o perish_v and_o that_o be_v the_o second_o degree_n of_o this_o work_n which_o come_v now_o to_o be_v consider_v this_o conviction_n be_v the_o proper_a effect_n of_o a_o well_o prosecute_v self-consideration_n and_o the_o conclusion_n natural_o issue_v from_o these_o two_o premise_n well_o attend_v 1._o the_o demand_n of_o the_o law_n from_o every_o man_n 2._o the_o judgement_n of_o god_n against_o every_o offender_n of_o which_o before_o he_o that_o well_o consider_v these_o and_o due_o apply_v to_o himself_o as_o his_o own_o concernment_n must_v needs_o understand_v himself_o to_o be_v in_o a_o perish_a estate_n without_o the_o use_n of_o some_o proper_a and_o sufficient_a remedy_n thus_o the_o prodigal_n be_v keep_v ponder_v his_o condition_n till_o he_o perceive_v himself_o perish_v for_o hunger_n luke_n 15.17_o when_o he_o come_v to_o himself_o he_o have_v be_v range_v abroad_o from_o himself_o as_o well_o as_o from_o his_o father_n house_n and_o unmindful_a of_o his_o great_a concernment_n where_o he_o be_v which_o way_n he_o be_v go_v and_o what_o be_v like_a to_o come_v of_o he_o be_v none_o of_o his_o study_n all_o this_o while_n but_o now_o at_o length_n he_o return_v home_o to_o himself_o and_o take_v his_o own_o estate_n into_o a_o sober_a consideration_n upon_o which_o he_o find_v plain_o that_o he_o be_v like_a to_o die_v for_o want_n of_o bread_n i_o perish_v for_o hunger_n so_o the_o jew_n act_n 2._o be_v hold_v under_o the_o sad_a thought_n of_o what_o they_o have_v do_v and_o deserve_v till_o they_o be_v pierce_v at_o the_o heart_n that_o be_v they_o find_v themselves_o dead_a man_n as_o a_o man_n that_o be_v stab_n d_o to_o the_o heart_n for_o who_o there_o be_v as_o we_o use_v to_o say_v but_o one_o way_n this_o account_n also_o the_o apostle_n give_v of_o himself_o rom._n 7.4_o that_o when_o the_o commandment_n come_v sin_n revive_v and_o he_o die_v he_o perceive_v that_o vigour_n and_o soul-destroying_a power_n of_o sin_n in_o himself_o which_o he_o be_v not_o aware_a of_o before_o and_o plain_o see_v himself_o a_o die_a man_n spiritual_o undo_v and_o perish_v the_o like_a work_n we_o also_o see_v in_o the_o jailor_n act_v 16._o what_o must_v i_o do_v to_o be_v save_v that_o word_n to_o be_v save_v plain_o imply_v a_o sense_n and_o deep_a conviction_n of_o a_o lose_a estate_n that_o he_o be_v at_o present_a a_o undo_v man_n thus_o the_o poor_a sinner_n hang_v as_o it_o be_v over_o the_o mouth_n of_o hell_n in_o his_o own_o apprehension_n and_o see_v nothing_o more_o likely_a than_o that_o he_o shall_v present_o fall_v into_o it_o he_o plain_o hear_v the_o law_n threaten_v he_o with_o death_n eternal_a see_v god_n frown_v upon_o he_o and_o destruction_n ready_a to_o swallow_v he_o up_o he_o that_o a_o few_o day_n ago_o think_v himself_o as_o safe_a and_o as_o much_o in_o favour_n with_o god_n as_o any_o in_o the_o world_n and_o it_o may_v be_v be_v secure_a of_o soul-concernments_a never_o trouble_v himself_o with_o thought_n of_o eternity_n and_o take_v it_o for_o a_o point_n of_o folly_n and_o a_o beginning_n of_o madness_n in_o other_o man_n to_o disturb_v their_o mind_n with_o fear_n of_o hell_n and_o condemnation_n be_v now_o become_v a_o miserable_a and_o perish_a man_n in_o his_o own_o judgement_n and_o of_o all_o man_n alive_a the_o most_o likely_a to_o be_v damn_v eternal_o the_o three_o step_n or_o degree_n of_o this_o work_n be_v a_o soul-afflicting_a humiliation_n a_o work_n make_v up_o of_o terror_n and_o sorrow_n under_o the_o apprehension_n of_o the_o wrath_n of_o god_n and_o the_o sense_n of_o a_o perish_a estate_n a_o deep_a sorrow_n and_o anguish_n of_o spirit_n seize_v upon_o the_o sinner_n under_o the_o conviction_n before_o speak_v of_o this_o work_n be_v common_o call_v legal_a repentance_n because_o it_o be_v a_o deep_a sorrow_n and_o trouble_n about_o sin_n depend_v upon_o that_o sense_n which_o a_o man_n have_v of_o his_o condemnation_n under_o the_o law_n but_o though_o it_o be_v not_o that_o sorrow_n which_o be_v call_v godly_a
to_o the_o mean_n be_v call_v faith_n as_o we_o be_v save_v by_o faith_n eph._n 2.8_o or_o as_o rom._n 8.24_o we_o be_v save_v by_o hope_n i_o shall_v therefore_o for_o plainness_n treat_v of_o fiducial_a faith_n and_o hope_n as_o one_o act_n not_o as_o affect_v to_o follow_v the_o schoolman_n or_o other_o who_o go_v that_o way_n but_o as_o intend_v the_o best_a advantage_n of_o the_o understanding_n which_o be_v usual_o disturb_v by_o a_o unnecessary_a multiplication_n of_o thing_n and_o if_o scripture_n common_o speak_v of_o both_o as_o one_o act_n which_o be_v confess_v why_o may_v they_o not_o be_v so_o handle_v obj._n if_o any_o object_n that_o in_o 1_o cor._n 13.13_o where_o faith_n hope_n and_o charity_n be_v enumerate_v as_o three_o distinct_a grace_n ans_fw-fr i_o answer_v if_o we_o take_v faith_n for_o assent_v faith_n which_o be_v primary_o and_o most_o proper_o faith_n the_o number_n be_v make_v good_a and_o indeed_o it_o be_v most_o probable_a that_o the_o apostle_n intend_v that_o faith_n whereby_o we_o believe_v those_o thing_n now_o which_o we_o shall_v hereafter_o see_v as_o by_o hope_n he_o mean_v the_o confident_a expectation_n of_o that_o good_a which_o we_o shall_v hereafter_o enjoy_v these_o thing_n premise_v i_o proceed_v to_o the_o description_n of_o fiducial_a faith_n viz._n a_o rest_a or_o trust_v in_o the_o mercy_n of_o god_n in_o christ_n in_o hope_n of_o his_o salvation_n tender_v to_o sinner_n in_o the_o gospel_n here_o we_o be_v distinct_o to_o consider_v 1._o the_o end_n of_o faith_n the_o salvation_n of_o god_n 2._o the_o tendency_n of_o faith_n to_o that_o end_n and_o that_o be_v in_o hope_n 3._o the_o foundation_n of_o that_o hope_n the_o mercy_n of_o god_n in_o christ_n first_o the_o end_n of_o faith_n i._n e._n that_o which_o it_o look_v to_o attain_v be_v the_o salvation_n of_o christ_n propound_v in_o the_o gospel_n 1_o pet._n 1.9_o what_o this_o salvation_n be_v be_v show_v before_o viz._n pardon_v of_o sin_n and_o a_o holy_a union_n and_o conjunction_n with_o god_n john_n 3.16_o not_o to_o perish_v i._n e._n to_o be_v condemn_v for_o sin_n but_o to_o have_v everlasting_a life_n i._n e._n he_o unite_v to_o god_n and_o enjoy_v he_o which_o be_v the_o soul_n life_n sin_n separate_v from_o god_n meritorious_o and_o legal_o by_o virtue_n of_o the_o curse_n bind_v the_o sinner_n over_o to_o a_o everlasting_a separation_n from_o his_o glorious_a presence_n and_o to_o everlasting_a destruction_n and_o it_o separate_v from_o he_o natural_o and_o formal_o though_o there_o be_v no_o punishment_n by_o law_n assign_v to_o the_o sinner_n for_o what_o fellowship_n have_v light_a with_o darkness_n now_o separation_n from_o god_n be_v man_n spiritual_a death_n even_o as_o the_o separation_n of_o the_o body_n and_o soul_n be_v his_o natural_a death_n so_o man_n be_v by_o nature_n dead_a in_o trespass_n and_o sin_n as_o well_o as_o liable_a to_o death_n for_o they_o death_n be_v the_o work_n of_o sin_n as_o well_o as_o its_o wage_n and_o the_o salvation_n of_o christ_n consist_v as_o well_o in_o deliver_v man_n from_o sin_n itself_o as_o from_o the_o punishment_n of_o it_o matth._n 1.21_o and_o if_o he_o do_v not_o this_o as_o well_o as_o the_o other_o he_o can_v never_o make_v they_o happy_a sin_n will_v keep_v they_o miserable_a still_o though_o they_o be_v redeem_v from_o the_o pain_n of_o sense_n then_o a_o man_n be_v save_v when_o he_o be_v bring_v to_o god_n 1_o pet._n 3.18_o i_o e._n into_o a_o union_n and_o conjunction_n with_o he_o and_o indeed_o pardon_v of_o sin_n be_v but_o in_o order_n to_o this_o part_n as_o the_o principle_n of_o man_n salvation_n the_o law_n subject_v the_o sinner_n to_o his_o sin_n and_o give_v he_o up_o to_o satan_n as_o the_o most_o signal_n part_v of_o his_o punishment_n it_o be_v impossible_a that_o he_o shall_v be_v deliver_v from_o sin_n unless_o the_o bond_n of_o the_o law_n the_o curse_n i_o mean_v which_o hold_v he_o under_o sin_n be_v loose_v 1_o cor._n 15.56_o this_o then_o be_v the_o end_n of_o faith_n salvation_n from_o hell_n and_o sin_n pardon_v and_o a_o holy_a conjunction_n with_o god_n second_o the_o tendency_n or_o motion_n of_o fiducial_a faith_n to_o this_o end_n i._n e._n towards_o salvation_n be_v in_o a_o way_n of_o hope_n faith_n rest_v on_o christ_n in_o hope_n of_o everlasting_a life_n all_o fiducial_a reliance_n or_o trust_v in_o any_o thing_n or_o person_n in_o reference_n to_o any_o good_a to_o be_v attain_v be_v in_o hope_n of_o that_o good_a when_o a_o man_n trust_v in_o a_o physician_n for_o his_o health_n it_o be_v in_o hope_n of_o obtain_v it_o when_o a_o rich_a man_n trust_v in_o his_o riches_n it_o be_v in_o hope_n of_o safety_n and_o favour_n among_o man_n etc._n etc._n when_o the_o jew_n trust_v or_o be_v say_v to_o trust_v on_o the_o break_a reed_n egypt_n it_o be_v in_o hope_n of_o aid_n from_o thence_o so_o to_o trust_v in_o christ_n for_o salvation_n be_v to_o hope_v for_o his_o salvation_n tit._n 1.2_o the_o faith_n of_o god_n elect_a be_v in_o hope_n of_o everlasting_a life_n now_o hope_v as_o be_v say_v before_o be_v the_o intention_n or_o desire_n of_o the_o soul_n to_o some_o good_a thing_n which_o be_v look_v upon_o as_o attainable_a some_o put_v in_o difficulty_n but_o that_o be_v not_o always_o competent_a to_o the_o object_n of_o hope_n hope_v therefore_o imply_v first_o 1._o a_o earnest_a desire_n of_o the_o thing_n hope_v for_o second_o 2._o a_o persuasion_n in_o the_o mind_n that_o it_o may_v be_v attain_v wherever_o these_o two_o meet_a there_o be_v hope_n and_o no_o where_o else_o no_o man_n hope_n but_o as_o the_o word_n be_v sometime_o use_v catachrestical_o for_o that_o which_o he_o desire_v not_o a_o man_n may_v desire_v that_o which_o he_o have_v no_o hope_n of_o as_o man_n total_o despair_v under_o sense_n of_o god_n wrath_n have_v a_o desire_n of_o pardon_n else_o they_o can_v not_o be_v grieve_v as_o they_o be_v for_o want_v of_o it_o but_o they_o have_v no_o hope_n of_o pardon_n a_o man_n may_v wish_v himself_o a_o eagle_n or_o a_o swallow_n as_o david_n but_o can_v have_v no_o hope_n to_o be_v so_o for_o beside_o desire_n hope_v always_o imply_v a_o persuasion_n that_o the_o good_a desire_a may_v be_v attain_v or_o which_o be_v more_o that_o it_o shall_v be_v attain_v devil_n may_v have_v a_o desire_n to_o be_v out_o of_o torment_n and_o it_o be_v certain_a they_o have_v so_o but_o no_o hope_n of_o it_o because_o they_o can_v believe_v it_o attainable_a the_o lame_a man_n act_n 5._o hope_v to_o receive_v money_n of_o the_o apostle_n as_o desire_v it_o and_o think_v they_o have_v it_o to_o give_v he_o but_o as_o for_o a_o cure_n he_o desire_v that_o also_o but_o hope_v not_o for_o it_o because_o he_o do_v not_o believe_v at_o first_o that_o they_o have_v such_o a_o healing-power_n about_o they_o he_o that_o hope_v for_o any_o thing_n look_v on_o it_o as_o attainable_a and_o the_o more_o likely_a he_o apprehend_v it_o to_o be_v attain_v the_o more_o confident_a he_o be_v in_o his_o hope_n and_o if_o he_o look_v upon_o it_o not_o only_o as_o probable_a but_o as_o certain_a then_o it_o be_v full_a assurance_n of_o hope_n as_o heb._n 6.11_o now_o to_o apply_v this_o to_o the_o case_n in_o hand_n when_o god_n have_v bring_v the_o humble_a soul_n to_o a_o hearty_a believe_v of_o the_o gospel_n he_o thereby_o work_v he_o up_o to_o a_o hearty_a desire_n of_o the_o salvation_n therein_o propound_v and_o withal_o persuade_v he_o that_o he_o may_v for_o his_o own_o part_n attain_v it_o and_o so_o the_o soul_n begin_v to_o hope_v for_o everlasting_a life_n the_o soul_n understand_v already_o and_o believe_v the_o gospel_n see_v such_o a_o excellency_n in_o the_o salvation_n of_o god_n as_o make_v he_o vehement_o desire_v it_o he_o now_o account_v it_o the_o great_a happiness_n in_o the_o world_n to_o be_v deliver_v from_o sin_n and_o hell_n and_o join_v unto_o god_n though_o he_o make_v never_o so_o light_a of_o it_o 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and_o give_v they_o some_o heart-reviving_a cordial_n newborn_a babe_n desire_v milk_n word_n of_o comfort_n from_o the_o breast_n of_o consolation_n isa_n 66.11_o that_o you_o may_v suck_v and_o be_v satisfy_v with_o the_o breast_n of_o her_o consolation_n that_o you_o may_v milk_v out_o and_o be_v delight_v with_o the_o abundance_n of_o her_o glory_n three_o their_o great_a fear_n of_o deceive_a themselves_o though_o they_o love_v promise_n and_o search_v scripture_n for_o they_o and_o glad_o go_v many_o mile_n to_o hear_v they_o explain_v and_o preach_v yet_o they_o fear_v to_o apply_v they_o to_o themselves_o know_v their_o heart_n be_v deceitful_a they_o be_v always_o afraid_a lest_o they_o shall_v take_v up_o too_o good_a thought_n of_o themselves_o and_o though_o they_o vehement_o long_v after_o spiritual_a comfort_n yet_o they_o hearty_o fear_v lest_o they_o shall_v receive_v it_o too_o soon_o before_o they_o have_v a_o right_a to_o it_o or_o be_v due_o prepare_v for_o it_o 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remember_v their_o latter_a end_n as_o it_o be_v say_v of_o jerusalem_n lam._n 1.9_o her_o filthiness_n be_v in_o her_o skirt_n she_o remember_v not_o her_o last_o end_n or_o two_o conceit_a of_o their_o be_v in_o a_o safe_a estate_n but_o upon_o unstudy_v ground_n as_o if_o a_o mere_a opinion_n of_o their_o be_v in_o a_o good_a condition_n be_v enough_o to_o make_v it_o so_o say_v i_o shall_v have_v peace_n with_o a_o although_o to_o what_o may_v be_v object_v as_o deut._n 29.19_o though_o i_o walk_v in_o the_o imagination_n of_o my_o own_o heart_n but_o oh_o secure_a soul_n will_v you_o consider_v first_o that_o it_o be_v a_o most_o dreadful_a thing_n to_o perish_v eternal_o the_o loss_n of_o heaven_n offer_v in_o the_o gospel_n be_v infinite_o more_o than_o the_o loss_n of_o a_o thousand_o world_n the_o torment_n of_o hell_n a_o everlasting_a fire_n it_o be_v hard_a to_o endure_v the_o ache_n of_o a_o tooth_n or_o the_o pain_n of_o the_o stone_n for_o twenty_o four_o hour_n what_o 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call_v upon_o you_o to_o do_v it_o you_o must_v bear_v it_o prov._n 9.12_o god_n the_o father_n call_v you_o the_o son_n invite_v you_o the_o spirit_n strive_v with_o you_o minister_n pray_v you_o to_o be_v reconcile_v and_o pray_v for_o you_o that_o you_o may_v be_v reconcile_v but_o what_o be_v it_o to_o god_n or_o man_n beside_o your_o own_o gain_n if_o you_o be_v save_v and_o your_o misery_n if_o you_o perish_v 5th_o you_o may_v be_v save_v and_o be_v sure_a of_o it_o if_o you_o do_v not_o willing_o neglect_v thy_o destruction_n be_v of_o thyself_o hosea_n 13.9_o why_o will_v you_o die_v ezek._n 18.31_o the_o second_o use_n be_v for_o comfort_n to_o those_o that_o be_v earnest_o seek_v and_o labour_v after_o assurance_n of_o their_o salvation_n even_o this_o be_v a_o hopeful_a evidence_n of_o your_o be_v in_o the_o state_n of_o salvation_n your_o earnest_n and_o hearty_a follow_v of_o the_o question_n give_v a_o answer_n to_o it_o this_o be_v their_o proper_a study_n and_o endeavour_v who_o be_v turn_v save_o to_o god_n even_o from_o their_o first_o conversion_n some_o may_v object_n obj._n that_o all_o this_o be_v but_o self-minding_a whereas_o a_o true_a christian_n shall_v be_v all_o for_o god_n whatever_o come_v of_o himself_o but_o answ_n i_o answer_v salvation_n be_v for_o ourselves_o and_o come_v to_o christ_n be_v for_o ourselves_o as_o the_o apostle_n say_v act_n 2.40_o save_o yourselves_o and_o again_o matth._n 11.29_o you_o shall_v find_v rest_n to_o your_o soul_n the_o three_o use_n be_v to_o exhort_v all_o christian_n to_o use_v diligence_n to_o clear_v up_o their_o assurance_n of_o salvation_n it_o be_v the_o property_n of_o the_o young_a believer_n to_o endeavour_v it_o those_o of_o low_a stand_n and_o it_o be_v the_o
seasonable_o find_v i_o out_o i_o think_v i_o have_v be_v arm_v sufficient_o and_o can_v have_v endure_v the_o force_n of_o a_o sermon_n as_o easy_o as_o any_o man_n in_o the_o congregation_n and_o have_v bear_v up_o my_o face_n undaunted_o against_o all_o rebuke_n and_o threaten_n but_o the_o word_n be_v too_o strong_a for_o i_o and_o bring_v i_o down_o upon_o my_o knee_n and_o bless_v be_v god_n that_o it_o do_v so_o bless_v be_v god_n that_o prepare_v it_o so_o sharpen_v it_o so_o time_v it_o and_o so_o follow_v it_o with_o powerful_a motion_n of_o his_o spirit_n that_o i_o can_v never_o acquit_v myself_o of_o it_o till_o i_o be_v persuade_v to_o return_v and_o yield_v myself_o up_o to_o god_n second_o two_o their_o thankful_a acknowledgement_n of_o the_o goodness_n of_o god_n to_o they_o in_o that_o they_o die_v not_o in_o their_o former_a estate_n as_o hezekiah_n when_o he_o be_v recover_v of_o his_o sickness_n and_o find_v himself_o well_o again_o write_v a_o memorial_n of_o the_o goodness_n of_o god_n to_o he_o in_o his_o restitution_n wherein_o he_o record_v the_o danger_n he_o have_v be_v in_o and_o how_o near_o he_o be_v to_o death_n and_o what_o a_o narrow_a escape_n he_o have_v isaiah_n 38.9_o so_o christian_n when_o once_o they_o apprehend_v themselves_o pass_v from_o death_n to_o life_n be_v even_o afraid_a to_o think_v what_o a_o estate_n they_o be_v in_o before_o and_o mighty_o take_v with_o the_o mercy_n of_o god_n that_o suffer_v they_o not_o to_o perish_v in_o that_o condition_n i_o be_v in_o love_n with_o my_o own_o perverse_a way_n when_o i_o be_v run_v headlong_o to_o destruction_n i_o think_v myself_o safe_a enough_o when_o i_o be_v even_o in_o the_o midst_n of_o all_o evil_a i_o trust_v to_o my_o own_o work_n when_o i_o be_v work_v out_o my_o damnation_n prov._n 5.14_o i_o be_v almost_o in_o all_o evil_a i_o despise_a reproof_n and_o hearken_v not_o to_o the_o voice_n of_o my_o teacher_n and_o if_o the_o lord_n have_v then_o take_v i_o off_o by_o death_n i_o have_v certain_o perish_v o_o bless_a be_v god_n that_o have_v pity_n on_o i_o when_o i_o have_v no_o care_n of_o myself_o and_o awaken_v i_o when_o i_o be_v sleep_v the_o sleep_n of_o death_n thus_o paul_n i_o be_v a_o persecutor_n a_o blasphemer_n and_o injurious_a but_o i_o obtain_v mercy_n etc._n etc._n now_o to_o the_o king_n eternal_a the_o only_a wise_a god_n be_v honour_n and_o glory_n for_o ever_o and_o ever_o 1_o tim._n 1.13_o so_o all_o the_o follower_n of_o the_o lamb_n the_o lord_n jesus_n be_v say_v to_o sing_v the_o song_n of_o moses_n rev._n 15.3_o blessing_n god_n that_o suffer_v they_o not_o to_o die_v under_o egyptian_a bondage_n or_o perish_v in_o the_o red-sea_n three_o their_o readiness_n to_o tell_v other_o what_o god_n have_v do_v for_o their_o soul_n christian_n be_v hardly_o ever_o so_o communicative_a of_o their_o experience_n as_o about_o this_o age._n as_o child_n when_o first_o they_o get_v use_v of_o their_o tongue_n be_v most_o 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taste_n and_o see_v that_o the_o lord_n be_v grocious_a he_o beliver_v my_o soul_n from_o death_n my_o eye_n from_o tear_n my_o foot_n from_o fall_v psalm_n 116.8_o four_o their_o great_a contentedness_n under_o outward_a trouble_n because_o god_n have_v speak_v peace_n to_o their_o soul_n though_o they_o be_v poor_a it_o may_v be_v and_o low_o in_o the_o world_n and_o meet_v with_o many_o enemy_n though_o they_o be_v reproach_v by_o their_o neighbour_n and_o their_o old_a companion_n and_o suffer_v the_o displeasure_n of_o their_o friend_n for_o betake_v themselves_o to_o a_o new_a course_n of_o life_n yea_o though_o they_o be_v watch_v and_o keep_v in_o and_o be_v fain_o to_o make_v hard_a shift_n to_o get_v out_o to_o ordinance_n and_o into_o christian_a communion_n yet_o all_o be_v easy_a to_o they_o and_o they_o bear_v it_o patient_o because_o god_n have_v manifest_v himself_o to_o their_o soul_n and_o give_v they_o good_a hope_n through_o grace_n of_o everlasting_a glory_n now_o let_v friend_n reject_v they_o father_n and_o mother_n forsake_v they_o since_o god_n have_v take_v they_o up_o their_o acquaintance_n disow_v they_o but_o god_n own_v they_o the_o world_n frown_v upon_o they_o but_o heaven_n smile_v they_o be_v in_o danger_n to_o suffer_v loss_n of_o all_o but_o they_o have_v find_v christ_n and_o win_v christ_n and_o it_o be_v enough_o they_o rejoice_v in_o their_o portion_n five_o 5thly_a the_o sweet_a savour_n which_o they_o find_v in_o the_o gospel_n and_o the_o word_n of_o promise_n joy_n sweeten_v our_o meat_n and_o drink_n to_o we_o and_o make_v we_o relish_v what_o be_v set_v before_o we_o so_o christian_n in_o this_o estate_n be_v strange_o take_v with_o spiritual_a promise_n and_o find_v a_o sweetness_n in_o they_o which_o they_o never_o perceive_v before_o so_o that_o they_o wonder_v at_o themselves_o to_o think_v how_o many_o time_n they_o have_v read_v and_o hear_v such_o a_o portion_n of_o the_o word_n and_o never_o understand_v it_o never_o find_v any_o relish_n in_o it_o but_o now_o they_o cry_v out_o o_o what_o a_o good_a word_n be_v this_o oh_o delicacy_n of_o our_o father_n house_n what_o nourishment_n what_o cordial_n be_v in_o his_o evangelical_n provision_n this_o be_v bread_n from_o heaven_n angel_n food_n indeed_o what_o a_o table_n be_v here_o spread_v what_o a_o cup_n be_v here_o fill_v the_o word_n of_o god_n be_v quite_o another_o thing_n to_o such_o a_o soul_n from_o what_o it_o be_v before_o six_o 6thly_fw-mi their_o affectionate_a thought_n of_o god_n and_o christ_n as_o david_n express_v himself_o in_o psalm_n 116.1_o i_o love_v the_o lord_n because_o he_o have_v hear_v my_o voice_n and_o my_o supplication_n so_o christian_n raise_v up_o out_o of_o their_o sorrow_n terror_n and_o despair_n high_o admire_v and_o love_n jesus_n christ_n in_o who_o they_o have_v now_o believe_v as_o the_o apostle_n peter_n speak_v in_o his_o first_o epistle_n chap._n 2._o verse_n 7._o to_o you_o that_o believe_v he_o be_v precious_a though_o they_o be_v yet_o but_o as_o newborn_a babe_n now_o let_v i_o give_v you_o a_o few_o reason_n first_o reas_n 1._o no_o marvel_n that_o christian_n be_v so_o much_o rejoice_v upon_o the_o first_o receipt_n of_o such_o assurance_n because_o it_o be_v usual_o the_o fruit_n of_o much_o studious_a pain_n and_o labour_n many_o prayer_n much_o wait_a and_o many_o strict_a examination_n of_o themselves_o that_o be_v natural_o pleasant_a which_o be_v hardly_o attain_v they_o that_o sow_v in_o tear_n reap_v in_o joy_n psalm_n 126.5_o second_o reas_n 2._o it_o have_v in_o it_o the_o begin_n of_o heaven_n 1_o pet._n 1.9_o receive_v the_o end_n of_o your_o faith_n even_o the_o salvation_n of_o your_o soul_n believer_n now_o receive_v the_o beginning_n of_o that_o salvation_n which_o be_v the_o end_n of_o their_o faith_n salvation_n be_v the_o intend_a end_n of_o faith_n that_o which_o faith_n be_v always_o seek_v and_o aim_v at_o that_o which_o faith_n seek_v and_o wait_v for_o and_o it_o be_v the_o end_n of_o the_o faith_n of_o christian_n as_o that_o in_o which_o it_o cease_v as_o believe_v and_o be_v turn_v into_o vision_n so_o faith_n of_o assurance_n be_v a_o very_a joyous_a thing_n three_o reas_n 3._o they_o common_o think_v their_o doubt_n and_o fear_n now_o go_v for_o all_o they_o think_v they_o shall_v despair_v no_o more_o distrust_n god_n no_o more_o as_o david_n psalm_n 30.6_o say_v i_o shall_v not_o be_v move_v but_o this_o three_o reason_n have_v a_o mistake_n in_o it_o as_o it_o ordinary_o prove_v of_o which_o i_o shall_v speak_v afterward_o four_o reas_n 4._o god_n give_v this_o comfort_n to_o facilitate_v his_o people_n way_n to_o heaven_n if_o
not_o aware_a of_o so_o though_o their_o brethren_n justify_v they_o they_o condemn_v themselves_o and_o have_v it_o usual_a in_o a_o readiness_n to_o answer_v oh_o if_o these_o man_n that_o seem_v to_o have_v such_o hopeful_a thought_n of_o i_o do_v but_o know_v the_o vile_a working_n of_o my_o wicked_a heart_n they_o will_v never_o endure_v i_o they_o judge_v of_o i_o as_o they_o think_v but_o little_o think_v what_o i_o know_v by_o myself_o the_o heart_n as_o solomon_n say_v know_v its_o own_o grief_n the_o soul_n that_o be_v burden_a with_o sinful_a lust_n and_o labour_v against_o they_o can_v believe_v the_o case_n of_o any_o other_o to_o be_v so_o bad_a as_o he_o as_o no_o man_n think_v his_o neighbour_n trouble_n though_o of_o the_o same_o kind_n so_o grievous_a as_o his_o own_o this_o high_a dislike_n and_o loathe_n of_o a_o man_n be_v own_o sin_n when_o it_o lie_v quite_o out_o of_o sight_n of_o other_o man_n be_v a_o great_a evidence_n that_o the_o work_n of_o mortification_n be_v set_v on_o foot_n and_o proceed_v in_o the_o soul_n for_o god_n give_v grace_n to_o the_o humble_a 1_o pet._n 5._o and_o as_o grace_n be_v come_v in_o sin_n be_v go_v out_o and_o thus_o have_v i_o endeavour_v to_o show_v you_o those_o evidence_n that_o appear_v in_o christian_n that_o be_v hearty_o intend_v and_o endeavour_v the_o mortify_n of_o inherent_a sin_n but_o now_o a_o little_a to_o speak_v to_o the_o consequence_n which_o the_o endeavour_n of_o mortification_n have_v to_o the_o sincere_a practice_n of_o holiness_n or_o the_o reason_n why_o christian_n intend_v a_o holy_a life_n be_v thereupon_o dispose_v to_o mortify_v indwell_v sin_n r._n 1._o a_o sincere_a intention_n of_o obedience_n give_v a_o man_n notice_n of_o the_o sin_n within_o he_o by_o a_o sincere_a endeavour_n to_o reform_v his_o life_n a_o christian_n come_v to_o discover_v sin_n that_o be_v within_o himself_o as_o it_o be_v say_v of_o ephraim_n hos_n 7.1_o when_o i_o will_v have_v heal_v israel_n than_o the_o iniquity_n of_o ephraim_n be_v discover_v and_o rom._n 7.23_o i_o see_v another_o law_n in_o my_o member_n war_a against_o the_o law_n of_o my_o mind_n new_o convert_v christian_n till_o they_o have_v try_v awhile_o what_o they_o can_v do_v in_o practice_n of_o godliness_n little_o think_v what_o proud_a stubborn_a earthly_a and_o hypocritical_a heart_n they_o have_v within_o they_o little_o think_v what_o work_n they_o have_v to_o do_v in_o their_o own_o soul_n but_o by_o that_o time_n they_o have_v apply_v themselves_o awhile_o to_o it_o they_o find_v such_o a_o backwardness_n to_o duty_n as_o they_o can_v not_o have_v imagine_v and_o such_o a_o aptness_n to_o receive_v temptation_n and_o sin_n without_o temptation_n as_o they_o do_v not_o think_v themselves_o guilty_a of_o their_o often_o relapse_n and_o break_v of_o resolution_n show_v they_o the_o falsehood_n and_o treachery_n of_o their_o heart_n which_o they_o be_v not_o former_o aware_a of_o and_o now_o they_o see_v that_o they_o have_v a_o great_a work_n of_o reformation_n to_o do_v as_o well_o within_o as_o without_o as_o if_o a_o man_n reform_v his_o family_n he_o shall_v find_v not_o only_o ill_a companion_n without_o but_o some_o of_o his_o own_o child_n against_o it_o two_o internal_a sin_n once_o discover_v appear_v more_o evil_a and_o hateful_a to_o a_o christian_a than_o his_o outward_a sinful_a action_n it_o be_v that_o which_o the_o apostle_n call_v exceed_o sinful_a sin_n as_o rom._n 7.13_o outward_a act_n of_o sin_n derive_v all_o their_o evil_n from_o the_o vicious_a inclination_n and_o evil_a intention_n of_o the_o soul_n the_o more_o there_o be_v of_o pride_n wilfulness_n and_o stubborness_n of_o the_o heart_n in_o any_o sin_n the_o worse_a and_o more_o hateful_a it_o be_v if_o we_o sin_v wilful_o hebr._n 10.26_o after_o we_o have_v receive_v thâ—_n knowledge_n of_o the_o truth_n there_o remain_v no_o more_o sacrifice_n for_o sin_n and_o the_o soul_n that_o do_v aught_o presumptuous_o shall_v be_v cut_v off_o numb_a 15.30_o so_o that_o now_o a_o christian_a see_v that_o he_o have_v cause_n and_o need_v to_o labour_v more_o to_o mortify_v his_o internal_a corruption_n than_o to_o rectify_v his_o outward_a action_n that_o be_v the_o great_a part_n of_o his_o work_n three_o outward_a reformation_n can_v never_o be_v thorough_o carry_v on_o without_o reform_v the_o heart_n all_o the_o practice_n of_o christianity_n that_o we_o can_v attain_v to_o in_o our_o outward_a action_n while_o sin_n be_v unmortified_a in_o the_o heart_n be_v but_o force_v and_o violent_a and_o such_o as_o will_v not_o hold_v weed_n you_o know_v that_o be_v cut_v off_o above_o the_o ground_n will_v grow_v again_o you_o must_v pluck_v they_o up_o by_o the_o root_n if_o you_o will_v clear_v the_o ground_n of_o they_o therefore_o the_o apostle_n bless_v god_n for_o the_o roman_n that_o they_o have_v obey_v from_o the_o heart_n that_o form_n of_o doctrine_n which_o be_v deliver_v they_o rom._n 7.13_o cleanse_v the_o heart_n be_v of_o necessity_n to_o wash_v the_o hand_n in_o innocency_n psal_n 73.13_o till_o they_o come_v to_o this_o christian_n do_v but_o intend_v and_o assay_v to_o rectify_v their_o life_n never_o do_v it_o to_o purpose_n but_o 4thly_a the_o motion_n of_o a_o christian_a towards_o god_n be_v in_o prosecution_n of_o communion_n with_o he_o which_o be_v hinder_v by_o indwelling_a sin_n iniquity_n separate_v if_o a_o christian_a will_v walk_v with_o god_n he_o must_v cleanse_v his_o heart_n or_o he_o can_v have_v no_o intimacy_n with_o he_o this_o duty_n of_o self-cleansing_a be_v propound_v in_o the_o text_n to_o this_o very_a end_n that_o we_o may_v attain_v the_o happiness_n of_o god_n gracious_a presence_n that_o he_o may_v dwell_v and_o walk_v with_o we_o as_o in_o chap._n 6.16_o 17._o i_o will_v dwell_v in_o they_o and_o walk_v in_o they_o where_o god_n walk_v with_o a_o man_n he_o dwell_v within_o he_o and_o that_o can_v be_v without_o a_o ejection_n of_o sin_n the_o apostle_n james_n require_v man_n to_o draw_v nigh_o to_o god_n promise_n that_o he_o will_v draw_v nigh_o to_o they_o present_o command_v they_o to_o purify_v their_o heart_n jam._n 4.8_o draw_v nigh_o to_o god_n and_o he_o will_v draw_v nigh_o to_o you_o cleanse_v your_o hand_n you_o sinner_n and_o purify_v your_o heart_n 5th_o mortificatson_n of_o sin_n be_v the_o proper_a effect_n of_o a_o sincere_a obedience_n every_o gracious_a action_n add_v something_o to_o the_o habit_n or_o principle_n of_o grace_n in_o the_o soul_n so_o much_o it_o do_v to_o the_o weaken_n of_o the_o contrary_a corruption_n to_o perform_v the_o work_n of_o a_o godly_a man_n be_v the_o way_n to_o become_v more_o godly_a the_o way_n of_o the_o lord_n be_v strength_n to_o the_o upright_a prov._n 10.29_o and_o by_o hold_v on_o his_o way_n he_o grow_v strong_a and_o strong_a job_n 17.9_o now_o the_o strong_a a_o man_n be_v in_o grace_n the_o weak_a sin_n be_v in_o he_o contrary_a quality_n destroy_v one_o another_o as_o they_o increase_v grace_n by_o do_v its_o own_o work_n undo_v its_o adversary_n i_o now_o proceed_v to_o the_o use_v 1_o use_v the_o first_o use_n be_v for_o comfort_n to_o sincere_a christian_n against_o all_o the_o activity_n of_o man_n to_o hinder_v they_o in_o their_o spiritual_a work_n and_o business_n a_o main_a part_n of_o a_o christian_n work_n lie_v where_o man_n can_v give_v it_o no_o impediment_n nor_o so_o much_o as_o see_v what_o be_v do_v it_o lie_v within_o door_n where_o no_o other_o person_n can_v force_v a_o entry_n it_o be_v the_o great_a endeavour_n of_o the_o jew_n enemy_n to_o hinder_v their_o work_n of_o build_v the_o temple_n and_o then_o of_o the_o wall_n at_o jerusalem_n neh._n 4.11_o and_o our_o adversary_n say_v they_o shall_v not_o know_v neither_o see_v till_o we_o come_v in_o the_o midst_n among_o they_o and_o slay_v they_o and_o cause_v the_o work_n to_o cease_v so_o it_o be_v the_o design_n of_o satan_n and_o his_o follower_n to_o hinder_v the_o work_n of_o christianity_n but_o against_o this_o part_n of_o a_o christian_n work_n they_o can_v do_v nothing_o he_o may_v throw_v down_o and_o demolish_v the_o work_n of_o satan_n and_o fortify_v himself_o inward_o against_o temptation_n and_o seducement_n and_o none_o can_v hinder_v he_o or_o observe_v he_o all_o external_a opposition_n serve_v to_o carry_v on_o this_o work_n to_o make_v christian_n more_o holy_a within_o more_o heavenly-minded_n more_o zealous_a for_o god_n and_o indifferent_a to_o the_o world_n so_o they_o that_o will_v hinder_v you_o from_o the_o outward_a part_n of_o your_o duty_n will_v further_o you_o in_o that_o which_o be_v your_o great_a and_o main_a work_n purge_v out_o malice_n and_o envy_n and_o wrath_n and_o bitterness_n against_o they_o
of_o the_o religion_n they_o have_v profess_v and_o of_o the_o ordinance_n on_o which_o they_o have_v attend_v and_o the_o people_n of_o god_n with_o who_o they_o have_v converse_v and_o this_o fear_n be_v a_o great_a affliction_n to_o they_o though_o it_o be_v a_o good_a sign_n of_o sincerity_n six_o sometime_o they_o tremble_v in_o the_o fear_n of_o some_o dreadful_a judgement_n or_o sore_a rebuke_n from_o god_n to_o fall_v upon_o they_o they_o think_v god_n will_v not_o long_o bear_v with_o such_o sinful_a wretch_n person_n so_o proud_a so_o sensual_a so_o hypocritical_a but_o some_o way_n or_o other_o providential_o manifest_v his_o displeasure_n against_o they_o if_o they_o be_v graceless_a they_o know_v god_n be_v angry_a with_o the_o wicked_a every_o day_n and_o if_o he_o intend_v good_a to_o they_o they_o look_v he_o shall_v take_v some_o severe_a course_n with_o they_o therefore_o david_n pray_v lord_n rebuke_v i_o not_o in_o thy_o wrath_n etc._n etc._n psalm_n 38.1_o they_o find_v their_o heart_n so_o lazy_a and_o themselves_o so_o formal_a and_o hypocritical_a they_o think_v sure_a god_n will_v deal_v severe_o with_o they_o in_o their_o person_n and_o family_n etc._n etc._n seven_o they_o be_v often_o afflict_v with_o the_o fear_n of_o perish_v eternal_o that_o this_o fear_n be_v rise_v in_o the_o heart_n of_o the_o apostle_n himself_o when_o he_o speak_v these_o word_n may_v very_o probable_o be_v collect_v from_o what_o follow_v chap._n 8.1_o where_o he_o seem_v to_o encourage_v himself_o against_o the_o danger_n of_o its_o death_n and_o the_o mean_n which_o he_o profess_v himself_o to_o use_v for_o prevention_n of_o that_o danger_n there_o be_v therefore_o now_o no_o condemnation_n to_o they_o which_o be_v in_o christ_n jesus_n who_o walk_v not_o after_o the_o flesh_n but_o after_o the_o spirit_n and_o in_o 1_o cor._n 9.27_o i_o keep_v under_o my_o body_n and_o bring_v it_o into_o subjection_n lest_o that_o by_o any_o mean_n when_o i_o have_v preach_v to_o other_o i_o myself_o shall_v be_v a_o castaway_n which_o show_v that_o he_o be_v not_o altogether_o above_o the_o fear_n of_o it_o and_o indeed_o this_o must_v needs_o be_v a_o sore_a trouble_n to_o they_o that_o have_v taste_v of_o the_o wrath_n of_o god_n in_o their_o former_a conviction_n and_o have_v have_v the_o sense_n of_o his_o love_n shed_v abroad_o in_o their_o heart_n and_o have_v be_v comfort_v in_o the_o hope_n of_o glory_n neither_o judas_n nor_o cain_n ever_o feel_v such_o horror_n and_o astonishment_n under_o their_o despair_n as_o a_o sincere_a christian_a in_o this_o case_n of_o fear_n will_v fall_v into_o if_o he_o be_v not_o uphold_v by_o a_o secret_a power_n of_o grace_n for_o alas_o they_o never_o know_v so_o much_o of_o the_o love_n and_o goodness_n of_o god_n as_o the_o weak_a of_o sincere_a christian_n know_v nor_o ever_o have_v such_o desire_n and_o hope_n to_o enjoy_v he_o i_o come_v now_o to_o some_o cause_n of_o these_o great_a trouble_n in_o sincere_a christian_n about_o sin_n within_o 1._o the_o first_o cause_n be_v the_o awaken_v activity_n of_o sin_n and_o satan_n be_v effectual_o disturb_v by_o the_o spirit_n of_o mortification_n when_o the_o strong_a man_n keep_v the_o house_n all_o thing_n be_v at_o peace_n luke_n 11.21_o i_o e._n till_o the_o strong_a the_o lord_n jesus_n enter_v and_o begin_v to_o take_v away_o his_o good_n and_o his_o harness_n then_o satan_n bestir_v himself_o and_o raise_v all_o the_o force_n of_o sordid_a lust_n and_o corruption_n which_o lie_v much_o more_o still_o before_o if_o sin_n have_v be_v so_o active_a before_o the_o sinner_n will_v have_v proceed_v to_o the_o very_a act_n of_o the_o sin_n which_o now_o it_o do_v but_o reach_n at_o be_v check_v and_o hold_v back_o by_o grace_n which_o make_v he_o say_v in_o himself_o how_o shall_v i_o do_v this_o great_a wickedness_n but_o now_o as_o thing_n be_v order_v by_o the_o bless_a work_n of_o god_n there_o be_v a_o principle_n of_o grace_n that_o forbid_v and_o hinder_v the_o act_n of_o those_o sin_n to_o which_o corrupt_a nature_n be_v dispose_v and_o that_o conflict_n make_v a_o great_a unquietness_n in_o the_o soul_n and_o so_o give_v a_o christian_a much_o more_o notice_n of_o the_o wickedness_n of_o his_o heart_n than_o ever_o he_o have_v and_o hence_o arise_v those_o trouble_n distress_n and_o fear_n which_o i_o have_v speak_v of_o there_o be_v so_o much_o ado_n to_o hold_v in_o the_o wickedness_n that_o will_v be_v break_v out_o and_o to_o repress_v the_o inward_a motion_n of_o it_o as_o when_o physic_n be_v admit_v into_o the_o stomach_n ill_a humour_n be_v rouse_v and_o that_o cause_v hard_a gripe_n sick_a qualm_n and_o sad_a complaint_n these_o be_v ultimi_fw-la conatus_fw-la moribundi_fw-la peccati_fw-la the_o last_o struggle_n of_o die_a sin_n first_o cause_n 1._o it_o be_v the_o subtlety_n of_o satan_n 1._o to_o solicit_v some_o man_n less_o to_o outward_a act_n of_o sin_n while_o unconvert_v because_o he_o see_v and_o observe_v it_o be_v usual_a with_o god_n to_o make_v their_o great_a and_o gross_a wickedness_n occasional_a to_o their_o conviction_n and_o conversion_n according_a to_o that_o in_o matth._n 21.31_o publican_n and_o harlot_n go_v into_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n before_o you_o and_o therefore_o have_v hold_n on_o man_n in_o a_o natural_a estate_n he_o be_v not_o so_o zealous_a to_o excite_v they_o to_o sin_n lest_o he_o shall_v overdo_v and_o suffer_v loss_n therefore_o i_o say_v he_o solicit_v some_o less_o for_o there_o be_v who_o he_o drive_v on_o to_o much_o outrageous_a wickedness_n as_o the_o publican_n and_o harlot_n two_o to_o stir_v up_o man_n convert_v as_o much_o as_o he_o can_v to_o sin_n that_o he_o may_v make_v apostate_n of_o they_o if_o they_o be_v not_o sincere_a which_o he_o know_v not_o or_o make_v they_o shame_v their_o profession_n by_o gross_a act_n of_o wickedness_n or_o at_o least_o cause_n they_o to_o go_v on_o with_o the_o more_o trouble_n and_o 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to_o persuade_v christian_n trouble_v about_o their_o inability_n for_o holy_a action_n to_o yield_v themselves_o to_o the_o counsel_n of_o god_n conduct_n of_o experience_n as_o it_o lead_v to_o a_o reliance_n and_o wait_v on_o god_n for_o strength_n of_o his_o grace_n that_o which_o the_o word_n require_v isa_n 40._o last_o to_o wait_v on_o the_o lord_n that_o they_o may_v renew_v their_o strength_n you_o find_v yourselves_o weak_a etc._n etc._n and_o do_v you_o not_o sometime_o find_v god_n relieve_v you_o against_o your_o weakness_n and_o that_o when_o you_o be_v most_o press_v down_o under_o the_o sense_n of_o it_o especial_o when_o you_o look_v up_o most_o earnest_o to_o he_o for_o help_v what_o can_v be_v more_o plain_o speak_v than_o this_o speak_v the_o language_n of_o the_o prophet_n isa_n 26.4_o trust_v in_o the_o lord_n for_o ever_o for_o in_o the_o lord_n jehovah_n be_v everlasting_a strength_n 1_o john_n i._n 3._o that_o which_o we_o have_v see_v and_o hear_v declare_v we_o unto_o you_o that_o you_o also_o may_v have_v fellowship_n with_o we_o and_o true_o our_o fellowship_n be_v with_o the_o father_n and_o with_o his_o son_n jesus_n christ_n the_o eight_o degree_n of_o a_o christian_n motion_n towards_o perfection_n be_v a_o spiritual_a communion_n or_o conversation_n with_o god_n when_o god_n have_v bring_v a_o believer_n to_o a_o settle_a dependence_n on_o his_o gracious_a power_n for_o the_o practice_n of_o godliness_n he_o gradual_o draw_v he_o into_o a_o converse_n and_o intimacy_n with_o himself_o which_o be_v at_o least_o comprehend_v in_o these_o word_n our_o fellowship_n be_v with_o the_o father_n and_o with_o his_o son_n jesus_n christ_n the_o word_n fellowship_n signify_v communion_n or_o communication_n when_o two_o or_o more_o person_n partake_v of_o the_o same_o thing_n as_o they_o that_o feed_v on_o the_o same_o diet_n and_o table_n together_o be_v call_v commoner_n so_o they_o who_o cattle_n partake_v of_o the_o same_o pasture_n be_v 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partaker_n of_o christ_n suffering_n that_o be_v he_o suffer_v and_o they_o suffer_v likewise_o as_o verse_n 1._o two_o it_o be_v use_v to_o signify_v the_o virtual_a interest_n that_o christian_n have_v and_o have_v in_o the_o death_n and_o mediatory_a performance_n of_o christ_n the_o benefit_n whereof_o be_v derive_v to_o they_o as_o if_o themselves_o have_v die_v and_o do_v as_o he_o do_v for_o they_o phil._n 3.10_o that_o i_o may_v know_v he_o and_o the_o power_n of_o his_o resurrection_n and_o the_o fellowship_n of_o his_o suffering_n be_v make_v conformable_a unto_o his_o death_n fellowship_n of_o his_o suffering_n that_o be_v what_o it_o be_v to_o partake_v with_o the_o saint_n of_o the_o benefit_n of_o his_o suffering_n as_o if_o i_o have_v suffer_v with_o he_o in_o which_o respect_n christian_n be_v say_v to_o have_v die_v rise_v ascend_v with_o christ_n and_o to_o sit_v in_o heaven_n with_o he_o as_o col._n 3.1_o and_o eph._n 2.6_o he_o have_v raise_v we_o up_o together_o and_o make_v we_o to_o sit_v together_o in_o heavenly_a place_n in_o christ_n and_o col._n 3.1_o if_o you_o then_o be_v rise_v with_o christ_n seek_v those_o thing_n which_o be_v above_o three_o it_o note_v converse_v and_o society_n between_o god_n and_o man._n 2_o cor._n 6.14_o be_v you_o not_o unequal_o yoke_v together_o with_o unbeliever_n for_o what_o fellowship_n have_v righteousness_n with_o unrighteousness_n and_o what_o communion_n have_v light_a with_o darkness_n that_o be_v they_o can_v join_v or_o abide_v together_o god_n who_o be_v light_n can_v have_v no_o conversation_n with_o unbeliever_n who_o be_v darkness_n christ_n with_o belial_n ver._n 15._o therefore_o you_o shall_v have_v none_o hence_o the_o word_n companion_n heb._n 10.33_o you_o become_v companion_n of_o they_o which_o be_v so_o use_v that_o be_v suffer_v like_o they_o and_o this_o i_o understand_v to_o be_v especial_o intend_v in_o this_o place_n our_o fellowship_n be_v with_o the_o father_n christian_n be_v at_o first_o conversion_n conform_v to_o god_n in_o some_o degree_n of_o holiness_n and_o make_v partaker_n of_o the_o benefit_n of_o the_o death_n and_o resurrection_n of_o christ_n in_o their_o justification_n and_o adoption_n but_o acquaintance_n and_o converse_n with_o god_n they_o attain_v to_o by_o degree_n when_o they_o have_v have_v experience_n of_o he_o and_o his_o way_n now_o it_o be_v evident_a the_o apostle_n be_v here_o direct_v christian_n to_o something_o high_a than_o they_o have_v yet_o attain_v to_o they_o be_v now_o the_o child_n of_o god_n chap._n 3.2_o and_o have_v the_o unction_n of_o the_o spirit_n chap._n 2.20_o but_o he_o direct_v to_o something_o in_o which_o they_o may_v be_v copartner_n with_o himself_o and_o other_o who_o fellowship_n he_o can_v true_o say_v be_v with_o the_o father_n and_o his_o son_n jesus_n christ_n true_o our_o fellowship_n be_v with_o the_o father_n and_o with_o his_o son_n jesus_n christ_n to_o have_v fellowship_n with_o the_o son_n be_v to_o have_v fellowship_n with_o the_o father_n as_o to_o see_v the_o son_n be_v to_o see_v the_o father_n john_n 14.19_o yet_o a_o little_a while_n and_o the_o world_n see_v i_o no_o more_o but_o you_o see_v i_o god_n transact_v all_o thing_n with_o his_o church_n in_o the_o person_n of_o his_o son_n the_o mediator_n he_o be_v doer_n of_o all_o since_o his_o ascension_n and_o be_v always_o with_o his_o to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n matth._n 28.20_o lo_o i_o be_o with_o you_o always_o even_o unto_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n so_o communion_n with_o the_o father_n be_v communion_n with_o the_o son_n again_o christ_n be_v now_o ascend_v manage_n all_o in_o a_o divine_a way_n and_o invisible_o therefore_o they_o that_o have_v fellowship_n with_o he_o be_v say_v to_o have_v fellowship_n with_o the_o father_n so_o the_o apostle_n have_v attain_v this_o fellowship_n with_o god_n the_o father_n and_o son_n and_o direct_v other_o to_o it_o we_o may_v gather_v this_o observation_n doct._n that_o christian_n as_o they_o proceed_v in_o godliness_n they_o grow_v into_o a_o intimate_a acquaintance_n and_o fellowship_n with_o god_n that_o your_o fellowship_n may_v be_v with_o we_o and_o true_o our_o fellowship_n be_v with_o the_o father_n and_o his_o son_n jesus_n christ_n there_o be_v much_o proof_n i_o may_v easy_o give_v of_o this_o phil._n 3.20_o for_o our_o conversation_n be_v in_o heaven_n from_o whence_o also_o we_o look_v for_o the_o saviour_n the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n our_o conversation_n be_v in_o heaven_n that_o be_v with_o god_n so_o asaph_n in_o psalm_n 73.23_o say_v i_o be_o continual_o with_o thou_o so_o enoch_n and_o noah_n walk_v with_o god_n so_o in_o john_n 14.23_o our_o saviour_n say_v if_o any_o man_n love_v i_o he_o will_v keep_v my_o word_n and_o my_o father_n will_v love_v he_o and_o we_o will_v come_v unto_o he_o and_o make_v our_o abode_n with_o he_o so_o in_o psalm_n 139.18_o say_v david_n i_o be_o continual_o with_o thou_o and_o so_o in_o several_a other_o place_n we_o find_v the_o intimacy_n and_o communion_n with_o they_o that_o walk_v with_o god_n and_o this_o come_v to_o the_o point_n in_o hand_n that_o christian_n as_o they_o proceed_v in_o godliness_n they_o grow_v into_o a_o intimate_a acquaintance_n and_o fellowship_n with_o god_n take_v some_o instance_n of_o the_o converse_n and_o fellowship_n which_o christian_n have_v with_o god_n 1._o they_o confer_v much_o with_o god_n in_o holy_a meditation_n meditation_n be_v a_o secret_a conference_n and_o close_a discourse_n between_o god_n and_o the_o soul_n good_a thought_n as_o they_o come_v into_o the_o mind_n be_v the_o very_a whisper_n of_o god_n and_o as_o they_o be_v the_o act_n of_o the_o mind_n upon_o god_n they_o be_v the_o proper_a language_n of_o the_o soul_n speak_v to_o he_o as_o psalm_n 27.8_o thou_o say_v seek_v you_o
the_o lord_n jesus_n to_o testify_v the_o gospel_n of_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n the_o last_o and_o great_a step_n to_o or_o into_o a_o christian_n perfection_n be_v the_o soul_n resignation_n in_o death_n death_n as_o it_o be_v alike_o certain_a and_o inevitable_a to_o all_o man_n so_o it_o be_v equal_o profitable_a and_o advantageous_a to_o all_o believer_n but_o it_o must_v be_v note_v it_o be_v easy_a and_o comfortable_a to_o some_o more_o to_o other_o less_o in_o a_o great_a variety_n as_o job_n say_v concern_v man_n so_o we_o may_v say_v of_o christian_n one_o die_v in_o his_o full_a strength_n another_o in_o the_o bitterness_n of_o his_o soul_n job_n 21.23_o that_o be_v one_o die_v mourning_n and_o deject_a another_o joyous_a and_o triumphant_a which_o be_v paul_n ambition_n in_o these_o word_n that_o i_o may_v finish_v my_o course_n with_o joy_n the_o life_n of_o man_n be_v a_o race_n and_o so_o be_v his_o work_n first_o his_o life_n be_v a_o race_n every_o man_n run_v from_o the_o womb_n to_o the_o grave_n a_o stage_n far_o short_a to_o some_o indeed_o than_o it_o be_v to_o other_o but_o it_o be_v a_o race_n to_o all_o two_o his_o work_n in_o his_o life-time_n be_v a_o race_n man_n be_v a_o busy_a creature_n and_o do_v much_o work_n such_o as_o it_o be_v in_o a_o little_a time_n and_o therefore_o his_o action_n in_o this_o world_n be_v not_o only_o call_v in_o scripture_n his_o walk_n as_o job_n 9.25_o my_o day_n be_v swift_a than_o a_o post_n they_o flee_v away_o they_o see_v no_o good_a but_o it_o be_v call_v his_o run_n and_o run_v his_o course_n as_o in_o the_o text_n and_o in_o jer._n 8.6_o every_o man_n turn_v to_o his_o course_n as_o the_o horse_n rush_v into_o the_o battle_n that_o be_v to_o his_o own_o way_n and_o action_n john_n work_n in_o the_o ministry_n be_v call_v his_o course_n act_v 13.25_o as_o john_n fulfil_v his_o course_n he_o say_v etc._n etc._n and_o so_o paul_n speak_v of_o christian_a practice_n tell_v the_o galatian_n you_o do_v run_v well_o gal._n 5.7_o and_o thus_o the_o apostle_n own_o work_n be_v his_o course_n in_o which_o he_o proceed_v with_o a_o extraordinary_a swiftness_n i_o labour_v more_o abundant_o than_o they_o all_o 1_o cor._n 15.10_o but_o the_o course_n which_o he_o here_o speak_v of_o finish_v be_v that_o of_o his_o life_n the_o other_o of_o his_o ministerial_a work_n be_v present_o subjoin_v and_o the_o ministry_n which_o i_o have_v receive_v both_o these_o race_n have_v the_o same_o period_n in_o paul_n intention_n at_o least_o and_o probable_o in_o performance_n though_o not_o the_o same_o speech_n it_o be_v the_o apostle_n intention_n not_o to_o leave_v off_o the_o work_n of_o his_o ministry_n during_o the_o term_n of_o his_o life_n and_o his_o great_a desire_n be_v that_o when_o he_o shall_v finish_v the_o one_o and_o so_o be_v take_v off_o from_o the_o other_o he_o may_v finish_v both_o with_o joy_n the_o course_n of_o his_o life_n and_o the_o course_n of_o his_o work_n that_o i_o may_v finish_v my_o course_n with_o joy_n and_o the_o ministry_n which_o i_o have_v receive_v of_o the_o former_a i_o may_v finish_v there_o be_v nothing_o wherein_o according_a to_o nature_n a_o man_n be_v more_o passive_a than_o his_o death_n and_o yet_o even_a death_n itself_o be_v sometime_o attribute_v to_o man_n as_o their_o own_o act_n all_o man_n be_v active_a to_o their_o own_o death_n in_o sin_v which_o be_v the_o meritorious_a and_o procure_a cause_n of_o it_o the_o wage_n of_o sin_n be_v death_n godly_a man_n be_v active_a in_o their_o own_o death_n in_o a_o willing_a resignation_n of_o themselves_o and_o deliver_v up_o of_o their_o soul_n into_o the_o hand_n of_o god_n as_o it_o be_v say_v of_o jacob_n gen._n 49._o ult_n he_o yield_v up_o the_o spirit_n so_o for_o a_o man_n to_o finish_v his_o course_n be_v to_o die_v and_o depart_v this_o life_n which_o paul_n earnest_o desire_v to_o do_v with_o joy_n and_o hence_o we_o may_v observe_v doctr._n that_o it_o be_v a_o christian_n be_v great_a concernment_n that_o he_o may_v depart_v this_o life_n with_o spiritual_a joy_n and_o comfort_n or_o while_o he_o live_v to_o consult_v and_o provide_v for_o a_o comfortable_a die_v because_o first_o reas_n 1._o a_o christian_a be_v subject_a to_o many_o trouble_n in_o his_o life-time_n in_o the_o world_n say_v st._n john_n you_o shall_v have_v tribulation_n john_n 16._o it_o be_v a_o sad_a thing_n after_o a_o wearisome_a day_n to_o lie_v down_o in_o sorrow_n a_o servant_n say_v job_n wait_v earnest_o for_o the_o shadow_n of_o the_o evening_n job_n 7.2_o that_o be_v of_o his_o go_v to_o his_o rest_n after_o his_o days-work_n whether_o you_o live_v regular_o or_o loose_o if_o you_o stick_v to_o rule_v man_n will_v be_v upon_o you_o if_o you_o sin_n god_n will_v rebuke_v you_o two_o reas_n 2._o a_o christian_a have_v great_a need_n of_o spiritual_a joy_n to_o support_v he_o against_o the_o sorrow_n with_o which_o death_n be_v natural_o accompany_v death_n be_v so_o 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sin_n in_o he_o be_v afraid_a of_o it_o and_o pray_v against_o it_o hebr._n 5.7_o when_o he_o have_v offer_v up_o prayer_n and_o supplication_n with_o strong_a cry_v and_o tear_n unto_o he_o that_o be_v able_a to_o save_v he_o from_o death_n and_o be_v hear_v in_o that_o he_o fear_v the_o scripture_n set_v forth_o this_o by_o many_o significant_a expression_n as_o the_o pain_n of_o death_n act_v 2.24_o who_o god_n have_v raise_v up_o have_v loose_v the_o pain_n of_o death_n and_o again_o the_o terror_n of_o death_n and_o the_o king_n of_o terror_n as_o job_n 18.14_o his_o confidence_n shall_v be_v root_v out_o of_o his_o tabernacle_n and_o it_o shall_v bring_v he_o to_o the_o king_n of_o terror_n again_o it_o be_v call_v the_o bitterness_n of_o death_n 1_o sam._n 15.32_o and_o agag_n say_v sure_o the_o bitterness_n of_o death_n be_v past_a and_o then_o it_o be_v call_v the_o sorrow_n of_o death_n as_o david_n say_v in_o psal_n 18.4_o the_o sorrow_n of_o death_n compass_v i_o now_o see_v death_n be_v unavoidable_a and_o have_v in_o itself_o so_o much_o grievousness_n man_n have_v great_a need_n of_o comfort_n to_o make_v it_o easy_a and_o more_o tolerable_a second_o the_o sorrow_n of_o part_v with_o present_a mercy_n and_o comfort_n that_o we_o have_v have_v the_o use_n of_o if_o a_o man_n have_v not_o hope_n of_o better_a this_o also_o be_v very_o grievous_a though_o he_o get_v better_a yet_o it_o be_v hard_a to_o leave_v the_o comfort_n which_o we_o have_v be_v use_v to_o and_o in_o which_o god_n have_v be_v kind_a to_o we_o it_o be_v say_v of_o hezekiah_n that_o when_o the_o message_n of_o death_n come_v to_o he_o he_o weep_v sore_o 2_o king_n 20.3_o though_o he_o know_v his_o passage_n from_o hence_o be_v into_o a_o far_o better_a place_n therefore_o god_n be_v usual_o please_v to_o mortify_v man_n to_o the_o world_n by_o age_n and_o sickness_n before_o death_n come_v to_o make_v it_o easy_o part_n with_o present_a comfort_n three_o the_o sorrow_n of_o god_n rebuke_n and_o reproof_n for_o sin_n death_n common_o bring_v sin_n to_o remembrance_n and_o awaken_v conscience_n to_o inveigh_v against_o the_o soul_n for_o it_o so_o conscience_n will_v tell_v we_o at_o such_o a_o time_n when_o death_n approach_v it_o will_v mind_v we_o of_o our_o sin_n of_o omission_n the_o undue_a expense_n of_o precious_a time_n the_o loss_n of_o opportunity_n for_o spiritual_a benefit_n it_o will_v mind_v we_o of_o the_o careless_a use_n of_o the_o mean_n of_o grace_n sin_n of_o commission_n in_o which_o a_o man_n have_v dishonour_v god_n or_o be_v injurious_a to_o man_n these_o thing_n usual_o come_v to_o remembrance_n at_o such_o a_o time_n and_o
rest_v itself_o in_o the_o act_n of_o save_v faith_n may_v thus_o appear_v 1._o man_n be_v a_o offender_n and_o guilty_a of_o death_n eternal_a can_v be_v save_v but_o in_o a_o way_n of_o pardon_n which_o be_v a_o act_n of_o mercy_n and_o thereforefore_o he_o can_v have_v no_o hope_n of_o salvation_n from_o god_n but_o as_o he_o be_v a_o merciful_a god_n he_o that_o be_v bind_v over_o to_o the_o punishment_n of_o eternal_a death_n must_v either_o suffer_v it_o or_o be_v forgive_v it_o now_o nothing_o forgive_v but_o mercy_n look_v upon_o god_n as_o almighty_a and_o it_o speak_v terror_n to_o the_o guilty_a soul_n power_n make_v he_o able_a to_o destroy_v both_o soul_n and_o body_n in_o hell_n look_v upon_o he_o as_o just_o and_o justice_n speak_v terror_n as_o that_o which_o make_v he_o hate_v sin_n and_o punish_v sinner_n but_o consider_v he_o as_o he_o be_v merciful_a and_o pitiful_a to_o poor_a creature_n in_o their_o misery_n and_o there_o you_o have_v some_o ground_n of_o hope_n hope_n can_v never_o find_v whereon_o to_o rest_v the_o sole_a of_o its_o foot_n till_o you_o come_v to_o a_o sight_n of_o god_n as_o merciful_a god_n be_v merciful_a to_o i_o a_o sinner_n luke_n 18.13_o he_o can_v light_v on_o nothing_o in_o all_o the_o world_n to_o stay_v his_o hope_n upon_o but_o mercy_n the_o poor_a leper_n matth._n 8._o urge_v our_o saviour_n with_o his_o power_n to_o make_v he_o clean_o but_o if_o he_o have_v not_o have_v some_o hopeful_a conceit_n of_o his_o willingness_n to_o relieve_v poor_a supplicant_n in_o such_o a_o case_n he_o will_v never_o have_v ask_v he_o for_o the_o cure_n he_o that_o expect_v a_o debt_n may_v trust_v in_o the_o justice_n of_o he_o that_o owe_v it_o but_o he_o that_o expect_v a_o act_n of_o grace_n must_v rest_v on_o the_o mercy_n of_o he_o from_o who_o he_o expect_v it_o or_o he_o have_v nothing_o to_o trust_v to_o obj._n you_o will_v say_v a_o believer_n hope_n in_o the_o faithfulness_n of_o god_n and_o the_o infallible_a truth_n of_o his_o word_n as_o well_o as_o in_o his_o mercy_n ans_fw-fr i_o grant_v it_o a_o believer_n hope_n in_o the_o truth_n of_o god_n but_o it_o be_v only_a as_o his_o truth_n and_o faithfulness_n do_v assure_v the_o soul_n of_o his_o mercifulness_n god_n profess_v and_o declare_v himself_o merciful_a the_o soul_n believe_v that_o he_o be_v so_o and_o will_v approve_v himself_o so_o because_o it_o judge_v he_o faithful_a and_o therefore_o hope_n in_o mercy_n so_o declare_v so_o the_o soul_n rely_v on_o mercy_n rely_v upon_o the_o power_n of_o god_n but_o only_o as_o mercy_n turn_v and_o use_v it_o to_o the_o save_n of_o sinner_n otherwise_o he_o be_v true_a to_o punish_v according_a to_o his_o threaten_n as_o well_o as_o he_o be_v true_a to_o save_v according_a to_o his_o promise_n so_o he_o be_v mighty_a to_o destroy_v as_o well_o as_o to_o save_v yea_o the_o soul_n rely_v on_o mercy_n rely_v also_o on_o the_o justice_n of_o god_n as_o he_o be_v just_a in_o show_v mercy_n but_o all_o this_o while_n mercy_n lie_v at_o the_o bottom_n as_o the_o foundation_n of_o a_o believer_n hope_n let_v god_n be_v never_o so_o mighty_a never_o so_o wise_a never_o so_o faithful_a never_o so_o righteous_a all_o this_o speak_v no_o encouragement_n to_o the_o poor_a humble_a sinner_n but_o all_o against_o he_o till_o mercy_n be_v discover_v and_o then_o some_o ground_n appear_v for_o he_o to_o build_v his_o hope_n upon_o and_o now_o the_o other_o attribute_n of_o god_n give_v their_o assistance_n and_o bear_v up_o expectation_n 2._o but_o yet_o no_o man_n can_v safe_o hope_v in_o the_o absolute_a mercy_n of_o god_n for_o salvation_n but_o only_o in_o the_o mercy_n of_o god_n consider_v as_o he_o be_v merciful_a in_o jesus_n christ_n i._n e._n as_o he_o be_v merciful_a so_o as_o to_o provide_v and_o accept_v a_o satisfaction_n to_o justice_n in_o the_o death_n of_o his_o son_n and_o so_o to_o offer_v salvation_n free_o to_o sinner_n or_o in_o the_o word_n of_o scripture_n as_o love_v the_o world_n so_o as_o to_o give_v his_o only_o beget_v son_n that_o whosoever_o believe_v on_o he_o shall_v not_o perish_v but_o have_v everlasting_a life_n for_o 1._o if_o the_o humble_a sinner_n consider_v mercy_n absolute_o justice_n present_o come_v in_o and_o damp_n his_o hope_n of_o salvation_n for_o as_o it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v expect_v that_o god_n though_o he_o be_v almighty_a shall_v do_v any_o thing_n which_o his_o wisdom_n do_v not_o allow_v of_o because_o he_o be_v infinite_o wise_a as_o well_o as_o almighty_a so_o neither_o can_v it_o be_v hope_v though_o he_o be_v infinite_a in_o mercy_n that_o he_o shall_v do_v any_o thing_n in_o a_o way_n of_o pity_n to_o a_o sinner_n which_o his_o justice_n will_v not_o bear_v because_o he_o be_v just_a as_o he_o be_v merciful_a now_o justice_n require_v that_o the_o law_n shall_v proceed_v and_o that_o the_o soul_n that_o have_v sin_v shall_v die_v gal._n 3.10_o deut._n 27.26_o but_o god_n in_o give_v his_o son_n to_o die_v for_o sinner_n have_v so_o satisfy_v the_o law_n that_o justice_n have_v nothing_o at_o all_o to_o plead_v against_o the_o salvation_n of_o any_o one_o sinner_n who_o god_n will_v please_v to_o save_v rom._n 3.25_o 26._o by_o this_o mean_v god_n have_v so_o order_v it_o that_o he_o be_v high_o just_a in_o show_v mercy_n to_o the_o sinner_n as_o have_v lay_v the_o punishment_n which_o belong_v to_o he_o upon_o his_o own_o son_n and_o therefore_o mercy_n thus_o consider_v be_v a_o sufficient_a ground_n of_o hope_n but_o not_o otherwise_o as_o heb._n 9.21_o without_o shed_v of_o blood_n there_o be_v no_o remission_n no_o hope_n of_o pardon_n and_o salvation_n but_o through_o the_o death_n of_o christ_n though_o god_n be_v never_o so_o merciful_a second_o if_o the_o humble_a soul_n consider_v mercy_n absolute_o he_o can_v have_v no_o assurance_n of_o the_o term_n on_o which_o he_o will_v save_v sinner_n suppose_v that_o he_o will_v save_v any_o of_o they_o and_o so_o the_o soul_n may_v object_v against_o his_o own_o hope_n of_o salvation_n obj._n 1_o it_o may_v be_v god_n will_v be_v so_o merciful_a as_o to_o save_v sinner_n that_o have_v not_o break_v out_o into_o gross_a wickedness_n but_o have_v restrain_v themselves_o to_o some_o bound_n of_o fairness_n and_o morality_n and_o it_o be_v great_a mercy_n if_o he_o will_v save_v such_o but_o i_o have_v exceed_v in_o sin_n and_o do_v evil_a with_o a_o high_a hand_n obj._n 2._o it_o may_v be_v he_o will_v be_v so_o merciful_a as_o to_o save_v sinner_n that_o have_v sin_v out_o of_o ignorance_n as_o be_v uninform_v and_o unconvince_v of_o the_o evil_a of_o the_o thing_n wherein_o they_o have_v offend_v and_o it_o be_v great_a mercy_n if_o he_o will_v save_v such_o but_o i_o have_v rebel_v against_o the_o light_n and_o sin_v against_o knowledge_n and_o the_o express_a dictate_v of_o my_o own_o conscience_n obj._n 3_o it_o may_v be_v god_n will_v be_v so_o merciful_a as_o to_o save_v sinner_n that_o accept_v the_o first_o or_o second_o call_v that_o he_o give_v they_o to_o repentance_n and_o close_o with_o offer_a grace_n betimes_o and_o it_o be_v great_a mercy_n if_o he_o will_v save_v such_o sinner_n but_o alas_o i_o have_v withstand_v many_o gracious_a invitation_n and_o neglect_a salvation_n when_o it_o have_v be_v offer_v to_o i_o god_n know_v how_o many_o time_n and_o so_o my_o day_n may_v be_v expire_v it_o may_v be_v god_n will_v be_v so_o merciful_a as_o to_o save_v sinner_n that_o have_v not_o signal_o contradict_v their_o profession_n in_o the_o course_n of_o their_o life_n who_o as_o they_o have_v not_o practise_v godliness_n so_o have_v never_o much_o pretend_v to_o it_o and_o it_o be_v great_a mercy_n if_o he_o will_v save_v such_o or_o some_o of_o they_o but_o i_o have_v dissemble_v with_o he_o and_o live_v the_o life_n of_o the_o ungodly_a under_o the_o profession_n of_o godliness_n yea_o i_o have_v give_v up_o my_o name_n to_o christ_n and_o yet_o have_v give_v my_o hand_n to_o satan_n and_o my_o own_o lust_n object_n 4._o it_o may_v be_v god_n will_v be_v so_o merciful_a as_o to_o save_v sinner_n that_o have_v not_o sin_v against_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o it_o be_v great_a mercy_n if_o he_o will_v vouchsafe_v to_o save_v some_o of_o they_o but_o i_o fear_v i_o have_v sin_v the_o sin_n that_o be_v never_o to_o be_v pardon_v object_n 5._o it_o may_v be_v god_n will_v save_v some_o great_a and_o eminent_a sinner_n but_o they_o be_v such_o only_a as_o be_v within_o the_o eternal_a purpose_n of_o election_n and_o he_o show_v great_a mercy_n in_o save_v they_o but_o i_o fear_v i_o be_o under_o the_o decree_n of_o reprobation_n
it_o be_v rather_o than_o to_o go_v out_o of_o it_o and_o that_o be_v not_o hearty_o afraid_a of_o death_n answ_n 1._o i_o answer_v among_o sincere_a christian_n many_o be_v weak_a and_o of_o little_a growth_n though_o a_o man_n have_v not_o attain_v such_o a_o willingness_n to_o entertain_v death_n as_o some_o have_v he_o may_v be_v sincere_o godly_a and_o grow_v to_o it_o answ_n 2._o you_o must_v take_v these_o conjunct_o a_o desire_n to_o depart_v and_o be_v with_o christ._n so_o christian_n can_v ordinary_o subscribe_v and_o say_v i_o desire_v to_o depart_v and_o be_v with_o christ._n look_v on_o the_o one_o as_o enough_o to_o sweeten_v the_o other_o and_o make_v it_o desirable_a else_o it_o be_v better_o for_o a_o christian_n to_o be_v with_o christ_n as_o he_o be_v than_o die_v and_o not_o be_v with_o he_o this_o paul_n intimate_v in_o the_o next_o word_n which_o be_v far_o better_a as_o a_o dinner_n of_o herb_n where_o love_n be_v prov._n 15.17_o be_v better_a than_o a_o stall_v ox_n with_o hatred_n a_o wilderness_n with_o manna_n be_v better_a than_o the_o fleshpot_n in_o egypt_n so_o to_o be_v go_v out_o of_o this_o world_n and_o be_v with_o christ_n be_v far_o better_a than_o to_o be_v in_o this_o world_n answ_n 3._o the_o one_o part_n must_v be_v understand_v as_o absolute_o desire_v the_o other_o but_o relative_o to_o that_o in_o its_o relation_n to_o the_o other_o to_o be_v with_o christ_n a_o christian_a desire_n absolute_o he_o aim_v at_o it_o in_o all_o his_o faith_n and_o holiness_n but_o die_v he_o desire_v not_o at_o all_o save_v only_o as_o it_o serve_v to_o bring_v he_o to_o christ_n as_o christ_n lay_v down_o his_o life_n to_o take_v it_o up_o joh._n 10.17_o therefore_o do_v my_o father_n love_v i_o because_o i_o lay_v down_o my_o life_n that_o i_o may_v take_v it_o again_o so_o earnest_a willingness_n exclude_v not_o real_a unwillingness_n as_o a_o man_n desire_v to_o have_v his_o leg_n or_o arm_n cut_v off_o to_o preserve_v his_o body_n yet_o be_v real_o unwilling_a to_o have_v the_o one_o or_o the_o other_o cut_v off_o four_o the_o best_a of_o christian_n be_v not_o always_o actual_o assure_v of_o this_o conjunction_n and_o relation_n of_o death_n and_o be_v with_o christ_n and_o then_o they_o can_v desire_v death_n at_o all_o death_n can_v be_v desire_v but_o as_o it_o be_v a_o passage_n to_o jesus_n christ_n tâ—ke_v away_o that_o order_n which_o it_o have_v to_o a_o christian_n be_v with_o christ_n and_o it_o be_v undesirable_a and_o a_o christian_a be_v not_o always_o sure_a that_o when_o he_o die_v he_o shall_v be_v with_o christ_n 5th_o though_o a_o christian_a do_v hearty_o desire_v to_o depart_v and_o be_v with_o christ_n yet_o he_o can_v fix_v his_o desire_n upon_o any_o particular_a point_n of_o time_n for_o they_o as_o to_o say_v now_o i_o desire_v to_o depart_v and_o be_v with_o christ._n for_o 1._o christian_n usual_o desire_v somewhat_o between_o they_o and_o death_n which_o they_o apprehend_v conduce_v to_o their_o better_a die_v as_o david_n request_v of_o the_o lord_n spare_v i_o a_o little_a that_o i_o may_v recover_v my_o strength_n before_o i_o go_v hence_o and_o as_o moses_n lord_n let_v i_o go_v over_o jordan_n etc._n etc._n but_o now_o it_o be_v not_o the_o case_n of_o every_o christian_a that_o he_o can_v fix_v upon_o the_o time_n and_o say_v as_o simeon_n lord_n now_o let_v thou_o thy_o servant_n depart_v in_o peace_n every_o christian_a can_v say_v so_o though_o he_o have_v a_o desire_n to_o depart_v and_o be_v with_o christ._n 2._o they_o must_v be_v determine_v by_o the_o will_n of_o god_n however_o for_o the_o time_n and_o not_o by_o their_o own_o assignment_n as_o simeon_n now_o dismisse_v thou_o thy_o servant_n in_o peace_n luke_n 2.29_o so_o paul_n i_o know_v not_o which_o to_o choose_v philip._n 1.22_o and_o so_o much_o for_o the_o proof_n of_o this_o point_n that_o well-setled_n and_o establish_v christian_n do_v live_v in_o a_o earnest_a desire_n to_o leave_v this_o 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