respect_n than_o god_n spirit_n who_o whole_o and_o only_o know_v all_o his_o secret_a counsel_n in_o respect_n of_o truth_n he_o be_v most_o true_a yea_o truth_n itself_o and_o in_o regard_n hereof_o he_o be_v call_v the_o spirit_n of_o truth_n which_o lead_v we_o into_o all_o truth_n joh._n 16.13_o 16.13_o joh._n 16.13_o and_o therefore_o as_o in_o respect_n of_o his_o knowledge_n he_o can_v be_v deceive_v so_o in_o respect_n of_o his_o truth_n he_o can_v deceive_v in_o respect_n of_o faithfulness_n he_o be_v most_o faithful_a and_o just_a in_o all_o his_o way_n psal_n 145.17_o 1._o cor._n 1.9_o especial_o in_o his_o word_n 145.17_o psal_n 145.17_o for_o his_o testimony_n be_v sure_a as_o it_o be_v psal_n 19.7_o and_o therefore_o he_o can_v lie_v 19.7_o 1._o cor._n 1.9_o psal_n 19.7_o neither_o will_v he_o conceal_v the_o truth_n for_o any_o respect_n of_o person_n and_o consequent_o whatsoever_o this_o alknowing_a true_a and_o faithful_a witness_n testify_v we_o be_v undoubted_o to_o believe_v as_o be_v most_o sure_a and_o certain_a if_o a_o angel_n send_v from_o heaven_n shall_v assure_v we_o from_o god_n that_o we_o be_v elect_v even_o the_o papist_n themselves_o can_v not_o deny_v but_o that_o we_o may_v be_v assure_v thereof_o by_o such_o a_o revelation_n without_o any_o manner_n of_o doubt_v but_o the_o testimony_n of_o god_n spirit_n witness_v to_o our_o spirit_n that_o we_o be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n be_v so_o much_o more_o certain_a and_o without_o exception_n than_o the_o testimony_n of_o angel_n as_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n better_a know_v the_o counsel_n of_o god_n than_o angel_n as_o it_o excel_v they_o in_o truth_n and_o faith_n as_o the_o testimony_n which_o be_v imprint_v in_o the_o heart_n be_v more_o firm_a than_o that_o which_o be_v speak_v in_o the_o ear_n which_o may_v easy_o be_v forget_v and_o therefore_o if_o by_o their_o doctrine_n we_o may_v be_v assure_v of_o our_o election_n by_o the_o extraordinary_a revelation_n of_o a_o angel_n then_o much_o more_o certain_o may_v we_o be_v assure_v hereof_o by_o the_o ordinary_a testimony_n of_o god_n spirit_n which_o he_o witness_v in_o the_o heart_n and_o conscience_n of_o the_o faithful_a §_o sect._n 2_o the_o proposition_n be_v manifest_a god_n that_o god_n spirit_n testify_v that_o we_o be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n let_v we_o prove_v the_o assumption_n which_o contain_v two_o branch_n first_o that_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n testify_v to_o our_o spirit_n that_o we_o be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n and_o second_o do_v full_o assure_v we_o of_o this_o testimony_n that_o it_o be_v most_o undoubted_a true_a both_o which_o be_v manifest_a by_o god_n word_n first_o that_o god_n spirit_n give_v this_o testimony_n in_o the_o heart_n of_o the_o faithful_a 8.15.16_o rom._n 8.15.16_o it_o be_v evident_a rom._n 8.15.16_o for_o you_o have_v not_o receive_v the_o spirit_n of_o bondage_n to_o fear_v again_o but_o you_o have_v receive_v the_o spirit_n of_o adoption_n whereby_o we_o cry_v abba_fw-mi father_n the_o same_o spirit_n bear_v witness_v with_o our_o spirit_n that_o we_o be_v the_o child_n of_o god_n 4.6_o gal._n 4.6_o so_o gal._n 4.6_o because_o you_o be_v son_n god_n have_v send_v forth_o the_o spirit_n of_o his_o son_n into_o your_o heart_n which_o cry_v abba_fw-mi father_n which_o place_n do_v so_o evident_o prove_v this_o point_n that_o there_o need_v no_o more_o reason_n or_o allegation_n for_o first_o he_o exclude_v the_o spirit_n of_o bondage_n which_o like_o the_o papist_n faith_n cause_v we_o to_o fear_v and_o doubt_n of_o our_o election_n and_o salvation_n and_o then_o he_o tell_v we_o that_o we_o have_v receive_v the_o spirit_n of_o adoption_n which_o bear_v witness_n unto_o our_o spirit_n that_o we_o be_v the_o child_n of_o god_n §_o sect._n 3_o second_o because_o we_o be_v exceed_o weak_a and_o the_o grace_n in_o we_o shadow_v with_o imperfection_n and_o our_o faith_n mix_v with_o doubt_v because_o we_o be_v save_v as_o yet_o but_o by_o hope_n as_o it_o be_v rom._n 8.24_o and_o we_o walk_v by_o faith_n and_o not_o by_o sight_n as_o it_o be_v 2._o cor._n 5.7_o and_o this_o our_o faith_n be_v continual_o shake_v with_o manifold_a temptation_n therefore_o lest_o we_o shall_v doubt_v of_o god_n love_n and_o our_o election_n adoption_n and_o salvation_n the_o lord_n have_v give_v we_o his_o spirit_n to_o seal_v and_o further_o to_o confirm_v this_o assurance_n in_o our_o heart_n and_o that_o it_o may_v be_v a_o earnest_n and_o a_o sure_a pledge_n unto_o we_o whereby_o he_o may_v secure_v we_o concern_v the_o covenant_n which_o he_o have_v make_v with_o us._n the_o truth_n hereof_o appear_v in_o many_o place_n of_o the_o scripture_n 2._o cor._n 1.22_o 1.22_o 2._o cor._n 1.22_o who_o have_v seal_v we_o and_o have_v give_v the_o earnest_n of_o the_o spirit_n in_o our_o heart_n so_o ephes_n 1.13_o in_o who_o also_o you_o have_v trust_v 1.13_o eph._n 1.13_o after_o that_o you_o hear_v the_o word_n of_o truth_n even_o the_o gospel_n of_o our_o salvation_n wherein_o also_o after_o that_o you_o believe_v you_o be_v seal_v with_o the_o holy_a spirit_n of_o promise_n 14._o which_o be_v the_o earnest_n of_o our_o inheritance_n until_o the_o redemption_n of_o the_o possession_n purchase_v unto_o the_o praise_n of_o his_o glory_n and_o ephes_n 4.30_o 4.30_o eph._n 4.30_o the_o apostle_n exhort_v we_o not_o to_o grieve_v the_o holy_a spirit_n of_o god_n by_o who_o we_o be_v seal_v unto_o the_o day_n of_o our_o redemption_n and_o 2._o cor._n 5.5_o 5.5_o 2._o cor._n 5.5_o he_o say_v that_o god_n have_v give_v unto_o we_o the_o earnest_n of_o his_o spirit_n which_o word_n do_v minister_v unto_o every_o faithful_a man_n no_o small_a consolation_n if_o they_o be_v right_o weigh_v for_o first_o we_o use_v to_o seal_v those_o thing_n which_o we_o will_v have_v most_o certain_a and_o out_o of_o all_o controversy_n as_o when_o a_o man_n have_v make_v a_o promise_n or_o covenant_n with_o another_o for_o his_o better_a security_n he_o do_v commit_v it_o to_o writing_n and_o lest_o yet_o there_o shall_v any_o scruple_n or_o doubt_n rest_n in_o his_o mind_n he_o do_v confirm_v it_o by_o add_v his_o seal_n to_o put_v the_o matter_n out_o of_o all_o question_n so_o the_o lord_n have_v add_v to_o the_o write_a covenant_n of_o his_o word_n whereby_o he_o have_v assure_v we_o of_o our_o election_n adoption_n and_o salvation_n the_o outward_a seal_n of_o the_o sacrament_n and_o the_o inward_a seal_n of_o his_o spirit_n whereby_o he_o have_v ratify_v it_o not_o in_o itself_o but_o in_o our_o heart_n that_o so_o all_o cause_n of_o doubt_v be_v take_v away_o we_o may_v certain_o be_v assure_v of_o his_o promise_n that_o they_o belong_v unto_o we_o not_o after_o a_o general_a manner_n as_o the_o papist_n teach_v but_o particular_o even_o as_o this_o assurance_n be_v particular_o seal_v by_o god_n spirit_n in_o the_o heart_n of_o every_o true_a believer_n rom._n 4.11_o 4.11_o rom._n 4.11_o the_o end_n therefore_o why_o we_o be_v seal_v to_o salvation_n by_o god_n spirit_n be_v not_o that_o we_o shall_v doubt_v thereof_o but_o that_o it_o may_v be_v out_o of_o all_o question_n full_o ratify_v and_o confirm_v unto_o we_o for_o this_o be_v signify_v by_o this_o metaphor_n here_o use_v of_o seal_v as_o may_v appear_v not_o only_o by_o the_o ordinary_a custom_n among_o we_o but_o also_o by_o the_o use_n thereof_o in_o former_a time_n so_o when_o ahashuerosh_n will_v have_v letter_n write_v in_o the_o king_n name_n which_o no_o man_n may_v revoke_v he_o command_v that_o they_o shall_v be_v seal_v with_o the_o king_n ring_n 6.27_o hest_n 8.8_o joh._n 6.27_o hest_n 8.8_o and_o joh._n 6.27_o it_o be_v say_v that_o god_n the_o father_n have_v seal_v our_o saviour_n christ_n that_o be_v confirm_v he_o in_o his_o office_n of_o mediation_n by_o give_v evident_a testimony_n and_o manifest_a sign_n that_o the_o people_n may_v not_o doubt_v of_o his_o call_n and_o anoint_v matth._n 3._o 17._o and_o 17.5_o and_o joh._n 1.32_o so_o whereas_o the_o holy_a ghost_n in_o the_o faithful_a be_v call_v the_o earnest_n of_o our_o inheritance_n this_o minister_v unto_o every_o true_a believer_n no_o small_a consolation_n nor_o doubtful_a assurance_n of_o their_o salvation_n for_o we_o know_v that_o a_o earnest_n be_v give_v among_o man_n to_o ratify_v and_o bind_v a_o bargain_n so_o as_o they_o can_v go_v from_o their_o agreement_n after_o earnest_n be_v give_v and_o receive_v the_o word_n arrhabo_fw-la which_o be_v here_o translate_a earnest_n have_v also_o other_o signification_n which_o minister_v unto_o god_n faithful_a the_o same_o assurance_n and_o the_o like_a true_a comfort_n 38.17.18_o gen._n 38.17.18_o genes_n 38.17.18_o this_o word_n be_v use_v to_o signify_v a_o pledge_n or_o pawn_v
overrule_v we_o and_o after_o also_o bear_v some_o sway_n in_o we_o even_o when_o we_o be_v regenerate_v till_o with_o all_o our_o other_o corruption_n we_o lay_v this_o aside_o also_o by_o death_n and_o this_o appear_v in_o the_o example_n of_o the_o prophet_n david_n who_o desire_v the_o lord_n to_o create_v in_o he_o a_o clean_a hart_n &_o to_o renew_v a_o right_a spirit_n within_o he_o 51.10_o psal_n 51.10_o psal_n 51.10_o in_o which_o word_n he_o impli_v that_o his_o hardness_n of_o heart_n be_v so_o great_a and_o the_o corruption_n thereof_o so_o abominable_a that_o it_o be_v even_o past_o mend_v and_o therefore_o he_o do_v not_o pray_v the_o lord_n to_o purge_v and_o reform_v his_o old_a hart_n 11.19_o ezech._n 11.19_o but_o to_o create_v a_o new_a one_o and_o to_o take_v quite_o away_o his_o stony_a hart_n &_o to_o bestow_v upon_o he_o a_o hart_n of_o flesh_n as_o though_o his_o hart_n be_v like_o a_o building_n exceed_v ruinous_a which_o can_v no_o long_o be_v repair_v unless_o it_o be_v raze_v down_o even_o to_o the_o foundation_n and_o all_o new_a build_v up_o again_o so_o whereas_o he_o pray_v the_o lord_n to_o renew_v his_o spirit_n in_o he_o he_o give_v we_o to_o understand_v that_o he_o have_v lose_v the_o feel_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o adoption_n cry_v in_o his_o hart_n abba_n father_n and_o that_o there_o be_v in_o he_o such_o a_o intermission_n &_o surcease_v of_o the_o action_n &_o fruit_n thereof_o that_o it_o seem_v utter_o quench_v and_o depart_v from_o he_o so_o else_o where_o he_o pray_v unto_o the_o lord_n to_o quicken_v he_o according_a to_o his_o love_a kindness_n 119.88_o psal_n 119.88_o that_o he_o may_v keep_v the_o testimony_n of_o his_o mouth_n whereby_o he_o intimate_v his_o drowsiness_n and_o deadness_n in_o god_n service_n the_o prophet_n esay_n likewise_o in_o the_o behalf_n of_o himself_o and_o the_o people_n complain_v thus_o esay_n 63.17_o 63.17_o esay_n 63.17_o o_o lord_n why_o have_v thou_o make_v we_o to_o err_v from_o thy_o way_n and_o harden_v our_o hart_n from_o thy_o fear_n by_o all_o which_o it_o appear_v that_o even_o the_o dear_a child_n of_o god_n do_v oftentimes_o see_v and_o feel_v to_o their_o great_a grief_n their_o hardness_n of_o hart_n which_o be_v join_v with_o exceed_a dulness_n and_o drowsiness_n in_o god_n service_n yea_o in_o truth_n this_o kind_n of_o hardness_n of_o hart_n be_v incident_a unto_o they_o alone_o for_o while_o man_n be_v worldly_a and_o carnal_a though_o their_o heart_n be_v most_o hard_a and_o obdurate_a yet_o they_o do_v not_o discern_v it_o neither_o be_v they_o any_o whit_n displease_v with_o their_o estate_n but_o fond_o flatter_v themselves_o imagine_v that_o they_o be_v in_o exceed_v good_a case_n and_o very_o devout_a in_o god_n service_n which_o indeed_o as_o they_o perform_v it_o be_v mere_o formal_a customable_a rather_o then_o conscionable_a in_o show_n and_o external_a but_o not_o in_o spirit_n and_o truth_n but_o when_o the_o lord_n by_o the_o ministry_n of_o his_o word_n make_v effectual_a by_o the_o inward_a operation_n of_o his_o holy_a spirit_n do_v pull_v of_o the_o thick_a skin_n of_o carnal_a security_n from_o of_o their_o heart_n and_o cause_v the_o seal_n of_o ignorance_n to_o fall_v from_o their_o eye_n then_o and_o not_o before_o do_v they_o plain_o discern_v and_o sensible_o feel_v that_o huge_a mass_n of_o inbred_a corruption_n their_o dulness_n and_o drowsiness_n in_o god_n service_n their_o hardness_n of_o hart_n and_o impaenitencie_n and_o now_o they_o be_v much_o vex_v and_o grieve_v with_o they_o which_o in_o former_a time_n never_o trouble_v they_o and_o therefore_o let_v not_o such_o be_v dismay_v nor_o debar_v their_o soul_n of_o that_o consolation_n which_o of_o right_n belong_v to_o they_o for_o flesh_n and_o blood_n have_v not_o reveal_v this_o their_o corruption_n hardness_n of_o hart_n dulness_n and_o deadness_n in_o god_n service_n but_o the_o good_a spirit_n of_o god_n which_o have_v begin_v already_o to_o work_v in_o they_o show_v they_o their_o corruption_n and_o move_v they_o to_o a_o unfeigned_a dislike_n of_o they_o and_o therefore_o they_o may_v assure_v themselves_o that_o he_o who_o have_v begin_v this_o good_a work_n in_o they_o will_v also_o bring_v it_o in_o his_o good_a time_n to_o perfection_n only_o as_o the_o psalmist_n exhort_v let_v they_o tarry_v the_o lord_n leisure_n 1.6_o phil._n 1.6_o wait_v upon_o and_o trust_v in_o he_o and_o he_o shall_v comfort_v their_o heart_n §_o sect._n 2_o now_o this_o sensible_a or_o discern_a hardness_n of_o hart_n be_v also_o of_o two_o sort_n soften_v 2._o sort_n of_o sensible_a hardness_n of_o hart_n the_o first_o join_v with_o the_o use_n of_o the_o mean_n whereby_o it_o may_v be_v soften_v the_o first_o be_v of_o they_o who_o careful_o use_v all_o good_a mean_n and_o endeavour_n with_o all_o diligence_n to_o better_v their_o estate_n which_o they_o see_v to_o be_v most_o miserable_a and_o to_o mollify_v their_o hard_a heart_n and_o to_o attain_v unto_o hearty_a and_o unfeigned_a repentance_n which_o who_o so_o do_v he_o may_v assure_v himself_o that_o he_o be_v the_o child_n of_o god_n and_o in_o his_o love_n and_o favour_n for_o earnest_o to_o desire_v repentance_n and_o careful_o to_o use_v the_o mean_n whereby_o we_o may_v attain_v thereunto_o to_o be_v displease_v with_o our_o hardness_n of_o heart_n and_o to_o labour_n that_o it_o may_v be_v mollify_v to_o be_v sorry_a that_o we_o can_v be_v no_o more_o sorry_a and_o to_o be_v displease_v with_o ourselves_o because_o we_o can_v no_o more_o be_v displease_v with_o our_o sin_n be_v very_o acceptable_a in_o the_o sight_n of_o god_n though_o we_o see_v but_o a_o little_a progress_n in_o godliness_n and_o but_o a_o small_a increase_n of_o repentance_n which_o we_o desire_v in_o great_a measure_n for_o the_o lord_n esteem_v the_o will_n for_o the_o deed_n and_o the_o affection_n for_o the_o action_n and_o we_o may_v assure_v ourselves_o that_o if_o on_o our_o part_n we_o be_v not_o want_v in_o the_o use_n of_o the_o mean_n the_o lord_n will_v not_o be_v want_v on_o his_o part_n to_o supply_v our_o want_n and_o to_o satisfy_v all_o our_o godly_a desire_n of_o this_o hardness_n of_o heart_n which_o very_o often_o befall_v the_o dear_a of_o god_n child_n we_o have_v many_o example_n 77.2_o example_n of_o this_o hardness_n of_o heart_n psal_n 77.2_o the_o prophet_n david_n thus_o complain_v psal_n 77.2_o in_o the_o day_n of_o my_o trouble_n i_o seek_v the_o lord_n my_o sore_n run_v and_o cease_v not_o in_o the_o night_n my_o soul_n refuse_v comfort_n 3._o i_o do_v think_v upon_o god_n and_o as_o trouble_v i_o pray_v and_o my_o spirit_n be_v full_a of_o anguish_n 4._o thou_o keep_v my_o eye_n wake_v i_o be_v astonish_v and_o can_v not_o speak_v so_o the_o church_n complain_v thus_o cant._n 3.1_o 5.6_o cant_n 3.1_o and_o 5.6_o in_o my_o bed_n i_o seek_v he_o by_o night_n who_o my_o soul_n love_v i_o seek_v he_o but_o i_o find_v he_o not_o and_o chap._n 5._o ver_fw-la 6._o i_o open_v to_o my_o well-beloved_a but_o my_o well-beloved_a be_v go_v and_o pass_v my_o heart_n be_v go_v when_o he_o do_v speak_v i_o seek_v he_o but_o i_o can_v not_o find_v he_o i_o call_v he_o but_o he_o answer_v i_o not_o whereby_o it_o be_v manifest_a that_o even_o the_o dear_a saint_n of_o god_n be_v often_o time_n destitute_a of_o all_o comfort_n and_o void_a of_o all_o feel_n of_o god_n favour_n and_o of_o the_o powerful_a work_n of_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n spirit_n which_o they_o have_v receive_v though_o they_o use_v the_o mean_n appoint_v of_o god_n for_o the_o stir_v up_o and_o increase_v of_o grace_n in_o they_o which_o come_v to_o pass_v by_o reason_n of_o their_o hardness_n of_o heart_n and_o drowsy_a dulness_n of_o spirit_n in_o these_o spiritual_a exercise_n and_o hence_o it_o be_v that_o many_o of_o god_n child_n do_v grieous_o afflict_v their_o soul_n because_o they_o see_v these_o their_o corruption_n and_o imperfection_n and_o hereby_o often_o time_n be_v move_v to_o think_v that_o they_o be_v destitute_a of_o faith_n and_o of_o all_o save_a grace_n of_o god_n sanctify_a spirit_n because_o though_o they_o use_v the_o mean_n ordain_v of_o god_n for_o the_o beget_n and_o increase_v of_o grace_n in_o they_o yet_o they_o can_v perceive_v any_o fruit_n that_o come_v thereby_o nor_o feel_v in_o their_o soul_n any_o true_a comfort_n or_o joy_n in_o these_o spiritual_a exercise_n for_o example_n some_o complain_n that_o though_o they_o continual_o hear_v the_o word_n yet_o they_o feel_v no_o increase_n of_o any_o grace_n no_o more_o knowledge_n no_o more_o faith_n no_o more_o zeal_n of_o god_n glory_n no_o more_o mortification_n of_o their_o old_a corruption_n
joh._n 20.29_o thomas_n because_o thou_o have_v see_v i_o thou_o believe_v bless_a be_v they_o which_o have_v not_o see_v and_o have_v believe_v a_o example_n hereof_o we_o have_v in_o the_o cananitish_a woman_n who_o though_o she_o have_v no_o experience_n of_o god_n truth_n in_o his_o promise_n yea_o though_o she_o have_v many_o repulse_n yet_o believe_v and_o afterward_o to_o her_o comfort_n have_v joyful_a experience_n of_o they_o 15.27_o mat._n 15.27_o mat._n 15.27_o an_o these_o be_v the_o degree_n of_o faith_n which_o whosoever_o find_v in_o himself_o he_o may_v be_v assure_v that_o he_o have_v a_o true_a lively_a and_o justify_v faith_n notwithstanding_o all_o the_o tentation_n of_o satan_n if_o therefore_o have_v hear_v the_o gospel_n we_o have_v attain_v unto_o some_o measure_n of_o knowledge_n of_o the_o chief_a principle_n thereof_o if_o we_o have_v give_v our_o assent_n unto_o this_o truth_n in_o which_o our_o understanding_n be_v inform_v if_o hereby_o we_o have_v attain_v unto_o this_o assurance_n that_o our_o sin_n be_v pardonable_a and_o have_v conceive_v some_o hope_n in_o consideration_n of_o god_n infinite_a mercy_n and_o christ_n merit_n that_o we_o shall_v be_v forgive_v and_o pardon_v if_o we_o have_v a_o hunger_a desire_n after_o grace_n and_o mercy_n and_o high_o esteem_v the_o merit_n and_o righteousness_n of_o jesus_n christ_n so_o that_o we_o wish_v nothing_o more_o than_o to_o be_v make_v partaker_n of_o they_o if_o by_o this_o desire_n we_o have_v be_v move_v to_o flee_v unto_o the_o throne_n of_o grace_n and_o there_o humble_o acknowledge_v our_o sin_n have_v earnest_o desire_v pardon_n and_o forgiveness_n last_o if_o at_o any_o time_n we_o have_v discern_v in_o in_o ourselves_o a_o persuasion_n of_o god_n love_n and_o of_o the_o pardon_n and_o remission_n of_o our_o sin_n and_o that_o we_o have_v or_o do_v rest_n upon_o the_o alone_a merit_n and_o obedience_n of_o christ_n jesus_n for_o our_o justification_n and_o salvation_n then_o may_v we_o be_v assure_v that_o we_o be_v endue_v with_o a_o true_a justify_n faith_n §_o sect._n 7_o the_o second_o argument_n to_o prove_v that_o we_o have_v a_o true_a and_o a_o lively_a faith_n be_v the_o testimony_n of_o god_n spirit_n 8.15.26_o the_o second_o argument_n to_o prove_v that_o we_o have_v faith_n be_v the_o testimony_n of_o god_n spirie_n rom._n 8.15.26_o for_o as_o the_o apostle_n speak_v rom._n 8.15_o we_o have_v the_o spirit_n of_o adoption_n whereby_o we_o cry_v abba_fw-mi father_n 16._o and_o the_o same_o spirit_n bear_v witness_v with_o our_o spirit_n that_o we_o be_v the_o child_n of_o god_n and_o ver_fw-la 26._o likewise_o the_o spirit_n also_o help_v our_o infirmity_n for_o we_o know_v not_o what_o to_o pray_v as_o we_o ought_v but_o the_o spirit_n itself_o make_v request_n for_o we_o with_o sigh_n which_o can_v be_v express_v etc._n etc._n whosoever_o therefore_o have_v this_o testimony_n in_o their_o heart_n and_o conscience_n that_o they_o be_v the_o child_n of_o god_n whosoever_o at_o any_o time_n feel_v or_o have_v feel_v the_o spirit_n of_o god_n powerful_a in_o they_o in_o pour_v out_o their_o soul_n in_o hearty_a prayer_n with_o sigh_n and_o groan_n which_o can_v be_v express_v they_o may_v be_v assure_v that_o they_o have_v receive_v the_o spirit_n of_o adoption_n and_o consequent_o be_v endue_v with_o true_a faith_n 5.22_o gal._n 5.22_o for_o the_o spirit_n and_o the_o fruit_n thereof_o among_o which_o faith_n be_v one_o of_o the_o chief_a be_v never_o sever_v moreover_o the_o apostle_n say_v 1._o cor._n 2.12_o that_o we_o have_v not_o receive_v the_o spirit_n of_o the_o world_n 2.12_o 1._o cor._n 2.12_o but_o the_o spirit_n which_o be_v of_o god_n that_o we_o may_v know_v the_o thing_n that_o be_v give_v to_o we_o of_o god_n that_o be_v not_o only_o his_o spiritual_a grace_n in_o this_o life_n in_o which_o number_n faith_n be_v one_o of_o the_o great_a but_o those_o excellent_a joy_n in_o god_n kingdom_n in_o the_o life_n to_o come_v of_o which_o also_o we_o have_v some_o knowledge_n and_o taste_n by_o the_o illumination_n of_o the_o same_o spirit_n last_o the_o apostle_n affirm_v 2._o cor._n 1.22_o that_o god_n have_v seal_v we_o 1.22_o 2._o cor._n 1.22_o and_o have_v give_v the_o earnest_n of_o the_o spirit_n in_o our_o heart_n and_o ephe._n 1.13_o he_o tell_v the_o ephesian_n that_o after_o they_o have_v hear_v the_o gospel_n and_o beleeveà _fw-la 1.13_o ephe._n 1.13_o they_o be_v seal_v with_o the_o holy_a spirit_n of_o promise_n which_o be_v the_o earnest_n of_o their_o inheritance_n until_o the_o redemption_n of_o the_o possession_n purchase_v unto_o the_o praise_n of_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n wheresoever_o therefore_o be_v this_o testimony_n of_o the_o spirit_n which_o as_o a_o earnest_n or_o seal_n assure_v they_o that_o they_o be_v the_o child_n of_o god_n there_o also_o be_v faith_n for_o as_o the_o apostle_n witness_v after_o that_o we_o believe_v we_o be_v thus_o seal_v §_o sect._n 8_o the_o three_o argument_n to_o prove_v that_o we_o have_v faith_n be_v the_o conflict_n and_o fight_n which_o every_o christian_n feel_v in_o himself_o between_o the_o spirit_n and_o the_o flesh_n spirit_n the_o 3._o argument_n be_v the_o fight_n between_o the_o flesh_n and_o the_o spirit_n the_o world_n and_o the_o devil_n and_o the_o combat_n which_o be_v between_o faith_n and_o doubt_v for_o so_o long_o as_o we_o be_v destitute_a of_o the_o spirit_n and_o a_o lively_a faith_n we_o be_v whole_o oversway_v with_o the_o flesh_n and_o satan_n like_o a_o mighty_a tyrant_n hould_v we_o captive_a peaceable_o and_o without_o any_o resistance_n but_o when_o we_o have_v receive_v the_o spirit_n of_o god_n and_o have_v faith_n wrought_v in_o our_o heart_n then_o begin_v a_o fierce_a battle_n which_o never_o end_v till_o by_o death_n our_o spiritual_a enemy_n get_v a_o final_a overthrow_n though_o therefore_o this_o fight_n be_v most_o sharp_a and_o exceed_o troublesome_a to_o the_o poor_a christian_n yet_o he_o may_v thereby_o gather_v unto_o himself_o sound_a comfort_n and_o certain_a assurance_n that_o he_o be_v endue_v with_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n and_o a_o lively_a faith_n for_o when_o he_o discern_v that_o he_o be_v assault_v with_o satan_n and_o his_o own_o corrupt_a flesh_n he_o may_v be_v assure_v that_o satan_n and_o his_o own_o corrupt_a flesh_n he_o may_v be_v assure_v that_o satan_n be_v disease_v of_o his_o quiet_a possession_n by_o a_o superior_a power_n which_o can_v be_v no_o other_o but_o the_o power_n of_o god_n spirit_n second_o by_o his_o assault_v it_o manifest_o appear_v that_o he_o find_v some_o resistance_n so_o as_o he_o can_v peaceable_o reenter_v three_o that_o howsoever_o our_o faith_n seem_v unto_o we_o never_o so_o weak_a yet_o it_o be_v so_o strengthen_v continual_o by_o virtue_n of_o god_n spirit_n that_o sathan_n &_o all_o the_o power_n of_o hell_n can_v prevail_v against_o it_o for_o otherwise_o how_o can_v such_o weakness_n withstand_v such_o might_n last_o be_v assure_v that_o it_o be_v the_o spirit_n of_o god_n which_o assi_v and_o enable_v we_o to_o withstand_v satan_n we_o may_v also_o be_v assure_v that_o in_o the_o end_n we_o shall_v obtain_v victory_n unless_o we_o will_v fond_o imagine_v that_o the_o devil_n be_v strong_a than_o god_n and_o the_o violence_n of_o his_o tentation_n more_o forcible_a to_o destroy_v we_o than_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n to_o protect_v and_o defend_v we_o for_o now_o they_o have_v join_v battle_n and_o either_o the_o one_o or_o the_o other_o must_v get_v the_o upper_a hand_n either_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n must_v thrust_v out_o sathan_n or_o satan_n the_o spirit_n of_o god_n and_o therefore_o how_o can_v we_o doubt_v of_o conquest_n see_v we_o be_v assure_v that_o god_n can_v take_v the_o foil_n for_o his_o power_n be_v omnipotent_a and_o with_o a_o word_n of_o his_o mouth_n he_o be_v able_a to_o destroy_v satan_n and_o all_o his_o adherent_n and_o of_o his_o will_n we_o need_v not_o to_o make_v any_o question_n for_o it_o will_v not_o stand_v with_o his_o glory_n to_o receive_v a_o repulse_n by_o give_v satan_n place_n after_o that_o he_o have_v take_v upon_o he_o our_o protection_n §_o sect._n 9_o spirit_n how_o we_o may_v know_v that_o this_o combat_n be_v fight_v between_o the_o flesh_n and_o the_o spirit_n yea_o will_n the_o tempter_n say_v but_o how_o will_v thou_o know_v that_o this_o battle_n be_v fight_v in_o thou_o how_o can_v thou_o be_v assure_v that_o it_o be_v the_o spirit_n of_o god_n which_o fight_v in_o thou_o against_o thy_o spiritual_a enemy_n and_o not_o rather_o thou_o own_o tumultuous_a passion_n and_o perturbation_n and_o diverse_a tentation_n suggest_v by_o the_o same_o devil_n to_o which_o it_o be_v easy_a to_o make_v answer_n for_o neither_o do_v
friend_n he_o endure_v tedious_a labour_n &_o many_o misery_n and_o so_o david_n be_v persecute_v while_o saul_n do_v sit_v on_o the_o throne_n yea_o our_o saviour_n christ_n himself_o be_v arraign_v at_o the_o bar_n and_o condemn_v while_o pilate_n and_o the_o chief_a priest_n and_o pharisy_n sit_v in_o the_o seat_n of_o justice_n overswaying_a all_o at_o their_o own_o pleasure_n and_o yet_o at_o the_o same_o time_n jacob_n be_v belove_v esau_n hate_v david_n choose_v of_o god_n saul_n reject_v our_o saviour_n christ_n the_o dear_a son_n of_o his_o heavenly_a father_n and_o his_o enemy_n the_o instrument_n and_o limb_n of_o satan_n so_o that_o it_o be_v most_o true_a that_o solomon_n speak_v namely_o no_o man_n can_v have_v assurance_n of_o god_n love_n and_o favour_n by_o these_o outward_a benefit_n bestow_v both_o upon_o the_o godly_a and_o wicked_a neither_o by_o his_o adversity_n and_o affliction_n can_v gather_v that_o the_o lord_n hate_v he_o for_o these_o befall_v all_o indifferent_o as_o it_o please_v god_n to_o punish_v the_o reprobate_n or_o to_o chastise_v his_o own_o child_n but_o though_o we_o can_v gather_v no_o sound_a argument_n from_o these_o outward_a thing_n of_o god_n love_n yet_o it_o follow_v not_o that_o there_o be_v no_o other_o mean_n to_o assure_v we_o hereof_o for_o by_o the_o same_o reason_n we_o may_v conclude_v that_o man_n be_v no_o better_a than_o brute_n beast_n and_o that_o there_o be_v no_o immortality_n of_o the_o soul_n 3.19_o eccles_n 3.19_o because_o it_o be_v say_v eccles_n 3.19_o that_o the_o condition_n of_o the_o child_n of_o man_n and_o the_o condition_n of_o beast_n be_v the_o same_o but_o as_o the_o wiseman_n speak_v there_o of_o their_o outward_a mortality_n alone_o and_o not_o absolute_o in_o all_o respect_n and_o therefore_o he_o say_v that_o they_o be_v alike_o to_o see_v to_o that_o be_v in_o outward_a appearance_n vers_fw-la 18._o and_o explain_v himself_o in_o the_o word_n follow_v for_o say_v he_o as_o one_o die_v so_o die_v the_o other_o so_o he_o do_v not_o mean_a here_o simple_o that_o there_o be_v no_o assurance_n of_o god_n love_n but_o only_o in_o respect_n of_o these_o outward_a thing_n and_o therefore_o he_o add_v that_o in_o these_o outward_a respect_n all_o thing_n come_v alike_o to_o all_o and_o the_o same_o condition_n be_v to_o the_o just_a and_o the_o wicked_a though_o then_o there_o be_v no_o assurance_n of_o god_n love_n to_o be_v gather_v out_o of_o our_o worldly_a estate_n yet_o it_o can_v hence_o be_v conclude_v that_o therefore_o there_o be_v no_o mean_n whereby_o we_o may_v be_v assure_v hereof_o for_o the_o lord_n have_v give_v unto_o we_o his_o word_n and_o merciful_a promise_n he_o have_v give_v unto_o we_o his_o holy_a spirit_n cry_v in_o our_o heart_n abba_n father_n and_o witness_v to_o our_o spirit_n that_o we_o be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n 8._o rom._n 8._o rom._n 8._o he_o have_v manifest_v his_o love_n by_o give_v we_o his_o only_a son_n and_o beget_v in_o we_o by_o his_o word_n and_o spirit_n a_o lively_a faith_n whereby_o we_o may_v apply_v he_o and_o all_o his_o benefit_n unto_o us._n whosoever_o therefore_o believe_v true_o in_o jesus_n christ_n he_o may_v be_v assure_v of_o god_n love_n and_o everlasting_a life_n according_a to_o that_o joh._n 3.16_o so_o god_n love_v the_o world_n that_o he_o give_v his_o only_a beget_v son_n 3.16_o joh._n 3.16_o that_o whosoever_o believe_v in_o he_o shall_v not_o perish_v but_o have_v everlasting_a life_n if_o therefore_o we_o believe_v in_o jesus_n christ_n we_o need_v not_o to_o despair_v no_o nor_o to_o doubt_v of_o god_n love_n and_o favour_n towards_o we_o notwithstanding_o our_o unworthiness_n nor_o yet_o in_o regard_n of_o the_o manifold_a affliction_n which_o god_n inflict_v on_o we_o neither_o in_o respect_n of_o those_o manifold_a infirmity_n which_o we_o bewray_v while_o the_o hand_n of_o god_n be_v upon_o we_o but_o we_o may_v sound_o and_o assure_o conclude_v with_o the_o apostle_n paul_n rom._n 8.38_o i_o be_o persuade_v that_o neither_o death_n nor_o life_n 8.38_o rom._n 8.38_o nor_o angel_n nor_o principality_n nor_o power_n nor_o thing_n present_a nor_o thing_n to_o come_v 39_o nor_o height_n nor_o depth_n nor_o any_o other_o creature_n shall_v be_v able_a to_o separate_v we_o from_o the_o love_n of_o god_n which_o be_v in_o christ_n jesus_n our_o lord_n and_o so_o much_o concern_v the_o first_o cause_n of_o our_o salvation_n namely_o god_n love_n and_o goodwill_n and_o also_o the_o temptation_n of_o satan_n whereby_o he_o labour_v to_o impugn_v our_o assurance_n thereof_o the_o second_o cause_n be_v god_n free_a election_n which_o proceed_v from_o the_o other_o for_o who_o he_o love_v those_o he_o elect_v unto_o everlasting_a life_n and_o happiness_n it_o be_v a_o inseparable_a fruit_n of_o love_n to_o seek_v the_o good_a and_o felicity_n of_o the_o party_n belove_v election_n therefore_o be_v that_o part_n of_o god_n eternal_a and_o immutable_a decree_n whereby_o of_o his_o free_a love_n and_o undeserued_a grace_n he_o have_v preordain_v some_o in_o christ_n unto_o salvation_n and_o to_o the_o use_n of_o the_o mean_n tend_v thereunto_o for_o the_o praise_n of_o the_o glory_n of_o his_o grace_n chap._n four_o of_o god_n election_n the_o cause_n subject_n object_n and_o property_n thereof_o in_o this_o definition_n be_v set_v down_o first_o the_o efficient_a cause_n or_o author_n of_o our_o election_n namely_o god_n himself_o the_o father_n the_o son_n and_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o this_o appear_v eph._n 1.4_o he_o have_v choose_v we_o in_o he_o before_o the_o foundation_n of_o the_o world_n that_o we_o shall_v be_v holy_a etc._n etc._n and_o joh._n 15.16_o you_o have_v not_o choose_v i_o but_o i_o have_v choose_v you_o and_o ordain_v you_o that_o you_o go_v and_o bring_v forth_o fruit_n etc._n etc._n second_o the_o motive_n or_o impulsive_a cause_n of_o god_n election_n be_v express_v namely_o god_n free_a love_n mere_a goodwill_n and_o undeserued_a grace_n and_o this_o also_o be_v manifest_a luk._n 12.32_o fear_v not_o little_a flock_n for_o it_o be_v your_o father_n pleasure_n to_o give_v you_o a_o kingdom_n and_o eph._n 1.5_o who_o have_v predestinate_v we_o to_o be_v adopt_v through_o jesus_n christ_n unto_o himself_o according_a to_o the_o good_a pleasure_n of_o his_o will_n here_o therefore_o be_v exclude_v all_o other_o cause_n wherewith_o diverse_a have_v imagine_v god_n be_v move_v to_o elect_v we_o as_o namely_o our_o own_o will_n the_o foreseeing_a of_o our_o work_n worthiness_n or_o faith_n and_o the_o merit_n of_o our_o saviour_n christ_n and_o that_o these_o be_v not_o the_o cause_n which_o move_v the_o lord_n to_o elect_v we_o it_o may_v be_v prove_v by_o manifest_a testimony_n of_o scripture_n first_o our_o own_o will_n be_v express_o exclude_v rom._n 9.16_o it_o be_v not_o in_o he_o that_o will_v or_o run_v but_o in_o god_n that_o show_v mercy_n second_o not_o the_o foresight_n of_o our_o own_o work_n for_o the_o apostle_n plain_o affirm_v rom._n 9.11.12_o that_o before_o the_o child_n be_v bear_v and_o when_o they_o have_v neither_o do_v good_a or_o evil_n that_o the_o purpose_n of_o god_n may_v remain_v according_a to_o election_n not_o by_o work_n but_o by_o he_o that_o call_v 12._o it_o be_v say_v unto_o she_o the_o elder_a shall_v serve_v the_o young_a 13._o as_o it_o be_v write_v i_o have_v love_v jacob_n and_o hate_v esau_n and_o chap._n 11.5.6_o he_o say_v that_o god_n election_n be_v of_o grace_n and_o if_o it_o be_v of_o grace_n it_o be_v no_o more_o of_o work_n or_o else_o be_v grace_n no_o more_o grace_n three_o not_o the_o foresight_n of_o any_o worthiness_n in_o we_o more_o than_o in_o other_o for_o there_o be_v no_o difference_n for_o all_o have_v sin_v and_o be_v deprive_v of_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n as_o it_o be_v rom._n 3.23_o and_o the_o apostle_n affirm_v both_o of_o himself_o and_o other_o that_o they_o be_v all_o dead_a in_o their_o sin_n and_o by_o nature_n the_o child_n of_o wrath_n as_o well_o as_o other_o eph._n 2.1.3_o four_o the_o lord_n respect_v not_o our_o faith_n as_o a_o impulsive_a cause_n move_v he_o to_o elect_v we_o but_o only_o as_o a_o effect_n of_o our_o election_n neither_o be_v the_o lord_n merciful_a unto_o we_o in_o make_v choice_n of_o we_o to_o be_v partaker_n of_o everlasting_a happiness_n because_o we_o be_v faithful_a but_o that_o we_o may_v be_v faithful_a as_o paul_n profess_v of_o himself_o 1._o cor._n 7.25_o and_o the_o holy_a ghost_n affirm_v act._n 13.46_o that_o as_o many_o of_o the_o gentile_n as_o be_v ordain_v unto_o eternal_a life_n believe_v last_o although_o the_o merit_n of_o christ_n be_v the_o only_a meritorious_a cause_n of_o our_o salvation_n yet_o it_o be_v
and_o shall_v be_v save_v notwithstanding_o that_o they_o live_v in_o their_o sin_n without_o repentance_n make_v no_o conscience_n of_o their_o way_n nor_o indeavor_v to_o serve_v the_o lord_n in_o holiness_n and_o righteousness_n of_o life_n then_o be_v it_o not_o the_o testimony_n of_o god_n spirit_n but_o a_o presumptuous_a fantasy_n and_o a_o secure_a and_o carnal_a imagination_n for_o the_o testimony_n of_o god_n spirit_n in_o the_o conscience_n be_v the_o same_o with_o the_o testimony_n of_o the_o word_n and_o therefore_o it_o do_v not_o bear_v witness_n nor_o give_v any_o assurance_n that_o they_o be_v save_v which_o god_n word_n pronounce_v to_o be_v in_o the_o state_n of_o damnation_n when_o therefore_o this_o testimony_n be_v give_v in_o a_o faithful_a man_n and_o agreeable_a to_o god_n word_n it_o be_v the_o testimony_n of_o the_o spirit_n which_o seal_v we_o in_o the_o full_a assurance_n of_o that_o we_o believe_v according_a to_o that_o ephesian_n 1.13_o where_o the_o apostle_n say_v 1.13_o eph._n 1.13_o that_o after_o the_o faithful_a have_v receive_v the_o word_n of_o truth_n even_o the_o gospel_n of_o their_o salvation_n and_o believe_v therein_o they_o be_v seal_v with_o the_o holy_a spirit_n of_o promise_n but_o those_o who_o make_v no_o conscience_n of_o hear_v the_o gospel_n preach_v and_o when_o they_o hear_v it_o do_v not_o believe_v it_o nor_o apply_v it_o to_o themselves_o by_o a_o true_a and_o lively_a faith_n nor_o bring_v forth_o any_o fruit_n thereof_o in_o a_o holy_a and_o christian_a life_n they_o have_v neither_o faith_n nor_o god_n spirit_n and_o therefore_o if_o they_o have_v any_o persuasion_n of_o their_o election_n and_o salvation_n it_o be_v not_o the_o testimony_n of_o god_n spirit_n but_o their_o own_o fantasy_n and_o a_o vain_a opinion_n arise_v from_o carnal_a security_n and_o presumption_n §_o sect._n 6_o second_o spirit_n another_o mean_n to_o discern_v the_o testimony_n of_o the_o spirit_n the_o testimony_n of_o god_n spirit_n may_v hereby_o be_v know_v first_o in_o that_o it_o thorough_o persuade_v the_o faithful_a of_o their_o election_n and_o salvation_n second_o by_o the_o manner_n of_o persuade_v they_o three_o by_o the_o effect_n of_o this_o testimony_n and_o persuasion_n for_o the_o first_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n do_v not_o only_o give_v this_o bare_a testimony_n that_o we_o be_v elect_v adopt_a and_o shall_v be_v save_v but_o also_o do_v full_o persuade_v we_o hereof_o as_o be_v a_o thing_n most_o certain_a and_o without_o question_n so_o 1_o cor._n 2.12_o the_o apostle_n say_v that_o we_o have_v receive_v the_o spirit_n of_o god_n 2.12_o 1._o cor._n 2.12_o that_o we_o may_v know_v the_o thing_n that_o be_v give_v to_o we_o of_o god_n and_o eph._n 1._o 17_o 18._o god_n spirit_n be_v call_v the_o spirit_n of_o wisdom_n and_o revelation_n 1.17.18_o eph._n 1.17.18_o which_o do_v inlighten_v the_o eye_n of_o our_o understanding_n that_o we_o may_v know_v what_o the_o hope_n be_v of_o his_o call_n and_o what_o the_o riches_n of_o his_o glorious_a inheritance_n be_v in_o the_o saint_n and_o what_o be_v the_o exceed_a greatness_n of_o his_o power_n particular_o towards_o we_o that_o believe_v according_a to_o the_o work_n of_o his_o mighty_a power_n so_o the_o apostle_n john_n say_v 3.24_o 1._o joh._n 3.24_o hereby_o we_o know_v that_o christ_n abide_v in_o we_o even_o by_o the_o spirit_n which_o he_o have_v give_v we_o 1._o joh._n 3.24_o so_o that_o we_o may_v be_v assure_v that_o we_o have_v god_n spirit_n &_o thereby_o be_v thorough_o persuade_v that_o christ_n dwell_v in_o we_o and_o consequent_o that_o we_o be_v elect_v and_o shall_v be_v save_v and_o chap._n 4.13_o hereby_o know_v we_o that_o we_o dwell_v in_o he_o and_o he_o in_o we_o 4.13_o and_o 4.13_o because_o he_o have_v give_v we_o of_o his_o spirit_n and_o the_o apostle_n paul_n by_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n be_v so_o steadfast_o assure_v of_o god_n love_n that_o he_o profess_v that_o he_o be_v firm_o persuade_v that_o nothing_o can_v separate_v he_o from_o it_o 39_o rom._n 8.38_o 39_o rom._n 8.38_o 39_o so_o that_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n thorough_o persuade_v the_o faithful_a that_o they_o be_v elect_v and_o shall_v be_v save_v whereas_o the_o wicked_a who_o be_v destitute_a of_o god_n spirit_n may_v well_o have_v a_o fond_a opinion_n and_o a_o foolish_a conceit_n that_o they_o be_v high_o in_o god_n love_n and_o elect_v to_o salvation_n through_o carnal_a security_n and_o vain_a presumption_n but_o they_o be_v never_o thorough_o persuade_v hereof_o for_o when_o any_o affliction_n of_o body_n or_o mind_n be_v inflict_v on_o they_o their_o vain_a persuasion_n vanish_v away_o and_o nothing_o remain_v but_o doubt_v which_o in_o the_o end_n bring_v they_o to_o utter_v desperation_n but_o here_o the_o tempter_n will_v take_v occasion_n to_o discourage_v the_o weak_a christian_a and_o to_o persuade_v he_o that_o he_o have_v not_o god_n spirit_n see_v he_o do_v not_o feel_v in_o himself_o this_o firm_a persuasion_n of_o god_n love_n and_o his_o election_n and_o salvation_n feeling_n the_o persuasion_n of_o the_o spirit_n not_o always_o discern_v in_o our_o sense_n and_o feeling_n to_o which_o we_o be_v to_o answer_v that_o god_n spirit_n do_v thorough_o persuade_v although_o not_o at_o all_o time_n neither_o in_o our_o present_a sense_n and_o feeling_n for_o immediate_o after_o our_o conversion_n when_o we_o be_v new_o regenerate_v and_o like_o new_a bear_v babe_n in_o christ_n the_o motion_n of_o the_o spirit_n be_v but_o weak_a in_o we_o and_o we_o be_v not_o skilful_a in_o understand_v this_o heavenly_a language_n of_o the_o spirit_n wherewith_o we_o have_v be_v altogether_o unacquainted_a but_o the_o spirit_n wax_v strong_a in_o we_o and_o we_o grow_v to_o a_o ripe_a age_n in_o christ_n do_v cry_v in_o our_o heart_n abba_n father_n and_o testify_v to_o our_o spirit_n that_o we_o be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n which_o we_o then_o be_v better_o acquaint_v with_o this_o heavenly_a speech_n do_v well_o understand_v and_o be_v thorough_o persuade_v thereby_o and_o second_o when_o the_o poor_a christian_a who_o have_v receive_v a_o great_a measure_n of_o the_o spirit_n be_v exercise_v in_o the_o spiritual_a conflict_n the_o hideous_a noise_n of_o satan_n temptation_n which_o like_a canonshot_n sound_v in_o his_o ear_n and_o the_o tumultuous_a outcry_n of_o his_o own_o passion_n do_v so_o disturb_v and_o whole_o possess_v he_o that_o he_o can_v not_o hear_v the_o voice_n of_o the_o spirit_n persuade_v he_o that_o he_o be_v the_o child_n of_o god_n till_o the_o skirmish_n be_v past_a and_o the_o noise_n of_o temptation_n cease_v and_o then_o again_o as_o in_o former_a time_n he_o hear_v to_o his_o comfort_n the_o spirit_n of_o god_n persuade_v he_o of_o god_n love_n and_o hereby_o he_o be_v again_o assure_v thereof_o so_o that_o we_o be_v not_o to_o judge_v of_o the_o have_v of_o god_n spirit_n in_o the_o time_n of_o our_o christian_a infancy_n and_o spiritual_a nonage_n nor_o yet_o according_a to_o our_o present_a sense_n in_o the_o time_n of_o temptation_n but_o when_o we_o be_v come_v to_o perfect_a age_n and_o when_o the_o conflict_n of_o temptation_n be_v cease_v second_o the_o testimony_n of_o god_n spirit_n persuade_v we_o of_o his_o love_n and_o our_o election_n be_v know_v by_o the_o manner_n whereby_o it_o persuade_v we_o namely_o it_o persuade_v we_o hereof_o with_o argument_n ground_v upon_o god_n word_n and_o draw_v not_o from_o any_o worthiness_n in_o ourselves_o but_o from_o god_n free_a grace_n and_o underserued_a mercy_n and_o from_o the_o righteousness_n and_o merit_n of_o christ_n whereas_o satan_n and_o our_o own_o flesh_n never_o use_v such_o reason_n but_o either_o move_v we_o to_o a_o bare_a and_o vain_a opinion_n which_o have_v no_o ground_n at_o all_o but_o self-love_n which_o make_v man_n easy_o believe_v that_o which_o they_o desire_v or_o else_o with_o some_o argument_n draw_v from_o some_o outward_a common_a benefit_n bestow_v indifferent_o upon_o the_o good_a and_o bad_a or_o last_o from_o a_o pharisaical_a conceit_n and_o false_a opinion_n of_o our_o own_o worthiness_n and_o desert_n §_o sect._n 7_o last_o thereof_o the_o 3._o mean_n to_o discern_v the_o spirit_n namely_o by_o the_o fruit_n thereof_o the_o testimony_n of_o god_n spirit_n be_v know_v and_o discern_v by_o the_o effect_n thereof_o for_o after_o that_o it_o have_v effectual_o persuade_v we_o that_o we_o be_v elect_v and_o the_o dear_a child_n of_o god_n we_o be_v move_v thereby_o to_o trust_v whole_o in_o god_n and_o to_o love_v he_o as_o our_o gracious_a father_n from_o which_o love_n proceed_v a_o zeal_n of_o his_o glory_n and_o a_o true_a hatred_n of_o sin_n because_o thereby_o our_o heavenly_a father_n be_v dishonour_v &_o displease_v with_o we_o and_o a_o
true_a love_n and_o hearty_a endeavour_n of_o embrace_a holiness_n and_o righteousness_n because_o thereby_o our_o gracious_a father_n be_v glorify_v and_o well_o please_v with_o us._n if_o therefore_o these_o effect_n and_o fruit_n follow_v this_o persuasion_n of_o god_n love_n and_o our_o election_n we_o may_v be_v assure_v that_o it_o be_v the_o spirit_n of_o god_n which_o do_v persuade_v we_o but_o if_o we_o have_v no_o such_o trust_n and_o affiance_n no_o such_o love_n of_o god_n no_o zeal_n of_o his_o glory_n no_o hatred_n of_o sin_n no_o love_n nor_o desire_n of_o embrace_v righteousness_n but_o remain_v as_o carnal_a worldly_a and_o profane_a as_o ever_o we_o be_v then_o let_v we_o brag_v as_o much_o as_o we_o will_v of_o our_o persuasion_n of_o god_n love_n and_o our_o election_n yet_o it_o be_v most_o certain_a that_o this_o persuasion_n be_v not_o wrought_v in_o we_o by_o god_n spirit_n but_o that_o it_o be_v a_o vain_a conceit_n and_o fond_a opinion_n which_o proceed_v from_o self-love_n carnal_a security_n and_o fond_a presumption_n which_o in_o the_o end_n vanish_v away_o will_v leave_v we_o in_o despair_n chap._n ix_o of_o the_o mean_n whereby_o we_o may_v be_v assure_v of_o our_o election_n §_o sect._n 1_o and_o thus_o have_v i_o prove_v that_o those_o who_o be_v convert_v unto_o god_n justify_v ghost_n the_o first_o mean_v the_o testimony_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o in_o some_o measure_n sanctify_v may_v ordinary_o attain_v unto_o the_o assurance_n of_o their_o election_n now_o i_o will_v show_v the_o mean_n and_o sign_n whereby_o we_o may_v be_v thus_o assure_v the_o first_o and_o principal_a mean_n which_o assure_v we_o of_o our_o election_n be_v the_o inward_a testimony_n of_o god_n spirit_n which_o cry_v in_o our_o heart_n abba_n father_n 16._o rom._n 8.15_o 16._o and_o witness_v unto_o our_o spirit_n that_o we_o be_v the_o child_n of_o god_n as_o it_o be_v rom._n 8.15_o 16._o which_o testimony_n it_o do_v not_o give_v by_o extraordinary_a revelation_n but_o by_o a_o secret_a application_n of_o the_o promise_n of_o the_o gospel_n unto_o we_o and_o by_o a_o inward_a cooperation_n whereby_o it_o make_v the_o outward_a ministry_n of_o the_o word_n effectual_a for_o the_o beget_n of_o faith_n in_o we_o whereby_o as_o with_o a_o hand_n we_o do_v appropriate_v the_o general_a promise_n of_o the_o word_n unto_o our_o own_o self_n and_o when_o the_o minister_n use_v reason_n to_o persuade_v we_o of_o god_n love_n in_o christ_n the_o holy_a ghost_n open_v our_o deaf_a care_n and_o inlighten_v our_o blind_a understanding_n and_o powerful_o incline_v our_o will_n so_o that_o we_o may_v attentive_o hear_v true_o understand_v and_o be_v full_o assure_v of_o that_o truth_n which_o be_v deliver_v not_o only_o in_o respect_n of_o the_o whole_a church_n but_o also_o in_o respect_n of_o ourselves_o particular_o so_o as_o we_o can_v say_v i_o believe_v that_o these_o promise_n of_o god_n be_v true_a and_o that_o they_o belong_v to_o all_o the_o faithful_a and_o consequent_o unto_o i_o who_o do_v believe_v and_o be_o assure_v of_o they_o see_v they_o be_v promise_v on_o no_o other_o condition_n security_n diverse_a difference_n between_o the_o testimony_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o presumptuous_a security_n but_o the_o tempter_n will_v object_v that_o many_o through_o carnal_a presumption_n do_v persuade_v themselves_o that_o all_o the_o promise_n of_o the_o gospel_n do_v belong_v unto_o they_o and_o therefore_o we_o may_v easy_o be_v deceive_v not_o be_v able_a to_o discern_v between_o the_o testimony_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o presumptuous_a security_n i_o answer_v that_o those_o who_o be_v endue_v with_o god_n spirit_n may_v easy_o discern_v the_o testimony_n of_o the_o spirit_n from_o the_o carnal_a language_n of_o presumption_n as_o be_v evident_a by_o that_o which_o before_o i_o have_v deliver_v and_o also_o may_v more_o plain_o appear_v by_o manifest_a difference_n if_o the_o one_o be_v compare_v with_o the_o other_o for_o presumption_n be_v a_o fruit_n of_o original_a corruption_n which_o accompany_v we_o from_o our_o mother_n womb_n till_o it_o be_v beat_v down_o with_o god_n sanctify_a spirit_n but_o the_o testimony_n of_o the_o spirit_n be_v a_o thing_n supernatural_a which_o no_o man_n ever_o feel_v before_o his_o conversion_n unto_o god_n when_o as_o by_o the_o preach_n of_o the_o word_n he_o be_v humble_v under_o the_o burden_n of_o sin_n sorrow_v and_o grieve_v for_o his_o sin_n past_a and_o detest_a they_o from_o his_o hart_n and_o purpose_v to_o leave_v and_o forsake_v they_o in_o the_o time_n to_o come_v if_o therefore_o we_o have_v have_v always_o this_o testimony_n in_o our_o mind_n that_o we_o be_v in_o god_n favour_n and_o elect_a and_o never_o feel_v our_o conversion_n nor_o discern_v any_o fruit_n thereof_o then_o do_v this_o testimony_n proceed_v from_o carnal_a presumption_n and_o not_o from_o god_n spirit_n second_o those_o who_o have_v the_o testimony_n of_o the_o spirit_n make_v conscience_n of_o the_o diligent_a and_o careful_a use_n of_o the_o outward_a mean_n of_o salvation_n as_o the_o hear_n and_o read_v of_o the_o word_n the_o receive_n of_o the_o sacrament_n and_o other_o holy_a duty_n of_o god_n service_n because_o they_o know_v that_o the_o inward_a testimony_n of_o the_o spirit_n be_v not_o ordinary_o sever_v from_o the_o outward_a testimony_n of_o the_o word_n and_o the_o assurance_n of_o god_n love_n and_o our_o election_n be_v not_o wrought_v immediate_o in_o we_o by_o revelation_n of_o the_o spirit_n but_o by_o the_o prea_n of_o the_o word_n and_o use_n of_o the_o sacrament_n make_v effectual_a by_o the_o inward_a cooperation_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n but_o presumption_n as_o it_o arise_v not_o from_o the_o use_n of_o these_o mean_n make_v thus_o effectual_a but_o from_o carnal_a security_n so_o be_v it_o not_o confirm_v thereby_o for_o the_o less_o that_o the_o presumptuous_a man_n hear_v the_o word_n and_o perform_v the_o duty_n of_o piety_n and_o god_n service_n the_o more_o confident_o do_v he_o boast_v of_o his_o faith_n and_o full_a assurance_n and_o therefore_o he_o make_v no_o conscience_n of_o use_v these_o mean_n ordain_v of_o god_n nay_o contrariwise_o he_o will_v not_o stick_v to_o affirm_v that_o the_o hear_n of_o the_o word_n too_o often_o be_v the_o cause_n that_o trouble_v man_n mind_n and_o afflict_v their_o conscience_n move_v they_o to_o doubt_v of_o god_n mercy_n which_o before_o they_o never_o call_v into_o question_n and_o why_o be_v this_o but_o because_o hereby_o man_n be_v rouse_v out_o of_o their_o sleep_n of_o security_n and_o have_v their_o confident_a presumption_n beat_v down_o if_o then_o we_o be_v careful_a to_o use_v all_o holy_a mean_n ordain_v of_o god_n to_o assure_v we_o of_o our_o salvation_n that_o assurance_n and_o testimony_n which_o follow_v be_v the_o testimony_n of_o god_n spirit_n otherwise_o it_o be_v nothing_o else_o but_o fond_a presumption_n three_o presumption_n be_v most_o confident_a and_o never_o doubt_v nor_o make_v any_o question_n of_o his_o election_n &_o salvation_n who_o thus_o presume_v but_o this_o testimony_n of_o the_o spirit_n be_v much_o assault_v with_o doubt_v and_o oftentimes_o thereby_o so_o exceed_o weaken_v that_o we_o can_v hear_v the_o voice_n thereof_o as_o we_o may_v see_v in_o the_o example_n of_o job_n david_n the_o father_n of_o the_o possess_a child_n the_o two_o disciple_n who_o iourney_v to_o emaus_n and_o in_o all_o god_n child_n who_o have_v not_o yet_o attain_v unto_o fullness_n of_o persuasion_n unto_o which_o none_o can_v come_v but_o by_o degree_n and_o therefore_o if_o we_o can_v brag_v with_o secure_a worldling_n and_o say_v with_o the_o proud_a pharisee_n i_o never_o be_v trouble_v i_o thank_v god_n with_o any_o doubt_n of_o my_o election_n &_o salvation_n as_o many_o be_v but_o always_o have_v have_v a_o strong_a belief_n that_o i_o be_o in_o god_n love_n and_o shall_v undoubted_o be_v save_v we_o may_v assure_v ourselves_o that_o this_o be_v the_o voice_n of_o presumption_n and_o not_o the_o testimony_n of_o god_n spirit_n four_o presumption_n be_v join_v with_o worldliness_n and_o prophanesse_n but_o the_o testimony_n of_o god_n spirit_n be_v never_o sever_v from_o sanctification_n or_o at_o least_o from_o a_o earnest_a desire_n and_o holy_a endeavour_n of_o serve_v the_o lord_n in_o holiness_n and_o righteousness_n for_o as_o i_o say_v the_o testimony_n of_o the_o spirit_n in_o the_o conscience_n be_v never_o contrary_a to_o the_o testimony_n of_o the_o spirit_n in_o the_o word_n neither_o do_v it_o bear_v witness_v that_o those_o be_v in_o god_n love_n and_o elect_v to_o salvation_n which_o the_o scripture_n witness_v to_o be_v in_o god_n displeasure_n and_o in_o the_o state_n of_o condemnation_n namely_o all_o unrepentant_a sinner_n continue_v in_o their_o
unrepentancie_n and_o therefore_o if_o the_o assurance_n which_o we_o have_v of_o our_o election_n and_o salvation_n be_v not_o join_v with_o a_o desire_n to_o leave_v our_o sin_n and_o with_o a_o earnest_a endeavour_n of_o serve_v god_n in_o the_o duty_n of_o holiness_n and_o righteousness_n than_o it_o do_v not_o proceed_v from_o the_o testimony_n of_o god_n spirit_n but_o from_o carnal_a security_n and_o fond_a presumption_n last_o presumption_n no_o long_o persuade_v man_n of_o god_n love_n and_o favour_n than_o they_o enjoy_v the_o outward_a benefit_n of_o this_o life_n but_o when_o the_o lord_n lay_v upon_o they_o any_o grievous_a affliction_n either_o outward_o in_o body_n and_o state_n or_o inward_o in_o mind_n then_o this_o persuasion_n vanish_v and_o nothing_o remain_v but_o doubt_v which_o common_o end_v in_o utter_a despair_n but_o the_o testimony_n of_o the_o spirit_n be_v constant_a and_o permanent_a and_o howsoever_o we_o can_v by_o reason_n of_o the_o grievousnesse_n of_o affliction_n and_o the_o violent_a noise_n of_o our_o own_o passion_n hear_v the_o voice_n thereof_o at_o some_o time_n yet_o afterward_o again_o it_o cry_v aloud_o in_o our_o heart_n abba_n father_n and_o witness_v unto_o our_o spirit_n that_o we_o be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n so_o that_o the_o chief_a mean_n whereby_o we_o be_v assure_v of_o our_o election_n be_v the_o spirit_n of_o god_n but_o see_v we_o have_v it_o not_o natural_o in_o ourselves_o how_o may_v we_o attain_v unto_o it_o sure_o we_o be_v to_o have_v our_o recourse_n unto_o the_o father_n of_o light_n by_o earnest_a prayer_n 11.13_o jam._n 1.17_o matth._n 7.7_o luk._n 11.13_o from_o who_o descend_v every_o good_a and_o perfect_a gift_n have_v our_o faith_n ground_v upon_o god_n gracious_a promise_n namely_o that_o if_o we_o ask_v we_o shall_v receive_v and_o more_o especial_o that_o he_o will_v give_v his_o holy_a spirit_n to_o they_o that_o ask_v it_o as_o it_o be_v luk._n 11.13_o §_o sect._n 2_o the_o second_o mean_n whereby_o we_o may_v attain_v to_o the_o certainty_n of_o our_o election_n word_n the_o second_o mean_n the_o hear_n of_o the_o word_n be_v the_o hear_n of_o the_o word_n wherein_o the_o lord_n manife_v his_o grace_n and_o goodwill_n to_o all_o believe_v and_o repentant_a sinner_n and_o whereby_o also_o he_o ordinary_o beget_v this_o faith_n and_o repentance_n in_o all_o his_o child_n for_o howsoever_o paul_n may_v plant_v and_o apollo_n may_v water_v but_o god_n alone_o give_v the_o increase_n yet_o god_n blessing_n ordinary_o accompany_v his_o own_o ordinance_n make_v it_o effectual_a by_o the_o inward_a operation_n of_o his_o spirit_n for_o those_o end_n for_o which_o he_o have_v ordain_v it_o and_o though_o the_o word_n may_v long_o sound_v in_o our_o ear_n before_o it_o pierce_v the_o heart_n or_o beget_v any_o save_a grace_n in_o we_o unless_o the_o lord_n open_v our_o heart_n and_o make_v the_o seed_n of_o his_o word_n fruitful_a yet_o those_o who_o make_v conscience_n of_o hear_v the_o word_n with_o diligence_n reverence_n and_o attention_n and_o pray_v for_o the_o assistance_n of_o god_n spirit_n whereby_o it_o may_v become_v profitable_a to_o their_o salvation_n may_v constant_o expect_v the_o blessing_n of_o god_n upon_o his_o own_o ordinance_n which_o they_o careful_o use_v in_o obedience_n to_o his_o will_n whereas_o those_o who_o neglect_n and_o contemn_v god_n word_n have_v no_o such_o assurance_n because_o it_o be_v the_o mean_n and_o instrument_n which_o be_v ordain_v of_o god_n for_o this_o purpose_n without_o which_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n do_v not_o ordinary_o beget_v faith_n or_o any_o save_a grace_n in_o us._n though_o therefore_o we_o do_v not_o after_o long_o hear_v of_o the_o word_n feel_v this_o assurance_n of_o god_n love_n and_o our_o election_n yet_o let_v we_o not_o give_v it_o over_o but_o expect_v god_n blessing_n upon_o it_o and_o wait_v his_o leisure_n assure_v ourselves_o that_o in_o the_o end_n he_o will_v make_v this_o his_o own_o ordinance_n effectual_a for_o those_o end_n for_o which_o he_o have_v ordain_v it_o §_o sect._n 3_o the_o three_o mean_n whereby_o we_o may_v attain_v to_o the_o assurance_n of_o our_o election_n sacrament_n the_o three_o mean_n the_o use_n of_o the_o sacrament_n be_v the_o frequent_a and_o religious_a use_n of_o the_o sacrament_n of_o the_o lord_n supper_n whereby_o our_o faith_n be_v more_o and_o more_o confirm_v the_o in_o truth_n of_o god_n promise_n for_o the_o lord_n to_o the_o preach_n of_o his_o word_n which_o be_v the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n have_v add_v these_o seal_n that_o we_o may_v be_v the_o more_o thorough_o assure_v of_o his_o love_n and_o favour_n and_o therefore_o if_o we_o conscionable_o frequent_v this_o holy_a sacrament_n the_o lord_n will_v bless_v also_o this_o his_o own_o ordinance_n moreover_o they_o who_o worthy_o receive_v these_o holy_a mystery_n do_v receive_v christ_n jesus_n and_o have_v the_o union_n and_o communion_n which_o be_v between_o he_o and_o they_o more_o and_o more_o strengthen_v and_o confirm_v for_o he_o that_o eat_v his_o flesh_n and_o drink_v his_o blood_n dwell_v in_o christ_n and_o christ_n in_o he_o 6.56_o joh._n 6.56_o as_o it_o be_v joh._n 6.56_o now_o there_o be_v no_o condemnation_n to_o those_o that_o be_v in_o christ_n jesus_n rom_n 8.1_o 8.1_o rom._n 8.1_o and_o therefore_o they_o need_v not_o doubt_v of_o their_o election_n and_o salvation_n §_o sect._n 4_o the_o four_o mean_n whereby_o we_o may_v be_v assure_v of_o our_o election_n 2._o the_o four_o mean_n the_o effect_n of_o our_o election_n zanch._n the_o attrib_n l._n 5._o c._n 2._o be_v the_o effect_n of_o god_n predestination_n which_o be_v the_o undoubted_a sign_n thereof_o for_o the_o effect_n argue_v the_o cause_n as_o the_o cause_n the_o effect_n and_o that_o not_o only_o in_o natural_a thing_n but_o also_o in_o those_o which_o be_v supernatural_a and_o spiritual_a and_o therefore_o as_o certain_o as_o we_o know_v that_o there_o be_v fire_n because_o it_o cast_v forth_o heat_n and_o the_o son_n by_o his_o cast_v forth_o of_o bright_a ray_n whereby_o the_o world_n be_v lighten_v and_o that_o a_o tree_n be_v good_a by_o the_o good_a fruit_n which_o it_o bring_v forth_o so_o also_o may_v we_o as_o certain_o be_v assure_v that_o we_o be_v elect_v of_o god_n when_o we_o find_v in_o ourselves_o the_o effect_n and_o undoubted_a sign_n of_o our_o election_n neither_o be_v these_o effect_n bare_a sign_n only_o of_o our_o election_n but_o also_o manifest_a seal_n which_o by_o their_o plain_a impression_n do_v evident_o assure_v we_o thereof_o so_o that_o though_o we_o do_v not_o direct_o and_o immediate_o know_v god_n election_n predestination_n and_o eternal_a decree_n of_o our_o salvation_n in_o god_n himself_o elect_v predestinate_v and_o decree_a that_o we_o shall_v be_v save_v yet_o we_o may_v plain_o see_v apparent_a seal_n and_o impression_n hereof_o in_o ourselves_o lively_o resemble_v that_o which_o be_v secret_a in_o god_n hide_a council_n and_o as_o we_o not_o see_v the_o seal_n which_o make_v the_o impression_n do_v easy_o discern_v the_o form_n fashion_n and_o quantity_n thereof_o by_o the_o print_n which_o it_o have_v make_v so_o we_o not_o see_v god_n secret_a decree_n of_o predestination_n may_v notwithstanding_o attain_v to_o the_o evedent_a knowledge_n thereof_o by_o that_o impression_n which_o it_o make_v in_o us._n this_o also_o may_v further_o be_v illustrate_v by_o a_o familiar_a similitude_n namely_o as_o the_o sun_n shine_v upon_o we_o with_o his_o bright_a beam_n do_v imprint_v as_o it_o be_v in_o our_o eye_n the_o image_n of_o his_o light_n whereby_o we_o see_v the_o sun_n and_o the_o light_n thereof_o the_o beam_n of_o the_o sun_n which_o be_v cast_v upon_o we_o be_v reflect_v back_o again_o to_o the_o sun_n itself_o so_o the_o foreknowledge_n of_o god_n whereby_o he_o have_v decree_v that_o we_o shall_v be_v save_v before_o all_o eternity_n be_v secret_a in_o itself_o so_o that_o we_o can_v see_v not_o understand_v it_o direct_o but_o yet_o while_o god_n do_v acknowledge_v we_o for_o his_o elect_a he_o do_v express_v the_o image_n and_o form_n of_o this_o his_o foreknowledge_n in_o those_o who_o he_o have_v elect_v whereby_o we_o do_v also_o acknowledge_v he_o our_o gracious_a god_n who_o have_v elect_v we_o and_o so_o it_o come_v to_o pass_v that_o by_o the_o true_a knowledge_n of_o god_n which_o be_v communicate_v unto_o we_o whereby_o we_o acknowledge_v he_o for_o our_o god_n and_o father_n we_o also_o know_v his_o foreknowledge_n whereby_o he_o know_v and_o acknowledge_v we_o for_o his_o son_n and_o child_n for_o first_o god_n know_v we_o and_o then_o by_o the_o light_n of_o this_o knowledge_n communicate_v unto_o we_o he_o inlightn_v our_o heart_n with_o the_o true_a knowledge_n of_o himself_o as_o
with_o the_o godly_a instruction_n profitable_a exhortation_n and_o sweet_a consolation_n of_o those_o who_o be_v more_o strong_a and_o therefore_o the_o apostle_n paul_n exhort_v those_o who_o have_v attain_a unto_o agreat_a measure_n of_o faith_n that_o they_o admit_v such_o as_o be_v weak_a into_o their_o company_n to_o be_v make_v partaker_n of_o their_o christian_a conference_n to_o the_o end_n that_o hereby_o they_o may_v be_v more_o and_o more_o strengthen_v and_o confirm_v rom._n 14.1_o 14.1_o rom._n 14.1_o sacrament_n the_o 4._o mean_n the_o use_n of_o the_o sacrament_n the_o four_o mean_n be_v the_o holy_a use_n of_o the_o sacrament_n for_o the_o lord_n have_v add_v they_o as_o seal_v to_o the_o handwriting_n of_o his_o covenant_n of_o grace_n to_o confirm_v our_o faith_n in_o the_o full_a assurance_n of_o his_o promise_n and_o to_o take_v away_o all_o doubt_v for_o whereas_o the_o weak_a conscience_n may_v make_v some_o scruple_n in_o respect_n that_o the_o promise_n of_o the_o gospel_n in_o the_o preach_n of_o the_o word_n be_v deliver_v indefinite_o and_o after_o a_o general_a manner_n in_o the_o use_n of_o the_o sacrament_n they_o be_v assure_v unto_o they_o particular_o and_o as_o it_o be_v by_o name_n and_o that_o not_o after_o some_o obscure_a and_o hide_a manner_n but_o most_o familiar_o by_o such_o common_a sign_n be_v be_v subject_a to_o the_o sense_n and_o within_o the_o reach_n of_o the_o shallow_a capacity_n work_n the_o 5._o mean_n good_a work_n a_o five_o mean_n to_o confirm_v our_o faith_n be_v to_o be_v continual_o conversant_a in_o good_a work_n and_o to_o bring_v forth_o the_o fruit_n of_o holy_a obedience_n for_o hereby_o our_o faith_n be_v exercise_v and_o by_o exercise_n strengthen_v and_o increase_v whereas_o contrariwise_o the_o neglect_n hereof_o do_v wound_v the_o conscience_n and_o so_o quench_v the_o lively_a heat_n of_o faith_n that_o though_o it_o be_v not_o quite_o extinguish_v yet_o it_o will_v not_o sensible_o be_v discern_v as_o therefore_o the_o strength_n of_o the_o body_n be_v increase_v by_o exercise_n and_o for_o want_v thereof_o wax_v faint_a and_o languish_v and_o as_o the_o stomach_n be_v by_o outward_a exercise_n of_o the_o body_n make_v more_o fit_a to_o perform_v his_o duty_n of_o concoction_n so_o our_o faith_n be_v exercise_v in_o good_a work_n be_v make_v more_o strong_a and_o fit_a to_o perform_v his_o duty_n in_o apply_v christ_n and_o the_o sweet_a promise_n of_o the_o gospel_n unto_o we_o and_o without_o this_o spiritual_a exercise_n it_o wax_v faint_a and_o the_o strength_n thereof_o abate_v prayer_n the_o 6._o mean_n fervent_a prayer_n the_o last_o mean_n to_o strengthen_v and_o increase_v our_o faith_n be_v continual_a and_o fervent_a prayer_n for_o faith_n be_v not_o in_o our_o own_o power_n but_o it_o be_v the_o free_a gift_n of_o god_n as_o the_o apostle_n teach_v we_o ephe._n 2.8_o neither_o can_v any_o man_n come_v unto_o our_o saviour_n christ_n by_o a_o lively_a faith_n except_o it_o be_v give_v he_o of_o the_o father_n 2.8_o ephe._n 2.8_o as_o himself_o speak_v 6.65_o joh._n 6.65_o joh._n 6.65_o and_o therefore_o when_o we_o see_v the_o small_a measure_n of_o our_o faith_n we_o be_v with_o the_o apostle_n to_o pray_v unto_o the_o lord_n that_o he_o will_v increase_v it_o 17.5_o luk._n 17.5_o luk._n 17.5_o and_o when_o we_o perceive_v that_o it_o be_v grievos_o assault_v with_o doubt_v and_o infidelity_n we_o be_v in_o fervency_n of_o spirit_n to_o cry_v out_o with_o the_o father_n of_o the_o possess_a child_n lord_n i_o believe_v help_v my_o unbelief_n mark_n 9.24_o mark_n 9.24_o 9.24_o and_o then_o we_o may_v be_v assure_v that_o the_o lord_n will_v hear_v we_o and_o satisfy_v our_o godly_a desire_n make_v we_o to_o grow_v up_o from_o faith_n to_o faith_n till_o at_o length_n we_o attain_v unto_o such_o a_o fullness_n of_o persuasion_n that_o we_o shall_v be_v able_a true_o to_o say_v with_o the_o apostle_n i_o be_o persuade_v that_o neither_o death_n nor_o life_n nor_o angel_n nor_o principality_n nor_o power_n nor_o thing_n present_a nor_o thing_n to_o come_v nor_o height_n nor_o depth_n nor_o any_o other_o creature_n shall_v be_v able_a to_o separate_v we_o from_o the_o love_n of_o god_n which_o be_v in_o christ_n jesus_n our_o lord_n as_o it_o be_v rom._n 8.38.39_o ro._n 8.38.39_o 8.38.39_o §_o sect._n 3_o and_o these_o be_v the_o mean_n which_o proper_o tend_v to_o the_o strengthen_n and_o increase_v of_o our_o faith_n desperation_n of_o the_o mean_n whereby_o we_o may_v be_v preserve_v from_o doubt_v and_o desperation_n which_o whosoever_o careful_o and_o conscionable_o use_v they_o shall_v assure_o find_v they_o effectual_a for_o this_o purpose_n now_o we_o be_v to_o speak_v of_o those_o mean_n whereby_o we_o may_v be_v preserve_v from_o doubt_v and_o desperation_n of_o which_o i_o shall_v not_o need_v to_o speak_v much_o see_v the_o most_o of_o these_o point_n be_v handle_v before_o mean_n the_o 1._o mean_n the_o first_o mean_n to_o preserve_v we_o from_o desperation_n be_v to_o call_v continual_o unto_o our_o remembrance_n that_o the_o promise_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v general_a and_o indefinite_a exclude_v none_o how_o unworthy_a and_o sinful_a soever_o they_o be_v if_o they_o do_v not_o exclude_v themselves_o through_o their_o own_o infidelity_n 11.28_o mat._n 11.28_o so_o mat._n 11.28_o our_o saviour_n call_v all_o humble_a and_o repentant_a sinner_n without_o exception_n say_v come_v unto_o i_o all_o you_o that_o labour_n and_o be_v heavy_a lade_v and_o i_o will_v ease_v you_o 3.16_o joh._n 3.16_o and_o joh._n 3.16_o god_n so_o love_v the_o world_n that_o he_o send_v his_o only_a béloved_a son_n that_o as_o many_o as_o believe_v in_o he_o shall_v not_o perish_v but_o have_v everlasting_a life_n 9.13_o mat._n 9.13_o so_o matth._n 9.13_o our_o saviour_n say_v that_o he_o come_v not_o to_o call_v the_o righteous_a but_o sinner_n to_o repentance_n either_o than_o refuse_v the_o name_n of_o repentant_a sinner_n or_o acknowledge_v that_o he_o come_v to_o save_v thou_o and_o joh._n 6.40_o our_o saviour_n say_v that_o it_o be_v his_o father_n will_n who_o send_v he_o that_o every_o man_n who_o believe_v in_o he_o shall_v have_v everlasting_a l_o fe_o see_v therefore_o god_n take_v no_o exception_n nor_o exclude_v any_o let_v we_o not_o exclude_v ourselves_o through_o our_o want_n of_o faith_n and_o infidelity_n mean_n the_o 2._o mean_n second_o we_o be_v to_o consider_v that_o the_o lord_n have_v not_o only_o propound_v his_o gracious_a promise_n unto_o we_o but_o also_o have_v command_v we_o to_o believe_v they_o 3.23_o mark_n 1.15_o 1._o joh._n 3.23_o so_o mark_n 1.15_o repent_v and_o believe_v the_o gospel_n and_o 1._o joh._n 3.23_o this_o then_o be_v his_o commandment_n that_o we_o believe_v in_o the_o name_n of_o his_o son_n jesus_n christ_n etc._n etc._n now_o to_o believe_v in_o christ_n be_v not_o only_o to_o believe_v that_o he_o be_v a_o saviour_n for_o this_o even_o the_o devil_n believe_v also_o but_o to_o believe_v that_o he_o be_v our_o saviour_n &_o to_o rest_v whole_o upon_o he_o for_o our_o salvation_n &_o to_o say_v with_o the_o apostle_n paul_n 2.20_o gal._n 2.20_o gal._n 2.20_o i_o live_v by_o the_o faith_n in_o the_o son_n of_o god_n who_o have_v love_v i_o and_o give_v himself_o for_o i_o and_o to_o the_o end_n that_o we_o may_v be_v arm_v against_o doubt_v and_o enable_v to_o perform_v this_o commandment_n it_o have_v please_v the_o lord_n to_o add_v unto_o his_o word_n his_o oath_n 6.18_o heb._n 6.18_o that_o by_o two_o immutable_a thing_n wherein_o it_o be_v impossible_a that_o god_n shall_v lie_v we_o shall_v have_v strong_a consolation_n as_o the_o apostle_n speak_v heb._n 6.18_o yea_o he_o have_v also_o unto_o his_o word_n and_o handwriting_n annex_v his_o sacrament_n as_o seal_n that_o there_o may_v be_v no_o place_n leave_v for_o doubt_v see_v therefore_o the_o lord_n have_v express_o command_v we_o to_o believe_v and_o use_v all_o mean_n to_o enable_v we_o to_o perform_v his_o commandment_n let_v we_o not_o now_o dispute_v the_o question_n whether_o we_o be_v worthy_a to_o believe_v or_o no_o or_o whether_o such_o grievous_a sinner_n be_v bind_v to_o this_o duty_n but_o set_v all_o excuse_n aside_o let_v we_o believe_v in_o obedience_n to_o god_n commandment_n mean_n the_o 3._o mean_n three_o we_o must_v not_o always_o set_v before_o we_o the_o innumerable_a multitude_n and_o huge_a weight_n of_o our_o sin_n but_o withal_o call_v to_o our_o remembrance_n the_o infinite_a mercy_n of_o god_n and_o merit_n of_o christ_n who_o have_v offer_v unto_o his_o father_n a_o propitiatory_a sacrifice_n and_o full_a satisfaction_n for_o all_o our_o sin_n 2.2_o 1._o john_n 2.2_o and_o not_o for_o we_o only_o but_o for_o the_o sin_n of_o all_o the_o world_n
already_o plain_o prove_v though_o we_o never_o have_v any_o special_a revelation_n and_o therefore_o without_o any_o such_o particular_a revelation_n we_o may_v attain_v unto_o the_o certain_a assurance_n that_o we_o be_v justify_v in_o god_n sight_n three_o that_o which_o the_o gospel_n assure_v we_o of_o we_o need_v not_o to_o make_v any_o doubt_n thereof_o or_o once_o call_v it_o into_o question_n but_o the_o gospel_n assure_v we_o that_o whosoever_o believe_v in_o christ_n jesus_n and_o true_o repent_v they_o of_o their_o sin_n shall_v be_v make_v partaker_n of_o all_o the_o gracious_a promise_n of_o life_n and_o salvation_n therein_o contain_v so_o joh._n 3.16_o 3.16_o joh._n 3.16_o god_n so_o love_v the_o world_n that_o he_o have_v give_v his_o only_o beget_v son_n that_o whosoever_o believe_v in_o he_o shall_v not_o perish_v but_o have_v everlasting_a life_n and_o chap._n 5.24_o 5.24_o joh._n 5.24_o very_o very_o i_o say_v unto_o you_o he_o that_o hear_v my_o word_n and_o believe_v he_o that_o send_v i_o have_v everlasting_a life_n and_o shall_v not_o come_v into_o condemnation_n but_o have_v pass_v from_o death_n to_o life_n 11.28_o matth._n 11.28_o and_o matth._n 11.28_o come_v unto_o i_o all_o you_o that_o labour_n and_o be_v lade_v and_o i_o will_v ease_v you_o and_o therefore_o whosoever_o believe_v in_o jesus_n christ_n approve_v their_o faith_n to_o the_o world_n and_o their_o own_o conscience_n to_o be_v true_a and_o unfeigned_a by_o the_o fruit_n thereof_o unfeigned_a repentance_n he_o may_v assure_v himself_o of_o all_o the_o gracious_a promife_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o consequent_o of_o the_o remission_n of_o his_o sin_n and_o his_o justification_n for_o the_o merit_n and_o righteousness_n of_o jesus_n christ_n last_o the_o lord_n have_v not_o only_o after_o a_o general_a manner_n propound_v these_o promise_n unto_o we_o and_o leave_v we_o to_o our_o own_o liberty_n to_o believe_v or_o not_o to_o believe_v they_o but_o he_o have_v bind_v we_o to_o the_o performance_n of_o this_o duty_n by_o his_o express_a commandment_n 3.23_o mark_n 1.15_o 1._o joh._n 3.23_o mark_n 1.15_o repent_v and_o believe_v the_o gospel_n and_o 1._o joh._n 3.23_o this_o be_v his_o commandment_n that_o we_o believe_v in_o his_o son_n jesus_n christ_n that_o be_v that_o we_o do_v not_o only_o after_o a_o general_a manner_n believe_v that_o he_o be_v the_o saviour_n of_o mankind_n but_o that_o we_o believe_v that_o he_o be_v our_o saviour_n who_o have_v redeem_v justify_v and_o will_v most_o perfect_o save_v we_o and_o rest_v whole_o upon_o he_o alone_o for_o our_o salvation_n and_o he_o that_o thus_o believe_v need_v no_o other_o argument_n to_o assure_v he_o that_o he_o be_v justify_v and_o shall_v be_v save_v for_o he_o have_v the_o witness_n in_o himself_o even_o the_o testimony_n of_o god_n spirit_n cry_v in_o his_o heart_n abba_n father_n and_z bearing_z witness_n unto_o his_o spirit_n that_o he_o be_v the_o child_n of_o god_n and_o not_o to_o believe_v this_o be_v to_o make_v god_n a_o liar_n because_o we_o will_v not_o believe_v the_o record_n that_o he_o have_v witness_v of_o that_o his_o son_n 10._o 1._o joh._n 5._o 10._o as_o the_o apostle_n speak_v 1._o joh._n 5.10_o yea_o as_o before_o i_o have_v show_v at_o large_a he_o have_v add_v unto_o the_o hand_n write_v of_o his_o word_n which_o contain_v also_o his_o oath_n for_o our_o better_a confirmation_n his_o sacrament_n whereby_o he_o particular_o convay_v and_o give_v unto_o every_o believer_n as_o it_o be_v proper_a possession_n of_o christ_n jesus_n and_o all_o his_o benefit_n to_o the_o end_n that_o there_o shall_v be_v no_o place_n leave_v to_o doubt_v nor_o any_o need_n of_o any_o particular_a revelation_n for_o our_o further_a assurance_n §_o sect._n 2_o second_o satan_n will_v suggest_v that_o those_o who_o be_v justify_v be_v make_v just_a righteousness_n that_o we_o be_v make_v just_a not_o by_o infusion_n but_o by_o imputation_n of_o righteousness_n and_o those_o who_o be_v make_v just_a do_v continual_o the_o work_n of_o righteousness_n but_o thou_o will_v he_o say_v to_o the_o humble_a sinner_n continue_v still_o in_o thy_o corruption_n and_o thy_o wickedness_n cleave_v fast_o to_o thou_o and_o compass_v thou_o about_o and_o in_o stead_n of_o do_v the_o work_n of_o righteousness_n thou_o continual_o heap_a up_o the_o full_a measure_n of_o thy_o sin_n yea_o thy_o best_a action_n be_v so_o stain_v with_o imperfection_n and_o so_o full_a of_o infirmity_n that_o they_o just_o provoke_v god_n wrath_n against_o thou_o to_o which_o we_o must_v answer_v that_o indeed_o whosoever_o be_v justify_v be_v make_v just_a but_o not_o by_o infusion_n of_o inherent_a righteousness_n into_o ourselves_o but_o by_o imputation_n of_o christ_n most_o perfect_a righteousness_n as_o before_o i_o have_v show_v for_o hereby_o our_o sin_n be_v pardon_v he_o have_v take_v they_o upon_o himself_o and_o satisfy_v god_n justice_n by_o suffer_v those_o punishment_n which_o we_o have_v deserve_v and_o also_o he_o have_v perfect_o fulfil_v the_o law_n that_o he_o may_v make_v we_o partaker_n of_o his_o active_a obedience_n and_o so_o impute_v both_o unto_o we_o have_v make_v we_o perfect_o just_a and_o righteous_a in_o god_n sight_n so_o that_o now_o the_o lord_n do_v not_o require_v obedience_n to_o his_o law_n at_o our_o hand_n to_o the_o end_n that_o we_o shall_v be_v justify_v in_o whole_a or_o in_o part_n by_o our_o own_o righteousness_n neither_o be_v we_o to_o this_o end_n to_o observe_v god_n commandment_n that_o we_o may_v offer_v unto_o god_n our_o work_n and_o inherent_a righteousness_n desire_v thereby_o to_o be_v justify_v for_o as_o i_o have_v show_v our_o best_a righteousness_n be_v imperfect_a and_o mingle_v with_o manifold_a corruption_n so_o as_o it_o will_v rather_o condemn_v we_o then_o justify_v we_o if_o the_o lord_n shall_v examine_v it_o according_a to_o the_o exact_a rule_n of_o his_o most_o perfect_a justice_n but_o we_o offer_v unto_o god_n for_o our_o justification_n the_o most_o perfect_a righteousness_n and_o full_a satisfaction_n of_o jesus_n christ_n which_o by_o his_o merit_n and_o suffering_n he_o have_v once_o make_v for_o we_o desire_v thereby_o whole_o and_o only_o to_o be_v justify_v and_o save_v §_o sect._n 3_o as_o for_o our_o work_n and_o inherent_a righteousness_n justification_n that_o our_o work_n be_v not_o cause_n but_o effect_n of_o our_o justification_n they_o be_v not_o cause_n but_o effect_n and_o fruit_n of_o our_o justification_n neither_o be_v it_o possible_a that_o we_o shall_v do_v any_o good_a work_n acceptable_a in_o god_n sight_n till_o we_o be_v justify_v and_o reconcile_v unto_o god_n in_o jesus_n christ_n for_o our_o work_n can_v please_v he_o till_o our_o person_n please_v he_o and_o whatsoever_o we_o do_v before_o faith_n have_v purify_v the_o heart_n it_o be_v sin_n and_o odious_a in_o the_o sight_n of_o god_n but_o as_o soon_o as_o we_o have_v faith_n beget_v in_o we_o present_o it_o apprehend_v christ_n and_o his_o righteousness_n whereby_o we_o be_v justify_v and_o then_o be_v justify_v faith_n work_v by_o love_n and_o bring_v forth_o in_o we_o the_o fruit_n of_o sanctification_n which_o though_o they_o be_v mingle_v with_o much_o corruption_n and_o manifold_a imperfection_n yet_o god_n in_o christ_n accept_v of_o they_o as_o perfect_v and_o will_v crown_v they_o with_o glory_n and_o immortality_n righteousness_n that_o now_o the_o lord_n do_v not_o require_v of_o we_o perfect_a righteousness_n neither_o do_v the_o lord_n now_o require_v of_o we_o that_o we_o perfect_o at_o once_o shake_v off_o all_o our_o corruption_n but_o that_o we_o labour_v as_o much_o as_o in_o we_o lie_v to_o mortify_v and_o subdue_v they_o according_a to_o the_o measure_n of_o his_o grace_n and_o holy_a spirit_n which_o he_o have_v bestow_v on_o we_o he_o do_v not_o straight_o command_v that_o we_o shall_v instant_o banish_v and_o expel_v sin_n from_o dwell_v in_o we_o but_o that_o we_o do_v not_o suffer_v it_o to_o reign_v in_o we_o nor_o willing_o obey_v the_o flesh_n in_o the_o lust_n thereof_o submit_v ourselves_o unto_o sin_n as_o servant_n and_o vassal_n to_o their_o lord_n and_o master_n he_o do_v not_o enjoin_v we_o that_o we_o shall_v whole_o vanquish_v our_o corruption_n and_o obtain_v a_o full_a victory_n over_o they_o but_o that_o we_o proclaim_v open_a war_n against_o they_o and_o manful_o fight_v and_o strive_v under_o the_o conduct_n of_o his_o spirit_n against_o the_o flesh_n and_o the_o sinful_a lust_n thereof_o and_o when_o we_o be_v take_v captive_a of_o sin_n that_o we_o labour_v to_o attain_v unto_o our_o former_a freedom_n in_o the_o mean_a time_n sorrow_v and_o groan_v under_o the_o heavy_a weight_n of_o our_o corruption_n and_o cry_v out_o with_o the_o apostle_n 7._o rom._n 7._o wretched_a man_n that_o
grace_n of_o god_n spirit_n to_o the_o praise_n of_o his_o glory_n who_o have_v bestow_v they_o and_o to_o the_o comfort_n of_o our_o own_o soul_n who_o have_v receive_v they_o and_o as_o they_o be_v chastisement_n they_o serve_v for_o sharp_a eye-salue_n to_o clear_v our_o dim_a sight_n so_o as_o we_o may_v see_v our_o sin_n and_o true_o repent_v of_o they_o they_o serve_v for_o sour_a sauce_n to_o bring_v we_o out_o of_o love_n with_o our_o sweet_a sin_n and_o for_o fire_n and_o file_n whereby_o we_o be_v purge_v and_o scour_v from_o the_o dross_n and_o rust_n of_o our_o corruption_n they_o be_v sharp_a prune_a knife_n to_o lop_v and_o trim_a we_o that_o we_o may_v bring_v forth_o plentiful_a fruit_n in_o godliness_n they_o be_v spur_n to_o prick_v we_o forward_o in_o the_o christian_a race_n and_o hedge_n to_o keep_v we_o from_o wander_v out_o of_o the_o way_n they_o be_v sharp_a salve_n to_o draw_v out_o our_o secret_a corruption_n and_o bitter_a potion_n to_o cure_v our_o desperate_a disease_n they_o be_v that_o wormwood_n whereby_o the_o lord_n wean_v we_o from_o the_o love_n of_o the_o world_n who_o please_a delight_n we_o will_v ever_o suck_v without_o weariness_n if_o our_o mouth_n be_v not_o distaste_v with_o some_o affliction_n they_o be_v rod_n wherewith_o be_v scourge_v we_o be_v make_v more_o circumspect_a in_o our_o way_n and_o more_o careful_a to_o perform_v obedience_n unto_o all_o the_o commandment_n of_o our_o heavenly_a father_n in_o a_o word_n they_o be_v the_o straight_a path_n which_o lead_v to_o everlasting_a happiness_n and_o a_o bridle_n to_o restrain_v we_o from_o run_v headlong_o in_o the_o broad_a way_n which_o lead_v to_o endless_a woe_n and_o misery_n and_o therefore_o see_v our_o momentany_a affliction_n do_v serve_v for_o the_o manifest_v of_o god_n glory_n for_o the_o increase_n of_o spiritual_a grace_n and_o the_o further_a of_o our_o eternal_a salvation_n let_v not_o satan_n persuade_v we_o that_o we_o be_v out_o of_o god_n love_n and_o favour_n because_o of_o our_o affliction_n but_o rather_o let_v we_o repute_v they_o as_o they_o be_v indeed_o sign_n of_o his_o gracious_a providence_n and_o fatherly_a care_n which_o he_o have_v over_o us._n §_o sect._n 3_o but_o here_o the_o tempter_n will_v object_v that_o this_o i_o speak_v be_v true_a of_o the_o outward_a affliction_n of_o the_o body_n affliction_n satan_n temptation_n ground_v upon_o our_o spiritual_a affliction_n for_o thereby_o the_o flesh_n be_v mortify_v and_o subdue_v and_o the_o spiritual_a grace_n of_o god_n spirit_n exercise_v and_o increase_v in_o we_o but_o thy_o affliction_n will_v he_o say_v be_v far_o different_a for_o thy_o soul_n be_v fill_v with_o horror_n and_o fear_n thy_o conscience_n be_v mortal_o sting_v with_o sin_n and_o the_o weight_n thereof_o overwhelm_v thou_o thou_o see_v thyself_o subject_a to_o the_o curse_n of_o the_o law_n and_o be_v already_o torment_v with_o the_o pain_n of_o hell_n thy_o god_n who_o look_v upon_o his_o child_n with_o a_o amiable_a countenance_n frown_v upon_o thou_o like_o a_o severe_a judge_n and_o thou_o taste_v of_o nothing_o but_o of_o his_o heavy_a wrath_n and_o displeasure_n in_o a_o word_n thou_o have_v not_o one_o spark_n of_o true_a consolation_n wrought_v in_o thou_o by_o god_n spirit_n with_o which_o those_o that_o be_v god_n child_n be_v full_o replenish_v and_o whereby_o they_o be_v encourage_v patient_o to_o abide_v all_o affliction_n but_o thy_o inward_a vexation_n be_v the_o torment_n of_o a_o evil_a conscience_n and_o the_o flashing_n of_o hell_n fire_n wherewith_o hereafter_o thou_o shall_v eternal_o be_v burn_v to_o this_o temptation_n we_o must_v answer_v that_o it_o can_v be_v deny_v but_o that_o the_o affliction_n of_o the_o mind_n be_v far_o more_o grievous_a than_o the_o affliction_n of_o the_o body_n hatred_n that_o our_o spiritual_a affliction_n be_v no_o sign_n of_o god_n hatred_n and_o that_o the_o torment_n of_o conscience_n cause_v by_o the_o weight_n of_o sin_n and_o the_o apprehension_n of_o god_n fearful_a wrath_n be_v as_o it_o be_v god_n three-stringed_n whip_n in_o respect_n of_o the_o gentle_a rod_n of_o outward_a affliction_n for_o a_o sorrowful_a mind_n dry_v up_o the_o bone_n 18.14_o pro._n 17.12_o pro._n 18.14_o as_o it_o be_v pro._n 17.12_o and_o the_o spirit_n of_o a_o man_n may_v sustain_v his_o other_o infirmity_n but_o a_o wound_a spirit_n who_o can_v bear_v as_o the_o wise_a man_n speak_v prou._n 18.14_o nevertheless_o though_o these_o correction_n be_v more_o sharp_a and_o grievous_a than_o the_o outward_a affliction_n of_o the_o body_n yet_o it_o can_v be_v deny_v but_o that_o these_o also_o be_v the_o chastisement_n which_o our_o heavenly_a father_n inflict_v upon_o his_o child_n sometime_o for_o his_o own_o glory_n and_o sometime_o for_o their_o trial_n or_o chastisement_n when_o more_o light_a correction_n will_v not_o reclaim_v they_o for_o first_o those_o place_n of_o scripture_n before_o quote_v be_v speak_v general_o of_o all_o affliction_n whatsoever_o and_o therefore_o be_v not_o to_o be_v restrain_v to_o the_o outward_a affliction_n of_o the_o body_n see_v they_o extend_v themselves_o also_o to_o the_o affliction_n of_o the_o mind_n neither_o do_v our_o heavenly_a father_n correct_v all_o alike_o but_o some_o he_o rebuke_v only_o by_o his_o word_n and_o go_v no_o further_a when_o as_o this_o reclaim_v they_o but_o if_o this_o will_v not_o prevail_v he_o go_v a_o step_n further_o and_o chastize_v they_o with_o gentle_a correction_n as_o with_o outward_a cross_n and_o affliction_n but_o if_o this_o will_v not_o reform_v they_o he_o take_v his_o whip_n into_o his_o hand_n wherewith_o he_o grievous_o scourge_v they_o to_o the_o end_n they_o may_v more_o sensible_o taste_v of_o his_o displeasure_n and_o amend_v that_o which_o be_v amiss_o and_o this_o he_o do_v by_o make_v they_o feel_v the_o weight_n of_o sin_n 12.6_o reu._n 3.19_o heb._n 12.6_o and_o appehend_v his_o wrath_n and_o heavy_a displeasure_n which_o by_o their_o sin_n they_o have_v just_o incur_v and_o yet_o notwithstanding_o all_o this_o he_o still_o remain_v their_o gracious_a father_n who_o seek_v not_o their_o destruction_n but_o their_o reformation_n neither_o need_v this_o deal_n of_o our_o heavenly_a father_n seem_v strange_a unto_o we_o see_v earthly_a parent_n take_v the_o same_o course_n with_o their_o child_n who_o they_o tender_o love_v for_o when_o they_o offen_n they_o they_o first_o seek_v their_o amendment_n by_o word_n and_o fatherly_a admonition_n and_o when_o this_o will_v do_v no_o good_a they_o proceed_v to_o blow_n and_o in_o a_o gentle_a manner_n do_v correct_v they_o and_o if_o this_o prevail_v not_o with_o they_o than_o they_o use_v more_o sharp_a and_o severe_a chastisement_n but_o if_o all_o this_o be_v to_o no_o purpose_n then_o will_v they_o disguise_v their_o fatherly_a affection_n under_o the_o vizard_n of_o wrath_n and_o heavy_a displeasure_n they_o banish_v out_o of_o their_o countenance_n all_o sign_n of_o love_n and_o assume_v terrible_a look_n and_o bitter_a frown_n yea_o they_o will_v sometime_o thrust_v they_o out_o of_o door_n and_o reject_v they_o a_o while_n leave_v they_o to_o shift_v for_o themselves_o and_o to_o endure_v all_o misery_n and_o whence_o proceed_v all_o this_o sure_o not_o from_o hatred_n but_o from_o love_n and_o tender_a care_n which_o they_o have_v over_o they_o for_o their_o good_a and_o this_o make_v they_o use_v the_o bridle_n of_o correction_n to_o restrain_v they_o from_o run_v into_o all_o licentiousness_n this_o cause_v they_o to_o pretend_v wrath_n in_o the_o countenance_n that_o they_o be_v not_o by_o their_o lewdness_n force_v to_o entertain_v it_o into_o their_o heart_n this_o move_v they_o to_o reject_v they_o for_o a_o time_n that_o they_o may_v reclaim_v and_o retain_v they_o for_o ever_o neither_o do_v our_o heavenly_a father_n who_o be_v infinite_a in_o love_n deal_v otherwise_o with_o his_o disobedient_a child_n he_o use_v but_o his_o word_n if_o his_o word_n will_v suffice_v he_o go_v no_o further_a than_o gentle_a chastisement_n if_o that_o be_v enough_o but_o if_o he_o sharp_o scourge_v we_o yea_o if_o he_o look_v upon_o we_o with_o a_o frown_a countenance_n and_o show_v nothing_o in_o outward_a appearance_n but_o his_o wrath_n and_o heavy_a displeasure_n if_o he_o seem_v to_o reject_v we_o for_o a_o time_n and_o to_o give_v we_o over_o to_o be_v torment_v by_o satan_n yet_o undoubted_o all_o this_o proceed_v from_o his_o love_n and_o that_o fatherly_a care_n he_o have_v over_o we_o for_o our_o everlasting_a good_a and_o salvation_n he_o seek_v not_o our_o destruction_n but_o amendment_n he_o frown_v on_o we_o for_o a_o time_n that_o he_o may_v look_v gracious_o on_o we_o for_o ever_o he_o seem_v to_o reject_v we_o for_o a_o while_n that_o like_o the_o prodigal_a
than_o the_o which_o there_o can_v be_v no_o better_a assurance_n of_o perform_v promise_n and_o 2._o king_n 14.14_o 14.14_o 2._o king_n 14.14_o it_o signify_v a_o hostage_n give_v in_o war_n which_o be_v give_v for_o assurance_n to_o confirm_v covenant_n agree_v upon_o whereas_o therefore_o god_n spirit_n in_o the_o faithful_a be_v call_v arrhabo_fw-la which_o signify_v a_o earnest_a pawn_n and_o hostage_n we_o be_v hereby_o assure_v that_o the_o lord_n will_v perform_v his_o covenant_n between_o we_o and_o he_o that_o he_o will_v not_o miss_v a_o day_n in_o the_o perform_n of_o his_o promise_n that_o howsoever_o we_o be_v enemy_n yet_o now_o be_v reconcile_v by_o the_o death_n of_o his_o son_n he_o have_v give_v we_o a_o hostage_n to_o assure_v we_o of_o eternal_a peace_n even_o his_o holy_a spirit_n and_o therefore_o let_v not_o satan_n nor_o all_o his_o assistant_n cause_v we_o to_o doubt_v of_o god_n covenant_n wherein_o he_o have_v assure_v we_o of_o our_o election_n adoption_n and_o salvation_n see_v he_o have_v seal_v this_o covenant_n with_o his_o spirit_n and_o have_v give_v unto_o we_o this_o earnest_n and_o pawn_n to_o assure_v we_o that_o he_o will_v perform_v his_o promise_n and_o bargain_n §_o sect._n 4_o but_o here_o the_o tempter_n object_v thereof_o that_o we_o may_v discern_v god_n spirit_n by_o the_o effect_n thereof_o that_o we_o can_v know_v and_o discern_v whether_o we_o have_v the_o spirit_n of_o god_n unless_o it_o shall_v bring_v forth_o in_o we_o some_o extraordinary_a effect_n and_o though_o it_o shall_v be_v grant_v that_o we_o be_v endue_v therewith_o yet_o we_o can_v discern_v the_o testimony_n thereof_o from_o our_o own_o thought_n unless_o it_o be_v by_o some_o special_a revelation_n to_o the_o first_o i_o answer_v that_o though_o many_o lull_v asleep_a with_o carnal_a security_n do_v vain_o dream_v that_o they_o have_v god_n spirit_n and_o so_o be_v delude_v with_o their_o own_o fantasy_n yet_o this_o hinder_v not_o but_o that_o he_o who_o have_v the_o spirit_n of_o god_n indeed_o may_v certain_o be_v assure_v that_o it_o dwell_v in_o he_o for_o it_o seal_v in_o we_o the_o assurance_n of_o god_n covenant_n 1.22_o 2._o cor._n 1.22_o and_o who_o can_v receive_v this_o seal_n and_o not_o feel_v the_o impression_n it_o be_v a_o earnest_n and_o who_o receive_v a_o earnest_n can_v know_v whether_o he_o have_v receive_v it_o for_o otherwise_o how_o can_v it_o assure_v we_o of_o our_o bargain_n if_o of_o itself_o we_o have_v no_o assurance_n it_o be_v a_o pawn_n of_o god_n love_n and_o our_o salvation_n and_o who_o have_v a_o pawn_n in_o his_o custody_n can_v know_v that_o he_o possess_v it_o it_o be_v a_o heavenly_a light_n which_o do_v illuminate_v our_o understanding_n 1.17.18_o eph._n 1.17.18_o which_o be_v blind_a and_o ignorant_a in_o the_o knowledge_n of_o god_n truth_n and_o who_o can_v discern_v between_o blindness_n and_o sight_n light_n and_o darkness_n it_o be_v a_o water_n which_o purge_v we_o from_o our_o corruption_n 16.9_o esa_n 44.3_o ezech._n 16.9_o and_o who_o that_o be_v thus_o wash_v and_o cleanse_v can_v doubt_v that_o this_o water_n have_v touch_v he_o 2.3_o matth._n 3.11_o act._n 2.3_o it_o be_v a_o sire_n which_o inflame_v our_o cold_a freeze_a heart_n with_o a_o zeal_n of_o god_n glory_n and_o love_n of_o our_o brethren_n and_o how_o can_v fire_v which_o be_v carry_v in_o our_o breast_n be_v hide_v from_o we_o 2.20.27_o 1._o joh._n 2.20.27_o it_o be_v a_o precious_a oil_n which_o mollifi_v our_o hard_a stony_a heart_n and_o make_v they_o flexible_a and_o pliable_a able_a to_o god_n will_v which_o before_o be_v so_o stiff_a and_o obdurate_a that_o they_o will_v rather_o have_v break_v then_o bow_v to_o obedience_n it_o supple_v also_o our_o stiff_a joint_n and_o make_v they_o active_a and_o nimble_a in_o the_o work_n of_o holiness_n and_o righteousness_n and_o who_o find_v those_o strange_a alteration_n in_o himself_o may_v not_o be_v assure_v that_o he_o be_v anoint_v with_o this_o oil_n it_o be_v the_o lord_n champion_n fight_v in_o we_o against_o the_o flesh_n 5.17_o gal._n 5.17_o and_o subdue_a the_o lust_n thereof_o and_o who_o feeling_n this_o intestine_a war_n in_o his_o own_o bowel_n can_v doubt_v that_o the_o combatant_n have_v their_o residence_n in_o he_o in_o a_o word_n it_o be_v only_o this_o spirit_n which_o restrain_v we_o from_o the_o evil_a which_o natural_o we_o love_v and_o provoke_v we_o to_o embrace_v that_o good_a which_o through_o natural_a corruption_n we_o loathe_v and_o abhor_v if_o therefore_o sin_n grow_v unpleasant_a unto_o we_o and_o virtue_n and_o true_a godliness_n delightful_a we_o may_v be_v assure_v that_o this_o be_v the_o work_n of_o god_n spirit_n dwell_v in_o us._n will_v we_o then_o be_v assure_v that_o we_o be_v endue_v with_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n why_o then_o let_v we_o consider_v if_o our_o eye_n blind_v with_o ignorance_n be_v enlighten_v in_o any_o good_a measure_n with_o the_o knowledge_n of_o god_n truth_n if_o our_o soul_n pollute_v with_o the_o filth_n of_o sin_n be_v purge_v in_o some_o sort_n from_o our_o corruption_n if_o our_o cold_a heart_n be_v inflame_v with_o the_o zeal_n of_o god_n glory_n and_o the_o love_n of_o our_o brethren_n if_o our_o heart_n more_o hard_a than_o adamant_n and_o more_o inflexible_a than_o steel_n be_v soften_v and_o make_v obsequious_a to_o god_n will_n and_o if_o the_o other_o member_n of_o our_o body_n which_o be_v benumb_v and_o as_o it_o be_v take_v with_o a_o dead_a palsy_n be_v make_v nimble_a and_o active_a in_o the_o work_n of_o holiness_n and_o righteousness_n if_o we_o feel_v a_o fight_n and_o combat_n between_o the_o flesh_n and_o the_o spirit_n the_o one_o strive_v to_o lead_v we_o captive_a unto_o sin_n the_o other_o resist_v and_o draw_v we_o out_o of_o this_o captivity_n if_o the_o sin_n which_o heretofore_o we_o have_v love_v be_v now_o loathsome_a unto_o we_o and_o the_o virtue_n which_o we_o have_v abhor_v be_v delightful_a and_o pleasant_a and_o then_o we_o may_v assure_v ourselves_o that_o it_o be_v the_o light_n of_o god_n spirit_n which_o have_v shine_v upon_o we_o it_o be_v this_o heavenly_a water_n which_o have_v wash_v we_o it_o be_v this_o divine_a fire_n which_o have_v inflame_v we_o it_o be_v this_o precious_a oil_n that_o have_v mollify_v and_o foftn_v we_o it_o be_v this_o champion_n of_o the_o lord_n of_o host_n which_o make_v war_n against_o our_o traitorous_a flesh_n and_o subdue_v the_o lust_n thereof_o in_o a_o word_n it_o can_v be_v nothing_o but_o god_n spirit_n which_o make_v we_o hate_v that_o sin_n which_o natural_o we_o so_o dear_o love_n and_o to_o love_v virtue_n and_o godliness_n which_o by_o nature_n be_v loathsome_a and_o bitter_a unto_o us._n §_o sect._n 5_o and_o thus_o it_o be_v manifest_a that_o we_o may_v be_v assure_v that_o we_o have_v god_n spirit_n by_o the_o ordinary_a fruit_n thereof_o in_o every_o faithful_a man_n now_o let_v we_o consider_v how_o we_o may_v know_v the_o testimony_n of_o god_n spirit_n witness_v in_o our_o heart_n that_o we_o be_v elect_v adopt_v and_o shall_v be_v save_v 3.5_o how_o we_o may_v discern_v the_o testimony_n of_o god_n spirit_n from_o our_o own_o presumption_n 2._o cor._n 3.6_o 1._o cor._n 3.5_o from_o our_o own_o fantasy_n cause_v through_o carnal_a security_n and_o vain_a presumption_n and_o to_o this_o end_n we_o be_v to_o know_v that_o the_o preach_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v the_o ministry_n of_o the_o spirit_n whereby_o we_o be_v seal_v and_o confirm_v in_o the_o assurance_n of_o our_o salvation_n as_o appear_v 2._o cor._n 3.6_o and_o hence_o it_o be_v that_o the_o preacher_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v call_v the_o minister_n by_o who_o the_o people_n believe_v 1._o cor._n 3.5_o and_o the_o word_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v call_v by_o our_o saviour_n christ_n spirit_n and_o life_n because_o it_o be_v the_o ministry_n of_o the_o spirit_n which_o quicken_v we_o as_o it_o be_v joh._n 6.63_o and_o gal._n 3.2_o 3.2_o joh._n 6.63_o gal._n 3.2_o the_o apostle_n say_v that_o we_o have_v receive_v the_o spirit_n by_o the_o hear_n of_o faith_n that_o be_v the_o doctrine_n of_o faith_n preach_v in_o the_o ministry_n of_o the_o gospel_n if_o therefore_o the_o testimony_n of_o salvation_n in_o the_o mind_n of_o the_o faithful_a be_v conceive_v by_o the_o preach_n of_o the_o gospel_n apply_v unto_o they_o by_o faith_n then_o be_v it_o most_o certain_o the_o testimony_n of_o god_n spirit_n for_o the_o inward_a testimony_n of_o god_n spirit_n be_v not_o different_a from_o the_o outward_a testimony_n of_o the_o word_n but_o if_o this_o persuasion_n be_v not_o ground_v upon_o god_n word_n as_o they_o be_v not_o who_o persuade_v themselves_o that_o they_o be_v elect_v adopt_a
ephes_n 4.14_o therefore_o without_o holiness_n there_o be_v no_o assurance_n that_o we_o be_v elect_v see_v he_o have_v swear_v that_o all_o those_o who_o he_o have_v redeem_v and_o save_v out_o of_o the_o hand_n of_o their_o spiritual_a enemy_n hell_n death_n and_o the_o devil_n 75._o luk._n 1.74_o 75._o shall_v worship_v he_o in_o holiness_n and_o righteousness_n all_o the_o day_n of_o their_o life_n what_o hope_v of_o redemption_n and_o salvation_n can_v they_o conceive_v who_o live_v in_o impiety_n and_o unrighteousness_n see_v by_o god_n oath_n they_o be_v exclude_v from_o both_o while_o they_o continue_v in_o this_o state_n chap._n x._o of_o the_o sign_n and_o infallible_a note_n of_o our_o election_n §_o sect._n 1_o and_o thus_o have_v i_o set_v down_o the_o mean_n whereby_o we_o may_v be_v assure_v of_o our_o election_n salvation_n the_o first_o sign_n a_o earnest_a desire_n after_o the_o mean_n of_o our_o salvation_n now_o let_v we_o consider_v of_o some_o special_a sign_n which_o be_v infallible_a note_n of_o those_o that_o be_v elect_v the_o first_o sign_n be_v a_o earnest_a desire_n after_o the_o mean_n of_o our_o salvation_n and_o a_o conscionable_a endeavour_n in_o use_v they_o after_o we_o enjoy_v they_o for_o the_o end_n and_o the_o mean_n be_v never_o separate_v in_o god_n decree_n and_o therefore_o those_o that_o careful_o use_v the_o mean_n may_v be_v assure_v that_o they_o shall_v attain_v unto_o the_o end_n for_o example_n the_o hear_n of_o god_n word_n be_v the_o chief_a mean_n of_o our_o conversion_n be_v make_v effectual_a by_o the_o inward_a operation_n of_o god_n spirit_n and_o as_o thereby_o we_o be_v beget_v unto_o god_n so_o also_o it_o be_v that_o bread_n of_o life_n wherewith_o our_o soul_n be_v nourish_v and_o strengthen_v in_o all_o spiritual_a grace_n so_o that_o whosoever_o god_n have_v elect_v those_o he_o have_v decree_v to_o call_v ordinary_o by_o these_o mean_n and_o by_o the_o same_o also_o to_o furnish_v with_o his_o grace_n be_v call_v whosoever_o therefore_o labour_v to_o purchase_v this_o precious_a pearl_n whosoever_o hunger_n after_o this_o heavenly_a manna_n and_o be_v content_a to_o enjoy_v it_o not_o only_a when_o it_o be_v good_a cheap_a but_o also_o when_o it_o be_v very_o chargeable_a whosoever_o enjoy_v it_o do_v attentive_o and_o diligent_o hear_v it_o and_o receive_v it_o with_o delight_n they_o use_v the_o mean_n of_o their_o salvation_n and_o therefore_o may_v be_v assure_v that_o they_o be_v elect_v for_o the_o mean_n &_o the_o end_n go_v together_o and_o that_o this_o be_v a_o note_n of_o god_n child_n it_o appear_v joh._n 10.3_o 4._o where_o our_o saviour_n say_v that_o his_o sheep_n hear_v his_o voice_n 10.3.4_o joh._n 10.3.4_o and_o matth._n 13.45_o he_o compare_v the_o true_a member_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o grace_n to_o a_o merchant_n 13.45_o matth._n 13.45_o who_o rather_o than_o he_o will_v want_v the_o precious_a pearl_n of_o god_n word_n sell_v all_o he_o have_v to_o buy_v it_o those_o therefore_o who_o make_v this_o precious_a account_n of_o god_n word_n and_o careful_o diligent_o and_o attentive_o hear_v it_o when_o they_o enjoy_v it_o may_v to_o their_o comfort_n assure_v themselves_o that_o they_o have_v a_o undoubted_a sign_n of_o their_o election_n and_o on_o the_o other_o side_n those_o who_o have_v rather_o be_v without_o it_o than_o enjoy_v it_o those_o who_o will_v bestow_v no_o cost_n to_o obtain_v it_o nor_o forgo_v any_o pleasure_n or_o commodity_n that_o they_o may_v hear_v it_o nor_o when_o they_o do_v hear_v it_o be_v affect_v with_o any_o delight_n but_o be_v glut_v with_o loathe_v satietic_n hear_v no_o part_n of_o the_o sermon_n with_o any_o pleasure_n but_o the_o conclusion_n only_o they_o can_v have_v no_o assurance_n of_o their_o election_n because_o they_o neglect_v the_o mean_n of_o their_o salvation_n which_o be_v join_v with_o the_o end_n in_o god_n eternal_a decree_n the_o like_a also_o may_v be_v say_v of_o other_o mean_n as_o the_o receive_n of_o the_o sacrament_n meditate_v in_o god_n word_n the_o work_n of_o holiness_n and_o righteousness_n and_o the_o rest_n §_o sect._n 2_o the_o second_o sign_n of_o those_o that_o be_v elect_v supplication_n the_o second_o sign_n the_o spirit_n of_o supplication_n be_v the_o spirit_n of_o supplication_n when_o as_o they_o can_v pour_v forth_o their_o soul_n in_o fervent_a and_o effectual_a prayer_n unto_o the_o lord_n confess_v their_o sin_n and_o implore_v his_o grace_n and_o mercy_n for_o this_o be_v a_o notable_a fruit_n of_o god_n spirit_n work_v in_o we_o which_o we_o can_v by_o any_o natural_a mean_n attain_v unto_o for_o of_o ourselves_o we_o know_v not_o what_o to_o pray_v as_o we_o ought_v 8.26_o rom._n 8.26_o but_o the_o spirit_n help_v our_o infirmity_n and_o make_v request_n for_o we_o with_o sigh_n which_o can_v be_v express_v as_o it_o be_v rom._n 8.26_o prayer_n therefore_o be_v a_o most_o inseparable_a fruit_n and_o undoubted_a sign_n of_o god_n spirit_n and_o god_n spirit_n certain_o assure_v we_o of_o our_o election_n and_o adoption_n for_o it_o bear_v witness_v with_o our_o spirit_n that_o we_o be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n 16._o verse_n 16._o as_o it_o be_v vers_n 16._o so_o rom._n 10.13_o it_o be_v say_v 10.13_o rom._n 10.13_o that_o whosoever_o call_v upon_o the_o name_n of_o the_o lord_n shall_v be_v save_v but_o this_o prayer_n must_v proceed_v from_o faith_n for_o as_o it_o follow_v how_o shall_v they_o call_v on_o he_o in_o who_o they_o have_v not_o believe_v and_o must_v be_v perform_v in_o spirit_n and_o truth_n and_o not_o with_o deceitful_a lip_n for_o it_o be_v to_o no_o purpose_n to_o draw_v near_o unto_o god_n with_o our_o mouth_n 29.13_o esa_n 29.13_o if_o our_o heart_n be_v far_o from_o he_o esa_n 29.13_o §_o sect._n 3_o the_o three_o sign_n of_o those_o who_o be_v elect_v and_o adopt_v to_o be_v the_o child_n of_o god_n thing_n the_o three_o sign_n be_v when_o we_o be_v wean_v from_o the_o love_n of_o the_o world_n and_o mind_n heavenly_a thing_n be_v when_o as_o their_o heart_n be_v somewhat_o wean_v from_o the_o world_n and_o seat_v in_o heaven_n mind_v the_o thing_n that_o be_v above_o and_o when_o their_o tongue_n be_v set_v a_o work_n by_o the_o heart_n do_v glad_o entertain_v godly_a and_o religious_a conference_n for_o there_o as_o the_o treasure_n be_v there_o will_v the_o heart_n be_v also_o and_o with_o whatsoever_o the_o heart_n be_v affect_v the_o tongue_n be_v delight_v now_o that_o these_o holy_a meditation_n and_o religious_a discourse_n be_v sign_n of_o the_o child_n of_o god_n hereby_o it_o plain_o appear_v in_o that_o they_o can_v possible_o proceed_v from_o our_o corrupt_a nature_n to_o which_o they_o be_v irksome_a and_o tedious_a but_o from_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n dwell_v in_o we_o and_o guide_v and_o direct_v we_o in_o our_o thought_n and_o word_n and_o whosoever_o be_v thus_o lead_v with_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n they_o be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n as_o it_o be_v rom._n 8.14_o 8.14_o rom._n 8.14_o he_o that_o be_v right_a heir_n to_o a_o royal_a kingdom_n and_o not_o yet_o possess_v thereof_o be_v never_o weary_a of_o think_v on_o it_o nor_o glut_v with_o such_o discourse_n as_o tend_v to_o the_o extol_v the_o riches_n and_o glory_n which_o there_o attend_v he_o or_o show_v the_o mean_n whereby_o he_o may_v be_v assure_v to_o come_v into_o speedy_a and_o peaceable_a possession_n of_o his_o right_n and_o so_o those_o who_o be_v elect_v by_o god_n and_o adopt_v to_o be_v the_o heir_n of_o his_o everlasting_a kingdom_n of_o glory_n be_v never_o satisfy_v in_o meditate_v and_o speak_v of_o the_o riches_n and_o joy_n of_o this_o heavenly_a inheritance_n or_o of_o the_o mean_n whereby_o they_o may_v be_v assure_v undoubted_o to_o obtain_v it_o whereas_o those_o who_o have_v no_o such_o interest_n nor_o hope_n think_v and_o talk_v of_o these_o thing_n with_o loathsome_a weariness_n as_o be_v matter_n not_o concern_v they_o and_o therefore_o when_o such_o thought_n come_v into_o their_o mind_n they_o vanish_v as_o sudden_o as_o a_o flash_n of_o lightning_n and_o when_o they_o be_v present_a at_o any_o spiritual_a discourse_n the_o time_n seem_v long_o and_o they_o sit_v upon_o thorn_n until_o they_o be_v end_v and_o they_o remain_v dumb_a as_o though_o they_o be_v tongue-tied_a unless_o they_o take_v occasion_n to_o interrupt_v such_o holy_a conference_n and_o to_o divert_v they_o to_o some_o worldly_a affair_n §_o sect._n 4_o the_o four_o sign_n of_o the_o child_n of_o god_n who_o be_v elect_v to_o salvation_n it_o the_o four_o sign_n be_v the_o sight_n of_o sin_n and_o sorrow_n for_o it_o be_v when_o he_o see_v his_o sin_n and_o imperfection_n and_o true_o repent_v of_o they_o that_o be_v bewail_v those_o
which_o be_v past_a and_o endevour_v to_o forsake_v they_o in_o the_o time_n to_o come_v for_o natural_o we_o be_v blind_a and_o yet_o do_v not_o perceive_v our_o blindness_n we_o be_v most_o sinful_a and_o miserable_a and_o yet_o do_v not_o see_v our_o sin_n and_o misery_n but_o with_o the_o proud_a pharisee_n and_o justiciary_a papist_n we_o think_v ourselves_o righteous_a and_o with_o the_o church_n of_o the_o laodicean_n we_o imagine_v that_o we_o be_v rich_a and_o have_v need_n of_o nothing_o not_o know_v that_o we_o be_v wretched_a miserable_a 3.17_o revel_v 3.17_o pour-blind_a and_o naked_a until_o it_o please_v the_o lord_n to_o anoint_v our_o eye_n with_o the_o eye-salue_n of_o his_o spirit_n whereby_o we_o be_v enable_v to_o discern_v the_o pure_a gold_n of_o christ_n merit_n which_o only_o make_v rich_a from_o the_o dross_n of_o our_o own_o work_n and_o the_o white_a raiment_n of_o christ_n obedience_n from_o the_o pollute_a rag_n of_o our_o own_o righteousness_n and_o though_o we_o see_v our_o sin_n yet_o natural_o we_o be_v not_o sorry_a for_o they_o nay_o we_o delight_v ourselves_o with_o their_o remembrance_n or_o if_o we_o sustain_v any_o grief_n it_o be_v not_o for_o the_o sin_n but_o for_o the_o punishment_n which_o either_o we_o feel_v present_o inflict_v or_o fear_v as_o be_v hereafter_o threaten_v until_o it_o please_v the_o lord_n to_o adopt_v we_o for_o his_o son_n and_o to_o give_v we_o the_o spirit_n of_o adoption_n which_o move_v we_o to_o grieve_v and_o sorrow_n for_o our_o sin_n not_o so_o much_o for_o fear_n of_o punishment_n as_o for_o sonlike_a affection_n because_o by_o our_o sin_n we_o have_v dishonour_v and_o displease_v our_o gracious_a and_o love_a father_n and_o because_o we_o can_v whole_o mortify_v they_o so_o long_o as_o we_o continue_v in_o this_o life_n we_o lamentable_o cry_v out_o with_o paul_n wretched_a man_n that_o i_o be_o who_o shall_v deliver_v i_o from_o this_o body_n of_o death_n and_o because_o we_o know_v that_o we_o shall_v be_v never_o free_v from_o it_o altogether_o so_o long_o as_o we_o live_v we_o wish_v earnest_o with_o the_o apostle_n that_o we_o may_v be_v speedy_o dissolve_v be_v content_v to_o part_n with_o our_o life_n because_o we_o can_v not_o otherwise_o part_n with_o our_o sin_n whosoever_o therefore_o have_v this_o sorrow_n for_o sin_n he_o may_v be_v assure_v of_o his_o election_n and_o salvation_n for_o 7.10_o 2._o cor._n 7.10_o as_o it_o be_v 2._o cor._n 7.10_o this_o godly_a sorrow_n cause_v repentance_n unto_o salvation_n not_o to_o be_v repent_v of_o whereas_o worldly_a sorrow_n cause_v death_n and_o all_o the_o promise_n of_o life_n and_o eternal_a happiness_n be_v make_v only_o to_o such_o repentant_a sinner_n and_o to_o they_o only_o they_o appertain_v and_o as_o god_n child_n be_v grieve_v for_o their_o sin_n past_a so_o do_v they_o hate_v and_o detest_v they_o as_o in_o all_o other_o so_o especial_o in_o themselves_o which_o hatred_n cause_v they_o to_o flee_v from_o they_o and_o avoid_v all_o occasion_n which_o may_v cause_v they_o to_o fall_v into_o the_o like_a wickedness_n strive_v and_o endeavour_v to_o mortify_v their_o lust_n and_o evil_a concupiscence_n and_o to_o lead_v their_o life_n in_o holiness_n and_o righteousness_n because_o herewith_o their_o heavenly_a father_n be_v well_o please_v whereas_o the_o wicked_a man_n if_o he_o be_v not_o restrain_v with_o a_o servile_a fear_n of_o god_n judgement_n or_o of_o temporary_a punishment_n go_v on_o in_o his_o sin_n with_o pleasure_n and_o delight_n add_v drunkenness_n unto_o thirst_n and_o draw_v iniquity_n unto_o he_o with_o the_o cord_n of_o vanity_n whosoever_o therefore_o have_v this_o sonlike_a care_n and_o holy_a endeavour_n of_o forsake_v their_o sin_n and_o betake_v themselves_o to_o serve_v the_o lord_n in_o the_o duty_n of_o holiness_n and_o righteousness_n they_o may_v be_v assure_v that_o they_o be_v elect_v and_o adopt_v to_o be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n but_o those_o who_o have_v no_o such_o purpose_n can_v never_o have_v this_o assurance_n for_o if_o they_o be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n they_o will_v be_v affect_v like_o love_a child_n to_o such_o a_o gracious_a father_n §_o sect._n 5_o the_o five_o sign_n of_o the_o child_n of_o god_n elect_v to_o salvation_n 21.6_o the_o five_o signo_fw-la be_v a_o hunger_a desire_n after_o christ_n righteousness_n joh._n 7.37_o revel_v 21.6_o be_v when_o as_o feel_n his_o own_o misery_n and_o wretchedness_n he_o earnest_o desire_v and_o even_o as_o it_o be_v hunger_v and_o thirst_v after_o christ_n righteousness_n look_v for_o life_n and_o salvation_n in_o he_o alone_o for_o such_o as_o these_o our_o saviour_n christ_n call_v unto_o he_o joh._n 7.37_o if_o any_o man_n thirst_n let_v he_o come_v unto_o i_o and_o drink_n and_o to_o such_o he_o promise_v everlasting_a happiness_n revel_v 21.6_o i_o will_v give_v to_o he_o that_o be_v a_o thirst_n of_o the_o well_o of_o the_o water_n of_o life_n free_o of_o which_o whosoever_o drink_v shall_v never_o be_v more_o a_o thirst_n 4._o joh._n 4._o but_o it_o shall_v be_v in_o he_o a_o well_o of_o water_n spring_v up_o unto_o everlasting_a life_n and_o to_o this_o we_o may_v add_v also_o a_o high_a and_o incomparable_a estimation_n of_o christ_n and_o his_o righteousness_n after_o that_o we_o be_v assure_v of_o they_o whereby_o we_o prize_v and_o value_v they_o so_o much_o above_o all_o worldly_a thing_n that_o with_o paul_n we_o esteem_v they_o all_o but_o dross_n and_o dung_n in_o respect_n of_o gain_v christ_n 3.8_o phil._n 3.8_o phil._n 3.8_o and_o be_v content_v not_o only_o with_o the_o merchant_n to_o sell_v all_o we_o have_v that_o we_o may_v buy_v these_o precious_a pearl_n but_o also_o to_o suffer_v tribulation_n anguish_n persecution_n famine_n nakedness_n peril_n sword_n yea_o death_n itself_o 8.35_o rom._n 8.35_o rather_o than_o we_o will_v be_v separate_v from_o the_o love_n of_o christ_n as_o the_o apostle_n speak_v rom._n 8.35_o §_o sect._n 6_o the_o sixth_o sign_n of_o the_o child_n of_o god_n spirit_n the_o sixth_o sign_n be_v the_o inward_a fight_n between_o the_o flesh_n and_o the_o spirit_n be_v the_o inward_a combat_n which_o they_o feel_v between_o the_o flesh_n and_o the_o spirit_n whereby_o on_o the_o one_o side_n they_o be_v draw_v unto_o sin_n and_o on_o the_o other_o side_n incite_v unto_o holy_a obedience_n now_o delight_v in_o the_o law_n of_o god_n and_o yet_o soon_o after_o lead_v captive_a unto_o sin_n one_o while_o row_v against_o the_o tide_n of_o their_o carnal_a affection_n and_o another_o while_o carry_v violent_o down_o the_o stream_n by_o reason_n of_o their_o weakness_n and_o the_o strength_n of_o their_o inbred_a corruption_n for_o natural_o we_o go_v all_o one_o way_n without_o any_o stop_n opposition_n or_o resistance_n even_o the_o broad_a way_n which_o lead_v to_o hell_n and_o destruction_n natural_o we_o serve_v sin_n and_o willing_o subject_v ourselves_o to_o live_v in_o the_o bondage_n of_o our_o spiritual_a enemy_n until_o the_o lord_n do_v with_o his_o holy_a spirit_n renew_v our_o will_n and_o sanctify_v our_o affection_n work_v in_o we_o a_o earnest_a desire_n to_o come_v out_o of_o this_o miserable_a captivity_n that_o we_o may_v attain_v unto_o the_o glorious_a liberty_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n which_o renew_v and_o sanctification_n because_o it_o be_v do_v but_o in_o part_n therefore_o be_v it_o oppose_v by_o the_o contrary_a corruption_n which_o we_o have_v by_o nature_n so_o that_o what_o the_o spirit_n love_v the_o flesh_n hate_v what_o the_o spirit_n embrace_v the_o flesh_n abhor_v what_o the_o spirit_n will_v have_v we_o do_v the_o flesh_n hinder_v and_o enforce_v we_o to_o leave_v undo_v with_o whatsoever_o the_o spirit_n be_v delight_v with_o that_o the_o flesh_n be_v vex_v and_o displease_v and_o this_o spiritual_a fight_n be_v in_o all_o god_n child_n as_o appear_v rom._n 7.23_o gal._n 5.17_o which_o shall_v be_v so_o far_o from_o discourage_v we_o 5.17_o rom._n 7.23_o gal._n 5.17_o that_o nothing_o more_o can_v assure_v we_o of_o our_o election_n for_o natural_o we_o be_v all_o flesh_n whole_o submit_v ourselves_o to_o be_v rule_v by_o satan_n neither_o be_v there_o any_o fight_n or_o opposition_n in_o we_o for_o satan_n kingdom_n be_v not_o divide_v against_o itself_o and_o while_o the_o strong_a man_n whole_o keep_v the_o house_n all_o that_o he_o possess_v be_v in_o peace_n until_o our_o saviour_n christ_n by_o the_o operation_n of_o his_o spirit_n thrust_v he_o out_o of_o his_o possession_n and_o seek_v to_o rule_v in_o we_o by_o the_o sceptre_n of_o his_o word_n and_o then_o the_o devil_n rage_v and_o strive_v to_o keep_v his_o hold_n and_o the_o flesh_n storm_v desire_v still_o to_o serve_v his_o old_a master_n when_o therefore_o we_o feel_v
sin_n that_o press_v it_o down_o fear_v and_o doubt_v the_o spirit_n be_v assure_v of_o everlasting_a happiness_n triumph_v with_o joy_n desire_v nothing_o more_o than_o to_o be_v dissolve_v and_o to_o be_v with_o christ_n the_o flesh_n find_v itself_o guilty_a of_o sin_n and_o in_o this_o respect_n subject_n to_o the_o anger_n of_o god_n and_o condemnation_n fear_v and_o tremble_v to_o think_v upon_o death_n the_o spirit_n conceive_v of_o god_n as_o of_o a_o merciful_a father_n in_o christ_n and_o in_o all_o necessity_n fly_v unto_o he_o by_o hearty_a prayer_n the_o flesh_n conceive_v of_o he_o as_o of_o a_o angry_a and_o severe_a judge_n and_o therefore_o fly_v from_o he_o desire_v rather_o to_o seek_v for_o help_v any_o where_o else_o than_o of_o the_o lord_n so_o that_o the_o christian_n by_o reason_n hereof_o at_o the_o same_o time_n find_v in_o himself_o opposition_n between_o action_n and_o action_n affection_n and_o affection_n for_o at_o the_o same_o instant_n while_o the_o flesh_n have_v in_o it_o the_o conscience_n of_o sin_n and_o sense_n of_o guiltiness_n do_v murmur_n repine_v and_o complain_v upon_o god_n as_o a_o enemy_n which_o be_v ready_a to_o destroy_v we_o the_o spirit_n do_v fly_v unto_o god_n by_o a_o lively_a faith_n and_o commit_v itself_o to_o his_o providence_n will_n and_o protection_n expect_v salvation_n from_o he_o only_o which_o it_o can_v never_o do_v if_o it_o be_v not_o assure_v that_o we_o be_v in_o his_o love_n and_o favour_n and_o in_o this_o the_o christian_n may_v not_o unfit_o be_v compare_v to_o a_o child_n who_o have_v be_v sharp_o correct_v by_o his_o father_n do_v avoid_v his_o presence_n as_o though_o he_o be_v his_o enemy_n but_o if_o at_o the_o same_o time_n some_o sudden_a danger_n affright_v he_o before_o all_o other_o he_o run_v to_o his_o father_n for_o safeguard_n and_o protection_n so_o when_o our_o heavenly_a father_n have_v sharp_o correct_v we_o either_o with_o some_o outward_a or_o inward_a affliction_n we_o flee_v from_o his_o presence_n as_o though_o he_o be_v our_o enemy_n but_o when_o a_o imminent_a danger_n overtake_v we_o and_o we_o be_v in_o peril_n to_o be_v supplant_v with_o sathan_n and_o his_o assistant_n who_o be_v our_o enemy_n in_o deed_n than_o the_o son-like_a affection_n which_o be_v wrought_v in_o our_o heart_n by_o god_n spirit_n do_v move_v we_o to_o run_v unto_o he_o before_o all_o other_o desire_v and_o crave_v his_o aid_n and_o assistance_n and_o thus_o it_o appear_v that_o though_o the_o flesh_n and_o the_o spirit_n be_v mix_v together_o yet_o they_o retain_v their_o own_o nature_n property_n and_o effect_n and_o though_o faith_n which_o be_v a_o grace_n of_o the_o spirit_n be_v mingle_v with_o doubt_v yet_o this_o doubt_v be_v not_o of_o the_o nature_n of_o faith_n which_o in_o itself_o be_v certain_a and_o assure_v nay_o it_o be_v not_o a_o infirmity_n of_o faith_n as_o lameness_n be_v a_o infirmity_n of_o the_o joint_n and_o dimness_n of_o the_o sight_n for_o it_o be_v not_o any_o way_n incident_a to_o the_o nature_n thereof_o and_o therefore_o much_o less_o be_v it_o a_o commendable_a virtue_n of_o faith_n as_o the_o papist_n teach_v but_o it_o be_v a_o fruit_n of_o unbelief_n which_o be_v in_o the_o part_n unregenerate_a and_o be_v oppose_v unto_o faith_n as_o appear_v rom._n 4.20_o and_o consequent_o 4.20_o rom._n 4.20_o though_o faith_n be_v assault_v with_o doubt_v yet_o in_o it_o own_o nature_n it_o may_v and_o do_v remain_v certain_a and_o assure_v §_o sect._n 6_o four_o 2.16_o that_o it_o be_v no_o presumption_n to_o labour_v for_o the_o assurance_n of_o our_o election_n 1._o cor._n 2.16_o they_o object_n that_o it_o be_v rash_a presumption_n and_o proud_a boldness_n for_o any_o man_n to_o search_v into_o the_o mystery_n of_o god_n secret_a counsel_n or_o to_o take_v upon_o he_o peremptory_o to_o determine_v that_o he_o be_v one_o who_o god_n have_v elect_v for_o who_o have_v know_v the_o mind_n of_o the_o lord_n as_o it_o be_v 1._o cor._n 2.16_o i_o answer_v that_o it_o be_v true_a indeed_o whosoever_o pri_v into_o god_n hide_a counsel_n and_o secret_a decree_n of_o predestination_n be_v proud_a and_o presumptuous_a and_o shall_v in_o the_o end_n receive_v the_o punishment_n of_o both_o be_v give_v over_o of_o god_n to_o fall_v into_o many_o error_n and_o in_o the_o end_n utter_a desperation_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v very_o dangerous_a yea_o pernicious_a to_o our_o soul_n if_o we_o labour_v after_o the_o assurance_n of_o our_o election_n by_o use_v these_o mean_n and_o judge_v of_o god_n decree_n according_a to_o the_o conceit_n of_o our_o own_o reason_n &_o doubtful_a speculation_n but_o yet_o though_o the_o will_n of_o god_n be_v in_o itself_o secret_a and_o not_o to_o be_v search_v into_o this_o must_v not_o hinder_v we_o from_o look_v into_o his_o will_n reveal_v though_o we_o can_v gather_v no_o certainty_n of_o our_o election_n by_o search_v into_o his_o secret_a decree_n yet_o this_o be_v no_o impediment_n why_o we_o may_v not_o gather_v it_o out_o of_o his_o word_n where_o he_o have_v reveal_v his_o decree_n and_o the_o execution_n thereof_o though_o we_o can_v have_v no_o assurance_n by_o our_o own_o speculation_n yet_o we_o may_v attain_v unto_o it_o by_o the_o testimony_n of_o god_n spirit_n 8.16_o rom._n 8.16_o which_o witness_v to_o our_o spirit_n that_o we_o be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n which_o also_o search_v all_o thing_n even_o the_o deep_a thing_n of_o god_n and_o be_v give_v unto_o we_o that_o we_o also_o may_v know_v the_o thing_n which_o god_n have_v give_v we_o 2.10.12_o 1._o cor._n 2.10.12_o as_o the_o apostle_n teach_v we_o 1._o cor._n 2.10.12_o and_o therefore_o it_o be_v no_o pride_n or_o presumption_n to_o be_v certain_a and_o assure_v of_o that_o which_o the_o lord_n have_v reveal_v in_o his_o word_n to_o this_o end_n that_o we_o may_v be_v certain_o assure_v thereof_o but_o it_o may_v be_v demand_v how_o this_o certainty_n can_v be_v gather_v out_o of_o the_o scripture_n i_o answer_v that_o if_o we_o will_v attain_v unto_o it_o we_o must_v not_o seek_v it_o in_o the_o law_n where_o the_o promise_n of_o life_n and_o salvation_n be_v make_v upon_o the_o condition_n of_o our_o own_o work_n and_o worthiness_n which_o condition_n we_o can_v never_o perform_v and_o therefore_o can_v never_o be_v assure_v of_o the_o promise_n but_o out_o of_o the_o gospel_n which_o do_v not_o only_o show_v that_o some_o be_v predestinate_v to_o life_n and_o some_o reject_v neither_o do_v it_o only_o speak_v of_o our_o election_n as_o it_o be_v ordain_v in_o god_n secret_a decree_n in_o itself_o or_o reveal_v in_o his_o word_n but_o also_o it_o set_v out_o unto_o we_o the_o execution_n of_o the_o decree_n with_o the_o cause_n mean_n sign_n and_o effect_n of_o our_o election_n and_o how_o it_o be_v accomplish_v for_o the_o bring_v we_o to_o those_o joy_n to_o which_o god_n have_v choose_v us._n first_o therefore_o it_o show_v the_o decree_n of_o god_n concern_v our_o election_n second_o god_n decree_n concern_v our_o redemption_n by_o the_o death_n and_o obedience_n of_o christ_n our_o mediator_n three_o the_o decree_n of_o god_n concern_v the_o call_n of_o his_o church_n by_o the_o ministry_n of_o the_o word_n that_o they_o may_v be_v ingraft_v into_o the_o body_n of_o christ_n and_o so_o participate_v with_o he_o in_o all_o his_o benefit_n to_o their_o salvation_n four_o the_o decree_n concern_v the_o send_n of_o his_o spirit_n into_o the_o heart_n of_o his_o choose_a by_o the_o inward_a operation_n whereof_o the_o word_n be_v make_v effectual_a for_o the_o beget_n of_o faith_n and_o repentance_n five_o and_o last_o his_o decree_n concern_v the_o justify_n and_o save_v of_o those_o who_o repent_v true_o of_o their_o sin_n and_o apprehend_v and_o apply_v unto_o themselves_o by_o a_o lively_a faith_n christ_n and_o his_o merit_n &_o obedience_n do_v approach_n unto_o the_o throne_n of_o grace_n to_o receive_v mercy_n and_o forgiveness_n and_o all_o these_o be_v so_o link_v together_o that_o they_o can_v never_o possible_o be_v sever_v so_o that_o he_o who_o be_v assure_v of_o one_o may_v be_v assure_v of_o all_o whosoever_o be_v certain_a that_o he_o have_v faith_n and_o repentance_n may_v be_v certain_a also_o of_o his_o election_n though_o he_o never_o presumptuous_o search_v into_o god_n secret_a counsel_n five_o election_n §._o sect._n 7._o that_o the_o lord_n particular_o assure_v we_o of_o our_o election_n they_o object_n that_o there_o be_v no_o certainty_n of_o faith_n which_o be_v not_o ground_v upon_o god_n word_n but_o there_o be_v no_o place_n of_o god_n word_n which_o assure_v we_o of_o our_o particular_a election_n and_o salvation_n and_o therefore_o we_o can_v have_v no_o certainty_n
the_o lord_n have_v pardon_v and_o remit_v they_o so_o as_o they_o shall_v never_o be_v impute_v unto_o we_o nor_o arise_v up_o in_o judgement_n to_o our_o condemnation_n neither_o in_o this_o world_n nor_o the_o world_n to_o come_v second_o he_o do_v deliver_v we_o from_o our_o sin_n while_o he_o do_v give_v unto_o we_o his_o holy_a spirit_n whereby_o our_o sin_n be_v in_o some_o measure_n mortify_v &_o the_o strength_n of_o they_o abate_v so_o that_o they_o do_v not_o reign_v and_o rule_v in_o we_o as_o in_o former_a time_n although_o we_o can_v whole_o expel_v they_o from_o dwell_v in_o we_o according_a to_o that_o rom._n 6.12_o 6.12_o rom._n 6.12_o sin_n shall_v not_o reign_v in_o your_o mortal_a body_n that_o you_o shall_v obey_v it_o in_o the_o lust_n thereof_o and_o though_o we_o can_v utter_o subdue_v this_o cananitish_a brood_n of_o our_o corruption_n but_o that_o still_o while_o we_o continue_v in_o this_o life_n they_o be_v as_o thorn_n in_o our_o side_n always_o vex_v and_o grieve_v we_o yet_o by_o the_o help_n of_o god_n spirit_n assist_v we_o we_o weaken_v their_o force_n abate_v their_o courage_n and_o make_v they_o become_v tributary_n and_o if_o at_o any_o time_n they_o rebel_v we_o curb_v they_o in_o &_o give_v they_o the_o overthrow_n yea_o though_o sometime_o they_o gain_v ground_n &_o give_v we_o the_o foil_n yet_o we_o rise_v again_o by_o unfeigned_a repentance_n and_o recover_v ourselves_o be_v assist_v with_o the_o fresh_a supply_n of_o god_n spirit_n till_o at_o last_o by_o death_n we_o obtain_v a_o final_a victory_n §_o sect._n 5_o three_o 3.13_o that_o our_o obedience_n to_o the_o law_n prove_v not_o that_o we_o be_v not_o redeem_v gal._n 3.13_o he_o object_v that_o we_o be_v still_o under_o the_o law_n and_o tie_v to_o the_o obedience_n thereof_o and_o therefore_o christ_n have_v not_o free_v we_o from_o it_o i_o answer_v that_o though_o christ_n have_v not_o free_v we_o from_o the_o obedience_n of_o the_o law_n yet_o he_o have_v free_v we_o from_o the_o curse_n and_o malediction_n as_o it_o be_v gal._n 3.13_o so_o as_o though_o we_o do_v not_o perform_v it_o in_o that_o exact_a manner_n and_o measure_n which_o god_n require_v yet_o our_o transgression_n shall_v not_o be_v impute_v unto_o we_o for_o he_o have_v perfect_o fulfil_v the_o law_n for_o we_o that_o his_o righteousness_n may_v become_v our_o righteousness_n and_o he_o have_v suffer_v death_n that_o by_o his_o blood_n he_o may_v wash_v away_o our_o sin_n 8.3.4_o rom._n 8.3.4_o and_o thus_o when_o the_o law_n be_v impossible_a to_o be_v perform_v by_o reason_n of_o the_o weakness_n and_o corruption_n of_o our_o flesh_n the_o lord_n send_v his_o son_n in_o the_o similitude_n of_o sinful_a flesh_n and_o for_o sin_n condemn_v sin_n in_o the_o flesh_n that_o the_o righteousness_n of_o the_o law_n may_v be_v fulfil_v in_o we_o as_o it_o be_v rom._n 8.3_o 4._o moreover_o we_o be_v not_o now_o tie_v to_o perform_v obedience_n to_o the_o law_n to_o the_o end_n that_o thereby_o we_o may_v be_v justify_v nor_o yet_o shall_v we_o for_o the_o imperfection_n of_o this_o our_o obedience_n be_v in_o danger_n of_o condemnation_n but_o now_o only_o it_o be_v a_o mean_n before_o our_o conversion_n to_o bring_v we_o to_o christ_n by_o show_v unto_o we_o our_o sin_n and_o insufficiency_n in_o ourselves_o and_o after_o our_o conversion_n it_o serve_v for_o a_o rule_n or_o square_v according_a to_o which_o we_o be_v to_o frame_v our_o life_n in_o holiness_n and_o righteousness_n that_o so_o we_o may_v show_v our_o thankfulness_n unto_o our_o heavenly_a father_n for_o his_o inestimable_a benefit_n by_o glorify_v his_o name_n in_o a_o godly_a life_n and_o because_o this_o also_o be_v bitter_a and_o unpleasant_a to_o flesh_n and_o blood_n therefore_o the_o lord_n have_v also_o grant_v and_o give_v unto_o we_o his_o holy_a spirit_n which_o mortify_v our_o corruption_n whereby_o we_o be_v make_v less_o prone_a unto_o sin_n and_o quicken_v we_o in_o the_o inner_a man_n enable_v we_o to_o perform_v obedience_n in_o some_o measure_n to_o the_o law_n of_o god_n with_o alacrity_n and_o cheerfulness_n so_o that_o now_o his_o commandment_n be_v not_o grievous_a unto_o we_o 5.3_o 1._o john_n 5.3_o as_o the_o apostle_n speak_v 1._o joh._n 5.3_o but_o his_o yoke_n which_o so_o much_o gall_v we_o while_o we_o be_v rebellious_a and_o like_o untamed_a ox_n be_v now_o become_v easy_a and_o his_o burden_n which_o heretofore_o be_v so_o heavy_a and_o irksome_a be_v now_o become_v light_n 11.30_o matth._n 11.30_o as_o our_o saviour_n tell_v we_o matth._n 11.30_o §_o sect._n 6_o four_o they_o that_o god_n be_v not_o angry_a with_o the_o faithful_a though_o he_o seem_v to_o frown_v upon_o they_o the_o tempter_n may_v object_v to_o the_o weak_a conscience_n which_o labour_v under_o the_o burden_n of_o sin_n that_o our_o saviour_n christ_n have_v not_o redeem_v we_o from_o the_o anger_n of_o god_n due_a for_o sin_n see_v we_o still_o see_v his_o frown_a countenance_n and_o apprehend_v the_o scorch_a heat_n of_o his_o wrath_n inflame_v against_o we_o but_o let_v all_o know_v that_o if_o they_o true_o believe_v in_o christ_n and_o only_o rely_v themselves_o upon_o this_o their_o mediator_n if_o their_o sin_n pass_v grieve_v they_o and_o they_o purpose_n for_o the_o time_n to_o come_v to_o labour_v that_o they_o may_v forsake_v they_o then_o they_o be_v reconcile_v unto_o god_n by_o christ_n and_o in_o he_o he_o be_v become_v their_o love_a and_o gracious_a father_n 1.20.21_o col._n 1.20.21_o as_o the_o apostle_n tell_v we_o col._n 1.20.21_o let_v not_o such_o therefore_o be_v discourage_v if_o god_n seem_v to_o frown_v upon_o they_o for_o a_o time_n for_o he_o will_v not_o frown_v for_o ever_o nor_o always_o retain_v his_o anger_n as_o the_o psalmist_n speak_v psalm_n 103.9_o nay_o 103.9_o psalm_n 103.9_o in_o truth_n he_o be_v not_o angry_a with_o we_o at_o all_o as_o a_o judge_n to_o punish_v but_o as_o a_o father_n to_o correct_v and_o amend_v we_o and_o if_o we_o will_v speak_v proper_o he_o always_o love_v and_o delight_v in_o we_o for_o as_o he_o be_v well_o please_v with_o christ_n our_o head_n so_o be_v he_o always_o well_o please_v with_o we_o in_o he_o as_o be_v member_n of_o his_o body_n notwithstanding_o as_o a_o tender_a father_n when_o his_o son_n offend_v make_v semblance_n as_o though_o his_o wrath_n be_v kindle_v to_o the_o end_n that_o he_o may_v be_v careful_a in_o the_o time_n to_o come_v to_o avoid_v the_o like_a fault_n and_o to_o amend_v so_o the_o lord_n who_o be_v our_o gracious_a father_n seem_v oftentimes_o to_o be_v grievous_o displease_v with_o his_o child_n when_o they_o have_v sin_v against_o he_o hide_v from_o they_o his_o amiable_a love_a countenance_n and_o show_v nothing_o but_o sign_n of_o wrath_n not_o that_o he_o have_v in_o truth_n cast_v they_o out_o of_o his_o love_n and_o favour_n for_o he_o never_o fall_v out_o with_o those_o who_o christ_n have_v reconcile_v unto_o he_o neither_o can_v he_o cease_v to_o love_v the_o member_n of_o christ_n nor_o christ_n member_n cease_v to_o be_v his_o member_n after_o they_o be_v once_o ingraft_v into_o his_o body_n by_o his_o holy_a spirit_n and_o a_o lively_a faith_n only_o like_o a_o wise_a father_n he_o frown_v upon_o they_o and_o seem_v angry_a to_o make_v they_o in_o the_o time_n to_o come_v forsake_v their_o sin_n whereby_o they_o have_v incur_v his_o displeasure_n §_o sect._n 7_o five_o the_o tempter_n will_v object_v that_o we_o be_v not_o free_v and_o deliver_v out_o of_o his_o power_n and_o jurisdiction_n 2.14_o that_o though_o satan_n tempt_v we_o yet_o we_o may_v be_v assure_v that_o we_o be_v redeem_v heb._n 2.14_o see_v he_o do_v often_o assault_v and_o overcome_v we_o with_o his_o temptation_n and_o lead_v we_o captive_a fast_o bind_v in_o the_o fetter_n of_o sin_n to_o which_o we_o must_v answer_v that_o our_o saviour_n christ_n by_o his_o death_n have_v destroy_v he_o that_o have_v the_o power_n of_o death_n that_o be_v the_o devil_n that_o he_o may_v deliver_v all_o they_o which_o for_o fear_n of_o death_n be_v all_o their_o life_n time_n subject_a to_o bondage_n as_o the_o apostle_n show_v heb._n 2.14.15_o that_o god_n have_v deliver_v we_o from_o the_o power_n of_o darkness_n and_o have_v translate_v we_o into_o the_o kingdom_n of_o his_o dear_a son_n 1.13_o col._n 1.13_o as_o it_o be_v col._n 1.13_o that_o our_o redeemer_n jesus_n christ_n have_v spoil_v the_o principality_n and_o power_n and_o have_v make_v a_o show_n of_o they_o open_o and_o have_v triumph_v over_o they_o upon_o his_o cross_n 2.15_o col._n 2.15_o and_o that_o not_o only_o for_o himself_o but_o for_o all_o his_o member_n col._n 2.15_o that_o he_o have_v
they_o and_o the_o warm_a sunshine_n of_o god_n love_n and_o favour_n again_o appear_v to_o they_o the_o sire_n be_v sometime_o so_o cover_v with_o ash_n that_o it_o send_v forth_o neither_o light_n nor_o heat_n and_o therefore_o in_o outward_a sense_n and_o appearance_n it_o seem_v quite_o extinguish_v but_o when_o the_o ash_n be_v remoove_v and_o more_o wood_n add_v to_o it_o it_o burst_v out_o into_o a_o great_a flame_n and_o make_v all_o the_o stander_n by_o to_o perceive_v his_o heat_n and_o light_n and_o so_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n spirit_n be_v sometime_o so_o cover_v with_o the_o ash_n of_o our_o corruption_n that_o there_o appear_v no_o spark_n of_o they_o nor_o yet_o any_o heat_n of_o true_a comfort_n but_o when_o our_o corruption_n be_v remove_v with_o unfeigned_a repentance_n and_o a_o new_a supplier_fw-fr of_o grace_n minister_v unto_o they_o by_o god_n spirit_n then_o do_v their_o light_n appear_v unto_o we_o and_o warm_v our_o heart_n with_o true_a comfort_n and_o not_o to_o we_o alone_o but_o even_o those_o about_o we_o see_v our_o shine_a light_n and_o glorify_v our_o heavenly_a father_n a_o man_n have_v not_o always_o the_o use_n of_o his_o sense_n reason_n and_o understand_v as_o in_o his_o sleep_n but_o because_o we_o can_v sensible_o discern_v these_o faculty_n shall_v we_o therefore_o conclude_v that_o this_o man_n who_o be_v a_o sleep_n be_v senseless_a unreasonable_a and_o without_o understanding_n it_o be_v most_o absurd_a for_o if_o we_o but_o expect_v a_o while_n till_o he_o be_v thorough_o awaken_v our_o argument_n will_v appear_v manifest_o false_a and_o so_o sometime_o the_o poor_a christian_n be_v overtake_v with_o the_o sleep_n of_o drowsy_a security_n and_o be_v overwhelm_v for_o a_o time_n with_o hardness_n of_o heart_n and_o dulness_n of_o spirit_n so_o as_o none_o of_o those_o spiritual_a grace_n which_o be_v in_o he_o can_v sensible_o be_v discern_v by_o himself_o or_o other_o but_o shall_v he_o or_o we_o conclude_v or_o believe_v satan_n so_o conclude_v that_o he_o never_o have_v they_o or_o now_o be_v deprive_v of_o they_o why_o it_o be_v as_o absurd_a as_o the_o other_o for_o when_o he_o be_v awake_v out_o of_o his_o drowsy_a sleep_n by_o the_o voice_n of_o the_o lord_n sound_v in_o his_o ear_n and_o by_o the_o good_a motion_n of_o his_o holy_a spirit_n his_o faith_n love_n zeal_n and_o all_o other_o virtue_n and_o grace_n show_v themselves_o in_o their_o fruit_n and_o action_n as_o manifest_o as_o in_o former_a time_n §_o sect._n 3_o seeing_n then_o those_o argument_n which_o be_v take_v from_o sense_n and_o feel_n so_o often_o fail_v it_o that_o we_o must_v not_o conclude_v that_o we_o have_v not_o faith_n because_o we_o do_v not_o sensible_o discern_v it_o let_v we_o not_o be_v persuade_v by_o satan_n tentation_n to_o believe_v that_o we_o be_v destitute_a of_o faith_n and_o other_o sanctify_a grace_n of_o god_n holy_a spirit_n because_o at_o sometime_o we_o can_v sensible_o discern_v they_o for_o though_o now_o our_o soul_n seem_v so_o sick_a in_o the_o sense_n of_o sin_n that_o there_o appear_v no_o sign_n of_o life_n yet_o the_o lord_n will_v raise_v we_o up_o again_o &_o restore_v we_o to_o perfect_a health_n though_o now_o we_o see_v no_o fruit_n of_o faith_n while_o we_o be_v nip_v with_o the_o winter_n of_o tentation_n yet_o the_o lord_n will_v water_v we_o with_o his_o holy_a spirit_n &_o warm_v our_o freeze_a heart_n with_o the_o lively_a beam_n of_o his_o love_n and_o favour_n so_o as_o we_o shall_v bring_v forth_o abundant_a fruit_n in_o due_a time_n &_o season_n though_o now_o there_o appear_v not_o a_o spark_n of_o grace_n in_o we_o by_o reason_n all_o be_v cover_v with_o the_o ash_n of_o our_o corruption_n yet_o the_o lord_n will_v sure_o add_v a_o fresh_a supply_n &_o blow_v upon_o we_o by_o his_o holy_a spirit_n so_o that_o our_o light_n and_o heat_n shall_v appear_v to_o ourselves_o &_o other_o &_o though_o now_o our_o spirit_n be_v oppress_v with_o drowsy_a dulness_n yet_o the_o lord_n in_o his_o good_a time_n will_v cause_v we_o to_o awake_v by_o hear_v his_o voice_n sound_v in_o our_o ear_n out_o of_o his_o holy_a word_n and_o will_v again_o quicken_v and_o revive_v we_o with_o his_o holy_a spirit_n so_o as_o after_o this_o sleep_n we_o shall_v be_v enable_v to_o follow_v with_o cheerfulness_n our_o labour_n and_o work_n both_o which_o concern_v his_o service_n and_o those_o duty_n also_o which_o concern_v our_o brethren_n only_o let_v we_o not_o tempt_v the_o lord_n in_o prescribe_v he_o a_o time_n but_o wait_v his_o leisure_n &_o he_o will_v sure_o help_v us._n chap._n xliiii_o how_o the_o weak_a christian_n be_v to_o comfort_v himself_o when_o he_o be_v deprive_v of_o the_o sense_n of_o faith_n and_o sensible_o feel_v the_o contrary_a corruption_n §_o sect._n 1_o but_o thou_o will_v say_v how_o be_v it_o possible_a that_o my_o soul_n shall_v receyve_v any_o comfort_n feel_n that_o the_o christian_a in_o the_o want_n of_o present_a sense_n must_v comfort_v himself_o with_o his_o former_a feel_n or_o that_o i_o shall_v preserve_v myself_o from_o fall_v into_o utter_a desperation_n see_v i_o can_v feel_v in_o i_o any_o good_a thing_n nor_o discern_v any_o spark_n of_o grace_n what_o hope_n remain_v when_o as_o i_o plain_o discern_v in_o steed_n of_o faith_n doubt_v and_o infidelity_n in_o stead_n of_o the_o love_n of_o god_n hatred_n and_o rebellion_n in_o stead_n of_o zeal_n coldness_n and_o drowsy_a dulness_n and_o in_o stead_n of_o all_o sanctify_a grace_n nothing_o else_o but_o a_o heavy_a mass_n of_o filthy_a corruption_n i_o answer_v that_o when_o thou_o have_v no_o comfort_n in_o thy_o present_a sense_n and_o feel_v than_o thou_o must_v call_v to_o thy_o remembrance_n the_o time_n past_a in_o which_o thou_o have_v by_o faith_n apprehend_v god_n love_n mercy_n and_o goodness_n towards_o thou_o and_o bring_v forth_o the_o fruit_n of_o thy_o faith_n in_o the_o work_n of_o holiness_n appertain_v to_o god_n service_n and_o the_o work_n of_o christian_a righteousness_n belong_v to_o our_o brethren_n for_o we_o may_v assure_v ourselves_o that_o if_o ever_o we_o have_v true_o discern_v these_o grace_n of_o god_n spirit_n by_o the_o fruit_n of_o sanctification_n in_o we_o they_o be_v not_o take_v from_o we_o for_o the_o gift_n and_o call_n of_o god_n be_v without_o repentance_n 11.29_o rom._n 11.29_o as_o it_o be_v rom._n 11.29_o and_o where_o he_o have_v begin_v a_o good_a work_n their_o he_o will_v finish_v it_o and_o bring_v it_o to_o perfection_n as_o the_o apostle_n speak_v phil._n 1.6_o 1.6_o phil._n 1.6_o we_o know_v that_o the_o woman_n be_v with_o child_n feel_v no_o life_n nor_o motion_n of_o the_o child_n diverse_a month_n together_o after_o the_o time_n of_o her_o conception_n and_o after_o that_o she_o have_v feel_v it_o stir_v and_o move_v oftentimes_o there_o be_v a_o intermission_n wherein_o she_o feel_v not_o the_o motion_n there_o of_o a_o good_a space_n together_o and_o yet_o notwithstanding_o because_o informer_n time_n she_o have_v feel_v it_o she_o be_v persuade_v that_o a_o live_v child_n be_v in_o she_o and_o comfortable_o hope_v to_o have_v happy_a travail_n and_o thus_o it_o fare_v with_o god_n child_n oftentimes_o after_o that_o by_o the_o seed_n of_o the_o word_n faith_n be_v beget_v and_o conceive_v in_o they_o they_o feel_v no_o life_n motion_n nor_o undoubted_a sign_n thereof_o a_o long_a while_n and_o after_o that_o they_o have_v the_o remission_n of_o their_o sin_n and_o be_v reconcile_v unto_o god_n they_o have_v not_o the_o feeling_n and_o sense_n of_o pardon_n and_o reconciliation_n diverse_a month_n yea_o sometime_o many_o year_n together_o which_o the_o lord_n in_o his_o wisdom_n and_o mercy_n do_v that_o he_o may_v move_v they_o hereby_o unto_o more_o serious_a repentance_n and_o earnest_o to_o hunger_n after_o a_o great_a measure_n of_o faith_n careful_o use_v the_o mean_n ordain_v for_o this_o purpose_n and_o that_o they_o may_v more_o esteem_v and_o be_v more_o thankful_a for_o his_o invaluable_a benefit_n after_o that_o they_o have_v full_a assurance_n of_o they_o and_o after_o they_o have_v a_o feel_n of_o faith_n and_o other_o spiritual_a grace_n by_o their_o motion_n and_o fruit_n ofttimes_o again_o they_o be_v deprive_v of_o it_o either_o because_o they_o have_v wound_v their_o conscience_n by_o fall_v into_o some_o know_a sin_n or_o for_o that_o it_o please_v the_o lord_n to_o excercise_n their_o faith_n and_o manifest_v his_o power_n in_o their_o weakness_n move_v they_o hereby_o to_o deny_v themselves_o and_o to_o rest_v whole_o upon_o he_o yield_v unto_o he_o the_o whole_a glory_n and_o praise_n of_o their_o salvation_n what_o therefore_o be_v to_o be_v do_v in_o such_o a_o case_n sure_o they_o
90.11_o because_o that_o make_v quite_o against_o he_o or_o if_o he_o recite_v they_o right_o he_o will_v wrest_v the_o word_n unto_o another_o sense_n than_o the_o holy_a ghost_n have_v write_v they_o that_o so_o he_o may_v deceive_v we_o and_o lead_v we_o into_o error_n chap._n xix_o how_o satan_n allure_v we_o into_o sin_n by_o degree_n and_o draw_v we_o from_o one_o extreme_a to_o another_o §_o sect._n 1_o and_o thus_o have_v i_o show_v at_o large_a satan_n first_o politic_a stratagem_n which_o he_o use_v to_o circumvent_v we_o by_o fit_v his_o temptation_n according_a to_o our_o nature_n and_o disposition_n or_o our_o state_n and_o condition_n a_o second_o policy_n which_o satan_n use_v to_o circumvent_v we_o be_v this_o if_o he_o can_v at_o the_o first_o entice_v we_o to_o fall_v into_o outrageous_a wickedness_n degree_n satan_n labour_v to_o draw_v we_o into_o outrageous_a sin_n by_o degree_n he_o will_v seek_v to_o draw_v we_o thereunto_o by_o degree_n begin_v at_o the_o least_o and_o so_o bring_v we_o from_o that_o to_o a_o great_a till_o at_o last_o we_o come_v to_o the_o high_a step_n of_o wickedness_n whereby_o it_o come_v to_o pass_v that_o as_o those_o who_o walk_v to_o the_o top_n of_o a_o high_a hill_n who_o ascent_n arise_v by_o little_a and_o little_a come_v to_o the_o top_n without_o weariness_n before_o they_o well_o perceive_v that_o they_o do_v ascend_v so_o they_o who_o go_v forward_o in_o the_o way_n of_o wickedness_n by_o degree_n do_v without_o any_o controlment_n or_o check_n of_o conscience_n climb_v up_o to_o the_o high_a top_n thereof_o whence_o satan_n cast_v they_o down_o headlong_o into_o the_o pit_n of_o destruction_n for_o example_n if_o he_o see_v a_o professor_n of_o religion_n which_o make_v conscience_n of_o his_o way_n he_o do_v not_o usual_o seek_v at_o first_o to_o draw_v he_o into_o heinous_a sin_n unless_o the_o cord_n of_o his_o temptation_n be_v exceed_o strong_a but_o first_o he_o allure_v he_o to_o come_v into_o the_o company_n of_o wicked_a man_n by_o offer_v some_o pleasure_n or_o profit_n or_o by_o occasion_n of_o affinity_n and_o marriage_n join_v he_o if_o he_o can_v with_o such_o a_o yoke-fellow_n as_o will_v draw_v he_o fast_o back_o than_o he_o can_v draw_v she_o forward_o in_o the_o course_n of_o godliness_n if_o he_o thus_o far_o prevail_v than_o he_o tempt_v he_o to_o wink_v at_o their_o sin_n which_o in_o conscience_n he_o condemn_v that_o he_o may_v still_o enjoy_v his_o pleasure_n and_o profit_n or_o continue_v in_o their_o love_n and_o favour_n then_o in_o the_o next_o place_n he_o move_v he_o to_o think_v they_o tolerable_a sin_n which_o they_o commit_v and_o nothing_o so_o outrageous_a as_o other_o fall_v into_o and_o when_o he_o have_v make_v this_o progress_n than_o he_o entice_v he_o to_o taste_v of_o sin_n which_o he_o so_o sweeten_v with_o the_o sugar_a delight_n of_o this_o vain_a world_n that_o he_o swallow_v it_o down_o without_o all_o loathsomnesse_n and_o never_o taste_v the_o bitterness_n thereof_o till_o the_o heat_n of_o god_n spirit_n do_v cause_n it_o work_v in_o his_o conscience_n so_o as_o he_o be_v never_o at_o rest_n till_o he_o have_v cast_v it_o up_o again_o by_o unfeigned_a repentance_n otherwise_o if_o he_o be_v not_o prevent_v thus_o by_o god_n spirit_n satan_n will_v by_o this_o mean_n cause_v his_o conscience_n to_o swallow_v and_o to_o digest_v such_o loathsome_a sin_n which_o in_o former_a time_n he_o abhor_v to_o see_v other_o commit_v and_o as_o those_o who_o from_o their_o infancy_n be_v accustom_v to_o take_v poison_n in_o small_a quantity_n do_v enable_v their_o stomach_n to_o digest_v more_o till_o by_o long_a custom_n and_o increase_v the_o quantity_n by_o degree_n it_o become_v so_o familiar_a to_o their_o stomach_n that_o instead_o of_o poison_v they_o they_o be_v nourish_v thereby_o as_o history_n do_v record_n of_o some_o of_o the_o indian_a king_n so_o satan_n entice_v we_o to_o swallow_v down_o the_o poison_n of_o sin_n at_o the_o first_o in_o such_o small_a quantity_n that_o our_o conscience_n may_v not_o be_v sick_a thereof_o but_o have_v well_o digest_v the_o least_o he_o increase_v the_o measure_n till_o by_o long_a custom_n he_o have_v make_v it_o so_o familiar_a to_o our_o conscience_n that_o those_o sin_n be_v even_o meat_n and_o drink_v unto_o we_o which_o at_o the_o first_o we_o loathe_v as_o deadly_a poison_n now_o if_o we_o will_v defeat_v this_o policy_n of_o satan_n we_o must_v continual_o watch_v over_o our_o own_o heart_n and_o pull_v they_o back_o when_o we_o see_v that_o they_o but_o incline_v unto_o any_o sin_n we_o must_v not_o light_o esteem_v of_o any_o sin_n nor_o willing_o give_v entertainment_n to_o the_o least_o wicked_a thought_n for_o though_o in_o itself_o it_o be_v not_o so_o heinous_a yet_o it_o will_v enlarge_v our_o conscience_n and_o make_v room_n for_o a_o great_a till_o at_o last_o we_o keep_v open_a house_n ready_a to_o receive_v all_o wickedness_n which_o offer_v itself_o unto_o we_o and_o as_o we_o be_v careful_a to_o avoid_v the_o sin_n themselves_o so_o with_o as_o much_o diligence_n we_o be_v to_o shun_v the_o occasion_n and_o mean_n by_o which_o we_o may_v be_v draw_v or_o entice_v thereunto_o but_o of_o this_o point_n more_o hereafter_o §_o sect._n 2_o a_o three_o policy_n which_o satan_n use_v to_o circumvent_v we_o another_o satan_n three_o policy_n in_o draw_v man_n out_o of_o one_o extreme_a into_o another_o be_v to_o bring_v we_o from_o one_o extreme_a to_o another_o for_o example_n when_o we_o see_v the_o vileness_n of_o prodigality_n so_o as_o we_o will_v no_o long_o be_v possess_v of_o that_o vice_n then_o will_v satan_n make_v it_o as_o odious_a as_o he_o can_v and_o endeavour_v to_o bring_v we_o into_o extreme_a hatred_n thereof_o that_o so_o he_o may_v the_o more_o easy_o draw_v we_o into_o the_o contrary_a vice_n of_o covetousness_n if_o he_o can_v any_o long_o keep_v we_o asleep_a in_o sin_n by_o rock_v we_o in_o the_o cradle_n of_o carnal_a security_n and_o sing_v unto_o we_o the_o sweet_a tune_n of_o god_n mercy_n and_o christ_n merit_n they_o will_v he_o labour_v to_o plunge_v we_o in_o despair_n by_o set_v before_o our_o eye_n the_o heynousnesse_n of_o our_o sin_n and_o sound_v in_o our_o ear_n the_o thunder_a threaten_n of_o the_o law_n if_o he_o can_v any_o long_o nuzzle_v we_o in_o superstition_n and_o cause_v we_o to_o place_v all_o our_o religion_n in_o ceremony_n and_o in_o restrain_v ourselves_o of_o the_o use_n of_o thing_n indifferent_a he_o will_v draw_v we_o to_o the_o other_o extreme_a by_o move_v we_o to_o think_v all_o ceremony_n unlawful_a and_o to_o practice_v all_o licenciousnes_n under_o pretence_n of_o christian_n liberty_n if_o he_o can_v no_o long_o persuade_v we_o to_o seek_v for_o justification_n by_o the_o work_n of_o the_o law_n to_o the_o end_n we_o may_v not_o rely_v on_o christ_n merit_n and_o righteousness_n he_o will_v bring_v we_o into_o utter_a dislike_n of_o this_o doctrine_n by_o show_v we_o the_o absurdity_n thereof_o that_o he_o may_v draw_v we_o to_o the_o other_o extreme_a namely_o to_o neglect_v good_a work_n as_o altogether_o unnecessary_a to_o salvation_n because_o faith_n alone_o justifi_v if_o he_o can_v hide_v out_o of_o our_o sight_n the_o shine_a grace_n of_o god_n spirit_n by_o cast_v before_o our_o eye_n the_o cloud_n of_o our_o sin_n and_o corruption_n than_o he_o will_v cause_v we_o to_o look_v on_o they_o through_o the_o spectacle_n of_o self_n love_n and_o affection_n to_o the_o end_n we_o may_v imagine_v they_o much_o great_a than_o in_o truth_n they_o be_v and_o so_o be_v puff_v up_o in_o pride_n and_o too_o secure_o rest_v in_o those_o gift_n we_o have_v not_o seek_v for_o increase_v if_o he_o can_v persuade_v we_o to_o diffidence_n and_o distrust_n he_o will_v move_v we_o to_o tempt_v god_n upon_o no_o necessary_a occasion_n and_o thus_o he_o deal_v with_o our_o saviour_n christ_n for_o first_o he_o tempt_v he_o to_o distrust_v god_n providence_n and_o to_o provide_v for_o himself_o by_o turn_v stone_n into_o bread_n but_o when_o he_o can_v not_o so_o prevail_v he_o move_v he_o to_o make_v a_o unnecessary_a experiment_n of_o his_o providence_n and_o care_n by_o cast_v himself_o down_o headlong_o from_o the_o pinnacle_n of_o the_o temple_n whereas_o there_o be_v ordinary_a mean_n whereby_o he_o may_v descend_v now_o the_o end_n why_o satan_n use_v this_o policy_n be_v more_o violent_o to_o cast_v we_o into_o one_o extreme_a of_o sin_n when_o with_o full_a swinge_n of_o will_v we_o do_v avoid_v the_o other_o as_o also_o to_o make_v we_o believe_v that_o the_o latter_a temptation_n be_v the_o motion_n of_o god_n spirit_n see_v it_o be_v clean_o
contrary_a to_o the_o former_a suggestion_n of_o satan_n whereas_o in_o truth_n they_o be_v but_o unlike_a child_n of_o the_o same_o father_n §_o sect._n 3_o the_o danger_n of_o which_o tentation_n if_o we_o will_v avoid_v mean_n that_o we_o be_v to_o avoid_v the_o former_a temptation_n by_o keep_v we_o in_o the_o golden_a mean_n we_o must_v keep_v we_o in_o the_o golden_a mean_a avoid_v both_o extreme_n and_o because_o we_o be_v ignorant_a and_o unskilful_a in_o travayl_v the_o straight_a path_n which_o lead_v to_o god_n kingdom_n and_o every_o hour_n ready_a to_o take_v the_o byway_n of_o error_n which_o lead_v to_o destruction_n let_v we_o use_v the_o word_n of_o god_n for_o our_o guide_n and_o as_o the_o israelite_n travayl_v towards_o the_o land_n of_o promise_n be_v direct_v by_o the_o cloud_n and_o pillar_n of_o fire_n going_z forward_z when_o that_o go_v before_o they_o and_o pitch_v their_o tent_n where_o that_o stay_v so_o let_v we_o constant_o and_o bold_o travail_v in_o our_o christian_n pilgrimage_n so_o long_o as_o we_o have_v the_o word_n of_o god_n for_o our_o direction_n not_o stay_v where_o it_o bid_v go_v nor_o go_v when_o it_o stay_v let_v this_o be_v the_o touchstone_n to_o discern_v the_o golden_a truth_n from_o the_o drossy_a extreme_n on_o either_o side_n let_v it_o be_v the_o line_n to_o lead_v we_o out_o of_o this_o labyrinth_n of_o error_n let_v it_o be_v the_o star_n of_o bethlehem_n to_o conduct_v we_o in_o our_o tedious_a journey_n unto_o the_o place_n where_o our_o saviour_n christ_n be_v not_o now_o lie_v in_o the_o arm_n of_o his_o mother_n but_o sit_v at_o the_o right_a hand_n of_o his_o father_n in_o all_o glory_n power_n and_o majesty_n and_o because_o we_o be_v unskilful_a pilot_n in_o fail_v the_o dangerous_a sea_n of_o this_o tempestuous_a world_n readid_v to_o fall_v upon_o the_o rock_n while_o we_o avoid_v the_o sand_n lot_n god_n word_n be_v our_o card_n to_o direct_v we_o to_o the_o holy_a land_n otherwise_o satan_n will_v raise_v against_o we_o such_o stormy_a tempest_n and_o contrary_a blast_n of_o temptation_n that_o our_o soul_n will_v suffer_v shipwreck_n upon_o the_o rock_n of_o sin_n and_o be_v drown_v in_o a_o sea_n of_o destruction_n chap._n xx._n of_o three_o other_o stratagem_n which_o satan_n use_v §_o sect._n 1_o a_o four_o policy_n which_o satan_n use_v to_o entrap_v we_o in_o his_o secret_a ambushment_n be_v this_o action_n how_o satan_n move_v we_o to_o propound_v bad_a end_n to_o good_a action_n when_o by_o the_o violence_n of_o his_o tentation_n he_o can_v altogether_o restrain_v we_o from_o do_v that_o which_o be_v good_a then_o he_o will_v tempt_v we_o to_o do_v good_a action_n to_o bad_a end_n in_o give_v of_o alm_n he_o will_v move_v man_n to_o propound_v this_o end_n that_o they_o may_v be_v see_v of_o man_n in_o do_v of_o good_a work_n he_o will_v tempt_v they_o to_o forget_v god_n glory_n and_o to_o set_v before_o they_o as_o their_o main_a end_n of_o all_o their_o good_a action_n the_o merit_v of_o heaven_n and_o if_o man_n will_v needs_o appear_v virtuous_a and_o religious_a he_o will_v entice_v they_o to_o use_v outward_a virtue_n as_o a_o cloak_n to_o hide_v their_o inward_a vice_n and_o religion_n as_o a_o fair_a vizard_n to_o cover_v their_o foul_a impiety_n and_o thus_o he_o tempt_v man_n to_o use_v all_o outward_a show_n of_o humility_n to_o the_o end_n they_o may_v the_o better_a disguise_n their_o hide_a pride_n and_o ambition_n as_o we_o may_v see_v in_o the_o example_n of_o absalon_n and_o all_o compliment_n of_o courtesy_n and_o love_n as_o a_o mask_n to_o hide_v their_o envy_n and_o malice_n and_o thus_o he_o allure_v man_n to_o profess_v religion_n hear_v sermon_n and_o use_v glorious_a speech_n that_o they_o may_v seem_v religious_a and_o man_n of_o good_a conscience_n have_v their_o shop_n the_o better_a custom_a and_o their_o word_n credit_v and_o so_o have_v the_o fit_a opportunity_n of_o deceive_v they_o who_o for_o their_o profession_n repose_v trust_n in_o they_o §_o sect._n 2_o a_o five_o policy_n whereby_o he_o seek_v to_o surprise_v we_o be_v by_o tempt_a man_n to_o use_v wicked_a mean_n for_o the_o accomplish_n of_o good_a end_n and_o to_o do_v evil_a thâ—â—_n good_a may_v come_v thereof_o end_n how_o satan_n move_v we_o to_o use_v evil_a mean_n for_o the_o effect_v good_a end_n and_o thus_o he_o tempt_v saul_n to_o transgress_v god_n commandment_n in_o reserve_v the_o fat_a of_o the_o cattle_n to_o the_o end_n he_o may_v sacrifice_v therewith_o unto_o the_o lord_n and_o isaac_n to_o say_v that_o rebecca_n be_v his_o sister_n to_o save_v his_o life_n and_o peter_n to_o use_v dissimulation_n that_o he_o may_v not_o offend_v the_o jew_n 2._o galat._n 2._o and_o thus_o he_o tempt_v man_n to_o tell_v officious_a and_o profitable_a lie_n for_o the_o avoid_n of_o great_a evil_n he_o move_v servant_n to_o give_v their_o master_n good_n to_o the_o poor_a without_o their_o privity_n or_o like_n and_o so_o to_o commit_v theft_n that_o they_o may_v give_v alm_n he_o tempt_v non-residents_a to_o possess_v many_o live_n that_o they_o may_v keep_v good_a hospitality_n and_o so_o starve_v the_o foul_a to_o feed_v the_o body_n and_o citizen_n to_o use_v all_o fraud_n and_o deceit_n that_o they_o may_v provide_v for_o their_o family_n which_o policy_n of_o satan_n be_v exceed_v dangerous_a for_o hardly_o can_v we_o escape_v they_o both_o namely_o do_v good_a thing_n to_o bad_a end_n or_o use_v of_o evil_a mean_n for_o the_o achieve_v of_o good_a purpose_n but_o the_o more_o difficult_a the_o thing_n be_v the_o great_a must_v be_v our_o care_n the_o more_o secret_a and_o dangerous_a satan_n ambushment_n be_v the_o more_o diligent_a and_o watchfulness_n must_v we_o use_v in_o avoid_v they_o in_o all_o our_o action_n therefore_o let_v we_o be_v careful_a to_o propound_v unto_o ourselves_o good_a end_n and_o use_v good_a mean_n for_o the_o accomplish_n of_o our_o honest_a and_o godly_a purpose_n for_o if_o we_o neglect_v the_o first_o we_o shall_v bewray_v our_o hypocrisy_n and_o impiety_n if_o the_o latter_a we_o shall_v pollute_v a_o fair_a work_n with_o filthy_a tool_n and_o show_v our_o diffidence_n in_o god_n in_o not_o dair_v to_o use_v those_o godly_a and_o honest_a mean_n which_o he_o have_v command_v and_o commend_v we_o unless_o we_o bolster_v and_o prop_v they_o up_o by_o our_o own_o foolish_a invention_n and_o wicked_a practice_n and_o whensoever_o we_o be_v move_v to_o propound_v evil_a end_n of_o our_o good_a action_n or_o to_o use_v evil_a mean_n for_o the_o accomplish_n of_o good_a end_n let_v we_o assure_v ourselves_o that_o they_o be_v not_o the_o motion_n of_o god_n spirit_n but_o the_o suggestion_n of_o satan_n at_o least_o so_o far_o forth_o as_o we_o be_v tempt_v to_o the_o evil_a of_o the_o end_n or_o mean_n and_o therefore_o we_o be_v to_o purge_v the_o wheat_n from_o the_o chaff_n the_o pure_a gold_n from_o the_o dross_n and_o to_o do_v the_o work_n of_o god_n for_o those_o end_n and_o by_o those_o mean_n which_o he_o have_v appoint_v §_o sect._n 3_o a_o sixth_o policy_n which_o satan_n use_v virtue_n how_o satan_n tempt_v we_o to_o be_v proud_a of_o our_o virtue_n be_v to_o take_v advantage_n of_o our_o virtue_n to_o plunge_v we_o headlong_o into_o vice_n for_o example_n when_o we_o have_v mortify_v our_o sin_n and_o be_v plentiful_a in_o all_o good_a work_n he_o take_v occasion_n thereby_o to_o puff_n we_o up_o with_o pride_n and_o a_o pharisaical_a conceit_n that_o we_o be_v not_o as_o other_o man_n be_v yea_o if_o we_o be_v so_o humble_a that_o he_o can_v make_v we_o proud_a of_o any_o thing_n else_o he_o will_v labour_v to_o make_v we_o proud_a of_o our_o humility_n let_v we_o not_o therefore_o be_v reckless_a and_o secure_a but_o have_v a_o eye_n to_o our_o heart_n even_o in_o our_o good_a action_n and_o when_o we_o entertain_v any_o excellent_a virtue_n let_v we_o take_v heed_n least_o pride_n thrust_v in_o with_o it_o see_v most_o common_o it_o attend_v upon_o virtue_n and_o take_v up_o his_o stand_n where_o it_o lodge_v for_o we_o be_v not_o quite_o at_o liberty_n and_o out_o of_o the_o danger_n of_o satan_n thraldom_n so_o long_o as_o pride_n like_o a_o jailer_n attend_v on_o us._n chap._n xxi_o of_o the_o manner_n of_o satan_n fight_n §_o sect._n 1_o and_o so_o much_o concern_v satan_n stratagem_n and_o warlike_a policy_n now_o let_v we_o consider_v of_o the_o manner_n of_o his_o fight_n in_o which_o we_o be_v first_o to_o observe_v that_o it_o be_v most_o cruel_a and_o cowardly_a for_o he_o observe_v no_o compliment_n of_o true_a valour_n valour_n that_o satan_n observe_v no_o compliment_n of_o true_a valour_n but_o