44._o yet_o it_o be_v a_o reflection_n upon_o christ_n and_o all_o he_o have_v do_v to_o say_v it_o be_v a_o matter_n of_o insuperable_a difficulty_n as_o be_v clear_a rom._n 10._o 6_o 11._o it_o be_v according_a to_o that_o scripture_n as_o much_o upon_o the_o matter_n as_o to_o say_v christ_n come_v not_o from_o heaven_n be_v not_o rise_v from_o the_o dead_a or_o ascend_v victorious_a to_o heaven_n i_o say_v he_o have_v make_v the_o way_n to_o heaven_n most_o easy_a and_o faith_n which_o be_v the_o condition_n require_v on_o our_o part_n more_o easy_a than_o man_n do_v imagine_v for_o the_o better_a understanding_n of_o this_o consider_v that_o justify_v faith_n be_v not_o to_o believe_v that_o i_o be_o elect_v or_o to_o believe_v that_o god_n love_v i_o or_o that_o christ_n die_v for_o i_o or_o the_o like_a these_o thing_n be_v indeed_o very_o difficult_a and_o almost_o impossible_a at_o the_o first_o hand_n to_o be_v obtain_v by_o those_o who_o be_v serious_a whilst_o natural_a atheist_n and_o delude_v hypocrite_n find_v no_o difficulty_n in_o assert_v all_o those_o thing_n i_o say_v true_a justify_v faith_n be_v not_o any_o of_o the_o foresay_a thing_n neither_o be_v it_o simple_o the_o believe_v of_o any_o sentence_n that_o be_v write_v or_o that_o can_v be_v think_v upon_o i_o grant_v he_o that_o believe_v on_o christ_n jesus_n believe_v what_o god_n have_v say_v about_o man_n sinful_a miserable_a condition_n by_o nature_n and_o he_o believe_v that_o to_o be_v true_a that_o there_o be_v life_n in_o the_o son_n who_o be_v slay_v and_o be_v rise_v again_o from_o the_o dead_a etc._n etc._n but_o none_o of_o these_o nor_o the_o believe_v of_o many_o such_o truth_n do_v speak_v out_o justify_v faith_n or_o that_o believe_v on_o the_o son_n of_o god_n speak_v of_o in_o scripture_n for_o than_o it_o be_v simple_o a_o act_n of_o the_o understanding_n but_o true_a justify_v faith_n which_o we_o now_o seek_v after_o as_o a_o good_a mark_n of_o interest_n in_o christ_n be_v chief_o and_o principal_o a_o act_n or_o work_v of_o the_o heart_n and_o will_n have_v presuppose_v sundry_a thing_n about_o truth_n in_o the_o understanding_n with_o the_o heart_n it_o be_v believe_v unto_o salvation_n rom._n 10._o 10._o and_o although_o it_o seem_v vers_n 9_o of_o that_o chapter_n that_o a_o man_n be_v save_v upon_o condition_n that_o he_o believe_v this_o truth_n god_n raise_v christ_n from_o the_o dead_a yet_o we_o must_v understand_v another_o thing_n there_o and_o vers_n 10._o than_o the_o believe_v the_o truth_n of_o that_o proposition_n for_o beside_o that_o all_o devil_n have_v that_o faith_n whereby_o they_o believe_v that_o god_n raise_v christ_n from_o the_o dead_a so_o the_o scripture_n have_v clear_o resolve_v justify_v faith_n into_o a_o receive_n of_o christ_n joh._n 1._o 12._o the_o receive_n of_o christ_n be_v there_o explain_v to_o be_v the_o believe_v on_o his_o name_n it_o be_v still_o call_v a_o stay_n on_o the_o lord_n isa_n 26._o 3._o a_o trust_n in_o god_n often_o mention_v in_o the_o psalm_n and_o the_o word_n be_v a_o lean_v on_o he_o it_o be_v a_o believe_v on_o christ_n joh_n 6._o 29._o and_o often_o so_o express_v in_o the_o new_a testament_n when_o god_n make_v man_n believe_v save_o he_o be_v say_v to_o draw_v they_o unto_o christ_n and_o when_o the_o lord_n invit_v they_o to_o believe_v he_o call_v they_o to_o come_v to_o he_o joh._n 6._o 37_o 44._o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n be_v like_o a_o man_n â—â—nding_v a_o jewel_n wherewith_o he_o fall_v in_o love_n mat._n 13._o 14_o to_o 46._o now_o i_o say_v this_o action_n of_o the_o heart_n on_o christ_n jesus_n be_v not_o so_o difficult_a a_o thing_n as_o be_v conceive_v shall_v that_o be_v judge_v a_o mysterious_a difficult_a thing_n which_o do_v consist_v much_o in_o desire_n if_o man_n have_v but_o a_o appetite_n â—ey_n have_v it_o for_o they_o be_v bless_v that_o hunger_n after_o righteousness_n mat._n 5._o 6._o if_o you_o will_v you_o be_v welcome_a rev._n 22._o 17._o it_o be_v a_o matter_n of_o such_o intricacy_n and_o insuperable_a difficulty_n greedy_o to_o look_v to_o that_o exalt_a saviour_n isa_n 45._o 22._o and_o to_o receive_v a_o thing_n that_o be_v offer_v hold_v forth_o and_o declare_v to_o be_v i_o if_o i_o will_v but_o accept_v and_o take_v iâ—_n and_o in_o a_o manner_n open_v my_o mouth_n and_o give_v way_n to_o it_o such_o a_o thing_n be_v faith_n psal_n 81_o 10._o if_o not_o less_o oh_o if_o i_o can_v persuade_v people_n what_o be_v justify_v faith_n which_o impropriate_v christ_n to_o i_o we_o often_o fright_v people_n from_o their_o just_a rest_n and_o quiet_a by_o make_v they_o apprehend_v faith_n to_o be_v some_o deep_a mysterious_a thing_n and_o by_o move_v unnecessary_a doubt_n about_o it_o whereby_o it_o be_v needless_o darken_v 2._o some_o make_v no_o use_n of_o this_o mark_n as_o judge_v it_o a_o high_a presumptuous_a crime_n to_o pretend_v to_o so_o excellent_a a_o thing_n as_o be_v the_o very_a condition_n of_o the_o new_a covenant_n to_o those_o i_o say_v you_o need_v not_o startle_v so_o much_o as_o it_o as_o if_o it_o be_v high_a pride_n to_o pretend_v to_o it_o for_o whatsoever_o true_a faith_n be_v man_n must_v resolve_v to_o have_v it_o or_o nothing_o at_o all_o all_o other_o mark_n be_v in_o vain_a without_o it_o a_o thousand_o thing_n beside_o will_v not_o do_v the_o business_n unless_o a_o man_n believe_v he_o abide_v in_o the_o state_n of_o condemnation_n joh._n 3._o 18_o 36._o 3._o other_o do_v not_o meddle_v with_o this_o noble_a mark_n of_o faith_n because_o they_o judge_v it_o a_o work_n of_o great_a difficulty_n to_o find_v out_o faith_n where_o it_o be_v to_o those_o i_o say_v it_o be_v not_o so_o difficult_a to_o find_v it_o out_o since_o he_o that_o believe_v have_v the_o witness_n in_o himself_o 1_o joh._n 5._o 10._o it_o be_v a_o thing_n which_o by_o some_o serious_a search_n may_v be_v know_v not_o only_o may_v we_o do_v much_o to_o find_v it_o out_o by_o the_o preparatory_a work_n go_v before_o it_o in_o many_o as_o the_o apprehend_n and_o believe_v of_o a_o man_n lose_a estate_n and_o that_o he_o can_v do_v his_o own_o business_n and_o that_o there_o be_v satisfy_a fullness_n in_o christ_n very_o desirable_a if_o he_o can_v overtake_v it_o a_o serious_a mind_v of_o this_o with_o a_o heart_n lay_v open_a for_o relief_n as_o also_o by_o the_o ordinary_a companion_n and_o concomitans_fw-la of_o it_o viz._n the_o like_n of_o christ_n dominion_n his_o kingh_n and_o prophetical_a office_n a_o desire_n to_o resign_v myself_o whole_o up_o to_o he_o to_o be_v at_o his_o dispose_n as_o also_o by_o the_o native_a consequence_n of_o it_o viz._n the_o managing_n of_o the_o world_n the_o managing_n of_o my_o own_o conscience_n according_a to_o the_o word_n a_o heart_n purify_n work_n a_o work_a love_n etc._n etc._n i_o say_v not_o only_o may_v we_o know_v faith_n by_o these_o thing_n but_o it_o be_v discernible_a by_o itself_o and_o of_o its_o own_o nature_n although_o i_o deny_v not_o but_o that_o there_o must_v be_v some_o help_n of_o god_n spirit_n by_o which_o we_o know_v what_o be_v free_o give_v unto_o we_o of_o god_n 1_o cor._n 2._o 12_o as_o also_o that_o god_n have_v allow_v many_o evidence_n and_o mark_n as_o precious_a help_n whereby_o man_n may_v clear_v up_o faith_n more_o full_o to_o themselves_o 1_o john_n 5._o 13._o yet_o i_o still_o say_v that_o faith_n or_o believe_v which_o be_v some_o act_n of_o the_o heart_n upon_o christ_n in_o the_o gospel_n and_o the_o transact_n with_o he_o there_o be_v discernible_a of_o itself_o and_o by_o itself_o to_o a_o judicious_a understand_a person_n with_o a_o ordinary_a influence_n of_o the_o spirit_n unless_o the_o lord_n for_o reason_n know_v to_o himself_o do_v overcloud_v a_o man_n reflex_n light_n by_o which_o he_o shall_v take_v up_o and_o perceive_v what_o be_v in_o he_o this_o justify_v faith_n which_o we_o assert_v to_o be_v so_o discernible_a be_v in_o the_o lord_n deep_a wisdom_n and_o gracious_a condescendence_n various_o express_v in_o scripture_n according_a to_o the_o different_a act_n of_o it_o upon_o god_n and_o outgoing_n after_o he_o so_o as_o every_o one_o who_o have_v it_o may_v find_v and_o take_v it_o up_o in_o his_o own_o mould_n it_o sometime_o act_v by_o a_o desire_n of_o union_n with_o he_o in_o christ_n this_o be_v that_o look_v to_o he_o isa_n 45._o 22._o this_o seem_v to_o be_v a_o weak_a act_n of_o faith_n and_o far_o below_o other_o act_n of_o it_o at_o other_o time_n perhaps_o in_o that_o same_o person_n man_n will_v look_v to_o what_o they_o dare_v not_o approach_v to_o their_o apprehension_n which_o they_o dare_v
what_o be_v previous_o require_v of_o these_o who_o be_v to_o perform_v this_o duty_n man_n must_v not_o rash_o inconsiderate_o and_o ignorant_o rush_v in_o upon_o this_o matter_n say_v they_o will_v plead_v that_o device_n of_o save_a sinner_n by_o christ_n and_o will_v acquiesce_v and_o rest_v on_o he_o for_o safety_n often_o man_n do_v deceive_v themselves_o here_o and_o do_v imagine_v that_o they_o have_v do_v the_o thing_n we_o shall_v therefore_o hold_v out_o some_o thing_n pre-required_n in_o a_o person_n who_o be_v to_o close_v with_o christ_n jesus_n which_o although_o we_o offer_v not_o as_o positive_a qualification_n fit_v a_o man_n for_o christ_n that_o way_n isa_n 55._o 1._o yet_o they_o be_v such_o thing_n as_o without_o they_o a_o man_n can_v know_o and_o cordial_o perform_v the_o duty_n of_o believe_v on_o christ_n jesus_n beside_o the_o common_a principle_n which_o be_v to_o be_v snppose_v in_o these_o who_o live_v under_o gospel-ordinance_n as_o the_o knowledge_n that_o man_n have_v immortal_a soul_n soul_n and_o body_n will_v be_v unite_v again_o at_o the_o last_o day_n there_o be_v a_o heaven_n and_o hell_n one_o of_o which_o will_v be_v the_o everlasting_a lot_n of_o all_o man_n the_o old_a and_o new_a testament_n be_v the_o true_a word_n of_o god_n and_o the_o rule_n of_o faith_n and_o manner_n every_o man_n be_v by_o nature_n void_a of_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n and_o be_v a_o enemy_n unto_o god_n and_o a_o heir_n of_o condemnation_n reconciliation_n be_v only_o by_o the_o mediator_n christ_n jesus_n faith_n unite_v unto_o he_o and_o be_v the_o condition_n of_o the_o new_a covenant_n holiness_n be_v the_o fruit_n of_o true_a faith_n and_o be_v to_o be_v study_v as_o that_o without_o which_o no_o man_n shall_v see_v god_n i_o say_v beside_o these_o thing_n the_o knowledge_n of_o which_o be_v necessary_a it_o be_v require_v of_o he_o who_o will_v believe_v on_o christ_n jesus_n 1._o that_o he_o take_v to_o heart_n his_o natural_a condition_n and_o here_o he_o must_v know_v some_o thing_n and_o also_o be_v very_o serious_a about_o they_o i_o say_v he_o must_v know_v some_o thing_n as_o 1._o that_o as_o he_o be_v bear_v a_o rebel_n and_o outlaw_n unto_o god_n so_o he_o have_v by_o many_o actual_a transgression_n disoblige_v god_n and_o ratify_v the_o forfeiture_n of_o his_o favour_n yea_o a_o man_n shall_v know_v many_o particular_a instance_n of_o his_o rebellion_n on_o all_o hand_n as_o that_o he_o be_v a_o liar_n sabbath-breaker_n blasphemer_n or_o the_o like_a as_o paul_n speak_v very_o particular_o of_o himself_o afterward_o 1._o tim._n 1._o 15._o 2._o the_o maâ—_n must_v know_v that_o the_o wrath_n of_o god_n denounce_v in_o scripture_n be_v stand_v in_o force_n against_o these_o very_a sin_n whereof_o he_o be_v guilty_a and_o so_o consequent_o he_o be_v the_o party_n undoubted_o against_o who_o god_n who_o can_v lie_v have_v denounce_v war_n a_o man_n must_v know_v that_o when_o the_o scripture_n say_v curse_v be_v he_o that_o offer_v a_o corrupt_a thing_n unto_o god_n mal._n 1._o 14._o it_o speak_v against_o he_o for_o his_o superficial_a service_n perform_v unto_o god_n with_o the_o outward_a man_n when_o his_o heart_n be_v far_o off_o when_o the_o word_n say_v god_n will_v not_o hold_v he_o guiltless_a that_o take_v his_o name_n in_o vain_a exod._n 20._o 7._o the_o man_n must_v know_v it_o speak_v against_o himself_o who_o have_v often_o careless_o profained_a that_o dreadful_a name_n before_o which_o all_o knee_n shall_v bow_v phil._n 2._o 10._o and_o which_o his_o enemy_n do_v take_v in_o vain_a psal_n 139._o 20._o when_o the_o word_n say_v curse_v be_v he_o that_o do_v the_o work_n of_o the_o lâ—rd_n negligent_o jer._n 48._o 10._o the_o man_n must_v know_v that_o it_o speak_v against_o himself_o who_o have_v irreverent_o with_o much_o wander_n of_o heart_n and_o drowsiness_n hear_v the_o word_n preach_v and_o without_o sense_n faith_n or_o understanding_n have_v often_o pray_v before_o he_o when_o the_o word_n say_v woe_n be_v unto_o he_o who_o give_v his_o neighbour_n drink_v and_o put_v his_o bottle_n to_o he_o to_o make_v he_o drink_v also_o that_o he_o may_v look_v on_o his_o nakedness_n hab._n 2._o 15._o 16._o the_o man_n must_v know_v that_o it_o be_v speak_v against_o himself_o who_o have_v glory_v in_o make_v his_o neighbour_n drink_v and_o that_o dreadful_a wrath_n be_v determine_v by_o the_o lord_n against_o he_o according_a to_o that_o scripture_n when_o the_o word_n say_v god_n will_v judge_v unclean_a person_n heb._n 13._o 4._o and_o will_v shut_v they_o out_o of_o the_o 〈◊〉_d jerusalem_n rev_n 21._o 8._o the_o man_n must_v know_v that_o the_o scripture_n speak_v these_o word_n against_o he_o he_o be_v a_o unclean_a person_n so_o that_o he_o be_v the_o person_n against_o who_o the_o curse_n of_o the_o law_n do_v direct_o strike_v 3._o a_o man_n must_v know_v that_o he_o have_v nothing_o of_o his_o own_o to_o procure_v his_o peace_n and_o to_o set_v he_o free_a of_o the_o hazard_n under_o which_o he_o lie_v because_o all_o his_o righteousness_n in_o a_o unclean_a â—â—ing_n isa_n 64._o 6._o his_o prayer_n his_o other_o service_n do_v to_o god_n his_o alms-indeed_n etc._n etc._n be_v not_o guiltless_a before_o god_n since_o they_o come_v not_o from_o a_o right_a principle_n in_o hâ—â—_n heart_n and_o be_v not_o perform_v in_o a_o right_a way_n nor_o upon_o a_o right_a account_n nor_o for_o a_o right_a end_n his_o sacrifice_n have_v be_v a_o abomination_n unto_o god_n prov._n 21._o 27._o 4._o he_o must_v know_v that_o as_o he_o be_v void_a of_o all_o the_o save_a grace_n of_o the_o spirit_n as_o the_o true_a love_n of_o god_n the_o true_a fear_n of_o his_o name_n godly_a sorrow_n for_o sin_n etc._n etc._n so_o particular_o that_o he_o want_v faith_n in_o christ_n who_o take_v burden_n for_o all_o they_o who_o believe_v on_o he_o until_o a_o man_n know_v this_o he_o will_v still_o leave_v all_o his_o debt_n and_o burden_n without_o care_n or_o regard_n at_o the_o door_n of_o christ_n the_o common_a cautioner_n now_o not_o only_o must_v a_o man_n know_v these_o thing_n as_o i_o sail_v before_o but_o must_v also_o very_o serious_o take_v they_o to_o heart_n that_o be_v to_o say_v he_o must_v be_v affect_v with_o these_o thing_n and_o be_v in_o sad_a earnest_n about_o they_o as_o he_o use_v to_o be_v in_o other_o case_n wherein_o he_o use_v to_o be_v most_o serious_a yea_o he_o shall_v be_v more_o in_o earnest_n here_o than_o in_o other_o case_n because_o 〈◊〉_d be_v of_o great_a concernment_n unto_o he_o this_o seriousness_n produce_v 1._o a_o take_v of_o salvation_n to_o heart_n more_o than_o any_o thing_n else_o shall_v man_n be_v oblige_v to_o seek_v first_o tâ—â—_n kingdom_n mat._n 6._o 33._o be_v there_o but_o one_o thing_n necessary_a luk._n 10._o 42._o shall_v paul_n count_v all_o thing_n loss_n and_o dung_n for_o this_o matter_n phil._n 3._o 8._o be_v a_o man_n a_o loser_n gain_v all_o the_o world_n if_o he_o lose_v his_o soul_n mark_v 8._o 36._o shall_v this_o be_v the_o only_a ground_n of_o joy_n that_o man_n name_n be_v write_v in_o the_o book_n of_o life_n luk._n 10._o 26._o and_o shall_v not_o man_n who_o will_v be_v reckon_v serious_a take_v their_o soul_n and_o salvation_n more_o to_o heart_n than_o any_o thing_n else_o sure_o it_o can_v fail_v let_v none_o deceive_v themselves_o if_o the_o hazard_n 〈◊〉_d their_o soul_n and_o the_o salvation_n thereof_o and_o how_o to_o be_v iâ—_n favour_n with_o god_n have_v not_o go_v near_o to_o their_o heart_n thaâ—_n any_o thing_n in_o the_o world_n beside_o it_o can_v be_v presume_v upon_o just_a ground_n that_o they_o ever_o know_v sin_n or_o the_o eveâ—_n lastingness_n of_o god_n or_o his_o wrath_n aright_o 2._o this_o seriousness_n break_v the_o man_n heart_n and_o faint_v the_o stoutness_n of_o it_o and_o lead_v it_o out_o to_o sorrow_n as_o one_o do_v for_o her_o first_o bear_v zech._n 12._o 10._o i_o grant_v their_o sorrow_n will_v better_o suit_v that_o scripture_n afterward_o when_o they_o apprehend_v christ_n pierce_v by_o their_o sin_n 3._o it_o lead_v the_o man_n to_o self-loathing_a a_o man_n take_v up_o himself_o so_o can_v but_o loathe_v himself_o for_o his_o abomination_n whereby_o he_o have_v destroy_v himself_o there_o be_v somewhat_o of_o that_o spirit_n of_o revenge_n which_o be_v mention_v as_o a_o fruit_n of_o true_a repentance_n 1_o cor._n 7._o 11._o 4._o this_o seriousness_n do_v make_v the_o man_n peremptory_a to_o find_v relief_n since_o it_o be_v not_o in_o himself_o he_o dare_v not_o put_v off_o and_o delay_v his_o business_n as_o before_o and_o this_o be_v indeed_o require_v that_o he_o find_v himself_o so_o pursue_v and_o put_v to_o it_o
they_o know_v to_o be_v appoint_v by_o god_n for_o deliver_v they_o from_o it_o neither_o can_v these_o come_v to_o clearness_n who_o know_v some_o positive_a duty_n command_v they_o in_o their_o station_n which_o they_o deceitful_o shift_v and_o shun_v not_o close_v cheerful_o with_o it_o or_o not_o will_v to_o be_v lead_v into_o it_o these_o be_v also_o in_o some_o respect_n condemn_v of_o their_o own_o heart_n as_o the_o former_a sort_n and_o in_o that_o case_n it_o be_v difficult_a to_o come_v to_o a_o distinct_a knowledge_n of_o their_o state_n 1_o joh._n 3._o 21._o it_o be_v suppose_v there_o that_o a_o self-condemning_a heart_n make_v void_a a_o man_n confidence_n proportional_o before_o god_n i_o do_v not_o deny_v but_o that_o man_n may_v on_o good_a ground_n plead_v a_o interest_n in_o christ_n in_o the_o case_n of_o prevail_a iniquity_n psal_n 65._o 3._o rom._n 7._o 23_o 25._o but_o it_o be_v hard_o to_o be_v attain_v if_o at_o all_o attainable_a when_o the_o heart_n be_v deal_v deceitful_o and_o entertain_v know_v guile_n in_o particular_a therefore_o let_v people_n clear_v themselves_o of_o the_o particular_a which_o they_o know_v too_o well_o it_o be_v the_o thing_n which_o do_v meet_v they_o mar_v their_o confidence_n and_o access_n in_o all_o their_o approach_n unto_o god_n see_v judg._n 10._o 10_o 13._o the_o idolatry_n of_o the_o people_n be_v cast_v up_o to_o they_o by_o the_o lord_n and_o their_o suit_n reject_v thereupon_o that_o which_o draw_v away_o the_o heart_n first_o in_o the_o morning_n and_o last_o at_o night_n like_o a_o oven_n heat_v at_o night_n and_o it_o burn_v as_o a_o flame_a fire_n in_o the_o morning_n speak_v of_o the_o wicked_a hos_fw-la 7._o 6._o and_o take_v up_o their_o thought_n often_o on_o their_o bed_n as_o it_o be_v say_v of_o some_o psal_n 36._o 4._o that_o which_o do_v lead_v away_o the_o heart_n in_o time_n of_o religious_a duty_n ordinary_o and_o the_o remembrance_n of_o which_o have_v power_n to_o enliven_v and_o quicken_v the_o spirit_n more_o than_o the_o remembrance_n of_o god_n so_o as_o their_o heart_n be_v after_o the_o heart_n of_o some_o detestable_a thing_n ezek._n 11._o 21._o that_o which_o withstand_v man_n when_o they_o will_v lay_v hold_n on_o the_o promise_n as_o god_n cast_v up_o man_n sin_n to_o they_o who_o be_v meddle_v with_o his_o covenant_n psal_n 50._o 16_o 17._o that_o be_v the_o thing_n which_o do_v mar_v the_o knowledge_n of_o a_o gracious_a state_n let_v it_o go_v and_o it_o will_v be_v more_o easy_a to_o reach_v the_o knowledge_n of_o a_o interest_n in_o christ_n the_o three_o thing_n which_o hinder_v the_o knowledge_n of_o a_o interest_n in_o christ_n be_v a_o spirit_n of_o sloth_n and_o careless_a negligence_n in_o many_o they_o complain_v that_o they_o know_v not_o whether_o they_o be_v in_o christ_n or_o not_o but_o as_o few_o take_v pain_n to_o be_v in_o he_o so_o few_o take_v pain_n to_o try_v if_o they_o be_v in_o he_o it_o be_v a_o work_n and_o business_n which_o can_v be_v do_v sleep_v 2_o cor._n 13._o 5._o the_o several_a word_n use_v there_o viz._n examine_v prove_v know_v say_v that_o there_o be_v a_o labour_n in_o it_o diligence_n must_v be_v use_v to_o make_v our_o call_n and_o election_n sure_a 2_o pet._n 1._o 10._o it_o be_v a_o business_n above_o flesh_n and_o blood_n the_o holy_a anoint_v which_o teach_v all_o thing_n must_v make_v we_o know_v the_o thing_n free_o give_v we_o of_o god_n 1._o cor._n 2._o 12._o shall_v the_o lord_n impart_v a_o business_n of_o so_o great_a concernment_n and_o not_o so_o much_o as_o be_v inquire_v after_o to_o do_v it_o for_o man_n ezek._n 36._o 37._o be_v ashamed_a you_o who_o spend_v so_o much_o time_n in_o read_v romance_n in_o adorn_v your_o person_n in_o hawk_v and_o hunt_v in_o consult_v the_o law_n concern_v your_o outward_a state_n in_o the_o world_n and_o it_o may_v be_v in_o worse_a thing_n than_o those_o be_v ashamed_a that_o you_o spend_v so_o little_a time_n in_o the_o search_n of_o this_o whether_o you_o be_v a_o heir_n of_o glory_n or_o not_o whether_o you_o be_v in_o the_o way_n that_o lead_v to_o heaven_n or_o that_o which_o will_v land_v you_o in_o darkness_n for_o ever_o you_o who_o judge_v this_o below_o you_o and_o unworthy_a of_o your_o pain_n any_o part_n or_o minute_n of_o your_o time_n it_o be_v like_a in_o god_n account_n you_o have_v judge_v yourselves_o unworthy_a of_o everlasting_a life_n so_o as_o you_o have_v no_o lot_n with_o god_n people_n in_o this_o matter_n the_o four_o thing_n that_o do_v darken_v the_o knowledge_n of_o interest_n in_o christ_n be_v man_n do_v not_o condescend_v upon_o what_o will_v satisfy_v they_o but_o complain_v that_o god_n will_v not_o show_v unto_o they_o what_o he_o be_v about_o to_o do_v with_o they_o but_o can_v yet_o say_v they_o know_v what_o will_v satisfy_v concern_v his_o purpose_n this_o be_v a_o sad_a thing_n shall_v we_o think_v those_o be_v serious_a who_o have_v never_o as_o yet_o pitch_v on_o what_o will_v satisfy_v they_o nor_o be_v make_v earnest_a enquiry_n after_o what_o shall_v satisfy_v if_o the_o lord_n have_v leave_v we_o in_o the_o dark_a in_o that_o matter_n we_o be_v less_o inexcusable_a but_o since_o the_o ground_n of_o satisfaction_n and_o the_o true_a mark_n of_o interest_n in_o christ_n be_v so_o clear_a and_o frequent_a in_o scripture_n and_o so_o many_o thing_n write_v that_o our_o joy_n may_v be_v full_a 1_o joh._n 1._o 4._o and_o that_o those_o who_o believe_v may_v know_v that_o they_o have_v eternal_a life_n 1_o joh._n 5._o 13._o and_o since_o he_o that_o believe_v have_v a_o witness_n of_o it_o in_o himself_o 1_o joh._n 5._o 10._o none_o can_v pretend_v excuse_n here_o we_o may_v not_o here_o insist_v to_o show_v what_o may_v and_o shall_v satisfy_v concern_v our_o interest_n since_o we_o be_v to_o speak_v direct_o to_o it_o afterward_o the_o five_o thing_n that_o help_v much_o to_o keep_v man_n in_o the_o dark_a concern_v their_o interest_n in_o christ_n be_v they_o pitch_v upon_o some_o mutable_a ground_n which_o be_v not_o so_o apposite_a proof_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o a_o interest_n in_o christ_n as_o of_o the_o comfortable_a state_n of_o a_o triumph_a soul_n sail_v before_o the_o wind_n and_o mark_n which_o i_o grant_v be_v precious_a in_o themselves_o and_o do_v make_v out_o a_o interest_n clear_o where_o they_o be_v yet_o they_o be_v such_o as_o without_o they_o a_o interest_n in_o christ_n may_v be_v and_o be_v know_v also_o in_o a_o good_a measure_n we_o shall_v touch_v a_o few_o of_o they_o 1._o some_o think_v that_o all_o who_o have_v a_o true_a interest_n in_o he_o be_v above_o the_o prevail_a power_n of_o every_o sin_n but_o this_o be_v contrary_n to_o that_o of_o psal_n 65._o 3._o where_o we_o find_v that_o holy_a man_n lay_v just_a claim_n to_o pardon_v in_o the_o case_n of_o prevail_a iniquity_n and_o that_o of_o rom._n 7._o 23_o 24_o 25._o where_o paul_n thank_v god_n through_o christ_n as_o free_v from_o the_o condemnation_n of_o the._n law_n even_o whilst_o a_o law_n in_o his_o member_n lead_v he_o captive_a unto_o sin_n 2._o some_o think_v that_o all_o true_a saint_n have_v constant_o access_n unto_o god_n in_o prayer_n and_o sensible_a return_n of_o prayer_n at_o all_o time_n but_o this_o be_v contrary_n to_o the_o many_o sad_a exercise_n of_o god_n people_n complain_v often_o that_o they_o be_v not_o hear_v nor_o regard_v of_o god_n psal_n 13._o 1._o and_o 22._o 1_o 2._o 3._o some_o think_v that_o all_o who_o have_v any_o true_a interest_n in_o he_o have_v god_n witness_v the_o same_o unto_o they_o by_o a_o high_a operation_n of_o that_o witness_v spirit_n of_o he_o speak_v of_o roman_n 8._o 16._o whereof_o afterward_o and_o so_o they_o still_o suspect_v their_o own_o interest_n in_o christ_n because_o of_o the_o want_n of_o this_o but_o they_o do_v not_o remember_v that_o they_o must_v first_o believe_v and_o give_v credit_n to_o that_o record_n which_o god_n have_v give_v to_o his_o son_n that_o there_o be_v life_n enough_o in_o he_o for_o man_n 1_o john_n 5._o 10_o 11._o and_o then_o look_v for_o the_o seal_n and_o witness_v of_o the_o spirit_n eph._n 1._o 13._o in_o who_o after_o you_o believe_v you_o be_v seal_v with_o the_o holy_a spirit_n of_o promise_n etc._n etc._n as_o long_o as_o people_n hold_v fast_o these_o principle_n and_o the_o like_a they_o can_v hardly_o come_v to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o their_o gracious_a state_n which_o god_n have_v warrant_v people_n to_o prove_v and_o clear_v up_o to_o themselves_o otherways_o than_o by_o the_o aforesaid_a thing_n the_o five_o thing_n to_o be_v premise_v be_v the_o removal_n of_o some_o mistake_n whereunto_o
only_o a_o free_a but_o also_o a_o bold_a speak_v before_o god_n it_o be_v that_o boldness_n with_o confidence_n ephes_n 3._o 12._o this_o be_v more_o rare_o impart_v unto_o man_n than_o the_o former_a yet_o it_o be_v ordinary_a it_o have_v in_o it_o beside_o what_o we_o speak_v before_o some_o influence_n of_o the_o spirit_n upon_o faith_n make_v it_o put_v out_o some_o vigorous_a act_n in_o prayer_n there_o be_v a_o sweet_a mournful_a frame_n of_o spirit_n by_o which_o a_o man_n pour_v out_o his_o heart_n in_o god_n bosom_n and_o with_o some_o confidence_n of_o his_o favour_n and_o good_a will_n plead_v his_o cause_n before_o he_o as_o a_o live_a god_n and_o this_o be_v all_o the_o sensible_a presence_n that_o many_o saint_n do_v attain_v unto_o there_o be_v no_o ground_n of_o doubt_n about_o a_o man_n estate_n in_o point_n of_o liberty_n before_o god_n in_o this_o last_o sense_n because_o there_o be_v nothing_o essential_a to_o the_o make_v up_o of_o a_o gracious_a state_n here_o some_o have_v it_o some_o want_n some_o have_v it_o at_o sometime_o and_o not_o at_o other_o time_n so_o that_o it_o be_v much_o up_o and_o down_o yet_o i_o may_v say_v gracious_a man_n may_v do_v much_o by_o a_o very_a ordinary_a influence_n in_o contribute_v towards_o the_o attain_n and_o retain_v or_o keep_v of_o such_o a_o frame_n of_o spirit_n six_o there_o be_v a_o thing_n call_v influence_n or_o breathe_v of_o the_o spirit_n this_o gracious_a influence_n for_o of_o such_o only_o do_v i_o now_o speak_v be_v either_o ordinary_a and_o this_o be_v the_o operation_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n on_o the_o soul_n and_o the_o habit_n of_o grace_n there_o whereby_o they_o be_v still_o keep_v alive_a and_o in_o some_o exercise_n and_o act_n although_o not_o very_o discernible_a this_o influence_n i_o conceive_v do_v always_o attend_v believer_n and_o be_v that_o keep_n and_o water_v night_n and_o day_n and_o every_o moment_n promise_v isa_n 27._o 3._o or_o this_o influence_n be_v more_o singular_a and_o special_a and_o be_v the_o same_o to_o a_o gracious_a although_o a_o wither_a soul_n as_o the_o wind_n and_o breath_n to_o the_o dry_a bone_n put_v they_o in_o good_a ease_n ezek._n 37._o 9_o 10._o and_o as_o the_o dew_n or_o rain_n to_o the_o grass_n or_o new_o mow_v field_n and_o parch_a ground_n psal_n 72._o 6._o such_o influence_n be_v mean_v cant._n 4._o 16._o by_o the_o blow_n of_o the_o south_n wind_n make_v the_o spice_n to_o flow_v out_o when_o the_o spirit_n move_v thus_o there_o be_v a_o edge_n put_v upon_o the_o graâ—es_n of_o god_n in_o the_o soul_n and_o they_o be_v mad_a to_o act_v more_o vigorous_o this_o be_v the_o enlarge_n of_o the_o heart_n by_o which_o a_o 〈◊〉_d do_v run_v in_o the_o way_n of_o god_n psal_n 119._o 32._o this_o influence_n be_v more_o discernible_a than_o the_o former_a and_o not_o so_o ordinary_o communicate_v also_o here_o sometime_o the_o wind_n blow_v more_o upon_o one_o grace_n and_o sometime_o more_o discernable_o upon_o another_o and_o often_o upon_o many_o of_o the_o grace_n together_o and_o according_a to_o the_o lesser_a or_o great_a measure_n of_o this_o influence_n the_o soul_n act_v more_o or_o less_o vigorous_o towards_o god_n and_o since_o faith_n be_v a_o create_a grace_n in_o the_o soul_n this_o influence_n of_o the_o spirit_n be_v upon_o it_o sometime_o less_o sometime_o more_o and_o according_o be_v the_o assurance_n of_o faith_n small_a or_o great_a seven_o there_o be_v the_o hear_n of_o prayer_n often_o speak_v of_o in_o scripture_n and_o many_o vex_v themselves_o about_o it_o allege_v that_o they_o know_v nothing_o of_o it_o experimental_o i_o grant_v there_o be_v a_o favourable_a hear_n of_o prayer_n but_o we_o must_v remember_v it_o be_v two_o fold_n either_o 1._o it_o be_v such_o as_o a_o man_n be_v simple_o to_o believe_v by_o way_n of_o argument_n on_o scriptural_a ground_n as_o if_o i_o be_v flee_v unto_o christ_n and_o do_v approach_n unto_o god_n in_o he_o pray_v according_a to_o his_o will_n not_o regard_v iniquity_n in_o my_o heart_n exercise_v faith_n about_o the_o thing_n i_o pray_v for_o absolute_o or_o conditional_o according_a to_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n and_o promise_n about_o it_o i_o be_o oblige_v to_o believe_v that_o god_n hear_v my_o prayer_n and_o will_v give_v what_o be_v good_a according_a to_o the_o scripture_n joh._n 14._o 13_o 14._o whatsoever_o you_o ask_v in_o my_o name_n i_o will_v do_v it_o 1_o john_n 5._o 14._o this_o be_v our_o confidence_n that_o whatsoever_o we_o ask_v according_a to_o his_o will_n he_o hear_v we_o mark_v 3._o 24._o believe_v that_o you_o receive_v and_o you_o shall_v have_v what_o you_o desire_v psal_n 66._o 18._o if_o i_o regard_v iniquity_n he_o will_v not_o hear_v then_o if_o i_o regard_v not_o iniquity_n i_o may_v believe_v that_o he_o do_v hear_v i_o or_o 2._o a_o man_n do_v sensible_o perceive_v that_o god_n hear_v his_o prayer_n it_o be_v make_v out_o to_o his_o heart_n without_o any_o syllogistical_a deduction_n such_o a_o hear_n of_o prayer_n get_v hannah_n 1_o sam._n 1._o 8._o her_o countenance_n be_v no_o more_o sad_a sure_o the_o lord_n do_v breath_n upon_o her_o faith_n and_o make_v she_o believe_v that_o she_o be_v hear_v and_o she_o can_v not_o make_v it_o out_o by_o any_o argument_n for_o she_o have_v not_o ground_n whereupon_o to_o build_v the_o premise_n of_o the_o argument_n according_a to_o scripture_n in_o that_o particular_a god_n do_v stamp_v it_o in_o some_o way_n upon_o her_o heart_n sensible_o and_o so_o make_v she_o believe_v it_o this_o be_v but_o rare_o grant_v especial_o in_o case_n clear_o deducible_a in_o scripture_n and_o therefore_o people_n be_v much_o to_o be_v satisfy_v in_o exercise_v their_o faith_n about_o the_o other_o and_o let_v god_n give_v of_o this_o latter_a what_o he_o please_v a_o man_n gracious_a state_n shall_v not_o be_v bring_v upon_o debate_n upon_o the_o account_n of_o such_o hear_n of_o prayer_n eight_o there_o be_v assurance_n of_o god_n favour_n by_o the_o witness_v of_o our_o own_o spirit_n which_o assurance_n be_v deduce_v by_o way_n of_o argument_n syllogistical_o thus_o whosoever_o believe_v on_o christ_n shall_v never_o perish_v but_o i_o do_v believe_v on_o christ_n therefore_o i_o shall_v never_o perish_v whoso_o have_v respect_n unto_o all_o god_n commandment_n shall_v never_o be_v ashamed_a but_o i_o have_v respect_n unto_o all_o his_o command_n therefore_o i_o shall_v never_o be_v ashamed_a i_o say_v by_o reason_v thus_o and_o compare_v spiritual_a thing_n with_o spiritual_a thing_n a_o man_n may_v attain_v unto_o a_o good_a certainty_n of_o his_o gracious_a state_n it_o be_v suppose_v 1_o john_n 3._o 18_o 19_o that_o by_o love_v the_o brethren_n in_o deed_n and_o in_o truth_n we_o may_v assure_v our_o heart_n before_o god_n and_o that_o a_o man_n may_v rejoice_v upon_o the_o testimony_n of_o a_o good_a conscience_n 2_o cor._n 1._o 12._o a_o man_n may_v have_v confidence_n if_o his_o heart_n do_v not_o condemn_v he_o 1_o john_n 3._o 21._o we_o may_v then_o attain_v unto_o some_o assurance_n although_o not_o full_a assurance_n by_o the_o witness_n of_o our_o own_o spirit_n i_o do_v not_o deny_v that_o in_o this_o witness_v of_o our_o spirit_n towards_o assurance_n there_o be_v some_o concurrence_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n but_o i_o conceive_v there_o need_v but_o a_o very_a ordinary_a influence_n without_o which_o we_o can_v do_v nothing_o now_o this_o assurance_n such_o as_o it_o be_v may_v be_v reach_v by_o intelligent_a believer_n who_o keep_v a_o good_a conscience_n in_o their_o walk_n so_o i_o hope_v there_o needs_o be_v no_o debate_n about_o it_o as_o to_o a_o man_n gracious_a state_n for_o if_o a_o man_n will_v clear_v himself_o of_o heart_n condemning_n he_o will_v speedy_o reach_v this_o assurance_n nine_o there_o be_v a_o witness_v of_o god_n spirit_n mention_v rom._n 8._o 16._o a_o bear_a witness_n with_o our_o spirit_n that_o we_o be_v the_o child_n of_o god_n this_o operation_n of_o the_o spirit_n be_v best_a understand_v if_o we_o produce_v any_o syllogism_n by_o which_o our_o spirit_n do_v witness_v our_o sonship_n as_o for_o example_n whosoever_o love_v the_o brethren_n be_v pass_v from_o death_n to_o life_n and_o consequent_o be_v in_o christ_n but_o i_o love_v the_o brother_n therefore_o i_o be_o pass_v from_o death_n to_o life_n here_o there_o be_v a_o threefold_a operation_n of_o the_o spirit_n or_o three_o operation_n rather_o the_o first_o be_v a_o beam_n of_o divine_a light_n upon_o the_o first_o proposition_n persuade_v the_o divine_a authority_n of_o it_o as_o the_o word_n of_o god_n the_o spirit_n of_o the_o lord_n must_v witness_v the_o divinity_n of_o the_o scripture_n and_o that_o be_v the_o
approve_v of_o god_n in_o a_o gospel_n sense_n it_o may_v be_v want_v and_o just_o want_v although_o the_o other_o peace_n about_o a_o man_n state_n be_v sure_a this_o peace_n about_o a_o man_n case_n and_o condition_n it_o be_v either_o such_o in_o the_o court_n of_o scripture_n and_o this_o be_v when_o a_o a_o man_n be_v not_o regard_v iniquity_n and_o expect_v the_o command_n of_o god_n without_o exception_n then_o the_o scripture_n say_v he_o stand_v in_o a_o even_a place_n and_o he_o 〈◊〉_d fear_v no_o state_v quarrel_n between_o god_n and_o he_o in_o order_n to_o a_o temporary_a stroke_n and_o when_o it_o be_v thus_o his_o conscience_n shall_v also_o assoil_v he_o that_o same_o way_n and_o will_v do_v so_o if_o it_o be_v right_o inform_v but_o because_o the_o conscience_n be_v often_o in_o the_o dark_a therefore_o a_o man_n may_v be_v alarm_v with_o evil_a in_o the_o court_n of_o conscience_n as_o if_o he_o be_v just_o to_o expect_v a_o stroke_n from_o god_n because_o of_o his_o sin_n and_o some_o quarrel_n god_n have_v at_o he_o although_o he_o intend_v salvation_n for_o he_o this_o be_v enough_o to_o keep_v a_o man_n in_o disquiet_n and_o to_o inhibit_v he_o the_o rejoice_v allow_v unto_o he_o whilst_o he_o be_v walk_v in_o his_o integrity_n therefore_o a_o man_n must_v here_o also_o inform_v his_o conscience_n and_o receive_v no_o accusation_n nor_o condemning_n from_o it_o unless_o it_o make_v they_o clear_v by_o scripture_n at_o that_o bar_n let_v every_o man_n stand_v both_o about_o his_o state_n and_o his_o condition_n or_o case_n and_o let_v he_o appeal_v from_o all_o other_o court_v to_o that_o and_o not_o receive_v any_o indictment_n but_o conform_a to_o the_o truth_n of_o god_n by_o which_o the_o conscience_n be_v to_o proceed_v in_o all_o thing_n and_o if_o this_o be_v well_o look_v unto_o there_o will_v not_o be_v so_o many_o groundless_a suspicion_n among_o the_o lord_n people_n either_o about_o their_o state_n or_o condition_n upon_o every_o thought_n which_o enter_v their_o mind_n twelve_o there_o be_v the_o joy_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o this_o be_v when_o the_o spirit_n do_v breath_n upon_o our_o rejoice_v in_o god_n which_o be_v a_o grace_n very_o little_a in_o exercise_n with_o many_o and_o make_v it_o set_v out_o sensible_o and_o vigorous_o and_o he_o excit_v and_o stir_v the_o passion_n of_o joy_n and_o delight_n in_o the_o soul_n so_o as_o there_o be_v a_o unspeakable_a and_o glorious_a joy_n in_o the_o soul_n in_o the_o apprehension_n of_o god_n friendship_n and_o nearness_n unto_o he_o 1_o pet._n 1._o 8._o this_o joy_n follow_v upon_o peace_n and_o peace_n follow_v righteousness_n rom._n 14._o 17._o this_o joy_n ready_o will_v not_o fail_v to_o be_v according_a to_o the_o measure_n of_o the_o assurance_n of_o faith_n as_o 1_o pet._n 1._o 8._o in_o who_o believe_v you_o rejoyee_fw-fr etc._n etc._n so_o that_o the_o removal_n of_o mistake_n about_o other_o thing_n will_v allay_v doubt_n about_o this_o now_o because_o some_o of_o these_o excellent_a communication_n of_o the_o spirit_n after_o they_o be_v go_v be_v bring_v in_o question_n as_o delusion_n of_o satan_n for_o vindication_n of_o they_o we_o say_v that_o the_o special_a operation_n of_o god_n spirit_n in_o any_o high_a degree_n usual_o be_v communicate_v to_o people_n after_o such_o brokenness_n of_o spirit_n psal_n 51._o 8._o after_o so_o singular_a pain_n in_o religious_a duty_n dan._n 9_o 3_o 21._o or_o in_o time_n of_o such_o suffering_n for_o righteousness_n 1._o pet._n 4._o 14._o or_o if_o they_o break_v in_o as_o the_o rain_n that_o wait_v not_o for_o man_n than_o they_o do_v so_o humble_a and_o abase_v the_o person_n isa_n 6._o 5._o and_o there_o be_v find_v so_o many_o evidence_n of_o grace_n in_o the_o man_n rom._n 8._o 16._o or_o these_o thing_n do_v so_o provoke_v unto_o holiness_n and_o to_o have_v every_o thing_n answerable_a and_o conform_v unto_o these_o manifestation_n of_o god_n 2._o tim._n 2._o 19_o the_o person_n under_o they_o do_v so_o loath_a all_o thing_n beside_o god_n friendship_n and_o fellowship_n mat._n 17._o 4._o and_o these_o thing_n do_v carry_v on_o they_o and_o with_o they_o so_o much_o authority_n and_o divine_a superscription_n whilst_o they_o be_v in_o the_o soul_n that_o afterward_o they_o may_v appear_v sufficient_o to_o be_v special_a communication_n of_o god_n and_o singular_a gracious_a operation_n of_o his_o spirit_n and_o no_o delusion_n of_o satan_n transform_v himself_o unto_o a_o angel_n of_o light_n 2_o cor._n 11._o 14._o nor_o such_o common_a flash_n of_o the_o spirit_n as_o may_v admit_v afterward_o irrecoverable_a apostasy_n from_o god_n heb_n 6._o 4_o 5_o 6._o now_o then_o to_o conclude_v this_o part_n of_o the_o work_n that_o relate_v unto_o trial_n i_o say_v to_o all_o these_o who_o complain_v of_o the_o want_n of_o the_o precious_a out-letting_n of_o the_o spirit_n 1._o bless_v god_n if_o you_o want_v nothing_o essential_a for_o make_v out_o of_o a_o save_a interest_n in_o christ_n god_n have_v give_v unto_o you_o christ_n jesus_n the_o great_a gift_n he_o have_v and_o since_o your_o heart_n be_v shape_v out_o for_o he_o he_o will_v with_o he_o give_v you_o all_o thing_n that_o be_v good_a for_o you_o in_o their_o season_n 2._o i_o do_v believe_v upon_o a_o right_a search_n and_o trial_n after_o you_o have_v understand_v the_o communication_n of_o the_o spirit_n you_o be_v not_o so_o great_a a_o stranger_n to_o many_o thing_n as_o you_o do_v suspect_v yourself_o to_o be_v but_o 3._o remember_v the_o promise_n of_o life_n and_o of_o peace_n with_o god_n be_v now_o here_o in_o scripture_n make_v unto_o these_o special_a thing_n whereof_o you_o allege_v the_o want_n the_o promise_n be_v make_v unto_o faith_n follow_v with_o holiness_n and_o it_o may_v be_v presume_v that_o many_o heir_n of_o glory_n not_o in_o this_o life_n partake_v of_o some_o of_o these_o thing_n but_o be_v in_o bondage_n all_o their_o day_n through_o fear_n of_o death_n heb._n 2._o 15._o so_o that_o there_o shall_v be_v no_o mistake_n about_o these_o thing_n we_o may_v seek_v after_o they_o but_o god_n be_v free_a to_o give_v or_o withhold_v they_o 4._o many_o do_v seek_v after_o such_o manifestation_n before_o they_o give_v credit_n by_o faith_n unto_o god_n word_n he_o have_v bear_v record_n that_o there_o be_v life_n enough_o for_o man_n in_o christ_n jesus_n and_o if_o man_n will_v by_o believe_v set_v to_o their_o seal_n that_o god_n be_v true_a they_o shall_v partake_v of_o more_o of_o these_o excellent_a thing_n 5._o i_o may_v say_v many_o have_v not_o honourable_a apprehension_n and_o thought_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n who_o proper_a work_n it_o be_v to_o put_v out_o the_o foresay_a noble_a operation_n they_o do_v not_o adore_v he_o as_o god_n but_o vex_v grieve_v quench_v and_o resist_v he_o and_o many_o people_n complain_v of_o the_o want_n of_o these_o thing_n be_v not_o at_o the_o pain_n to_o seek_v the_o spirit_n in_o his_o out-going_n and_o few_o do_v set_v themselves_o apart_o for_o such_o precious_a receipt_n therefore_o be_v at_o more_o pain_n in_o religion_n give_v more_o credit_n to_o his_o word_n and_o esteem_v more_o high_o of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n and_o so_o you_o may_v find_v more_o of_o these_o excellent_a thing_n how_o to_o attain_v unto_o a_o save_v interest_n in_o christ_n have_v in_o the_o former_a part_n of_o this_o treatise_n put_v every_o man_n state_n to_o trial_n it_o now_o remain_v thâ—â—_n in_o this_o follow_a part_n we_o give_v advice_n to_o those_o who_o neither_o can_v nor_o dare_v lay_v claim_n to_o the_o mark_n former_o mention_v quest_n what_o shall_v they_o do_v who_o want_v the_o mark_n of_o a_o true_a and_o save_a interest_n in_o christ_n already_o speak_v of_o and_o neither_o can_v nor_o dare_v pretend_v unto_o they_o answ_n if_o man_n miss_v in_o themselves_o the_o mark_n of_o a_o save_v interest_n in_o christ_n speak_v of_o before_o then_o it_o be_v their_o duty_n and_o of_o all_o that_o hear_v this_o gospel_n personal_o and_o hearty_o to_o close_v with_o god_n contrivance_n of_o save_a sinner_n by_o christ_n jesus_n and_o this_o shall_v secure_v thy_o state_n for_o the_o better_a understanding_n of_o this_o we_o shall_v prâ—mise_v some_o thing_n for_o information_n of_o those_o who_o be_v more_o ignorant_a and_o then_o speak_v more_o direct_o to_o the_o thing_n as_o for_o the_o thing_n to_o be_v premise_v 1._o the_o lord_n do_v at_o the_o beginning_n out_o of_o his_o bounty_n make_v a_o covenant_n with_o man_n in_o adam_n gen._n 2._o 17._o and_o do_v enable_v man_n to_o abide_v in_o that_o covenant_n eccle._n 7._o 29._o but_o man_n by_o eat_v of_o that_o forbid_a fruit_n gen._n 3._o do_v break_v the_o covenant_n
some_o great_a legal_a shake_n be_v deceitful_a and_o turn_v to_o nothing_o if_o not_o worse_o we_o shall_v point_v at_o some_o thing_n remarkable_a in_o these_o convert_n speak_v of_o before_o which_o do_v prove_v the_o work_n of_o the_o law_n on_o they_o to_o have_v have_v a_o gracious_a issue_n and_o result_v 1._o some_o word_n of_o truth_n or_o dispensation_n put_v the_o person_n to_o a_o dreadful_a stand_n with_o a_o great_a stir_n in_o the_o soul_n some_o be_v prick_v in_o heart_n act_v 2._o 27._o some_o fall_v on_o tremble_v act_v 16._o 29._o and_o this_o be_v such_o a_o stir_n that_o the_o person_n be_v bring_v to_o his_o wit_n end_n what_o will_v thou_o have_v i_o to_o do_v say_v paul_n act_v 9_o what_o shall_v i_o do_v say_v the_o jailor_n act_v 16._o 30._o 2._o the_o person_n be_v content_a to_o have_v salvation_n and_o god_n friendship_n on_o any_o term_n as_o the_o question_n do_v import_v what_o shall_v i_o do_v as_o if_o he_o have_v say_v what_o will_v i_o not_o do_v what_o will_v i_o not_o forego_v what_o will_v i_o not_o undergo_v 3._o the_o person_n accept_v the_o condition_n offer_v by_o christ_n and_o his_o servant_n as_o be_v clear_a in_o the_o forecited_n scripture_n 4._o the_o person_n present_o become_v of_o one_o interest_n with_o the_o saint_n join_v himself_o with_o that_o persecute_a society_n put_v respect_n on_o those_o who_o he_o have_v former_o persecute_v join_v and_o continue_v with_o they_o in_o the_o profession_n of_o christ_n on_o all_o hazard_n those_o with_o who_o the_o lord_n have_v so_o deal_v have_v much_o to_o say_v for_o a_o gracious_a work_n of_o god_n spirit_n in_o they_o and_o it_o be_v like_o many_o of_o they_o can_v date_n their_o work_n from_o such_o a_o particular_a time_n and_o word_n or_o dispensation_n and_o can_v give_v some_o account_n of_o what_o pass_v between_o god_n and_o they_o and_o of_o a_o sensible_a change_n follow_v in_o they_o from_o that_o time_n forward_o as_o paul_n give_v a_o good_a account_n of_o the_o work_n and_o way_n of_o god_n with_o he_o afterward_o act_v 22._o again_o the_o lord_n sometime_o carry_v on_o this_o work_n more_o calm_o foft_o and_o gentle_o protract_v it_o so_o as_o the_o step_n of_o man_n exercise_n under_o it_o be_v very_o discernible_a it_o will_v draw_v a_o great_a length_n to_o enlarge_v every_o step_n of_o it_o we_o shall_v touch_v the_o most_o observable_a thing_n in_o it_o 1._o the_o lord_n jay_v siege_n to_o man_n who_o it_o may_v be_v have_v often_o refuse_v to_o yield_v to_o he_o offer_v himself_o in_o the_o ordinance_n and_o by_o some_o word_n preach_v read_v or_o bear_v in_o on_o the_o mind_n or_o by_o some_o providence_n lead_v in_o unto_o the_o word_n he_o do_v also_o assault_v the_o house_n keep_v peaceable_o by_o the_o strong_a man_n the_o devil_n and_o thus_o christ_n who_o be_v the_o strong_a man_n come_v upon_o he_o luke_n 11._o 22._o and_o by_o the_o spirit_n of_o truth_n do_v fasten_v the_o word_n on_o the_o man_n in_o which_o god_n curse_v be_v denounce_v against_o such_o and_o such_o sinner_n whereof_o the_o man_n know_v himself_o guilty_a the_o spirit_n convince_v the_o man_n and_o bind_v it_o upon_o he_o that_o he_o be_v the_o same_o person_n against_o who_o the_o word_n of_o god_n do_v speak_v because_o he_o be_v guilty_a of_o such_o sin_n and_o from_o such_o sin_n the_o man_n be_v lead_v on_o to_o see_v more_o until_o ordinary_o he_o come_v to_o see_v the_o sin_n of_o his_o youth_n sin_n of_o omission_n etc._n etc._n yea_o he_o be_v lead_v on_o until_o he_o see_v himself_o guilty_a almost_o of_o the_o breach_n of_o the_o whole_a law_n he_o see_v innumerable_a evil_n compass_v he_o as_o david_n speak_v in_o a_o fit_a of_o exercise_n isa_n 40._o 12._o a_o man_n sometime_o will_v see_v ugly_a sight_n of_o sin_n in_o this_o case_n and_o be_v sharp-sighted_a to_o reckon_v a_o filthiness_n to_o every_o sin_n almost_o thus_o the_o spirit_n convince_v of_o sin_n jo._n 16._o 8._o 2._o the_o lord_n shake_v a_o special_a strong_a hold_n in_o the_o garrison_n a_o refuge_n of_o lie_n to_o which_o the_o man_n betake_v himself_o when_o his_o sin_n be_v thus_o discover_v to_o he_o the_o poor_a man_n pretend_v to_o faith_n in_o christ_n whereby_o he_o think_v his_o burden_n be_v take_v off_o he_o as_o the_o pharisee_n say_v john_n 8._o 41._o we_o have_v on_o father_n even_o god_n they_o pretend_v to_o a_o special_a relation_n of_o god_n as_o a_o common_a lord_n the_o spirit_n of_o god_n beat_v the_o man_n from_o this_o by_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o scripture_n prove_v that_o he_o have_v no_o true_a faith_n and_o so_o no_o interest_n in_o christ_n nor_o any_o true_a save_a grace_n show_v clear_a difference_n between_o true_a grace_n and_o the_o counterfeit_a fancy_n which_o the_o man_n have_v in_o he_o and_o between_o he_o and_o the_o true_o godly_a as_o christ_n labour_v to_o do_v those_o joh._n 8._o 42_o 44._o if_o god_n be_v your_o father_n you_o will_v love_v i_o you_o be_v of_o the_o devil_n for_o you_o do_v the_o lust_n of_o such_o a_o father_n so_o fear_n surprise_v the_o hypocrite_n in_o heart_n isa_n 33._o 14._o especial_o when_o the_o lord_n discover_v to_o he_o condition_n in_o many_o of_o these_o promise_n wherein_o he_o trust_v most_o not_o easy_o attainable_a he_o now_o see_v grace_n and_o faith_n another_o thing_n than_o once_o he_o judge_v they_o to_o be_v we_o may_v in_o some_o respect_n apply_v that_o word_n here_o the_o spirit_n convince_v he_o of_o sin_n because_o he_o have_v not_o believe_v on_o the_o son_n he_o be_v particular_o convince_v of_o unbelief_n john_n 16._o 9_o he_o see_v now_o a_o huge_a distance_n between_o himself_o and_o the_o godly_a who_o he_o think_v before_o outstripped_n he_o in_o only_a some_o unnecessary_a proud_a hateful_a preciseness_n he_o now_o see_v himself_o delude_v and_o in_o the_o broad_a way_n with_o the_o perish_a multitude_n and_o so_o in_o the_o sight_n of_o his_o misery_n couch_v down_o under_o his_o own_o burden_n which_o before_o this_o time_n he_o think_v christ_n do_v bear_v for_o he_o he_o now_o begin_v to_o be_v afraid_a of_o the_o promise_n because_o of_o that_o and_o such_o other_o word_n what_o hasâ—_n thou_o to_o do_v to_o take_v my_o covenant_n in_o thy_o mouth_n etc._n etc._n psal_n 50_o 16_o 3._o the_o man_n become_v careful_a about_o his_o salvation_n and_o begin_v to_o take_v it_o to_o heart_n as_o the_o one_o thing_n necessary_a he_o be_v bring_v to_o this_o with_o the_o jailor_n act._n 16._o what_o shall_v i_o do_v to_o be_v save_v his_o salvation_n become_v the_o lead_a thing_n with_o he_o it_o be_v least_o in_o his_o thought_n before_o but_o now_o it_o prevail_v and_o other_o thing_n be_v much_o mis-regarded_n by_o he_o since_o his_o soul_n be_v ready_a to_o perish_v what_o shall_v it_o profit_v he_o to_o gain_v the_o whole_a world_n if_o he_o lose_v his_o soul_n mat._n 16._o 26._o some_o here_o be_v much_o puzzle_v with_o thought_n of_o a_o irrecoverable_a decree_n to_o their_o prejudice_n and_o with_o the_o fear_n of_o uncertain_a death_n which_o may_v attach_v they_o before_o they_o get_v matter_n put_v to_o a_o point_n and_o some_o be_v vex_v with_o apprehension_n that_o they_o be_v guilty_a of_o the_o sin_n against_o the_o holy_a ghost_n which_o be_v unpardonable_a and_o so_o be_v drive_v a_o dangerous_a length_n satan_n still_o cast_v up_o to_o they_o many_o sad_a example_n of_o people_n who_o have_v doleful_o put_v a_o end_n to_o their_o own_o exercise_n but_o they_o be_v in_o the_o hand_n of_o one_o who_o know_v how_o to_o succour_v they_o that_o be_v tempt_v heb._n 2._o 18._o 4._o when_o a_o man_n be_v thus_o in_o hazard_n of_o miscarry_v the_o lord_n use_v a_o work_n of_o prevent_a mercy_n towards_o he_o quiet_o and_o underhand_o support_v he_o and_o this_o be_v by_o bear_v upon_o his_o mind_n the_o possibility_n of_o his_o salvation_n lead_v the_o man_n to_o the_o remembrance_n of_o pregnant_a proof_n of_o god_n free_a and_o rich_a grace_n pardon_v gross_a transgressor_n such_o as_o manass_v who_o be_v a_o bloody_a idolatrous_a man_n and_o have_v correspondence_n with_o the_o devil_n and_o yet_o obtain_v mercy_n 2_o chron._n 33._o 12_o 13._o and_o other_o scripture_n bear_v offer_n of_o grace_n and_o favour_n indifferent_o to_o all_o who_o will_v yield_v to_o christ_n whatsoever_o they_o have_v be_v former_o so_o as_o the_o man_n be_v bring_v again_o to_o this_o what_o shall_v i_o do_v to_o be_v save_v which_o do_v suppose_v that_o he_o apprehend_v a_o possibility_n of_o be_v save_v else_o he_o will_v not_o propound_v the_o question_n he_o apply_v that_o or_o the_o like_a word_n to_o himself_o it_o may_v
infallible_a word_n of_o god_n far_o beyond_o all_o other_o argument_n can_v be_v use_v for_o it_o the_o second_o operation_n be_v a_o glorious_a beam_n of_o light_n from_o the_o spirit_n shine_v upon_o the_o second_o proposiâ—â—n_n and_o so_o upon_o his_o own_o grace_n in_o the_o soul_n discover_v they_o to_o be_v true_a grace_n and_o such_o as_o the_o scripture_n call_v so_o thus_o be_v we_o say_v to_o know_v by_o his_o spirit_n the_o thing_n free_o give_v to_o we_o of_o god_n 1_o cor._n 2._o 13._o the_o three_o operation_n be_v in_o order_n to_o the_o three_o proposition_n of_o the_o argument_n or_o the_o conclusion_n and_o this_o i_o conceive_v to_o be_v nothing_o else_o but_o a_o influence_n upon_o faith_n strengthen_v it_o to_o draw_v a_o conclusion_n of_o full_a assurance_n upon_o the_o foresay_a premise_n now_o with_o submission_n unto_o other_o who_o have_v great_a light_n in_o the_o scripture_n and_o more_o experience_n of_o these_o precious_a communication_n i_o do_v conceive_v the_o witness_n of_o the_o spirit_n or_o witness_v of_o it_o which_o be_v mention_v rom._n 8._o 16._o be_v not_o that_o first_o operation_n upon_o the_o first_o proposition_n for_o that_o operation_n be_v that_o testimony_n of_o the_o spirit_n by_o which_o he_o bear_v witness_n to_o the_o divinity_n of_o the_o whole_a scripture_n and_o assert_v the_o divine_a authority_n of_o it_o unto_o the_o soul_n of_o gracious_a man_n and_o such_o a_o operation_n may_v be_v upon_o a_o truth_n of_o scripture_n which_o do_v not_o relate_v to_o a_o man_n sonship_n or_o interest_n in_o christ_n at_o all_o the_o spirit_n may_v so_o shine_v upon_o any_o truth_n relate_v to_o duty_n or_o any_o other_o fundamental_a truth_n persuade_v the_o divinity_n of_o it_o upon_o and_o unto_o the_o soul_n and_o speak_v nothing_o relate_v to_o a_o man_n interest_n in_o christ_n neither_o be_v the_o three_o operation_n of_o the_o spirit_n by_o which_o he_o make_v faith_n bold_o draw_v the_o conclusion_n this_o witness_v of_o the_o spirit_n for_o that_o operation_n be_v nothing_o else_o but_o influence_n upon_o faith_n bring_v it_o out_o to_o full_a assurance_n but_o that_o whereupon_o this_o full_a assurance_n be_v draw_v or_o put_v out_o be_v somewhat_o depone_v and_o witness_v already_o therefore_o i_o conceive_v the_o second_o operation_n of_o the_o spirit_n upon_o the_o second_o proposition_n and_o so_o upon_o the_o grace_n in_o the_o man_n be_v that_o witness_n of_o god_n spirit_n that_o â—eaâ—_n of_o divine_a light_n shine_v upon_o those_o grace_n whereby_o they_o be_v make_v very_o conspicuous_a to_o the_o understanding_n that_o be_v the_o witness_n the_o shine_a so_o on_o they_o in_o his_o witness_v for_o only_o here_o in_o this_o proposition_n and_o in_o this_o operation_n do_v the_o spirit_n of_o god_n prove_v a_o co-witness_n with_o our_o spirit_n for_o the_o main_a thing_n wherein_o the_o witness_n of_o our_o spirit_n lie_v be_v the_o second_o proposition_n and_o so_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n witness_v with_o our_o spirit_n be_v also_o in_o that_o same_o proposition_n so_o these_o two_o witness_n have_v depone_v and_o witness_v one_o and_o the_o same_o thing_n viz._n the_o truth_n and_o reality_n of_o such_o and_o such_o grace_n in_o the_o man_n which_o our_o own_o spirit_n or_o conscience_n do_v depone_v according_a to_o its_o knowledge_n and_o the_o spirit_n of_o the_o lord_n do_v certain_o affirm_v and_o witness_v to_o be_v so_o there_o be_v a_o sentence_n draw_v forth_o and_o a_o conclusion_n of_o the_o man_n sonship_n by_o the_o man_n faith_n breathe_v upon_o by_o the_o spirit_n for_o that_o effect_n and_o this_o conclusion_n bear_v the_o full_a assurance_n of_o a_o man_n sonship_n it_o may_v be_v presume_v that_o some_o true_a saint_n do_v not_o partake_v of_o this_o all_o their_o day_n as_o heb._n 2._o 15._o ten_o i_o speak_v with_o the_o experience_n of_o many_o 〈◊〉_d and_o i_o hope_v according_a to_o scripture_n if_o i_o say_v there_o be_v a_o communication_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n which_o be_v let_v out_o to_o some_o of_o his_o people_n sometime_o it_o be_v somewhat_o beside_o if_o not_o beyond_o that_o witness_v of_o a_o sonship_n speak_v of_o before_o it_o be_v a_o glorious_a divine_a manifestation_n of_o god_n unto_o the_o soul_n shed_v abroad_o god_n love_n in_o the_o heart_n it_o be_v a_o thing_n better_o feel_v than_o speak_v of_o it_o be_v no_o audible_a voice_n but_o it_o be_v a_o glance_n of_o glory_n fill_v the_o soul_n with_o god_n as_o he_o be_v life_n light_n love_n and_o liberty_n countervail_v that_o audible_a voice_n o_o man_n great_o belove_v dan._n 9_o 22_o 33._o put_v a_o man_n in_o a_o transport_n with_o this_o on_o his_o heart_n it_o be_v good_a to_o be_v here_o as_o mat._n 17._o 4._o it_o be_v that_o which_o go_v out_o from_o christ_n to_o mary_n when_o he_o but_o mention_v her_o name_n john_n 20._o 16._o he_o have_v speak_v some_o word_n to_o she_o before_o and_o she_o understand_v not_o that_o it_o be_v he_o but_o when_o he_o utter_v this_o one_o word_n mary_n there_o be_v some_o admirable_a divine_a conveyance_n and_o manifestation_n make_v out_o unto_o her_o heart_n by_o which_o she_o be_v so_o satisfy_o fill_v that_o there_o be_v no_o place_n for_o argue_v and_o dispute_v whether_o or_o not_o that_o be_v christ_n and_o if_o she_o have_v any_o interest_n in_o he_o that_o manifestation_n make_v faith_n to_o itself_o and_o do_v purchase_v credit_n and_o trust_v to_o itself_o and_o be_v equivalent_a with_o tâ—us_o say_v the_o lord_n this_o be_v such_o a_o glance_n of_o glory_n that_o it_o may_v in_o the_o high_a sense_n be_v call_v the_o earnest_n or_o first_o fruit_n of_o the_o inheritance_n for_o it_o be_v a_o feel_a armful_n of_o the_o holy_a god_n almost_o whole_o conform_v the_o man_n unto_o his_o likeness_n so_o swallow_v he_o up_o that_o he_o forget_v all_o thing_n except_o the_o present_a manifestation_n o_o how_o glorious_a be_v this_o manifestation_n of_o the_o spirit_n i'faith_o here_o rise_v to_o so_o full_a a_o assurance_n that_o it_o resolve_v whole_o into_o sensible_a embracement_n of_o god_n this_o be_v the_o thing_n which_o do_v best_a deserve_v the_o title_n of_o sensible_a presence_n and_o it_o be_v like_a be_v not_o give_v unto_o all_o believer_n some_o whereof_o be_v all_o their_o day_n under_o bondage_n and_o in_o fear_n heb._n 2._o 15._o but_o here_o love_v almost_o perfect_a cast_v out_o fear_n this_o be_v so_o absolute_o let_v out_o upon_o the_o master_n pleasure_n and_o so_o transient_a and_o pass_o or_o quick_o go_v when_o it_o be_v that_o no_o man_n may_v bring_v his_o gracious_a state_n upon_o debate_n for_o want_v of_o it_o eleven_o there_o be_v a_o thing_n we_o call_v peace_n about_o which_o many_o do_v vex_v themselves_o this_o peace_n be_v either_o about_o a_o man_n state_n that_o he_o be_v reconcile_v unto_o god_n by_o jesus_n christ_n or_o it_o be_v about_o his_o present_a case_n and_o condition_n that_o he_o be_v walk_v so_o as_o approve_v of_o god_n at_o least_o so_o far_o as_o there_o be_v no_o quarrel_n or_o controversy_n between_o god_n and_o he_o threaten_v a_o stroke_n both_o of_o these_o be_v either_o such_o in_o the_o court_n of_o scripture_n and_o consequent_o in_o god_n account_n or_o in_o the_o court_n of_o a_o man_n own_o conscience_n peace_n about_o a_o man_n state_n as_o be_v in_o christ_n be_v sure_a in_o the_o court_n of_o scripture_n and_o of_o heaven_n when_o a_o man_n do_v by_o faith_n close_o with_o christ_n and_o the_o new_a covenant_n rom._n 5._o 1._o be_v justify_v by_o faith_n we_o have_v peace_n with_o god_n it_o be_v sure_a and_o solid_a in_o the_o court_n of_o scripture_n it_o shall_v hold_v sure_a in_o the_o court_n of_o man_n conscience_n it_o be_v right_o inform_v for_o in_o that_o case_n it_o still_o speak_v according_a to_o scripture_n but_o because_o often_o the_o conscience_n be_v misinform_v or_o in_o the_o dark_a therefore_o there_o be_v often_o peace_n about_o a_o man_n state_n according_a to_o scripture_n whilst_o his_o conscience_n do_v threaten_v the_o contrary_a and_o do_v still_o condemn_v and_o refuse_v to_o assoil_v the_o man_n as_o be_v reconcile_v unto_o god_n through_o christ_n in_o this_o case_n the_o conscience_n must_v be_v inform_v and_o the_o man_n gracious_a state_n make_v out_o by_o the_o mark_n of_o grace_n as_o we_o show_v before_o and_o here_o the_o witness_n of_o my_o own_o spirit_n will_v do_v much_o to_o allay_v the_o cry_n of_o the_o conscience_n and_o if_o the_o spirit_n of_o the_o lord_n join_v his_o witness_n and_o testimony_n the_o conscience_n be_v perfect_o satisfy_v and_o proclaim_v peace_n to_o the_o man_n the_o other_o peace_n about_o a_o man_n present_a case_n or_o condition_n viz._n that_o it_o be_v
lay_v aside_o all_o thought_n of_o save_v themselves_o by_o the_o covenant_n of_o work_n or_o inherent_a righteousness_n and_o will_v agree_v hearty_o to_o be_v save_v by_o christ_n jesus_n they_o shall_v be_v restore_v to_o a_o better_a condition_n than_o former_o man_n be_v in_o and_o shall_v be_v save_v so_o then_o to_o close_o with_o god_n device_n of_o save_a sinner_n by_o christ_n jesus_n be_v to_o quit_v and_o forego_v all_o thought_n of_o help_n or_o salvation_n by_o our_o own_o righteousness_n and_o to_o agree_v unto_o this_o way_n which_o god_n have_v find_v out_o it_o be_v to_o value_n and_o high_o esteem_v of_o christ_n jesus_n as_o the_o treasure_n sufficient_a to_o enrich_v poor_a man_n and_o with_o the_o heart_n to_o believe_v this_o record_n that_o there_o be_v life_n enough_o in_o he_o for_o man_n it_o be_v to_o plead_v this_o invention_n and_o to_o acquiesce_v in_o it_o as_o the_o only_a way_n to_o true_a happiness_n it_o be_v to_o point_v towards_o this_o mediator_n as_o god_n hold_v he_o out_o in_o the_o gospel_n with_o desire_n to_o lay_v the_o stress_n of_o our_o whole_a estate_n on_o he_o this_o be_v that_o which_o be_v call_v faith_n or_o believe_v the_o receive_n of_o christ_n or_o believe_v on_o his_o name_n john_n 1._o 12._o this_o be_v that_o believe_v on_o the_o name_n of_o the_o lord_n jesus_n command_v unto_o the_o jailor_n for_o his_o safety_n act_v 10._o 31._o this_o agree_v to_o all_o the_o description_n of_o justify_v faith_n in_o the_o scripture_n this_o do_v answer_v the_o type_n of_o look_v to_o the_o brazen_a serpent_n lift_v up_o in_o the_o wilderness_n john_n 3._o 14_o 15._o and_o this_o be_v suppose_v in_o all_o these_o ordinary_a act_n of_o faith_n to_o which_o promise_n be_v annex_v in_o the_o scripture_n and_o will_v be_v find_v in_o all_o who_o have_v get_v the_o new_a heart_n from_o god_n and_o it_o will_v be_v find_v in_o none_o else_o as_o to_o the_o second_o thing_n viz._n that_o this_o be_v the_o necessary_a duty_n of_o all_o such_o who_o will_v be_v in_o favour_n with_o god_n and_o secure_v their_o soul_n it_o appear_v thus_o 1._o this_o close_n with_o god_n contrivance_n or_o believe_v in_o christ_n be_v command_v every_o where_o in_o scripture_n by_o the_o lord_n as_o the_o condition_n of_o the_o new_a covenant_n give_v title_n and_o right_a unto_o all_o the_o spiritual_a blessing_n of_o the_o same_o for_o it_o be_v upon_o the_o matter_n the_o receive_n of_o christ_n this_o be_v command_v whilst_o god_n bid_v man_n come_v and_o buy_v that_o be_v impropiate_v all_o by_o close_v with_o that_o contrivement_n isa_n 55._o 1._o the_o weary_a be_v command_v to_o come_v vuto_fw-mi he_o thus_o for_o their_o rest_n mat._n 11._o 28._o this_o be_v his_o commandment_n that_o we_o believe_v on_o the_o name_n of_o his_o son_n 1._o john_n 3._o 23._o this_o be_v enough_o to_o prove_v it_o a_o duty_n incumbent_n but_o further_a it_o be_v such_o a_o duty_n as_o only_o give_v title_n and_o right_a to_o a_o sonship_n for_o only_o they_o who_o receive_v he_o be_v privilege_v to_o be_v son_n john_n 1._o 12._o to_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 such_o as_o believe_v on_o his_o name_n 2._o it_o appear_v to_o be_v the_o necessary_a duty_n of_o all_o thus_o no_o less_o than_o this_o do_v give_v a_o meeting_n unto_o god_n offer_v himself_o to_o be_v our_o god_n in_o christ_n and_o no_o less_o than_o this_o do_v answer_v our_o profession_n as_o we_o be_v in_o covenant_n with_o he_o as_o member_n of_o his_o visible_a church_n the_o lord_n offer_v to_o be_v our_o god_n in_o christ_n if_o we_o do_v not_o close_o with_o the_o offer_n in_o lay_v aside_o all_o thought_n of_o other_o way_n by_o which_o we_o may_v attain_v to_o happiness_n we_o give_v no_o meeting_n to_o he_o he_o say_v this_o be_v my_o belove_a son_n in_o who_o i_o be_o well_o please_v hear_v you_o he_o mat._n 17._o 5._o if_o we_o close_v not_o with_o the_o offer_n we_o give_v no_o answer_n unto_o god_n moreover_n we_o be_v all_o baptize_v in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n for_o the_o remission_n of_o sin_n act_n 2._o 38._o now_o unless_o we_o close_v with_o christ_n as_o be_v say_v we_o falsify_v that_o profession_n therefore_o since_o this_o be_v the_o thing_n which_o do_v answer_n god_n offer_n in_o the_o gospel_n and_o make_v good_a our_o profession_n as_o member_n of_o his_o church_n it_o be_v a_o necessary_a duty_n lie_v upon_o we_o 3._o whatsoever_o a_o man_n have_v else_o if_o he_o do_v not_o thus_o close_o with_o god_n invention_n about_o christ_n jesus_n and_o do_v not_o receive_v he_o it_o do_v not_o avail_v either_o as_o to_o the_o accept_n of_o his_o person_n or_o of_o his_o performance_n or_o as_o to_o the_o save_n of_o his_o soul_n man_n be_v accept_v only_o in_o christ_n the_o belove_a eph._n 1._o 6._o abel_n and_o his_o offering_n be_v accept_v by_o faith_n heb._n 11._o 4._o without_o faith_n it_o be_v impossible_a to_o please_v god_n heb._n 11._o 6._o and_o he_o that_o believe_v not_o be_v condemn_v already_o and_o shall_v not_o see_v life_n but_o the_o wrath_n of_o god_n abide_v on_o he_o john_n 3._o 18._o 36._o for_o want_n of_o this_o no_o external_a title_n do_v avail_v the_o child_n of_o the_o kingdom_n be_v cast_v out_o if_o this_o be_v want_v mat._n 8._o 10_o 11_o 12._o the_o people_n of_o israel_n be_v like_o other_o heathen_n in_o regard_n of_o a_o graceless_a state_n lie_v open_a to_o the_o wrath_n of_o god_n jer._n 9_o 25_o 26._o if_o man_n do_v not_o believe_v that_o he_o who_o be_v slay_v at_o jerusalem_n who_o be_v call_v christ_n jesus_n and_o witness_v unto_o by_o the_o prophet_n and_o declare_v to_o be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n by_o many_o mighty_a work_n i_o say_v if_o man_n do_v not_o believe_v that_o he_o be_v the_o way_n and_o close_v not_o with_o he_o as_o the_o only_a way_n they_o shall_v die_v in_o their_o sin_n john_n 8._o 24._o we_o say_v then_o it_o be_v a_o most_o necessary_a duty_n thus_o to_o close_v with_o christ_n jesus_n as_o the_o bless_a relief_n appoint_v for_o sinner_n every_o one_o who_o be_v come_v to_o year_n of_o understanding_n and_o hear_v this_o gospel_n be_v oblige_v to_o take_v to_o heart_n his_o own_o lose_a condition_n and_o god_n gracious_a offer_n of_o peace_n and_o salvation_n throng_v christ_n jesus_n and_o speedy_o to_o fly_v from_o the_o wrath_n to_o come_v by_o accept_v and_o close_v with_o this_o offer_n hearty_o acquiesce_v therein_o as_o a_o satisfy_a way_n for_o save_v of_o poor_a sinner_n and_o that_o all_o may_v be_v the_o more_o encourage_v to_o set_v about_o this_o duty_n when_o they_o hear_v he_o pray_v they_o to_o be_v reconcile_v unto_o they_o let_v they_o remember_v that_o peace_n and_o salvation_n be_v offer_v to_o the_o people_n in_o universal_a term_n to_o all_o without_o exception_n if_o any_o man_n will_v he_o shall_v be_v welcome_a rev._n 22._o 17._o if_o any_o thirst_n although_o after_o that_o which_o will_v never_o profit_v yet_o they_o shall_v be_v welcome_a here_o on_o the_o condition_n aforesaid_a isa_n 55._o 2_o 3._o all_o be_v command_v to_o believe_v 1_o john_n 3._o 23._o the_o promise_n be_v to_o all_o who_o be_v external_o call_v by_o the_o gospel_n god_n exclude_v none_o if_o they_o do_v not_o exclude_v themselves_o act_v 2._o 39_o so_o that_o if_o any_o have_v a_o mind_n for_o the_o thing_n they_o may_v come_v forward_o he_o will_v in_o no_o wise_a cast_v they_o out_o john_n 6._o 37._o be_v able_a to_o save_v to_o the_o utmost_a they_o who_o come_v to_o god_n through_o he_o heb._n 7._o 25._o and_o these_o who_o have_v long_o delay_v to_o take_v this_o matter_n to_o heart_n have_v now_o the_o more_o need_n to_o look_v to_o it_o lest_o what_o belong_v to_o their_o peace_n be_v hide_v from_o their_o eye_n but_o all_o these_o word_n will_v not_o take_v effect_n with_o people_n until_o god_n pour_v out_o his_o spirit_n from_o on_o high_a isa_n 32._o 15._o to_o cause_n man_n to_o approach_v unto_o god_n in_o christ_n yet_o we_o must_v still_o press_v man_n duty_n upon_o they_o and_o beseech_v and_o charge_v they_o by_o the_o appear_a of_o the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n and_o their_o reckon_n to_o he_o in_o that_o day_n that_o they_o give_v the_o lord_n no_o rest_n until_o he_o send_v out_o that_o spirit_n which_o he_o will_v give_v to_o they_o who_o ask_v it_o luke_n 11._o 13._o and_o cause_v they_o to_o know_v what_o belong_v unto_o their_o peace_n and_o bring_v they_o up_o to_o their_o duty_n we_o come_v now_o to_o speak_v of_o the_o three_o thing_n viz._n
that_o he_o flee_v for_o refuge_n somewhere_o i_o grant_v some_o have_v a_o high_a and_o some_o a_o lesser_a degree_n of_o this_o seriousness_n as_o we_o show_v in_o the_o former_a part_n of_o this_o treatise_n but_o if_o we_o speak_v of_o the_o lord_n ordinary_a way_n of_o work_v with_o those_o who_o be_v come_v to_o age_n we_o say_v they_o must_v very_o serious_o take_v their_o soul_n estate_n to_o heart_n despair_v of_o help_n in_o themselves_o since_o the_o whole_a need_n no_o physician_n but_o those_o who_o be_v sick_a mat._n 9_o 12._o as_o for_o the_o measure_n we_o plead_v on_o that_o which_o probable_o do_v suppose_v that_o a_o man_n will_v be_v induce_v thereby_o to_o transact_v cordial_o with_o christ_n on_o any_o term_n he_o do_v offer_v himself_o to_o be_v close_v with_o the_o second_o thing_n pre-required_n of_o he_o who_o will_v believe_v on_o christ_n jesus_n be_v he_o must_v know_v and_o take_v to_o heart_n the_o way_n of_o escape_n from_o god_n wrath_n the_o spirit_n must_v convince_v he_o of_o that_o righteousness_n here_o a_o man_n must_v understand_v somewhat_o distinct_o that_o god_n have_v devise_v a_o way_n to_o save_v poor_a lose_a man_n by_o jesus_n christ_n who_o perfect_a righteousness_n have_v satisfy_v offend_v justice_n and_o procure_v pardon_n and_o everlasting_a favour_n to_o all_o those_o who_o he_o persuade_v by_o his_o gospel_n to_o accept_v of_o god_n offer_n act_n 13._o 38_o 39_o john_n 1._o 12._o so_o that_o no_o person_n be_v exclude_v of_o whatsoever_o rank_n or_o condition_n whatsoever_o have_v be_v his_o former_a way_n unless_o he_o be_v guilty_a of_o the_o sin_n against_o the_o holy_a ghost_n which_o be_v a_o malicious_a hatred_n and_o rejection_n of_o the_o remedy_n appoint_v for_o sinner_n as_o we_o shall_v hear_v for_o all_o manner_n of_o sin_n be_v give_v unto_o those_o who_o accept_v of_o the_o offer_n in_o god_n way_n matth._n 12._o 13._o he_o be_v able_a to_o save_v to_o the_o uttermost_a those_o that_o come_v unto_o god_n through_o he_o heb._n 7._o 25._o the_o three_o thing_n pre-required_n be_v a_o man_n must_v know_v that_o as_o god_n have_v not_o exclude_v he_o from_o the_o relief_n appoint_v so_o he_o be_v willing_a to_o be_v reconcile_v unto_o man_n through_o christ_n and_o have_v oblige_v man_n to_o close_v with_o he_o through_o christ_n jesus_n and_o so_o to_o impropriate_a that_o salvation_n to_o themselves_o he_o not_o only_o invite_v all_o to_o come_v isa_n 55._o 1_o 2._o and_o welcome_v all_o that_o come_v as_o we_o find_v in_o the_o gospel_n and_o commend_v those_o who_o come_v matth._n 8._o 10._o and_o 15._o 28._o and_o chide_v for_o not_o come_v and_o close_v with_o he_o joh._n 3._o 18._o but_o also_o he_o command_v all_o to_o believe_v on_o christ_n 1_o john_n 3._o 23._o so_o as_o a_o man_n be_v not_o to_o question_v the_o lord_n willingness_n to_o receive_v man_n who_o go_v to_o christ_n honest_o for_o god_n have_v abundant_o clear_v that_o in_o scripture_n unless_o that_o a_o man_n know_v so_o much_o he_o will_v scarce_o dare_v to_o lay_v his_o heart_n open_a for_o that_o noble_a device_n of_o save_a sinner_n or_o adventure_v his_o own_o weight_n and_o stress_n upon_o christ_n jesus_n the_o four_o thing_n pre-required_n be_v the_o man_n who_o will_v close_v with_o christ_n jesus_n must_v resolve_v to_o break_v all_o covenant_n with_o hell_n and_o death_n isa_n 28._o 15._o whatsoever_o know_v evil_a man_n be_v engage_v into_o they_o must_v resolve_v to_o forego_v it_o for_o there_o be_v no_o concord_n between_o christ_n and_o belial_n 2_o cor._n 6._o 14_o 15_o 16_o 17_o 18._o the_o lord_n require_v that_o they_o who_o will_v expect_v he_o to_o be_v for_o they_o shall_v not_o be_v for_o another_o hos_n 3._o 3_o this_o be_v far_o from_o evangelic_n repentance_n which_o i_o grant_v do_v not_o precede_v a_o man_n close_v with_o christ_n by_o faith_n there_o be_v little_a here_o beyond_o a_o misregard_n of_o these_o thing_n unto_o which_o a_o man_n be_v former_o devote_v and_o a_o slight_n what_o he_o be_v mad_a upon_o because_o he_o see_v himself_o destroy_v thereby_o and_o relief_n now_o offer_v whereupon_o his_o heart_n begin_v to_o be_v more_o intent_n than_o former_o it_o be_v after_o this_o when_o christ_n be_v look_v upon_o alone_a his_o worth_n and_o beauty_n do_v appear_v so_o as_o among_o all_o the_o god_n there_o be_v none_o like_o unto_o he_o and_o he_o look_v out_o as_o a_o sufficient_a cover_n of_o the_o eye_n to_o all_o who_o get_v he_o upon_o which_o the_o heart_n love_v god_n device_n in_o the_o new_a covenant_n and_o love_v to_o lay_v its_o weight_n upon_o christ_n rather_o than_o any_o other_o way_n bend_v towards_o he_o and_o so_o the_o man_n become_v a_o believer_n now_o i_o will_v not_o say_v that_o all_o these_o thing_n whereof_o we_o have_v speak_v be_v formal_o orderly_o and_o distinct_o find_v in_o every_o person_n before_o he_o close_o with_o god_n in_o christ_n for_o the_o way_n of_o the_o heart_n with_o christ_n may_v be_v add_v to_o the_o four_o wonderful_a thing_n prov._n 18._o 19_o it_o be_v hard_o to_o trace_v the_o heart_n in_o its_o translation_n from_o darkness_n to_o light_n yet_o we_o hold_v out_o the_o most_o ordinary_a and_o likely_a way_n to_o he_o who_o do_v ask_v the_o way_n debar_v thereby_o ignorant_a and_o senseless_a person_n from_o meddle_v and_o discharge_v they_o to_o pretend_v to_o any_o interest_n in_o he_o whilst_o they_o remain_v such_o the_o four_o thing_n we_o propose_v to_o speak_v to_o be_v the_o property_n of_o this_o duty_n when_o right_o go_v about_o i_o shall_v only_o hint_n a_o few_o 1._o believe_v in_o christ_n mù_v be_v personal_a a_o man_n himself_o and_o in_o his_o own_o proper_a person_n must_v close_v with_o christ_n jesus_n the_o just_a shall_v live_v by_o his_o faith_n heb._n 2._o 4._o this_o faith_n that_o it_o will_v not_o suffice_v for_o a_o man_n safety_n and_o relief_n that_o he_o be_v in_o covenant_n with_o god_n as_o a_o bear_a member_n of_o the_o visible_a church_n by_o virtue_n of_o the_o parent_n subjection_n to_o christ_n ordinance_n neither_o will_v it_o suffice_v that_o the_o person_n have_v the_o initiate_a seal_n of_o baptism_n add_v and_o that_o he_o then_o virtual_o engage_v to_o seek_v salvation_n by_o christ_n blood_n as_o all_o infant_n do_v neither_o do_v it_o suffice_v that_o man_n be_v come_v of_o believe_a parent_n their_o faith_n will_v not_o instate_v their_o child_n into_o a_o right_n to_o the_o spiritual_a blessing_n of_o the_o covenant_n neither_o will_v it_o suffice_v that_o parent_n do_v in_o some_o respect_n engage_v for_o their_o child_n and_o give_v they_o away_o unto_o god_n all_o these_o thing_n do_v not_o avail_v the_o child_n of_o the_o kingdom_n and_o of_o godly_a predecessor_n be_v cast_v out_o unless_o a_o man_n in_o his_o own_o person_n put_v out_o faith_n in_o christ_n jesus_n and_o with_o his_o own_o heart_n please_v and_o acquiesce_v in_o that_o device_n of_o save_a sinner_n he_o can_v be_v save_v i_o grant_v this_o faith_n be_v give_v unto_o he_o by_o christ_n but_o certain_a it_o be_v that_o it_o must_v be_v personal_a 2._o this_o duty_n must_v be_v cordial_a and_o hearty_a with_o the_o heart_n man_n believe_v unto_o righteousness_n rom._n 10._o 10._o a_o man_n must_v be_v sincere_a and_o without_o guile_n in_o close_v with_o christ_n judge_v he_o the_o only_a cover_n of_o the_o eye_n not_o hanker_a after_o another_o way_n the_o matter_n must_v not_o swim_v only_o in_o the_o head_n or_o understanding_n but_o it_o must_v be_v in_o the_o heart_n the_o man_n not_o only_o must_v be_v persuade_v that_o christ_n be_v the_o way_n but_o affectionate_o persuade_v of_o it_o love_v and_o like_v the_o thing_n have_v complacency_n in_o it_o so_o that_o it_o be_v all_o a_o man_n desire_n as_o david_n speak_v of_o the_o covenant_n 2_o sam._n 23._o 5._o if_o a_o man_n be_v cordial_a and_o affectionate_a in_o any_o thing_n sure_o he_o must_v be_v so_o here_o in_o this_o one_o thing_n necessary_a it_o must_v not_o be_v simple_o a_o fancy_n in_o the_o head_n but_o it_o must_v be_v a_o heartâ—_n business_n a_o soul-business_n yea_o not_o a_o business_n in_o the_o outer_a court_n of_o affection_n but_o in_o the_o flower_n of_o affection_n and_o in_o the_o innermost_a cabinet_n of_o the_o soul_n where_o christ_n be_v formeâ—_n shall_v a_o man_n be_v cordial_a in_o any_o thing_n and_o not_o in_o this_o which_o do_v comprise_v all_o his_o chief_a interest_n and_o his_o everlasting_a state_n within_o it_o shall_v the_o lord_n be_v say_v to_o rejoice_v over_o a_o man_n as_o a_o bridegroom_n rejoice_v over_o his_o bride_n isa_n 62._o and_o to_o rest_v in_o his_o love_n with_o joy_n zeph._n 3._o 17._o
the_o wrong_n be_v do_v against_o the_o son_n of_o god_n heb._n 6._o 6_o and_o the_o blood_n of_o the_o covenant_n and_o the_o spirit_n gracious_o offer_v to_o apply_v these_o thing_n heb._n 10._o 29._o second_o in_o the_o description_n consider_v the_o qualification_n of_o this_o object_n it_o be_v singular_o make_v out_o to_o the_o party_n by_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n both_o in_o the_o truth_n and_o good_a thereof_o this_o say_v 1._o that_o there_o must_v be_v knowledge_n of_o the_o truth_n and_o way_n of_o salvation_n the_o pharisee_n know_v that_o christ_n be_v the_o heir_n mat._n 21._o 38._o the_o party_n have_v knowledge_n heb._n 10._o 26._o 2._o that_o knowledge_n of_o the_o thing_n must_v not_o swim_v only_o in_o the_o head_n but_o there_o must_v be_v some_o half_a heart-perswasion_n of_o it_o christ_n know_v the_o pharisee_n thought_n and_o so_o do_v judge_v they_o mat._n 12._o 25._o and_o that_o the_o contrary_a of_o what_o they_o speak_v be_v make_v out_o upon_o their_o heart_n there_o be_v a_o taste_n heb._n 6._o 4_o 5._o which_o be_v beyond_o simple_a enlighten_v yea_o there_o be_v such_o a_o persuasion_n ordinary_o as_o lead_v to_o a_o deal_n of_o outward_a sanctification_n heb._n 10._o 29._o 3._o this_o persuasion_n must_v not_o only_o be_v of_o the_o verity_n of_o the_o thing_n but_o of_o the_o good_a of_o it_o the_o party_n taste_v the_o good_a word_n of_o god_n and_o he_o apprehend_v the_o thing_n as_o eligible_a heb._n 6._o 5._o 4._o this_o persuasion_n be_v not_o make_v out_o only_o by_o strength_n of_o argument_n but_o also_o by_o a_o enlighten_v work_n of_o god_n spirit_n shine_v on_o the_o truth_n and_o make_v it_o conspicuous_a therefore_o be_v that_o sin_n call_v the_o sin_n against_o the_o holy_a ghost_n mat._n 12._o mark_v 3_o the_o person_n be_v say_v to_o have_v receive_v the_o holy_a ghost_n heb._n 6._o 4._o and_o to_o do_v despite_n unto_o the_o spirit_n of_o grace_n who_o be_v in_o the_o near_a step_n of_o a_o gracious_a operation_n with_o they_o heb._n 10._o 29._o three_o in_o this_o description_n consider_v the_o act_n of_o the_o party_n against_o the_o object_n so_o qualify_v it_o be_v a_o reject_v and_o oppose_v of_o it_o which_o import_v 1._o that_o man_n have_v once_o some_o way_n at_o least_o be_v in_o hand_n with_o it_o or_o have_v the_o offer_n of_o it_o as_o be_v true_a of_o the_o pharisee_n 2._o that_o they_o do_v reject_v even_o with_o contempt_n what_o they_o have_v of_o it_o or_o in_o their_o offer_n the_o pharisee_n deny_v it_o and_o speak_v disdainful_o of_o christ_n mat._n 12._o 24._o they_o fall_v away_o intend_v to_o shame_n christ_n heb._n 6._o 5_o 6._o 3._o the_o man_n set_v themselves_o against_o it_o by_o the_o spirit_n of_o persecution_n as_o the_o pharisee_n do_v still_o they_o rail_v against_o it_o therefore_o it_o be_v call_v blasphemy_n against_o the_o holy_a ghost_n mat._n 12._o 24._o 31._o they_o will_v crucify_v christ_n again_o if_o they_o can_v heb._n 6._o 6._o they_o be_v adversary_n heb._n 10._o 27._o four_o consider_v the_o property_n of_o this_o act_n 1._o it_o be_v avouch_v that_o be_v not_o seek_v to_o shelter_v or_o hide_v itself_o the_o pharisee_n speak_v against_o christ_n public_o mat._n 12._o 24._o they_o will_v have_v christ_n bring_v to_o a_o open_a shame_n heb._n 6._o 6._o they_o forsake_v the_o ordinance_n which_o savour_v that_o way_n and_o 10._o 25._o and_o despise_v the_o danger_n for_o look_v for_o indignation_n they_o trample_v that_o blood_n still_o heb._n 10._o 27_o 29._o 2._o the_o party_n act_v free_o it_o be_v not_o from_o unadvisedness_n nor_o from_o force_n or_o constraint_n but_o a_o act_n of_o free_a choice_n nothing_o do_v force_v the_o pharisee_n to_o speak_v against_o and_o persecute_v christ_n they_o crucify_v to_o themselves_o they_o re-act_n the_o murder_n of_o their_o own_o free_a accord_n and_o in_o their_o own_o bosom_n none_o constrain_a they_o heb._n 6._o 6._o they_o sin_n of_o free_a choice_n as_o the_o word_n be_v spontaneous_o heb._n 10._o 27._o 3._o it_o be_v act_v wilful_o they_o be_v so_o resolute_a they_o will_v not_o be_v dissuade_v by_o any_o offer_n or_o the_o most_o precious_a mean_n as_o be_v clear_a in_o the_o aforesaid_a scripture_n 4._o it_o be_v do_v malicious_o so_o as_o it_o proceed_v not_o so_o much_o if_o at_o all_o from_o a_o tentation_n to_o pleasure_n profit_n or_o honour_n it_o proceed_v not_o from_o fear_n or_o force_n or_o from_o any_o good_a end_n propose_v but_o out_o of_o heart-malice_n against_o god_n and_o christ_n and_o the_o advancement_n of_o his_o glory_n and_o kingdom_n so_o that_o it_o be_v the_o very_a nature_n of_o satan_n sin_n who_o have_v a_o irreconcilable_a hatred_n against_o god_n and_o the_o remedy_n of_o sin_n because_o his_o glory_n be_v thereby_o advance_v this_o be_v a_o special_a ingredient_n in_o this_o sin_n the_o pharisee_n be_v find_v guilty_a of_o heart-malice_n against_o christ_n since_o they_o speak_v so_o against_o he_o and_o not_o against_o their_o own_o child_n cast_v out_o devil_n and_o this_o be_v the_o force_n of_o christ_n argument_n mat._n 12._o 27._o they_o do_v their_o utmost_a to_o crucify_v christ_n again_o and_o to_o bring_v he_o to_o a_o open_a shame_n heb._n 6._o 6._o they_o be_v adversary_n like_o the_o devil_n heb._n 10._o 27._o 5._o it_o be_v do_v despiteful_o the_o malice_n must_v bewray_v itself_o the_o pharisee_n must_v proclaim_v that_o christ_n have_v correspondence_n with_o devil_n met._n â—2_n he_o must_v be_v put_v to_o a_o open_a shame_n and_o crucify_v again_o heb._n 6._o they_o must_v tread_v under_o foot_n that_o blood_n and_o do_v despite_n to_o the_o spirit_n heb._n 10._o 29._o so_o that_o the_o party_n have_v rather_o perish_v a_o thousand_o time_n than_o be_v in_o christ_n debt_n for_o salvation_n the_o last_o thing_n in_o the_o description_n be_v the_o ordinary_a attendant_n or_o consequence_n of_o this_o sin_n it_o breed_v desperate_a and_o hopeless_a fear_n they_o fear_v he_o who_o they_o hate_v with_o a_o slavish_a hopeless_a fear_n such_o as_o devil_n have_v heb._n 10._o 27._o they_o know_v that_o god_n will_v put_v out_o his_o power_n against_o they_o they_o tremble_v in_o the_o remembrance_n of_o it_o and_o if_o they_o can_v be_v above_o he_o and_o destroy_v he_o they_o covet_v it_o and_o since_o they_o can_v reach_v that_o they_o hate_v with_o the_o utmost_a of_o heart-malice_n and_o do_v persecute_v he_o and_o all_o that_o be_v he_o with_o despite_n as_o for_o the_o three_o thing_n propose_v viz._n the_o conclusion_n to_o be_v draw_v from_o what_o be_v say_v whereby_o we_o will_v speak_v direct_o to_o the_o objection_n 1._o as_o i_o hint_v before_o since_o the_o sin_n against_o the_o holy_a ghost_n be_v so_o remarkable_a and_o may_v be_v well_o know_v where_o it_o be_v none_o shall_v charge_v themselves_o with_o it_o unless_o they_o can_v prove_v and_o make_v good_a the_o charge_n for_o it_o be_v a_o great_a wrong_n do_v unto_o god_n to_o labour_v to_o persuade_v my_o soul_n that_o he_o will_v never_o pardon_v i_o it_o be_v the_o very_a way_n to_o make_v i_o desperate_a and_o to_o lead_v i_o unto_o the_o unpardonable_a sin_n therefore_o unless_o thou_o can_v and_o dare_v say_v that_o thou_o do_v hate_v the_o way_n which_o god_n have_v devise_v for_o save_v of_o sinner_n and_o do_v resolve_v to_o oppose_v the_o thrive_a of_o his_o kingdom_n both_o with_o thyself_o and_o other_o out_o of_o malice_n and_o despite_n against_o god_n thou_o ought_v not_o to_o suspect_v thyself_o guilty_a of_o this_o sin_n 2._o whatsoever_o thou_o have_v do_v against_o god_n if_o thou_o do_v repent_v it_o and_o wish_v it_o be_v undo_v thou_o can_v not_o be_v guilty_a of_o this_o sin_n for_o in_o it_o heart-malice_n and_o despite_n against_o god_n do_v still_o prevail_v 3._o if_o thou_o be_v content_a to_o be_v his_o debtor_n for_o pardon_n and_o will_v be_v infinite_o oblige_v unto_o he_o for_o it_o than_o thou_o can_v not_o in_o that_o case_n be_v guilty_a of_o the_o sin_n against_o the_o holy_a ghost_n for_o as_o we_o show_v before_o they_o who_o be_v guilty_a of_o it_o do_v so_o despite_n god_n that_o they_o will_v not_o be_v his_o debtor_n for_o salvation_n 4._o whatsoever_o thou_o have_v do_v if_o thou_o have_v a_o desire_n after_o jesus_n christ_n and_o do_v look_v with_o a_o desire_v after_o he_o and_o can_v not_o think_v of_o part_v with_o his_o bless_a company_n for_o ever_o or_o if_o thou_o must_v part_v with_o he_o yet_o do_v wish_v well_o to_o he_o and_o all_o his_o thou_o need_v not_o suspect_v thyself_o to_o be_v guilty_a of_o this_o unpardonable_a sin_n for_o there_o can_v be_v no_o such_o hatred_n of_o he_o in_o thy_o bosom_n as_o be_v necessary_o require_v
the_o lip_n whilst_o the_o heart_n be_v far_o away_o from_o he_o 5._o i_o grant_v both_o cordial_a and_o verbal_a transact_n with_o god_n will_v not_o make_v out_o a_o man_n gracious_a estate_n unto_o he_o so_o as_o to_o put_v and_o keep_v it_o above_o controversy_n without_o joint_a witness_n of_o the_o spirit_n by_o which_o we_o know_v what_o be_v free_o give_v unto_o we_o of_o god_n yet_o this_o explicit_a way_n of_o transact_v with_o god_n join_v with_o that_o heart-closing_a with_o he_o in_o christ_n contribute_v much_o for_o clear_v up_o unto_o a_o man_n that_o there_o be_v a_o fix_a bargain_n between_o god_n and_o he_o and_o will_v do_v much_o to_o ward_v off_o he_o many_o groundless_a jealousy_n and_o objection_n of_o a_o unstable_a mind_n and_o heart_n which_o use_v affronted_o to_o deny_v this_o hour_n what_o it_o do_v real_o act_v and_o perform_v the_o former_a hour_n this_o explicit_a covenant_n be_v a_o instrument_n take_v of_o what_o pass_v between_o god_n and_o the_o soul_n and_o so_o have_v its_o own_o vantage_n for_o strengthen_v of_o faith_n as_o for_o this_o express_a covenant_n we_o shall_v 1._o show_v that_o be_v a_o very_a warrantable_a practice_n 2._o we_o shall_v show_v short_o what_o be_v preparatory_o require_v of_o those_o who_o do_v so_o transact_v with_o god_n 3._o how_o man_n shall_v go_v about_o that_o duty_n 4._o what_o shall_v follow_v thereupon_o as_o to_o the_o first_o i_o say_v it_o be_v a_o warrantable_a practice_n and_o in_o incumbent_a duty_n expert_o and_o by_o word_n to_o covenant_n with_o god_n which_o appear_v thus_o 1._o in_o many_o place_n of_o scripture_n if_o we_o look_v to_o what_o they_o may_v bear_v according_a to_o their_o scope_n and_o the_o analogy_n of_o faith_n god_n have_v command_v it_o and_o leave_v it_o on_o people_n as_o a_o duty_n isa_n 44._o 5._o one_o shall_v say_v i_o be_o the_o lord_n isa_n 45._o 24._o sure_o shall_v one_o say_v in_o the_o lord_n have_v i_o righteousness_n and_o strength_n jer._n 31._o 4._o will_v thou_o cry_v unto_o i_o my_o father_n thou_o be_v the_o guide_n of_o my_o youth_n zech._n 13._o 9_o they_o shall_v say_v the_o lord_n be_v my_o god_n hos_n 2._o 16._o thou_o shall_v call_v i_o ishi_n and_o in_o many_o place_n elsewhere_o now_o since_o god_n have_v so_o clear_o leave_v it_o on_o man_n in_o the_o matter_n of_o the_o word_n they_o may_v be_v persuade_v that_o it_o be_v a_o practice_n warrant_v and_o allow_v by_o he_o and_o well-pleasing_a unto_o he_o 2._o arg._n it_o be_v the_o approve_a practice_n of_o the_o saint_n in_o scripture_n thus_o express_o to_o covenant_n with_o god_n and_o they_o have_v find_v much_o quiet_a in_o that_o duty_n afterward_o david_n do_v often_o express_o say_v unto_o god_n that_o he_o be_v his_o god_n his_o portion_n and_o that_o himself_o be_v his_o servant_n thomas_n will_v put_v his_o interest_n out_o of_o question_n with_o it_o joh._n 20._o 28._o yea_o i_o say_v the_o saint_n be_v much_o quiet_v in_o remembrance_n of_o what_o have_v past_o that_o way_n between_o god_n and_o they_o psal_n 73._o 25._o psal_n 142._o 5._o we_o find_v it_o often_o in_o the_o book_n of_o the_o canticle_n now_o shall_v the_o chief_a worthy_n of_o god_n be_v so_o much_o in_o a_o duty_n breed_v so_o much_o quiet_a and_o satisfaction_n to_o they_o in_o many_o case_n and_o shall_v we_o be_v under_o the_o new_a testament_n unto_o who_o access_n be_v minister_v abundant_o and_o who_o partake_v of_o the_o sap_n of_o the_o olive_n shall_v we_o i_o say_v lie_v behind_o in_o this_o approve_a piece_n of_o freedom_n with_o god_n since_o we_o study_v to_o imitate_v that_o cloud_n of_o witness_n in_o other_o thing_n as_o faith_n zeal_n patience_n etc._n etc._n let_v we_o all_o imitate_v they_o in_o this_o 3._o arg._n the_o thing_n about_o which_o we_o move_v here_o be_v a_o matter_n of_o the_o great_a concernman_n 〈◊〉_d all_o the_o world_n it_o be_v the_o life_n of_o our_o soul_n deut._n 32._o 47._o oh_o shall_v man_n study_v to_o be_v express_v explicit_a plain_a and_o peremptory_a in_o all_o their_o other_o great_a business_n because_o they_o be_v such_o and_o shall_v they_o not_o much_o more_o be_v peremptory_a and_o express_a in_o this_o which_o do_v most_o concern_v they_o i_o wonder_v that_o many_o not_o only_o do_v not_o speak_v it_o with_o their_o mouth_n but_o that_o they_o do_v not_o swear_v and_o subscribe_v it_o with_o their_o hand_n and_o do_v not_o every_o thing_n for_o secure_v of_o god_n to_o themselves_o in_o christ_n and_o themselves_o unto_o god_n which_o the_o scripture_n do_v warrant_v isa_n 44._o 5._o this_o also_o may_v have_v its_o own_o weight_n as_o a_o argument_n to_o press_v this_o way_n of_o covenant_v with_o god_n the_o business_n of_o interest_n in_o christ_n and_o of_o real_a and_o honest_a transact_n with_o he_o be_v a_o thing_n which_o in_o experience_n of_o saint_n be_v most_o frequent_o bring_v upon_o debate_n and_o in_o question_n therefore_o man_n have_v need_v all_o the_o way_n they_o can_v even_o by_o thought_n word_n and_o deed_n to_o put_v it_o to_o a_o point_n this_o also_o may_v have_v place_n here_o for_o press_v this_o as_o a_o duty_n that_o god_n be_v so_o formal_a express_a distinct_a and_o legal_a to_o say_v so_o in_o all_o the_o business_n of_o man_n salvation_n viz._n christ_n must_v be_v a_o near_a kinsman_n to_o who_o the_o right_a of_o redemption_n do_v belong_v he_o must_v be_v choose_v call_v authorize_v and_o send_v covenant_n formal_o draw_v between_o the_o father_n and_o he_o the_o father_n accept_v payment_n and_o satisfaction_n give_v formal_a discharge_v all_o do_v clear_o and_o express_o shall_v the_o lord_n be_v so_o express_v plain_a and_o peremptory_a in_o every_o part_n of_o the_o business_n and_o shall_v our_o part_n of_o it_o rest_v in_o a_o confuse_a thought_n and_o we_o be_v as_o dumb_a beast_n before_o he_o if_o it_o be_v a_o marriage_n between_o man_n and_o wife_n it_o will_v not_o be_v judge_v enough_o although_o there_o be_v consent_n in_o heart_n give_v by_o the_o woman_n and_o know_v to_o the_o man_n if_o she_o do_v never_o express_v so_o much_o by_o word_n be_v in_o a_o capacity_n to_o do_v so_o now_o this_o covenant_n between_o god_n and_o man_n be_v hold_v out_o in_o scripture_n as_o a_o marriage_n between_o man_n and_o wife_n hos._n 19_o 20._o 2_o cor._n 2._o the_o whole_a song_n of_o soloman_n speak_v it_o the_o lord_n use_v similitude_n to_o signify_v unto_o we_o what_o he_o intend_v and_o sure_o this_o be_v a_o special_a requisite_a in_o marriage_n that_o the_o wife_n give_v a_o express_a and_o explicit_a consent_n unto_o the_o business_n the_o man_n say_v so_o i_o take_v thou_o to_o be_v my_o lawful_a wife_n and_o do_v oblige_v myself_o to_o be_v a_o dutiful_a husband_n the_o woman_n be_v oblige_v on_o the_o other_o part_n to_o express_v her_o consent_n and_o to_o say_v even_o so_o i_o take_v thou_o to_o be_v my_o lawful_a husband_n and_o do_v promise_v duty_n and_o subjection_n it_o be_v so_o here_o the_o lord_n say_v i_o betrothe_v thou_o unto_o i_o in_o faithfulness_n and_o thou_o shall_v call_v i_o ishi_n my_o husband_n hosea_n 2._o i_o will_v be_v for_o thou_o as_o a_o head_n and_o husband_n if_o thou_o will_v not_o be_v for_o another_o hosea_n 3._o the_o man_n ought_v to_o answer_v and_o say_v amen_o so_o be_v it_o thou_o shall_v be_v my_o god_n my_o head_n and_o lord_n and_o i_o shall_v and_o will_v be_v thou_o and_o not_o for_o another_o cant._n 6._o 3._o and_o so_o this_o make_n of_o this_o covenant_n with_o god_n be_v call_v a_o give_v of_o the_o hand_n to_o he_o as_o the_o word_n be_v 2_o chron._n 30._o 8._o which_o do_v hint_n a_o very_a express_v formal_a explicit_a and_o positive_a bargain_v with_o god_n so_o then_o we_o conclude_v it_o to_o be_v a_o incumbent_a duty_n and_o a_o very_a approve_a practice_n necessary_a for_o the_o quiet_v of_o a_o man_n mind_n and_o his_o more_o comfortable_a be_v in_o covenant_n with_o god_n and_o more_o full_o answer_v god_n condescendence_n and_o offer_n in_o that_o great_a and_o primary_n promise_v i_o will_v be_v your_o god_n and_o you_o shall_v be_v my_o people_n not_o only_o may_v and_o shall_v people_n thus_o express_o close_a with_o god_n in_o christ_n for_o fix_v their_o heart_n but_o they_o may_v upon_o some_o occasion_n renew_v this_o verbal_a transact_n with_o god_n especial_o when_o through_o tentation_n they_o be_v make_v to_o question_v if_o ever_o they_o have_v real_o and_o sincere_o close_v covenant_n with_o god_n as_o they_o be_v to_o put_v out_o new_a act_n of_o faith_n embrace_v christ_n as_o the_o desirable_a portion_n and_o measure_n and_o also_o upon_o other_o occasion_n so_o be_v