they_o be_v most_o humble_v come_v to_o god_n in_o christ_n for_o pardon_n believe_v that_o their_o imperfection_n shall_v be_v cover_v by_o the_o full_a and_o perfect_a satisfaction_n of_o christ_n they_o may_v find_v comfort_n in_o their_o weak_a obedience_n and_o so_o be_v more_o encourage_v to_o serve_v god_n this_o then_o be_v that_o i_o will_v persuade_v all_o that_o will_v find_v sound_a and_o last_a comfort_n in_o their_o prayer_n and_o other_o holy_a exercise_n remedy_n remedy_n in_o their_o best_a duty_n to_o beware_v of_o pride_n which_o accompany_v they_o and_o to_o that_o end_n ever_o to_o think_v of_o their_o fail_n to_o humble_v they_o and_o drive_v to_o christ_n that_o so_o they_o may_v offer_v up_o their_o sacrifice_n in_o faith_n and_o be_v accept_v on_o the_o other_o side_n when_o they_o be_v most_o deject_a then_o to_o beware_v of_o despair_n doubt_v and_o discouragement_n which_o be_v usual_a companion_n of_o we_o in_o the_o sense_n of_o our_o want_n and_o to_o comfort_v ourselves_o by_o faith_n in_o christ_n in_o that_o we_o know_v he_o be_v as_o able_a and_o willing_a to_o cure_v great_a disease_n as_o small_a to_o pardon_v our_o fowler_n fall_v as_o our_o lesser_a slip_n in_o all_o which_o we_o now_o see_v that_o which_o i_o intend_v how_o needful_a it_o be_v to_o be_v store_v and_o strengthen_v with_o faith_n that_o we_o may_v find_v comfort_n in_o our_o prayer_n and_o other_o holy_a exercise_n which_o i_o know_v be_v much_o want_v in_o many_o true_a heart_a christian_n for_o who_o sake_n in_o special_a i_o write_v these_o and_o will_v now_o for_o their_o further_a comfort_n lie_v out_o some_o store_n of_o precious_a promise_n which_o god_n our_o father_n have_v treasure_v up_o in_o his_o word_n to_o this_o purpose_n that_o we_o his_o child_n may_v be_v embolden_v to_o come_v with_o confidence_n to_o he_o in_o all_o our_o necessity_n peruse_v these_o i_o find_v that_o the_o far_o great_a number_n of_o they_o do_v special_o promise_v that_o god_n will_v accept_v our_o prayer_n &_o grant_v our_o desire_n and_o do_v not_o so_o express_o assure_v we_o that_o god_n will_v assist_v we_o and_o make_v we_o able_a to_o pray_v which_o yet_o sundry_a promise_n do_v pray_v god_n promise_v to_o make_v we_o able_a to_o pray_v i_o will_v therefore_o here_o gather_v such_o as_o express_o promise_v god_n help_v to_o teach_v we_o to_o pray_v for_o that_o we_o be_v no_o less_o subject_a to_o doubt_v of_o our_o ability_n to_o pray_v aright_o then_o of_o god_n readiness_n to_o hear_v our_o poor_a and_o weak_a prayer_n among_o all_o that_o come_v first_o to_o mind_n which_o may_v serve_v in_o stead_n of_o all_o if_o we_o can_v hold_v it_o fast_o where_o the_o apostle_n labour_v to_o comfort_v the_o heart_n of_o god_n child_n over_o all_o their_o corruption_n and_o affliction_n 26._o rom._n 8._o 26._o do_v answer_v a_o great_a objection_n which_o many_o a_o heavy_a heart_n make_v namely_o this_o pray_v many_o trouble_v that_o they_o can_v pray_v i_o be_o oft_o so_o distress_v that_o i_o be_o not_o able_a to_o pray_v and_o how_o then_o may_v i_o look_v for_o any_o help_n at_o god_n hand_n thus_o it_o fare_v oft_o with_o god_n child_n and_o those_o not_o of_o the_o weak_a sort_n that_o their_o heart_n be_v so_o â—ore_o oppress_v that_o they_o can_v do_v nothing_o but_o sigh_n and_o groan_n not_o able_a to_o set_v aright_o their_o heart_n to_o pray_v to_o god_n as_o we_o read_v of_o hezekiah_n 14._o esa_n 38._o 14._o that_o he_o like_v a_o crane_n or_o swallow_n do_v chatter_v and_o do_v mourn_v as_o a_o dove_n not_o able_a to_o utter_v his_o grief_n to_o god_n the_o like_a we_o read_v of_o david_n oft_o 32._o psal_n 32._o how_o he_o roar_v for_o grief_n but_o can_v not_o come_v to_o make_v his_o moan_n to_o god_n and_o the_o like_o many_o yea_o what_o more_o ordinary_a complaint_n do_v we_o hear_v make_v by_o many_o worthy_a christian_n in_o their_o extremity_n than_o this_o to_o their_o friend_n o_o help_v i_o i_o can_v pray_v to_o this_o sore_a tentation_n the_o apostle_n answer_v 26._o rom._n 8._o 26._o say_v likewise_o the_o spirit_n help_v our_o infirmity_n for_o we_o know_v not_o what_o we_o shall_v pray_v for_o 27._o 27._o as_o we_o ought_v but_o the_o spirit_n itself_o make_v intercession_n for_o we_o with_o groan_n that_o can_v be_v utter_v and_o he_o that_o search_v the_o heart_n know_v what_o be_v the_o mind_n of_o the_o spirit_n because_o he_o make_v intercession_n for_o the_o saint_n according_a to_o the_o will_n of_o god_n wherein_o he_o free_o confess_v that_o he_o and_o all_o the_o rest_n of_o god_n child_n do_v know_v this_o by_o woeful_a experience_n that_o they_o in_o such_o case_n know_v not_o what_o they_o shall_v pray_v as_o they_o ought_v but_o yet_o for_o all_o this_o god_n have_v not_o leave_v we_o comfortless_o for_o he_o have_v give_v we_o his_o own_o spirit_n to_o succour_v and_o help_v we_o as_o it_o be_v to_o bear_v that_o part_n of_o the_o burthe_n which_o be_v too_o heavy_a for_o we_o to_o bear_v and_o whereas_o we_o can_v pray_v as_o we_o ought_v that_o self_n same_o spirit_n shall_v by_o his_o power_n make_v we_o able_a to_o pray_v with_o such_o feel_n faith_n and_o fervency_n as_o no_o word_n can_v express_v in_o such_o sort_n that_o god_n who_o both_o know_v and_o regard_v the_o secret_a desire_n of_o the_o heart_n behold_v the_o work_n of_o his_o spirit_n do_v gracious_o accept_v and_o approve_v of_o those_o prayer_n of_o his_o child_n i_o make_v no_o doubt_n but_o this_o be_v the_o intent_n of_o the_o apostle_n in_o this_o scripture_n in_o which_o if_o there_o be_v no_o more_o be_v enough_o to_o comfort_v any_o poor_a afflict_a soul_n against_o this_o temptation_n that_o they_o can_v pray_v in_o that_o god_n have_v give_v we_o his_o spirit_n so_o to_o help_v we_o that_o our_o poor_a prayer_n be_v say_v to_o be_v the_o prayer_n of_o god_n spirit_n in_o we_o which_o god_n can_v deny_v this_o i_o take_v to_o be_v the_o cause_n why_o elsewhere_o we_o be_v call_v upon_o to_o pray_v in_o the_o spirit_n 18._o eph._n 6._o 18._o and_o in_o the_o holy_a ghost_n 20._o jude_n v._n 20._o that_o be_v as_o he_o do_v teach_v we_o not_o as_o any_o natural_a gift_n can_v where_o i_o note_v a_o special_a difference_n of_o true_a prayer_n from_o counterfeit_n counterfeit_v difference_n of_o prayer_n true_a and_o counterfeit_v which_o may_v be_v excellent_a in_o speech_n but_o want_v this_o breath_n of_o god_n spirit_n it_o be_v but_o a_o dead_a sacrifice_n unpleasing_a to_o god_n and_o unprofitable_a to_o he_o that_o offer_v it_o and_o therefore_o i_o advise_v all_o who_o look_v for_o comfort_n by_o their_o prayer_n more_o to_o labour_v for_o spirit_n than_o speech_n in_o prayer_n and_o so_o much_o for_o this_o scripture_n whereupon_o i_o have_v stand_v the_o long_a for_o that_o it_o may_v suffice_v in_o stead_n of_o all_o but_o see_v the_o lord_n know_v our_o weakness_n have_v in_o all_o age_n of_o his_o church_n comfort_v his_o people_n with_o the_o like_a it_o shall_v more_o confirm_v we_o to_o hear_v more_o of_o these_o sweet_a promise_n to_o this_o may_v well_o be_v refer_v that_o which_o one_o of_o job_n friend_n say_v to_o comfort_v he_o which_o doubtless_o be_v good_a comfort_n howsover_v misapply_v when_o after_o some_o good_a exhortation_n he_o make_v many_o more_o gracious_a promise_n among_o all_o he_o add_v these_o for_o thou_o shall_v have_v thy_o delight_n in_o the_o almighty_a 22._o job_n 22._o and_o shall_v lift_v up_o thy_o face_n to_o god_n 6._o 21._o and_o 6._o thou_o shall_v make_v thy_o prayer_n unto_o he_o 26._o 26._o and_o he_o shall_v hear_v thou_o and_o thou_o shall_v pay_v thy_o vow_n etc._n etc._n 27._o 27._o and_o in_o like_a manner_n do_v another_o of_o job_n friend_n say_v he_o shall_v pray_v unto_o the_o lord_n 26._o job_n 33._o 26._o and_o he_o will_v be_v favourable_a to_o he_o so_o david_n in_o his_o time_n say_v for_o this_o shall_v every_o one_o that_o be_v godly_a prey_n unto_o thou_o 6._o psal_n 32._o 6._o in_o the_o time_n when_o thou_o may_v be_v find_v 9_o esa_n 58._o 9_o and_o the_o prophet_n esay_n make_v such_o promise_n to_o the_o people_n in_o his_o time_n then_o shall_v thou_o call_v and_o the_o lord_n will_v answer_v thou_o shall_v cry_v and_o he_o shall_v say_v here_o i_o be_o so_o jeremie_n 12._o jer._n 29._o 12._o then_o shall_v you_o call_v upon_o i_o and_o you_o shall_v go_v and_o pray_v unto_o i_o and_o i_o will_v hearken_v to_o you_o 13._o 13._o and_o you_o shall_v seek_v i_o and_o find_v i_o when_o you_o shall_v search_v for_o i_o with_o all_o your_o heart_n again_o they_o shall_v come_v with_o
that_o god_n by_o his_o word_n and_o spirit_n first_o inlighten_v the_o understanding_n true_o to_o conceive_v the_o doctrine_n of_o man_n misery_n and_o of_o his_o full_a recovery_n by_o christ_n 2._o second_o by_o the_o same_o mean_n he_o work_v in_o his_o heart_n both_o such_o sound_a sorrow_n for_o his_o misery_n and_o fervent_a desire_n after_o christ_n the_o remedy_n that_o he_o can_v never_o be_v at_o quiet_a till_o he_o enjoy_v christ_n 3._o three_o god_n so_o manife_v his_o love_n in_o free_o offer_v christ_n with_o all_o his_o benefit_n to_o he_o a_o poor_a sinner_n that_o thereby_o he_o draw_v he_o so_o to_o give_v credit_n to_o god_n therein_o that_o he_o glad_o accept_v christ_n offer_v unto_o he_o these_o three_o work_n of_o god_n whosoever_o find_v to_o have_v be_v wrought_v in_o himself_o he_o may_v thereby_o know_v certain_o he_o have_v faith_n but_o without_o these_o what_o change_n of_o life_n soever_o may_v be_v conceive_v there_o can_v be_v no_o certainty_n of_o faith_n and_o therefore_o i_o again_o advise_v that_o this_o be_v first_o and_o especial_o look_v unto_o for_o our_o comfort_n wherein_o that_o none_o be_v deceive_v with_o show_n of_o these_o in_o stead_n of_o substance_n i_o take_v these_o to_o be_v true_a note_n of_o soundness_n for_o the_o first_o of_o enlighten_v there_o can_v be_v no_o doubt_n for_o the_o second_o of_o sorrow_n see_v the_o cause_n still_o remain_v sorrow_n trial_o of_o sorrow_n nametie_a corruption_n and_o affliction_n therefore_o this_o sorrow_n must_v continue_v to_o our_o life_n end_n though_o in_o a_o different_a manner_n now_o mingle_v with_o comfort_n whereas_o the_o former_a before_o faith_n can_v have_v none_o whereas_o on_o the_o other_o side_n the_o sorrow_n that_o quite_o dry_v up_o be_v never_o sound_v as_o it_o be_v to_o be_v see_v in_o many_o who_o be_v once_o deep_o afflict_v and_o in_o great_a heaviness_n for_o their_o miserable_a estate_n afterward_o come_v to_o some_o comfort_n be_v grow_v so_o secure_a and_o senseless_a that_o have_v no_o true_a grief_n or_o remorse_n for_o their_o daily_a corruption_n content_v themselves_o that_o they_o be_v once_o cast_v down_o who_o life_n as_o they_o be_v â—â—ule_n and_o full_a of_o blotte_n so_o their_o end_n be_v oft_o fearful_a either_o senseless_a or_o uncomfortable_a so_o dangerous_a it_o be_v to_o quench_v the_o spirit_n in_o any_o part_n again_o desire_n trial_o of_o our_o desire_n for_o the_o trial_n of_o our_o desire_n after_o christ_n to_o prove_v that_o they_o be_v not_o sudden_a flash_n this_o be_v a_o certain_a mark_n of_o soundness_n that_o the_o more_o we_o taste_v of_o christ_n the_o more_o we_o covet_v he_o as_o the_o apostle_n peter_n exhort_v all_o that_o be_v new_o bear_v 2_o â—_o pet._n 2._o 1_o 2_o if_o so_o be_v they_o have_v taste_v how_o sweet_a the_o lord_n be_v 6._o mat._n 5_o 6._o &_o this_o be_v that_o holy_a hunger_n after_o righteousness_n to_o which_o our_o lord_n jesus_n promise_v blessedness_n which_o many_o mistake_n for_o such_o a_o desire_n as_o go_v before_o all_o faith_n have_v no_o promise_n of_o blessedness_n and_o great_a reason_n there_o be_v hereof_o why_o all_o true_a believer_n shall_v more_v and_o more_o thus_o hunger_n after_o christ_n for_o that_o while_o we_o live_v here_o we_o receive_v but_o the_o first_o fruit_n only_o and_o we_o have_v but_o a_o earnest_a penny_n of_o that_o fullness_n we_o shall_v have_v and_o therefore_o we_o can_v be_v full_o satisfy_v with_o that_o we_o have_v receive_v but_o still_o desire_v more_o last_o for_o the_o trial_n of_o the_o three_o work_n of_o god_n faith_n trial_o of_o faith_n whereby_o he_o work_v faith_n that_o any_o may_v know_v god_n have_v wrought_v this_o in_o he_o in_o deed_n and_o in_o truth_n and_o not_o in_o conceit_n and_o opinion_n wherein_o many_o be_v deceive_v i_o take_v this_o to_o be_v most_o infallible_a in_o the_o weak_a of_o those_o who_o may_v know_v they_o believe_v that_o though_o in_o temptation_n they_o be_v drive_v from_o their_o hold_n yet_o afterward_o they_o return_v unto_o their_o rest_n and_o find_v god_n holy_a spirit_n draw_v they_o yet_o to_o believe_v in_o god_n because_o of_o his_o word_n which_o though_o it_o be_v weak_a yet_o it_o be_v true_a faith_n and_o not_o that_o waver_a which_o have_v no_o faith_n in_o it_o as_o may_v be_v lay_v open_a by_o a_o plain_a comparison_n for_o the_o weak_a sort_n in_o a_o pair_n of_o gold_n weight_v when_o they_o be_v empty_a either_o balance_n will_v hang_v waver_v and_o not_o rest_n on_o either_o side_n but_o if_o a_o grain_n be_v put_v into_o one_o above_o the_o other_o it_o will_v weigh_v it_o down_o yet_o so_o as_o the_o wind_n or_o a_o little_a jog_v may_v lift_v it_o up_o but_o if_o it_o be_v let_v alone_o the_o grain_n will_v weigh_v it_o down_o and_o so_o hold_v it_o so_o be_v it_o between_o weak_a faith_n and_o waver_a when_o there_o be_v any_o credit_n give_v and_o so_o any_o rest_n on_o god_n word_n after_o temptation_n there_o be_v true_a faith_n but_o where_o there_o be_v nothing_o but_o a_o hang_n in_o suspense_n and_o uncertainty_n that_o be_v waver_v 7._o james_n 1._o 7._o which_o can_v look_v to_o obtain_v any_o thing_n as_o the_o apostle_n james_n speak_v thus_o by_o the_o cause_n be_v every_o one_o to_o try_v himself_o whether_o true_a faith_n have_v be_v wrought_v in_o he_o which_o indeed_o be_v the_o more_o certain_a proof_n though_o not_o so_o easy_o see_v now_o follow_v the_o proof_n take_v from_o the_o effect_n and_o fruit_n of_o faith_n effect_n proof_n from_o effect_n which_o be_v more_o manifest_a but_o not_o so_o certain_a unless_o it_o be_v also_o as_o manifest_v that_o they_o come_v from_o faith_n to_o make_v this_o plain_a to_o those_o for_o who_o sake_n i_o write_v these_o that_o be_v weak_a believer_n the_o principal_a effect_n of_o faith_n be_v joy_n and_o love_n joy_v in_o the_o benefit_n and_o love_n to_o god_n the_o author_n of_o it_o these_o be_v such_o as_o a_o man_n may_v easy_o see_v whether_o he_o have_v they_o in_o he_o or_o no._n but_o if_o any_o man_n can_v say_v he_o have_v joy_n of_o his_o salvation_n and_o love_v god_n for_o it_o to_o say_v nothing_o yet_o of_o the_o truth_n of_o these_o unless_o he_o can_v prove_v that_o these_o grow_v out_o of_o the_o tree_n of_o faith_n they_o can_v no_o more_o prove_v that_o he_o have_v faith_n than_o fruit_n grow_v on_o one_o tree_n can_v prove_v another_o tree_n to_o be_v good_a for_o we_o shall_v see_v that_o both_o these_o and_o many_o other_o suppose_a fruit_n of_o faith_n be_v nothing_o less_o but_o be_v bastard_n fruit_n and_o mere_a natural_a affection_n i_o mean_v such_o as_o may_v be_v in_o a_o natural_a man_n not_o regenerate_v but_o only_o enlighten_v and_o wrought_v by_o such_o a_o work_n of_o the_o spirit_n as_o may_v be_v in_o a_o reprobate_n and_o therefore_o neither_o these_o nor_o any_o other_o change_n of_o life_n can_v be_v proof_n of_o faith_n further_o than_o it_o be_v manifest_a they_o come_v from_o faith_n the_o ignorance_n of_o this_o deceive_v many_o who_o build_v their_o faith_n on_o these_o whereas_o true_a fruit_n grow_v from_o faith_n but_o to_o come_v to_o the_o trial_n of_o our_o faith_n by_o the_o effect_n thereof_o spirit_n trial_o by_o the_o spirit_n which_o though_o they_o be_v many_o yet_o may_v be_v all_o contain_v under_o this_o one_o of_o receive_v the_o spirit_n not_o as_o a_o stranger_n to_o do_v some_o work_n and_o so_o to_o depart_v 19_o 1_o cor._n 6._o 19_o but_o as_o a_o inhabitant_n to_o dwell_v with_o we_o for_o ever_o 27_o 1_o joh._n 2._o 27_o and_o therefore_o this_o be_v set_v down_o as_o the_o unseparable_a mark_n of_o true_a receive_n christ_n which_o be_v only_o by_o faith_n this_o be_v manifest_a in_o the_o epistle_n of_o john_n 1._o 1_o joâ—_a 4._o 1._o hereby_o we_o know_v that_o we_o dwell_v in_o he_o and_o he_o in_o we_o because_o he_o have_v give_v we_o of_o his_o spirit_n and_o to_o like_a effect_n in_o the_o galathian_o and_o because_o you_o be_v son_n 6._o gal._n 4._o 6._o god_n have_v send_v forth_o the_o spirit_n of_o his_o son_n into_o your_o heart_n 2._o gal._n 3._o 2._o cry_v abba_n father_n again_o in_o galathian_n 3._o 2._o which_o be_v as_o manifest_v by_o all_o experience_n when_o god_n vouchsafe_v effectual_o to_o call_v any_o to_o embrace_v christ_n he_o send_v immediate_o upon_o they_o his_o holy_a spirit_n which_o at_o first_o be_v in_o extraordinary_a manner_n as_o in_o the_o act_n 44_o act_n 10._o 44_o but_o afterward_o in_o ordinary_a manner_n 13._o eph._n 1._o 13._o as_o in_o the_o ephesian_n where_o it_o be_v say_v that_o they_o after_o they_o believe_v be_v sâ—aled_v with_o that_o
holy_a spirit_n of_o promise_n which_o be_v the_o earnest_n of_o our_o inheritance_n until_o the_o redemption_n of_o the_o purchase_a possession_n unto_o the_o praise_n of_o his_o glory_n so_o then_o every_o one_o that_o will_v prove_v that_o he_o have_v true_o believe_v must_v be_v able_a to_o see_v and_o show_v that_o he_o be_v thus_o seal_v with_o the_o holy_a spirit_n promise_v to_o all_o believer_n the_o spirit_n be_v know_v by_o his_o work_n know_v how_o the_o spirit_n be_v know_v which_o though_o manifold_a yet_o in_o this_o case_n may_v well_o be_v contain_v under_o these_o two_o joy_n and_o love_n as_o be_v before_o say_v in_o regard_n whereof_o this_o grace_n of_o the_o spirit_n be_v not_o unfit_o compare_v to_o fire_n which_o have_v two_o property_n light_n and_o heat_n which_o though_o they_o be_v unseparable_a so_o that_o where_o fire_n be_v both_o these_o must_v needs_o be_v yet_o they_o be_v not_o both_o alike_o sensible_a for_o oft_o the_o hear_v of_o fire_n may_v be_v feel_v when_o no_o light_n can_v be_v see_v so_o be_v it_o with_o these_o of_o joy_n &_o love_n especial_o in_o weak_a believer_n who_o though_o their_o faith_n be_v so_o cover_v under_o their_o corruption_n that_o they_o can_v oft_o time_o have_v such_o sight_n thereof_o as_o may_v breed_v joy_n and_o comfort_n in_o their_o salvation_n yet_o their_o love_n to_o god_n can_v never_o be_v so_o quench_v that_o they_o shall_v feel_v no_o heat_n in_o it_o but_o if_o they_o shall_v be_v well_o try_v what_o heart_n they_o bear_v to_o god_n it_o can_v be_v hide_v but_o they_o bear_v a_o love_a affection_n to_o he_o approve_v of_o all_o that_o he_o do_v to_o be_v well_o do_v yea_o though_o he_o shall_v condemn_v they_o be_v grieve_v for_o offend_v he_o and_o very_o desirous_a to_o please_v he_o all_o which_o and_o many_o the_o like_v be_v evident_a proof_n of_o their_o true_a love_n to_o god_n whereby_o they_o may_v prove_v that_o there_o be_v in_o they_o some_o persuasion_n of_o god_n love_n towards_o they_o which_o can_v be_v without_o true_a faith_n though_o faith_n in_o itself_o much_o less_o the_o joy_n therein_o can_v be_v see_v and_o this_o i_o judge_v to_o be_v the_o clear_a proof_n which_o a_o weak_a believer_n may_v have_v that_o he_o have_v any_o faith_n which_o i_o deâ—iâ—e_v the_o more_o may_v be_v regard_v for_o that_o in_o my_o best_a experience_n i_o have_v ever_o find_v nothing_o more_o available_a to_o comfort_v a_o true_o afflict_a conscience_n that_o be_v one_o who_o heart_n be_v oppress_v with_o sorrow_n for_o that_o see_v his_o misery_n and_o desire_v christ_n his_o only_a remedy_n yet_o can_v believe_v at_o lest_o can_v see_v he_o do_v believe_v to_o return_v then_o to_o these_o effect_n of_o god_n spirit_n whereby_o it_o be_v manifest_v who_o have_v the_o spirit_n of_o god_n dwell_v in_o he_o every_o one_o must_v examine_v his_o own_o heart_n what_o sound_a joy_n and_o comfort_n he_o have_v of_o his_o salvation_n by_o christ_n and_o what_o true_a love_n he_o bear_v to_o god_n for_o the_o same_o which_o two_o be_v as_o the_o two_o main_a arm_n of_o the_o tree_n of_o life_n from_o whence_o do_v issue_n and_o spring_v all_o other_o branch_n of_o a_o godly_a life_n from_o the_o former_a that_o be_v the_o joy_n of_o faith_n do_v grow_v all_o comfort_n in_o god_n that_o we_o shall_v receive_v from_o he_o in_o due_a time_n and_o measure_v all_o needful_a blessing_n from_o love_n proceed_v a_o careful_a conscience_n to_o yield_v god_n all_o cheerful_a obedience_n both_o in_o duty_n towards_o god_n and_o towards_o our_o neighbour_n in_o all_o which_o whosoever_o have_v no_o part_n he_o may_v thereby_o know_v that_o as_o yet_o he_o have_v not_o receive_v god_n spirit_n but_o on_o the_o other_o side_n if_o any_o man_n do_v find_v these_o in_o he_o and_o his_o heart_n do_v not_o beguile_v he_o he_o may_v have_v boldness_n that_o he_o be_v a_o true_a live_a member_n of_o christ_n but_o for_o so_o much_o as_o this_o be_v to_o too_o common_a that_o many_o be_v deep_o deceive_v on_o both_o side_n some_o and_o these_o the_o few_o and_o better_a sort_n mistrust_v themselves_o that_o these_o be_v not_o in_o truth_n in_o they_o and_o so_o fear_v they_o have_v not_o true_o receive_v the_o spirit_n and_o therefore_o be_v none_o of_o christ_n when_o as_o in_o deed_n and_o in_o truth_n they_o have_v both_o who_o case_n be_v good_a though_o they_o see_v it_o not_o and_o so_o remain_v uncomfortable_a other_o the_o great_a and_o worse_a sort_n do_v flatter_v themselves_o they_o have_v these_o and_o such_o other_o fruit_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o so_o have_v true_a faith_n in_o christ_n and_o salvation_n when_o indeed_o they_o have_v none_o of_o these_o in_o truth_n but_o vain_a shadow_n of_o they_o it_o be_v a_o matter_n exceed_o needful_a to_o set_v down_o some_o plain_a and_o infallible_a mark_n of_o soundness_n whereby_o every_o one_o may_v be_v able_a to_o discern_v of_o his_o estate_n whether_o he_o have_v right_o receive_v the_o grace_n of_o god_n or_o no_o that_o hereby_o the_o sound_a heart_a though_o weak_a and_o full_a of_o doubt_n may_v be_v quiet_v if_o not_o comfort_v and_o the_o proud_a hypocrite_n and_o presumptuous_a professor_n may_v be_v discover_v and_o discomfort_a wherein_o great_a care_n be_v to_o be_v have_v that_o the_o gate_n be_v not_o make_v too_o wide_a to_o let_v in_o the_o libertine_n and_o loose_a liver_n or_o too_o straight_o to_o shut_v out_o the_o poor_a and_o weak_a believer_n 1._o one_o especial_a mark_n of_o a_o sound_a heart_n i_o have_v observe_v chief_o in_o young_a christian_n and_o weak_a believer_n be_v a_o godly_a jealousy_n of_o be_v deceive_v with_o false_a faith_n soundness_n mark_v of_o soundness_n joy_n and_o love_n which_o make_v they_o careful_a to_o examine_v themselves_o and_o willing_a to_o be_v try_v by_o other_o yea_o they_o be_v earnest_n with_o god_n to_o try_v they_o to_o discover_v to_o they_o the_o falsehood_n or_o weakness_n of_o their_o heart_n that_o both_o may_v be_v reform_v whereas_o on_o the_o other_o side_n the_o unsound_a heart_n will_v not_o be_v try_v but_o as_o he_o flatter_v himself_o all_o be_v well_o so_o he_o take_v it_o very_o ill_a to_o be_v suspect_v by_o other_o 2._o another_o note_n that_o the_o grace_n we_o have_v receive_v be_v true_a and_o not_o counterfeit_a be_v this_o that_o upon_o search_n find_v that_o we_o have_v some_o sorrow_n for_o our_o frailty_n and_o some_o desire_n of_o be_v cleanse_v by_o christ_n and_o some_o faith_n and_o hope_v therein_o with_o some_o joy_n and_o love_n of_o god_n for_o the_o same_o yet_o we_o have_v withal_o such_o a_o sight_n of_o our_o poverty_n in_o all_o of_o these_o as_o make_v we_o often_o mourn_v for_o our_o want_n and_o to_o think_v so_o mean_o of_o ourselves_o that_o we_o high_o esteem_v the_o grace_n of_o god_n in_o other_o and_o for_o our_o own_o part_n desire_v and_o labour_n for_o nothing_o more_o then_o to_o have_v all_o these_o increase_v in_o us._n these_o and_o the_o like_v be_v the_o humble_a thought_n and_o desire_n of_o those_o that_o have_v true_o taste_v of_o god_n grace_n but_o they_o who_o think_v every_o little_a prick_n to_o be_v deep_o wound_v or_o carnal_a and_o worldly_a sorrow_n to_o be_v the_o true_a godly_a sorrow_n and_o their_o vain_a wish_n to_o be_v fervent_a desire_n their_o fantasy_n to_o be_v faith_n and_o so_o for_o all_o the_o rest_n of_o god_n gift_n bestow_v upon_o they_o do_v dote_v upon_o they_o and_o their_o happiness_n in_o they_o and_o so_o live_v merry_o cast_v away_o all_o mourning_n for_o their_o manifold_a corruption_n and_o be_v very_o busy_a in_o censure_v of_o other_o and_o advance_v themselves_o and_o now_o be_v full_o do_v take_v their_o ease_n and_o grow_v slothful_a in_o holy_a exercise_n especial_o in_o private_a these_o i_o say_v and_o such_o like_a be_v far_o from_o true_a regeneration_n and_o might_n if_o they_o be_v not_o blind_v see_v their_o estate_n more_o dangerous_a than_o such_o as_o never_o see_v the_o light_n 3._o a_o three_o mark_n of_o a_o true_a israelite_n such_o as_o nathaniel_n be_v in_o who_o be_v no_o guile_n may_v be_v this_o that_o he_o be_v the_o same_o inward_o and_o in_o deed_n which_o he_o be_v outward_o and_o in_o show_v as_o the_o apostle_n speak_v of_o the_o jew_n and_o of_o circumcision_n so_o may_v we_o of_o a_o christian_a and_o of_o baptism_n 28._o rom._n 2._o 28._o that_o it_o must_v not_o be_v outward_a only_o and_o in_o the_o flesh_n but_o inward_a of_o the_o heart_n in_o the_o spirit_n not_o in_o the_o letter_n who_o praise_n be_v not_o of_o man_n but_o of_o god_n whereby_o appear_v that_o all_o such_o who_o only_o make_v a_o
any_o storm_n we_o shall_v be_v sure_a to_o escape_v shipwreck_n and_o so_o in_o the_o end_n arrive_v at_o our_o desire_a port_n of_o everlasting_a salvation_n thus_o have_v i_o now_o show_v as_o brief_o and_o plain_o as_o i_o can_v how_o every_o one_o who_o be_v trouble_v with_o unbelief_n about_o the_o cercainety_n of_o his_o salvation_n namely_o whether_o such_o as_o he_o so_o void_a of_o all_o grace_n and_o so_o full_a of_o all_o sin_n may_v be_v bold_a to_o believe_v and_o thereby_o be_v assure_v to_o be_v save_v by_o christ_n and_o to_o this_o end_n that_o his_o sin_n be_v quite_o forgive_v and_o he_o accept_v as_o righteous_a in_o god_n sight_n so_o reconcile_v to_o god_n and_o adopt_v to_o be_v god_n child_n that_o he_o may_v rejoice_v in_o hope_n of_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n how_o such_o a_o one_o i_o say_v may_v get_v and_o daily_o increase_v this_o assurance_n of_o faith_n that_o there_o be_v no_o condemnation_n to_o he_o belong_v but_o that_o he_o have_v everlasting_a life_n and_o be_v pass_v from_o death_n to_o life_n than_o which_o what_o can_v be_v more_o welcome_a and_o comfortable_a to_o a_o trouble_a conscience_n i_o well_o see_v not_o and_o therefore_o as_o oft_o before_o i_o exhort_v all_o that_o feel_v this_o weakness_n of_o faith_n concern_v their_o salvation_n above_o all_o to_o observe_v these_o and_o such_o other_o scripture_n whereof_o there_o be_v many_o wherein_o christ_n and_o salvation_n be_v offer_v to_o poor_a sinner_n christ_n observe_v scripture_n concern_v christ_n that_o they_o who_o have_v as_o good_a right_n to_o they_o as_o any_o may_v not_o for_o any_o thing_n they_o see_v in_o themselves_o put_v these_o promise_n from_o they_o as_o not_o make_v to_o they_o but_o rather_o in_o admiration_n of_o god_n wonderful_a goodness_n mercy_n and_o compassion_n upon_o such_o unworthy_a wretch_n to_o give_v glory_n to_o god_n in_o believe_v and_o accept_v this_o mercy_n so_o free_o offer_v which_o they_o must_v do_v before_o they_o shall_v see_v such_o a_o true_a change_n of_o heart_n &_o life_n in_o they_o as_o they_o earnest_o desire_v &_o for_o want_v whereof_o they_o think_v they_o ought_v not_o to_o believe_v which_o be_v to_o such_o if_o not_o the_o only_a yet_o the_o chief_a let_n and_o hindrance_n from_o faith_n whereas_o on_o the_o other_o side_n when_o it_o shall_v please_v god_n spirit_n by_o these_o his_o free_a promise_n to_o draw_v they_o to_o believe_v and_o though_o weak_o yet_o true_o to_o stay_v themselves_o upon_o god_n great_a mercy_n so_o reveal_v to_o they_o then_o assure_o shall_v they_o see_v and_o feel_v this_o change_n in_o their_o heart_n that_o they_o know_v not_o what_o to_o say_v or_o think_v of_o god_n mercy_n in_o pardon_v such_o as_o they_o feel_v themselves_o to_o be_v this_o can_v but_o breed_v a_o unfeigned_a love_n in_o they_o to_o god_n with_o a_o earnest_a desire_n and_o true_a purpose_n to_o glorify_v he_o which_o be_v the_o chief_a part_n of_o a_o holy_a life_n and_o sure_a proof_n of_o save_a faith_n which_o can_v no_o more_o want_v these_o than_o a_o true_a fire_n can_v be_v without_o heat_n though_o too_o many_o carnal_a gospeler_n think_v otherwise_o and_o so_o miserable_o perish_v have_v thus_o see_v how_o we_o be_v by_o god_n promise_n to_o get_v and_o increase_v our_o assurance_n by_o faith_n that_o we_o be_v god_n child_n now_o it_o follow_v that_o we_o consider_v what_o be_v the_o mark_n of_o god_n child_n faith_n assurance_n by_o the_o fruit_n of_o faith_n whereby_o we_o may_v be_v further_o assure_v thereof_o among_o which_o mark_n see_v faith_n itself_o be_v the_o first_o and_o sure_a proof_n that_o we_o be_v god_n child_n and_o to_o this_o end_n many_o precious_a promise_n be_v make_v to_o such_o as_o do_v already_o believe_v as_o the_o former_a promise_n be_v make_v to_o beget_v and_o increase_v faith_n it_o be_v meet_v that_o we_o take_v some_o view_n of_o these_o not_o for_o the_o strengthen_n of_o our_o faith_n but_o that_o by_o our_o faith_n be_v it_o small_a or_o great_a we_o may_v have_v a_o sensible_a assurance_n of_o our_o salvation_n to_o which_o purpose_n may_v this_o serve_v that_o we_o who_o believe_v in_o christ_n be_v so_o oft_o say_v to_o be_v bless_v as_o our_o saviour_n say_v to_o thomas_n bless_a be_v they_o who_o have_v not_o see_v 29._o joh._n 20._o 29._o and_o yet_o have_v believe_v 17._o mat._n 13._o 16._o 16_o 17._o and_o again_o to_o his_o disciple_n bless_a be_v your_o eye_n for_o they_o see_v &c_n &c_n and_o likewise_o to_o peter_n bless_v be_v thou_o simon_n bar_n jona_n for_o flesh_n and_o blood_n have_v not_o reveal_v it_o unto_o thou_o but_o my_o father_n which_o be_v in_o heaven_n and_o the_o like_o many_o to_o the_o same_o end_n also_o it_o be_v say_v that_o he_o who_o believe_v shall_v be_v save_v 16_o mr._n k._n 16._o 16_o that_o the_o gospel_n be_v the_o power_n of_o god_n unto_o salvation_n to_o every_o one_o that_o believe_v 9_o rom._n 1._o 16._o 10._o 9_o again_o if_o thou_o confess_v with_o thy_o mouth_n the_o lord_n jesus_n and_o shall_v believe_v in_o thy_o heart_n that_o god_n raise_v he_o from_o the_o dead_a thou_o shall_v besave_v and_o again_o whosoever_o believe_v in_o christ_n 16_o joh._n 3._o 15._o 16_o shall_v not_o perish_v but_o have_v everlasting_a life_n yea_o have_v everlasting_a life_n 24._o 5._o 24._o joh._n â—_o 47._o and_o be_v pass_v from_o death_n to_o life_n again_o 26._o 12._o 46._o 11._o 26._o i_o be_o come_v a_o light_n into_o the_o world_n that_o whosoever_o believe_v in_o i_o shall_v not_o abide_v in_o darkness_n and_o though_o he_o be_v dead_a yet_o shall_v he_o live_v and_o shall_v never_o die_v the_o same_o also_o be_v intend_v in_o these_o scripture_n in_o which_o forgiveness_n of_o sin_n righteousness_n and_o justification_n be_v promise_v to_o believer_n act._n 10._o 45._o rom._n 10._o 4._o act._n 13._o 30._o rom._n 4._o 5._o 5._o 1._o 26._o gal._n 3._o 26._o so_o likewise_o it_o be_v say_v 12._o joh._n 1._o 12._o we_o be_v make_v the_o child_n of_o god_n by_o faith_n and_o as_o many_o as_o receive_v he_o to_o they_o he_o give_v power_n to_o be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n even_o to_o they_o that_o believe_v in_o his_o name_n last_o to_o heap_v up_o no_o more_o of_o this_o kind_n to_o this_o end_n be_v that_o christ_n shall_v come_v to_o be_v glorify_v in_o his_o saint_n 10._o 1._o thes_n 〈◊〉_d 10._o and_o be_v make_v marvelous_a in_o all_o they_o that_o believe_v etc._n etc._n in_o all_o these_o and_o many_o the_o like_a promiise_n make_v to_o such_o as_o do_v true_o believe_v in_o christ_n may_v evident_o appear_v that_o if_o any_o do_v know_v and_o can_v prove_v themselves_o to_o be_v in_o the_o faith_n 5._o 2_o cor._n 13._o 5._o as_o the_o apostle_n speak_v by_o this_o he_o may_v be_v infallible_o assure_v of_o his_o salvation_n wherein_o see_v the_o great_a part_n of_o professor_n of_o christian_a religion_n be_v deceive_v say_v they_o have_v faith_n when_o in_o truth_n they_o have_v none_o it_o high_o behoove_v such_o as_o look_v for_o better_a comfort_n above_o all_o to_o beware_v their_o heart_n do_v not_o beguile_v they_o herein_o 10._o 2._o pet._n 1._o 10._o and_o to_o bestow_v all_o study_n to_o make_v their_o call_n and_o election_n sure_a that_o they_o may_v know_v that_o christ_n dwell_v in_o they_o otherwise_o they_o can_v be_v approve_v neither_o by_o themselves_o nor_o any_o other_o to_o be_v in_o the_o state_n of_o grace_n thus_o much_o for_o faith_n itself_o whereby_o we_o may_v certain_o know_v that_o we_o be_v god_n child_n heir_n of_o salvation_n and_o can_v perish_v we_o be_v now_o further_o to_o see_v some_o special_a fruit_n of_o our_o faith_n which_o be_v the_o effect_n of_o god_n spirit_n in_o all_o true_a believer_n &_o be_v so_o many_o mark_n whereby_o they_o do_v know_v themselves_o and_o be_v know_v to_o other_o that_o they_o be_v god_n sheep_n &_o so_o be_v further_a evidence_n and_o assurance_n that_o they_o be_v god_n child_n and_o shall_v be_v save_v in_o which_o respect_n faith_n assurance_n by_o the_o fruit_n of_o faith_n this_o gift_n of_o god_n spirit_n to_o believer_n be_v call_v a_o seal_n ephesian_n 1._o 13._o where_o the_o apostle_n set_v out_o the_o conversation_n of_o the_o ephesian_n spirit_n 1._o by_o the_o gift_n of_o the_o spirit_n lay_v down_o both_o these_o evidence_n first_o of_o their_o faith_n second_o of_o this_o gift_n of_o the_o spirit_n say_v in_o who_o you_o also_o have_v obtain_v inheritance_n after_o that_o you_o hear_v the_o word_n of_o truth_n the_o gospel_n of_o your_o salvation_n wherein_o also_o after_o you_o believe_v you_o be_v seal_v with_o the_o spirit_n of_o promise_n which_o be_v the_o earnest_n
of_o the_o old_a man_n and_o weapon_n of_o unrighteousness_n but_o rather_o yield_v themselves_o unto_o god_n as_o those_o that_o be_v alive_a from_o the_o dead_a and_o their_o member_n as_o instrument_n of_o righteousness_n unto_o god_n and_o whereas_o this_o may_v just_o be_v object_v alas_o how_o shall_v we_o who_o by_o nature_n be_v so_o unable_a to_o resist_v so_o mighty_a a_o tyrant_n as_o sin_n be_v who_o have_v overcome_v all_o mankind_n christ_n only_o except_v ever_o be_v able_a so_o to_o withstand_v sin_n for_o answer_v whereto_o the_o apostle_n bring_v a_o most_o comfortable_a promise_n unto_o all_o that_o be_v not_o under_o the_o law_n 14._o verse_n 14._o but_o under_o grace_n that_o be_v who_o be_v not_o still_o under_o the_o condemnation_n and_o tyranny_n of_o the_o law_n whereby_o it_o reign_v over_o all_o unregenerat_a but_o by_o true_a receive_n of_o christ_n by_o faith_n be_v now_o deliver_v from_o that_o bondage_n &_o so_o bring_v into_o the_o liberty_n of_o god_n child_n which_o he_o say_v be_v to_o be_v under_o grace_n whereof_o the_o apostle_n speak_v more_o full_o rom._n 6._o 1._o of_o these_o he_o say_v that_o sin_n shall_v not_o have_v dominion_n over_o they_o mean_v that_o although_o these_o do_v still_o carry_v sin_n that_o be_v corruption_n of_o nature_n which_o continual_o fight_v against_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n in_o they_o yet_o the_o corruption_n and_o sinful_a nature_n shall_v never_o any_o more_o reign_v as_o in_o time_n past_o it_o do_v and_o so_o have_v the_o full_a victory_n over_o they_o but_o they_o by_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n spirit_n reign_v in_o they_o shall_v daily_o more_o and_o more_o overcome_v this_o their_o sinful_a nature_n and_o in_o the_o end_n get_v a_o glorious_a conquest_n over_o it_o and_o all_o other_o their_o spiritual_a enemy_n this_o one_o scripture_n if_o there_o be_v no_o more_o be_v sufficient_a if_o it_o be_v true_o weigh_v and_o believe_v to_o comfort_v every_o child_n of_o god_n over_o all_o his_o sin_n that_o though_o they_o be_v never_o so_o many_o or_o never_o so_o great_a and_o of_o long_a continuance_n yet_o be_v here_o assure_v the_o root_n of_o sin_n shall_v be_v kill_v 22._o ver_fw-la 18._o 22._o he_o may_v then_o quiet_o rest_v his_o soul_n in_o peace_n that_o all_o the_o fruit_n and_o branch_n shall_v in_o time_n quite_o wither_v for_o certainty_n whereof_o this_o be_v twice_o repeat_v but_o the_o lord_n know_v how_o hardly_o we_o be_v bring_v to_o be_v persuade_v hereof_o especial_o when_o we_o be_v under_o captivity_n of_o any_o sin_n as_o of_o unbelief_n pride_n anger_n worldliness_n and_o the_o like_a have_v much_o labour_v in_o his_o word_n to_o comfort_v we_o herein_o that_o though_o the_o battle_n be_v sore_o and_o our_o strength_n small_a yet_o his_o grace_n shall_v be_v sufficient_a for_o we_o and_o his_o power_n shall_v be_v make_v perfect_a in_o weakness_n 9_o 2._o cor._n 12._o 7_o 8_o 9_o as_o be_v say_v to_o paul_n in_o his_o wrestle_n against_o some_o privy_a corruption_n which_o he_o feel_v a_o prick_n in_o his_o flesh_n to_o be_v send_v as_o a_o messenger_n of_o satan_n to_o buffet_v he_o lest_o he_o shall_v be_v exalt_v above_o measure_n by_o the_o abundance_n of_o revelation_n which_o though_o speak_v to_o he_o yet_o indeed_o belong_v to_o all_o in_o his_o case_n and_o therefore_o every_o poor_a soul_n who_o feel_v his_o sin_n too_o hard_o for_o he_o that_o when_o he_o will_v do_v well_o evil_a be_v present_a with_o he_o he_o be_v to_o lay_v hold_n on_o this_o promise_n that_o god_n grace_n shall_v be_v sufficient_a for_o he_o and_o god_n strength_n shall_v be_v make_v perfect_a in_o his_o weakness_n that_o so_o complain_v with_o the_o apostle_n o_o wretched_a man_n that_o i_o be_o 24._o rom._n 7._o 24._o who_o shall_v deliver_v i_o from_o the_o body_n of_o this_o death_n he_o may_v comfortable_o cheer_v up_o his_o heart_n with_o he_o say_v 25._o verse_n 25._o i_o thank_v god_n through_o jesus_n christ_n our_o lord_n that_o through_o the_o power_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o christ_n he_o shall_v subdue_v that_o body_n of_o sin_n which_o otherwise_o will_v carry_v he_o headlong_o to_o death_n and_o destruction_n both_o of_o body_n and_o soul_n for_o ever_o this_o the_o prophet_n micah_n notable_o express_v 18_o mich._n 7._o 18_o have_v high_o magnify_v the_o mercy_n of_o god_n in_o pardon_v iniquity_n and_o pass_v by_o the_o transgression_n of_o his_o people_n he_o add_v this_o he_o will_v turn_v again_o he_o will_v have_v compassion_n upon_o we_o he_o will_v subdue_v our_o iniquity_n etc._n etc._n the_o apostle_n also_o lay_v out_o this_o matter_n at_o large_a how_o the_o christian_a soldier_n be_v arm_v with_o the_o whole_a armour_n of_o god_n 6._o eph._n 6._o may_v be_v able_a to_o stand_v in_o the_o evil_a day_n and_o have_v do_v all_o to_o stand_v that_o be_v be_v furnish_v with_o those_o excellent_a grace_n of_o the_o spirit_n which_o he_o afterward_o name_n he_o may_v manful_o fight_v the_o lord_n battle_n against_o sin_n and_o satan_n and_o so_o hold_v out_o to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o battle_n that_o he_o shall_v stand_v up_o as_o conqueror_n when_o sin_n and_o satan_n shall_v fall_v as_o vanquish_v behold_v what_o encouragement_n the_o lord_n give_v against_o all_o our_o fearfulness_n in_o our_o spiritual_a battle_n which_o if_o we_o can_v remember_v will_v put_v more_o spirit_n into_o we_o to_o fight_v against_o our_o sin_n like_o man_n and_o not_o to_o faint_v or_o fly_v like_o coward_n and_o yet_o these_o be_v not_o the_o ten_o of_o these_o gracious_a promise_n which_o the_o lord_n have_v make_v to_o this_o end_n that_o we_o faint_v not_o when_o we_o see_v the_o force_n of_o the_o enemy_n of_o this_o sort_n be_v all_o those_o scripture_n which_o set_v out_o the_o rich_a benefit_n we_o receive_v in_o christ_n among_o the_o rest_n mention_v our_o sanctification_n by_o he_o whereby_o be_v mean_v that_o christ_n have_v take_v our_o humane_a nature_n and_o sanctify_v it_o by_o his_o holy_a spirit_n we_o be_v make_v one_o with_o he_o do_v receive_v the_o self_n same_o spirit_n though_o in_o measure_n to_o sanctify_v we_o 29._o joh._n 17._o 29._o that_o be_v to_o make_v we_o holy_a whereunto_o these_o two_o be_v necessary_a first_o the_o kill_n of_o all_o sin_n in_o we_o and_o second_o the_o quicken_a of_o we_o to_o newness_n of_o life_n 30_o 1._o cor._n 1._o 30_o of_o the_o latter_a more_o in_o the_o next_o point_n of_o the_o former_a here_o concern_v which_o this_o be_v oft_o repeat_v that_o christ_n shall_v save_v his_o people_n from_o their_o sin_n 21._o mat._n 1._o 21._o which_o as_o it_o be_v true_a in_o the_o matter_n of_o our_o justification_n for_o the_o forgiveness_n of_o our_o sin_n so_o it_o be_v also_o true_a in_o this_o point_n of_o our_o sanctification_n for_o deliver_v we_o from_o the_o power_n of_o sin_n and_o so_o be_v all_o those_o general_a speech_n to_o be_v understand_v that_o christ_n be_v the_o lamb_n of_o god_n 39_o joh._n 1._o 29._o 39_o which_o take_v away_o the_o sin_n of_o the_o world_n that_o he_o have_v love_v we_o 5._o reu._n 1._o 5._o and_o wash_v we_o from_o our_o sin_n in_o his_o own_o blood_n 7._o 1_o joh._n 1._o 7._o that_o the_o blood_n of_o jesus_n christ_n cleanse_v we_o from_o all_o our_o sin_n 26._o act._n 3._o 26._o that_o god_n have_v send_v his_o son_n jesus_n to_o bless_v we_o in_o turn_v every_o one_o of_o we_o from_o our_o iniquity_n and_o the_o like_o many_o in_o all_o which_o this_o must_v needs_o be_v contain_v that_o one_o great_a benefit_n we_o enjoy_v by_o christ_n be_v that_o we_o who_o be_v member_n of_o he_o be_v cleanse_v as_o from_o the_o guiltiness_n of_o sin_n that_o it_o shall_v not_o be_v impute_v so_o from_o the_o filthiness_n of_o sin_n that_o it_o shall_v not_o prevail_v over_o us._n for_o more_o manifest_a proof_n whereof_o this_o grace_n of_o mortification_n be_v express_o promise_v in_o sundry_a place_n 16._o gal._n 5._o 16._o as_o walk_v in_o the_o spirit_n and_o you_o shall_v not_o fulfil_v the_o lust_n of_o the_o flesh_n likewise_o the_o apostle_n john_n join_v together_o both_o our_o justification_n and_o sanctification_n 9_o 1_o joh._n 1._o 9_o say_v if_o we_o confess_v our_o sin_n he_o be_v faithful_a and_o just_a to_o forgive_v we_o our_o sin_n and_o to_o cleanse_v we_o from_o all_o unrighteousness_n so_o do_v the_o apostle_n paul_n to_o titus_n 11._o tit._n 2._o 11._o have_v show_v that_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n which_o bring_v salvation_n do_v also_o teach_v man_n to_o deny_v ungodliness_n and_o worldly_a lust_n he_o add_v this_o that_o christ_n give_v himself_o for_o we_o 14._o 14._o that_o he_o may_v redeem_v we_o from_o all_o iniquity_n and_o purify_v
prejudice_n our_o interest_n in_o happiness_n that_o thereby_o we_o be_v drive_v every_o day_n to_o renew_v our_o claim_n to_o the_o promise_n of_o pardon_n and_o so_o to_o live_v by_o faith_n until_o this_o unclean_a issue_n be_v dry_v up_o these_o sour_a herb_n help_v we_o to_o relish_n christ_n the_o better_a moreover_o though_o in_o this_o life_n our_o endeavour_n come_v short_a of_o our_o desire_n and_o we_o always_o allow_v a_o great_a measure_n than_o we_o can_v attain_v unto_o yet_o we_o may_v by_o stir_v up_o the_o grace_n begin_v in_o we_o and_o by_o sue_v god_n upon_o those_o promise_n of_o his_o spirit_n and_o grace_n whereby_o he_o have_v make_v himself_o a_o debtor_n unto_o we_o come_v to_o that_o measure_n whereby_o we_o shall_v make_v the_o profession_n of_o religion_n glorious_a and_o lovely_a in_o the_o eye_n of_o other_o and_o comfortable_a to_o ourselves_o and_o so_o shine_v far_o bright_a than_o other_o do_v why_o then_o do_v we_o not_o in_o the_o use_n of_o all_o sanctify_a mean_n beg_v of_o god_n to_o make_v good_a the_o promise_n wherein_o he_o have_v cause_v we_o to_o trust_v do_v we_o not_o beside_o life_n of_o our_o body_n desire_v health_n and_o strength_n to_o discharge_v all_o the_o office_n of_o civil_a life_n and_o why_o shall_v we_o not_o much_o more_o if_o the_o life_n of_o god_n be_v in_o we_o labour_v after_o health_n and_o vigour_n of_o spirit_n and_o for_o that_o anoint_v of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n whereby_o we_o may_v do_v and_o suffer_v all_o thing_n so_o as_o we_o may_v draw_v other_o to_o a_o like_n of_o our_o way_n the_o truth_n be_v satan_n labour_v to_o keep_v we_o under_o unbelief_n of_o particular_a promise_n and_o from_o renew_v our_o covenant_n in_o confidence_n that_o god_n will_v perfect_v the_o work_n that_o he_o have_v begin_v and_o not_o repent_v he_o of_o his_o earnest_n so_o far_o as_o thus_o we_o cherish_v distrust_n we_o lie_v open_a to_o satan_n strengthen_v faith_n and_o strengthen_v all_o let_v we_o therefore_o at_o once_o set_v upon_o all_o duty_n require_v and_o be_v in_o love_n with_o a_o holy_a life_n above_o all_o other_o life_n and_o put_v ourselves_o upon_o god_n mercy_n and_o truth_n and_o we_o shall_v be_v able_a from_o experience_n so_o far_o to_o justify_v all_o god_n way_n as_o that_o we_o will_v not_o be_v in_o another_o state_n for_o all_o the_o world_n what_o great_a encouragement_n can_v we_o wish_v then_o that_o our_o corruption_n shall_v fall_v more_o and_o more_o before_o the_o spirit_n and_o we_o shall_v be_v able_a to_o do_v all_o thing_n through_o christ_n that_o strengthen_v us._n to_o make_v these_o way_n of_o god_n more_o plain_a unto_o we_o this_o pain_n be_v take_v by_o this_o man_n of_o god_n not_o to_o disparage_v the_o labour_n of_o other_o holy_a man_n as_o far_o as_o i_o can_v judge_v there_o be_v nothing_o in_o this_o kind_n more_o full_o indicious_o &_o savory_o write_v with_o great_a evidence_n of_o a_o spirit_n persuade_v of_o the_o goodness_n and_o truth_n of_o what_o it_o set_v down_o and_o though_o distinct_a from_o respect_n to_o the_o author_n the_o treatise_n deserve_v much_o respect_n yet_o it_o shall_v gain_v the_o move_v acceptance_n especial_o of_o those_o that_o be_v babe_n and_o young_a man_n in_o christ_n that_o it_o be_v write_v by_o a_o father_n of_o long_a and_o reverend_a esteem_n in_o the_o church_n who_o have_v begin_v in_o all_o these_o rule_n to_o other_o as_o for_o our_o body_n so_o for_o our_o soul_n we_o may_v more_o secure_o rely_v on_o a_o old_a experience_a physician_n he_o commend_v it_o unto_o thou_o have_v feel_v the_o kind_o work_v of_o it_o upon_o himself_o the_o lord_n by_o his_o spirit_n convey_v these_o truth_n into_o thy_o heart_n and_o upon_o good_a feel_v hereby_o in_o thy_o soul_n remember_v to_o desire_n god_n that_o he_o may_v still_o bring_v forth_o more_o fruit_n in_o his_o age_n until_o he_o have_v finish_v his_o course_n with_o credit_n to_o the_o gospel_n and_o a_o assure_a hope_n of_o a_o bless_a charge_n gray_n inn_n richard_n sibbs_n to_o the_o christian_a reader_n if_o any_o grace_n and_o if_o not_o grace_n what_o else_o do_v deserve_v so_o to_o be_v commend_v unto_o the_o people_n of_o god_n as_o they_o may_v be_v set_v on_o fire_n with_o desire_n of_o it_o till_o their_o desire_n be_v satisfy_v sure_o among_o and_o above_o all_o other_o grace_n the_o mother_n and_o nurse-grace_n the_o queen_n and_o sovereign_a grace_n which_o bring_v forth_o and_o breed_v up_o that_o nourish_v and_o cherish_v that_o command_v and_o order_v all_o other_o grace_n even_o faith_n deserve_v as_o much_o faith_n i_o say_v which_o be_v to_o the_o soul_n as_o the_o soul_n be_v to_o the_o body_n the_o life_n of_o it_o &_o to_o the_o little_a world_n as_o the_o sun_n be_v to_o the_o great_a world_n the_o light_n of_o it_o that_o which_o warm_v quicken_v comfort_v encourage_v the_o person_n in_o who_o it_o be_v do_v it_o not_o then_o deserve_v the_o best_a pain_n of_o the_o most_o judicious_a and_o industrious_a divine_n to_o set_v it_o out_o great_a pain_n have_v be_v take_v hereabout_o by_o man_n of_o good_a note_n and_o name_n so_o much_o and_o so_o well_o have_v be_v utter_v and_o publish_v on_o this_o subject_a since_o the_o latter_a spring_n of_o the_o gospel_n as_o to_o utter_v and_o publish_v any_o more_o may_v be_v think_v to_o do_v no_o more_o than_o what_o have_v be_v do_v before_o yet_o without_o prejudice_n to_o any_o other_o to_o the_o praise_n of_o god_n grace_n in_o the_o author_n of_o this_o treatise_n be_v it_o speak_v never_o any_o take_v such_o pain_n to_o so_o good_a purpose_n in_o and_o about_o the_o foundation_n of_o faith_n as_o he_o have_v do_v the_o only_a true_a proper_a groundwork_n of_o faith_n be_v god_n promise_n whatsoever_o be_v prnmise_v may_v safe_o be_v believe_v whatsoever_o be_v believe_v without_o a_o promise_n be_v presume_v as_o faith_n be_v the_o life_n of_o the_o soul_n so_o god_n promise_n be_v the_o life_n of_o faith_n desire_v thou_o faith_n take_v notice_n of_o god_n promise_n will_v thou_o have_v thy_o faith_n like_o the_o light_n in_o the_o lord_n sanctuary_n never_o to_o go_v out_o acquaint_v thy_o soul_n with_o god_n promise_n know_v they_o meditate_v on_o they_o confer_v about_o they_o let_v they_o be_v continual_o in_o thy_o mind_n memory_n heart_n and_o tongue_n if_o thou_o find_v it_o too_o hard_a a_o task_n for_o thou_o to_o find_v they_o out_o to_o rank_n they_o in_o order_n and_o to_o make_v fit_a application_n of_o they_o which_o be_v indeed_o a_o hard_a task_n behold_v here_o god_n have_v send_v ezekel_n culuerwell_n as_o of_o old_a he_o send_v ezekel_n buzi_n to_o set_v out_o the_o promise_n of_o god_n more_o plentiful_o and_o pertinent_o then_o ever_o before_o and_o that_o to_o breed_v faith_n where_o it_o be_v not_o to_o strengthen_v it_o where_o it_o be_v weak_a to_o settle_v it_o where_o it_o waver_v to_o repair_v it_o where_o it_o decay_v to_o apply_v it_o aright_o to_o every_o need_n to_o extend_v it_o to_o sanctification_n as_o well_o as_o to_o justification_n and_o to_o point_v out_o the_o singular_a use_n of_o it_o in_o matter_n temporal_a spiritual_a and_o eternal_a the_o subject_a matter_n of_o this_o treatise_n be_v fit_a to_o be_v under_o take_v by_o a_o man_n well_o exercise_v in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n and_o well_o acquaint_v with_o the_o disposition_n of_o man_n heart_n towards_o these_o promise_n such_o a_o one_o be_v he_o who_o have_v pen_v and_o publish_v this_o treatise_n his_o exercise_n in_o the_o scripture_n have_v enable_v he_o to_o gather_v together_o heap_n of_o promise_n his_o experience_n of_o the_o disposition_n of_o man_n heart_n have_v piercing_o dive_v thereinto_o through_o much_o friendly_a and_o familiar_a conference_n with_o sundry_a sort_n have_v enable_v he_o to_o set_v those_o heap_n in_o a_o fit_n and_o due_a order_n what_o i_o say_v of_o he_o i_o know_v of_o he_o for_o from_o my_o infancy_n have_v i_o know_v he_o and_o under_o his_o ministry_n be_v i_o train_v up_o in_o my_o young_a year_n he_o be_v at_o the_o least_o two_o and_o twenty_o year_n elder_a than_o myself_o now_o because_o of_o all_o the_o minister_n that_o ever_o i_o know_v he_o have_v be_v one_o of_o the_o most_o painful_a faithful_a and_o powerful_a give_v i_o leave_v good_a reader_n to_o set_v down_o somewhat_o of_o his_o practice_n for_o a_o pattern_n to_o other_o what_o manner_n of_o enter_v upon_o his_o pastoral_a charge_n he_o have_v be_v not_o unknown_a to_o they_o that_o be_v under_o his_o charge_n very_o few_o if_o any_o at_o all_o do_v he_o find_v fit_a to_o receive_v the_o holy_a communion_n which_o move_v he_o by_o the_o space_n
in_o all_o his_o promise_n yet_o nothing_o be_v more_o common_a then_o in_o time_n of_o trial_n to_o distrust_n and_o fear_n god_n will_v not_o be_v as_o good_a as_o his_o word_n at_o lest_o whatsoever_o be_v say_v we_o fear_v we_o shall_v perish_v we_o need_v not_o seek_v for_o proof_n hereof_o which_o be_v so_o record_v in_o the_o life_n of_o the_o most_o worthy_a servant_n of_o god_n who_o be_v otherwise_o high_o commend_v for_o their_o faith_n he_o that_o have_v any_o insight_n into_o himself_o may_v see_v too_o much_o of_o this_o in_o himself_o how_o ready_a we_o be_v to_o call_v into_o question_n god_n truth_n when_o god_n defer_v the_o help_n we_o look_v for_o to_o pass_v by_o all_o other_o and_o to_o see_v this_o in_o the_o matter_n we_o have_v in_o hand_n from_o whence_o be_v it_o that_o so_o few_o of_o those_o that_o be_v true_o humble_v in_o the_o sight_n of_o their_o misery_n who_o know_v and_o desire_n christ_n yea_o more_o who_o have_v hear_v and_o in_o general_a believe_v the_o gospel_n that_o it_o be_v the_o glad_a tiding_n of_o salvation_n that_o christ_n bid_v all_o that_o be_v heavy_a lade_v to_o come_v unto_o he_o and_o he_o will_v ease_v they_o what_o be_v the_o cause_n i_o say_v that_o so_o few_o of_o these_o do_v so_o lay_v hold_n on_o god_n word_n as_o to_o believe_v and_o to_o rest_v assure_v of_o their_o salvation_n by_o christ_n i_o know_v no_o better_o answer_v then_o this_o that_o when_o it_o come_v to_o ourselves_o we_o can_v believe_v god_n will_v perform_v his_o word_n to_o we_o some_o thing_n or_o other_o will_v be_v object_v by_o our_o unbelieve_a heart_n why_o we_o may_v not_o believe_v against_o all_o which_o we_o have_v no_o other_o buckler_n to_o hold_v out_o but_o god_n truth_n 5._o psal_n 31._o 5._o as_o psal_n 91._o 4._o his_o truth_n shall_v be_v thy_o shield_n and_o buckler_n which_o be_v such_o that_o he_o can_v lie_v nor_o deceive_v to_o this_o end_n it_o be_v that_o god_n be_v call_v the_o god_n of_o truth_n 14._o reu._n 3._o 14._o christ_n the_o faithful_a and_o true_a witness_n 17._o joh._n 14._o 17._o the_o holy_a ghost_n the_o spirit_n of_o truth_n 13._o ephe._n 1._o 13._o the_o gospel_n the_o word_n of_o truth_n that_o when_o our_o faithless_a heart_n shall_v stagger_v and_o doubt_v whether_o that_o shall_v be_v which_o god_n have_v speak_v we_o may_v stay_v ourselves_o upon_o this_o immovable_a rock_n god_n be_v faithful_a 19_o 1_o cor._n 19_o as_o often_o it_o be_v repeat_v to_o strengthen_v our_o weak_a faith_n this_o then_o remain_v for_o the_o settle_n of_o the_o heart_n of_o the_o weak_a in_o faith_n that_o so_o oft_o as_o doubt_n arise_v concern_v his_o salvation_n by_o christ_n whether_o god_n so_o love_v he_o that_o he_o have_v give_v he_o his_o only_o beget_v son_n that_o he_o believe_v may_v not_o perish_v but_o have_v everlasting_a life_n he_o have_v no_o other_o thing_n in_o the_o world_n to_o persuade_v he_o but_o this_o that_o god_n who_o can_v lie_v have_v say_v it_o and_o therefore_o he_o may_v and_o aught_o to_o believe_v that_o christ_n and_o all_o his_o benefit_n be_v he_o wherein_o the_o more_o to_o move_v he_o he_o be_v to_o lay_v before_o he_o both_o what_o a_o great_a sin_n it_o be_v not_o to_o believe_v no_o less_o then_o to_o make_v god_n a_o liar_n 10._o 1_o john_n 5._o 10._o as_o the_o apostle_n john_n express_o speak_v 18._o joh._n 3._o 18._o and_o also_o what_o fearful_a punishment_n it_o procure_v even_o a_o certain_a and_o remediless_a condemnation_n as_o our_o saviour_n himself_o denounce_v by_o these_o and_o the_o like_a consideration_n be_v true_a faith_n both_o first_o beget_v and_o afterward_o increase_v in_o all_o those_o that_o shall_v be_v save_v which_o i_o have_v more_o full_o lay_v open_a not_o only_o for_o that_o it_o be_v the_o most_o principal_a matter_n to_o be_v regard_v concern_v true_a save_v faith_n namely_o how_o he_o that_o have_v it_o not_o may_v attain_v to_o it_o but_o also_o for_o that_o it_o be_v if_o not_o the_o least_o know_v and_o labour_v for_o vain_a many_o seek_v for_o mark_n of_o faith_n in_o vain_a yet_o least_o attain_v unto_o for_o i_o have_v observe_v many_o very_a inquisitive_a for_o some_o mark_n of_o faith_n who_o never_o so_o much_o as_o know_v any_o thing_n which_o may_v draw_v they_o effectual_o to_o believe_v and_o therefore_o now_o to_o end_v this_o point_n concern_v the_o right_a and_o orderly_a way_n whereby_o a_o unbeliever_n be_v bring_v to_o true_a and_o save_a faith_n my_o advice_n be_v to_o all_o that_o find_v their_o faith_n weak_a and_o consequent_o their_o life_n much_o out_o of_o frame_n that_o first_o they_o take_v good_a heed_n whereupon_o they_o build_v their_o faith_n truth_n build_v faith_n only_o on_o god_n truth_n and_o that_o only_a upon_o god_n mercy_n and_o truth_n reveal_v in_o the_o gospel_n which_o never_o change_v be_v a_o sure_a foundation_n and_o not_o upon_o their_o own_o change_n which_o oft_o be_v deceitful_a and_o at_o best_a variable_a and_o indeed_o be_v only_o a_o effect_n and_o fruit_n of_o faith_n according_o show_v the_o strength_n and_o weakness_n of_o our_o faith_n and_o can_v by_o no_o mean_n be_v make_v any_o cause_n thereof_o thus_o have_v we_o see_v both_o what_o this_o faith_n be_v whereby_o the_o just_a do_v live_v and_o by_o what_o mean_v it_o be_v attain_v now_o lest_o any_o shall_v gather_v out_o of_o the_o former_a that_o any_o man_n may_v by_o his_o own_o endeavour_n use_v these_o mean_n attain_v to_o faith_n i_o think_v meet_v to_o add_v this_o that_o although_o it_o be_v god_n will_v and_o commandment_n to_o all_o to_o who_o he_o send_v his_o gospel_n spirit_n faith_n be_v not_o in_o man_n power_n but_o wrought_v by_o god_n spirit_n that_o they_o shall_v believe_v &_o receive_v christ_n offer_v unto_o they_o and_o therefore_o it_o be_v the_o duty_n of_o every_o one_o so_o to_o do_v and_o it_o be_v their_o sin_n and_o shall_v be_v their_o condemnation_n who_o do_v not_o thus_o as_o have_v be_v say_v in_o all_o respect_n yet_o such_o be_v the_o corruption_n of_o all_o mankind_n by_o adam_n fall_n that_o not_o one_o soul_n have_v either_o will_n or_o power_n to_o receive_v this_o grace_n in_o christ_n offer_v unto_o he_o 32._o rom._n 11._o 32._o for_o god_n have_v shut_v up_o all_o in_o unbelief_n that_o he_o may_v have_v mercy_n upon_o all_o 48._o act._n 13._o 48._o and_o so_o many_o believe_v as_o be_v ordain_v to_o eternal_a life_n 8._o eph._n 2._o 8._o and_o faith_n be_v the_o gift_n of_o god_n 44._o joh._n 6._o 44._o and_o none_o can_v come_v to_o christ_n except_o the_o father_n draw_v he_o which_o be_v wise_o dispose_v by_o god_n that_o no_o man_n may_v have_v cause_n to_o glory_n in_o himself_o but_o that_o the_o glory_n of_o man_n salvation_n may_v be_v give_v to_o god_n from_o whence_o it_o come_v that_o beside_o this_o common_a favour_n of_o salvation_n in_o christ_n tender_v to_o all_o in_o the_o gospel_n yea_o &_o beside_o the_o common_a gift_n of_o the_o spirit_n which_o many_o receive_v who_o never_o receive_v christ_n by_o faith_n as_o knowledge_n both_o of_o man_n misery_n &_o the_o remedy_n thereof_o sorrow_n for_o the_o one_o and_o desire_v of_o the_o other_o with_o such_o other_o beside_o these_o i_o say_v god_n do_v give_v his_o holy_a spirit_n to_o all_o that_o shall_v be_v save_v who_o do_v inward_o draw_v and_o incline_v their_o heart_n to_o believe_v god_n free_a and_o gracious_a promise_n and_o so_o thankful_o to_o accept_v christ_n offer_v unto_o they_o whereby_o indeed_o they_o be_v true_o make_v partaker_n of_o christ_n and_o all_o his_o benefit_n and_o thereby_o be_v justify_v and_o sanctify_v and_o shall_v be_v full_o and_o everlasting_o glorify_v and_o thus_o be_v a_o poor_a sinner_n by_o faith_n make_v the_o child_n of_o god_n and_o heir_n of_o glory_n now_o before_o we_o proceed_v to_o our_o principal_a intention_n to_o show_v how_o this_o justify_v man_n may_v live_v by_o his_o faith_n it_o shall_v not_o be_v lose_v labour_n to_o show_v how_o this_o may_v be_v know_v of_o any_o faith_n how_o it_o be_v know_v a_o man_n have_v this_o faith_n that_o he_o have_v this_o true_a faith_n and_o how_o every_o true_a believer_n may_v be_v able_a to_o prove_v that_o he_o do_v so_o this_o certain_a and_o infallible_a knowledge_n in_o any_o man_n that_o he_o have_v true_a faith_n rise_v joint_o from_o the_o cause_n &_o effect_n thereof_o &_o not_o from_o either_o apart_o as_o shall_v be_v show_v under_o the_o cause_n i_o comprehend_v all_o that_o work_n of_o god_n faith_n cause_n of_o faith_n whereby_o he_o work_v faith_n in_o any_o which_o stand_v especial_o in_o these_o three_o thing_n 1._o
we_o shall_v see_v there_o be_v general_a promise_n which_o all_o may_v and_o aught_o to_o apply_v to_o themselves_o now_o for_o the_o better_a practice_n of_o this_o duty_n prayer_n mean_n of_o application_n by_o meditation_n &_o prayer_n that_o we_o may_v so_o apply_v god_n promise_n to_o ourselves_o that_o we_o may_v thereby_o have_v our_o faith_n increase_v and_o we_o live_v thereby_o we_o be_v to_o use_v meditation_n &_o prayer_n and_o that_o not_o slight_o in_o common_a manner_n or_o seldom_o but_o often_o and_o earnest_o with_o wisdom_n and_o conscience_n and_o all_o little_a enough_o so_o to_o keep_v our_o faith_n alive_a that_o it_o alone_o may_v uphold_v we_o meditation_n meditation_n when_o nothing_o else_o can_v under_o this_o meditation_n i_o contain_v such_o a_o consideration_n of_o god_n promise_n as_o may_v lead_v we_o to_o see_v what_o his_o good_a will_n and_o pleasure_n be_v what_o a_o fatherly_a care_n of_o our_o welfare_n he_o have_v and_o not_o only_o how_o able_a but_o how_o willing_a also_o he_o be_v to_o help_v us._n and_o lest_o we_o shall_v be_v dismay_v first_o by_o our_o unworthiness_n we_o be_v to_o consider_v that_o all_o god_n favour_n be_v free_a procure_v by_o none_o but_o that_o he_o show_v mercy_n for_o his_o own_o name_n sake_n which_o be_v oft_o so_o say_v and_o always_o understand_v or_o second_o for_o that_o some_o of_o those_o his_o promise_n be_v make_v to_o certain_a special_a man_n as_o abraham_n david_n raul_n &_o the_o like_a &_o not_o belong_v to_o we_o we_o be_v to_o remember_v that_o whatsoever_o god_n promise_v to_o any_o one_o of_o his_o child_n not_o in_o any_o special_a or_o proper_a respect_n only_o concern_v such_o a_o person_n and_o for_o such_o a_o time_n as_o the_o promise_n to_o abraham_n that_o in_o isacke_n shall_v his_o seed_n be_v call_v 12._o gen._n 21._o 12._o and_o many_o other_o like_o promise_n which_o proper_o belong_v to_o they_o only_o to_o who_o they_o be_v make_v but_o whatsoever_o god_n promise_v though_o particular_o to_o one_o yet_o in_o no_o special_a respect_n but_o as_o a_o common_a favour_n belong_v to_o all_o god_n child_n that_o promise_v every_o child_n of_o god_n may_v and_o aught_o to_o apply_v to_o himself_o as_o if_o it_o have_v be_v speak_v by_o god_n to_o he_o in_o particular_a a_o evident_a proof_n hereof_o we_o have_v in_o that_o promise_n make_v to_o joshua_n 5._o josua_n 1._o 5._o that_o god_n will_v never_o leave_v he_o nor_o forsake_v he_o which_o the_o author_n to_o the_o hebre_n 〈◊〉_d 13_o 5._o be_v bold_a to_o apply_v to_o those_o to_o who_o he_o write_v exhort_v they_o that_o their_o conversation_n be_v without_o covetousness_n and_o to_o be_v content_a with_o such_o thing_n as_o they_o have_v and_o that_o upon_o this_o reason_n see_v god_n have_v promise_v that_o he_o will_v not_o leave_v they_o nor_o forsake_v they_o where_o we_o see_v he_o appli_v to_o all_o the_o faithful_a that_o promise_n which_o be_v particular_o make_v to_o josua_n so_o be_v we_o to_o do_v with_o all_o the_o promise_v make_v to_o any_o of_o the_o faithful_a wherein_o we_o see_v no_o special_a limitation_n that_o it_o can_v belong_v to_o any_o other_o for_o further_o warrant_v hereof_o this_o may_v serve_v that_o the_o apostle_n 〈…〉_o 4_o rom._n 15._o 4_o whatsoever_o thing_n be_v write_v aforetime_o be_v write_v for_o our_o learning_n that_o we_o through_o patience_n and_o comfort_n of_o the_o scripture_n may_v have_v hope_n and_o more_o special_o see_v all_o the_o promise_n be_v yea_o and_o amen_o in_o christ_n 20._o 2._o cor._n â—_o 20._o that_o be_v they_o be_v all_o set_v out_o in_o christ_n to_o be_v offer_v and_o bestow_v in_o a_o constant_a and_o unchangeable_a manner_n bezâ—_n bezâ—_n as_o a_o learned_a man_n well_o expound_v this_o place_n so_o that_o he_o that_o have_v christ_n have_v a_o interest_n and_o right_n unto_o all_o the_o promise_n of_o this_o life_n and_o that_o to_o come_v 8_o 1._o tim._n 4._o 8_o as_o the_o apostle_n speak_v of_o godliness_n which_o be_v the_o daughter_n of_o faith_n and_o can_v be_v without_o faith_n more_o than_o a_o child_n without_o a_o mother_n therefore_o every_o faithful_a soul_n who_o can_v but_o be_v godly_a may_v assure_v himself_o to_o be_v true_a heir_n to_o all_o the_o promise_n which_o god_n have_v make_v to_o his_o child_n in_o christ_n and_o so_o far_o may_v bold_o apply_v they_o all_o to_o himself_o as_o if_o they_o be_v personal_o make_v to_o he_o and_o so_o much_o for_o the_o former_a part_n of_o the_o application_n of_o the_o promise_n to_o every_o one_o his_o own_o person_n now_o for_o the_o second_o how_o to_o apply_v they_o yet_o more_o near_o to_o our_o present_a state_n and_o condition_n whatsoever_o promise_n 2._o how_o to_o apply_v the_o promise_n see_v the_o lord_n have_v yield_v so_o much_o to_o our_o weakness_n as_o not_o only_o in_o general_a to_o make_v out_o his_o promise_n to_o all_o his_o child_n but_o to_o descend_v particular_o to_o our_o several_a estate_n and_o necessity_n bodily_a and_o spiritual_a that_o in_o what_o condition_n soever_o we_o be_v and_o whatsoever_o work_n of_o his_o we_o shall_v undertake_v he_o have_v make_v promise_n to_o his_o child_n to_o be_v with_o they_o to_o succour_v and_o support_v they_o 11._o psal_n 91._o 15_o 10_o 84._o 11._o that_o no_o evil_a shall_v hurt_v they_o no_o good_a thing_n shall_v be_v want_v 28._o rom._n 8._o 28._o and_o whatsoever_o do_v come_v shall_v be_v for_o their_o good_a see_v god_n i_o say_v do_v oft_o more_o special_o entail_v his_o promise_n that_o be_v bequeath_v they_o to_o such_o and_o such_o person_n as_o to_o the_o humble_a to_o the_o meek_a to_o the_o hungry_a to_o the_o afflict_a to_o the_o fatherless_a widow_n and_o the_o like_o many_o and_o so_o likewise_o to_o our_o prayer_n hear_v of_o his_o word_n and_o all_o other_o holy_a exercise_n yea_o to_o all_o obedience_n to_o any_o of_o his_o commandment_n this_o shall_v be_v our_o wisdom_n and_o be_v our_o duty_n more_o special_o to_o weigh_v how_o these_o belong_v unto_o we_o and_o find_v ourselves_o so_o qualify_v and_o in_o such_o condition_n as_o the_o lord_n make_v his_o promise_n unto_o we_o may_v then_o much_o more_o confident_o apply_v his_o promise_n to_o we_o in_o such_o estate_n that_o so_o we_o may_v more_o comfortable_o believe_v and_o look_v for_o his_o help_n al-sufficient_a and_o in_o due_a season_n which_o what_o quiet_a it_o will_v bring_v to_o any_o in_o distress_n can_v be_v hide_v or_o doubt_v of_o and_o this_o be_v that_o which_o i_o have_v conceive_v to_o be_v the_o right_a way_n of_o application_n of_o god_n promise_n by_o this_o meditate_v &_o wise_a consider_v of_o they_o that_o so_o we_o may_v have_v our_o use_n of_o they_o but_o yet_o all_o this_o be_v not_o sufficient_a in_o regard_n of_o our_o great_a frailty_n who_o be_v not_o only_o blind_a not_o able_a to_o search_v and_o see_v these_o promise_n and_o forgetful_a as_o the_o hebre_fw-la wes_z chap._n 12._o 5._o of_o who_o he_o say_v they_o have_v forget_v the_o consolation_n but_o we_o be_v as_o the_o two_o disciple_n whereof_o luke_o 24._o 25._o slow_a of_o heart_n to_o believe_v what_o god_n promise_v to_o us._n neither_o indeed_o can_v we_o believe_v first_o or_o last_o more_o than_o god_n by_o his_o spirit_n shall_v work_v in_o we_o as_o both_o by_o scripture_n and_o daily_a experience_n be_v to_o be_v see_v how_o exceed_v full_a of_o doubt_n we_o be_v when_o we_o can_v see_v no_o mean_n to_o put_v we_o its_o hope_n of_o help_n prayer_n 2._o mean_n of_o apply_v the_o promise_n be_v prayer_n but_o do_v pitiful_o sink_v down_o in_o despair_n in_o regard_v whereof_o our_o only_a refuge_n be_v to_o fly_v to_o god_n and_o to_o ply_v he_o with_o fervent_a prayer_n that_o he_o will_v by_o his_o spirit_n both_o reveal_v unto_o we_o what_o be_v those_o precious_a promise_n which_o he_o have_v make_v unto_o his_o people_n in_o his_o holy_a word_n and_o likewise_o give_v unto_o we_o wisdom_n right_o to_o judge_v of_o they_o and_o fit_o to_o apply_v they_o unto_o ourselves_o in_o every_o estate_n we_o shall_v be_v in_o yea_o and_o about_o all_o to_o move_v our_o heart_n so_o to_o believe_v they_o that_o we_o may_v thereupon_o assure_v ourselves_o of_o all_o needful_a help_n in_o due_a time_n seee_v god_n al-sufficient_a and_o faithful_a have_v promise_v it_o and_o so_o with_o comfort_n and_o patience_n wait_v for_o the_o accomplishment_n thereof_o which_o see_v it_o be_v so_o weak_o attain_v even_o by_o those_o that_o have_v receive_v some_o true_a and_o save_a grace_n as_o every_o one_o that_o will_v well_o weigh_v his_o own_o practice_n may_v easy_o see_v it_o show_v full_a well_o that_o this_o duty_n be_v
intend_v what_o benefit_n it_o be_v to_o live_v by_o faith_n which_o may_v more_o manifest_o be_v see_v by_o the_o apostle_n own_o word_n in_o the_o scripture_n 1._o rom._n 5._o 1._o where_o he_o of_o purpose_n undertake_v to_o set_v out_o what_o be_v the_o bless_a estate_n of_o those_o that_o be_v justify_v by_o faith_n and_o so_o bring_v in_o all_o these_o singular_a benefit_n we_o have_v mention_v yea_o and_o add_v that_o it_o be_v by_o faith_n that_o we_o have_v access_n into_o this_o grace_n wherein_o we_o stand_v and_o to_o say_v the_o truth_n as_o have_v be_v say_v already_o neither_o these_o nor_o any_o other_o save_v grace_n or_o true_a blessing_n be_v obtain_v but_o by_o faith_n and_o therefore_o i_o may_v conclude_v that_o he_o that_o look_v to_o find_v any_o comfort_n in_o this_o life_n and_o to_o nourish_v the_o hope_n of_o a_o better_a let_v he_o make_v it_o his_o chief_a endeavour_n thus_o to_o live_v by_o faith_n by_o which_o alone_a these_o and_o ail_v that_o may_v be_v desire_v be_v enjoy_v and_o thus_o will_v i_o leave_v this_o point_n to_o be_v prove_v rather_o by_o experience_n then_o by_o argument_n and_o so_o come_v to_o that_o i_o chief_o aim_v at_o to_o bring_v this_o doctrine_n into_o practice_n and_o as_o i_o promise_v to_o collect_v some_o special_a promise_n and_o to_o show_v how_o they_o be_v to_o be_v apply_v particular_o to_o every_o person_n and_o condition_n to_o who_o they_o belong_v but_o that_o i_o remember_v there_o be_v one_o other_o singular_a use_n of_o faith_n whereof_o though_o we_o stand_v in_o great_a need_n yet_o it_o be_v very_o weak_o attain_v because_o it_o be_v so_o little_o seek_v after_o sanctification_n another_o benefit_n of_o live_v by_o faith_n be_v our_o sanctification_n and_o this_o it_o be_v how_o by_o faith_n we_o may_v more_o master_v our_o great_a corruption_n and_o better_o discharge_v those_o duty_n wherein_o we_o most_o fail_v wherein_o the_o more_o to_o move_v all_o that_o read_v this_o better_o to_o regard_v it_o i_o do_v with_o heart_n grief_n bewail_v to_o see_v so_o many_o of_o who_o i_o conceive_v good_a hope_n that_o they_o have_v true_o receive_v the_o grace_n of_o god_n that_o yet_o neither_o themselves_o can_v feel_v nor_o other_o discern_v any_o apparent_a growth_n in_o true_a sanctification_n either_o in_o the_o subdue_a of_o their_o chief_a infirmity_n or_o such_o a_o walk_n in_o their_o place_n as_o beseem_v their_o condition_n but_o in_o general_a such_o a_o conformity_n to_o the_o corruption_n of_o the_o time_n such_o deadness_n of_o spirit_n in_o all_o holy_a exercise_n with_o a_o gross_a and_o continual_a neglect_n or_o common_a abuse_n of_o they_o as_o private_a read_n meditation_n and_o prayer_n person_n many_o blemish_n in_o regenerate_a person_n instruction_n and_o wise_a government_n of_o their_o family_n holy_a conference_n in_o their_o brotherly_a meeting_n with_o such_o care_n of_o edify_v one_o another_o and_o on_o the_o other_o side_n such_o vain_a and_o sinful_a merrie-making_a that_o there_o be_v but_o small_a difference_n between_o they_o and_o mere_a natural_a man_n as_o for_o their_o worldly_a deal_n as_o eager_o follow_v the_o world_n and_o contend_v thereabouts_o as_o busy_o follow_v their_o pleasure_n with_o curiosity_n in_o house_n apparel_n deck_v their_o child_n and_o the_o like_a and_o general_o such_o set_v their_o mind_n and_o affection_n upon_o these_o thing_n here_o below_o as_o man_n that_o be_v not_o rise_v with_o christ_n i_o may_v say_v no_o less_o of_o their_o unmercifulnesse_n many_o way_n and_o great_a impatiency_n in_o every_o thing_n that_o cross_v they_o with_o sundry_a the_o like_a great_a and_o long_o continue_a blemish_n of_o their_o holy_a profession_n and_o just_a abater_n of_o their_o spiritual_a comfort_n in_o such_o sort_n that_o i_o have_v see_v &_o hear_v the_o death_n of_o many_o to_o have_v have_v little_a to_o be_v rejoice_v in_o and_o no_o marvel_n see_v they_o take_v so_o little_a care_n either_o to_o glorify_v god_n in_o their_o life_n or_o to_o win_v other_o or_o to_o make_v their_o call_n &_o election_n sure_a it_o be_v most_o just_a with_o god_n that_o their_o death_n shall_v want_v of_o that_o glory_n with_o other_o &_o comfort_n to_o themselves_o which_o other_o of_o god_n child_n do_v enjoy_v who_o live_v by_o faith_n have_v learn_v better_a to_o bridle_v their_o unruly_a affection_n &_o more_o wise_o to_o walk_v to_o the_o honour_n of_o god_n edification_n of_o other_o &_o peace_n to_o their_o own_o conscience_n all_o which_o be_v attain_v by_o â—aith_n &_o notwithout_v it_o as_o have_v before_o be_v touch_v and_o now_o shall_v further_o be_v make_v manifest_a the_o apostle_n roman_n 7._o 14_o say_v speak_v of_o himself_o be_v now_o regenerate_v say_v that_o the_o law_n be_v spiritual_a but_o i_o be_o carnal_a sell_v under_o sin_n which_o in_o many_o word_n follow_v he_o proove_v and_o exclaim_v say_v vers_fw-la 18._o for_o i_o know_v that_o in_o i_o that_o be_v in_o my_o flesh_n dwell_v no_o good_a thing_n for_o to_o will_n be_v present_a with_o i_o but_o how_o to_o perform_v that_o which_o be_v good_a i_o find_v not_o and_o more_o to_o like_a effect_n whereout_o this_o may_v evident_o be_v gather_v that_o even_o in_o those_o that_o have_v true_a faith_n believer_n strength_n of_o sin_n in_o true_a believer_n and_o be_v effectual_o regenerate_v there_o remain_v such_o a_o corrupt_a nature_n as_o keep_v they_o from_o many_o good_a duty_n and_o carry_v they_o to_o sundry_a evil_a action_n yea_o and_o that_o with_o such_o strong_a hand_n oftentimes_o that_o they_o have_v no_o power_n to_o withstand_v as_o follow_v where_o he_o compare_v himself_o to_o a_o poor_a soldier_n take_v prisoner_n by_o the_o enemy_n and_o hold_v in_o captivity_n till_o he_o be_v rescue_v by_o his_o captain_n meaning_n that_o god_n child_n be_v oft_o so_o hold_v captive_n to_o their_o corruption_n that_o they_o have_v no_o power_n to_o resist_v much_o less_o to_o overcome_v till_o by_o the_o power_n of_o christ_n they_o be_v deliver_v out_o of_o this_o thraldom_n as_o may_v be_v see_v in_o all_o the_o particular_n before_o mention_v as_o for_o example_n when_o a_o poor_a christian_a shall_v be_v so_o possess_v with_o the_o love_n of_o this_o worldly_a wealth_n that_o though_o he_o desire_v and_o purpose_n to_o be_v more_o merciful_a to_o god_n needy_a saint_n yet_o when_o he_o come_v to_o it_o he_o can_v overcome_v himself_o to_o relieve_v according_a to_o his_o ability_n and_o their_o necessity_n but_o even_o against_o the_o light_n of_o his_o conscience_n either_o give_v not_o or_o not_o so_o much_o as_o he_o shall_v so_o much_o more_o for_o lend_v for_o conscionable_a buy_n and_o sell_v and_o as_o in_o all_o matter_n of_o profit_n so_o of_o pleasure_n he_o that_o be_v in_o captivity_n to_o they_o no_o purpose_n prayer_n no_o vow_n can_v keep_v he_o back_o but_o he_o will_v obey_v his_o lust_n in_o vain_a apparel_n in_o go_v to_o play_n in_o card_n die_n and_o other_o game_n be_v the_o impotency_n of_o many_o in_o withstand_v their_o lust_n show_v in_o what_o captivity_n they_o be_v hold_v likewise_o in_o revenge_n and_o uncharitable_a thought_n of_o such_o as_o have_v do_v they_o wrong_n they_o which_o be_v able_a to_o discern_v their_o own_o corrupt_a nature_n may_v easy_o see_v with_o what_o difficulty_n they_o do_v bridle_v their_o lust_n nay_o oft_o how_o impossible_a it_o be_v to_o give_v to_o such_o as_o offend_v they_o a_o good_a word_n or_o a_o good_a countenance_n by_o all_o which_o and_o many_o the_o like_a it_o evident_o appear_v that_o many_o of_o god_n child_n be_v thus_o hold_v in_o captivity_n that_o they_o can_v by_o all_o the_o strength_n they_o have_v get_v out_o so_o that_o without_o they_o be_v deliver_v by_o christ_n they_o shall_v bequite_v overcome_v which_o the_o apostle_n himself_o in_o this_o very_a place_n express_v where_o complain_v hereof_o with_o grief_n and_o admiration_n at_o the_o difficulty_n of_o the_o work_n not_o in_o any_o despair_n cry_v out_o 24._o rom._n 7._o 24._o o_o wretched_a man_n that_o i_o be_o who_o shall_v deliver_v i_o from_o the_o body_n of_o this_o death_n whereunto_o he_o make_v answer_v himself_o say_v i_o thank_v god_n through_o jesus_n christ_n our_o lord_n meaning_n that_o though_o he_o see_v neither_o in_o himself_o nor_o in_o any_o creature_n beside_o any_o power_n to_o deliver_v he_o from_o the_o corruption_n of_o nature_n which_o bring_v death_n where_o it_o be_v not_o subdue_v yet_o he_o see_v such_o help_n in_o christ_n as_o make_v he_o joy_n to_o give_v thanks_n to_o god_n for_o the_o same_o wherein_o i_o observe_v a_o worthy_a practice_n of_o this_o which_o i_o chief_o endeavour_v to_o draw_v believer_n unto_o namely_o how_o by_o faith_n to_o
christ_n himself_o in_o come_v into_o the_o world_n not_o to_o condemn_v we_o but_o to_o save_v we_o be_v lose_v then_o must_v we_o with_o a_o true_a faith_n accept_v this_o mercy_n the_o same_o may_v be_v say_v of_o the_o name_n christ_n christ_n christ_n unto_o both_o which_o all_o his_o other_o name_n may_v be_v refer_v which_o signify_v anoint_v whereto_o answer_v the_o word_n messiah_n in_o hebrew_a by_o both_o which_o be_v refer_v to_o christ_n be_v mean_v that_o the_o son_n of_o god_n take_v our_o nature_n be_v in_o the_o same_o fill_v with_o the_o holy_a ghost_n as_o be_v oft_o say_v of_o he_o and_o that_o far_o above_o all_o other_o holy_a man_n as_o be_v prophesy_v of_o he_o psal_n 45._o 7._o thou_o love_v righteousness_n &_o hate_v wickedness_n therefore_o god_n thy_o god_n have_v anoint_v thou_o with_o the_o oil_n of_o gladness_n above_o thy_o fellow_n of_o which_o the_o evangelist_n john_n more_o plain_o say_v 34._o joh._n 3._o 34._o for_o god_n give_v not_o the_o spirit_n by_o measure_n unto_o he_o which_o be_v manifest_o show_v at_o christ_n baptise_v where_o the_o holy_a ghost_n descend_v in_o a_o bodily_a shape_n like_o a_o dove_n upon_o he_o 22._o luk._n 3._o 22._o and_o a_o voice_n come_v from_o heaven_n which_o say_v thou_o be_v my_o belove_a son_n in_o thou_o i_o be_o well_o please_v which_o be_v to_o this_o end_n that_o as_o under_o the_o law_n the_o prophet_n priest_n and_o king_n be_v consecrate_v to_o their_o office_n by_o the_o anoint_v with_o the_o holy_a oil_n so_o christ_n be_v consecrate_v to_o the_o office_n of_o his_o mediation_n 1._o to_o be_v our_o prophet_n to_o reveal_v the_o whole_a will_n of_o god_n for_o our_o salvation_n 2._o to_o be_v our_o high_a priest_n both_o to_o offer_v up_o himself_o to_o god_n his_o father_n a_o full_a and_o sufficient_a sacrifice_n for_o the_o redemption_n of_o we_o sinner_n and_o to_o make_v intercession_n for_o us._n 3._o to_o be_v our_o king_n to_o rule_v and_o govern_v his_o people_n and_o to_o subdue_v all_o his_o enemy_n all_o which_o be_v notable_o set_v out_o in_o that_o worthy_a epistle_n to_o the_o hebrew_n which_o be_v too_o long_o to_o recite_v i_o desire_v the_o christian_a reader_n to_o read_v with_o observation_n that_o epistle_n to_o this_o end_n from_o whence_o another_o effectual_a motive_n to_o believe_v use_v use_v may_v be_v thus_o take_v see_v god_n the_o father_n have_v thus_o anoint_v his_o son_n in_o our_o nature_n and_o therefore_o call_v he_o christ_n and_o fill_v he_o with_o the_o holy_a ghost_n without_o measure_n that_o he_o may_v perform_v all_o thing_n needful_a for_o our_o salvation_n all_o which_o he_o have_v full_o accomplish_v we_o may_v therefore_o bold_o come_v to_o he_o and_o so_o steadfast_o rest_v upon_o he_o for_o our_o salvation_n and_o on_o the_o other_o side_n they_o who_o hear_v these_o be_v not_o draw_v hereby_o to_o believe_v in_o christ_n for_o their_o salvation_n do_v either_o deny_v the_o truth_n of_o these_o which_o be_v to_o make_v god_n a_o liar_n or_o despise_v their_o own_o salvation_n so_o prepare_v and_o offer_v to_o they_o which_o shall_v bring_v upon_o they_o most_o just_a condemnation_n and_o these_o brief_o for_o those_o two_o name_n jesus_n christ_n proper_o belong_v to_o our_o saviour_n which_o do_v summary_o contain_v all_o and_o so_o to_o a_o wise_a regarder_n hereof_o may_v suffice_v to_o persuade_v he_o to_o rest_v upon_o christ_n for_o salvation_n but_o see_v the_o lord_n who_o know_v how_o hardly_o we_o be_v bring_v to_o this_o assurance_n by_o faith_n of_o our_o salvation_n by_o christ_n have_v in_o that_o small_a volume_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n speak_v so_o much_o of_o christ_n and_o the_o benefit_n which_o he_o have_v bring_v unto_o we_o to_o this_o end_n that_o we_o may_v be_v more_o stir_v up_o to_o seek_v to_o he_o and_o to_o embrace_v he_o for_o our_o saviour_n i_o hope_v it_o shall_v be_v worth_a our_o labour_n further_a to_o consider_v what_o the_o lord_n say_v and_o before_o i_o come_v to_o particular_n let_v we_o hear_v and_o wonder_v at_o these_o heap_n of_o heavenly_a treasure_n christ_n general_n benefit_n by_o christ_n which_o be_v bring_v to_o sinner_n in_o christ_n wherein_o this_o be_v the_o first_o us._n save_v us._n that_o christ_n be_v send_v to_o save_v sinner_n 32._o luk._n 2._o 32._o whereof_o enough_o be_v speak_v before_o in_o the_o name_n jesus_n therefore_o now_o no_o more_o thereof_o the_o next_o be_v that_o christ_n be_v say_v to_o be_v a_o light_n to_o the_o gentile_n gent._n light_n to_o gent._n which_o be_v long_o before_o prophesy_v often_o time_n by_o the_o prophet_n esay_n 3._o esa_n 9_o 2._o 42._o 6._o 49._o 6._o 60._o 3._o say_v the_o people_n that_o walk_v in_o darkness_n 16._o mat._n 4._o 16._o have_v see_v a_o great_a light_n they_o that_o dwell_v in_o the_o land_n of_o the_o shadow_n of_o death_n upon_o they_o be_v the_o light_n shine_v which_o the_o evangelist_n matthew_n appli_v to_o christ_n bring_v the_o light_n of_o the_o gospel_n to_o a_o blind_a and_o ignorant_a people_n and_o the_o apostle_n paul_n allege_v for_o his_o warrant_n in_o preach_v the_o gospel_n to_o the_o gentile_n to_o like_o effect_n christ_n be_v often_o say_v to_o be_v the_o light_n of_o the_o world_n 48._o act._n 13._o 48._o as_o he_o profess_v of_o himself_o 5._o joh._n 8._o 12._o 9_o 5._o i_o be_o the_o light_n of_o the_o world_n and_o of_o this_o i_o understand_v that_o which_o be_v speak_v by_o the_o evangelist_n john_n 1._o 9_o that_o christ_n be_v that_o true_a light_n which_o light_v every_o man_n that_o come_v into_o the_o world_n that_o be_v who_o cast_v out_o the_o light_n of_o the_o gospel_n to_o all_o nation_n as_o the_o sun_n in_o the_o firmament_n shine_v to_o all_o the_o world_n though_o many_o blind_a never_o see_v the_o light_n thereof_o under_o this_o comparison_n of_o light_n all_o the_o benefit_n which_o christ_n bring_v we_o be_v contain_v light_n of_o knowledge_n light_n of_o grace_n and_o holy_a life_n and_o light_n of_o eternal_a life_n and_o glory_n all_o which_o be_v contain_v either_o general_o or_o special_o in_o the_o former_a allege_v scripture_n and_o in_o sundry_a other_o to_o this_o head_n also_o belong_v such_o scripture_n as_o show_v christ_n to_o be_v our_o life_n joh._n 6._o 33._o 51._o 10._o 10._o 14._o 6._o 2._o tim._n 1._o 10._o of_o all_o which_o this_o be_v the_o use_n we_o use_v use_v be_v to_o make_v that_o see_v god_n have_v set_v up_o his_o son_n jesus_n christ_n in_o the_o ministry_n of_o the_o gospel_n to_o all_o nation_n where_o ever_o it_o come_v to_o lighten_v and_o to_o give_v life_n to_o every_o man_n who_o hear_v it_o if_o he_o refuse_v it_o not_o and_o shut_v not_o his_o eye_n against_o it_o as_o the_o pharise_n do_v therefore_o every_o one_o who_o hear_v this_o 41._o joh._n 9_o 41._o not_o only_o may_v but_o be_v bind_v to_o embrace_v this_o light_n 36._o joh._n 12._o 36._o by_o a_o true_a faith_n that_o so_o they_o may_v be_v the_o child_n of_o the_o light_n and_o that_o upon_o pain_n of_o condemnation_n even_o as_o our_o saviour_n himself_o denounce_v against_o all_o unbeliever_n say_v this_o be_v the_o condemnation_n that_o light_n be_v come_v into_o the_o world_n 19_o joh._n 3._o 19_o and_o man_n love_v darkness_n rather_o than_o light_v another_o worthy_a ground_n for_o our_o faith_n be_v this_o that_o god_n the_o father_n when_o at_o the_o baptise_v of_o christ_n he_o send_v down_o his_o holy_a spirit_n in_o the_o likeness_n of_o a_o dove_n christ_n 3._o god_n be_v well_o please_v in_o christ_n light_v upon_o he_o send_v a_o voice_n from_o heaven_n say_v this_o be_v my_o belove_a son_n in_o who_o i_o be_o well_o please_v wherein_o be_v mean_v not_o only_o that_o god_n do_v love_n and_o like_v well_o his_o son_n with_o who_o for_o himself_o he_o can_v never_o be_v displease_v there_o be_v no_o cause_n why_o but_o this_o rather_o that_o whereas_o god_n be_v extreme_o offend_v with_o all_o mankind_n now_o he_o be_v full_o appease_v by_o christ_n and_o for_o his_o sake_n ready_a to_o receive_v into_o favour_n all_o that_o by_o faith_n shall_v receive_v he_o and_o so_o to_o accept_v he_o for_o we_o and_o we_o in_o he_o which_o be_v the_o same_o with_o that_o where_o it_o be_v say_v god_n have_v make_v we_o accept_v in_o his_o belove_a 2._o eph._n 1._o 6._o 5._o 2._o and_o again_o that_o christ_n have_v give_v himself_o for_o we_o a_o offering_n and_o a_o sacrifice_n to_o god_n for_o a_o sweet_a smell_a savour_n mean_v that_o whereas_o whole_a mankind_n since_o the_o fall_n be_v become_v odious_a to_o god_n for_o sin_n so_o that_o neither_o their_o person_n nor_o their_o work_n can_v
of_o our_o inheritance_n until_o the_o redemption_n of_o the_o purchase_a possession_n unto_o the_o praise_n of_o his_o glory_n in_o which_o we_o see_v the_o lord_n deal_v with_o we_o according_a unto_o the_o manner_n of_o man_n who_o in_o their_o conveyance_n of_o land_n do_v not_o only_o give_v writing_n to_o make_v know_v their_o grant_n but_o to_o make_v they_o sure_o do_v set_v seal_n to_o their_o writing_n and_o beside_o do_v give_v a_o turf_n of_o the_o land_n to_o assure_v the_o possession_n so_o the_o lord_n have_v give_v we_o his_o word_n and_o writing_n for_o salvation_n in_o christ_n thereby_o to_o make_v we_o believe_v do_v also_o give_v his_o spirit_n so_o manifest_o to_o work_v in_o they_o that_o they_o be_v thereby_o more_o assure_v that_o christ_n be_v they_o and_o that_o by_o he_o they_o shall_v inherit_v eternal_a glory_n for_o which_o cause_n it_o be_v say_v they_o be_v seal_v with_o the_o spirit_n of_o promise_n that_o be_v which_o be_v promise_v to_o all_o believer_n and_o this_o gift_n of_o the_o spirit_n be_v say_v to_o be_v as_o a_o earnest_a penny_n to_o assure_v we_o we_o shall_v enjoy_v the_o full_a bargain_n or_o rather_o the_o whole_a gift_n of_o perfect_a happiness_n in_o god_n kingdom_n of_o this_o i_o understand_v that_o of_o the_o apostle_n where_o he_o say_v that_o though_o some_o who_o have_v make_v a_o fair_a profession_n be_v now_o fall_v away_o from_o the_o faith_n 19_o 2_o tim._n 2._o 19_o nevertheless_o the_o foundation_n of_o god_n stand_v sure_a have_v this_o seal_n the_o lord_n know_v they_o that_o be_v he_o and_o let_v every_o one_o that_o name_v the_o name_n of_o christ_n depart_v from_o iniquity_n where_o he_o make_v the_o foundation_n of_o our_o salvation_n to_o be_v god_n election_n and_o a_o seal_n or_o stamp_v whereby_o we_o be_v know_v to_o be_v god_n child_n to_o be_v a_o holy_a life_n a_o part_n whereof_o be_v depart_v from_o iniquity_n thus_o than_o we_o may_v see_v in_o general_a that_o the_o gift_n of_o the_o sanctify_a spirit_n which_o be_v the_o first_o and_o chief_a fruit_n of_o faith_n and_o root_n of_o other_o grace_n necessary_a to_o salvation_n be_v a_o most_o sure_a evidence_n that_o we_o be_v the_o child_n of_o god_n and_o heir_n of_o salvation_n by_o christ_n which_o may_v suffice_v to_o assure_v any_o man_n of_o his_o state_n to_o be_v very_o good_a if_o he_o be_v not_o deceive_v but_o be_v sure_a he_o have_v receive_v this_o sanctify_a spirit_n for_o so_o the_o apostle_n 1._o joh._n 4._o 13._o reason_v hereby_o we_o know_v that_o we_o dwell_v in_o he_o and_o he_o in_o we_o because_o he_o have_v give_v we_o of_o his_o spirit_n as_o be_v further_o speak_v in_o the_o former_a part_n of_o this_o treatise_n and_o be_v now_o for_o our_o better_a assurance_n that_o we_o be_v in_o god_n favour_n more_o large_o to_o be_v lay_v open_a if_o not_o in_o all_o yet_o in_o the_o most_o principal_a effect_n of_o this_o spirit_n dwell_v it_o us._n among_o which_o commandment_n assurance_n of_o salvation_n by_o keep_v god_n commandment_n good_a order_n require_v to_o begin_v with_o that_o which_o be_v most_o general_a and_o contain_v the_o rest_n namely_o the_o keep_n of_o god_n commandment_n which_o in_o sundry_a place_n be_v make_v a_o sure_a mark_n of_o save_v grace_n this_o be_v manifest_a in_o that_o divine_a epistle_n of_o john_n which_o be_v write_v principal_o to_o this_o end_n to_o set_v down_o sundry_a mark_n whereby_o it_o may_v be_v know_v who_o be_v the_o true_a child_n of_o god_n and_o who_o not_o among_o which_o this_o be_v one_o the_o keep_n of_o god_n commandemenc_n as_o 1._o epist_n chap._n 2._o vers_fw-la 3._o and_o hereby_o we_o know_v that_o we_o know_v he_o if_o we_o keep_v his_o commandment_n the_o meaning_n whereof_o be_v that_o the_o conscionable_a endeavour_n to_o frame_v our_o life_n according_a to_o god_n will_v reveal_v in_o his_o word_n be_v a_o most_o certain_a mark_n that_o we_o be_v true_a believer_n and_o so_o the_o true_a child_n of_o god_n &_o heir_n of_o glory_n to_o this_o end_n be_v that_o ch_n 3._o 22._o where_o he_o make_v this_o keep_n of_o god_n commandment_n a_o evident_a note_n that_o we_o be_v in_o god_n favour_n so_o that_o whatsoever_o we_o ask_v we_o receive_v of_o he_o and_o again_o vers_fw-la 24_o he_o that_o keep_v his_o commandment_n dwell_v in_o he_o and_o he_o in_o he_o it_o will_v be_v too_o long_o and_o i_o think_v needless_a to_o heap_v up_o more_o of_o this_o argument_n for_o the_o scripture_n be_v full_a of_o these_o promise_n make_v to_o the_o righteous_a to_o obedience_n to_o such_o as_o walk_v in_o god_n way_n harken_v to_o his_o voice_n bear_v much_o fruit_n be_v new_a creature_n and_o many_o of_o like_a sort_n all_o meaning_n the_o same_o thing_n to_o lead_v a_o godly_a life_n which_o whosoever_o do_v in_o truth_n though_o with_o much_o weakness_n he_o may_v certain_o thereby_o assure_v himself_o of_o his_o salvation_n which_o if_o many_o a_o poor_a soul_n who_o have_v a_o good_a care_n to_o please_v god_n and_o that_o of_o very_a love_n unto_o he_o for_o his_o mercy_n will_v consider_v it_o may_v comfort_v they_o against_o all_o their_o fear_n and_o doubt_n rise_v from_o the_o sense_n of_o their_o infirmity_n which_o for_o just_a cause_n god_n do_v leave_v in_o his_o dear_a child_n and_o therefore_o these_o be_v the_o person_n for_o who_o sake_n special_o i_o write_v these_o i_o earnest_o beseech_v they_o to_o deal_v righteous_o with_o god_n and_o their_o own_o soul_n and_o not_o to_o rob_v god_n of_o his_o honour_n and_o themselves_o of_o their_o comfort_n in_o doubt_v of_o his_o favour_n but_o rather_o acknowledge_v the_o gracious_a work_n of_o god_n in_o so_o renew_v they_o by_o his_o spirit_n that_o whereas_o by_o nature_n they_o have_v no_o care_n to_o please_v god_n nor_o conscience_n of_o obedience_n now_o god_n and_o their_o own_o conscience_n do_v witness_v and_o god_n people_n do_v see_v it_o be_v their_o chief_a endeavour_n to_o please_v god_n in_o all_o thing_n and_o their_o great_a grief_n to_o offend_v he_o whereupon_o they_o may_v certain_o conclude_v that_o they_o be_v in_o the_o state_n of_o grace_n notwithstanding_o the_o burden_n of_o their_o infirmity_n under_o which_o they_o groan_v and_o oft_o desire_v to_o be_v dissolve_v and_o to_o be_v with_o christ_n i_o think_v this_o may_v abundant_o suffice_v to_o confirm_v any_o true_o convert_v soul_n that_o their_o case_n be_v good_a and_o their_o end_n shall_v be_v safe_a notwithstanding_o the_o many_o sore_a battle_n and_o blow_n they_o meet_v with_o all_o by_o their_o corruption_n yet_o dwell_v nor_o reign_v in_o they_o but_o see_v the_o lord_n who_o of_o old_a see_v how_o hard_o it_o will_v be_v for_o we_o duty_n particular_a duty_n to_o hold_v fast_o this_o assurance_n of_o our_o safety_n especial_o when_o our_o enemy_n seem_v to_o have_v the_o upper_a hand_n have_v make_v so_o many_o promise_n of_o salvation_n not_o only_o to_o general_a obedience_n but_o almost_o to_o all_o particular_n that_o though_o we_o many_o time_n can_v fetch_v comfort_n from_o some_o duty_n &_o fruit_n of_o our_o faith_n yet_o we_o may_v from_o other_o &_o never_o want_v some_o true_a evidence_n of_o our_o faith_n and_o happiness_n it_o shall_v be_v expedient_a to_o set_v down_o some_o chief_a refer_v the_o diligent_a reader_n of_o the_o scripture_n to_o take_v a_o pattern_n by_o these_o to_o observe_v and_o make_v use_n of_o the_o rest_n as_o he_o can_v among_o all_o happiness_n 1._o love_v a_o mark_n of_o happiness_n the_o first_o and_o chief_a fruit_n of_o faith_n be_v love_n to_o god_n and_o all_o they_o which_o belong_v to_o he_o to_o christ_n and_o to_o all_o his_o member_n all_o which_o be_v unseparable_o join_v and_o do_v all_o proceed_v from_o the_o love_n of_o god_n to_o we_o as_o 1_o joh._n 4._o 19_o we_o love_v he_o because_o he_o love_v we_o first_o from_o whence_o we_o may_v sound_o gather_v that_o as_o god_n love_n be_v the_o cause_n of_o our_o love_n of_o he_o so_o our_o love_n of_o god_n be_v a_o certain_a proof_n that_o we_o be_v love_v of_o god_n and_o shall_v be_v everlasting_o bless_v and_o save_v by_o he_o which_o the_o apostle_n james_n express_v 25._o jam._n 1._o 12._o 25._o that_o god_n have_v promise_v the_o crown_n of_o life_n and_o in_o another_o place_n the_o kingdom_n to_o they_o that_o love_v he_o the_o same_o also_o be_v intend_v in_o that_o heavenly_a say_n of_o the_o apostle_n 28._o rom._n 8._o 28._o and_o we_o know_v that_o all_o thing_n work_v together_o for_o good_a to_o they_o that_o love_n god_n to_o they_o that_o be_v the_o call_v according_a to_o his_o purpose_n and_o the_o same_o may_v be_v gather_v out_o
nature_n and_o to_o make_v he_o willing_a to_o do_v god_n will_v though_o against_o his_o corrupt_a will_n this_o man_n need_v not_o doubt_n but_o that_o he_o have_v the_o true_a fear_n of_o god_n which_o be_v so_o certain_a a_o mark_n of_o god_n favour_n and_o of_o everlasting_a happiness_n and_o this_o be_v the_o use_n god_n child_n be_v to_o make_v hereof_o use_v use_v thus_o we_o see_v how_o the_o faithful_a may_v by_o these_o two_o particular_a fruit_n of_o their_o faith_n love_n and_o fear_n be_v confirm_v in_o the_o assurance_n of_o their_o salvation_n by_o christ_n the_o same_o may_v be_v show_v in_o all_o the_o rest_n which_o the_o scripture_n make_v to_o be_v so_o many_o testimony_n of_o save_a grace_n and_o happiness_n to_o those_o that_o have_v they_o as_o blessed_n be_v the_o poor_a in_o spirit_n 10._o mat._n 5._o 3._o 10._o they_o that_o mourn_v the_o humble_a meek_a such_o as_o hunger_n after_o righteousness_n merciful_a pure_a in_o heart_n peacemaker_n persecute_v for_o righteousness_n sake_n all_o which_o be_v in_o this_o place_n gather_v together_o by_o our_o saviour_n christ_n to_o cross_v the_o corrupt_a opinion_n of_o the_o world_n and_o to_o show_v that_o they_o who_o the_o world_n account_v above_o all_o man_n most_o miserable_a be_v indeed_o true_o and_o only_o happy_a the_o like_a he_o do_v in_o other_o place_n 29._o mat._n 16_o 28_o 19_o 29._o where_o he_o make_v the_o deny_v of_o ourselves_o 30._o mar._n 10._o 30._o take_v up_o the_o cross_n and_o follow_v he_o forsake_v all_o for_o he_o and_o for_o the_o gospel_n to_o be_v sure_a token_n to_o be_v he_o who_o shall_v have_v a_o hundred-fold_n in_o this_o world_n 9_o luk._n 9_o and_o in_o the_o world_n to_o come_v life_n everlasting_a to_o end_v this_o whole_a matter_n of_o assurance_n of_o salvation_n and_o to_o pass_v over_o many_o other_o fruit_n of_o faith_n which_o do_v prove_v the_o same_o as_o the_o confession_n of_o sin_n mortification_n thereof_o overcome_v and_o perseverance_n all_o which_o be_v oft_o make_v certain_a proof_n of_o happiness_n this_o be_v the_o main_a use_n which_o be_v to_o be_v make_v of_o all_o these_o use_v use_v as_o have_v oft_o be_v say_v that_o when_o as_o it_o oft_o fall_v out_o with_o god_n child_n especial_o such_o as_o have_v weak_a faith_n and_o tender_a conscience_n that_o they_o behold_v their_o proneness_n to_o sin_n and_o deadness_n of_o spirit_n to_o all_o holy_a duty_n do_v fall_n into_o great_a fear_n and_o doubt_n of_o their_o salvation_n this_o may_v be_v some_o stay_n unto_o they_o that_o they_o may_v see_v some_o of_o these_o fruit_n of_o their_o faith_n in_o they_o even_o when_o they_o be_v at_o the_o low_a ebb_n of_o grace_n by_o which_o they_o may_v comfort_v themselves_o that_o though_o they_o be_v very_o sick_a and_o weak_a yet_o they_o be_v not_o stark_o dead_a for_o who_o sake_n i_o will_v add_v this_o observation_n by_o my_o own_o experience_n wherewith_o i_o have_v quiet_v the_o mind_n of_o many_o much_o perplex_v in_o this_o case_n see_v mark_v of_o faith_n which_o be_v not_o see_v for_o that_o they_o can_v not_o see_v they_o have_v any_o faith_n that_o there_o be_v a_o true_a live_a faith_n in_o many_o who_o have_v no_o feel_n thereof_o i_o have_v observe_v these_o four_o unfallible_a proof_n faith_n 1._o unquiet_a for_o want_v of_o faith_n first_o where_o faith_n be_v and_o not_o feel_v the_o party_n in_o who_o it_o be_v &_o can_v see_v that_o he_o have_v any_o faith_n be_v grieve_v for_o want_n of_o faith_n and_o can_v be_v quiet_a for_o want_v of_o it_o but_o mourn_v as_o if_o he_o have_v none_o which_o for_o the_o most_o part_n be_v the_o state_n of_o those_o that_o be_v true_o afflict_v in_o conscience_n who_o fain_o will_v believe_v but_o yet_o in_o their_o own_o sense_n do_v not_o and_o yet_o in_o my_o experience_n i_o never_o know_v any_o such_o who_o have_v any_o knowledge_n of_o the_o doctrine_n of_o faith_n but_o indeed_o they_o have_v some_o faith_n though_o they_o see_v it_o not_o foitfi_n 2._o spare_v no_o mean_n to_o get_v foitfi_n this_o will_v more_o appear_v by_o the_o next_o effect_n of_o this_o insensible_a faith_n which_o be_v this_o that_o they_o who_o have_v faith_n and_o yet_o feel_v it_o not_o be_v very_o painful_a in_o use_n of_o all_o good_a mean_n both_o public_a and_o private_a by_o themselves_o and_o with_o oother_n whereby_o they_o may_v hope_v to_o get_v this_o precious_a gift_n of_o faith_n which_o hardly_o will_v any_o do_v if_o he_o have_v not_o some_o taste_n of_o the_o sweetness_n of_o faith_n though_o he_o feel_v it_o not_o which_o so_o stir_v up_o his_o heart_n to_o seek_v after_o it_o and_o therefore_o i_o hold_v this_o constant_a seek_v of_o faith_n to_o be_v a_o token_n of_o some_o to_o be_v in_o he_o already_o a_o three_o and_o more_o principal_a effect_n of_o faith_n in_o these_o god_n 3._o carry_v a_o good_a heart_n to_o god_n be_v this_o that_o though_o they_o see_v not_o god_n fatherly_a love_n to_o they_o yet_o they_o can_v think_v hardly_o of_o god_n but_o lay_v all_o the_o fault_n on_o themselves_o why_o they_o have_v no_o more_o grace_n yea_o they_o will_v commend_v god_n mercy_n to_o other_o and_o can_v endure_v any_o dishonour_n to_o god_n which_o great_a love_n of_o they_o to_o god_n do_v show_v they_o be_v love_v of_o he_o yea_o that_o they_o have_v by_o faith_n apprehend_v it_o though_o they_o see_v it_o not_o and_o fear_v they_o have_v it_o not_o the_o four_o proof_n of_o faith_n conscience_n 4._o a_o good_a conscience_n where_o it_o be_v not_o see_v may_v be_v this_o that_o such_o have_v a_o tender_a conscience_n shun_v small_a sin_n which_o other_o dare_v bold_o do_v and_o be_v careful_a to_o please_v god_n in_o every_o thing_n which_o many_o who_o be_v not_o so_o disquiet_v be_v more_o careless_a of_o so_o than_o if_o there_o be_v any_o poor_a soul_n who_o can_v see_v their_o faith_n yet_o if_o they_o can_v see_v any_o of_o these_o effect_n of_o faith_n in_o themselves_o let_v they_o know_v for_o a_o truth_n and_o to_o their_o comfort_n that_o they_o have_v true_a faith_n &_o shall_v be_v save_v and_o thus_o have_v i_o say_v what_o i_o think_v meet_v for_o this_o first_o point_n how_o we_o may_v daily_o get_v more_o assurance_n that_o we_o be_v now_o in_o god_n favour_n and_o shall_v want_v no_o good_a thing_n in_o this_o life_n and_o shall_v certain_o in_o the_o end_n come_v to_o life_n everlasting_a which_o i_o again_o do_v exhort_v every_o one_o who_o look_v for_o any_o blessing_n from_o god_n either_o in_o this_o life_n or_o that_o to_o come_v above_o all_o to_o labour_v for_o see_v without_o this_o assurance_n that_o we_o be_v in_o god_n favour_n how_o can_v we_o look_v for_o any_o blessing_n from_o god_n earthly_a or_o spiritual_a temporal_a or_o eternal_a whereas_o be_v assure_v hereof_o we_o may_v bold_o look_v for_o all_o other_o blessing_n needful_a for_o our_o present_a comfort_n and_o eternal_a happiness_n concern_v all_o which_o see_v the_o lord_n who_o do_v well_o know_v the_o frailty_n of_o his_o own_o child_n this_o all_o other_o blessing_n depend_v on_o this_o how_o ready_a they_o be_v upon_o every_o occasion_n to_o doubt_v of_o his_o help_n have_v so_o plentiful_o record_v in_o the_o scripture_n both_o general_o what_o a_o fatherly_a care_n he_o have_v of_o their_o welfare_n and_o also_o more_o special_o what_o help_n they_o may_v look_v for_o from_o he_o in_o their_o particular_a necessity_n i_o do_v not_o doubt_v but_o it_o will_v be_v worth_a our_o labour_n to_o consider_v of_o they_o both_o and_o all_o little_a enough_o to_o comfort_v we_o in_o our_o great_a need_n and_o first_o of_o the_o general_a which_o contain_v under_o they_o all_o good_a thing_n which_o god_n have_v prepare_v and_o promise_v to_o all_o his_o child_n of_o this_o sort_n may_v that_o come_v first_o which_o be_v the_o ground_n of_o all_o the_o rest_n namely_o that_o god_n will_v be_v our_o god_n and_o of_o our_o seed_n after_o we_o as_o he_o say_v to_o abraham_n the_o father_n of_o the_o faithful_a 7._o gen._n 17._o 7._o and_o so_o belong_v to_o all_o believer_n as_o the_o apostle_n show_v rom._n 4._o 11._o 16._o which_o self_n same_o promise_n be_v after_o repeat_v to_o abraham_n posterity_n in_o all_o age_n to_o be_v a_o staff_n of_o comfort_n to_o they_o at_o all_o time_n therefore_o be_v it_o oft_o say_v that_o god_n be_v the_o god_n of_o abraham_n the_o god_n of_o isaac_n the_o god_n of_o jacob_n likewise_o god_n say_v to_o the_o people_n of_o israel_n and_o i_o will_v take_v you_o to_o i_o to_o be_v a_o people_n and_o i_o will_v be_v to_o you_o a_o god_n and_o most_o notable_a be_v that_o
point_n to_o quiet_a the_o mind_n of_o all_o that_o be_v trouble_v with_o the_o doubt_n how_o they_o shall_v be_v able_a to_o get_v the_o mastery_n over_o their_o great_a corruption_n if_o any_o shall_v further_o require_v to_o have_v particular_a promise_n for_o particular_a sin_n he_o be_v to_o know_v that_o howsoever_o the_o lord_n do_v sometime_o descend_v to_o particular_n 26._o ezek._n 36._o 25_o 26._o as_o that_o the_o will_v cleanse_v they_o from_o their_o idol_n and_o that_o he_o will_v take_v away_o the_o stony_a heart_n out_o of_o they_o and_o such_o like_a yet_o this_o be_v not_o do_v in_o every_o sin_n neither_o be_v it_o needful_a for_o when_o god_n speak_v so_o general_o that_o he_o will_v cleanse_v we_o from_o all_o unrighteousness_n and_o that_o he_o will_v heal_v all_o our_o disease_n and_o the_o like_o many_o as_o we_o have_v see_v in_o the_o forename_a place_n who_o will_v require_v more_o let_v we_o then_o learn_v to_o apply_v these_o general_a promise_n to_o our_o particular_a occasion_n &_o i_o nothing_o doubt_v but_o it_o will_v as_o sufficient_o comfort_v we_o as_o if_o the_o lord_n have_v say_v in_o particular_a he_o will_v kill_v our_o pride_n our_o unbelief_n our_o hypocrisy_n and_o the_o rest_n only_o let_v we_o be_v familiar_o acquaint_v with_o these_o as_o need_n shall_v require_v and_o be_v oft_o in_o meditation_n upon_o these_o whereof_o we_o shall_v have_v daily_o use_v and_o hereunto_o join_v fervent_a prayer_n that_o the_o lord_n will_v persuade_v we_o by_o his_o spirit_n thus_o to_o rest_v upon_o his_o promise_n for_o his_o help_n in_o our_o great_a need_n and_o then_o shall_v we_o more_o courageous_o set_v ourselves_o against_o our_o great_a sin_n and_o daily_o more_o and_o more_o get_v the_o victory_n over_o they_o all_o to_o the_o honour_n of_o god_n and_o of_o our_o holy_a profession_n to_o the_o good_a ensample_n and_o encouragement_n of_o our_o brethren_n and_o to_o the_o present_a comfort_n and_o salvation_n of_o our_o own_o soul_n etc._n etc._n the_o three_o general_a head_n of_o live_v by_o faith_n be_v concern_v holy_a duty_n thus_o have_v see_v how_o we_o be_v to_o gather_v out_o of_o god_n promise_n daily_o more_o certainty_n of_o our_o salvation_n both_o by_o faith_n and_o by_o the_o principal_a fruit_n thereof_o and_o in_o the_o second_o place_n how_o we_o may_v be_v daily_o more_o assure_v of_o a_o full_a victory_n over_o all_o our_o corruption_n that_o they_o shall_v never_o overcome_v we_o but_o we_o they_o which_o must_v needs_o bring_v much_o comfort_n to_o all_o poor_a distress_a soul_n who_o groan_n under_o the_o burden_n of_o they_o till_o they_o may_v be_v ease_v we_o be_v to_o proceed_v to_o the_o three_o general_a point_n propound_v wherein_o we_o be_v to_o have_v use_n of_o our_o faith_n against_o those_o many_o doubt_n which_o arise_v in_o our_o heart_n how_o we_o who_o be_v so_o full_a of_o frailty_n and_o so_o weak_a in_o grace_n may_v yet_o be_v able_a to_o perform_v all_o those_o duty_n which_o god_n require_v at_o our_o hand_n both_o towards_o his_o majesty_n in_o the_o first_o table_n of_o the_o ten_o commandment_n and_o towards_o man_n ourselves_o and_o other_o in_o the_o second_o table_n and_o that_o in_o such_o manner_n as_o may_v be_v please_v to_o he_o for_o howsoever_o many_o carnal_a professor_n in_o truth_n little_o better_a than_o hypocrite_n imagine_v it_o be_v no_o such_o hard_a matter_n to_o lead_v a_o godly_a life_n and_o so_o content_v themselves_o with_o such_o common_a duty_n as_o may_v uphold_v a_o name_n in_o profession_n of_o true_a religion_n as_o frequent_v the_o public_a assembly_n say_v prayer_n in_o their_o house_n and_o live_v honest_o among_o their_o neighbour_n all_o which_o must_v be_v do_v and_o many_o come_v not_o so_o far_o yet_o they_o who_o have_v true_o taste_v of_o god_n mercy_n in_o their_o redemption_n by_o christ_n do_v know_v that_o god_n have_v deserve_v better_a service_n at_o their_o hand_n require_v what_o holiness_n god_n require_v and_o require_v more_o duty_n of_o they_o 15_o 1._o pet._n 1._o 15_o namely_o that_o as_o he_o who_o have_v call_v they_o be_v holy_a so_o they_o must_v be_v holy_a in_o all_o manner_n of_o conversation_n and_o that_o it_o must_v be_v their_o chief_a study_n to_o add_v to_o their_o faith_n virtue_n and_o to_o virtue_n knowledge_n and_o to_o knowledge_n temperance_n 6._o 2._o pet._n 1._o 4._o 6._o and_o to_o temperance_n patience_n and_o to_o patience_n godliness_n and_o to_o godliness_n 7._o 7._o brotherly_a kindness_n and_o to_o brotherly_a kindness_n charity_n and_o for_o the_o manner_n of_o their_o service_n it_o must_v be_v 1._o without_o fear_n that_o be_v not_o servile_a and_o constrain_v but_o willing_a and_o cheerful_a 2._o universal_a in_o holiness_n towards_o god_n in_o righteousness_n towards_o man_n 3._o before_o he_o as_o in_o his_o sight_n sincere_o 75._o luk._n 1_o 78._o 75._o 4._o all_o the_o day_n of_o their_o life_n constant_o in_o all_o estate_n unto_o the_o end_n and_o so_o to_o please_v god_n in_o all_o thing_n 10._o col._n 1._o 10._o the_o faithful_a people_n of_o god_n know_v themselves_o god_n child_n unable_a thus_o to_o live_v by_o themselves_o that_o this_o be_v the_o life_n which_o god_n in_o his_o word_n so_o much_o require_v at_o their_o hand_n and_o which_o they_o so_o earnest_o desire_v and_o endeavour_v to_o perform_v but_o so_o be_v they_o beset_v round_o with_o sin_n 1._o heb._n 12._o 1._o and_o oft_o so_o take_v captive_a by_o the_o power_n of_o their_o corrupt_a nature_n that_o when_o they_o will_v do_v good_a evil_a be_v present_a with_o they_o 21_o rom._n 7._o 21_o whereby_o it_o come_v to_o pass_v that_o all_o even_o the_o strong_a christian_n find_v it_o a_o matter_n above_o their_o ability_n thus_o to_o lead_v their_o life_n and_o many_o of_o the_o weak_a sort_n be_v oft_o discourage_v to_o see_v how_o weak_o they_o perform_v all_o christian_a duty_n and_o no_o marvel_n for_o see_v the_o regenerate_a themselves_o have_v not_o receive_v any_o such_o measure_n of_o grace_n whereby_o they_o may_v thus_o willing_o and_o thorough_o sincere_o and_o constant_o so_o serve_v god_n as_o to_o fear_v he_o with_o reverence_n and_o godly_a fear_n 28_o heb._n 12._o 28_o witness_v the_o slip_n and_o fall_v of_o the_o most_o worthy_a servant_n of_o god_n but_o all_o our_o sufficiency_n be_v of_o god_n 9_o 2_o cor._n 3._o 5._o 12._o 9_o and_o his_o grace_n must_v be_v sufficient_a for_o we_o 5._o joh._n 15._o 5._o and_o his_o power_n must_v be_v magnify_v in_o our_o weakness_n and_o without_o christ_n we_o can_v do_v nothing_o out_o of_o all_o this_o may_v be_v gather_v what_o need_v we_o have_v of_o faith_n to_o enable_v we_o to_o lead_v this_o life_n whereby_o we_o may_v please_v god_n and_o find_v comfort_n to_o our_o soul_n which_o shall_v further_o appear_v god_n what_o be_v necessary_a to_o please_v god_n if_o we_o well_o consider_v what_o be_v necessary_o require_v of_o we_o sinner_n that_o we_o may_v please_v god_n in_o any_o duty_n we_o perform_v which_o i_o conceive_v be_v these_o three_o 1._o first_o a_o conscionable_a endeavour_n to_o do_v the_o will_n of_o god_n 21._o mat._n 7._o 21._o in_o such_o sort_n as_o he_o in_o his_o word_n command_v 2._o second_o 17_o psal_n 51._o 17_o a_o true_a grief_n for_o our_o many_o fail_n herein_o 2._o esa_n 66._o 2._o both_o in_o the_o deed_n 6._o heb._n 11._o 6._o and_o right_a manner_n of_o do_v 3._o three_o a_o belief_n that_o god_n for_o christ_n sake_n will_v assist_v we_o and_o accept_v of_o our_o weak_a obedience_n all_o which_o as_o we_o see_v be_v evident_a in_o the_o scripture_n and_o oft_o require_v so_o be_v they_o as_o manifest_v by_o reason_n that_o see_v god_n will_v be_v the_o rule_n of_o all_o equity_n therefore_o whatsoever_o swerve_v from_o it_o though_o never_o so_o little_a must_v needs_o be_v unequal_a and_o so_o displease_v to_o god_n and_o on_o the_o other_o side_n see_v all_o our_o righteousness_n be_v as_o a_o stain_a or_o defile_v cloth_n such_o as_o god_n pure_a eye_n can_v endure_v of_o necessity_n it_o follow_v that_o they_o who_o will_v be_v acceptable_a to_o god_n must_v come_v unto_o god_n in_o christ_n faith_n all_o our_o sufficiency_n be_v in_o christ_n receive_v by_o faith_n both_o for_o strength_n to_o do_v that_o which_o god_n require_v and_o for_o favour_n that_o god_n will_v be_v please_v to_o accept_v of_o the_o satisfaction_n make_v by_o christ_n for_o the_o pardon_n of_o their_o defect_n in_o their_o best_a duty_n and_o for_o the_o allow_v of_o their_o obedience_n to_o be_v well_o like_v in_o his_o sight_n whereupon_o it_o necessary_o follow_v that_o whosoever_o intend_v so_o to_o lead_v a_o godly_a life_n that_o he_o may_v be_v please_v
to_o god_n mâ—st_v attain_v this_o by_o faith_n without_o which_o as_o all_o we_o do_v be_v sin_n 6._o heb._n 11._o 6._o so_o the_o scripture_n speak_v plain_o without_o faith_n it_o be_v impossible_a to_o please_v god_n and_o yet_o how_o few_o be_v they_o who_o have_v attain_v this_o grace_n so_o to_o live_v by_o faith_n as_o thereby_o to_o draw_v from_o christ_n continual_a increase_n of_o spiritual_a strength_n better_o to_o perform_v all_o holy_a obedience_n and_o daily_o to_o get_v more_o comfort_n that_o this_o their_o obedience_n shall_v be_v acceptable_a to_o god_n accept_v two_o branch_n of_o this_o 1._o how_o to_o get_v grace_n 2._o how_o to_o be_v accept_v wherein_o we_o have_v these_o two_o special_a branch_n to_o be_v consider_v how_o we_o may_v get_v this_o grace_n to_o lead_v a_o godly_a life_n or_o how_o we_o may_v have_v comfort_n that_o this_o shall_v be_v accept_v for_o the_o former_a commandment_n some_o chief_a fail_n in_o every_o commandment_n that_o we_o may_v better_o see_v how_o unable_a we_o be_v of_o ourselves_o to_o perform_v all_o holy_a obedience_n and_o so_o be_v more_o willing_a to_o embrace_v the_o remedy_n i_o desire_v every_o one_o careful_o to_o examine_v himself_o by_o the_o law_n of_o god_n how_o exceed_o he_o fail_v in_o every_o one_o of_o they_o 1._o as_o for_o example_n in_o the_o first_o commandment_n in_o not_o walk_v with_o god_n not_o rest_v upon_o he_o for_o relief_n in_o all_o his_o necessity_n nor_o so_o delight_v in_o he_o as_o to_o count_v nothing_o too_o dear_a for_o he_o and_o that_o he_o be_v not_o more_o afraid_a to_o displease_v god_n than_o any_o in_o the_o world_n beside_o 2._o in_o the_o second_o commandment_n how_o slack_a and_o slight_a he_o be_v in_o all_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n both_o private_a and_o public_a as_o namely_o in_o private_a prayer_n which_o yet_o for_o the_o most_o part_n be_v in_o great_a use_n as_o for_o read_v the_o scripture_n and_o other_o godly_a book_n how_o seldom_o meditation_n alone_o and_o conference_n with_o other_o how_o little_a thought_n upon_o so_o likewise_o for_o the_o public_a what_o careless_a and_o unfruitful_a hear_n pray_v sing_v and_o receive_v of_o the_o sacrament_n 3._o in_o the_o three_o commandment_n how_o backward_o he_o be_v lift_v up_o the_o name_n of_o god_n so_o as_o he_o may_v by_o all_o his_o behaviour_n bring_v god_n into_o better_a esteem_n with_o those_o with_o who_o he_o converse_v 4._o in_o the_o four_o commandment_n what_o ado_n he_o have_v to_o keep_v his_o whole_a man_n employ_v about_o the_o true_a sanctification_n of_o the_o lord_n sabbath_n in_o all_o which_o whosoever_o shall_v conscionable_o consider_v his_o way_n i_o nothing_o doubt_v but_o he_o shall_v see_v just_a cause_n to_o complain_v of_o his_o want_n of_o faith_n whereby_o alone_o he_o shall_v receive_v power_n from_o christ_n and_o his_o spirit_n much_o more_o effectual_o to_o perform_v all_o these_o holy_a duty_n to_o god_n the_o like_a defect_n shall_v be_v find_v upon_o due_a examination_n in_o all_o duty_n of_o righteousness_n in_o the_o second_o table_n which_o god_n require_v both_o in_o regard_n of_o ourselves_o and_o our_o neighbour_n as_o in_o the_o five_o commandment_n i_o wish_v every_o one_o due_o to_o weigh_v how_o bad_o he_o discharge_v the_o duty_n of_o his_o special_a place_n either_o in_o the_o family_n church_n or_o commonwealth_n both_o such_o as_o be_v set_v above_o other_o and_o such_o as_o be_v below_o governor_n and_o govern_v and_o then_o he_o shall_v well_o see_v what_o need_n he_o have_v of_o faith_n to_o enable_v he_o to_o a_o better_a performance_n of_o those_o duty_n which_o his_o place_n require_v 6._o in_o the_o sixth_o commandment_n how_o careless_a he_o be_v both_o in_o avoid_v those_o thing_n which_o hurt_v the_o life_n and_o health_n of_o body_n and_o soul_n both_o of_o himself_o and_o other_o and_o in_o use_v all_o good_a mean_n for_o the_o preservation_n of_o both_o and_o much_o more_o want_v in_o bear_v and_o forgive_a wrong_n in_o love_v his_o enemy_n and_o overcome_v evil_a with_o goodness_n 7._o in_o the_o seven_o commandment_n likewise_o what_o little_a watch_n and_o mean_n be_v use_v to_o keep_v both_o soul_n and_o body_n chaste_a and_o so_o to_o avoid_v all_o allurement_n to_o uncleanness_n sober_o use_v all_o our_o sense_n and_o their_o delight_n 8._o in_o the_o eight_o commandment_n how_o he_o fail_v in_o get_v his_o good_n just_o and_o so_o use_v they_o holy_o to_o god_n honour_n merciful_o to_o the_o relief_n of_o his_o neighbour_n and_o wise_o to_o his_o own_o good_a of_o soul_n and_o body_n 9_o in_o the_o nine_o commandment_n how_o careless_a he_o be_v as_o to_o avoid_v all_o blemish_v of_o his_o own_o good_a name_n or_o his_o neighbour_n any_o manner_n of_o way_n and_o so_o to_o preserve_v either_o and_o to_o recover_v they_o be_v wound_v by_o such_o mean_n as_o god_n have_v appoint_v 10._o in_o the_o ten_o commandment_n how_o hardly_o he_o can_v bring_v his_o heart_n to_o love_v his_o neighbour_n as_o himself_o and_o to_o be_v as_o loath_a to_o hurt_v he_o as_o his_o own_o self_n and_o to_o seek_v his_o neighbour_n good_a as_o his_o own_o thus_o have_v i_o brief_o draw_v out_o of_o the_o commandment_n some_o of_o the_o chief_a duty_n which_o we_o can_v deny_v but_o that_o as_o we_o be_v bind_v to_o perform_v they_o and_o desire_v so_o to_o do_v so_o we_o fail_v much_o in_o the_o practice_n of_o they_o neither_o possible_o can_v we_o do_v better_o till_o we_o receive_v grace_n from_o christ_n to_o enable_v we_o thereunto_o these_o be_v so_o manifest_a i_o hope_v i_o shall_v not_o need_v to_o say_v any_o thing_n more_o to_o persuade_v any_o true_a christian_a to_o labour_n for_o the_o increase_n of_o this_o precious_a gift_n of_o faith_n whereby_o he_o may_v get_v power_n from_o christ_n better_a to_o obey_v god_n in_o all_o that_o he_o shall_v require_v at_o his_o hand_n and_o therefore_o i_o will_v now_o set_v upon_o this_o work_n which_o be_v my_o chief_a intent_n to_o gather_v some_o special_a promise_n and_o to_o show_v the_o right_a use_n of_o faith_n for_o our_o help_n in_o this_o behalf_n but_o that_o i_o remember_v there_o be_v a_o other_o branch_n of_o this_o matter_n accept_v 2._o branch_n of_o this_o three_o point_n how_o our_o obedience_n may_v be_v accept_v namely_o how_o we_o may_v do_v all_o our_o work_n in_o faith_n that_o god_n will_v accept_v thereof_o wherein_o it_o will_v be_v no_o hard_a matter_n to_o show_v that_o we_o be_v for_o the_o most_o part_n as_o much_o if_o not_o more_o fail_v then_o in_o the_o former_a as_o both_o reason_n and_o experience_n will_v prove_v for_o a_o mere_a natural_a man_n void_a of_o all_o save_a grace_n may_v be_v draw_v by_o self-love_n for_o his_o own_o good_a or_o by_o fear_n of_o danger_n that_o may_v befall_v he_o to_o do_v many_o good_a thing_n 20._o mark_n 6._o 20._o as_o we_o read_v of_o herod_n 30._o 2_o king_n 10._o 30._o jehu_n 2._o 2_o chron._n 25._o 2._o amaziah_n who_o do_v that_o which_o be_v right_a in_o the_o sight_n of_o the_o lord_n but_o not_o with_o a_o perfect_a heart_n but_o to_o be_v persuade_v upon_o good_a ground_n that_o god_n will_v accept_v our_o weak_a and_o sinful_a obedience_n for_o perfect_a as_o if_o it_o be_v without_o fault_n this_o require_v true_a grace_n yea_o a_o great_a measure_n than_o many_o a_o weak_a believer_n can_v attain_v from_o hence_o it_o special_o arise_v that_o sundry_a true_a heart_a christian_n infirmity_n many_o discourage_v by_o their_o infirmity_n very_o conscionable_a in_o their_o conversation_n be_v yet_o much_o discourage_v and_o by_o reason_n of_o the_o infirmity_n of_o their_o best_a duty_n have_v little_a comfort_n in_o any_o thing_n they_o do_v and_o so_o loose_a if_o not_o all_o yet_o much_o fruit_n of_o great_a labour_n so_o that_o it_o can_v be_v but_o welcome_a instruction_n to_o they_o to_o hear_v and_o learn_v how_o they_o may_v be_v assure_v that_o their_o weak_a obedience_n shall_v be_v please_v to_o god_n as_o if_o it_o be_v without_o fault_n in_o both_o which_o i_o will_v do_v my_o best_a to_o draw_v out_o of_o the_o well_n of_o salvation_n the_o holy_a scripture_n such_o sweet_a promise_n as_o shall_v abundant_o satisfy_v the_o thirsty_a soul_n who_o chief_a desire_n be_v nothing_o more_o than_o to_o have_v grace_n whereby_o they_o may_v serve_v god_n acceptable_o with_o reverence_n and_o godly_a fear_n 28._o heb._n 12._o 28._o and_o first_o to_o begin_v with_o the_o former_a grace_n how_o we_o may_v be_v sure_a we_o shall_v want_v no_o grace_n that_o we_o may_v assure_v ourselves_o we_o shall_v not_o want_v any_o needful_a grace_n for_o the_o lead_n of_o a_o godly_a life_n the_o lord_n have_v
these_o i_o do_v beseech_v to_o attend_v to_o such_o promise_n as_o god_n have_v make_v to_o his_o people_n in_o particular_a concern_v this_o grace_n that_o whereas_o he_o see_v that_o natural_o there_o be_v no_o fear_n of_o god_n before_o man_n eye_n he_o faith_n he_o will_v put_v his_o fear_n into_o their_o heart_n as_o jeremy_n 32._o 39_o 40._o and_o i_o will_v give_v they_o one_o heart_n and_o one_o way_n that_o they_o may_v fear_v i_o for_o ever_o for_o the_o good_a of_o they_o and_o of_o their_o child_n after_o they_o and_o i_o will_v make_v a_o everlasting_a covenant_n with_o they_o that_o i_o will_v not_o turn_v away_o from_o they_o to_o do_v they_o good_a but_o i_o will_v put_v my_o fear_n in_o their_o heart_n that_o they_o shall_v not_o depart_v from_o i_o which_o if_o we_o can_v believe_v will_v sufficient_o assure_v we_o we_o shall_v not_o want_v this_o save_a grace_n but_o that_o god_n will_v certain_o bestow_v it_o upon_o we_o in_o that_o time_n and_o measure_n he_o see_v meet_v but_o for_o our_o confirmation_n the_o lord_n do_v oft_o repeat_v this_o promise_n as_o deu._n 4._o 10._o where_n one_o special_a mean_n whereby_o this_o fear_n be_v wrought_v be_v set_v down_o gather_v i_o the_o people_n together_o and_o i_o will_v make_v they_o hear_v my_o word_n that_o they_o may_v learn_v to_o fear_v i_o all_o the_o day_n that_o they_o shall_v live_v upon_o the_o earth_n and_o that_o they_o may_v teach_v their_o child_n so_o prou._n â—_o 5._o they_o who_o seek_v for_o wisdom_n shall_v understand_v the_o fear_n of_o god_n to_o like_a effect_n deu._n 6_o 1._o 2._o and_o 17_o 19_o it_o be_v special_o speak_v of_o the_o king_n and_o more_o general_o of_o all_o chap._n 32._o 12._o and_o to_o this_o purpose_n special_a be_v that_o of_o the_o prophet_n david_n psal_n 40._o 3._o where_o he_o show_v another_o mean_n whereby_o god_n do_v stir_v up_o this_o grace_n in_o his_o people_n namely_o the_o behold_v of_o god_n mercy_n on_o other_o say_v and_o he_o have_v put_v a_o new_a song_n in_o my_o mouth_n even_o praise_v unto_o our_o god_n many_o shall_v see_v it_o and_o fear_v and_o shall_v trust_v in_o the_o lord_n so_o likewise_o david_n be_v teach_v of_o god_n invit_v other_o say_v come_v you_o child_n harken_v to_o man_n i_o will_v teach_v you_o the_o fear_n of_o the_o lord_n psal_n 72._o 5._o they_o shall_v fear_v thou_o as_o long_o as_o the_o sun_n and_o moon_n endure_v through_o all_o generation_n the_o like_a psal_n 102._o 16._o so_o esa_n 29._o 23._o they_o shall_v sanctify_v my_o name_n etc._n etc._n and_o shall_v fear_v the_o god_n of_o israel_n jeremy_n also_o speak_v of_o god_n singular_a mercy_n which_o he_o promise_v to_o his_o people_n chap._n 33._o 9_o and_o it_o shall_v be_v to_o i_o a_o name_n of_o joy_n a_o praise_n and_o a_o honour_n before_o all_o the_o nation_n of_o the_o earth_n which_o shall_v hear_v all_o the_o good_a i_o do_v unto_o they_o and_o they_o shall_v fear_v and_o tremble_v for_o all_o the_o goodness_n and_o for_o all_o the_o prosperity_n that_o i_o procure_v unto_o it_o so_o hosea_n 3._o 5._o afterward_o shall_v the_o people_n of_o israel_n return_n and_o seek_v the_o lord_n their_o god_n and_o david_n their_o king_n and_o shall_v fear_v the_o lord_n and_o his_o goodness_n in_o the_o latter_a day_n these_o shall_v suffice_v it_o will_v be_v long_o to_o cite_v all_o the_o right_a use_n we_o be_v to_o make_v of_o these_o and_o the_o like_a use_v use_v be_v so_o oft_o as_o we_o find_v our_o heart_n condemn_v we_o for_o want_v of_o this_o fear_n &_o doubt_v how_o ever_o we_o shall_v attain_v to_o it_o in_o any_o good_a measure_n so_o oft_o that_o we_o must_v call_v to_o mind_v some_o of_o these_o promise_n which_o though_o deliver_v in_o particular_a to_o some_o of_o god_n child_n yet_o in_o truth_n belong_v to_o all_o of_o they_o therefore_o every_o child_n of_o god_n may_v and_o aught_o to_o apply_v they_o to_o himself_o and_o steadfast_o believe_v that_o god_n will_v perform_v his_o word_n to_o he_o and_o so_o wait_v with_o patience_n the_o lord_n appoint_v season_n he_o shall_v not_o be_v disappoint_v of_o his_o hope_n but_o shall_v certain_o enjoy_v the_o fruit_n of_o his_o desire_n and_o thus_o much_o for_o this_o i_o see_v this_o three_o point_n how_o we_o may_v be_v sure_a of_o grace_n to_o lead_v a_o godly_a life_n so_o as_o shall_v be_v accept_v grow_v large_a and_o no_o marvel_n for_o it_o reach_v to_o all_o the_o duty_n require_v in_o both_o table_n i_o may_v not_o therefore_o run_v into_o all_o particular_n but_o will_v make_v choice_n of_o some_o and_o namely_o such_o as_o i_o conceive_v christian_n most_o fail_v in_o and_o have_v least_o comfort_n in_o perform_v they_o of_o this_o sort_n be_v special_a etc._n concern_v holy_a exercise_n prayer_n etc._n etc._n all_o our_o spiritual_a service_n of_o god_n as_o our_o prayer_n and_o exercise_n in_o his_o word_n and_o sacrament_n in_o all_o which_o i_o have_v hear_v many_o of_o good_a hope_n complain_v that_o they_o find_v small_a comfort_n in_o these_o because_o they_o perform_v they_o in_o so_o weak_a and_o sinful_a manner_n a_o principal_a cause_n whereof_o i_o have_v observe_v in_o many_o to_o be_v this_o that_o they_o place_v all_o their_o comfort_n in_o the_o good_a discharge_n of_o their_o duty_n wherein_o when_o they_o fail_v which_o they_o find_v oft_o than_o they_o be_v discomfit_v which_o evident_o show_v that_o they_o have_v little_a use_n of_o faith_n in_o those_o duty_n for_o faith_n do_v comfort_n in_o our_o great_a fail_n as_o well_o as_o in_o the_o least_o to_o make_v this_o more_o plain_a which_o i_o fear_v be_v little_o see_v of_o many_o a_o poor_a soul_n who_o take_v great_a pain_n to_o serve_v god_n and_o yet_o seldom_o find_v comfort_n that_o his_o service_n be_v so_o full_a of_o infirmity_n be_v please_v to_o god_n it_o must_v be_v confess_v that_o while_o we_o live_v here_o there_o be_v flesh_n and_o spirit_n mingle_v in_o all_o the_o action_n of_o god_n child_n so_o that_o as_o their_o best_a prayer_n be_v stain_v with_o some_o corruption_n of_o the_o flesh_n so_o i_o conceive_v that_o there_o be_v some_o operation_n of_o the_o spirit_n in_o their_o weak_a which_o be_v offer_v up_o in_o faith_n be_v assure_o acceptable_a to_o god_n &_o therein_o may_v god_n child_n find_v sound_a comfort_n not_o in_o himself_o nor_o in_o his_o work_n but_o in_o god_n pardon_v of_o all_o his_o defect_n and_o accept_v his_o obedience_n in_o the_o perfect_a satisfaction_n make_v by_o christ_n whereas_o otherwise_o if_o any_o have_v pray_v with_o great_a fervency_n of_o spirit_n shall_v be_v conceit_v therewith_o and_o not_o humble_v for_o his_o fail_n in_o that_o his_o best_a prayer_n and_o rather_o expect_v for_o favour_n for_o the_o goodness_n of_o his_o prayer_n then_o look_v for_o mercy_n only_o for_o the_o merit_n of_o christ_n which_o though_o it_o be_v too_o little_o see_v yet_o too_o oft_o it_o fall_v out_o i_o dare_v bold_o say_v that_o the_o sleepy_a prayer_n offer_v up_o in_o faith_n be_v accept_v when_o the_o weep_a prayer_n without_o faith_n be_v reject_v in_o so_o say_v worship_n want_v of_o faith_n in_o god_n worship_n be_v it_o far_o from_o my_o thought_n to_o approve_v of_o drowsiness_n or_o any_o other_o gross_a corruption_n in_o prayer_n or_o to_o disgrace_v any_o zeal_n or_o gift_n of_o god_n spirit_n in_o prayer_n but_o that_o i_o aim_v at_o be_v to_o discover_v a_o common_a and_o yet_o close_a and_o dangerous_a corruption_n in_o our_o prayer_n and_o other_o holy_a exercise_n that_o when_o we_o perform_v these_o in_o any_o sort_n to_o our_o like_n than_o we_o be_v glad_a and_o rest_v quiet_a that_o god_n will_v accept_v they_o i_o deny_v not_o but_o such_o may_v then_o rejoice_v in_o the_o assistance_n of_o god_n spirit_n but_o the_o fault_n i_o find_v be_v that_o these_o have_v in_o such_o time_n little_a use_n of_o their_o faith_n for_o not_o behold_v the_o blemish_n of_o these_o their_o best_a service_n of_o god_n they_o be_v not_o humble_v for_o they_o and_o so_o not_o drive_v out_o of_o themselves_o to_o seek_v for_o favour_n in_o christ_n in_o who_o alone_a god_n be_v well_o please_v and_o thus_o they_o stain_v their_o best_a duty_n for_o want_n of_o faith_n this_o will_v more_o clear_o be_v see_v in_o the_o contrary_a when_o these_o do_v pray_v or_o hear_v read_v or_o meditate_v or_o receive_v the_o sacrament_n with_o much_o accusation_n to_o their_o conscience_n they_o have_v no_o comfort_n that_o such_o duty_n shall_v be_v accept_v which_o must_v needs_o arise_v from_o want_n of_o faith_n for_o do_v they_o in_o their_o poor_a prayer_n for_o which_o
do_v as_o certain_o communicate_v with_o the_o body_n and_o blood_n of_o christ_n that_o be_v whole_a christ_n &_o all_o his_o merit_n in_o the_o sacrament_n as_o â—ee_n with_o the_o rest_n of_o god_n people_n do_v communicate_v in_o the_o bread_n and_o wine_n and_o to_o conclude_v with_o this_o testimony_n of_o the_o apostle_n in_o the_o 12_o chap._n vers_fw-la 13._o he_o speak_v of_o both_o sacrament_n say_v 13._o 1._o cor._n 12._o 13._o for_o by_o one_o spirit_n we_o all_o be_v baptize_v into_o one_o body_n whether_o we_o be_v iâ—wes_n or_o gentile_n whether_o we_o be_v bond_n or_o free_a and_o have_v be_v all_o make_v to_o drink_v into_o one_o spirit_n in_o which_o as_o in_o all_o the_o former_a we_o see_v that_o true_a grace_n be_v give_v to_o the_o outward_a seal_n not_o for_o that_o by_o the_o bare_a work_n wrought_v the_o outward_a receive_n of_o the_o sign_n do_v give_v grace_n which_o be_v proper_a to_o christ_n and_o his_o merit_n seal_v by_o the_o outward_a sign_n but_o to_o teach_v and_o persuade_v that_o god_n for_o his_o part_n do_v unseparable_o join_v these_o grace_n with_o the_o sign_n and_o as_o true_o give_v the_o one_o as_o the_o other_o the_o use_n whereof_o be_v this_o application_n application_n that_o what_o god_n have_v join_v we_o do_v not_o separate_v but_o that_o we_o be_v persuade_v by_o all_o these_o witness_n that_o we_o receive_v these_o holy_a sacrament_n according_a to_o god_n appointment_n shall_v as_o sure_o have_v christ_n and_o all_o his_o benefit_n to_o be_v we_o as_o we_o have_v the_o outward_a seal_n thereof_o be_v we_o thus_o persuade_v we_o will_v more_o cheerful_o come_v to_o the_o sacrament_n more_o careful_o prepare_v ourselves_o to_o be_v meet_a partaker_n of_o they_o and_o shall_v find_v more_o fruit_n by_o they_o then_o usual_o must_v do_v this_o than_o must_v be_v the_o labour_n of_o all_o that_o will_v enjoy_v the_o benefit_n and_o comfort_n of_o god_n holy_a sacrament_n so_o oft_o as_o they_o approach_v unto_o they_o to_o set_v before_o they_o both_o the_o mercy_n of_o god_n in_o ordain_v these_o for_o the_o strengthen_n of_o our_o faith_n and_o withal_o his_o faithfulness_n in_o free_o bestow_v on_o we_o that_o which_o he_o offer_v and_o seal_v unto_o we_o in_o these_o outward_a seal_n namely_o christ_n and_o all_o his_o benefit_n to_o be_v we_o for_o our_o present_a comfort_n quicken_a and_o strengthen_v and_o for_o our_o everlasting_a salvation_n and_o this_o shall_v suffice_v for_o this_o three_o general_a point_n how_o we_o may_v cheerful_o serve_v the_o lord_n in_o all_o good_a duty_n which_o he_o require_v of_o we_o be_v assure_v by_o faith_n that_o he_o will_v both_o assist_v we_o by_o his_o spirit_n to_o perform_v they_o at_o least_o in_o some_o measure_n according_a to_o his_o will_n and_o also_o accept_v at_o our_o hand_n our_o poor_a and_o weak_a obedience_n which_o we_o shall_v offer_v up_o unto_o he_o in_o the_o name_n of_o his_o son_n christ_n jesus_n the_o four_o general_n head_n of_o live_v by_o faith_n be_v concern_v affliction_n we_o be_v now_o in_o the_o four_o place_n come_v to_o affliction_n which_o as_o they_o be_v the_o lot_n of_o god_n child_n so_o we_o find_v they_o heavy_a to_o bear_v and_o such_o as_o much_o hinder_v the_o comfort_n of_o many_o poor_a soul_n in_o such_o sort_n that_o if_o we_o be_v not_o hearten_v to_o bear_v they_o with_o patience_n and_o quietness_n we_o shall_v never_o be_v able_a to_o hold_v out_o our_o christian_a course_n unto_o the_o end_n with_o any_o comfort_n to_o ourselves_o or_o good_a example_n to_o other_o affliction_n many_o hinder_v by_o affliction_n lamentable_a proof_n hereof_o all_o age_n have_v afford_v in_o that_o many_o who_o in_o the_o fair_a sunshine_n of_o the_o gospel_n make_v a_o good_a profession_n when_o trouble_n and_o persecution_n come_v than_o they_o go_v back_o and_o with_o demas_n embrace_v this_o present_a world_n 16._o 2._o tim._n 4._o 10._o 16._o as_o many_o other_o do_v forsake_v paul_n at_o his_o first_o answer_n before_o the_o emperor_n at_o rome_n yea_o it_o be_v often_o hear_v to_o be_v the_o complaint_n of_o many_o a_o good_a christian_a who_o serve_v god_n constant_o and_o cheerful_o in_o their_o health_n and_o quiet_a estate_n yet_o when_o sickness_n come_v and_o other_o cross_n they_o be_v disquiet_v unsettle_a and_o can_v not_o go_v on_o as_o in_o time_n of_o peace_n and_o quietness_n and_o some_o good_a reason_n hereof_o there_o may_v be_v allege_v that_o howsoever_o the_o principal_a end_n of_o affliction_n special_o to_o the_o child_n of_o god_n be_v to_o make_v they_o better_v every_o way_n yet_o by_o reason_n of_o natural_a infirmity_n which_o be_v so_o loath_a to_o suffer_v and_o can_v so_o hardly_o bear_v any_o affliction_n they_o can_v get_v their_o mind_n and_o heart_n to_o be_v fit_a to_o any_o christian_a duty_n no_o not_o to_o prayer_n as_o at_o some_o other_o time_n of_o peace_n they_o have_v be_v but_o rather_o be_v provoke_v to_o fret_v impatience_n murmur_v yea_o in_o great_a extremity_n to_o despair_n and_o seek_v many_o unlawful_a shift_n to_o get_v out_o of_o their_o trouble_n these_o with_o sundry_a the_o like_a be_v the_o hurt_n which_o come_v by_o affliction_n when_o we_o be_v not_o well_o arm_v to_o bear_v they_o and_o instruct_v how_o to_o make_v the_o right_a use_n of_o they_o by_o all_o which_o we_o may_v see_v what_o need_v we_o have_v to_o be_v strengthen_v against_o all_o the_o discouragement_n and_o other_o hindrance_n we_o meet_v withal_o in_o affliction_n faith_n no_o help_n but_o by_o faith_n which_o we_o shall_v plain_o see_v can_v by_o no_o other_o mean_n be_v attain_v then_o by_o faith_n whereby_o we_o may_v bold_o rest_v upon_o god_n for_o his_o direction_n and_o assistance_n how_o to_o bear_v and_o profit_v by_o all_o our_o affliction_n of_o what_o sort_n soever_o this_o be_v that_o which_o now_o i_o undertake_v to_o show_v how_o we_o may_v live_v by_o faith_n in_o all_o affliction_n so_o as_o they_o shall_v in_o no_o sort_n hinder_v we_o in_o our_o course_n of_o christianity_n but_o rather_o further_o we_o till_o we_o attain_v unto_o the_o end_n our_o course_n in_o god_n kingdom_n wherein_o i_o intend_v to_o say_v less_o than_o otherwise_o i_o will_v for_o that_o since_o i_o take_v this_o work_n in_o hand_n i_o have_v light_n upon_o a_o treatise_n of_o mr._n bifield_n promise_n mr._n bifield_n of_o promise_n call_v the_o promise_n wherein_o he_o show_v both_o plain_o and_o sound_o how_o a_o godly_a christian_a may_v support_v his_o heart_n with_o comfort_n against_o all_o the_o distress_n which_o by_o reason_n of_o any_o affliction_n or_o temptation_n can_v befall_v he_o in_o this_o life_n to_o which_o treatise_n i_o refer_v all_o who_o desire_v to_o be_v further_o satisfy_v in_o this_o matter_n but_o see_v i_o have_v before_o i_o see_v his_o book_n gather_v out_o of_o the_o scripture_n both_o those_o promise_n and_o many_o more_o concern_v affliction_n i_o will_v proceed_v as_o i_o have_v begin_v to_o show_v the_o use_n of_o faith_n in_o all_o manner_n of_o outward_a affliction_n belong_v to_o this_o natural_a life_n how_o we_o may_v be_v arm_v to_o bear_v they_o patient_o and_o make_v able_a to_o profit_v by_o they_o point_n of_o inward_a trouble_n in_o the_o three_o former_a point_n for_o inward_a and_o spiritual_a trouble_n of_o mind_n which_o arise_v from_o doubt_n of_o god_n favour_n and_o of_o our_o salvation_n by_o christ_n as_o also_o of_o such_o grief_n as_o rise_v from_o our_o infirmity_n either_o unablenesse_n to_o mortify_v our_o sin_n or_o very_o weak_a performance_n of_o all_o holy_a duty_n i_o have_v sufficient_o speak_v in_o the_o three_o former_a general_a head_n of_o this_o treatise_n how_o we_o be_v to_o live_v by_o faith_n in_o all_o of_o these_o therefore_o here_o only_o i_o intend_v to_o gather_v out_o of_o the_o scripture_n such_o sweet_a comfort_n as_o god_n have_v plentiful_o set_v down_o for_o our_o comfort_n in_o all_o the_o outward_a cross_n outward_a now_o of_o outward_a whereto_o we_o be_v subject_a while_o we_o live_v here_o in_o this_o vale_n of_o tear_n that_o so_o we_o may_v better_o hold_v out_o unto_o the_o end_n in_o set_v down_o whereof_o affliction_n order_n in_o handle_v affliction_n to_o keep_v some_o order_n for_o our_o better_a help_n in_o make_v use_n of_o they_o our_o first_o ground_n of_o comfort_n 1._o 1._o arise_v from_o hence_o that_o all_o our_o affliction_n come_v direct_o from_o god_n by_o what_o mean_v soever_o the_o second_o be_v 2._o 2._o to_o observe_v in_o what_o manner_n the_o lord_n do_v afflict_v we_o his_o child_n that_o be_v most_o wise_o in_o all_o respect_n and_o most_o love_o 3._o 3._o the_o three_o to_o what_o end_n namely_o his_o own_o glory_n
the_o come_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n which_o be_v est_fw-la repeat_v 〈◊〉_d cor._n p._n 9_o and_o 10._o 〈…〉_o that_o we_o may_v have_v it_o in_o better_a remembrance_n and_o use_n and_o for_o confirmation_n hereof_o 19_o 2._o tim._n 2._o 19_o it_o be_v say_v the_o foundation_n of_o god_n 〈…〉_o ground_v upon_o this_o the_o lord_n know_v who_o 〈◊〉_d his_o mean_v that_o they_o who_o god_n before_o the_o foundation_n of_o the_o world_n do_v choose_v &_o ordain_v to_o be_v save_v can_v possible_o perish_v as_o it_o be_v say_v mat._n 24._o 24._o if_o it_o be_v possible_a intend_v that_o it_o be_v not_o possible_a for_o than_o shall_v god_n be_v either_o mâ—table_a to_o change_v his_o decree_n or_o not_o almighty_a as_o not_o able_a to_o perform_v that_o which_o he_o do_v purpose_n both_o which_o be_v most_o blasphemous_a to_o think_v of_o god_n for_o this_o cause_n christ_n do_v bid_v his_o disciple_n rejoice_v that_o their_o name_n be_v write_v in_o heaven_n luke_n 10._o 20._o yea_o more_o in_o the_o same_o place_n 2._o tim._n 2._o 19_o be_v say_v that_o this_o foundation_n of_o the_o certainty_n of_o salvation_n to_o all_o the_o elect_n have_v a_o seal_n which_o be_v after_o express_v in_o these_o word_n let_v every_o one_o 〈…〉_o of_o christ_n depart_v from_o iniquity_n which_o i_o conceive_v the_o same_o which_o be_v say_v ephes_n 1._o 13._o that_o they_o after_o they_o believe_v more_o 〈◊〉_d with_o the_o holy_a spirit_n of_o promise_n which_o be_v the_o earnest_n of_o our_o inheritance_n until_o the_o redemption_n of_o the_o purchase_a possession_n unto_o the_o praise_n of_o his_o glory_n in_o both_o this_o be_v meanâ—_n that_o the_o work_n of_o true_a sanctification_n which_o the_o holy_a ghost_n work_v in_o every_o true_a believer_n be_v a_o unfallible_a mark_n that_o we_o be_v true_a believer_n effectual_o call_v and_o elect_v to_o salvation_n by_o christ_n and_o therefore_o be_v sure_o we_o can_v perish_v but_o shall_v persevere_v and_o be_v save_v this_o be_v notable_o set_v down_o 2_o cor._n 1._o 21._o 22._o now_o he_o which_o establish_v we_o with_o you_o in_o christ_n and_o have_v anoint_v us._n be_v god_n who_o have_v also_o seal_v we_o and_o give_v the_o earnest_n of_o his_o spirit_n in_o our_o heart_n so_o that_o as_o true_a deal_n man_n do_v make_v sure_a their_o grant_n and_o covenant_n by_o seal_n and_o give_v of_o some_o earnest_n which_o be_v a_o part_n of_o the_o prize_n covenant_v do_v assure_v the_o whole_a payment_n so_o do_v the_o most_o faithful_a god_n by_o these_o first_o fruit_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o sanctification_n assure_v unto_o we_o that_o we_o shall_v never_o quite_o fall_v away_o from_o grace_n but_o shall_v be_v full_o sanctify_v by_o his_o holy_a spirit_n at_o the_o time_n appoint_v the_o apostle_n peter_n 2._o 1._o 10._o by_o this_o move_v the_o faithful_a to_o make_v their_o call_n and_o election_n sure_a and_o yet_o more_o if_o this_o be_v not_o enough_o to_o assure_v we_o that_o we_o shall_v never_o fall_v away_o but_o continue_v to_o the_o end_n and_o be_v save_v how_o often_o do_v the_o lord_n pass_v his_o word_n unto_o we_o that_o his_o spirit_n shall_v abide_v in_o we_o for_o ever_o notable_a be_v that_o place_n of_o the_o prophet_n esa_n 59_o 21._o as_o for_o i_o this_o my_o covenant_n with_o they_o say_v the_o lord_n my_o spirit_n that_o be_v upon_o thou_o and_o my_o word_n which_o i_o have_v put_v in_o thy_o mouth_n shall_v not_o depart_v out_o of_o thy_o mouth_n nor_o out_o of_o the_o mouth_n of_o thy_o seed_n nor_o out_o of_o the_o mouth_n of_o thy_o seed_n seed_n say_v the_o lord_n from_o henceforth_o and_o for_o ever_o by_o this_o do_v our_o saviour_n christ_n much_o labour_n to_o comfort_v his_o disciple_n who_o be_v full_a of_o sorrow_n to_o hear_v of_o his_o leave_v they_o 16._o joh._n 14._o 16._o and_o i_o will_v pray_v the_o father_n and_o he_o shall_v give_v you_o another_o comforter_n that_o he_o may_v abide_v with_o you_o for_o ever_o 17_o 17_o even_o the_o spirit_n of_o truth_n who_o the_o world_n can_v receive_v because_o it_o see_v he_o not_o neither_o know_v he_o but_o you_o know_v he_o for_o he_o dwell_v in_o you_o and_o shall_v be_v in_o you_o so_o again_o joh._n 15._o 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 and_o that_o your_o fruit_n shall_v remain_v joh._n â—6_n 22._o your_o joy_n shall_v no_o man_n take_v may_v and_o more_o to_o like_a effect_n as_o john_n 10._o 28._o 29._o i_o give_v they_o eternal_a life_n and_o they_o shall_v never_o perish_v etc._n etc._n so_o the_o belove_a apostle_n john_n write_v his_o first_o epistle_n to_o this_o end_n especial_o to_o confirm_v the_o faithful_a in_o the_o certainty_n of_o their_o salvation_n that_o they_o shall_v not_o fall_v away_o as_o many_o hypocrite_n than_o do_v and_o daily_o do_v to_o this_o end_n as_o he_o set_v down_o sundry_a mark_n whereby_o they_o may_v prove_v themselves_o to_o be_v in_o the_o state_n of_o grace_n so_o he_o give_v many_o comfortable_a promise_n that_o they_o shall_v continue_v 24._o 1_o joh_n 2._o 24._o and_o abide_v for_o ever_o and_o more_o special_o vers_n 27._o 17._o 17._o but_o the_o anoint_v which_o you_o have_v receive_v of_o he_o abide_v in_o you_o and_o you_o need_v not_o that_o any_o man_n teach_v you_o but_o as_o the_o same_o anoint_v teach_v you_o of_o all_o thing_n and_o be_v truth_n and_o be_v no_o lie_n 〈◊〉_d as_o it_o have_v teach_v you_o you_o shall_v abide_v in_o he_o etc._n etc._n chap._n 3._o 2._o belove_a now_o be_v we_o the_o son_n of_o god_n and_o it_o do_v not_o yet_o appear_v what_o we_o shall_v be_v but_o we_o know_v that_o when_o he_o shall_v appear_v we_o shall_v be_v like_o he_o for_o we_o shall_v see_v he_o as_o he_o be_v verse_n 9_o his_o seed_n remain_v in_o he_o and_o much_o more_o in_o this_o chapter_n &_o the_o rest_n i_o nâ—ed_v not_o rehearse_v all_o to_o shut_v up_o this_o point_n a_o principal_a cause_n of_o this_o certainty_n of_o our_o perseverance_n be_v that_o which_o the_o apostle_n peter_n express_v 5_o 1_o pet._n 1._o 4_o 5_o say_v that_o their_o inheritance_n be_v reserve_v in_o heaven_n for_o they_o who_o be_v keep_v by_o the_o power_n of_o god_n through_o faith_n unto_o salvation_n and_o to_o like_o effect_v the_o apostle_n jude_n close_v his_o epistle_n with_o these_o word_n now_o to_o he_o that_o be_v able_a to_o keep_v you_o from_o fall_v and_o to_o preserve_v you_o faultless_a before_o the_o presence_n of_o his_o glory_n with_o exceed_a joy_n to_o the_o only_a wise_a god_n our_o saviour_n be_v glory_n and_o majesty_n dominion_n and_o power_n now_o and_o ever_o amen_n thus_o have_v i_o gather_v you_o may_v see_v good_a store_n application_n application_n yet_o not_o all_o of_o those_o comfortable_a promise_n which_o god_n have_v make_v to_o his_o church_n in_o all_o age_n to_o confirm_v their_o faith_n that_o see_v he_o have_v free_o love_v they_o choose_v they_o and_o call_v they_o to_o be_v his_o therefore_o none_o shall_v ever_o be_v able_a to_o pluck_v they_o out_o of_o his_o hand_n what_o remain_v then_o for_o we_o who_o be_v compass_v with_o such_o a_o cloud_n of_o testimony_n which_o all_o agree_v in_o one_o but_o to_o be_v persuade_v with_o the_o apostle_n rom._n 8._o 38_o 39_o 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 let_v we_o then_o whensoever_o we_o fall_v into_o this_o temptation_n oh_o i_o shall_v never_o be_v able_a to_o hold_v out_o i_o find_v my_o corruption_n so_o strong_a or_o if_o i_o shall_v be_v call_v to_o any_o such_o fiery_a trial_n as_o in_o queen_n mary_n day_n i_o shall_v never_o be_v able_a to_o endure_v they_o but_o shall_v as_o many_o than_o do_v for_o fear_n fall_v away_o and_o deny_v the_o truth_n let_v we_o i_o say_v against_o this_o tentation_n set_v the_o many_o promise_n which_o the_o lord_n have_v make_v unto_o we_o that_o he_o will_v never_o leave_v we_o nor_o forsake_v â—s_n 5._o heb._n 13._o 5._o yea_o more_o that_o we_o shall_v be_v keep_v by_o his_o power_n unto_o salvation_n that_o hell_n gate_n shall_v not_o prevail_v against_o we_o 18._o mat._n 15._o 18._o with_o many_o the_o like_a whereof_o before_o that_o due_o weigh_v these_o and_o the_o faithfulness_n of_o he_o who_o have_v promise_v they_o we_o may_v comfort_v our_o heart_n that_o he_o who_o have_v begin_v the_o
work_n of_o grace_n in_o we_o will_v never_o give_v it_o over_o till_o he_o have_v full_o finish_v it_o 2._o heb._n 12._o 2._o for_o as_o he_o be_v the_o author_n of_o our_o faith_n so_o be_v he_o the_o finisher_n of_o it_o 29._o joh._n 10._o 29._o and_o he_o be_v strong_a than_o all_o so_o that_o none_o shall_v be_v able_a to_o pluck_v we_o out_o of_o his_o hand_n be_v then_o of_o good_a cheer_n thou_o poor_a soul_n who_o find_v some_o work_n of_o grace_n begin_v in_o thou_o yet_o feel_v thy_o own_o infirmity_n and_o oft_o oppress_v with_o many_o and_o sore_a tentation_n and_o behold_v or_o hear_v of_o the_o fall_v of_o many_o great_a professor_n art_n much_o shake_v and_o fill_v with_o fear_n of_o fall_v away_o for_o assure_v thyself_o 23._o 1_o pet._n 1._o 23._o that_o be_v bear_v again_o not_o of_o corruptible_a seeâ—_n but_o of_o incorruptible_a by_o the_o word_n of_o god_n which_o live_v and_o abide_v for_o ever_o it_o be_v not_o possible_a thou_o shall_v perish_v or_o ever_o loose_a that_o faith_n and_o grace_n which_o be_v begin_v in_o thou_o neither_o can_v thou_o sin_v unto_o death_n as_o i_o understand_v the_o apostle_n 1_o john_n 5._o 16._o see_v this_o immortal_a seed_n remain_v in_o thou_o and_o this_o i_o will_v add_v for_o the_o comfort_n of_o all_o such_o as_o be_v trouble_v with_o these_o fear_n that_o they_o shall_v never_o hold_v out_o to_o the_o end_n and_o thereby_o be_v stir_v up_o to_o be_v more_o diligent_a in_o the_o use_n of_o the_o mean_v ordain_v for_o their_o growth_n in_o grace_n and_o perseverance_n therein_o that_o i_o never_o do_v know_v or_o hear_v of_o any_o such_o to_o fall_v away_o but_o usual_o they_o who_o final_o fall_v away_o be_v such_o as_o be_v secure_a and_o presume_v of_o god_n mercy_n that_o they_o shall_v stand_v when_o other_o fall_v and_o take_v this_o withal_o that_o then_o we_o be_v strong_a when_o we_o be_v weak_a that_o be_v when_o feel_v our_o own_o weakness_n and_o distrust_v ourselves_o we_o run_v to_o god_n and_o rely_v upon_o he_o in_o all_o our_o necessity_n which_o be_v that_o i_o have_v labour_v to_o effect_v in_o all_o this_o treatise_n the_o sum_n whereof_o i_o will_v in_o few_o word_n set_v down_o as_o for_o the_o help_n of_o memory_n so_o for_o the_o quicken_a of_o our_o spirit_n more_o to_o labour_n for_o this_o happy_a life_n by_o faith_n which_o both_o in_o life_n and_o death_n will_v be_v our_o chief_a comfort_n for_o so_o much_o as_o the_o life_n and_o death_n of_o the_o most_o professor_n of_o christian_a religion_n do_v show_v that_o few_o attain_v either_o that_o comfort_n of_o salvation_n or_o conscience_n of_o holy_a conversation_n which_o god_n have_v prepare_v for_o true_a believer_n my_o main_a scope_n have_v be_v to_o redress_v this_o sore_a evil_n and_o to_o this_o end_n i_o have_v show_v that_o this_o blessedness_n be_v enjoy_v only_o by_o live_v by_o faith_n and_o what_o save_v faith_n be_v how_o it_o be_v get_v and_o how_o we_o may_v know_v that_o we_o have_v it_o both_o by_o the_o cause_n and_o effect_n join_v together_o not_o separate_v wherein_o see_v many_o be_v deceive_v on_o either_o side_n some_o presume_v other_o mistrust_v there_o be_v plain_a mark_n of_o soundness_n set_v down_o whereby_o every_o one_o may_v try_v himself_o in_o the_o next_o place_n we_o be_v teach_v how_o to_o live_v by_o faith_n herein_o what_o it_o be_v to_o live_v by_o faith_n and_o how_o this_o be_v obtain_v which_o be_v by_o due_a application_n of_o god_n promise_n whereto_o be_v require_v serious_a meditation_n and_o prayer_n wherein_o see_v few_o be_v so_o fervent_a as_o in_o this_o case_n ought_v to_o be_v the_o singular_a gain_n hereof_o be_v large_o lay_v down_o both_o for_o consolation_n and_o for_o reformation_n of_o our_o life_n and_o herein_o four_o rule_n which_o be_v of_o excellent_a use_n the_o second_o part_n of_o this_o treatise_n be_v a_o direction_n how_o to_o apply_v to_o our_o particular_a necessity_n god_n promise_n which_o be_v of_o divers_a sort_n absolute_a or_o conditional_a simple_o necessary_a or_o with_o limitation_n general_a or_o special_a be_v all_o according_o to_o be_v consider_v all_o of_o these_o be_v so_o exceed_v many_o to_o bring_v they_o to_o some_o easy_a order_n for_o our_o better_a use_n of_o they_o all_o they_o be_v draw_v to_o six_o head_n to_o which_o all_o may_v be_v well_o refer_v the_o first_o whereof_o concern_v the_o assurance_n of_o our_o salvation_n by_o christ_n herein_o first_o such_o general_a promise_n as_o contain_v all_o the_o benefit_n by_o christ_n in_o the_o next_o place_n be_v more_o special_o show_v how_o we_o may_v be_v more_o assure_v by_o faith_n of_o our_o justification_n in_o both_o the_o part_n thereof_o 1._o the_o forgiveness_n of_o sin_n 2._o the_o imputation_n of_o righteousness_n and_o likewise_o of_o the_o fruit_n of_o these_o which_o be_v 1._o our_o reconciliation_n 2._o our_o adoption_n 3._o hope_n of_o glory_n for_o further_a proof_n that_o we_o be_v god_n child_n we_o have_v assurance_n by_o sense_n when_o we_o see_v the_o spirit_n of_o god_n work_v in_o we_o such_o grace_n as_o can_v be_v in_o truth_n in_o any_o but_o such_o as_o shall_v be_v save_v among_o which_o 1._o faith_n itself_o be_v chief_a 2._o the_o gift_n of_o the_o spirit_n 3._o sincere_a obedience_n 4._o promise_v make_v to_o many_o particular_a grace_n as_o to_o the_o love_n of_o god_n and_o of_o our_o neighbour_n to_o the_o fear_n of_o god_n and_o so_o to_o all_o other_o fruit_n of_o faith_n which_o be_v mark_n of_o salvation_n and_o because_o many_o weak_a yet_o true_a believer_n have_v no_o feel_n of_o their_o faith_n and_o thereby_o be_v sore_o discourage_v there_o be_v four_o mark_n of_o true_a faith_n where_o it_o can_v be_v see_v sundry_a other_o promise_n of_o god_n favour_n to_o strengthen_v our_o faith_n the_o second_o general_a head_n of_o these_o promise_n for_o the_o strengthen_n of_o our_o faith_n concern_v the_o mortification_n of_o our_o corrupt_a nature_n wherein_o our_o faith_n be_v so_o weak_a we_o have_v manifold_a encouragement_n to_o assure_v we_o of_o a_o full_a and_o final_a victory_n the_o general_a promise_n that_o god_n will_v cleanse_v we_o from_o all_o unrighteousness_n may_v suffice_v for_o all_o particular_n the_o three_o general_a head_n of_o promise_n be_v to_o assure_v we_o of_o all_o needful_a grace_n to_o lead_v a_o godly_a life_n herein_o 1._o how_o to_o obtain_v this_o grace_n 2._o to_o assure_v we_o our_o weak_a obedience_n shall_v be_v accept_v in_o what_o special_a duty_n in_o every_o commandment_n we_o be_v most_o fail_v general_n promise_n that_o we_o shall_v want_v no_o save_a grace_n with_o the_o right_a use_n of_o these_o for_o our_o further_a help_n god_n have_v make_v many_o promise_n of_o particular_a grace_n 1._o that_o he_o will_v teach_v us._n 2._o that_o he_o will_v set_v our_o heart_n in_o frame_n 3._o that_o he_o will_v give_v we_o faith_n trust_n hope_v joy_n which_o few_o attain_n to_o for_o want_v of_o faith_n to_o love_v and_o fear_v he_o with_o the_o right_a use_n of_o all_o whereas_o we_o fail_v much_o in_o all_o holy_a exercise_n god_n promise_v he_o will_v both_o assist_v we_o and_o accept_v we_o in_o they_o as_o in_o prayer_n few_o prayer_n make_v in_o faith_n this_o be_v to_o be_v refer_v to_o all_o spiritual_a sacrifice_n whereas_o there_o be_v much_o unfruitfulnesse_n in_o the_o exercise_n of_o the_o word_n and_o sacramant_n even_o in_o such_o as_o have_v true_a grace_n through_o want_n of_o faith_n the_o remedy_n be_v to_o apply_v god_n promise_n which_o be_v many_o especial_o when_o they_o go_v to_o these_o duty_n the_o sacrament_n be_v much_o more_o abuse_v the_o remedy_n be_v to_o consider_v god_n faithfulness_n in_o the_o seal_n the_o four_o head_n concern_v affliction_n whereby_o many_o be_v discourage_v no_o help_n but_o by_o faith_n four_o ground_n of_o comfort_n 1._o all_o affliction_n come_v from_o god_n and_o that_o to_o all_o of_o his_o child_n 2._o in_o what_o manner_n god_n afflict_v he_o most_o wise_o &_o most_o love_o his_o wisdom_n be_v in_o the_o meetness_n of_o the_o correction_n and_o in_o the_o just_a measure_n and_o continuance_n thereof_o god_n love_v &_o tender_a deal_n with_o he_o be_v plentiful_o set_v out_o unto_o we_o for_o our_o comfort_n 3._o the_o excellent_a end_n and_o fruit_n of_o affliction_n general_n be_v blessedness_n 3._o special_a benefit_n by_o affliction_n 1._o they_o be_v trial_n of_o our_o strength_n and_o weakness_n many_o judge_n amiss_o and_o be_v misjudge_v by_o other_o 2._o benefit_n by_o affliction_n be_v we_o be_v purge_v from_o our_o corruption_n 3._o by_o these_o god_n grace_n in_o we_o be_v quicken_v special_o faith_n and_o patience_n all_o