Selected quad for the lemma: spirit_n

Word A Word B Word C Word D Occurrence Frequency Band MI MI Band Prominent
spirit_n dwell_v heart_n holy_a 6,103 5 4.8962 4 false
View all documents for the selected quad

Text snippets containing the quad

ID Title Author Corrected Date of Publication (TCP Date of Publication) STC Words Pages
A27009 The right method for a settled peace of conscience, and spiritual comfort in 32 directions : written for the use of a troubled friend / and now published by Richard Baxter ... Baxter, Richard, 1615-1691. 1653 (1653) Wing B1373A; ESTC R17485 252,137 602

There are 16 snippets containing the selected quad. | View original text

believe_v without_o god_n further_a help_n but_o he_o that_o have_v make_v you_o willing_a will_v not_o be_v want_v to_o maintain_v your_o willingness_n though_o i_o will_v say_v to_o any_o man_n you_o may_v have_v christ_n if_o you_o will_v yet_o i_o will_v say_v to_o no_o man_n you_o can_v be_v willing_a of_o your_o self_n or_o without_o the_o special_a grace_n of_o god_n nay_o let_v i_o further_o ask_v have_v not_o you_o darken_v bury_v or_o weaken_v your_o grace_n in_o stead_n of_o exercise_v and_o increase_v they_o even_o then_o when_o you_o complain_v for_o want_v of_o assurance_n of_o they_o when_o you_o find_v a_o want_n of_o faith_n and_o love_n have_v not_o you_o weaken_v they_o more_o and_o so_o make_v they_o less_o discernible_a have_v you_o not_o feed_v your_o unbelief_n and_o dispute_v for_o your_o doubt_n and_o take_v satan_n part_n against_o yourself_o and_o which_o be_v far_o worse_o have_v you_o never_o through_o these_o doubt_n entertain_v hard_a thought_n of_o god_n and_o present_v he_o to_o your_o soul_n as_o unwilling_a to_o show_v you_o mercy_n and_o in_o a_o unlovely_a dreadful_a hideous_a shape_n fit_a to_o affright_v you_o from_o he_o then_o to_o draw_v you_o to_o he_o and_o likely_a to_o provoke_v your_o hatred_n then_o your_o love_n if_o you_o have_v not_o do_v thus_o ●_o know_v too_o many_o trouble_a soul_n that_o have_v and_o if_o you_o have_v you_o have_v take_v a_o very_a unlikely_a way_n to_o get_v assurance_n if_o you_o will_v have_v be_v certain_a that_o you_o love_v god_n in_o sincerity_n you_o shall_v have_v labour_v to_o love_v he_o more_o till_o you_o have_v be_v certain_a and_o that_o you_o may_v do_v so_o you_o shall_v have_v keep_v better_a thought_n of_o god_n in_o your_o mind_n you_o will_v hardly_o love_v he_o while_o you_o think_v of_o he_o as_o evil_n or_o at_o least_o as_o hurtful_a to_o you_o never_o forget_v this_o rule_n which_o i_o lay_v you_o down_o in_o the_o beginning_n that_o he_o that_o will_v ever_o love_v god_n must_v apprehend_v he_o to_o be_v good_a and_o the_o more_o large_a and_o deep_o be_v our_o apprehension_n of_o his_o goodness_n the_o more_o will_v be_v our_o love_n for_o such_o as_o god_n appear_v to_o be_v to_o man_n fix_a conceiving_n such_o will_v their_o affection_n be_v to_o he_o for_o the_o fix_a deep_a conception_n or_o apprehension_n of_o the_o mind_n do_v lead_v about_o the_o soul_n and_o guide_v the_o life_n i_o conclude_v therefore_o with_o this_o important_a and_o importunate_a request_n to_o you_o that_o though_o it_o be_v a_o duty_n necessary_a in_o its_o time_n and_o place_n to_o examine_v ourselves_o concern_v our_o sincerity_n in_o our_o several_a grace_n and_o duty_n to_o god_n yet_o be_v sure_a that_o the_o first_o and_o far_o great_a part_n of_o your_o time_n and_o pain_n and_o care_n and_o inquiry_n be_v for_o the_o get_n and_o increase_v of_o your_o grace_n then_o for_o the_o discern_a it_o and_o to_o perform_v your_o duty_n right_o then_o to_o discern_v your_o right_a performance_n and_o when_o you_o confer_v with_o minister_n or_o other_o that_o may_v teach_v you_o see_v that_o you_o ask_v ten_o time_n at_o least_o how_o shall_v i_o get_v or_o increase_v my_o ●aith_n my_o love_n to_o christ_n and_o to_o his_o people_n for_o once_o that_o you_o ask_v how_o shall_v i_o know_v that_o i_o believe_v or_o love_v yet_o so_o contrary_a have_v be_v and_o still_o be_v the_o practice_n of_o most_o christian_n among_o we_o in_o this_o point_n that_o i_o have_v hear_v it_o twenty_o time_n ask_v how_o shall_v i_o know_v that_o i_o true_o love_v the_o brethren_n for_o once_o that_o i_o have_v hear_v it_o demand_v how_o shall_v i_o bring_v my_o heart_n to_o love_v they_o better_o and_o the_o like_a i_o may_v say_v of_o love_n to_o christ_n himself_o i_o shall_v next_o have_v speak_v of_o the_o second_o part_n of_o the_o direction_n how_o much_o our_o assurance_n and_o comfort_n will_v still_o depend_v on_o our_o actual_a obedience_n but_o this_o will_v fall_v in_o in_o handle_v the_o two_o or_o three_o next_o follow_v direction_n direction_n xxiii_o 23._o my_o next_o advice_n be_v this_o think_v not_o that_o those_o doubt_n and_o trouble_n of_o mind_n which_o be_v cause_v and_o continue_v by_o wilful_a disobedience_n will_v ever_o be_v well_o heal_v but_o by_o the_o heal_n of_o that_o disobedience_n or_o that_o the_o same_o mean_n must_v be_v use_v and_o will_v suffice_v to_o the_o cure_n of_o such_o trouble_n which_o must_v be_v use_v and_o will_v suffice_v to_o cure_v the_o trouble_n of_o a_o tender-conscience_n and_o of_o a_o obedient_a christian_a who_o trouble_n be_v mere_o through_o mistake_n of_o their_o condition_n i_o will_v begin_v with_o the_o late_a part_n of_o this_o direction_n he_o that_o be_v trouble_v upon_o mere_a mistake_n may_v be_v quiet_v upon_o the_o removal_n of_o they_o if_o he_o understand_v not_o the_o universal_a extent_n of_o christ_n satisfaction_n or_o of_o the_o covenant_n or_o conditional_a grant_n of_o christ_n and_o life_n in_o he_o and_o if_o upon_o this_o he_o be_v trouble_v as_o think_v that_o he_o be_v not_o include_v the_o convince_a he_o of_o his_o error_n may_v suffice_v to_o the_o removal_n of_o his_o trouble_n if_o he_o be_v trouble_v through_o his_o mistake_v the_o nature_n of_o true_a faith_n or_o true_a love_n or_o other_o grace_n and_o so_o think_v that_o he_o have_v they_o not_o when_o he_o have_v they_o the_o discovery_n of_o his_o error_n may_v be_v the_o quiet_v of_o his_o soul_n the_o soul_n that_o be_v trouble_v upon_o such_o mistake_n must_v be_v tender_o deal_v with_o much_o more_o they_o that_o be_v disquiet_v by_o groundless_a fear_n or_o too_o deep_a apprehension_n of_o the_o wrath_n or_o justice_n of_o god_n of_o the_o evil_a of_o sin_n and_o of_o their_o unworthiness_n and_o for_o want_v of_o full_a apprehension_n of_o the_o love_a kindness_n of_o god_n and_o the_o tender_a compassionate_a nature_n of_o christ_n we_o can_v scarce_o handle_v such_o soul_n too_o gentle_o god_n will_v have_v all_o to_o be_v tender_o deal_v with_o that_o be_v tender_a of_o displease_v and_o dishonour_v he_o by_o sin_n god_n own_o language_n may_v teach_v all_o minister_n what_o language_n we_o shall_v use_v to_o such_o isa_n 57.15_o 16_o 17_o 18_o 19_o 20_o 21._o thus_o say_v the_o high_a and_o lofty_a one_o that_o inhabit_v eternity_n who_o name_n be_v holy_a i_o dwell_v in_o the_o high_a and_o holy_a place_n with_o he_o also_o that_o be_v of_o a_o contrite_a and_o humble_a spirit_n to_o revive_v the_o spirit_n of_o the_o humble_a and_o to_o revive_v the_o heart_n of_o the_o contrite_a one_o for_o i_o will_v not_o contend_v for_o ever_o neither_o will_v i_o be_v always_o wroth_a for_o the_o spirit_n shall_v fail_v before_o i_o and_o the_o soul_n which_o i_o have_v make_v etc._n etc._n but_o the_o wicked_a be_v like_o the_o trouble_a sea_n when_o it_o can_v rest_v who_o water_n cast_v up_o mire_n and_o dirt_n there_o be_v no_o peace_n say_v my_o god_n to_o the_o wicked_a much_o more_o tender_a language_n may_v such_o expect_v from_o christ_n in_o the_o gospel_n where_o be_v contain_v a_o full_a revelation_n of_o his_o grace_n if_o mary_n a_o poor_a sinful_a woman_n lie_v weep_v at_o his_o foot_n and_o wash_v they_o with_o her_o tear_n he_o have_v not_o the_o heart_n to_o spurn_v she_o away_o but_o open_o proclaim_v the_o forgiveness_n of_o her_o many_o sin_n as_o soon_o as_o ever_o the_o heart_n of_o a_o sinner_n be_v turn_v from_o his_o sin_n the_o heart_n of_o christ_n be_v turn_v to_o he_o the_o very_a sum_n of_o all_o the_o gospel_n be_v contain_v in_o those_o precious_a word_n which_o full_o express_v this_o matth._n 11.28_o 29_o 30._o come_v unto_o i_o all_o you_o that_o labour_n and_o be_v heavy_a lade_v and_o i_o will_v give_v you_o rest_v take_v my_o yoke_n upon_o you_o and_o learn_v of_o i_o for_o i_o be_o meek_a and_o lowly_a in_o heart_n and_o you_o shall_v find_v rest_n unto_o your_o soul_n for_o my_o yoke_n be_v easy_a and_o my_o burden_n be_v light_a when_o the_o prodigal_n luke_n 15.20_o do_v once_o come_v home_o to_o his_o father_n with_o sorrow_n and_o shame_n conte_v his_o unworthiness_n yea_o but_o resolve_v to_o confess_v it_o his_o father_n prevent_v he_o and_o see_v he_o afar_o off_o and_o stay_v not_o his_o come_n but_o run_v and_o meet_v he_o and_o when_o he_o come_v to_o he_o he_o do_v not_o upbraid_v he_o with_o his_o sin_n nor_o say_v thou_o rebel_n why_o have_v thou_o forsake_v i_o and_o prefer_v harlot_n and_o luxury_n before_o i_o nay_o he_o do_v not_o so_o much_o as_o frown_v upon_o he_o but_o compassionate_o fall_v on_o his_o neck_n and_o kiss_v he_o alas_o
be_v your_o own_o this_o be_v the_o benefit_n of_o the_o unity_n of_o the_o church_n the_o blessing_n of_o one_o member_n of_o the_o body_n be_v blessing_n to_o the_o rest_n and_o if_o one_o rejoice_v the_o rest_n may_v rejoice_v with_o they_o not_o only_o for_o their_o sake_n but_o also_o for_o their_o own_o such_o as_o god_n be_v to_o the_o rest_n of_o his_o child_n such_o he_o be_v and_o will_v be_v to_o you_o he_o be_v as_o ready_a to_o pity_v you_o as_o they_o and_o to_o hear_v your_o complaint_n and_o moan_n as_o they_o and_o lest_o we_o shall_v think_v that_o none_o of_o they_o be_v so_o bad_a as_o we_o he_o have_v leave_v we_o the_o example_n of_o his_o mercy_n to_o worse_a than_o ever_o we_o be_v you_o never_o be_v guilty_a of_o witchcraft_n and_o open_a idolatry_n as_o manasses_n be_v and_o that_o for_o a_o long_a time_n and_o draw_v the_o whole_a nation_n and_o chief_a part_n of_o the_o visible_a church_n on_o earth_n into_o idolatry_n with_o he_o you_o never_o have_v your_o hand_n in_o the_o blood_n of_o a_o saint_n and_o even_o of_o the_o first_o martyr_n stephen_n as_o paul_n have_v you_o never_o hunt_v after_o the_o blood_n of_o the_o saint_n and_o persecute_v they_o from_o city_n to_o city_n as_o he_o do_v and_o yet_o god_n do_v not_o only_o forgive_v he_o but_o be_v find_v of_o he_o when_o he_o never_o seek_v he_o yea_o when_o he_o be_v persecute_v he_o in_o his_o member_n and_o kick_v against_o the_o prick_n yea_o and_o make_v he_o a_o choose_a vessel_n to_o bear_v about_o his_o name_n and_o as_o noble_a a_o instrument_n of_o the_o propagation_n of_o his_o gospel_n as_o if_o he_o have_v never_o be_v guilty_a of_o any_o such_o crime_n that_o he_o may_v be_v a_o encourage_v example_n to_o the_o unworthy_a sinner_n and_o in_o he_o may_v appear_v the_o riches_n of_o his_o mercy_n 1_o tim._n 1.13_o 16._o see_v also_o titus_n 3.3_o 4_o 5_o 6_o 7._o be_v there_o no_o ground_n of_o comfort_n in_o these_o example_n of_o the_o saint_n the_o same_o we_o may_v say_v of_o the_o experience_n of_o god_n people_n still_o and_o doubtless_o it_o be_v well_o if_o experimental_a christian_n do_v more_o full_o and_o frequent_o open_a to_o one_o another_o their_o experience_n it_o be_v the_o way_n to_o make_v private_a particular_a mercy_n to_o be_v more_o public_a and_o common_a mercy_n and_o to_o give_v other_o a_o part_n in_o our_o blessing_n without_o any_o diminution_n of_o they_o to_o ourselves_o not_o that_o i_o will_v have_v this_o so_o open_o and_o rash_o do_v by_o those_o who_o through_o their_o disability_n to_o express_v their_o mind_n do_v make_v the_o work_n and_o language_n of_o their_o spirit_n seem_v ridiculous_a to_o carnal_a ear_n as_o i_o perceive_v some_o in_o a_o very_a formality_n will_v have_v it_o as_o if_o it_o must_v be_v one_o of_o their_o church_n custom_n to_o satisfy_v the_o society_n of_o the_o fitness_n of_o each_o member_n before_o they_o will_v receive_v they_o but_o i_o will_v have_v christian_n that_o be_v sit_v to_o express_v their_o mind_n to_o do_v it_o in_o season_n and_o with_o wisdom_n especial_o those_o to_o who_o god_n have_v give_v any_o more_o eminent_a and_o notable_a experiment_n which_o may_v be_v of_o public_a use_n doubtless_o god_n have_v lose_v very_o much_o of_o the_o honour_n due_a to_o his_o name_n and_o poor_a christian_n much_o of_o the_o benefit_n which_o they_o may_v have_v receive_v and_o may_v challenge_v by_o the_o mutual_a interest_n of_o fellow-member_n for_o want_v of_o the_o public_a communication_n of_o the_o extraordinary_a and_o more_o notable_a experience_n of_o some_o man_n those_o that_o write_v the_o life_n of_o the_o holy_a man_n when_o they_o be_v dead_a can_v give_v you_o but_o the_o outside_n and_o carcase_n of_o their_o memorial_n the_o most_o observable_a passage_n be_v usual_o secret_a know_v only_o to_o god_n and_o their_o own_o soul_n which_o none_o but_o themselves_o be_v able_a to_o communicate_v for_o my_o own_o part_n i_o do_v sober_o and_o serious_o profess_v to_o you_o that_o the_o experience_n i_o have_v have_v of_o god_n special_a providence_n and_o fatherly_a care_n and_o special_o of_o his_o hear_a prayer_n have_v be_v so_o strange_a and_o great_a and_o exceed_o numerous_a that_o they_o have_v do_v very_o much_o to_o the_o quiet_v of_o my_o spirit_n and_o the_o persuade_v my_o soul_n of_o god_n love_n to_o i_o and_o the_o silence_v and_o shame_v of_o my_o unbelieving_a heart_n and_o especial_o for_o the_o conquer_a of_o all_o temptation_n that_o lead_v to_o atheism_n or_o infidelity_n to_o the_o deny_v of_o special_a providence_n or_o or_o the_o verity_n of_o the_o gospel_n or_o of_o the_o necessity_n of_o holy_a prayer_n and_o worship_v of_o god_n yea_o those_o passage_n that_o in_o the_o bulk_n of_o the_o thing_n seem_v to_o have_v no_o great_a matter_n in_o they_o yet_o have_v come_v at_o such_o season_n in_o such_o a_o manner_n in_o evident_a answer_n to_o prayer_n that_o they_o have_v do_v much_o to_o my_o confirmation_n o_o happy_a affliction_n and_o distress_n suffering_n and_o danger_n force_v we_o to_o pray_v and_o force_v the_o cold_a and_o customary_a petitioner_n to_o seriousness_n and_o importunity_n importunate_n prayer_n bring_v evident_a return_n such_o return_n give_v we_o sensible_a experience_n such_o experience_n raise_v faith_n love_n and_o thankfulness_n kill_v unbelief_n and_o atheism_n and_o encourage_v the_o soul_n in_o all_o distress_n to_o go_v the_o same_o way_n as_o when_o it_o speed_v so_o well_o i_o often_o pity_v the_o poor_a seduce_a infidel_n of_o this_o age_n that_o deny_v scripture_n and_o christ_n himself_o and_o doubt_v of_o the_o usefulness_n of_o prayer_n and_o holy_a worship_n and_o i_o wish_v that_o they_o have_v but_o the_o experience_n that_o i_o have_v have_v o_o how_o much_o more_o may_v it_o do_v then_o all_o their_o study_n and_o dispute_n true_o i_o have_v once_o or_o twice_o have_v motion_n in_o my_o mind_n to_o have_v public_o and_o free_o communicate_v my_o experience_n in_o a_o relation_n of_o the_o more_o observable_a passage_n of_o my_o life_n but_o i_o find_v that_o i_o be_v not_o able_a to_o do_v it_o to_o god_n praise_v as_o be_v meet_v without_o a_o show_n of_o ostentation_n and_o vanity_n and_o therefore_o i_o forbear_v direction_n xviii_o 18._o next_o that_o you_o may_v yet_o further_o understand_v the_o true_a nature_n of_o assurance_n faith_n doubt_v and_o desperation_n i_o will_v have_v you_o observe_v this_o that_o god_n do_v not_o command_v every_o man_n nor_o proper_o any_o man_n ordinary_o by_o his_o word_n to_o bel●eve_v that_o his_o sin_n be_v forgive_v and_o himself_o be_v justify_v adopt_a and_o shall_v be_v save_v but_o he_o have_v prescribe_v a_o way_n by_o which_o they_o may_v attain_v to_o assurance_n of_o these_o in_o which_o way_n it_o be_v man_n duty_n to_o seek_v it_o so_o that_o our_o assurance_n be_v not_o proper_o that_o which_o be_v call_v a_o certainty_n of_o belief_n i_o have_v say_v enough_o for_o the_o proof_n of_o this_o proposition_n in_o the_o three_o part_n of_o my_o book_n of_o rest_n chap._n 1●_n whither_o i_o must_v refer_v you_o but_o there_o be_v more_o to_o be_v say_v yet_o for_o the_o application_n of_o it_o but_o first_o i_o must_v brief_o tell_v you_o the_o meaning_n of_o the_o word_n 1._o god_n command_v we_o all_o to_o believe_v wicked_a and_o godly_a that_o our_o sin_n be_v make_v pardonable_a by_o the_o sufficient_a satisfaction_n of_o christ_n for_o they_o and_o that_o god_n be_v very_o merciful_a and_o ready_a to_o forgive_v and_o that_o he_o have_v conditional_o forgive_v we_o all_o in_o the_o new_a covenant_n make_v a_o deed_n of_o gift_n of_o christ_n and_o pardon_n and_o life_n in_o he_o to_o all_o on_o condition_n they_o believe_v in_o he_o and_o accept_v what_o be_v give_v 2._o but_o no_o man_n be_v command_v to_o believe_v that_o he_o be_v actual_o forgive_v 3._o therefore_o i_o say_v our_o assurance_n be_v not_o strict_o to_o be_v call_v belief_n or_o a_o certainty_n of_o belief_n for_o it_o be_v only_o our_o certain_a belief_n of_o those_o thing_n which_o we_o take_v on_o the_o mere_a credit_n of_o the_o witness_a or_o revealer_n which_o we_o call_v certainty_n of_o faith_n indeed_o we_o common_o in_o english_a use_n the_o word_n belief_n to_o express_v any_o confident_a but_o uncertain_a opinion_n or_o persuasion_n and_o if_o any_o will_v so_o take_v it_o than_o i_o deny_v not_o but_o our_o assurance_n be_v a_o belief_n but_o it_o be_v common_o take_v by_o divine_n for_o a_o assent_n to_o any_o thing_n on_o the_o credit_n of_o the_o word_n of_o the_o revealer_n and_o so_o be_v distinguish_v both_o from_o the_o sensible_a apprehension_n of_o thing_n and_o
strong_o and_o sensible_o that_o its_o usual_a for_o late_a motion_n which_o be_v more_o deep_o affect_v to_o make_v we_o overlook_v all_o the_o former_a or_o take_v they_o for_o nothing_o 10._o god_n deal_v very_o various_o with_o his_o choose_a in_o their_o conversion_n as_o to_o the_o accidental_n and_o circumstance_n of_o the_o work_n some_o he_o call_v not_o home_n till_o they_o have_v run_v a_o long_a race_n in_o the_o way_n of_o rebellion_n in_o open_a drunkenness_n swear_v worldliness_n and_o derision_n of_o holiness_n these_o he_o usual_o humble_v more_o deep_o and_o they_o can_v better_o observe_v the_o several_a step_n of_o the_o spirit_n in_o the_o work_n and_o yet_o not_o always_o neither_o other_o he_o so_o restrain_v in_o their_o youth_n that_o though_o they_o have_v not_o save_v grace_n yet_o they_o be_v not_o guilty_a of_o any_o gross_a sin_n but_o have_v a_o like_n to_o the_o people_n and_o way_n of_o god_n and_o yet_o he_o do_v not_o saving_o convert_v they_o till_o long_o after_o it_o be_v much_o hard_a for_o these_o to_o discern_v the_o time_n or_o manner_n of_o their_o conversion_n yet_o usual_o some_o conjecture_n they_o may_v make_v and_o usual_o their_o humiliation_n be_v not_o so_o deep_a other_o as_o be_v say_v have_v the_o save_a work_n of_o the_o spirit_n in_o their_o very_a childhood_n and_o these_o can_v lest_o of_o all_o discern_v the_o certain_a time_n or_o order_n the_o ordinary_a way_n of_o god_n deal_v with_o those_o that_o be_v child_n of_o godly_a parent_n and_o have_v good_a education_n be_v by_o give_v they_o some_o like_n of_o godly_a person_n and_o way_n some_o conscience_n of_o sin_n some_o repentance_n and_o recourse_n by_o prayer_n to_o god_n in_o christ_n for_o mercy_n yet_o youthful_a lust_n and_o folly_n and_o ill_a company_n do_v usual_o much_o stifle_v it_o till_o at_o last_o by_o some_o affliction_n or_o sermon_n or_o book_n or_o good_a company_n god_n set_v home_o the_o work_n and_o make_v they_o more_o resolute_a and_o victorious_a christian_n these_o person_n now_o can_v remember_v that_o they_o have_v conviction_n and_o stir_n of_o conscience_n when_o they_o be_v young_a and_o the_o other_o forementioned_a work_v perhaps_o they_o can_v remember_v some_o more_o notable_a rowsing_n and_o awakening_n long_v after_o and_o perhaps_o they_o have_v have_v many_o such_o fit_n and_o step_n and_o the_o work_n have_v stand_v at_o this_o pass_n for_o a_o long_a time_n even_o many_o year_n together_o but_o at_o which_o of_o all_o these_o change_v it_o be_v that_o the_o soul_n begin_v to_o be_v save_o sincere_a i_o think_v be_v next_o to_o a_o impossibility_n to_o discern_v according_a to_o that_o experience_n which_o i_o have_v have_v of_o the_o state_n of_o christian_n i_o be_o force_v to_o judge_v that_o most_o of_o the_o child_n of_o the_o godly_a that_o ever_o be_v renew_a be_v renew_a in_o their_o childhood_n or_o much_o towards_o it_o then_o do_v and_o that_o among_o forty_o christian_n there_o be_v not_o one_o that_o can_v certain_o name_v the_o month_n in_o which_o his_o soul_n first_o begin_v to_o be_v sincere_a and_o among_o a_o thousand_o christian_n i_o think_v not_o one_o can_v name_v the_o hour_n the_o sermon_n which_o awaken_v they_o they_o may_v name_v but_o not_o the_o hour_n when_o they_o first_o arrive_v at_o a_o save_a sincerity_n my_o advice_n therefore_o to_o all_o christian_n be_v this_o find_v christ_n by_o his_o spirit_n dwell_v in_o your_o heart_n and_o then_o never_o trouble_v yourselves_o though_o you_o know_v not_o the_o time_n or_o manner_n of_o his_o entrance_n do_v you_o value_v christ_n above_o the_o world_n and_o resolve_v to_o choose_v he_o before_o the_o world_n and_o perform_v these_o resolution_n then_o need_v you_o not_o doubt_v but_o the_o spirit_n of_o jesus_n be_v victorious_a in_o you_o doubt_v ii_o but_o i_o have_v oft_o read_v and_o hear_v th●t_v a_o man_n can_v come_v to_o christ_n till_o he_o feel_v the_o heavy_a burden_n of_o sin_n it_o be_v the_o weary_a and_o heavy-laden_a that_o christ_n call_v to_o he_o he_o bind_v up_o only_o the_o brokenhearted_a he_o be_v a_o physician_n only_o to_o those_o that_o feel_v themselves_o sick_a he_o bring_v man_n to_o heaven_n by_o the_o gate_n 〈◊〉_d hell_n they_o must_v be_v able_a to_o say_v i_o be_o in_o a_o lo●●_n condition_n and_o in_o a_o state_n of_o damnation_n and_o ●f_o i_o shall_v die_v this_o hour_n i_o must_v perish_v for_o ever_o before_o christ_n will_v deliver_v they_o god_n will_v not_o throw_v away_o the_o blood_n of_o his_o son_n on_o those_o that_o feel_v not_o their_o absolute_a necessity_n of_o it_o and_o that_o they_o be_v undo_v without_o it_o but_o it_o be_v never_o thus_o with_o i_o to_o this_o day_n answer_n you_o must_v distinguish_v careful_o between_o repentance_n as_o it_o be_v in_o the_o mind_n and_o will_n and_o as_o it_o show_v itself_o in_o the_o passion_n of_o sorrow_n all_o that_o have_v save_v interest_n in_o christ_n have_v their_o judgement_n and_o will_n so_o far_o change_v that_o they_o know_v they_o be_v great_a sinner_n and_o that_o there_o be_v no_o way_n to_o the_o obtain_n of_o pardon_n and_o salvation_n but_o by_o christ_n and_o the_o free_a mercy_n of_o god_n in_o he_o and_o thereupon_o they_o be_v convince_v that_o if_o they_o remain_v without_o the_o grace_n of_o christ_n they_o be_v undo_v for_o ever_o whereupon_o they_o understand_v that_o christ_n and_o mercy_n be_v offer_v to_o they_o in_o the_o gospel_n do_v hearty_o and_o thankful_o accept_v the_o offer_n and_o will_v not_o be_v without_o christ_n or_o change_v their_o hope_n of_o his_o grace_n for_o all_o the_o world_n and_o do_v resolve_v to_o wait_v upon_o he_o for_o the_o further_a discovery_n of_o his_o mercy_n and_o the_o work_n of_o his_o spirit_n in_o a_o constant_a and_o conscionable_a use_n of_o his_o mea●s_n and_o to_o be_v rule_v by_o he_o to_o their_o power_n be_v it_o not_o thus_o with_o you_o if_o it_o be_v here_o be_v the_o life_n and_o substance_n of_o repentance_n which_o consist_v in_o this_o change_n of_o the_o mind_n and_o heart_n and_o you_o have_v no_o cause_n to_o doubt_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o it_o for_o want_v of_o more_o deep_a and_o passionate_a humiliation_n 2._o i_o have_v tell_v you_o before_o how_o uncertain_a and_o unconstant_a the_o passionate_a effect_n of_o grace_n be_v and_o how_o unfit_a to_o judge_n by_o and_o give_v you_o several_a reason_n of_o it_o yet_o i_o doubt_v not_o but_o some_o work_n upon_o the_o affection_n there_o be_v as_o well_o as_o on_o the_o will_n and_o understanding_n but_o with_o so_o great_a diversity_n of_o manner_n and_o degree_n that_o it_o be_v not_o safe_a judge_v by_o it_o only_o or_o chief_o be_v there_o no_o degree_n of_o sorrow_n or_o trouble_v that_o have_v touch_v your_o heart_n for_o your_o sin_n or_o misery_n if_o your_o affection_n be_v no_o wh●●_n stir_v you_o will_v hardly_o be_v move_v to_o action_n to_o use_v mean_n or_o avoid_v iniquity_n much_o less_o will_v you_o so_o oft_o complain_v as_o you_o do_v 3._o if_o god_n prevent_v those_o heinous_a sin_n in_o the_o time_n of_o your_o unregeneracy_n which_o those_o usual_o be_v guilty_a of_o who_o be_v call_v to_o so_o deep_a a_o degree_n of_o sorrow_n you_o shall_v rather_o be_v thankful_a that_o your_o wound_n be_v not_o deep_o then_o trouble_v that_o the_o cure_n cost_v you_o not_o dear_a look_v well_o whether_o the_o cure_n be_v wrought_v in_o the_o change_n of_o your_o heart_n and_o life_n from_o the_o world_n to_o god_n by_o christ_n and_o then_o you_o need_v not_o be_v trouble_v that_o it_o be_v wrought_v so_o easy_o 4._o be_v you_o not_o acquaint_v with_o the_o evil_n of_o sin_n and_o danger_n and_o misery_n of_o sinner_n in_o your_o very_a childhood_n and_o also_o of_o the_o necessity_n of_o a_o saviour_n and_o that_o christ_n die_v to_o save_v all_o sinner_n that_o will_v believe_v and_o repent_v and_o have_v not_o this_o fasten_v on_o your_o heart_n and_o be_v work_v in_o you_o by_o degree_n ever_o since_o if_o it_o be_v so_o than_o you_o can_v expect_v that_o you_o shall_v have_v such_o deep_a terror_n as_o those_o that_o never_o hear_v of_o sin_n and_o christ_n till_o the_o news_n come_v upon_o they_o sudden_o in_o the_o ripeness_n of_o their_o sin_n there_o be_v a_o great_a deal_n of_o difference_n betwixt_o the_o conversion_n of_o a_o jew_n or_o any_o other_o infidel_n who_o be_v bring_v on_o the_o sudden_a to_o know_v the_o doctrine_n of_o sin_n misery_n and_o salvation_n by_o christ_n and_o the_o conversion_n of_o a_o professor_n of_o the_o christian_a religi●●_n who_o have_v know_v this_o doctrine_n in_o some_o sort_n from_o his_o childhood_n and_o who_o have_v a_o sound_a religion_n though_o
passion_n by_o sanctify_a grace_n and_o by_o put_v both_o promise_n and_o dreadful_a threaten_n into_o his_o word_n i_o say_v if_o god_n by_o all_o these_o mean_n have_v give_v you_o several_a motive_n to_o obedience_n take_v heed_n of_o separate_v they_o do_v not_o once_o ask_v your_o heart_n such_o a_o question_n whether_o it_o will_v obey_v if_o there_o be_v no_o threaten_v and_o be_v no_o ●ear_n nor_o on_o the_o otherside_n do_v not_o let_v fear_n do_v all_o without_o love_n doubtless_o the_o more_o love_n constrain_v to_o duty_n the_o better_a it_o be_v and_o you_o shall_v endeavour_v with_o all_o your_o might_n that_o you_o may_v feel_v more_o of_o the_o force_n of_o love_n in_o your_o duty_n but_o do_v you_o not_o mark_v how_o you_o cherish_v that_o corruption_n that_o you_o complain_v of_o your_o doubt_n and_o torment_a fear_n be_v the_o thing_n that_o love_n shall_v cast_v out_o why_o then_o do_v you_o entertain_v they_o if_o you_o say_v i_o can_v help_v it_o why_o then_o do_v you_o cherish_v they_o and_o own_v they_o and_o plead_v and_o dispute_v for_o they_o and_o say_v you_o do_v well_o to_o doubt_v and_o you_o have_v cause_n will_v this_o ever_o cast_v out_o torment_v fear_n do_v you_o not_o know_v that_o the_o way_n to_o cast_v they_o out_o be_v not_o to_o maintain_v they_o by_o distrustful_a thought_n or_o word_n but_o to_o see_v their_o sinfulness_n and_o abhor_v they_o and_o to_o get_v more_o high_a thought_n of_o the_o lovingkindness_n of_o god_n and_o the_o tender_a mercy_n of_o the_o redeemer_n and_o the_o unspeakable_a love_n that_o he_o have_v manifest_v in_o his_o suffering_n for_o you_o that_o so_o the_o love_n of_o god_n may_v be_v more_o advance_v and_o powerful_a in_o your_o soul_n and_o may_v be_v able_a to_o cast_v out_o your_o torment_a fear_n why_o do_v you_o not_o do_v this_o instead_o of_o doubt_v if_o torment_v fear_n and_o doubt_n be_v a_o sin_n why_o do_v you_o not_o make_v conscience_n of_o they_o and_o bewail_v it_o that_o you_o have_v be_v so_o guilty_a of_o they_o will_v you_o therefore_o doubt_v because_o you_o have_v slavish_a fear_n why_o that_o be_v to_o doubt_v because_o you_o doubt_v and_o to_o fear_v because_o you_o fear_v and_o so_o to_o sin_v still_o because_o you_o have_v sin_v consider_v well_o of_o the_o folly_n of_o this_o course_n doubt_v vii_o but_o i_o be_o not_o able_a to_o believe_v and_o without_o faith_n there_o be_v no_o please_a god_n nor_o hope_v of_o salvation_n i_o fear_v unbelief_n will_v be_v my_o ruin_n answer_n 1._o i_o have_v answer_v this_o doubt_n full_o before_o it_o be_v ground_v on_o a_o mistake_n of_o the_o nature_n of_o true_a faith_n you_o think_v that_o faith_n be_v the_o believe_v that_o you_o be_v in_o god_n favour_n and_o that_o you_o be_v justify_v but_o proper_o this_o be_v no_o faith_n at_o all_o but_o only_a assurance_n which_o be_v sometime_o a_o fruit_n of_o faith_n and_o sometime_o never_o in_o this_o life_n obtain_v by_o a_o believer_n faith_n consist_v of_o two_o part_n 1._o assent_v to_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o word_n 2._o acceptance_n of_o christ_n as_o he_o be_v offer_v which_o immediate_o produce_v a_o trust_v on_o christ_n for_o salvation_n and_o a_o consent_n to_o be_v govern_v by_o he_o and_o resolution_n to_o obey_v he_o which_o in_o the_o full_a sense_n be_v also_o act_n of_o faith_n now_o do_v not_o you_o believe_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o do_v you_o not_o accept_v of_o christ_n as_o he_o be_v offer_v therein_o if_o you_o be_v true_o willing_a to_o have_v christ_n as_o he_o be_v offer_v i_o dare_v say_v you_o be_v a_o true_a believer_n if_o you_o be_v not_o willing_a for_o shame_n never_o complain_v man_n use_v rather_o to_o speak_v against_o those_o that_o they_o be_v unwilling_a of_o then_o complain_v of_o their_o absence_n and_o that_o they_o can_v enjoy_v they_o 2._o however_o see_v you_o complain_v of_o unbelief_n in_o the_o name_n of_o god_n do_v not_o cherish_v it_o and_o plead_v for_o it_o and_o by_o your_o own_o cogitation_n fetch_v in_o daily_a matter_n to_o feed_v it_o but_o do_v more_o in_o detestation_n of_o it_o as_o well_o as_o complain_v doubt_v viii_o but_o i_o be_o a_o stranger_n to_o the_o witness_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o the_o joy_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o communion_n with_o god_n and_o therefore_o how_o can_v i_o be_v a_o true_a believer_n answer_n 1._o feed_v your_o doubt_n and_o perplexity_n and_o argue_v for_o they_o be_v not_o a_o mean_n to_o get_v the_o testimony_n and_o joy_n of_o the_o spirit_n but_o rather_o study_v with_o all_o saint_n to_o know_v the_o love_n of_o christ_n which_o pass_v knowledge_n to_o comprehend_v the_o height_n and_o breadth_n and_o length_n and_o depth_n of_o his_o love_n and_o seek_v to_o understand_v the_o thing_n that_o be_v give_v you_o of_o god_n acknowledge_v god_n general_a love_n to_o mankind_n both_o in_o his_o gracious_a nature_n and_o common_a providence_n and_o redemption_n by_o christ_n and_o deny_v not_o his_o special_a mercy_n to_o yourself_o but_o dwell_v in_o the_o study_n of_o the_o riches_n of_o grace_n and_o that_o be_v the_o way_n to_o come_v to_o the_o joy_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n 2._o i_o have_v tell_v you_o before_o what_o the_o witness_n of_o the_o spirit_n be_v and_o what_o be_v the_o ordinary_a mistake_n herein_o if_o you_o have_v the_o grace_n and_o holy_a operation_n of_o the_o spirit_n you_o have_v the_o witness_n of_o the_o spirit_n whether_o you_o know_v it_o or_o not_o 3._o if_o by_o your_o own_o doubt_n you_o have_v deprive_v yourself_o of_o the_o joy_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n bewail_v it_o and_o do_v so_o no_o more_o but_o do_v not_o therefore_o say_v you_o have_v not_o the_o holy_a ghost_n for_o the_o holy_a ghost_n often_o work_v regeneration_n and_o holiness_n before_o he_o work_v any_o sensible_a joy_n 4._o you_o have_v some_o hope_n of_o salvation_n by_o christ_n leave_v in_o you_o you_o be_v not_o yet_o in_o utter_a despair_n and_o be_v it_o no_o comfort_n to_o you_o to_o think_v that_o you_o have_v yet_o any_o hope_n and_o be_v not_o quite_o past_a all_o remedy_n it_o may_v be_v your_o sorrow_n may_v so_o cloud_v it_o that_o you_o take_v no_o notice_n of_o it_o but_o i_o know_v you_o can_v have_v the_o least_o hope_n without_o some_o answerable_a comfort_n and_o may_v not_o that_o comfort_n ●e_v true_o the_o joy_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n 5._o and_o for_o communion_n with_o god_n let_v i_o ask_v you_o have_v you_o no_o recourse_n to_o he_o by_o prayer_n in_o your_o strait_n do_v you_o not_o wait_v at_o his_o mouth_n for_o the_o law_n and_o direction_n of_o your_o life_n have_v you_o receive_v no_o holy_a desire_n or_o other_o grace_n from_o he_o nay_o be_v you_o sure_a that_o you_o be_v not_o a_o member_n of_o christ_n who_o be_v one_o with_o he_o how_o can_v you_o then_o say_v that_o you_o have_v no_o communion_n with_o he_o can_v there_o be_v communication_n of_o prayer_n and_o obedience_n from_o you_o yea_o your_o own_o self_n deliver_v up_o to_o christ_n and_o a_o communication_n of_o any_o life_n of_o grace_n from_o god_n by_o christ_n and_o the_o spirit_n and_o all_o this_o without_o communion_n it_o can_v be_v many_o a_o soul_n have_v most_o near_a communion_n with_o christ_n that_o know_v it_o not_o doubt_v ix_o i_o have_v not_o the_o spirit_n of_o prayer_n when_o i_o shall_v pour_v out_o my_o soul_n to_o god_n i_o have_v neither_o bold_a access_n nor_o matter_n of_o prayer_n nor_o word_n answer_n do_v you_o know_v what_o the_o spirit_n of_o prayer_n be_v it_o contain_v 1._o desire_v of_o the_o soul_n after_o the_o thing_n we_o want_v especial_o christ_n and_o his_o grace_n 2._o an_z addressing_z ourselves_o to_o god_n with_o these_o desire_n that_o we_o may_v have_v help_n and_o relief_n from_o he_o have_v not_o you_o both_o these_o do_v you_o not_o desire_n christ_n and_o grace_n justification_n and_o sanctification_n do_v you_o not_o look_v to_o god_n as_o he_o who_o alone_o be_v able_a to_o supply_v your_o want_n and_o bid_v you_o ask_v that_o you_o may_v receive_v do_v you_o utter_o despair_v of_o help_n and_o to_o seek_v to_o none_o or_o do_v you_o make_v your_o address_n by_o prayer_n to_o any_o but_o god_n but_o perhaps_o you_o look_v at_o word_n and_o matter_n to_o dilate_v upon_o that_o you_o may_v be_v able_a to_o hold_v out_o in_o a_o long_a speech_n to_o god_n and_o you_o think_v that_o be_v the_o effect_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o prayer_n but_o where_o do_v you_o find_v that_o in_o god_n word_n i_o confess_v that_o in_o many_o and_o most_o the_o spirit_n which_o help_v to_o desire_n do_v also_o help_v to_o some_o kind_n of_o
expression_n because_o if_o a_o man_n be_v of_o able_a natural_a part_n and_o have_v a_o tongue_n to_o express_v his_o own_o mind_n the_o promote_a of_o holy_a desire_n will_v help_v man_n to_o expression_n for_o a_o full_a soul_n be_v hardly_o hinder_v from_o vent_v itself_o and_o experience_n teach_v we_o that_o the_o spirit_n enflame_v the_o heart_n with_o holy_a affection_n do_v very_o much_o furnish_v both_o the_o invention_n and_o expression_n but_o this_o be_v but_o accidental_a and_o uncertain_a for_o those_o that_o be_v either_o man_n of_o unready_a tongue_n or_o that_o be_v so_o ill_o breed_v among_o the_o rude_a vulgar_a that_o they_o want_v fit_a expression_n of_o their_o own_o mind_n or_o that_o be_v of_o over-bashful_a disposition_n or_o especial_o that_o be_v of_o small_a knowledge_n and_o of_o little_a and_o short_a acquaintance_n with_o those_o that_o shall_v teach_v they_o to_o pray_v by_o their_o example_n or_o that_o have_v be_v but_o of_o short_a stand_n in_o the_o school_n of_o christ_n such_o a_o man_n may_v have_v the_o spirit_n of_o prayer_n many_o a_o year_n and_o never_o be_v able_a in_o full_a expression_n of_o his_o own_o to_o make_v know_v his_o want_n to_o god_n no_o nor_o in_o good_a and_o tolerable_a sense_n and_o language_n before_o other_o to_o speak_v to_o god_n from_o his_o own_o invention_n a_o man_n may_v know_v all_o those_o article_n of_o the_o faith_n that_o be_v of_o flat_a necessity_n to_o salvation_n and_o yet_o not_o be_v able_a to_o find_v matter_n or_o word_n for_o the_o open_n of_o his_o heart_n to_o god_n at_o length_n i_o will_v advise_v such_o to_o frequent_v the_o company_n of_o those_o that_o can_v teach_v and_o help_v they_o in_o prayer_n and_o neglect_v not_o to_o use_v the_o small_a part_n they_o have_v especial_o in_o secret_a between_o god_n and_o their_o own_o soul_n where_o they_o need_v not_o so_o much_o as_o in_o public_a to_o be_v regardful_a of_o expression_n and_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n to_o learn_v a_o prayer_n from_o some_o book_n that_o may_v fitly_o express_v their_o necessity_n or_o to_o use_v the_o book_n itself_o in_o prayer_n if_o they_o distrust_v their_o memory_n not_o resolve_v to_o stick_v he●●_n and_o make_v it_o a_o mean_n of_o ind●l●i●●●●eir_n la●i●ess_n and_o negligence_n much_o less_o to_o reproach_n and_o deride_v those_o that_o express_v their_o desire_n to_o god_n from_o the_o present_a sense_n of_o their_o own_o want_n as_o some_o wicked_o do_v deride_v such_o but_o to_o use_v this_o lawful_a help_n till_o they_o be_v able_a to_o do_v better_o without_o it_o then_o with_o it_o and_o then_o to_o lay_v it_o by_o and_o not_o before_o the_o holy_a ghost_n be_v say_v rom._n 8.16_o to_o help_v our_o infirmity_n in_o prayer_n but_o how_o 1._o by_o teach_v we_o what_o to_o pray_v for_o not_o always_o what_o matter_n or_o word_n to_o enlarge_v ourselves_o by_o but_o what_o necessary_a grace_n to_o pray_v for_o 2._o by_o give_v we_o sigh_n and_o groan_n unexpressible_a which_o be_v far_o from_o give_v copious_a expression_n for_o groan_n and_o sigh_n be_v not_o word_n and_o if_o they_o be_v groan_n that_o we_o can_v express_v it_o will_v rather_o seem_v to_o intimate_v a_o want_n of_o expression_n than_o a_o constant_a abound_v therein_o where_o the_o spirit_n do_v assist_v though_o indeed_o the_o meaning_n be_v that_o the_o groan_n be_v so_o deep_a that_o they_o be_v pass_v the_o expression_n of_o our_o word_n all_o our_o speech_n can_v express_v that_o deep_a sense_n that_o be_v in_o our_o heart_n for_o the_o understanding_n have_v the_o advantage_n of_o the_o affection_n herein_o all_o the_o thought_n of_o the_o mind_n may_v be_v express_v to_o other_o but_o the_o feeling_n and_o fervent_a passion_n of_o the_o soul_n can_v be_v but_o very_o defective_o express_v last_o all_o have_v not_o the_o spirit_n of_o prayer_n in_o like_a measure_n nor_o all_o that_o have_v it_o in_o a_o great_a measure_n at_o one_o time_n can_v find_v it_o so_o at_o pleasure_n desire_n rise_v and_o fall_v and_o these_o earnest_a groan_n be_v not_o in_o every_o prayer_n where_o the_o holy_a ghost_n do_v assist_v i_o believe_v there_o be_v never_o a_o prayer_n that_o ever_o a_o believer_n do_v put_v up_o to_o god_n for_o thing_n lawful_a and_o useful_a but_o it_o be_v put_v up_o by_o the_o help_n of_o the_o spirit_n for_o the_o weak_a prayer_n have_v some_o degree_n of_o good_a desire_n in_o it_o and_o address_n to_o god_n with_o a_o endeavour_n to_o express_v they_o and_o these_o can_v come_v from_o none_o but_o only_o from_o the_o spirit_n mere_a word_n without_o desire_n be_v no_o more_o prayer_n than_o a_o suit_n of_o apparel_n hang_v on_o a_o stake_n be_v a_o man_n you_o may_v have_v the_o spirit_n of_o prayer_n and_o yet_o have_v it_o in_o a_o very_a weak_a degree_n yet_o still_o i_o will_v encourage_v you_o to_o bewail_v your_o defect_n herein_o as_o your_o sin_n and_o seek_v earnest_o the_o supply_n of_o your_o want_n but_o what_o be_v that_o to_o the_o question_n or_o deny_v your_o sincerity_n or_o right_a to_o salvation_n doubt_v x._o i_o have_v no_o gift_n to_o make_v i_o useful_a to_o myself_o or_o other_o when_o i_o shall_v profit_v by_o the_o word_n i_o can_v remember_v it_o when_o i_o shall_v reprove_v a_o sinner_n or_o instruct_v the_o ignorant_a i_o have_v not_o word_n if_o i_o be_v call_v to_o give_v a_o account_n of_o my_o faith_n i_o have_v not_o word_n to_o express_v that_o which_o as_o in_o my_o mind_n and_o what_o grace_n can_v here_o be_v then_o answer_n this_o need_v no_o long_a answer_n lament_v and_o amend_v those_o sin_n by_o which_o you_o have_v be_v disable_v but_o know_v that_o these_o gift_n depend_v more_o on_o nature_n art_n industry_n and_o common_a grace_n then_o upon_o special_a save_a grace_n many_o a_o bad_a man_n be_v excellent_a in_o all_o these_o and_o many_o a_o one_o that_o be_v true_o godly_a be_v defective_a where_o have_v god_n lay_v our_o salvation_n upon_o the_o strength_n of_o our_o memory_n the_o readiness_n of_o our_o tongue_n or_o measure_n of_o the_o like_a gift_n that_o be_v almost_o as_o if_o he_o shall_v have_v make_v a_o law_n that_o all_o shall_v be_v save_v that_o have_v find_v complexion_n and_o healthful_a and_o youthful_a body_n and_o all_o be_v damn_v that_o be_v sickly_a age_a weak_a child_n and_o most_o woman_n doubt_n xi_o o_o but_o i_o have_v be_v a_o grievous_a sinner_n before_o i_o come_v home_o and_o have_v fall_v foul_o since_o and_o i_o be_o utter_o unworthy_a of_o mercy_n will_v the_o lord_n ever_o save_o such_o a_o unworthy_a wretch_n as_o i_o will_v he_o ever_o give_v his_o mercy_n and_o the_o blood_n of_o his_o son_n to_o one_o that_o have_v so_o abuse_v it_o answer_n 1._o the_o question_n be_v not_o with_o god_n what_o you_o have_v be_v but_o what_o you_o be_v god_n take_v man_n as_o they_o then_o be_v and_o not_o as_o they_o be_v 2._o it_o be_v a_o dangerous_a thing_n to_o object_v the_o greatness_n of_o your_o gild_n against_o god_n mercy_n and_o christ_n merit_n do_v you_o think_v christ_n satisfaction_n be_v not_o sufficient_a or_o that_o he_o die_v for_o small_a sin_n and_o not_o for_o great_a do_v you_o not_o know_v that_o he_o have_v make_v satisfaction_n for_o all_o and_o will_v pardon_v all_o and_o have_v give_v out_o the_o pardon_n of_o all_o in_o his_o covenant_n and_o that_o to_o all_o man_n on_o condition_n they_o will_v accept_v christ_n to_o pardon_v and_o heal_v they_o in_o his_o own_o way_n have_v god_n make_v it_o his_o great_a design_n in_o the_o work_n of_o man_n redemption_n to_o make_v his_o love_n and_o mercy_n as_o honourable_a and_o wonderful_a as_o he_o do_v his_o power_n in_o the_o work_n of_o creation_n and_o will_v you_o after_o all_o this_o oppose_v the_o greatness_n of_o your_o sin_n against_o the_o greatness_n of_o this_o mercy_n and_o satisfaction_n why_o you_o may_v as_o well_o think_v yourself_o to_o be_v such_o a_o one_o that_o god_n can_v not_o or_o do_v not_o make_v you_o as_o to_o think_v your_o sin_n so_o great_a that_o christ_n can_v not_o or_o do_v not_o satisfy_v for_o they_o or_o will_v not_o pardon_v they_o if_o you_o repent_v and_o believe_v in_o he_o 3._o and_o for_o worthiness_n i_o pray_v you_o observe_v there_o be_v a_o twofold_a worthiness_n &_o righteousness_n there_o be_v a_o legal_a worthiness_n and_o righteousness_n which_o consist_v in_o a_o perfect_a obedience_n which_o be_v the_o performance_n of_o the_o condition_n of_o the_o law_n of_o pure_a nature_n and_o work_n this_o no_o man_n have_v but_o christ_n and_o if_o you_o look_v after_o this_o righteousness_n or_o worthiness_n in_o yourself_o then_o do_v you_o depart_v from_o christ_n and_o make_v
of_o most_o christian_n that_o have_v the_o free_a use_n of_o reason_n be_v feed_v by_o some_o sin_n ibid._n the_o sin_n which_o trouble_a christian_n shall_v most_o search_v after_o be_v 1._o contrary_a carnal_a interest_n encroach_a on_o christ_n interest_n 1._o in_o the_o understanding_n enumerate_v as_o against_o each_o person_n in_o the_o trinity_n 2._o in_o the_o will_n and_o affection_n 1._o pride_n 2._o covetousness_n 3._o voluptuousness_n these_o be_v consider_v here_o as_o against_o god_n himself_o and_o so_o as_o against_o the_o first_o commandment_n 286_o 2._o actual_a sin_n against_o the_o other_o commandment_n especial_o suspect_v 1._o unmercifulness_n and_o rigid_a censoriousness_n of_o other_o 2._o unpeaceableness_n in_o family_n neighbourhood_n church_n etc._n etc._n 301_o direction_n xxiv_o content_v not_o yourself_o with_o a_o cheap_a religiousness_n and_o to_o serve_v god_n with_o that_o which_o cost_v you_o little_a or_o nothing_o and_o take_v every_o call_v to_o costly_a duty_n or_o suffering_n for_o christ_n as_o a_o prize_n put_v into_o your_o hand_n for_o advance_v your_o comfort_n 313_o remember_v this_o 1._o in_o prevent_v sin_n 2._o in_o rise_v from_o sin_n 3._o in_o performance_n of_o duty_n 325_o direction_n xxv_o study_v the_o great_a art_n of_o do_v good_a and_o let_v it_o be_v your_o every-day_n contrivance_n care_n and_o business_n how_o to_o lay_v out_o all_o your_o talent_n to_o the_o great_a advantage_n 332_o apply_v to_o our_o ruler_n and_o to_o rich_a man_n 337_o direction_n xxvi_o trouble_v not_o your_o soul_n with_o needless_a scruple_n nor_o make_v yourself_o more_o work_n than_o god_n have_v make_v you_o by_o feign_v that_o unlawful_a which_o god_n have_v not_o forbid_v or_o by_o place_v your_o religion_n in_o will-worship_n or_o overmuch_a rigour_n to_o your_o body_n etc._n etc._n 346_o what_o it_o be_v to_o be_v righteous_a overmuch_a the_o question_n answer_v whether_o all_o virtue_n be_v in_o the_o middle_a and_o whether_o we_o can_v love_v or_o serve_v god_n too_o much_o 347_o all_o overdoing_a in_o god_n work_n be_v un-doing_a the_o devil_n be_v most_o zealous_a in_o overdoing_a a_o sad_a instance_n how_o much_o the_o devil_n have_v get_v by_o overdoing_a 1._o in_o doctrine_n against_o heretic_n by_o add_v to_o the_o creed_n and_o forsake_v scripture-phrase_n 2._o in_o discipline_n 3._o in_o government_n or_o church-power_n 4._o in_o worship_n 5._o in_o reformation_n especial_o of_o late_a the_o devil_n go_v beyond_o christ_n in_o all_o these_o when_o he_o once_o fall_v to_o work_v 354_o direction_n xxvii_o when_o god_n have_v discover_v your_o sincerity_n to_o you_o fix_v it_o in_o your_o memory_n that_o it_o may_v be_v useful_a for_o the_o time_n to_o come_v and_o leave_v not_o your_o soul_n open_a to_o new_a apprehension_n except_o in_o case_n of_o notable_a declining_n or_o gross_a sin_v 376_o prove_v that_o in_o these_o except_a case_n even_o the_o justify_v may_v question_v their_o sincerity_n and_o justification_n 377_o direction_n xxviii_o beware_v of_o perplex_v misinterpretation_n of_o 1._o scripture_n 2._o providence_n 3._o sermon_n and_o be_v willing_a that_o minister_n shall_v preach_v most_o search_o and_o rouzing_o for_o the_o good_a of_o other_o without_o mis-applying_a it_o to_o yourself_o 387_o direction_n xxix_o distinguish_v careful_o between_o cause_n of_o doubt_v and_o cause_n of_o mere_a humiliation_n and_o amendment_n god_n call_v you_o very_o often_o to_o humiliation_n when_o he_o call_v you_o not_o to_o doubt_v 403_o twenty_o ordinary_a doubt_n resolve_v 1._o about_o know_v the_o time_n and_o manner_n of_o conversion_n 406_o 2._o about_o humiliation_n 411_o 3._o of_o receive_v religion_n by_o education_n 417_o 4._o about_o deadness_n hardheartedness_n and_o not_o weep_v for_o sin_n 423_o 5._o about_o backwardness_n to_o duty_n and_o not_o delight_v in_o it_o 434_o 6._o about_o do_v all_o out_o of_o slavish_a fear_n 439_o 7._o not_o able_a to_o believe_v 443_o 8._o strangeness_n to_o the_o witness_n of_o the_o spirit_n joy_n in_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o communion_n with_o god_n 444._o 9_o want_v of_o the_o spirit_n of_o prayer_n 446_o 10._o unprofitableness_n through_o want_n of_o gift_n 450_o 11._o greatness_n of_o sin_n and_o unworthiness_n 452_o a_o twofold_a worthiness_n and_o righteousness_n 453_o 12._o want_v of_o a_o deep_a hatred_n to_o sin_n fear_v lest_o strong_a temptation_n will_v overthrow_v we_o 456_o 13._o fear_v of_o commit_v the_o unpardonable_a sin_n against_o the_o holy_a ghost_n 459_o 14._o lest_o it_o be_v too_o late_a and_o the_o time_n of_o grace_n be_v pass_v time_n of_o grace_n pass_v in_o a_o double_a sense_n 461_o 15._o sin_v since_o profession_n against_o conscience_n on_o deliberation_n 465_o 16._o not_o overcome_v corruption_n and_o not_o grow_v in_o grace_n 469_o 17._o blasphemous_a and_o unbelieving_a thought_n 476_o 18._o fear_n of_o death_n 481_o 19_o heavy_a affliction_n 483_o 20._o not_o be_v afflict_a 484_o direction_n xxx_o careful_o discern_v whether_o your_o doubt_n be_v such_o as_o must_v be_v cure_v by_o the_o consideration_n of_o general_n or_o of_o special_a grace_n and_o be_v sure_a that_o when_o you_o lose_v the_o sight_n of_o certain_a evidence_n that_o you_o let_v not_o go_v probability_n or_o at_o the_o worst_a when_o you_o be_v beat_v from_o both_o and_o judge_v yourself_o graceless_a yet_o lose_v not_o the_o comfort_n of_o general_a grace_n 489_o direction_n xxxi_o in_o all_o press_a necessity_n take_v the_o advice_n of_o your_o pastor_n 1._o keep_v it_o not_o secret_a 2._o in_o what_o case_n to_o seek_v advice_n 3._o to_o what_o ends._n 4._o of_o what_o sort_n of_o minister_n and_o who_o to_o avoid_v 5._o in_o what_o manner_n to_o open_v your_o case_n objection_n answer_v against_o confess_v sin_n to_o pastor_n reason_n why_o minister_n have_v not_o full_o acquaint_v their_o people_n with_o the_o great_a duty_n of_o confess_v and_o open_v their_o case_n to_o they_o 499_o direction_n xxxii_o understand_v that_o the_o height_n of_o christian_a life_n and_o the_o great_a part_n of_o your_o duty_n lie_v in_o a_o love_a delight_n in_o god_n and_o a_o thankful_a and_o cheerful_a obedience_n to_o his_o will_n which_o you_o must_v be_v still_o endeavour_v and_o subordinate_a all_o other_o duty_n to_o these_o 523_o minister_n and_o christian_n shall_v keep_v the_o lord_n day_n as_o a_o day_n of_o thanksgiving_n for_o the_o work_n of_o redemption_n and_o spend_v more_o of_o it_o in_o praise_n psalm_n hymn_n etc._n etc._n and_o less_o in_o confess_v etc._n etc._n 533_o how_o christian_n wrong_v christ_n and_o religion_n and_o contradict_v the_o main_a design_n of_o grace_n by_o their_o sad_a deject_a life_n 536_o stand_v not_o complain_v and_o doubt_v but_o cheerful_o amend_v and_o obey_v 537_o errata_fw-la pag._n 16._o lin_v 3._o for_o quit_v r._n quiet_a p._n 44._o l._n 22._o before_o arise_v put_v or_o p._n 67._o l._n 26_o 27._o for_o define_v put_v explain_v p._n 164._o l._n 5._o after_o bad_a make_v a_o stop_n p._n 174._o l._n 2._o for_o give_v r._n even_o p._n 186._o l._n 10._o for_o their_o r._n the._n p._n 204._o l._n 21._o for_o and_o r._n be_v p._n 259._o l._n 23._o for_o nobility_n r._n mobility_n p._n 455._o l._n 17._o for_o our_o faith_n r._n one_o say_v p._n 482._o l._n 28._o between_o the_o two_o it_o be_v put_v as_o p._n 526._o l._n 27._o r._n thankful_o the_o right_a method_n for_o a_o settle_a peace_n of_o conscience_n and_o spiritual_a comfort_n in_o xxxii_o direction_n it_o must_v be_v understand_v that_o the_o case_n here_o to_o be_v resolve_v be_v not_o how_o a_o unhumble_v profane_a sinner_n that_o never_o be_v convince_v of_o sin_n and_o misery_n shall_v be_v bring_v to_o a_o settle_a peace_n of_o conscience_n their_o carnal_a peace_n must_v first_o be_v break_v and_o they_o must_v be_v so_o far_o humble_v as_o to_o find_v the_o want_n and_o worth_a of_o mercy_n that_o christ_n and_o his_o consolation_n may_v not_o seem_v contemptible_a in_o their_o eye_n it_o be_v none_o of_o my_o business_n now_o to_o give_v any_o advice_n for_o the_o further_a of_o this_o conviction_n or_o humiliation_n but_o the_o case_n in_o hand_n be_v how_o a_o sinner_n may_v attain_v to_o a_o settle_a peace_n of_o conscience_n and_o some_o competent_a measure_n of_o the_o joy_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n who_o have_v be_v convince_v of_o sin_n and_o misery_n and_o long_o make_v a_o profession_n of_o holiness_n but_o live_v in_o continual_a doubt_n of_o their_o sincerity_n and_o fear_n of_o god_n wrath_n because_o of_o a_o exceed_a deadness_n of_o spirit_n and_o a_o want_n of_o that_o love_n to_o god_n and_o delight_n in_o he_o and_o sweetness_n in_o duty_n and_o witness_v of_o the_o spirit_n and_o communion_n with_o god_n and_o other_o the_o like_a evidence_n which_o be_v find_v in_o the_o saint_n how_o far_o
your_o case_n if_o then_o the_o reason_n why_o you_o say_v you_o can_v believe_v be_v from_o any_o thing_n that_o be_v real_o in_o christ_n and_o not_o upon_o mistake_n than_o it_o must_v be_v either_o from_o some_o dislike_n of_o his_o save_a work_n by_o which_o he_o will_v pardon_v you_o and_o save_v you_o from_o damnation_n but_o that_o be_v impossible_a for_o you_o can_v be_v willing_a to_o be_v damn_v or_o unpardoned_a till_o you_o lose_v your_o reason_n or_o else_o it_o be_v from_o a_o dislike_n of_o his_o work_n of_o sanctification_n by_o which_o he_o will_v cleanse_v your_o heart_n and_o life_n by_o save_v you_o from_o your_o sinful_a nature_n and_o action_n some_o grudge_n against_o christ_n holy_a and_o undefiled_a law_n and_o way_n will_v be_v in_o the_o best_a while_o there_o be_v that_o flesh_n in_o they_o which_o lust_v against_o the_o spirit_n so_o that_o they_o can_v do_v the_o thing_n they_o will_v but_o if_o true_o you_o have_v such_o a_o dislike_n of_o a_o sinless_a condition_n through_o the_o love_n of_o any_o sin_n or_o creature_n that_o you_o can_v be_v willing_a to_o have_v christ_n to_o cure_v you_o and_o cleanse_v you_o from_o that_o sin_n and_o make_v you_o holy_a i_o say_v if_o this_o be_v true_a in_o a_o prevail_a degree_n so_o that_o if_o christ_n and_o holiness_n be_v offer_v you_o you_o will_v not_o accept_v they_o than_o it_o be_v certain_a you_o have_v not_o true_a faith_n and_o in_o this_o case_n it_o be_v easy_a to_o discern_v that_o your_o first_o work_n lie_v not_o in_o get_v comfort_n or_o ease_v to_o your_o trouble_a mind_n but_o in_o get_v better_a conceit_n of_o christ_n and_o a_o holy_a state_n and_o life_n that_o so_o you_o may_v be_v willing_a of_o christ_n as_o christ_n be_v of_o you_o and_o so_o become_v a_o true_a believer_n and_o here_o i_o will_v not_o leave_v you_o at_o that_o loss_n as_o some_o do_v as_o if_o there_o be_v nothing_o for_o you_o th●_n do_v for_o the_o get_n of_o faith_n for_o certain_o god_n have_v prescribe_v you_o mean_n for_o that_o end_n faith_n come_v by_o hear_v and_o hear_v by_o the_o word_n of_o god_n preach_v rom._n 10.17_o 1._o therefore_o see_v that_o you_o wait_v diligent_o on_o this_o ordinance_n of_o god_n read_v the_o scripture_n daily_o and_o search_v they_o to_o see_v whether_o you_o may_v not_o there_o find_v that_o holiness_n be_v better_a than_o sin_n 2._o and_o however_o some_o seducer_n may_v tell_v you_o that_o wicked_a man_n ought_v not_o to_o pray_v yet_o be_v sure_a that_o you_o lie_v on_o your_o knee_n before_o god_n and_o importunate_o beg_v that_o he_o will_v open_v your_o eye_n and_o change_v your_o heart_n and_o show_v you_o so_o far_o the_o evil_n of_o sin_n and_o the_o want_n and_o worth_a of_o christ_n and_o holiness_n that_o you_o may_v be_v unfeigned_o glad_a to_o accept_v his_o offer_n object_n but_o the_o prayer_n of_o the_o wicked_a be_v a_o abomination_n to_o the_o lord_n answ_n 1._o you_o must_v distinguish_v between_o wicked_a man_n as_o actual_o wicked_a and_o go_v on_o in_o the_o prosecution_n of_o their_o wickedness_n and_o wicked_a man_n as_o they_o have_v some_o good_a in_o they_o or_o be_v do_v some_o good_a or_o be_v attempt_v a_o return_n to_o god_n 2._o you_o must_v distinguish_v between_o real_a prayer_n and_o seem_a prayer_n 3._o you_o must_v distinguish_v between_o full_a acceptance_n of_o prayer_n when_o god_n delight_v in_o they_o and_o a_o acceptance_n only_o to_o some_o particular_a end_n not_o intimate_v the_o acceptance_n of_o the_o person_n with_o his_o prayer_n and_o between_o acceptance_n full_o promise_v as_o certain_a and_o acceptance_n but_o half-promised_n as_o probable_a and_o upon_o these_o distinction_n i_o shall_v answer_v your_o objection_n in_o the_o conclusion_n 1._o when_o wicked_a man_n pray_v god_n to_o prosper_v they_o in_o their_o wickedness_n yea_o or_o to_o pardon_v they_o while_o they_o intend_v to_o go_v on_o in_o it_o and_o so_o to_o give_v they_o a_o indulgence_n in_o sin_n or_o when_o they_o think_v with_o a_o few_o prayer_n for_o some_o good_a which_o they_o can_v endure_v to_o put_v by_o that_o holiness_n which_o they_o can_v endure_v and_o so_o to_o make_v a_o cloak_n for_o their_o rebellion_n these_o prayer_n be_v all_o a_o abomination_n to_o the_o lord_n 2._o when_o man_n use_v the_o word_n of_o a_o prayer_n without_o the_o desire_n of_o the_o thing_n ask_v this_o be_v no_o prayer_n but_o equivocal_o so_o call_v as_o a_o carcase_n be_v a_o man_n and_o therefore_o no_o wonder_n if_o god_n abhor_v that_o prayer_n which_o true_o be_v no_o prayer_n 3._o god_n have_v not_o make_v a_o full_a promise_n ascertain_v any_o wicked_a man_n while_o wicked_a that_o he_o will_v hear_v his_o prayer_n for_o all_o such_o promise_n be_v make_v to_o believer_n 4._o god_n do_v never_o so_o hear_v a_o unbeliever_n prayer_n as_o to_o accept_v his_o person_n with_o his_o prayer_n or_o to_o take_v a_o complacency_n in_o they_o so_o much_o for_o the_o negative_a now_o for_o the_o affirmative_a i_o add_v 1._o prayer_n be_v a_o duty_n which_o god_n enjoin_v even_o wicked_a man_n i_o can_v prove_v it_o by_o a_o hundred_o scripture_n text_n 2._o there_o may_v be_v some_o good_a desire_n in_o unbeliever_n which_o they_o may_v express_v in_o prayer_n and_o these_o god_n may_v so_o far_o hear_v as_o to_o grant_v they_o as_o he_o do_v in_o part_n to_o ahab_n 3._o a_o unbeliever_n may_v lie_v under_o prepare_v grace_n and_o be_v on_o his_o way_n in_o return_v towards_o god_n though_o yet_o he_o be_v not_o come_v to_o save_a faith_n and_o in_o this_o state_n he_o may_v have_v many_o good_a desire_n and_o such_o prayer_n as_o god_n will_v hear_v 4._o though_o god_n have_v not_o flat_o engage_v himself_o to_o unbeliever_n so_o as_o to_o give_v they_o a_o certainty_n of_o hear_v their_o prayer_n and_o give_v they_o true_a grace_n on_o the_o improvement_n of_o their_o natural_n yet_o he_o have_v not_o only_o appoint_v they_o this_o and_o other_o mean_n to_o get_v grace_n but_o also_o give_v they_o half_a promise_n or_o strong_a probability_n of_o speed_a so_o much_o as_o may_v be_v a_o sufficient_a encouragement_n to_o any_o such_o sinner_n to_o call_v on_o god_n and_o use_v his_o mean_n for_o as_o he_o appoint_v not_o any_o vain_a mean_n to_o man_n so_o no_o man_n can_v name_v that_o man_n who_o do_v improve_v his_o natural_n to_o the_o utmost_a and_o in_o particular_a seek_v god_n in_o prayer_n so_o far_o as_o a_o natural_a man_n may_v do_v who_o yet_o miss_v of_o grace_n and_o be_v reject_v this_o be_v the_o true_a mean_a between_o pelagianism_n and_o antinomianisme_n in_o this_o point_n 5._o when_o god_n call_v unbeliever_n to_o prayer_n he_o withal_o call_v they_o to_o believe_v and_o when_o he_o work_v their_o heart_n to_o prayer_n by_o that_o call_n he_o usual_o withal_o work_v they_o to_o believe_v or_o at_o least_o towards_o believe_v if_o he_o that_o be_v unwilling_a to_o have_v christ_n do_v pray_v god_n to_o make_v he_o willing_a it_o be_v a_o beginning_n of_o willingness_n already_o and_o the_o way_n to_o get_v more_o willingness_n in_o prayer_n god_n use_v to_o give_v in_o the_o thing_n pray_v for_o of_o this_o kind_n 6._o prayer_n be_v the_o soul_n motion_n godward_o and_o to_o say_v a_o unbeliever_n shall_v not_o pray_v be_v to_o say_v he_o shall_v not_o turn_v to_o god_n who_o yet_o say_v to_o the_o wicked_a seek_v the_o lord_n while_o he_o may_v be_v find_v and_o call_v upon_o he_o while_o he_o be_v near_o let_v the_o wicked_a forsake_v his_o way_n etc._n etc._n isa_n 55.6_o 7._o 7._o prayer_n have_v two_o part_n desire_n be_v the_o soul_n of_o it_o and_o expression_n be_v the_o body_n the_o soul_n can_v live_v separate_v from_o the_o body_n but_o so_o can_v the_o body_n separate_v from_o the_o soul_n so_o can_v desire_v without_o expression_n but_o not_o expression_n without_o desire_n when_o our_o blind_a antinomian_o the_o great_a subverter_n of_o the_o gospel_n more_o than_o the_o law_n do_v rail_v against_o minister_n for_o persuade_v wicked_a man_n to_o pray_v they_o be_v against_o we_o for_o persuade_v man_n to_o desire_v that_o they_o pray_v for_o prayer_n have_v desire_n for_o its_o soul_n and_o do_v not_o those_o man_n deserve_v to_o be_v exterminate_v the_o church_n and_o society_n of_o the_o saint_n who_o dare_v say_v to_o a_o wicked_a unbeliever_n desire_v not_o faith_n desire_v not_o to_o leave_v thy_o wickedness_n desire_v not_o grace_n or_o christ_n or_o god_n and_o that_o will_v proclaim_v abroad_o the_o world_n as_o i_o have_v oft_o hear_v they_o with_o zealous_a reproach_n that_o our_o minister_n be_v legalist_n seducer_n ignorant_a of_o the_o mystery_n of_o the_o gospel_n because_o
they_o persuade_v poor_a sinner_n to_o pray_v for_o faith_n grace_n and_o christ_n that_o be_v to_o desire_v these_o and_o to_o express_v their_o desire_n which_o in_o effect_n be_v to_o persuade_v they_o to_o repent_v believe_v and_o turn_v to_o god_n indeed_o if_o these_o blind_a seducer_n have_v ever_o hear_v our_o minister_n persuade_v wicked_a man_n to_o dissemble_v and_o lie_v to_o god_n and_o ask_v faith_n grace_n and_o christ_n with_o their_o tongue_n but_o not_o desire_v they_o in_o their_o heart_n than_o have_v they_o sufficient_a ground_n for_o their_o revile_v language_n but_o i_o have_v be_v too_o long_o on_o this_o i_o may_v therefore_o bold_o conclude_v that_o they_o that_o find_v themselves_o unbeliever_n that_o be_v unwilling_a to_o have_v christ_n to_o deliver_v they_o from_o sin_n must_v use_v this_o second_o mean_n to_o get_v faith_n even_o earnest_a frequent_a prayer_n for_o it_o to_o god_n 3._o let_v such_o also_o see_v that_o they_o avoid_v wicked_a seduce_a company_n and_o occasion_n of_o sin_n and_o be_v sure_a that_o they_o keep_v company_n with_o man_n fear_v god_n especial_o join_v with_o they_o in_o their_o holy_a duty_n 4._o last_o let_v such_o be_v sure_a that_o they_o use_v that_o reason_n which_o god_n have_v give_v they_o to_o consider_v frequent_o retire_o serious_o of_o the_o vanity_n of_o all_o those_o thing_n that_o steal_v away_o their_o heart_n from_o christ_n and_o of_o the_o excellency_n of_o holiness_n and_o how_o bless_v a_o state_n it_o be_v to_o have_v nothing_o in_o we_o in_o heart_n or_o life_n that_o be_v displease_v to_o god_n but_o to_o be_v such_o as_o he_o take_v full_a delight_n in_o also_o of_o the_o certainty_n of_o the_o damnation_n of_o unbeliever_n and_o the_o intollerableness_n of_o their_o torment_n and_o of_o the_o certainty_n and_o unconceivable_a greatness_n of_o believer_n everlasting_a happiness_n if_o wicked_a unbeliever_n will_v but_o do_v what_o they_o can_v in_o daily_a serious_a deep_o consider_v of_o these_o thing_n and_o the_o like_a they_o will_v have_v no_o cause_n to_o despair_v of_o obtain_v faith_n and_o sanctification_n believe_v be_v a_o rational_a act_n god_n bid_v you_o not_o to_o believe_v any_o thing_n without_o reason_n nor_o to_o accept_v or_o consent_v to_o any_o thing_n without_o full_a reason_n to_o cause_v you_o to_o consent_v think_v then_o often_o and_o sober_o of_o those_o reason_n that_o shall_v move_v you_o to_o consent_v and_o of_o the_o vanity_n of_o these_o that_o hinder_v you_o from_o consent_v and_o this_o be_v god_n way_n for_o you_o to_o obtain_v faith_n or_o consent_n remember_v then_o that_o when_o you_o have_v understand_v and_o improve_v general_n ground_n of_o comfort_n nay_o before_o you_o can_v come_v to_o any_o full_a improvement_n of_o they_o your_o next_o business_n be_v to_o believe_v to_o consent_v to_o the_o match_n with_o christ_n and_o to_o take_v he_o for_o your_o lord_n and_o saviour_n and_o this_o duty_n must_v be_v look_v to_o and_o perform_v before_o you_o look_v after_o special_a comfort_n but_o i_o say_v somewhat_o of_o this_o before_o under_o the_o six_o head_n and_o therefore_o will_v say_v no_o more_o now_o direction_n x._o 10._o when_o you_o have_v go_v thus_o far_o your_o soul_n be_v safe_a and_o you_o be_v past_o your_o great_a danger_n though_o yet_o you_o be_v not_o past_o your_o fear_n your_o next_o work_n therefore_o for_o peace_n and_o comfort_n be_v this_o to_o review_n and_o take_v notice_n of_o your_o own_o faith_n and_o thence_o to_o gather_v assurance_n of_o the_o certainty_n of_o your_o justification_n and_o adoption_n and_o right_a to_o glory_n the_o sum_n of_o this_o direction_n lie_v in_o these_o thing_n 1._o see_v that_o you_o do_v not_o content_v yourself_o with_o the_o forementioned_a general_a comfort_n without_o look_v after_o assurance_n and_o special_a comfort_n the_o folly_n of_o this_o i_o have_v manifest_v in_o the_o three_o part_n of_o my_o book_n of_o rest_n about_o self-examination_n 2._o see_v that_o you_o dream_v not_o of_o find_v assurance_n and_o special_a comfort_n from_o mere_a general_a ground_n this_o be_v the_o delusion_n of_o many_o antinomian_o and_o of_o most_o of_o our_o profane_a people_n who_o i_o find_v be_v common_o of_o the_o antinomian_a faith_n natural_o withouth_n teach_v for_o man_n to_o conclude_v that_o they_o shall_v certain_o be_v save_v mere_o because_o god_n be_v merciful_a or_o christ_n be_v tender-hearted_a to_o sinner_n and_o will_v not_o that_o any_o shall_v perish_v but_o all_o shall_v come_v to_o repentance_n or_o because_o god_n delight_v not_o in_o the_o death_n of_o he_o that_o die_v but_o rather_o that_o he_o repent_v and_o live_v or_o because_o christ_n die_v for_o they_o or_o because_o god_n have_v give_v christ_n and_o life_n in_o the_o gospel_n to_o all_o on_o condition_n of_o believe_v these_o be_v all_o but_o mere_a delusion_n much_o comfort_n as_o i_o have_v show_v you_o may_v be_v gather_v from_o these_o general_n but_o no_o certainty_n of_o salvation_n or_o special_a comfort_n can_v be_v gather_v from_o they_o alone_o 3._o see_v that_o you_o reject_v the_o antinomian_a doctrine_n or_o dotage_n which_o will_v teach_v you_o to_o reject_v the_o trial_n and_o judge_v of_o your_o state_n by_o sign_n of_o grace_n in_o yourself_o and_o tell_v you_o that_o it_o be_v only_o the_o spirit_n that_o must_v assure_v by_o witness_v your_o adoption_n i_o will_v further_o define_v this_o caution_n when_o i_o have_v add_v the_o rest_n 4._o and_o on_o the_o other_o extreme_a do_v not_o run_v to_o mark_n unreasonable_o but_o in_o the_o order_n here_o lay_v down_o 5._o nor_o do_v not_o trust_v to_o unsafe_a mark_n 6._o and_o therefore_o do_v not_o look_v at_o too_o many_o for_o the_o true_a one_o be_v but_o few_o i_o do_v but_o name_v these_o thing_n to_o you_o because_o i_o have_v fullyer_n handle_v they_o in_o my_o book_n of_o rest_n whether_o i_o must_v refer_v you_o and_o so_o i_o return_v to_o the_o three_o caution_n i_o have_v in_o the_o forementioned_a book_n tell_v you_o what_o the_o office_n of_o the_o spirit_n be_v in_o assure_v we_o and_o what_o the_o use_n of_o mark_n be_v the_o spirit_n witness_v first_o objective_o and_o so_o the_o spirit_n and_o mark_n be_v all_o one_o for_o it_o be_v the_o spirit_n dwell_v in_o we_o that_o be_v the_o witness_n or_o proof_n that_o we_o be_v god_n son_n for_o he_o that_o have_v not_o his_o spirit_n be_v none_o of_o he_o and_o the_o spirit_n be_v not_o discern_v by_o we_o in_o its_o essence_n but_o in_o its_o work_n and_o therefore_o to_o discern_v these_o work_n be_v to_o discern_v the_o spirit_n and_o these_o work_n be_v the_o mark_n that_o we_o speak_v of_o so_o that_o the_o spirit_n witness_v our_o sonship_n as_o a_o reasonable_a soul_n witness_v that_o you_o be_v a_o man_n and_o not_o a_o beast_n you_o find_v by_o the_o act_n of_o reason_n that_o you_o have_v a_o reasonable_a soul_n and_o then_o you_o know_v that_o have_v a_o reasonable_a soul_n you_o be_v certain_o a_o man_n so_o you_o find_v by_o the_o work_n or_o fruit_n of_o the_o spirit_n that_o you_o have_v the_o spirit_n that_o be_v by_o mark_n and_o paul_n enumerate_v the_o fruit_n of_o the_o spirit_n to_o that_o end_n and_o then_o by_o find_v that_o you_o have_v the_o spirit_n you_o may_v certain_o know_v that_o you_o be_v the_o child_n of_o god_n 2._o also_o as_o the_o reasonable_a soul_n be_v its_o own_o discerner_n by_o the_o help_n of_o the_o body_n while_o it_o be_v in_o it_o and_o so_o witness_v our_o humanity_n effective_o as_o well_o as_o objective_o but_o first_o in_o order_n objective_o and_o next_o effective_o so_o do_v the_o spirit_n effective_o discover_v itself_o to_o the_o soul_n by_o illuminate_v we_o to_o discern_v it_o and_o exciting_a we_o to_o search_v and_o give_v we_o that_o spiritual_a taste_n and_o feel_n of_o its_o work_n and_o so_o of_o its_o presence_n by_o which_o it_o be_v best_o know_v but_o still_o it_o witness_v objective_o first_o and_o its_o effective_a witness_v be_v but_o the_o cause_v we_o to_o discern_v its_o objective_a witness_n or_o to_o speak_v more_o plain_o the_o spirit_n witness_v first_o and_o principal_o by_o give_v we_o those_o grace_n and_o work_n which_o be_v our_o mark_n and_o then_o second_o by_o help_v we_o to_o find_v and_o feel_v those_o work_n or_o mark_n in_o ourselves_o and_o then_o last_o by_o raise_v comfort_n in_o the_o soul_n upon_o that_o discovery_n take_v heed_n therefore_o of_o expect_v any_o such_o inward_a witness_n of_o the_o spirit_n as_o some_o expect_v viz._n a_o discovery_n of_o your_o adoption_n direct_o without_o first_o discover_v the_o sign_n of_o it_o within_o you_o as_o if_o by_o a_o inward_a voice_n he_o shall_v say_v to_o you_o thou_o be_v a_o
child_n of_o god_n and_o thy_o sin_n be_v pardon_v this_o that_o i_o describe_v to_o you_o be_v the_o true_a witness_n of_o the_o spirit_n this_o mistake_n be_v so_o dangerous_a that_o i_o have_v think_v to_o have_v make_v it_o a_o peculiar_a direction_n by_o itself_o to_o warn_v you_o of_o it_o but_o now_o i_o have_v go_v so_o far_o i_o will_v dispatch_v it_o here_o two_o dangerous_a consequent_n i_o find_v do_v follow_v this_o unwarrantable_a expectation_n of_o the_o first_o immediate_a efficient_a revelation_n that_o we_o be_v adopt_a 1._o some_o poor_a soul_n have_v languish_v in_o doubt_n and_o trouble_n of_o mind_n almost_o all_o their_o day_n in_o expectation_n of_o such_o a_o kind_n of_o witness_n as_o the_o spirit_n use_v not_o to_o give_v when_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n they_o have_v other_o sufficient_a mean_n of_o comfort_n and_o know_v not_o how_o to_o improve_v they_o yea_o they_o have_v the_o true_a witness_n of_o the_o spirit_n in_o his_o inhabitation_n and_o holy_a work_n and_o do_v not_o know_v it_o but_o run_v as_o samuel_n do_v to_o eli_n not_o know_v the_o voice_n of_o god_n and_o look_v for_o the_o spirit_n testimony_n when_o they_o have_v it_o as_o the_o jew_n for_o elias_n and_o the_o messiah_n 2._o other_o do_v more_o dangerous_o err_v by_o take_v the_o strong_a conceit_n of_o their_o own_o fantasy_n for_o the_o witness_n of_o the_o spirit_n as_o soon_o as_o they_o do_v but_o entertain_v the_o opinion_n that_o it_o must_v be_v such_o a_o witness_n of_o the_o spirit_n without_o the_o use_n of_o mark_n that_o must_v assure_v man_n of_o their_o adoption_n present_o they_o be_v confident_a that_o they_o have_v that_o witness_n themselves_o it_o be_v scarce_o likely_a to_o be_v god_n spirit_n that_o be_v so_o ready_a upon_o the_o mere_a change_n of_o a_o opinion_n the_o devil_n use_v to_o do_v as_o much_o to_o cherish_v presumption_n as_o to_o destroy_v true_a faith_n and_o assurance_n it_o be_v a_o shrewd_a sign_n that_o our_o persuasion_n of_o our_o truth_n of_o grace_n be_v a_o delusion_n when_o we_o find_v the_o devil_n a_o friend_n to_o it_o and_o help_v it_o on_o and_o it_o be_v a_o probable_a sign_n it_o be_v a_o good_a persuasion_n when_o we_o find_v the_o devil_n a_o enemy_n to_o it_o and_o still_o trouble_v we_o and_o endeavour_v our_o disquiet_n and_o here_o i_o remember_v the_o scruple_n that_o trouble_v some_o about_o the_o spirit_n of_o bondage_n and_o the_o spirit_n of_o adoption_n but_o you_o must_v understand_v that_o by_o the_o spirit_n of_o bondage_n be_v mean_v that_o spirit_n and_o those_o operation_n on_o the_o soul_n which_o the_o law_n of_o work_n do_v natural_o beget_v in_o those_o that_o be_v under_o it_o which_o be_v to_o be_v partly_o in_o bondage_n to_o a_o task_n of_o ceremonious_a duty_n and_o partly_o to_o the_o curse_n and_o obligation_n to_o punishment_n for_o disobedience_n without_o any_o power_n to_o justify_v they_o be_v say_v therefore_o to_o be_v in_o bondage_n to_o the_o law_n and_o the_o law_n be_v say_v to_o be_v a_o yoke_n which_o neither_o they_o nor_o their_o father_n be_v able_a to_o bear_v act_v 15._o and_o by_o the_o spirit_n of_o adoption_n be_v mean_v 1._o that_o spirit_n or_o those_o qualification_n and_o work_n in_o their_o soul_n which_o by_o the_o gospel_n god_n give_v only_o to_o his_o son_n 2._o and_o which_o raise_v in_o we_o some_o childlike_a affection_n to_o god_n incline_v we_o in_o all_o our_o want_n to_o run_v to_o he_o in_o prayer_n as_o to_o a_o father_n and_o to_o make_v our_o moan_n to_o he_o and_o open_v our_o grief_n and_o cry_v for_o redress_n and_o look_v to_o he_o and_o depend_v on_o he_o as_o a_o child_n on_o the_o father_n this_o spirit_n of_o adoption_n you_o may_v have_v and_o yet_o not_o be_v certain_a of_o god_n special_a love_n to_o you_o the_o knowledge_n only_o of_o his_o general_a goodness_n and_o mercy_n may_v be_v a_o mean_n to_o raise_v in_o you_o true_a childlike_a affection_n you_o may_v know_v god_n to_o have_v fatherly_a inclination_n to_o you_o and_o yet_o doubt_v whether_o he_o will_v use_v you_o as_o a_o child_n for_o want_v of_o assurance_n of_o your_o own_o sincerity_n and_o you_o may_v hope_n god_n be_v your_o father_n when_o yet_o you_o may_v apprehend_v he_o to_o be_v a_o displease_a angry_a father_n and_o so_o he_o may_v be_v more_o your_o terror_n then_o your_o comfort_n be_v not_o you_o ready_a in_o most_o of_o your_o fear_n and_o doubt_n and_o trouble_n to_o go_v to_o god_n before_o all_o other_o for_o relief_n and_o do_v not_o your_o heart_n sigh_v and_o groan_v to_o he_o when_o you_o can_v scarce_o speak_v do_v not_o your_o trouble_a spirit_n there_o find_v its_o first_o vent_n and_o say_v lord_n kill_v i_o not_o forsake_v i_o not_o my_o life_n be_v in_o thy_o hand_n o_o soften_v this_o hard_a heart_n make_v this_o carnal_a mind_n more_o spiritual_a o_o be_v not_o such_o a_o stranger_n to_o my_o soul_n woe_n to_o i_o that_o i_o be_o so_o ignorant_a of_o thou_o so_o disaffect_v to_o thou_o so_o backward_o and_o disincline_v to_o holy_a communion_n with_o thou_o woe_n to_o i_o that_o i_o can_v take_v no_o more_o pleasure_n in_o thou_o and_o be_o s●_n mindless_a and_o disregardfull_a of_o thou_o o_o that_o thou_o will_v stir_v up_o in_o i_o more_o lively_a desire_n and_o work_n of_o my_o soul_n towards_o thou_o and_o suffer_v i_o not_o to_o lie_v at_o such_o a_o distance_n from_o thou_o be_v not_o such_o as_o these_o the_o breathe_n of_o your_o spirit_n why_o these_o be_v childlike_a breathe_n after_o god_n this_o be_v cry_v abba_n father_n this_o be_v the_o work_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o adoption_n even_o when_o you_o fear_v god_n will_v cast_v you_o off_o you_o much_o mistake_v and_o those_o that_o tell_v you_o so_o if_o you_o think_v that_o the_o spirit_n of_o adoption_n lie_v only_o in_o a_o persuasion_n that_o you_o be_v god_n child_n or_o that_o you_o may_v not_o have_v the_o spirit_n of_o adoption_n without_o such_o a_o persuasion_n of_o god_n adopt_v you_o for_o god_n may_v adopt_v you_o and_o give_v you_o that_o spirit_n which_o he_o give_v only_o to_o his_o child_n and_o possess_v you_o with_o true_a filial_a affection_n towards_o he_o before_o ever_o you_o know_v yourself_o to_o be_v adopt_a much_o more_o though_o you_o may_v have_v frequent_a return_v doubt_n of_o your_o adoption_n have_v thus_o show_v you_o how_o far_o you_o may_v expect_v the_o witness_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o how_o far_o you_o may_v and_o must_v make_v use_n of_o mark_n and_o qualification_n or_o action_n of_o your_o own_o for_o the_o obtain_n of_o assurance_n and_o settle_a peace_n i_o shall_v add_v a_o answer_n to_o the_o principal_a objection_n of_o the_o antinomian_o against_o this_o object_n they_o say_v this_o be_v to_o draw_v man_n from_o christ_n to_o themselves_o and_o from_o the_o gospel_n to_o the_o law_n to_o lay_v their_o comfort_n and_o build_v their_o peace_n upon_o any_o thing_n in_o themselves_o be_v to_o forsake_v christ_n and_o make_v themselves_o their_o own_o saviour_n and_o those_o teacher_n that_o persuade_v they_o to_o this_o be_v teacher_n of_o the_o law_n and_o false_a prophet_n who_o draw_v man_n from_o christ_n to_o themselves_o all_o our_o own_o righteousness_n be_v as_o a_o menstruous_a cloth_n and_o our_o best_a work_n be_v sin_n and_o therefore_o we_o may_v not_o take_v up_o our_o assurance_n or_o comfort_n from_o they_o we_o shall_v be_v always_o at_o uncertainty_n and_o at_o a_o loss_n or_o unconstant_a up_o and_o down_o in_o our_o comfort_n as_o long_o as_o we_o take_v they_o from_o any_o sign_n in_o ourselves_o also_o our_o own_o grace_n be_v imperfect_a and_o therefore_o unfit_a to_o be_v the_o evidence_n for_o our_o assurance_n answ_n because_o i_o be_o not_o now_o purposely_o confute_v the_o antinomian_o but_o only_o fore-arming_a you_o against_o their_o assault_n i_o shall_v no●_n therefore_o give_v you_o half_a that_o i_o shall_v otherwise_o say_v for_o the_o explication_n of_o this_o point_n and_o the_o confutation_n of_o their_o error_n but_o only_o so_o much_o as_o be_v necessary_a to_o your_o preservation_n which_o i_o do_v because_o they_o pretend_v to_o be_v th●_n only_a preacher_n of_o free_a grace_n and_o the_o only_a right_a comforter_n of_o trouble_a conscience_n &_o because_o they_o have_v write_v so_o many_o book_n to_o that_o end_n which_o if_o they_o fall_v into_o your_o hand_n may_v seem_v so_o specious_a as_o that_o you_o may_v nee●_n some_o preservative_n i_o suppose_v you_o remember_v what_o i_o have_v teach_v you_o so_o oft_o concern_v the_o difference_n of_o the_o law_n of_o work_n and_o the_o law_n or_o covenant_n of_o grace_n with_o their_o different_a condition_n upon_o which_o
his_o queen_n her_o deliberation_n may_v be_v the_o way_n to_o her_o consent_n and_o one_o reason_n after_o another_o may_v bring_v she_o near_o to_o consent_v but_o it_o be_v that_o which_o turn_v her_o will_n to_o consent_v resolve_v covenant_n and_o deliver_v herself_o to_o he_o which_o make_v the_o great_a change_n in_o her_o state_n yet_o all_o the_o forego_n work_n of_o common_a grace_n have_v a_o hand_n in_o the_o change_n though_o only_o the_o turn_a resolution_n do_v effect_v it_o it_o be_v the_o rest_n with_o this_o that_o do_v it_o as_o when_o the_o last_o grain_n turn_v the_o scale_n the_o former_a do_v concur_v i_o will_v conclude_v with_o d●_n prestons_n word_n in_o his_o golden_a sceptre_n pag._n 210._o obj._n it_o seem_v then_o that_o the_o knowledge_n of_o a_o carnal_a man_n and_o of_o a_o regenerate_v man_n do_v differ_v but_o in_o degree_n and_o not_o in_o kind_n ans_fw-fr the_o want_n of_o degree_n here_o alter_v the_o kind_n as_o in_o number_n the_o addition_n of_o a_o degree_n alter_v the_o species_n and_o kind_a read_v for_o this_o also_o d._n jackson_n of_o save_a faith_n §_o 3._o ch_n 3._o pag._n 297_o 298._o and_o frequent_o in_o other_o place_n so_o much_o of_o that_o observation_n direction_n fourteen_o 14._o yet_o further_o i_o will_v have_v you_o to_o understand_v this_o that_o as_o the_o least_o measure_n of_o save_v grace_n be_v ordinary_o undiscernible_a from_o the_o great_a measure_n of_o common_a grace_n notwithstanding_o the_o greatness_n of_o the_o change_n that_o it_o make_v so_o a_o measure_n somewhat_o great_a be_v so_o hardly_o discernible_a that_o it_o seldom_o bring_v assurance_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v only_o the_o strong_a christian_n that_o attain_v assurance_n ordinary_o even_o those_o who_o have_v a_o great_a degree_n of_o faith_n and_o love_n and_o keep_v they_o much_o in_o exercise_n and_o be_v very_o watchful_a and_o careful_a in_o obedience_n and_o consequent_o most_o christian_n be_v of_o the_o weak_a sort_n it_o be_v but_o few_o that_o do_v attain_v to_o assurance_n of_o their_o justification_n and_o salvation_n here_o be_v two_o or_o three_o point_n which_o i_o will_v have_v you_o distinct_o to_o observe_v though_o i_o lay_v they_o all_o together_o for_o brevity_n 1._o that_o it_o be_v only_o a_o great_a measure_n of_o grace_n that_o will_v ordinary_o afford_v assurance_n 2._o that_o therefore_o it_o be_v only_o the_o strong_a and_o holy_a and_o more_o obedient_a sort_n of_o christian_n that_o usual_o reach_v to_o a_o certainty_n of_o salvation_n 3._o that_o few_o christian_n do_v reach_v to_o a_o strong_a or_o high_a degree_n of_o grace_n 4._o and_o therefore_o it_o be_v but_o few_o christian_n that_o reach_v to_o assurance_n for_o the_o two_o first_o of_o these_o it_o will_v evident_o appear_v that_o they_o be_v true_a by_o review_v the_o reason_n which_o i_o give_v of_o the_o last_o point_n save_o one_o he_o that_o will_v attain_v to_o a_o certainty_n of_o salvation_n must_v 1._o have_v a_o large_a measure_n of_o grace_n to_o be_v discern_v 2._o he_o must_v have_v that_o grace_n much_o in_o action_n and_o lively_a action_n for_o it_o be_v not_o mere_a habit_n that_o be_v discernible_a 3._o he_o must_v have_v a_o clear_a understanding_n to_o be_v acquaint_v with_o the_o nature_n of_o spiritual_a thing_n to_o know_v what_o be_v a_o sound_a evidence_n and_o how_o to_o follow_v the_o search_n and_o how_o to_o repel_v particular_a temptation_n 4._o he_o must_v have_v a_o good_a acquaintance_n and_o familiarity_n with_o his_o own_o heart_n and_o to_o that_o end_n must_v be_v much_o at_o home_n and_o be_v use_v sometime_o to_o a_o diligent_a observation_n of_o his_o heart_n and_o way_n 5._o he_o must_v be_v in_o a_o good_a measure_n acquaint_v with_o and_o a_o conqueror_n of_o contradict_a temptation_n 6._o he_o must_v have_v some_o competent_a cure_n of_o the_o deep_a deceitfulness_n of_o the_o heart_n and_o it_o must_v be_v bring_v to_o a_o open_a plain_a ingenuous_a frame_n willing_a to_o know_v the_o worst_a of_o itself_o 7._o he_o must_v have_v some_o cure_n of_o that_o ordinary_a confusion_n and_o tumultuous_a disorder_n that_o be_v in_o the_o thought_n and_o affection_n of_o man_n and_o get_v thing_n into_o a_o order_n in_o his_o mind_n 8._o he_o must_v be_v a_o man_n of_o diligence_n resolution_n and_o unwearied_a patience_n that_o will_v resolve_o set_v on_o the_o work_n of_o self-examination_n and_o painful_o watch_v in_o it_o and_o constant_o follow_v it_o from_o time_n to_o time_n till_o he_o attain_v a_o certainty_n 9_o he_o must_v be_v one_o that_o be_v very_o fearful_a of_o sin_v and_o careful_a in_o close_a obedient_a walk_v with_o god_n and_o much_o in_o sincere_a and_o spiritual_a duty_n that_o he_o keep_v not_o conscience_n still_o in_o accuse_v and_o condemn_v he_o and_o god_n still_o offend_v with_o he_o and_o his_o wound_n fresh_a bleed_a and_o his_o soul_n still_o smart_v 10._o he_o must_v be_v a_o man_n of_o much_o fixedness_n and_o constancy_n of_o mind_n and_o not_o of_o the_o ordinary_a mutability_n of_o mankind_n that_o so_o he_o may_v not_o by_o remit_v his_o zeal_n and_o diligence_n lose_v the_o sight_n of_o his_o evidence_n nor_o by_o leave_v open_a his_o soul_n to_o a_o alteration_n by_o every_o new_a intrude_a thought_n and_o temptation_n let_v go_v his_o assurance_n as_o soon_o as_o he_o attain_v it_o all_o these_o thing_n in_o a_o good_a degree_n be_v necessary_a to_o the_o attain_n of_o assurance_n of_o salvation_n and_o then_o do_v i_o need_v to_o say_v any_o more_o to_o the_o confirmation_n of_o the_o three_o point_n that_o few_o christian_n reach_v this_o measure_n of_o grace_n o_o that_o it_o be_v not_o as_o clear_v as_o the_o light_n and_o as_o discernible_a as_o the_o earth_n under_o our_o foot_n that_o most_o true_a christian_n be_v weakling_n and_o of_o the_o low_a form_n in_o the_o school_n of_o christ_n alas_o how_o ignorant_a be_v most_o of_o the_o best_a how_o little_a love_n or_o faith_n or_o zeal_n or_o heavenly-mindedness_a or_o delight_n in_o god_n have_v they_o how_o unacquainted_a with_o a_o frequent_a exercise_n of_o these_o grace_n how_o unacquainted_a with_o the_o way_n of_o self-examination_n and_o how_o backward_o to_o it_o and_o how_o dull_a and_o careless_a in_o it_o do_v it_o by_o the_o half_n as_o laban_n search_v rachel_n tent_n how_o easy_o put_v off_o with_o a_o excuse_n how_o little_o acquaint_v with_o their_o own_o heart_n or_o with_o satan_n temptation_n and_o way_n of_o deceive_v how_o much_o deceitfulness_n remain_v in_o their_o heart_n how_o confuse_a be_v their_o mind_n and_o what_o distraction_n and_o tumult_n be_v there_o in_o their_o thought_n how_o bold_a be_v they_o in_o sin_v and_o how_o little_a tenderness_n of_o conscience_n and_o care_n of_o obey_v have_v they_o how_o frequent_o do_v they_o wound_v conscience_n provoke_v god_n and_o obscure_v their_o evidence_n and_o how_o mutable_a be_v their_o apprehension_n and_o how_o soon_o do_v they_o lose_v that_o assurance_n which_o they_o once_o attain_v and_o upon_o every_o occasion_n quite_o lose_v the_o sight_n of_o their_o evidence_n yea_o and_o remit_v their_o actual_a resolution_n and_o so_o lose_v much_o of_o the_o evidence_n itself_o be_v not_o this_o the_o common_a case_n of_o godly_a people_n o_o that_o we_o can_v true_o deny_v it_o let_v their_o life_n be_v witness_n let_v their_o visible_a neglect_n worldliness_n pride_n impatiency_n of_o plain_a reproof_n remissness_n of_o zeal_n dullness_n and_o customariness_n in_o duty_n strangeness_n to_o god_n unwillingness_n to_o secret_a prayer_n and_o meditation_n unacquaintedness_n with_o the_o spirit_n operation_n and_o joy_n their_o unpeaceableness_n one_o with_o another_o and_o their_o too_o frequent_a blemish_v the_o glory_n of_o their_o holy_a profession_n by_o the_o unevenness_n of_o their_o walk_n let_v all_o these_o witness_n whether_o the_o school_n of_o christ_n have_v not_o most_v child_n in_o it_o and_o how_o few_o of_o they_o ever_o go_v to_o the_o university_n of_o ripe_a knowledge_n and_o how_o few_o of_o those_o be_v fit_a to_o begin_v here_o the_o work_n of_o their_o priestly_a office_n which_o they_o must_v live_v in_o for_o ever_o in_o the_o high_a and_o joyful_a praise_n of_o god_n and_o of_o the_o lamb_n who_o have_v redeem_a they_o by_o his_o blood_n and_o make_v they_o king_n and_o priest_n to_o god_n that_o they_o may_v reign_v with_o he_o for_o ever_o i_o be_o content_a to_o stand_v to_o the_o judgement_n of_o all_o humble_a self-knowing_a christian_n whether_o this_o be_v not_o true_a of_o most_o of_o themselves_o and_o for_o those_o that_o deny_v it_o i_o will_v stand_v to_o the_o judgement_n of_o their_o godly_a neighbour_n who_o perhaps_o know_v they_o better_o than_o they_o know_v themselves_o and_o then_o this_o be_v all_o so_o
the_o four_o point_n be_v undeniable_a that_o it_o be_v but_o very_o few_o christian_n that_o reach_v to_o assurance_n of_o salvation_n if_o any_o think_v as_o intemperate_a hot_a spirit_a man_n be_v like_a enough_o to_o charge_v i_o that_o in_o all_o this_o i_o countenance_v the_o popish_a doctrine_n of_o doubt_v and_o uncertainty_n and_o contradict_v the_o common_a doctrine_n of_o the_o reform_a divine_n that_o write_v against_o they_o i_o answer_v 1._o i_o do_v contradict_v both_o the_o papist_n that_o deny_v assurance_n and_o many_o foreign_a writer_n who_o make_v it_o far_o more_o easy_a common_a and_o necessary_a than_o it_o be_v much_o more_o both_o they_o and_o the_o antinomist_n who_o place_n justify_v faith_n in_o it_o but_o i_o stand_v in_o the_o midst_n between_o both_o extreme_n and_o i_o think_v i_o have_v the_o company_n of_o most_o english_a divine_n 2._o i_o come_v not_o to_o be_v of_o this_o mind_n mere_o by_o read_v book_n but_o main_o by_o read_v my_o own_o heart_n and_o consult_v my_o own_o experience_n and_o the_o experience_n of_o a_o very_a great_a number_n of_o godly_a people_n of_o all_o sort_n who_o have_v open_v their_o heart_n to_o i_o for_o almost_o twenty_o year_n time_n 3._o i_o will_v entreat_v the_o gainsayer_n to_o study_v their_o own_o heart_n better_a for_o some_o considerable_a time_n and_o to_o be_v more_o in_o hear_v the_o case_n and_o complaint_n of_o godly_a people_n and_o by_o that_o time_n they_o may_v happy_o come_v to_o be_v of_o my_o mind_n 4._o see_v whether_o all_o those_o divine_n that_o have_v be_v very_o practical_a and_o successful_a in_o the_o work_n of_o god_n and_o much_o acquaint_v with_o the_o way_n of_o the_o recovery_n of_o lose_a soul_n be_v not_o all_o of_o the_o same_o judgement_n as_o i_o in_o this_o point_n such_o as_o t._n hooker_n jo._n rogers_n preston_n sib_n bolton_n dod_n culverwell_n etc._n etc._n and_o whither_o the_o confident_a man_n for_o the_o contrary_n be_v not_o those_o that_o study_v book_n more_o than_o heart_n and_o spend_v their_o day_n in_o dispute_v and_o not_o in_o win_a soul_n to_o god_n from_o the_o world_n last_o let_v i_o add_v to_o what_o be_v say_v these_o two_o proof_n of_o this_o four_o point_n here_o assert_v 1._o the_o constant_a experience_n of_o the_o great_a part_n of_o believer_n tell_v we_o that_o certainty_n of_o salvation_n be_v very_o rare_a even_o of_o those_o that_o live_v comfortable_o and_o in_o peace_n of_o conscience_n yet_o very_a few_o of_o they_o do_v attain_v to_o a_o certainty_n for_o my_o part_n it_o be_v know_v that_o god_n in_o undeserved_a mercy_n have_v give_v i_o long_o the_o society_n of_o a_o great_a number_n of_o godly_a people_n and_o great_a interest_n in_o they_o and_o privacy_n with_o they_o and_o opportunity_n to_o know_v their_o mind_n and_o this_o in_o many_o place_n my_o station_n by_o providence_n have_v be_v oft_o remove_v and_o i_o must_v needs_o profess_v that_o of_o all_o these_o i_o have_v meet_v with_o few_o yea_o very_o few_o indeed_o that_o if_o i_o serious_o and_o private_o ask_v they_o be_v you_o certain_a that_o you_o be_v a_o true_a believer_n and_o so_o be_v justify_v and_o shall_v be_v save_v dare_v say_v to_o i_o i_o be_o certain_a of_o it_o but_o some_o in_o great_a doubt_n and_o fear_n most_o too_o secure_a and_o neglective_a of_o their_o state_n without_o assurance_n and_o some_o in_o so_o good_a hope_n to_o speak_v in_o their_o own_o language_n as_o calm_v their_o spirit_n that_o they_o can_v comfortable_o cast_v themselves_o on_o god_n in_o christ_n and_o those_o few_o that_o have_v go_v so_o far_o beyond_o all_o the_o rest_n as_o to_o say_v they_o be_v certain_a of_o their_o sincerity_n and_o salvation_n be_v the_o professor_n who_o state_n i_o suspect_v more_o than_o any_o of_o the_o rest_n as_o be_v the_o most_o proud_a self-conceited_a censorious_a passionate_a unpeaceable_a sort_n of_o professor_n and_o some_o of_o they_o live_v scandalous_o and_o some_o fall_v since_o to_o more_o scandalous_a way_n then_o ever_o and_o the_o most_o of_o their_o humble_a godly_a acquaintance_n or_o neighbour_n suspect_v they_o as_o well_o as_o i._o or_o else_o some_o very_a few_o of_o they_o that_o say_v they_o be_v certain_a be_v honest_a godly_a people_n most_o woman_n of_o small_a judgement_n and_o strong_a affection_n who_o depend_v most_o on_o that_o which_o be_v common_o call_v the_o sense_n or_o feel_n of_o god_n love_n and_o be_v the_o low_a at_o some_o time_n as_o they_o be_v the_o high_a at_o other_o time_n and_o they_o that_o be_v one_o month_n certain_a to_o be_v save_v perhaps_o the_o next_o month_n be_v almost_o ready_a to_o say_v they_o shall_v certain_o be_v damn_v so_o that_o take_v out_o all_o these_o sort_n of_o person_n the_o sober_a solid_a judicious_a believer_n that_o can_v ground_o and_o ordinary_o say_v i_o be_o certain_a that_o i_o shall_v be_v save_v have_v be_v so_o few_o that_o it_o be_v sad_a to_o i_o to_o consider_v it_o if_o any_o other_o man_n experience_n be_v contrary_a i_o be_o glad_a of_o it_o so_o be_v it_o they_o be_v sober_a judicious_a man_n able_a to_o gather_v experience_n and_o so_o they_o live_v not_o among_o mere_a antinomian_o and_o take_v not_o the_o discovery_n of_o their_o mere_a opinion_n for_o a_o discovery_n of_o experience_n for_o i_o have_v see_v in_o divers_a professor_n of_o my_o long_a acquaintance_n the_o strange_a power_n of_o opinion_n and_o fantasy_n in_o this_o thing_n i_o have_v know_v those_o that_o have_v live_v many_o year_n in_o doubt_v of_o their_o salvation_n and_o all_o that_o while_o walk_v upright_o and_o in_o the_o late_a war_n fall_v into_o the_o company_n of_o some_o anabaptist_n they_o be_v by_o they_o persuade_v that_o there_o be_v no_o right_a way_n to_o their_o comfort_n but_o by_o be_v rebaptise_v and_o associate_a themselves_o with_o the_o rebaptise_v church_n and_o abstain_v from_o the_o hear_n of_o the_o unbaptised_a parish_n priest_n as_o they_o call_v they_o no_o soon_o be_v this_o do_v but_o all_o their_o former_a doubt_n and_o trouble_n be_v over_o and_o they_o be_v as_o comfortable_a as_o any_o other_o as_o themselves_o affirm_v which_o no_o doubt_n proceed_v from_o partly_o the_o strength_n of_o phantasie_n conceit_v it_o shall_v so_o be_v and_o partly_o from_o the_o novelty_n of_o their_o way_n which_o delight_v they_o and_o partly_o from_o the_o strong_a opinion_n they_o have_v that_o this_o be_v the_o way_n of_o salvation_n and_o that_o the_o want_n of_o this_o do_v keep_v they_o in_o the_o dark_a so_o long_o and_o partly_o from_o satan_n policy_n who_o trouble_v people_n least_o when_o they_o be_v in_o a_o way_n that_o please_v he_o but_o when_o these_o people_n have_v live_v a_o year_n or_o two_o in_o this_o comfortable_a condition_n they_o fall_v at_o last_o into_o the_o society_n of_o some_o libertine_n or_o familist_n who_o believe_v that_o the_o scripture_n be_v all_o but_o a_o dream_n fiction_n or_o allegory_n these_o present_o persuade_v they_o that_o they_o be_v fool_n to_o regard_v baptism_n or_o such_o ordinance_n and_o that_o they_o may_v come_v to_o hear_v again_o in_o our_o congregation_n see_v all_o thing_n be_v lawful_a and_o there_o be_v no_o heaven_n or_o hell_n but_o within_o man_n and_o therefore_o they_o shall_v look_v to_o their_o safety_n and_o credit_n in_o the_o world_n and_o take_v their_o pleasure_n this_o lesson_n be_v quick_o learn_v and_o then_o they_o cry_v down_o the_o anabaptist_n and_o confess_v they_o be_v delude_v and_o so_o be_v grow_v loose_a while_o they_o be_v anabaptist_n to_o mend_v the_o matter_n they_o grow_v epicure_n when_o they_o have_v be_v instruct_v by_o the_o libertine_n and_o this_o be_v the_o end_n of_o their_o new_a get_a comfort_n other_o i_o have_v know_v that_o have_v want_v assurance_n and_o fall_v among_o the_o antinomian_o be_v tell_v by_o they_o that_o they_o undo_v themselves_o by_o look_v after_o sign_n and_o mark_n of_o grace_n and_o so_o lay_v their_o comfort_n upon_o something_o in_o themselves_o whereas_o they_o shall_v look_v only_o to_o christ_n for_o comfort_n and_o not_o at_o any_o thing_n in_o themselves_o at_o all_o and_o for_o assurance_n it_o be_v only_o the_o witness_n of_o the_o spirit_n without_o any_o mark_n that_o must_v give_v it_o they_o and_o to_o fetch_v comfort_n from_o their_o own_o grace_n and_o obedience_n be_v to_o make_v it_o themselves_o in_o stead_n of_o christ_n and_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o be_v a_o legal_a way_n no_o soon_o be_v this_o doctrine_n receive_v but_o the_o receiver_n have_v comfort_n at_o will_n and_o all_o be_v seal_v up_o to_o they_o present_o by_o the_o witness_n of_o the_o spirit_n in_o their_o own_o conceit_n whence_o this_o come_v judge_v you_o i_o tell_v
you_o my_o judgement_n before_o sure_o i_o be_o that_o the_o sudden_a looseness_n of_o their_o life_n answer_v their_o ignorant_a loose_a ungospel-like_a doctrine_n do_v certify_v i_o that_o the_o spirit_n of_o comfort_n be_v not_o their_o comforter_n for_o he_o be_v also_o a_o spirit_n of_o holiness_n and_o comfort_v man_n by_o the_o mean_n of_o a_o holy_a gospel_n which_o have_v precept_n and_o threaten_n as_o well_o as_o promise_n 2._o and_o as_o the_o experience_n of_o the_o state_n of_o believer_n assure_v we_o that_o few_o of_o they_o attain_v to_o certainty_n so_o experience_n of_o the_o imperfection_n of_o their_o understanding_n show_v we_o that_o few_o of_o they_o be_v immediate_o capable_a of_o it_o for_o how_o few_o believer_n be_v there_o that_o understand_v well_o what_o be_v a_o sound_a evidence_n and_o what_o not_o nay_o how_o many_o learned_a man_n have_v teach_v they_o that_o the_o least_o unfeigned_a desire_n of_o grace_n be_v the_o grace_n itself_o as_o some_o say_v or_o at_o least_o a_o certain_a evidence_n of_o it_o as_o other_o say_v whereas_o alas_o how_o many_o have_v unfeigned_o desire_v many_o grace_n and_o yet_o have_v desire_v the_o glory_n and_o profit_n of_o the_o world_n so_o much_o more_o that_o they_o have_v miscarry_v and_o perish_v how_o many_o have_v teach_v they_o that_o the_o least_o unfeigned_a love_n to_o god_n or_o to_o the_o brethren_n be_v a_o certain_a mark_n of_o save_a grace_n whenas_o many_o a_o one_o have_v unfeigned_o love_v god_n and_o the_o brethren_n who_o yet_o have_v love_v house_n land_n credit_n pleasure_n and_o life_n so_o much_o more_o that_o god_n have_v be_v thrust_v as_o it_o be_v into_o a_o corner_n and_o have_v have_v but_o the_o world_n leave_n and_o the_o poor_a saint_n have_v have_v little_a compassion_n or_o relief_n from_o they_o nor_o will_v be_v look_v on_o in_o time_n of_o danger_n and_o disgrace_n as_o austin_n and_o the_o schoolman_n use_v to_o say_v wicked_a man_n do_v uti_fw-la deo_fw-la &_o frui_fw-la creaturis_fw-la use_v god_n and_o enjoy_v the_o creature_n godly_a man_n do_v frui_fw-la deo_fw-la &_o uti_fw-la creaturis_fw-la enjoy_v god_n and_o use_v the_o creature_n the_o meaning_n be_v both_o regenerate_v and_o unregenerate_v have_v some_o will_n or_o love_n both_o to_o god_n and_o to_o the_o creature_n but_o the_o wicked_a do_v will_n or_o love_v the_o creature_n as_o their_o chief_a good_a with_o their_o chief_a love_n and_o they_o only_o love_v god_n as_o a_o mean_n to_o help_v they_o to_o the_o creature_n with_o a_o love_n subordinate_a to_o their_o love_n to_o the_o creature_n whereas_o the_o godly_a do_v will_n or_o love_n god_n as_o their_o chief_a good_a with_o their_o chief_a love_n or_o complacency_n and_o love_v the_o creature_n but_o as_o a_o mean_n to_o god_n with_o a_o inferior_a love_n if_o then_o the_o nature_n of_o sincerity_n be_v so_o little_o know_v than_o assurance_n of_o sincerity_n can_v be_v very_o common_a more_o may_v be_v say_v to_o prove_v that_o certainty_n of_o salvation_n be_v not_o common_a among_o true_a christian_n but_o that_o it_o be_v labour_n in_o vain_a as_o to_o they_o see_v experience_n and_o their_o own_o ready_a confession_n do_v witness_v it_o now_o what_o be_v the_o use_n that_o i_o will_v have_v you_o make_v of_o this_o why_o it_o be_v this_o if_o assurance_n of_o sincerity_n and_o justification_n much_o more_o of_o salvation_n be_v so_o rare_a among_o true_a christian_n than_o you_o have_v no_o cause_n to_o think_v that_o the_o want_n of_o it_o prove_v you_o to_o be_v no_o true_a christian_n you_o see_v then_o that_o a_o man_n may_v be_v in_o a_o state_n of_o salvation_n without_o it_o and_o that_o it_o be_v not_o justify_v faith_n as_o some_o have_v imagine_v nor_o yet_o a_o necessary_a concomitant_a of_o that_o faith_n you_o see_v that_o you_o be_v mistake_v in_o think_v that_o you_o have_v not_o the_o spirit_n of_o adoption_n because_o you_o have_v no_o assure_v witness_n within_o you_o effective_o testify_v to_o you_o that_o you_o be_v the_o child_n of_o god_n all_o god_n child_n have_v the_o spirit_n of_o adoption_n for_o because_o they_o be_v son_n therefore_o have_v god_n send_v the_o spirit_n of_o his_o son_n into_o their_o heart_n whereby_o they_o cry_v abba_n father_n gal._n 4.6_o but_o all_o god_n child_n have_v not_o assurance_n of_o their_o adoption_n therefore_o the_o spirit_n of_o adoption_n do_v not_o always_o assure_v those_o of_o their_o adoption_n in_o who_o it_o abide_v it_o be_v always_o a_o witness-bearer_n of_o their_o adoption_n but_o that_o be_v only_o objective_o by_o his_o grace_n and_o operation_n in_o they_o as_o a_o landmark_n be_v a_o witness_n who_o land_n it_o be_v where_o it_o stand_v or_o as_o your_o sheep-mark_a witness_v which_o be_v your_o sheep_n or_o rather_o as_o a_o sensible_a soul_n witness_v a_o live_a creature_n or_o a_o rational_a soul_n witness_v that_o we_o be_v man_n but_o efficient_o it_o do_v not_o always_o witness_v as_o a_o landmark_n or_o sheep-mark_a be_v not_o always_o discern_v and_o a_o bruit_n know_v not_o itself_o to_o be_v a_o bruit_n and_o a_o man_n be_v not_o always_o actual_o know_v his_o own_o humanity_n nor_o can_v know_v it_o at_o all_o in_o the_o womb_n in_o infancy_n in_o distraction_n in_o a_o epilepsy_n apoplexy_n or_o the_o like_a disease_n which_o deprive_v he_o of_o the_o use_n of_o reason_n beside_o it_o be_v no_o doubt_n but_o the_o apostle_n have_v some_o respect_n to_o the_o eminent_a gift_n of_o the_o spirit_n for_o tongue_n prophecy_n miracle_n and_o the_o like_o which_o be_v proper_a to_o that_o age_n though_o still_o as_o include_v the_o spirit_n of_o holiness_n you_o see_v then_o that_o you_o need_v not_o be_v always_o in_o disquiet_a when_o you_o want_v assurance_n for_o else_o how_o disquiet_a a_o life_n shall_v most_o christian_n live_v i_o shall_v show_v you_o more_o anon_o that_o all_o a_o man_n comfort_n depend_v not_o so_o on_o his_o assurance_n but_o that_o he_o may_v live_v a_o comfortable_a life_n without_o it_o trouble_v of_o mind_n may_v be_v overcome_v conscience_n may_v be_v quiet_v true_a peace_n attain_v yea_o a_o man_n may_v have_v that_o joy_n in_o the_o holy_a ghost_n wherein_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n be_v say_v to_o consist_v without_o certainty_n of_o salvation_n if_o there_o be_v any_o passage_n in_o my_o book_n of_o rest_n part_v 3_o d_o in_o press_v to_o get_v assurance_n which_o seem_v contrary_a to_o this_o i_o desire_v that_o they_o may_v be_v reduce_v to_o this_o sense_n and_o no_o otherwise_o understand_v this_o shall_v be_v further_o open_v anon_o and_o other_o ground_n of_o comfort_n manifest_v beside_o assurance_n direction_n xv._n 15._o yea_o this_o much_o more_o i_o will_v here_o inform_v you_o of_o that_o very_o many_o even_n of_o the_o strong_a holy_a watchful_a and_o obedient_a christian_n be_v yet_o uncertain_a of_o their_o salvation_n even_o then_o when_o they_o be_v certain_a of_o their_o justification_n and_o sanctification_n and_o that_o because_o they_o be_v uncertain_a of_o their_o perseverance_n and_o overcome_v for_o a_o man_n certainty_n of_o his_o salvation_n can_v be_v no_o strong_a than_o be_v his_o certainty_n of_o endure_v to_o the_o end_n and_o overcome_v that_o you_o may_v not_o misunderstand_v i_o in_o this_o observe_v 1._o that_o i_o do_v not_o say_v perseverance_n be_v a_o thing_n uncertain_a in_o itself_o 2._o nor_o that_o it_o be_v uncertain_a to_o all_o christian_n 3._o but_o that_o it_o be_v uncertain_a to_o many_o even_o strong_a and_o self-knowing_a christian_n divine_n use_v to_o distinguish_v of_o the_o certainty_n of_o the_o object_n and_o of_o the_o subject_a and_o the_o former_a be_v either_o of_o the_o object_n of_o god_n knowledge_n or_o of_o man_n i_o doubt_v not_o but_o god_n know_v certain_o who_o shall_v be_v save_v which_o with_o his_o decree_n do_v cause_n that_o which_o we_o call_v certainty_n of_o the_o object_n as_o to_o man_n understanding_n but_o man_n themselves_o do_v not_o always_o know_v it_o if_o a_o man_n have_v the_o full_a certainty_n in_o the_o world_n that_o he_o be_v god_n child_n yet_o if_o he_o be_v uncertain_a whether_o he_o shall_v so_o continue_v to_o the_o end_n it_o be_v impossible_a that_o he_o shall_v have_v a_o certainty_n of_o his_o salvation_n for_o it_o be_v he_o only_o that_o endure_v to_o the_o end_n that_o shall_v be_v save_v now_o that_o many_o eminent_a christian_n of_o great_a knowledge_n and_o much_o zeal_n and_o obedience_n be_v uncertain_a of_o their_o perseverance_n be_v prove_v by_o two_o infallible_a argument_n 1._o by_o experience_n if_o any_o shall_v be_v so_o censorious_a as_o to_o think_v that_o none_o of_o all_o those_o nation_n and_o church_n abroad_o that_o deny_v the_o doctrine_n of_o certain_a perseverance_n of_o all_o believer_n
you_o will_v draw_v a_o block_n through_o the_o water_n but_o as_o man_n that_o must_v hold_v fast_o and_o be_v command_v and_o threaten_v to_o that_o end_n and_o therefore_o when_o they_o lose_v their_o hold_n it_o be_v the_o fear_n of_o drown_v which_o they_o feel_v themselves_o near_o which_o shall_v cause_v they_o to_o hold_v fast_o the_o next_o time_n and_o this_o must_v needs_o be_v the_o fear_n of_o a_o possible_a danger_n and_o for_o those_o that_o perish_v they_o have_v none_o to_o blame_v but_o themselves_o they_o perish_v not_o for_o want_v of_o a_o saviour_n but_o because_o they_o will_v not_o lay_v hold_n on_o he_o and_o follow_v he_o through_o the_o tempest_n and_o wave_n of_o trial_n nor_o can_v they_o quarrel_v with_o he_o because_o he_o do_v more_o for_o other_o and_o do_v not_o as_o much_o for_o they_o as_o long_o as_o he_o offer_v they_o so_o sufficient_a help_n that_o only_o their_o own_o wilful_a refusal_n be_v their_o ruin_n and_o their_o perdition_n be_v of_o themselves_o i_o conclude_v therefore_o that_o see_v our_o salvation_n be_v lay_v by_o god_n upon_o our_o faithful_a obedient_a hold_n fast_o to_o christ_n through_o all_o trial_n and_o difficulty_n and_o our_o holy_a fear_n be_v the_o mean_n of_o that_o hold_v fast_o christ_n be_v still_o the_o principal_a cause_n of_o our_o safety_n therefore_o never_o look_v for_o such_o a_o certainty_n of_o salvation_n as_o shall_v put_v you_o above_o such_o fear_n and_o moderate_v apprehension_n of_o danger_n for_o then_o it_o be_v ten_o to_o one_o you_o will_v lose_v your_o hold_n you_o read_v in_o scripture_n very_o many_o warning_n to_o take_v heed_n lest_o we_o fall_v and_o threaten_n to_o those_o that_o do_v fall_v away_o and_o draw_v back_o what_o be_v all_o these_o for_o but_o to_o excite_v in_o we_o those_o moderate_a fear_n and_o care_n and_o holy_a diligence_n which_o may_v prevent_v our_o fall_n away_o and_o remember_v this_o that_o there_o can_v be_v no_o such_o holy_a fear_n and_o care_n and_o diligence_n where_o there_o be_v no_o danger_n or_o possibility_n of_o fall_v away_o for_o there_o can_v be_v no_o act_n without_o its_o proper_a object_n and_o the_o object_n of_o fear_n be_v a_o possible_a hurt_n at_o least_o in_o the_o apprehension_n of_o he_o that_o fear_v it_o no_o man_n can_v fear_v that_o evil_n which_o he_o know_v to_o be_v impossible_a direction_n xxi_o 21._o the_o next_o advice_n which_o i_o must_v give_v you_o be_v this_o be_v thankful_a if_o you_o can_v but_o reach_v to_o a_o settle_a peace_n and_o composure_n of_o your_o mind_n and_o lay_v not_o too_o much_o on_o the_o high_a rapture_n and_o feeling_n of_o comfort_n which_o some_o do_v possess_v and_o if_o ever_o you_o enjoy_v such_o feel_a joy_n expect_v not_o that_o they_o shall_v be_v either_o long_a or_o often_o it_o be_v the_o cause_n of_o miserable_a languish_v to_o many_o a_o poor_a soul_n to_o have_v such_o importunate_a expectation_n of_o such_o passionate_a joy_n that_o they_o think_v without_o these_o they_o have_v no_o true_a comfort_n at_o all_o no_o witness_n of_o the_o spirit_n no_o spirit_n of_o adoption_n no_o joy_n in_o the_o holy_a ghost_n some_o think_v that_o other_o have_v much_o of_o this_o though_o they_o have_v not_o and_o therefore_o 〈…〉_z themselves_o because_o it_o be_v no●_n 〈…〉_z as_o with_o other_o when_o alas_o they_o little_a 〈◊〉_d how_o it_o go_v with_o other_o some_o 〈…〉_z rapture_n sometime_o themselves_o and_o therefore_o when_o they_o be_v go_v they_o think_v they_o be_v forsake_v and_o that_o all_o grace_n or_o peace_n at_o least_o be_v go_v with_o they_o take_v heed_n of_o these_o expectation_n and_o to_o satisfy_v you_o let_v i_o tell_v you_o these_o two_o or_o three_o thing_n 1._o a_o settle_a calm_a and_o peace_n of_o soul_n be_v a_o great_a mercy_n and_o not_o to_o be_v undervalue_v and_o look_v at_o as_o nothing_o 2._o the_o high_a rapture_n and_o passionate_a feel_a joy_n be_v usual_o of_o most_o doubtful_a sincerity_n not_o that_o i_o will_v have_v any_o suspect_v the_o sincerity_n of_o they_o without_o cause_n but_o such_o passion_n be_v not_o so_o certain_a sign_n of_o grace_n as_o the_o settle_a frame_n of_o the_o understanding_n and_o will_n nor_o can_v we_o so_o easy_o know_v that_o they_o be_v of_o the_o spirit_n and_o they_o be_v liable_a to_o more_o question_v and_o have_v in_o they_o a_o great_a possibility_n of_o deceit_n doubtless_o it_o be_v very_o much_o that_o fantasy_n and_o melancholy_n and_o special_o a_o natural_a weakness_n and_o movable_a temper_n will_v do_v in_o such_o case_n mark_v whether_o it_o be_v not_o most_o these_o three_o sort_n of_o people_n that_o have_v or_o pretend_v to_o have_v such_o extraordinary_a rapture_n and_o feeling_n of_o joy_n 1._o woman_n and_o other_o that_o be_v most_o passionate_a 2._o melancholy_a people_n 3._o man_n that_o by_o erroneous_a opinion_n have_v lose_v almost_o all_o their_o understanding_n in_o their_o fantasy_n and_o live_v like_o man_n in_o a_o continual_a dream_n yet_o i_o doubt_v not_o but_o solid_a man_n have_v oft_o high_a joy_n and_o more_o we_o may_v all_o have_v if_o we_o do_v our_o duty_n and_o i_o will_v have_v no_o christian_a content_v himself_o with_o a_o dull_a quietness_n of_o spirit_n but_o by_o all_o mean_v possible_a to_o be_v much_o in_o labour_v to_o rejoice_v in_o god_n and_o raise_v their_o soul_n to_o heavenly_a delight_n o_o what_o life_n do_v we_o lose_v which_o we_o may_v enjoy_v but_o my_o meaning_n be_v this_o look_v at_o these_o joy_n and_o delight_n as_o duty_n and_o as_o mercy_n but_o look_v not_o at_o they_o as_o mark_v of_o trial_n so_o as_o to_o place_v more_o necessity_n in_o they_o then_o god_n have_v do_v or_o to_o think_v they_o to_o be_v ordinary_a thing_n if_o you_o do_v but_o feel_v such_o a_o high_a estimation_n of_o christ_n and_o heaven_n that_o you_o will_v not_o leave_v he_o for_o all_o the_o world_n take_v this_o for_o your_o sure_a sign_n and_o if_o you_o have_v but_o so_o much_o probability_n or_o hope_n of_o your_o interest_n in_o he_o that_o you_o can_v think_v of_o god_n as_o one_o that_o love_v you_o and_o can_v be_v thankful_a to_o christ_n for_o redeem_v you_o and_o be_v glad_a in_o these_o hope_n of_o your_o interest_n in_o christ_n and_o glory_n then_o if_o you_o be_v owner_n of_o all_o the_o world_n take_v this_o for_o a_o happy_a mercy_n and_o a_o high_a consolation_n yet_o i_o mean_v not_o that_o your_o joy_n in_o christ_n will_v be_v always_o so_o sensible_a as_o for_o worldly_a thing_n but_o it_o will_v be_v more_o rational_a solid_a and_o deep_a at_o the_o heart_n and_o that_o you_o may_v know_v by_o this_o you_o will_v not_o for_o all_o the_o pleasure_n honour_n or_o profit_n in_o the_o world_n be_v in_o the_o same_o case_n as_o once_o you_o be_v suppose_v that_o you_o be_v convert_v since_o you_o have_v the_o use_n of_o reason_n and_o memory_n or_o at_o least_o as_o you_o see_v the_o ungodly_a world_n still_o lie_v in_o 3._o and_o let_v i_o add_v this_o common_o those_o that_o have_v the_o high_a passionate_a joy_n have_v the_o sad_a life_n for_o they_o have_v with_o all_o the_o most_o passionate_a fear_n and_o sorrow_n mark_v it_o whether_o you_o find_v not_o this_o prove_v true_a and_o it_o be_v partly_o from_o god_n will_v in_o his_o dispensation_n partly_o from_o their_o own_o necessity_n who_o after_o their_o exaltation_n do_v usual_o need_v a_o prick_n in_o the_o flesh_n and_o a_o messenger_n of_o satan_n to_o buffet_v they_o lest_o they_o be_v exalt_v above_o measure_n and_o partly_o and_o most_o common_o it_o be_v from_o the_o temperature_n of_o their_o body_n weak_a pastionate_a woman_n of_o movable_a spirit_n and_o strong_a affection_n when_o they_o love_v they_o love_v violent_o and_o when_o they_o rejoice_v especial_o in_o such_o case_n they_o have_v most_o sensible_a joy_n and_o when_o any_o fear_n arise_v they_o have_v most_o terrible_a sorrow_n i_o know_v it_o be_v not_o so_o with_o all_o of_o that_o sex_n but_o mark_v the_o same_o people_n usual_o that_o have_v the_o high_a joy_n and_o see_v whether_o at_o other_o time_n they_o have_v not_o the_o great_a trouble_n this_o week_n they_o be_v as_o at_o the_o gate_n of_o heaven_n and_o the_o next_o as_o at_o the_o door_n of_o hell_n i_o be_o sure_a with_o many_o it_o be_v so_o yet_o it_o need_v not_o be_v so_o if_o christian_n will_v but_o look_v at_o these_o high_a joy_n as_o duty_n to_o be_v endeavour_v and_o mercy_n to_o be_v value_v but_o when_o they_o will_v needs_o judge_v of_o their_o state_n by_o they_o and_o think_v that_o god_n be_v go_v from_o they_o or_o forsake_v they_o when_o they_o have_v not_o such_o joy_n than_o it_o leave_v
excess_n of_o apparel_n in_o undecent_a scandalous_a or_o time-wasting_a recreation_n in_o uncleanness_n or_o unchaste_a speech_n or_o behaviour_n or_o the_o read_n of_o amorous_a book_n and_o sonnet_n or_o feed_v our_o eye_n or_o thought_n on_o filthy_a or_o entice_a object_n or_o otherways_o wilful_o blow_v the_o fire_n of_o lust_n so_o also_o for_o the_o performance_n of_o duty_n we_o shall_v never_o in_o this_o life_n be_v able_a to_o hear_v or_o read_v so_o diligent_o and_o understand_o or_o affectionate_o as_o we_o will_v do_v nor_o to_o remember_v or_o profit_v by_o what_o we_o hear_v as_o we_o desire_v but_o yet_o we_o can_v bring_v ourselves_o to_o the_o congregation_n and_o not_o prefer_v our_o ease_n or_o business_n or_o any_o vain_a thing_n before_o god_n word_n and_o worship_n or_o loath_a or_o despise_v it_o because_o of_o some_o weakness_n in_o the_o speaker_n and_o we_o may_v in_o a_o great_a measure_n restrain_v our_o thought_n from_o wander_a and_o force_v ourselves_o to_o attend_v and_o labour_v when_o we_o come_v home_o to_o recall_v it_o to_o mind_n we_o can_v call_v on_o god_n so_o fervent_o believe_o or_o delightful_o as_o we_o will_v but_o yet_o we_o may_v do_v it_o sincere_o as_o we_o can_v and_o do_v it_o constant_o we_o can_v instruct_v our_o child_n and_o servant_n and_o reprove_v or_o exhort_v our_o neighbour_n with_o that_o boldness_n or_o love_n and_o compassion_n and_o discretion_n and_o meet_a expression_n as_o we_o will_v but_o yet_o we_o may_v do_v it_o faithful_o and_o frequent_o as_o we_o be_v able_a so_o that_o you_o may_v see_v in_o all_o this_o what_o sin_n it_o be_v that_o paul_n speak_v of_o rom._n 7._o when_o he_o say_v when_o he_o will_v do_v good_a evil_a be_v present_a with_o he_o and_o that_o he_o be_v lead_v captive_a to_o the_o law_n of_o sin_n and_o serve_v the_o law_n of_o sin_n with_o his_o flesh_n and_o gal._n 4.17_o when_o he_o say_v we_o can_v do_v the_o thing_n that_o we_o will_v he_o speak_v not_o of_o wilful_a sin_v or_o gross_a sin_n but_o of_o unavoidable_a infirmity_n whereby_o also_o we_o be_v too_o often_o draw_v into_o a_o commit_n of_o many_o sin_n which_o we_o may_v avoid_v for_o so_o the_o best_a do_v and_o because_o you_o may_v often_o read_v and_o hear_v of_o sin_n of_o infirmity_n as_o distinguish_v from_o other_o sin_n let_v i_o here_o give_v you_o notice_n that_o this_o word_n may_v be_v take_v in_o several_a sense_n and_o that_o there_o be_v three_o several_a sort_n of_o sin_n of_o infirmity_n in_o the_o godly_a 1._o there_o be_v those_o sin_n which_o a_o man_n can_v avoid_v though_o he_o will_v which_o be_v in_o the_o gentle_a sense_n call_v sin_n of_o infirmity_n here_o note_n 1._o that_o adam_n have_v none_o such_o 2._o and_o that_o the_o reason_n of_o they_o be_v because_o 1._o our_o reason_n which_o shall_v direct_v and_o our_o will_n themselves_z which_o shall_v command_v be_v both_o imperfect_a 2._o and_o our_o faculty_n that_o shall_v be_v command_v and_o direct_v be_v by_o sin_n grow_v impotent_a and_o obstinate_a and_o have_v contract_v a_o rebel_a disobedient_a disposition_n 3._o and_o that_o degree_n of_o grace_n which_o the_o best_a attain_v to_o in_o this_o life_n be_v not_o such_o as_o whole_o to_o overcome_v either_o the_o imperfection_n of_o the_o guide_n and_o command_a faculty_n or_o the_o rebellion_n of_o the_o obey_a faculty_n otherwise_o if_o our_o own_o will_n be_v perfect_a and_o the_o rebellion_n of_o the_o inferior_a faculty_n cure_v no_o man_n can_v then_o say_v the_o good_a that_o i_o will_v i_o do_v not_o and_o the_o evil_a that_o i_o will_v not_o that_o i_o do_v for_o the_o will_n will_v so_o full_o command_v that_o all_o will_v obey_v and_o itself_o be_v perfect_a all_o will_v be_v perfect_a and_o therefore_o in_o heaven_n it_o be_v and_o will_v be_v so_o i_o know_v philosopher_n conclude_v that_o all_o act_n of_o the_o inferior_a faculty_n be_v but_o act_v command_v by_o the_o will_n it_o shall_v be_v so_o i_o confess_v it_o be_v the_o office_n of_o the_o will_v to_o command_v and_o the_o understanding_n to_o direct_v and_o the_o rest_n to_o obey_v but_o in_o our_o state_n of_o sinful_a imperfection_n the_o soul_n be_v so_o distemper_a and_o corrupt_v that_o the_o will_n can_v full_o rule_v those_o faculty_n that_o it_o shall_v rule_v so_o that_o it_o may_v be_v say_v i_o will_v forbear_v sin_n but_o can_v for_o 1._o the_o understanding_n be_v become_v a_o dark_a imperfect_a director_n 2._o the_o will_n be_v become_v a_o imperfect_a receiver_n of_o the_o understanding_n direction_n yea_o a_o opposer_n as_o be_v taint_v with_o the_o neighbourhood_n of_o a_o distemper_a sense_n 3._o when_o the_o will_n be_v rectify_v by_o grace_n it_o be_v but_o in_o part_n and_o therefore_o when_o paul_n or_o any_o holy_a man_n say_v i_o will_v do_v good_a and_o i_o will_v not_o do_v evil_a they_o mean_v it_o not_o of_o a_o perfect_a willingness_n but_o of_o a_o sincere_a to_o wit_n that_o this_o be_v the_o main_a bend_v of_o their_o will_n and_o the_o resolve_v prevalent_a act_n of_o it_o be_v for_o good_a 4._o when_o the_o will_n do_v command_v yet_o the_o command_v faculty_n do_v refuse_v to_o obey_v through_o a_o unfitness_n of_o impotency_n and_o corruption_n 1._o the_o will_n have_v but_o a_o imperfect_a command_n of_o the_o understanding_n i_o mean_v as_o to_o the_o exercise_n of_o the_o act_n in_o which_o respect_n it_o command_v it_o and_o not_o as_o to_o the_o specification_n of_o the_o act_n a_o man_n may_v true_o and_o strong_o desire_v to_o know_v more_o and_o apprehend_v thing_n more_o clear_o and_o yet_o can_v 2._o the_o will_n have_v but_o a_o imperfect_a command_n of_o the_o fantasy_n or_o thought_n so_o that_o a_o man_n may_v true_o say_v i_o will_v think_v more_o frequent_o more_o intentive_o and_o more_o orderly_o of_o good_a and_o less_o of_o vanity_n and_o yet_o i_o can_v for_o object_n and_o passion_n may_v force_v the_o fantasy_n and_o cogitation_n in_o some_o degree_n 3._o the_o will_n have_v but_o a_o imperfect_a command_n of_o the_o passion_n so_o that_o a_o man_n may_v true_o say_v i_o will_v not_o be_v trouble_v or_o afraid_a or_o grieve_v or_o disquiet_v or_o angry_a but_o i_o can_v choose_v and_o i_o will_v mourn_v more_o for_o sin_n and_o be_v more_o afraid_a of_o sin_v and_o of_o god_n displeasure_n and_o more_o zealous_a for_o god_n and_o more_o delight_v in_o he_o and_o joy_n more_o in_o holy_a thing_n but_o i_o can_v for_o these_o passion_n lie_v so_o open_a to_o the_o assault_n of_o object_n have_v the_o sense_n for_o their_o inlet_n and_o the_o movable_a spirit_n for_o their_o seat_n or_o instrument_n that_o even_o when_o the_o will_n command_v they_o one_o way_n a_o object_n may_v force_v they_o in_o part_n against_o the_o will_n command_v as_o we_o find_v sensible_o in_o case_n of_o fear_n and_o sorrow_n or_o anger_n which_o we_o can_v force_v a_o man_n to_o whether_o he_o will_v or_o no._n and_o if_o there_o be_v no_o contradict_a object_n yet_o can_v the_o will_n excite_v these_o passion_n to_o what_o height_n it_o shall_v command_v for_o their_o motion_n depend_v as_o much_o and_o more_o on_o the_o lively_a manner_n of_o represent_v the_o object_n and_o the_o work_a nature_n and_o weight_n of_o the_o object_n represent_v and_o upon_o the_o heat_n and_o nobility_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o temperature_n of_o the_o body_n as_o upon_o the_o command_n of_o the_o will._n 4._o much_o less_o can_v the_o will_v command_v out_o all_o vicious_a habit_n and_o sensual_a or_o corrupt_a inclination_n and_o therefore_o a_o true_a christian_a may_v well_o say_v in_o respect_n of_o these_o that_o he_o will_v be_v more_o holy_a heavenly_a and_o dispose_v to_o good_a and_o less_o to_o evil_n but_o he_o can_v 5._o as_o for_o complacency_n and_o displacency_n like_v or_o dislike_n love_n and_o hatred_n so_o far_o as_o they_o be_v passion_n i_o have_v speak_v of_o they_o before_o but_o so_o far_o as_o they_o be_v the_o immediate_a act_n of_o the_o will_v willing_a and_o nilling_n they_o be_v not_o proper_o say_v to_o be_v command_v by_o it_o but_o elicit_v or_o act_v by_o it_o wherein_o how_o far_o it_o have_v power_n be_v a_o most_o noble_a question_n but_o unfit_a for_o this_o place_n or_o your_o capacity_n and_o thus_o you_o see_v that_o there_o be_v many_o act_n of_o the_o soul_n beside_o habit_n which_o the_o will_n can_v now_o perfect_o command_v and_o so_o a_o christian_a can_v be_v what_o he_o will_v be_v nor_o do_v the_o thing_n that_o he_o will_v and_o these_o be_v the_o first_o sort_n of_o sin_n of_o infirmity_n if_o you_o say_v sure_o these_o can_v be_v no_o sin_n because_o we_o be_v not_o
flesh-pleasing_a the_o three_o great_a sin_n therefore_o that_o do_v most_o direct_o fight_v against_o god_n himself_o in_o his_o sovereignty_n be_v 1._o pride_n or_o ambition_n 2._o worldliness_n or_o love_n of_o riches_n 3._o sensuality_n voluptuousness_n or_o inordinate_a love_n of_o pleasure_n there_o be_v in_o the_o understanding_n indeed_o other_o sin_n as_o direct_o against_o god_n as_o these_o and_o more_o radical_a as_o 1._o atheism_n deny_v a_o god_n 2._o polutheism_n deny_v our_o god_n to_o be_v the_o alone_a god_n and_o join_v other_o with_o he_o 3._o idolatry_n own_v false_a go_n 4._o infidelity_n deny_v jesus_n christ_n our_o lord-redeemer_n 5._o own_v false_a saviour_n and_o prophet_n in_o his_o stead_n or_o before_o he_o as_o do_v the_o mahometan_n 6._o join_v other_o redeemer_n and_o saviour_n with_o he_o as_o if_o he_o be_v not_o the_o alone_a christ_n 7._o deny_v the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o deny_v credit_n to_o his_o holy_a and_o miraculous_a testimony_n to_o the_o christian_a faith_n and_o blasphemous_o ascribe_v all_o to_o the_o devil_n which_o be_v the_o sin_n against_o the_o holy_a ghost_n 8._o own_v and_o believe_v in_o devil_n or_o lie_v spirit_n in_o stead_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n as_o the_o montanist_n mahometan_n ranter_n familist_n do_v 9_o own_v and_o adjoin_v devil_n or_o lie_a spirit_n in_o coordination_n or_o equality_n with_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o believe_v equal_o his_o doctrine_n and_o they_o as_o if_o he_o be_v not_o sole_a and_o sufficient_a in_o his_o work_n all_o these_o be_v sin_n direct_o against_o god_n himself_o and_o if_o prevalent_a most_o certain_o damn_v three_o against_o the_o father_n three_o against_o the_o son_n and_o three_o against_o the_o holy_a ghost_n but_o these_o be_v not_o they_o that_o i_o need_v now_o to_o warn_v you_o of_o these_o be_v prevalent_a only_o in_o pagan_n infidel_n and_o blasphemer_n your_o trouble_n and_o complaint_n show_v that_o these_o be_v not_o predominant_a in_o you_o it_o be_v therefore_o the_o three_o forementioned_a sin_n of_o the_o heart_n or_o will_n that_o i_o will_v have_v you_o careful_o to_o look_v after_o in_o your_o trouble_n to_o see_v whether_o none_o of_o they_o get_v ground_n and_o strength_n in_o you_o 1._o inquire_v careful_o into_o your_o humility_n it_o be_v not_o for_o nothing_o that_o christ_n have_v say_v so_o much_o of_o the_o excellency_n and_o necessity_n of_o this_o grace_n when_o he_o bid_v we_o learn_v of_o he_o to_o be_v meek_a and_o lowly_a when_o he_o bless_v the_o meek_a and_o poor_a in_o spirit_n when_o he_o set_v a_o little_a child_n in_o the_o midst_n of_o they_o and_o tell_v they_o except_o they_o become_v as_o that_o child_n they_o can_v not_o enter_v into_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n when_o he_o stoop_v to_o wash_v and_o wipe_v his_o disciple_n foot_n require_v they_o to_o do_v so_o by_o one_o another_o how_o oft_o do_v the_o holy_a ghost_n press_v this_o upon_o we_o command_v we_o to_o submit_v ourselves_o to_o one_o another_o and_o not_o to_o mind_v high_a thing_n but_o to_o condescend_v to_o man_n of_o low_a estate_n rom._n 12.16_o and_o not_o to_o be_v wise_a in_o our_o own_o esteem_n but_o in_o honour_n prefer_v other_o before_o ourselves_o rom._n 12.10_o how_o oft_o have_v god_n profess_v to_o resist_v and_o take_v down_o the_o proud_a and_o to_o give_v grace_n to_o the_o humble_a and_o dwell_v with_o they_o search_v careful_o therefore_o lest_o this_o sin_n get_v ground_n upon_o you_o for_o though_o it_o may_v not_o be_v so_o predominant_a and_o reign_v as_o to_o damn_v you_o yet_o may_v it_o cause_v god_n to_o afflict_v you_o and_o hide_v his_o face_n from_o you_o and_o humble_v you_o by_o the_o sense_n of_o his_o displeasure_n and_o the_o concealment_n of_o his_o love_n and_o though_o one_o will_v think_v that_o doubt_v trouble_v soul_n shall_v be_v always_o the_o most_o humble_a and_o free_a from_o pride_n yet_o sad_a experience_n have_v certify_v i_o that_o much_o pride_n may_v dwell_v with_o great_a doubt_n and_o distress_n of_o mind_n even_o some_o of_o the_o same_o soul_n that_o cry_v out_o of_o their_o own_o unworthiness_n and_o fear_v lest_o they_o shall_v be_v firebrand_n of_o hell_n yet_o can_v endure_v a_o close_a reproof_n especial_o for_o any_o disgraceful_a sin_n nor_o can_v bear_v a_o disparage_a word_n nor_o love_v those_o nor_o speak_v well_o of_o they_o who_o do_v not_o value_v they_o nor_o endure_v to_o be_v cross_v or_o contradict_v in_o word_n or_o deed_n but_o must_v have_v all_o go_v their_o way_n and_o follow_v their_o judgement_n and_o say_v as_o they_o say_v and_o dance_v after_o their_o pipe_n and_o their_o heart_n rise_v against_o those_o that_o will_v not_o do_v it_o much_o more_o against_o those_o that_o speak_v or_o do_v any_o thing_n to_o the_o diminish_n of_o their_o reputation_n they_o can_v endure_v to_o be_v low_a and_o past_a by_o and_o overlook_v when_o other_o be_v prefer_v before_o they_o or_o to_o be_v slight_v and_o disrespect_a or_o their_o word_n or_o part_n or_o work_n or_o judgement_n to_o be_v contemn_v or_o disparage_v nay_o some_o be_v scarce_o able_a to_o live_v in_o the_o same_o house_n or_o church_n or_o town_n in_o love_n and_o peace_n with_o any_o but_o those_o that_o will_v humour_n and_o please_v they_o and_o speak_v they_o fair_a and_o give_v they_o smooth_a and_o stroke_a language_n and_o forbear_v cross_v reprove_v and_o disparage_v they_o every_o one_o of_o these_o single_o be_v a_o evident_a mark_n and_o fruit_n of_o pride_n how_o much_o more_o all_o joint_o i_o serious_o profess_v it_o amaze_v i_o to_o consider_v how_o heinous_o most_o professor_n be_v guilty_a of_o this_o sin_n even_o when_o they_o know_v it_o to_o be_v the_o devil_n own_o sin_n and_o the_o great_a abomination_n hate_v of_o god_n and_o read_v and_o hear_v so_o much_o against_o it_o as_o they_o do_v and_o confess_v it_o so_o oft_o in_o their_o prayer_n to_o god_n and_o yet_o not_o only_o inward_o cherish_v it_o but_o in_o word_n action_n gesture_n apparel_z express_v it_o and_o passionate_o defend_v these_o discovery_n of_o it_o the_o confusion_n and_o distraction_n in_o church_n and_o state_n be_v nothing_o else_o but_o the_o proper_a fruit_n of_o it_o so_o be_v the_o contention_n among_o christian_n and_o the_o unpeaceableness_n in_o family_n for_o only_o from_o pride_n come_v contention_n say_v solomon_n prov._n 13.10_o for_o my_o part_n when_o i_o consider_v the_o great_a measure_n of_o pride_n self-conceitedness_n self-esteem_a that_o be_v in_o the_o great_a part_n of_o christian_n that_o ever_o i_o be_v acquaint_v with_o we_o of_o the_o ministry_n not_o except_v i_o wonder_v that_o god_n do_v not_o afflict_v we_o more_o and_o bring_v we_o down_o by_o foul_a mean_n that_o will_v not_o be_v bring_v down_o by_o fair_a for_o my_o own_o part_n i_o have_v have_v as_o great_a mean_n to_o help_v i_o against_o this_o sin_n as_o most_o man_n live_v have_v have_v first_o in_o many_o year_n trouble_v of_o mind_n and_o then_o in_o near_o twenty_o year_n languish_v and_o bodily_a pain_n have_v be_v almost_o twenty_o time_n at_o the_o grave_n mouth_n and_o live_v near_o it_o continual_o and_o last_o and_o above_o all_o i_o have_v have_v as_o full_a a_o sight_n of_o it_o in_o other_o even_o in_o the_o generality_n of_o professor_n and_o in_o the_o doleful_a state_n of_o the_o church_n and_o state_n and_o heinous_a detestable_a abomination_n of_o this_o age●_n which_o one_o will_v think_v shall_v have_v full_o cure_v it_o and_o yet_o if_o i_o hear_v but_o either_o a_o applaud_a word_n from_o any_o of_o fame_n on_o one_o side_n or_o a_o disparage_a word_n on_o the_o other_o side_n i_o be_o fain_a to_o watch_v my_o heart_n as_o narrow_o as_o i_o will_v do_v the_o thatch_n of_o my_o house_n when_o fire_n be_v put_v to_o it_o and_o present_o to_o throw_v on_o it_o the_o water_n of_o detestation_n resolution_n and_o recourse_n to_o god_n and_o though_o the_o act_n through_o god_n great_a mercy_n be_v thus_o restrain_v yet_o the_o constancy_n of_o these_o inclination_n assure_v i_o that_o there_o be_v still_o a_o strong_a and_o deep_a root_n i_o beseech_v you_o therefore_o if_o you_o will_v ever_o have_v settle_a peace_n and_o comfort_n be_v watchful_a against_o this_o sin_n of_o pride_n and_o be_v sure_a to_o keep_v it_o down_o and_o get_v it_o mortify_v at_o the_o very_a heart_n 2._o the_o next_o sin_n that_o i_o will_v have_v you_o be_v special_o jealous_a of_o be_v covetousness_n or_o love_n of_o the_o profit_n or_o riches_n of_o the_o world_n this_o be_v not_o the_o sin_n of_o the_o rich_a only_o but_o also_o of_o the_o poor_a and_o more_o heinous_a be_v it_o in_o they_o to_o love_v the_o world_n inordinate_o that_o have_v so_o
seven_o or_o eight_o year_n last_o pass_v this_o be_v so_o you_o must_v look_v that_o your_o perseverance_n shall_v be_v by_o be_v preserve_v from_o temptation_n and_o must_v rather_o examine_v whether_o you_o have_v that_o grace_n which_o will_v enable_v you_o to_o avoid_v temptation_n then_o whether_o you_o have_v grace_n enough_o to_o overcome_v they_o if_o you_o rush_v into_o they_o but_o if_o god_n avoidable_o cast_v you_o upon_o they_o keep_v up_o your_o watch_n and_o prayer_n and_o you_o have_v no_o cause_n to_o trouble_v yourself_o with_o distrustful_a fear_n doubt_v xiii_o i_o be_o afraid_a lest_o i_o have_v commit_v the_o unpardonable_a sin_n against_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o then_o there_o be_v no_o hope_n of_o my_o salvation_n answer_n it_o seem_v you_o know_v not_o what_o the_o sin_n against_o the_o holy_a ghost_n be_v it_o be_v this_o when_o a_o man_n be_v convince_v that_o christ_n and_o his_o disciple_n do_v real_o work_v those_o glorious_a miracle_n which_o be_v record_v in_o the_o gospel_n and_o yet_o will_v not_o believe_v that_o christ_n be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n and_o his_o doctrine_n true_a though_o seal_v with_o all_o those_o miracle_n and_o other_o holy_a and_o wonderful_a work_n of_o the_o spirit_n but_o do_v blasphemous_o maintain_v that_o they_o be_v do_v by_o the_o power_n of_o the_o devil_n this_o be_v the_o sin_n against_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o dare_v you_o say_v that_o you_o be_v guilty_a of_o this_o if_o you_o be_v than_o you_o do_v not_o believe_v that_o christ_n be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n and_o the_o messiah_n and_o his_o gospel_n true_a and_o then_o you_o will_v sure_o oppose_v he_o and_o maintain_v that_o he_o be_v a_o deceiver_n and_o that_o the_o devil_n be_v the_o author_n of_o all_o the_o miraculous_a and_o gracious_a work_n of_o his_o spirit_n then_o you_o will_v never_o fear_v his_o displeasure_n nor_o call_v he_o serious_o either_o lord_n or_o saviour_n nor_o tender_v he_o any_o service_n any_o more_o than_o you_o do_v to_o mahomet_n none_o but_o infidel_n do_v commit_v the_o blasphemy_n against_o the_o holy_a ghost_n nor_o but_o few_o of_o they_o unbelief_n be_v eminent_o call_v sin_n in_o the_o gospel_n and_o that_o unbelief_n which_o be_v maintain_v by_o blaspheme_v the_o glorious_a work_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n which_o christ_n and_o his_o disciple_n through_o many_o year_n time_n do_v perform_v for_o a_o testimony_n to_o his_o truth_n that_o be_v call_v singular_o the_o sin_n against_o the_o holy_a ghost_n you_o may_v meet_v with_o other_o description_n of_o this_o sin_n which_o may_v occasion_v your_o terror_n but_o i_o be_o full_o persuade_v that_o this_o be_v the_o plain_a truth_n doubt_v fourteen_o but_o i_o great_o fear_v lest_o the_o time_n of_o grace_n be_v pass_v and_o lest_o i_o have_v out_o sit_v the_o day_n of_o mercy_n and_o now_o mercy_n have_v whole_o forsake_v i_o for_o i_o have_v oft_o hear_v minister_n tell_v i_o from_o the_o word_n now_o be_v the_o accept_v time_n now_o be_v the_o day_n of_o your_o visitation_n to_o day_n while_o it_o be_v call_v to_o day_n harden_v not_o your_o heart_n lest_o god_n swear_v in_o his_o wrath_n that_o you_o shall_v not_o enter_v into_o his_o rest_n but_o i_o have_v stand_v out_o long_o after_o i_o have_v resist_v and_o quench_v the_o spirit_n and_o now_o it_o be_v i_o fear_v depart_v from_o i_o answer_n here_o be_v sufficient_a matter_n for_o humiliation_n but_o the_o doubt_v arise_v mere_o from_o ignorance_n the_o day_n of_o grace_n may_v in_o two_o respect_n be_v say_v to_o be_v over_o the_o first_o and_o most_o proper_o so_o call_v be_v when_o god_n will_v not_o accept_v of_o a_o sinner_n though_o he_o shall_v repent_v and_o return_v this_o be_v never_o in_o this_o life_n for_o certain_a and_o he_o that_o imagine_v any_o such_o thing_n as_o that_o it_o be_v too_o late_o while_o his_o soul_n be_v in_o his_o body_n to_o repent_v and_o accept_v of_o christ_n and_o mercy_n be_v mere_o ignorant_a of_o the_o tenor_n and_o sense_n of_o the_o gospel_n for_o the_o new_a law_n of_o grace_n do_v limit_v no_o time_n on_o earth_n for_o god_n accept_n of_o a_o return_v sinner_n true_a faith_n and_o repentance_n do_v as_o sure_o save_v at_o the_o last_o hour_n of_o the_o day_n as_o at_o the_o first_o god_n have_v say_v that_o whosoever_o believe_v in_o christ_n shall_v not_o perish_v but_o have_v everlasting_a life_n he_o have_v no_o where_o except_v late_a believer_n or_o repenter_n show_v any_o such_o exception_n if_o you_o can_v 2._o the_o second_o sense_n in_o which_o it_o may_v be_v say_v that_o the_o day_n of_o grace_n be_v over_o be_v this_o when_o a_o man_n have_v so_o long_o resist_v the_o spirit_n that_o god_n have_v give_v he_o over_o to_o wilful_a obstinate_a refusal_n of_o mercy_n and_o of_o christ_n government_n resolve_v that_o he_o will_v never_o give_v he_o the_o prevail_a grace_n of_o his_o spirit_n where_o note_n 1._o that_o this_o same_o man_n may_v still_o have_v grace_n as_o soon_o as_o any_o other_o if_o he_o be_v but_o willing_a to_o accept_v christ_n and_o grace_n in_o he_o 2._o that_o no_o man_n can_v know_v of_o himself_o or_o any_o other_o that_o god_n have_v thus_o final_o forsake_v he_o for_o god_n have_v give_v we_o no_o sign_n to_o know_v it_o by_o at_o lest_o who_o sin_v not_o against_o the_o holy_a ghost_n god_n have_v not_o tell_v we_o his_o secret_a intent_n concern_v such_o 4._o yet_o some_o man_n have_v far_o great_a cause_n to_o fear_v it_o than_o other_o especial_o those_o man_n who_o under_o the_o most_o search_a lively_a sermon_n do_v continue_v secure_a and_o wilful_a in_o know_a wickedness_n either_o hate_v godliness_n and_o godly_a person_n and_o all_o that_o do_v reprove_v they_o or_o at_o least_o be_v ●●●●pified_v that_o they_o feel_v no_o more_o than_o a_o post_n the_o force_n of_o god_n terror_n or_o the_o sweetness_n of_o his_o promise_n but_o make_v a_o jest_n of_o sin_v and_o think_v the_o life_n of_o godliness_n a_o needless_a thing_n especial_o if_o they_o grow_v old_a in_o this_o course_n i_o confess_v such_o have_v great_a cause_n to_o fear_v lest_o they_o be_v quite_o forsake_v of_o god_n for_o very_o few_o such_o be_v ever_o recover_v 5._o and_o therefore_o it_o may_v well_o be_v say_v to_o all_o man_n to_o day_n if_o you_o will_v hear_v his_o voice_n harden_v not_o your_o heart_n etc._n etc._n and_o this_o be_v the_o acceptable_a time_n this_o be_v the_o day_n of_o salvation_n both_o as_o this_o life_n be_v call_v the_o day_n of_o salvation_n and_o because_o no_o man_n be_v certain_a to_o live_v another_o day_n that_o he_o may_v repent_v nor_o yet_o to_o have_v grace_n to_o repent_v if_o he_o live_v 6._o but_o what_o be_v all_o this_o to_o you_o that_o do_v repent_v can_v you_o have_v cause_n to_o fear_v that_o your_o day_n of_o grace_n be_v over_o that_o have_v receive_v grace_n why_o that_o be_v as_o foolish_a a_o thing_n as_o if_o a_o man_n shall_v come_v to_o the_o market_n and_o buy_v corn_n and_o when_o he_o have_v do_v go_v home_o lament_v that_o the_o market_n be_v past_a before_o he_o come_v or_o as_o a_o man_n shall_v come_v and_o hear_v the_o sermon_n and_o when_o he_o have_v do_v lament_v that_o the_o sermon_n be_v do_v before_o he_o come_v if_o your_o day_n of_o grace_n be_v past_a tell_v i_o and_o do_v not_o wrong_v god_n where_o have_v you_o the_o grace_n of_o repentance_n how_o come_v you_o by_o that_o grace_n of_o holy_a des●res_n who_o make_v you_o willing_a to_o have_v christ_n for_o your_o lord_n and_o saviour_n so_o that_o you_o have_v rather_o have_v he_o and_o god_n favour_n and_o a_o holy_a heart_n and_o life_n than_o all_o the_o glory_n of_o the_o world_n how_o come_v you_o to_o desire_v that_o you_o be_v such_o a_o one_o as_o god_n will_v have_v you_o to_o be_v and_o to_o desire_v that_o all_o your_o sin_n be_v dead_a and_o may_v never_o live_v in_o you_o more_o and_o that_o you_o be_v able_a to_o love_n god_n and_o delight_n in_o he_o and_o please_v he_o even_o in_o perfection_n and_o that_o you_o be_v so_o trouble_v that_o you_o can_v do_v it_o be_v these_o sign_n that_o your_o day_n of_o grace_n be_v over_o do_v god_n spirit_n breath_n out_o groan_v after_o christ_n and_o grace_n within_o you_o and_o yet_o be_v the_o day_n of_o grace_n over_o nay_o what_o if_o you_o have_v no_o grace_n do_v you_o not_o hear_v god_n daily_o offer_v you_o christ_n and_o grace_n do_v he_o not_o entreat_v and_o beseech_v you_o to_o be_v reconcile_v unto_o he_o 2_o cor._n 5.19_o 20._o and_o will_v he_o not_o compel_v you_o to_o come_v in_o mat._n 22._o do_v you_o not_o feel_v some_o unquietness_n in_o your_o