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 heaâ—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
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 â—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 aâ—â—_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 â—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 resâ—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 â—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 commiâ—_n little_a sin_n do_v thou_o entertain_v any_o secret_a siâ—_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 aâ—mâ—ke_o go_v before_o faith_n then_o shâ—ll_v i_o not_o be_v ashamed_a wheâ—_n i_o have_v respect_n to_o all_o thy_o commandment_n again_o a_o wicked_a man_n
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 wiâ—h_v the_o person_n or_o â—_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 fiâ—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 discovery_n of_o his_o guiltiness_n and_o of_o his_o be_v convince_v thereof_o for_o whereas_o before_o his_o mind_n &_o heart_n be_v fill_v with_o false_a presumption_n &_o apprehension_n of_o god_n mercy_n nothing_o but_o mercy_n before_o his_o eye_n and_o no_o see_v of_o god_n in_o his_o justice_n now_o be_v they_o quite_o contrary_a in_o this_o work_n of_o humiliation_n the_o case_n be_v change_v nothing_o so_o much_o before_o his_o eye_n as_o the_o justice_n of_o god_n and_o his_o anger_n against_o sin_n the_o sight_n of_o mercy_n almost_o be_v quite_o eclipse_v he_o be_v uphold_v only_o with_o a_o glimmer_a as_o it_o be_v thereof_o a_o possibility_n of_o pardon_n and_o hang_n as_o it_o be_v by_o a_o very_a hair_n of_o hope_n jona_n 2._o v._n 4._o nothing_o sound_v in_o his_o ear_n so_o much_o as_o justice_n and_o wrath_n hence_o these_o say_n lord_n rebuke_v i_o not_o in_o thy_o anger_n enter_v not_o into_o judgement_n etc._n etc._n his_o former_a and_o forget_a sin_n be_v bring_v to_o remembrance_n as_o we_o see_v it_o fare_v with_o the_o son_n of_o jacob_n and_o they_o be_v set_v in_o order_n before_o he_o psa_n 50.21_o he_o tremble_v at_o god_n word_n isa_n 66.2_o the_o threaten_n of_o the_o word_n like_v as_o the_o arrow_n of_o the_o almighty_a trouble_v he_o and_o write_v bitter_a thing_n against_o he_o as_o it_o fare_v with_o joh._n now_o all_o this_o be_v do_v for_o very_o good_a end_n to_o wit_n these_o two_o especial_o first_o for_o their_o bypass_a sin_n that_o they_o may_v be_v drive_v to_o christ_n the_o horn_n of_o salvation_n luke_n 1.69_o that_o they_o may_v fly_v earnest_o or_o at_o least_o in_o sincerity_n unto_o he_o for_o a_o refuge_n heb._n 6.18_o to_o his_o merit_n righteousness_n intercession_n
and_o obeye_v the_o voice_n of_o his_o servant_n and_o therefore_o not_o only_o may_v but_o shall_v trust_v in_o the_o lord_n isa_n 50.10_o thou_o hate_v not_o to_o be_v reform_v and_o therefore_o may_v take_v his_o covenant_n in_o thy_o mouth_n psal_n 50.16_o 17._o thou_o keep_v his_o sabbath_n and_o choose_v the_o thing_n that_o please_v he_o and_o therefore_o may_v take_v hold_n of_o his_o covenant_n isa_n 56.4_o thus_o far_o for_o thy_o comfort_n but_o thou_o who_o ever_o thou_o be_v that_o want_v these_o thing_n whereof_o we_o be_v speak_v be_v not_o deceive_v thou_o have_v neither_o faith_n nor_o that_o humiliation_n that_o shall_v go_v before_o it_o 1._o be_v never_o thy_o conscience_n waken_v direct_o with_o the_o sense_n of_o sin_n be_v never_o thy_o mind_n trouble_v with_o the_o sense_n of_o spiritual_a want_n be_v it_o thou_o never_o solicitous_a for_o thy_o own_o salvation_n and_o take_v it_o to_o heart_n above_o all_o thing_n else_o alas_o it_o be_v too_o too_o evident_a thou_o be_v not_o right_a as_o yet_o 2._o want_v thou_o that_o tenderness_n of_o conscience_n have_v thou_o no_o care_n no_o fear_n of_o the_o snare_n of_o sin_n and_o satan_n nor_o watch_v thou_o to_o prevent_v sin_n be_v thou_o not_o with_o the_o apostle_n herein_o exercise_v always_o to_o keep_v a_o good_a conscience_n again_o and_o haâ—t_o thou_o no_o check_n nor_o accusation_n in_o thy_o conscience_n after_o the_o commission_n even_o of_o the_o small_a if_o know_a sin_n but_o can_v ban_v and_o swear_v speak_v sinful_a word_n think_v sinful_a thought_n etc._n etc._n and_o never_o be_v trouble_v a_o whit_n for_o the_o matter_n but_o do_v sin_v secure_o and_o lie_v in_o sin_n secure_o without_o repentance_n and_o seek_v after_o reconciliation_n and_o so_o be_v every_o way_n a_o slight_a of_o sin_n then_o assure_o no_o work_n of_o humiliation_n have_v ever_o be_v wrought_v in_o thy_o heart_n and_o consequent_o no_o work_n of_o grace_n for_o this_o be_v the_o first_o work_n 3._o and_o last_o look_v how_o the_o matter_n be_v between_o you_o &_o god_n how_o thy_o soul_n carry_v itself_o in_o regard_n of_o secret_a sin_n namely_o of_o entertain_v sin_n in_o thy_o thought_n and_o in_o regard_n of_o secret_a duty_n if_o thou_o dare_v or_o do_v regard_v iniquity_n in_o thy_o heart_n feed_v thy_o thought_n upon_o ambitious_a and_o covetous_a pleasure_n or_o vanity_n or_o sinful_a lust_n without_o controllment_n yea_o and_o with_o delight_n and_o dare_v omit_v or_o shuffle_v over_o thy_o secret_a duty_n have_v thou_o not_o some_o constant_a inward_a principle_n and_o secret_a mover_n that_o let_v thou_o not_o alone_o but_o put_v thou_o on_o to_o a_o daily_a and_o constant_a discharge_n of_o christian_a secret_a duty_n daily_a prayer_n nightly_a repentance_n daily_a and_o nightly_a meditation_n upon_o the_o word_n of_o god_n but_o do_v all_o these_o duty_n by_o start_n and_o fit_n or_o superficial_o or_o not_o at_o all_o then_o certain_o no_o right_a humiliation_n no_o true_a grace_n yet_o in_o thy_o soul_n be_v earnest_a to_o labour_v for_o and_o to_o pray_v for_o that_o which_o thou_o want_v for_o it_o concern_v the_o damnation_n or_o salvation_n of_o thy_o soul_n thus_o far_o for_o these_o mark_n which_o be_v take_v from_o the_o antecedent_n of_o faith_n or_o those_o thing_n which_o go_v before_o faith_n at_o least_o in_o order_n of_o nature_n concern_v these_o three_o mark_n of_o a_o right_n and_o true_a work_n of_o humiliation_n or_o of_o that_o preparatorie_n work_v of_o the_o spirit_n which_o go_v before_o faith_n the_o way_n i_o say_v to_o make_v these_o mark_v clear_a comfortable_a and_o convince_a be_v 1._o to_o compare_v they_o with_o our_o own_o former_a case_n and_o condition_n and_o so_o to_o try_v they_o by_o experience_n which_o we_o have_v already_o do_v 2._o to_o try_v they_o by_o compare_v they_o with_o the_o case_n of_o the_o ungodly_a and_o wicked_a and_o so_o to_o try_v they_o by_o the_o word_n of_o god_n which_o now_o we_o be_v to_o do_v wherein_o although_o some_o thing_n be_v coincident_a with_o thing_n speak_v before_o the_o labour_n will_v not_o be_v unprofitable_a i._o the_o first_o mark_n of_o right_a humiliation_n and_o of_o the_o work_n of_o the_o spirit_n in_o that_o respect_n be_v this_o to_o wit_n namely_o the_o right_a sight_n of_o sin_n the_o spirit_n of_o god_n when_o he_o come_v first_o into_o the_o heart_n of_o a_o christian_a work_v by_o the_o law_n or_o commandment_n give_v unto_o a_o man_n another_o sight_n of_o sin_n than_o any_o natural_a man_n how_o qualify_v soever_o he_o be_v with_o humane_a literature_n and_o natural_a wisdom_n can_v have_v this_o be_v clear_o understand_v by_o the_o doctrine_n and_o in_o the_o person_n of_o st._n paul_n rom._n 7._o i_o be_v alive_a without_o the_o law_n once_o that_o be_v in_o a_o good_a conceit_n of_o myself_o and_o of_o my_o own_o righteousness_n but_o when_o the_o commandment_n come_v that_o be_v the_o spirit_n with_o the_o commandment_n or_o law_n for_o he_o have_v the_o commandment_n or_o law_n in_o the_o letter_n before_o sin_v revive_v and_o i_o die_v i_o see_v another_o sight_n of_o my_o sinfulness_n then_o before_o to_o speak_v more_o plain_o and_o particular_o of_o this_o note_n when_o the_o spirit_n come_v and_o work_v this_o sight_n of_o sinfulness_n in_o he_o it_o work_v this_o threefold_a sight_n in_o he_o 1._o a_o sight_n of_o his_o sin_n and_o particular_a corruption_n 2._o of_o his_o gracelessness_n and_o want_n 3._o of_o his_o unrighteousness_n and_o imperfection_n of_o his_o best_a action_n now_o all_o these_o be_v hide_v from_o the_o natural_a man_n as_o be_v clear_a by_o example_n 1._o of_o the_o nation_n of_o the_o jew_n who_o go_v about_o to_o establish_v their_o own_o righteousness_n 2._o of_o the_o papist_n who_o take_v upon_o they_o for_o want_v of_o this_o sight_n to_o fulfil_v the_o law_n to_o merit_v to_o supererrogate_v 3._o of_o our_o own_o ignorance_n who_o till_o the_o point_n of_o death_n can_v be_v bring_v to_o this_o sight_n of_o their_o own_o sinfulness_n but_o ever_o be_v justify_v themselves_o thank_v god_n they_o never_o wrong_v any_o instead_o of_o confess_v and_o humble_v so_o that_o this_o be_v clear_o the_o case_n of_o the_o natural_a man_n but_o to_o the_o particular_n 1._o the_o spirit_n give_v to_o a_o man_n a_o sight_n of_o his_o sinfulness_n and_o corruption_n when_o the_o commandment_n come_v sin_n revive_v that_o be_v there_o be_v a_o further_a sight_n of_o sin_n hence_o be_v it_o that_o 1._o they_o be_v out_o of_o conceit_n of_o themselves_o think_v themselves_o to_o be_v the_o chief_a of_o sinner_n 2._o that_o they_o complain_v so_o heavy_o of_o their_o own_o corruption_n who_o shall_v deliver_v i_o from_o the_o body_n of_o death_n 3._o they_o feel_v the_o flesh_n lust_a against_o the_o spirit_n gal._n 5._o now_o the_o ungodly_a or_o natural_a man_n be_v not_o so_o for_o 1._o he_o have_v not_o so_o evil_a a_o conceit_n of_o himself_o as_o to_o think_v himself_o to_o be_v the_o chief_a of_o sinner_n or_o a_o great_a sinner_n but_o quite_o contrary_a i_o thank_v god_n i_o be_o not_o like_o that_o publican_n 2._o he_o be_v not_o sensible_a of_o his_o sinfulness_n whether_o of_o the_o body_n of_o death_n or_o of_o his_o actual_a sin_n flow_v therefrom_o but_o on_o the_o contrary_a he_o flatter_v himself_o in_o his_o own_o eye_n until_o his_o iniquity_n be_v find_v to_o be_v hateful_a as_o it_o be_v in_o the_o 3._o psal_n he_o feel_v no_o such_o battle_n between_o the_o flesh_n and_o the_o spirit_n for_o why_o the_o strong_a man_n hold_v the_o house_n so_o that_o all_o thing_n be_v at_o peace_n hence_o the_o one_o sort_n be_v prepare_v for_o christ_n the_o other_o not_o the_o whole_a need_v not_o the_o physician_n but_o they_o that_o be_v sick_a i_o come_v not_o to_o call_v the_o righteous_a but_o sinner_n to_o repentance_n q._n but_o you_o will_v say_v have_v the_o wicked_a or_o natural_a man_n no_o sight_n of_o his_o sin_n a._n some_o sight_n of_o some_o grosser_n discernible_a sin_n by_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n but_o not_o such_o a_o sight_n of_o sin_n as_o the_o spirit_n give_v to_o the_o spiritual_a man_n they_o may_v see_v 1._o outward_a corruption_n of_o the_o flesh_n as_o theft_n fornication_n etc._n etc._n but_o not_o these_o more_o inward_a of_o the_o spirit_n pride_n spiritual_a idolatry_n unthankfulness_n infidelity_n impenitency_n 2._o they_o may_v see_v sin_n in_o the_o branch_n and_o stream_n that_o be_v actual_a sin_n but_o not_o in_o the_o root_n and_o fountain_n the_o body_n of_o death_n the_o sinfulness_n of_o their_o nature_n blindness_n of_o mind_n backwardness_n of_o will_n unholinesse_n and_o unheavenlinesse_n of_o affection_n hardness_n whore_v hypocrisy_n of_o their_o heart_n 3._o in_o
to_o pardon_v all_o former_a sin_n and_o rebellion_n whereas_o just_o he_o may_v have_v punish_v they_o before_o let_v the_o wicked_a man_n forsake_v his_o way_n etc._n etc._n and_o yet_o for_o all_o this_o they_o neglect_v so_o great_a salvation_n they_o despise_v the_o offer_n of_o mercy_n and_o sin_n against_o the_o lord_n clemency_n these_o be_v our_o own_o actual_a sin_n that_o we_o ought_v to_o humble_v ourselves_o for_o but_o there_o be_v other_o sin_n that_o we_o ought_v in_o no_o wise_a to_o pass_v by_o in_o our_o humiliation_n to_o wit_n 1._o for_o our_o original_a corruption_n that_o loathsome_a leprosy_n that_o ugly_a filthy_a corruption_n that_o fall_a sickness_n of_o our_o sin_n the_o fountain_n of_o all_o our_o natural_a sin_n which_o defile_v not_o only_o our_o action_n but_o our_o very_a person_n in_o the_o sight_n of_o god_n and_o be_v so_o much_o to_o be_v deplore_v be_v a_o disease_n incurable_a in_o the_o inward_a or_o noble_a part_n and_o be_v to_o be_v lament_v above_o any_o out-breaking_n in_o the_o outward_a part_n of_o the_o body_n we_o see_v how_o david_n how_o paul_n bewail_v it_o 2._o for_o that_o first_o sin_n of_o our_o first_o parent_n we_o ought_v great_o to_o humble_v ourselves_o for_o this_o sin_n if_o well_o weigh_v we_o shall_v find_v to_o be_v a_o exceed_o great_a sin_n and_o that_o it_o be_v our_o sin_n and_o that_o the_o guiltiness_n belong_v to_o we_o be_v clear_a out_o of_o rom._n 5.12.17_o 18._o 3._o for_o the_o sin_n of_o our_o predecessor_n for_o so_o we_o see_v do_v daniel_n nehemiah_n ezra_n etc._n etc._n we_o have_v sin_v and_o our_o father_n and_o the_o lord_n say_v i_o will_v visit_v the_o sin_n of_o the_o father_n upon_o the_o child_n 4._o for_o the_o sin_n of_o the_o land_n we_o live_v in_o so_o david_n psal_n 119._o river_n of_o tear_n run_v down_o my_o eye_n because_o they_o make_v void_a thy_o law_n and_o ezek._n 9_o they_o be_v mark_v who_o sigh_n and_o cry_v for_o the_o abomination_n of_o the_o land_n vi_o the_o last_o and_o a_o notable_a mean_n of_o humiliation_n be_v well_o to_o consider_v the_o person_n against_o who_o thou_o have_v sin_v and_o that_o both_o in_o his_o greatness_n and_o in_o his_o goodness_n towards_o thou_o this_o do_v david_n weigh_v and_o consider_v while_o he_o say_v so_o emphatical_o against_o thou_o even_o against_o thou_o have_v i_o sin_v and_o indeed_o without_o weigh_v this_o point_n we_o can_v hardly_o either_o be_v humble_v in_o ourselves_o or_o can_v we_o comprehend_v or_o with_o our_o heart_n acknowledge_v the_o justice_n of_o god_n but_o see_v and_o consider_v this_o point_n to_o wit_n against_o who_o we_o have_v sin_v our_o conscience_n will_v then_o exceed_o both_o condemn_v ourselves_o and_o justify_v the_o lord_n in_o his_o justice_n there_o be_v nothing_o that_o do_v aggravate_v a_o offence_n more_o than_o do_v the_o quality_n of_o the_o person_n against_o who_o it_o be_v commit_v that_o which_o be_v do_v by_o a_o man_n against_o a_o ordinary_a person_n one_o of_o his_o neighbour_n will_v be_v but_o a_o ordinary_a offence_n yet_o if_o he_o shall_v do_v it_o to_o his_o father_n it_o will_v turn_v to_o a_o heinous_a crime_n and_o if_o it_o be_v do_v to_o his_o prince_n it_o will_v be_v high_a treason_n deserve_v and_o procure_v the_o utmost_a degree_n of_o punishment_n that_o can_v be_v devise_v how_o great_a then_o must_v be_v the_o offence_n and_o what_o shall_v be_v the_o punishment_n of_o that_o offence_n which_o be_v commit_v against_o the_o great_a god_n and_o sovereign_a lord_n of_o all_o the_o earth_n the_o king_n of_o king_n who_o be_v able_a to_o cast_v both_o soul_n and_o body_n into_o hell_n fire_n but_o especial_o i_o will_v have_v thou_o to_o consider_v the_o goodness_n of_o god_n that_o so_o thou_o may_v see_v the_o foulness_n and_o ingratitude_n of_o thy_o sin_v against_o he_o and_o so_o may_v justify_v the_o lord_n in_o his_o justice_n if_o a_o man_n shall_v go_v &_o wrong_v or_o offend_v his_o father_n that_o beget_v he_o and_o give_v he_o his_o life_n or_o one_o that_o at_o any_o time_n have_v preserve_v his_o life_n or_o one_o that_o have_v bestow_v some_o great_a favour_n upon_o he_o and_o have_v be_v beneficial_a to_o he_o we_o will_v abhor_v such_o a_o man_n for_o the_o foulnes_n the_o unnaturalness_n the_o ingratitude_n of_o his_o offence_n but_o what_o be_v this_o to_o the_o offence_n of_o the_o lord_n our_o god_n he_o be_v our_o father_n indeed_o and_o the_o father_n not_o only_o of_o our_o body_n but_z as_o he_o be_v call_v of_o our_o spirit_n it_o be_v he_o that_o have_v make_v we_o and_o not_o we_o ourselves_o he_o have_v preserve_v our_o life_n not_o once_o but_o many_o time_n yea_o always_o in_o he_o we_o live_v we_o move_v we_o have_v our_o be_v and_o final_o he_o have_v bestow_v upon_o we_o favour_n innumerable_a be_v so_o beneficial_a that_o he_o load_v we_o daily_o with_o his_o benefit_n what_o vile_a ingratitude_n than_o must_v it_o be_v to_o fin_n against_o he_o i_o pray_v thou_o how_o mighty_a and_o withal_o how_o just_a a_o challenge_n shall_v it_o be_v when_o the_o lord_n shall_v accuse_v thou_o in_o these_o term_n i_o do_v make_v thou_o who_o may_v have_v deny_v thou_o a_o be_v and_o i_o make_v thou_o according_a to_o my_o own_o image_n whereas_o i_o may_v have_v make_v thou_o a_o beast_n or_o a_o senseless_a creature_n and_o i_o make_v thou_o and_o bring_v thou_o into_o the_o world_n with_o all_o the_o perfection_n of_o thy_o body_n and_o mind_n and_o have_v continue_v they_o with_o thou_o this_o i_o have_v not_o do_v unto_o many_o other_o i_o have_v preserve_v thou_o from_o innumerable_a inconvenience_n which_o befall_v unto_o other_o by_o day_n and_o by_o night_n i_o load_v thou_o with_o benefit_n which_o i_o deny_v to_o other_o thou_o never_o enjoy_v any_o thing_n useful_a or_o profitable_a whereof_o i_o be_v not_o the_o bestower_n i_o make_v the_o rest_n of_o my_o creature_n serve_v thou_o my_o angel_n guard_v thou_o my_o own_o son_n redeem_v thou_o for_o all_o this_o what_o do_v i_o require_v but_o that_o such_o thing_n thou_o shall_v do_v and_o such_o and_o such_o thing_n thou_o shall_v not_o do_v earnest_o i_o beseech_v thou_o to_o obey_v as_o a_o matter_n of_o eternal_a concernment_n to_o thyself_o and_o of_o high_a displeasure_n to_o i_o and_o yet_o thou_o take_v not_o the_o matter_n to_o heart_n thou_o will_v not_o obey_v do_v thou_o thus_o requite_v i_o o_o foolish_a person_n and_o unkind_a how_o can_v thy_o own_o conscience_n but_o concur_v with_o the_o lord_n and_o say_v thou_o be_v just_a when_o thou_o judge_v mark_v that_o accompany_v faith_n q._n what_o be_v the_o mark_n that_o accompany_v faith_n or_o be_v take_v from_o the_o concomitant_n of_o faith_n a._n i._n they_o be_v these_o three_o especial_o the_o first_o be_v this_o true_a faith_n lean_v to_o the_o mean_n and_o be_v ground_v upon_o they_o even_o upon_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o in_o special_a upon_o the_o promise_n of_o forgiveness_n of_o sin_n the_o new_a and_o everlasting_a covenant_n the_o passage_n of_o god_n merciful_a nature_n christ_n readiness_n to_o receive_v sinner_n the_o oath_n that_o ground_n of_o strong_a consolation_n and_o such_o like_a ground_n and_o mean_n of_o confidence_n lay_v down_o in_o the_o word_n it_o be_v beget_v and_o breed_v by_o these_o at_o first_o it_o be_v feed_v cherish_v and_o strengthen_v by_o these_o and_o last_o it_o be_v defend_v by_o these_o against_o all_o assault_n doubt_n and_o tentation_n of_o the_o soul_n so_o that_o the_o word_n and_o these_o thing_n in_o the_o word_n be_v the_o seed_n the_o food_n the_o fortress_n or_o refuge_n of_o faith_n whereunto_o it_o retire_v so_o that_o faith_n altogether_o stand_v by_o the_o word_n faith_n be_v by_o hear_v and_o hear_v by_o the_o word_n of_o god_n rom._n 10.27_o so_o then_o will_v thou_o know_v whether_o thy_o faith_n be_v of_o the_o right_a stamp_n or_o no_o 1._o be_v thy_o faith_n at_o first_o beget_v by_o the_o word_n and_o the_o foresay_a mean_n either_o hear_v read_v or_o meditate_a upon_o 2._o do_v thou_o find_v thy_o faith_n to_o be_v strengthen_v cherish_v and_o cheer_v by_o use_v the_o same_o mean_n so_o that_o upon_o your_o diligent_a use_v and_o feed_v upon_o they_o you_o find_v your_o faith_n more_o lively_a and_o strong_a and_o again_o upon_o your_o neglect_n of_o the_o mean_n you_o find_v it_o more_o dead_a weak_a and_o remiss_a this_o be_v very_o considerable_a and_o 3._o when_o your_o faith_n be_v put_v to_o it_o and_o assault_v do_v it_o and_o thy_o heart_n fly_v to_o the_o foresay_a mean_n and_o passage_n of_o god_n word_n all_o this_o evidence_n thy_o faith_n to_o be_v of_o the_o
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 as_o set_v either_o light_n by_o the_o offer_n and_o promise_n who_o perish_v in_o their_o presumption_n and_o security_n or_o such_o as_o keep_v back_o and_o distrust_v the_o promise_n who_o perish_v through_o desperation_n and_o infidelity_n now_o those_o that_o set_v light_o they_o be_v of_o two_o sort_n some_o lean_v to_o their_o own_o righteovinesse_n and_o will_v not_o quit_v it_o these_o just_o perish_v in_o their_o presumption_n 2._o other_o that_o will_v not_o leave_v their_o sin_n and_o pleasure_n which_o be_v the_o condition_n of_o the_o offer_n matth._n 11._o will_v not_o take_v on_o christ_n yoke_n these_o perish_v in_o their_o security_n as_o for_o those_o that_o keep_v back_o they_o be_v such_o who_o through_o satan_n and_o their_o own_o heart_n be_v hold_v back_o from_o believe_v and_o these_o perish_v through_o despair_n see_v then_o thou_o be_v not_o one_o that_o do_v set_v light_n by_o the_o promise_n and_o offer_v for_o thou_o renounce_v thy_o own_o righteousness_n 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