of_o wrath_n by_o nature_n subject_n to_o the_o curse_n of_o the_o law_n the_o power_n of_o satan_n and_o insupportable_a misery_n to_o all_o eternity_n 2._o we_o must_v believe_v assure_o that_o there_o be_v no_o way_n to_o be_v save_v without_o receive_v all_o the_o save_a benefit_n of_o christ_n his_o spirit_n as_o well_o as_o his_o merit_n sanctification_n as_o well_o as_o remission_n of_o sin_n by_o faith_n it_o being_n as_o he_o say_v the_o ruin_n of_o many_o soul_n that_o they_o trust_v on_o christ_n for_o the_o remission_n of_o sin_n without_o any_o regard_n to_o holiness_n when_o as_o these_o two_o benefit_n be_v inseparable_o join_v in_o christ_n he_o herein_o grant_v more_o than_o many_o will_v desire_v of_o he_o that_o man_n shall_v assure_o believe_v this_o in_o the_o first_o act_n of_o faith_n 3._o we_o must_v be_v full_o persuade_v of_o the_o all-sufficiency_n of_o christ_n for_o the_o salvation_n of_o ourselves_o and_o all_o that_o believe_v on_o he_o 4._o we_o be_v to_o be_v full_o persuade_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o general_a free-promise_n in_o our_o own_o particular_a case_n 5._o we_o be_v to_o believe_v assure_o that_o it_o be_v the_o will_n of_o god_n that_o we_o shall_v believe_v in_o christ_n and_o have_v eternal_a life_n by_o he_o as_o well_o as_o any_o other_o now_o without_o the_o two_o former_a of_o these_o we_o shall_v not_o mind_n come_v to_o christ_n but_o shall_v make_v light_n of_o he_o without_o the_o other_o we_o shall_v have_v little_a encouragement_n to_o come_v to_o he_o now_o if_o any_o shall_v inquire_v whether_o these_o thing_n which_o be_v perpatory_a to_o our_o believe_v or_o come_v to_o christ_n be_v in_o our_o own_o power_n or_o be_v the_o effect_n of_o god_n grace_n in_o we_o and_o whether_o conversion_n do_v always_o follow_v thereupon_o i_o answer_v there_o be_v some_o thing_n as_o much_o in_o our_o own_o power_n as_o any_o of_o our_o natural_a or_o moral_a action_n be_v that_o may_v have_v a_o tendency_n to_o our_o conversion_n and_o therefore_o the_o prophet_n complain_v of_o israel_n 5.4_o hos_fw-la 5.4_o that_o they_o do_v not_o frame_v their_o do_n to_o turn_v to_o the_o lord_n and_o there_o be_v a_o sermon_n in_o the_o morning_n exercise_n publish_v in_o the_o year_n 1661._o ☜_o ☜_o repute_v to_o be_v mr._n greenhill_n who_o be_v a_o person_n far_o from_o the_o suspicion_n of_o ascribe_v too_o much_o to_o the_o power_n of_o nature_n which_o resolve_v the_o question_n what_o person_n must_v and_o can_v do_v towards_o their_o own_o conversion_n now_o it_o be_v certain_a that_o man_n may_v as_o well_o go_v by_o their_o natural_a power_n where_o the_o word_n be_v preach_v as_o to_o place_n of_o temptation_n and_o there_o they_o be_v within_o the_o call_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o so_o be_v as_o the_o impotent_a person_n at_o the_o pool_n of_o bethesda_n 8.12_o jo._n 5.1_o etc._n etc._n 1_o cor._n 3.5_o etc._n etc._n rom._n 10_o 17_o luk._n 8.12_o in_o a_o near_a capacity_n of_o cure_n if_o it_o please_v god_n by_o his_o spirit_n to_o give_v increase_n to_o what_o be_v plant_v and_o water_v for_o faith_n come_v by_o hear_v and_o therefore_o the_o devil_n endeavour_v to_o divert_v our_o mind_n from_o what_o we_o hear_v lest_o we_o shall_v believe_v and_o be_v save_v we_o see_v further_o how_o much_o it_o be_v in_o man_n power_n to_o bend_v his_o mind_n to_o the_o study_n of_o any_o particular_a subject_n we_o see_v it_o plain_o not_o only_a in_o man_n choose_v in_o general_a the_o study_n of_o law_n physic_n or_o divinity_n but_o those_o that_o addict_v themselves_o to_o the_o study_n of_o divinity_n choose_v any_o particular_a point_n thereof_o to_o treat_v on_o and_o they_o who_o give_v not_o the_o least_o ground_n of_o hope_n that_o there_o be_v any_o save_a work_n upon_o their_o own_o soul_n will_v press_v upon_o other_o such_o thing_n as_o the_o consideration_n of_o may_v incline_v and_o dispose_v they_o to_o believe_v 23._o ezek._n 18.14_o 28._o psal_n 119.59_o rom._n 2_o 23._o and_o man_n have_v the_o same_o natural_a power_n to_o teach_v themselves_o which_o they_o have_v to_o teach_v other_o but_o all_o this_o will_v not_o reach_v to_o conversion_n any_o far_a than_o god_n be_v please_v to_o give_v to_o every_o one_o i_o will_v now_o show_v you_o what_o god_n do_v towards_o the_o conversion_n of_o sinner_n or_o which_o may_v have_v a_o tendency_n thereto_o some_o thing_n he_o do_v by_o his_o providence_n which_o he_o make_v many_o time_n subservient_fw-fr to_o his_o grace_n 17.26_o act_n 17.26_o he_o that_o determine_v the_o bound_n of_o man_n habitation_n cast_v they_o into_o such_o place_n where_o they_o may_v hear_v the_o gospel_n preach_v plain_o serious_o by_o such_o as_o persuade_v man_n 5.11_o 2_o cor._n 5.11_o as_o know_v the_o terror_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o he_o may_v exercise_v they_o under_o some_o affliction_n which_o may_v be_v as_o a_o ground-rain_n soak_v to_o the_o root_n and_o soften_a the_o clod_n and_o turn_v they_o to_o mould_n that_o the_o seed_n that_o have_v be_v long_o bury_v may_v spring_v up_o of_o that_o which_o person_n have_v a_o long_a time_n before_o hear_v and_o never_o think_v of_o after_o when_o some_o humble_v affliction_n befall_v they_o they_o bethink_v themselves_o 8.47_o 1_o king_n 8.47_o and_o repent_v but_o such_o work_n fall_v short_a many_o time_n of_o true_a conversion_n 16.8_o hos_fw-la 6.4_o gen._n 20.6_o jo._n 16.8_o and_o this_o goodness_n prove_v but_o as_o the_o morning_n cloud_n or_o early_a dew_n which_o pass_v away_o god_n do_v something_o further_a by_o his_o common_a grace_n restrain_v man_n from_o much_o evil_n i_o confess_v i_o think_v our_o saviour_n where_o he_o speak_v of_o the_o spirit_n be_v reprove_v or_o convince_a the_o world_n understand_v the_o world_n of_o such_o who_o he_o choose_v his_o disciple_n out_o of_o and_o distinguish_v they_o from_o but_o i_o think_v it_o be_v not_o intend_v of_o any_o inward_a work_n of_o the_o spirit_n upon_o their_o heart_n but_o of_o those_o miracle_n which_o he_o wrought_v which_o confirm_v the_o truth_n of_o christ_n resurrection_n and_o of_o his_o doctrine_n by_o such_o mean_n as_o i_o have_v now_o mention_v man_n may_v be_v bring_v near_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n but_o never_o enter_v into_o it_o 45._o mark_n 12.34_o see_v cassander_n consultation_n p._n 45._o but_o those_o preparation_n which_o salvation_n do_v follow_v upon_o be_v as_o the_o sober_a papist_n acknowledge_v wrought_v by_o god_n grace_n and_o spirit_n he_o enlighten_v the_o mind_n so_o as_o we_o have_v a_o more_o clear_a sight_n of_o heavenly_a thing_n and_o other_o apprehension_n of_o they_o than_o before_o we_o have_v when_o it_o please_v god_n to_o reveal_v his_o son_n in_o we_o 45._o gal._n 1.16_o isa_n 53.2_o cant_n 5.10_o jo._n 6.44_o 45._o he_o that_o before_o have_v no_o form_n nor_o comeliness_n in_o our_o eye_n nor_o any_o beauty_n that_o we_o shall_v desire_v he_o be_v now_o the_o chief_a of_o ten_o thousand_o in_o our_o account_n and_o altogether_o lovely_a god_n draw_v we_o to_o christ_n by_o teach_v though_o i_o do_v not_o think_v that_o all_o the_o efficacy_n of_o god_n grace_n consist_v in_o propound_v thing_n to_o the_o understanding_n or_o in_o enlighten_v the_o understanding_n to_o conceive_v aright_o of_o they_o but_o by_o a_o secret_a touch_n of_o his_o spirit_n he_o so_o effectual_o incline_v our_o heart_n to_o he_o 2.20_o 1_o king_n 8.57_o phil._n 2.20_o that_o we_o do_v in_o a_o sort_n natural_o mind_n spiritual_a thing_n that_o be_v free_o without_o constraint_n this_o of_o the_o spirit_n be_v enlighten_v the_o mind_n be_v not_o a_o peculiar_a notion_n of_o enthusiast_n but_o the_o common_o receive_v doctrine_n of_o sober_a protestant_n so_o bishop_n pierson_n on_o the_o article_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n in_o his_o exposition_n of_o the_o creed_n tell_v we_o the_o work_n of_o the_o spirit_n be_v double_a external_a and_o general_a or_o internal_a and_o particular_a by_o the_o former_a he_o reveal_v the_o will_n of_o god_n to_o the_o whole_a church_n by_o the_o latter_a he_o illuminate_v the_o understanding_n of_o particular_a believer_n that_o they_o may_v receive_v the_o truth_n the_o holy_a ghost_n work_v in_o we_o a_o assent_n to_o that_o which_o be_v by_o the_o word_n propound_v again_o god_n do_v by_o his_o spirit_n convince_v we_o spiritual_o of_o our_o state_n and_o condition_n and_o the_o word_n 2.37_o eph._n 6.17_o heb._n 4.12_o act_n 2.37_o which_o be_v the_o sword_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o sharp_a than_o any_o two-edged_a sword_n pierce_v to_o the_o divide_v asunder_o betwixt_o the_o soul_n and_o the_o spirit_n the_o joint_n and_o the_o marrow_n prick_v sinner_n at_o the_o heart_n so_o as_o it_o shall_v be_v as_o a_o sword_n in_o their_o bone_n
work_v of_o fancy_n but_o it_o must_v be_v impute_v to_o god_n immediate_a support_n put_v gladness_n into_o their_o heart_n 4.7_o ps_n 4.7_o shed_v abroad_o his_o love_n in_o their_o heart_n by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n give_v to_o they_o 5._o rom._n 5_o 5._o but_o to_o suppose_v this_o to_o be_v god_n ordinay_n way_n of_o deal_n with_o his_o people_n and_o to_o allow_v they_o no_o assurance_n but_o what_o god_n give_v they_o in_o such_o a_o immediate_a way_n will_v leave_v many_o humble_a serious_a christian_n that_o dare_v not_o boast_v of_o what_o god_n have_v not_o wrought_v in_o they_o under_o perpetual_a doubt_n and_o fear_n and_o because_o many_o be_v ready_a to_o think_v that_o what_o the_o scripture_n speak_v about_o the_o witness_n of_o the_o spirit_n the_o seal_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o the_o earnest_n of_o the_o spirit_n do_v imply_v some_o immediate_a way_n of_o the_o spirit_n communicate_v himself_o to_o christian_n i_o will_v endeavour_v to_o show_v you_o what_o may_v be_v the_o true_a and_o proper_a import_n of_o such_o expression_n as_o for_o that_o the_o spirit_n be_v witness_v with_o our_o spirit_n or_o to_o our_o spirit_n that_o we_o be_v the_o child_n of_o god_n 8.16_o rom._n 8.16_o suppose_v what_o i_o before_o say_v about_o his_o immediate_a comfort_n in_o extraordinary_a trial_n and_o temptation_n which_o seem_v to_o be_v the_o state_n of_o christian_n at_o that_o time_n the_o spirit_n may_v ordinary_o be_v say_v to_o witness_v with_o our_o spirit_n or_o to_o our_o spirit_n one_a with_o our_o spirit_n and_o for_o the_o clear_n of_o this_o we_o must_v consider_v that_o whatever_o be_v write_v in_o scripture_n be_v the_o testimony_n of_o the_o spirit_n he_o do_v therein_o testify_v 1.11_o 1_o pet._n 1.11_o and_o it_o be_v say_v particular_o that_o the_o holy_a ghost_n be_v a_o witness_n to_o we_o of_o the_o perfection_n of_o christ_n sacrifice_n and_o this_o he_o be_v in_o the_o scripture_n 10.15_o heb._n 10.15_o or_o what_o he_o have_v there_o testify_v as_o be_v evident_a from_o the_o word_n follow_v now_o it_o no_o where_o say_v in_o scripture_n that_o this_o or_o that_o person_n be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n our_o name_n may_v be_v write_v in_o heaven_n but_o not_o in_o the_o scripture_n so_o it_o be_v say_v to_o testify_v of_o christ_n but_o not_o by_o name_n but_o describe_v he_o by_o his_o work_n which_o verse_n 36._o be_v say_v to_o testify_v of_o he_o or_o to_o bear_v witness_n that_o his_o father_n have_v send_v he_o 3.39_o joh._n 3.39_o these_o put_v together_o the_o testimony_n of_o the_o scripture_n and_o his_o own_o work_n do_v witness_v that_o he_o be_v the_o messiah_n thus_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n witness_n in_o general_n who_o be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n give_v character_n whereby_o they_o may_v be_v know_v as_o walk_v after_o the_o spirit_n love_v the_o brethren_n etc._n etc._n this_o we_o know_v by_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n speak_v in_o the_o word_n but_o that_o we_o do_v these_o thing_n we_o know_v by_o our_o own_o spirit_n which_o we_o must_v appeal_v to_o and_o examine_v about_o it_o this_o be_v the_o candle_n of_o the_o lord_n which_o search_v the_o hide_a part_n of_o the_o belly_n 1.12_o prov._n 20.27_o 2_o cor._n 1.12_o that_o be_v our_o most_o secret_a thought_n and_o the_o witness_n thereof_o be_v the_o testimony_n of_o our_o conscience_n therefore_o if_o we_o will_v have_v the_o witness_n of_o the_o spirit_n we_o must_v see_v in_o the_o scripture_n what_o that_o witness_n about_o those_o that_o shall_v be_v save_v and_o then_o consult_v our_o own_o spirit_n and_o if_o we_o find_v those_o thing_n in_o ourselves_o that_o do_v accompany_v salvation_n the_o conclusion_n follow_v that_o we_o shall_v be_v save_v but_o further_a it_o may_v be_v say_v to_o witness_v to_o or_o with_o our_o spirit_n as_o it_o witness_n in_o its_o effect_n which_o the_o spirit_n itself_o may_v be_v proper_o say_v to_o do_v thing_n be_v say_v to_o witness_v in_o scripture_n when_o they_o be_v a_o real_a proof_n of_o any_o thing_n as_o the_o rust_n of_o silver_n and_o gold_n witness_v against_o the_o owner_n so_o mens_fw-la wickedness_n say_v or_o testify_v 36.1_o jam._n 5.3_o psal_n 36.1_o that_o they_o have_v no_o fear_n of_o god_n before_o their_o eye_n so_o person_n be_v say_v to_o testify_v or_o bear_v witness_n by_o their_o work_n as_o the_o holy_a ghost_n be_v a_o witness_n of_o christ_n exaltation_n by_o the_o miracle_n which_o he_o wrought_v 5.32_o act._n 5.32_o and_o god_n do_v bear_v the_o apostle_n witness_v both_o with_o sign_n and_o wonder_n and_o divers_a gift_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n 2.4_o heb._n 2.4_o and_o thus_o the_o spirit_n bear_v witness_n with_o our_o spirit_n that_o we_o be_v the_o child_n of_o god_n 36.27_o ezek._n 36.27_o by_o that_o filial_a frame_n or_o spirit_n of_o adoption_n which_o he_o put_v in_o we_o and_o by_o bring_v forth_o in_o we_o the_o fruit_n of_o the_o spirit_n 1.16_o gal._n 1.16_o she_o reveal_v his_o son_n in_o we_o we_o know_v that_o he_o abide_v in_o we_o 3.24_o 1_o jo._n 3.24_o by_o the_o spirit_n which_o he_o have_v give_v we_o i_o will_v now_o proceed_v to_o speak_v of_o the_o seal_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o i_o desire_v this_o may_v be_v observe_v that_o whenever_o the_o scripture_n speak_v thereof_o it_o do_v not_o speak_v of_o the_o covenant_n or_o of_o our_o salvation_n be_v seal_v to_o we_o but_o of_o our_o be_v seal_v 1.13.4.30_o 2_o cor._n 1.22_o eph._n 1.13.4.30_o now_o we_o must_v know_v that_o a_o seal_n be_v not_o a_o natural_a but_o a_o institute_v sign_n and_o it_o be_v a_o particular_a mark_n belong_v to_o some_o person_n it_o signify_v his_o ratify_n or_o confirm_v any_o thing_n that_o it_o be_v apply_v to_o and_o seal_n be_v use_v in_o three_o case_n one_a for_o the_o confirm_v of_o write_n be_v a_o evidence_n of_o a_o man_n consent_n to_o what_o he_o have_v set_v his_o seal_n to_o 6.17_o esth_n 3_o 12._o jer._n 32.10_o dan._n 6.17_o two_o it_o be_v for_o keep_v a_o thing_n sure_a as_o the_o lion_n den_n and_o christ_n sepulchre_n not_o by_o force_n wax_n be_v not_o proper_a for_o that_o but_o for_o secure_v it_o so_o as_o none_o can_v meddle_v with_o it_o but_o it_o will_v be_v know_v three_o it_o be_v use_v for_o mark_v thing_n that_o they_o may_v be_v know_v to_o who_o they_o do_v belong_v and_o to_o distinguish_v they_o from_o other_o man_n and_o they_o do_v not_o only_o mark_v thing_n or_o good_n but_o person_n we_o read_v in_o heathen_a author_n as_o plutarch_n in_o nicias_n that_o they_o do_v sometime_o mark_v their_o captive_n or_o servant_n in_o the_o forehead_n and_o hence_o probable_o the_o scripture_n speak_v so_o oft_o of_o mark_v and_o seal_v the_o servant_n of_o god_n 4.3_o ezek._n 9.4_o rev._n 7.3_o 4.9.4_o rev._n 13.16_o ps_n 4.3_o so_o the_o beast_n be_v say_v to_o mark_v those_o that_o do_v enjoy_v any_o privilege_n under_o he_o thus_o when_o god_n do_v set_v apart_o any_o for_o himself_o as_o david_n express_v it_o he_o seal_v they_o or_o mark_v they_o for_o his_o own_o and_o as_o the_o emperor_n have_v not_o only_o their_o superscription_n but_o their_o image_n impress_v on_o their_o coin_n 3.10_o matth._n 22.20_o col._n 3.10_o so_o god_n impress_n his_o own_o image_n on_o his_o people_n or_o renew_v they_o after_o his_o own_o image_n and_o if_o it_o be_v say_v that_o they_o be_v seal_v with_o the_o holy_a spirit_n of_o promise_n after_o they_o believe_v as_o if_o it_o be_v not_o the_o impression_n of_o the_o image_n of_o god_n upon_o we_o at_o our_o first_o conversion_n but_o some_o work_n of_o the_o spirit_n afterward_o i_o answer_v those_o that_o make_v this_o seal_v to_o be_v the_o confirm_v or_o assure_v our_o justification_n and_o salvation_n to_o we_o suppose_v it_o be_v do_v at_o our_o first_o believe_v in_o the_o direct_a act_n of_o faith_n so_o if_o they_o make_v this_o objection_n let_v they_o answer_v it_o themselves_o i_o add_v that_o this_o be_v not_o a_o act_n finish_v in_o a_o moment_n as_o a_o seal_n may_v be_v set_v upon_o wax_n but_o a_o progressive_a work_n and_o the_o impression_n be_v make_v clear_a and_o deep_a by_o degree_n we_o be_v change_v into_o his_o image_n from_o glory_n to_o glory_n 3.18_o 2_o cor._n 3.18_o and_o last_o the_o greek_n take_v much_o liberty_n in_o the_o change_n of_o their_o tense_n and_o there_o be_v the_o same_o tense_n use_v here_o which_o be_v use_v where_o it_o be_v say_v 16.16_o mark_v 16.16_o he_o that_o believe_v shall_v be_v save_v i_o will_v now_o add_v something_o brief_o about_o the_o earnest_n of_o the_o spirit_n which_o the_o scripture_n speak_v sometime_o of_o 1.14_o 2_o cor._n 1.22_o chap._n 5.5_o eph._n 1.14_o by_o the_o
shall_v have_v too_o much_o ground_n to_o suspect_v that_o our_o faith_n be_v not_o a_o unfeigned_a faith_n 1.1_o 1_o tim._n 1.5_o 2_o tim._n 1_o 5._o tit._n 1.1_o or_o the_o faith_n of_o god_n elect_v if_o it_o do_v not_o work_v by_o love_n it_o be_v further_a evident_a that_o assurance_n must_v be_v maintain_v by_o reflection_n or_o self-examination_n because_o the_o apostle_n make_v that_o to_o be_v the_o scope_n of_o his_o epistle_n that_o those_o who_o believe_v on_o the_o name_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n may_v know_v that_o they_o have_v eternal_a life_n 5.13_o 1_o john_n 5.13_o and_o may_v still_o believe_v or_o be_v confirm_v in_o their_o faith_n if_o any_o doubt_n what_o those_o thing_n be_v that_o he_o refer_v to_o doubtless_o they_o be_v not_o the_o thing_n immediate_o go_v before_o but_o the_o epistle_n in_o general_a in_o several_a place_n of_o which_o he_o show_v what_o do_v evidence_n a_o state_n of_o salvation_n and_o what_o be_v inconsistent_a therewith_o as_o ch._n 1.6_o 7._o ch._n 2.3_o 15._o ch._n 3.14_o ch._n 5.1_o 4._o now_o after_o all_o this_o some_o be_v unsatisfied_a with_o this_o way_n of_o attain_v assurance_n or_o rather_o maintain_v it_o as_o be_v neither_o satisfactory_a nor_o necessary_a and_o it_o seem_v to_o found_v our_o assurance_n and_o comfort_n on_o something_o in_o ourselves_o for_o this_o last_o objection_n to_o dispatch_v it_o in_o few_o word_n as_o fruit_n though_o it_o grow_v from_o the_o root_n yet_o grow_v upon_o the_o branch_n so_o though_o all_o our_o hope_n and_o comfort_n be_v original_o from_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n yet_o this_o manifest_v itself_o in_o its_o effect_n we_o may_v comfort_v ourselves_o in_o what_o god_n have_v wrought_v in_o ourselves_o as_o well_o as_o rejoice_v in_o behalf_n of_o other_o when_o we_o see_v they_o walk_v in_o truth_n 4._o 2_o john_n 4._o or_o see_v in_o they_o those_o thing_n that_o accompany_v salvation_n 6.9_o heb._n 6.9_o or_o have_v salvation_n follow_v on_o they_o and_o if_o any_o say_v this_o may_v suffice_v for_o a_o judgement_n of_o charity_n which_o be_v all_o that_o be_v require_v of_o we_o in_o reference_n to_o other_o but_o it_o be_v not_o sufficient_a to_o that_o judgement_n of_o certainty_n which_o we_o shall_v have_v concern_v ourselves_o this_o will_v receive_v a_o answer_n from_o what_o i_o have_v to_o say_v upon_o the_o two_o other_o exception_n now_o whereas_o it_o be_v say_v that_o this_o way_n of_o self-examination_n leave_v christian_n at_o great_a uncertainty_n about_o their_o spiritual_a estate_n and_o the_o evidence_n that_o be_v usual_o give_v for_o satisfy_v they_o be_v not_o so_o convince_a but_o christian_n be_v perplex_v still_o with_o fear_n and_o doubt_n i_o answer_v that_o we_o shall_v not_o go_v to_o minister_n either_o in_o hear_v or_o read_v or_o confer_v as_o naaman_n go_v to_o the_o prophet_n to_o be_v cure_v of_o his_o leprosy_n expect_v that_o he_o shall_v do_v it_o with_o a_o word_n of_o his_o mouth_n and_o a_o stroke_n of_o his_o hand_n 5.11_o 2_o king_n 5.11_o we_o can_v expect_v that_o they_o shall_v present_o resolve_v we_o about_o our_o spiritual_a condition_n but_o there_o be_v much_o diligence_n to_o be_v use_v by_o ourselves_o as_o there_o be_v in_o all_o thing_n of_o any_o worth_n which_o be_v difficult_a as_o this_o deserve_v our_o diligence_n so_o it_o require_v our_o diligence_n not_o only_o for_o the_o trial_n of_o our_o grace_n but_o for_o the_o exercise_n of_o it_o it_o be_v observe_v by_o some_o that_o christian_n in_o our_o day_n have_v not_o ordinary_o that_o assurance_n which_o other_o have_v have_v in_o former_a time_n and_o i_o doubt_v the_o observation_n may_v be_v true_a but_o i_o think_v it_o proceed_v not_o so_o much_o from_o any_o error_n about_o the_o nature_n of_o faith_n as_o from_o decay_n in_o grace_n and_o that_o manifest_a decline_v that_o there_o be_v in_o the_o practice_n of_o religion_n and_o it_o be_v no_o wonder_n that_o professor_n of_o religion_n be_v such_o stranger_n to_o assurance_n and_o spiritual_a comfort_n while_o there_o be_v such_o a_o manifest_a difference_n betwixt_o the_o christian_n of_o these_o day_n and_o of_o former_a time_n and_o i_o desire_v that_o the_o word_n of_o one_o suspect_v by_o none_o to_o derogate_v from_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n or_o the_o operation_n of_o his_o spirit_n in_o reference_n to_o man_n salvation_n may_v be_v diligent_o heed_v it_o be_v say_v he_o impossible_a that_o many_o professor_n who_o we_o see_v and_o converse_v withal_o shall_v have_v any_o solid_a peace_n with_o god_n it_o be_v a_o fruit_n that_o will_v not_o grow_v on_o a_o earthly_a selfish_a frame_n of_o mind_n and_o conversation_n god_n forbid_v but_o that_o our_o utmost_a diligence_n and_o continue_a endeavour_n to_o thrive_v in_o every_o grace_n shall_v be_v require_v thereunto_o now_o in_o this_o case_n i_o neither_o think_v it_o so_o easy_a a_o matter_n as_o some_o do_v to_o attain_v assurance_n nor_o such_o a_o impossibility_n as_o other_o do_v some_o learned_a man_n think_v that_o assurance_n do_v general_o accompany_v save_v faith_n because_o they_o suppose_v the_o soul_n must_v needs_o know_v its_o own_o act_n and_o so_o must_v necessary_o know_v when_o it_o believe_v and_o when_o it_o repent_v and_o consequent_o infer_v its_o own_o justification_n but_o though_o it_o be_v easy_a to_o know_v our_o own_o act_n consider_v physical_o or_o natural_o that_o be_v when_o we_o put_v forth_o such_o a_o act_n in_o general_a as_o when_o we_o believe_v or_o repent_v or_o know_v god_n yet_o it_o be_v another_o thing_n to_o know_v our_o own_o act_n moral_o consider_v or_o as_o they_o ought_v to_o be_v qualify_v in_o order_n to_o such_o end_n as_o they_o be_v appoint_v to_o there_o may_v be_v a_o faith_n which_o be_v but_o temporary_a 13.21_o mat._n 13.21_o or_o for_o a_o season_n there_o may_v be_v a_o repentance_n like_o that_o of_o nineveh_n which_o may_v avail_v to_o the_o prevent_n of_o temporal_a judgement_n but_o not_o to_o salvation_n there_o may_v be_v such_o a_o knowledge_n whereby_o we_o do_v not_o know_v thing_n as_o we_o ought_v to_o know_v they_o 1.16_o 1_o cor._n 8.2_o tit._n 1.16_o so_o we_o may_v only_o profess_v that_o we_o know_v god_n but_o we_o must_v know_v that_o we_o know_v he_o 22.16_o 1_o jo._n 2.3_o jer._n 22.16_o by_o our_o obedience_n as_o the_o fruit_n or_o effect_v thereof_o so_o it_o require_v search_v and_o self-examination_n 13.5_o 2_o cor._n 13.5_o to_o know_v whether_o we_o be_v in_o the_o faith_n or_o in_o the_o state_n of_o true_a believer_n but_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n some_o suppose_v it_o impossible_a to_o attain_v assurance_n by_o reflect_v upon_o any_o thing_n in_o ourselves_o as_o a_o evidence_n of_o god_n special_a grace_n or_o favour_n towards_o we_o and_o that_o they_o may_v whole_o disable_v christian_n for_o infer_v any_o assurance_n from_o any_o thing_n in_o themselves_o they_o deny_v both_o proposition_n from_o whence_o they_o shall_v draw_v their_o conclusion_n for_o example_n we_o say_v that_o those_o who_o love_v the_o brethren_n be_v pass_v from_o death_n to_o life_n 3.14_o 1_o jo._n 3.14_o by_o reflect_v upon_o ourselves_o we_o add_v further_o that_o we_o love_v the_o brethren_n thence_o we_o conclude_v that_o we_o be_v pass_v from_o death_n to_o life_n now_o these_o man_n with_o who_o we_o have_v now_o to_o do_v deny_v both_o the_o proposition_n that_o be_v they_o deny_v we_o know_v that_o we_o ourselves_o be_v pass_v from_o death_n to_o life_n by_o our_o love_n to_o the_o brethren_n make_v this_o to_o be_v rather_o a_o ground_n of_o a_o judgement_n of_o charity_n concern_v other_o than_o a_o judgement_n of_o certainty_n concern_v ourselves_o for_o we_o may_v sure_o make_v a_o better_a judgement_n of_o our_o own_o love_n to_o the_o brethren_n than_o of_o the_o love_n of_o other_o only_o they_o think_v a_o judgement_n of_o charity_n may_v suffice_v towards_o other_o but_o we_o be_v now_o speak_v of_o assurance_n of_o our_o own_o love_n but_o in_o this_o argument_n they_o insist_v on_o the_o second_o proposition_n deny_v absolute_o that_o we_o can_v know_v our_o own_o love_n to_o the_o brethren_n or_o at_o least_o that_o christian_n can_v ordinary_o know_v it_o there_o be_v so_o many_o property_n of_o it_o which_o it_o be_v hardly_o possible_a for_o any_o christian_n to_o find_v in_o himself_o etc._n 1_o cor._n 13.4_o etc._n etc._n but_o further_o we_o must_v know_v they_o to_o be_v brethren_n they_o say_v otherwise_o papist_n or_o any_o sort_n of_o person_n love_v those_o of_o their_o own_o way_n look_v upon_o they_o as_o brethren_n yea_o we_o see_v such_o division_n and_o animosity_n and_o mutual_a exacerbation_n among_o christian_n as_o it_o seem_v impossible_a either_o to_o attain_v to_o a_o judgement_n of_o charity_n
last_o of_o which_o place_n it_o be_v evident_a that_o by_o the_o earnest_n of_o the_o spirit_n he_o mean_v the_o spirit_n as_o a_o earnest_n as_o the_o sign_n of_o circumcision_n be_v circumcision_n for_o a_o sign_n 4.11_o rom._n 4.11_o some_o take_v the_o word_n which_o be_v borrow_v from_o the_o eastern_a language_n in_o a_o large_a sense_n for_o a_o pledge_n pawn_n or_o earnest_n but_o in_o this_o case_n it_o be_v proper_o render_v earnest_n for_o there_o be_v a_o great_a difference_n betwixt_o a_o pawn_n or_o pledge_v and_o a_o earnest_a the_o former_a be_v something_o deposit_v or_o leave_v with_o another_o for_o secure_v what_o have_v be_v take_v up_o or_o borrow_v and_o it_o be_v something_o of_o another_o kind_n and_o of_o great_a or_o at_o least_o equal_a value_v with_o what_o it_o be_v leave_v in_o pawn_n for_o but_o a_o earnest_n be_v something_o give_v at_o the_o make_n of_o a_o bargain_n for_o the_o ratify_n and_o confirm_v of_o it_o and_o it_o be_v of_o the_o same_o kind_n with_o what_o be_v afterward_o to_o be_v pay_v and_o but_o a_o small_a part_n of_o it_o now_o we_o can_v have_v no_o pledge_n of_o future_a glory_n there_o be_v nothing_o of_o equal_a value_n to_o it_o but_o god_n give_v we_o his_o spirit_n or_o as_o he_o do_v sometime_o express_v it_o 4.13_o 1_o john_n 3.24_o chap._n 4.13_o of_o his_o spirit_n of_o the_o gift_n and_o grace_n of_o it_o and_o this_o be_v the_o earnest_a of_o our_o inheritance_n grace_n differ_v from_o glory_n in_o degree_n only_o not_o in_o kind_n as_o here_o we_o know_v but_o in_o part_n but_o then_o shall_v know_v as_o we_o be_v know_v 12._o 1_o cor._n 13.9_o 12._o and_o as_o our_o knowledge_n so_o our_o love_n and_o joy_n shall_v then_o be_v perfect_v and_o what_o we_o receive_v here_o of_o the_o spirit_n do_v assure_v we_o of_o receive_v the_o full_a sum_n of_o the_o glory_n promise_v 1.6_o phil._n 1.6_o and_o as_o the_o earnest_a that_o we_o receive_v at_o the_o make_n of_o a_o bargain_n do_v not_o only_o confirm_v the_o bargain_n but_o be_v of_o some_o use_n to_o we_o at_o present_a though_o it_o be_v but_o a_o small_a part_n of_o the_o whole_a so_o those_o grace_n of_o the_o spirit_n which_o he_o here_o work_v in_o we_o be_v in_o the_o exercise_n thereof_o our_o great_a comfort_n and_o happiness_n in_o this_o world_n and_o be_v prelibation_n and_o foreta_v of_o our_o future_a happiness_n and_o be_v therefore_o call_v the_o first_o fruit_n of_o the_o spirit_n 8.23_o rom._n 8.23_o be_v a_o small_a part_n of_o the_o full_a harvest_n of_o glory_n which_o we_o shall_v reap_v hereafter_o in_o short_a we_o do_v by_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n know_v the_o thing_n that_o be_v free_o give_v to_o we_o of_o god_n he_o enable_v we_o to_o discern_v spiritual_a thing_n and_o to_o make_v a_o right_a judgement_n of_o they_o 4.23_o 1_o cor._n 2.12_o 13_o 14_o 15._o ephes_n 4.23_o renew_v we_o in_o the_o spirit_n of_o our_o mind_n as_o well_o as_o in_o our_o inferior_a faculty_n so_o that_o as_o there_o be_v a_o save_a work_n upon_o the_o whole_a soul_n which_o we_o be_v to_o make_v a_o judgement_n of_o there_o be_v likewise_o knowledge_n and_o judgement_n or_o wisdom_n and_o spiritual_a understanding_n 1.9_o phil._n 1.9_o col._n 1.9_o to_o determine_v concern_v our_o spiritual_a estate_n as_o those_o of_o full_a age_n by_o reason_n of_o use_n have_v their_o sense_n exercise_v to_o discern_v both_o good_a and_o evil_n 5.14_o heb._n 5.14_o but_o that_o communion_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n which_o the_o apostle_n pray_v may_v be_v with_o all_o the_o corinthian_n 13.14_o 2_o cor._n 13.14_o and_o so_o with_o all_o believer_n whereby_o he_o communicate_v to_o we_o all_o those_o good_a thing_n which_o christ_n have_v obtain_v for_o we_o 16.15_o john_n 16.15_o be_v know_v only_o to_o those_o humble_a and_o circumspect_a christian_n which_o love_v god_n and_o give_v proof_n of_o it_o by_o keep_v his_o commandment_n 14.23_o john_n 14.23_o so_o that_o as_o it_o be_v the_o blessing_n of_o the_o lord_n that_o make_v rich_a yet_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o diligent_a 22._o prov._n 10.4_o 22._o the_o blessing_n of_o the_o lord_n go_v along_o with_o our_o diligence_n so_o it_o be_v by_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n that_o we_o know_v the_o thing_n give_v to_o we_o of_o god_n yet_o by_o give_v all_o diligence_n we_o make_v our_o call_v and_o election_n sure_a the_o spirit_n of_o god_n both_o exciting_a we_o to_o and_o assist_v we_o in_o the_o exercise_n of_o grace_n and_o encourage_v such_o diligence_n by_o spiritual_a comfort_n and_o as_o those_o that_o do_v his_o will_n shall_v know_v of_o the_o doctrine_n whether_o it_o be_v of_o god_n or_o whether_o he_o speak_v of_o himself_o 7.17_o john_n 7.17_o so_o they_o shall_v know_v the_o work_n which_o they_o find_v in_o themselves_o whether_o it_o be_v from_o moral_a principle_n fleshly_a wisdom_n restrain_v grace_n or_o from_o renew_v grace_n and_o so_o of_o those_o thing_n that_o accompany_v salvation_n 6.9_o heb._n 6.9_o chap._n v._n that_o i_o may_v do_v something_o towards_o the_o help_a of_o christian_n in_o the_o trial_n of_o their_o spiritual_a state_n i_o will_v first_o premise_v some_o general_a observation_n one_a some_o person_n may_v have_v much_o advantage_n of_o other_o before_o their_o conversion_n and_o by_o reason_n of_o natural_a temper_n fleshly_a wisdom_n education_n restrain_v grace_n or_o other_o thing_n which_o keep_v they_o from_o the_o pollution_n of_o the_o world_n and_o bring_v they_o to_o a_o form_n of_o godliness_n now_o it_o will_v be_v hard_a for_o such_o to_o judge_v of_o their_o spiritual_a state_n than_o for_o other_o sometime_o the_o night_n be_v light_a by_o reason_n of_o the_o moon_n shine_v and_o it_o be_v not_o so_o easy_a then_o to_o discern_v whether_o it_o be_v day_n yea_o if_o the_o forepart_n of_o the_o night_n be_v dark_a and_o the_o moon_n rise_v before_o morning_n a_o man_n may_v think_v it_o day_n before_o it_o be_v so_o and_o have_v find_v his_o error_n he_o may_v that_o he_o may_v not_o be_v deceive_v again_o be_v backward_o to_o believe_v that_o it_o be_v day_n when_o it_o be_v real_o so_o in_o like_a manner_n some_o may_n as_o i_o say_v be_v free_a from_o the_o more_o gross_a folly_n and_o vanity_n of_o youth_n other_o may_v have_v be_v profane_a and_o wicked_a in_o their_o young_a year_n but_o through_o some_o affliction_n or_o some_o special_a providence_n of_o god_n or_o happen_v into_o some_o religious_a family_n or_o into_o some_o place_n where_o the_o word_n of_o god_n be_v zealous_o and_o faithful_o preach_v their_o conscience_n be_v awaken_v and_o they_o leave_v those_o sin_n which_o former_o they_o live_v in_o and_o there_o be_v a_o great_a change_n wrought_v in_o they_o but_o not_o a_o saving-change_n this_o be_v but_o as_o the_o light_n of_o the_o moon_n before_o day_n hereby_o they_o may_v be_v deceive_v into_o a_o false_a opinion_n of_o their_o own_o state_n and_o when_o they_o come_v to_o see_v their_o own_o mistake_n may_v be_v more_o backward_o to_o believe_v a_o real_a through_o change_n in_o themselves_o when_o it_o be_v wrought_v there_o have_v be_v those_o that_o have_v date_v their_o conversion_n after_o they_o have_v not_o only_o do_v much_o but_o suffer_v much_o in_o the_o service_n of_o christ_n two_o it_o may_v so_o happen_v that_o person_n may_v at_o some_o time_n seem_v better_a or_o worse_o than_o they_o be_v we_o be_v upbraid_v by_o some_o for_o paint_v hypocrite_n or_o show_v what_o they_o may_v attain_v to_o so_o as_o to_o represent_v they_o better_o than_o we_o can_v ordinary_o find_v sincere_a christian_n to_o be_v and_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n in_o speak_v of_o the_o infirmity_n of_o the_o saint_n we_o make_v they_o worse_o than_o most_o hypocrite_n but_o as_o the_o wiseman_n complain_v of_o it_o as_o a_o vanity_n upon_o the_o earth_n that_o there_o be_v just_a man_n to_o who_o it_o happen_v according_a to_o the_o work_n of_o the_o wicked_a and_o wicked_a man_n to_o who_o it_o happen_v according_a to_o the_o work_n of_o the_o righteous_a so_o it_o be_v in_o their_o moral_n 8.14_o eccles_n 8.14_o if_o we_o read_v 2_o sam._n 11._o we_o shall_v judge_v look_v no_o further_a that_o david_n be_v a_o grievous_a apostate_n consider_v what_o profession_n he_o have_v before_o make_v which_o we_o may_v easy_o see_v in_o the_o 34._o and_o 63._o psalm_n and_o that_o he_o have_v now_o sing_v away_o care_n that_o there_o be_v no_o fear_n of_o god_n before_o his_o eye_n but_o we_o see_v afterward_o by_o the_o 51._o psalm_n that_o the_o root_n of_o the_o matter_n be_v in_o he_o and_o his_o grace_n do_v again_o flourish_v we_o have_v other_o instance_n in_o scripture_n as_o asa_n peter_n 2_o chron._n 16._o
i_o will_v help_v christian_n in_o again_o you_o may_v observe_v a_o difference_n betwixt_o person_n that_o be_v nice_a and_o neat_a in_o their_o nature_n and_o temper_n and_o those_o that_o take_v care_n only_o to_o make_v a_o good_a show_n the_o former_a will_v not_o only_o appear_v neat_a outward_o but_o they_o be_v uneasy_a if_o they_o have_v any_o thing_n about_o they_o which_o be_v not_o neat_a and_o cleanly_a again_o though_o they_o may_v think_v themselves_o more_o oblige_v to_o go_v according_a to_o their_o rank_n when_o they_o be_v abroad_o or_o in_o company_n yet_o you_o shall_v never_o surprise_v they_o in_o any_o sordid_a or_o unhandsome_a dress_n the_o latter_a care_n not_o what_o they_o wear_v so_o they_o have_v something_o that_o be_v fine_a to_o cast_v over_o all_o their_o nature_n will_v bear_v sordidness_n and_o nastiness_n if_o they_o can_v hide_v it_o and_o if_o they_o can_v appear_v fine_a abroad_o care_v not_o what_o they_o wear_v at_o home_n so_o sincere_a christian_n take_v heed_n to_o their_o spirit_n 51.10_o matth._n 2.15_o psalm_n 51.10_o and_o pray_v daily_o that_o god_n will_v create_v in_o they_o a_o clean_a heart_n and_o renew_v in_o they_o a_o right_a spirit_n their_o secret_a sin_n be_v a_o trouble_n and_o burden_n to_o they_o 19.12_o psalm_n 19.12_o they_o will_v especial_o let_v their_o light_n shine_v so_o before_o man_n that_o see_v their_o good_a work_n they_o may_v glorify_v their_o father_n which_o be_v in_o heaven_n 5.16_o matth._n 5.16_o but_o yet_o they_o will_v walk_v in_o the_o midst_n of_o their_o house_n with_o a_o perfect_a heart_n carry_v themselves_o among_o servant_n and_o child_n as_o remember_v that_o they_o be_v under_o the_o eye_n of_o god_n and_o shall_v be_v example_n of_o holiness_n to_o those_o under_o their_o own_o charge_n 11.44_o psal_n 101.2_o matth._n 23.27_o luke_n 11.44_o whereas_o other_o be_v like_o paint_a tomb_n and_o white_v sepulcher_n which_o within_o be_v full_a of_o rottenness_n and_o dead_a man_n bone_n so_o they_o put_v on_o their_o best_a dress_n when_o they_o go_v out_o that_o they_o may_v make_v a_o fair_a show_n before_o other_o but_o surprise_v they_o at_o home_n when_o they_o do_v not_o study_v their_o carriage_n and_o they_o be_v quite_o other_o manner_n of_o person_n and_o care_v not_o how_o they_o appear_v in_o their_o own_o family_n before_o their_o servant_n and_o child_n again_o we_o may_v observe_v that_o some_o person_n have_v tertian_n or_o quartan_a ague_n on_o the_o intermit_a day_n they_o be_v ordinary_o as_o well_o as_o other_o person_n but_o we_o must_v not_o therefore_o conclude_v when_o we_o see_v they_o wdl_v that_o they_o have_v lose_v their_o ague_n or_o be_v cure_v for_o when_o the_o fit-day_n come_v they_o be_v as_o bad_a again_o as_o ever_o yet_o he_o that_o be_v cure_v may_v once_o in_o a_o long_a time_n perhaps_o on_o occasion_n if_o he_o have_v some_o way_n neglect_v or_o disorder_a himself_o have_v some_o remembrance_n of_o his_o ague_n as_o we_o speak_v in_o a_o fit_a and_o away_o so_o in_o this_o case_n we_o sometime_o see_v person_n abstain_v from_o sin_n and_o carry_v themselves_o very_o well_o for_o some_o time_n together_o but_o this_o be_v only_o a_o intermission_n they_o have_v be_v keep_v from_o temptation_n or_o occasion_n of_o sin_n but_o when_o they_o meet_v with_o a_o occasion_n or_o temptation_n they_o be_v the_o same_o person_n that_o they_o be_v and_o so_o toties_fw-la quoties_fw-la as_o we_o say_v as_o oft_o as_o they_o meet_v with_o occasion_n they_o fall_v again_o into_o sin_n these_o be_v not_o cure_v but_o those_o that_o be_v free_v from_o their_o disease_n may_v perhaps_o at_o some_o time_n be_v overtake_v with_o sin_n and_o we_o can_v determine_v how_o oft_o but_o if_o the_o general_a tenor_n of_o their_o life_n be_v as_o become_v the_o gospel_n though_o they_o do_v sin_n 2.1_o 1_o john_n 2.1_o they_o have_v a_o advocate_n with_o the_o father_n chap._n vii_o i_o will_v now_o show_v you_o some_o character_n whereby_o you_o may_v make_v some_o judgement_n of_o your_o spiritual_a state_n and_o among_o many_o which_o other_o lay_v down_o i_o shall_v insist_v only_o on_o some_o few_o which_o be_v most_o easy_a to_o be_v discern_v in_o ourselves_o i_o never_o study_v to_o speak_v i_o will_v not_o say_v all_o that_o may_v be_v say_v but_o all_o that_o i_o can_v say_v on_o any_o subject_a remember_v that_o of_o the_o orator_n dictis_n est_fw-la electio_fw-la &_o modus_fw-la for_o though_o i_o reckon_v not_o myself_o among_o learned_a man_n yet_o i_o will_v follow_v they_o at_o a_o distance_n and_o 1._o observe_v what_o it_o be_v that_o you_o be_v chief_o guide_v by_o in_o the_o general_a course_n of_o your_o life_n what_o we_o chief_o mind_n do_v influence_n we_o in_o all_o the_o passage_n of_o our_o life_n and_o they_o that_o be_v after_o the_o flesh_n mind_n the_o thing_n of_o the_o flesh_n and_o they_o that_o be_v after_o the_o spirit_n 8.5_o rom._n 8.5_o the_o thing_n of_o the_o spirit_n that_o be_v those_o in_o a_o natural_a state_n chief_o mind_n that_o be_v savour_n and_o relish_v set_v their_o affection_n on_o be_v take_v up_o in_o the_o pursuit_n of_o carnal_a thing_n the_o same_o word_n be_v use_v matth._n 16.23_o phil._n 3.19_o 8.1_o john_n 3.5_o rom._n 8.1_o col._n 3.2_o so_o those_o that_o be_v bear_v of_o the_o spirit_n walk_v after_o the_o spirit_n be_v lead_v by_o the_o spirit_n savour_n and_o relish_v set_v their_o affection_n on_o seek_v after_o spiritual_a thing_n now_o let_v we_o examine_v what_o it_o be_v that_o do_v chief_o influence_n we_o in_o the_o several_a turn_n of_o our_o life_n we_o consider_v what_o will_v stand_v with_o what_o will_v chief_o further_o that_o which_o be_v our_o great_a concernment_n not_o what_o shall_v be_v so_o but_o what_o we_o real_o make_v so_o in_o choose_v calling_n or_o employment_n relation_n place_n of_o abode_n let_v we_o consider_v what_o we_o look_v chief_o at_o what_o sway_v we_o most_o therein_o whether_o we_o choose_v such_o a_o call_v or_o way_n of_o life_n which_o will_v most_o advance_v we_o in_o the_o world_n wherein_o we_o be_v most_o like_a to_o get_v great_a estate_n to_o live_v at_o ease_n in_o pleasure_n or_o whether_o in_o our_o choice_n we_o consider_v rather_o what_o will_v most_o help_v we_o or_o least_o hinder_v we_o in_o the_o way_n to_o heaven_n where_o we_o be_v like_a to_o meet_v with_o few_o temptation_n i_o deny_v not_o but_o we_o may_v consider_v how_o to_o live_v so_o as_o we_o may_v be_v in_o a_o capacity_n to_o give_v rather_o than_o to_o receive_v 4.12_o act_n 20.35_o 1_o thes_n 4.12_o that_o we_o may_v walk_v honest_o towards_o they_o that_o be_v without_o have_v lack_n of_o nothing_o but_o may_v pay_v every_o one_o their_o own_o and_o be_v burdensome_a to_o none_o but_o that_o which_o we_o shall_v and_o shall_v seek_v in_o the_o first_o place_n if_o our_o heart_n be_v right_a within_o we_o be_v the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n and_o his_o righteousness_n 6.33_o matth._n 6.33_o not_o for_o worldly_a advantage_n choose_v for_o ourselves_o or_o we_o such_o employment_n or_o calling_n as_o may_v take_v up_o our_o time_n so_o as_o we_o can_v wait_v upon_o the_o lord_n without_o distraction_n 7.35_o 1_o cor._n 7.35_o or_o which_o may_v cast_v we_o upon_o temptation_n to_o excess_n man-pleasing_a or_o other_o like_a sin_n which_o may_v deprive_v we_o of_o the_o benefit_n of_o the_o ordinance_n of_o god_n and_o force_v we_o to_o live_v among_o idolater_n or_o heathen_n if_o any_o say_v some_o must_v follow_v such_o calling_n leave_v they_o to_o such_o as_o mind_v earthly_a thing_n and_o govern_v themselves_o thereby_o so_o it_o be_v in_o choose_v relation_n let_v person_n deal_v plain_o and_o faithful_o with_o themselves_o and_o they_o may_v know_v what_o it_o be_v that_o make_v match_n for_o they_o by_o their_o choice_n therein_o we_o may_v see_v to_o allude_v to_o the_o word_n of_o joshua_n who_o they_o choose_v to_o serve_v 24.15_o joshua_n 24.15_o whether_o their_o god_n be_v their_o belly_n and_o they_o choose_v to_o live_v at_o ease_n and_o in_o pleasure_n whether_o they_o be_v covetous_a idolater_n and_o look_v chief_o after_o great_a estate_n whether_o they_o do_v as_o those_o that_o choose_v chief_a room_n at_o feast_n 14.7_o luke_n 14.7_o crowd_v to_o get_v as_o high_a as_o they_o can_v to_o get_v as_o near_o as_o may_v be_v towards_o the_o upper_a end_n of_o the_o world_n i_o allow_v it_o to_o be_v not_o only_o lawful_a but_o prudent_a for_o person_n so_o far_o as_o they_o can_v to_o match_v within_o their_o own_o rank_n but_o as_o our_o saviour_n say_v in_o another_o case_n these_o thing_n ought_v you_o to_o have_v do_v 23.23_o matth._n 23.23_o and_o not_o to_o leave_v the_o other_o
and_o those_o sin_n which_o they_o go_v light_o under_o before_o as_o david_n do_v under_o his_o be_v now_o a_o heavy_a burden_n 38.4_o 2_o sam._n 11._o psal_n 38.4_o too_o heavy_a for_o they_o and_o these_o conviction_n he_o make_v as_o a_o beard_a arrow_n which_o while_n man_n endeavour_v to_o shake_v off_o torment_v they_o more_o and_o they_o shall_v not_o be_v able_a to_o put_v off_o the_o thought_n of_o their_o sin_n but_o as_o david_n they_o shall_v be_v continual_o before_o they_o 51.3_o psal_n 51.3_o so_o that_o they_o shall_v have_v no_o rest_n in_o their_o spirit_n till_o they_o come_v to_o christ_n but_o now_o doubt_n do_v ordinary_o arise_v in_o the_o mind_n of_o christian_n whether_o they_o be_v right_o humble_v whether_o they_o be_v sufficient_o humble_v whether_o they_o have_v be_v long_o enough_o under_o these_o preparation_n 1._o they_o be_v ready_a to_o suspect_v that_o their_o trouble_n for_o sin_n be_v not_o kind_o that_o it_o be_v rather_o from_o self-love_n and_o fear_v of_o punishment_n than_o from_o love_n to_o god_n and_o sense_n of_o the_o nature_n of_o sin_n as_o it_o be_v against_o god_n and_o displease_v to_o he_o now_o to_o this_o i_o answer_v that_o god_n have_v place_v our_o affection_n in_o the_o soul_n as_o handle_n to_o take_v hold_n on_o it_o and_o particular_o 16.6_o jer._n 32.40_o prov._n 16.6_o fear_v and_o he_o do_v not_o only_o after_o conversion_n put_v his_o fear_n into_o our_o heart_n or_o at_o least_o continue_v it_o there_o that_o we_o may_v not_o depart_v from_o he_o but_o may_v thereby_o depart_v from_o evil_a 2.17_o gen._n 2.17_o but_o he_o give_v a_o intimidating_a threaten_n to_o man_n in_o the_o state_n of_o innocency_n to_o be_v a_o mean_n to_o keep_v he_o from_o sin_n and_o at_o first_o conversion_n we_o ordinary_o flee_v from_o the_o wrath_n to_o come_v 6.18_o matt._n 3.7_o heb._n 6.18_o or_o to_o avoid_v that_o flee_v for_o refuge_n to_o lay_v hold_n on_o the_o hope_n that_o be_v set_v before_o we_o but_o there_o be_v a_o frequent_a exercise_n of_o evancal_n repentance_n after_o conversion_n man_n espy_v a_o tree_n in_o a_o storm_n or_o in_o the_o heat_n and_o betake_v themselves_o to_o it_o for_o shelter_n or_o shade_n but_o when_o they_o come_v at_o it_o they_o find_v fruit_n which_o they_o do_v not_o at_o such_o a_o distance_n see_v or_o in_o such_o a_o fright_n or_o trouble_v consider_v but_o have_v find_v it_o they_o be_v at_o last_o as_o much_o please_v with_o it_o as_o with_o the_o covert_n or_o umbrage_n of_o it_o so_o we_o sit_v under_o the_o shadow_n of_o christ_n with_o great_a delight_n and_o his_o fruit_n be_v sweet_a to_o our_o taste_n 2.3_o cant._n 2.3_o in_o marriage_n estate_n and_o convenience_n of_o life_n be_v first_o treat_v of_o and_o conjugal_a love_n increase_v by_o society_n or_o converse_n you_o have_v first_o betake_v yourselves_o to_o christ_n or_o desire_v to_o come_v to_o he_o to_o save_v you_o from_o hell_n but_o do_v this_o upon_o second_o thought_n satisfy_v you_o can_v you_o content_v yourselves_o herewith_o or_o rather_o do_v you_o not_o desire_v that_o he_o will_v bless_v you_o in_o turn_v you_o from_o your_o iniquity_n and_o say_v with_o paul_n lord_n 9.6_o act_n 3.26_o act_n 9.6_o what_o will_v thou_o have_v i_o to_o do_v it_o matter_n not_o so_o much_o what_o be_v our_o first_o motive_n to_o bring_v we_o to_o christ_n if_o it_o do_v not_o terminate_v our_o desire_n when_o we_o have_v occasion_n and_o opportunity_n more_o full_o to_o consider_v thing_n a_o man_n may_v address_v himself_o to_o a_o person_n at_o first_o on_o the_o account_n of_o her_o portion_n to_o pay_v his_o debt_n and_o keep_v he_o out_o of_o prison_n and_o answer_v some_o other_o occasion_n but_o upon_o further_a knowledge_n of_o she_o when_o he_o be_v free_v from_o his_o debt_n and_o extricate_v out_o of_o his_o trouble_n he_o find_v those_o accomplishment_n and_o qualification_n in_o she_o which_o be_v a_o more_o abundant_a satisfaction_n to_o he_o than_o all_o her_o estate_n for_o the_o fear_n of_o christian_n that_o they_o have_v not_o be_v sufficient_o humble_v and_o so_o that_o they_o shall_v have_v the_o wound_n of_o their_o conscience_n heal_v slight_o before_o they_o be_v sufficient_o search_v or_o draw_v i_o answer_v it_o be_v true_a when_o person_n have_v be_v thorough_o humble_v for_o their_o sin_n it_o may_v work_v in_o they_o a_o great_a aversion_n from_o it_o and_o a_o more_o fix_a resolution_n against_o it_o as_o when_o ephraim_n have_v suffer_v much_o for_o their_o sin_n of_o idolatry_n 8._o hos_fw-la 14.3_o 8._o they_o will_v not_o say_v any_o more_o to_o the_o work_n of_o their_o hand_n you_o be_v my_o god_n but_o will_v rather_o say_v what_o have_v i_o to_o do_v any_o more_o with_o idol_n and_o though_o the_o jew_n be_v much_o addict_v to_o idolatry_n yet_o the_o destruction_n of_o their_o temple_n and_o city_n by_o the_o chaldaean_n and_o their_o captivity_n in_o babylon_n do_v much_o reclaim_v they_o from_o it_o yea_o god_n be_v please_v to_o deal_v various_o with_o person_n either_o according_a as_o their_o former_a conversation_n have_v be_v where_o man_n sin_n have_v be_v notorious_a god_n do_v many_o time_n make_v their_o repentance_n as_o notorious_a or_o as_o the_o frame_n and_o temper_n of_o their_o heart_n be_v 28.26_o isa_n 28.26_o he_o that_o instruct_v the_o husbandman_n to_o use_v several_a mean_n for_o get_v out_o his_o corn_n as_o the_o nature_n of_o it_o require_v or_o as_o it_o be_v thresh_v with_o more_o ease_n or_o difficulty_n do_v himself_o exercise_v person_n under_o affliction_n as_o need_n require_v till_o he_o have_v bring_v their_o uncircumcised_a heart_n to_o be_v humble_v to_o accept_v of_o the_o punishment_n of_o their_o iniquity_n 16.41_o levit_fw-la 16.41_o and_o so_o in_o bring_v soul_n to_o jesus_n christ_n he_o exercise_v they_o under_o different_a degree_n of_o humiliation_n as_o he_o see_v their_o state_n to_o require_v or_o as_o he_o intend_v for_o the_o future_a to_o deal_v with_o they_o but_o those_o that_o have_v to_o do_v with_o trouble_a soul_n or_o such_o as_o be_v humble_v under_o a_o sense_n of_o their_o sin_n shall_v take_v heed_n of_o tamper_n too_o much_o in_o keep_v they_o down_o lest_o they_o do_v as_o physician_n who_o that_o they_o may_v thorough_o subdue_v a_o disease_n bring_v their_o patient_n so_o low_a that_o they_o can_v recover_v their_o strength_n and_o raise_v they_o up_o again_o and_o let_v christian_n themselves_o take_v heed_n lest_o out_o of_o a_o mistake_a modesty_n or_o humility_n they_o think_v they_o can_v never_o be_v sufficient_o humble_v and_o so_o refuse_v to_o be_v comfort_v it_o be_v not_o for_o we_o to_o teach_v our_o physician_n 77.2_o psalm_n 77.2_o or_o to_o prescribe_v to_o god_n how_o he_o shall_v deal_v with_o we_o i_o have_v hear_v of_o a_o eminent_a man_n who_o in_o a_o deep_a humility_n desire_v that_o god_n will_v show_v he_o his_o sin_n in_o its_o own_o colour_n or_o let_v he_o see_v the_o deformity_n of_o it_o that_o he_o may_v be_v yet_o more_o humble_v for_o it_o and_o god_n do_v show_v it_o to_o he_o so_o as_o to_o make_v he_o go_v mourning_n to_o his_o grave_n and_o i_o have_v likewise_o hear_v of_o a_o wowan_n that_o make_v the_o like_a request_n to_o god_n think_v she_o can_v never_o be_v sufficient_o humble_v for_o her_o sin_n but_o it_o please_v god_n to_o give_v she_o such_o a_o sight_n of_o her_o sin_n that_o like_a heman_n while_o she_o suffer_v his_o terror_n 88.15_o psalm_n 88.15_o she_o be_v distract_v and_o in_o that_o condition_n kill_v she_o own_o child_n it_o be_v the_o end_n that_o determine_v the_o manner_n and_o measure_n of_o the_o mean_n lead_v thereto_o and_o that_o humiliation_n and_o conviction_n be_v sufficient_a that_o make_v we_o willing_a to_o forsake_v our_o sin_n and_o come_v to_o christ_n a_o kindly_a sorrow_n and_o trouble_v for_o sin_n 16.63_o jer._n 31.19_o ezek._n 16.63_o may_v grow_v upon_o we_o as_o i_o late_o say_v after_o conversion_n and_o sense_n of_o pardon_n for_o the_o other_o doubt_n of_o christian_n that_o they_o have_v not_o be_v long_o enough_o under_o the_o pang_n of_o the_o new_a birth_n as_o they_o speak_v and_o know_v not_o whether_o they_o may_v not_o be_v too_o forward_o to_o believe_v i_o answer_v that_o if_o by_o believe_v we_o mean_v a_o persuasion_n or_o confidence_n that_o our_o sin_n be_v pardon_v we_o may_v believe_v too_o soon_o 172._o p._n 172._o and_o mr._n martial_n in_o the_o forementioned_a treatise_n notwithstanding_o all_o that_o he_o have_v say_v of_o assurance_n be_v essential_a to_o faith_n acknowledge_v that_o many_o must_v be_v teach_v to_o doubt_v whether_o their_o present_a state_n be_v good_a and_o that_o it_o be_v humility_n so_o to_o do_v