the_o comforter_n or_o a_o comfortable_a treatise_n wherein_o be_v contain_v many_o reason_n take_v out_o of_o the_o word_n to_o assure_v the_o forgiune_n of_o sin_n to_o the_o conscience_n that_o be_v trouble_v with_o the_o feel_n thereof_o together_o with_o the_o temptation_n of_o satan_n to_o the_o contrary_a take_v from_o experience_n write_v by_o john_n freeman_n sometime_o minister_v of_o the_o word_n in_o lewes_n in_o sussex_n at_o london_n print_v for_o edw._n white_a and_o be_v to_o be_v sell_v at_o his_o shop_n at_o the_o little_a north_n door_n of_o paul_n at_o the_o sign_n of_o the_o gun_n 1606._o to_o the_o worshipful_a and_o his_o very_a good_a friend_n master_n george_n goring_n the_o elder_a m._n george_n goring_n the_o young_a his_o son_n m._n harbart_n pelham_n m._n william_n morley_n m._n john_n shurley_n m._n robert_n chester_n m._n richard_n shelley_n m._n henry_n bowyer_n together_o with_o the_o whole_a congregation_n of_o lewis_n john_n freeman_n wish_v grace_n &_o peace_n from_o god_n the_o father_n and_o from_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n tvllie_n have_v entreat_v much_o of_o old_a age_n know_v not_o what_o fit_a man_n to_o choose_v to_o commit_v his_o writing_n unto_o than_o titus_n pomponius_n atticus_n a_o man_n well_o strike_v in_o age_n and_o have_v compile_v a_o treatise_n of_o friend_n ship_n he_o pick_v out_o the_o same_o atticus_n a_o man_n full_a of_o friendship_n to_o send_v the_o same_o unto_o alwaiâ—_n choose_v pratron_n according_a to_o the_o matter_n not_o much_o unlike_a unto_o luke_n the_o evangelist_n who_o write_v of_o the_o thing_n of_o god_n choose_v out_o theophilus_n that_o be_v a_o friend_n of_o god_n as_o a_o most_o meet_a man_n to_o write_v unto_o so_o i_o have_v according_a to_o my_o weakness_n write_v something_o of_o comfort_n have_v find_v none_o more_o meet_a unto_o who_o to_o dedicate_v my_o writing_n than_o your_o worship_n at_o who_o hand_n myself_o have_v receive_v as_o i_o must_v still_o acknowledge_v exceed_v much_o comfort_n for_o who_o ought_v to_o have_v more_o interest_n in_o comfort_n than_o the_o comforter_n and_o what_o fit_a patroness_n of_o comfort_n can_v a_o man_n imagine_v to_o find_v than_o the_o author_n &_o father_n thereof_o for_o this_o cause_n therefore_o have_v i_o make_v choice_n of_o your_o worship_n and_o of_o your_o brethren_n belove_v in_o the_o lord_n as_o of_o all_o man_n most_o meet_a to_o commit_v these_o my_o writing_n unto_o and_o this_o the_o rather_o have_v i_o do_v as_o on_o the_o one_o side_n in_o regard_n of_o myself_o to_o who_o there_o be_v nothing_o more_o dear_a or_o more_o due_a than_o to_o recompense_v spiritual_a for_o temporal_a thing_n that_o you_o which_o have_v sow_v temporal_a may_v if_o there_o be_v any_o in_o i_o receive_v from_o i_o spiritual_a comfort_n that_o thus_o you_o see_v a_o harvest_n of_o your_o corn_n fruit_n of_o your_o labour_n comfort_v to_o spring_v of_o your_o comfort_n &_o mercy_n of_o your_o mercy_n that_o be_v the_o riches_n of_o the_o treasure_n of_o the_o mercy_n of_o god_n open_v unto_o you_o for_o the_o merciful_a use_n of_o your_o riches_n may_v not_o think_v that_o either_o you_o plough_v the_o barren_a sand_n or_o sow_v in_o a_o reprove_v field_n which_o bring_v forth_o nothing_o but_o thorn_n or_o brier_n be_v therefore_o as_o some_o thought_n near_o to_o the_o fire_n so_o on_o the_o other_o side_n in_o a_o more_o especial_a regard_n of_o yourselves_o to_o who_o the_o lord_n have_v in_o a_o more_o plentiful_a manner_n open_v the_o treasure_n of_o his_o hide_a riches_n insomuch_o that_o you_o be_v fill_v therewith_o i_o therefore_o have_v labour_v it_o lie_v in_o you_o that_o i_o may_v say_v i_o hope_v not_o in_o vain_a that_o you_o may_v also_o abound_v with_o spiritual_a and_o inward_a comfort_n that_o thus_o you_o be_v comfort_v in_o body_n and_o comfort_v in_o soul_n comfort_v outward_o and_o comfort_v inward_o abound_v in_o heavenly_a and_o earthly_a comfort_n in_o the_o honest_a comfort_n of_o the_o flesh_n and_o the_o glorious_a comfort_n of_o the_o spirit_n may_v want_v nothing_o that_o may_v be_v for_o your_o sound_a comfort_n especial_o for_o your_o spiritual_a comfort_n without_o the_o which_o all_o earthly_a comfort_n be_v vain_a and_o fruitless_a for_o what_o shall_v it_o profit_v a_o man_n to_o be_v comfort_v in_o body_n &_o afflict_v in_o soul_n to_o have_v the_o comfort_n of_o the_o flesh_n and_o to_o want_v the_o comfort_n of_o the_o spirit_n to_o live_v as_o dives_fw-la delicious_o and_o be_v clothe_v in_o purple_a if_o after_o this_o life_n he_o shall_v be_v torment_v with_o dives_fw-la in_o that_o flame_n what_o shall_v it_o benefit_v a_o man_n to_o eat_v the_o fat_a and_o drink_v the_o sweet_a to_o be_v feed_v with_o the_o kidney_n of_o the_o wheat_n to_o eat_v the_o honey_n of_o the_o rock_n the_o calf_n of_o the_o stall_n the_o lamb_n of_o the_o fold_n to_o drink_v wine_n in_o bowl_n to_o have_v instrument_n of_o music_n like_a unto_o david_n to_o stretch_v himself_o upon_o his_o ivory_n bed_n and_o after_o this_o life_n to_o have_v fire_n &_o brimstone_n storm_n and_o tempest_n for_o to_o drink_v &_o to_o have_v his_o portion_n in_o that_o lake_n that_o burn_v with_o fire_n and_o brimstone_n which_o be_v the_o second_o death_n what_o shall_v it_o profit_v a_o man_n to_o have_v achabs_n life_n with_o achabs_n death_n hamans_n glory_n with_o hanans_n shame_n david_n music_n with_o saules_n misery_n s_z prosperity_n with_o cain_n adversity_n darius_n his_o kingdom_n with_o judas_n hellish_a pain_n nay_o how_o be_v it_o possible_a that_o that_o man_n shall_v have_v much_o comfort_n in_o body_n that_o have_v none_o in_o soul_n and_o what_o sound_a comfort_n can_v a_o man_n take_v in_o this_o life_n even_o in_o the_o midst_n of_o his_o cheer_n his_o wife_n and_o his_o woman_n his_o vessel_n of_o gold_n and_o of_o silver_n if_o he_o shall_v with_o baltasher_n dan._n 7._o see_v the_o hand_n of_o god_n write_v against_o he_o that_o fearful_a sentence_n mene_n mene_n tekel_n vphursin_n that_o be_v the_o lord_n have_v weigh_v thou_o in_o the_o balance_n &_o have_v find_v thou_o too_o light_a and_o therefore_o shall_v have_fw-mi e_z as_o the_o rich_a man_n in_o the_o gospel_n that_o say_v of_o the_o lord_n unto_o he_o thou_o fool_n this_o night_n shall_v they_o that_o be_v the_o devil_n fetch_v away_o thy_o soul_n from_o thou_o &_o than_o who_o shall_v these_o be_v that_o thou_o possesse_v my_o labour_n therefore_o be_v that_o with_o a_o good_a feast_n you_o may_v have_v a_o continual_a feast_n that_o be_v a_o good_a conscience_n that_o in_o youâ—_n good_a cheer_n you_o may_v be_v of_o good_a cheer_n in_o the_o lord_n that_o you_o may_v eat_v of_o the_o fat_a calf_n that_o immaculate_a and_o paschal_n lamb_n jesus_n christ_n that_o his_o blood_n may_v be_v your_o drink_n and_o his_o body_n your_o meat_n that_o his_o righteousness_n may_v be_v put_v upon_o you_o as_o that_o armour_n of_o light_n &_o that_o wedding_n garment_n full_a of_o glory_n that_o you_o may_v eat_v that_o hide_a manna_n and_o drink_v those_o water_n of_o life_n of_o which_o whosoever_o drink_v shall_v never_o hunger_n nor_o thirst_n more_o that_o christ_n that_o knock_v at_o the_o door_n be_v not_o shut_v out_o of_o the_o gate_n but_o that_o he_o may_v come_v in_o and_o sup_v with_o you_o so_o that_o you_o eat_v with_o he_o of_o his_o myrrh_n with_o his_o spice_n of_o his_o honey_n comb_n with_o his_o honey_n and_o drink_v his_o wine_n with_o his_o milk_n may_v hear_v those_o often_o cheering_n and_o welcome_n of_o the_o lord_n be_v at_o one_o table_n with_o he_o say_v eat_v oh_o my_o friend_n drink_n &_o be_v drunken_a oh_o my_o belove_a that_o so_o you_o may_v not_o see_v the_o hand_n write_v against_o you_o upon_o the_o wall_n but_o fasten_v on_o the_o cross_n &_o may_v not_o hear_v that_o fearful_a voice_n thou_o fool_n this_o night_n shall_v they_o fetch_v away_o thy_o soul_n from_o thou_o but_o that_o comfortable_a say_n of_o christ_n son_n thy_o sin_n be_v forgive_v thou_o without_o the_o fâ—ll_a persuasion_n whereof_o i_o do_v not_o a_o little_a marâ—ell_n how_o it_o be_v possible_a for_o any_o man_n to_o take_v pleasure_n &_o comfort_n in_o any_o earthly_a thing_n for_o even_o this_o one_o bone_n to_o gnaw_v upon_o may_v occupy_v they_o so_o that_o they_o shall_v have_v little_a pleasure_n or_o leisure_n to_o eat_v of_o their_o dainty_a dish_n &_o this_o one_o doubt_n of_o the_o mercy_n of_o god_n may_v be_v like_a unto_o damacles_n sword_n which_o hang_v over_o their_o head_n as_o by_o a_o horse_n hair_n may_v make_v they_o to_o take_v little_a pleasure_n in_o the_o variety_n of_o their_o meat_n in_o the_o point_n of_o music_n in_o the_o
grace_n of_o god_n and_o a_o singular_a virtue_n create_v in_o thou_o by_o the_o spirit_n consist_v between_o two_o extreme_n despair_n on_o the_o one_o side_n and_o sencelesnesse_n on_o the_o other_o side_n and_o also_o that_o even_o this_o thy_o as_o it_o seem_v servile_a fear_n be_v that_o spirit_n of_o bondage_n to_o fear_n which_o be_v mention_v in_o the_o eight_o to_o the_o roman_n that_o be_v that_o fruit_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n wrought_v in_o thou_o to_o bring_v thou_o to_o the_o true_a fear_n of_o god_n which_o be_v as_o the_o holy_a ghost_n bear_v witness_v the_o very_a fountain_n and_o offspring_n of_o wisdom_n and_o that_o therefore_o this_o sorrow_n and_o fear_v be_v but_o those_o foundation_n or_o ground_n work_v upon_o the_o which_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n who_o workmanship_a now_o thou_o be_v in_o jesus_n christ_n will_v build_v the_o other_o grace_n of_o god_n even_o sanctification_n that_o be_v righteousness_n &_o true_a holiness_n the_o fruit_n whereof_o as_o the_o apostle_n james_n tell_v we_o be_v sow_v in_o peace_n &_o spiritual_a comfort_n with_o the_o fullness_n of_o god_n and_o of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n which_o be_v once_o feel_v after_o thy_o sorrow_n will_v make_v thou_o sing_v a_o psalm_n of_o thanksgiving_n unto_o the_o lord_n and_o make_v thou_o to_o rejoice_v with_o joy_n unspeakable_a for_o the_o end_n of_o godly_a sorrow_n be_v joy_n in_o the_o spirit_n &_o comfort_n in_o the_o holy_a ghost_n after_o peter_n tear_n ensue_v the_o fullness_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n david_n that_o in_o one_o place_n complain_v that_o his_o sin_n be_v continual_o before_o his_o face_n and_o go_v over_o his_o head_n as_o a_o burden_n too_o heavy_a for_o he_o to_o bear_v in_o another_o psalm_n address_v himself_o to_o sing_v of_o the_o mercy_n and_o justice_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o to_o extol_v his_o long_a patience_n &_o love_a kindness_n the_o jew_n that_o by_o the_o preach_n of_o peter_n be_v prick_v in_o conscience_n be_v afterward_o by_o the_o same_o peter_n baptize_v to_o the_o remission_n of_o their_o sin_n the_o jailor_n that_o have_v draw_v out_o his_o sword_n to_o kill_v himself_o withal_o be_v after_o comfort_v by_o paul_n and_o rejoice_v that_o he_o with_o his_o whole_a household_n believe_v in_o god_n and_o to_o conclude_v what_o one_o man_n have_v there_o ever_o be_v that_o right_o sorrow_a for_o his_o sin_n that_o have_v not_o find_v his_o sorrow_n to_o be_v turn_v into_o joy_n and_o his_o mourning_n into_o comfort_n comfort_v thyself_o therefore_o with_o their_o comfort_n and_o so_o make_v thyself_o partaker_n of_o their_o comfort_n know_v this_o that_o the_o lord_n that_o have_v give_v thou_o wine_n to_o glad_v thy_o heart_n oil_n to_o make_v thou_o have_v a_o cheerful_a countenance_n sweet_a flower_n to_o delight_v thy_o sense_n music_n to_o refresh_v thy_o mind_n general_o to_o speak_v in_o a_o word_n manifold_a comfort_n for_o thy_o body_n be_v as_o rich_a in_o the_o comfort_n of_o the_o spirit_n which_o he_o will_v as_o rich_o in_o his_o time_n appoint_v shed_v into_o thy_o heart_n by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n the_o knowledge_n whereof_o may_v be_v a_o good_a step_n to_o the_o attain_n of_o that_o spiritual_a comfort_n that_o thou_o desire_v and_o thirste_a after_n for_o to_o a_o sick_a man_n it_o be_v even_o health_n itself_o to_o know_v that_o his_o disease_n be_v curable_a &_o that_o there_o be_v remedy_n enough_o for_o the_o same_o but_o as_o it_o be_v not_o enough_o to_o know_v that_o there_o be_v a_o salve_n for_o his_o sore_n except_o he_o know_v the_o confection_n and_o the_o same_o be_v apply_v so_o in_o this_o disease_n of_o the_o soul_n i_o mean_v despair_n it_o be_v not_o sufficient_a to_o know_v that_o there_o be_v a_o remedy_n except_o the_o same_o be_v apply_v according_o the_o one_o which_o be_v to_o apply_v the_o remedy_n i_o commit_v to_o the_o work_n of_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n and_o to_o thy_o own_o care_n and_o desire_v of_o peace_n and_o ease_n the_o other_o which_o be_v to_o describe_v the_o comfort_n i_o will_v by_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n labour_n in_o and_o herein_o i_o will_v describe_v those_o particular_n only_o which_o myself_o know_v to_o have_v be_v profitable_a unto_o other_o that_o have_v be_v as_o thou_o be_v afflict_v the_o 2._o chapter_n in_o the_o first_o part_n whereof_o be_v set_v down_o the_o express_a pomise_n of_o god_n concern_v the_o free_a forgiveness_n of_o sin_n and_o in_o the_o late_a be_v declare_v first_o that_o the_o same_o promise_n of_o merâ—y_n be_v deliver_v unto_o we_o in_o the_o word_n of_o god_n then_o that_o they_o be_v bind_v by_o his_o oath_n three_o that_o they_o be_v also_o bind_v by_o his_o indenture_n of_o covenant_n and_o last_o that_o they_o be_v confirm_v by_o two_o visible_a sign_n &_o token_n in_o stead_n of_o wonder_n to_o wit_n baptism_n and_o the_o supper_n of_o the_o lord_n the_o fi_fw-la st_o section_n first_o therefore_o i_o will_v that_o thou_o may_v not_o rely_v upon_o the_o uncertainty_n of_o man_n but_o the_o unchaungeable_a truth_n of_o god_n set_v thou_o down_o those_o express_a promise_n of_o god_n concern_v the_o free_a forgiveness_n of_o thy_o sin_n that_o the_o scripture_n most_o evident_o &_o plentiful_o for_o the_o most_o part_n in_o every_o one_o of_o the_o prophet_n afford_v as_o namely_o in_o the_o 18._o of_o ezekiel_n where_o the_o lord_n express_o promise_v that_o if_o the_o wicked_a will_v return_v from_o his_o sin_n that_o he_o have_v commit_v and_o keep_v all_o his_o statute_n and_o do_v the_o thing_n that_o be_v lawful_a and_o right_a that_o he_o shall_v sure_o live_v and_o shall_v not_o die_v and_o that_o all_o his_o transgression_n that_o he_o have_v commit_v shall_v not_o be_v mention_v unto_o he_o but_o in_o his_o righteousness_n that_o he_o have_v do_v he_o shall_v live_v and_o again_o in_o his_o 33_o chapter_n the_o lord_n by_o the_o mouth_n of_o the_o same_o prophet_n promise_v that_o if_o the_o wicked_a turn_n from_o his_o sin_n none_o of_o his_o sin_n that_o he_o have_v commit_v shall_v evermore_o be_v mention_v unto_o he_o and_o this_o be_v that_o also_o which_o be_v promise_v by_o the_o lord_n by_o the_o mouth_n of_o his_o prophet_n jeremie_n in_o his_o 33_o chap._n to_o all_o they_o that_o repent_v who_o promise_v that_o he_o will_v cleanse_v they_o from_o all_o their_o iniquity_n whereby_o they_o sin_v against_o he_o yea_o that_o he_o will_v pardon_v all_o their_o iniquity_n whereby_o they_o have_v sin_v against_o he_o and_o whereby_o they_o have_v rebel_v against_o he_o and_o this_o be_v yet_o further_o confirm_v by_o the_o mouth_n of_o the_o prophet_n esay_n who_o in_o his_o 43._o chapter_n bring_v in_o the_o lord_n himself_o speak_v after_o the_o same_o manner_n and_o say_v i_o even_o i_o be_o he_o that_o put_v away_o thy_o iniquity_n for_o my_o own_o sake_n and_o will_v not_o remember_v thy_o sin_n any_o more_o and_o again_o in_o his_o 44._o chapter_n he_o say_v i_o have_v put_v away_o thy_o transgression_n like_o a_o cloud_n and_o thy_o sin_n as_o a_o mist_n turn_v unto_o i_o for_o i_o have_v redeem_v thou_o infinite_a be_v those_o promise_n of_o the_o lord_n that_o be_v lively_a and_o in_o every_o one_o of_o the_o prophet_n even_o as_o many_o as_o have_v write_v from_o moses_n &_o from_o thence_o forward_o and_o that_o oftentimes_o express_v all_o which_o it_o shall_v be_v needless_a to_o repeat_v these_o few_o in_o stead_n of_o all_o the_o rest_n may_v suffice_v to_o show_v unto_o thou_o that_o the_o lord_n have_v pass_v his_o promise_n to_o pass_v by_o thy_o sin_n and_o to_o forgive_v thy_o offence_n &_o trasgression_n the_o consideration_n whereof_o may_v be_v a_o strong_a and_o infallible_a comfort_n unto_o thy_o conscience_n know_v that_o the_o lord_n that_o have_v promise_v be_v able_a by_o reason_n of_o his_o power_n to_o who_o it_o only_o appertain_v to_o forgive_v sin_n &_o be_v willing_a by_o reason_n of_o his_o promise_n to_o perform_v it_o for_o we_o be_v not_o to_o set_v the_o lord_n before_o our_o eye_n ae_z those_o vain_a man_n of_o the_o world_n that_o promise_v more_o than_o they_o be_v able_a to_o accomplish_v or_o as_o those_o deceitful_a man_n which_o be_v in_o the_o balance_n be_v light_a than_o vanity_n itself_o who_o make_v a_o face_n but_o have_v no_o heart_n make_v a_o offer_n but_o have_v no_o purpose_n to_o perform_v that_o which_o they_o promise_v for_o who_o have_v ever_o put_v his_o trust_n in_o the_o lord_n and_o go_v away_o confound_v who_o have_v ever_o rely_v upon_o the_o lord_n and_o the_o lord_n lie_v upon_o he_o who_o have_v ever_o depend_v upon_o he_o &_o do_v not_o by_o experience_n find_v that_o it_o be_v better_a to_o trust_v in_o the_o
sin_n commit_v against_o his_o glorious_a majesty_n so_o that_o it_o be_v the_o property_n of_o mercy_n to_o respect_v misery_n and_o god_n be_v rich_a in_o mercy_n even_o the_o god_n of_o all_o mercy_n &_o the_o father_n of_o all_o comfort_n and_o consolation_n who_o mercy_n reach_v unto_o the_o heaven_n and_o his_o faithfulness_n unto_o the_o cloud_n we_o may_v no_o less_o true_o then_o bold_o infer_v that_o as_o it_o be_v natural_a for_o the_o fire_n to_o give_v heat_n or_o the_o sun_n to_o give_v light_n so_o be_v it_o natural_a for_o god_n to_o forgive_v thy_o sin_n and_o thy_o offence_n and_o as_o the_o fire_n give_v thou_o heat_n and_o be_v not_o move_v as_o the_o sun_n give_v thou_o light_n and_o be_v not_o vex_v and_o trouble_v therewith_o fith_o it_o be_v his_o nature_n so_o to_o do_v so_o the_o lord_n forgive_v thou_o thy_o sin_n and_o be_v not_o as_o satan_n will_v persuade_v thy_o conscience_n either_o trouble_a or_o vex_v or_o greeve_v or_o unwilling_a therewith_o and_o why_o because_o it_o be_v his_o nature_n so_o to_o do_v and_o therefore_o as_o man_n do_v those_o thing_n cheerful_o and_o willing_o which_o he_o do_v natural_o so_o god_n do_v forgive_v our_o sin_n and_o that_o with_o out_o any_o trouble_n or_o molestation_n to_o himself_o because_o his_o heart_n drive_v he_o thereunto_o as_o the_o prophet_n speak_v thou_o come_v to_o the_o fire_n for_o heat_n and_o it_o be_v not_o painful_a for_o the_o same_o to_o give_v it_o thou_o come_v to_o the_o sun_n for_o light_n and_o it_o be_v no_o offence_n for_o it_o to_o afford_v it_o thou_o come_v to_o god_n for_o mercy_n for_o thy_o sin_n and_o it_o be_v not_o troublous_a for_o the_o lord_n to_o yield_v it_o no_o he_o take_v a_o singular_a delight_n in_o forgive_a thy_o sin_n as_o micah_n in_o his_o last_o chapter_n plain_o show_v where_o he_o say_v who_o be_v so_o strong_a a_o god_n as_o thou_o be_v forgive_a sin_n &_o pass_v by_o â—niquity_n in_o the_o remnant_n of_o thy_o possession_n which_o keep_v not_o his_o anger_n for_o ever_o because_o he_o be_v delight_v with_o mercy_n and_o the_o prophet_n david_n in_o his_o 147_o psal_n tell_v we_o pain_o that_o the_o lord_n delight_v in_o they_o that_o fear_v he_o and_o come_v to_o he_o for_o mercy_n so_o that_o the_o spirit_n speak_v evident_o that_o the_o lord_n delight_v both_o in_o they_o that_o sue_v to_o he_o for_o mercy_n and_o also_o in_o show_v of_o mercy_n and_o therefore_o in_o forgive_a our_o offence_n and_o no_o marvel_n for_o first_o his_o mercy_n be_v one_o part_n of_o himself_o he_o must_v needs_o delight_v in_o the_o use_n thereof_o for_o aâ—_n man_n desire_v &_o delight_v in_o the_o use_n of_o the_o part_n of_o his_o body_n of_o his_o tongue_n to_o speak_v his_o eye_n to_o see_v his_o ear_n to_o hear_v his_o handâ—_n to_o feel_v his_o foot_n to_o walk_v withal_o insomuch_o that_o the_o contrary_a thereunto_o be_v painful_a as_o for_o to_o have_v his_o tongue_n tie_v his_o eye_n close_v his_o ear_n stop_v his_o handâ—_n manacle_v his_o foot_n chain_v or_o fetter_v so_o be_v it_o a_o delight_n for_o the_o lord_n to_o use_v the_o part_n of_o himself_o as_o of_o his_o justice_n to_o the_o judgement_n of_o the_o obstinate_a so_o of_o his_o mercy_n to_o the_o forgiveness_n of_o the_o sin_n of_o the_o humble_a and_o the_o mourner_n and_o the_o contrary_a thereunto_o which_o be_v to_o be_v debar_v of_o the_o exercise_n and_o use_v of_o his_o mercy_n be_v rather_o troublesome_a and_o painful_a unto_o the_o lord_n than_o be_v the_o forgiveness_n of_o our_o sin_n for_o the_o forgiveness_n of_o sin_n be_v the_o use_n and_o exercise_v of_o god_n mercy_n which_o be_v one_o part_n of_o god_n himself_o yea_o god_n himself_o for_o as_o this_o be_v true_a god_n be_v love_n so_o this_o also_o iâ—_n true_a god_n be_v â—ercie_n and_o therefore_o god_n must_v needs_o delight_v in_o his_o be_v even_o in_o his_o be_v mercy_n &_o in_o be_v merciful_a to_o his_o elect_a though_o miserable_a both_o man_n and_o sinner_n and_o in_o this_o first_o regard_n it_o be_v manifest_a that_o god_n take_v a_o singular_a delight_n in_o the_o forgiveness_n of_o our_o sin_n second_o &_o last_o the_o forgiveness_n of_o our_o sin_n turn_v to_o the_o praise_n of_o the_o glory_n of_o his_o grace_n for_o the_o saint_n that_o taste_v and_o try_v the_o mercy_n of_o the_o lord_n sing_v praise_n in_o the_o memorial_n &_o remembrance_n thereof_o as_o david_n will_v they_o yea_o and_o have_v feel_v the_o mercy_n of_o god_n in_o the_o forgiveness_n of_o their_o offence_n with_o david_n they_o acknowledge_v to_o the_o praise_n of_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n that_o the_o lord_n be_v very_o kind_a and_o merciful_a also_o and_o that_o in_o god_n compassion_n do_v plentiful_o flow_v and_o with_o the_o elect_a of_o god_n they_o fall_v down_o before_o the_o throne_n of_o his_o grace_n &_o give_v honour_n and_o glory_n and_o power_n and_o praise_n unto_o god_n that_o have_v redeem_v they_o from_o this_o wicked_a world_n &_o their_o offence_n and_o make_v they_o king_n and_o priest_n unto_o the_o lord_n a_o holy_a nation_n and_o a_o royal_a priesthood_n and_o as_o scholar_n accept_v pardon_n from_o their_o tutor_n servant_n from_o their_o master_n son_n from_o their_o parent_n subject_n from_o their_o prince_n with_o all_o humble_a thanks_o so_o the_o elect_a accept_v with_o all_o thanks_o unto_o the_o lord_n the_o cup_n of_o their_o salvation_n the_o pardon_n for_o their_o sin_n bow_v the_o knee_n of_o their_o soul_n unto_o the_o god_n of_o all_o mercy_n and_o the_o father_n of_o all_o comfort_n fall_v down_o upon_o their_o face_n &_o give_v thanks_o to_o he_o that_o live_v for_o ever_o and_o ever_o that_o wash_v they_o by_o his_o blood_n from_o all_o their_o sin_n and_o transgression_n and_o therefore_o since_o it_o turn_v unto_o the_o advance_v of_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n unto_o the_o magnify_n of_o his_o mercy_n and_o be_v also_o of_o the_o essence_n and_o nature_n of_o god_n to_o forgive_v our_o sin_n we_o may_v be_v assure_v that_o as_o the_o lord_n have_v a_o singular_a delight_n therein_o so_o a_o special_a readiness_n thereunto_o for_o even_o man_n we_o see_v by_o experience_n willing_o do_v those_o thing_n wherein_o they_o be_v delight_v we_o may_v therefore_o hereto_o conclude_v that_o as_o the_o fire_n can_v choose_v but_o burn_v since_o it_o be_v his_o nature_n so_o god_n can_v choose_v but_o forgive_v we_o our_o offence_n since_o it_o be_v natural_a unto_o he_o he_o be_v merciful_a for_o he_o be_v mercy_n itself_o and_o that_o especial_o unto_o miserable_a sinner_n for_o where_o there_o be_v no_o misery_n there_o can_v be_v no_o mercy_n the_o second_o section_n the_o mercy_n of_o the_o lord_n stretch_v itself_o even_o to_o the_o beast_n of_o the_o field_n thou_o lord_n say_v the_o prophet_n david_n in_o his_o 30_o psalm_n do_v save_o both_o man_n and_o beast_n and_o again_o in_o his_o 147_o psalm_n the_o lord_n say_v the_o psalmist_n be_v good_a to_o all_o &_o his_o mercy_n be_v over_o all_o his_o work_n do_v the_o lord_n show_v mercy_n to_o the_o beast_n of_o the_o field_n and_o will_v he_o not_o extend_v the_o same_o to_o man_n create_v according_a to_o his_o own_o image_n be_v he_o gracious_a unto_o senseless_a creature_n and_o will_v he_o not_o be_v gracious_a unto_o reasonable_a creature_n do_v his_o mercy_n stretch_v itself_o to_o the_o base_a work_n of_o his_o hand_n and_o shall_v it_o think_v thou_o be_v shut_v up_o from_o thou_o the_o most_o excellent_a workmanship_n of_o all_o other_o whatsoever_o creature_n upon_o the_o earth_n thou_o have_v have_v experience_n of_o the_o manifold_a mercy_n of_o god_n towards_o thy_o body_n he_o give_v thou_o life_n when_o thou_o be_v not_o he_o bring_v thou_o up_o unto_o man_n estate_n when_o yet_o thou_o be_v but_o weak_a thou_o be_v sick_a and_o he_o heal_v thou_o weak_a and_o he_o strengthen_v thou_o hungry_a and_o he_o feed_v thou_o thirsty_a and_o he_o satisfy_v thou_o naked_a &_o he_o clothe_v thou_o sorrowful_a and_o he_o comfort_v theerin_o misery_n and_o he_o relieve_v thou_o he_o be_v the_o god_n of_o thy_o body_n and_o therefore_o good_a unto_o thy_o body_n so_o be_v he_o the_o father_n of_o spirit_n and_o god_n of_o all_o mercy_n and_o therefore_o will_v be_v favourable_a unto_o thy_o spirit_n i_o mean_v unto_o thy_o soul_n as_o well_o as_o unto_o thy_o body_n for_o the_o father_n of_o all_o mercy_n be_v the_o father_n of_o spirit_n as_o well_o as_o he_o be_v the_o god_n of_o thy_o body_n and_o therefore_o thou_o may_v look_v for_o the_o same_o favour_n in_o heal_v the_o infirmity_n even_o the_o sin_n of_o thy_o soul_n that_o thou_o find_v in_o cure_v
those_o let_n which_o yet_o can_v not_o let_v the_o performance_n of_o his_o promise_n they_o will_v be_v little_a or_o none_o at_o all_o why_o shall_v that_o god_n that_o never_o be_v find_v to_o have_v break_v his_o promise_n be_v by_o thou_o account_v a_o truce-breaker_n and_o how_o can_v thou_o think_v that_o that_o god_n that_o will_v revenge_v with_o flame_a fire_n and_o eternal_a reprobation_n from_o the_o face_n of_o his_o glory_n &_o brightness_n of_o his_o presence_n all_o deceitfulness_n in_o man_n suffer_v the_o same_o to_o remain_v and_o dwell_v in_o his_o own_o person_n add_v hereunto_o that_o these_o promise_n of_o mercy_n be_v deliver_v unto_o thou_o in_o the_o word_n of_o god_n the_o truth_n whereof_o be_v such_o as_o that_o as_o christ_n testify_v heaven_n and_o earth_n shall_v pass_v but_o not_o one_o jot_n nor_o title_n of_o his_o word_n and_o for_o this_o cause_n have_v the_o spirit_n give_v unto_o the_o word_n most_o glorious_a title_n call_v it_o sometime_o the_o immortal_a seed_n of_o god_n because_o it_o never_o die_v sometime_o incorruptible_a because_o it_o never_o fade_v sometime_o the_o guile_n milk_n because_o it_o never_o deceive_v sometime_o the_o word_n of_o truth_n because_o it_o never_o lie_v sometime_o he_o compare_v it_o to_o silver_n that_o have_v be_v try_v seven_o time_n in_o the_o furnace_n that_o be_v without_o all_o dross_n sometime_o to_o gold_n and_o precious_a stone_n build_v upon_o the_o foundation_n jesus_n christ_n which_o when_o the_o fire_n come_v that_o shall_v try_v every_o man_n work_n shall_v abide_v and_o shall_v not_o perish_v sometime_o he_o compare_v it_o with_o the_o continuance_n and_o firmness_n of_o the_o heaven_n and_o the_o earth_n and_o prefer_v it_o before_o all_o thing_n whatsoever_o in_o the_o eternity_n truth_n and_o constancy_n thereof_o and_o therefore_o do_v not_o the_o prophet_n david_n speak_v in_o vain_a or_o untrue_o of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n when_o he_o frame_v as_o it_o be_v a_o whole_a book_n i_o mean_v the_o hundred_o and_o nineteen_o psalm_n for_o the_o most_o part_n in_o the_o extol_n and_o magnifi_n of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n wheâ—e_v he_o be_v not_o afraid_a to_o say_v and_o that_o according_a to_o the_o feel_n of_o the_o spirit_n the_o same_o spirit_n bear_v he_o record_n that_o the_o word_n of_o god_n be_v true_a yea_o that_o it_o be_v the_o truth_n itself_o for_o this_o cause_n be_v esay_n bold_a to_o preach_v that_o which_o the_o lord_n command_v he_o to_o publish_v concern_v the_o truth_n of_o this_o his_o way_n say_v all_o flesh_n be_v grass_n and_o all_o the_o beauty_n thereof_o as_o the_o flower_n of_o the_o field_n the_o grass_n wither_v &_o the_o flower_n fade_v away_o but_o the_o word_n of_o god_n endure_v for_o ever_o and_o no_o marvel_n for_o it_o come_v not_o from_o the_o changeable_a brain_n of_o mortal_a and_o corruptible_a man_n but_o from_o the_o spirit_n of_o truth_n &_o life_n which_o be_v not_o the_o author_n of_o lie_n but_o the_o father_n of_o light_n and_o of_o eternity_n so_o that_o now_o these_o promise_n be_v contain_v and_o make_v part_n of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n be_v also_o immortal_a incorruptible_a guile_n true_a yea_o the_o truth_n itself_o firm_a than_o the_o heaven_n and_o the_o earth_n more_o pure_a than_o fine_a gold_n and_o unchaungeable_a as_o the_o holy_a ghost_n iâ—_n who_o be_v the_o author_n thereof_o either_o therefore_o thou_o must_v embrace_v and_o believe_v they_o or_o else_o thou_o must_v account_v that_o to_o be_v immortal_a that_o perish_v that_o which_o be_v guile_n to_o be_v deceitful_a that_o which_o be_v more_o sure_a than_o the_o heaven_n &_o the_o earth_n to_o be_v movable_a that_o which_o be_v truth_n itself_o to_o be_v a_o lie_n thou_o must_v deny_v the_o word_n of_o god_n to_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o in_o flat_a and_o express_a term_n tell_v the_o lord_n and_o the_o holy_a ghost_n that_o he_o lie_v for_o god_n himself_o express_o and_o his_o spirit_n avouch_v unto_o thou_o the_o forgiveness_n of_o thy_o sin_n in_o his_o own_o word_n if_o therefore_o thou_o gaine-say_a either_o secret_o in_o thy_o heart_n or_o open_o in_o thy_o mouth_n thou_o give_v god_n the_o lie_n for_o thou_o deny_v his_o word_n to_o be_v true_a and_o therefore_o be_v it_o that_o john_n in_o his_o first_o epistle_n tell_v we_o that_o he_o that_o receive_v not_o the_o witness_n and_o testimony_n of_o the_o lord_n have_v make_v god_n a_o liar_n and_o now_o do_v but_o think_v what_o villainy_n thou_o offere_v unto_o god_n &_o what_o blasphemy_n it_o be_v to_o his_o person_n to_o account_v god_n to_o be_v a_o liar_n &_o do_v but_o think_v with_o thyself_o whether_o it_o be_v more_o likely_a that_o either_o thou_o or_o god_n shall_v lie_v consider_v with_o thyself_o that_o thou_o may_v err_v lie_v and_o be_v deceive_v for_o that_o be_v proper_a unto_o man_n but_o give_v unto_o god_n his_o glory_n &_o believe_v in_o he_o as_o thou_o proteste_v that_o thou_o do_v even_o in_o the_o entrance_n of_o the_o creed_n or_o else_o thou_o shall_v be_v worse_o than_o the_o devil_n for_o the_o devil_n believe_v &_o tremble_v as_o the_o apostle_n james_n bear_v witness_v let_v therefore_o god_n be_v true_a and_o every_o man_n a_o she_o and_o therefore_o assure_v thyself_o that_o this_o be_v a_o lie_n in_o thou_o to_o say_v in_o thy_o heart_n that_o the_o lord_n will_v noâ—_n forgive_v thou_o thy_o sin_n and_o thy_o offence_n for_o the_o lord_n who_o lie_v not_o witâ—_n who_o there_o be_v no_o change_n nor_o shadow_n change_n have_v promise_v and_o say_v that_o bâ—_n will_v forgive_v thy_o sin_n and_o thy_o transgression_n and_o this_o lord_n as_o the_o prophet_n david_n tell_v thou_o will_v not_o alâ—o_o that_o which_o he_o have_v speak_v with_o his_o lip_n neither_o will_v he_o lie_v against_o his_o truth_n i_o will_v willing_o know_v of_o thou_o whether_o thou_o believe_v that_o which_o thoâ—_n say_v that_o thou_o do_v believe_v if_o thoâ—_n do_v not_o believe_v it_o and_o yet_o say_v thâ—â—_n thou_o do_v believe_v it_o thou_o proove_v thâ—_n self_n to_o be_v a_o liar_n and_o than_o what_o question_n be_v it_o but_o that_o thou_o may_v lie_v wheâ—_n thou_o say_v in_o thy_o heart_n that_o thy_o sin_n arâ—_n great_a than_o that_o they_o can_v be_v forgive_v but_o if_o thou_o acknowledge_v thyself_o to_o believe_v that_o indeed_o which_o thou_o say_v thou_o do_v believe_v how_o cast_v thou_o say_v thy_o creed_n wherein_o thou_o make_v a_o confession_n of_o thy_o faith_n profess_v that_o thou_o believe_v the_o holy_a catholic_a church_n and_o the_o forgiveness_n of_o thy_o sin_n except_o withal_o thou_o ful_o believe_v and_o be_v persuade_v that_o thy_o sin_n be_v forgive_v either_o therefore_o thou_o must_v deny_v thy_o faith_n and_o show_v thyself_o to_o be_v a_o christian_n or_o thou_o must_v on_o the_o one_o side_n acknowledge_v thyself_o and_o god_n himself_o to_o be_v a_o liar_n or_o else_o on_o the_o other_o side_n thou_o must_v assure_v and_o full_o persuade_v thyself_o that_o thy_o sin_n be_v forgive_v thou_o by_o jesus_n christ_n our_o lord_n i_o doubt_v not_o but_o that_o thou_o easy_o believe_v the_o threaten_n of_o god_n and_o that_o that_o be_v true_a which_o christ_n say_v that_o except_o thou_o repent_v thou_o shall_v be_v damn_v and_o that_o also_o which_o paul_n testify_v who_o say_v that_o no_o adulterer_n no_o idolater_n no_o thief_n no_o murderer_n nor_o such_o like_a shall_v enter_v into_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n or_o jesus_n christ_n if_o thou_o believe_v the_o threaten_n why_o believe_v thou_o not_o the_o promise_n be_v they_o not_o write_v all_o in_o one_o word_n by_o one_o spirit_n by_o one_o god_n do_v not_o the_o same_o god_n that_o say_v except_o thou_o repent_v thou_o shall_v be_v damn_v and_o again_o that_o no_o adulterer_n idolater_n thief_n nor_o murderer_n shall_v enter_v into_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n or_o christ_n say_v also_o that_o at_o what_o time_n soever_o a_o sinner_n repent_v he_o of_o his_o sin_n from_o the_o bottom_n of_o his_o hart_n that_o the_o lord_n will_v blot_v our_o all_o his_o offence_n out_o of_o his_o remembrance_n or_o what_o be_v the_o lord_n true_a when_o he_o treatn_v arâ—_n a_o liar_n when_o he_o promise_v do_v thoâ—_n count_v he_o just_a in_o the_o one_o and_o false_a 〈◊〉_d the_o other_o will_v he_o think_v thou_o execute_v his_o judgement_n &_o will_v he_o not_o perform_v his_o promise_n be_v not_o his_o promise_n paâ—â—_n of_o his_o word_n as_o well_o as_o his_o threatningâ—_n and_o then_o why_o do_v thou_o believe_v oâ—â—_n part_n of_o the_o word_n more_o than_o the_o other_o 〈◊〉_d be_v they_o not_o all_o alike_o the_o word_n of_o god_n be_v not_o the_o one_o the_o word_n of_o
go_v back_o for_o ezek_n ah_o and_o will_v it_o not_o suffice_v thou_o to_o have_v not_o once_o bâ—t_o often_o one_o sign_n give_v nay_o to_o have_v not_o one_o but_o two_o sign_n to_o confirm_v nay_o to_o perform_v unto_o thou_o the_o thing_n that_o be_v promise_v for_o the_o other_o be_v but_o sign_n confirm_v but_o these_o be_v more_o even_o sign_n confirm_v and_o confer_v signa_fw-la confirmantia_fw-la &_o conferentia_fw-la for_o that_o which_o be_v signify_v be_v give_v confer_v &_o so_o join_v together_o with_o the_o sign_n itself_o and_o therefore_o the_o lord_n to_o teach_v this_o sound_o unto_o we_o call_v the_o outward_a sign_n by_o the_o very_a name_n of_o the_o thing_n itself_o that_o be_v signify_v caâ—ling_a circumcision_n the_o covenant_n the_o paschall_n lamb_n the_o passeover_n the_o water_n in_o baptism_n the_o fountain_n of_o regeneration_n the_o bread_n in_o the_o supper_n of_o the_o lord_n the_o body_n of_o christ_n and_o the_o wine_n the_o very_a blood_n of_o christ_n to_o teach_v we_o that_o these_o sign_n be_v not_o as_o the_o rainbow_n be_v or_o the_o go_v backward_o of_o the_o sun_n or_o the_o fleece_n of_o gedeon_n which_o be_v bare_a sign_n that_o serve_v only_o to_o confirm_v we_o but_o that_o they_o be_v more_o even_o such_o as_o always_o have_v the_o thing_n themselves_o that_o be_v promise_v and_o signify_v annex_v knit_v and_o join_v unto_o they_o in_o regard_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o therefore_o as_o very_o yea_o and_o even_o then_o when_o the_o water_n wash_v thy_o body_n in_o baptism_n &_o even_o as_o veriâ—y_v yea_o and_o even_o then_o when_o the_o bread_n be_v break_v &_o the_o wine_n pour_v out_o in_o the_o supper_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o give_v unto_o thou_o even_o so_o very_o yea_o and_o even_o then_o if_o thou_o be_v right_o prepare_v do_v the_o spirit_n of_o god_n wash_v thou_o by_o the_o blood_n of_o jesus_n christ_n from_o all_o thy_o sin_n and_o thy_o offence_n for_o these_o sign_n be_v not_o only_o significant_a but_o effectual_a also_o they_o do_v not_o only_o confirm_v but_o give_v that_o which_o they_o shall_v confirm_v thou_o in_o i_o mean_v not_o that_o the_o sacrament_n ex_fw-la opere_fw-la operato_fw-la that_o be_v by_o the_o very_a bare_a work_n thereof_o give_v this_o grace_n but_o that_o the_o lord_n give_v with_o &_o by_o these_o sign_n his_o forepromise_v grace_n even_o the_o forgiveness_n of_o thy_o sin_n and_o so_o as_o he_o give_v the_o sign_n to_o confirm_v thy_o faith_n so_o the_o thing_n signify_v to_o comfort_v thy_o conscience_n although_o perchance_o thou_o present_o feel_v not_o the_o power_n thereof_o so_o that_o since_o the_o lord_n be_v so_o gracious_a as_o by_o two_o continual_a visible_a sign_n which_o he_o will_v have_v often_o show_v unto_o thou_o even_o as_o it_o be_v wonder_n more_o precious_a and_o of_o great_a power_n and_o force_n than_o any_o sign_n or_o token_n in_o heaven_n above_o or_o in_o the_o earth_n beneath_o since_o the_o lord_n i_o say_v be_v so_o gracious_a as_o by_o two_o such_o sign_n to_o confirm_v unto_o thou_o the_o forgiveness_n of_o thy_o sin_n nay_o to_o give_v thou_o forgiveness_n of_o thy_o sin_n with_o what_o reason_n can_v thou_o doubt_v thereof_o for_o he_o give_v it_o unto_o thou_o very_o and_o indeed_o if_o thou_o will_v receive_v it_o together_o with_o the_o sign_n itself_o and_o then_o why_o doubte_v thou_o whether_o thou_o shall_v have_v it_o when_o already_o thou_o have_v it_o what_o can_v the_o lord_n do_v more_o or_o thou_o require_v more_o than_o this_o thou_o desire_v forgiveness_n of_o thy_o sin_n and_o assurance_n thereof_o the_o lord_n promise_v nay_o swear_v nay_o indent_v to_o give_v it_o he_o show_v and_o give_v thou_o two_o sign_n to_o assure_v thou_o thereof_o and_o that_o which_o be_v more_o with_o the_o sign_n he_o offer_v the_o thing_n itself_o and_o this_o be_v the_o first_o reason_n take_v from_o the_o promise_n of_o god_n confirm_v by_o so_o many_o undoubted_a mean_n the_o 3._o chapter_n wherein_o the_o forgiveness_n of_o sin_n be_v prove_v by_o the_o consideration_n of_o god_n mercy_n which_o be_v one_o part_n of_o his_o essence_n substance_n and_o nature_n the_o first_o section_n the_o second_o reason_n to_o prove_v unto_o we_o the_o forgiveness_n of_o our_o sin_n be_v take_v from_o the_o consideration_n of_o the_o essence_n and_o the_o substance_n even_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o lord_n which_o be_v part_n of_o the_o essence_n the_o substance_n and_o the_o be_v of_o god_n yea_o god_n himself_o for_o whatsoever_o be_v in_o god_n be_v god_n and_o in_o he_o there_o be_v no_o accident_n nor_o quality_n but_o whatsoever_o be_v in_o he_o be_v of_o his_o essence_n and_o his_o substance_n and_o therefore_o his_o nature_n as_o his_o mercy_n patience_n justice_n and_o such_o like_a be_v of_o his_o essence_n and_o be_v even_o very_a god_n his_o mercy_n therefore_o be_v very_a god_n and_o god_n be_v mercy_n itself_o he_o therefore_o that_o deni_v mercy_n unto_o god_n which_o be_v to_o forgive_v our_o sin_n deny_v god_n to_o be_v god_n deni_v one_o special_a nature_n which_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n ascribe_v unto_o god_n &_o that_o very_o often_o in_o the_o scripture_n and_o the_o write_a word_n of_o god_n as_o namely_o in_o the_o second_o of_o joel_n wheâ—e_v the_o prophet_n speak_v thus_o of_o the_o lord_n say_v the_o lord_n your_o god_n be_v gracious_a &_o merciful_a slow_a to_o anger_n &_o of_o great_a kindness_n &_o such_o a_o one_o as_o repent_v he_o of_o the_o evil_n and_o again_o in_o the_o 34._o of_o exodus_fw-la the_o lord_n himself_o proclaim_v his_o name_n before_o moses_n &_o all_o the_o child_n of_o israel_n say_v &_o cry_v the_o lord_n the_o lord_n strong_a merciful_a and_o gracious_a slow_a to_o anger_n &_o abundant_a in_o goodness_n &_o truth_n reserve_v mercy_n for_o thousand_o forgive_a iniquity_n sin_n &_o transgression_n &_o so_o forth_o as_o there_o follow_v more_o at_o large_a &_o again_o in_o the_o 103._o psalm_n the_o prophet_n david_n say_v that_o the_o lord_n be_v full_a of_o compassion_n and_o merâ—ie_n slow_a to_o anger_n &_o of_o great_a kindness_n many_o and_o manifest_a be_v those_o proof_n that_o prove_v the_o lord_n to_o be_v by_o name_n &_o nature_n merciful_a now_o we_o know_v that_o the_o nature_n &_o work_n of_o mercy_n be_v to_o respect_n to_o pity_v and_o to_o help_v our_o misery_n for_o even_o as_o the_o eye_n have_v colour_n the_o tongue_n taste_v the_o ear_n sound_v the_o nose_n the_o savour_n for_o his_o object_n to_o be_v busy_v in_o to_o respect_n and_o work_v upon_o so_o the_o mercy_n of_o god_n have_v man_n misery_n &_o sin_n the_o principal_a cause_n thereof_o as_o his_o object_n to_o work_v upon_o to_o cure_v and_o to_o remedy_n insomuch_o as_o if_o there_o be_v no_o misery_n there_o can_v be_v no_o use_n of_o god_n mercy_n and_o therefore_o the_o lord_n shut_v up_o all_o under_o unbelief_n as_o paul_n teach_v in_o his_o epistle_n to_o the_o roman_n that_o he_o may_v have_v mercy_n upon_o all_o and_o so_o by_o that_o mean_v make_v away_o for_o his_o mercy_n which_o else_o can_v not_o so_o evident_o have_v manifest_v itself_o unto_o our_o understanding_n herein_o therefore_o appear_v the_o depth_n of_o the_o riches_n both_o of_o the_o wisdom_n and_o knowledge_n of_o god_n so_o much_o admire_v of_o paul_n in_o the_o same_o place_n in_o that_o he_o will_v rather_o have_v man_n fall_v than_o his_o mercy_n fail_v he_o will_v rather_o have_v man_n cease_v to_o be_v righteous_a than_o himself_o cease_v to_o be_v merciful_a he_o will_v rather_o have_v man_n cease_v to_o show_v obedience_n than_o himself_o cease_v to_o show_v mercy_n he_o will_v that_o man_n shall_v sin_v that_o he_o may_v appear_v to_o be_v a_o gracious_a god_n in_o the_o forgive_n of_o his_o sin_n true_a it_o be_v that_o there_o appear_v a_o notable_a evidence_n of_o the_o mercy_n of_o god_n in_o frame_v this_o beautiful_a world_n out_o of_o that_o deform_a chaos_n and_o rude_a earth_n in_o the_o beginning_n in_o make_v the_o sun_n to_o rule_v the_o day_n and_o the_o moon_n to_o govern_v the_o night_n as_o the_o prophet_n at_o large_a describe_v in_o the_o 136_o psalm_n but_o the_o lord_n not_o content_v therewith_o as_o a_o sufficient_a manifestation_n of_o his_o mercy_n think_v it_o not_o enough_o to_o create_v except_o he_o do_v recreate_v man_n to_o give_v life_n except_o he_o redeem_v life_n to_o give_v life_n to_o they_o that_o be_v not_o except_o he_o give_v life_n to_o they_o that_o be_v dead_a to_o make_v man_n righteous_a of_o nothing_o except_o he_o make_v he_o righteous_a of_o a_o sinner_n to_o give_v he_o righteousness_n except_o he_o do_v also_o forgive_v he_o his_o unrighteousness_n his_o disobedience_n and_o
the_o devil_n throat_n with_o his_o own_o sword_n and_o as_o a_o be_v suck_v honey_n out_o of_o that_o flower_n out_o of_o the_o which_o he_o as_o the_o spider_n suck_v poison_n finis_fw-la the_o content_n of_o the_o chapter_n contain_v in_o this_o book_n chap._n 1_o wherein_o it_o be_v declare_v that_o there_o be_v lively_a hope_n of_o comfort_n leave_v unto_o all_o they_o that_o mourn_v under_o the_o burden_n of_o their_o sin_n fol._n 1_o chap._n 2_o in_o the_o first_o part_n whereof_o be_v set_v down_o the_o express_a promise_n of_o god_n concern_v the_o free_a forgiveness_n of_o sin_n &_o in_o the_o latter_a be_v declare_v first_o that_o the_o same_o promise_n of_o mercy_n be_v deliver_v unto_o we_o in_o the_o word_n of_o god_n then_o that_o they_o be_v bind_v by_o his_o oath_n three_o that_o they_o be_v also_o bind_v by_o his_o indenture_n of_o covenant_n &_o last_o that_o they_o be_v confirm_v by_o two_o visible_a sign_n and_o token_n in_o stead_n of_o wonder_n to_o wit_n baptism_n and_o the_o supper_n of_o the_o lord_n fol._n 7_o chap._n 3_o wherein_o the_o forgiveness_n of_o sin_n be_v prove_v by_o the_o consideration_n of_o god_n mercy_n which_o be_v one_o part_n of_o his_o essence_n substance_n and_o nature_n fol._n 55_o chap._n 4_o wherein_o the_o forgiune_n of_o sin_n be_v prove_v by_o the_o consideration_n of_o god_n justice_n which_o be_v another_o nature_n essential_a unto_o he_o by_o three_o especial_a way_n first_o by_o reason_n that_o the_o lord_n have_v promise_v to_o forgive_v our_o sin_n in_o regard_n whereof_o it_o stand_v with_o his_o justice_n to_o perform_v the_o same_o second_o for_o that_o he_o have_v alreaddy_a punish_v jesus_n christ_n for_o our_o offence_n and_o therefore_o can_v in_o justice_n punish_v they_o in_o we_o also_o and_o last_o because_o he_o have_v already_o punish_v our_o person_n in_o christ_n and_o so_o can_v just_o punish_v we_o again_o fol._n 69_o chap._n 5_o wherein_o the_o forgiveness_n of_o sin_n be_v prove_v by_o a_o reason_n take_v from_o the_o seâ—ond_a person_n in_o the_o trinity_n to_o wit_n the_o woâ—d_a incarnate_a even_o jesus_n christ_n be_v consider_v as_o he_o be_v the_o vine_n and_o the_o branch_n fol._n 85_o chap._n 6_o wherein_o the_o forgiveness_n of_o sin_n be_v prove_v by_o consider_v jesus_n christ_n as_o he_o be_v our_o advocate_n and_o intercessor_n and_o the_o mediator_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n folly_n 89_o chap._n 7_o wherein_o the_o forgiveness_n of_o sin_n be_v prove_v by_o consider_v jesus_n christ_n as_o he_o be_v our_o king_n and_o spiritual_a prince_n fol._n 98_o chap._n 8_o wherein_o the_o forgiveness_n of_o sin_n be_v prove_v by_o consider_v christ_n as_o he_o be_v our_o physician_n that_o with_o his_o blood_n cure_v &_o heal_v all_o our_o infirmity_n both_o corporal_a and_o spiritual_a fol._n 107_o chap._n 9_o wherein_o the_o forgiveness_n of_o sin_n be_v prove_v by_o consider_v christ_n as_o he_o be_v our_o redeemer_n who_o have_v with_o his_o own_o body_n purchase_v of_o his_o father_n the_o pardon_n for_o our_o sin_n and_o with_o his_o own_o blood_n ransom_v we_o and_o pay_v the_o price_n of_o theredemption_n of_o our_o sin_n fol._n 114_o chap._n 10_o wherein_o be_v touch_v two_o reason_n take_v from_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n the_o holy_a ghost_n be_v the_o three_o person_n in_o the_o trinity_n the_o first_o as_o the_o spirit_n be_v consider_v to_o work_v repentance_n &_o contrition_n in_o we_o and_o so_o wash_v we_o from_o our_o sin_n the_o other_o as_o the_o spirit_n breed_v &_o work_v peace_n in_o our_o conscience_n wherewith_o the_o forgiveness_n of_o our_o sin_n be_v seal_v fol._n 118_o chap._n 11_o whereâ—n_n be_v contain_v the_o first_o argument_n or_o reason_n which_o to_o prove_v the_o forgiveness_n of_o sin_n be_v take_v from_o the_o creature_n the_o reason_n be_v before_o take_v from_o the_o creator_n and_o that_o from_o man_n consider_v in_o himself_o with_o his_o estate_n be_v natural_o incline_v to_o sin_n fol._n 120_o chap._n 12_o wherein_o be_v contain_v the_o second_o reason_n take_v from_o man_n to_o prove_v the_o forgiveness_n of_o sin_n by_o the_o consideration_n of_o our_o infancy_n we_o never_o be_v but_o new_o bear_v babe_n so_o long_o as_o we_o live_v fol._n 125_o chap._n 13_o wherein_o be_v contain_v the_o first_o reason_n take_v from_o sin_n itself_o which_o be_v draw_v from_o the_o name_n of_o sin_n be_v call_v our_o debt_n fol._n 128_o chap._n 14_o wherein_o be_v contain_v the_o second_o reason_n take_v from_o sin_n itself_o to_o prove_v forgiveness_n of_o sin_n which_o arise_v from_o the_o effect_n of_o sin_n serve_v to_o setforth_o the_o abundance_n of_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n and_o to_o magnify_v his_o power_n fol._n 131_o chap._n 15_o wherein_o be_v contain_v the_o first_o reason_n take_v from_o man_n as_o he_o be_v consider_v in_o other_o which_o be_v draw_v from_o the_o example_n of_o other_o man_n by_o which_o the_o eternity_n of_o the_o forgiveness_n of_o sin_n be_v further_a assure_v unto_o us._n fol._n 134_o chap._n 16_o wherein_o be_v contain_v the_o second_o reason_n take_v from_o man_n be_v consider_v in_o other_o which_o be_v draw_v from_o the_o testimony_n of_o other_o as_o of_o the_o minister_n of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n of_o the_o prophet_n of_o christ_n himself_o of_o the_o apostle_n and_o all_o other_o holy_a man_n of_o god_n who_o as_o faithful_a witness_n announce_v confirm_v the_o furgivenesse_n furgivenesse_n
secret_a counsel_n and_o hide_a mystery_n of_o god_n give_v therefore_o credit_n unto_o the_o lord_n minister_n anâ—_n glory_n unto_o god_n that_o have_v give_v in_o hiâ—_n great_a love_n this_o blessing_n and_o grace_n unto_o thou_o that_o thou_o shall_v continual_o have_v abide_v with_o thou_o his_o prophet_n &_o his_o angel_n at_o who_o mouth_n thou_o maiâ—_n be_v certify_v of_o the_o forgiveness_n of_o thy_o â—â—ns_n yea_o the_o lord_n have_v not_o give_v onâ—y_o this_o name_n unto_o his_o minister_n to_o continue_v unto_o thou_o the_o forgiveness_n of_o thy_o sin_n but_o he_o have_v further_a give_v unto_o they_o power_n &_o authority_n we_o minister_n of_o the_o word_n to_o forgive_v thou_o thy_o offence_n for_o be_v those_o key_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n that_o the_o lord_n give_v in_o peter_n unto_o the_o church_n say_v who_o sin_n you_o remit_v they_o be_v remit_v who_o sin_n you_o retain_v they_o be_v retain_v whatsoever_o you_o bound_v in_o earth_n shall_v be_v bind_v in_o heaven_n whatsoever_o you_o lose_v on_o earth_n shall_v be_v loose_v in_o heaven_n so_o that_o if_o the_o minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n of_o god_n shall_v in_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n and_o power_n of_o christ_n forgive_v thou_o thy_o sin_n if_o they_o shall_v say_v unâ—o_v thou_o as_o nathan_n do_v unto_o david_n the_o â—ord_n have_v take_v away_o thy_o sin_n or_o as_o christ_n unto_o the_o sick_a of_o the_o palsy_n son_n by_o sin_n be_v forgive_v thou_o assure_v thy_o â—elfe_n that_o insomuch_o as_o they_o have_v loose_v â—hee_o from_o thy_o sin_n on_o earth_n the_o lord_n â—ath_v loose_v thou_o from_o thy_o sin_n in_o heaâ—en_n insomuch_o as_o they_o have_v remit_v and_o forgive_v thy_o sin_n they_o be_v reâ—â—â—â—ed_v and_o forgive_v indeed_o and_o taâ—â—_n heed_n â—hat_n thou_o do_v not_o as_o the_o most_o part_n of_o tâ—â—_n world_n do_v that_o deprive_v themselves_o oâ—_n this_o comfort_n and_o other_o the_o like_a by_o the_o contempt_n and_o base_a account_n of_o the_o minister_n of_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n believe_v thâ—_n lord_n and_o his_o prophet_n say_v jehosophat_n and_o thou_o shall_v prosper_v despise_v not_o this_o gift_n which_o god_n have_v give_v thou_o for_o it_o be_v one_o of_o the_o principal_a gift_n mention_v by_o paul_n in_o the_o four_o of_o the_o ephesian_n that_o christ_n when_o he_o take_v his_o farewell_n from_o the_o earth_n give_v thereunto_o i_o speak_v not_o these_o thing_n to_o maintain_v the_o pope_n auricular_a confession_n or_o usurp_a authority_n but_o the_o lawful_a power_n give_v by_o god_n to_o his_o minister_n and_o therefore_o herein_o must_v meet_v together_o i_o mean_v in_o the_o forgiveness_n of_o thy_o sin_n by_o the_o minister_n his_o discretion_n thy_o contrition_n his_o faithfulness_n thy_o faith_n his_o wisdom_n thy_o repentance_n hiâ—_n call_v and_o thy_o call_n his_o calling_n must_v be_v lawful_a thy_o call_n must_v be_v true_a he_o must_v be_v faithful_a thou_o must_v be_v penitent_a he_o must_v be_v faithful_a thou_o must_v be_v faithfâ—ll_o he_o faithful_a in_o his_o office_n thou_o in_o thy_o conversion_n unto_o the_o lord_n and_o then_o if_o these_o thing_n be_v join_v 〈◊〉_d â—ether_o in_o thou_o and_o in_o he_o thou_o maiâ—_n 〈◊〉_d assure_v that_o the_o lord_n in_o heaven_n â—â—th_v forgive_v thy_o sin_n as_o his_o minister_n on_o the_o earth_n have_v pardon_v they_o â—nd_v that_o god_n have_v loose_v thou_o in_o heaâ—en_n that_o be_v loose_v in_o the_o earth_n from_o â—hy_a sin_n thus_o from_o the_o testimony_n &_o vitne_v of_o the_o minister_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n thou_o may_v approve_v unto_o thy_o own_o conscience_n the_o forgiveness_n of_o thy_o â—ins_n and_o this_o shall_v be_v the_o more_o strong_o confirm_v unto_o thy_o soul_n if_o thou_o shall_v hereunto_o add_v the_o testimony_n of_o moses_n david_n solomon_n esay_n jeremy_n ezekiel_n daâ—iel_n and_o all_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o prophet_n the_o testimony_n of_o christ_n peter_n paul_n james_n john_n matthew_n mark_v luke_n and_o all_o the_o other_o apostle_n evangelist_n &_o holy_a man_n of_o god_n who_o as_o it_o be_v out_o of_o the_o dead_a be_v dead_a speak_v unto_o thou_o avouch_v and_o confirm_v with_o one_o voice_n one_o mouth_n &_o one_o spirit_n that_o thy_o sin_n be_v forgive_v and_o all_o in_o offence_n clean_o blot_v out_o so_o that_o be_v compass_v about_o with_o such_o a_o cloud_n of_o witness_n and_o those_o such_o as_o be_v great_a than_o all_o exception_n we_o ought_v to_o rest_v peaceable_o in_o the_o forgiveness_n of_o our_o sin_n which_o these_o so_o many_o and_o so_o faithful_a witness_n confirm_v unto_o us._n these_o be_v the_o testimony_n of_o man_n wstich_n confirm_v unto_o as_o the_o forgiveness_n of_o our_o sin_n the_o 17_o chapter_n wherein_o be_v contain_v the_o three_o reason_n take_v from_o other_o which_o be_v derive_v from_o the_o devil_n he_o testify_v and_o in_o his_o own_o language_n confirm_v unto_o we_o the_o forgiveness_n of_o our_o sin_n the_o three_o reason_n be_v take_v from_o other_o be_v take_v from_o the_o testimony_n of_o the_o devil_n who_o very_o sufficient_o in_o his_o natural_a language_n if_o we_o right_o understand_v the_o same_o confirm_v unto_o we_o the_o forgiveness_n of_o our_o sin_n and_o therefore_o for_o the_o better_a understanding_n of_o his_o speech_n and_o language_n i_o will_v set_v thou_o down_o but_o two_o precept_n &_o rule_n as_o it_o be_v character_n by_o the_o which_o thou_o shall_v easy_o understand_v the_o dark_a and_o hard_a word_n in_o the_o devil_n tongue_n and_o so_o shall_v in_o short_a space_n become_v a_o good_a languager_n the_o first_o rule_n shall_v show_v thou_o when_o he_o speak_v the_o second_o what_o he_o speak_v concern_v the_o first_o know_v for_o a_o certain_a that_o whensoever_o thou_o receive_v any_o answer_n in_o thy_o conscience_n contrary_a to_o that_o which_o be_v promise_v or_o speak_v in_o the_o word_n contrary_a to_o the_o forgiveness_n of_o thy_o sin_n to_o the_o receive_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o adoption_n to_o the_o increase_n of_o the_o grace_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n to_o the_o attain_n of_o the_o inheritance_n of_o the_o saint_n in_o light_n or_o the_o possession_n of_o eternal_a life_n or_o any_o such_o like_a that_o then_o the_o devil_n tempt_v thou_o and_o speak_v that_o word_n and_o make_v that_o answer_n in_o thy_o soul_n for_o this_o persuasion_n and_o this_o answer_n and_o this_o word_n that_o the_o lord_n will_v not_o forgive_v thy_o sin_n or_o give_v thou_o his_o spirit_n or_o eternal_a life_n &_o salvation_n come_v not_o from_o god_n for_o the_o word_n of_o god_n say_v the_o clean_a contrary_n and_o we_o know_v that_o the_o lord_n speak_v not_o one_o thing_n in_o his_o word_n and_o another_o thing_n in_o thy_o conscience_n one_o thing_n in_o his_o scripture_n &_o another_o thing_n in_o thy_o soul_n learn_v therefore_o this_o for_o a_o true_a and_o a_o infallible_a precept_n that_o whensoever_o thou_o receive_v a_o answer_n in_o thyself_o contrary_a to_o that_o which_o the_o lord_n have_v promise_v that_o then_o the_o devil_n speak_v &_o this_o thou_o must_v know_v to_o be_v true_a although_o the_o persuasion_n come_v from_o thy_o own_o concupiscence_n &_o corrupt_a nature_n for_o the_o apostle_n call_v the_o prick_n of_o the_o flesh_n which_o be_v the_o motion_n and_o work_v of_o original_a sin_n the_o messenger_n of_o satan_n 2._o cor._n 12._o this_o then_o be_v the_o first_o precept_n by_o which_o thou_o may_v know_v when_o he_o speak_v the_o second_o rule_n which_o must_v make_v thou_o understand_v his_o word_n must_v make_v thou_o first_o understand_v his_o nature_n which_o be_v to_o lie_v for_o it_o be_v natural_a for_o the_o devil_n to_o lie_v for_o he_o be_v natural_o a_o liar_n as_o appear_v both_o by_o the_o testimony_n of_o christ_n in_o the_o eight_o of_o john_n wheâ—e_v he_o say_v the_o devil_n be_v a_o murderer_n from_o the_o beginning_n and_o abide_v not_o in_o the_o truth_n there_o be_v no_o truth_n in_o he_o as_o oftentimes_o as_o he_o speak_v a_o lie_n he_o speak_v of_o his_o own_o because_o he_o be_v a_o liar_n and_o the_o father_n of_o a_o lie_n and_o also_o by_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o devil_n himself_o who_o both_o lie_v to_o our_o mother_n eve_n say_v that_o if_o she_o do_v eat_v of_o the_o tree_n of_o the_o knowledge_n of_o good_a and_o evil_a that_o she_o shall_v be_v like_a unto_o the_o god_n in_o the_o knowledge_n of_o good_a and_o evil_a and_o that_o they_o shall_v not_o die_v and_o also_o be_v a_o lie_a spirit_n in_o the_o mouth_n of_o the_o prophet_n of_o achab_n and_o so_o deceive_v achab_n and_o his_o prophet_n out_o of_o this_o knowledge_n of_o the_o devil_n lie_v nature_n thou_o shall_v present_o pick_v the_o meaning_n of_o his_o speech_n and_o
word_n for_o this_o rule_n be_v general_o true_a that_o a_o liar_n speak_v clean_o contrary_a unto_o the_o truth_n and_o the_o clean_a contrary_n of_o that_o which_o the_o devil_n speak_v be_v true_a for_o in_o a_o liar_n the_o clean_a contrary_a part_n must_v be_v take_v for_o the_o truth_n if_o therefore_o it_o ever_o have_v be_v say_v unto_o thou_o in_o thy_o soul_n that_o thou_o shall_v not_o be_v save_v or_o that_o thy_o sin_n shall_v not_o be_v pardon_v it_o have_v be_v as_o it_o be_v the_o message_n of_o the_o lord_n unto_o thy_o soul_n to_o signify_v unto_o thou_o thy_o election_n and_o justification_n that_o thou_o shall_v be_v save_v and_o that_o thy_o sin_n be_v forgive_v and_o look_v how_o often_o this_o have_v be_v urge_v unto_o thy_o soul_n so_o often_o have_v it_o be_v tell_v unto_o thou_o by_o the_o lord_n although_o by_o the_o message_n of_o the_o devil_n if_o thou_o have_v right_o understand_v his_o language_n and_o therefore_o when_o thou_o fear_v the_o forgiveness_n of_o thy_o sin_n receive_v a_o answer_n in_o thy_o soul_n that_o in_o vain_a thou_o pray_v &_o that_o thou_o shall_v not_o be_v pardon_v because_o thy_o sin_n be_v great_a as_o thou_o be_v persuade_v then_o that_o they_o can_v be_v forgive_v so_o often_o cheer_v thyself_o and_o thank_v god_n for_o his_o love_a mercy_n and_o message_n that_o have_v tell_v thou_o and_o certify_v thy_o conscience_n though_o by_o the_o message_n of_o satan_n that_o thy_o sin_n be_v forgive_v thou_o for_o always_o that_o which_o be_v clean_o contrary_a unto_o the_o speech_n of_o a_o liar_n be_v the_o truth_n and_o therefore_o when_o satan_n say_v that_o they_o be_v not_o forgive_v the_o clean_a contrary_n be_v true_a and_o that_o be_v that_o they_o be_v forgive_v if_o we_o have_v once_o learned_a this_o lesson_n well_o and_o shall_v put_v the_o same_o in_o practice_n in_o our_o soul_n and_o conscience_n we_o shall_v find_v as_o much_o comfort_n in_o this_o reason_n i_o know_v what_o i_o speak_v as_o in_o any_o other_o reason_n whatsoever_o for_o she_o by_o the_o mouth_n of_o the_o devil_n be_v stop_v for_o ever_o and_o he_o go_v away_o rage_v not_o know_v what_o else_o to_o say_v for_o if_o he_o do_v flatter_v we_o with_o the_o forgiveness_n of_o our_o sin_n we_o will_v not_o receive_v his_o testimony_n as_o paul_n will_v not_o receive_v the_o testimony_n of_o the_o southsaier_n or_o christ_n of_o the_o devil_n that_o confess_v he_o to_o be_v the_o son_n of_o the_o live_a god_n but_o we_o will_v believe_v that_o to_o be_v true_a because_o the_o lord_n in_o his_o word_n say_v it_o again_o if_o he_o do_v terrify_v the_o conscience_n &_o deny_v the_o forgiveness_n of_o our_o sin_n we_o will_v believe_v it_o then_o most_o strong_o know_v that_o in_o that_o a_o liar_n do_v deny_v it_o the_o truth_n itself_o do_v affirm_v it_o thus_o every_o way_n satan_n shall_v be_v take_v in_o a_o dilemma_n what_o argument_n soever_o he_o use_v it_o will_v be_v turn_v upon_o his_o own_o head_n and_o we_o shall_v be_v more_o wise_a than_o the_o devil_n be_v subtle_a we_o shall_v have_v better_a skill_n in_o the_o truth_n of_o logic_n or_o reason_n than_o he_o in_o sophistry_n if_o he_o do_v flatter_v we_o we_o will_v cheer_v upon_o it_o if_o he_o do_v fear_v we_o we_o will_v cheer_v also_o upon_o it_o if_o he_o do_v persuade_v the_o forgiveness_n of_o our_o siâ—s_n we_o shall_v be_v comfort_v if_o he_o do_v dissuade_v the_o forgiveness_n of_o our_o sin_n we_o shall_v be_v comfort_v also_o and_o thus_o every_o way_n we_o shall_v be_v strengthen_v cheat_v and_o comfort_v the_o 18_o chapter_n wherein_o be_v contain_v the_o last_o reason_n take_v from_o other_o to_o prove_v the_o forgiveness_n of_o sin_n which_o be_v draw_v from_o the_o evil_a and_o dangerous_a counsel_n of_o satan_n the_o last_o reason_n that_o we_o will_v at_o this_o time_n consider_v be_v take_v from_o that_o devilish_a and_o dangerous_a counsel_n which_o satan_n give_v to_o the_o soul_n which_o be_v trouble_v with_o the_o weight_n of_o sin_n desire_v the_o forgiveness_n thereof_o for_o it_o be_v the_o fashion_n of_o satan_n when_o thou_o have_v sin_v to_o persuade_v thou_o to_o kill_v thyself_o to_o hang_v thyself_o to_o drown_v thyself_o or_o at_o the_o least_o to_o cast_v off_o all_o confidence_n in_o hope_n all_o use_n of_o faith_n and_o full_o to_o despair_v of_o the_o mercy_n of_o god_n then_o the_o which_o what_o counsel_n can_v be_v more_o devilish_a for_o satan_n to_o give_v or_o more_o dangerous_a for_o thou_o to_o follow_v for_o despair_n be_v a_o sin_n of_o the_o first_o table_n against_o the_o first_o commandment_n and_o against_o the_o high_a god_n and_o therefore_o without_o question_n it_o be_v the_o high_a and_o great_a sin_n of_o all_o other_o that_o great_a sin_n only_o which_o be_v the_o sin_n against_o the_o holy_a ghost_n except_v it_o be_v therefore_o a_o worse_a and_o a_o great_a sin_n to_o despair_v than_o it_o be_v to_o worship_v idol_n to_o profane_v the_o saboth_n to_o blaspheme_v the_o name_n of_o the_o lord_n to_o dishonour_v thy_o parent_n to_o kill_v thy_o father_n or_o thy_o brother_n to_o deflower_v thy_o neighbour_n daughter_n or_o wife_n to_o rob_v thy_o neighbour_n to_o bear_v false_a witness_n and_o to_o forswear_v thyself_o or_o then_o it_o be_v to_o commit_v any_o other_o such_o like_a sin_n and_o no_o doubt_n but_o that_o cain_n sin_v more_o greevous_o in_o despair_v of_o god_n mercy_n then_o in_o the_o murder_n of_o his_o brother_n abel_n and_o judas_n sin_v not_o so_o much_o in_o betray_v as_o in_o distrust_v christ_n his_o treason_n be_v not_o so_o grievous_a as_o his_o despair_n â—â—s_o and_o the_o fore_n if_o according_a unto_o the_o counsel_n of_o the_o devil_n thou_o shall_v add_v despair_n to_o thy_o other_o sin_n to_o thy_o whoredom_n thy_o murder_n thy_o blasphemy_n or_o thy_o robbery_n thou_o shall_v draw_v sin_n after_o sin_n as_o it_o be_v with_o cartrope_n add_v drunkenness_n unto_o thirst_n and_o so_o heap_v up_o of_o thy_o sin_n shall_v fulfil_v the_o measure_n of_o thy_o iniquity_n and_o purchase_v to_o thyself_o swift_a damnation_n beware_v therefore_o how_o thou_o follow_v this_o counsel_n of_o the_o devil_n who_o as_o in_o all_o other_o speech_n he_o show_v himself_o most_o znfaithfull_a so_o in_o this_o his_o persuasion_n to_o dtspaire_v most_o i_o know_v not_o whether_o i_o shall_v call_v he_o dangerous_a or_o doltish_a for_o to_o persuade_v to_o despair_v after_o sin_n to_o commit_v one_o sin_n after_o another_o the_o great_a after_o the_o lesser_a be_v as_o much_o as_o if_o a_o unfaithful_a physician_n shall_v prescribe_v a_o maâ—_n after_o he_o have_v take_v cold_a to_o take_v rat_n bave_v to_o drive_v it_o away_o or_o after_o he_o have_v catch_v the_o murr_n to_o drink_v cicuta_fw-la or_o the_o ivice_n of_o hemlock_n to_o drive_v it_o away_o which_o be_v far_o cold_a than_o the_o former_a cold_a will_v bring_v sudden_a and_o speedy_a death_n even_o such_o be_v the_o physic_n which_o that_o good_a physician_n of_o the_o soul_n i_o mean_v the_o devil_n give_v thou_o for_o when_o thou_o have_v commit_v a_o great_a sin_n against_o god_n he_o will_v have_v thou_o commit_v a_o great_a to_o drive_v away_o the_o fear_n of_o death_n he_o prescribe_v the_o speedy_a death_n of_o body_n and_o soul_n to_o drive_v away_o the_o fear_n of_o hell_n fiâ—e_n he_o will_v have_v thou_o present_o to_o run_v to_o hell_n and_o to_o the_o devil_n even_o as_o if_o a_o man_n that_o fear_v the_o water_n shall_v present_o drown_v himself_o or_o if_o a_o man_n fear_v the_o fire_n he_o shall_v present_o go_v burn_v himself_o and_o so_o present_o feel_v that_o which_o he_o fear_v because_o he_o will_v sear_v no_o long_o then_o the_o which_o what_o can_v be_v more_o foolish_a or_o contrary_a unto_o reason_n and_o yet_o so_o foolish_a thou_o be_v as_o that_o thou_o be_v ready_a to_o execute_v his_o counsel_n &_o to_o think_v it_o the_o best_a couâ—se_n for_o thou_o to_o follow_v yea_o although_o thou_o can_v hate_v other_o sin_n and_o cry_v out_o against_o the_o loathsomeness_n thereof_o yet_o thou_o can_v be_v ready_a to_o give_v place_n to_o despair_v which_o be_v the_o great_a sin_n and_o to_o like_v that_o well_o enough_o to_o nourish_v it_o &_o to_o think_v that_o thou_o may_v do_v well_o to_o despair_v and_o to_o cast_v off_o all_o hope_n of_o god_n mercy_n be_v it_o not_o a_o strange_a thing_n that_o thou_o shall_v loathe_v whoredom_n theft_n murder_n and_o such_o like_a sin_n yea_o and_o if_o thou_o be_v but_o move_v to_o they_o he_o greeve_v thereat_o and_o yet_o like_a of_o despair_n a_o sin_n far_o great_a than_o all_o the_o rest_n yea_o and_o that_o