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 32_o direction_n write_a for_o the_o use_n of_o a_o trouble_a friend_n and_o now_o publish_v by_o richard_n baxter_n teacher_n of_o the_o church_n at_o kederminster_n in_o worcestershire_n 1_o john_n 4.16_o god_n be_v love_n luke_n 14.17_o mat._n 22.4_o come_v for_o all_o thing_n be_v now_o ready_a london_n print_v for_o t._n vnderhil_n f._n titan_n and_o w._n râ—ybould_n and_o be_v to_o be_v sell_v at_o the_o anchor_n and_o at_o the_o unicorn_n in_o paul_n churchyard_n and_o at_o the_o three_o dagger_n in_o fleetstreet_n 1653._o mat._n 11.28_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 gal._n 5.17_o for_o the_o flesh_n lust_v against_o the_o spirit_n and_o the_o spirit_n against_o the_o flesh_n and_o these_o be_v contrary_a the_o one_o to_o the_o other_o so_o that_o you_o can_v do_v the_o thing_n that_o you_o will_v rome_n 6.16_o know_v you_o not_o that_o to_o who_o you_o yield_v yourselves_o servant_n to_o obey_v his_o servant_n you_o be_v to_o who_o you_o obey_v whether_o of_o sin_n unto_o death_n or_o of_o obedience_n unto_o righteousness_n rome_n 13.14_o make_v not_o provision_n for_o the_o flesh_n to_o fulfil_v the_o lust_n thereof_o rome_n 8.13_o for_o if_o you_o live_v after_o the_o flesh_n you_o shall_v die_v but_o if_o you_o through_o the_o spirit_n do_v mortify_v the_o deed_n of_o the_o body_n you_o shall_v live_v 2_o pet._n 2.19_o while_o they_o promise_v they_o liberty_n they_o themselves_o be_v the_o servant_n of_o corruption_n for_o of_o who_o a_o man_n be_v overcome_v of_o the_o same_o be_v he_o bring_v in_o bondage_n ezek_n 33.10_o 11._o thus_o you_o speak_v say_v if_o our_o transgression_n and_o our_o sin_n be_v upon_o we_o and_o we_o pine_v away_o in_o they_o how_o shall_v we_o then_o live_v say_v unto_o they_o as_o i_o live_v say_v the_o lord_n god_n i_o have_v no_o pleasure_n in_o the_o death_n of_o the_o wicked_a but_o that_o the_o wicked_a turn_n from_o his_o way_n and_o live_v turn_v you_o turn_v you_o from_o your_o evil_a way_n for_o why_o will_v you_o die_v o_o house_n of_o israel_n 2_o cor._n 2.20_o now_o then_o we_o be_v ambassador_n for_o christ_n as_o though_o god_n do_v beseech_v you_o by_o we_o we_o pray_v you_o in_o christ_n stead_n be_v reconcile_v to_o god_n psal._n 37.3_o 4._o trust_v in_o the_o lord_n and_o do_v good_a etc._n etc._n delight_n thyself_o also_o in_o the_o lord_n and_o he_o shall_v give_v thou_o the_o desire_n of_o thy_o heart_n sound_v doctrine_n make_v a_o sound_a judgement_n a_o sound_a heart_n a_o sound_a conversation_n and_o a_o sound_a conscience_n to_o my_o much_o value_v belove_a and_o honour_a friend_n col._n john_n bridges_n with_o mr_n s_o margaret_n bridges_n his_o wife_n and_o mr._n thomas_n foley_n with_o mr_n s_o anne_n foley_n his_o wife_n though_o in_o publish_v our_o write_n we_o intend_v they_o for_o the_o good_a of_o all_o yet_o custom_n not_o without_o reason_n do_v teach_v we_o sometime_o to_o direct_v they_o more_o especial_o to_o some_o though_o one_o only_o have_v the_o original_a interest_n in_o these_o paper_n yet_o do_v i_o now_o direct_v they_o to_o you_o all_o as_o not_o know_v how_o in_o this_o to_o separate_v you_o you_o dwell_v together_o in_o my_o estimation_n and_o affection_n one_o of_o you_o a_o member_n of_o the_o church_n which_o i_o must_v teach_v and_o legal_o the_o patron_n of_o its_o maintenance_n and_o minister_n the_o other_o a_o special_a branch_n of_o that_o family_n which_o i_o be_v first_o indebt_v to_o in_o this_o county_n you_o late_o join_v in_o present_v to_o the_o parliament_n the_o petition_n of_o this_o county_n for_o the_o gospel_n and_o a_o faithful_a ministry_n when_o i_o only_o tell_v you_o of_o my_o intention_n of_o send_v some_o poor_a scholar_n to_o the_o university_n you_o free_o and_o joint_o offer_v your_o considerable_a annual_a allowance_n thereto_o and_o that_o for_o the_o continuance_n of_o my_o life_n or_o their_o necessity_n there_o i_o will_v tell_v the_o world_n of_o this_o whether_o you_o will_v or_o no_o not_o for_o your_o applause_n but_o for_o their_o imitation_n and_o the_o shame_n of_o many_o of_o far_o great_a estate_n that_o will_v not_o be_v draw_v to_o do_v the_o like_a the_o season_n somewhat_o aggravate_v the_o goodness_n of_o your_o work_n when_o satan_n have_v a_o design_n to_o burn_v up_o those_o nursery_n you_o be_v water_v god_n plant_n when_o the_o greedy_a mouth_n of_o sacrilege_n be_v gape_v for_o their_o maintenance_n you_o be_v voluntary_o add_v for_o the_o supply_n of_o its_o defect_n who_o know_v how_o many_o soul_n they_o may_v win_v to_o christ_n if_o god_n shall_v send_v they_o forth_o into_o his_o harvest_n who_o you_o have_v thus_o assist_v and_o what_o a_o addition_n to_o your_o comfort_n this_o may_v be_v when_o the_o gospel_n be_v so_o undermine_v and_o the_o ministry_n so_o malign_v and_o their_o maintenance_n so_o envy_v you_o have_v as_o the_o mouth_n of_o this_o county_n appear_v for_o they_o all_o what_o god_n will_v yet_o do_v with_o we_o we_o can_v tell_v but_o if_o he_o will_v continue_v his_o gospel_n to_o we_o you_o may_v have_v the_o great_a comfort_n in_o it_o if_o he_o will_v remove_v it_o and_o forsake_v a_o proud_a unworthy_a false_a heart_a people_n yet_o may_v you_o have_v the_o comfort_n of_o your_o sincere_a endeavour_n you_o with_o the_o rest_n that_o sincere_o further_v it_o may_v escape_v the_o gnawing_n of_o conscience_n and_o the_o public_a curse_n and_o reproach_n which_o the_o history_n of_o this_o age_n may_v fasten_v upon_o they_o who_o after_o all_o their_o engagement_n in_o blood_n and_o covenant_n will_v either_o in_o ignorant_a fury_n or_o malicious_a subtlety_n or_o base_a temporize_a cowardice_n oppugn_v or_o undermine_v the_o gospel_n or_o in_o perfidious_a silence_n look_v on_o whilst_o it_o be_v destroy_v but_o because_o it_o be_v not_o the_o work_n of_o a_o flatterer_n that_o i_o be_o do_v but_o of_o a_o friend_n i_o must_v second_v these_o commendation_n with_o some_o caution_n and_o counsel_n and_o tell_v yourselves_o of_o your_o danger_n and_o duty_n as_o i_o tell_v other_o of_o your_o exemplary_a deed_n true_o the_o sad_a experience_n of_o these_o time_n have_v much_o abase_v my_o confidence_n in_o man_n and_o cause_v i_o to_o have_v low_a thought_n of_o the_o best_a then_o sometime_o i_o have_v have_v i_o confess_v i_o look_v on_o man_n as_o such_o a_o distemper_a slippery_a and_o unconstant_a thing_n and_o of_o such_o a_o natural_a mutability_n of_o apprehension_n and_o affection_n that_o as_o i_o shall_v never_o more_o call_v any_o man_n on_o earth_n my_o friend_n but_o with_o a_o supposition_n that_o he_o may_v possible_o become_v my_o enemy_n so_o i_o shall_v never_o be_v so_o confident_a of_o any_o man_n fidelity_n to_o christ_n as_o not_o withal_o to_o suspect_v that_o he_o may_v possible_o forsake_v he_o nor_o shall_v i_o boast_v of_o any_o man_n service_n for_o the_o gospel_n but_o with_o a_o jealousy_n that_o he_o may_v be_v draw_v to_o do_v as_o much_o against_o it_o though_o god_n who_o know_v the_o heart_n and_o know_v his_o own_o decree_n may_v know_v his_o sincerity_n and_o foreknow_v his_o perseverance_n let_v i_o therefore_o remember_v you_o that_o have_v you_o expend_v your_o whole_a estate_n and_o the_o blood_n of_o your_o heart_n for_o christ_n and_o his_o gospel_n he_o will_v not_o take_v himself_o beholden_a to_o you_o he_o owe_v you_o no_o thanks_o for_o your_o deep_a engagement_n high_a adventure_n great_a cost_n or_o utmost_a endeavour_n you_o be_v sure_a beforehand_o that_o you_o shall_v be_v no_o loser_n by_o he_o your_o seem_a hazard_n increase_v your_o security_n your_o loss_n be_v your_o gain_n your_o give_v be_v your_o receive_n your_o expense_n be_v your_o revenue_n christ_n return_v the_o large_a usury_n the_o more_o you_o do_v and_o suffer_v for_o he_o the_o more_o you_o be_v behold_v to_o he_o i_o must_v also_o remember_v you_o that_o you_o may_v possible_o live_v to_o see_v the_o day_n when_o it_o will_v cost_v you_o dear_a to_o show_v yourselves_o faithful_a â—o_o the_o gospel_n ordinance_n and_o minister_n of_o christ_n then_o now_o it_o do_v and_o that_o many_o have_v shrink_v in_o great_a trial_n that_o past_a through_o lesser_a with_o resolution_n and_o honour_n your_o defection_n at_o the_o last_o will_v be_v the_o loss_n of_o all_o your_o work_n and_o hope_n if_o any_o man_n
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 sâ—_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 noâ—_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 thâ—_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 neeâ—_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
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
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 belâ—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 1â—_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
they_o in_o terror_n and_o amazement_n like_a man_n after_o a_o flash_n of_o lightning_n that_o be_v leave_v more_o sensible_a of_o the_o darkness_n for_o no_o wise_a man_n can_v expect_v that_o such_o joy_n shall_v be_v a_o christian_n ordinary_a state_n or_o god_n shall_v so_o diet_v we_o with_o a_o continual_a feast_n it_o will_v neither_o suit_n with_o our_o health_n nor_o the_o condition_n of_o this_o pilgrimage_n live_v therefore_o on_o your_o peace_n of_o conscience_n as_o your_o ordinary_a diet_n when_o this_o be_v want_v know_v that_o god_n appoint_v you_o a_o fast_o for_o your_o health_n and_o when_o you_o have_v a_o feast_n of_o high_a joy_n feed_v on_o it_o and_o be_v thankful_a but_o when_o they_o be_v take_v from_o you_o gape_v not_o after_o they_o as_o the_o disciple_n do_v after_o christ_n at_o his_o ascension_n but_o return_v thankful_o to_o your_o ordinary_a diet_n of_o peace_n and_o remember_v that_o these_o joy_n which_o be_v now_o take_v from_o you_o may_v so_o return_v again_o however_o there_o be_v a_o place_n prepare_v for_o you_o where_o your_o joy_n shall_v be_v full_a direction_n xxii_o 22._o my_o next_o direction_n be_v this_o spend_v more_o of_o your_o time_n and_o care_n about_o your_o duty_n then_o about_o your_o comfort_n and_o for_o the_o exercise_n and_o increase_v of_o your_o grace_n then_o for_o the_o discovery_n of_o they_o and_o when_o you_o have_v do_v all_o that_o you_o can_v for_o assurance_n and_o comfort_n you_o shall_v find_v that_o it_o will_v very_o much_o depend_v on_o your_o actual_a obedience_n this_o direction_n be_v of_o as_o great_a importance_n as_o any_o that_o i_o have_v yet_o give_v you_o but_o i_o shall_v say_v but_o little_a of_o it_o because_o i_o have_v speak_v of_o it_o so_o full_o already_o in_o my_o book_n of_o rest_n part_n 3_o ch._n 8_o 9_o 10_o 11._o my_o reason_n for_o what_o i_o here_o assert_v be_v these_o 1._o duty_n go_v in_o order_n of_o nature_n and_o time_n before_o comfort_n as_o the_o precept_n be_v before_o the_o promise_n comfort_n be_v part_n of_o the_o reward_n and_o therefore_o necessary_o suppose_v duty_n 2._o grace_n make_v man_n both_o so_o ingenuous_a and_o divine_a as_o to_o consider_v god_n due_a as_o well_o as_o their_o own_o and_o what_o they_o shall_v do_v as_o well_o as_o what_o they_o shall_v have_v still_o remember_v that_o our_o work_n can_v merit_v at_o god_n hand_n 3._o as_o we_o must_v have_v grace_n before_o we_o can_v know_v we_o have_v it_o so_o ordinary_o we_o must_v have_v a_o good_a measure_n of_o grace_n before_o we_o can_v so_o clear_o discern_v it_o as_o to_o be_v certain_a of_o it_o small_a thing_n i_o have_v tell_v you_o be_v next_o to_o none_o and_o hardly_o discernible_a by_o weak_a eye_n when_o all_o way_n in_o the_o world_n be_v try_v it_o will_v be_v find_v that_o there_o be_v no_o way_n so_o sure_a for_o a_o doubt_a soul_n to_o be_v make_v certain_a of_o the_o truth_n of_o his_o grace_n as_o to_o keep_v they_o in_o action_n and_o get_v they_o increase_v and_o it_o will_v be_v find_v that_o there_o be_v no_o one_o cause_n of_o christian_n doubt_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o their_o faith_n love_n hope_v repentance_n humility_n etc._n etc._n so_o great_a or_o so_o common_a as_o the_o small_a degree_n of_o these_o grace_n do_v not_o the_o very_a language_n of_o complain_v christian_n show_v this_o one_o say_v i_o have_v no_o faith_n i_o can_v believe_v i_o have_v no_o love_n to_o god_n i_o have_v no_o delight_n in_o duty_n another_o say_v i_o can_v mourn_v for_o sin_n my_o heart_n be_v never_o break_v i_o can_v patient_o bear_v a_o injury_n i_o have_v no_o courage_n in_o oppose_a sin_n etc._n etc._n if_o all_o these_o be_v not_o in_o a_o low_a and_o weak_a degree_n man_n can_v not_o so_o ordinary_o think_v they_o have_v none_o a_o lively_a strong_a work_v faith_n love_n zeal_n courage_n etc._n etc._n will_v show_v themselves_o as_o do_v the_o high_a tower_n the_o great_a mountain_n the_o strong_a wind_n the_o great_a flame_n which_o will_v force_v a_o observance_n by_o their_o greatness_n and_o effect_n 4._o consider_v also_o that_o it_o be_v more_o please_v to_o god_n to_o see_v his_o people_n study_v he_o and_o he_o will_v direct_o then_o to_o spend_v the_o first_o and_o chief_a of_o their_o study_n about_o the_o attain_n of_o comfort_n to_o themselves_o 5._o and_o it_o be_v the_o nature_n of_o grace_n to_o tend_v first_o and_o chief_o towards_o god_n and_o but_o secondary_o to_o be_v the_o evidence_n of_o our_o own_o happiness_n we_o have_v faith_n give_v we_o principal_o that_o we_o may_v believe_v and_o live_v by_o it_o in_o daily_a application_n of_o christ_n we_o have_v repentance_n that_o it_o may_v break_v we_o off_o from_o sin_n and_o bring_v we_o back_o to_o god_n we_o have_v love_n that_o we_o may_v love_v god_n and_o our_o redeemer_n his_o saint_n and_o law_n and_o way_n we_o have_v zeal_n that_o we_o may_v be_v quicken_v in_o all_o our_o holy_a duty_n and_o we_o have_v obedience_n to_o keep_v we_o in_o the_o way_n of_o our_o duty_n the_o first_o thing_n we_o have_v to_o do_v with_o these_o grace_n be_v to_o use_v they_o for_o those_o holy_a end_n which_o their_o nature_n do_v express_v and_o then_o the_o discern_a of_o they_o that_o we_o may_v have_v assurance_n follow_v after_o this_o both_o in_o time_n and_o dignity_n 6._o and_o it_o be_v a_o matter_n of_o far_o great_a concernment_n to_o ourselves_o to_o seek_v after_o the_o obtain_n of_o christ_n and_o grace_n then_o after_o the_o certain_a knowledge_n that_o we_o have_v they_o you_o may_v be_v save_v though_o you_o never_o get_v assurance_n here_o but_o you_o can_v be_v save_v without_o christ_n and_o grace_n god_n have_v not_o make_v assurance_n the_o condition_n of_o your_o salvation_n it_o tend_v indeed_o exceed_o to_o your_o comfort_n and_o a_o precious_a mercy_n it_o be_v but_o your_o safety_n lie_v not_o on_o it_o it_o be_v better_a go_v sorrowful_a and_o doubt_v to_o heaven_n then_o comfortable_o to_o hell_n first_o therefore_o ask_v what_o be_v the_o condition_n of_o salvation_n and_o the_o way_n to_o it_o and_o then_o look_v that_o you_o do_v your_o best_a to_o perform_v it_o and_o to_o go_v that_o way_n and_o then_o try_v your_o performance_n in_o its_o season_n 7._o beside_o as_o it_o be_v a_o work_n of_o far_o great_a moment_n so_o also_o of_o quick_a dispatch_n to_o believe_v and_o love_n christ_n true_o then_o to_o get_v assurance_n that_o you_o do_v true_o believe_v and_o love_v he_o you_o may_v believe_v immediate_o by_o the_o help_n of_o god_n grace_n but_o get_v assurance_n of_o it_o may_v be_v the_o work_n of_o a_o great_a part_n of_o your_o life_n let_v i_o therefore_o entreat_v this_o one_o thing_n of_o you_o that_o when_o you_o feel_v the_o want_n of_o any_o grace_n you_o will_v not_o present_o bend_v all_o your_o thought_n upon_o the_o enquiry_n whether_o it_o be_v true_a or_o no_o but_o rather_o say_v to_o yourself_o i_o see_v try_v be_v a_o great_a and_o difficult_a a_o long_a and_o tedious_a work_n i_o may_v be_v this_o many_o year_n about_o it_o and_o possible_o be_v unresolved_a still_o if_o i_o shall_v conclude_v that_o i_o have_v no_o grace_n i_o may_v be_v mistake_v and_o so_o i_o may_v if_o i_o think_v that_o i_o have_v it_o i_o may_v inquire_v of_o friend_n and_o minister_n long_o and_o yet_o be_v leave_v in_o doubt_n it_o be_v therefore_o my_o sure_a way_n to_o seek_v present_o to_o obtain_v it_o if_o i_o have_v it_o not_o and_o to_o increase_v it_o if_o i_o have_v it_o and_o i_o be_o certain_a none_o of_o that_o labour_n will_v be_v lose_v to_o get_v more_o be_v the_o way_n to_o know_v i_o have_v it_o but_o perhaps_o you_o will_v say_v how_o shall_v i_o get_v more_o grace_n that_o be_v a_o business_n of_o great_a difficulty_n than_o so_o i_o answer_v understand_v what_o i_o tell_v you_o before_o that_o as_o the_o begin_n of_o grace_n be_v in_o your_o understanding_n so_o the_o heart_n and_o life_n of_o it_o be_v in_o your_o will_n and_o the_o affection_n and_o passionate_a part_n be_v but_o the_o fruit_n and_o branch_n if_o therefore_o your_o grace_n be_v weak_a it_o be_v chief_o in_o a_o unwillingness_n to_o yield_v to_o christ_n and_o his_o word_n and_o spirit_n now_o how_o shall_v a_o unwilling_a soul_n be_v make_v willing_a why_o thus_o 1._o pray_v constant_o as_o you_o be_v able_a for_o a_o willing_a mind_n and_o yield_v inclinable_a heart_n to_o christ_n 2._o hear_v constant_o those_o preacher_n that_o bend_v their_o doctrine_n to_o inform_v your_o understanding_n of_o the_o great_a necessity_n and_o excellency_n of_o christ_n and_o grace_n and_o glory_n and_o to_o persuade_v
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 â—_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 â—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
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 thâ—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 loâ—â—_n condition_n and_o in_o a_o state_n of_o damnation_n and_o â—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 meaâ—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 whâ—â—_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 religiâ—â—_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
tender_a affection_n and_o heart-melting_n be_v our_o sin_n for_o my_o part_n i_o see_v exceed_a cause_n to_o bewail_v it_o great_o in_o myself_o that_o my_o soul_n be_v not_o raise_v to_o a_o high_a pitch_n of_o tender_a sensibility_n of_o all_o spiritual_a thing_n than_o it_o be_v and_o i_o doubt_v not_o but_o it_o shall_v be_v the_o matter_n of_o our_o daily_a confession_n and_o complaint_n to_o god_n that_o our_o heart_n be_v so_o dull_a and_o little_a affect_v with_o his_o sacred_a truth_n and_o our_o own_o sin_n but_o this_o be_v the_o scope_n of_o all_o my_o speech_n why_o do_v not_o you_o distinguish_v between_o matter_n of_o sorrow_n and_o matter_n of_o doubt_v no_o question_n but_o you_o shall_v lament_v your_o dulness_n and_o stupidity_n and_o use_v all_o god_n mean_n for_o the_o quicken_a of_o your_o affection_n and_o to_o get_v the_o most_o lively_o frame_v of_o soul_n but_o must_v it_o cause_v you_o to_o doubt_v of_o your_o sincerity_n when_o you_o can_v obtain_v this_o then_o will_v you_o never_o have_v a_o settle_a peace_n or_o assurance_n for_o many_o day_n together_o for_o aught_o i_o know_v i_o will_v ask_v you_o but_o this_o whether_o you_o be_v willing_a or_o unwilling_a of_o all_o that_o hardness_n insensibleness_n and_o dulness_n which_o you_o complain_v of_o if_o you_o be_v willing_a of_o it_o what_o make_v you_o complain_v of_o it_o if_o you_o be_v unwilling_a it_o seem_v your_o will_n be_v so_o far_o sound_a and_o it_o be_v the_o will_n that_o be_v the_o seat_n of_o the_o life_n of_o grace_n which_o we_o must_v try_v by_o and_o be_v not_o paul_n case_n the_o same_o with_o you_o rom._n 7.19_o when_o he_o say_v the_o good_a which_o i_o will_v do_v i_o do_v not_o and_o when_o i_o will_v do_v good_a evil_n be_v present_a with_o i_o i_o know_v paul_n speak_v not_o of_o gross_a sin_n but_o ordinary_a infirmity_n and_o i_o have_v tell_v you_o before_o that_o the_o liveliness_n and_o sensibility_n of_o the_o passion_n or_o affection_n be_v a_o thing_n that_o the_o will_n though_o sanctify_a can_v full_o command_v or_o excite_v at_o its_o pleasure_n a_o sanctify_a man_n can_v grieve_v or_o weep_v for_o sin_n when_o he_o will_v or_o so_o much_o as_o he_o will_v he_o can_v love_v joy_n be_v zealous_a etc._n etc._n when_o he_o will_v he_o may_v be_v true_o willing_a and_o not_o able_a and_o be_v not_o this_o your_o case_n and_o do_v not_o paul_n make_v it_o the_o case_n of_o all_o christian_n gal._n 5.17_o the_o flesh_n lust_v against_o the_o spirit_n and_o the_o spirit_n against_o the_o flesh_n and_o these_o be_v contrary_a one_o to_o the_o other_o so_o that_o we_o can_v do_v the_o thing_n that_o we_o will_v take_v my_o counsel_n therefore_o in_o this_o if_o you_o love_v not_o self-deceiving_a and_o disquietness_n search_v whether_o you_o can_v say_v unfeigned_o i_o will_v with_o all_o my_o heart_n have_v christ_n and_o his_o quicken_a and_o santify_a spirit_n and_o his_o soften_a grace_n to_o bring_v my_o hard_a heart_n to_o tenderness_n and_o my_o dull_a and_o blockish_a soul_n to_o a_o lively_a frame_n o_o that_o i_o can_v attain_v it_o and_o if_o you_o can_v true_o say_v thus_o bless_v god_n that_o have_v give_v you_o save_v sincerity_n and_o then_o let_v all_o the_o rest_n of_o your_o dulness_n and_o deadness_n and_o hardheartedness_n be_v matter_n of_o daily_a sorrow_n to_o you_o and_o spare_v not_o so_o it_o be_v in_o moderation_n but_o let_v it_o be_v no_o matter_n of_o doubt_v confess_v it_o complain_v of_o it_o pray_v against_o it_o and_o strive_v against_o it_o but_o do_v not_o deny_v god_n grace_n in_o you_o for_o it_o and_o here_o let_v i_o mind_n you_o of_o one_o thing_n that_o it_o be_v a_o very_a ill_a distemper_n of_o spirit_n when_o a_o man_n can_v mourn_v for_o nothing_o but_o what_o cause_v he_o to_o doubt_v of_o his_o salvation_n it_o be_v a_o great_a corruption_n if_o when_o your_o doubt_n be_v resolve_v and_o you_o be_v persuade_v of_o your_o salvation_n if_o then_o you_o cease_v all_o your_o humiliation_n and_o sorrow_n for_o your_o sin_n for_o you_o must_v sorrow_n that_o you_o have_v in_o you_o such_o a_o body_n of_o death_n and_o that_o which_o be_v so_o displease_v to_o god_n and_o be_v able_a to_o please_v and_o enjoy_v he_o no_o more_o though_o you_o be_v never_o so_o certain_a of_o the_o pardon_n of_o sin_n and_o of_o salvation_n 7._o last_o let_v i_o ask_v you_o one_o question_n more_o what_o be_v the_o reason_n that_o you_o be_v so_o trouble_v for_o want_n of_o tear_n for_o your_o sin_n take_v heed_n lest_o there_o lie_v some_o corruption_n in_o this_o trouble_n that_o you_o do_v not_o discern_v if_o it_o be_v only_o because_o your_o deadness_n and_o dulness_n be_v your_o sin_n and_o you_o will_v fain_o have_v your_o soul_n in_o that_o frame_n in_o which_o it_o may_v be_v fit_a to_o please_v god_n and_o enjoy_v he_o then_o i_o commend_v and_o encourage_v you_o in_o your_o trouble_n but_o take_v heed_n lest_o you_o shall_v have_v any_o conceit_n of_o a_o meritoriousness_n in_o your_o tear_n for_o that_o will_v be_v a_o more_o dangerous_a sin_n then_o your_o want_n of_o tear_n and_o if_o it_o be_v for_o want_v of_o a_o sign_n of_o grace_n and_o because_o a_o dry_a eye_n be_v a_o sign_n of_o a_o unregenerate_a soul_n i_o have_v tell_v you_o it_o be_v not_o so_o except_o where_o it_o only_o second_v a_o impenitent_a heart_n and_o come_v from_o or_o deny_v and_o unrenewed_a will_n and_o a_o prevail_a unwillingness_n to_o turn_v to_o god_n by_o christ_n show_v i_o if_o you_o can_v where_o the_o scripture_n say_v he_o that_o can_v weep_v for_o sin_n shall_v not_o be_v save_v or_o have_v no_o true_a grace_n be_v not_o your_o complaint_n in_o this_o the_o very_a same_o that_o the_o eminent_a christian_n have_v use_v in_o all_o time_n that_o most_o bless_a holy_a man_n mr._n bradford_n who_o sacrifice_v his_o life_n in_o the_o flame_n against_o romish_a abomination_n be_v wont_a to_o subscribe_v his_o spiritual_a letter_n indict_v by_o the_o breath_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n thus_o the_o most_o miserable_a hard-hearted_a sinner_n john_n bradford_n doubt_v v._n o_o but_o i_o be_o not_o willing_a to_o good_a and_o therefore_o i_o fear_v that_o even_o my_o will_n itself_o be_v yet_o unchanged_a i_o have_v such_o a_o backwardness_n and_o undisposedness_n to_o duty_n especial_o secret_a prayer_n meditation_n and_o self-examination_n and_o reprove_v and_o exhort_v sinner_n that_o i_o be_o fain_a to_o force_v myself_o to_o it_o against_o my_o will_n it_o be_v no_o delight_n the_o find_v in_o these_o duty_n that_o bring_v i_o to_o they_o but_o only_o i_o use_v violence_n with_o myself_o and_o be_o fain_o to_o pull_v myself_o down_o on_o my_o knee_n because_o i_o know_v it_o be_v a_o duty_n and_o i_o can_v be_v save_v without_o it_o but_o i_o be_o no_o soon_o on_o my_o knee_n but_o i_o have_v a_o motion_n to_o rise_v or_o be_v short_a and_o be_o weary_a of_o it_o and_o find_v no_o great_a miss_n of_o duty_n when_o i_o do_v omit_v it_o answer_n 1._o this_o show_v that_o your_o soul_n be_v sick_a when_o your_o meat_n go_v so_o much_o against_o your_o stomach_n that_o you_o be_v fain_o to_o force_v it_o down_o and_o sickness_n may_v well_o cause_v you_o to_o complain_v to_o god_n and_o man_n but_o what_o be_v this_o to_o deadness_n the_o dead_a can_v force_v down_o their_o meat_n nor_o digest_v it_o at_o all_o it_o seem_v by_o this_o that_o you_o be_v sanctify_v but_o in_o a_o low_a degree_n and_o your_o corruption_n remain_v in_o some_o strength_n and_o let_v that_o be_v your_o sorrow_n and_o the_o overcome_a of_o it_o be_v your_o great_a care_n and_o business_n but_o shall_v you_o therefore_o say_v that_o you_o be_v unsanctified_a it_o seem_v that_o you_o have_v still_o the_o flesh_n lust_a against_o the_o spirit_n that_o you_o can_v do_v the_o good_a you_o will_v when_o you_o will_v pray_v with_o delight_n and_o unweariedness_n the_o flesh_n draw_v back_o and_o the_o devil_n be_v hinder_v you_o and_o be_v it_o not_o so_o in_o too_o great_a a_o measure_n with_o the_o best_a on_o earth_n remember_v what_o christ_n say_v to_o his_o own_o apostle_n when_o they_o shall_v have_v do_v he_o one_o of_o their_o last_o service_n as_o to_o the_o attendance_n of_o his_o body_n on_o earth_n and_o shall_v have_v comfort_v he_o in_o his_o agony_n they_o be_v all_o asleep_a again_o and_o again_o he_o come_v to_o they_o and_o find_v they_o asleep_o christ_n be_v pray_v and_o sweat_v blood_n and_o they_o be_v still_o sleep_v though_o he_o warn_v they_o to_o watch_v and_o pray_v that_o they_o enter_v not_o into_o temptation_n but_o what_o do_v god_n say_v to_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 â—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 â—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 heâ—â—_n and_o make_v it_o a_o mean_n of_o indâ—lâ—iâ—â—â—â—eir_n laâ—iâ—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
draw_v back_o christ_n say_v his_o soul_n shall_v have_v no_o pleasure_n in_o he_o even_o those_o that_o have_v endure_v the_o great_a fight_n of_o affliction_n be_v reproach_v and_o make_v a_o gazingstock_n and_o that_o have_v take_v joyful_o the_o spoil_n of_o their_o good_n in_o assurance_n of_o a_o better_a and_o endure_a substance_n have_v yet_o need_v to_o be_v warn_v that_o they_o cast_v not_o away_o their_o confidence_n and_o draw_v not_o back_o to_o perdition_n and_o lose_v not_o the_o reward_n for_o want_v of_o patience_n and_o perseverance_n heb._n 10.22_o to_o the_o end_n that_o you_o may_v escape_v this_o danger_n and_o be_v happy_a for_o ever_o take_v this_o advice_n 1._o look_v careful_o to_o the_o sincerity_n of_o your_o heart_n in_o their_o covenant-closure_n with_o christ_n see_v that_o you_o take_v he_o with_o the_o happiness_n he_o have_v promise_v for_o your_o all._n take_v heed_n of_o look_v after_o another_o felicity_n 〈◊〉_d cherish_v other_o hope_n or_o esteem_v too_o high_o any_o thing_n below_o be_v jealous_a and_o very_o jealous_a lest_o your_o heart_n shall_v close_v deceitful_o with_o christ_n maintain_v any_o secret_a reserve_v for_o your_o bodily_a safety_n either_o resolve_v not_o to_o follow_v he_o or_o not_o resolve_v to_o follow_v he_o through_o the_o most_o desolate_a distress_a condition_n that_o he_o shall_v lead_v you_o in_o count_n what_o it_o may_v cost_v you_o to_o get_v the_o crown_n study_v well_o his_o precept_n of_o mortification_n and_o self-denial_n there_o be_v no_o true_a hope_n of_o the_o glory_n to_o come_v if_o you_o can_v cast_v overboard_o all_o worldly_a hope_n when_o the_o storm_n be_v such_o that_o you_o must_v hazard_v the_o one_o o_o how_o many_o have_v think_v that_o christ_n be_v most_o dear_a to_o they_o and_o that_o the_o hope_n of_o heaven_n be_v their_o chief_a hope_n who_o have_v leave_v christ_n though_o with_o sorrow_n when_o he_o bid_v they_o let_v go_v all_o 2._o every_o day_n renew_v your_o apprehension_n of_o the_o truth_n and_o worth_n of_o the_o promise_a felicity_n and_o of_o the_o delusory_a vanity_n of_o all_o thing_n here_o below_o let_v not_o heaven_n lose_v with_o you_o its_o attractive_a force_n through_o your_o forgetfulness_n or_o unbelief_n he_o be_v the_o best_a christian_a that_o know_v best_o why_o he_o be_v a_o christian_n and_o he_o will_v most_o faithful_o seek_v and_o suffer_v that_o best_o know_v for_o what_o he_o do_v it_o value_v not_o wealth_n and_o honour_n above_o that_o rate_n which_o the_o wise_a and_o best_a experience_a have_v put_v upon_o they_o and_o allow_v they_o no_o more_o of_o your_o affection_n then_o they_o deserve_v a_o mean_a wit_n may_v easy_o discover_v their_o emptiness_n look_v on_o all_o present_a action_n and_o condition_n with_o a_o remembrance_n of_o their_o end_n desire_v not_o a_o share_n in_o their_o prosperity_n who_o must_v pay_v as_o dear_a for_o it_o as_o the_o loss_n of_o their_o soul_n be_v not_o ambitious_a of_o that_o honour_n which_o must_v end_v in_o confusion_n nor_o of_o the_o favour_n of_o those_o that_o god_n will_v call_v enemy_n how_o speedy_o will_v they_o come_v down_o and_o be_v level_v in_o the_o dust_n and_o be_v lay_v in_o the_o chain_n of_o darkness_n that_o now_o seem_v so_o happy_a to_o the_o purblind_a world_n that_o can_v see_v the_o thing_n to_o come_v fear_v not_o that_o man_n that_o must_v short_o tremble_v before_o that_o god_n who_o all_o must_v fear_v 3._o be_v more_o solicitous_a for_o the_o secure_n of_o your_o conscience_n and_o salvation_n then_o of_o your_o honour_n or_o estate_n in_o every_o thing_n that_o you_o be_v put_v upon_o consult_v first_o with_o god_n and_o conscience_n and_o not_o with_o flesh_n and_o blood_n it_o be_v your_o daily_a and_o most_o serious_a care_n and_o watchfulness_n that_o be_v requisite_a to_o maintain_v your_o integrity_n and_o not_o a_o few_o careless_a thought_n or_o purpose_n conjunct_a with_o a_o mind_v of_o earthly_a thing_n 4_o deal_v faithful_o with_o every_o truth_n which_o you_o receive_v take_v heed_n of_o subject_v it_o to_o carnal_a interest_n if_o once_o you_o have_v affection_n that_o can_v master_v your_o understanding_n you_o be_v lose_v and_o know_v it_o not_o for_o when_o you_o have_v a_o resolution_n to_o cast_v off_o any_o dâ—ty_n you_o will_v first_o believe_v it_o be_v no_o duty_n and_o when_o you_o must_v change_v your_o judgement_n for_o carnal_a advantage_n you_o will_v make_v the_o change_n seem_v reasonable_a and_o right_a and_o evil_n shall_v be_v prove_v good_a when_o you_o have_v a_o mind_n to_o follow_v it_o 5._o make_v gospel-truths_n your_o own_a by_o daily_a humble_a study_n arise_v to_o such_o a_o soundness_n of_o judgement_n that_o you_o may_v not_o need_v to_o take_v too_o much_o upon_o trust_n lest_o if_o your_o guide_n shall_v miscarry_v you_o miscarry_v with_o they_o deliver_v not_o up_o your_o understanding_n in_o captivity_n to_o any_o 6._o yet_o do_v not_o overvalue_v your_o own_o understanding_n this_o pride_n have_v do_v that_o in_o church_n and_o state_n which_o all_o discern_a man_n be_v lament_v they_o that_o know_v but_o little_a see_v not_o what_o they_o want_v as_o well_o as_o what_o they_o have_v nor_o that_o imperfection_n in_o their_o knowledge_n which_o shall_v humble_v they_o nor_o that_o difficulty_n in_o thing_n which_o shall_v make_v they_o diligent_a and_o modest_a 7._o apprehend_v the_o necessity_n and_o usefulness_n of_o christ_n officer_n order_n and_o ordinance_n for_o the_o prosperity_n of_o his_o church_n pastor_n must_v guide_v you_o though_o not_o seduce_v you_o or_o lead_v you_o blindefold_o but_o choose_v if_o you_o may_v such_o as_o be_v judicious_a and_o not_o ignorant_a not_o rash_a but_o sober_a not_o formal_a but_o serious_a and_o spiritual_a not_o of_o carnal_a but_o heavenly_a conversation_n especial_o avoid_v they_o that_o divide_v and_o follow_v parâ—â—es_n and_o seek_v to_o draw_v disciple_n to_o themselves_o &_o can_v sacrifice_v the_o church_n unity_n and_o peace_n to_o their_o proud_a humour_n or_o carnal_a interest_n watch_v careful_o that_o no_o weakness_n of_o the_o minister_n do_v draw_v you_o to_o a_o disesteem_n of_o the_o ordinance_n of_o god_n nor_o any_o of_o the_o sad_a miscarriage_n of_o professor_n shall_v cause_v you_o to_o set_v less_o by_o truth_n or_o godliness_n wrong_n not_o christ_n more_o because_o other_o man_n have_v so_o wrong_v he_o quarrel_v more_o with_o your_o own_o unfitness_n and_o unworthiness_n in_o ordinance_n then_o with_o other_o man_n it_o be_v the_o frame_n of_o your_o own_o heart_n that_o do_v more_o to_o help_v or_o hinder_v your_o comfort_n than_o the_o quality_n of_o those_o you_o join_v with_o to_o these_o few_o direction_n add_v to_o the_o rest_n in_o this_o book_n i_o shall_v subjoin_v my_o hearty_a prayer_n that_o you_o may_v receive_v from_o that_o gospel_n and_o ministry_n which_o you_o have_v own_v such_o stability_n in_o the_o faith_n such_o victory_n over_o the_o flesh_n and_o the_o world_n such_o apprehension_n of_o the_o love_n of_o god_n in_o christ_n such_o direction_n in_o every_o strait_a and_o duty_n that_o you_o live_v upright_o dye_v peaceable_o and_o reign_v glorious_o amen_n may_v 9_o 1653._o your_o servant_n in_o the_o faith_n and_o gospel_n of_o christ_n rich._n baxter_n to_o the_o poor_a in_o spirit_n my_o dear_o belove_a fellow-christians_a who_o soul_n be_v take_v up_o with_o the_o careful_a thought_n of_o attain_v and_o maintain_v peace_n with_o god_n who_o be_v vile_a in_o your_o own_o eye_n and_o value_v the_o blood_n and_o spirit_n and_o word_n of_o your_o redeemer_n and_o the_o hope_n of_o the_o saint_n in_o their_o approach_a blessedness_n before_o all_o the_o pomp_n and_o vanity_n of_o this_o world_n and_o resolve_v to_o give_v up_o yourselves_o to_o his_o conduct_n who_o be_v become_v the_o author_n of_o eternal_a salvation_n to_o all_o they_o that_o obey_v he_o for_o you_o do_v i_o publish_v these_o follow_a direction_n and_o to_o you_o it_o be_v that_o i_o direct_v this_o preface_n the_o only_a glorious_a and_o infinite_a god_n who_o make_v the_o world_n and_o uphold_v they_o by_o his_o word_n who_o be_v attend_v with_o million_o of_o his_o glorious_a angel_n and_o praise_v continual_o by_o his_o heavenly_a host_n who_o pull_v down_o the_o mighty_a from_o their_o seat_n and_o scatter_v the_o proud_a in_o the_o imagination_n of_o their_o heart_n and_o make_v his_o enemy_n lick_v the_o dust_n to_o who_o the_o king_n and_o conqueror_n of_o the_o earth_n be_v as_o the_o silly_a worm_n and_o the_o whole_a world_n be_v nothing_o and_o light_a than_o vanity_n which_o he_o will_v short_o turn_v into_o flame_n before_o your_o eye_n this_o god_n have_v send_v i_o to_o you_o with_o that_o joyful_a message_n which_o need_v no_o more_o but_o your_o believe_a entertainment_n to_o make_v
it_o sufficient_a to_o raise_v you_o from_o the_o dust_n and_o banish_v those_o terror_n and_o trouble_n from_o your_o heart_n and_o help_v you_o to_o live_v like_o the_o son_n of_o god_n he_o command_v i_o to_o tell_v you_o that_o he_o take_v notice_n of_o your_o sorrow_n he_o stand_v by_o when_o you_o see_v he_o not_o and_o say_v he_o have_v forsake_v you_o he_o mind_v you_o with_o great_a tenderness_n when_o you_o say_v he_o have_v forget_v you_o he_o number_v your_o sigh_n he_o bottle_n up_o your_o tear_n the_o groan_n of_o your_o heart_n do_v reach_v his_o own_o he_o take_v it_o unkind_o that_o you_o be_v so_o suspicious_a of_o he_o and_o that_o all_o that_o he_o have_v do_v for_o you_o in_o the_o work_n of_o redemption_n and_o all_o the_o gracious_a work_n of_o his_o spirit_n on_o your_o soul_n and_o all_o your_o own_o peculiar_a experience_n of_o his_o goodness_n can_v raise_v you_o to_o no_o high_a apprehension_n of_o his_o love_n shall_v not_o love_n be_v acknowledge_v to_o be_v love_n when_o it_o be_v grow_v to_o a_o miracle_n when_o it_o surpass_v comprehension_n must_v the_o lord_n set_v up_o love_n and_o mercy_n in_o the_o work_n of_o redemption_n to_o be_v equal_o admire_v with_o his_o omnipotency_n manifest_v in_o the_o creation_n and_o call_v forth_o the_o world_n to_o this_o sweet_a employment_n that_o in_o secret_n and_o in_o public_a it_o may_v be_v the_o business_n of_o our_o life_n and_o yet_o shall_v it_o be_v so_o overlookt_v or_o question_v as_o if_o you_o live_v without_o love_n and_o mercy_n in_o the_o world_n providence_n do_v its_o part_n by_o heap_v up_o mountain_n of_o daily_a mercy_n and_o these_o it_o set_v before_o your_o eye_n the_o gospel_n have_v eminent_o do_v its_o part_n by_o clear_a describe_v they_o and_o full_o assure_v they_o and_o this_o be_v proclaim_v frequent_o in_o your_o ear_n and_o yet_o be_v there_o so_o little_a in_o your_o heart_n and_o mouth_n do_v you_o see_v and_o hear_v and_o feel_v and_o taste_v mercy_n and_o love_n do_v you_o live_v whole_o on_o it_o and_o yet_o do_v you_o still_o doubt_v of_o it_o and_o think_v so_o mean_o of_o it_o and_o so_o hardly_o acknowledge_v it_o god_n take_v not_o this_o well_o but_o yet_o he_o consider_v your_o frailty_n and_o take_v you_o not_o at_o the_o worst_a he_o know_v that_o flesh_n will_v play_v its_o part_n and_o the_o remnant_n of_o corruption_n will_v not_o be_v idle_a and_o the_o serpent_n will_v be_v suggest_v false_a thought_n of_o god_n and_o will_v be_v still_o strive_v most_o to_o obscure_v that_o part_n of_o his_o glory_n which_o be_v dear_a to_o he_o and_o especial_o which_o be_v most_o conjoin_v with_o the_o happiness_n of_o man._n he_o know_v also_o that_o sin_n will_v breed_v sorrow_n and_o fear_n and_o that_o man_n understanding_n be_v shallow_a and_o all_o his_o conceiving_n of_o god_n be_v exceed_o low_a and_o that_o we_o be_v so_o far_o from_o god_n as_o creature_n and_o so_o much_o further_a as_o sinner_n and_o especial_o as_o conscious_a of_o the_o abuse_n of_o his_o grace_n that_o there_o must_v needs_o follow_v such_o a_o strangeness_n as_o will_v damp_n and_o dull_a our_o apprehension_n of_o his_o love_n and_o such_o a_o abatement_n of_o our_o confidence_n as_o will_v make_v we_o draw_v back_o and_o look_v at_o god_n afar_o off_o see_v therefore_o that_o at_o this_o distance_n no_o full_a apprehension_n of_o love_n can_v be_v expect_v it_o be_v the_o pleasure_n of_o our_o redeemer_n short_o to_o return_v with_o ten_o thousand_o of_o his_o saint_n with_o the_o noble_a army_n of_o his_o martyr_n and_o the_o attendance_n of_o his_o angel_n and_o to_o give_v you_o such_o a_o convince_v demonstration_n of_o his_o love_n as_o shall_v leave_v no_o room_n for_o one_o more_o doubt_n your_o comfort_n be_v now_o but_o a_o taste_n they_o shall_v be_v then_o a_o feast_n they_o be_v now_o but_o intermittent_a they_o shall_v be_v then_o continual_a how_o soon_o now_o do_v your_o conquer_a fear_n return_v and_o what_o a_o unconstancy_n and_o unevenness_n be_v there_o in_o our_o peace_n but_o then_o our_o peace_n must_v needs_o be_v perfect_a and_o permanent_a when_o we_o shall_v please_v god_n and_o enjoy_v he_o in_o perfection_n to_o perpetuity_n certain_o christian_n your_o comfort_n shall_v be_v now_o more_o abundant_a but_o that_o they_o be_v not_o ripe_a it_o be_v that_o and_o not_o this_o that_o be_v your_o harvest_n i_o have_v tell_v you_o in_o another_o book_n the_o mistake_n and_o danger_n of_o expect_v too_o much_o here_o and_o the_o necessity_n of_o look_v and_o long_v for_o that_o rest_n if_o we_o will_v have_v peace_n indeed_o but_o alas_o how_o hard_o be_v this_o lesson_n learn_v unbeliever_n will_v have_v happiness_n but_o how_o fain_o will_v they_o have_v it_o in_o the_o creature_n rather_o than_o in_o god_n believer_n will_v rather_o have_v their_o happiness_n in_o god_n then_o in_o the_o creature_n but_o how_o fain_o will_v they_o have_v it_o without_o die_v and_o no_o wonder_n for_o when_o sin_n bring_v in_o death_n even_o grace_n itself_o can_v love_v it_o though_o it_o may_v submit_v to_o it_o but_o though_o churlish_a death_n do_v stand_v in_o our_o way_n why_o look_v we_o not_o at_o the_o soul_n admittance_n into_o rest_n and_o the_o body_n resurrection_n that_o must_v short_o follow_v doubtless_o that_o faith_n by_o which_o we_o be_v justify_v and_o save_v as_o it_o sit_v down_o on_o the_o word_n of_o truth_n as_o the_o present_a ground_n of_o its_o confident_a repose_n so_o do_v it_o thence_o look_v with_o one_o eye_n backward_o on_o the_o cross_n and_o with_o the_o other_o forward_o on_o the_o crown_n and_o if_o we_o well_o observe_v the_o scripture_n description_n of_o that_o faith_n we_o shall_v find_v they_o as_o frequent_o magnify_v it_o and_o describe_v it_o from_o the_o latter_a as_o from_o the_o former_a as_o it_o be_v the_o duty_n and_o glory_n of_o faith_n to_o look_v back_o with_o thankful_a acknowledgement_n to_o a_o crucify_a christ_n and_o his_o payment_n of_o our_o ransom_n so_o be_v it_o the_o duty_n and_o glory_n of_o that_o same_o justify_v save_v faith_n to_o look_v forward_o with_o desire_n and_o hope_n to_o the_o return_n of_o king_n jesus_n and_o the_o glorious_a celebration_n of_o the_o marriage_n of_o the_o lamb_n and_o the_o sentencial_a justification_n and_o the_o glorification_n of_o his_o saint_n to_o believe_v these_o thing_n unfeigned_o which_o we_o never_o see_v nor_o ever_o speak_v with_o man_n that_o do_v see_v and_o to_o hope_v for_o they_o so_o real_o as_o to_o let_v go_v all_o present_a forbid_a pleasure_n and_o all_o worldly_a hope_n and_o seem_a happiness_n rather_o than_o to_o hazard_v the_o loss_n of_o they_o this_o be_v a_o eminent_a part_n of_o that_o faith_n by_o which_o the_o just_a do_v live_v and_o which_o the_o scripture_n do_v own_o as_o justify_v and_o save_v for_o it_o never_o distinguish_v between_o justify_v faith_n and_o save_v faith_n as_o to_o their_o nature_n it_o be_v therefore_o a_o great_a mistake_n of_o some_o to_o look_v only_o at_o that_o one_o eye_n of_o justify_v faith_n which_o look_v back_o upon_o the_o cross_n and_o a_o great_a mistake_n of_o they_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n that_o look_v only_o at_o that_o eye_n of_o it_o which_o behold_v the_o crown_n both_o christ_n crucify_a and_o christ_n intercede_v and_o christ_n return_v to_o justify_v and_o glorify_v be_v the_o object_n even_o of_o justify_v save_v faith_n most_o strict_o so_o call_v the_o scripture_n oft_o express_v the_o one_o only_o but_o than_o it_o still_o imply_v the_o other_o the_o socinian_o erroneous_o therefore_o from_o heb._n 11._o where_o the_o example_n and_o eulogy_n of_o faith_n be_v set_v forth_o do_v exclude_v christ_n crucify_a or_o the_o respect_n to_o his_o satisfaction_n from_o justify_v faith_n and_o place_n it_o in_o a_o mere_a expectation_n of_o glory_n and_o other_o do_v as_o unground_o affirm_v that_o it_o be_v not_o the_o justify_v act_n of_o faith_n which_o heb._n 11._o describe_v because_o they_o find_v not_o the_o cross_n of_o christ_n there_o mention_v for_o as_o believe_v in_o christ_n blood_n comprehend_v the_o end_n even_o the_o expectation_n of_o remission_n and_o glory_n merit_v by_o that_o blood_n so_o the_o believe_v of_o that_o glory_n do_v always_o imply_v that_o we_o believe_v and_o expect_v it_o as_o the_o fruit_n of_o christ_n ransom_n it_o be_v for_o health_n and_o life_n that_o we_o accept_v and_o trust_v upon_o our_o physician_n and_o it_o be_v for_o justification_n and_o salvation_n that_o we_o accept_v and_o trust_v on_o christ_n the_o salvation_n of_o our_o soul_n be_v the_o end_n of_o our_o faith_n they_o that_o question_n whether_o we_o may_v believe_v and_o obey_v for_o our_o own_o
this_o rule_n in_o any_o of_o your_o self-examinings_a it_o be_v the_o heart_n that_o god_n require_v my_o son_n give_v i_o thy_o heart_n prov._n 23.26_o if_o he_o have_v the_o will_v he_o have_v the_o heart_n he_o may_v have_v much_o of_o our_o knowledge_n and_o not_o our_o heart_n but_o when_o we_o know_v he_o so_o thorough_o as_o to_o will_v he_o unfeigned_o than_o he_o have_v our_o heart_n affectionate_a work_n of_o soul_n to_o god_n in_o christ_n be_v sweet_a thing_n and_o high_a and_o noble_a duty_n and_o such_o as_o all_o christian_n shall_v strive_v for_o but_o they_o be_v not_o the_o safe_a mark_n to_o try_v our_o state_n by_o 1._o because_o there_o may_v be_v a_o solid_a sincere_a intention_n and_o choice_n in_o and_o of_o the_o will_n when_o there_o be_v little_o stir_v perceive_v in_o the_o affection_n 2._o because_o the_o will_n be_v the_o master_n command_v faculty_n of_o the_o rational_a soul_n and_o so_o if_o it_o be_v right_a that_o man_n be_v upright_o and_o safe_a 3._o because_o the_o passion_n and_o affection_n be_v so_o mutable_a and_o uncertain_a the_o will_n can_v command_v they_o but_o imperfect_o it_o can_v perfect_o restrain_v they_o from_o vanity_n much_o less_o can_v it_o perfect_o raise_v they_o to_o that_o height_n as_o be_v suitable_a to_o the_o excellency_n of_o our_o heavenly_a object_n but_o the_o object_n itself_o with_o its_o sensible_a manner_n of_o apprehension_n move_v they_o more_o than_o all_o the_o command_n of_o the_o will._n and_o so_o we_o find_v by_o experience_n that_o a_o godly_a man_n when_o with_o his_o utmost_a private_a endeavour_n he_o can_v command_v one_o stir_v pang_n of_o divine_a love_n or_o joy_n in_o his_o soul_n yet_o upon_o the_o hear_n of_o some_o move_a sermon_n or_o the_o sudden_a receive_n of_o some_o extraordinary_a mercy_n or_o the_o read_n of_o some_o quicken_a book_n he_o shall_v feel_v perhaps_o some_o stir_n of_o that_o affection_n so_o when_o we_o can_v weep_v in_o private_a one_o tear_n for_o sin_n yet_o at_o a_o stir_a sermon_n or_o when_o we_o give_v vent_v to_o our_o sorrow_n and_o ease_v our_o trouble_a heart_n into_o the_o bosom_n of_o some_o faithful_a friend_n than_o we_o can_v find_v tear_n 4._o because_o passion_n and_o affection_n depend_v so_o much_o on_o the_o temperature_n of_o the_o body_n to_o one_o they_o be_v easy_a familiar_a and_o at_o command_n to_o another_o as_o honest_a they_o be_v difficult_a and_o scarce_o stir_v at_o all_o with_o most_o woman_n and_o person_n of_o weak_a temper_n they_o be_v easy_a than_o with_o man_n some_o can_v weep_v at_o the_o death_n of_o a_o friend_n though_o never_o so_o dear_a no_o nor_o perhaps_o feel_v very_o sensible_a inward_a grief_n and_o yet_o perhaps_o will_v have_v redeem_v his_o life_n at_o a_o far_o dear_a rate_n have_v it_o be_v possible_a then_o those_o that_o can_v grieve_v and_o weep_v more_o abundant_o 5._o because_o worldly_a thing_n have_v so_o great_a a_o advantage_n on_o our_o passion_n and_o affection_n 1._o they_o be_v sensible_a and_o near_o we_o and_o our_o knowledge_n of_o they_o be_v clear_a but_o god_n be_v not_o to_o be_v see_v hear_v or_o feel_v by_o our_o sense_n he_o be_v far_o from_o we_o though_o local_o present_a with_o we_o we_o be_v capable_a of_o know_v but_o little_a very_o little_a of_o he_o 2._o earthly_a thing_n be_v always_o before_o our_o eye_n their_o advantage_n be_v continual_a 3._o earthly_a thing_n be_v still_o the_o object_n of_o our_o sense_n do_v force_n our_o passion_n whether_o we_o will_v or_o not_o though_o they_o can_v force_v our_o wi_n 6._o because_o affection_n and_o passion_n rise_v and_o fall_v and_o neither_o be_v nor_o can_v be_v in_o any_o even_a and_o constant_a frame_n and_o therefore_o be_v unfit_a to_o be_v the_o constant_a or_o certain_a evidence_n of_o our_o state_n but_o the_o will_n resolution_n and_o choice_n may_v be_v more_o constant_a so_o that_o i_o advise_v you_o rather_o to_o try_v yourself_o by_o your_o will_n then_o by_o your_o passionate_a stir_n of_o love_n or_o longing_n of_o joy_n or_o sorrow_n object_n but_o do_v not_o scripture_n lay_v as_o much_o on_o love_n as_o on_o any_o grace_n and_o do_v not_o christ_n say_v that_o except_o we_o love_v he_o above_o all_o we_o can_v be_v his_o disciple_n answ_n it_o be_v all_o very_a true_a but_o consider_v love_n have_v two_o part_n the_o one_o in_o the_o will_n which_o be_v common_o call_v a_o faculty_n of_o the_o soul_n as_o rational_a and_o this_o be_v the_o same_o thing_n that_o i_o call_v willing_a accept_n choose_v or_o consent_v this_o complacency_n be_v true_a love_n to_o christ_n and_o this_o be_v the_o sure_a stand_a mark._n the_o other_o be_v the_o passionate_a part_n common_o say_v to_o be_v in_o the_o soul_n as_o sensitive_a and_o this_o though_o most_o common_o call_v love_n yet_o be_v less_o certain_a and_o constant_a and_o so_o unfit_a to_o try_v your_o state_n by_o though_o a_o great_a duty_n so_o far_o as_o we_o can_v reach_v it_o 2._o you_o must_v understand_v and_o well_o remember_v that_o it_o be_v not_o every_o willingness_n that_o will_v prove_v your_o sincerity_n for_o wicked_a man_n may_v have_v slight_a apprehension_n of_o spiritual_a thing_n which_o may_v produce_v some_o slight_a desire_n and_o wish_n which_o yet_o be_v so_o feeble_a and_o heartless_a that_o every_o lust_n and_o carnal_a desire_n overcome_v they_o and_o it_o will_v not_o so_o much_o as_o enable_v they_o to_o deny_v the_o gross_a sin_n but_o it_o must_v be_v the_o prevalent_a part_n of_o your_o will_n that_o god_n must_v have_v i_o mean_v a_o great_a share_n a_o deep_a and_o large_a room_n than_o any_o thing_n in_o the_o world_n that_o be_v you_o must_v have_v a_o high_a estimation_n of_o god_n and_o everlasting_a happiness_n and_o christ_n and_o a_o holy_a life_n then_o of_o any_o thing_n in_o the_o world_n and_o also_o your_o will_n must_v be_v so_o dispose_v hereby_o and_o incline_v to_o god_n that_o if_o god_n and_o glory_n to_o be_v obtain_v through_o christ_n by_o a_o holy_a self-denying_a life_n be_v set_v before_o you_o on_o the_o one_o hand_n and_o the_o pleasure_n profit_n and_o honour_n of_o the_o world_n to_o be_v enjoy_v in_o a_o way_n of_o sin_n on_o the_o other_o hand_n you_o will_v resolve_o take_v the_o former_a and_o refuse_v the_o late_a indeed_o they_o be_v thus_o set_v before_o you_o and_o upon_o your_o choice_n depend_v your_o salvation_n or_o damnation_n though_o that_o choice_n must_v come_v from_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n 3._o yet_o must_v you_o well_o remember_v that_o this_o willingness_n and_o choice_n be_v still_o imperfect_a and_o therefore_o when_o i_o mention_v a_o hearty_a willingness_n i_o mean_v not_o a_o perfect_a willingness_n there_o may_v be_v and_o be_v in_o the_o most_o gracious_a soul_n on_o earth_n much_o undisposedness_n backwardness_n and_o withdraw_n of_o heart_n which_o be_v too_o great_a a_o measure_n of_o unwillingness_n to_o duty_n especial_o to_o those_o duty_n which_o the_o flesh_n be_v most_o averse_a from_o and_o which_o require_v most_o of_o god_n and_o his_o spirit_n to_o the_o right_a performance_n of_o they_o among_o all_o duty_n i_o think_v the_o soul_n be_v natural_o most_o backward_o to_o these_o follow_v 1._o to_o secret_a prayer_n because_o it_o be_v spiritual_a and_o require_v great_a reverence_n and_o have_v nothing_o of_o external_a pomp_n or_o form_n to_o take_v we_o up_o with_o and_o consist_v not_o much_o in_o the_o exercise_n of_o common_a gift_n but_o in_o the_o exercise_n of_o special_a grace_n and_o the_o breathe_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o search_n pant_n and_o strive_n of_o a_o gracious_a soul_n towards_o god_n i_o do_v not_o speak_v of_o the_o heartless_a repeat_n of_o bare_a word_n learn_v by_o rote_n and_o either_o not_o understand_v or_o not_o utter_v from_o the_o feel_n of_o the_o soul_n 2._o to_o serious_a meditation_n also_o be_v the_o soul_n very_o backward_o that_o be_v either_o to_o meditate_v on_o god_n and_o the_o promise_a glory_n or_o any_o spiritual_a subject_n to_o this_o end_n that_o the_o heart_n may_v be_v thereby_o quicken_v and_o raise_v and_o grace_n exercise_v though_o to_o meditate_v on_o the_o same_o subject_n only_o to_o know_v or_o dispute_v on_o it_o the_o heart_n be_v nothing_o near_o so_o backward_o or_o else_o to_o meditate_v on_o the_o state_n of_o our_o own_o heart_n by_o way_n of_o self-examination_n or_o self-judging_a or_o self-reprehension_n or_o self-exciting_a 3._o also_o to_o the_o duty_n of_o faithful_a deal_n with_o each_o other_o soul_n in_o secret_a reproof_n and_o exhortation_n plain_o though_o lovingly_z to_o tell_v each_o other_o of_o our_o sin_n and_o danger_n to_o this_o the_o heart_n be_v usual_o very_o backward_o partly_o through_o a_o
perfect_o sanctify_v and_o rid_v of_o that_o body_n of_o sin_n though_o it_o be_v to_o the_o smart_n and_o displease_v of_o your_o flesh_n be_v you_o not_o willing_a to_o wait_v on_o god_n in_o the_o use_n of_o his_o ordinance_n in_o that_o poor_a weak_a measure_n as_o you_o be_v able_a to_o perform_v they_o dare_v you_o or_o will_v you_o quit_v your_o part_n in_o god_n heaven_n christ_n and_o forsake_v the_o way_n of_o holiness_n and_o do_v as_o the_o profane_a world_n do_v though_o it_o be_v to_o please_v your_o flesh_n or_o save_v your_o state_n or_o life_n do_v not_o you_o daily_o strive_v against_o the_o flesh_n and_o keep_v it_o under_o and_o deny_v it_o its_o desire_n do_v you_o not_o deny_v the_o world_n when_o it_o will_v hinder_v you_o from_o work_n of_o mercy_n or_o public_a good_a according_a to_o your_o ability_n be_v it_o not_o the_o grief_n of_o your_o soul_n when_o you_o fall_v and_o your_o great_a trouble_n that_o you_o can_v walk_v more_o obedient_o innocent_o and_o fruitful_o and_o do_v you_o not_o after_o sin_v resolve_v to_o be_v more_o watchful_a for_o the_o time_n to_o come_v be_v you_o not_o resolve_v to_o stick_v to_o christ_n and_o his_o holy_a law_n and_o way_n whatever_o change_v or_o danger_n come_v and_o rather_o to_o forsake_v friend_n and_o all_o that_o you_o have_v then_o to_o forsake_v he_o yet_o in_o a_o godly_a jealousy_n and_o distrust_n of_o your_o own_o heart_n do_v renounce_v your_o own_o strength_n and_o resolve_v to_o do_v this_o only_a in_o the_o strength_n of_o christ_n and_o therefore_o daily_o beg_v it_o of_o he_o be_v it_o not_o your_o daily_a care_n and_o business_n to_o please_v god_n and_o do_v his_o will_n and_o avoid_v sin_v in_o your_o weak_a measure_n i_o hope_v that_o all_o this_o be_v so_o and_o your_o own_o case_n which_o if_o it_o be_v you_o have_v infallible_a evidence_n and_o want_v but_o the_o sight_n and_o comfort_n of_o they_o you_o have_v the_o true_a ground_n for_o assurance_n though_o you_o want_v assurance_n itself_o your_o chief_a danger_n be_v over_o though_o your_o trouble_n remain_v your_o soul_n be_v at_o the_o present_a in_o a_o safe_a condition_n though_o not_o in_o the_o sense_n of_o it_o you_o be_v in_o the_o state_n of_o salvation_n though_o not_o of_o consolation_n it_o must_v be_v your_o next_o work_n therefore_o to_o study_v god_n mercy_n and_o take_v notice_n what_o he_o have_v do_v for_o your_o soul_n let_v not_o so_o bless_v a_o guest_n as_o the_o holy_a ghost_n dwell_v in_o you_o unobserved_a shall_v he_o do_v such_o wonder_n in_o you_o and_o for_o you_o and_o you_o not_o know_v it_o or_o acknowledge_v it_o shall_v he_o new_o beget_v you_o and_o new_o make_v you_o and_o produce_v a_o spiritual_a heavenly_a nature_n in_o you_o who_o of_o yourself_o be_v so_o carnal_a and_o earthly_a and_o will_v you_o not_o observe_v it_o have_v you_o any_o of_o these_o holy_a desire_n endeavour_n or_o resolution_n of_o yourself_o by_o nature_n or_o have_v the_o ungodly_a about_o you_o any_o of_o they_o o_o that_o you_o know_v what_o a_o work_n of_o wonderful_a mercy_n wisdom_n and_o power_n the_o spirit_n perform_v in_o the_o renew_n of_o a_o soul_n then_o sure_o you_o will_v more_o observe_v and_o admire_v his_o love_n to_o you_o herein_o direction_n xii_o 12._o the_o next_o rule_n for_o your_o direction_n for_o the_o right_n settle_v of_o your_o peace_n be_v this_o you_o must_v know_v that_o assurance_n of_o justification_n adoption_n and_o right_a to_o salvation_n can_v be_v gather_v from_o the_o small_a degree_n of_o save_v grace_n here_o i_o must_v say_v something_o for_o explain_v my_o meaning_n to_o you_o 2._o and_o then_o give_v you_o my_o reason_n of_o this_o assertion_n 1._o understand_v that_o i_o speak_v of_o god_n ordinary_a work_n by_o mean_n not_o deny_v but_o god_n may_v by_o a_o voice_n from_o heaven_n or_o a_o angel_n or_o other_o supernatural_a revelation_n bestow_v assurance_n on_o who_o he_o please_v but_o i_o hope_v all_o wise_a christian_n will_v take_v heed_n of_o expect_v this_o or_o of_o trust_v too_o much_o to_o seem_a revelation_n unless_o they_o can_v prove_v that_o god_n use_v to_o confer_v assurance_n in_o this_o way_n which_o i_o think_v they_o can_v 2._o by_o the_o small_a degree_n of_o grace_n i_o mean_v of_o faith_n love_n obedience_n and_o those_o save_a grace_n who_o act_n be_v the_o condition_n of_o our_o salvation_n and_o which_o in_o the_o fore-expressed_n mark_v i_o lay_v down_o to_o you_o do_v not_o therefore_o so_o far_o mistake_v i_o as_o to_o think_v that_o i_o speak_v of_o a_o small_a measure_n of_o those_o common_a gift_n which_o be_v separable_a from_o true_a sanctification_n such_o as_o be_v extensive_a knowledge_n memory_n ability_n of_o utterance_n in_o preach_v repeat_v exhort_v or_o pray_v a_o ornate_a plausible_a win_a deportment_n before_o man_n such_o as_o be_v common_o call_v good_a breed_n or_o manner_n a_o affect_a humble_a complemental_a familiarity_n and_o condescension_n to_o creep_v into_o man_n estimation_n and_o affection_n and_o steal_v their_o heart_n etc._n etc._n many_o a_o one_o that_o be_v strong_a in_o save_v grace_n be_v weak_a in_o all_o these_o and_o other_o the_o like_a now_o for_o my_o reason_n 1._o i_o conceive_v that_o it_o be_v not_o possible_a for_o any_o minister_n punctual_o to_o set_v down_o a_o discernible_a difference_n between_o the_o least_o measure_n of_o true_a save_a grace_n and_o the_o high_a degree_n of_o common_a grace_n and_o to_o say_v just_o here_o it_o be_v that_o they_o part_v or_o by_o this_o you_o may_v discern_v they_o i_o do_v but_o say_v i_o think_v so_o because_o other_o man_n may_v know_v far_o more_o than_o i_o do_v but_o i_o will_v say_v it_o as_o certain_a that_o i_o be_o not_o able_a to_o do_v it_o for_o my_o own_o part_n this_o much_o i_o can_v tell_v that_o the_o least_o degree_n of_o grace_n that_o be_v save_v do_v determine_v the_o soul_n for_o god_n and_o christ_n against_o the_o world_n and_o flesh_n that_o stand_v as_o competitor_n and_o so_o where_o christ_n interest_n prevail_v in_o the_o least_o measure_n there_o be_v the_o least_o measure_n of_o save_a grace_n as_o when_o you_o be_v weigh_v two_o thing_n in_o the_o balance_n and_o at_o last_o make_v it_o so_o near_a evenweight_n that_o one_o end_n be_v turn_v and_o no_o more_o so_o when_o you_o be_v consider_v whether_o to_o be_v for_o christ_n or_o for_o the_o flesh_n and_o the_o world_n and_o your_o will_n be_v but_o even_o a_o very_a little_a determine_v to_o christ_n and_o prefer_v he_o this_o be_v the_o least_o measure_n of_o save_a grace_n but_o then_o how_o a_o poor_a soul_n shall_v discern_v this_o prevalent_a choice_n and_o determination_n of_o itself_o be_v all_o the_o question_n for_o there_o be_v nothing_o more_o easy_a and_o common_a then_o for_o man_n to_o think_v very_o that_o they_o prefer_v christ_n above_o the_o creature_n as_o long_o as_o no_o temptation_n do_v assault_v they_o nor_o sensual_a object_n stand_v up_o in_o any_o cosiderable_a strength_n to_o entice_v they_o nay_o wicked_a man_n do_v true_o oft_o time_n purpose_v to_o obey_v christ_n before_o the_o flesh_n and_o to_o take_v he_o for_o their_o lord_n mere_o in_o the_o general_n when_o they_o do_v not_o know_v or_o consider_v the_o quality_n of_o his_o law_n that_o they_o be_v so_o strict_a and_o spiritual_a and_o contrary_a to_o the_o flesh_n and_o hazardous_a to_o their_o worldly_a hope_n and_o seeming-happiness_n but_o when_o it_o come_v to_o particular_n and_o god_n say_v now_o deny_v thyself_o and_o thy_o friend_n and_o thy_o good_n and_o thy_o life_n for_o my_o sake_n alas_o it_o be_v never_o his_o resolution_n to_o do_v it_o nor_o will_v he_o be_v persuade_v to_o it_o but_o he_o that_o say_v to_o god_n who_o send_v he_o to_o labour_v in_o his_o vineyard_n i_o go_v sir_n when_o he_o come_v to_o find_v the_o unpleasingness_n of_o the_o work_n he_o go_v not_o or_o never_o set_v a_o hand_n to_o it_o so_o that_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o it_o be_v no_o true_a save_a resolution_n or_o willingness_n which_o prevail_v not_o for_o actual_a obedience_n now_o here_o come_v in_o the_o unresolvable_a doubt_n what_o be_v the_o least_o measure_n of_o obedience_n that_o will_v prove_v a_o man_n true_o willing_a and_o resolve_v or_o to_o have_v true_o accept_v of_o christ_n for_o his_o lord_n this_o obedience_n lie_v in_o perform_v what_o be_v command_v and_o avoid_v what_o be_v forbid_v now_o it_o be_v too_o certain_a that_o every_o true_a believer_n be_v guilty_a of_o a_o frequent_a neglect_n of_o duty_n yea_o of_o know_a duty_n we_o know_v we_o shall_v love_v god_n more_o abundant_o and_o delight_n in_o he_o and_o meditate_v more_o on_o he_o and_o
forsake_v all_o and_o lay_v down_o thy_o life_n for_o christ_n be_v it_o not_o better_o venture_v thyself_o in_o the_o same_o way_n as_o thou_o have_v go_v in_o as_o well_o as_o other_o do_v and_o as_o so_o many_o of_o thy_o forefather_n have_v do_v before_o thou_o under_o such_o sinful_a deliberation_n as_o these_o we_o usual_o continue_v long_o before_o we_o full_o resolve_v and_o many_o demur_n and_o delay_n we_o make_v before_o we_o conclude_v to_o take_v christ_n on_o the_o term_n that_o he_o be_v offer_v to_o we_o now_o i_o make_v no_o doubt_n but_o most_o or_o many_o christian_n can_v remember_v how_o and_o when_o god_n stir_v their_o conscience_n and_o waken_v they_o from_o their_o security_n and_o make_v they_o look_v about_o they_o and_o rouse_v they_o out_o of_o their_o natural_a lethargy_n some_o can_v tell_v what_o sermon_n first_o do_v it_o other_o can_v remember_v by_o what_o degree_n and_o step_n god_n be_v do_v it_o long_o the_o ordinary_a way_n appoint_v by_o god_n for_o the_o do_v of_o it_o first_o be_v the_o instruction_n of_o parent_n and_o as_o i_o have_v fullier_n manifest_v in_o my_o book_n of_o infant_n baptism_n if_o parent_n will_v do_v their_o duty_n they_o will_v find_v that_o the_o word_n public_o preach_v be_v not_o appoint_v to_o be_v the_o first_o ordinary_a mean_n of_o conversion_n and_o sanctification_n but_o common_o grace_n will_v be_v receive_v in_o childhood_n i_o speak_v not_o of_o baptismal_a relative_n grace_n consist_v in_o the_o pardon_n of_o original_a sin_n nor_o yet_o any_o infusion_n of_o habit_n before_o they_o have_v the_o use_n of_o reason_n because_o i_o suppose_v it_o be_v hide_v from_o we_o what_o god_n do_v in_o that_o but_o i_o speak_v of_o actual_a conversion_n and_o i_o prove_v that_o this_o shall_v be_v the_o first_o ordinary_a way_n and_o time_n of_o conversion_n to_o the_o child_n of_o true_a christian_n because_o it_o be_v the_o first_o mean_n that_o god_n have_v appoint_v to_o be_v use_v with_o they_o deut._n 6.6_o 7_o 8._o eph._n 6.4_o parent_n be_v command_v to_o teach_v their_o child_n the_o law_n of_o god_n urgent_o at_o home_o and_o as_o they_o walk_v abroad_o lie_v down_o and_o rise_v up_o and_o to_o bring_v they_o up_o in_o the_o admonition_n and_o nurture_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o to_o train_v up_o a_o child_n in_o the_o way_n he_o shall_v go_v and_o then_o when_o they_o be_v old_a they_o will_v not_o depart_v from_o it_o prov._n 22.6_o and_o child_n be_v command_v to_o remember_v their_o creator_n in_o the_o day_n of_o their_o youth_n eccles_n 12.1_o and_o if_o this_o be_v god_n first_o great_a mean_n then_o doubtless_o he_o will_v ordinary_o bless_v his_o own_o mean_n here_o as_o well_o as_o in_o the_o preach_a of_o the_o word_n from_o all_o this_o i_o will_v have_v you_o learn_v this_o lesson_n that_o you_o ought_v not_o to_o trouble_v yourself_o with_o fear_n and_o doubt_n lest_o you_o be_v not_o true_o regenerate_v because_o you_o know_v not_o the_o sermon_n or_o the_o very_a time_n and_o manner_n of_o your_o conversion_n but_o find_v that_o you_o have_v grace_n and_o then_o though_o you_o know_v not_o just_a the_o time_n or_o manner_n of_o your_o receive_n of_o it_o yet_o you_o may_v nevertheless_o be_v assure_v of_o salvation_n by_o it_o search_v therefore_o what_o you_o be_v and_o how_o your_o will_n be_v dispose_v and_o resolve_v and_o how_o your_o life_n be_v order_v rather_o than_o to_o know_v how_o you_o become_v such_o i_o know_v the_o work_n of_o the_o spirit_n on_o the_o soul_n may_v be_v discern_v because_o they_o stir_v up_o discernible_a act_n in_o our_o own_o spirit_n the_o soul_n conviction_n consideration_n resolution_n and_o affection_n be_v no_o insensible_a thing_n but_o yet_o the_o work_n of_o grace_n usual_o begin_v in_o common_a grace_n and_o so_o proceed_v by_o degree_n till_o it_o come_v to_o special_a save_a grace_n even_o as_o the_o work_n of_o nature_n do_v first_o produce_v the_o matter_n and_o then_o introduce_v the_o form_n first_o produce_v the_o embryo_n before_o it_o introduce_v a_o rational_a soul_n and_o as_o no_o child_n know_v the_o time_n or_o manner_n of_o his_o own_o formation_n vivification_n or_o reception_n of_o that_o soul_n so_o i_o think_v few_o true_a believer_n can_v say_v just_o such_o a_o day_n or_o at_o such_o a_o sermon_n i_o become_v a_o true_a justify_v sanctify_v man_n that_o be_v the_o hour_n of_o your_o true_a conversion_n and_o justification_n when_o you_o first_o prefer_v god_n and_o christ_n and_o grace_n before_o all_o thing_n in_o this_o world_n and_o deliberate_o and_o serious_o resolve_v to_o take_v christ_n for_o your_o saviour_n and_o governor_n and_o give_v up_o yourself_o to_o he_o to_o be_v save_v teach_v and_o govern_v and_o to_o obey_v he_o faithful_o to_o the_o death_n against_o all_o temptation_n whatsoever_o you_o shall_v lose_v or_o suffer_v by_o it_o now_o i_o will_v but_o ask_v those_o very_a christian_n that_o think_v they_o do_v know_v the_o very_a sermon_n that_o convert_v they_o do_v that_o sermon_n bring_v you_o to_o this_o resolution_n or_o be_v it_o not_o only_o some_o trouble_v rouse_a preparation_n hereto_o i_o think_v some_o desperate_a sickness_n or_o the_o like_a affliction_n be_v a_o very_a usual_a mean_n to_o bring_v resolution_n to_o be_v downright_a and_o fix_v with_o many_o soul_n that_o long_o delay_v and_o fluctuate_v in_o unresolvedness_n and_o lay_v under_o mere_a uneffectual_a conviction_n obj._n but_o this_o run_v on_o your_o own_o ground_n that_o save_a grace_n and_o common_a grace_n do_v differ_v but_o in_o degree_n answ_n i_o think_v most_o will_v confess_v that_o as_o to_o the_o act_n of_o grace_n and_o that_o be_v it_o that_o we_o be_v now_o inquire_v after_o and_o that_o be_v all_o the_o mean_n that_o we_o have_v of_o discern_v the_o habit_n yet_o remember_v that_o i_o still_o tell_v you_o that_o there_o be_v a_o specifical_a moral_a difference_n though_o ground_v but_o in_o a_o gradual_a natural_a difference_n yea_o and_o that_o one_o grain_n of_o the_o spirit_n work_v which_o turn_v the_o will_n in_o a_o prevalent_a measure_n for_o christ_n together_o with_o the_o illumination_n necessary_a thereto_o deserve_v all_o those_o eulogy_n and_o high_a title_n that_o be_v give_v it_o in_o the_o word_n so_o great_a a_o change_n do_v it_o make_v in_o the_o soul_n well_o may_v it_o be_v call_v the_o new_a creature_n bear_v of_o the_o spirit_n the_o workmanship_n of_o god_n the_o new_a life_n yea_o the_o image_n of_o god_n and_o the_o divine_a nature_n if_o that_o text_n be_v not_o mean_v of_o the_o divine_a nature_n in_o christ_n which_o we_o be_v relative_o make_v partaker_n of_o in_o our_o union_n with_o he_o when_o you_o be_v weigh_v thing_n in_o the_o balance_n you_o may_v add_v grain_n after_o grain_n and_o it_o make_v no_o turn_v or_o motion_n at_o all_o till_o you_o come_v to_o the_o very_a last_o grain_n and_o then_o sudden_o that_o end_n which_o be_v downward_o be_v turn_v upward_o when_o you_o stand_v at_o a_o loss_n between_o two_o highway_n not_o know_v which_o way_n to_o go_v as_o long_o as_o you_o be_v deliberate_a you_o stand_v still_o all_o the_o reason_n that_o come_v into_o your_o mind_n do_v not_o stir_v you_o but_o the_o last_o reason_n which_o resolve_v you_o set_v you_o in_o motion_n so_o be_v it_o in_o the_o change_n of_o a_o sinner_n heart_n and_o life_n he_o be_v not_o change_v but_o prepare_v towards_o it_o while_o he_o be_v but_o deliberate_v whether_o he_o shall_v choose_v christ_n or_o the_o world_n but_o the_o last_o reason_n that_o come_v in_o and_o determine_v his_o will_n to_o christ_n and_o make_v he_o resolve_v and_o enter_v a_o firm_a covenant_n with_o christ_n and_o say_v i_o will_v have_v christ_n for_o better_a or_o worse_o this_o make_v the_o great_a change_n that_o ever_o be_v make_v by_o any_o work_n in_o this_o world_n for_o how_o can_v there_o be_v great_a than_o the_o turn_n of_o a_o soul_n from_o the_o creature_n to_o the_o creator_n so_o distant_a be_v the_o term_n of_o this_o change_n after_o this_o one_o turn_v act_n christ_n have_v that_o heart_n and_o the_o main_a bent_n and_o endeavour_n of_o the_o life_n which_o the_o world_n have_v before_o the_o man_n have_v a_o new_a end_n a_o new_a rule_n and_o guide_n and_o a_o new_a master_n before_o the_o flesh_n and_o the_o devil_n be_v his_o master_n and_o now_o christ_n be_v his_o master_n so_o that_o you_o must_v not_o think_v so_o mean_o of_o the_o turn_v determine_a resolve_v act_n of_o grace_n because_o it_o lie_v but_o in_o a_o gradual_a difference_n natural_o from_o common_a grace_n if_o a_o prince_n shall_v offer_v a_o condemn_a beggar_n to_o marry_v she_o and_o pardon_v she_o and_o make_v she_o
or_o treasure_n of_o the_o earth_n if_o you_o have_v as_o you_o have_v a_o offer_n of_o god_n christ_n grace_n and_o glory_n on_o one_o side_n and_o worldly_a prosperity_n in_o sin_n on_o the_o other_o side_n you_o will_v choose_v god_n and_o let_v go_v the_o other_o you_o dare_v not_o you_o will_v not_o give_v over_o pray_v hear_v read_v and_o christian_a company_n and_o give_v up_o yourself_o to_o worldly_a fleshly_a pleasure_n yet_o you_o be_v not_o assure_v of_o salvation_n because_o you_o find_v not_o that_o delight_n and_o life_n in_o duty_n and_o that_o witness_v of_o the_o spirit_n and_o that_o communion_n with_o god_n nor_o that_o tenderness_n of_o heart_n as_o you_o desire_v it_o be_v well_o that_o you_o desire_v they_o but_o though_o you_o be_v not_o certain_a of_o salvation_n do_v not_o you_o see_v a_o great_a likelihood_n a_o probability_n in_o all_o this_o be_v not_o your_o heart_n raise_v to_o a_o hope_n that_o yet_o god_n be_v merciful_a to_o you_o and_o mean_v you_o good_a doubtless_o this_v you_o may_v easy_o discern_v the_o second_o thing_n that_o i_o be_o to_o show_v you_o be_v that_o there_o may_v much_o spiritual_a comfort_n and_o peace_n of_o conscience_n be_v enjoy_v without_o any_o certainty_n of_o salvation_n give_v upon_o these_o forementioned_a probability_n which_o i_o prove_v thus_o 1._o no_o doubt_n but_o adam_n in_o innocency_n have_v peace_n of_o conscience_n and_o comfort_n and_o communion_n with_o god_n and_o yet_o he_o have_v no_o assurance_n of_o salvation_n i_o mean_v either_o of_o continue_v in_o paradise_n or_o be_v translate_v to_o glory_n for_o if_o he_o have_v either_o he_o be_v sure_a to_o persevere_v in_o innocency_n and_o so_o to_o be_v glorify_v but_o that_o be_v not_o true_a or_o else_o he_o must_v foreknow_v both_o that_o he_o shall_v fall_v and_o be_v raise_v again_o and_o save_v by_o christ_n but_o this_o he_o know_v not_o at_o all_o 2._o experience_n tell_v we_o that_o the_o great_a part_n of_o christian_n on_o earth_n do_v enjoy_v that_o peace_n and_o comfort_n which_o they_o have_v without_o any_o certainty_n of_o their_o salvation_n 3._o the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n tell_v we_o that_o a_o likelihood_n of_o so_o great_a a_o mercy_n as_o everlasting_a glory_n must_v needs_o be_v a_o ground_n of_o great_a comfort_n if_o a_o poor_a condemn_a prisoner_n do_v but_o hear_v that_o there_o be_v hope_n of_o a_o pardon_n special_o if_o very_o probable_a it_o will_v glad_v his_o heart_n indeed_o if_o a_o angel_n from_o heaven_n be_v bring_v into_o this_o state_n it_o will_v be_v sad_a to_o he_o but_o if_o a_o devil_n or_o a_o condemn_a sinner_n have_v such_o hope_n it_o must_v needs_o be_v glad_a news_n to_o they_o the_o devil_n have_v it_o not_o but_o we_o have_v 3._o let_v i_o next_o therefore_o entreat_v you_o to_o take_v the_o comfort_n of_o your_o probability_n of_o grace_n and_o salvation_n your_o horse_n or_o dog_n know_v not_o how_o you_o will_v use_v they_o certain_o yet_o will_v they_o love_o follow_v you_o and_o put_v their_o head_n to_o your_o hand_n and_o trust_v you_o with_o their_o life_n without_o fear_n and_o love_n to_o be_v in_o your_o company_n because_o they_o have_v find_v you_o kind_n to_o they_o and_o have_v try_v that_o you_o do_v they_o no_o hurt_n but_o good_a yea_o though_o you_o do_v strike_v they_o sometime_o yet_o they_o find_v that_o they_o have_v their_o food_n from_o you_o and_o your_o favour_n do_v sustain_v they_o yea_o your_o little_a child_n have_v no_o certainty_n how_o you_o will_v use_v they_o and_o yet_o find_v that_o you_o have_v always_o use_v they_o kind_o and_o express_v love_n to_o they_o though_o you_o whip_v they_o sometime_o yet_o be_v glad_a of_o your_o company_n and_o desire_v to_o be_v in_o your_o lap_n and_o can_v trust_v themselves_o in_o your_o hand_n without_o torment_v themselves_o with_o such_o doubt_n as_o these_o i_o be_o uncertain_a how_o my_o mother_n will_v use_v i_o whether_o she_o will_v wound_v i_o or_o kill_v i_o or_o turn_v i_o out_o of_o door_n and_o let_v i_o perish_v nature_n persuade_v we_o not_o to_o be_v too_o distrustful_a of_o those_o that_o have_v always_o befriend_v we_o and_o especial_o who_o nature_n be_v merciful_a and_o compassionate_a nor_o to_o be_v too_o suspicious_a of_o evil_n from_o they_o that_o have_v always_o do_v we_o good_a every_o man_n know_v that_o the_o good_a will_v do_v good_a and_o the_o evil_n will_v do_v evil_a and_o according_o we_o expect_v that_o they_o shall_v do_v to_o we_o natural_o we_o all_o fear_v a_o toad_n a_o serpent_n a_o adder_n a_o mad_a dog_n a_o wicked_a man_n a_o mad_a man_n a_o cruel_a blood_n thirsty_a tyrant_n and_o the_o devil_n but_o no_o one_o fear_v a_o dove_n a_o lamb_n a_o good_a man_n a_o merciful_a compassionate_a governor_n except_o only_o the_o rebel_n or_o notorious_a offender_n that_o know_v he_o be_v bind_v in_o justice_n to_o destroy_v or_o punish_v they_o and_o none_o shall_v fear_v distrustful_o the_o wrath_n of_o a_o gracious_a god_n but_o they_o who_o will_v not_o submit_v to_o his_o mercy_n and_o will_v not_o have_v christ_n to_o reign_v over_o they_o and_o therefore_o may_v know_v that_o he_o be_v bind_v in_o justice_n if_o they_o come_v not_o in_o to_o destroy_v they_o but_o for_o you_o that_o will_v be_v obedient_a and_o reform_a and_o be_v trouble_v that_o you_o be_v no_o better_o and_o beg_v of_o god_n to_o make_v you_o better_o and_o have_v no_o sin_n but_o what_o you_o will_v be_v glad_a to_o be_v rid_v of_o may_v not_o you_o at_o least_o see_v a_o strong_a probability_n that_o it_o shall_v go_v well_o with_o you_o o_o make_v use_n therefore_o of_o this_o probability_n and_o if_o you_o have_v but_o hope_n that_o god_n will_v do_v you_o good_a rejoice_v in_o those_o hope_n till_o you_o can_v come_v to_o rejoice_v in_o assurance_n and_o here_o let_v i_o tell_v you_o that_o probability_n be_v of_o divers_a degree_n according_a to_o their_o divers_a ground_n where_o man_n have_v but_o a_o little_a probability_n of_o their_o sincerity_n and_o a_o great_a probability_n that_o they_o be_v not_o sincere_a in_o the_o faith_n these_o man_n may_v be_v somewhat_o bear_v up_o but_o it_o behoove_v they_o present_o to_o search_v in_o fear_n and_o to_o amend_v that_o which_o be_v the_o cause_n of_o their_o fear_n those_o that_o have_v more_o probability_n of_o the_o sincerity_n of_o their_o heart_n then_o of_o the_o contrary_a may_v well_o have_v more_o peace_n than_o trouble_n of_o mind_n those_o that_o have_v yet_o a_o high_a degree_n of_o probability_n may_v live_v in_o more_o joy_n and_o so_o according_a to_o the_o degree_n of_o probability_n may_v their_o comfort_n still_o arise_v and_o observe_v also_o that_o it_o be_v but_o the_o high_a degree_n of_o this_o probability_n here_o which_o we_o call_v a_o certainty_n for_o it_o be_v a_o moral_a certainty_n and_o not_o that_o which_o be_v call_v a_o certainty_n of_o divine_a faith_n nor_o that_o which_o be_v call_v a_o certainty_n of_o evidence_n in_o the_o strict_a sense_n though_o yet_o evidence_n there_o be_v for_o it_o but_o it_o be_v the_o same_o evidence_n material_o which_o be_v the_o ground_n of_o probability_n and_o of_o certainty_n only_o sometime_o they_o differ_v gradual_o one_o have_v more_o grace_n and_o another_o less_o and_o sometime_o not_o so_o neither_o for_o he_o that_o have_v more_o grace_n may_v discern_v but_o a_o probability_n in_o it_o through_o some_o other_o defect_n no_o more_o than_o he_o that_o have_v less_o but_o when_o one_o man_n discern_v his_o grace_n and_o sincerity_n but_o dark_o he_o have_v but_o a_o probability_n of_o salvation_n manifest_v by_o they_o and_o when_o another_o discern_v they_o more_o clear_o he_o have_v a_o strong_a probability_n and_o he_o that_o discern_v they_o most_o clear_o if_o other_o necessary_n concur_v have_v that_o which_o we_o call_v a_o certainty_n now_o i_o be_o persuade_v that_o you_o frequent_o see_v a_o strong_a probability_n of_o your_o sincerity_n and_o may_v not_o that_o be_v a_o very_a great_a stay_n and_o comfort_n to_o your_o soul_n nay_o may_v it_o not_o draw_v out_o your_o heart_n in_o love_n delight_n and_o thankfulness_n suppose_v that_o your_o name_n be_v write_v in_o a_o piece_n of_o paper_n and_o put_v among_o a_o hundred_o or_o fifty_o or_o but_o twenty_o other_o like_a paper_n into_o a_o lottery_n and_o you_o be_v certain_a that_o you_o shall_v be_v the_o owner_n of_o this_o whole_a land_n except_o your_o name_n be_v draw_v the_o first_o time_n and_o if_o it_o be_v draw_v you_o shall_v die_v will_v your_o joy_n or_o your_o sorrow_n for_o this_o be_v the_o great_a nay_o if_o it_o be_v but_o ten_o to_o one_o or_o but_o two_o to_o one_o odds_o on_o
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 noâ—_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
god_n know_v that_o a_o poor_a sinner_n in_o this_o humble_a trouble_a case_n have_v burden_n enough_o on_o his_o back_n already_o and_o indeed_o more_o than_o he_o be_v able_a of_o himself_o to_o bear_v the_o sense_n of_o his_o own_o sinful_a folly_n and_o misery_n be_v burden_n enough_o if_o god_n shall_v add_v to_o this_o his_o frown_n and_o terror_n and_o shall_v spurn_v at_o a_o poor_a sinner_n that_o lie_v prostrate_a at_o his_o foot_n in_o tear_n or_o terror_n who_o then_o shall_v be_v able_a to_o stand_v before_o he_o or_o to_o look_v he_o in_o the_o face_n but_o he_o will_v not_o break_v the_o bruise_a reed_n he_o will_v not_o make_v heavy_a the_o burden_n of_o a_o sinner_n he_o call_v they_o to_o come_v to_o he_o for_o ease_n and_o rest_v and_o not_o to_o oppress_v they_o or_o kill_v they_o with_o his_o terror_n we_o have_v not_o a_o king_n like_o rehoboam_n that_o will_v multiply_v our_o pressure_n but_o one_o who_o office_n it_o be_v to_o break_v our_o yoke_n and_o loose_v our_o bond_n and_o set_v we_o free_a when_o he_o be_v a_o preacher_n himself_o on_o earth_n you_o may_v gather_v what_o doctrine_n he_o preach_v by_o his_o text_n which_o he_o choose_v at_o one_o of_o his_o first_o public_a sermon_n which_o as_o you_o may_v find_v in_o luke_n 4.18_o 19_o be_v this_o the_o spirit_n of_o the_o lord_n be_v upon_o i_o because_o he_o have_v anoint_v i_o to_o preach_v the_o gospel_n to_o the_o poor_a he_o have_v send_v i_o to_o heal_v the_o break_a heart_a to_o preach_v deliverance_n to_o the_o captive_n and_o recover_v of_o sight_n to_o the_o blind_a to_o set_v at_o liberty_n they_o that_o be_v bruise_v to_o preach_v the_o acceptable_a year_n of_o the_o lord_n o_o if_o a_o poor_a bruise_v wound_a soul_n have_v but_o hear_v this_o sermon_n from_o his_o saviour_n own_o mouth_n what_o heart-melting_n will_v it_o have_v cause_v what_o pang_n of_o love_n will_v it_o have_v raise_v in_o he_o you_o will_v sure_o have_v believe_v then_o that_o the_o lord_n be_v gracious_a when_o all_o that_o hear_v he_o bear_v he_o witness_v and_o wonder_v at_o the_o gracious_a word_n that_o proceed_v out_o of_o his_o mouth_n luke_n 4.22_o i_o will_v desire_v no_o more_o for_o the_o comfort_n of_o such_o a_o soul_n then_o to_o see_v such_o a_o sight_n and_o feel_v such_o a_o feel_n as_o the_o poor_a penitent_a prodigal_n do_v when_o he_o find_v himself_o in_o the_o arm_n of_o his_o father_n and_o feel_v the_o kiss_n of_o his_o mouth_n and_o be_v surprise_v so_o unexpected_o with_o such_o a_o torrent_n of_o love_n the_o soul_n that_o have_v once_o see_v and_o feel_v this_o will_v never_o sure_o have_v such_o hard_a and_o doubtful_a thought_n of_o god_n except_o through_o ignorance_n they_o know_v not_o who_o arm_n they_o be_v that_o thus_o embrace_v they_o or_o who_o voice_n it_o be_v that_o thus_o bespeak_v they_o or_o unless_o the_o remembrance_n of_o it_o be_v go_v out_o of_o their_o mind_n you_o see_v then_o what_o be_v god_n own_o language_n to_o humble_a penitent_n and_o what_o be_v the_o method_n of_o his_o deal_n with_o they_o and_o such_o must_v be_v the_o language_n and_o deal_n of_o his_o minister_n they_o must_v not_o wound_v when_o christ_n will_v heal_v nor_o make_v sad_a the_o heart_n that_o christ_n will_v comfort_v and_o will_v not_o have_v make_v sad_a ezek._n 13.22_o but_o will_v this_o mean_n serve_v turn_v or_o must_v the_o same_o course_n be_v take_v to_o remove_v the_o sorrow_n of_o the_o wilful_o disobedient_a no_o god_n take_v another_o course_n himself_o and_o prescribe_v another_o course_n to_o his_o minister_n and_o require_v another_o course_n from_o the_o sinner_n himself_o but_o still_o remember_v who_o it_o be_v that_o i_o speak_v of_o it_o be_v not_o the_o ordinary_a unavoidable_a infirmity_n of_o the_o saint_n that_o i_o speak_v of_o such_o as_o they_o can_v be_v rid_v of_o though_o they_o fain_o will_v such_o as_o paul_n speak_v of_o rom._n 7.19_o the_o good_a that_o i_o will_v do_v i_o do_v not_o and_o when_o i_o will_v do_v good_a evil_n be_v present_a with_o i_o and_o gal._n 5.17_o the_o flesh_n lust_v against_o the_o spirit_n etc._n etc._n so_o that_o we_o can_v do_v the_o thing_n that_o we_o will_v a_o true_a christian_n will_v love_v god_n more_o perfect_o and_o delight_n in_o he_o more_o abundant_o and_o bring_v every_o thought_n in_o subjection_n to_o his_o will_n and_o subdue_v the_o very_a remnant_n of_o carnal_a concupiscence_n that_o there_o shall_v be_v no_o stir_n of_o lust_n or_o unjust_a anger_n or_o worldly_a desire_n or_o pride_n within_o he_o and_o that_o no_o vain_a word_n may_v pass_v his_o lip_n all_o this_o he_o will_v do_v but_o he_o can_v strive_v against_o these_o unavoidable_a infirmity_n be_v conquer_a but_o though_o we_o can_v keep_v under_o every_o motion_n of_o concupiscence_n we_o can_v forbear_v the_o execution_n anger_n will_v stir_v upon_o provocation_n but_o we_o may_v restrain_v it_o in_o degree_n that_o it_o set_v we_o not_o in_o a_o flame_n and_o do_v not_o much_o distemper_n or_o discompose_v our_o mind_n and_o we_o can_v forbid_v our_o tongue_n all_o rage_a furious_a or_o abusive_a word_n in_o our_o anger_n all_o curse_v swear_v or_o reproachful_a speak_n if_o a_o envious_a thought_n against_o our_o brother_n do_v arise_v in_o our_o heart_n because_o he_o be_v prefer_v before_o we_o we_o may_v hate_v it_o and_o repress_v it_o and_o chide_v our_o heart_n for_o it_o and_o command_v our_o tongue_n to_o speak_v well_o of_o he_o and_o no_o evil_a some_o pride_n and_o self-esteem_a will_v remain_v and_o be_v stir_v in_o we_o do_v what_o we_o can_v it_o be_v a_o sin_n so_o deep_o root_v in_o our_o corrupt_a nature_n but_o yet_o we_o can_v detest_v it_o and_o resist_v it_o and_o meet_v with_o abhorrence_n our_o self-conceited_a thought_n and_o rejoice_n in_o our_o own_o reputation_n and_o fame_n and_o inward_a heart-rising_n against_o those_o that_o undervalue_v we_o and_o stand_v in_o the_o way_n of_o our_o repute_n and_o we_o may_v forbear_v our_o boast_a language_n and_o our_o contesting_n for_o our_o credit_n and_o our_o excuse_n of_o our_o sin_n and_o our_o backbiting_n and_o secret_a defame_n of_o those_o that_o cross_v we_o in_o the_o way_n of_o credit_n we_o may_v forbear_v our_o quarrel_n and_o estrangement_n and_o dividing_n from_o our_o brethren_n and_o stiff_o insist_v on_o our_o own_o conceit_n and_o expect_v that_o other_o shall_v make_v our_o judgement_n their_o rule_n and_o say_v and_o do_v as_o we_o will_v have_v they_o and_o all_o dance_n after_o our_o pipe_n all_o which_o be_v the_o effect_n of_o inward_a pride_n we_o can_v while_o we_o be_v on_o earth_n be_v free_a from_o all_o inordinate_a love_n of_o the_o world_n and_o the_o riches_n and_o honour_n of_o it_o but_o we_o may_v so_o watch_v against_o it_o and_o repress_v it_o as_o that_o it_o shall_v neither_o be_v prefer_v before_o god_n nor_o draw_v we_o to_o unlawful_a way_n of_o gain_n by_o lie_v deceit_n and_o overreach_v our_o brethren_n by_o steal_v unjust_a or_o unmerciful_a deal_n oppress_v the_o poor_a and_o insult_v over_o those_o that_o be_v in_o the_o way_n of_o our_o thrive_a and_o crush_a they_o that_o will_v hinder_v our_o aspire_a design_n and_o tread_v they_o down_o that_o will_v not_o bow_v to_o we_o and_o take_v revenge_n of_o they_o that_o have_v cross_v or_o disparage_v we_o or_o cruel_o exact_v all_o our_o right_n and_o debt_n of_o the_o poor_a and_o squeeze_v the_o purse_n of_o subject_n or_o tenant_n or_o those_o that_o we_o bargain_n with_o like_o a_o sponge_n as_o long_o as_o any_o thing_n will_v come_v out_o yea_o we_o may_v so_o far_o subdue_v our_o love_n of_o the_o world_n as_o that_o it_o shall_v not_o hinder_v we_o from_o be_v merciful_a to_o the_o poor_a compassionate_a to_o our_o servant_n and_o labourer_n and_o bountiful_a to_o our_o power_n in_o do_v good_a work_n nor_o yet_o shut_v out_o god_n service_n from_o our_o family_n or_o closert_n nor_o rob_v he_o of_o our_o frequent_a affectionate_a thought_n especial_o on_o the_o lord_n day_n so_o for_o sensuality_n or_o the_o please_a of_o our_o flesh_n more_o immediate_o we_o shall_v never_o on_o earth_n be_v whole_o free_v from_o inordinate_a motion_n and_o temptation_n and_o fleshly_a desire_n and_o urgent_a inclination_n and_o solicitation_n to_o forbid_a thing_n but_o yet_o we_o may_v restrain_v our_o appetite_n by_o reason_n so_o far_o that_o it_o bring_v we_o not_o to_o gluttony_n and_o drunkenness_n and_o a_o study_v for_o our_o belly_n and_o pamper_v of_o our_o flesh_n or_o a_o take_a care_n for_o it_o and_o make_v provision_n to_o satisfy_v its_o lust_n rom._n 13.14_o we_o may_v forbear_v the_o obey_v it_o in_o
rise_v from_o their_o sin_n it_o seem_v at_o present_a the_o interest_n of_o the_o flesh_n be_v actual_o predominant_a when_o no_o reason_n or_o conviction_n will_v persuade_v they_o to_o contradict_v it_o as_o ever_o you_o will_v have_v sound_a comfort_n then_o in_o such_o a_o case_n as_o this_o spare_v not_o the_o flesh_n when_o you_o have_v sin_v you_o must_v rise_v again_o or_o perish_v if_o you_o can_v rise_v without_o fast_v without_o free_a confess_v without_o the_o utter_a shame_n of_o yourselves_o without_o restitution_n never_o stick_v at_o it_o this_o be_v your_o hour_n of_o trial_n o_o yield_v not_o in_o the_o conflict_n the_o dear_a the_o victory_n cost_v you_o the_o great_a will_v be_v your_o peace_n try_v it_o and_o if_o you_o find_v it_o not_o so_o i_o be_o mistake_v yet_o if_o you_o have_v sin_v so_o that_o the_o open_n of_o it_o may_v more_o discredit_v the_o gospel_n than_o your_o confession_n will_v honour_v it_o and_o yet_o your_o conscience_n be_v unquiet_a and_o urge_v you_o to_o confess_v in_o such_o a_o case_n be_v first_o well_o inform_v and_o proceed_v wary_o and_o upon_o deliberation_n and_o first_o open_v the_o case_n to_o some_o faithful_a minister_n or_o able_a christian_a in_o secret_a that_o you_o may_v have_v good_a advice_n 3._o the_o same_o counsel_n also_o will_v i_o give_v you_o in_o the_o performance_n of_o your_o duty_n a_o magistrate_n be_v convince_v he_o must_v punish_v sinner_n and_o put_v down_o alehouse_n and_o be_v true_a to_o every_o just_a cause_n but_o then_o he_o must_v steel_n his_o face_n against_o all_o man_n reproach_n and_o the_o solicitation_n of_o all_o friend_n a_o minister_n be_v convince_v that_o he_o must_v teach_v from_o house_n to_o house_n as_o well_o as_o public_o if_o he_o be_v able_a and_o that_o he_o must_v deal_v plain_o with_o sinner_n according_a to_o their_o condition_n yea_o and_o require_v the_o church_n to_o avoid_v communion_n with_o they_o if_o they_o be_v obstinate_a in_o evil_a after_o other_o sufficient_a mean_n but_o then_o he_o shall_v lose_v the_o love_n of_o his_o people_n and_o be_v account_v proud_a precise_a rigid_a lordly_a and_o perhaps_o lose_v his_o maintenance_n obey_v god_n now_o and_o the_o dear_a it_o cost_v you_o the_o more_o peace_n and_o protection_n and_o the_o large_a blessing_n may_v you_o expect_v from_o god_n for_o you_o do_v as_o it_o be_v oblige_v god_n the_o more_o to_o stick_v to_o you_o as_o you_o will_v take_v yourself_o oblige_v to_o own_o and_o bear_v out_o and_o reward_v those_o that_o hazard_n state_n and_o credit_n and_o life_n for_o you_o and_o if_o you_o can_v obey_v god_n in_o such_o a_o trial_n it_o be_v a_o sad_a sign_n of_o a_o false-hearted_a hypocrite_n except_o your_o fall_n be_v only_o in_o a_o temptation_n from_o which_o you_o rise_v with_o renew_a repentance_n and_o resolution_n which_o will_v conquer_v for_o the_o time_n to_o come_v as_o peter_n who_o be_v leave_v to_o himself_o for_o a_o example_n of_o humane_a frailty_n and_o that_o christ_n may_v have_v no_o friend_n to_o stick_v by_o he_o when_o he_o suffer_v for_o our_o sin_n yet_o present_o weep_v bitter_o and_o afterward_o spend_v his_o strength_n and_o time_n in_o preach_v christ_n and_o lay_v down_o his_o life_n in_o martyrdom_n for_o he_o so_o perhaps_o many_o a_o poor_a servant_n or_o hard_a labourer_n have_v scarce_o any_o time_n except_o the_o lord_n day_n to_o pray_v or_o read_v let_v such_o pinch_n the_o flesh_n a_o little_a the_o more_o so_o they_o do_v not_o overthrow_v their_o health_n and_o either_o work_n the_o hard_a or_o fare_v the_o hard_a or_o be_v clothe_v the_o more_o mean_o or_o especial_o break_v a_o little_a of_o their_o sleep_n that_o they_o may_v find_v some_o time_n for_o these_o duty_n and_o try_v whether_o the_o peace_n and_o comfort_n will_v not_o recompense_n it_o never_o any_o man_n be_v a_o loser_n for_o god_n so_o private_a christian_n can_v conscionable_o discharge_v the_o great_a plain_a duty_n of_o reproof_n and_o exhortation_n lovingly_z yet_o plain_o tell_v their_o friend_n and_o neighbour_n of_o their_o sin_n and_o danger_n and_o duty_n but_o they_o will_v turn_v friend_n into_o foe_n and_o possible_o set_v all_o the_o town_n on_o their_o head_n but_o be_v it_o a_o duty_n or_o be_v it_o not_o if_o it_o be_v then_o trust_v god_n with_o the_o issue_n and_o do_v your_o work_n and_o see_v whether_o he_o will_v suffer_v you_o to_o be_v loser_n for_o my_o part_n i_o think_v that_o if_o christian_n take_v god_n work_n before_o they_o and_o spare_v the_o flesh_n less_o and_o trust_v themselves_o and_o all_o to_o christ_n alone_o and_o do_v not_o balk_v all_o the_o troublesome_a costly_a part_n of_o religion_n and_o that_o which_o most_o cross_v the_o interest_n of_o the_o flesh_n it_o will_v be_v more_o ordinary_a with_o they_o to_o be_v fill_v with_o the_o joy_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o walk_v in_o that_o peace_n of_o conscience_n which_o be_v a_o continual_a feast_n and_o to_o have_v such_o full_a and_o frequent_a view_n both_o of_o the_o sincerity_n of_o their_o evidence_a grace_n and_o of_o god_n reconcile_v face_n as_o will_v banish_v their_o doubt_n and_o fear_n and_o be_v a_o great_a help_n to_o their_o certainty_n of_o salvation_n then_o much_o other_o labour_n do_v prove_v if_o you_o flinch_v not_o the_o fiery_a furnace_n you_o shall_v have_v the_o company_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n in_o it_o if_o you_o flinch_v not_o the_o prison_n and_o stock_n you_o may_v be_v able_a to_o sing_v as_o paul_n and_o silas_n do_v if_o you_o refuse_v not_o to_o be_v stone_v with_o stephen_n you_o may_v perhaps_o see_v heaven_n open_v as_o he_o do_v if_o you_o think_v these_o comfort_n so_o dear_o buy_v that_o you_o will_v rather_o venture_v without_o they_o let_v i_o tell_v you_o you_o may_v take_v your_o course_n but_o the_o end_n will_v convince_v you_o to_o the_o very_a heart_n of_o the_o folly_n of_o your_o choice_n never_o then_o complain_v for_o want_v of_o comfort_n remember_v you_o may_v have_v have_v it_o and_o will_v not_o and_o let_v i_o give_v you_o this_o with_o you_o you_o will_v short_o find_v though_o worldly_a pleasure_n riches_n and_o honour_n be_v some_o slight_a salve_n to_o your_o molest_a conscience_n here_o yet_o there_o will_v no_o cure_n nor_o ease_n for_o it_o be_v find_v hereafter_o your_o merry_a hour_n will_v then_o all_o be_v go_v and_o your_o worldly_a delight_n forsake_v you_o in_o distress_n but_o these_o solid_a comfort_n which_o you_o judge_v too_o dear_a will_v have_v end_v in_o the_o everlasting_a joy_n of_o glory_n when_o man_n do_v flinch_v god_n and_o his_o truth_n in_o strait_n and_o juggle_v with_o their_o conscience_n and_o will_v take_v out_o all_o the_o honourable_a easy_a cheap_a part_n of_o the_o work_n of_o christ_n and_o make_v a_o religion_n of_o that_o by_o itself_o leave_v out_o all_o the_o disgraceful_a difficult_a chargeable_a self-denying_a part_n and_o hereupon_o call_v themselves_o christian_n and_o make_v a_o great_a show_n in_o the_o world_n with_o this_o kind_n of_o religiousness_n and_o take_v themselves_o injure_v if_o man_n question_v their_o honesty_n and_o uprightness_n in_o the_o faith_n these_o man_n be_v notorious_a self-deceiver_n mere_a hypocrite_n and_o in_o plain_a truth_n this_o be_v the_o very_a true_a description_n by_o which_o damnable_a hypocrite_n be_v know_v from_o sound_a christian_n the_o lord_n open_a man_n eye_n to_o see_v it_o in_o time_n while_o it_o may_v be_v cure_v yea_o and_o the_o near_o any_o true_a christian_a do_v come_v to_o this_o sin_n the_o more_o do_v he_o disoblige_v god_n and_o quench_v the_o spirit_n of_o comfort_n and_o darken_v his_o own_o evidence_n and_o destroy_v his_o peace_n of_o conscience_n and_o create_v unavoidable_a trouble_n to_o his_o spirit_n and_o estrangedness_n betwixt_o the_o lord_n jesus_n and_o his_o own_o soul_n avoid_v this_o therefore_o if_o ever_o you_o will_v have_v peace_n direction_n xxv_o 25._o my_o next_o advice_n shall_v be_v somewhat_o near_o of_o kin_n to_o the_o former_a if_o you_o will_v learn_v the_o most_o expeditious_a way_n to_o peace_n and_o settle_a comfort_n study_v well_n the_o art_n of_o do_v good_a &_o let_v it_o be_v your_o every-day_n contrivance_n care_n and_o business_n how_o you_o may_v lay_v out_o all_o that_o god_n have_v trust_v you_o with_o to_o the_o great_a please_v of_o god_n and_o to_o your_o most_o comfortable_a account_n still_o remember_v lest_o any_o antinomian_a shall_v tell_v you_o that_o this_o savour_n of_o popery_n and_o trust_v for_o peace_n to_o our_o own_o work_n 1._o that_o you_o must_v not_o think_v of_o give_v any_o of_o christ_n honour_n or_o office_n to_o your_o best_a work_n you_o must_v not_o dream_v that_o they_o can_v do_v any_o thing_n to_o
complain_v that_o ordinary_a head_n be_v not_o able_a to_o reach_v it_o he_o have_v get_v they_o with_o a_o religious_a zealous_a cruelty_n to_o their_o own_o and_o other_o soul_n to_o lay_v all_o their_o salvation_n and_o the_o peace_n of_o the_o church_n upon_o some_o unsearchable_a mystery_n about_o the_o trinity_n which_o god_n either_o never_o reveal_v or_o never_o clear_o reveal_v or_o never_o lay_v so_o great_a a_o stress_n upon_o yet_o he_o persuade_v they_o that_o there_o be_v scripture-pâ—oof_a enough_o for_o these_o only_o the_o scripture_n spâ—â—e_v it_o but_o in_o the_o premise_n or_o in_o dark_a term_n and_o they_o must_v but_o gather_v into_o their_o creed_n the_o consequence_n and_o put_v it_o into_o plain_a expression_n which_o heretic_n may_v not_o so_o easy_o corrupt_a pervert_v or_o evade_v be_v not_o this_o reverend_a zeal_n and_o be_v not_o the_o devil_n seem_o now_o a_o christian_a of_o the_o most_o judicious_a and_o forward_a sort_n but_o what_o get_v he_o at_o this_o one_o game_n 1._o he_o necessitate_v implicit_a faith_n even_o in_o fundamental_o when_o he_o have_v get_v point_n beyond_o a_o vulgar_a reach_n among_o fundamental_o 2._o he_o necessitate_v some_o live_a judge_n for_o the_o determine_n of_o fundamental_o quoad_fw-la nos_fw-la though_o not_o in_o se_fw-la the_o soul_n of_o popish_a wickedness_n that_o be_v what_o it_o be_v in_o sense_n that_o the_o people_n must_v take_v for_o fundamental_o 3._o he_o get_v a_o stand_a verdict_n against_o the_o perfection_n and_o sufficiency_n of_o scripture_n and_o consequent_o against_o christ_n his_o spirit_n his_o apostle_n and_o the_o christian_a faith_n that_o it_o will_v not_o afford_v we_o so_o much_o as_o a_o creed_n or_o systeme_n of_o fundamental_o or_o point_n absolute_o necessary_a to_o salvation_n and_o brotherly_a communion_n in_o fit_a or_o tolerable_a phrase_n but_o we_o must_v mend_v the_o language_n at_o least_o 4._o he_o open_v a_o gap_n for_o humane_a addition_n at_o which_o he_o may_v afterward_o bring_v in_o more_o at_o his_o pleasure_n 5._o he_o frame_v a_o engine_n for_o a_o infallible_a division_n and_o to_o tear_v in_o piece_n the_o church_n cast_v out_o all_o as_o heretic_n that_o can_v not_o subscribe_v to_o his_o addition_n and_o necessitate_v separation_n by_o all_o dissenter_n to_o the_o world_n end_n till_o the_o devil_n engine_n be_v overthrow_v 6._o and_o hereby_o he_o lay_v a_o ground_n upon_o the_o division_n of_o christian_n to_o bring_v man_n into_o doubt_n of_o all_o religion_n as_o not_o know_v which_o be_v the_o right_n 7._o and_o he_o lay_v the_o ground_n of_o certain_a heartburning_n and_o mutual_a hatred_n contention_n revile_n and_o enmity_n be_v not_o here_o enough_o get_v at_o one_o cast_v do_v there_o need_v any_o more_o to_o the_o establish_n of_o the_o romish_a and_o hellish_a darkness_n do_v not_o this_o one_o act_n find_v the_o seat_n of_o rome_n do_v not_o the_o devil_n get_v more_o in_o his_o gown_n in_o a_o day_n than_o he_o can_v get_v by_o his_o sword_n in_o three_o hundred_o year_n and_o yet_o the_o holy_a ghost_n give_v they_o full_a warning_n of_o this_o beforehand_o 2_o cor._n 11.2_o 3._o for_o i_o be_o jealous_a over_o you_o with_o a_o godly_a jealousy_n for_o i_o have_v espouse_v you_o to_o one_o husband_n that_o i_o may_v present_v you_o as_o a_o chaste_a virgin_n to_o christ_n but_o i_o fear_v lest_o by_o any_o mean_n as_o the_o serpent_n beguile_v eve_n through_o his_o subtlety_n so_o your_o mind_n shall_v be_v corrupt_v from_o the_o simplitity_n that_o be_v in_o christ_n rom._n 14.1_o he_o that_o be_v weak_a in_o the_o faith_n receive_v you_o but_o not_o to_o doubtful_a disputation_n psal_n 19_o the_o law_n of_o the_o lord_n be_v perfect_a 2_o tim._n 3.16_o 17._o all_o scripture_n be_v give_v by_o inspiration_n from_o god_n and_o be_v profitable_a for_o doctrine_n for_o reproof_n for_o correction_n for_o instruction_n in_o righteousness_n that_o the_o man_n of_o god_n may_v be_v perfect_a thorough_o furnish_v unto_o all_o good_a work_n isa_n 8.20_o to_o the_o law_n and_o to_o the_o testimony_n if_o they_o speak_v not_o according_a to_o these_o it_o be_v because_o there_o be_v no_o truth_n in_o they_o with_o many_o the_o like_a this_o plot_n the_o serpent_n have_v find_v so_o successful_a that_o he_o have_v follow_v it_o on_o to_o this_o day_n he_o have_v make_v it_o the_o great_a engine_n to_o get_v rome_n on_o his_o side_n and_o to_o make_v they_o the_o great_a divider_n of_o christ_n church_n he_o make_v the_o pope_n and_o the_o council_n of_o trent_n believe_v that_o when_o they_o have_v own_v the_o ancient_a creed_n of_o the_o church_n they_o must_v put_v in_o as_o many_o and_o more_o additional_a article_n of_o their_o own_o and_o anathematise_v all_o gainsayer_n and_o these_o addition_n must_v be_v the_o peculiar_a mark_n of_o their_o church_n as_o romish_n and_o then_o all_o that_o be_v not_o of_o that_o church_n that_o be_v that_o own_o not_o those_o superadd_v point_n be_v not_o of_o the_o true_a church_n of_o christ_n if_o they_o must_v be_v judge_n yea_o among_o ourselves_o have_v the_o devil_n use_v successful_o this_o plot_n what_o confession_n of_o the_o pure_a church_n have_v not_o some_o more_o than_o be_v in_o scripture_n the_o most_o modest_a must_v mend_v the_o phrase_n and_o speak_v plain_o and_o somewhat_o of_o their_o own_o in_o it_o not_o except_v our_o own_o most_o reform_a confession_n yea_o and_o where_o modesty_n restrain_v man_n from_o put_v all_o such_o invention_n and_o explication_n in_o their_o creed_n the_o devil_n persuade_v man_n that_o they_o be_v the_o judgement_n of_o godly_a reverend_n divine_n no_o doubt_n to_o be_v reverence_v value_v and_o hear_v it_o be_v almost_o as_o much_o as_o if_o it_o be_v in_o the_o creed_n and_o therefore_o whoever_o dissent_v must_v be_v note_v with_o a_o black_a coal_n and_o you_o must_v disgrace_v he_o and_o avoid_v communion_n with_o he_o as_o a_o heretic_n hence_o late_o be_v your_o union_n communion_n and_o the_o church_n peace_n lay_v upon_o certain_a unsearchable_a mystery_n about_o predestination_n the_o order_n and_o object_n of_o god_n decree_n the_o manner_n of_o the_o spirit_n secret_a operation_n on_o the_o soul_n the_o nature_n of_o the_o will_n essential_a liberty_n and_o its_o power_n of_o self-determining_a the_o divine_a concourse_n determination_n or_o predestination_n of_o man_n and_o all_o other_o creature_n action_n etc._n etc._n that_o he_o be_v scarce_o to_o be_v account_v a_o fit_a member_n for_o our_o fraternal_a communion_n that_o differ_v from_o we_o herein_o have_v it_o not_o be_v for_o this_o one_o plot_n the_o christian_a faith_n have_v be_v keep_v pure_a religion_n have_v be_v one_o the_o church_n have_v be_v one_o and_o the_o heart_n of_o christian_n have_v be_v more_o one_o then_o they_o be_v have_v not_o the_o devil_n turn_v orthodox_n he_o have_v not_o make_v so_o many_o true_a christian_n heretic_n as_o epiphamus_n and_o austin_n have_v enroll_v in_o the_o black_a list_n have_v not_o the_o enemy_n of_o truth_n and_o peace_n get_v into_o the_o chair_n and_o make_v so_o pathetic_a a_o oration_n as_o to_o inflame_v the_o mind_n of_o the_o lover_n of_o truth_n to_o be_v overzealous_a for_o it_o &_o to_o do_v too_o much_o we_o may_v have_v have_v truth_n and_o peace_n to_o this_o day_n yea_o still_o if_o he_o see_v any_o man_n of_o experience_n and_o moderation_n stand_v up_o to_o reduce_v man_n to_o the_o ancient_a simplicity_n he_o present_o seem_v the_o most_o zealous_a for_o christ_n and_o tell_v the_o unexperienced_a leader_n of_o the_o flock_n that_o it_o be_v in_o favour_n of_o some_o heresy_n that_o such_o a_o man_n speak_v he_o be_v plot_v a_o carnal_a syncretism_n and_o attempt_v the_o reconcilement_n of_o christ_n and_o belial_n he_o be_v taint_v with_o popery_n or_o socinianism_n or_o arminianism_n or_o calvinism_n or_o whatsoever_o may_v make_v he_o odious_a with_o those_o he_o speak_v to_o o_o what_o the_o devil_n have_v get_v by_o overdoing_a and_o as_o this_o be_v true_a in_o doctrine_n so_o be_v it_o in_o worship_n and_o discipline_n and_o pastoral_a authority_n and_o government_n when_o the_o serpent_n can_v not_o get_v the_o world_n to_o despise_v the_o poor_a fisherman_n that_o publish_v the_o gospel_n the_o devil_n be_v judge_v and_o the_o world_n convince_v by_o the_o power_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n the_o agent_n advocate_n and_o vicar_n of_o christ_n on_o earth_n he_o will_v then_o be_v the_o forward_a to_o honour_n and_o promote_v they_o and_o if_o he_o can_v make_v constantine_n a_o persecutor_n of_o they_o he_o will_v persuade_v he_o to_o raise_v they_o in_o worldly_a glory_n to_o the_o star_n and_o make_v they_o lord_n of_o rome_n and_o possess_v they_o with_o princely_a dignity_n and_o revenue_n and_o he_o have_v get_v as_o
find_v true_a soul_n conflict_n pag._n 41_o 42._o though_o the_o main_a pillar_n of_o our_o comfort_n be_v the_o free_a forgiveness_n of_o our_o sin_n yet_o if_o there_o be_v a_o neglect_n â—f_n grow_v in_o holiness_n the_o soul_n will_v never_o be_v sound_o quiet_a because_o it_o will_v be_v proâ—e_a to_o question_v the_o truth_n of_o justification_n and_o it_o be_v as_o proper_a for_o sin_n to_o raise_v doubt_n and_o fear_n in_o the_o conscience_n as_o for_o rot_a flesh_n and_o wood_n to_o breed_v worm_n where_o there_o be_v not_o a_o pure_a conscience_n there_o be_v not_o a_o pacify_v conscience_n etc._n etc._n read_v the_o rest_n this_o much_o i_o have_v be_v fain_o to_o premise_v lest_o my_o word_n for_o consolation_n shall_v occasion_v security_n and_o desolation_n but_o now_o let_v i_o desire_v you_o to_o peruse_v the_o direction_n and_o practise_v it_o if_o when_o god_n have_v give_v you_o assurance_n or_o strong_a probability_n of_o your_o sincerity_n you_o will_v make_v use_n of_o it_o but_o only_o for_o that_o present_a time_n you_o will_v never_o then_o have_v a_o settle_a peace_n in_o your_o soul_n beside_o the_o great_a wrong_n you_o do_v to_o god_n by_o necessitate_v he_o to_o be_v so_o often_o renew_v such_o discovery_n and_o repeat_v the_o same_o word_n to_o you_o so_o often_o over_o if_o your_o child_n offend_v you_o will_v you_o have_v he_o when_o he_o be_v pardon_v no_o long_a to_o believe_v it_o then_o you_o be_v tell_v it_o he_o shall_v he_o be_v still_o ask_v you_o over_o and_o over_o every_o day_n father_n be_o i_o forgive_v or_o no_o shall_v not_o one_o answer_n serve_v his_o turn_n will_v you_o not_o believe_v that_o your_o money_n be_v in_o your_o purse_n or_o chest_n any_o long_a than_o you_o be_v look_v on_o it_o or_o that_o your_o corn_n be_v grow_v on_o your_o land_n or_o your_o cattle_n in_o your_o ground_n any_o long_a than_o you_o be_v look_v on_o they_o by_o this_o course_n a_o rich_a man_n shall_v have_v no_o more_o content_a than_o a_o beggar_n long_o than_o he_o be_v look_v on_o his_o money_n or_o good_n or_o land_n and_o when_o he_o be_v look_v on_o one_o he_o shall_v again_o lose_v the_o comfort_n of_o all_o the_o rest_n what_o have_v god_n give_v you_o a_o memory_n for_o but_o to_o lay_v up_o former_a apprehension_n and_o discovery_n and_o experience_n and_o make_v use_n of_o they_o on_o all_o meet_a occasion_n afterward_o let_v i_o therefore_o persuade_v you_o to_o this_o great_a and_o necessary_a work_n when_o god_n have_v once_o resolve_v your_o doubt_n and_o show_v you_o the_o truth_n of_o your_o faith_n love_n or_o obedience_n write_v it_o down_o if_o you_o can_v in_o your_o book_n as_o i_o have_v advise_v you_o in_o my_o treatise_n of_o rest_n such_o a_o day_n upon_o serious_a perusal_n of_o my_o heart_n i_o find_v it_o thus_o and_o thus_o with_o myself_o or_o at_o least_o write_v it_o deep_a in_o your_o memory_n and_o do_v not_o suffer_v any_o fancy_n or_o fear_n or_o light_a surmise_n to_o cause_v you_o to_o question_v this_o again_o as_o long_o as_o you_o fall_v not_o from_o the_o obedience_n or_o faith_n which_o you_o then_o discover_v alas_o man_n apprehension_n be_v a_o most_o mutable_a thing_n if_o you_o leave_v your_o soul_n open_a to_o every_o new_a apprehension_n you_o will_v never_o be_v settle_v you_o may_v think_v two_o contrary_a thing_n of_o yourself_o in_o a_o hour_n you_o have_v not_o always_o the_o same_o opportunity_n for_o right_a discern_a nor_o the_o same_o clearness_n of_o apprehension_n nor_o the_o same_o outward_a mean_n to_o help_v you_o nor_o the_o same_o inward_a assistance_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n when_o you_o have_v these_o therefore_o make_v use_n of_o they_o and_o fix_v your_o waver_a soul_n and_o take_v your_o question_n and_o doubt_v as_o resolve_v and_o do_v not_o tempt_v god_n by_o call_v he_o to_o new_a answer_n again_o and_o again_o as_o if_o he_o have_v give_v you_o no_o answer_n before_o you_o will_v never_o want_v some_o occasion_n of_o jealousy_n and_o fear_n as_o long_o as_o you_o have_v corruption_n in_o your_o heart_n and_o sin_n in_o your_o life_n and_o a_o tempter_n to_o be_v trouble_v you_o but_o if_o you_o will_v suffer_v any_o such_o wind_n to_o shake_v your_o peace_n and_o comfort_n you_o will_v be_v always_o shake_v and_o fluctuate_a as_o a_o wave_n of_o the_o sea_n and_o you_o must_v labour_v to_o apprehend_v not_o only_o the_o uncomfortableness_n but_o the_o sinfulness_n also_o of_o this_o course_n for_o though_o the_o question_v your_o own_o sincerity_n on_o every_o small_a occasion_n be_v not_o near_o so_o great_a a_o sin_n as_o the_o question_n of_o god_n merciful_a nature_n or_o the_o truth_n of_o his_o promise_n or_o his_o readiness_n to_o show_v mercy_n to_o the_o penitent_a soul_n or_o the_o freeness_n and_o fullness_n of_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n yet_o even_o this_o be_v no_o contemptible_a sin_n for_o 1._o you_o be_v do_v satan_n work_n in_o deny_v god_n grace_n and_o accuse_v yourself_o false_o and_o so_o please_v the_o devil_n in_o disquiet_v yourself_o 2._o you_o slander_v god_n spirit_n as_o well_o as_o your_o own_o soul_n in_o say_v he_o have_v not_o renew_a and_o sanctify_v you_o when_o he_o have_v 3._o this_o will_n necessitate_v you_o to_o further_a unthankfulness_n for_o who_o can_v be_v thankful_a for_o a_o mercy_n that_o think_v he_o never_o receive_v it_o 4._o this_o will_v shut_v your_o mouth_n against_o all_o those_o praise_n of_o god_n and_o that_o heavenly_a joyful_a commemoration_n of_o his_o great_a unspeakable_a love_n to_o your_o soul_n which_o shall_v be_v the_o bless_a work_n of_o your_o life_n 5_o this_o will_v much_o abate_v your_o love_n to_o god_n and_o your_o sense_n of_o the_o love_n of_o christ_n in_o die_v for_o you_o and_o all_o the_o rest_n of_o your_o grace_n while_o you_o be_v still_o question_v your_o interest_n in_o god_n love_n 6._o it_o will_v lay_v such_o a_o discouragement_n on_o your_o soul_n as_o will_v both_o destroy_v the_o sweetness_n of_o all_o duty_n to_o you_o which_o be_v a_o great_a evil_n and_o thereby_o make_v you_o backward_o to_o they_o and_o heartless_a in_o they_o you_o will_v have_v no_o mind_n of_o pray_v meditation_n or_o other_o duty_n because_o all_o will_v seem_v dark_a to_o you_o and_o you_o will_v think_v that_o every_o thing_n make_v against_o you_o 7._o you_o rob_v all_o about_o you_o of_o that_o cheerful_a encourage_a example_n &_o persuasion_n which_o they_o shall_v have_v from_o you_o and_o by_o which_o you_o may_v win_v many_o soul_n to_o god_n and_o contrary_o you_o be_v a_o discouragement_n and_o hindrance_n to_o they_o i_o can_v mention_v many_o more_o sinful_a aggravation_n of_o your_o deny_v god_n grace_n in_o you_o on_o every_o small_a insufficient_a occasion_n which_o methinks_v shall_v make_v you_o be_v very_o tender_a of_o it_o if_o not_o to_o avoid_v unnecessary_a trouble_n to_o yourself_o yet_o at_o least_o to_o avoid_v sin_n against_o god_n and_o what_o i_o have_v say_v of_o evidence_n and_o assurance_n i_o will_v have_v you_o understand_v also_o of_o your_o experience_n you_o must_v not_o make_v use_v only_o at_o the_o present_a of_o your_o experience_n but_o lay_v they_o up_o for_o the_o time_n to_o come_v nor_o must_v you_o tempt_v god_n so_o far_o as_o to_o expect_v new_a experience_n upon_o every_o new_a scruple_n or_o doubt_n of_o you_o as_o the_o israelite_n expect_v new_a miracle_n in_o the_o wilderness_n still_o forget_v the_o old_a if_o a_o scholar_n shall_v in_o his_o study_n forget_v all_o that_o he_o have_v read_v and_o learned_a and_o all_o the_o resolution_n of_o his_o doubt_n which_o in_o study_n he_o have_v attain_v and_o leave_v his_o understanding_n still_o as_o a_o unwritten_a paper_n as_o receptive_a of_o every_o mutation_n and_o new_a apprehension_n and_o contrary_a conceit_n as_o if_o he_o have_v never_o study_v the_o point_n before_o he_o will_v make_v but_o a_o poor_a proficiency_n and_o have_v but_o a_o fluctuate_a unsettle_a brain_n a_o scholar_n shall_v make_v all_o the_o study_n of_o his_o life_n to_o compose_v one_o entire_a image_n of_o truth_n in_o his_o soul_n as_o a_o painter_n make_v every_o line_n he_o draw_v to_o compose_v one_o entire_a picture_n of_o a_o man_n and_o as_o a_o weaver_n make_v every_o thread_n to_o compose_v one_o web_n so_o shall_v you_o make_v all_o former_a examination_n discovery_n evidence_n and_o experience_n compose_v one_o full_a discovery_n of_o your_o condition_n that_o so_o you_o may_v have_v a_o settle_a peace_n of_o soul_n and_o see_v that_o you_o tie_v both_o end_n together_o and_o neither_o look_n on_o your_o present_a trouble_a state_n without_o your_o former_a lest_o you_o be_v unthankful_a and_o unjust_o discourage_v nor_o on_o
that_o god_n be_v reconcile_v to_o you_o and_o have_v forgive_v you_o for_o you_o be_v justify_v before_o you_o be_v bear_v if_o you_o be_v one_o of_o the_o elect_n and_o can_v but_o believe_v it_o it_o be_v not_o any_o thing_n of_o your_o own_o by_o which_o you_o can_v be_v justify_v nor_o be_v it_o any_o sin_n of_o you_o that_o can_v unjustifie_v it_o be_v the_o witness_n of_o the_o spirit_n only_o persuade_v you_o of_o your_o justification_n and_o adoption_n that_o can_v give_v you_o assurance_n and_o fetch_v it_o from_o any_o thing_n in_o yourself_o be_v but_o a_o rest_n on_o your_o own_o righteousness_n and_o forsake_v christ_n when_o the_o antinomian_n have_v but_o sing_v this_o ignorant_a charm_n to_o a_o poor_a soul_n as_o ignorant_a as_o himself_o and_o prepare_v by_o terror_n to_o entertain_v the_o impression_n present_o it_o oft_o take_v and_o the_o sinner_n without_o a_o wonder_n of_o mercy_n be_v undo_v this_o doctrine_n which_o subvert_v the_o very_a scope_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v entertain_v subvert_v his_o faith_n and_o obedience_n and_o usual_o the_o libertinism_n of_o his_o opinion_n be_v see_v in_o his_o liberty_n of_o conscience_n and_o licentious_a practice_n and_o his_o trouble_n of_o mind_n be_v cure_v as_o a_o burn_a fever_n by_o opium_n which_o give_v he_o such_o a_o sleep_n that_o he_o never_o awake_v till_o he_o be_v in_o another_o world_n yet_o these_o error_n be_v so_o gross_a and_o so_o full_o against_o the_o express_a text_n of_o scripture_n that_o if_o minister_n will_v condescend_o love_o and_o familiar_o deal_v with_o they_o and_o do_v their_o duty_n i_o shall_v hope_v many_o well-meaning_a soul_n may_v be_v recover_v thus_o you_o see_v the_o danger_n of_o rash_a interpret_n and_o so_o misinterpreting_a providence_n as_o such_o interpretation_n of_o prosperity_n and_o success_n delude_v not_o only_o the_o mahometan_a world_n and_o the_o profane_a world_n but_o many_o that_o seem_v godly_a so_o many_o such_o interpretation_n of_o adversity_n and_o cross_n do_v especial_o if_o the_o seducer_n be_v but_o kind_a and_o liberal_a to_o relieve_v they_o in_o their_o adversity_n he_o may_v do_v with_o many_o poor_a soul_n almost_o what_o he_o please_v 3._o the_o three_o enemy_n to_o your_o peace_n here_o mention_v be_v misinterpret_v or_o misapply_v the_o passage_n of_o preacher_n in_o their_o sermon_n write_n or_o private_a speech_n a_o minister_n can_v deal_v thorough_o or_o serious_o with_o any_o sort_n of_o sinner_n but_o some_o fearful_a trouble_a soul_n apply_v all_o to_o themselves_o i_o must_v entreat_v you_o to_o avoid_v this_o fault_n or_o else_o you_o will_v turn_v god_n ordinance_n and_o the_o daily_a food_n of_o your_o soul_n into_o bitterness_n and_o wormwood_n and_o all_o through_o your_o mistake_n i_o think_v there_o be_v few_o minister_n so_o preach_v but_o you_o may_v perceive_v who_o they_o mean_v and_o they_o so_o difference_n as_o to_o tell_v you_o who_o they_o speak_v to_o i_o confess_v it_o be_v a_o better_a sign_n of_o a_o honest_a heart_n and_o self-judging_a conscience_n to_o say_v he_o speak_v now_o to_o i_o this_o be_v my_o case_n then_o to_o say_v he_o speak_v now_o to_o such_o or_o such_o a_o one_o this_o be_v their_o case_n for_o it_o be_v the_o property_n of_o hypocrite_n to_o have_v their_o eye_n most_o abroad_o and_o in_o every_o duty_n to_o be_v mind_v most_o the_o fault_n of_o other_o and_o you_o may_v much_o discern_v such_o in_o their_o prayer_n in_o that_o they_o will_v fill_v their_o confession_n most_o with_o other_o man_n sin_n and_o you_o may_v feel_v they_o all_o the_o while_n in_o the_o bosom_n of_o their_o neighbour_n when_o you_o may_v even_o feel_v a_o sincere_a man_n speak_v his_o own_o heart_n and_o most_o open_v his_o own_o bosom_n to_o god_n but_o though_o self-applying_a and_o self-searching_a be_v far_o the_o better_a sign_n yet_o must_v not_o any_o wise_a christian_a do_v it_o mistake_o for_o that_o may_v breed_v abundance_n of_o very_a sad_a effect_n for_o beside_o the_o aforesaid_a embitter_a of_o god_n ordinance_n to_o you_o and_o so_o discourage_v you_o from_o they_o do_v but_o consider_v what_o a_o grief_n and_o a_o snare_n you_o may_v prove_v to_o your_o minister_n a_o grief_n it_o must_v needs_o be_v to_o he_o who_o know_v he_o shall_v not_o make_v sad_a the_o soul_n of_o the_o innocent_a to_o think_v that_o he_o can_v avoid_v it_o without_o avoid_v his_o duty_n when_o god_n have_v put_v two_o several_a message_n in_o our_o mouth_n isa._n 3.10_o 11._o say_v to_o the_o righteous_a it_o shall_v be_v well_o with_o he_o and_o say_v to_o the_o wicked_a it_o shall_v be_v ill_a with_o he_o he_o that_o believe_v shall_v be_v save_v he_o that_o believe_v not_o shall_v be_v damn_v and_o we_o speak_v both_o will_v you_o take_v that_o as_o speak_v to_o you_o which_o be_v speak_v to_o the_o unbeliever_n and_o the_o wicked_a alas_o how_o be_v it_o possible_a then_o for_o we_o to_o forbear_v trouble_v you_o if_o you_o will_v put_v your_o head_n under_o every_o stroke_n that_o we_o give_v against_o sin_n and_o sinner_n how_o can_v we_o help_v it_o if_o you_o smart_n what_o a_o sad_a case_n be_v we_o in_o by_o such_o misapplication_n we_o have_v but_o two_o message_n to_o deliver_v and_o both_o be_v usual_o lose_v by_o misapplication_n the_o wicked_a say_v i_o be_o the_o righteous_a and_o therefore_o it_o shâ—ll_v go_v well_o with_o i_o the_o righteous_a say_v i_o be_o the_o wicked_a and_o therefore_o it_o shall_v go_v ill_a with_o i_o the_o unbeliever_n say_v i_o be_o a_o believer_n and_o therefore_o be_o justify_v the_o believer_n say_v i_o be_o 〈◊〉_d vnbeliever_n â—nd_v therefore_o be_o condemn_v nay_o it_o be_v not_o only_o the_o loss_n of_o our_o preach_n but_o we_o oft_o do_v they_o much_o harm_n for_o they_o be_v harden_v that_o shall_v be_v humble_v and_o they_o be_v wound_v more_o that_o shall_v be_v heal_v a_o minister_n now_o must_v needs_o tell_v they_o who_o he_o mean_v by_o the_o believer_n and_o who_o by_o the_o unbeliever_n who_o by_o the_o righteous_a and_o who_o by_o the_o wicked_a and_o yet_o when_o he_o have_v do_v it_o as_o accurate_o and_o as_o cautelous_o as_o he_o can_v misapply_v soul_n will_v wrong_v themselves_o by_o it_o so_o that_o because_o people_n can_v see_v the_o distinguish_a line_n it_o therefore_o come_v to_o pass_v that_o few_o be_v comfort_v but_o when_o minister_n preach_v nothing_o else_o but_o comfort_n and_o few_o humble_v but_o where_o minister_n bend_v almost_o all_o their_o endeavour_n that_o way_n that_o people_n can_v feel_v almost_o nothing_o else_o from_o he_o but_o for_o he_o that_o equal_o will_v divide_v to_o each_o their_o portion_n each_o one_o snatch_v up_o the_o part_n of_o another_o and_o he_o oft_o miss_v of_o profit_v either_o and_o yet_o this_o be_v the_o course_n that_o we_o must_v take_v and_o what_o a_o snare_n be_v this_o to_o we_o as_o well_o as_o a_o grief_n what_o if_o we_o shall_v he_o so_o move_v with_o compassion_n of_o your_o trouble_n as_o to_o fit_v almost_o all_o our_o doctrine_n and_o application_n to_o you_o what_o a_o fearful_a guilt_n shall_v we_o draw_v upon_o our_o own_o soul_n nay_o what_o a_o snare_n may_v you_o thus_o prove_v to_o the_o great_a part_n of_o the_o congregation_n alas_o we_o have_v seldom_o past_o one_o or_o two_o or_o three_o trouble_a conscience_n in_o a_o auditory_a and_o perhaps_o some_o of_o their_o trouble_n be_v the_o fruit_n of_o such_o wilful_a sin_v that_o they_o have_v more_o need_n of_o great_a humble_v yet_o shall_v we_o now_o neglect_v all_o the_o rest_n of_o these_o poor_a soul_n to_o preach_v only_o to_o you_o o_o how_o many_o a_o ignorant_a hard-hearted_a sinner_n come_v before_o god_n every_o day_n shall_v we_o let_v such_o go_v away_o as_o they_o come_v without_o ever_o a_o blow_n to_o awaken_v they_o and_o stir_v their_o heart_n when_o alas_o all_o that_o ever_o we_o can_v do_v be_v too_o little_a when_o we_o preach_v you_o into_o tear_n and_o tremble_a we_o preach_v they_o asleep_o can_v we_o speak_v sword_n it_o will_v scarce_o make_v they_o feel_v when_o you_o through_o misapplication_n have_v go_v home_o with_o anguish_n and_o fear_n how_o few_o of_o all_o these_o have_v be_v prick_v at_o the_o heart_n and_o say_v what_o shall_v we_o do_v to_o be_v save_v have_v you_o no_o pity_n now_o on_o such_o stupid_a soul_n as_o these_o i_o fear_v this_o one_o distemper_n of_o you_o that_o you_o can_v bear_v this_o rouse_a preach_v do_v bewray_v another_o and_o great_a sin_n look_v to_o it_o i_o beseech_v you_o for_o i_o think_v i_o have_v spy_v out_o the_o cause_n of_o your_o trouble_n be_v you_o not_o yourself_o too_o great_a a_o stranger_n to_o poor_a stupid_a sinner_n and_o
come_v not_o among_o they_o or_o pity_v they_o not_o as_o you_o shall_v and_o do_v not_o your_o duty_n for_o the_o save_n of_o their_o soul_n but_o think_v it_o belong_v not_o to_o you_o but_o to_o other_o do_v you_o use_v to_o deal_v with_o servant_n and_o neighbour_n about_o you_o and_o tell_v they_o of_o sin_n and_o misery_n and_o the_o remedy_n and_o seek_v to_o draw_v their_o heart_n to_o christ_n and_o bring_v they_o to_o duty_n i_o doubt_v you_o do_v little_a in_o this_o and_o that_o be_v sad_a unmercifulness_n for_o if_o you_o do_v true_o you_o can_v not_o choose_v but_o find_v such_o miserable_a ignorance_n such_o senselesness_n and_o blockishness_n such_o hate_v reproof_n and_o unwillingness_n to_o be_v reform_v such_o love_n of_o this_o world_n and_o slavery_n to_o the_o flesh_n and_o so_o little_a savour_n of_o christ_n grace_n heaven_n and_o the_o thing_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o especial_o such_o a_o unteachableness_n intractableness_n as_o thorn_n and_o briar_n and_o so_o great_a a_o difficulty_n of_o move_v they_o a_o inch_n from_o what_o they_o be_v that_o you_o will_v have_v be_v willing_a ever_o after_o to_o have_v minister_n preach_v more_o rouse_o then_o they_o do_v and_o you_o will_v be_v glad_a for_o their_o sake_n when_o you_o hear_v that_o which_o may_v awake_v they_o and_o prick_v they_o to_o the_o heart_n yea_o if_o you_o have_v try_v how_o hard_o a_o work_n it_o be_v to_o bring_v worldly_a formal_a hypocrite_n to_o see_v their_o hypocrisy_n or_o to_o come_v over_o to_o christ_n from_o the_o creature_n and_o to_o be_v in_o good_a earnest_n in_o the_o business_n of_o their_o salvation_n you_o will_v be_v glad_a to_o have_v preacher_n search_v they_o to_o the_o quick_a and_o ransack_v their_o heart_n and_o help_v they_o against_o their_o affect_a and_o obstinate_a self-delusion_n beside_o you_o shall_v consider_v that_o theâ—_n case_n be_v far_o different_a from_o you_o your_o disease_n be_v pain_n and_o trouble_v they_o be_v stark_o dead_a you_o have_v god_n favour_n and_o doubt_n of_o it_o they_o be_v his_o enemy_n and_o never_o suspect_v it_o you_o want_v comfort_n and_o they_o want_v pardon_n and_o life_n if_o your_o disease_n shall_v never_o here_o be_v cure_v it_o be_v but_o go_v more_o sad_o to_o heaven_n but_o if_o they_o be_v not_o recover_v by_o regeneration_n they_o must_v lie_v for_o ever_o in_o hell_n and_o shall_v we_o not_o then_o pity_v they_o more_o than_o you_o and_o study_v more_o for_o they_o and_o preach_v more_o for_o they_o and_o rather_o forget_v you_o in_o a_o sermon_n then_o they_o shall_v you_o not_o wish_v we_o so_o to_o do_v shall_v we_o more_o regard_v the_o comfort_v of_o one_o than_o the_o save_n of_o a_o hundred_o nay_o more_o we_o shall_v not_o only_o neglect_v they_o but_o dangerous_o hurt_v they_o if_o we_o shall_v preach_v too_o much_o to_o the_o case_n of_o trouble_a soul_n for_o you_o be_v not_o so_o apt_a to_o misapply_v passage_n of_o terror_n and_o to_o take_v their_o portion_n as_o they_o be_v apt_a to_o apply_v to_o themselves_o such_o passage_n for_o comfort_n and_o take_v your_o portion_n to_o themselves_o i_o know_v some_o will_v say_v that_o it_o be_v preach_v christ_n and_o set_v forth_o god_n love_n that_o will_v win_v they_o best_o and_o terror_n do_v but_o make_v unwilling_a hypocrital_a professor_n this_o make_v i_o remember_v how_o i_o have_v hear_v some_o preacher_n of_o the_o time_n blame_v their_o brethren_n for_o not_o preach_v christ_n to_o their_o people_n when_o they_o preach_v the_o danger_n of_o reject_v christ_n disobey_v he_o and_o resist_v his_o spirit_n do_v these_o man_n think_v that_o it_o be_v no_o preach_v christ_n when_o we_o have_v first_o many_o year_n tell_v man_n the_o fullness_n of_o his_o satisfaction_n the_o freeness_n and_o general_a extent_n of_o his_o covenant_n or_o promise_n and_o the_o riches_n of_o his_o grace_n and_o the_o incomprehensibleness_n of_o his_o glory_n and_o the_o truth_n of_o all_o to_o tell_v they_o afterward_o the_o danger_n of_o refuse_v neglect_v and_o disobey_v he_o and_o of_o live_v after_o the_o flesh_n and_o prefer_v the_o world_n before_o he_o and_o serve_a mammon_n and_o fall_v off_o in_o persecution_n and_o avoid_v the_o cross_n and_o yield_v in_o temptation_n and_o quench_v the_o spirit_n and_o decline_v from_o their_o first_o love_n and_o not_o improve_n their_o talent_n and_o not_o forgive_a and_o love_v their_o brethren_n yea_o and_o enemy_n etc._n etc._n be_v none_o of_o this_o gospel_n nor_o preach_v christ_n yea_o be_v not_o repentance_n itself_o except_o despair_v repentance_n proper_a to_o the_o gospel_n see_v the_o law_n exclude_v it_o and_o all_o manner_n of_o hope_n blame_v i_o not_o reader_n if_o i_o be_v zealous_a against_o these_o man_n that_o not_o only_o know_v no_o better_o what_o preach_v christ_n be_v but_o in_o their_o ignorance_n reproach_v their_o brethren_n for_o not_o preach_v christ_n and_o withal_o condemn_v christ_n himself_o and_o all_o his_o apostle_n do_v they_o think_v that_o christ_n himself_o know_v not_o what_o it_o be_v to_o preach_v christ_n or_o that_o he_o set_v we_o a_o pattern_n too_o low_o for_o our_o imitation_n i_o desire_v they_o sober_o to_o read_v mat._n 5.6_o 7_o 10_o 25._o rom._n 8._o from_o the_o first_o verse_n to_o the_o 14._o rom._n 2._o heb._n 2._o &_o 4._o &_o 5._o &_o 10_o and_o then_o tell_v i_o whether_o we_o preach_v as_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n do_v but_o to_o the_o objection_n i_o answer_v first_o we_o do_v set_v forth_o god_n love_n and_o the_o fullness_n of_o christ_n and_o the_o sufficiency_n of_o his_o death_n and_o satisfaction_n for_o all_o and_o the_o freeness_n and_o extent_n of_o his_o offer_n and_o promise_v of_o mercy_n and_o his_o readiness_n to_o welcome_v return_v sinner_n this_o we_o do_v first_o mix_v with_o this_o the_o discovery_n of_o their_o natural_a misery_n by_o sin_n which_o must_v be_v first_o know_v and_o next_o we_o show_v they_o the_o danger_n of_o reject_v christ_n and_o his_o offer_n 2._o when_o we_o find_v man_n settle_v under_o the_o preach_n of_o free_a grace_n in_o a_o base_a contempt_n or_o sleepy_a neglect_n of_o it_o prefer_v the_o world_n and_o their_o carnal_a pleasure_n and_o ease_n before_o all_o the_o glory_n of_o heaven_n and_o riches_n of_o christ_n and_o grace_n be_v it_o not_o time_n for_o we_o to_o say_v how_o shall_v you_o escape_v if_o you_o neglect_v so_o great_a salvation_n heb._n 2.3_o and_o of_o how_o much_o soarer_n punishment_n shall_v he_o be_v think_v worthy_a that_o tread_v under_o foot_n the_o blood_n of_o the_o covenant_n heb._n 10.26_o when_o man_n grow_v careless_a and_o unbelieving_a must_v we_o not_o say_v take_v heed_n lest_o a_o promise_n be_v lest_o of_o enter_v into_o his_o rest_n any_o of_o you_o shall_v seem_v to_o come_v short_a of_o it_o heb._n 4.1_o 3._o have_v not_o christ_n lead_v we_o command_v we_o and_o teach_v we_o this_o way_n except_o you_o repent_v you_o shall_v all_o perish_v be_v his_o doctrine_n luke_n 13.3_o 5._o go_v into_o the_o world_n and_o preach_v the_o gospel_n to_o every_o creature_n what_o be_v that_o gospel_n he_o that_o believe_v shall_v be_v save_v and_o he_o that_o believe_v not_o shall_v be_v damn_v mark_v 16.16_o those_o my_o enemy_n that_o will_v not_o i_o shall_v reign_v over_o they_o bring_v hither_o and_o stay_v they_o before_o i_o luke_n 19.27_o do_v any_o of_o the_o apostle_n speak_v more_o of_o hellfire_n and_o the_o worm_n that_o never_o die_v and_o the_o fire_n that_o never_o be_v quench_v their_o christ_n himself_n do_v and_o do_v not_o his_o apostle_n go_v the_o same_o way_n even_o paul_n the_o great_a preacher_n of_o faith_n 2_o thess_n 1_o 7_o 8_o 9_o and_o 2.12_o etc._n etc._n what_o more_o common_a alas_o what_o work_n shall_v we_o make_v if_o we_o shall_v stroke_n and_o smooth_a all_o man_n with_o antinomian_a language_n it_o be_v the_o way_n to_o please_v all_o the_o sensual_a profane_a multitude_n but_o it_o be_v none_o of_o christ_n way_n to_o save_v their_o soul_n i_o be_o ready_a to_o think_v that_o these_o man_n will_v have_v christ_n preach_v as_o the_o papist_n will_v have_v he_o pray_v to_o to_o say_v jesus_n jesus_n jesus_n nine_o time_n together_o and_o this_o oft_o over_o be_v their_o pray_v to_o he_o and_o to_o have_v christ_n name_n oft_o in_o the_o preacher_n mouth_n some_o man_n think_v be_v the_o right_n preach_v christ_n let_v i_o now_o desire_v you_o hereafter_o to_o be_v glad_a to_o hear_v minister_n awaken_v the_o profane_a and_o dead-hearted_n hearer_n and_o search_v all_o to_o the_o quick_a and_o misapply_v nothing_o to_o yourself_o but_o if_o you_o think_v any_o passage_n do_v near_o concern_v you_o open_v your_o mind_n to_o the_o minister_n private_o
when_o he_o may_v satisfy_v you_o more_o full_o and_o that_o without_o do_v hurt_v to_o other_o and_o consider_v what_o a_o strait_a minister_n be_v in_o that_o have_v so_o many_o of_o so_o different_a condition_n inclination_n and_o conversation_n to_o preach_v to_o direction_n xxix_o 29._o be_v sure_a you_o forget_v not_o to_o distinguish_v between_o cause_n of_o doubt_v of_o your_o sincerity_n and_o cause_n of_o mere_a humiliation_n repentance_n and_o amendment_n and_o do_v not_o raise_v doubt_n and_o fear_n where_o god_n call_v you_o but_o to_o humiliation_n amendment_n and_o fresh_a recourse_n to_o christ_n this_o rule_n be_v of_o so_o great_a moment_n to_o your_o peace_n that_o you_o will_v have_v daily_o use_v for_o it_o and_o can_v never_o maintain_v any_o true_a settle_a peace_n without_o the_o practice_n of_o it_o what_o more_o common_a then_o for_o poor_a christian_n to_o pour_v out_o a_o multitude_n of_o complaint_n of_o their_o weakness_n and_o want_n and_o miscarriage_n and_o never_o consider_v all_o the_o while_n that_o there_o may_v be_v cause_n of_o sorrow_n in_o these_o when_o yet_o there_o be_v no_o cause_n of_o doubt_v of_o their_o sincerity_n i_o have_v show_v before_o that_o in_o gross_a fall_n and_o great_a backslide_n doubt_n will_v arise_v and_o sometime_o our_o fear_n and_o jealousy_n may_v not_o be_v without_o cause_n but_o it_o be_v not_o ordinary_a infirmity_n nor_o every_o sin_n which_o may_v have_v be_v avoid_v that_o be_v just_a cause_n of_o doubt_v nay_o your_o very_a humiliation_n must_v no_o further_o be_v endeavour_v than_o it_o tend_v to_o your_o recovery_n and_o to_o the_o honour_v of_o mercy_n for_o it_o be_v possible_a that_o you_o may_v exceed_v in_o the_o measure_n of_o your_o grief_n you_o must_v therefore_o first_o be_v resolve_v wherein_o the_o truth_n of_o save_a grace_n do_v consist_v and_o then_o in_o all_o your_o fail_n and_o weakness_n first_o know_v whether_o they_o contradict_v sincerity_n itself_o and_o be_v such_o as_o may_v give_v just_a cause_n to_o question_v your_o sincerity_n if_o they_o be_v not_o as_o the_o ordinary_a infirmity_n of_o believer_n be_v not_o than_o you_o may_v and_o must_v be_v humble_v for_o they_o but_o you_o may_v not_o doubt_v of_o your_o salvation_n for_o they_o i_o tell_v you_o before_o by_o what_o mark_n you_o may_v discern_v your_o sincerity_n that_o be_v wherein_o the_o nature_n of_o save_a faith_n and_o holiness_n do_v consist_v keep_v that_o in_o your_o eye_n and_o as_o long_o as_o you_o find_v that_o sure_a and_o clear_a let_v nothing_o make_v you_o doubt_v of_o your_o right_n to_o christ_n and_o glory_n but_o alas_o how_o people_n do_v contradict_v the_o will_n of_o god_n in_o this_o when_o you_o have_v sin_v god_n will_v have_v you_o bewail_v your_o folly_n and_o unkind_a deal_n and_o fly_v to_o mercy_n through_o christ_n and_o this_o you_o will_v not_o do_v but_o he_o will_v not_o have_v you_o torment_v yourself_o with_o fear_n of_o damnation_n and_o question_v his_o love_n and_o yet_o this_o you_o will_v do_v you_o may_v discern_v by_o this_o that_o humiliation_n and_o reformation_n be_v sure_a of_o god_n man_n heart_n be_v so_o backward_o to_o it_o and_o that_o vexation_n doubt_n and_o fear_n in_o true_a christian_n that_o shall_v be_v comfortable_a be_v not_o of_o god_n man_n nature_n be_v so_o prone_a to_o they_o though_o the_o ungodly_a that_o shall_v fear_v and_o doubt_n be_v as_o backward_o to_o it_o i_o think_v it_o will_v not_o be_v unseasonable_a here_o to_o lay_v down_o the_o particular_a doubt_n that_o usual_o trouble_v sincere_a believer_n and_o see_v how_o far_o they_o may_v be_v just_a and_o how_o far_o unjust_a and_o causeless_a and_o most_o of_o they_o shall_v be_v from_o my_o own_o former_a experience_n and_o such_o as_o i_o have_v be_v most_o trouble_v with_o myself_o and_o the_o rest_n such_o as_o be_v incident_a to_o true_a christian_n and_o too_o usual_a with_o they_o doubt_v i._o i_o have_v oft_o hear_v and_o read_v in_o the_o best_a divine_n that_o grace_n be_v not_o bear_v with_o we_o and_o therefore_o satan_n have_v always_o possession_n before_o christ_n and_o keep_v that_o possession_n in_o peace_n till_o christ_n come_v and_o bind_v he_o and_o cast_v he_o out_o and_o that_o this_o be_v so_o great_a a_o work_n that_o it_o can_v choose_v but_o be_v observe_v and_o for_o ever_o remember_v by_o the_o soul_n where_o it_o be_v wrought_v yea_o the_o several_a step_n and_o passage_n of_o it_o may_v be_v all_o observe_v first_o cast_v down_o and_o then_o lift_v up_o first_o wound_v and_o kill_v and_o then_o heal_v and_o revive_v but_o i_o have_v not_o observe_v the_o distinct_a part_n and_o passage_n of_o this_o change_n in_o i_o nay_o i_o know_v of_o no_o such_o sudden_a observable_a change_n at_o all_o i_o can_v remember_v that_o ever_o i_o be_v first_o kill_v and_o then_o revive_v nor_o do_v i_o know_v by_o what_o minister_n nor_o at_o what_o sermon_n or_o other_o mean_v that_o work_n which_o be_v upon_o i_o be_v wrought_v no_o nor_o what_o day_n or_o month_n or_o year_n it_o be_v begin_v i_o have_v slide_v insensible_o into_o a_o profession_n of_o religion_n i_o know_v not_o how_o and_o therefore_o i_o fear_v that_o i_o be_o not_o sincere_a and_o the_o work_n of_o true_a regeneration_n be_v never_o yet_o wrought_v upon_o my_o soul_n answer_n i_o will_v lay_v down_o the_o full_a answer_n to_o this_o in_o these_o proposition_n 1._o it_o be_v true_a that_o grace_n be_v not_o natural_a to_o we_o or_o convey_v by_o generation_n 2._o yet_o it_o be_v as_o true_a that_o grace_n be_v give_v to_o our_o child_n as_o well_o as_o to_o we_o that_o it_o may_v be_v so_o and_o be_v so_o with_o some_o all_o will_v grant_v who_o believe_v that_o infant_n may_v be_v and_o be_v save_v and_o that_o it_o be_v so_o with_o the_o infant_n of_o believer_n i_o have_v full_o prove_v in_o my_o book_n of_o baptism_n but_o mark_v what_o grace_n i_o mean_v the_o grace_n of_o remission_n of_o original_a sin_n the_o child_n of_o all_o true_a believer_n have_v at_o least_o a_o high_a probability_n of_o if_o not_o a_o full_a certainty_n their_o parent_n accept_n it_o for_o himself_o and_o they_o and_o dedicate_a they_o to_o christ_n and_o engage_v they_o in_o his_o covenant_n so_o that_o he_o take_v they_o for_o his_o people_n and_o they_o take_v he_o for_o their_o lord_n and_o saviour_n and_o for_o the_o grace_n of_o inward_a renew_n of_o their_o nature_n or_o disposition_n it_o be_v a_o secret_a to_o we_o utter_o unknown_a whether_o god_n use_v to_o do_v it_o in_o infant_n or_o no._n 3._o god_n first-ordained_n way_n for_o the_o work_n of_o inward_a holiness_n be_v by_o parent_n education_n of_o their_o child_n and_o not_o by_o the_o public_a ministry_n of_o the_o word_n of_o which_o more_o anon_o 4._o all_o godly_a parent_n do_v acquaint_v their_o child_n with_o the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n in_o their_o infancy_n as_o soon_o as_o they_o be_v capable_a of_o receive_v it_o and_o do_v afterward_o inculcate_v it_o on_o they_o more_o and_o more_o 5._o these_o instruction_n of_o parent_n be_v usual_o second_v by_o the_o work_n of_o the_o spirit_n according_a to_o the_o capacity_n of_o the_o child_n open_v their_o understanding_n to_o receive_v it_o and_o make_v a_o impression_n thereby_o upon_o the_o heart_n 6._o when_o these_o instruction_n and_o the_o inward_a work_n of_o the_o spirit_n be_v just_a past_o the_o preparatory_a part_n and_o above_o the_o high_a step_n of_o common_a grace_n and_o have_v attain_v to_o special_a save_a grace_n be_v ordinary_o undiscernible_a &_o therefore_o as_o i_o have_v show_v already_o in_o god_n usual_a way_n of_o work_a grace_n man_n can_v know_v the_o just_a day_n or_o time_n when_o they_o begin_v to_o be_v in_o the_o state_n of_o grace_n and_o though_o man_n that_o have_v long_o live_v in_o profaneness_n and_o be_v change_v sudden_o may_v conjecture_v near_o at_o the_o time_n yet_o those_o that_o god_n have_v be_v work_v on_o early_a in_o their_o youth_n yea_o or_o afterward_o by_o slow_a degree_n can_v know_v the_o time_n of_o their_o first_o receive_v the_o spirit_n 8._o the_o memory_n of_o all_o man_n be_v so_o slippery_a and_o one_o think_v so_o sudden_o thrust_v out_o by_o another_o that_o many_o a_o thousand_o soul_n forget_v those_o particular_a work_n which_o they_o have_v true_o feel_v 9_o the_o memory_n of_o child_n be_v far_o weak_a than_o of_o other_o and_o therefore_o it_o be_v less_o probable_a that_o all_o the_o spirit_n work_n shall_v by_o they_o be_v remember_v 9_o and_o the_o motion_n of_o grace_n be_v so_o various_a sometime_o stir_v one_o affection_n and_o sometime_o another_o sometime_o begin_v with_o small_a motion_n and_o then_o move_a more_o
he_o be_v not_o sound_a in_o his_o religion_n and_o so_o need_v not_o a_o conversion_n to_o a_o sound_a faith_n but_o only_o to_o a_o soundness_n in_o the_o faith_n the_o suddenness_n of_o the_o news_n must_v needs_o make_v those_o violent_a commotion_n and_o change_n in_o the_o one_o which_o can_v ordinary_o be_v expect_v in_o the_o other_o who_o be_v acquaint_v so_o early_o with_o the_o truth_n and_o by_o such_o degree_n 5._o but_o suppose_v you_o hear_v nothing_o of_o sin_n and_o misery_n and_o a_o redeemer_n in_o your_o childhood_n or_o at_o least_o understand_v it_o not_o which_o yet_o be_v unlikely_a yet_o let_v i_o ask_v you_o this_o do_v not_o that_o preacher_n or_o that_o book_n or_o whatever_o other_o mean_v god_n use_v for_o your_o conversion_n reveal_v to_o you_o misery_n and_o mercy_n both_o together_o do_v not_o you_o hear_v and_o believe_v that_o christ_n die_v for_o sin_n as_o soon_o as_o you_o understand_v your_o sin_n and_o misery_n sure_o i_o be_o that_o the_o scripture_n reveal_v both_o together_o and_o so_o do_v every_o sound_a preacher_n and_o every_o sound_a writer_n notwithstanding_o that_o the_o slanderous_a antinomian_o do_v shameless_o proclaim_v that_o we_o preach_v not_o christ_n but_o the_o law_n this_o be_v so_o you_o may_v easy_o apprehend_v that_o it_o must_v needs_o abate_v very_o much_o of_o the_o terror_n which_o will_v else_o have_v be_v unavoidable_a if_o you_o have_v read_v or_o hear_v that_o you_o be_v a_o sinner_n and_o the_o child_n of_o hell_n and_o of_o god_n 〈◊〉_d and_o that_o there_o be_v no_o remedy_n which_o be_v 〈◊〉_d a_o preach_v of_o the_o law_n as_o we_o must_v not_o use_v to_o any_o in_o the_o world_n nor_o any_o since_o the_o first_o promise_n to_o adam_n must_v receive_v yea_o or_o if_o you_o have_v hear_v nothing_o of_o a_o saviour_n for_o a_o year_n or_o a_o day_n or_o a_o hour_n after_o you_o have_v hear_v that_o you_o be_v a_o heir_n of_o hell_n and_o so_o the_o remedy_n have_v be_v but_o conceal_v from_o you_o though_o not_o deny_v which_o ordinary_o must_v not_o be_v do_v than_o you_o may_v in_o all_o likelihood_n have_v find_v some_o more_o terror_n of_o soul_n that_o hour_n but_o when_o you_o hear_v that_o your_o sin_n be_v pardonable_a as_o soon_o as_o you_o hear_v that_o you_o be_v a_o sinner_n and_o hear_v that_o your_o misery_n have_v a_o sufficient_a remedy_n provide_v if_o you_o will_v accept_v it_o or_o at_o least_o that_o it_o be_v not_o remediless_a and_o this_o as_o soon_o as_o you_o hear_v of_o that_o misery_n what_o wonder_n be_v it_o if_o this_o exceed_o abate_v your_o fear_n and_o trouble_n suppose_v two_o man_n go_v to_o visit_v two_o several_a neighbour_n that_o have_v the_o plague_n and_o one_o of_o they_o say_v it_o be_v the_o plague_n that_o be_v on_o you_o you_o be_v but_o a_o dead_a man_n the_o other_o say_v to_o the_o other_o sick_a person_n it_o be_v the_o plague_n that_o you_o have_v but_o here_o be_v our_o physician_n at_o the_o next_o door_n that_o have_v a_o receipt_n that_o will_v cure_v it_o as_o infallible_o and_o as_o easy_o as_o if_o it_o be_v but_o the_o prick_n of_o a_o pin_n he_o have_v cure_v thousand_o and_o never_o fail_v one_o that_o take_v his_o receipt_n but_o if_o you_o will_v not_o send_v to_o he_o and_o trust_v he_o and_o take_v his_o reâ—eâ—â—t_n there_o be_v no_o hope_n of_o you_o tell_v i_o now_o whether_o the_o first_o of_o these_o sick_a person_n be_v not_o like_a to_o be_v more_o trouble_v than_o the_o other_o and_o whether_o it_o will_v not_o remove_v almost_o all_o the_o fear_n and_o trouble_n of_o the_o latter_a to_o hear_v of_o a_o certain_a remedy_n as_o soon_o as_o he_o hear_v of_o the_o disease_n though_o some_o trouble_n he_o must_v needs_o have_v to_o think_v that_o he_o have_v a_o disease_n in_o itself_o so_o desperate_a or_o loathsome_a nay_o let_v i_o tell_v you_o so_o the_o cure_n be_v but_o well_o do_v the_o less_o terror_n and_o despair_a fear_n you_o be_v put_v upon_o the_o more_o credit_n be_v it_o to_o your_o physician_n and_o his_o apothecary_n christ_n and_o the_o preacher_n or_o instrument_n that_o do_v the_o work_n and_o therefore_o you_o shall_v rather_o praise_v your_o physician_n then_o question_v the_o cure_n doubt_v iii_o but_o it_o be_v common_a with_o all_o the_o world_n to_o consent_v to_o the_o religion_n that_o they_o be_v breed_v up_o in_o and_o somewhat_o affect_v with_o it_o and_o to_o make_v conscience_n of_o obey_v the_o precept_n of_o it_o so_o do_v the_o jew_n in_o they_o the_o mahometan_n in_o they_o and_o i_o fear_v it_o be_v no_o other_o work_n on_o my_o soul_n but_o the_o mere_a force_n of_o education_n that_o make_v i_o religious_a and_o that_o i_o have_v never_o that_o great_a renew_v work_n of_o the_o spirit_n upon_o my_o soul_n and_o so_o that_o all_o my_o religion_n be_v but_o mere_a opinion_n or_o notion_n in_o my_o brain_n answer_n 1._o all_o the_o religion_n in_o the_o world_n beside_o the_o christian_a religion_n have_v either_o much_o error_n and_o wickedness_n mix_v with_o some_o truth_n of_o god_n or_o they_o contain_v some_o lesser_a parcel_n of_o that_o truth_n alone_o as_o the_o jew_n only_o the_o christian_a religion_n have_v that_o whole_a truth_n which_o be_v save_v now_o so_o much_o of_o god_n truth_n as_o there_o be_v in_o any_o of_o these_o religion_n so_o much_o it_o may_v work_v good_a effect_n upon_o their_o soul_n as_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o godhead_n and_o that_o god_n be_v holy_a good_a just_a merciful_a and_o that_o he_o show_v they_o much_o undeserved_a mercy_n in_o his_o daily_a providence_n etc._n etc._n but_o mark_v these_o two_o thing_n 1._o that_o all_o person_n of_o false_a religion_n do_v more_o easy_o and_o greedy_o embrace_v the_o false_a part_n of_o their_o religion_n then_o the_o true_a and_o those_o they_o be_v zealous_a for_o and_o practice_n with_o all_o their_o might_n because_o their_o natural_a corruption_n do_v befriend_v it_o and_o be_v as_o combustible_a fuel_n for_o the_o fire_n of_o hell_n to_o catch_v in_o but_o that_o truth_n of_o god_n which_o be_v mix_v with_o their_o error_n if_o it_o be_v practical_a they_o fight_v against_o it_o and_o abhor_v it_o while_o they_o hold_v it_o because_o it_o cross_v their_o lust_n insomuch_o that_o it_o be_v usual_o but_o some_o few_o of_o the_o more_o convince_v and_o civil_a that_o god_n in_o providence_n make_v the_o main_a instrument_n of_o continue_v those_o truth_n of_o he_o in_o that_o part_n of_o the_o wicked_a world_n for_o we_o find_v that_o even_o among_o pagan_n the_o profaner_n and_o more_o sensual_a sort_n do_v deride_v the_o better_a sort_n as_o our_o profane_a christian_n do_v the_o godly_a who_o they_o call_v puritan_n 2._o note_v that_o the_o truth_n of_o god_n which_o in_o these_o false_a religion_n be_v still_o acknowledge_v be_v so_o small_a a_o part_n and_o so_o oppress_v by_o error_n that_o it_o be_v not_o sufficient_a to_o their_o salvation_n that_o be_v to_o give_v they_o any_o sound_a hope_n nor_o be_v it_o sufficient_a to_o make_v such_o clear_a and_o deep_a and_o powerful_a impression_n in_o their_o mind_n as_o may_v make_v they_o holy_a or_o true_o heavenly_a or_o may_v overcome_v in_o they_o the_o interest_n of_o the_o world_n and_o the_o flesh_n this_o be_v so_o you_o may_v see_v great_a reason_n why_o a_o turk_n or_o a_o heathen_a may_v be_v zealous_a for_o his_o religion_n without_o god_n spirit_n or_o any_o true_a sanctification_n when_o yet_o you_o can_v be_v so_o true_o zealous_a for_o you_o without_o it_o indeed_o the_o speculative_a part_n of_o our_o religion_n separate_v from_o the_o practical_a or_o from_o the_o hard_a and_o self_n deny_v part_n of_o the_o practical_a many_o a_o wicked_a man_n may_v be_v zealous_a for_o as_o to_o maintain_v the_o godhead_n or_o that_o god_n be_v merciful_a etc._n etc._n or_o to_o maintain_v against_o the_o jew_n that_o jesus_n be_v the_o christ_n or_o against_o the_o turk_n that_o he_o be_v the_o only_a redeemer_n and_o teacher_n of_o the_o church_n or_o against_o the_o papist_n that_o all_o the_o christian_n in_o the_o world_n be_v christ_n church_n as_o well_o as_o the_o roman_n and_o against_o the_o socinian_o and_o arrian_n that_o christ_n be_v god_n etc._n etc._n but_o this_o be_v but_o a_o small_a part_n of_o our_o religion_n nor_o do_v this_o or_o any_o heathenish_a zeal_n sanctify_v the_o heart_n or_o true_o mortify_v the_o flesh_n or_o overcome_v the_o world_n they_o may_v contemn_v life_n and_o cast_v it_o away_o for_o their_o pride_n and_o vainglory_n but_o not_o for_o the_o hope_n of_o a_o holy_a and_o bless_a life_n with_o god_n this_o be_v but_o the_o prevalency_n of_o one_o corruption_n against_o another_o or_o
before_o some_o bashful_a or_o proud_a or_o tender_a patient_n will_v open_v their_o disease_n the_o very_a open_n of_o a_o man_n grief_n to_o a_o faithful_a friend_n do_v oft_o ease_v the_o heart_n of_o itself_o 2._o and_o that_o this_o shall_v be_v do_v to_o your_o pastor_n i_o will_v show_v you_o further_o anon_o 2._o but_o you_o must_v understand_v well_o when_o this_o be_v your_o duty_n 1._o not_o in_o every_o small_a infirmity_n which_o accompany_v christian_n in_o their_o daily_a most_o watchful_a conversation_n nor_o yet_o in_o every_o lesser_a doubt_n which_o may_v be_v otherways_o resolve_v it_o be_v a_o folly_n and_o a_o wrong_n to_o physician_n to_o run_v to_o they_o for_o every_o cut_a finger_n or_o prick_v with_o a_o pin_n every_o neighbour_n can_v help_v you_o in_o this_o 2._o nor_o except_o it_o be_v a_o weighty_a case_n indeed_o go_v not_o first_o to_o a_o minister_n but_o first_o study_v the_o case_n yourself_o and_o seek_v god_n direction_n if_o that_o will_v not_o serve_v open_v your_o case_n to_o your_o near_a bosom_n friend_n that_o be_v godly_a and_o judicious_a and_o in_o these_o two_o case_n always_o go_v to_o your_o pastor_n 1._o in_o case_n privater_a mean_n can_v do_v you_o no_o good_a then_o god_n call_v you_o to_o seek_v further_o if_o a_o cut_a finger_n so_o fester_v that_o ordinary_a mean_n will_v not_o cure_v it_o you_o must_v go_v to_o the_o physician_n 2._o if_o the_o case_n be_v weighty_a and_o dangerous_a for_o than_o none_o but_o the_o more_o prudent_a advice_n be_v to_o be_v trust_v if_o you_o be_v strike_v with_o a_o dangerous_a disease_n i_o will_v not_o have_v you_o delay_v so_o long_o nor_o wrong_v yourself_o so_o much_o as_o to_o stay_v while_o you_o tamper_v with_o every_o woman_n medicine_n but_o go_v present_o to_o the_o physician_n so_o if_o you_o either_o fall_n into_o any_o grievous_a sin_n or_o any_o terrible_a pang_n of_o conscience_n or_o any_o great_a straits_n and_o difficulty_n about_o matter_n of_o doctrine_n or_o practice_n go_v present_o to_o your_o pastor_n for_o advice_n the_o devil_n and_o pride_n and_o bashfulness_n will_v do_v their_o utmost_a to_o hinder_v you_o but_o see_v that_o they_o prevail_v not_o 3._o next_o consider_v to_o what_o end_v you_o must_v do_v this_o not_o 1._o either_o to_o expect_v that_o a_o minister_n can_v of_o himself_o create_v peace_n in_o you_o or_o that_o all_o your_o doubt_n shall_v vanish_v as_o soon_o as_o ever_o you_o have_v open_v your_o mind_n only_o the_o great_a peacemaker_n the_o prince_n of_o peace_n can_v create_v peace_n in_o you_o ascribe_v not_o to_o any_o the_o office_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n to_o be_v your_o effectual_a comforter_n to_o expect_v more_o from_o man_n then_o belong_v to_o man_n be_v the_o way_n to_o receive_v nothing_o from_o he_o but_o to_o cause_n god_n to_o blast_v to_o you_o the_o best_a endeavour_n 2._o nor_o must_v you_o resolve_v to_o take_v all_o mere_o from_o the_o word_n of_o your_o pastor_n as_o if_o he_o be_v infallible_a nor_o absolute_o to_o judge_n of_o yourself_o as_o he_o judge_v for_o he_o may_v be_v too_o rigorous_a or_o more_o common_o too_o charitable_a in_o his_o opinion_n of_o you_o there_o may_v be_v much_o of_o your_o disposition_n and_o conversation_n unknown_a to_o he_o which_o may_v hinder_v his_o right_n judge_v but_o 1._o you_o must_v use_v your_o pastor_n as_o the_o ordain_a instrument_n &_o messenger_n of_o the_o lord_n jesus_n &_o his_o spirit_n appoint_v to_o speak_v a_o word_n in_o season_n to_o the_o weary_a and_o to_o show_v to_o man_n his_o righteousness_n and_o to_o strengthen_v the_o weak_a hand_n and_o feeble_a knee_n yea_o and_o more_o to_o bind_v and_o loose_v on_o earth_n as_o christ_n do_v bind_v and_o loose_v in_o heaven_n as_o christ_n and_o his_o spirit_n do_v only_o save_v in_o the_o principal_a place_n and_o yet_o minister_n save_o soul_n in_o subordination_n to_o they_o as_o his_o instrument_n act._n 26.17_o 18._o 1_o tim._n 4.15_o 16._o jam._n 5.20_o so_o christ_n and_o the_o spirit_n be_v as_o principal_a cause_n the_o only_a comforter_n but_o his_o minister_n be_v comforter_n under_o he_o 2._o and_o that_o which_o you_o must_v expect_v from_o they_o be_v these_o two_o thing_n 1._o you_o must_v expect_v those_o full_a discovery_n of_o god_n will_v than_o you_o be_v able_a to_o make_v yourself_o by_o which_o you_o may_v have_v assurance_n of_o your_o duty_n to_o god_n and_o of_o the_o sense_n of_o scripture_n which_o express_v how_o god_n will_v deal_v with_o you_o that_o so_o a_o clear_a discovery_n of_o god_n mind_n may_v resolve_v your_o doubt_n 2._o in_o the_o mean_a time_n till_o you_o can_v come_v to_o a_o full_a resolution_n you_o may_v and_o must_v somewhat_o stay_v yourself_o on_o the_o very_a judgement_n of_o your_o pastor_n not_o as_o infallible_a but_o as_o a_o discovery_n of_o the_o probability_n of_o your_o good_a or_o bad_a estate_n and_o so_o of_o your_o duty_n also_o though_o you_o will_v not_o renounce_v your_o own_o understanding_n and_o believe_v any_o man_n when_o you_o know_v he_o be_v deceive_v or_o will_v deceive_v you_o yet_o you_o will_v so_o far_o suspect_v your_o own_o reason_n and_o value_v another_o as_o to_o have_v a_o special_a regard_n to_o every_o man_n judgement_n in_o his_o own_o profession_n if_o the_o physician_n tell_v you_o that_o your_o disease_n be_v not_o dangerous_a or_o the_o lawyer_n that_o your_o cause_n be_v good_a it_o will_v more_o comfort_v you_o then_o if_o another_o man_n shall_v say_v as_o much_o it_o may_v much_o stay_v your_o heart_n till_o you_o can_v reach_v to_o clear_a evidence_n and_o assurance_n to_o have_v a_o pastor_n that_o be_v well_o acquaint_v with_o you_o and_o be_v faithful_a and_o judicious_a to_o tell_v you_o that_o he_o very_o think_v that_o you_o be_v in_o a_o safe_a condition_n 3._o but_o the_o chief_a use_n of_o his_o advice_n be_v not_o so_o much_o to_o tell_v you_o what_o he_o think_v of_o you_o as_o to_o give_v you_o direction_n how_o you_o may_v judge_v of_o yourself_o and_o come_v out_o of_o your_o trouble_n beside_o the_o benefit_n of_o his_o prayer_n to_o god_n for_o you_o 4._o next_o let_v i_o tell_v you_o what_o man_n you_o must_v choose_v to_o open_v your_o mind_n to_o and_o they_o must_v be_v 1._o man_n of_o judgement_n and_o knowledge_n and_o not_o the_o ignorant_a be_v they_o never_o so_o honest_a else_o they_o may_v deceive_v you_o not_o know_v what_o they_o do_v either_o for_o want_v of_o understand_v the_o scripture_n and_o the_o nature_n of_o grace_n and_o sin_n or_o for_o want_v of_o skill_n to_o deal_v with_o both_o weak_a conscience_n and_o deep_a deceitful_a heart_n 2._o they_o must_v be_v true_o fear_v god_n and_o of_o experience_n in_o this_o great_a work_n for_o a_o trouble_a soul_n be_v seldom_o well_o resolve_v and_o comfort_v mere_o out_o of_o a_o book_n but_o from_o the_o book_n and_o experience_n both_o together_o carnal_a or_o formal_a man_n will_v but_o make_v a_o jest_n at_o the_o doubt_n of_o a_o trouble_a christian_n or_o at_o least_o will_v give_v you_o such_o formal_a remedy_n as_o will_v prove_v no_o cure_n either_o they_o will_v persuade_v you_o as_o the_o antinomian_o do_v that_o you_o shall_v trust_v god_n with_o your_o soul_n and_o never_o question_v your_o faith_n or_o that_o you_o do_v ill_a to_o trouble_v yourself_o about_o such_o thing_n or_o they_o will_v direct_v you_o only_o to_o the_o comfort_n of_o general_a grace_n and_o tell_v you_o only_o that_o god_n be_v merciful_a and_o christ_n die_v for_o sinner_n which_o be_v the_o necessary_a foundation_n of_o our_o peace_n but_o will_v not_o answer_v particular_a doubt_n of_o our_o own_o sincerity_n and_o of_o our_o interest_n in_o christ_n or_o else_o they_o will_v make_v you_o believe_v that_o holiness_n of_o heart_n and_o life_n which_o be_v the_o thing_n you_o look_v after_o be_v it_o that_o trouble_v you_o and_o breed_v all_o your_o scruple_n or_o else_o with_o the_o papist_n they_o will_v send_v you_o to_o your_o merit_n for_o comfort_n or_o to_o some_o vindictive_a penance_n in_o fast_n pilgrimage_n or_o the_o like_a or_o to_o some_o saint_n depart_v or_o angel_n or_o to_o the_o pardon_n or_o indulgency_n of_o the_o pope_n or_o to_o a_o certain_a formal_a carnal_a devotion_n to_o make_v god_n amends_o 3._o they_o must_v be_v man_n of_o downright_a faithfulness_n that_o will_v deal_v plain_o and_o free_o though_o not_o cruel_o and_o not_o like_o those_o tender_a surgeon_n that_o will_v leave_v the_o cure_n undo_v for_o fear_n of_o hurt_v meddle_v not_o with_o men-pleasers_a and_o dauber_n that_o will_v present_o speak_v comfort_n to_o you_o as_o confident_o as_o if_o they_o have_v know_v you_o twenty_o year_n when_o perhaps_o they_o know_v