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turn_v such_o promise_n and_o word_n of_o grace_n into_o wantonness_n and_o into_o a_o snare_n to_o their_o own_o soul_n but_o true_a believer_n get_v real_a good_a by_o they_o and_o lay_v up_o these_o say_n in_o their_o heart_n and_o cleave_v the_o more_o unto_o the_o lord_n in_o faith_n and_o holiness_n thus_o i_o have_v endeavour_v to_o show_v how_o we_o may_v know_v we_o be_v in_o the_o state_n of_o grace_n let_v i_o speak_v a_o word_n or_o two_o to_o those_o that_o be_v convert_v and_o have_v have_v it_o clear_v up_o to_o their_o soul_n that_o it_o be_v so_o 10._o praise_v the_o lord_n for_o the_o exceed_a riches_n of_o his_o grace_n be_v content_n yea_o rejoice_v and_o be_v thankful_a whatever_o sad_a loss_n of_o outward_a trouble_n and_o affliction_n lie_v upon_o you_o grace_n have_v abound_v towards_o you_o the_o lord_n have_v not_o deal_v so_o with_o many_o other_o as_o he_o have_v deal_v with_o you_o look_v round_o about_o you_o and_o see_v what_o multitude_n lie_v in_o 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o_o sing_v and_o give_v praise_n 2_o after_o god_n have_v once_o give_v you_o a_o comfortable_a assurance_n of_o your_o conversion_n do_v not_o call_v all_o in_o question_n upon_o every_o fit_a of_o deadness_n and_o darkness_n that_o come_v upon_o your_o spirit_n be_v humble_v for_o the_o least_o sin_n but_o say_v not_o upon_o every_o spiritual_a fall_n that_o if_o there_o have_v be_v truth_n of_o grace_n you_o have_v never_o do_v thus_o for_o after_o conversion_n there_o remain_v in_o this_o life_n flesh_n and_o corruption_n that_o be_v not_o whole_o take_v away_o till_o death_n then_o indeed_o the_o house_n of_o the_o old_a man_n will_v quite_o fall_v and_o all_o these_o
their_o lamp_n and_o go_v forth_o to_o meet_v the_o bridegroom_n and_o the_o apostle_n peter_n show_v that_o some_o escape_v the_o pollution_n of_o the_o world_n in_o a_o sense_n and_o yet_o return_v with_o the_o dog_n to_o his_o vomit_n be_v again_o entangle_v and_o quite_o overcome_v by_o their_o old_a sin_n and_o their_o latter_a end_n be_v worse_a than_o their_o beginning_n so_o likewise_o we_o read_v of_o those_o that_o have_v be_v enlighten_v and_o taste_v of_o the_o heavenly_a gift_n and_o of_o the_o power_n of_o the_o world_n to_o come_v and_o yet_o fall_v away_o not_o that_o these_o scripture_n or_o any_o other_o do_v hold_v forth_o a_o total_a and_o final_a apostasy_n in_o any_o from_o special_a grace_n but_o only_o from_o common_a grace_n the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o certainty_n of_o the_o perseverance_n of_o all_o sound_a believer_n shine_v forth_o so_o glorious_o from_o many_o plain_a text_n of_o scripture_n and_o from_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n and_o the_o purchase_n that_o christ_n have_v make_v for_o they_o that_o be_v he_o and_o the_o almightiness_n of_o god_n who_o have_v undertake_v and_o promise_v to_o keep_v they_o that_o they_o shall_v not_o depart_v from_o he_o and_o perish_v that_o there_o be_v scarce_o any_o part_n of_o religion_n that_o have_v be_v controvert_v that_o be_v with_o more_o facility_n defend_v against_o all_o opposer_n but_o such_o scripture_n hold_v forth_o that_o there_o be_v common_a grace_n as_o well_o as_o special_a judas_n his_o profession_n and_o gift_n simon_n magus_n his_o believe_v when_o he_o see_v the_o miracle_n and_o sign_n which_o be_v do_v herod_n hearing_n john_n baptist_n glad_o and_o do_v many_o thing_n agrippa_n being_n almost_o persuade_v to_o be_v a_o christian_n come_v all_o under_o this_o head_n of_o common_a working_n of_o the_o spirit_n so_o call_v because_o that_o not_o only_o those_o that_o be_v save_v but_o those_o that_o perish_v have_v many_o time_n such_o working_n of_o 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preparatory_a working_n of_o the_o spirit_n some_o carry_v that_o point_n so_o far_o that_o they_o confound_v common_a and_o special_a grace_n darken_v the_o doctrine_n of_o conversion_n and_o cast_v a_o stumble_a block_n before_o weak_a christian_n puzzle_v they_o exceed_o speak_v of_o some_o thing_n under_o that_o head_n that_o be_v wrought_v only_o in_o those_o that_o be_v effectual_o call_v but_o these_o thing_n follow_v may_v be_v bring_v under_o this_o head_n of_o common_a grace_n and_o preparatory_a working_n of_o the_o spirit_n 1._o a_o illumination_n of_o the_o spirit_n to_o make_v impression_n upon_o the_o soul_n that_o there_o be_v a_o god_n that_o man_n be_v fall_v in_o adam_n that_o jesus_n christ_n be_v the_o mediator_n that_o there_o be_v heaven_n and_o hell_n yea_o one_o that_o have_v only_o this_o common_a illumination_n may_v have_v knowledge_n notional_a knowledge_n and_o utterance_n about_o these_o and_o other_o point_n of_o religion_n beyond_o many_o sincere_a christian_n hence_o it_o be_v that_o man_n may_v go_v to_o hell_n with_o their_o head_n full_a of_o knowledge_n and_o notion_n of_o religion_n some_o that_o we_o think_v for_o their_o knowledge_n and_o excellent_a part_n be_v happy_a man_n yet_o may_v have_v only_o common_a illumination_n and_o perish_v 2._o conviction_n of_o sin_n come_v in_o also_o under_o this_o head_n of_o common_a grace_n and_o preparatory_a working_n of_o the_o spirit_n the_o lord_n use_v before_o he_o infuse_v faith_n in_o christ_n and_o the_o habit_n of_o special_a grace_n into_o the_o heart_n first_o to_o convince_v man_n of_o sin_n those_o that_o be_v convert_v in_o the_o second_o chapter_n of_o the_o act_n be_v first_o prick_v in_o their_o heart_n with_o the_o sense_n of_o their_o sin_n verse_n 37._o afterward_o god_n give_v they_o faith_n in_o christ_n what_o sin_n the_o lord_n will_v set_v home_o upon_o the_o conscience_n first_o of_o all_o to_o awaken_v and_o startle_v a_o secure_a sinner_n depend_v upon_o his_o holy_a pleasure_n sometime_o the_o lord_n show_v man_n so_o much_o of_o their_o own_o vileness_n as_o do_v almost_o sink_v they_o in_o their_o spirit_n sometime_o the_o lord_n deal_v with_o they_o in_o a_o gentle_a way_n usual_o god_n set_v home_o gross_a sin_n special_a sin_n with_o most_o terror_n upon_o the_o heart_n it_o be_v no_o matter_n how_o long_o it_o be_v since_o the_o sin_n have_v be_v commit_v god_n can_v set_v it_o home_o upon_o the_o conscience_n with_o as_o much_o terror_n as_o if_o it_o have_v be_v but_o yesterday_o the_o universal_a depravedness_n and_o corruption_n of_o our_o nature_n be_v sometime_o set_v home_o upon_o the_o conscience_n that_o the_o convince_a sinner_n see_v himself_o more_o vile_a upon_o that_o account_n than_o upon_o the_o account_n of_o his_o sinful_a act_n it_o be_v say_v of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n that_o he_o shall_v convince_v man_n of_o sin_n because_o they_o believe_v not_o on_o christ_n john_n 16.8_o 9_o from_o whence_o we_o must_v not_o conclude_v that_o man_n be_v not_o so_o thorough_o convince_v of_o sin_n as_o god_n do_v convince_v man_n in_o the_o preparatory_a working_n of_o the_o spirit_n except_o the_o lord_n do_v set_v it_o home_o particular_o upon_o the_o conscience_n that_o the_o person_n beside_o many_o other_o sin_n be_v guilty_a of_o the_o sin_n of_o unbelief_n take_v it_o for_o the_o soul_n be_v not_o come_v to_o christ_n and_o believe_v and_o rely_v upon_o he_o as_o a_o saviour_n but_o we_o may_v take_v the_o not_o believe_v on_o christ_n there_o in_o a_o large_a sense_n for_o be_v in_o a_o course_n of_o impenitency_n and_o gracelesness_n or_o we_o may_v thus_o conceive_v the_o meaning_n of_o the_o place_n that_o the_o holy_a ghost_n in_o convert_v soul_n will_v convince_v they_o of_o sin_n what_o sin_n he_o please_v and_o show_v they_o that_o they_o be_v in_o danger_n of_o hell_n and_o damnation_n be_v such_o person_n as_o be_v not_o yet_o in_o christ_n and_o believe_v not_o on_o his_o name_n and_o so_o have_v not_o their_o pardon_n in_o christ_n to_o plead_v for_o their_o discharge_n from_o the_o guilt_n of_o their_o sin_n it_o be_v true_a where_o person_n have_v be_v long_o under_o conviction_n of_o other_o sin_n and_o have_v live_v under_o much_o preach_n of_o christ_n and_o yet_o have_v go_v on_o a_o great_a while_n in_o a_o way_n of_o seck_v to_o be_v justify_v by_o their_o own_o righteousness_n and_o be_v not_o bring_v to_o give_v god_n the_o whole_a glory_n of_o his_o free_a grace_n in_o christ_n in_o justify_v and_o save_v of_o they_o the_o lord_n may_v set_v home_o this_o unbelief_n of_o they_o and_o slight_v of_o christ_n their_o only_a remedy_n as_o a_o great_a sin_n and_o folly_n but_o that_o the_o lord_n do_v set_v home_o this_o particular_o upon_o every_o one_o that_o be_v under_o conviction_n in_o order_n to_o a_o sound_a conversion_n and_o that_o conviction_n be_v not_o through_o and_o sufficient_a without_o this_o can_v be_v make_v out_o by_o scripture_n under_o this_o head_n it_o must_v be_v consider_v that_o though_o the_o lord_n use_v to_o convince_v man_n of_o sin_n and_o fright_v man_n with_o the_o terror_n of_o the_o law_n who_o he_o intend_v to_o convert_v and_o bring_v to_o christ_n yet_o first_o all_o that_o be_v convert_v feel_v not_o the_o like_a terror_n and_o fear_n of_o the_o wrath_n to_o come_v before_o their_o close_n with_o christ_n 2._o though_o the_o set_n home_o of_o sin_n upon_o the_o conscience_n and_o put_v the_o soul_n in_o fear_n of_o the_o wrath_n to_o come_v be_v the_o work_n of_o the_o spirit_n make_v use_n of_o the_o terror_n of_o the_o law_n to_o that_o purpose_n yet_o not_o every_o thing_n that_o sometime_o follow_v the_o reupon_o as_o a_o man_n conclude_v that_o he_o shall_v never_o find_v mercy_n or_o his_o go_v on_o in_o a_o
legal_a way_n to_o seek_v peace_n and_o heal_v of_o his_o wound_n by_o his_o own_o righteousness_n and_o duty_n without_o the_o blood_n of_o christ_n these_o thing_n come_v not_o from_o the_o holy_a spirit_n that_o first_o convince_v the_o soul_n of_o sin_n but_o from_o satan_n and_o from_o the_o corruption_n of_o our_o own_o heart_n that_o mix_v themselves_o and_o put_v in_o with_o these_o conviction_n and_o working_n of_o the_o spirit_n 3._o all_o that_o be_v convince_v of_o sin_n and_o have_v terror_n yea_o it_o may_v be_v very_o great_a terror_n of_o conscience_n thereupon_o be_v not_o convert_v cain_n and_o judas_n have_v great_a terror_n of_o conscience_n and_o yet_o never_o be_v convert_v yet_o alas_o many_o in_o give_v account_n of_o their_o conversion_n build_v too_o much_o upon_o this_o that_o at_o such_o a_o time_n they_o be_v much_o trouble_v for_o their_o sin_n when_o as_o trouble_v for_o sin_n be_v not_o a_o sufficient_a evidence_n of_o a_o sound_a conversion_n if_o it_o be_v only_o for_o fear_n of_o hell_n and_o damnation_n but_o if_o after_o sight_n of_o our_o sin_n and_o fear_v of_o the_o wrath_n of_o god_n we_o be_v bring_v to_o know_v christ_n to_o prize_n christ_n above_o all_o to_o rest_v our_o weary_a soul_n upon_o he_o yea_o upon_o he_o alone_o and_o be_v make_v willing_a in_o the_o day_n of_o his_o power_n to_o take_v his_o yoke_n upon_o we_o that_o as_o we_o live_v by_o he_o we_o may_v also_o live_v to_o he_o then_o the_o work_n the_o good_a work_n of_o special_a and_o save_a grace_n be_v begin_v in_o we_o praise_n to_o jehovah_n for_o ever_o 3._o there_o be_v some_o stop_v put_v to_o sin_n especial_o gross_a sin_n by_o this_o common_a illumination_n and_o common_a conviction_n of_o the_o spirit_n so_o that_o a_o man_n be_v awe_v with_o the_o terror_n of_o the_o law_n dare_v not_o run_v into_o that_o excess_n of_o riot_n and_o prophanesse_n that_o he_o have_v do_v but_o have_v some_o feel_n of_o the_o bitterness_n of_o sin_n can_v commit_v it_o with_o that_o greediness_n that_o he_o have_v do_v but_o begin_v to_o leave_v more_o open_a and_o gross_a sin_n and_o persorm_v duty_n of_o religion_n and_o set_v upon_o reform_v of_o his_o life_n and_o find_v some_o kind_n of_o joy_n and_o peace_n therein_o which_o yet_o we_o may_v not_o think_v come_v from_o the_o comforter_n the_o holy_a ghost_n for_o he_o give_v no_o joy_n and_o peace_n to_o any_o but_o what_o flow_v from_o the_o behold_v god_n reconcile_a face_n in_o christ_n or_o a_o reflection_n upon_o the_o effect_n of_o his_o grace_n and_o presence_n with_o we_o lead_v we_o forth_o in_o way_n of_o holiness_n and_o obedience_n in_o his_o name_n so_o that_o we_o must_v diligent_o consider_v that_o although_o these_o common_a working_n of_o the_o spirit_n do_v lay_v some_o restraint_n upon_o sin_n and_o put_v we_o upon_o good_a duty_n and_o reformation_n of_o life_n yet_o we_o must_v not_o rest_v here_o and_o say_v sure_o the_o bitterness_n of_o death_n be_v past_a but_o careful_a must_v we_o be_v as_o for_o our_o life_n that_o now_o our_o soul_n be_v right_o bottom_v upon_o christ_n that_o he_o may_v be_v our_o righteousness_n to_o justify_v we_o and_o the_o only_a fountain_n of_o sanctification_n and_o holiness_n to_o we_o many_o other_o thing_n may_v be_v add_v under_o this_o head_n of_o common_a grace_n and_o preparatory_a working_n of_o the_o spirit_n as_o that_o the_o lord_n do_v sometime_o make_v great_a impression_n upon_o man_n of_o the_o holiness_n of_o the_o law_n of_o his_o justice_n if_o he_o shall_v cast_v we_o into_o hell_n of_o the_o insufficiency_n of_o our_o own_o righteousness_n to_o make_v our_o peace_n with_o he_o and_o that_o we_o must_v come_v to_o christ_n if_o we_o will_v have_v life_n but_o we_o must_v not_o extend_v the_o preparatory_a working_n of_o the_o spirit_n to_o far_o as_o some_o do_v as_o if_o there_o be_v any_o save_a work_n upon_o the_o soul_n before_o union_n with_o christ_n that_o which_o i_o aim_v at_o here_o be_v to_o show_v that_o in_o conversion_n ordinary_o there_o be_v legal_a repentance_n before_o evange_fw-mi lical_a sight_n and_o sense_n of_o sin_n before_o christ_n be_v bring_v into_o the_o soul_n but_o no_o special_a grace_n and_o save_a work_n until_o union_n with_o christ_n and_o infusion_n of_o a_o new_a heart_n and_o spirit_n of_o these_o thing_n this_o be_v the_o sum_n the_o lord_n do_v usual_o work_v common_a grace_n before_o he_o work_v special_a grace_n some_o have_v these_o common_a working_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o yet_o be_v never_o saving_o convert_v in_o the_o elect_a these_o common_a working_n of_o the_o spirit_n be_v the_o prepare_v the_o way_n to_o special_a grace_n that_o the_o lord_n intend_v to_o bestow_v upon_o they_o that_o be_v that_o the_o common_a illumination_n conviction_n and_o humble_v for_o sin_n that_o the_o holy_a ghost_n work_v in_o the_o elect_a before_o their_o conversion_n be_v in_o order_n to_o their_o conversion_n chap._n iii_o show_v what_o special_a grace_n and_o save_v conversion_n be_v now_o to_o show_v what_o special_a grace_n and_o save_v conversion_n be_v first_o i_o shall_v give_v a_o short_a definition_n of_o it_o it_o be_v a_o work_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n upon_o the_o soul_n whereby_o the_o habit_n the_o principle_n and_o seed_n of_o all_o grace_n be_v infuse_v change_v and_o sanctify_v the_o heart_n to_o the_o bring_n of_o we_o to_o trust_v whole_o in_o christ_n for_o salvation_n to_o repent_v of_o our_o sin_n to_o love_n god_n and_o unfeigned_o desire_v to_o walk_v before_o he_o in_o obedience_n and_o newness_n of_o life_n according_a to_o his_o will_n those_o who_o have_v this_o change_n wrought_v in_o they_o be_v pass_v from_o death_n to_o life_n shall_v undoubted_o be_v save_v and_o inherit_v everlasting_a life_n but_o to_o open_v the_o doctrine_n of_o conversion_n more_o full_o and_o plain_o to_o every_o one_o capacity_n i_o know_v no_o better_a and_o sure_a way_n then_o to_o explain_v some_o of_o those_o expression_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n by_o which_o special_a grace_n and_o conversion_n be_v set_v forth_o to_o we_o first_o special_a grace_n and_o conversion_n be_v frequent_o especial_o in_o the_o new_a testament_n call_v believe_v on_o christ_n to_o as_o many_o as_o receive_v he_o to_o they_o he_o give_v power_n to_o become_v the_o son_n of_o god_n even_o to_o as_o many_o as_o believe_v on_o his_o name_n john_n 1.12_o he_o that_o believe_v on_o the_o son_n have_v everlasting_a life_n john_n 3.36_o this_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n that_o you_o believe_v on_o he_o who_o he_o have_v send_v john_n 6.29_o believe_v on_o the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n and_o thou_o shall_v be_v save_v act._n 16.31_o with_o the_o heart_n man_n believe_v unto_o righteousness_n rom._n 10.10_o by_o grace_n be_v you_o save_v through_o faith_n ephes_n 2.8_o yea_o this_o grace_n of_o believe_v be_v speak_v of_o in_o the_o old_a testament_n though_o not_o so_o clear_o as_o in_o the_o new_a look_v to_o i_o and_o be_v save_v isa_n 45.22_o where_o by_o look_v be_v mean_v believe_v and_o vers_n 24._o sure_o shall_v one_o say_v in_o the_o lord_n viz_o the_o lord_n jesus_n the_o mediator_n have_v i_o righteousness_n and_o strength_n even_o to_o he_o shall_v man_n come_v 24_o vers_fw-la where_o by_o come_v be_v mean_v believe_v those_o that_o be_v save_v under_o the_o old_a testament_n see_v christ_n day_n of_o come_v in_o the_o flesh_n affar_n off_o and_o be_v glad_a and_o put_v their_o trust_n in_o he_o have_v the_o same_o spirit_n of_o faith_n in_o christ_n that_o the_o saint_n have_v now_o well_o then_o it_o be_v clear_a that_o where_o there_o be_v a_o true_a believe_v on_o christ_n there_o be_v true_a conversion_n now_o therefore_o let_v we_o inquire_v when_o a_o man_n do_v believe_v to_o the_o save_n of_o his_o soul_n and_o there_o be_v a_o necessity_n to_o inquire_v into_o the_o true_a nature_n of_o save_v faith_n because_o a_o man_n may_v have_v some_o kind_n of_o faith_n and_o yet_o never_o go_v to_o heaven_n some_o be_v say_v for_o awhile_o to_o believe_v and_o afterward_o to_o fall_v a-away_a luke_n 8.13_o simon_n magus_n be_v say_v to_o believe_v act._n 8.13_o which_o scripture_n do_v show_v that_o there_o be_v a_o assent_n to_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n which_o be_v but_o a_o temporary_a faith_n a_o historical_a faith_n from_o common_a illumination_n and_o conviction_n yea_o it_o be_v say_v the_o devil_n believe_v and_o tremble_v james_n 2.3_o the_o devil_n by_o the_o power_n of_o light_n and_o conviction_n be_v force_v to_o believe_v that_o there_o be_v a_o god_n though_o yet_o they_o be_v enemy_n to_o he_o and_o wish_v there_o be_v not_o god_n the_o truth_n be_v if_o a_o man_n do_v
speech_n or_o wisdom_n of_o the_o preacher_n that_o do_v convert_v the_o hearer_n all_o the_o oratory_n in_o the_o world_n can_v convert_v a_o soul_n argument_n promise_n threaten_n and_o entreaty_n set_v forth_o with_o the_o tongue_n of_o man_n and_o angel_n if_o they_o be_v to_o assume_v humane_a shape_n and_o speak_v to_o sinner_n about_o their_o everlasting_a concernment_n can_v not_o prevail_v to_o bring_v they_o from_o sin_n to_o christ_n except_o the_o lord_n put_v forth_o his_o almighty_a power_n 5._o it_o be_v not_o from_o any_o power_n of_o nature_n that_o before_o lay_v dormient_fw-la and_o idle_a that_o now_o awake_v and_o yield_v obedience_n to_o the_o word_n that_o a_o soul_n be_v convert_v for_o there_o be_v no_o such_o power_n of_o nature_n it_o be_v a_o idle_a speculation_n of_o those_o that_o think_v it_o be_v so_o for_o in_o conversion_n the_o spirit_n of_o god_n be_v put_v into_o we_o and_o the_o fear_n of_o god_n and_o so_o consequent_o the_o seed_n and_o principle_n of_o faith_n and_o repentance_n and_o other_o grace_n be_v put_v into_o our_o heart_n where_o before_o it_o be_v not_o 2._o positive_o i_o answer_v that_o the_o efficacy_n power_n and_o virtue_n of_o the_o preach_n of_o the_o word_n when_o a_o soul_n be_v convert_v by_o it_o be_v whole_o from_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n when_o the_o scripture_n say_v that_o faith_n come_v by_o hear_v it_o be_v only_a as_o a_o outward_a mean_n that_o god_n work_v by_o when_o it_o please_v he_o for_o bare_a hear_n of_o the_o gospel_n work_v faith_n in_o no_o man_n for_o faith_n be_v the_o gift_n of_o god_n ephes_n 2.8_o philip._n 1.29_o the_o fruit_n of_o the_o spirit_n galat._n 5.22_o and_o when_o the_o gospel_n be_v say_v to_o be_v the_o power_n of_o god_n unto_o salvation_n it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v understand_v as_o if_o the_o bare_a preach_v of_o the_o gospel_n do_v save_v and_o convert_v man_n but_o it_o be_v call_v the_o power_n of_o god_n unto_o salvation_n in_o opposition_n to_o the_o law_n and_o the_o covenant_n of_o work_n because_o it_o reveal_v and_o hold_v forth_o the_o way_n of_o grace_n in_o christ_n by_o which_o god_n save_v lose_v sinner_n which_o the_o law_n do_v not_o how_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n do_v work_v in_o and_o by_o the_o preach_n of_o the_o word_n for_o the_o conversion_n of_o soul_n be_v a_o deep_a mystery_n and_o o_o that_o we_o may_v experimental_o know_v that_o the_o holy_a ghost_n have_v make_v use_n of_o the_o word_n to_o convert_v our_o soul_n though_o we_o can_v exact_o conceive_v of_o the_o way_n and_o manner_n of_o his_o work_n thereby_o the_o working_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n in_o conversion_n be_v compare_v to_o the_o wind_n as_o for_o the_o freeness_n and_o powerfulness_n so_o for_o the_o mystery_n that_o be_v in_o they_o as_o the_o wind_n blow_v where_o it_o list_v and_o thou_o hear_v the_o sound_n thereof_o but_o can_v not_o tell_v whence_o it_o come_v and_o whither_o it_o go_v so_o be_v every_o one_o that_o be_v bear_v of_o the_o spirit_n john_n 3.8_o but_o for_o further_a light_n into_o this_o question_n let_v we_o observe_v these_o scripture_n follow_v it_o be_v say_v the_o lord_n open_v the_o heart_n of_o lydia_n that_o she_o attend_v to_o the_o thing_n that_o be_v speak_v by_o paul_n minister_n do_v but_o call_v and_o knock_v at_o the_o door_n of_o man_n heart_n it_o be_v god_n that_o by_o a_o secret_a work_n of_o his_o spirit_n open_v their_o heart_n act_n 16.14_o and_o it_o be_v say_v act_v 10.44_o while_o peter_n yet_o speak_v these_o word_n the_o holy_a ghost_n fall_v on_o all_o they_o that_o hear_v he_o peter_n preach_v and_o the_o holy_a ghost_n fall_v upon_o they_o that_o hear_v he_o be_v two_o distinct_a thing_n the_o one_o may_v have_v be_v without_o the_o other_o the_o one_o be_v the_o work_n of_o man_n the_o other_o be_v the_o work_n of_o god_n and_o that_o which_o be_v say_v 1_o thess_n 1.5_o will_v make_v it_o yet_o far_o more_o evident_a for_o our_o gospel_n come_v not_o unto_o you_o in_o word_n only_o but_o in_o power_n and_o in_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o in_o much_o assurance_n the_o gospel_n come_v to_o people_n in_o word_n and_o in_o the_o bare_a preach_v of_o it_o be_v one_o thing_n and_o the_o gospel_n come_v to_o they_o in_o power_n and_o in_o the_o holy_a ghost_n be_v another_o to_o some_o the_o gospel_n come_v only_o in_o word_n they_o hear_v a_o sound_n of_o word_n and_o as_o they_o be_v rational_a man_n they_o may_v have_v a_o notional_a knowledge_n thereof_o but_o unto_o the_o elect_a it_o come_v with_o power_n and_o with_o the_o holy_a ghost_n even_o with_o such_o powerful_a working_n of_o the_o spirit_n as_o turn_v they_o from_o sin_n to_o christ_n of_o these_o thing_n this_o be_v the_o sum_n the_o preach_n of_o the_o word_n show_v we_o the_o way_n of_o salvation_n it_o be_v the_o spirit_n of_o god_n that_o by_o a_o secret_a and_o strong_a hand_n put_v we_o into_o that_o way_n the_o preach_v of_o the_o word_n show_v we_o our_o lose_a estate_n by_o nature_n it_o be_v the_o spirit_n that_o inward_o make_v we_o sensible_a of_o it_o and_o affect_v our_o heart_n with_o it_o the_o preach_v of_o the_o word_n show_v we_o god_n grace_n in_o christ_n hold_v up_o christ_n as_o the_o brazen_a serpent_n it_o be_v the_o spirit_n that_o give_v we_o a_o eye_n of_o faith_n to_o look_v to_o he_o that_o we_o may_v live_v the_o come_n to_o the_o ordinance_n to_o hear_v the_o word_n be_v like_o the_o woman_n in_o the_o gospel_n touch_v the_o hem_n of_o christ_n garment_n other_o touch_v he_o as_o well_o as_o she_o but_o there_o come_v a_o secret_a virtue_n from_o christ_n to_o heal_v she_o of_o her_o bloody_a issue_n many_o come_v to_o the_o preach_n of_o the_o word_n and_o to_o some_o of_o their_o soul_n there_o come_v secret_a virtue_n from_o christ_n that_o they_o find_v in_o themselves_o that_o now_o they_o be_v humble_v for_o sin_n now_o they_o prize_v christ_n now_o they_o cleave_v unto_o the_o lord_n with_o a_o full_a purpose_n of_o heart_n to_o walk_v in_o his_o way_n praise_v the_o lord_n for_o ever_o it_o be_v not_o the_o minister_n it_o be_v not_o the_o bare_a preach_v of_o the_o word_n that_o can_v make_v this_o change_n but_o this_o be_v the_o day_n of_o the_o lord_n power_n to_o thy_o soul_n and_o virtue_n come_v secret_o from_o our_o bless_a lord_n jesus_n to_o thy_o soul_n admire_v he_o and_o love_v he_o and_o cleave_v to_o he_o to_o carry_v thou_o on_o by_o the_o same_o power_n of_o his_o spirit_n unto_o the_o end_n it_o may_v be_v many_o other_o in_o the_o same_o sermon_n find_v no_o virtue_n come_v from_o christ_n to_o their_o soul_n it_o be_v a_o burden_n and_o tedious_a to_o they_o admire_v free_a grace_n and_o love_v the_o lord_n jesus_n for_o ever_o when_o we_o find_v good_a to_o our_o soul_n by_o the_o preach_n of_o the_o word_n we_o must_v not_o look_v upon_o poor_a minister_n with_o admiration_n of_o they_o as_o if_o by_o their_o power_n and_o holiness_n we_o have_v such_o a_o change_n wrought_v in_o we_o but_o know_v that_o god_n have_v make_v bare_a his_o own_o arm_n and_o glorify_v his_o own_o power_n and_o the_o exceed_a riches_n of_o his_o grace_n in_o christ_n jesus_n to_o us-ward_n and_o this_o be_v one_o reason_n why_o god_n make_v use_v many_o time_n of_o person_n of_o mean_a part_n and_o small_a repute_n to_o be_v instrument_n of_o convert_v more_o soul_n than_o he_o do_v of_o other_o that_o excel_v they_o that_o it_o may_v appear_v that_o the_o high_a and_o excellent_a power_n that_o convert_v the_o soul_n be_v of_o god_n and_o not_o of_o man_n it_o be_v not_o fit_a that_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n shall_v be_v give_v to_o minister_n and_o ordinance_n if_o we_o get_v any_o good_a to_o our_o soul_n by_o they_o look_v upon_o they_o but_o as_o the_o conduit-pipe_n and_o let_v all_o the_o glory_n be_v give_v to_o he_o who_o be_v the_o fountain_n of_o life_n for_o thou_o o_o lord_n be_v the_o kingdom_n and_o the_o power_n and_o the_o glory_n for_o ever_o conversion_n wrought_v by_o the_o power_n of_o god_n chap._n v._o show_v that_o whatsoever_o outward_a mean_v the_o lord_n make_v use_v of_o for_o the_o conversion_n of_o soul_n the_o work_n be_v do_v by_o his_o own_o almighty_a power_n it_o have_v be_v show_v that_o the_o lord_n in_o convert_v soul_n do_v usual_o make_v use_n of_o outward_a mean_n and_o especial_o the_o preach_n of_o the_o word_n now_o let_v we_o inquire_v more_o full_o how_o those_o that_o be_v spiritual_o dead_a come_v to_o be_v make_v alive_a and_o those_o that_o be_v darkness_n come_v to_o be_v make_v light_n in_o the_o lord_n those_o
that_o think_v man_n have_v such_o a_o principle_n and_o seed_n of_o grace_n lie_v hide_v in_o his_o heart_n by_o nature_n which_o if_o it_o be_v draw_v forth_o by_o persuasion_n and_o exhortation_n and_o man_n will_v make_v use_n thereof_o be_v sufficient_a to_o convert_v he_o do_v not_o enough_o consider_v how_o utter_o corrupt_v every_o man_n be_v by_o the_o fall_n of_o adam_n and_o without_o any_o spiritual_a strength_n it_o be_v true_a man_n be_v reprove_v in_o the_o scripture_n for_o love_a darkness_n rather_o than_o light_v and_o because_o they_o will_v not_o come_v to_o christ_n that_o they_o may_v have_v life_n but_o such_o scripture_n be_v so_o far_o from_o imply_v that_o we_o be_v able_a to_o change_v our_o own_o heart_n will_n and_o affection_n that_o they_o show_v the_o to_o we_o invincible_a prejudice_n and_o opposition_n that_o be_v in_o our_o heart_n to_o the_o lord_n that_o we_o have_v neither_o power_n nor_o will_n to_o turn_v unto_o he_o such_o say_n of_o the_o 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and_o prize_v of_o christ_n that_o come_v not_o from_o a_o principle_n of_o grace_n infuse_v by_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n into_o the_o heart_n but_o be_v the_o mere_a struggle_n of_o a_o awaken_v conscience_n to_o get_v from_o under_o the_o wrath_n of_o god_n will_v bring_v no_o man_n to_o heaven_n neither_o do_v these_o working_n of_o the_o heart_n answer_v to_o those_o command_n of_o god_n to_o believe_v and_o to_o repent_v but_o be_v only_o a_o show_n of_o those_o grace_n they_o be_v something_o like_o conversion_n but_o be_v not_o conversion_n this_o which_o have_v be_v say_v may_v be_v illustrate_v from_o the_o parable_n of_o the_o stony_a ground_n matth._n 13._o to_o which_o they_o be_v compare_v that_o hear_v the_o word_n with_o joy_n and_o for_o a_o time_n believe_v and_o after_o fall_v away_o this_o be_v only_o some_o sudden_a flash_n from_o the_o natural_a working_n of_o the_o heart_n upon_o the_o hear_n of_o the_o word_n accompany_v with_o some_o common_a conviction_n and_o common_a working_n of_o the_o spirit_n but_o the_o text_n say_v they_o have_v no_o root_n they_o have_v not_o the_o root_n and_o habit_n of_o grace_n in_o their_o soul_n plant_v in_o they_o by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n from_o whence_o these_o thing_n do_v proceed_v if_o any_o shall_v say_v how_o shall_v we_o know_v these_o sudden_a working_n of_o the_o heart_n and_o flash_n of_o seem_a conversion_n that_o arise_v but_o from_o natural_a conscience_n awaken_v and_o startle_v with_o common_a conviction_n of_o the_o spirit_n as_o in_o balaam_n herod_n felix_n and_o such_o as_o be_v describe_v in_o the_o parable_n of_o the_o foolish_a virgin_n from_o that_o believe_a repent_v and_o those_o spiritual_a affection_n that_o flow_v from_o the_o habit_n and_o principle_n of_o grace_n put_v into_o the_o soul_n by_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n i_o answer_v that_o the_o difference_n may_v be_v know_v by_o the_o permanency_n and_o continuance_n such_o sudden_a flash_n as_o be_v in_o balaam_n be_v soon_o over_o and_o leave_v the_o heart_n unmortified_a unpurged_a but_o the_o principle_n of_o grace_n in_o the_o heart_n of_o believer_n be_v eternal_a and_o remain_v for_o ever_o where_o there_o be_v the_o root_n of_o grace_n in_o the_o heart_n though_o it_o be_v not_o always_o put_v forth_o itself_o yet_o there_o be_v a_o fix_a principle_n and_o desire_n in_o the_o heart_n to_o admire_v free_a grace_n to_o prize_n christ_n and_o to_o cleave_v to_o christ_n to_o mourn_v for_o sin_n and_o to_o walk_v with_o god_n though_o there_o be_v not_o always_o the_o same_o vigour_n and_o activity_n of_o grace_n in_o such_o yet_o there_o be_v a_o fix_a bent_n and_o inclination_n and_o desire_n of_o the_o heart_n towards_o the_o lord_n which_o no_o time_n can_v wear_v off_o which_o no_o temptation_n and_o opposition_n can_v whole_o quench_v and_o extinguish_v but_o to_o come_v near_o to_o this_o point_n to_o make_v it_o most_o manifest_a that_o conversion_n be_v wrought_v by_o the_o mere_a grace_n and_o power_n of_o god_n 1._o many_o that_o have_v the_o great_a outward_a mean_n of_o grace_n be_v never_o convert_v though_o they_o have_v godly_a parent_n which_o instruct_v they_o diligent_o and_o live_v under_o excellent_a preach_n and_o have_v meet_v with_o many_o startle_a providence_n and_o great_a affliction_n yet_o they_o be_v never_o bring_v home_o to_o god_n when_o as_o other_o that_o have_v carnal_a parent_n that_o set_v they_o very_o bad_a example_n and_o have_v be_v bring_v up_o in_o ignorant_a and_o profane_a place_n and_o family_n and_o have_v live_v where_o there_o have_v be_v very_o poor_a and_o dark_a preach_n be_v sometime_o convert_v this_o show_v that_o conversion_n be_v wrought_v by_o the_o mere_a grace_n and_o power_n of_o god_n it_o may_v be_v some_o godly_a parent_n after_o many_o and_o many_o prayer_n for_o their_o child_n and_o great_a care_n to_o instruct_v they_o in_o the_o way_n of_o god_n have_v so_o little_a fruit_n of_o all_o that_o thev_n count_v it_o a_o great_a matter_n if_o their_o poor_a child_n have_v a_o little_a civility_n and_o common_a morality_n it_o may_v be_v they_o have_v not_o that_o but_o be_v profane_a esau_n and_o rebellious_a absolom_n when_o as_o other_o that_o have_v have_v wicked_a parent_n that_o prejudice_v they_o what_o they_o can_v against_o religion_n from_o their_o infancy_n and_o when_o they_o begin_v to_o look_v after_o christ_n have_v oppose_v they_o with_o great_a rigour_n threaten_v to_o turn_v they_o out_o of_o door_n and_o never_o own_v they_o or_o do_v any_o thing_n for_o they_o if_o they_o follow_v religion_n yet_o they_o be_v turn_v to_o the_o lord_n and_o can_v be_v beat_v off_o from_o his_o way_n this_o show_v that_o it_o be_v the_o great_a and_o invincible_a power_n of_o god_n that_o work_v in_o they_o that_o believe_v 2._o some_o at_o the_o same_o time_n when_o the_o lord_n begin_v to_o convince_v they_o and_o convert_v they_o have_v be_v go_v on_o as_o desperate_o and_o resolute_o in_o their_o sin_n as_o ever_o they_o be_v all_o their_o day_n as_o paul_n be_v go_v to_o damascus_n to_o make_v havoc_n of_o the_o saint_n be_v as_o himself_o after_o confess_v mad_a and_o outrageous_a against_o the_o church_n of_o god_n yet_o then_o and_o in_o that_o journey_n the_o lord_n convert_v he_o act_n 9_o be_v not_o this_o the_o mere_a grace_n and_o power_n of_o god_n some_o have_v go_v to_o hear_v godly_a minister_n on_o purpose_n to_o scoff_n at_o they_o or_o bring_v they_o into_o trouble_n and_z yet_o have_v be_v convert_v at_o the_o hear_n of_o they_o find_v a_o marvellous_a work_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n upon_o their_o heart_n which_o be_v very_o strange_a to_o they_o and_o fill_v they_o with_o astonishment_n at_o the_o free_a grace_n and_o power_n of_o god_n some_o ignorant_a and_o carnal_a people_n who_o at_o the_o begin_n of_o a_o sermon_n have_v slight_v and_o despise_v it_o and_o the_o preacher_n in_o their_o heart_n and_o have_v be_v fill_v with_o indignation_n yet_o by_o and_o by_o before_o the_o sermon_n have_v be_v end_v something_o have_v be_v set_v home_o upon_o their_o heart_n that_o have_v convince_v they_o of_o their_o miserable_a estate_n and_o bring_v they_o to_o christ_n for_o help_v and_o salvation_n some_o at_o the_o same_o time_n when_o they_o be_v convert_v have_v be_v more_o indispose_v and_o unwilling_a to_o hear_v the_o word_n then_o at_o other_o time_n but_o be_v even_o as_o it_o be_v hurry_v and_o thrust_v upon_o the_o ordinance_n that_o they_o know_v not_o how_o and_o when_o they_o have_v come_v there_o have_v be_v more_o drowsy_a sleepy_a and_o unwilling_a to_o hear_v the_o word_n than_o they_o use_v to_o be_v when_o lo_o on_o a_o sudden_a the_o lord_n awaken_v and_o startle_v their_o conscience_n
be_v not_o to_o be_v bring_v in_o as_o trial_n whether_o a_o person_n have_v the_o truth_n of_o that_o grace_n which_o may_v be_v and_o yet_o not_o those_o high_a act_n of_o it_o i_o affect_v plainness_n and_o not_o obscurity_n therefore_o i_o will_v try_v to_o make_v out_o my_o observation_n better_o suppose_v a_o minister_n be_v preach_v about_o the_o nature_n of_o faith_n and_o shall_v make_v this_o a_o sign_n to_o the_o people_n to_o try_v their_o faith_n by_o if_o they_o can_v believe_v at_o all_o time_n that_o god_n will_v bring_v about_o every_o particular_a thing_n for_o they_o which_o their_o eye_n be_v towards_o he_o for_o and_o which_o he_o have_v promise_v without_o hesitation_n waver_v and_o consider_v and_o pore_v upon_o those_o thing_n that_o stand_v in_o the_o way_n of_o the_o mercy_n and_o for_o this_o quote_v abraham_n example_n that_o when_o he_o have_v the_o promise_n of_o a_o son_n in_o his_o old_a age_n he_o consider_v not_o his_o own_o body_n nor_o yet_o the_o deadness_n of_o sarahs_n womb_n rom._n 4._o 18._o 19_o whereas_o it_o be_v say_v there_o that_o he_o be_v not_o weak_a in_o faith_n but_o strong_a in_o faith_n be_v enable_v to_o do_v so_o that_o such_o thing_n must_v be_v bring_v in_o as_o example_n of_o what_o believer_n shall_v do_v and_o of_o what_o believer_n be_v sometime_o enable_v through_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n to_o do_v even_o to_o act_v faith_n very_o high_o and_o strong_o and_o not_o to_o prove_v that_o he_o be_v not_o a_o true_a believer_n that_o do_v not_o always_o thus_o and_o so_o if_o this_o be_v lay_v down_o as_o a_o trial_n of_o faith_n that_o one_o that_o have_v true_a faith_n will_v not_o be_v daunt_v in_o the_o time_n of_o the_o great_a peril_n nor_o use_v sinful_a way_n to_o bring_v himself_o out_o of_o trouble_n and_o quote_v for_o this_o the_o heroic_a courage_n of_o the_o three_o child_n before_o nabuchadnezzar_n daniel_n 3._o and_o david_n encourage_v himself_o in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o lord_n when_o ziklag_n be_v take_v and_o the_o people_n speak_v of_o ston_a he_o 1_o sam._n 30.6_o how_o may_v this_o puzzle_v poor_a soul_n and_o make_v they_o reflect_v upon_o themselves_o as_o if_o they_o have_v no_o true_a faith_n because_o it_o may_v be_v they_o have_v find_v many_o fear_n in_o time_n of_o danger_n and_o use_v some_o sinful_a shift_a in_o time_n of_o trouble_n yea_o and_o do_v not_o those_o man_n who_o be_v so_o famous_a in_o their_o genneration_n falter_v much_o in_o their_o faith_n and_o courage_n sometime_o as_o abraham_n when_o he_o twice_o deny_v sarah_n to_o be_v his_o wife_n as_o we_o see_v in_o geneses_n and_o peter_n when_o he_o deny_v christ_n and_o yet_o still_o the_o habit_n of_o faith_n remain_v with_o they_o and_o david_n though_o all_o that_o time_n before_o mention_v he_o be_v bold_a in_o his_o god_n yet_o all_o other_o time_n how_o fearful_a be_v he_o and_o that_o present_o after_o god_n have_v emminent_o appear_v for_o he_o 1_o sam._n 27.1_o and_o then_o he_o be_v sore_o afraid_a of_o achish_a king_n of_o gath_n and_o change_v his_o behaviour_n and_o feign_v himself_o mad_a and_o scrable_v at_o the_o door_n of_o the_o gate_n etc._n etc._n all_o to_o get_v out_o off_o the_o danger_n he_o be_v in_o therefore_o careful_a must_v we_o be_v when_o we_o set_v before_o other_o trial_n of_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n in_o they_o that_o we_o do_v not_o take_v scripture_n that_o speak_v of_o the_o saint_n of_o old_a when_o they_o act_v grace_n high_o and_o urge_v this_o upon_o people_n that_o if_o they_o do_v not_o always_o so_o they_o have_v not_o the_o truth_n of_o grace_n in_o they_o indeed_o such_o example_n of_o the_o saint_n shall_v be_v insist_v on_o to_o show_v other_o what_o they_o shall_v do_v in_o like_a case_n but_o not_o to_o make_v they_o trial_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o their_o grace_n so_o as_o that_o they_o shall_v conclude_v they_o have_v not_o the_o truth_n of_o grace_n except_o they_o be_v in_o every_o thing_n at_o all_o time_n assist_v and_o influence_v by_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n as_o they_o be_v sometime_o abraham_n david_n and_o peter_n sometime_o act_v above_o themselves_o through_o the_o strong_a help_n of_o assist_a grace_n and_o sometime_o act_v as_o much_o below_o themselves_o through_o the_o power_n of_o temptation_n and_o the_o remainder_n of_o corruption_n that_o be_v in_o they_o and_o so_o it_o be_v with_o other_o saint_n he_o therefore_o that_o will_v not_o lay_v a_o stumble_a block_n before_o the_o weak_a in_o speak_v of_o these_o thing_n must_v careful_o distinguish_v between_o what_o a_o true_a saint_n be_v in_o his_o principle_n desire_n and_o bent_n of_o his_o heart_n in_o which_o he_o be_v holy_a and_o gracious_a for_o the_o law_n of_o god_n be_v in_o his_o heart_n and_o what_o he_o be_v or_o may_v be_v in_o some_o particular_a act_n in_o which_o he_o may_v discover_v many_o fall_n we_o must_v distinguish_v between_o what_o a_o saint_n shall_v be_v and_o will_v be_v and_o what_o he_o be_v and_o attain_v to_o in_o this_o life_n we_o must_v destingnish_v between_o what_o a_o saint_n be_v sometime_o when_o he_o be_v strong_o influence_v and_o assist_v by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o what_o he_o be_v at_o other_o time_n when_o the_o lord_n leave_v he_o in_o part_n for_o his_o humiliation_n and_o that_o he_o may_v see_v what_o be_v in_o his_o heart_n we_o must_v distinguish_v between_o what_o a_o true_a saint_n be_v in_o his_o main_a course_n so_o he_o walk_v with_o god_n and_o what_o he_o be_v at_o sometime_o when_o as_o paul_n himself_o say_v the_o evil_a which_o he_o will_v not_o do_v and_o that_o which_o he_o hate_v that_o he_o do_v the_o life_n of_o grace_n in_o the_o heart_n of_o believer_n be_v a_o great_a mystery_n the_o flesh_n oppose_v the_o spirit_n and_o the_o spirit_n the_o flesh_n in_o they_o the_o flesh_n and_o corruption_n in_o they_o can_v precipitate_v they_o to_o evil_a as_o it_o will_v because_o of_o the_o spirit_n and_o grace_n of_o god_n that_o oppose_v it_o and_o the_o grace_n and_o new_a nature_n that_o be_v in_o a_o saint_n can_v do_v the_o good_a that_o it_o will_v because_o of_o the_o flesh_n that_o oppose_v it_o all_o that_o i_o aim_v at_o be_v that_o as_o minister_n doctrine_n shall_v be_v quick_a and_o powerful_a to_o convince_v ignorant_a and_o presumptuous_a sinner_n that_o they_o be_v in_o the_o way_n to_o destruction_n so_o they_o shall_v be_v careful_a at_o the_o same_o time_n that_o they_o do_v not_o quench_v the_o smoke_a flax_n nor_o break_v the_o bruise_a reed_n puzzle_v and_o make_v sad_a any_o righteous_a one_o who_o god_n will_v not_o have_v make_v sad_a remember_v that_o it_o be_v one_o end_n of_o the_o ministry_n of_o the_o gospel_n that_o we_o shall_v be_v helper_n of_o their_o joy_n and_o so_o much_o for_o this_o digression_n grace_n be_v not_o always_o alike_o visible_a in_o true_a believer_n as_o have_v be_v show_v sometime_o the_o saint_n walk_v in_o the_o sunshine_n and_o sometime_o in_o the_o dark_a therefore_o it_o be_v needful_a that_o we_o shall_v be_v often_o try_v our_o spiritual_a estate_n and_o sometime_o set_v special_a time_n apart_o for_o self_n examination_n if_o happy_o we_o may_v find_v that_o god_n have_v call_v we_o into_o the_o fellowship_n of_o his_o son_n jesus_n christ_n our_o lord_n 2._o in_o try_v our_o spiritual_a estate_n by_o sing_v of_o the_o work_n of_o grace_n upon_o our_o heart_n it_o be_v best_a or_o dinary_o to_o try_v ourselves_o about_o the_o main_a thing_n wherein_o the_o work_n of_o grace_n do_v principal_o consist_v as_o to_o try_v whether_o we_o have_v true_a faith_n in_o christ_n true_a repentance_n true_a love_n to_o god_n and_o the_o like_a or_o else_o through_o our_o weakness_n we_o be_v apt_a to_o be_v confound_v by_o a_o multitude_n of_o sign_n this_o way_n be_v safe_a enough_o for_o where_o there_o be_v only_a grace_n in_o truth_n there_o be_v all_o at_o least_o in_o the_o root_n and_o habit_n 3._o in_o try_v and_o examine_v the_o work_n of_o grace_n upon_o our_o heart_n we_o must_v pray_v for_o the_o light_n of_o the_o spirit_n to_o show_v we_o those_o grace_n that_o he_o have_v wrought_v in_o we_o otherwise_o it_o will_v be_v hard_a to_o discern_v they_o the_o holy_a ghost_n can_v put_v a_o insture_n and_o shine_v upon_o our_o grace_n and_o when_o the_o conscience_n be_v in_o great_a distress_n can_v say_v be_v not_o afraid_a christ_n be_v here_o see_v thou_o believe_v in_o he_o thou_o fear_v god_n and_o love_v he_o in_o sincerity_n when_o a_o believer_n be_v examine_v the_o work_n of_o grace_n upon_o the_o heart_n sometime_o the_o holy_a spirit_n be_v please_v to_o put_v grace_n into_o fresh_a
act_n whereby_o it_o be_v more_o easy_o discern_v as_o for_o example_n when_o a_o believer_n be_v examine_v whether_o he_o have_v true_a faith_n in_o christ_n the_o holy_a ghost_n do_v sometime_o put_v that_o grace_n into_o act_n at_o that_o very_a time_n and_o then_o he_o can_v say_v lord_z i_o believe_v i_o see_v faith_n at_o this_o very_a time_n work_v in_o my_o heart_n and_o so_o for_o other_o grace_n as_o repentance_n love_v to_o god_n and_o the_o like_a when_o it_o be_v thus_o a_o poor_a believer_n go_v through_o the_o work_n of_o self_n examination_n with_o great_a satisfaction_n and_o delight_n and_o if_o it_o be_v not_o always_o so_o yet_o let_v a_o believer_n pray_v and_o search_v into_o his_o heart_n and_o wait_v upon_o the_o lord_n if_o he_o hide_v his_o face_n yet_o wait_v upon_o he_o for_o a_o good_a hour_n when_o he_o will_v come_v unto_o we_o and_o comfort_v we_o 4._o the_o strong_a the_o habit_n of_o grace_n in_o the_o heart_n be_v and_o the_o more_o frequent_a and_o constant_a the_o act_n of_o grace_n be_v the_o more_o easy_o may_v we_o come_v to_o the_o knowledge_n and_o assurance_n of_o the_o work_n of_o grace_n in_o we_o if_o faith_n be_v strong_a in_o the_o habit_n and_o more_o frequent_a in_o the_o act_n we_o may_v have_v more_o assurance_n that_o we_o have_v the_o truth_n of_o that_o grace_n and_o usual_o it_o be_v so_o that_o such_o have_v most_o assurance_n the_o like_a may_v be_v say_v of_o repentance_n love_v to_o god_n and_o other_o grace_n happy_a be_v it_o when_o a_o man_n can_v true_o say_v shall_v i_o question_v the_o truth_n of_o my_o faith_n in_o christ_n when_o through_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n who_o have_v wrought_v my_o heart_n to_o this_o self_n same_o thing_n i_o find_v a_o strong_a bent_n upon_o my_o heart_n to_o cleave_v to_o christ_n as_o my_o mediator_n for_o ever_o i_o be_o continual_o look_v to_o he_o he_o be_v precious_a to_o i_o the_o meditation_n of_o he_o be_v sweet_a to_o my_o soul_n i_o have_v count_v do_v count_v and_o will_v for_o ever_o count_v all_o thing_n but_o dung_n in_o comparison_n of_o he_o shall_v i_o question_v the_o truth_n of_o my_o repentance_n when_o i_o find_v that_o i_o have_v continual_a sorrow_n in_o my_o heart_n for_o my_o sin_n and_o sigh_n and_o cry_v continual_o to_o be_v deliver_v from_o all_o my_o corruption_n i_o say_v happy_a be_v that_o man_n who_o grace_n be_v so_o strong_a and_o in_o such_o continual_a motion_n and_o action_n such_o a_o man_n can_v more_o easy_o discern_v the_o truth_n of_o it_o let_v we_o pray_v and_o wait_v for_o this_o 5._o believer_n must_v not_o be_v take_v up_o whole_o in_o try_v of_o themselves_o whether_o they_o be_v in_o the_o state_n of_o grace_n or_o no_o but_o press_v forward_o in_o put_v forth_o new_a act_n of_o faith_n new_a act_n of_o repentance_n new_a act_n of_o love_n to_o christ_n and_o new_a act_n of_o mortification_n of_o sin_n that_o we_o may_v grow_v up_o into_o he_o in_o all_o grace_n who_o be_v our_o head_n even_o christ_n yea_o sometime_o former_a grace_n receive_v may_v be_v many_o way_n so_o obscure_v yea_o weaken_a that_o there_o be_v no_o other_o way_n to_o recover_v the_o vigour_n and_o comfort_n of_o grace_n but_o for_o the_o soul_n to_o believe_v in_o christ_n repent_v and_o turn_v to_o god_n as_o if_o it_o be_v but_o now_o to_o begin_v to_o follow_v christ_n second_o conversion_n and_o the_o work_n of_o grace_n upon_o the_o heart_n be_v sometime_o manifest_v to_o we_o by_o the_o more_o immediate_a testimony_n of_o the_o spirit_n if_o the_o holy_a ghost_n do_v indeed_o persuade_v and_o assure_v our_o heart_n that_o we_o be_v in_o the_o love_n and_o favour_n of_o god_n than_o we_o be_v effectual_o call_v for_o though_o god_n love_v those_o who_o he_o have_v choose_v from_o everlasting_a and_o the_o give_v of_o christ_n to_o die_v for_o they_o and_o his_o draw_v they_o to_o christ_n be_v from_o that_o free_a love_n and_o good_a pleasure_n of_o his_o will_n towards_o they_o yet_o until_o a_o person_n be_v convert_v the_o holy_a ghost_n do_v not_o assure_v he_o that_o god_n have_v ordain_v he_o to_o eternal_a life_n those_o who_o god_n have_v foreknow_v he_o have_v predestinate_v from_o eternity_n to_o the_o adoption_n of_o child_n by_o jesus_n christ_n but_o till_o they_o be_v actual_o son_n and_o daughter_n which_o be_v not_o till_o their_o conversion_n and_o believe_v in_o christ_n john_n 1.12_o the_o lord_n do_v not_o send_v his_o spirit_n into_o their_o heart_n to_o enable_v they_o to_o cry_v abba_n father_n the_o lord_n indeed_o send_v his_o spirit_n into_o the_o heart_n of_o the_o elect_n to_o convert_v they_o and_o work_v faith_n in_o they_o for_o without_o the_o spirit_n it_o can_v never_o be_v do_v but_o it_o be_v a_o after_o work_n for_o the_o spirit_n to_o come_v into_o our_o heart_n enable_v we_o to_o cry_v abba_n father_n assure_v we_o that_o we_o be_v the_o child_n of_o god_n rom._n 8.16_o and_o shed_v abroad_o and_o pour_v in_o the_o love_n of_o god_n to_o we_o in_o particular_a into_o our_o heart_n rom._n 5_o 5._o we_o must_v not_o think_v that_o the_o holy_a ghost_n at_o first_o dash_n do_v assure_v a_o person_n that_o god_n have_v ordain_v he_o in_o particular_a to_o eternal_a life_n before_o he_o insufe_v the_o habit_n of_o grace_n and_o spiritual_a life_n into_o he_o but_o first_o the_o holy_a ghost_n have_v convince_v the_o soul_n of_o sin_n and_o convince_v the_o soul_n of_o righteousness_n to_o justify_v to_o be_v in_o christ_n and_o in_o he_o alone_o do_v enable_v the_o soul_n to_o apply_v christ_n and_o come_v unto_o he_o and_o afterward_o as_o it_o please_v he_o do_v manifest_a to_o the_o soul_n the_o truth_n of_o his_o faith_n and_o his_o pardon_n through_o christ_n the_o holy_a ghost_n work_v as_o a_o sanctifier_n before_o he_o work_v as_o a_o comforter_n the_o holy_a ghost_n work_v faith_n in_o the_o heart_n before_o he_o fill_v with_o joy_n and_o peace_n which_o be_v only_o in_o believe_v in_o christ_n and_o discern_v the_o fruit_n of_o our_o union_n with_o he_o the_o manner_n how_o the_o holy_a ghost_n do_v assure_v we_o that_o we_o be_v the_o child_n of_o god_n be_v a_o great_a mystery_n when_o the_o holy_a ghost_n clear_v to_o we_o the_o work_n of_o grace_n upon_o our_o heart_n this_o be_v one_o way_n that_o he_o do_v witness_n to_o we_o that_o we_o be_v the_o child_n of_o god_n but_o sometime_o he_o do_v it_o more_o immediate_o that_o when_o the_o believer_n have_v not_o be_v at_o that_o time_n try_v his_o spiritual_a estate_n or_o it_o may_v be_v be_v in_o great_a heaviness_n through_o manifold_a inward_a temptation_n and_o outward_a danger_n and_o affliction_n sudden_o the_o holy_a ghost_n make_v he_o to_o triumph_v in_o christ_n and_o rejoice_v with_o joy_n unspeakable_a and_o full_a of_o glory_n indeed_o this_o way_n of_o the_o spirit_n witness_v to_o the_o soul_n though_o it_o be_v most_o refresh_a and_o ravish_v yet_o it_o be_v not_o so_o ordinary_a as_o the_o other_o and_o it_o be_v more_o transient_a and_o quick_o pass_v away_o and_o be_v rather_o a_o cordial_a for_o some_o swoon_v fit_a or_o some_o antidote_n to_o strengthen_v the_o heart_n in_o some_o great_a appraoch_a service_n or_o trial_n then_o the_o common_a food_n of_o the_o saint_n in_o this_o life_n if_o any_o shall_v say_v how_o do_v believer_n know_v the_o voice_n and_o witness_v of_o the_o spirit_n speak_v peace_n and_o joy_n by_o jesus_n christ_n to_o their_o soul_n from_o a_o delusion_n i_o answer_v 1._o by_o a_o certain_a spiritual_a instinct_n which_o no_o man_n know_v but_o he_o that_o have_v it_o by_o this_o they_o know_v the_o voice_n of_o the_o spirit_n from_o the_o voice_n of_o a_o stranger_n 2._o by_o the_o sign_n that_o follow_v this_o voice_n and_o witness_n of_o the_o spirit_n raise_v our_o heart_n to_o look_v to_o christ_n the_o mediator_n as_o he_o from_o who_o all_o our_o spring_n be_v admire_v the_o love_n of_o the_o father_n in_o give_v he_o to_o be_v the_o propitiation_n for_o our_o sin_n loathe_v of_o ourselves_o for_o our_o iniquity_n and_o strong_a desire_n to_o walk_v in_o universal_a obedience_n to_o the_o lord_n but_o now_o because_o some_o seem_v to_o examine_v themselves_o little_a concern_v the_o work_n of_o grace_n upon_o their_o heart_n but_o in_o give_v a_o reason_n of_o the_o hope_n they_o have_v that_o they_o be_v pass_v from_o death_n to_o life_n speak_v not_o of_o their_o faith_n repentance_n and_o other_o grace_n but_o say_v that_o they_o have_v such_o and_o such_o a_o word_n give_v in_o as_o for_o example_n i_o have_v love_v thou_o with_o a_o everlasting_a love_n or_o i_o have_v blot_v out_o as_o a_o
by_o the_o ministry_n of_o the_o word_n as_o if_o he_o himself_o have_v speak_v immediate_o from_o heaven_n to_o they_o by_o name_n and_o so_o the_o lord_n have_v make_v that_o unlikely_a time_n the_o time_n of_o love_n and_o the_o day_n of_o his_o power_n to_o their_o soul_n sometime_o when_o minister_n have_v be_v straighten_v in_o their_o affection_n and_o expression_n in_o preach_v more_o than_o they_o have_v use_v to_o be_v that_o they_o have_v go_v on_o heavy_o in_o the_o work_n and_o haver_n reflect_v upon_o their_o service_n with_o much_o humiliation_n to_o their_o own_o spirit_n yet_o god_n have_v sometime_o do_v much_o by_o such_o weak_a mean_n and_o convert_v some_o effectual_o at_o that_o time_n that_o there_o have_v be_v more_o good_a do_v at_o that_o time_n then_o at_o many_o other_o time_n so_o far_o as_o come_v to_o their_o knowledge_n when_o they_o have_v be_v much_o assist_v in_o the_o work_n god_n know_v how_o his_o faithful_a servant_n will_v preach_v and_o set_v forth_o his_o truth_n and_o he_o be_v please_v to_o enlarge_v thing_n by_o the_o inward_a light_n of_o his_o spirit_n upon_o the_o mind_n of_o the_o hearer_n sometime_o above_o what_o they_o do_v sufficient_o clear_a to_o they_o all_o these_o observation_n run_v into_o this_o that_o god_n work_v all_o in_o all_o he_o be_v the_o author_n and_o finisher_n of_o our_o faith_n and_o that_o minister_n can_v do_v no_o good_a nor_o people_n that_o hear_v they_o receive_v any_o good_a but_o as_o it_o be_v give_v from_o above_o and_o when_o he_o will_v work_v nothing_o shall_v let_v it_o not_o the_o ignorant_a indisposedness_n and_o prejudice_n of_o the_o hearer_n nor_o the_o defect_n and_o weakness_n of_o his_o servant_n that_o speak_v in_o his_o name_n 3._o some_o of_o the_o worst_a natural_a temper_n not_o only_o of_o the_o weak_a part_n but_o of_o most_o froward_a and_o cross_a spirit_n be_v wrought_v upon_o by_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n and_o man_n of_o ripe_a wit_n and_o of_o more_o affable_a and_o courteous_a nature_n be_v never_o convert_v unto_o god_n those_o difference_n among_o man_n that_o arise_v from_o their_o constitution_n of_o body_n whether_o it_o be_v for_o the_o better_a or_o the_o worse_a alter_v not_o the_o case_n god_n have_v mercy_n on_o who_o he_o will_v have_v mercy_n god_n can_v convert_v those_o who_o be_v of_o the_o worst_a natural_a temper_n and_o without_o he_o infuse_v grace_n those_o who_o be_v of_o the_o sweet_a natural_a disposition_n will_v never_o turn_v unto_o the_o lord_n yea_o the_o composedness_n of_o their_o natural_a temper_n may_v turn_v much_o to_o their_o prejudice_n make_v they_o think_v they_o be_v in_o a_o good_a estate_n because_o they_o do_v not_o break_v out_o into_o such_o passion_n and_o intemperances_n that_o other_o be_v very_o subject_a to_o although_o they_o know_v nothing_o of_o any_o new_a birth_n and_o sanctify_a work_n of_o the_o spirit_n upon_o their_o soul_n 4._o some_o very_a dissolute_a and_o profane_a person_n be_v convert_v and_o many_o other_o that_o be_v free_a from_o such_o gross_a vice_n be_v never_o bear_v again_o publican_n and_o harlot_n and_o such_o as_o the_o thief_n upon_o the_o cross_n be_v sometime_o bring_v to_o a_o sight_n of_o their_o sin_n and_o to_o repent_v and_o believe_v in_o christ_n when_o other_o that_o never_o be_v so_o vile_a go_v on_o quiet_o rest_v in_o their_o formality_n and_o morality_n and_o never_o see_v their_o need_n of_o christ_n and_o a_o work_n of_o grace_n upon_o their_o heart_n and_o so_o perish_v for_o ever_o when_o god_n do_v convert_v man_n that_o have_v be_v notorious_a sinner_n fill_v with_o all_o unrighteousness_n drunkard_n swearer_n scoffer_n at_o religion_n and_o old_a in_o sin_n too_o habituate_v and_o accustom_v to_o all_o kind_n of_o evil_n he_o proclaim_v unto_o we_o that_o the_o power_n of_o convert_v soul_n be_v of_o god_n and_o not_o of_o man_n it_o be_v true_a it_o do_v require_v the_o exceed_a greatness_n of_o god_n power_n to_o convince_v a_o proud_a pharisee_fw-mi that_o trust_v in_o himself_o that_o he_o be_v righteous_a and_o despise_v the_o righteousness_n of_o christ_n that_o he_o be_v in_o the_o gall_n of_o bitterness_n and_o bond_n of_o iniquity_n and_o to_o bring_v he_o as_o a_o poor_a lose_v and_o undo_v sinner_n to_o seek_v for_o life_n from_o christ_n and_o in_o some_o respect_v such_o have_v great_a difficulty_n to_o be_v carry_v through_o to_o christ_n than_o other_o yet_o in_o regard_n that_o some_o of_o the_o other_o sort_n be_v so_o outrageous_a in_o sin_n and_o almost_o down_o right_a atheist_n that_o make_v a_o mock_n and_o jeer_v of_o all_o religion_n and_o regard_n of_o god_n and_o the_o world_n to_o come_v if_o the_o lord_n please_v to_o convert_v such_o as_o sometime_o he_o do_v the_o exceed_a greatness_n of_o god_n power_n shine_v forth_o most_o eminent_o therein_o when_o the_o passage_n of_o man_n conversion_n shall_v be_v know_v in_o the_o world_n to_o come_v it_o will_v be_v matter_n of_o everlasting_a wonderment_n and_o astonishment_n to_o angel_n and_o man_n for_o than_o it_o will_v appear_v that_o god_n be_v to_o be_v admire_v for_o his_o free_a grace_n and_o the_o exceed_a greatness_n of_o his_o power_n to_o all_o that_o believe_v last_o that_o i_o may_v stand_v no_o long_o upon_o this_o point_n let_v we_o consider_v a_o few_o place_n of_o scripture_n more_o that_o beyond_o all_o contradiction_n to_o establish_v this_o truth_n that_o conversion_n be_v wrought_v in_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n by_o the_o power_n of_o god_n alone_o it_o be_v say_v the_o exceed_a greatness_n of_o his_o power_n work_v towards_o they_o that_o believe_v and_o that_o according_a to_o his_o mighty_a power_n which_o wrought_v in_o christ_n when_o he_o raise_v he_o from_o the_o dead_a ephes_n 1.19_o 20._o he_o that_o have_v wrought_v we_o to_o the_o self_n same_o thing_n be_v god_n 2_o corin._n 5.5_o hence_o it_o be_v a_o very_a proper_a expression_n that_o we_o common_o use_v when_o we_o speak_v of_o man_n conversion_n to_o say_v they_o be_v wrought_v upon_o at_o such_o a_o time_n for_o indeed_o except_o god_n have_v wrought_v they_o by_o the_o exceed_a greatness_n of_o his_o power_n to_o this_o self_n same_o thing_n they_o have_v never_o turn_v from_o sin_n to_o christ_n a_o new_a heart_n also_o will_v i_o give_v you_o and_o a_o new_a spirit_n will_v i_o put_v within_o you_o i_o will_v take_v away_o the_o heart_n of_o stone_n and_o give_v you_o a_o heart_n of_o flesh_n ezek._n 36.26_o 27._o in_o conversion_n the_o habit_n of_o grace_n be_v secret_o infuse_v into_o the_o heart_n as_o life_n into_o a_o dead_a man_n the_o soul_n be_v passive_a at_o first_o hence_o it_o be_v say_v of_o god_n in_o reference_n unto_o this_o work_n jam._n 1.18_o that_o of_o his_o own_o will_n beget_v he_o we_o of_o his_o own_o will_n that_o show_n it_o be_v of_o his_o own_o mere_a grace_n and_o when_o it_o be_v say_v he_o beget_v we_o that_o show_n that_o it_o be_v of_o his_o own_o power_n and_o that_o the_o soul_n be_v first_o passive_a in_o the_o work_n when_o a_o soul_n be_v convert_v it_o do_v repent_v and_o do_v act_n say_v on_o christ_n and_o be_v active_a in_o a_o way_n of_o grace_n but_o first_o the_o lord_n beget_v we_o spiritual_o and_o in_o use_n spiritual_a life_n we_o must_v not_o imagine_v that_o the_o soul_n never_o act_v at_o all_o first_o or_o last_o and_o that_o there_o be_v no_o create_a habit_n of_o grace_n but_o first_o the_o lord_n infuse_v the_o habit_n of_o grace_n wherein_o the_o soul_n be_v passive_a and_o the_o soul_n be_v change_v and_o sanctify_v thereby_o through_o the_o help_n and_o influence_n of_o the_o spirit_n exciting_a and_o assist_v that_o new_a spiritual_a life_n put_v into_o we_o we_o be_v enable_v to_o put_v forth_o act_n of_o faith_n repentance_n and_o other_o grace_n first_o the_o lord_n put_v spiritual_a life_n into_o we_o and_o then_o in_o he_o through_o his_o concurrence_n and_o secret_a assistance_n we_o move_v and_o act_v spiritual_o and_o gracious_o the_o sum_n of_o all_o be_v this_o god_n first_o give_v repentance_n and_o then_o we_o repent_v god_n first_o give_v faith_n and_o then_o we_o believe_v all_o those_o scripture_n be_v it_o be_v say_v that_o god_n give_v repentance_n and_o give_v faith_n and_o work_v in_o we_o to_o will_v and_o to_o do_v may_v all_o be_v insist_v on_o for_o further_a confirmation_n of_o this_o truth_n that_o conversion_n be_v wrought_v by_o the_o power_n of_o god_n alone_o likewise_o all_o those_o scripture_n that_o set_v forth_o the_o weakness_n of_o the_o saint_n even_o after_o they_o be_v in_o the_o state_n of_o grace_n how_o they_o yet_o cry_v out_o to_o be_v deliver_v from_o the_o body_n of_o death_n what_o need_v they_o