to_o be_v weary_a and_o be_v ready_a to_o faint_v it_o give_v a_o weak_a and_o languish_a representation_n it_o be_v true_a of_o intellectual_a beam_n too_o radius_fw-la reflexus_fw-la languet_fw-la o_o how_o quick_o be_v man_n weary_a of_o serious_a thought_n and_o consideration_n they_o look_v upon_o they_o as_o melancholy_a interruption_n turbida_fw-la intervalla_fw-la you_o have_v need_n of_o good_a argument_n to_o persuade_v man_n to_o entertain_v a_o serious_a thought_n outward_a object_n these_o divert_v the_o mind_n and_o take_v it_o off_o from_o its_o great_a work_n as_o a_o man_n that_o see_v his_o natural_a face_n in_o a_o glass_n as_o st._n james_n speak_v go_v his_o way_n and_o present_o forget_v what_o manner_n of_o man_n he_o be_v the_o soul_n scarce_o know_v its_o own_o visage_n it_o look_v abroad_o and_o be_v a_o stranger_n to_o itself_o many_o a_o man_n soul_n have_v scarce_o look_v upon_o itself_o all_o his_o life-time_n iii_o it_o consist_v in_o a_o reflex_n act_n 1_o john_n 2.3_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d and_o so_o differ_v from_o faith_n it_o be_v one_o thing_n to_o believe_v and_o another_o thing_n to_o know_v that_o i_o believe_v our_o divine_n go_v somewhat_o too_o far_o calvin_n perkins_n etc._n etc._n when_o they_o put_v all_o justify_v faith_n in_o a_o full_a persuasion_n ames_n say_v it_o be_v when_o they_o deal_v with_o the_o papist_n who_o put_v it_o in_o a_o bar_n assent_v but_o i_o think_v they_o shall_v rather_o be_v more_o wary_a there_o leave_v they_o give_v the_o enemy_n too_o much_o advantage_n i_o rather_o think_v that_o be_v man_n eminent_o pious_a it_o be_v as_o they_o find_v it_o in_o their_o own_o soul_n but_o all_o be_v not_o so_o strong_a in_o christ_n assurance_n be_v the_o top_n and_o triumph_v of_o faith_n faith_n that_o be_v our_o victory_n by_o which_o we_o overcome_v the_o world_n but_o assurance_n that_o be_v our_o triumph_n by_o which_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d we_o be_v more_o than_o conqueror_n it_o be_v flos_fw-la fidei_fw-la the_o very_a lustre_n and_o eminency_n of_o faith_n i'faith_o that_o be_v the_o root_n assurance_n be_v the_o top-branch_n the_o flourish_a of_o faith_n faith_n with_o a_o gloss_n upon_o it_o justify_v faith_n that_o do_v not_o only_o dwell_v in_o the_o understanding_n in_o nudo_fw-la assensu_fw-la but_o require_v a_o act_n of_o the_o will_v too_o which_o must_v embrace_v a_o promise_n indeed_o it_o call_v for_o a_o act_n result_v from_o the_o whole_a soul_n which_o must_v receive_v christ_n offer_v unto_o it_o but_o now_o assurance_n consist_v only_o in_o the_o mind_n and_o so_o there_o you_o have_v the_o difference_n between_o faith_n of_o adherence_n and_o faith_n of_o assurance_n the_o first_o be_v a_o act_n of_o the_o whole_a soul_n the_o latter_a be_v a_o work_n of_o the_o mind_n only_o it_o arise_v e_fw-la sensu_fw-la quodam_fw-la spirituali_fw-la whereby_o we_o know_v and_o perceive_v that_o we_o believe_v and_o when_o i_o say_v every_o believer_n may_v be_v assure_v of_o his_o salvation_n i_o do_v say_v that_o every_o believer_n be_v assure_v of_o it_o no_o every_o one_o be_v to_o labour_v for_o it_o to_o give_v diligence_n as_o our_o apostle_n speak_v but_o every_o one_o have_v not_o yet_o obtain_v it_o assurance_n be_v not_o of_o the_o essence_n of_o a_o christian_a a_o man_n may_v be_v a_o true_a child_n of_o god_n and_o certain_o save_v though_o he_o have_v not_o assurance_n he_o can_v have_v little_a sweetness_n and_o comfort_n without_o it_o little_a joy_n and_o peace_n but_o yet_o he_o may_v be_v in_o a_o safe_a though_o in_o a_o sad_a condition_n it_o be_v require_v to_o the_o bene_fw-la esse_fw-la not_o to_o the_o esse_fw-la of_o a_o believer_n 1._o for_o the_o promise_n be_v make_v to_o the_o direct_a act_n and_o not_o to_o the_o reflex_n believe_v and_o thou_o shall_v be_v save_v that_o be_v the_o voice_n of_o the_o gospel_n not_o know_v that_o thou_o do_v believe_v now_o there_o be_v many_o a_o weak_a christian_n that_o have_v faith_n and_o yet_o do_v not_o know_v that_o he_o have_v it_o faith_n like_o a_o grain_n of_o mustardseed_n lie_v hide_v for_o a_o while_n but_o it_o have_v a_o vigorous_a and_o operative_a spirit_n and_o will_v work_v out_o in_o time_n and_o spread_v itself_o into_o goodly_a branch_n the_o least_o degree_n of_o faith_n if_o it_o be_v true_a bring_v salvation_n but_o it_o do_v not_o bring_v assurance_n 2._o many_o true_a christian_n be_v in_o a_o state_n of_o desertion_n all_o their_o light_n be_v eclipse_v their_o joy_n and_o comfort_n be_v put_v out_o nay_o they_o look_v upon_o god_n as_o a_o enemy_n they_o be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v assure_v of_o their_o salvation_n as_o that_o they_o very_o think_v themselves_o in_o a_o lose_a condition_n and_o yet_o all_o this_o while_o be_v in_o a_o true_a state_n of_o grace_n their_o condition_n be_v cloudy_a and_o dark_a and_o very_o uncomfortable_a for_o the_o present_a but_o yet_o it_o be_v safe_a they_o be_v true_a believer_n and_o yet_o far_o enough_o from_o assurance_n a_o excellent_a place_n in_o isaiah_n for_o this_o isa_n 50.10_o who_o be_v among_o you_o that_o fear_v the_o lord_n that_o walk_v in_o darkness_n and_o have_v no_o light_n let_v he_o trust_v in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o stay_v upon_o his_o god_n some_o may_v true_o fear_v god_n and_o yet_o walk_v in_o darkness_n and_o have_v no_o light_n not_o the_o least_o glimpse_n of_o assurance_n no_o beam_n of_o god_n favourable_a countenance_n yet_o let_v he_o trust_v in_o the_o lord_n and_o stay_v himself_o upon_o his_o god_n he_o may_v do_v this_o though_o he_o have_v no_o light_n he_o may_v multiply_v direct_a act_n though_o he_o have_v no_o reflex_n act_n and_o here_o he_o may_v lay_v all_o the_o stress_n of_o his_o salvation_n lean_a upon_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n in_o christ_n and_o with_o a_o sweet_a recumbancy_n rest_v himself_o upon_o his_o god_n and_o this_o consideration_n may_v strengthen_v many_o 〈◊〉_d bruise_v reed_n and_o revive_v many_o a_o droop_a spirit_n who_o for_o the_o present_n do_v not_o know_v that_o â—hey_n believe_v their_o case_n may_v be_v good_a for_o all_o this_o â—hou_fw-mi may_v be_v a_o true_a believer_n though_o thou_o be_v â—ut_v a_o weak_a believer_n nay_o though_o thou_o think_v â—â—y_a self_n no_o believer_n i_o do_v not_o speak_v this_o that_o â—â—y_n shall_v rest_v in_o this_o condition_n no_o this_o be_v â—gainst_a the_o text_n all_o must_v give_v diligence_n to_o make_v â—â—eir_n call_v and_o election_n sure_a and_o a_o christiâ—â—_n can_v have_v little_a or_o no_o quiet_a till_o he_o attain_v to_o â—â—surance_n and_o thus_o you_o have_v see_v the_o nature_n of_o assurance_n we_o shall_v in_o the_o next_o place_n prove_v that_o a_o christian_n may_v be_v assure_v of_o his_o salvation_n 1._o ab_fw-la esse_fw-la ad_fw-la posse_fw-la many_o christian_a have_v be_v and_o be_v assure_v of_o his_o salvation_n scarce_o any_o eminent_a christian_a in_o the_o whole_a book_n of_o god_n but_o have_v set_v his_o seal_n to_o this_o truth_n by_o his_o own_o particular_a experience_n this_o be_v so_o clear_a as_o the_o adversary_n themselves_o can_v deny_v but_o that_o many_o choice_a one_o have_v have_v a_o full_a and_o satisfy_a light_n spring_v in_o upon_o their_o soul_n and_o clear_v their_o eternal_a condition_n to_o they_o but_o they_o say_v it_o be_v by_o way_n oâ—_n extraordinary_a revelation_n a_o special_a priviledgâ—_n vouchsafe_v to_o some_o few_o of_o god_n choice_a worthy_n by_o a_o rare_a indulgence_n but_o this_o be_v spokeâ—_n gratis_o and_o be_v contrary_n to_o the_o present_a experienâ—â—_n of_o many_o thousand_o of_o christian_n 1_o john_n 5_o 1â—_n the_o very_a drift_n of_o st._n john_n epistle_n be_v that_o christians_n may_v have_v assurance_n and_o beside_o thoâ—_n medium_n by_o which_o christian_n attain_v to_o assurance_n be_v common_a to_o all_o all_o of_o theâ—â—_n have_v the_o spirit_n dwell_v in_o they_o all_o haâ—â—_n the_o fruit_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o a_o sweet_a teâ—â—_n money_n of_o their_o own_o spirit_n though_o some_o haâ—â—_n it_o in_o a_o weak_a measure_n and_o can_v reach_v to_o a_o pâ—â—rophory_n all_o come_v not_o to_o this_o full_a assurance_n but_o yet_o these_o be_v the_o usual_a way_n by_o which_o 〈◊〉_d attain_v to_o it_o which_o have_v nothing_o in_o they_o of_o extraordinary_a revelation_n they_o be_v via_fw-la regâ—â—_n and_o yet_o via_fw-la trita_fw-la too_o add_v to_o this_o the_o scope_n of_o the_o text_n st._n peter_n exhort_v all_o to_o give_v diligence_n to_o make_v their_o call_v and_o election_n sure_a which_o to_o what_o purpose_n be_v it_o if_o it_o come_v only_o by_o special_a and_o extraordinary_a revelation_n which_o do_v not_o depend_v upon_o their_o diligence_n 2._o search_v into_o the_o nature_n of_o faith_n itself_o and_o
extraordinary_a spirit_n of_o discern_v i_o know_v no_o ground_n for_o it_o nor_o any_o promise_n of_o it_o in_o the_o scripture_n you_o will_v say_v this_o take_v much_o from_o the_o communion_n of_o saint_n and_o from_o the_o sweetness_n of_o christian_a society_n if_o we_o can_v tell_v who_o be_v true_a member_n of_o the_o mystical_a body_n fellow-brethren_n and_o fellow-heir_n of_o the_o same_o promise_n 1._o though_o we_o can_v tell_v absolute_o and_o infallible_o yet_o we_o may_v know_v very_o probable_o we_o know_v there_o be_v such_o a_o peculiar_a people_n a_o choose_a generation_n a_o royal_a priesthood_n and_o we_o know_v that_o such_o and_o such_o be_v the_o likely_a in_o the_o world_n to_o be_v of_o this_o number_n so_o as_o we_o have_v no_o reason_n to_o distrust_v they_o 2._o we_o must_v commend_v much_o of_o this_o to_o god_n providence_n who_o very_o seldom_o suffer_v hypocrite_n to_o go_v undetect_v he_o that_o be_v the_o great_a searcher_n of_o heart_n will_v be_v sure_a to_o meet_v with_o they_o he_o hate_v a_o rot_a heart_n and_o will_v be_v sure_a to_o make_v it_o odious_a 3._o it_o be_v fit_v that_o this_o and_o many_o other_o privilege_n shall_v be_v reserve_v for_o heaven_n that_o so_o we_o may_v long_o after_o that_o the_o more_o there_o shall_v be_v a_o pure_a and_o unmixed_a communion_n the_o perfect_a beauty_n of_o holiness_n nothing_o shall_v enter_v there_o that_o make_v a_o lie_n nothing_o of_o hypocrisy_n but_o glorious_a angel_n and_o glorify_a saint_n sun_v themselves_o in_o the_o presence_n of_o god_n shall_v keep_v company_n together_o to_o all_o eternity_n 2._o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d christian_n be_v chief_o to_o look_v to_o their_o own_o call_v and_o election_n they_o be_v indeed_o bind_v to_o promote_v the_o good_a of_o other_o and_o to_o look_v upon_o their_o life_n with_o such_o rule_n as_o christianity_n allow_v but_o they_o must_v be_v sure_a to_o dwell_v at_o home_n and_o be_v acquaint_v with_o their_o own_o 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call_v sure_a and_o now_o you_o may_v look_v upon_o the_o text_n as_o on_o a_o pleasant_a vine_n situate_v in_o a_o fruitful_a place_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d i._n e._n in_o the_o horn_n of_o the_o son_n of_o oil_n or_o fatness_n as_o the_o prophet_n speak_v you_o may_v sit_v under_o the_o shadow_n of_o it_o and_o its_o fruit_n will_v be_v sweet_a unto_o you_o for_o you_o see_v how_o it_o have_v spread_v itself_o into_o spacious_a and_o goodly_a branch_n such_o as_o be_v all_o lade_v with_o fair_a and_o swell_a cluster_n cluster_n of_o canaan_n that_o be_v ripen_v with_o those_o heavenly_a sunbeam_n that_o shine_v out_o upon_o they_o and_o rich_o fill_v with_o all_o spiritual_a sweetness_n and_o this_o fruit_n of_o the_o vine_n will_v cheer_v the_o heart_n of_o man_n to_o all_o eternity_n as_o for_o we_o we_o will_v be_v sure_a to_o prune_v off_o all_o such_o sprouting_n and_o luxuriancy_n of_o style_n as_o may_v any_o way_n steal_v from_o the_o sap_n and_o strength_n of_o so_o great_a a_o truth_n in_o hand_n as_o the_o hebrew_n call_v those_o sprouting_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d i._n e._n little_a epicure_n always_o feast_v upon_o the_o sweetness_n of_o the_o tree_n and_o put_v the_o root_n to_o continual_a expense_n we_o will_v prune_v off_o all_o these_o and_o if_o there_o be_v any_o cluster_n lie_v lurk_v under_o the_o leaf_n truth_n be_v not_o so_o obvious_a to_o every_o eye_n we_o will_v if_o we_o can_v spy_v they_o out_o the_o vintage_n will_v be_v long_o we_o shall_v gather_v but_o a_o cluster_n at_o a_o time_n and_o press_v it_o in_o the_o application_n a_o christian_a may_v be_v assure_v of_o his_o salvation_n for_o saint_n peter_n will_v never_o exhort_v they_o to_o give_v diligence_n for_o a_o impossibility_n for_o that_o which_o can_v not_o be_v obtain_v we_o will_v move_v in_o this_o order_n and_o show_v observe_v 1._o what_o assurance_n be_v 2._o argument_n for_o assurance_n 3._o the_o manner_n how_o christian_n be_v assure_v 4._o the_o special_a time_n of_o assurance_n 5._o make_v application_n i._o and_o here_o first_o what_o assurance_n be_v it_o be_v a_o reflex_n act_n of_o soul_n by_o which_o a_o christian_a clear_o see_v that_o he_o be_v for_o the_o present_a in_o the_o state_n of_o grace_n and_o so_o a_o heir_n apparent_a to_o glory_n or_o in_o the_o word_n of_o the_o text_n by_o which_o he_o know_v his_o call_v and_o election_n it_o be_v a_o reflex_n act_n and_o so_o 1._o assurance_n be_v situate_v in_o the_o soul_n most_o noble_a most_o closet_v most_o private_a and_o most_o spiritual_a operation_n 1._o reflex_n act_n be_v the_o most_o noble_a and_o most_o royal_a operation_n the_o most_o rational_a and_o judicious_a act_n of_o a_o most_o intelligent_a spirit_n reason_n be_v now_o in_o its_o exaltation_n it_o sit_v upon_o the_o throne_n and_o exercise_n a_o judge-like_a power_n all_o the_o faculty_n of_o the_o soul_n must_v appear_v before_o its_o tribunal_n and_o give_v up_o a_o strict_a account_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d as_o the_o pythagorean_n be_v wont_a to_o pose_v and_o catechise_v themselves_o your_o inferior_a sensitive_a creature_n can_v go_v pore_v on_o upon_o a_o present_a object_n and_o blunder_v on_o in_o a_o diract_n way_n but_o be_v far_o enough_o from_o any_o reflex_n act_n although_o some_o talk_n of_o reflexiveness_n in_o sense_n too_o as_o to_o see_v that_o they_o see_v or_o the_o like_a but_o it_o be_v but_o a_o fancy_n of_o their_o own_o sensitive_a creature_n can_v never_o reach_v so_o high_a as_o a_o reflect_v act_n and_o indeed_o sensual_a man_n know_v not_o what_o belong_v unto_o it_o but_o the_o reasonable_a soul_n can_v retire_v into_o itself_o and_o take_v a_o view_n and_o survey_v of_o its_o own_o act_n 2._o it_o be_v the_o most_o secret_a and_o retire_a operation_n the_o soul_n withdraw_v and_o bid_v the_o body_n farewell_o and_o even_o here_o become_v a_o anima_fw-la separata_fw-la it_o retire_v into_o its_o closet_n and_o bolt_n itself_o up_o where_o none_o can_v peep_v in_o none_o can_v eavesdrop_v it_o 3._o the_o most_o refine_a and_o spiritual_a work_n of_o all_o this_o be_v most_o abstract_a from_o matter_n the_o soul_n here_o do_v not_o commerce_n with_o outward_a drossy_a object_n but_o look_v upon_o itself_o fix_v its_o eye_n upon_o its_o own_o face_n this_o be_v the_o most_o spiritual_a employment_n of_o the_o soul_n which_o do_v most_o strong_o argue_v its_o immortality_n and_o show_v it_o to_o be_v a_o spark_n of_o divinity_n how_o do_v the_o prime_a and_o fountain_n be_v spend_v all_o eternity_n but_o in_o look_v upon_o his_o own_o transcendent_a and_o glorious_a essence_n in_o view_v the_o bright_a constellation_n of_o his_o attribute_n and_o see_v some_o shadowy_a and_o languish_a representation_n of_o himself_o in_o the_o glass_n of_o the_o creature_n it_o be_v one_o of_o the_o chief_a work_n of_o a_o christian_a to_o reflect_v upon_o himself_o vita_fw-la est_fw-la in_o se_fw-la reflexio_fw-la as_o the_o grave_a moralist_n seneca_n speak_v the_o prodigal_n come_v to_o himself_o when_o he_o come_v to_o reflex_n act_n so_o i_o king_n 8.47_o when_o they_o shall_v turn_v to_o their_o own_o heart_n etc._n etc._n ii_o but_o yet_o this_o work_n of_o the_o soul_n be_v but_o weak_a and_o transient_a it_o be_v fleet_a and_o desultory_n it_o quick_o vanish_v which_o show_v a_o great_a disorder_n and_o irregularity_n in_o the_o spirit_n that_o that_o which_o be_v the_o noble_a and_o most_o proper_a operation_n that_o border_n upon_o divinity_n man_n be_v least_o vere_a in_o it_o how_o rare_a be_v it_o for_o man_n to_o reflect_v upon_o their_o own_o condition_n to_o enter_v into_o a_o exact_a trial_n and_o examination_n of_o their_o own_o way_n radius_fw-la reflexus_fw-la languet_fw-la as_o the_o optic_n speak_v the_o beam_n begin_v
to_o try_v their_o own_o spirit_n if_o that_o after_o all_o their_o diligence_n thet_o can_v tell_v what_o to_o think_v of_o they_o all_o use_n of_o examination_n be_v vain_a and_o frivolous_a which_o yet_o be_v the_o very_a life_n and_o spirit_n of_o preach_v and_o ames_n tell_v we_o of_o a_o donum_fw-la discretionis_fw-la which_o christian_n have_v by_o which_o they_o can_v discern_v true_a grace_n from_o counterfeit_n there_o be_v certain_a 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d by_o which_o they_o may_v distinguish_v they_o and_o judge_v of_o they_o in_o themselves_o though_o not_o in_o other_o certain_o object_n 2._o if_o all_o thus_o by_o the_o testimony_n of_o conscience_n may_v know_v their_o own_o frame_n of_o spirit_n whether_o they_o be_v upright_o or_o no_o why_o then_o be_v not_o all_o true_a christian_n assure_v of_o their_o salvation_n what_o have_v they_o not_o their_o conscience_n and_o heart_n about_o they_o sol._n 1._o many_o be_v not_o sufficient_o acquaint_v with_o their_o own_o spirit_n they_o do_v not_o keep_v so_o strict_a a_o watch_n over_o themselves_o they_o be_v not_o verse_v in_o their_o own_o heart_n they_o do_v try_v and_o search_v their_o way_n they_o have_v riches_n and_o a_o treasure_n and_o do_v not_o know_v of_o it_o sol._n 2._o it_o be_v in_o so_o great_a and_o weighty_a a_o matter_n eternity_n do_v so_o amaze_v and_o swallow_v up_o the_o thought_n as_o that_o they_o be_v ready_a to_o tremble_v where_o they_o be_v certain_a and_o secure_a a_o man_n on_o the_o top_n of_o a_o tower_n know_v that_o he_o be_v safe_a enough_o and_o yet_o when_o he_o look_v down_o he_o be_v afraid_a of_o fall_v 3._o conscience_n sometime_o give_v a_o dark_a and_o cloudy_a testimony_n when_o it_o be_v disquiet_v and_o charge_v with_o new_a guilt_n the_o soul_n can_v so_o clear_o read_v its_o evidence_n and_o then_o it_o begin_v to_o question_v its_o condition_n it_o may_v be_v it_o have_v deal_v hypocritical_o in_o some_o one_o particular_a and_o now_o it_o begin_v to_o question_v all_o its_o sincerity_n we_o do_v not_o say_v then_o that_o conscience_n do_v always_o give_v a_o clear_a and_o full_a testimony_n but_o sometime_o it_o do_v and_o that_o with_o absolute_a certainty_n 2._o now_o come_v in_o the_o second_o witness_n and_o the_o great_a and_o supreme_a testimony_n of_o the_o spirit_n himself_o witness_v with_o our_o spirit_n that_o we_o be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n rom._n 8.16_o we_o render_v it_o the_o same_o spirit_n but_o in_o the_o fountain_n be_v the_o spirit_n itself_o not_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d but_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d not_o only_o the_o gift_n and_o grace_n of_o the_o spirit_n but_o the_o spirit_n itself_o object_n this_o testimony_n seem_v to_o be_v coincident_a with_o the_o other_o for_o a_o man_n can_v tell_v his_o own_o sincerity_n it_o be_v the_o spirit_n that_o must_v reveal_v a_o man_n to_o himself_o the_o soul_n can_v see_v its_o own_o face_n unless_o the_o spirit_n unmask_v it_o the_o spirit_n be_v more_o present_a and_o conversant_a with_o the_o soul_n than_o the_o soul_n be_v with_o itself_o he_o do_v not_o only_o know_v our_o heart_n but_o he_o be_v great_a than_o our_o heart_n and_o know_v all_o thing_n sol._n we_o will_v easy_o grant_v that_o to_o the_o least_o motion_n in_o spiritual_n there_o be_v necessary_o require_v the_o concurrence_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n but_o withal_o we_o say_v that_o there_o be_v a_o mighty_a difference_n between_o work_v of_o the_o spirit_n and_o the_o testimony_n of_o the_o spirit_n there_o be_v a_o powerful_a and_o efficacious_a work_n of_o the_o spirit_n when_o faith_n be_v wrought_v in_o the_o soul_n but_o yet_o there_o be_v not_o the_o testimony_n of_o the_o spirit_n for_o every_o believer_n have_v not_o present_o the_o seal_n set_v to_o he_o so_o that_o though_o the_o testimony_n of_o our_o own_o spirit_n can_v be_v without_o the_o help_n and_o influence_n of_o the_o spirit_n yet_o it_o be_v clear_o distinct_a from_o the_o testimony_n of_o the_o spirit_n for_o here_o the_o spirit_n do_v enable_v the_o soul_n to_o see_v its_o grace_n by_o a_o present_a light_n by_o the_o soul_n light_n but_o when_o it_o come_v with_o a_o testimony_n than_o it_o bring_v a_o new_a light_n of_o its_o own_o and_o lend_v the_o soul_n some_o auxiliary_a beam_n for_o the_o more_o clear_a and_o full_a reveal_n of_o it_o so_o that_o you_o see_v according_a to_o that_o plain_a text_n in_o the_o roman_n there_o be_v two_o distinct_a testimony_n the_o spirit_n witness_v with_o our_o spirit_n and_o st._n john_n be_v the_o most_o express_a belove_a if_o our_o heart_n condemn_v we_o not_o then_o have_v we_o confidence_n towards_o god_n now_o the_o testimony_n of_o the_o spirit_n be_v 1._o a_o clear_a testimony_n a_o full_a and_o satisfy_a light_n spring_v in_o upon_o the_o soul_n scatter_v all_o cloud_n all_o doubt_n and_o question_n it_o be_v as_o evident_a as_o any_o demonstration_n 1_o john_n 3.24_o by_o this_o we_o know_v that_o he_o dwell_v in_o we_o by_o the_o spirit_n which_o he_o have_v give_v we_o christ_n when_o he_o go_v to_o heaven_n he_o leave_v the_o comforter_n not_o only_o to_o the_o church_n in_o general_n but_o to_o every_o particular_a soul_n that_o believe_v to_o print_v his_o love_n upon_o the_o soul_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d etc._n etc._n chrysost_o if_o a_o creature_n though_o never_o so_o glitter_a shall_v tell_v man_n so_o there_o may_v still_o be_v some_o hesitancy_n i_o but_o the_o spirit_n witness_n the_o secret_a and_o inward_a testimony_n of_o the_o spirit_n be_v as_o strong_a and_o efficacious_a nay_o more_o powerful_a than_o if_o it_o be_v with_o a_o outward_a voice_n if_o a_o angel_n from_o heaven_n be_v send_v on_o purpose_n to_o a_o christian_a by_o christ_n himself_o go_v tell_v he_o that_o i_o love_v he_o that_o i_o shed_v my_o blood_n for_o he_o etc._n etc._n it_o be_v not_o so_o certain_a 2._o a_o sure_a testimony_n for_o it_o be_v the_o witness_n of_o the_o spirit_n who_o can_v neither_o deceive_v nor_o be_v deceive_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d sufficientissimum_fw-la testimonium_fw-la as_o cajetan_n 1._o he_o can_v deceive_v for_o he_o be_v truth_n itself_o 2._o he_o can_v be_v deceive_v for_o he_o be_v all_o eye_n omniscience_n itself_o and_o he_o do_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d he_o dwell_v in_o the_o breast_n and_o bosom_n of_o god_n he_o be_v full_o acquaint_v with_o the_o mind_n of_o god_n and_o he_o reveal_v it_o to_o the_o soul_n the_o papist_n make_v the_o spirit_n testimony_n to_o bring_v but_o a_o conjectural_a certainty_n but_o the_o most_o renown_a perkins_n answer_v they_o 1._o that_o it_o be_v such_o a_o certainty_n as_o make_v they_o cry_v abba_n father_n not_o only_o think_v so_o and_o speak_v so_o but_o with_o all_o courage_n confidence_n intention_n of_o spirit_n cry_v abba_n father_n 2._o it_o be_v oppose_v to_o the_o spirit_n of_o bondage_n and_o therefore_o take_v away_o doubt_n and_o tremble_n 3._o the_o very_a end_n why_o the_o holy_a ghost_n come_v to_o the_o soul_n be_v to_o make_v all_o sure_a and_o therefore_o be_v call_v a_o seal_n and_o a_o earnest_n now_o he_o assure_v the_o soul_n 1._o by_o a_o powerful_a application_n of_o the_o promise_n for_o as_o faith_n do_v appropriate_v the_o promise_n on_o our_o part_n so_o the_o spirit_n apply_v it_o on_o god_n part_n as_o satan_n that_o lie_a spirit_n cast_v in_o doubt_n and_o fear_n and_o tremble_n and_o work_v upon_o the_o remainder_n of_o corruption_n plot_n against_o the_o peace_n and_o well_o be_v of_o the_o soul_n so_o this_o holy_a spirit_n by_o the_o comfort_a work_v upon_o that_o principle_n of_o grace_n which_o he_o himself_o have_v plant_v in_o the_o heart_n of_o a_o christian_a do_v study_n and_o contrive_v the_o welfare_n of_o a_o believer_n and_o as_o the_o spirit_n of_o bondage_n do_v strong_o apply_v wrath_n and_o the_o curse_n so_o this_o sweet_a spirit_n of_o adoption_n apply_v grace_n and_o mercy_n the_o spirit_n of_o bondage_n strike_v terror_n into_o the_o soul_n by_o a_o mighty_a application_n of_o wrath_n this_o curse_n flame_n against_o thou_o this_o threaten_v this_o curse_n flame_n against_o thou_o this_o threaten_n be_v shoot_v off_o against_o thou_o these_o vial_n of_o wrath_n be_v prepare_v for_o thy_o soul_n so_o the_o spirit_n of_o adoption_n do_v set_v on_o strong_a and_o vigorous_a apprehension_n of_o mercy_n this_o pearl_n of_o price_n it_o be_v to_o enrich_v thou_o these_o evangelical_n cordial_n be_v to_o revive_v thou_o this_o balm_n in_o gilead_n be_v prepare_v for_o thy_o soul_n the_o spirit_n of_o adoption_n speak_v love_n and_o peace_n and_o pardon_n and_o that_o by_o particular_a application_n of_o the_o promise_n to_o we_o as_o when_o the_o promise_n of_o remission_n of_o
sin_n and_o life_n everlasting_a by_o christ_n be_v general_o propound_v in_o the_o ministry_n of_o the_o word_n the_o holy_a ghost_n do_v particular_o apply_v it_o to_o the_o heart_n of_o such_o a_o one_o and_o do_v seal_v up_o the_o promise_n to_o the_o soul_n that_o when_o faith_n say_v this_o promise_n be_v i_o this_o belong_v to_o i_o the_o spirit_n do_v strong_o apply_v it_o this_o be_v thou_o indeed_o and_o this_o do_v belong_v to_o thou_o these_o be_v the_o secret_a 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o whisper_n and_o breathe_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n the_o secret_a 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d by_o which_o it_o converse_v with_o the_o soul_n the_o spirit_n of_o god_n have_v free_a and_o often_o intercourse_n with_o a_o believe_a spirit_n and_o this_o be_v far_o enough_o from_o any_o vain_a enthusiasm_n any_o extraordinary_a revelation_n it_o be_v no_o imaginary_a thing_n but_o such_o as_o many_o a_o soul_n be_v acquaint_v with_o and_o have_v taste_v of_o 2._o by_o a_o bright_a irradiation_n beam_a out_o upon_o the_o soul_n and_o clear_v its_o evidence_n discover_v its_o grace_n and_o show_v they_o to_o be_v true_a and_o genuine_a not_o only_o by_o give_v the_o soul_n a_o spirit_n of_o discern_v for_o that_o we_o refer_v to_o the_o former_a testimony_n but_o the_o spirit_n bring_v in_o its_o own_o light_n and_o make_v those_o grace_n which_o be_v visible_a before_o more_o eminent_o conspicuous_a the_o spirit_n of_o a_o man_n be_v the_o candle_n of_o the_o lord_n as_o the_o wise_a man_n speak_v which_o give_v a_o weak_a and_o dim_a light_n but_o yet_o such_o as_o be_v enough_o to_o manifest_v the_o object_n i_o but_o now_o there_o be_v glorious_a sunbeam_n come_v rush_v in_o upon_o the_o spirit_n the_o spirit_n shine_v in_o the_o soul_n with_o heal_v under_o his_o wing_n the_o grace_n of_o the_o spirit_n these_o flow_n like_o a_o pure_a and_o crystalline_a stream_n and_o the_o light_n of_o the_o spirit_n shine_v out_o upon_o they_o and_o gild_v the_o water_n see_v a_o plain_a text_n for_o this_o 1_o cor._n 2.12_o we_o have_v receive_v the_o spirit_n which_o be_v of_o god_n that_o we_o may_v know_v the_o thing_n which_o be_v free_o give_v we_o of_o god_n light_n set_v a_o gloss_n upon_o all_o the_o world_n and_o this_o spiritual_a light_n give_v a_o lustre_n and_o oriency_n to_o grace_n it_o put_v a_o beauty_n upon_o they_o such_o as_o the_o soul_n be_v much_o take_v with_o we_o have_v receive_v anâ—_n heavenly_a light_n that_o we_o may_v see_v heavenly_a thing_n now_o thou_o know_v thy_o faith_n to_o be_v lively_a and_o thy_o repentance_n to_o be_v sound_n thy_o sorrow_n to_o be_v ingenuous_a and_o thy_o obedience_n sincere_a thy_o love_n to_o be_v unfeigned_a and_o thy_o fear_n to_o be_v filial_a for_o thâ—_n spirit_n have_v set_v his_o seal_n to_o all_o thy_o grace_n and_o haâ—_n acknowledge_v they_o for_o his_o own_o object_n 1._o o_o but_o many_o have_v think_v they_o hauâ—_n have_v the_o spirit_n when_o they_o have_v it_o not_o and_o the_o devil_n that_o foul_a spirit_n can_v transform_v himself_o into_o a_o angel_n of_o light_n sol._n but_o 1._o one_o man_n self-deceit_n do_v not_o prejudice_v another_o certainty_n what_o if_o one_o man_n flatter_v himself_o in_o a_o false_a light_n and_o please_v himself_o iâ—â—_n a_o mere_a shadow_n of_o assurance_n must_v all_o man_n need_v follow_v his_o example_n a_o man_n that_o be_v in_o a_o dreaâ—_n think_v himself_o awake_a when_o he_o be_v not_o i_o but_o 〈◊〉_d hope_n for_o all_o this_o a_o man_n that_o be_v awake_a may_v certain_o know_v that_o he_o be_v so_o many_o a_o travel_n 〈◊〉_d have_v think_v himself_o in_o the_o right_a way_n when_o 〈◊〉_d have_v be_v out_o of_o it_o and_o yet_o this_o do_v not_o hindeâ—_n but_o that_o he_o that_o be_v well_o acquaint_v with_o tâ—â—_n road_n may_v know_v that_o he_o be_v in_o his_o way_n whâ—â—_n if_o one_o man_n take_v copper_n for_o gold_n must_v all_o mâ—â—_n do_v so_o too_o one_o man_n folly_n and_o vanity_n do_v not_o at_o all_o hinder_a another_o assurance_n 2._o the_o spirit_n come_v with_o a_o convince_a beam_n light_n show_v both_o itself_o and_o other_o thing_n too_o the_o sun_n by_o its_o glorious_a beam_n do_v paraphrase_n and_o comment_n upon_o its_o own_o glitter_a essence_n and_o the_o spirit_n display_v himself_o to_o the_o soul_n and_o give_v a_o full_a manifestation_n of_o his_o own_o presence_n the_o soul_n know_v the_o aspect_n of_o the_o spirit_n better_a than_o we_o do_v the_o face_n of_o a_o friend_n the_o light_n of_o a_o presumptuous_a wretch_n be_v like_o a_o blaze_a comet_n and_o do_v but_o portend_v his_o ruin_n it_o carry_v a_o venomous_a and_o malignant_a influence_n in_o it_o and_o the_o light_n of_o a_o hypocrite_n be_v but_o a_o flash_n and_o coruscation_n very_o brief_a and_o transient_a a_o man_n may_v soon_o take_v a_o glow-worm_n for_o the_o sun_n than_o a_o experience_a christian_n can_v take_v a_o false_a delusion_n for_o the_o light_n of_o the_o spirit_n 3._o there_o be_v a_o twin-light_n spring_v from_o the_o word_n and_o the_o spirit_n try_v the_o spirit_n to_o the_o law_n to_o the_o testimony_n if_o they_o speak_v not_o according_a to_o the_o rule_n it_o be_v because_o there_o be_v no_o morning_n in_o they_o the_o scripture_n be_v all_o indict_v by_o the_o spirit_n and_o the_o spirit_n can_v contradict_v himself_o you_o do_v but_o grieve_v the_o spirit_n whoer'e_o you_o be_v that_o pretend_v to_o any_o revelation_n that_o agree_v not_o with_o the_o word_n nay_o the_o spirit_n have_v reveal_v his_o whole_a mind_n in_o the_o word_n and_o will_v give_v no_o other_o revelation_n any_o otherwise_o then_o we_o have_v speak_v of_o and_o whoever_o he_o be_v that_o rebel_n against_o the_o light_n of_o the_o word_n he_o shall_v never_o have_v the_o light_n of_o the_o spirit_n whilst_o thou_o do_v not_o follow_v the_o direct_a light_n of_o the_o spirit_n thou_o shall_v never_o have_v the_o quicken_a and_o cherish_v beam_n of_o it_o and_o thus_o you_o have_v hear_v the_o double_a testimony_n the_o spirit_n witness_v with_o our_o spirit_n and_o now_o you_o must_v know_v that_o 1._o the_o testimony_n of_o god_n spirit_n be_v always_o accompany_v with_o the_o testimony_n of_o our_o own_o spirit_n and_o so_o that_o word_n rom._n 8._o be_v significant_a 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d which_o be_v proper_o of_o one_o that_o do_v only_o confirm_v what_o the_o other_o say_v but_o then_o 2._o a_o man_n may_v have_v the_o testimony_n of_o his_o own_o spirit_n that_o have_v not_o the_o witness_n of_o god_n spirit_n the_o spirit_n as_o it_o breathe_v when_o it_o please_v so_o it_o shine_v when_o it_o please_v too_o well_o then_o the_o question_n be_v whether_o the_o christian_a who_o have_v but_o the_o single_a testimony_n of_o his_o own_o spirit_n may_v be_v assure_v of_o his_o salvation_n mr._n perkins_n propound_v the_o case_n and_o resolve_v it_o thus_o if_o the_o testimony_n of_o the_o spirit_n be_v want_v than_o the_o other_o testimony_n the_o sanctification_n of_o heart_n will_v suffice_v to_o assure_v we_o we_o know_v it_o sufficient_o to_o be_v true_a and_o not_o paint_a fire_n if_o there_o be_v heat_n though_o there_o be_v no_o flame_n thus_o he_o and_o his_o meaning_n be_v as_o indeed_o the_o thing_n be_v that_o it_o be_v a_o true_a assurance_n though_o not_o so_o bright_a a_o assurance_n i_o may_v see_v a_o thing_n certain_o by_o the_o light_n of_o a_o candle_n and_o yet_o i_o may_v see_v it_o more_o clear_o by_o the_o light_n of_o the_o sun_n and_o for_o my_o part_n i_o think_v that_o certainty_n do_v not_o consist_v in_o punto_n but_o may_v admit_v of_o a_o latitude_n and_o receive_v magis_fw-la and_o minus_fw-la and_o the_o contrary_a principle_n do_v delude_v many_o there_o be_v a_o absolute_a and_o infallible_a certainty_n in_o faith_n and_o by_o this_o i_o know_v the_o creation_n of_o the_o world_n well_o but_o beside_o this_o i_o know_v it_o by_o reason_n and_o by_o unquestionable_a demonstration_n and_o i_o think_v this_o add_v to_o my_o certainty_n so_o here_o though_o one_o testimony_n be_v enough_o for_o assurance_n yet_o a_o double_a testimony_n make_v it_o more_o glorious_a certainty_n admit_v of_o degree_n and_o a_o man_n may_v be_v more_o certain_a of_o a_o thing_n that_o he_o be_v already_o certain_a of_o take_v two_o christian_n both_o may_v be_v assure_v of_o their_o salvation_n and_o yet_o one_o may_v have_v a_o clear_a assurance_n than_o the_o other_o have_v one_o may_v have_v a_o double_a testimony_n and_o another_o but_o a_o single_a nay_o the_o same_o soul_n may_v have_v at_o one_o time_n a_o double_a testimony_n and_o at_o another_o but_o a_o single_a the_o light_n of_o the_o spirit_n may_v and_o do_v often_o
die_a bellarmine_n be_v fain_o to_o acknowledge_v that_o the_o near_a way_n to_o assurance_n be_v only_o to_o rest_v upon_o the_o free_a grace_n of_o god_n in_o christ_n and_o they_o what_o cry_v down_o duty_n so_o much_o if_o they_o will_v mean_v no_o more_o than_o this_o that_o man_n must_v not_o trust_v in_o they_o nor_o make_v christ_n of_o they_o nor_o saviour_n of_o they_o as_o they_o use_v to_o express_v it_o we_o will_v easy_o grant_v they_o this_o if_o they_o will_v be_v content_a with_o it_o 2._o they_o take_v away_o that_o clasp_a and_o close_v power_n of_o faith_n itself_o by_o which_o it_o shall_v sweet_o and_o strong_o embrace_v its_o own_o object_n they_o will_v have_v the_o soul_n embrace_v cloudâ—_n and_o dwell_v in_o general_n they_o resolve_v all_o the_o sweetness_n and_o preciousness_n of_o the_o gospel_n either_o into_o this_o universal_a whosoever_o believe_v shall_v be_v save_v or_o else_o which_o be_v all_o one_o into_o this_o conditional_a if_o thou_o believe_v thou_o shall_v be_v save_v now_o this_o be_v so_o far_o from_o assurance_n as_o that_o the_o devil_n themselves_o do_v thus_o believe_v and_o yet_o tremble_v the_o thirsty_a soul_n may_v know_v that_o there_o be_v a_o fountain_n but_o it_o must_v not_o presume_v to_o know_v that_o ever_o it_o shall_v taste_v of_o it_o the_o wound_a soul_n with_o they_o may_v take_v notice_n that_o there_o be_v balm_n in_o gilead_n but_o it_o must_v only_o give_v a_o guess_n that_o it_o shall_v be_v heal_v they_o will_v allow_v the_o soul_n to_o break_v the_o shell_n of_o a_o promise_n so_o as_o to_o come_v to_o the_o kernel_n they_o silence_n faith_n when_o it_o will_v speak_v its_o own_o idiom_n my_o lord_n and_o my_o god_n o_o what_o miserable_a comforter_n be_v these_o how_o can_v they_o ever_o speak_v one_o word_n upon_o the_o wheel_n one_o seasonable_a word_n to_o a_o weary_a soul_n when_o as_o all_o they_o can_v reach_v to_o by_o their_o own_o acknowledgement_n be_v to_o leave_v the_o soul_n hover_v betwixt_o heaven_n and_o hell_n and_o as_o they_o say_v in_o matter_n of_o reproof_n generalia_fw-la non_fw-la pungunt_fw-la so_o it_o be_v as_o true_a in_o matter_n of_o comfort_n generalia_fw-la non_fw-la mulcent_fw-la yet_o to_o see_v how_o abundant_o unreasonable_a these_o man_n be_v for_o in_o the_o matter_n of_o their_o church_n there_o they_o require_v a_o particular_a appropriate_a faith_n a_o monopolise_v faith_n that_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n be_v the_o only_a true_a visible_a church_n and_o this_o be_v no_o presumption_n with_o they_o thus_o they_o can_v embrace_v a_o dull_a error_n and_o let_v go_v a_o precious_a truth_n but_o the_o true_a church_n of_o christ_n as_o it_o be_v itself_o build_v upon_o a_o rock_n so_o every_o member_n of_o the_o church_n have_v the_o same_o security_n and_o the_o soul_n with_o a_o spouse-like_a affection_n do_v not_o only_o conjecture_v who_o be_v her_o well-beloved_a but_o be_v in_o his_o very_a arm_n and_o break_v out_o into_o that_o expression_n of_o love_n and_o union_n i_o be_o my_o well_beloved's_a and_o my_o well-beloved_a be_v i_o but_o how_o strange_o do_v their_o conjectural_a certainty_n take_v away_o the_o sweetness_n of_o such_o relation_n christian_n with_o they_o must_v only_o conjecture_v that_o they_o be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n the_o spouse_n must_v only_o guess_v at_o her_o belove_a husband_n the_o sheep_n must_v hope_v that_o this_o be_v the_o shepherd_n voice_n o_o how_o do_v they_o emasculate_v and_o enervate_a religion_n how_o do_v they_o dispirit_v it_o and_o cut_v the_o very_a sinew_n of_o the_o power_n of_o godliness_n but_o all_o you_o that_o will_v find_v rest_n to_o your_o soul_n must_v know_v that_o you_o can_v never_o apply_v a_o christ_n too_o much_o that_o you_o can_v never_o appropriate_v a_o saviour_n enough_o that_o whole_a happiness_n be_v in_o union_n with_o he_o 3._o they_o deny_v perseverance_n and_o so_o long_o may_v very_o well_o deny_v assurance_n and_o yet_o the_o arminian_o have_v a_o art_n of_o reconcile_a assurance_n and_o non-perseverance_n they_o allow_v man_n a_o little_a brief_a assurance_n for_o one_o moment_n a_o breve_fw-la fulgur_fw-la a_o little_a coruscation_n of_o joy_n that_o only_o show_v itself_o that_o it_o may_v vanish_v and_o disappear_v the_o sum_n of_o their_o meaning_n amount_v to_o thus_o much_o for_o that_o moment_n that_o thou_o be_v in_o the_o state_n of_o grace_n thou_o may_v be_v sure_a on_o it_o but_o thou_o can_v not_o be_v sure_a that_o the_o next_o moment_n thou_o shall_v be_v in_o the_o state_n of_o grace_n as_o if_o a_o christian_a be_v only_o a_o ball_n of_o fortune_n to_o be_v toss_v up_o and_o down_o at_o her_o pleasure_n and_o indeed_o they_o make_v grace_n as_o voluble_a and_o uncertain_a as_o ever_o the_o heathen_a do_v fortune_n and_o if_o they_o will_v speak_v out_o grace_n with_o they_o be_v res_fw-la vitrea_fw-la quae_fw-la dum_fw-la splendet_fw-la frangitur_fw-la and_o vasa_fw-la gloriae_fw-la with_o they_o be_v little_o better_o than_o vasa_fw-la fictilia_fw-la they_o can_v dash_v they_o in_o piece_n like_o a_o potter_n vessel_n and_o then_o make_v no_o more_o of_o it_o then_o epictetus_n at_o the_o break_n of_o a_o pitcher_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d it_o be_v but_o a_o usual_a thing_n hodie_fw-la vidi_fw-la fragilem_fw-la frangi_fw-la vain_a man_n that_o think_v the_o grace_n of_o god_n as_o mutable_a and_o unconstant_a as_o they_o themselves_o be_v that_o can_v remove_v man_n from_o heaven_n to_o hell_n as_o often_o as_o they_o please_v that_o with_o a_o dare_a pen_n can_v blot_v name_n out_o of_o the_o book_n of_o life_n and_o reverse_v the_o seal_n of_o heaven_n when_o they_o listen_v this_o must_v needs_o strike_v at_o the_o root_n of_o assurance_n and_o leave_v the_o soul_n in_o such_o sad_a doubt_n as_o these_o it_o be_v true_a i_o be_o now_o feed_v upon_o the_o milk_n and_o honey_n of_o the_o land_n of_o canaan_n but_o i_o may_v return_v to_o the_o wilderness_n again_o to_o the_o bondage_n of_o egypt_n again_o it_o be_v true_a i_o be_o now_o a_o temple_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n but_o how_o soon_o may_v i_o become_v a_o prison_n a_o dungeon_n the_o receptacle_n of_o every_o unclean_a spirit_n what_o though_o i_o be_v now_o a_o vessel_n of_o honour_n how_o soon_o may_v i_o become_v a_o vessel_n of_o wrath_n and_o though_o i_o be_v for_o the_o present_a in_o the_o love_a hand_n of_o a_o saviour_n yet_o i_o may_v be_v to_o morrow_n in_o the_o unmerciful_a paw_n of_o the_o lion_n pray_v tell_v we_o now_o have_v the_o soul_n any_o great_a security_n all_o this_o while_n be_v the_o friend_n of_o god_n no_o sure_a of_o his_o love_n then_o thus_o it_o be_v happy_a for_o christian_n that_o it_o be_v not_o in_o the_o power_n of_o these_o man_n no_o nor_o of_o all_o the_o power_n of_o darkness_n to_o put_v a_o period_n to_o their_o joy_n no_o not_o to_o put_v the_o least_o comma_n or_o interruption_n to_o it_o no_o they_o may_v as_o soon_o dethrone_v the_o majesty_n of_o heaven_n itself_o they_o may_v as_o soon_o pluck_v the_o crown_n from_o his_o head_n and_o wrest_v the_o golden_a sceptre_n out_o of_o his_o hand_n nay_o they_o may_v as_o soon_o pluck_v out_o the_o apple_n of_o his_o eye_n they_o may_v as_o soon_o annihilate_v a_o deity_n as_o pull_v thou_o out_o of_o his_o hand_n as_o rob_v he_o of_o one_o of_o his_o jewel_n thou_o be_v keep_v by_o the_o mighty_a power_n of_o god_n through_o faith_n unto_o salvation_n we_o can_v close_v up_o this_o better_a than_o with_o that_o heavenly_a 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d those_o triumphant_a expression_n of_o the_o apostle_n paul_n for_o i_o be_o persuade_v that_o neither_o life_n nor_o death_n nor_o angel_n nor_o principality_n nor_o power_n nor_o height_n nor_o depth_n etc._n etc._n 4._o they_o never_o have_v any_o assurance_n themselves_o and_o so_o they_o will_v willing_o deny_v it_o to_o other_o there_o be_v so_o much_o pride_n and_o envy_n in_o the_o spirit_n of_o man_n as_o that_o they_o be_v very_o loath_a that_o other_o shall_v have_v more_o happiness_n or_o be_v more_o sensible_a of_o happiness_n than_o themselves_o they_o do_v here_o calamum_fw-la in_o cord_n tingere_fw-la they_o tell_v you_o what_o they_o find_v in_o their_o own_o heart_n nothing_o but_o conjecture_n and_o shivering_n and_o tremble_n nothing_o but_o slavish_a doubt_n and_o fear_n but_o the_o voice_n of_o assurance_n it_o be_v a_o still_a voice_n the_o spirit_n speak_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d that_o soul_n only_o hear_v it_o to_o which_o it_o speak_v the_o sparkling_n of_o the_o white_a stone_n be_v secret_a and_o undiscernible_a to_o a_o carnal_a eye_n no_o man_n know_v it_o but_o he_o that_o have_v it_o it_o be_v manna_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d not_o the_o visible_a and_o