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Word A Word B Word C Word D Occurrence Frequency Band MI MI Band Prominent
spirit_n believe_v faith_n promise_n 5,503 5 7.2516 4 false
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ID Title Author Corrected Date of Publication (TCP Date of Publication) STC Words Pages
A89336 The touch-stone of conversion. Or, Marks of true faith. Wherein the impenitent sinner is rowsed. True beleever discovered. And doubting saint resolved. / By that excellent man of God now in heaven, Mr. Arthur Morton Scotch man. Morton, Arthur, Scotch man. 1647 (1647) Wing M2820; Thomason E1141_1; ESTC R210080 110,861 289

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to_o be_v neglect_v but_o great_o to_o be_v labour_v for_o for_o be_v join_v with_o the_o former_a it_o fortify_v it_o strengthen_v the_o anchor_n of_o the_o soul_n it_o fill_v a_o man_n with_o christian_a courage_n comfort_n and_o cheerfulness_n and_o make_v he_o fruitful_a in_o good_a work_n as_o be_v evident_a 2_o pet._n 1.8_o and_o 10._o only_o about_o these_o two_o assurance_n we_o be_v to_o beware_v of_o these_o two_o thing_n 1._o that_o we_o betake_v we_o not_o to_o this_o last_o assurance_n only_o for_o thus_o we_o will_v deceive_v ourselves_o for_o it_o can_v be_v upright_o unless_o we_o have_v the_o other_o first_o we_o may_v well_o have_v a_o show_n or_o form_n of_o it_o for_o we_o may_v have_v some_o change_n of_o life_n without_o faith_n but_o no_o true_a change_n without_o it_o we_o shall_v not_o then_o betake_v we_o to_o it_o only_o for_o than_o we_o both_o mistake_v the_o nature_n of_o faith_n and_o as_o i_o be_v say_v can_v but_o deceive_v ourselves_o which_o be_v most_o dangerous_a 2._o we_o shall_v also_o beware_v that_o we_o betake_v we_o not_o to_o this_o second_o assurance_n in_o the_o first_o room_n for_o than_o we_o mistake_v the_o order_n of_o thing_n and_o shall_v but_o discourage_v ourselves_o and_o bewilder_n ourselves_o in_o the_o point_n of_o our_o first_o assurance_n and_o hold_v ourselves_o back_o from_o believe_v for_o the_o first_o assurance_n be_v to_o believe_v and_o the_o second_o to_o know_v that_o we_o believe_v how_o shall_v we_o know_v that_o we_o believe_v until_o it_o first_o be_v and_o yet_o this_o be_v the_o course_n that_o many_o take_v they_o will_v first_o know_v that_o they_o believe_v before_o they_o do_v labour_n to_o believe_v they_o will_v needs_o have_v the_o second_o assurance_n before_o they_o have_v the_o first_o though_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o they_o must_v first_o have_v the_o first_o for_o the_o second_o flow_v from_o the_o first_o yea_o and_o not_o at_o the_o first_o but_o from_o it_o be_v somewhat_o strengthen_v they_o will_v not_o have_v the_o first_o assurance_n unless_o they_o have_v first_o or_o at_o least_o with_o all_o the_o second_o whereas_o they_o shall_v never_o have_v the_o second_o until_o first_o of_o all_o they_o have_v the_o first_o and_o that_o in_o some_o good_a measure_n but_o this_o point_n of_o mistake_v the_o order_n of_o thing_n will_v be_v clear_a be_v speak_v of_o in_o the_o term_n we_o do_v propose_v you_o say_v that_o you_o miss_v many_o of_o the_o mark_n of_o faith_n feel_v not_o your_o heart_n purify_v from_o corruption_n find_v not_o the_o love_n of_o god_n repentance_n and_o so_o forth_o and_o therefore_o this_o trouble_v you_o discourage_v you_o and_o weaken_v you_o that_o you_o can_v or_o dare_v not_o apply_v the_o promise_n or_o mean_n of_o faith_n unto_o you_o i_o answer_v this_o come_v from_o mistake_v the_o order_n of_o thing_n if_o these_o mark_n you_o miss_v be_v of_o thing_n that_o either_o go_v before_o or_o accompany_v faith_n you_o have_v it_o may_v be_v some_o reason_n for_o this_o complaint_n but_o see_v they_o come_v from_o these_o thing_n that_o follow_v faith_n and_o be_v the_o effect_n of_o faith_n why_o shall_v the_o want_n of_o they_o discourage_v you_o to_o believe_v yea_o rather_o they_o shall_v stir_v you_o up_o to_o believe_v that_o so_o you_o may_v come_v by_o they_o for_o they_o be_v the_o effect_n of_o faith_n how_o shall_v you_o think_v to_o obtain_v they_o unless_o you_o first_o believe_v that_o be_v take_v and_o apply_v the_o promise_n i_o pray_v you_o wherehence_a flow_v victory_n over_o corruption_n but_o from_o faith_n be_v it_o not_o faith_n that_o purify_v the_o heart_n and_o wherehence_a flow_v the_o love_n of_o god_n but_o even_o also_o from_o faith_n apprehend_v the_o love_n of_o god_n towards_o we_o according_a to_o that_o of_o the_o apostle_n we_o love_v he_o because_o he_o love_v we_o first_o and_o for_o repentance_n or_o godly_a sorrow_n it_o flow_v from_o that_o love_n and_o be_v according_a to_o the_o measure_n of_o that_o love_n as_o our_o love_n be_v according_a to_o the_o measure_n of_o our_o faith_n so_o outward_a act_n of_o obedience_n faith_n work_v by_o love_n so_o then_o to_o suspend_v our_o faith_n and_o believe_v till_o we_o get_v these_o be_v the_o high_a way_n never_o to_o get_v faith_n further_o whence_o be_v all_o these_o thing_n to_o be_v get_v the_o want_n whereof_o discourage_v we_o to_o believe_v be_v they_o any_o other_o where_o to_o be_v get_v but_o from_o christ_n or_o any_o other_o way_n to_o be_v get_v from_o he_o but_o by_o faith_n can_v we_o get_v the_o bloody_a issue_n of_o our_o corruption_n any_o otherways_o cure_v but_o by_o draw_v virtue_n from_o christ_n and_o the_o power_n of_o his_o death_n can_v we_o get_v our_o spiritual_a want_n otherways_o supply_v then_o out_o of_o christ_n his_o fullness_n or_o our_o spiritual_a weakness_n otherways_o help_v and_o strengthen_v i_o be_o able_a to_o the_o all_o thing_n through_o christ_n that_o strengthen_v i_o so_o then_o i_o say_v we_o must_v not_o delay_v our_o believe_a that_o be_v apply_v of_o the_o promise_n to_o ourselves_o till_o we_o find_v these_o thing_n redress_v but_o on_o the_o contrary_a we_o must_v believe_v that_o we_o may_v have_v these_o thing_n help_v thou_o will_v not_o believe_v and_o apply_v the_o promise_n until_o thou_o find_v these_o thing_n but_o thou_o shall_v never_o find_v these_o thing_n until_o thou_o first_o believe_v and_o apply_v we_o will_v rather_o have_v some_o worthiness_n in_o ourselves_o then_o come_v by_o faith_n to_o christ_n but_o we_o can_v have_v none_o further_o observe_v that_o these_o thing_n do_v not_o only_o flow_v from_o faith_n but_o from_o faith_n somewhat_o strengthen_v a_o tree_n can_v bring_v forth_o fruit_n at_o the_o first_o until_o the_o time_n it_o be_v well_o fasten_v and_o take_v some_o root_n now_o these_o thing_n you_o speak_v of_o be_v the_o fruit_n of_o faith_n how_o think_v you_o shall_v they_o be_v produce_v without_o faith_n somewhat_o root_v how_o shall_v you_o expect_v they_o as_o long_o as_o you_o hold_v the_o tree_n of_o your_o faith_n thus_o shake_v and_o toss_v &_o through_o your_o own_o default_n suffer_v it_o not_o to_o take_v root_n so_o then_o to_o conclude_v i_o will_v advise_v all_o those_o who_o feel_v the_o want_n or_o weakness_n of_o faith_n not_o to_o run_v present_o to_o the_o mark_n of_o faith_n i_o mean_v those_o which_o be_v take_v from_o the_o effect_n of_o faith_n for_o this_o will_v but_o encumber_v their_o faith_n and_o weaken_v their_o apply_v this_o will_v also_o make_v they_o to_o stagger_v at_o the_o promise_n but_o i_o will_v advise_v they_o i_o say_v to_o fly_v to_o the_o mean_n and_o to_o apply_v the_o promise_n what_o ever_o their_o corruption_n or_o want_n be_v even_o to_o do_v as_o abraham_n the_o father_n of_o the_o faithful_a do_v he_o look_v not_o to_o any_o insufficiency_n in_o himself_o but_o to_o the_o power_n and_o faithfulness_n of_o the_o promiser_n he_o consider_v not_o the_o deadness_n of_o his_o body_n etc._n etc._n and_o therefore_o stagger_v not_o at_o the_o promise_n but_o be_v strong_a in_o faith_n he_o give_v glory_n to_o god_n be_v full_o persuade_v that_o what_o he_o have_v promise_v he_o be_v able_a to_o perform_v even_o so_o shall_v we_o we_o shall_v not_o at_o first_o look_v to_o these_o discouragement_n that_o present_v themselves_o unto_o we_o from_o the_o deadness_n and_o disease_n of_o our_o own_o soul_n for_o than_o we_o shall_v never_o believe_v for_o these_o will_v never_o cease_v until_o we_o first_o believe_v but_o let_v we_o look_v to_o the_o promise_n of_o a_o true_a and_o powerful_a god_n that_o he_o be_v both_o faith_n full_a who_o have_v promise_v and_o that_o he_o be_v able_a to_o perform_v what_o he_o have_v promise_v this_o be_v the_o ground_n and_o prop_n of_o abraham_n and_o sarahs_n faith_n the_o parent_n and_o pattern_n of_o the_o faithful_a rom._n 4.21_o heb._n 11.8_o and_o these_o shall_v be_v the_o prop_n of_o our_o faith_n but_o we_o will_v have_v a_o way_n of_o believe_v of_o our_o own_o and_o such_o be_v our_o mischievous_a infidelity_n that_o we_o can_v rest_v upon_o god_n alone_o his_o promise_n his_o power_n and_o his_o truth_n unless_o we_o find_v something_o in_o ourselves_o it_o be_v both_o remarkable_a and_o comfortable_a heb._n 6._o that_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n there_o allow_v we_o not_o only_a confidence_n simple_o and_o consolation_n but_o even_o a_o strong_a consolation_n and_o that_o from_o no_o ground_n in_o ourselves_o but_o only_o from_o god_n his_o great_a truth_n in_o his_o oath_n and_o promise_n further_o let_v this_o be_v add_v to_o the_o advice_n to_o wit_n that_o those_o who_o find_v their_o faith_n weak_a
benefit_n of_o the_o offer_n now_o all_o this_o be_v for_o the_o advantage_n and_o good_a of_o those_o that_o will_v believe_v and_o accept_v of_o the_o offer_n and_o to_o drive_v they_o from_o infidelity_n and_o to_o stir_v they_o up_o to_o believe_v and_o eschew_v the_o let_n thereof_o and_o not_o as_o you_o make_v wrong_a use_n of_o it_o to_o suppress_v your_o faith_n will_v you_o therefore_o be_v so_o foolish_a that_o either_o because_o the_o proclamation_n and_o offer_v of_o mercy_n though_o conceive_v in_o general_a term_n yet_o because_o it_o have_v not_o thy_o name_n express_o set_v down_o in_o it_o to_o think_v that_o therefore_o it_o belong_v not_o to_o thou_o or_o because_o there_o be_v a_o intimation_n make_v that_o many_o through_o their_o own_o default_n in_o regard_n of_o the_o forementioned_a impediment_n shall_v neglect_v the_o opportunity_n and_o loose_v the_o benefit_n of_o the_o offer_n of_o grace_n for_o the_o further_a forewarn_v of_o thou_o and_o those_o who_o will_v believe_v to_o eschew_v these_o impediment_n will_v thou_o therefore_o i_o say_v upon_o groundless_a suspicion_n say_v o_o what_o if_o i_o be_v one_o of_o these_o and_o so_o fly_v back_o and_o fall_v into_o one_o of_o the_o impediment_n or_o shall_v thou_o not_o rather_o shun_v all_o the_o impediment_n and_o this_o of_o keep_v back_o among_o the_o rest_n for_o for_o this_o end_n and_o use_n be_v it_o that_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n in_o scripture_n have_v set_v down_o these_o say_n and_o fore-warning_n many_o be_v call_v and_o few_o choose_v etc._n etc._n not_o to_o hinder_v but_o to_o put_v thou_o on_o to_o believe_v and_o indeed_o in_o so_o do_v you_o make_v a_o wrong_n and_o quite_o contrary_a use_n to_o that_o of_o scripture_n the_o promise_n the_o offer_n the_o proclamation_n be_v make_v unto_o all_o who_o god_n do_v call_v for_o the_o benefit_n of_o it_o all_o shall_v not_o enjoy_v through_o their_o own_o default_n and_o they_o be_v of_o two_o sort_n to_o wit_n such_o 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and_o do_v or_o will_v renounce_v thy_o fin_n and_o pleasure_n regard_v not_o iniquity_n in_o thy_o heart_n desire_v to_o fear_v his_o name_n neh._n 1._o then_o see_v thou_o be_v not_o one_o that_o keep_v back_o yield_v not_o to_o satan_n and_o thy_o own_o bad_a heart_n of_o unbelief_n remember_v the_o say_n of_o the_o apostle_n let_v we_o fear_v lest_o a_o promise_n be_v leave_v unto_o we_o any_o of_o we_o come_v short_a of_o it_o through_o unbelief_n mark_v the_o word_n there_o be_v a_o promise_n leave_v unto_o we_o so_o doubt_v not_o but_o the_o promise_n belong_v to_o thou_o only_o beware_v thou_o come_v not_o short_a of_o it_o through_o unblief_n and_o indeed_o if_o it_o be_v but_o this_o it_o show_v that_o the_o promise_n belong_v to_o those_o who_o through_o their_o own_o default_n may_v come_v short_a of_o it_o the_o benefit_n of_o the_o promise_n it_o be_v true_a belong_v only_o to_o the_o elect_a and_o those_o who_o be_v inward_o call_v but_o the_o promise_n itself_o or_o the_o offer_n of_o the_o promise_n belong_v to_o all_o that_o be_v outward_o call_v in_o a_o word_n thou_o fear_v that_o the_o promise_n belong_v not_o to_o thou_o but_o the_o apostle_n bid_v thou_o fear_v lest_o a_o promise_n be_v leave_v unto_o thou_o or_o belong_v to_o thou_o that_o thou_o come_v short_a of_o it_o through_o unbelief_n heb._n 4.1_o and_o therefore_o let_v this_o rather_o be_v thy_o fear_n i_o mean_v care_n to_o prevent_v it_o but_o to_o go_v more_o succinct_o and_o clear_o to_o work_v with_o you_o you_o say_v you_o fear_v such_o gracious_a offer_n and_o promise_n do_v not_o belong_v to_o you_o and_o how_o shall_v you_o know_v that_o they_o do_v belong_v to_o you_o they_o be_v indefinite_a say_v you_o but_o not_o universal_a or_o general_a 1._o i_o propose_v to_o you_o that_o same_o place_n acts._n 2.29_o answer_v in_o direct_a term_n to_o your_o doubt_n you_o doubt_v whether_o it_o belong_v to_o you_o yes_o to_o you_o and_o to_o your_o seed_n and_o to_o as_o many_o as_o god_n shall_v call_v and_o the_o former_a place_n heb._n 4._o dos_n clear_v it_o that_o the_o promise_n be_v to_o those_o who_o come_v short_a of_o it_o the_o lord_n indeed_o offer_v that_o which_o in_o his_o foreknowledge_n he_o see_v will_v not_o be_v accept_v nor_o make_v use_n of_o and_o to_o who_o he_o purpose_n not_o to_o give_v that_o grace_n to_o make_v use_n of_o it_o for_o though_o he_o be_v not_o oblige_v yet_o the_o offer_v nevertheless_o be_v real_a and_o the_o refuser_n just_o punish_v 2._o ought_v you_o not_o to_o be_v content_a with_o that_o same_o measure_n of_o security_n wherewith_o all_o god_n child_n have_v be_v content_a and_o have_v repose_v and_o rest_v even_o from_o the_o begin_n and_o still_o unto_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n even_o the_o word_n of_o promise_n they_o have_v no_o other_o ground_n of_o faith_n nor_o security_n for_o their_o salvation_n than_o this_o same_o indefinite_a promise_n one_o say_v well_o it_o will_v have_v make_v too_o large_a a_o bible_n if_o all_o the_o name_n of_o the_o elect_a have_v be_v write_v therein_o be_v content_a therefore_o and_o be_v you_o follower_n of_o those_o who_o through_o faith_n and_o patience_n inherit_v the_o promise_n and_o do_v as_o they_o do_v they_o salute_v or_o embrace_v the_o promise_n meet_v they_o midway_n as_o it_o be_v and_o so_o take_v hold_v of_o they_o so_o shall_v you_o not_o withdraw_v from_o or_o keep_v back_o from_o they_o but_o run_v and_o meet_v they_o as_o it_o be_v and_o get_v unto_o they_o and_o have_v get_v they_o hold_v they_o fast_o with_o both_o thy_o arm_n and_o not_o faint_o lay_v hold_v on_o they_o 3._o i_o say_v thou_o be_v command_v to_o apply_v the_o general_a promise_n to_o thyself_o and_o therefore_o thou_o may_v be_v bold_a to_o do_v it_o and_o of_o necessity_n it_o belong_v unto_o thou_o 1_o john_n 5._o this_o be_v his_o commandment_n that_o thou_o believe_v in_o his_o son_n not_o only_o that_o thou_o believe_v the_o promise_n in_o general_n but_o also_o that_o thou_o believe_v in_o his_o son_n which_o imply_v application_n of_o the_o promise_n to_o thyself_o and_o so_o save_v faith_n now_o i_o reason_v thus_o the_o commandment_n do_v sure_o belong_v unto_o thou_o even_o all_o god_n commandment_n thou_o will_v not_o i_o hope_v exempt_v thyself_o from_o any_o of_o they_o but_o so_o it_o be_v that_o the_o commandment_n command_v thou_o to_o believe_v in_o his_o son_n therefore_o the_o promise_n belong_v to_o thou_o also_o further_o thou_o be_v threaten_v if_o thou_o believe_v not_o john_n 1._o and_o 3._o chap._n 4._o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n in_o scripture_n from_o who_o we_o shall_v learn_v to_o apply_v and_o who_o example_n if_o we_o follow_v we_o can_v err_v for_o he_o lead_v into_o all_o truth_n do_v not_o only_o apply_v the_o general_a and_o indefinite_a promise_n but_o even_o special_a promise_n so_o to_o speak_v make_v to_o the_o people_n of_o israel_n to_o the_o corinthian_n 2_o cor._n 6._o and_o 7._o chap_n yea_o even_o singular_a promise_n make_v to_o singular_a person_n as_o heb._n the_o last_o the_o promise_n make_v to_o josuah_n to_o all_o the_o hebrew_n now_o if_o the_o scripture_n thus_o teach_v we_o to_o apply_v special_a and_o singular_a promise_n make_v to_o a_o peculiar_a people_n to_o a_o singular_a person_n to_o ourselves_o all_o scripture_n be_v write_v for_o our_o use_n and_o conselation_n that_o through_o faith_n and_o hope_n etc._n etc._n and_o last_o i_o say_v let_v it_o be_v so_o that_o the_o promise_n be_v only_o indefinite_a in_o regard_n of_o all_o sort_n of_o person_n and_o condition_n yet_o i_o be_o sure_a there_o be_v one_o sort_n of_o person_n to_o who_o they_o be_v mere_o universal_a to_o wit_n the_o seek_v sensible_a
now_o will_v such_o person_n consider_v that_o these_o very_a condition_n be_v promise_v to_o be_v wrought_v in_o they_o and_o that_o so_o the_o lord_n have_v undertake_v to_o do_v they_o for_o we_o both_o his_o part_n and_o we_o and_o have_v undertake_v and_o promise_v that_o we_o shall_v believe_v repent_v fear_v love_n seek_v by_o prayer_n so_o that_o we_o have_v no_o more_o to_o do_v but_o by_o faith_n and_o patience_n to_o cleave_v unto_o it_o and_o to_o wait_v for_o the_o inherit_v of_o those_o precious_a promise_n when_o it_o shall_v please_v the_o lord_n to_o accomplish_v they_o unto_o we_o and_o in_o we_o what_o can_v be_v more_o comfortable_a than_o this_o it_o give_v rest_n to_o the_o soul_n and_o indeed_o be_v it_o not_o thus_o what_o shall_v be_v the_o excellency_n and_o comfort_n of_o the_o doctrine_n and_o tenor_n of_o the_o gospel_n for_o it_o be_v as_o hard_a and_o impossible_a as_o far_o without_o the_o compass_n of_o our_o power_n as_o be_v the_o tenor_n of_o the_o law_n it_o be_v as_o hard_a and_o impossible_a for_o we_o to_o believe_v and_o repent_v this_o be_v the_o condition_n and_o tenor_n of_o the_o gospel_n as_o it_o be_v to_o fulfil_v the_o whole_a law_n but_o herein_o stand_v the_o comfort_n of_o the_o gospel_n above_o the_o law_n of_o the_o new_a covenant_n above_o the_o old_a that_o the_o law_n promise_v upon_o condition_n but_o do_v not_o promise_v nor_o give_v strength_n to_o perform_v the_o condition_n whereas_o the_o gospel_n and_o new_a covenant_n not_o only_o promise_n upon_o condition_n but_o also_o promise_n and_o give_v strength_n to_o perform_v the_o condition_n itself_o to_o wit_n faith_n repentance_n the_o grace_n and_o gift_n of_o prayer_n the_o fear_n the_o love_n of_o god_n and_o these_o be_v the_o absolute_a promise_n hence_o it_o be_v that_o it_o be_v say_v heb._n 8._o to_o be_v establish_v upon_o better_a promise_n to_o wit_n because_o here_o in_o this_o new_a covenant_n the_o lord_n give_v unto_o we_o absolute_a promise_n not_o only_o upon_o condition_n but_o even_o the_o very_a condition_n itself_o promise_v not_o only_o to_o do_v his_o own_o part_n but_o our_o part_n also_o these_o be_v indeed_o better_a promise_n and_o hence_o be_v it_o that_o in_o the_o same_o place_n he_o say_v they_o abide_v not_o in_o that_o covenant_n to_o wit_n in_o the_o old_a covenant_n and_o why_o because_o they_o undertake_v fair_o for_o themselves_o we_o will_v do_v all_o that_o the_o lord_n command_v we_o but_o what_o say_v the_o lord_n know_v their_o weakness_n and_o the_o rather_o of_o their_o undertake_n o_o that_o there_o be_v such_o a_o heart_n within_o they_o but_o for_o this_o covenant_n it_o shall_v not_o be_v so_o with_o they_o for_o i_o will_v do_v their_o part_n also_o they_o shall_v abide_v in_o it_o they_o shall_v not_o depart_v from_o i_o i_o will_v write_v my_o law_n in_o their_o heart_n and_o hence_o be_v it_o that_o christ_n be_v the_o mediator_n of_o a_o better_a covenant_n this_o so_o main_a a_o point_n shall_v be_v more_o teach_v and_o more_o consider_v for_o it_o be_v the_o very_o uphold_v of_o a_o christian_a soul_n a_o notable_a encouragement_n in_o the_o course_n of_o sanctification_n for_o now_o thou_o have_v no_o more_o to_o do_v but_o to_o look_v careful_o what_o grace_n thou_o want_v and_o then_o to_o look_v for_o the_o promise_n of_o such_o a_o grace_n and_o have_v find_v the_o promise_n thou_o shall_v labour_v with_o all_o humility_n to_o believe_v it_o and_o then_o with_o that_o measure_n of_o faith_n that_o god_n bestow_v thou_o shall_v present_v thy_o daily_a petition_n to_o god_n in_o the_o name_n of_o jesus_n christ_n for_o that_o grace_n to_o be_v give_v unto_o thou_o out_o of_o the_o fullness_n of_o jesus_n by_o the_o operation_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n patient_o confident_o fervent_o and_o constant_o prosecute_a thy_o suit_n from_o day_n to_o day_n until_o the_o lord_n satisfy_v thou_o which_o he_o will_v not_o fail_v to_o do_v if_o thou_o thus_o continue_v only_o thou_o shall_v be_v careful_a to_o do_v these_o two_o thing_n to_o wit_n to_o believe_v and_o fervent_o to_o seek_v for_o these_o two_o the_o lord_n require_v open_v thy_o mouth_n wide_a and_o i_o will_v fill_v it_o psal_n 18.10_o to_o wit_n in_o a_o enlarge_a desire_n and_o 2._o by_o faith_n to_o receive_v it_o as_o i_o conceive_v it_o ezek._n 36.37_o i_o will_v yet_o for_o this_o be_v inquire_v of_o by_o the_o house_n of_o israel_n to_o do_v it_o for_o they_o this_o be_v subjoin_v to_o all_o these_o precious_a promise_n of_o the_o new_a covenant_n in_o that_o chapter_n so_o that_o it_o be_v not_o enough_o for_o we_o to_o have_v the_o promise_n but_o we_o must_v use_v the_o mean_n of_o earnest_a prayer_n and_o seek_v you_o receive_v not_o because_o you_o ask_v not_o at_o least_o not_o so_o fervent_o and_o upright_o as_o you_o shall_v the_o prayer_n of_o the_o faithful_a avail_n much_o if_o it_o be_v fervent_a if_o thou_o believe_v all_o thing_n be_v possible_a obj._n o_o but_o i_o fail_v in_o these_o two_o i_o can_v believe_v nor_o pray_v as_o i_o shall_v and_o therefore_o i_o fear_v to_o come_v short_a of_o these_o precious_a promise_n a._n indeed_o we_o fail_v all_o too_o much_o in_o the_o fervency_n of_o our_o seek_n and_o it_o be_v hard_o to_o believe_v miracle_n and_o wonder_n for_o so_o indeed_o be_v the_o performance_n of_o these_o promise_n whether_o it_o be_v the_o subdue_a of_o our_o strong_a fast_n hang_v on_o corruption_n or_o the_o supply_n of_o our_o want_n especial_o to_o those_o who_o be_v sensible_a either_o of_o the_o one_o or_o of_o the_o other_o and_o have_v continue_v long_o under_o such_o a_o sense_n o_o when_o shall_v i_o get_v such_o a_o corruption_n subdue_v when_o such_o a_o grace_n wrought_v not_o consider_v that_o god_n be_v able_a to_o do_v execede_v abundant_o above_o all_o that_o we_o be_v able_a to_o ask_v or_o think_v able_a to_o make_v all_o grace_n to_o abound_v towards_o we_o for_o his_o power_n and_o then_o for_o his_o willingness_n more_o willing_a to_o bestow_v than_o we_o be_v ready_a to_o seek_v give_v liberal_o to_o all_o and_o upbraid_v none_o counsel_v thou_o to_o come_v to_o he_o and_o get_v fine_a gold_n etc._n etc._n these_o be_v the_o two_o notable_a prop_n of_o thy_o faith_n in_o this_o point_n but_o for_o the_o point_n in_o hand_n thou_o can_v not_o come_v to_o believe_v nor_o to_o seek_v as_o thou_o shall_v and_o therefore_o thou_o fear_v thou_o shall_v come_v short_a of_o the_o promise_n even_o these_o two_o among_o the_o rest_n be_v promise_v to_o wit_n the_o grace_n of_o faith_n and_o the_o grace_n of_o prayer_n prayer_n be_v clear_o promise_v zach._n 12.10_o jer._n 29.12_o a_o sweet_a place_n also_o psal_n 10.17_o so_o rom._n 8.26_o faith_n be_v promise_v joh._n 12.32_o i_o will_v draw_v all_o man_n unto_o i_o this_o draw_v be_v cause_v they_o to_o believe_v for_o he_o be_v the_o author_n and_o finisher_n of_o our_o faith_n no_o man_n can_v come_v unto_o i_o unless_o the_o father_n draw_v he_o so_o psal_n 89.26_o he_o shall_v cry_v unto_o i_o thou_o be_v my_o father_n my_o god_n and_o the_o rock_n of_o my_o salvation_n so_o jer._n 3.19_o thou_o shall_v call_v i_o my_o father_n and_o shall_v not_o depart_v from_o i_o repentance_n be_v promise_v the_o godly_a sorrow_n zach._n 12.43_o turn_v with_o the_o whole_a heart_n jer._n 24.7_o the_o fear_n of_o god_n jer._n 32.39_o further_o in_o this_o covenant_n be_v promise_v what_o thy_o heart_n can_v wish_v for_o sanctification_n or_o for_o strengthen_v of_o thy_o faith_n and_o make_v thy_o call_n and_o election_n sure_a thou_o find_v and_o feel_v a_o hard_a and_o unsound_a heart_n the_o sinfulness_n of_o thy_o nature_n and_o this_o hold_v thou_o back_o from_o believe_v here_o a_o new_a heart_n be_v promise_v feel_v thou_o strong_a corruption_n i_o will_v cleanse_v you_o from_o all_o your_o filthiness_n etc._n etc._n thou_o feel_v and_o fear_v thy_o want_n of_o outward_a obedience_n it_o be_v promise_v also_o i_o will_v put_v my_o spirit_n within_o you_o etc._n etc._n and_o so_o we_o see_v it_o to_o be_v a_o absolute_a and_o complete_a covenant_n the_o lord_n in_o it_o undertake_v both_o for_o his_o own_o part_n and_o we_o and_o in_o it_o promise_v not_o only_o upon_o condition_n but_o even_o the_o very_a condition_n itself_o which_o be_v very_o comfortable_a to_o conclude_v then_o this_o point_n of_o the_o covenant_n go_v to_o then_o o_o thou_o of_o little_a faith_n what_o hinder_v thou_o to_o believe_v the_o remission_n of_o thy_o sin_n see_v the_o lord_n god_n have_v not_o only_o promise_v it_o to_o thou_o but_o even_o solemn_o covenant_v with_o thou_o and_o then_o have_v make_v with_o thou_o for_o it_o
a_o word_n they_o may_v know_v grosser_n sin_n but_o not_o lesser_a as_o we_o may_v see_v by_o christ_n interpretation_n of_o the_o law_n compare_v with_o that_o of_o the_o pharisee_n yea_o paul_n say_v i_o know_v not_o concupiscence_n to_o be_v sin_n but_o by_o the_o law_n the_o natural_a man_n light_n or_o sight_n of_o sin_n be_v like_o a_o ordinary_a light_n which_o discern_v gross_a palpable_a filthiness_n but_o will_v not_o discover_v moat_n but_o the_o spiritual_a man_n light_n be_v like_o the_o light_n of_o the_o sun_n which_o discover_v very_a moat_n which_o a_o ordinary_a light_n will_v not_o discover_v 2._o the_o spirit_n give_v to_o a_o man_n a_o sight_n of_o his_o gracelessness_n and_o want_n they_o see_v their_o faith_n love_n repentance_n fear_v to_o be_v weak_a i_o believe_v lord_n help_v my_o unbelief_n i_o love_v lord_n help_v my_o love_n lord_n increase_v our_o faith_n thus_o they_o be_v poor_a in_o spirit_n the_o wicked_a and_o natural_a man_n be_v not_o so_o but_o as_o it_o be_v to_o be_v see_v in_o the_o church_n of_o laodicea_n they_o think_v they_o have_v need_n of_o nothing_o so_o look_v to_o the_o ordinary_a course_n of_o man_n o_o why_o fear_v i_o not_o love_v i_o not_o god_n etc._n etc._n 3._o the_o spirit_n when_o he_o work_v he_o give_v to_o a_o man_n a_o sight_n of_o his_o unrighteousness_n even_o of_o the_o imperfection_n of_o his_o best_a action_n our_o righteousness_n be_v like_o a_o menstruous_a cloth_n say_v the_o prophet_n when_o you_o have_v do_v all_o that_o you_o can_v do_v say_v that_o you_o be_v unprofitable_a servant_n they_o know_v that_o the_o lord_n ponder_v the_o heart_n and_o they_o see_v so_o manifold_a imperfection_n defect_n corruption_n in_o their_o best_a action_n ●o_o that_o instead_o of_o merit_v by_o they_o they_o think_v it_o a_o mercy_n not_o to_o be_v punish_v for_o they_o their_o heart_n rest_v not_o till_o they_o fly_v to_o the_o righteousness_n which_o be_v by_o faith_n to_o he_o who_o have_v take_v upon_o he_o the_o iniquity_n of_o our_o holy_a thing_n who_o perfume_v the_o very_a prayer_n of_o his_o saint_n with_o the_o incense_n of_o his_o merit_n and_o intercession_n the_o ungodly_a not_o so_o the_o hypocrite_n please_v himself_o with_o the_o work_n do_v the_o form_n of_o godliness_n care_v not_o for_o the_o manner_n according_a to_o that_o the_o way_n of_o a_o man_n seem_v good_a in_o his_o own_o eye_n but_o the_o lord_n ponder_v the_o heart_n as_o the_o pharisee_fw-mi not_o only_o please_v but_o puff_v up_o with_o good_a service_n i_o fast_o twice_o in_o the_o week_n etc._n etc._n the_o papist_n think_v to_o merit_v no_o less_o than_o heaven_n by_o they_o and_o that_o to_o other_o now_o the_o application_n be_v easy_a 1._o for_o comfort_n first_o of_o all_o have_v thou_o get_v indeed_o a_o sight_n of_o thy_o sinfulness_n corruption_n of_o the_o flesh_n and_o spirit_n corruption_n of_o the_o several_a faculty_n of_o thy_o sinful_a nature_n so_o that_o from_o the_o heart_n &_o condiscend_v upon_o particular_n thou_o can_v say_v that_o thou_o a●●_n sinful_a o_o than_o thou_o be_v in_o case_n for_o the_o physician_n the_o whole_a need_v not_o the_o physician_n but_o these_o that_o be_v sick_a and_o ●ee_o their_o spiritual_a sickness_n thou_o be_v one_o who_o christ_n call_v i_o come_v not_o to_o call_v the_o righteous_a in_o their_o own_o eye_n but_o sinner_n to_o repentance_n that_o be_v that_o see_v themselves_o to_o be_v sinner_n be_v of_o good_a comfort_n behold_v he_o call_v thou_o 2._o have_v thou_o get_v a_o sight_n of_o thy_o own_o gracelessness_n and_o want_n o_o than_o thou_o be_v poor_a in_o spirit_n and_o so_o bless_v thou_o be_v in_o a_o better_a case_n than_o those_o of_o laodicea_n 3._o see_v thou_o the_o imperfection_n of_o thy_o best_a service_n thou_o be_v not_o like_o the_o natural_a man_n or_o hypocrite_n who_o content_v himself_o with_o the_o work_n do_v who_o 1._o ponder_v not_o the_o heart_n and_o therefore_o his_o way_n seem_v good_a in_o his_o own_o eye_n 2._o a_o token_n thou_o res●s_v not_o upon_o the_o form_n of_o godliness_n but_o do_v labour_v after_o the_o power_n 3._o thou_o worship_v in_o spirit_n and_o truth_n now_o for_o conviction_n o_o but_o thou_o who_o 1_o see_v not_o thy_o sinfulness_n and_o corruption_n may_v well_o for_o the_o fashion_n confess_v thyself_o to_o be_v a_o sinner_n but_o can_v not_o condescend_v to_o particular_n or_o if_o to_o any_o it_o be_v but_o to_o outward_a gross_a one_o which_o the_o natural_a mind_n may_v see_v but_o see_v not_o the_o whore_v of_o the_o heart_n unthankfulness_n impenitency_n etc._n etc._n 2._o thou_o who_o think_v that_o thou_o believe_v love_v fear_v sufficienly_a and_o do_v never_o find_v the_o weakness_n of_o these_o thou_o have_v not_o so_o much_o as_o attain_v to_o the_o very_a first_o degree_n of_o blessedness_n thou_o be_v not_o poor_a in_o spirit_n etc._n etc._n thou_o have_v not_o the_o very_a first_o work_n of_o the_o spirit_n thou_o have_v not_o get_v the_o eyesalve_n and_o three_o thou_o who_o find_v no_o fault_n with_o thy_o service_n for_o the_o manner_n of_o they_o when_o thou_o have_v do_v they_o no_o great_a difficulty_n to_o get_v they_o right_o perform_v when_o thou_o be_v about_o they_o 1._o thou_o i_o say_v pondere_v not_o the_o heart_n and_o therefore_o thy_o way_n seem_v good_a in_o thy_o own_o eye_n 2._o thou_o have_v but_o the_o form_n of_o godliness_n but_o want_v the_o power_n thereof_o 3._o thou_o worship_v not_o in_o spirit_n and_o truth_n but_o in_o show_n and_o in_o hypocrisy_n and_o draw_v ●eer_n with_o the_o lip_n etc._n etc._n ii_o the_o second_o mark_n of_o true_a humiliation_n and_o of_o that_o preparatory_a work_n of_o the_o spirit_n go_v before_o faith_n be_v from_o the_o sense_n of_o sin_n and_o of_o one_o own_o guiltiness_n and_o the_o fear_n of_o god_n justice_n anger_n threaten_n judgement_n against_o he_o for_o they_o fear_n go_v before_o faith_n the_o spirit_n of_o bondage_n before_o the_o spirit_n of_o adoption_n the_o lord_n he_o first_o put_v his_o fear_n in_o the_o heart_n of_o these_o in_o who_o he_o work_v effectual_o by_o his_o spirit_n even_o the_o fear_n of_o his_o justice_n for_o otherways_o they_o will_v never_o prize_v his_o mercy_n and_o the_o merit_n of_o his_o son_n they_o will_v never_o be_v humble_v for_o bypass_a sin_n to_o fly_v to_o the_o mercy_n of_o god_n and_o merit_n of_o christ_n for_o forgiveness_n and_o so_o can_v not_o be_v save_v according_a to_o that_o come_v unto_o i_o all_o that_o be_v weary_a and_o heavy_a lade_v as_o also_o that_o no_o man_n can_v come_v unto_o i_o unless_o the_o father_n draw_v he_o and_o also_o they_o will_v not_o stand_v in_o awe_n for_o time_n to_o come_v which_o be_v the_o other_o main_a end_n why_o the_o lord_n work_v this_o work_n of_o humiliation_n and_o fear_v in_o the_o heart_n of_o man_n according_a to_o that_o i_o will_v put_v my_o fear_n in_o their_o heart_n that_o they_o shall_v not_o depart_v from_o i_o see_v then_o if_o you_o have_v this_o fear_n which_o be_v a_o point_n of_o the_o covenant_n and_o so_o a_o token_n that_o one_o be_v in_o the_o covenant_n bless_a be_v the_o man_n that_o fear_v always_o but_o take_v heed_n that_o it_o be_v the_o true_a and_o constant_a fear_n of_o god_n speak_v of_o and_o promise_v in_o the_o covenant_n for_o even_o a_o wicked_a man_n may_v have_v some_o fear_n of_o commit_v sin_n and_o yet_o not_o the_o right_a fear_n now_o try_v it_o by_o the_o two_o mark_n in_o the_o word_n of_o the_o covenant_n 1._o if_o it_o be_v god_n fear_n i_o will_v put_v my_o fear_n 2._o if_o it_o be_v the_o constant_a fear_n of_o god_n and_o they_o shall_v not_o depart_v from_o i_o the_o wicked_a man_n i_o say_v he_o may_v have_v some_o fear_n of_o commit_v sin_n but_o this_o his_o fear_n 1._o be_v not_o the_o fear_n of_o god_n but_o the_o fear_n of_o man_n and_o therefore_o he_o stand_v not_o to_o commit_v small_a sin_n that_o man_n count_v small_a i_o mean_v as_o to_o ban_v swear_v be_v profane_a in_o discourse_n miscall_v his_o neighbour_n and_o he_o stand_v not_o also_o to_o commit_v secret_a sin_n entertain_v sin_n in_o his_o thought_n omit_v secret_a duty_n though_o both_o these_o be_v offensive_a to_o the_o lord_n who_o see_v not_o then_o that_o this_o his_o fear_n be_v a_o fear_n of_o man_n and_o not_o of_o god_n do_v thou_o commi●_n little_a sin_n do_v thou_o entertain_v any_o secret_a si●_n though_o but_o in_o thy_o thought_n thou_o have_v never_o have_v this_o fear_n which_o be_v a●m●ke_o go_v before_o faith_n then_o sh●ll_v i_o not_o be_v ashamed_a whe●_n i_o have_v respect_n to_o all_o thy_o commandment_n again_o a_o wicked_a man_n
drive_v we_o from_o infidelity_n so_o do_v they_o clear_o testify_v the_o lord_n great_a willingness_n to_o have_v poor_a sinner_n save_v which_o be_v also_o a_o great_a encouragement_n to_o believe_v for_o not_o only_o say_v the_o lord_n i_o will_v not_o the_o death_n of_o a_o sinner_n but_o here_o be_v our_o fault_n about_o this_o point_n of_o the_o lord_n willingness_n to_o save_v we_o we_o will_v not_o rest_v upon_o the_o lord_n reveal_v will_n as_o we_o ought_v to_o do_v but_o run_v to_o his_o secret_a will_n so_o weaken_v our_o confidence_n for_o which_o his_o revealed_z will_n afford_v we_o such_o plentiful_a ground_n and_o so_o needless_o perplex_v ourselves_o for_o secret_a it_o be_v and_o secret_a it_o must_v be_v we_o shall_v hold_v ourselves_o then_o to_o the_o lord_n reveal_v will_n and_o not_o pry_v into_o his_o secret_n this_o seem_v to_o be_v enjoin_v by_o these_o two_o place_n especial_o to_o wit_n deut._n 29._o v._n last_o secret_a thing_n belong_v to_o the_o lord_n but_o thing_n reveal_v to_o we_o and_o to_o our_o child_n even_o all_o the_o word_n of_o his_o law_n that_o we_o shall_v do_v they_o as_o also_o rom._n 10._o cite_v out_o of_o deut._n 30._o say_v not_o in_o thy_o hea●t_n who_o shall_v go_v up_o to_o heaven_n etc._n etc._n but_o what_o say_v it_o the_o word_n be_v nigh_o unto_o thou_o even_o in_o thy_o mouth_n and_o in_o thy_o heart_n even_o the_o word_n of_o faith_n which_o we_o preach_v so_o that_o in_o the_o point_n of_o our_o believe_a or_o persuasion_n concern_v our_o election_n and_o salvation_n or_o of_o the_o lord_n willingness_n to_o save_v we_o we_o shall_v not_o look_v to_o the_o secret_a will_n of_o god_n thus_o perplex_v ourselves_o but_o we_o shall_v betake_v we_o to_o god_n reveal_v will_n and_o word_n and_o that_o two_o way_n to_o wit_n 1._o to_o the_o word_n of_o faith_n rom._n 10._o or_o of_o promise_n cleave_v unto_o it_o for_o it_o be_v the_o ground_n and_o warrant_v of_o our_o faith_n 2._o to_o the_o word_n of_o the_o law_n deut._n 29._o thus_o make_v our_o call_n and_o election_n sure_a by_o well_o do_v and_o evidence_v to_o our_o own_o conscience_n the_o truth_n of_o our_o faith_n it_o work_v by_o love_n 2_o pet._n 2._o for_o if_o you_o do_v these_o thing_n entrance_n shall_v be_v minister_v unto_o you_o abundant_o etc._n etc._n will_v you_o then_o be_v wise_a to_o salvation_n this_o be_v the_o way_n of_o it_o the_o way_n to_o be_v save_v be_v to_o believe_v the_o word_n of_o promise_n whosoever_o believe_v in_o he_o shall_v not_o be_v ashamed_a the_o way_n to_o know_v if_o thou_o believe_v be_v by_o some_o effect_n of_o faith_n whosoever_o call_v upon_o the_o name_n of_o the_o lord_n shall_v be_v save_v look_v if_o thou_o be_v such_o a_o one_o both_o these_o two_o be_v set_v down_o in_o the_o former_a place_n rom._n 10._o this_o be_v also_o clear_a that_o such_o a_o course_n as_o this_o be_v to_o be_v take_v to_o leave_v the_o lord_n secret_a will_n and_o to_o hold_v we_o to_o his_o reveal_v will_v 2_o tim._n 2._o where_o the_o apostle_n say_v the_o lord_n foundation_n stand_v sure_a the_o lord_n know_v who_o be_v he_o q._n but_o you_o will_v say_v the_o lord_n know_v it_o be_v true_a who_o be_v his_o but_o how_o shall_v i_o know_v this_o also_o myself_o if_o i_o be_v one_o of_o he_o a._n this_o be_v his_o seal_n let_v he_o that_o love_v christ_n depart_v from_o iniquity_n try_v thyself_o by_o this_o his_o seal_n so_o then_o perplex_v not_o thyself_o with_o the_o lord_n secret_a will_n but_o 1_o believe_v thou_o the_o word_n of_o faith_n which_o be_v near_o unto_o thou_o then_o thy_o faith_n have_v save_v thou_o be_v of_o good_a comfort_n will_v thou_o again_o know_v whether_o thy_o faith_n be_v true_a see_v if_o thou_o call_v upon_o the_o name_n of_o the_o lord_n 2._o if_o thou_o depart_v from_o iniquity_n for_o than_o thou_o be_v a_o seal_a soul_n but_o if_o thou_o cast_v off_o fear_n and_o restraine_v prayer_n job_n 15._o then_o thou_o be_v not_o right_a a_o four_o notable_a mean_a and_o prop_n and_o seed_n of_o faith_n to_o obtain_v it_o and_o to_o strengthen_v it_o be_v the_o plentiful_a promise_n of_o mercy_n and_o forgiveness_n of_o sin_n set_v down_o unto_o we_o in_o the_o word_n even_o as_o the_o apostle_n call_v they_o exceed_o great_a and_o precious_a promise_n these_o well_o consider_v shall_v mighty_o strengthen_v our_o faith_n have_v we_o but_o the_o promise_n of_o a_o honest_a man_n for_o any_o business_n will_v we_o not_o rest_n and_o repose_v upon_o it_o and_o will_v it_o not_o breed_v in_o we_o and_o beget_v a_o great_a measure_n of_o assurance_n about_o the_o thing_n promise_v and_o shall_v we_o not_o then_o be_v make_v sure_a of_o this_o point_n of_o the_o remission_n of_o our_o sin_n by_o so_o many_o promise_n so_o often_o renew_v of_o the_o faithful_a and_o true_a god_n who_o be_v truth_n itself_o and_o not_o only_o will_v not_o but_o can_v lie_v as_o the_o apostle_n speak_v will_v we_o rest_v upon_o the_o word_n of_o a_o faithful_a man_n and_o will_v not_o we_o rest_v upon_o the_o write_a word_n of_o the_o true_a god_n so_o that_o we_o have_v both_o his_o word_n and_o his_o writ_n for_o it_o he_o be_v a_o god_n of_o truth_n so_o call_v by_o moses_n deut._n 32.4_o and_o 7._o v._o 9_o say_v emphatical_o know_v that_o the_o lord_n thy_o god_n be_v a_o faithful_a god_n who_o keep_v covenant_n and_o mercy_n he_o style_v himself_o abundant_a in_o truth_n exod._n 34._o great_a be_v his_o faithfulness_n and_o love_n who_o keep_v truth_n for_o ever_o psal_n 46._o he_o be_v a_o god_n of_o truth_n christ_n be_v call_v truth_n itself_o the_o way_n the_o truth_n and_o the_o life_n the_o faithful_a witness_n the_o holy_a ghost_n the_o spirit_n of_o truth_n the_o word_n of_o truth_n and_o shall_v we_o doubt_v of_o the_o performance_n of_o these_o promise_n no_o let_v we_o with_o sarah_n judge_v he_o faithful_a who_o have_v promise_v that_o so_o we_o may_v by_o faith_n also_o with_o she_o obtain_v the_o thing_n promise_v his_o truth_n shall_v be_v thy_o shield_n and_o buckler_n this_o may_v be_v sufficient_a for_o this_o mean_a but_o for_o the_o further_o stir_v up_o of_o our_o backward_a heart_n of_o unbelief_n to_o believe_v let_v we_o consider_v these_o two_o thing_n about_o the_o promise_n of_o forgiveness_n 1._o their_o pregnancy_n and_o pithinesse_n 2._o their_o largeness_n and_o extent_n 1._o then_o the_o promise_n of_o mercy_n and_o forgiveness_n of_o sin_n be_v very_o pregnant_a and_o pithy_a the_o more_o to_o persuade_v and_o win_v upon_o our_o untoward_a heart_n of_o unbelief_n for_o not_o only_o do_v the_o lord_n simple_o promise_v to_o pardon_v our_o iniquity_n but_o he_o promise_v to_o blot_v they_o out_o isa_n 43._o and_o col._n 3._o the_o same_o phrase_n be_v use_v to_o blot_v out_o the_o hand-writing_n of_o ordinance_n which_o be_v contrary_a unto_o we_o that_o he_o be_v not_o only_o content_a to_o give_v we_o a_o discharge_n of_o the_o debt_n of_o our_o sin_n but_o because_o that_o may_v seem_v not_o sure_a for_o that_o may_v haply_o be_v lose_v therefore_o he_o will_v destroy_v the_o bond_n itself_o that_o it_o be_v not_o bring_v forth_o against_o we_o even_o blot_v it_o out_o moreover_o lest_o blot_v out_o shall_v not_o seem_v sufficient_o sure_a for_o some_o letter_n may_v remain_v and_o the_o whole_a purpose_n may_v be_v take_v up_o by_o these_o few_o he_o have_v promise_v to_o wash_v away_o our_o sin_n ezek._n 36._o i_o will_v cleanse_v you_o from_o your_o filthiness_n etc._n etc._n isa_n 1._o i_o will_v make_v you_o as_o the_o wool_n further_o lest_o even_o after_o wash_v some_o stain_n shall_v remain_v in_o the_o three_o room_n he_o be_v say_v to_o cover_v our_o transgression_n psal_n 32._o as_o also_o 85._o o_o but_o will_v you_o say_v he_o have_v a_o pierce_a eye_n and_o will_v see_v through_o any_o cover_n therefore_o the_o scripture_n speak_v of_o his_o cast_v our_o sin_n behind_o his_o back_n that_o be_v out_o of_o his_o sight_n obj._n but_o you_o will_v say_v what_o can_v be_v see_v may_v yet_o be_v remember_v what_o can_v be_v see_v by_o the_o eye_n of_o the_o body_n may_v be_v see_v by_o the_o eye_n of_o the_o mind_n a._n this_o he_o promise_v and_o it_o be_v a_o part_n of_o the_o covenant_n that_o he_o will_v not_o remember_v our_o iniquity_n the_o word_n be_v very_o emphatical_a lest_o we_o shall_v think_v that_o fault_n once_o forget_v may_v be_v again_o call_v to_o memory_n therefore_o he_o say_v express_o i_o will_v remember_v their_o sin_n no_o more_o once_o forget_v and_o ever_o forget_v in_o that_o day_n the_o iniquity_n of_o jacob_n shall_v be_v seek_v for_o
civil_a action_n his_o pray_v be_v sin_n and_o so_o all_o his_o religion_n exercise_n yea_o every_o imagination_n of_o his_o heart_n be_v evil_a continual_o thus_o be_v it_o wi●h_v the_o person_n or_o ●_z that_o want_n faith_n 2._o again_o for_o temporal_a judgement_n though_o he_o may_v be_v for_o a_o time_n without_o they_o yet_o it_o be_v but_o for_o his_o further_a conviction_n and_o more_o fearful_a torment_n in_o the_o life_n to_o come_v nor_o be_v he_o sure_a of_o a_o freedom_n from_o they_o in_o this_o life_n they_o be_v hang_v over_o his_o head_n as_o it_o be_v by_o a_o hair_n he_o know_v not_o how_o soon_o they_o shall_v overtake_v he_o for_o they_o come_v sudden_o as_o travel_v on_o a_o woman_n with_o child_n as_o a_o whirlwind_n or_o as_o a_o inundation_n of_o water_n as_o the_o scripture_n express_v it_o he_o know_v not_o when_o the_o angel_n will_v pour_v out_o the_o vial_n of_o god_n wrath_n upon_o he_o yea_o the_o angel_n may_v have_v the_o sword_n already_o draw_v though_o he_o like_o blind_a balaam_n do_v not_o see_v it_o and_o then_o last_o for_o eternal_a judgement_n when_o this_o life_n shall_v have_v a_o end_n which_o may_v be_v in_o a_o moment_n there_o be_v nothing_o attend_v he_o but_o instant_o utter_v darkness_n where_o there_o be_v weep_v and_o gnash_n of_o tooth_n everlasting_a burn_n the_o lake_n that_o burn_v with_o fire_n and_o brimstone_n everlasting_a fi●e_n prepare_v for_o the_o devil_n and_o his_o angel_n mat._n 25_o 41._o revel_v 21._o this_o be_v the_o doleful_a and_o dreadful_a condition_n of_o the_o person_n that_o want_v true_a faith_n which_o consideration_n alone_o may_v serve_v to_o awaken_v we_o out_o of_o our_o security_n and_o to_o stir_v we_o up_o without_o delay_n with_o all_o diligence_n to_o prove_v &_o try_v whither_o we_o be_v in_o the_o faith_n or_o not_o but_o for_o your_o further_a stir_v up_o ii_o in_o the_o second_o place_n consider_v how_o that_o notwithstanding_o the_o case_n of_o these_o that_o want_v this_o true_a save_a faith_n be_v most_o lamentable_a yet_o nevertheless_o there_o be_v but_o very_a few_o that_o either_o have_v or_o shall_v have_v this_o precious_a jewel_n of_o faith_n unfeigned_a this_o to_o be_v true_a the_o scripture_n the_o ground_n of_o all_o truth_n make_v clear_o good_a many_o be_v call_v and_o few_o choose_v straight_a and_o narrow_a be_v the_o way_n that_o lead_v to_o life_n &_o few_o there_o be_v that_o enter_v therein_o christ_n when_o he_o shall_v come_v shall_v scarce_o find_v faith_n on_o the_o earth_n this_o serious_o consider_v will_v make_v man_n look_v more_o narrow_o to_o themselves_o than_o they_o do_v iii_o to_o stir_v you_o up_o yet_o further_o to_o this_o trial_n consider_v that_o notwithstanding_o the_o scripture_n be_v clear_a in_o this_o point_n that_o true_a faith_n belong_v to_o very_a few_o yet_o every_o one_o think_v he_o have_v it_o whereby_o alas_o it_o be_v most_o evident_a by_o compare_v the_o truth_n of_o scripture_n with_o the_o opinion_n of_o man_n that_o the_o most_o part_n be_v pitiful_o deceive_v in_o this_o matter_n of_o high_a concernment_n and_o that_o the_o faith_n of_o most_o man_n be_v but_o a_o fantasy_n and_o sure_o there_o be_v nothing_o more_o incident_a to_o we_o then_o presumption_n &_o that_o by_o reason_n of_o the_o blindness_n which_o be_v in_o our_o mind_n the_o deceitfulness_n of_o our_o heart_n and_o that_o self-love_n which_o be_v in_o our_o affection_n as_o be_v to_o be_v see_v in_o the_o pharisee_fw-mi the_o laodicean_n yea_o in_o those_o who_o preach_v prophesy_v and_o wrought_v miracle_n in_o christ_n name_n which_o be_v fearful_a yea_o the_o very_a gross_a sinner_n think_v they_o true_o believe_v which_o be_v strange_a and_o show_v the_o great_a power_n of_o presumption_n q._n i_o grant_v you_o that_o all_o this_o shall_v stir_v we_o up_o to_o be_v about_o this_o present_a duty_n of_o try_v whether_o we_o be_v in_o the_o faith_n or_o not_o and_o that_o both_o diligent_o and_o due_o lest_o we_o be_v deceive_v with_o so_o many_o other_o and_o also_o without_o delay_n the_o point_n be_v of_o so_o great_a consequence_n and_o our_o life_n of_o so_o short_a and_o uncertain_a continuance_n and_o not_o to_o be_v at_o a_o point_n in_o a_o point_n of_o such_o importance_n which_o betoken_v wonderful_a security_n madness_n yea_o spiritual_a deadness_n tell_v i_o therefore_o i_o pray_v you_o some_o of_o the_o clear_a and_o sure_a mark_n of_o faith_n that_o i_o may_v try_v myself_o thereby_o a._n for_o your_o better_a remember_v of_o they_o you_o may_v take_v they_o up_o in_o 3._o sort_n to_o wit_n they_o be_v either_o take_v from_o these_o thing_n which_o go_v before_o faith_n or_o from_o these_o thing_n that_o accompany_v faith_n or_o from_o these_o thing_n that_o follow_v after_o it_o from_o the_o antecedent_n from_o the_o concomitant_n and_o from_o the_o effect_n or_o consequent_n q._n what_o be_v the_o mark_n that_o go_v before_o faith_n a._n first_o of_o all_o in_o the_o general_a where_o the_o lord_n have_v a_o purpose_n to_o work_v true_a faith_n in_o the_o heart_n of_o any_o before_o it_o he_o work_v in_o they_o that_o preparatorie_n and_o groundwork_n of_o humiliation_n in_o the_o soul_n and_o consequent_o a_o very_a sensible_a change_n a_o work_n indeed_o painful_a &_o not_o joyous_a for_o the_o present_a but_o most_o necessary_a for_o those_o who_o be_v dead_a in_o sin_n and_o trespass_n as_o all_o by_o nature_n be_v this_o he_o do_v by_o send_v his_o spirit_n according_a to_o his_o promise_n thereby_o to_o convince_v they_o of_o their_o sinfulness_n guiltiness_n and_o want_n john_n 16.8_o and_o it_o be_v usual_o call_v the_o spirit_n of_o bondage_n rom._n 8._o v._n 15._o now_o this_o work_n of_o humiliation_n i_o say_v be_v a_o very_a sensible_a work_n and_o make_v a_o great_a and_o a_o sensible_a change_n in_o the_o soul_n for_o it_o put_v a_o stir_n in_o the_o soul_n &_o a_o awaken_n in_o the_o conscience_n which_o before_o be_v dead_a in_o sin_n and_o trespass_n &_o so_o need_v some_o strong_a alarm_n it_o be_v the_o very_a pain_n and_o pang_n of_o the_o new_a birth_n which_o can_v choose_v but_o be_v both_o painful_a and_o sensible_a it_o be_v the_o cast_v out_o of_o the_o strong_a man_n who_o although_o while_o he_o hold_v the_o house_n all_o thing_n be_v at_o peace_n yet_o will_v not_o be_v cast_v out_o without_o sensible_a unquietness_n see_v then_o the_o change_n be_v great_a and_o sensible_a see_v and_o consider_v if_o ever_o thou_o have_v find_v any_o such_o change_n in_o thy_o soul_n or_o not_o qu._n but_o what_o be_v the_o particular_a change_n that_o be_v wrought_v upon_o a_o man_n by_o this_o work_n of_o humiliation_n a._n they_o be_v many_o but_o these_o three_o chief_o as_o both_o scripture_n and_o the_o experience_n of_o god_n own_o child_n do_v testify_v i._o the_o first_o great_a change_n that_o be_v wrought_v upon_o a_o man_n in_o the_o work_n of_o humiliation_n be_v by_o reason_n of_o the_o 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and_o shall_v not_o be_v find_v a_o sweet_a place_n micah_n the_o last_o he_o will_v cast_v they_o into_o the_o depth_n of_o the_o sea_n psal_n 103._o as_o far_o as_o the_o east_n be_v from_o the_o west_n so_o far_o have_v he_o remove_v our_o transgressiens_n from_o we_o we_o be_v not_o to_o think_v that_o it_o be_v for_o nought_o that_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n use_v so_o many_o so_o different_a and_o so_o emphatical_a phrase_n even_o because_o all_o be_v little_a enough_o to_o bear_v up_o a_o cast-down_a soul_n and_o to_o make_v it_o fasten_v upon_o the_o promise_n and_o our_o heart_n be_v as_o weak_a powder_n whereinto_o many_o spark_n may_v light_v that_o some_o one_o of_o they_o at_o least_o may_v kindle_v the_o fire_n of_o faith_n at_o least_o raise_v the_o smoke_n thereof_o now_o the_o lord_n will_v not_o quench_v the_o smoke_a flax_n but_o blow_v upon_o it_o by_o his_o spirit_n q._n these_o be_v indeed_o very_o pregnant_a exceed_a great_a and_o precious_a promise_n be_v i_o 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