the_o constant_a trouble_n of_o his_o importunity_n and_o indeed_o i_o believe_v that_o general_o so_o it_o be_v and_o that_o these_o be_v but_o preparative_n temptation_n to_o self-murder_n and_o despair_n if_o he_o can_v by_o these_o suggestion_n persuade_v the_o soul_n to_o blaspheme_v god_n or_o to_o deny_v god_n infinite_a be_v and_o perfection_n yet_o if_o he_o can_v but_o stir_v up_o in_o the_o soul_n such_o a_o degree_n of_o impatience_n under_o this_o sore_a affliction_n as_o will_v put_v the_o man_n upon_o determine_v his_o own_o life_n deliberate_o he_o have_v do_v his_o work_n hence_o it_o be_v that_o in_o all_o the_o course_n of_o my_o ministry_n i_o never_o observe_v man_n or_o woman_n long_o under_o these_o temptation_n but_o they_o fall_v into_o temptation_n of_o the_o late_a nature_n which_o i_o the_o rather_o hint_n to_o you_o that_o you_o may_v watch_v upon_o and_o pray_v for_o person_n who_o be_v bring_v under_o these_o most_o sad_a and_o dismal_a circumstance_n they_o be_v ordinary_a praeludium_n and_o prologue_n to_o such_o tragedy_n and_o in_o this_o case_n he_o be_v not_o much_o concern_v to_o bring_v argument_n before_o the_o soul_n it_o be_v to_o be_v destroy_v another_o way_n 2._o but_o indeed_o as_o to_o other_o soul_n to_o who_o these_o temptation_n be_v not_o affliction_n but_o mere_a diversion_n and_o recreation_n he_o must_v use_v argument_n and_o he_o may_v offer_v they_o even_o to_o pious_a and_o religious_a soul_n how_o little_a soever_o they_o avail_v the_o argument_n can_v be_v many_o which_o can_v be_v bring_v in_o such_o a_o cause_n they_o be_v usual_o bring_v from_o one_o of_o these_o three_o head_n 1._o from_o the_o want_n of_o the_o evidence_n of_o sense_n to_o prove_v a_o divine_a be_v spiritual_a being_n be_v in_o this_o distinguish_v from_o those_o that_o be_v bodily_a that_o have_v no_o accident_n no_o quality_n such_o as_o colour_n or_o the_o like_a they_o be_v not_o evident_a to_o our_o external_n sense_n god_n be_v call_v the_o invisible_a and_o who_o say_v the_o holy_a ghost_n have_v see_v god_n at_o any_o time_n indeed_o no_o spiritual_a be_v can_v be_v see_v who_o ever_o see_v the_o soul_n of_o a_o man_n or_o a_o angel_n unless_o in_o a_o assume_v shape_n and_o i_o look_v upon_o the_o question_n of_o any_o such_o being_n as_o spirit_n in_o our_o age_n a_o fair_a argument_n of_o the_o atheism_n that_o be_v in_o those_o philosopher_n heart_n yet_o be_v we_o creature_n so_o much_o make_v up_o of_o flesh_n and_o blood_n that_o we_o be_v hard_a to_o believe_v any_o thing_n but_o what_o we_o see_v that_o be_v indeed_o to_o believe_v any_o thing_n at_o all_o for_o see_v and_o believe_v be_v two_o thing_n very_o diverse_a one_o from_o another_o who_o ever_o see_v god_n faith_n the_o devil_n or_o who_o at_o any_o time_n have_v hear_v his_o voice_n &_o c_o but_o this_o be_v a_o argument_n fit_v only_o for_o sensual_a brute_n and_o not_o for_o any_o deliberate_a soul_n to_o be_v catch_v by_o 2._o he_o will_v therefore_o second_o argue_v from_o reason_n which_o be_v not_o able_a by_o search_v to_o find_v out_o god_n unto_o perfection_n it_o be_v usual_o say_v animal_n nihil_fw-la plus_fw-la animali_fw-la sapit_fw-la that_o a_o live_a creature_n know_v nothing_o beyond_o a_o live_a creature_n of_o its_o own_o size_n and_o perfection_n upon_o this_o account_n it_o be_v reasonable_o say_v that_o if_o a_o brute_n creature_n can_v describe_v a_o man_n it_o will_v describe_v he_o as_o a_o brute_n not_o be_v able_a to_o conceive_v of_o a_o creature_n beyond_o its_o degree_n of_o perfection_n it_o be_v easy_a for_o a_o man_n if_o he_o will_v but_o make_v use_n of_o his_o own_o reason_n to_o conclude_v that_o there_o must_v be_v a_o god_n a_o first_o be_v and_o a_o first_o cause_n for_o that_o nothing_o can_v give_v a_o be_v to_o or_o be_v the_o first_o cause_n of_o itself_o be_v a_o principle_n so_o connatural_a unto_o we_o as_o we_o can_v outface_v it_o nor_o by_o our_o high_a debauchery_n be_v extinguish_v but_o however_o the_o first_o be_v shall_v give_v a_o be_v to_o itself_o or_o the_o first_o cause_n be_v its_o own_o cause_n this_o be_v very_o hard_a to_o conceive_v until_o the_o soul_n be_v assist_v by_o a_o divine_a light_n and_o the_o divine_a be_v be_v so_o far_o transcendent_a in_o its_o perfection_n to_o all_o the_o perfection_n that_o be_v find_v in_o the_o great_a and_o wise_a of_o the_o son_n of_o man_n it_o be_v yet_o hard_o to_o conceive_v of_o it_o aright_o and_o not_o to_o blaspheme_v it_o in_o our_o thought_n we_o be_v creature_n that_o be_v limit_v by_o time_n circumscribe_v by_o air_n and_o certain_a measure_n and_o it_o be_v very_o hard_a to_o we_o to_o conceive_v that_o there_o shall_v be_v a_o be_v without_o these_o boundary_n the_o immensity_n omnipotence_n omniscience_n infiniteness_n of_o any_o be_v be_v thing_n transcend_v the_o reach_n of_o our_o conception_n and_o though_o we_o can_v by_o reason_n argue_v ourselves_o sometime_o into_o a_o appear_a necessity_n of_o these_o assertion_n yet_o we_o can_v hardly_o give_v credit_n to_o the_o eye_n of_o our_o mind_n they_o be_v perfection_n beyond_o our_o grasp_n hence_o the_o great_a wit_n of_o the_o world_n be_v general_o atheistical_a and_o it_o seem_v almost_o necessary_a that_o man_n shall_v be_v fool_n that_o they_o may_v be_v wise_a hence_o be_v the_o socinian_o denial_n of_o the_o trinity_n and_o other_o denial_n of_o god_n omniscience_n etc._n etc._n this_o give_v the_o devil_n a_o great_a advantage_n put_v the_o soul_n upon_o reflection_n how_o can_v these_o thing_n be_v luther_n say_v non_fw-la amo_fw-la hos_fw-la curistas_fw-la &_o quaeristas_n he_o may_v have_v say_v quomodistas_n too_o audi_fw-la verbum_fw-la dei_fw-la &_o tace_fw-la i_o do_v not_o love_v these_o inquirer_n in_o divine_a thing_n why_o so_o or_o wherefore_o or_o how_o be_v those_o thing_n hear_v the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o hold_v thy_o peace_n 3._o a_o three_o argument_n that_o satan_n ordinary_o use_v in_o these_o temptation_n be_v from_o the_o seem_a disorder_n and_o confusion_n which_o the_o wisdom_n of_o divine_a providence_n permit_v in_o the_o world_n be_v there_o a_o god_n say_v the_o devil_n and_o be_v he_o such_o a_o god_n as_o thou_o fancy_v will_v he_o suffer_v his_o enemy_n so_o to_o prosper_v and_o his_o servant_n to_o be_v so_o trample_v upon_o this_o be_v a_o argument_n which_o our_o own_o feeble_a reason_n in_o compliance_n with_o our_o lust_n do_v often_o trouble_v we_o with_o even_o david_n jeremy_n and_o habakkuk_n be_v molest_v with_o it_o as_o we_o be_v natural_o prone_a to_o measure_v the_o almighty_n power_n by_o the_o strength_n of_o our_o create_a arm_n and_o his_o omniscience_n by_o the_o fathom_n of_o our_o pitiful_a comprehension_n and_o his_o eternity_n by_o the_o span_n of_o our_o own_o duration_n so_o we_o be_v as_o prone_a to_o determine_v concern_v his_o wisdom_n by_o our_o policy_n we_o can_v see_v to_o the_o bottom_n of_o his_o depth_n nor_o look_v up_o to_o the_o top_n of_o his_o height_n but_o judge_n of_o the_o infinite_a wise_a god_n as_o if_o we_o be_v to_o determine_v concern_v a_o shallow_a politician_n among_o man_n so_o that_o whether_o the_o argument_n be_v conclusive_a or_o no_o which_o doubtless_o it_o be_v not_o yet_o it_o be_v good_a enough_o for_o the_o devil_n to_o trouble_v we_o with_o to_o tell_v we_o that_o if_o indeed_o there_o be_v a_o god_n and_o such_o a_o god_n as_o we_o have_v hear_v of_o abel_n shall_v not_o have_v perish_v by_o the_o hand_n of_o a_o bloody_a cain_n nor_o the_o israelite_n be_v oppress_v by_o such_o a_o one_o as_o pharaoh_n nor_o job_n put_v to_o scrape_v himself_o with_o a_o potsherd_a the_o wicked_a shall_v not_o walk_v on_o every_o side_n nor_o the_o vile_a man_n be_v exalt_v it_o shall_v not_o happen_v to_o the_o righteous_a after_o the_o manner_n of_o the_o wicked_a nor_o yet_o to_o the_o wicked_a according_a to_o the_o desert_n of_o the_o righteous_a nothing_o but_o blind_a fortune_n can_v shut_v its_o eye_n and_o wink_v at_o such_o disorder_n these_o now_o be_v the_o great_a advantage_n which_o i_o can_v fancy_v the_o devil_n to_o have_v upon_o any_o soul_n to_o induce_v it_o to_o think_v there_o be_v no_o god_n or_o at_o least_o not_o such_o god_n as_o the_o scripture_n speak_v of_o and_o we_o ordinary_o preach_v to_o you_o and_o person_n solicit_v to_o such_o a_o belief_n will_v find_v some_o such_o thought_n as_o these_o ordinary_o either_o praevious_a to_o or_o concomitant_a with_o the_o other_o but_o as_o i_o say_v before_o in_o such_o case_n as_o i_o be_o speak_v to_o he_o seldom_o use_v much_o argument_n little_o hope_v to_o work_v over_o the_o soul_n into_o such_o a_o belief_n only_o
not_o accuse_v those_o of_o act_v by_o the_o devil_n but_o from_o the_o power_n of_o god_n from_o hence_o he_o conclude_v that_o he_o do_v not_o cast_v out_o devil_n as_o they_o malicious_o charge_v he_o by_o the_o help_n of_o the_o devil_n and_o that_o they_o be_v themselves_o otherwise_o convince_v in_o their_o own_o conscience_n therefore_o he_o do_v it_o by_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n and_o by_o that_o they_o can_v not_o but_o know_v that_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n be_v come_v among_o they_o and_o so_o they_o speak_v evil_a of_o god_n and_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n and_o that_o out_o of_o malice_n contrary_a to_o the_o conviction_n of_o their_o own_o conscience_n now_o say_v he_o take_v heed_n what_o you_o do_v this_o be_v a_o kind_n of_o sin_n which_o god_n will_v never_o forgive_v though_o all_o other_o sin_n and_o blasphemy_n shall_v be_v forgive_v yet_o for_o you_o know_v that_o what_o i_o do_v i_o do_v as_o god_n and_o by_o the_o power_n and_o spirit_n of_o god_n to_o persecute_v i_o and_o to_o repraoch_n i_o and_o that_o you_o may_v the_o better_a do_v it_o to_o ascribe_v that_o to_o the_o devil_n which_o be_v the_o work_n of_o god_n do_v by_o i_o this_o be_v a_o sin_n which_o shall_v never_o be_v forgive_v so_o that_o according_a to_o our_o saviour_n word_n this_o seem_v to_o be_v the_o sin_n that_o the_o pharise_n know_v well_o enough_o that_o christ_n be_v god_n eternal_a god_n and_o have_v sufficient_a mean_n to_o convince_v they_o of_o it_o and_o that_o from_o his_o cast_v out_o of_o devil_n and_o several_a other_o miraculous_a operation_n which_o it_o be_v in_o the_o power_n of_o god_n only_o to_o do_v notwithstanding_o yea_o against_o this_o conviction_n malicious_o persecute_v the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n and_o deny_v these_o mighty_a operation_n to_o be_v from_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n but_o say_v they_o be_v from_o beelzebub_n the_o master_n devil_n from_o hence_o will_v appear_v though_o not_o distinct_o what_o the_o specifical_a sin_n against_o the_o holy_a ghost_n be_v yea_o what_o sin_v border_n upon_o it_o and_o come_v near_a to_o it_o 1._o all_o sin_v against_o light_n and_o conviction_n 2._o apostasy_n from_o a_o former_a profession_n and_o own_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o the_o holy_a way_n of_o god_n 3._o a_o malicious_a pursue_v and_o persecute_v of_o such_o as_o our_o conscience_n tell_v we_o be_v righteous_a person_n 4._o a_o ascribe_v to_o the_o devil_n what_o we_o be_v convince_v of_o to_o be_v the_o work_n of_o god_n and_o so_o reproach_v the_o operation_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n whatsoever_o the_o blasphemy_n against_o the_o holy_a ghost_n be_v these_o thing_n or_o the_o most_o of_o they_o must_v be_v ingredient_n into_o it_o and_o true_o if_o person_n have_v be_v enlighten_v with_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o truth_n and_o way_n of_o god_n and_o have_v make_v some_o profession_n of_o they_o and_o have_v have_v some_o savour_n of_o they_o if_o they_o fall_v away_o from_o that_o profession_n and_o that_o to_o such_o a_o degree_n as_o not_o only_o to_o disow_v what_o themselves_o former_o own_v but_o to_o hate_v those_o truth_n and_o way_n of_o god_n and_o to_o persecute_v such_o as_o still_o profess_v they_o and_o adhere_v to_o they_o and_o charge_v those_o impression_n and_o operation_n which_o be_v from_o the_o holy_a spirit_n of_o god_n to_o be_v from_o the_o devil_n so_o blaspheme_v the_o holy_a spirit_n of_o god_n if_o there_o be_v such_o a_o unpardonable_a sin_n to_o be_v commit_v sure_o these_o be_v under_o the_o guilt_n of_o it_o nor_o can_v i_o see_v any_o thing_n can_v possible_o free_v they_o from_o the_o dreadful_a consequence_n of_o it_o but_o a_o timely_a repentance_n remember_v their_o first_o profess_a love_n and_o turn_v unto_o god_n which_o whosoever_o can_v do_v or_o shall_v obtain_v grace_n from_o god_n to_o do_v undoubted_o have_v not_o sin_v beyond_o pardon_n for_o he_o that_o confess_v his_o sin_n and_o forsake_v they_o shall_v have_v mercy_n but_o as_o i_o say_v before_o these_o sin_n come_v near_a this_o gild_n and_o where_o any_o soul_n have_v be_v or_o shall_v be_v in_o this_o kind_n and_o to_o this_o degree_n guilty_a the_o devil_n have_v a_o very_a fair_a advantage_n against_o he_o to_o move_v he_o to_o despair_n upon_o a_o suggestion_n that_o he_o have_v commit_v that_o sin_n which_o according_a to_o the_o reveal_v will_n of_o god_n in_o holy_a writ_n shall_v never_o be_v forgive_v nor_o will_v he_o find_v any_o way_n to_o get_v out_o of_o this_o snare_n nor_o any_o thing_n to_o answer_v the_o tempter_n press_v hard_o upon_o he_o with_o a_o temptation_n of_o this_o nature_n until_o he_o can_v say_v i_o have_v indeed_o do_v this_o but_o god_n have_v give_v i_o a_o heart_n to_o repent_v of_o it_o to_o remember_v from_o whence_o i_o fall_v and_o to_o do_v my_o first_o work_n and_o he_o will_v find_v it_o as_o hard_o for_o he_o to_o recover_v any_o just_a hope_n of_o pardon_n and_o eternal_a life_n and_o salvation_n as_o he_o will_v find_v it_o to_o be_v renew_v by_o repentance_n if_o the_o latter_a be_v find_v impossible_a to_o a_o soul_n under_o these_o circumstance_n so_o will_v the_o former_a also_o be_v find_v o_o therefore_o to_o prevent_v temptation_n of_o this_o nature_n take_v heed_n of_o all_o sin_v of_o any_o continuance_n and_o go_v on_o in_o a_o course_n of_o sin_n especial_o of_o any_o sinning_n against_o light_n and_o conviction_n or_o against_o former_a profession_n and_o especial_o of_o any_o malice_n and_o hatred_n to_o the_o way_n of_o god_n which_o you_o either_o have_v former_o own_v and_o acknowledge_v or_o which_o your_o conscience_n tell_v you_o be_v the_o right_a way_n of_o the_o lord_n 3._o three_o let_v i_o again_o commend_v to_o you_o a_o acquaintance_n a_o through_o acquaintance_n with_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n and_o the_o dispensation_n of_o salvation_n reveal_v to_o we_o in_o the_o gospel_n the_o despair_v soul_n have_v ordinary_o a_o legal_a spirit_n and_o stick_v in_o the_o covenant_n of_o work_n remember_v that_o we_o be_v not_o under_o the_o law_n bâ—t_v under_o grace_n in_o some_o sense_n not_o only_o true_a believer_n but_o even_o the_o whole_a world_n or_o at_o least_o that_o part_n of_o it_o to_o which_o the_o glad_a tiding_n of_o salvation_n through_o the_o gospel_n be_v publish_v be_v not_o under_o the_o law_n but_o under_o grace_n not_o under_o a_o legal_a dispensation_n so_o as_o none_o can_v be_v save_v without_o a_o personal_a perfect_a obedience_n to_o the_o law_n of_o god_n but_o under_o a_o gracious_a dispensation_n wherein_o as_o the_o apostle_n say_v rom._n 1._o 17._o the_o righteousness_n of_o god_n be_v reveal_v from_o faith_n to_o faith_n that_o be_v wherein_o it_o be_v reveal_v that_o the_o righteousness_n wherein_o a_o man_n must_v stand_v just_a and_o righteous_a before_o god_n be_v not_o his_o own_o righteousness_n make_v up_o of_o his_o obedience_n to_o the_o commandment_n contain_v in_o the_o divine_a law_n but_o the_o perfect_a righteousness_n of_o christ_n by_o god_n reckon_v unto_o every_o soul_n that_o repent_v and_o believe_v in_o the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n who_o walk_v not_o after_o the_o flesh_n but_o after_o the_o spirit_n mind_v and_o savour_v the_o thing_n of_o the_o spirit_n which_o righteousness_n of_o christ_n be_v reckon_v to_o the_o soul_n as_o soon_o as_o it_o come_v to_o own_o receive_v and_o lie_v hold_v upon_o christ_n in_o the_o gospel_n exhibit_v and_o tender_v unto_o it_o the_o soul_n well_o possess_v of_o the_o doctrine_n of_o free_a grace_n and_o gospel_n justification_n though_o it_o may_v see_v frequent_a cause_n for_o heart-sorrow_n and_o humiliation_n as_o well_o for_o its_o former_a as_o for_o its_o renew_v sin_n yet_o can_v easy_o see_v the_o umbrage_n of_o any_o ground_n to_o despair_n and_o cast_v away_o its_o hope_n as_o to_o divine_a mercy_n and_o forgiveness_n or_o eternal_a life_n and_o salvation_n but_o i_o have_v elsewhere_o enlarge_v upon_o this_o argument_n 4._o four_o if_o you_o will_v avoid_v temptation_n to_o despair_n take_v heed_n of_o presume_v you_o shall_v observe_v in_o the_o temper_n of_o those_o with_o who_o you_o converse_v in_o the_o world_n that_o those_o who_o hope_n be_v most_o quick_o up_o find_v they_o also_o soon_a down_n the_o reason_n be_v because_o they_o be_v person_n that_o usual_o have_v not_o great_a depth_n of_o judgement_n and_o do_v not_o build_v their_o hope_n upon_o good_a and_o sufficient_a bottom_n so_o that_o as_o it_o be_v with_o some_o little_a rivulet_n who_o channel_n be_v but_o a_o small_a continent_n and_o which_o want_n depth_n every_o good_a shower_n of_o rain_n raise_v they_o and_o cause_v they_o to_o overflow_v the_o bank_n but_o then_o the_o same_o degree_n of_o rain_n
the_o person_n that_o have_v receive_v it_o so_o that_o all_o the_o question_n can_v be_v whether_o god_n have_v not_o commissionated_a miinister_n to_o do_v it_o in_o his_o name_n and_o will_v not_o ratify_v what_o they_o do_v 2._o second_o it_o be_v so_o great_a a_o prerogative_n of_o god_n so_o great_a a_o piece_n of_o his_o glory_n that_o it_o be_v a_o very_a unreasonable_a thing_n for_o any_o to_o think_v that_o god_n shall_v trust_v it_o out_o of_o his_o hand_n christ_n indeed_o who_o think_v it_o no_o robbery_n to_o be_v equal_a with_o the_o father_n and_o who_o have_v all_o power_n in_o heaven_n and_o earth_n commit_v to_o he_o have_v authority_n on_o earth_n to_o forgive_v sin_n but_o no_o creature_n have_v ever_o such_o a_o power_n it_o be_v a_o piece_n of_o the_o lord_n name_v i_o even_o i_o be_o he_o that_o blot_v out_o transgression_n for_o my_o name_n sake_n it_o be_v his_o glory_n which_o he_o will_v not_o give_v unto_o another_o 3._o three_o it_o can_v be_v imagine_v but_o that_o our_o lord_n know_v well_o enough_o that_o if_o a_o power_n of_o forgive_a sin_n shall_v be_v entrust_v to_o every_o minister_n many_o man_n sin_n will_v be_v remit_v express_o contrary_a to_o the_o whole_a tenor_n of_o the_o gospel_n they_o know_v not_o who_o believe_v nor_o who_o true_o repent_v they_o can_v judge_v but_o according_a to_o the_o outward_a appearance_n now_o thousand_o may_v appear_v to_o we_o true_a believer_n and_o true_o penitent_a that_o be_v not_o so_o and_o so_o consequent_o many_o unbeliever_n many_o hypocrite_n and_o hard_a heart_a sinner_n shall_v have_v their_o sin_n remit_v beside_o minister_n be_v no_o better_a than_o elijah_n man_n subject_a to_o like_a passion_n with_o other_o man_n and_o out_o of_o passion_n or_o prejudice_n may_v refuse_v to_o remit_v their_o sin_n who_o do_v true_o believe_v and_o true_o repent_v and_o can_v any_o man_n think_v that_o our_o lord_n shall_v commit_v such_o a_o power_n to_o those_o who_o be_v so_o fallible_a who_o be_v no_o competent_a judge_n of_o person_n who_o god_n indeed_o will_v pardon_v but_o may_v through_o ignorance_n or_o through_o passion_n and_o corruption_n pronounce_v a_o forgiveness_n of_o sin_n or_o a_o not_o forgiveness_n direct_o contrary_a to_o the_o will_n of_o god_n or_o will_v any_o be_v so_o mad_a as_o to_o think_v that_o every_o minister_n be_v infallible_a or_o that_o god_n will_v in_o heaven_n confirm_v what_o they_o do_v upon_o earth_n direct_o contrary_a to_o the_o will_n of_o god_n the_o papist_n indeed_o contend_v the_o pope_n be_v infallible_a but_o be_v every_o priest_n so_o too_o or_o can_v they_o think_v that_o god_n will_v confirm_v his_o error_n contrary_a to_o his_o own_o reveal_v will_n as_o to_o those_o term_n upon_o which_o alone_o he_o will_v forgive_v the_o sin_n of_o any_o 4._o it_o must_v therefore_o be_v understand_v only_o of_o a_o declarative_a forgiveness_n who_o sin_n soever_o you_o shall_v according_a to_o my_o will_n declare_v remit_v they_o shall_v be_v remit_v and_o who_o sin_n soever_o you_o shall_v according_a to_o my_o reveal_v will_n declare_v not_o to_o be_v forgive_v they_o shall_v not_o be_v forgive_v now_o this_o declaration_n may_v be_v either_o general_n or_o particular_a general_o every_o minister_n that_o preach_v the_o gospel_n declare_v that_o he_o who_o confess_v his_o sin_n and_o forsake_v they_o shall_v have_v mercy_n that_o he_o who_o believe_v shall_v be_v save_v more_o particular_o if_o any_o christian_a in_o any_o distress_n shall_v ask_v the_o judgement_n of_o any_o minister_n have_v declare_v the_o state_n of_o his_o soul_n to_o he_o so_o as_o to_o give_v he_o a_o probable_a hope_n that_o he_o hearty_o have_v repent_v and_o do_v true_o believe_v the_o minister_n may_v declare_v if_o these_o thing_n be_v true_a which_o thou_o have_v tell_v i_o if_o indeed_o thou_o true_o repente_v and_o true_o believe_v in_o the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n god_n have_v forgive_v thy_o iniquity_n but_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o latter_a depend_v on_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o former_a and_o it_o be_v impossible_a that_o any_o minister_n shall_v have_v any_o other_o power_n to_o forgive_v any_o one_o sin_n or_o authority_n to_o declare_v they_o to_o be_v forgive_v for_o he_o must_v not_o pronounce_v contrary_a to_o the_o scripture_n and_o therefore_o our_o liturgy_n say_v no_o more_o then_o that_o god_n have_v give_v power_n and_o authority_n to_o his_o minister_n to_o declare_v remission_n of_o sin_n to_o those_o that_o true_o repent_v and_o believe_v his_o holy_a gospel_n 5._o the_o apostle_n have_v i_o can_v say_v any_o further_a authority_n but_o a_o further_a advantage_n for_o this_o than_o ordinary_a minister_n have_v a_o more_o extraordinary_a revelation_n a_o more_o extraordinary_a ability_n to_o dicsern_a spirit_n without_o doubt_v the_o apostle_n themselves_o be_v not_o authorize_v by_o christ_n to_o declare_v to_o any_o impenitent_a any_o unbelieving_a soul_n that_o his_o or_o her_o sin_n be_v forgive_v for_o this_o have_v be_v for_o our_o lord_n to_o have_v contradict_v himself_o indeed_o the_o apostle_n may_v and_o do_v see_v further_o into_o man_n than_o any_o can_v now_o do_v by_o reason_n of_o the_o extraordinary_a gift_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o therefore_o it_o immediate_o be_v say_v before_o he_o breathe_v upon_o they_o and_o say_v receive_v the_o holy_a ghost_n i_o know_v none_o now_o to_o who_o christ_n so_o breathe_v upon_o and_o to_o who_o he_o say_v receive_v the_o holy_a ghost_n yet_o as_o the_o hebrew_n doctor_n say_v spiritus_fw-la sanctus_n non_fw-la semper_fw-la tangit_fw-la corda_fw-la prophetarum_fw-la the_o spirit_n of_o god_n do_v not_o always_o touch_v the_o the_o heart_n of_o the_o prophet_n the_o prophet_n can_v not_o always_o prophecy_n but_o only_o when_o the_o spirit_n of_o prophecy_n come_v upon_o they_o so_o though_o the_o apostle_n can_v sometime_o by_o virtue_n of_o that_o extraordinary_a gift_n of_o discern_a spirit_n discern_v spirit_n yet_o i_o do_v not_o think_v they_o can_v always_o for_o if_o they_o can_v the_o apostle_n will_v never_o have_v baptise_a simon_n magnus_n who_o he_o by_o and_o by_o tell_v that_o he_o be_v in_o the_o gall_n of_o bitterness_n and_o band_n of_o iniquity_n 6._o this_o be_v all_o can_v be_v affirm_v of_o any_o minister_n with_o any_o sense_n or_o modesty_n the_o papist_n in_o the_o council_n of_o trent_n have_v no_o ground_n to_o curse_v all_o those_o that_o hold_v that_o the_o word_n of_o christ_n who_o sin_n you_o remit_v be_v remit_v be_v to_o be_v understand_v of_o a_o authority_n to_o preach_v the_o gospel_n or_o that_o the_o priest_n absolution_n be_v not_o a_o judicial_a but_o a_o ministerial_a act._n yet_o this_o new_a doctrine_n pass_v not_o those_o that_o be_v assemble_v in_o that_o popish_a council_n without_o contradiction_n council_n trid._n sess_n 14._o cap._n 3._o &_o cap._n 9_o the_o franciscan_a divine_n tell_v they_o that_o it_o be_v the_o opinion_n of_o hierom_n and_o p._n lombard_n and_o bonaventure_n and_o almost_o all_o the_o schoolman_n that_o the_o absolution_n in_o the_o sacrament_n of_o penance_n as_o they_o call_v it_o be_v but_o a_o declaration_n that_o his_o sin_n be_v remit_v and_o pelargus_n tell_v they_o that_o that_o text_n who_o sin_n you_o remit_v be_v remit_v by_o the_o ancient_n be_v not_o as_o to_o their_o sense_n limit_v to_o the_o sacrament_n of_o penance_n nay_o perhaps_o not_o by_o any_o one_o of_o they_o so_o understand_v because_o this_o doctrine_n of_o the_o priest_n or_o minister_n absolution_n savour_v much_o of_o the_o popish_a doctrine_n i_o will_v a_o little_a show_n you_o what_o their_o doctrine_n be_v in_o the_o case_n 1._o they_o hold_v that_o original_a sin_n be_v wash_v away_o in_o baptism_n then_o child_n be_v regenerate_v and_o justify_v 2._o but_o in_o regard_n that_o after_o baptism_n man_n sin_v many_o time_n a_o day_n they_o have_v therefore_o devise_v a_o sacrament_n of_o penance_n as_o they_o call_v it_o the_o matter_n of_o which_o they_o make_v to_o be_v contrition_n confession_n and_o satisfaction_n the_o minister_n of_o it_o to_o be_v a_o priest_n good_a or_o bad_a for_o they_o determine_v that_o a_o priest_n guilty_a of_o mortal_a sin_n may_v administer_v this_o sacrament_n the_o virtue_n of_o which_o they_o say_v do_v not_o depend_v upon_o the_o quality_n of_o the_o priest_n but_o the_o character_n of_o his_o ordination_n contrition_n indeed_o they_o make_v a_o hearty_a sorrow_n for_o sin_n confession_n they_o say_v be_v not_o only_o necessary_a in_o private_a to_o god_n but_o in_o the_o ear_n of_o the_o priest_n for_o say_v they_o how_o can_v he_o absolve_v and_o remit_v sin_n if_o he_o do_v not_o know_v they_o and_o that_o in_o their_o circumstance_n so_o that_o their_o doctrine_n of_o the_o necessity_n of_o auricular_a confession_n
die_v fâ—r_v all_o a_o sad_a doctrine_n which_o give_v judas_n as_o much_o comfort_n as_o peter_n other_o think_v he_o purchase_v a_o certainty_n of_o salvation_n for_o the_o elect_n but_o a_o possibility_n for_o all_o other_o believe_v he_o die_v only_o for_o the_o elect._n but_o admit_v the_o last_o to_o be_v true_a which_o some_o think_v to_o make_v redemption_n conform_v to_o the_o decree_n of_o election_n and_o not_o understand_v how_o christ_n shall_v purchase_v a_o impossible_a possibility_n which_o must_v be_v as_o to_o some_o if_o there_o be_v any_o that_o be_v pass_v over_o in_o the_o eternal_a purpose_n or_o any_o to_o who_o god_n resolve_v not_o to_o give_v those_o effectual_a aid_n of_o his_o special_a grace_n necessary_a in_o order_n to_o those_o exercise_n of_o faith_n and_o holiness_n by_o which_o salvation_n must_v be_v obtain_v but_o what_o market_n can_v the_o devil_n make_v of_o this_o he_o can_v tell_v they_o they_o be_v not_o elect_v and_o so_o christ_n die_v not_o fâ—r_v they_o but_o the_o soul_n can_v reply_v he_o be_v a_o liar_n from_o the_o beginning_n and_o none_o of_o god_n privy_a counsellor_n and_o that_o its_o nonelection_n can_v only_o appear_v from_o its_o prodigious_a sinning_n continue_v in_o to_o the_o end_n without_o repentance_n and_o faith_n in_o christ_n and_o the_o other_o tell_v they_o christ_n die_v for_o all_o will_v not_o relieve_v they_o for_o judas_n notwithstanding_o that_o prove_v a_o son_n of_o perdition_n and_o go_v to_o his_o own_o place_n when_o he_o have_v hang_v himself_o it_o be_v also_o true_a that_o many_o great_a divine_n do_v think_v none_o can_v be_v save_v without_o the_o special_a grace_n of_o god_n work_v together_o with_o the_o word_n in_o their_o heart_n and_o effectual_o renew_v turn_v change_a and_o sanctify_v and_o that_o this_o be_v not_o in_o a_o man_n be_v own_o power_n but_o the_o work_n of_o god_n what_o advantage_n now_o can_v the_o devil_n make_v of_o this_o doctrine_n to_o perswage_v the_o soul_n to_o cast_v away_o all_o hope_n of_o the_o mercy_n of_o god_n through_o christ_n for_o the_o pardon_n of_o its_o sin_n and_o for_o the_o obtain_n of_o eternal_a life_n and_o salvation_n he_o can_v suggest_v to_o the_o soul_n that_o god_n never_o bestow_v upon_o it_o this_o effectual_a grace_n nor_o ever_o will_n if_o he_o do_v not_o add_v the_o late_a he_o say_v nothing_o for_o what_o ground_n have_v i_o to_o cast_v away_o all_o hope_n if_o yet_o there_o be_v hope_n that_o although_o i_o have_v not_o yet_o repent_v and_o believe_v yet_o god_n will_v give_v i_o his_o grace_n though_o at_o the_o eleven_o hour_n that_o i_o shall_v repent_v believe_v and_o be_v save_v now_o suppose_v he_o to_o suggest_v so_o how_o shall_v he_o evidence_n this_o to_o i_o but_o from_o the_o guilt_n of_o my_o sin_n or_o my_o abide_n in_o it_o it_o be_v therefore_o that_o whatever_o bluster_v some_o sciclist_n make_v in_o the_o world_n to_o load_v the_o opinion_n of_o some_o great_a and_o eminent_a divine_n with_o envy_n and_o obloquy_n yet_o in_o very_a deed_n the_o devil_n can_v urge_v despair_n of_o the_o pardon_n of_o sin_n and_o obtain_v eternal_a life_n with_o any_o colourable_a reason_n upon_o no_o soul_n but_o from_o sin_n nor_o indeed_o do_v we_o in_o our_o experience_n find_v any_o thing_n else_o stick_v with_o soul_n in_o a_o hour_n of_o temptation_n now_o here_o he_o must_v either_o say_v thy_o sin_n be_v so_o many_o they_o can_v be_v forgive_v or_o thou_o have_v sin_v so_o long_a a_o time_n that_o thou_o can_v not_o be_v forgive_v thy_o hour_n be_v over_o thy_o time_n be_v past_a or_o thou_o have_v sin_v some_o particular_a sin_n which_o be_v of_o so_o heinous_a a_o nature_n or_o so_o deep_a a_o die_n that_o god_n will_v never_o forgive_v they_o what_o the_o soul_n may_v answer_v to_o all_o these_o we_o shall_v god_n willing_a by_o and_o by_o consider_v chap._n iii_o mean_v to_o prevent_v despair_n clear_a and_o distinct_a knowledge_n take_v heed_n of_o inveterate_a sinning_n prodigious_a sinning_n all_o sinning_n against_o light_n such_o sin_n especial_o as_o come_v near_a the_o unpardonable_a sin_n you_o have_v hear_v the_o nature_n of_o this_o temptation_n you_o have_v also_o hear_v from_o whence_o temptation_n of_o this_o nature_n come_v what_o seem_v good_a entice_v the_o soul_n to_o listen_v to_o they_o and_o also_o what_o argument_n the_o tempter_n have_v alone_o to_o use_v to_o enforce_v they_o let_v i_o now_o come_v to_o show_v you_o what_o be_v to_o be_v do_v by_o christian_n in_o order_n to_o the_o repel_v and_o resist_v of_o they_o and_o because_o as_o i_o tell_v you_o in_o my_o discourse_n refer_v to_o the_o former_a prevention_n be_v the_o best_a way_n let_v i_o first_o advise_v what_o be_v proper_a to_o all_o of_o we_o upon_o who_o this_o hour_n of_o temptation_n be_v not_o come_v that_o we_o may_v never_o fall_v into_o this_o snare_n of_o the_o devil_n 1._o and_o here_o let_v i_o first_o commend_v to_o you_o all_o a_o sound_n and_o distinct_a knowledge_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o god_n the_o devil_n in_o a_o hour_n of_o temptation_n have_v a_o great_a advantage_n upon_o a_o ignorant_a person_n above_o what_o he_o have_v upon_o a_o know_a christian_a solomon_n tell_v we_o true_a that_o a_o soul_n shall_v be_v without_o knowledge_n be_v not_o good_a he_o that_o have_v a_o sound_n and_o distinct_a knowledge_n of_o the_o nature_n of_o god_n the_o doctrine_n of_o faith_n the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n and_o the_o promise_n of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n seldom_o fall_v into_o or_o lie_v long_o under_o this_o temptation_n how_o easy_a a_o thing_n it_o be_v for_o the_o devil_n to_o fright_v ignorant_a soul_n with_o tell_v they_o they_o be_v not_o elect_v that_o christ_n do_v not_o die_v for_o they_o that_o their_o sin_n be_v too_o many_o or_o too_o great_a or_o have_v be_v too_o long_o continue_v in_o to_o be_v pardon_v or_o that_o they_o have_v not_o true_o repent_v or_o believe_v or_o that_o they_o have_v sin_v the_o unpardonable_a sin_n or_o a_o hundred_o such_o thing_n o_o do_v not_o slight_a knowledge_n no_o not_o a_o notional_a knowledge_n of_o the_o thing_n of_o god_n you_o be_v not_o able_a to_o prophesy_v of_o what_o use_v it_o will_v be_v to_o your_o soul_n in_o a_o hour_n of_o temptation_n a_o know_v christian_n may_v be_v tempt_v and_o it_o may_v be_v some_o time_n before_o he_o can_v get_v his_o hand_n upon_o the_o sword_n of_o the_o spirit_n which_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n to_o draw_v it_o out_o for_o his_o purpose_n but_o if_o he_o have_v it_o by_o his_o side_n if_o he_o be_v mighty_a in_o the_o scripture_n he_o will_v have_v no_o long_a work_n with_o a_o enemy_n of_o this_o kind_n i_o pity_v such_o as_o can_v read_v or_o if_o they_o can_v yet_o have_v lose_v their_o time_n and_o not_o improve_v it_o to_o learn_v the_o scripture_n be_v acquaint_v with_o catechism_n which_o shall_v ground_v they_o in_o the_o doctrine_n of_o faith_n thou_o that_o despise_v knowledge_n neglect_a yea_o despise_v thy_o own_o soul_n and_o all_o its_o peace_n and_o comfort_n and_o seem_v to_o presume_v upon_o a_o miracle_n to_o be_v show_v for_o thou_o in_o a_o hour_n of_o temptation_n 2._o second_o take_v heed_n of_o go_v on_o in_o a_o course_n of_o sin_v especial_o against_o thy_o light_n and_o check_n of_o conscience_n inveterate_a sin_v and_o prodigious_a sinning_n and_o sinning_n against_o light_n and_o check_n of_o conscience_n and_o particular_o some_o sin_n and_o such_o especial_o as_o come_v near_o to_o the_o sin_n unto_o death_n give_v the_o devil_n very_o high_a and_o great_a advantage_n as_o to_o this_o temptation_n 1._o i_o say_v first_o inveterate_a sin_v when_o sin_n have_v grow_v up_o with_o a_o man_n from_o his_o youth_n he_o have_v live_v and_o walk_v and_o wallow_v in_o it_o many_o year_n it_o make_v the_o devil_n a_o great_a market_n we_o find_v it_o hard_o to_o believe_v that_o god_n who_o can_v have_v from_o we_o but_o the_o homage_n of_o a_o few_o day_n or_o hour_n will_v forgive_v we_o the_o sin_n of_o so_o many_o year_n it_o be_v rare_a that_o old_a sinner_n be_v bring_v to_o repentance_n and_o convert_v you_o shall_v most_o general_o observe_v that_o if_o god_n change_v a_o man_n or_o woman_n heart_n it_o be_v either_o in_o their_o youth_n or_o middle_a age_n seldom_o in_o childhood_n and_o seldom_o in_o old_a age_n and_o if_o in_o old_a age_n they_o be_v ordinary_o infest_a with_o great_a temptation_n take_v heed_n of_o sin_n grow_v old_a in_o thy_o soul_n a_o old_a habit_n be_v hardly_o put_v off_o how_o can_v you_o that_o be_v accustom_v to_o do_v evil_a do_v well_o a_o old_a ulcer_n be_v hardly_o cure_a beware_v of_o grow_v
bear_v again_o of_o water_n and_o the_o spirit_n he_o can_v never_o enter_v into_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n they_o be_v the_o indisputable_a word_n of_o our_o saviour_n john_n 3._o 3._o and_o st._n paul_n plain_o say_v that_o neither_o circumcision_n avail_v any_o thing_n nor_o uncircumcision_n but_o a_o new_a creature_n our_o saviour_n say_v he_o that_o believe_v not_o be_v condemn_v already_o he_o shall_v never_o see_v life_n etc._n etc._n the_o apostle_n say_v without_o faith_n and_o holiness_n no_o man_n shall_v see_v the_o lord_n no_o consider_v man_n therefore_o can_v possible_o raise_v up_o to_o himself_o any_o hope_n of_o the_o pardon_n of_o sin_n or_o eternal_a life_n but_o he_o must_v satisfy_v himself_o that_o he_o be_v regenerate_v that_o he_o do_v believe_v and_o that_o he_o do_v so_o far_o obey_v as_o god_n will_v accept_v it_o to_o this_o purpose_n nothing_o can_v serve_v the_o devil_n turn_v so_o effectual_o as_o for_o the_o soul_n to_o be_v deceive_v in_o the_o notion_n of_o faith_n and_o holiness_n nothing_o can_v be_v more_o the_o concernment_n of_o the_o soul_n than_o to_o take_v care_n it_o be_v not_o deceive_v there_o have_v be_v several_a notion_n of_o faith_n that_o have_v strive_v for_o mastery_n in_o the_o world_n 1._o the_o first_o be_v the_o popish_a notion_n who_o make_v faith_n to_o be_v the_o soul_n assent_v to_o the_o proposition_n of_o the_o word_n which_o may_v be_v without_o any_o practical_a obedience_n for_o many_o a_o man_n assent_v to_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o proposition_n which_o yet_o he_o allow_v not_o a_o influence_n upon_o his_o life_n and_o indeed_o this_o be_v such_o a_o faith_n as_o the_o apostle_n tell_v we_o the_o devil_n be_v possess_v of_o they_o believe_v and_o tremble_v 2._o the_o second_o be_v their_o notion_n who_o make_v justify_v faith_n to_o be_v what_o our_o saviour_n tell_v we_o it_o be_v john_n 1._o 12._o a_o receive_v of_o the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n a_o close_n a_o hearty_a close_n with_o he_o as_o offer_v in_o the_o gospel_n hope_v trust_v in_o he_o and_o he_o alone_o for_o salvation_n no_o soul_n can_v possible_o do_v this_o that_o do_v not_o first_o assent_n to_o the_o proposition_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o agree_v to_o what_o that_o reveal_v concern_v christ_n both_o as_o to_o his_o person_n and_o as_o to_o his_o willingness_n to_o save_o but_o it_o be_v possible_a that_o a_o soul_n may_v assent_v to_o those_o proposition_n and_o yet_o not_o receive_v christ_n upon_o the_o term_n he_o propound_v this_o receive_v christ_n and_o trust_v in_o he_o as_o their_o saviour_n they_o say_v necessary_o draw_v on_o holiness_n and_o obedience_n though_o faith_n and_o love_n be_v two_o thing_n for_o the_o rational_a nature_n of_o man_n will_v not_o suffer_v he_o to_o hope_n or_o trust_v in_o another_o for_o any_o kindness_n which_o he_o have_v promise_v upon_o term_n without_o the_o fulfil_n of_o those_o term_n upon_o which_o it_o be_v promise_v but_o this_o they_o say_v may_v be_v without_o any_o certain_a assurance_n of_o the_o soul_n acceptation_n which_o a_o man_n can_v have_v until_o he_o be_v justify_v 3._o a_o three_o be_v the_o notion_n of_o they_o who_o make_v it_o a_o full_a assurance_n of_o the_o love_n of_o god_n but_o yet_o such_o a_o one_o as_o oblige_v the_o soul_n to_o all_o manner_n of_o duty_n and_o this_o seem_v to_o have_v be_v the_o notion_n of_o some_o eminent_a divine_n upon_o our_o first_o reformation_n but_o be_v reject_v by_o latter_a divine_n as_o it_o be_v not_o possible_a that_o that_o shall_v be_v a_o instrument_n in_o our_o justification_n which_o it_o be_v not_o possible_a that_o any_o soul_n shall_v have_v till_o it_o be_v justify_v beside_o that_o many_o a_o pious_a devout_a soul_n have_v not_o arrive_v at_o this_o 4._o other_o make_v it_o to_o be_v a_o confident_a persuasion_n that_o christ_n die_v for_o they_o whether_o they_o find_v themselves_o oblige_v to_o live_v to_o he_o yea_o or_o no._n 5._o other_o make_v it_o to_o be_v a_o practical_a assent_n to_o the_o gospel_n the_o danger_n of_o a_o soul_n presume_v be_v from_o the_o first_o and_o the_o four_o of_o these_o principal_o if_o man_n and_o woman_n think_v they_o do_v believe_v because_o they_o do_v agree_v to_o the_o proposition_n of_o the_o gospel_n they_o may_v easy_o run_v away_o with_o a_o vain_a imagination_n that_o all_o the_o promise_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v their_o portion_n when_o indeed_o not_o one_o of_o they_o belong_v to_o they_o because_o this_o believe_v be_v not_o that_o believe_v which_o the_o scripture_n make_v necessary_a to_o salvation_n for_o the_o evidence_n of_o which_o suffer_v i_o to_o offer_v these_o few_o thing_n to_o your_o consideration_n 1._o because_o this_o assent_n may_v be_v without_o any_o holiness_n or_o conformity_n to_o the_o will_n of_o god_n murderer_n traitor_n thief_n do_v agree_v to_o the_o proposition_n of_o humane_a law_n though_o they_o prodigious_o violate_v they_o there_o may_v be_v a_o assent_n of_o the_o understanding_n to_o a_o proposition_n to_o which_o man_n lust_n and_o passion_n suffer_v they_o not_o to_o live_v up_o to_o but_o we_o know_v that_o without_o holiness_n none_o can_v see_v god_n and_o therefore_o this_o can_v be_v that_o believe_v to_o which_o the_o promise_n of_o see_v god_n and_o live_n with_o he_o be_v annex_v 2._o because_o as_o i_o say_v before_o the_o devil_n thus_o believe_v yea_o i_o believe_v better_o than_o the_o most_o of_o man_n do_v for_o our_o assent_n to_o a_o doctrine_n according_a to_o the_o working_n of_o our_o reasonable_a nature_n be_v more_o or_o less_o according_a to_o our_o evidence_n of_o it_o now_o the_o devil_n have_v see_v the_o proposition_n of_o the_o gospel_n that_o christ_n be_v the_o eternal_a son_n of_o god_n that_o he_o be_v make_v man_n and_o die_v for_o our_o sin_n these_o be_v proposition_n which_o the_o devil_n have_v be_v in_o the_o world_n ever_o since_o the_o creation_n must_v needs_o see_v in_o a_o better_a light_n than_o any_o man_n can_v do_v who_o only_o see_v the_o truth_n of_o they_o by_o the_o light_n of_o reason_n or_o the_o revelation_n of_o scripture_n not_o imprint_v upon_o his_o soul_n by_o the_o demonstration_n of_o the_o spirit_n reveal_v particular_o to_o the_o soul_n what_o be_v general_o reveal_v in_o the_o word_n 3._o three_o consider_v that_o every_o where_n in_o scripture_n a_o person_n the_o person_n of_o christ_n be_v make_v the_o object_n of_o that_o faith_n to_o which_o the_o promise_v of_o life_n be_v make_v it_o be_v make_v a_o believe_v in_o christ_n on_o his_o name_n a_o receive_v of_o he_o a_o come_n to_o he_o now_o a_o proposition_n not_o a_o person_n be_v the_o object_n of_o assent_n we_o indeed_o sometime_o say_v we_o assent_n to_o such_o or_o such_o a_o person_n but_o the_o meaning_n be_v we_o agree_v to_o such_o a_o proposition_n which_o he_o have_v deliver_v by_o word_n of_o mouth_n or_o by_o write_v the_o object_n of_o justify_v faith_n the_o scripture_n make_v to_o be_v the_o person_n of_o the_o mediator_n i_o therefore_o beg_v of_o you_o to_o take_v heed_n that_o you_o deceive_v not_o your_o soul_n by_o this_o notion_n of_o faith_n and_o take_v as_o much_o heed_n of_o their_o wild_a notion_n who_o make_v faith_n to_o be_v nothing_o else_o but_o a_o assume_v confidence_n that_o christ_n die_v for_o they_o let_v they_o live_v as_o they_o listen_v this_o separate_v faith_n and_o holiness_n without_o which_o no_o man_n shall_v see_v the_o lord_n and_o be_v indeed_o nothing_o better_a in_o itself_o than_o a_o most_o bold_a and_o unwarrantable_a presumption_n exclusive_a of_o that_o fear_n and_o tremble_a with_o which_o we_o be_v command_v to_o work_v out_o our_o salvation_n their_o notion_n be_v far_o better_a who_o make_v faith_n to_o be_v a_o practical_a assent_n but_o still_o i_o pray_v observe_v the_o act_n of_o the_o soul_n be_v make_v to_o be_v assent_n and_o the_o object_n of_o assent_n can_v be_v no_o other_o than_o a_o proposition_n and_o for_o my_o own_o part_n i_o can_v think_v this_o the_o act_n of_o that_o faith_n that_o justifi_v for_o the_o object_n of_o that_o act_n as_o i_o say_v before_o be_v in_o scripture_n constant_o make_v the_o mediator_n himself_o not_o a_o mere_a proposition_n i_o be_o afraid_a of_o this_o notion_n as_o calculate_v to_o justle_v christ_n out_o of_o the_o place_n of_o a_o mediator_n wherein_o god_n have_v set_v he_o which_o be_v not_o only_o to_o treat_v with_o his_o father_n about_o the_o term_n of_o man_n salvation_n but_o to_o stand_v as_o the_o middle_a person_n between_o god_n and_o man_n to_o merit_v salvation_n for_o we_o by_o his_o active_a and_o passive_a obedience_n by_o a_o gracious_a act_n of_o god_n to_o be_v reckon_v to_o we_o upon_o