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they_o be_v truth_n to_o be_v know_v embrace_v love_a practise_v yet_o they_o touch_v not_o the_o vital_n of_o salvation_n as_o i_o may_v say_v they_o be_v not_o necessary_a to_o be_v know_v ad_fw-la esse_fw-la to_o make_v a_o true_a believer_n three_o a_o christian_a may_v be_v ignorant_a in_o the_o history_n of_o the_o bible_n and_o yet_o have_v true_a justify_v faith_n every_o scholar_n be_v not_o a_o chronologer_n nor_o a_o historian_n no_o more_o be_v every_o believer_n i_o may_v know_v what_o christ_n be_v though_o i_o know_v not_o what_o moses_n and_o aaron_n be_v i_o may_v know_v which_o way_n christ_n take_v to_o bring_v my_o soul_n out_o of_o darkness_n into_o marvellous_a light_n though_o i_o do_v not_o know_v which_o way_n moses_n take_v to_o bring_v the_o child_n of_o israel_n out_o of_o egypt_n i_o may_v know_v there_o be_v but_o one_o king_n of_o king_n though_o i_o do_v not_o know_v how_o many_o king_n there_o be_v of_o israel_n and_o judah_n the_o disciple_n do_v not_o know_v all_o the_o prophet_n have_v speak_v luk._n 24._o 25._o four_o a_o christian_a may_v be_v a_o true_a believer_n and_o yet_o not_o know_v the_o meaning_n of_o many_o place_n in_o scripture_n god_n will_v never_o have_v appoint_v expounder_n of_o the_o law_n if_o every_o christian_a qua_fw-la christian_n be_v to_o have_v be_v a_o general_a commentator_n that_o well_o be_v deep_a and_o every_o one_o have_v not_o a_o bucket_n to_o draw_v there_o be_v that_o tell_v we_o that_o â—e_a spirit_n reveal_v the_o meaning_n of_o scripture_n to_o the_o believer_n and_o will_v thence_o evince_v that_o whoso_o have_v the_o spirit_n must_v needs_o be_v fit_a to_o untie_v every_o knot_n and_o unriddle_v every_o mystery_n of_o scripture_n but_o every_o one_o that_o have_v
nature_n of_o his_o disease_n and_o the_o virtue_n of_o the_o salve_n with_o which_o the_o plaster_n be_v spread_v that_o be_v to_o be_v apply_v to_o the_o sore_a he_o be_v not_o able_a yet_o to_o apply_v it_o and_o lay_v it_o on_o for_o cure_n the_o hand_n of_o the_o chirurgeon_n or_o some_o other_o for_o he_o must_v do_v this_o 16._o ro._n 8._o 16._o so_o it_o be_v with_o the_o soul_n ro._n 8._o 16._o the_o spirit_n itself_o must_v bear_v witness_n with_o our_o spirit_n that_o we_o be_v the_o child_n of_o god_n now_o unless_o that_o be_v witness_v we_o have_v nothing_o to_o do_v with_o the_o promise_n the_o child_n of_o the_o promise_n must_v be_v the_o child_n of_o god_n and_o in_o be_v his_o child_n they_o become_v â—â—ires_n of_o the_o promise_n as_o the_o apostle_n dispute_v gal._n 3._o it_o be_v a_o sweet_a and_o remarkable_a expression_n of_o david_n to_o this_o purpose_n psal_n 119._o â—9_n psal_n 119._o â—9_n v._n 49._o remember_v the_o word_n unto_o thy_o servant_n upon_o which_o thou_o haste_n cause_v i_o to_o hope_v it_o be_v god_n and_o his_o spirit_n that_o must_v cause_v we_o to_o hope_v and_o trust_v in_o his_o word_n now_o in_o regard_n that_o the_o saint_n and_o servant_n of_o god_n may_v though_o they_o always_o have_v the_o spirit_n dwell_v in_o they_o yet_o sometime_o have_v the_o spirit_n not_o so_o full_o and_o powerful_o act_v in_o they_o the_o strong_a and_o powerful_a act_n of_o the_o spirit_n it_o be_v the_o effect_n of_o god_n manifestive_a love_n which_o may_v be_v more_o or_o less_o in_o a_o christian_a though_o his_o elective_a love_n admit_v of_o no_o degree_n i_o say_v in_o this_o regard_n i_o conceive_v a_o christian_a may_v have_v true_a save_a faith_n and_o yet_o not_o for_o the_o present_a at_o all_o time_n be_v able_a to_o apply_v the_o promise_n with_o a_o particular_a faith_n as_o its_o own_o proper_a and_o peculiar_a portion_n and_o now_o you_o have_v hear_v the_o reason_n which_o may_v be_v reduce_v short_o thus_o 1._o because_o there_o may_v be_v a_o misunderstanding_n or_o a_o clear_a ignorance_n of_o the_o virtue_n of_o the_o promise_n which_o must_v be_v understand_v before_o they_o can_v be_v particular_o apply_v 2._o because_o there_o may_v be_v a_o misunderstanding_n of_o the_o soul_n condition_n it_o may_v say_v there_o be_v no_o hope_n and_o judge_v its_o wound_n incurable_a 3._o because_o there_o may_v want_v such_o a_o constant_a powerful_a work_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n in_o the_o soul_n as_o must_v be_v join_v with_o the_o soul_n peculiar_a application_n and_o yet_o there_o may_v be_v true_a faith_n for_o the_o first_o i_o conceive_v the_o particular_a apply_v of_o the_o promise_n with_o a_o confidence_n they_o be_v my_o portion_n do_v argue_v a_o sense_n of_o faith_n which_o may_v not_o be_v in_o the_o soul_n and_o yet_o true_a faith_n be_v in_o it_o second_o because_o as_o a_o man_n must_v not_o be_v judge_v to_o be_v no_o man_n because_o he_o want_v his_o power_n to_o act_v reason_n in_o a_o fever_n so_o the_o estimate_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o faith_n that_o be_v in_o the_o soul_n must_v not_o be_v take_v in_o the_o distemperature_n of_o the_o soul_n when_o under_o heavy_a temptation_n or_o second_o dark_a and_o melancholy_a apprehension_n or_o three_o overpress_v affliction_n or_o fourthly_a sad_a desertion_n three_o because_o there_o be_v a_o difference_n between_o rest_v out_o of_o a_o principle_n of_o hope_n which_o argue_v only_o a_o reliance_n and_o dependence_n and_o out_o of_o a_o principle_n of_o certainty_n and_o persuasion_n apply_v the_o true_o believe_a soul_n when_o out_o of_o desertion_n hope_n for_o hope_v which_o be_v see_v be_v no_o hope_n and_o from_o under_o temptation_n and_o not_o burden_v with_o affliction_n and_o melancholy_a do_v alwaey_n apply_v the_o promise_n with_o a_o application_n of_o hope_n it_o hope_v they_o belong_v to_o it_o 24._o rom._n 8._o 24._o though_o not_o always_o with_o a_o application_n of_o persuasion_n now_o the_o application_n of_o hope_n and_o the_o rest_v out_o of_o a_o principle_n of_o hope_n lively_a but_o our_o hope_n must_v be_v lively_a provide_v there_o be_v a_o act_n according_o be_v enough_o to_o save_v rom._n 8._o 24._o 4_o â—_o pet._n 1._o 3._o 4_o we_o be_v save_v by_o hope_n 1_o cor._n 15._o 19_o 1_o col._n 27._o but_o yet_o this_o we_o must_v not_o rest_v in_o but_o labour_n for_o a_o full_a persuasion_n the_o full_a assurance_n of_o hope_n heb._n 6._o 11._o thou_o may_v apply_v thyself_o to_o the_o promse_n when_o thou_o can_v not_o apply_v the_o promise_n to_o thou_o but_o of_o this_o more_o in_o the_o next_o sermon_n the_o twelve_o sermon_n luke_n 17._o v._o 5._o lord_n increase_v our_o faith_n chap._n xii_o concern_v those_o weakness_n that_o may_v accompany_v the_o high_a act_n of_o faith_n viz._n assurance_n and_o how_o to_o satisfy_v the_o soul_n that_o scruple_n its_o faith_n because_o it_o can_v be_v assure_v at_o all_o or_o weak_o and_o unconstant_o my_o subject_n be_v to_o discover_v what_o doubt_n and_o weakness_n may_v be_v in_o relation_n to_o the_o last_o and_o high_a act_n of_o faith_n in_o a_o gracious_a soul_n for_o there_o be_v nothing_o more_o ordinary_a then_o to_o hear_v such_o complaint_n as_o these_o from_o a_o gracious_a soul_n alas_o never_o tell_v i_o of_o faith_n i_o have_v no_o opinion_n at_o all_o that_o ever_o i_o shall_v be_v save_v never_o do_v poor_a soul_n live_v at_o such_o incertainty_n i_o pray_v i_o look_v upward_o i_o desire_v i_o faint_v i_o groan_v i_o swoon_v and_o yet_o not_o a_o drop_n of_o cordial_a water_n of_o persuasion_n that_o my_o christ_n will_v afford_v i_o to_o revive_v my_o die_a spirit_n or_o if_o i_o do_v sometime_o catch_v up_o a_o persuasion_n in_o my_o soul_n and_o come_v to_o think_v that_o i_o have_v a_o interest_n in_o god_n it_o be_v but_o a_o bare_a thought_n and_o so_o weak_a that_o it_o be_v scarce_o able_a to_o â—â—â—nd_v a_o day_n sometime_o indeed_o for_o a_o day_n or_o a_o week_n or_o a_o month_n together_o i_o can_v bless_v my_o soul_n in_o a_o good_a condition_n but_o then_o again_o i_o be_o as_o full_a of_o doubt_n and_o fear_n and_o be_v there_o any_o certainty_n in_o this_o faith_n be_o i_o not_o like_o a_o wave_n of_o the_o sea_n toss_v about_o with_o thousand_o of_o wind_n one_o while_o i_o think_v i_o be_o sure_a of_o heaven_n and_o glory_n and_o be_o as_o it_o be_v wrap_v up_o into_o a_o three_o heaven_n and_o the_o diadem_n of_o glory_n be_v fit_v on_o to_o my_o head_n another_z while_o i_o be_o throw_v down_o to_o hell_n and_o i_o think_v every_o devil_n be_v trace_v i_o i_o will_v with_o the_o help_n of_o my_o god_n endeavavor_v to_o satisfy_v thou_o and_o show_v thou_o what_o weakness_n may_v consist_v with_o this_o act_n and_o in_o relation_n to_o this_o act_n of_o faith_n in_o these_o ensue_a conclusion_n conclus_fw-la 1._o thou_o way_v have_v a_o true_a and_o certain_a faith_n and_o such_o a_o one_o as_o will_v rich_o save_v thou_o and_o yet_o have_v no_o assurance_n of_o thy_o salvation_n indeed_o my_o several_a sermon_n that_o i_o preach_v upon_o this_o subject_a do_v all_o concur_v to_o the_o proof_n of_o this_o truth_n for_o if_o a_o christian_a may_v have_v save_v faith_n and_o yet_o so_o much_o weakness_n and_o doubt_v consist_v and_o be_v contemporaneous_a with_o it_o in_o the_o soul_n it_o will_v necessary_o follow_v that_o assurance_n be_v not_o the_o minimum_fw-la quod_fw-la sic_fw-la the_o least_o degree_n of_o save_v faith_n but_o now_o it_o lie_v in_o my_o way_n i_o shall_v speak_v something_o more_o distinct_o to_o it_o there_o be_v opinion_n on_o the_o right_a hand_n and_o on_o the_o leave_v concern_v this_o sublime_a act_n of_o our_o faith_n 1._o the_o papist_n deny_v any_o possibility_n of_o assurance_n and_o revile_v that_o precious_a doctrine_n as_o licentious_a and_o plead_v only_o for_o a_o general_a faith_n to_o believe_v the_o history_n of_o the_o word_n and_o the_o article_n of_o faith_n etc._n etc._n 2._o the_o antinomian_o on_o the_o other_o side_n deny_v any_o faith_n to_o be_v true_a faith_n that_o be_v accmpany_v with_o any_o kind_n of_o doubt_v a_o full_a assurance_n they_o will_v make_v the_o minimum_fw-la quod_fw-la sic_fw-la the_o least_o faith_n that_o can_v help_v a_o man_n to_o heaven_n some_o reverend_a writer_n live_v near_o the_o time_n of_o the_o reign_n of_o that_o popish_a doctrine_n deny_v anything_o of_o persuasion_n to_o come_v into_o the_o nature_n of_o true_a save_a faith_n and_o set_v themselves_o in_o full_a opposition_n to_o it_o have_v not_o a_o little_a though_o unwilling_o contribute_v to_o the_o last_o opinion_n define_v faith_n to_o be_v a_o persuasion_n of_o the_o
not_o believe_v that_o be_v apprehend_v and_o apply_v and_o rest_n upon_o christ_n as_o my_o saviour_n we_o speak_v not_o of_o faith_n as_o it_o be_v a_o infuse_a habit_n and_o the_o gift_n of_o god_n to_o we_o but_o as_o it_o be_v a_o inherent_a grace_n and_o operative_a in_o we_o now_o than_o we_o will_v 1._o inquire_v what_o the_o cause_n of_o such_o complaint_n in_o gracious_a soul_n may_v be_v 2._o we_o will_v consider_v how_o to_o satisfy_v the_o soul_n in_o such_o trouble_n and_o scruple_n for_o the_o first_o complaint_n i_o can_v i_o dare_v not_o rest_v upon_o christ_n and_o believe_v in_o he_o there_o be_v many_o cause_n of_o it_o which_o i_o shall_v speak_v to_o one_o ordinary_a cause_n of_o it_o be_v 1._o scrap_n 1._o the_o soul_n to_o much_o eye_v of_o preparatory_a qualification_n i_o do_v not_o say_v the_o soul_n eye_v but_o the_o soul_n too_o much_o eye_v of_o they_o hence_o it_o be_v that_o if_o you_o ask_v a_o poor_a soul_n under_o that_o trouble_n what_o be_v the_o reason_n thou_o dare_v not_o rest_v thyself_o upon_o christ_n faith_n be_v a_o precious_a flower_n that_o grow_v as_o well_o in_o the_o poor_a beggar_n as_o the_o great_a prince_n garden_n the_o mean_a arm_n may_v as_o bold_o lean_a on_o christ_n shoulder_n as_o that_o which_o be_v gay_v with_o goldlace_n alas_o say_v such_o a_o poor_a soul_n god_n justice_n proceed_v according_a to_o method_n first_o he_o use_v to_o pull_v down_o and_o then_o to_o exalt_v first_o to_o lay_v the_o soul_n low_o lick_v the_o dust_n then_o to_o say_v to_o it_o i_o be_o thy_o salvation_n alas_o i_o be_v never_o enough_o humble_v i_o never_o see_v hell_n yet_o will_v god_n rend_v my_o heart_n in_o piece_n i_o can_v believe_v he_o will_v bind_v it_o up_o will_v he_o humble_v i_o etc._n etc._n now_o in_o order_n to_o the_o satisfaction_n of_o a_o soul_n under_o this_o trouble_n it_o will_v be_v first_o inquire_v 1._o whether_o humiliation_n go_v before_o faith_n or_o no._n 2._o if_o it_o do_v what_o may_v comfort_v a_o soul_n under_o this_o affliction_n of_o spirit_n and_o what_o it_o ought_v to_o do_v in_o relation_n to_o its_o peace_n for_o the_o first_o it_o be_v a_o question_n various_o toss_v and_o determine_v understand_v and_o conclude_v in_o these_o time_n in_o which_o god_n have_v cast_v our_o lot_n some_o utter_o deny_v any_o such_o work_n some_o too_o eager_o contend_v for_o measure_n some_o limit_v god_n deal_n other_o misinterpret_v if_o not_o wilful_o mistake_v the_o term_n it_o will_v not_o therefore_o i_o trust_v be_v a_o lose_a labour_n first_o to_o inquire_v the_o truth_n of_o that_o question_n which_o be_v ordinary_o thus_o term_v quest_n whether_o faith_n go_v before_o repentance_n or_o repentance_n before_o faith_n now_o for_o the_o full_a determination_n of_o it_o i_o shall_v first_o explain_v the_o term_n then_o conclude_v the_o truth_n and_o prove_v it_o by_o scripture_n and_o reason_n and_o last_o answer_v those_o objection_n ordinary_o make_v against_o it_o first_o i_o will_v spend_v a_o little_a time_n to_o open_v the_o term_n which_o when_o right_o explain_v i_o be_o confident_a will_v put_v the_o question_n out_o of_o question_n to_o those_o christian_n that_o have_v any_o experience_n of_o the_o lord_n deal_n for_o the_o ambiguity_n of_o every_o term_n have_v only_o darken_v the_o clearness_n of_o this_o truth_n first_o let_v we_o understand_v what_o be_v mean_v by_o faith_n both_o in_o the_o kind_n and_o in_o the_o act_n there_o be_v divers_a kind_n and_o divers_a act_n of_o faith_n there_o be_v a_o historical_a faith_n which_o consist_v only_o in_o the_o knowledge_n and_o assent_n to_o the_o truth_n of_o a_o history_n there_o be_v a_o faith_n of_o miracle_n there_o be_v a_o temporary_a faith_n and_o there_o be_v a_o true_a justify_v faith_n the_o question_n be_v only_o to_o be_v understand_v of_o the_o latter_a which_o have_v also_o several_a acts._n first_o 〈◊〉_d second_o reliance_n three_o persuasion_n the_o question_n be_v to_o be_v understand_v of_o the_o second_o act_n whether_o god_n give_v the_o soul_n power_n comfortable_o and_o true_o to_o rely_v upon_o christ_n and_o the_o promise_n for_o salvation_n before_o he_o have_v wrought_v repentance_n in_o the_o soul_n second_o the_o term_n repentance_n be_v subject_a to_o ambiguity_n too_o repentance_n be_v sometime_o take_v large_o for_o the_o whole_a work_n of_o conversion_n and_o so_o godly_a sorrow_n be_v a_o effect_n of_o it_o sometime_o strict_o and_o when_o we_o speak_v of_o repentance_n in_o the_o question_n we_o only_o understand_v the_o first_o part_n of_o it_o consist_v in_o conviction_n contrition_n and_o humiliation_n by_o which_o the_o soul_n be_v carry_v out_o into_o a_o loathe_n of_o itself_o both_o for_o its_o sin_n and_o in_o its_o righteousness_n and_o the_o question_n be_v whether_o god_n do_v not_o work_v in_o a_o soul_n a_o sorrow_n of_o heart_n and_o loathe_n of_o itself_o for_o sin_n before_o the_o soul_n have_v power_n to_o rest_v upon_o christ_n for_o salvation_n and_o rely_v upon_o he_o as_o its_o saviour_n last_o we_o must_v safe_o understand_v what_o be_v also_o mean_v by_o go_v before_o first_o we_o do_v not_o understand_v by_o go_v before_o a_o precedency_n in_o god_n hide_a operation_n he_o at_o once_o infuse_v the_o habit_n of_o grace_n into_o the_o soul_n but_o second_o by_o go_v before_o we_o understand_v a_o go_v before_o in_o a_o gracious_a act_n and_o in_o a_o comfortable_a apprehension_n neither_o far_o be_v the_o question_n to_o be_v understand_v as_o if_o we_o think_v humiliation_n go_v before_o faith_n as_o a_o work_n wrought_v by_o our_o own_o strength_n we_o acknowledge_v humiliation_n to_o be_v a_o work_n of_o god_n special_a grace_n in_o the_o soul_n and_o the_o question_n be_v plain_o thus_o whether_o god_n ordinary_o give_v a_o poor_a soul_n power_n to_o act_v faith_n by_o rely_v upon_o christ_n and_o the_o promise_n of_o life_n and_o salvation_n before_o in_o some_o measure_n he_o have_v bring_v the_o soul_n to_o be_v sensible_a of_o its_o lose_a and_o undo_v condition_n we_o say_v he_o do_v not_o we_o will_v grant_v to_o our_o brethren_n that_o be_v unsatisfied_a concern_v this_o truth_n first_o that_o a_o man_n must_v believe_v before_o he_o can_v mourn_v but_o how_o not_o by_o any_o save_a act_n of_o justify_v faith_n he_o must_v believe_v there_o be_v a_o sin-pardoning_a saviour_n that_o have_v fullness_n and_o freeness_n of_o mercy_n and_o enough_o in_o his_o fullness_n for_o he_o and_o that_o though_o he_o have_v sin_v yet_o there_o be_v hope_n in_o israel_n concern_v this_o thing_n then_o he_o put_v his_o mouth_n in_o the_o dust_n if_o so_o be_v there_o may_v be_v hope_n second_o we_o will_v easy_o grant_v that_o a_o man_n must_v have_v save_v and_o justify_v faith_n before_o the_o work_n of_o repentance_n and_o humiliation_n will_v be_v perfect_a in_o his_o soul_n as_o we_o maintain_v it_o to_o be_v a_o precedent_a work_n so_o we_o deny_v it_o not_o to_o be_v a_o subsequent_a effect_n three_o we_o will_v grant_v that_o it_o be_v not_o a_o work_n to_o be_v do_v by_o our_o own_o strength_n it_o be_v god_n work_n only_o our_o dispute_n be_v concern_v god_n usual_a order_n in_o work_v the_o same_o spirit_n that_o work_v a_o power_n in_o the_o soul_n of_o dependence_n upon_o christ_n take_v also_o away_o the_o heart_n of_o stone_n and_o give_v a_o heart_n of_o flesh_n four_o we_o will_v grant_v that_o the_o habit_n of_o these_o grace_n be_v both_o together_o in_o the_o soul_n we_o only_o question_v which_o god_n give_v the_o soul_n power_n to_o act_v first_o five_o we_o dispute_v not_o concern_v the_o measure_n but_o concern_v the_o thing_n we_o do_v not_o question_v whether_o the_o soul_n must_v be_v thus_o far_o or_o thus_o much_o or_o thus_o long_o humble_v before_o god_n will_v give_v it_o power_n to_o act_v faith_n by_o a_o comfortable_a reliance_n on_o christ_n we_o only_o say_v it_o must_v be_v humble_v six_o we_o do_v not_o limit_v the_o working_n of_o god_n and_o say_v it_o be_v so_o necessary_a on_o god_n part_n that_o he_o can_v give_v the_o soul_n power_n comfortable_o to_o apply_v christ_n and_o the_o promise_n but_o we_o say_v it_o be_v not_o his_o usual_a course_n and_o ordinary_a may_v of_o dispense_n grace_n to_o do_v it_o yet_o his_o deal_n be_v various_a he_o work_v not_o alike_o to_o all_o he_o may_v and_o sometime_o do_v go_v out_o of_o his_o beat_a road_n the_o question_n be_v not_o concern_v a_o necessity_n on_o god_n part_n but_o only_o concern_v a_o necessity_n on_o our_o part_n not_o concern_v his_o miraculous_a power_n but_o his_o gracious_a will_n nor_o concern_v any_o extraordinary_a operation_n but_o concern_v his_o ordinary_a way_n of_o dispensation_n
yet_o at_o all_o time_n the_o soul_n may_v not_o be_v able_a to_o say_v this_o promise_n of_o heaven_n and_o glory_n and_o happiness_n belong_v to_o i_o 9_o psal_n 77._o 7_o 8_o 9_o holy_a asaph_n in_o a_o dark_a day_n with_o his_o soul_n may_v say_v will_v the_o lord_n cast_v off_o for_o ever_o and_o will_v he_o be_v favourable_a no_o more_o be_v his_o mercy_n clean_o go_v for_o ever_o do_v his_o promise_n fail_v for_o evermore_o have_v god_n forget_v to_o be_v gracious_a have_v he_o in_o anger_n shut_v up_o his_o tender_a mercy_n the_o reason_n lie_v not_o that_o the_o soul_n doubt_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o god_n in_o his_o promise_n at_o all_o no_o it_o very_o think_v that_o if_o it_o have_v fulfil_v the_o condition_n of_o the_o promise_n the_o promise_n will_v remain_v to_o its_o soul_n as_o steadfast_a as_o mount_n zion_n but_o it_o can_v see_v that_o it_o look_v upon_o its_o sin_n in_o a_o multiply_a glass_n and_o upon_o its_o repentance_n in_o a_o diminish_n glass_n every_o mountain_n of_o good_a in_o its_o self_n now_o seem_v a_o molehill_n and_o every_o molehill_n of_o sin_n seem_v a_o mountain_n unto_o it_o thence_o it_o be_v that_o in_o the_o soul_n dark_a day_n of_o affliction_n in_o the_o soul_n or_o in_o a_o dark_a day_n of_o affliction_n to_o the_o body_n the_o soul_n faith_n be_v weaken_v it_o be_v ready_a to_o look_v upon_o its_o great_a affliction_n as_o a_o evidence_n that_o it_o want_v that_o interest_n in_o god_n which_o it_o shall_v have_v to_o apply_v promise_n it_o say_v with_o gideon_n judg._n 6._o 13._o when_o the_o promise_n say_v like_o the_o angel_n the_o lord_n be_v with_o thou_o it_o answer_v o_o my_o lord_n if_o the_o lord_n be_v with_o i_o why_o then_o be_v all_o this_o befall_v i_o and_o where_o be_v all_o his_o mercy_n no_o the_o lord_n have_v forsake_v i_o and_o deliver_v i_o to_o the_o hand_n of_o satan_n now_o the_o soul_n must_v not_o take_v a_o judgement_n of_o its_o faith_n from_o hence_o but_o appeal_v abanima_fw-la perturbata_fw-la ad_fw-la animam_fw-la quietam_fw-la to_o a_o calm_a day_n in_o the_o soul_n again_o last_o in_o dark_a time_n the_o true_o believe_a soul_n though_o it_o can_v give_v no_o reason_n for_o it_o may_v not_o be_v able_a to_o rest_v and_o apply_v the_o most_o absolute_a peculiar_a promise_n as_o its_o peculiar_a portion_n this_o i_o shall_v full_o make_v out_o by_o consider_v what_o be_v requisite_a to_o be_v in_o the_o soul_n that_o shall_v appropriate_v any_o promise_n to_o itself_o as_o its_o portion_n upon_o which_o it_o will_v live_v in_o which_o and_o upon_o which_o it_o will_v dwell_v the_o eleven_o sermon_n luke_n 17._o v._o 5._o lord_n increase_v our_o faith_n i_o be_o still_o treat_v concern_v those_o doubt_n and_o weakness_n which_o may_v and_z often_o do_v consist_v with_o true_a save_a faith_n in_o a_o gracious_a soul_n my_o last_o proposition_n i_o leave_v imperfect_a it_o be_v as_o you_o may_v remember_v this_o that_o a_o gracious_a soul_n may_v true_o rely_v upon_o the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n and_o upon_o his_o promise_n for_o eternal_a life_n and_o yet_o not_o be_v able_a at_o all_o time_n full_o and_o true_o to_o appropriate_v and_o peculiarize_v all_o the_o promise_n to_o its_o self_n this_o i_o show_v in_o four_o proposition_n premise_v first_o a_o distinction_n of_o promise_n and_o second_o a_o distinction_n of_o time_n my_o last_o proposition_n be_v this_o that_o in_o dark_a time_n a_o true_o gracious_a soul_n may_v not_o be_v able_a to_o rest_v upon_o and_o apply_v the_o most_o absolute_a free_a promise_n for_o salvation_n so_o far_o as_o to_o say_v these_o promise_n be_v my_o portion_n to_o make_v out_o this_o i_o tell_v you_o i_o will_v show_v you_o what_o thing_n be_v requisite_a to_o be_v in_o the_o soul_n that_o shall_v appropriate_v any_o promise_n to_o itself_o as_o its_o particular_a portion_n whiâ—h_n be_v the_o work_n at_o which_o i_o then_o stop_v and_o which_o i_o have_v now_o to_o take_v up_o for_o here_o be_v the_o business_n with_o trouble_a spirit_n tell_v they_o of_o large_a absolute_a free_a promise_n as_o say_v they_o here_o be_v jewel_n in_o box_n but_o these_o belong_v not_o to_o we_o they_o be_v not_o our_o portion_n and_o from_o hence_o further_o they_o conclude_v that_o they_o have_v not_o any_o true_a faith_n because_o they_o have_v not_o for_o the_o present_a a_o particular_a full_a power_n to_o apply_v these_o promise_n as_o plaster_n to_o their_o wound_a soul_n and_o rest_n upon_o they_o but_o yet_o i_o shall_v show_v you_o the_o want_n of_o this_o do_v not_o null_a our_o faith_n and_o be_v not_o always_o a_o negation_n of_o it_o i_o conceive_v there_o be_v three_o thing_n that_o be_v requisite_a to_o be_v find_v in_o the_o soul_n that_o shall_v be_v able_a to_o apply_v any_o particular_a promise_n to_o its_o self_n as_o its_o portion_n 1._o a_o clear_a understanding_n of_o the_o promise_n 2._o a_o clear_a understanding_n of_o its_o own_o condition_n 3._o a_o mighty_a and_o particular_a work_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n upon_o the_o soul_n enable_v the_o souâ—e_n to_o make_v such_o particular_a application_n first_o there_o must_v be_v a_o clear_a understanding_n of_o the_o promise_n the_o promise_n must_v appear_v to_o the_o soul_n as_o a_o salve_n have_v a_o full_a efficacy_n and_o virtue_n in_o it_o for_o the_o heal_n of_o its_o sore_n otherwise_o the_o soul_n can_v never_o apply_v it_o now_o it_o may_v possible_o be_v that_o thy_o non-application_n of_o the_o promise_n may_v proceed_v from_o thy_o not_o understand_v the_o virtue_n or_o misunderstand_v the_o intent_n and_o end_n and_o power_n and_o efficacy_n of_o the_o promise_n possible_o thou_o may_v understand_v the_o promise_n to_o be_v make_v particular_a when_o it_o be_v propound_v general_n and_o such_o have_v i_o myself_o sometime_o meet_v with_o that_o be_v under_o affliction_n of_o spirit_n when_o i_o have_v propound_v a_o promise_n to_o they_o as_o a_o salve_n fit_a for_o their_o sore_n they_o have_v evade_v that_o way_n ah_o but_o that_o promise_n be_v make_v to_o the_o jew_n or_o to_o such_o or_o to_o such_o a_o particular_a person_n it_o be_v a_o plaster_n spread_v for_o another_o wound_n and_o what_o have_v i_o to_o do_v to_o lay_v hold_n on_o it_o or_o it_o be_v not_o make_v for_o such_o a_o sinner_n as_o i_o be_o not_o for_o a_o backslider_n not_o for_o such_o a_o hard_a heart_a wretch_n as_o i_o be_o etc._n etc._n and_o with_o such_o cavil_n have_v stand_v at_o a_o distance_n from_o the_o promise_n cry_v it_o be_v not_o meet_v that_o the_o child_n bread_n shall_v be_v give_v to_o dog_n or_o perhaps_o their_o non-application_n may_v proceed_v from_o a_o misunderstanding_n of_o the_o matter_n of_o the_o promise_n now_o for_o this_o thou_o must_v clear_v up_o thy_o understanding_n in_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o promise_n both_o in_o respect_n of_o the_o person_n to_o who_o it_o be_v make_v and_o in_o respect_n of_o the_o matter_n of_o the_o promise_n and_o for_o the_o more_o clear_a and_o full_a understanding_n of_o the_o promise_n i_o shall_v give_v a_o rule_n or_o two_o the_o first_o be_v remarkable_a i_o find_v it_o in_o a_o reverend_a author_n which_o i_o shall_v deliver_v in_o his_o word_n with_o a_o little_a limitation_n thus_o general_n promise_v for_o spiritual_a mercy_n be_v always_o to_o be_v apply_v particular_o and_o particular_a promise_n for_o spiritual_a and_o temporal_a mercy_n be_v to_o be_v apply_v general_o i_o call_v those_o general_a promise_n which_o be_v either_o make_v to_o god_n people_n in_o general_a or_o concern_v spiritual_a thing_n in_o general_a as_o for_o example_n god_n have_v make_v a_o general_a promise_n to_o any_o that_o shall_v pray_v towards_o his_o temple_n 1_o king_n 8._o 37._o 40._o jehosaphat_n be_v after_o in_o distress_n 40._o 1_o king_n 8._o 3â—_n 40._o apply_v this_o general_a promise_n to_o his_o own_o particular_a condition_n 1_o chron._n 20._o 8._o 10._o 10._o 1_o chron._n 20_o 8._o 10._o and_o without_o question_n it_o be_v from_o a_o particular_a faith_n in_o this_o general_a promise_n that_o daniel_n pray_v with_o his_o window_n open_a towards_o hierusalâ—m_n 10._o dan._n 6._o 10._o dan._n 6._o 10._o and_o so_o for_o those_o promise_n which_o be_v make_v to_o the_o people_n of_o god_n for_o spiritual_a mercy_n in_o general_a 11._o psa_fw-la 84._o 11._o such_o be_v that_o promise_n psal_n 84._o 11._o he_o will_v give_v grace_n and_o glory_n and_o no_o good_a thing_n will_v be_v withhold_v from_o they_o that_o live_v upright_o aught_o to_o be_v apply_v for_o any_o spiritual_a good_a thing_n 12._o jam._n 1._o 12._o or_o particular_a dispensation_n of_o grace_n so_o the_o apostle_n james_n 1._o 12._o will_v have_v the_o
as_o crimson_a they_o shall_v be_v as_o wool_n but_o now_o the_o christian_n not_o clear_o understand_v the_o nature_n and_o virtue_n of_o these_o promise_n can_v make_v a_o particular_a application_n of_o they_o to_o its_o soul_n it_o stand_v off_o and_o can_v make_v a_o particular_a application_n alas_o say_v the_o christian_a these_o be_v make_v upon_o condition_n of_o a_o weariness_n and_o a_o heavy_a load_n of_o hunger_a and_o thirst_v of_o come_v of_o wash_v and_o cleanse_v of_o put_v away_o the_o evil_a of_o my_o do_n of_o cease_v to_o do_v evil_a and_o learning_n to_o do_v well_o hard_o say_n who_o can_v hear_v they_o i_o can_v get_v my_o heart_n to_o hunger_n and_o thirst_n i_o can_v get_v my_o heart_n to_o be_v weary_a and_o heavy_a lade_v a_o leopard_n can_v as_o well_o cleanse_v himself_o of_o spot_n and_o a_o ethiopian_a as_o well_o wash_v away_o the_o blackness_n of_o his_o skin_n as_o i_o can_v wash_v my_o black_a soul_n etc._n etc._n one_o that_o have_v no_o leg_n can_v as_o well_o walk_v to_o rome_n as_o i_o can_v come_v to_o christ_n but_o know_v christian_n thy_o particular_a apply_v faith_n here_o be_v hinder_v by_o a_o mere_a misunderstanding_n of_o the_o promise_n for_o though_o those_o promise_n require_v condition_n yet_o they_o require_v not_o condition_n to_o he_o fulfil_v in_o thy_o strength_n but_o those_o require_a condition_n be_v as_o well_o part_n and_o branch_n of_o the_o free_a covenant_n of_o grace_n as_o those_o promise_n which_o thou_o desire_v to_o apply_v therefore_o you_o shall_v find_v promise_n for_o the_o fulfil_n those_o condition_n in_o thy_o soul_n god_n require_v a_o weariness_n of_o sin_n and_o a_o loathe_n of_o sin_n and_o a_o sorrow_n for_o sin_n as_o a_o condition_n mat._n 11._o 29._o be_v 55_o 1_o 3._o god_n promise_v to_o give_v this_o self_n abhor_v frame_n of_o spirit_n and_o to_o work_v this_o loathe_n in_o his_o people_n soul_n ezek._n 6_o 9_o 20_o 43._o 36._o chap._n 31._o zach._n 12._o 10._o god_n require_v wash_v and_o cleanse_v as_o a_o condition_n isa_n 1_o 16._o â—7_n 18._o he_o have_v promise_v to_o work_v this_o in_o the_o soul_n christ_n tell_v peter_n he_o will_v do_v it_o â—oh_o 13._o 8._o and_o david_n pray_v that_o god_n will_v do_v it_o for_o he_o psal_n â—1_n 2._o 7._o which_o prayer_n be_v ground_v upon_o a_o promise_n and_o this_o wash_n be_v attribute_v to_o god_n as_o the_o work_n of_o his_o spirit_n isa_n 4._o 4._o v._n when_o the_o lord_n shall_v â—ave_n wash_v away_o the_o filth_n of_o the_o daughter_n of_o zion_n and_o shall_v have_v purge_v the_o blood_n of_o jerusalem_n from_o the_o midst_n thereof_o by_o the_o spirit_n of_o judgement_n and_o the_o spirit_n of_o burn_a god_n require_v turn_v and_o come_v and_o learn_v and_o leave_v sin_n as_o a_o condition_n but_o he_o have_v promise_v to_o fulfil_v these_o hosea_n 14._o 8._o but_o he_o have_v say_v none_o can_v come_v unless_o the_o father_n draw_v he_o joh._n 6._o 44._o and_o the_o spouse_n without_o question_n ground_v her_o prayer_n on_o a_o promise_n say_v draw_v i_o cant._n 1._o 5._o he_o have_v require_v turn_v as_o a_o condition_n ezek._n 33._o 11._o jer._n 3._o 14._o but_o he_o have_v promise_v to_o work_v this_o in_o the_o soul_n mat._n 4._o 6._o and_o upon_o this_o the_o church_n pray_v jer._n 31._o 18._o turn_v thou_o i_o and_o i_o shall_v be_v turn_v so_o that_o this_o be_v a_o certain_a rule_n god_n require_v no_o condition_n of_o a_o promise_n which_o he_o have_v not_o promise_v to_o fulfil_v in_o we_o and_o whatsoever_o spiritual_a action_n be_v anywhere_o require_v of_o we_o as_o a_o duty_n he_o have_v somewhere_o promise_v to_o bestow_v upon_o we_o as_o a_o dispensation_n of_o free_a grace_n therefore_o i_o will_v have_v the_o soul_n in_o such_o a_o condition_n when_o it_o stumble_v at_o the_o condition_n of_o a_o promise_n seek_v out_o those_o promise_n where_o god_n promise_v to_o fulfil_v those_o condition_n in_o it_o and_o particular_o apply_v they_o and_o rely_v upon_o god_n for_o make_v they_o good_a and_o direct_v its_o prayer_n according_o so_o i_o have_v do_v with_o the_o first_o thing_n require_v in_o the_o soul_n for_o the_o particular_a application_n of_o the_o promise_n viz._n a_o clear_a understanding_n of_o the_o promise_n for_o which_o i_o have_v give_v three_o rule_n now_o in_o regard_n that_o at_o all_o time_n there_o may_v be_v in_o a_o true_a believe_a soul_n a_o clear_a understanding_n of_o the_o promise_n i_o conclude_v there_o may_v be_v true_a faith_n in_o the_o soul_n that_o at_o all_o time_n can_v make_v a_o particular_a application_n but_o i_o hasten_v to_o the_o second_a thing_n which_o be_v requisite_a in_o that_o soul_n that_o do_v true_o rely_v or_o that_o can_v particular_o apply_v the_o promise_n and_o that_o be_v a_o clear_a understanding_n of_o its_o own_o condition_n for_o how_o can_v i_o true_o and_o particular_o apply_v a_o promise_n to_o the_o wound_n of_o my_o soul_n when_o i_o do_v not_o understand_v true_o what_o wound_n my_o soul_n have_v now_o a_o true_a believe_a soul_n may_v have_v a_o very_a false_a estimate_n of_o its_o own_o condition_n thus_o have_v david_n and_o asaph_n and_o the_o church_n they_o think_v they_o be_v cast_v off_o psal_n 43._o 2._o psal_n 44._o 9_o psal_n 60._o 1._o psal_n 7â—_n 1._o 77_o 7_o 89_o 38._o now_o if_o i_o think_v that_o a_o part_n of_o my_o body_n be_v gangrene_v i_o will_v never_o apply_v physic_n to_o it_o because_o i_o know_v it_o be_v in_o vain_a so_o so_o long_o as_o the_o soul_n conceive_v that_o its_o condition_n be_v irrecoverable_a its_o sin_n unpardonable_a that_o apply_v promise_n to_o it_o be_v but_o apply_v warm_a clothes_n to_o a_o dead_a man_n it_o will_v never_o apply_v now_o such_o a_o temper_n may_v be_v in_o the_o believe_a soul_n occasion_v by_o the_o violent_a temptation_n of_o satan_n by_o dark_a cloud_n of_o melancholy_a or_o the_o like_a it_o apprehend_v its_o sin_n nor_o pardonable_a or_o at_o least_o not_o pardonable_a as_o yet_o to_o the_o soul_n o_o say_v the_o soul_n i_o have_v sin_v against_o the_o holy_a ghost_n what_o good_a will_v it_o do_v to_o i_o to_o apply_v promise_n i_o be_o dam_v it_o be_v a_o temptation_n which_o satan_n ordinary_o first_o or_o last_o trouble_v believe_a soul_n with_o i_o have_v answer_v that_o case_n of_o conscience_n particular_o and_o therefore_o shall_v not_o enter_v into_o a_o particular_a discourse_n of_o it_o now_o now_o till_o the_o soul_n be_v bring_v so_o far_o true_o to_o understand_v its_o own_o condition_n that_o its_o wound_n be_v curable_a and_o to_o cry_v unto_o god_n for_o the_o heal_n and_o cure_n of_o they_o it_o can_v be_v expect_v that_o it_o shall_v particular_o apply_v any_o promise_n as_o plaster_n for_o the_o heal_n and_o in_o regard_n i_o say_v that_o there_o may_v be_v some_o misjudging_a of_o the_o soul_n true_a estate_n in_o a_o gracious_a soul_n there_o may_v also_o be_v a_o want_n of_o this_o peculiar_a faith_n it_o be_v true_a it_o be_v give_v by_o all_o sober_a divine_n as_o the_o least_o degree_n of_o faith_n to_o believe_v that_o my_o sin_n be_v pardonable_a and_o to_o run_v and_o fly_v and_o cry_v unto_o god_n for_o a_o pardon_n of_o they_o but_o yet_o through_o the_o distemperature_n of_o the_o soul_n even_o this_o thing_n that_o the_o soul_n sin_n be_v pardonable_a which_o be_v general_o believe_v and_o be_v the_o soul_n foundation_n upon_o which_o ground_n it_o humble_v itself_o and_o cry_n and_o pray_v may_v not_o be_v believe_v by_o the_o soul_n that_o yet_o have_v true_a faith_n or_o at_o least_o believe_v very_o dark_o and_o with_o a_o great_a deal_n of_o doubt_v the_o three_o and_o last_o thing_n which_o i_o will_v instance_n in_o which_o must_v be_v find_v in_o that_o soul_n that_o shall_v particular_o apply_v a_o general_a promise_n as_o its_o particular_a portion_n be_v a_o constant_a wonderful_a work_n of_o the_o powerful_a spirit_n of_o god_n upon_o the_o soul_n for_o let_v a_o soul_n never_o so_o true_o understand_v its_o own_o condition_n and_o never_o so_o true_o understand_v the_o virtue_n of_o the_o promise_n and_o never_o so_o full_o conceive_v that_o the_o promise_n have_v a_o adequate_a proportionable_a virtue_n for_o the_o heal_n of_o its_o particular_a wound_n yet_o unless_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n by_o a_o wonderful_a powerful_a work_n of_o grace_n do_v lay_v the_o salve_n upon_o the_o sore_a and_o apply_v the_o promise_n unto_o the_o soul_n it_o can_v be_v do_v as_o it_o be_v with_o a_o man_n that_o have_v lose_v his_o hand_n or_o the_o use_n of_o they_o and_o suppose_v he_o to_o have_v a_o sorein_a his_o back_n let_v he_o never_o so_o true_o understand_v the_o
19_o 11._o by_o the_o judgement_n of_o the_o lord_n david_n be_v make_v circumspect_a and_o three_o if_o we_o consider_v that_o the_o christian_n be_v not_o self-opinionated_a he_o care_v not_o for_o false_a glass_n and_o be_v more_o apt_a to_o behold_v his_o grace_n in_o a_o diminish_n then_o a_o multiply_a glass_n the_o sincere_a christian_a concern_v himself_o be_v as_o ready_a to_o miscall_v a_o mountain_n a_o molehill_n as_o the_o hypocrite_n be_v to_o misjudge_v every_o molehill_n a_o mountain_n almost_o as_o ready_a to_o miscall_v his_o good_a evil_n as_o the_o other_o to_o nickname_v his_o evil_a good_a and_o for_o the_o three_o branch_n of_o the_o doctrine_n that_o as_o it_o be_v the_o duty_n of_o christian_n to_o be_v sensible_a and_o groan_n under_o the_o defect_n of_o faith_n so_o it_o be_v their_o duty_n and_o they_o will_v not_o stand_v still_o but_o strive_v and_o pray_v for_o a_o increase_n of_o it_o much_o reason_n may_v be_v give_v for_o that_o too_o as_o first_o from_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n that_o work_v and_o dwell_v in_o they_o faith_n be_v the_o spirit_n work_v 1_o cor._n 12._o 9_o flesh_n and_o blood_n never_o reveal_v it_o now_o the_o spirit_n be_v a_o quicken_a spirit_n 1_o pet._n 3._o 18._o it_o be_v life_n rom._n 8._o 10._o now_o where_o there_o be_v a_o principle_n of_o life_n there_o will_v be_v growth_n it_o be_v a_o work_a spirit_n that_o phrase_n we_o have_v often_o the_o spirit_n which_o work_v in_o you_o etc._n etc._n now_o the_o spirit_n work_n be_v not_o to_o undo_v what_o it_o have_v do_v but_o to_o work_v further_o and_o more_o second_o if_o we_o consider_v the_o end_n of_o the_o christian_a in_o the_o act_n of_o all_o his_o grace_n phil._n 3._o 13._o the_o apostle_n express_v it_o full_o perfection_n be_v his_o butt_n he_o know_v he_o must_v draw_v his_o bow_n with_o all_o his_o strength_n and_o his_o arrow_n to_o the_o head_n if_o he_o mean_v to_o reach_v the_o butt_n and_o he_o shall_v not_o hit_v it_o neither_o the_o christian_n voice_n be_v heb._n 6._o 1._o let_v we_o go_v unto_o perfection_n it_o be_v the_o hypocrite_n set_v himself_o bound_n in_o religion_n and_o say_v hither_o will_v i_o go_v and_o no_o further_o and_o to_o add_v no_o more_o three_o the_o christian_n know_v that_o the_o more_o he_o have_v of_o faith_n the_o more_o he_o have_v of_o christ_n he_o know_v that_o there_o be_v a_o depth_n of_o sweetness_n in_o christ_n that_o can_v never_o be_v â—adomed_a something_o more_o to_o be_v understand_v when_o he_o understand_v as_o much_o as_o he_o can_v of_o he_o when_o the_o soul_n have_v as_o much_o as_o its_o narrow_a hand_n can_v grasp_v of_o he_o whole_a christ_n be_v too_o big_a to_o be_v enclose_v in_o mortal_a arm_n now_o the_o soul_n know_v that_o faith_n be_v the_o hand_n must_v squeeze_v that_o essence_n of_o sweetness_n the_o arm_n that_o must_v clasp_v he_o and_o he_o know_v that_o the_o long_o his_o arm_n of_o faith_n be_v the_o more_o he_o shall_v grasp_v of_o he_o though_o he_o shall_v never_o be_v able_a to_o comprehend_v immeasurable_a christ_n eph._n 3._o 16_o 17_o 18._o this_o make_v he_o always_o complain_v of_o his_o dwarfishnesse_n that_o his_o hand_n of_o faith_n be_v not_o big_a enough_o and_o his_o arm_n of_o faith_n be_v not_o long_a enough_o he_o can_v get_v in_o so_o much_o of_o christ_n into_o his_o soul_n as_o he_o will_v do_v this_o make_v he_o pray_v for_o a_o increase_n of_o faith_n and_o so_o often_o complain_v of_o the_o shortness_n of_o his_o arm_n he_o can_v believe_v as_o he_o will_v this_o make_v he_o say_v with_o our_o apostle_n here_o lord_n increase_v my_o faith_n i_o come_v now_o to_o the_o application_n and_o here_o be_v matter_n of_o consolation_n and_o exhortation_n for_o all_o christian_n cons_n 1._o cons_n especial_o those_o that_o be_v most_o sensible_a of_o the_o weakness_n of_o their_o faith_n there_o have_v be_v and_o be_v more_o dwarf_n beside_o thou_o christian_n perfection_n be_v a_o white_a be_v never_o hit_v the_o best_a archer_n come_v a_o handful_n short_a it_o be_v indeed_o the_o mark_n at_o which_o every_o one_o ought_v to_o level_v his_o arrow_n but_o all_o the_o soul_n of_o christian_n like_o the_o arrow_n of_o jonathan_n have_v fly_v some_o over_o into_o glory_n some_o short_a some_o on_o this_o hand_n some_o on_o that_o none_o have_v hit_v the_o mark_n be_v of_o good_a comfort_n christian_n weak_a faith_n be_v faith_n little_a one_o be_v true_a child_n of_o the_o father_n that_o cast_v none_o away_o that_o come_v though_o creep_v to_o he_o heaven_n have_v room_n for_o babe_n as_o well_o as_o man_n a_o child_n may_v pull_v the_o latch_n of_o heaven_n door_n and_o go_v in_o and_o be_v welcome_a to_o the_o knee_n of_o the_o king_n of_o glory_n to_o the_o bosom_n of_o he_o isai_n 40._o 11._o who_o feed_v his_o flock_n like_o a_o shepherd_n and_o carry_v the_o lamb_n in_o his_o bosom_n jesus_n christ_n have_v his_o arm_n full_a of_o tender_a suck_a lamb_n or_o at_o least_o that_o be_v so_o upon_o the_o earth_n the_o young_a christian_a if_o he_o be_v a_o heir_n be_v of_o age_n to_o take_v up_o his_o land_n in_o heaven_n nonage_n be_v no_o bar_n the_o garden_n of_o god_n have_v more_o slip_n then_o old_a stock_n in_o it_o now_o indeed_o they_o be_v become_v stock_n but_o here_o they_o be_v but_o tender_a slip_n while_o christ_n take_v they_o up_o out_o of_o the_o land_n of_o grace_n and_o transplant_v they_o but_o second_o ephor_n ephor_n be_v it_o so_o that_o the_o best_a of_o christian_n have_v but_o a_o weak_a faith_n in_o comparison_n of_o that_o perfection_n we_o ought_v to_o aspire_v to_o and_o that_o it_o be_v the_o duty_n of_o christian_n to_o be_v sensible_a of_o it_o and_o pray_v and_o strive_v against_o it_o let_v we_o all_o then_o look_v upon_o it_o as_o our_o duty_n let_v we_o pray_v lord_n increase_v our_o faith_n let_v we_o strive_v after_o that_o we_o shall_v never_o attain_v to_o even_o perfection_n heb._n 6._o 1._o now_o here_o many_o direction_n may_v be_v give_v the_o first_o i_o will_v give_v shall_v be_v to_o remove_v those_o thing_n which_o hinder_v the_o growth_n of_o it_o as_o scruple_n cavilling_n etc._n etc._n from_o hence_o shall_v i_o take_v my_o rise_n for_o a_o subject_n which_o with_o the_o blessing_n of_o god_n i_o do_v intend_v for_o some_o time_n to_o insist_v upon_o to_o satisfy_v the_o soul_n of_o some_o poor_a christian_n in_o those_o scruple_n which_o may_v perplex_v they_o touch_v this_o grace_n of_o faith_n the_o remove_n of_o which_o will_v not_o a_o little_a conduce_v to_o the_o increase_n of_o this_o grace_n in_o their_o soul_n i_o will_v begin_v with_o the_o first_o and_o here_o though_o i_o spend_v many_o sermon_n i_o trust_v i_o shall_v not_o be_v tedious_a have_v intend_v to_o make_v it_o my_o work_n in_o these_o lecture_n to_o satisfy_v doubt_v christian_n in_o case_n of_o conscience_n and_o to_o begin_v with_o those_o which_o concern_v this_o radical_a grace_n at_o which_o the_o devil_n bend_v so_o much_o of_o his_o force_n and_o malice_n therefore_o will_v thou_o grow_v in_o faith_n 1._o direct_v 1._o remove_v those_o scruple_n which_o hinder_v the_o beginning_n and_o progress_n of_o faith_n in_o thy_o soul_n there_o be_v two_o note_n of_o a_o weak_a faith_n in_o a_o gracious_a soul_n 1._o a_o sense_n of_o no_o faith_n 2._o a_o fear_n of_o a_o false_a faith_n first_o a_o sense_n of_o no_o faith_n many_o a_o soul_n do_v believe_v that_o persuade_v itself_o it_o neither_o do_v nor_o aught_o to_o believe_v you_o shall_v often_o meet_v with_o christian_n and_o especial_o in_o the_o begin_n of_o their_o conversion_n that_o will_v cry_v out_o o_o they_o can_v believe_v nay_o what_o have_v they_o to_o do_v to_o believe_v faith_n be_v but_o a_o presumption_n in_o their_o soul_n if_o they_o can_v hatch_v it_o up_o or_o if_o not_o so_o second_o yet_o you_o can_v make_v they_o think_v that_o they_o do_v believe_v no_o faith_n and_o they_o be_v stranger_n etc._n etc._n now_o as_o it_o be_v in_o the_o disease_n of_o the_o body_n the_o cure_n be_v scarce_o wrought_v until_o the_o cause_n be_v first_o discover_v and_o remove_v so_o it_o be_v likewise_o in_o the_o trouble_n and_o disquietment_n of_o the_o soul_n we_o shall_v scarce_o be_v able_a to_o remove_v they_o out_o of_o the_o soul_n way_n unless_o we_o first_o find_v how_o they_o come_v there_o and_o if_o we_o can_v but_o true_o understand_v the_o cause_n we_o shall_v easy_o remove_v the_o effect_n in_o general_n we_o must_v know_v these_o complaint_n be_v to_o be_v understand_v concern_v the_o act_n of_o faith_n i_o dare_v not_o or_o can_v or_o do_v
lord_n increase_v our_o faith_n i_o be_o discover_v to_o you_o upon_o what_o ground_n many_o christian_n think_v they_o have_v no_o warrant_n to_o believe_v and_o rest_n upon_o jesus_n christ_n and_o labour_v to_o satisfy_v such_o poor_a christian_n in_o such_o case_n and_o under_o such_o perplexity_n of_o spirit_n i_o have_v show_v you_o already_o two_o usual_a cause_n first_o a_o too_o irregular_a eye_v of_o preparatory_a qualification_n think_v that_o they_o be_v not_o humble_v enough_o or_o second_o a_o too_o unwarrantable_a pry_n into_o god_n secret_n conceive_v they_o be_v not_o elect_v and_o upon_o this_o score_n utter_o refuse_v to_o obey_v that_o great_a gospel_n command_v believe_v to_o both_o these_o i_o have_v speak_v something_o already_o to_o the_o latter_a the_o last_o day_n i_o be_o intend_v by_o the_o blessing_n of_o god_n and_o as_o he_o shall_v enable_v i_o to_o speak_v something_o this_o day_n to_o a_o three_o cause_n common_o allege_v by_o christian_n why_o they_o conceive_v they_o ought_v not_o to_o believe_v viz._n because_o of_o their_o own_o unworthiness_n in_o respect_n of_o the_o greatness_n and_o multitude_n of_o their_o sin_n that_o have_v stain_v and_o possible_o do_v yet_o pollute_v their_o soul_n alas_o say_v a_o poor_a soul_n will_v you_o have_v i_o lie_v hold_v on_o jesus_n christ_n what_o with_o my_o filthy_a hand_n what_o can_v such_o a_o rot_a sinner_n that_o have_v be_v so_o ancient_a in_o sin_n can_v i_o think_v you_o have_v warrant_n wheâ—_n i_o have_v give_v the_o devil_n my_o youth_n to_o believe_v jesus_n christ_n will_v take_v the_o fag_n end_n of_o my_o life_n no_o no_o call_v to_o the_o young_a person_n to_o believe_v that_o be_v not_o yet_o wither_v and_o rot_a with_o sin_n call_v to_o those_o that_o have_v live_v honest_o and_o civil_o not_o to_o such_o profane_a wretch_n as_o i_o have_v be_v now_o to_o answer_v this_o cavil_n let_v i_o bend_v my_o discourse_n at_o this_o time_n and_o propound_v certain_a consideration_n which_o due_o weigh_v may_v comfort_v a_o soul_n under_o this_o trouble_n and_o put_v it_o upon_o its_o work_n and_o duty_n of_o believe_a and_o convince_v it_o that_o it_o be_v its_o duty_n cap._n 4._o how_o to_o satisfy_v a_o poor_a soul_n doubt_v whether_o it_o may_v believe_v or_o no_o because_o of_o its_o many_o and_o great_a sin_n past_a or_o its_o continue_a corruption_n and_o so_o deem_v itself_o unworthy_a first_o of_o all_o consider_v god_n grace_n be_v enough_o for_o thou_o this_o scruple_n of_o thy_o spirit_n arise_v from_o scant_a &_o straighten_v thought_n of_o rich_a incomprehensible_a grace_n be_v convince_v therefore_o that_o there_o be_v a_o fullness_n enough_o in_o the_o ocean_n of_o infinite_a grace_n to_o swallow_v up_o thy_o soul_n however_o load_v with_o a_o burden_n of_o sin_n observe_v but_o how_o the_o scripture_n set_v out_o infinite_a love_n take_v one_o place_n for_o all_o eph._n 3._o 17_o 18_o 19_o that_o christ_n may_v dwell_v in_o your_o heart_n by_o faith_n that_o you_o be_v root_v and_o ground_v in_o love_n may_v be_v able_a to_o comprehend_v with_o all_o saint_n what_o be_v the_o breadth_n and_o length_n and_o depth_n and_o height_n and_o to_o know_v the_o love_n of_o christ_n which_o pass_v knowledge_n that_o you_o may_v be_v fill_v with_o the_o fullness_n of_o god_n mark_v how_o the_o apostle_n express_v free_a grace_n by_o all_o dimension_n be_v thy_o sin_n in_o the_o height_n there_o be_v a_o height_n of_o love_n be_v they_o in_o the_o depth_n there_o be_v a_o depth_n of_o love_n be_v they_o long_o broad_a be_v they_o all_o yet_o there_o be_v mercy_n enough_o in_o this_o christ_n for_o such_o be_v his_o love_n that_o it_o pass_v knowledge_n be_v they_o a_o mountain_n why_o who_o be_v thou_o o_o great_a mountain_n before_o zerubbabell_a thou_o shall_v be_v make_v a_o plain_a do_v thy_o sin_n cry_v up_o to_o heaven_n his_o mercy_n be_v above_o the_o heaven_n be_v thy_o sin_n more_o in_o number_n then_o the_o hair_n of_o thy_o head_n his_o mercy_n be_v more_o in_o number_n then_o the_o sand_n which_o lie_v on_o the_o sea_n shore_n now_o this_o be_v easy_a to_o be_v conceive_v if_o we_o do_v but_o conceive_v and_o know_v that_o the_o mercy_n of_o god_n be_v infinite_a god_n be_v a_o infinite_a god_n and_o every_o mercy_n of_o he_o be_v as_o inconceivable_a as_o himself_o be_v his_o love_n pass_v all_o understanding_n say_v the_o apostle_n have_v no_o low_a thought_n christian_n of_o the_o height_n of_o free_a grace_n which_o reach_v up_o to_o the_o heaven_n yea_o and_o above_o the_o heaven_n be_v the_o filthy_a garment_n of_o thy_o wickedness_n of_o a_o large_a extent_n think_v thou_o than_o the_o long_a white_a robe_n of_o his_o righteousness_n who_o be_v make_v for_o thou_o righteousness_n wisdom_n sanctification_n and_o redemption_n be_v the_o fountain_n set_v open_a for_o judah_n and_o jerusalem_n for_o sin_n and_o for_o uncleanness_n so_o shallow_a that_o thou_o can_v not_o bathe_v in_o it_o mistake_v not_o christian_n it_o be_v a_o bath_n of_o capacity_n to_o hold_v all_o filthy_a soul_n be_v their_o uncleanness_n what_o it_o will_v if_o they_o will_v but_o come_v and_o wash_v and_o be_v clean_a those_o that_o have_v the_o rotten_a wound_n the_o filâ—hiest_a sore_n the_o most_o unsound_a â—arkasses_n may_v fetch_v balm_n from_o gilead_n enough_o to_o heal_v their_o wound_n when_o christ_n be_v upon_o the_o earth_n the_o evangelist_n tell_v we_o matth._n 4._o 24._o they_o bring_v unto_o he_o all_o sick_a people_n that_o be_v sick_a of_o divers_a disease_n and_o torment_n and_o those_o which_o be_v possess_v with_o devil_n and_o he_o heal_v they_o when_o virtue_n go_v out_o from_o christ_n to_o heal_v the_o poor_a woman_n 〈◊〉_d â—ouched_v the_o hem_n of_o his_o garment_n it_o go_v 〈◊〉_d â—im_n as_o light_n go_v out_o of_o the_o sun_n that_o there_o be_v 〈◊〉_d for_o what_o go_v out_o christ_n never_o have_v any_o virtue_n go_v out_o of_o he_o so_o as_o by_o such_o emission_n he_o lose_v any_o how_o many_o saint_n think_v you_o since_o old_a abrahâ—m_n who_o be_v the_o father_n of_o the_o faithful_a to_o this_o day_n have_v touch_v the_o hem_n of_o his_o garment_n virtue_n go_v out_o and_o heal_v every_o one_o and_o yet_o his_o garment_n be_v all_o oily_a with_o mercy_n and_o grace_n still_o how_o many_o drop_n of_o blood_n have_v thirsty_a saint_n have_v from_o david_n time_n to_o this_o hour_n and_o yet_o the_o fountain_n of_o cleanse_a blood_n have_v not_o a_o drop_n less_o in_o it_o grace_n in_o christ_n be_v like_o the_o heat_n of_o the_o fire_n or_o light_n of_o the_o sun_n take_v how_o much_o you_o will_v of_o either_o you_o shall_v not_o rob_v either_o narrow_a not_o the_o breadth_n of_o incomprehensible_a love_n when_o thou_o have_v measure_v for_o believer_n ten_o thousand_o yard_n there_o shall_v not_o be_v a_o nail_n less_o on_o the_o piece_n of_o freegrace_n the_o sea_n though_o a_o thing_n infinite_a will_v hardly_o be_v measure_v out_o by_o quill_n much_o less_o shall_v the_o unfadomable_a ocean_n of_o infinite_a love_n be_v measure_v by_o drop_n for_o the_o wash_n poor_a soul_n from_o the_o stain_n and_o filth_n of_o their_o sin_n the_o boy_n can_v tell_v the_o father_n he_o will_v have_v do_v empty_v the_o sea_n into_o a_o hole_n with_o a_o spoon_n before_o he_o shall_v have_v open_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o trinity_n and_o soon_o shall_v thou_o get_v all_o the_o light_n out_o of_o the_o body_n of_o the_o sun_n and_o hear_v out_o of_o the_o fire_n then_o put_v jesus_n christ_n to_o pant_v for_o his_o breath_n of_o freegrace_n oh_o that_o sinner_n have_v but_o as_o willing_a leg_n as_o he_o have_v capacious_a arm_n we_o see_v hand_n be_v wash_v every_o day_n and_o have_v be_v these_o thousand_o of_o year_n now_o how_o long_o can_v we_o think_v it_o will_v yet_o be_v shall_v we_o get_v the_o dirty_a hand_n we_o can_v make_v before_o all_o the_o sea_n river_n fountain_n and_o stream_n in_o the_o world_n will_v be_v exhaust_v yea_o though_o they_o shall_v wash_v seven_o time_n a_o day_n infinite_o soon_o christian_n than_o the_o fountain_n of_o freegrace_n shall_v be_v exhaust_v with_o all_o the_o bucket_n that_o come_v to_o draw_v the_o water_n of_o life_n from_o it_o see_v thou_o a_o steeple_n as_o paul_n in_o london_n or_o the_o like_a of_o a_o very_a great_a height_n see_v thou_o the_o high_a mountain_n that_o seem_v to_o have_v marry_v the_o cloud_n and_o sit_v in_o their_o lap_n suppose_v now_o that_o mountain_n or_o steeple_n in_o the_o deep_a place_n of_o the_o ocean_n how_o much_o will_v thou_o see_v on_o it_o nay_o be_v another_o on_o the_o top_n of_o that_o there_o will_v not_o be_v a_o spier_v of_o grass_n nor_o a_o
heart_n of_o such_o christian_n as_o yield_v to_o this_o temptation_n have_v trouble_v and_o perplex_v their_o own_o spirit_n first_o of_o all_o consider_v that_o as_o it_o be_v a_o certain_a truth_n that_o there_o be_v such_o a_o sin_n commissible_a that_o a_o creature_n may_v be_v guilty_a of_o yet_o it_o be_v as_o incertain_a what_o this_o sin_n be_v none_o ever_o can_v yet_o determine_v it_o or_o if_o they_o have_v do_v it_o it_o have_v be_v unwarrantable_o i_o mean_v for_o the_o specifical_a â—in_z innumerable_a almost_o have_v be_v the_o opinion_n of_o the_o ancient_n some_o have_v think_v it_o to_o be_v malice_n against_o the_o brethrens-grace_n other_o final_a impenitency_n other_o despair_v of_o god_n mercy_n the_o papist_n make_v six_o species_n of_o it_o 1._o impenitency_n 2._o despair_n these_o two_o seem_v to_o be_v but_o consequent_n of_o it_o 3._o obstinacy_n in_o wickedness_n all_o obstinacy_n in_o wickedness_n can_v be_v and_o how_o high_a what_o degree_n of_o obstinacy_n constitute_v it_o they_o leave_v we_o to_o seek_v 4._o the_o resist_n of_o a_o know_a truth_n this_o come_v near_a it_o but_o yet_o for_o the_o height_n and_o degree_n of_o resistance_n they_o also_o leave_v we_o in_o the_o dark_a and_o every_o resistance_n be_v not_o 5._o the_o malice_n against_o our_o brother_n for_o grace_n and_o goodness_n this_o have_v something_o in_o it_o tend_v to_o it_o but_o reach_v not_o the_o full_a neither_o 6._o a_o sin_v out_o of_o presumption_n of_o god_n mercy_n that_o presumption_n be_v a_o ingredient_n in_o this_o sin_n be_v certain_a 2._o aq._n 22â—_n q._n 14._o att._n 2._o and_o that_o the_o sin_n against_o the_o holyghost_n be_v a_o sin_n of_o presumption_n but_o every_o sin_v upon_o presumption_n of_o god_n mercy_n certain_o be_v not_o unpardonable_a it_o be_v certain_a that_o blasphemy_n against_o the_o holyghost_n may_v be_v various_o take_v first_o lâ—terally_o when_o any_o blasphemous_a speech_n be_v speak_v against_o the_o holyghost_n as_o if_o any_o shall_v maintain_v the_o holyghost_n be_v not_o god_n etc._n etc._n so_o many_o of_o the_o ancient_a father_n take_v it_o second_o it_o be_v sometime_o and_o so_o we_o take_v it_o to_o be_v mean_v here_o for_o a_o sin_n against_o the_o holy-ghost_n proper_a operation_n and_o working_n as_o his_o enlighten_v grace_n etc._n etc._n heb._n 4._o 6_o 7._o for_o whosoever_o sin_n the_o first_o way_n sin_n not_o unpardonable_o 10._o aus_n t._n 10._o though_o dangerous_o as_o saint_n austin_n large_o prove_v tractat_fw-la serm._n 11._o de_fw-fr verbis_fw-la din._n p._n 47._o copiose_fw-la tractat_fw-la that_o the_o text_n mat._n 12._o 31._o etc._n etc._n be_v not_o to_o be_v mean_v of_o every_o blasphemous_a word_n but_o there_o be_v quadam_fw-la blasphemia_fw-la &_o quoddam_fw-la verbum_fw-la a_o certain_a word_n and_o a_o certain_a kind_n of_o blasphemy_n now_o what_o this_o be_v that_o we_o be_v in_o the_o dark_a for_o nor_o have_v any_o except_o the_o papist_n unwarrantable_o dare_v certain_o to_o define_v or_o describe_v it_o so_o as_o to_o say_v this_o be_v the_o unparponable_a sin_n now_o therefore_o christian_n upon_o what_o ground_n do_v thou_o say_v thou_o have_v sin_v the_o sin_n against_o the_o holyghost_n when_o neither_o thou_o nor_o any_o other_o can_v say_v this_o or_o that_o be_v the_o sin_n against_o the_o holyghost_n why_o do_v thou_o accuse_v the_o soul_n of_o thou_o know_v not_o what_o judge_n if_o this_o be_v not_o a_o irrational_a yield_n to_o a_o groundless_a temptation_n but_o say_v a_o poor_a christian_a i_o have_v refuse_v the_o enlighten_v spirit_n i_o have_v refuse_v instruction_n and_o hate_a counsel_n and_o what_o be_v this_o but_o the_o impardonable_a sin_n or_o have_v â—inned_v against_o knowledge_n such_o and_o such_o a_o truth_n i_o have_v deny_v dispute_v against_o it_o etc._n etc._n to_o make_v therefore_o a_o little_a progress_n though_o positive_o it_o can_v be_v say_v nor_o specifical_o determine_v what_o the_o sin_n against_o the_o holyghost_n be_v that_o be_v unpardonable_a for_o it_o be_v certain_a that_o every_o sin_n against_o the_o holyghost_n be_v not_o unpardonable_a a_o lie_n against_o knowledge_n be_v a_o sin_n against_o the_o holyghost_n act._n 5._o 3._o yet_o not_o unpardonable_a jacob_n commit_v it_o for_o the_o blessing_n yet_o 1._o it_o may_v be_v show_v negative_o what_o it_o be_v not_o 2._o several_a ingredient_n may_v be_v discover_v that_o must_v be_v in_o this_o compound_n of_o iniquity_n and_o in_o relation_n to_o thy_o complaint_n consider_v second_o that_o none_o can_v be_v guilty_a of_o it_o but_o such_o as_o have_v have_v a_o great_a measure_n of_o knowledge_n of_o god_n truth_n heb._n 6._o 4_o 5_o 6._o they_o must_v be_v such_o as_o have_v be_v enlighten_v that_o be_v such_o as_o the_o gospel_n have_v be_v preach_v too_o and_o receive_v by_o so_o that_o it_o have_v clear_v up_o his_o understanding_n from_o that_o darkness_n and_o mist_n of_o natural_a blindness_n and_o ignorance_n in_o which_o adam_n fall_n leave_v we_o second_o such_o as_o have_v taste_v of_o the_o heavenly_a gift_n that_o be_v faith_n say_v pareus_n such_o as_o have_v hear_v the_o word_n have_v not_o only_o be_v convince_v of_o it_o but_o give_v a_o firm_a assent_n of_o faith_n to_o it_o for_o it_o can_v only_o be_v understand_v of_o a_o temporary_a faith_n of_o assent_n not_o of_o true_a justify_v faith_n for_o that_o in_o whosoever_o it_o be_v be_v keep_v by_o the_o power_n of_o god_n to_o salvation_n 1_o pet._n 2._o 5._o three_o such_o as_o have_v taste_v of_o the_o good_a word_n of_o god_n such_o as_o have_v have_v the_o gospel_n preach_v to_o they_o and_o have_v apprehend_v it_o good_a and_o sweet_a receive_v it_o with_o joy_n 26._o heb._n 10._o 26._o hear_v it_o glad_o as_o herod_n heb._n 10._o 26._o they_o must_v be_v such_o as_o have_v receive_v the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o truth_n it_o must_v be_v a_o defection_n and_o a_o declination_n from_o knowledge_n and_o a_o profession_n as_o be_v clear_a from_o that_o place_n heb._n 10._o 26._o from_o whence_o be_v plain_a that_o a_o natural_a man_n that_o never_o be_v enlighten_v or_o a_o heathen_a that_o never_o hear_v the_o word_n of_o god_n or_o those_o that_o though_o they_o have_v hear_v yet_o have_v not_o have_v heart_n to_o regard_n and_o receive_v what_o they_o hear_v and_o give_v assent_n to_o it_o these_o can_v be_v guilty_a of_o this_o unpardonable_a sin_n why_o do_v thou_o therefore_o trouble_v thyself_o that_o thou_o have_v refuse_v the_o gospel_n and_o therefore_o thou_o have_v sin_v the_o sin_n against_o the_o holyghost_n when_o the_o gospel_n be_v never_o make_v know_v to_o thou_o so_o far_o as_o to_o enlighten_v thou_o possible_o thou_o hear_v the_o word_n but_o understand_v not_o regard_v nothing_o those_o that_o crucify_v christ_n be_v convert_v at_o peter_n sermon_n act._n 2._o have_v thy_o ear_n be_v stop_v to_o the_o mean_n of_o grace_n be_v humble_v for_o it_o but_o despair_v not_o because_o of_o it_o though_o thou_o be_v call_v at_o the_o nine_o hour_n yet_o if_o thou_o will_v come_v in_o at_o the_o eleven_o thou_o shall_v be_v receive_v and_o welcome_a only_o come_v god_n wink_v at_o the_o time_n of_o thy_o ignorance_n 30._o act._n 17._o 30._o act._n 17._o 30._o this_o sin_n must_v be_v against_o the_o word_n hear_v receive_v taste_v etc._n etc._n it_o be_v not_o a_o bare_a piece_n of_o original_a corruption_n consist_v in_o a_o privation_n of_o knowledge_n or_o averseness_n unto_o knowledge_n or_o vanity_n of_o heart_n in_o not_o regard_v knowledge_n but_o it_o be_v the_o high_a piece_n of_o actual_a rebellion_n not_o for_o a_o while_n to_o stand_v at_o a_o distance_n from_o a_o pardon_n offer_v but_o to_o begin_v to_o reach_v out_o a_o hand_n to_o take_v it_o and_o then_o draw_v back_o and_o spit_v in_o the_o face_n of_o that_o god_n that_o offer_v thou_o this_o be_v plain_a for_o it_o be_v a_o blasphemy_n against_o the_o holyghost_n in_o his_o working_n now_o the_o spirit_n do_v not_o always_o work_v with_o the_o preach_n of_o the_o word_n much_o less_o be_v the_o law_n of_o nature_n the_o work_n of_o the_o sanctify_a spirit_n but_o the_o work_n of_o illumination_n and_o sanctification_n those_o be_v the_o spirit_n work_n in_o which_o we_o must_v take_v heed_n of_o oppose_v he_o this_o sin_n be_v not_o petty-iarceny_a but_o high-treason_n against_o god_n but_o alas_o will_v a_o poor_a christian_a say_v yet_o i_o fear_v for_o i_o have_v receive_v and_o taste_v the_o word_n of_o truth_n and_o i_o have_v make_v a_o show_n of_o rejoice_v in_o the_o good_a word_n of_o god_n and_o after_o this_o have_v i_o be_v in_o my_o heart_n think_v to_o deny_v christ_n to_o be_v the_o saviour_n of_o the_o world_n to_o deny_v the_o word_n to_o be_v the_o word_n of_o truth_n and_o
unto_o several_a truth_n which_o be_v in_o the_o word_n provide_v 1._o that_o thou_o assente_v to_o all_o truth_n that_o be_v necessary_o to_o be_v believe_v to_o salvation_n and_o the_o foundation_n of_o faith_n 2._o provide_v thou_o strive_v against_o other_o doubt_n and_o labour_v to_o get_v a_o sense_n of_o faith_n and_o a_o strength_n to_o resist_v the_o devil_n temptation_n and_o to_o be_v convince_v of_o every_o particular_a truth_n and_o of_o thy_o error_n if_o it_o be_v one_o which_o thou_o have_v take_v up_o from_o some_o mistake_a portion_n of_o scripture_n and_o labour_v for_o a_o more_o clear_a and_o distinct_a knowledge_n of_o every_o truth_n that_o so_o thy_o assent_n may_v be_v more_o clear_a every_o day_n than_o other_o the_o nine_o sermon_n luke_n 17._o v._o 5._o lord_n increase_v our_o faith_n i_o be_o show_v you_o what_o doubt_n may_v consist_v in_o a_o gracious_a soul_n with_o true_a faith_n i_o have_v already_o show_v what_o weakness_n may_v consist_v with_o faith_n in_o respect_n of_o knowledge_n and_o what_o doubt_v in_o relation_n to_o the_o mean_a and_o low_a act_n of_o faith_n which_o be_v assent_v it_o be_v my_o task_n at_o this_o time_n to_o show_v you_o what_o doubt_n and_o weakness_n may_v consist_v with_o save_v faith_n in_o a_o gracious_a soul_n in_o relation_n to_o the_o second_o act_n which_o be_v indeed_o the_o essence_n and_o marrow_n of_o justify_v faith_n that_o be_v the_o act_n of_o adhere_v the_o soul_n roll_v rely_v and_o whole_o depend_v itself_o upon_o jesus_n christ_n for_o salvation_n for_o although_o the_o soul_n assent_v to_o the_o promise_n and_o be_v persuade_v of_o the_o promise_n as_o a_o sure_a and_o steadfast_a word_n of_o truth_n be_v a_o act_n of_o faith_n yet_o it_o be_v conclude_v by_o most_o or_o all_o godly_a and_o sober_a divine_n that_o it_o be_v not_o the_o act_n of_o faith_n that_o justify_v but_o as_o it_o be_v conclude_v against_o the_o antinomian_o and_o libertine_n on_o one_o side_n that_o it_o be_v not_o faith_n of_o assurance_n that_o only_o justify_v so_o it_o be_v also_o conclude_v against_o the_o papist_n on_o the_o other_o side_n that_o it_o be_v not_o a_o assent_n to_o and_o persuasion_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o word_n that_o justifi_v the_o soul_n but_o that_o true_a justify_v faith_n though_o it_o do_v suppose_v both_o knowledge_n and_o assent_n yet_o it_o do_v especial_o consist_v in_o the_o soul_n rolling_n and_o throw_v itself_o upon_o the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n for_o eternal_a salvation_n and_o adhere_v to_o the_o promise_n as_o its_o portion_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v observe_v by_o learned_a and_o gracious_a mr._n ball_n 24._o 1_o par._n p._n 24._o in_o his_o treatise_n of_o faith_n that_o there_o be_v six_o word_n in_o scripture_n by_o which_o the_o holy_a ghost_n do_v in_o scripture_n express_v to_o we_o true_a and_o save_a faith_n before_o this_o i_o have_v note_v before_o every_o one_o of_o which_o do_v denote_v unto_o we_o that_o the_o very_a essence_n and_o marrow_n of_o true_a and_o save_a faith_n be_v a_o reliance_n and_o dependence_n of_o the_o soul_n upon_o christ_n the_o first_o be_v believe_v oppose_v to_o faint_a psal_n 27._o 13._o it_o argue_v a_o stay_n of_o the_o soul_n upon_o something_o when_o it_o be_v fall_v sow_z faint_a etc._n etc._n the_o second_o word_n be_v trust_n his_o heart_n be_v fix_v trust_v in_o the_o lord_n a_o three_o word_n be_v translate_v trust_n but_o signify_v to_o betake_v to_o as_o a_o castle_n psal_n 2._o 11._o bless_a be_v all_o they_o that_o put_v their_o trust_n in_o he_o a_o four_o word_n signify_v to_o lean_v upon_o as_o a_o man_n lean_v himself_o upon_o a_o staff_n 2_o chron._n 16._o v._o 7_o 8._o a_o five_o word_n signify_v to_o stay_v and_o rest_v the_o mind_n upon_o isa_n 48._o 2._o they_o stay_v themselves_o upon_o the_o god_n of_o israel_n a_o six_o word_n signify_v to_o roll_v a_o man_n self_n upon_o a_o thing_n as_o a_o man_n in_o danger_n of_o drown_v catch_v hold_v of_o a_o willow_n and_o hang_v upon_o it_o all_o which_o word_n denote_v to_o we_o that_o the_o true_a and_o proper_a distinguish_a act_n of_o true_a justify_v faith_n be_v the_o soul_n roll_v itself_o upon_o the_o promise_n of_o life_n and_o upon_o christ_n for_o eternal_a salvation_n i_o take_v true_a justify_v faith_n so_o far_o as_o it_o be_v the_o soul_n act_n by_o the_o virtue_n and_o strength_n of_o the_o grace_n of_o the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n infuse_v in_o relation_n to_o this_o act_n to_o be_v this_o for_o a_o soul_n whole_o and_o steadfast_o and_o sole_o and_o obedient_o to_o rest_v and_o roll_v itself_o upon_o the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n for_o eternal_a life_n now_o in_o this_o act_n of_o true_a and_o save_a faith_n there_o may_v be_v a_o great_a deal_n of_o weakness_n and_o it_o may_v be_v accompany_v with_o a_o great_a deal_n of_o doubt_v chap._n x._o concern_v those_o weakness_n which_o may_v consist_v with_o true_a faith_n in_o a_o gracious_a soul_n and_o how_o to_o satiisfie_v the_o soul_n that_o conceive_v it_o do_v not_o true_o rely_v upon_o christ_n because_o it_o do_v not_o find_v that_o it_o can_v rely_v so_o full_o and_o constant_o as_o it_o desire_v nor_o upon_o all_o the_o promise_n alike_o alas_o say_v a_o poor_a soul_n i_o can_v think_v that_o i_o do_v real_o rest_v and_o rol_v myself_o upon_o jesus_n christ_n and_o the_o promise_n for_o eternal_a life_n when_o i_o do_v rest_n as_o i_o think_v i_o be_o ready_a again_o to_o think_v i_o do_v not_o and_o if_o i_o be_v in_o a_o frame_n of_o heart_n one_o day_n that_o i_o think_v that_o now_o i_o can_v roll_v myself_o upon_o christ_n and_o trust_v his_o promise_n another_o day_n again_o i_o can_v trust_v nothing_o if_o sometime_o i_o do_v cleave_v to_o the_o word_n of_o life_n as_o sweet_a and_o precious_a and_o embrace_v it_o as_o true_a and_o prize_n christ_n and_o value_v his_o word_n above_o all_o sensual_a delight_n whatsoever_o and_o hunger_n and_o thirst_n after_o it_o and_o after_o christ_n another_o while_n again_o i_o cleave_v to_o a_o sensual_a good_a more_o than_o to_o a_o spiritual_a promise_n or_o a_o heavenly_a christ_n and_o beside_o i_o can_v rely_v upon_o god_n for_o the_o fulfil_n of_o every_o promise_n there_o be_v some_o of_o god_n promise_n that_o i_o think_v i_o can_v rest_v upon_o god_n for_o fulfil_v of_o other_o again_o i_o can_v for_o my_o life_n though_o i_o be_o persuade_v that_o they_o be_v equal_a word_n of_o truth_n with_o the_o other_o trust_v god_n for_o nor_o can_v i_o be_v full_o persuade_v that_o the_o promise_n do_v real_o and_o peculiar_o belong_v to_o i_o now_o to_o satisfy_v the_o soul_n in_o this_o particular_a i_o will_v show_v you_o what_o doubt_n and_o weakness_n may_v be_v in_o the_o soul_n and_o yet_o the_o soul_n at_o that_o time_n may_v have_v receive_v and_o may_v rest_v and_o rely_v and_o roll_v itself_o upon_o the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n for_o the_o promise_n of_o salvation_n and_o may_v at_o the_o same_o time_n have_v true_a save_v justify_v faith_n this_o be_v my_o work_n to_o which_o i_o be_o to_o address_v myself_o know_v for_o thy_o comfort_n first_o thou_o may_v full_o and_o whole_o rely_v thy_o soul_n upon_o jesus_n christ_n and_o yet_o not_o believe_v thou_o do_v full_o and_o whole_o rest_v reliance_n and_o dependence_n be_v necessary_a to_o faith_n not_o full_a persuasion_n of_o such_o a_o reliance_n i_o mean_v justify_v faith_n reliance_n be_v a_o necessary_a act_n of_o faith_n full_a persuasion_n of_o such_o a_o reliance_n be_v a_o comfortable_a act_n of_o faith_n depend_v and_o rely_v be_v the_o act_n of_o this_o hand_n help_v by_o god_n spirit_n full_a persuasion_n of_o this_o reliance_n be_v more_o the_o shine_a of_o god_n face_n then_o the_o act_n of_o our_o soul_n labour_v more_o to_o get_v evidence_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o thy_o act_n of_o faith_n then_o of_o the_o degree_n of_o it_o christ_n may_v be_v in_o the_o room_n and_o yet_o not_o see_v he_o may_v be_v in_o the_o midst_n of_o thy_o heart_n and_o say_v peace_n be_v to_o this_o soul_n and_o yet_o the_o door_n of_o thy_o sense_n be_v shut_v heaven_n be_v a_o thing_n unseen_a and_o he_o that_o measure_v his_o faith_n by_o his_o eye_n may_v call_v a_o ephah_n a_o omer_n especial_o if_o thou_o will_v not_o think_v that_o thou_o have_v faith_n unless_o thou_o can_v see_v a_o truth_n of_o the_o very_a act_n and_o refuse_v to_o take_v a_o evidence_n for_o thy_o sense_n from_o the_o effect_n of_o faith_n the_o act_n of_o the_o mind_n be_v secret_a act_n of_o which_o as_o i_o say_v before_o we_o be_v very_o ill_a judge_n rest_a and_o rely_v upon_o christ_n be_v
ch_z 19_o 6._o 7._o the_o journey_n be_v great_a which_o he_o have_v to_o go_v the_o frequent_a story_n of_o the_o martyr_n make_v this_o good_a when_o the_o lord_n call_v they_o to_o their_o great_a service_n at_o the_o stake_n he_o prepare_v they_o for_o their_o double_a work_n with_o double_a comfort_n ravish_v their_o soul_n with_o glory_n and_o so_o often_o that_o god_n make_v many_o of_o his_o dear_a saint_n live_v upon_o short_a commons_o all_o their_o life_n time_n when_o he_o bring_v they_o to_o the_o hard_a work_n of_o die_v he_o give_v they_o a_o glimpse_n of_o glory_n this_o be_v a_o note_n of_o a_o precious_a divine_a faith_n rutherford_n trial_n of_o faith_n who_o give_v experience_n of_o it_o and_o it_o be_v especial_o when_o they_o die_v strong_a torture_a death_n for_o always_o it_o be_v not_o see_v it_o may_v be_v they_o have_v have_v all_o comfort_n before_o and_o may_v die_v in_o conflict_n god_n will_v try_v how_o they_o can_v walk_v in_o the_o strength_n of_o what_o they_o have_v have_v or_o if_o they_o have_v have_v no_o bread_n till_o then_o god_n will_v hardly_o call_v they_o to_o die_v without_o give_v they_o a_o crust_n yet_o as_o he_o sweet_o say_v god_n walk_v in_o liberty_n here_o and_o will_v not_o have_v we_o to_o limit_v the_o breathe_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n to_o jump_v with_o the_o hour_n of_o our_o die_a for_o we_o may_v make_v a_o idol_n of_o a_o begin_v heaven_n as_o if_o it_o be_v more_o excellent_a than_o christ_n by_o this_o you_o see_v in_o stead_n of_o much_o may_v be_v say_v that_o assurance_n may_v be_v weak_a and_o strong_a yet_o true_a and_o this_o will_v be_v further_o make_v good_a by_o my_o last_o conclusion_n which_o i_o will_v but_o touch_v and_o that_o be_v this_o concl._n 3_o thou_o may_v have_v have_v and_o again_o have_v a_o true_a assurance_n and_o full_a persuasion_n and_o for_o the_o present_n have_v none_o at_o all_o i_o have_v speak_v so_o much_o to_o this_o before_o that_o i_o shall_v need_v add_v very_o little_a it_o be_v necessary_a to_o constitute_v the_o true_a direct_a act_n of_o faith_n that_o it_o be_v a_o continue_a act_n and_o that_o soul_n never_o do_v true_o rely_v at_o all_o that_o ever_o since_o it_o begin_v to_o rely_v cease_v to_o rely_v but_o for_o a_o reflex_n act_n it_o may_v be_v want_v even_o in_o the_o soul_n that_o have_v have_v it_o and_o may_v have_v it_o again_o if_o god_n will_v please_v to_o turn_v his_o face_n towards_o it_o nay_o i_o will_v question_v whither_o ever_o that_o christian_a have_v true_a assurance_n or_o no_o that_o have_v have_v it_o as_o he_o pretend_v without_o any_o intermission_n for_o so_o long_o as_o there_o remain_v a_o devil_n to_o tempt_v or_o a_o flesh_n to_o allure_v to_o sin_n there_o will_v be_v sometime_o want_v of_o full_a assurance_n yea_o if_o there_o be_v none_o of_o they_o both_o i_o will_v make_v it_o a_o great_a question_n whither_o the_o wise_a god_n will_v ever_o keep_v such_o a_o despensation_n of_o his_o love_n in_o a_o full_a sunshine_n to_o any_o soul_n though_o love_v never_o so_o dear_o i_o be_o afraid_a though_o we_o have_v much_o talk_n of_o faith_n of_o assurance_n now_o adays_o in_o the_o world_n if_o the_o lord_n shall_v come_v to_o sift_v the_o heart_n of_o his_o poor_a creature_n he_o will_v scarce_o find_v the_o mustardseed_n faith_n of_o adherence_n 1._o overpower_v temptation_n 2._o overgrow_a corruption_n 3._o natural_a distemper_n of_o melancholy_a 4._o divine_a desertion_n shall_v hinder_v assurance_n and_o make_v the_o act_n to_o cease_v and_o judge_v you_o then_o what_o soul_n it_o be_v probable_a shall_v have_v it_o a_o incessant_a constant_a act_n but_o i_o have_v do_v with_o this_o last_o thing_n and_o now_o i_o have_v show_v you_o what_o doubt_n and_o weakness_n may_v consist_v with_o every_o act_n of_o faith_n in_o a_o true_o gracious_a soul_n now_o i_o shall_v show_v you_o from_o what_o principle_n these_o doubt_n arise_v and_o how_o they_o differ_v from_o the_o doubt_n of_o unbelieving_a despair_a wretch_n the_o thirtheenth_n sermon_n luke_n 17._o v._o 5._o lord_n increase_v our_o faith_n chap._n xiii_o how_o to_o comfort_v that_o soul_n that_o think_v it_o have_v not_o true_a faith_n because_o it_o do_v not_o feel_v god_n strengthen_v it_o to_o those_o act_n of_o grace_n which_o it_o ought_v to_o act_v i_o will_v take_v leave_n here_o apprehend_v it_o a_o seasonable_a place_n to_o bring_v it_o in_o to_o speak_v something_o to_o one_o scruple_n of_o conscience_n which_o do_v often_o perplex_v many_o a_o good_a christian_a and_o that_o be_v want_v of_o feel_v of_o god_n love_n etc._n etc._n ah_o say_v many_o a_o poor_a soul_n do_v i_o but_o indeed_o know_v that_o god_n and_o christ_n be_v my_o redeemer_n and_o portion_n than_o i_o think_v i_o shall_v not_o need_v be_v muâ—h_o entreat_v to_o cast_v away_o this_o sadness_n and_o dejection_n of_o spirit_n but_o i_o can_v feel_v any_o such_o thing_n and_o this_o make_v a_o christian_a think_v that_o it_o neither_o do_v nor_o may_v believe_v now_o there_o be_v a_o double_a feel_n for_o the_o want_n of_o which_o many_o good_a soul_n often_o complain_v and_o upon_o the_o want_n of_o which_o they_o raise_v to_o themselves_o conclusion_n against_o believe_v for_o want_v of_o a_o distinction_n i_o will_v presume_v for_o once_o to_o coin_v one_o there_o be_v a_o feel_n of_o peace_n and_o a_o feel_n of_o strength_n 1._o the_o feel_n of_o peace_n be_v when_o a_o poor_a christian_a apprehend_v god_n appease_v to_o its_o soul_n and_o feel_v he_o say_v i_o be_o thy_o god_n the_o god_n of_o thy_o salvation_n this_o be_v that_o persuasion_n which_o be_v that_o high_a reflex_n act_n of_o faith_n of_o which_o i_o speak_v the_o last_o time_n and_o show_v you_o what_o degree_n and_o abatement_n it_o may_v meet_v with_o in_o a_o true_a believer_n now_o this_o a_o true_a christian_a may_v want_v though_o he_o do_v feel_v god_n spirit_n carry_v he_o on_o to_o act_n of_o mortification_n and_o vivification_n etc._n etc._n of_o this_o i_o shall_v not_o speak_v have_v speak_v the_o last_o time_n how_o far_o it_o may_v be_v want_v weaken_a or_o abate_v or_o discontinue_v even_o in_o god_n true_a and_o dear_a child_n 2._o but_o there_o be_v another_o feel_n which_o for_o distinction_n sake_n i_o call_v a_o feel_n of_o strength_n when_o a_o christian_a though_o he_o do_v not_o feel_v god_n peace_n seal_v up_o and_o assure_v unto_o his_o soul_n yet_o he_o can_v deny_v but_o he_o feel_v his_o soul_n carry_v out_o by_o god_n unto_o duty_n to_o love_v he_o to_o desire_v he_o to_o delight_v in_o he_o etc._n etc._n now_o this_o latter_a feel_n ought_v to_o satisfy_v the_o soul_n when_o though_o god_n do_v not_o please_v as_o yet_o to_o apply_v the_o promise_n to_o his_o soul_n yet_o he_o feel_v god_n enable_v he_o to_o apply_v himself_o to_o the_o promise_n when_o he_o feel_v god_n change_v and_o renew_v his_o heart_n and_o affection_n etc._n etc._n but_o here_o be_v that_o which_o many_o poor_a christian_n want_v and_o complain_v for_o the_o want_n of_o they_o will_v confess_v that_o can_v they_o but_o feel_v god_n strengthen_v they_o against_o their_o corruption_n and_o carry_v out_o their_o heart_n in_o act_n of_o love_n and_o desire_v towards_o he_o &c_n &c_n they_o will_v quiet_v themselves_o and_o be_v very_o thankful_a to_o he_o if_o he_o will_v but_o give_v they_o so_o much_o of_o the_o morsel_n of_o freegrace_n as_o will_v keep_v spiritual_a life_n in_o they_o and_o keep_v their_o heart_n from_o die_v for_o want_n of_o mouth-fuls_a although_o god_n will_v not_o yet_o please_v to_o let_v they_o sit_v down_o at_o the_o banquet_a table_n of_o assurance_n and_o eat_v of_o the_o sweet_a meat_n of_o that_o peace_n which_o pass_v all_o understanding_n if_o god_n will_v please_v to_o give_v they_o but_o such_o sip_v of_o his_o flagon_n as_o may_v stay_v they_o though_o they_o want_v such_o dish_n of_o apple_n as_o to_o comfort_v they_o it_o will_v suffice_v but_o alas_o this_o they_o want_v and_o how_o can_v they_o believe_v etc._n etc._n now_o all_o that_o i_o shall_v speak_v to_o a_o christian_a in_o this_o perplexity_n i_o will_v reduce_v to_o these_o two_o head_n 1._o something_o by_o way_n of_o consolation_n and_o 2._o something_o by_o way_n of_o direction_n first_o by_o way_n of_o consolation_n i_o shall_v propound_v these_o few_o thing_n as_o consideration_n which_o may_v tend_v through_o the_o blessing_n of_o god_n to_o the_o comfort_v of_o such_o soul_n in_o such_o strait_n consid_fw-la 1._o that_o not_o feel_v do_v not_o argue_v a_o not_o be_v a_o thing_n may_v be_v though_o it_o be_v not_o feel_v it_o be_v no_o logic_n to_o