the_o covenant_n and_o so_o be_v not_o worthy_a of_o he_o neither_o have_v the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n save_o enter_v into_o their_o heart_n mat._n 13._o 44._o three_o they_o never_o in_o earnest_n do_v close_o with_o christ_n whole_a yoke_n without_o exception_n judge_v all_o his_o will_n just_a and_o good_a holy_a and_o spiritual_a as_o rom._n 7._o 12._o and_o therefore_o no_o rest_n allow_v on_o they_o by_o christ_n mat._n 11._o 29._o therefore_o whosoever_o thou_o be_v who_o can_v lay_v clear_a and_o just_a claim_n to_o these_o three_o foresay_a thing_n thou_o be_v beyond_o the_o reach_n of_o all_o atheist_n hypocrite_n and_o reprobate_n in_o the_o world_n as_o have_v answer_v the_o great_a end_n and_o intent_n of_o law_n and_o gospel_n object_n i_o be_o clear_a sometime_o i_o think_v to_o lay_v claim_n to_o that_o mark_n of_o the_o new_a creature_n yet_o at_o other_o time_n sin_n do_v so_o prevail_v over_o i_o that_o i_o be_o make_v to_o question_v all_o the_o work_n within_o i_o answ_n it_o be_v much_o to_o be_v lament_v that_o people_n profess_v his_o name_n shall_v be_v so_o slight_v and_o enslave_v by_o trangression_n as_o many_o be_v yet_o in_o answer_n to_o the_o objection_n if_o it_o be_v serious_o propound_v we_o say_v the_o saint_n be_v find_v in_o scripture_n just_o lay_v claim_n unto_o god_n and_o his_o covenant_n when_o iniquity_n do_v prevail_v over_o they_o as_o we_o find_v psal_n 65._o 3._o iniquity_n prevail_v against_o i_o as_o for_o our_o transgression_n thus_o will_v do_v they_o away_o rom._n 7._o 25._o paul_n thank_v god_n through_o christ_n when_o a_o law_n in_o his_o member_n lead_v he_o captive_a unto_o sin_n but_o for_o the_o better_a understanding_n and_o safe_a application_n of_o such_o truth_n we_o must_v difference_n betwixt_o gross_a outbreaking_n and_o ordinary_a infirmity_n or_o sin_n that_o come_v unaware_o upon_o a_o man_n without_o forethought_a or_o any_o deliberation_n as_o for_o the_o former_a sort_n it_o be_v hard_o for_o a_o man_n while_o he_o be_v under_o the_o power_n of_o they_o to_o see_v his_o gracious_a change_n although_o it_o be_v in_o he_o and_o very_o hard_a to_o draw_v any_o comfort_n from_o it_o until_o the_o man_n be_v in_o some_o measure_n recover_v and_o begin_v serious_o to_o resent_v such_o sin_n and_o to_o resolve_v against_o they_o we_o find_v david_n call_v himself_o god_n servant_n quick_o after_o his_o number_v of_o god_n people_n but_o he_o be_v then_o under_o the_o serious_a resentment_n of_o sin_n sam._n 24._o 18._o jonah_n lay_v claim_v to_o god_n as_o his_o master_n under_o his_o rebellion_n but_o he_o be_v then_o repent_v it_o and_o in_o a_o spirit_n of_o revenge_n against_o himself_o for_o his_o sin_n jon_n 1._o 9_o 10_o 12._o next_o as_o for_o these_o sin_n of_o infirmity_n and_o daily_a incursion_n and_o heart-ills_a such_o as_o these_o whereof_o paul_n do_v complain_v it_o be_v like_o be_v we_o shall_v draw_v out_o some_o thing_n from_o that_o seven_o chapter_n to_o the_o roman_n whereupon_o paul_n maintain_v his_o interest_n in_o christ_n and_o if_o you_o can_v apply_v they_o it_o be_v well_o 1._o when_o paul_n find_v that_o he_o do_v much_o fail_n and_o can_v reach_v conformity_n to_o god_n law_n he_o do_v not_o blame_v the_o law_n as_o be_v too_o â—rict_a so_o as_o man_n can_v keep_v it_o as_o hypocrite_n use_v to_o speak_v but_o he_o do_v blame_v himself_o as_o be_v carnal_a and_o he_o say_v of_o the_o law_n that_o it_o be_v good_a holy_a and_o spiritual_a rev._n 7._o 12_o 14._o 2._o he_o can_v say_v he_o fail_v of_o a_o good_a which_o he_o intend_v and_o do_v out-shoot_a himself_n and_o he_o have_v often_o honest_o resolve_v against_o the_o evil_n which_o he_o fall_v into_o rom._n 7._o 15_o 18_o 19_o 3._o he_o say_v that_o the_o prevail_a of_o sin_n over_o he_o be_v his_o exercise_n so_o as_o he_o judge_v himself_o wretched_a because_o of_o such_o a_o body_n of_o death_n from_o which_o he_o long_v to_o be_v deliver_v rome_n 7._o 24_o 4._o he_o say_v that_o whilst_o he_o be_v under_o the_o power_n and_o law_n of_o sin_n there_o be_v somewhat_o in_o the_o bottom_n of_o his_o heart_n oppose_v it_o although_o overmastered_n by_o it_o which_o will_v be_v another_o way_n and_o when_o that_o get_v the_o upper_a hand_n it_o be_v a_o delight_n some_o thing_n rom._n 7._o 22_o 25._o upon_o these_o thing_n he_o thank_v god_n in_o christ_n that_o there_o be_v no_o condemnation_n rom._n 7._o 25._o rom._n 8._o 1._o now_o then_o look_v if_o you_o can_v lay_v claim_n to_o these_o thing_n 1._o if_o you_o do_v blame_v yourself_o and_o approve_v the_o law_n whilst_o you_o fail_v 2._o if_o you_o can_v say_v that_o you_o do_v often_o resolve_v against_o sin_n honest_o and_o without_o know_a guile_n and_o do_v so_o resolve_v the_o contrary_a good_a before_o the_o evil_n break_v in_o upon_o you_o 3._o if_o you_o can_v say_v that_o you_o be_v so_o far_o exercise_v with_o your_o fail_n as_o to_o judge_v yourself_o wretched_a because_o of_o such_o thing_n and_o a_o body_n of_o death_n which_o be_v the_o root_n and_o fountain_n of_o such_o thing_n 4._o if_o you_o can_v say_v that_o there_o be_v a_o party_n within_o you_o oppose_v these_o evil_n which_o will_v be_v at_o the_o right_a way_n and_o as_o it_o be_v be_v in_o its_o element_n when_o it_o be_v in_o god_n way_n it_o be_v well_o only_o be_v advise_v not_o to_o take_v rest_n until_o in_o some_o measure_n you_o be_v rid_v of_o the_o ground_n of_o this_o objection_n or_o at_o least_o until_o you_o can_v very_o clear_o say_v you_o be_v wage_n war_n with_o these_o thing_n now_o a_o good_a help_n against_o the_o prevail_a power_n of_o sin_n be_v to_o cleave_v close_o to_o christ_n jesus_n by_o faith_n which_o as_o it_o be_v a_o desirable_a part_n of_o sanctification_n and_o a_o notable_a piece_n of_o conformity_n to_o god_n will_v and_o most_o subservient_fw-fr unto_o his_o design_n in_o the_o gospel_n gal._n 2_o 20_o 21._o and_o so_o shall_v be_v much_o endeavour_v by_o people_n as_o a_o work_n please_v to_o god_n job_n 6._o 29._o so_o it_o be_v the_o ready_a way_n to_o draw_v life_n and_o sap_n from_o christ_n the_o bless_a root_n for_o fruitfulness_n in_o all_o case_n as_o john_n 15._o 4_o 5._o object_n i_o do_v not_o partake_v of_o these_o special_a communication_n of_o god_n mention_v in_o the_o scripture_n and_o act_n and_o outgoing_a of_o his_o spirit_n whereof_o gracious_a people_n often_o be_v speak_v and_o whereunto_o they_o attain_v the_o want_n of_o these_o thing_n make_v i_o much_o suspect_v my_o state_n answ_n i_o shall_v short_o hint_n some_o of_o these_o excellent_a communication_n and_o i_o hope_v upon_o a_o right_a discovery_n of_o they_o â—here_o will_v be_v but_o small_a ground_n find_v for_o the_o jealous_a complaint_n of_o many_o gracious_a people_n first_o beside_o these_o conviction_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n which_o use_v to_o usher_v christ_n way_n unto_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n and_o these_o also_o which_o afterward_o do_v ordinary_o attend_v they_o â—â—ere_o be_v a_o seal_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n speak_v of_o in_o scripture_n the_o principal_a thing_n whereof_o be_v the_o sanctify_a work_n â—f_o the_o holy_a ghost_n imprint_v the_o draught_n and_o lineament_n 〈◊〉_d god_n image_n and_o reveal_v will_n upon_o a_o man_n as_o a_o sealâ—_n 〈◊〉_d signet_n do_v leave_v a_o impression_n and_o stamp_n of_o its_o likeness_n upon_o the_o thing_n seal_v so_o it_o be_v 2_o tim._n 2._o 19_o the_o â—â—undation_n of_o god_n have_v this_o seal_n the_o lord_n know_v they_o who_o be_v he_o and_o let_v every_o one_o that_o name_v the_o 〈◊〉_d of_o christ_n depart_v from_o iniquity_n and_o thus_o i_o conceive_v 〈◊〉_d seal_n to_o be_v call_v a_o witness_n 1_o john_n 5._o 10._o he_o that_o 〈◊〉_d lieve_v have_v the_o witness_n in_o himself_o that_o be_v the_o grouâ—â—_n upon_o which_o a_o interest_n in_o christ_n be_v to_o be_v make_v out_o approve_v be_v in_o every_o believer_n for_o he_o have_v somewhâ—â—_n of_o the_o sanctify_a work_n of_o god_n spirit_n in_o he_o which_o 〈◊〉_d a_o sure_a although_o not_o always_o a_o clear_a and_o manifest_a wâ—â—ness_n second_o there_o be_v communion_n with_o god_n much_o tally_v of_o among_o christian_n whereby_o they_o understand_v thâ—_n sensible_a presence_n of_o god_n refresh_v the_o soul_n exceed_o but_o if_o we_o speak_v proper_o communion_n with_o god_n be_v a_o mutual_a interest_n between_o god_n and_o man_n who_o have_v closeâ—_n with_o he_o in_o christ_n it_o be_v a_o commonness_n or_o a_o commoâ—_n interest_n between_o god_n and_o a_o man_n not_o only_o be_v a_o man_n interest_v in_o god_n himself_o but_o in_o all_o that_o be_v the_o lord_n so_o the_o lord_n have_v
approve_v of_o god_n in_o a_o gospel_n sense_n it_o may_v be_v want_v and_o just_o want_v although_o the_o other_o peace_n about_o a_o man_n state_n be_v sure_a this_o peace_n about_o a_o man_n case_n and_o condition_n it_o be_v either_o such_o in_o the_o court_n of_o scripture_n and_o this_o be_v when_o a_o a_o man_n be_v not_o regard_v iniquity_n and_o expect_v the_o command_n of_o god_n without_o exception_n then_o the_o scripture_n say_v he_o stand_v in_o a_o even_a place_n and_o he_o 〈◊〉_d fear_v no_o state_v quarrel_n between_o god_n and_o he_o in_o order_n to_o a_o temporary_a stroke_n and_o when_o it_o be_v thus_o his_o conscience_n shall_v also_o assoil_v he_o that_o same_o way_n and_o will_v do_v so_o if_o it_o be_v right_o inform_v but_o because_o the_o conscience_n be_v often_o in_o the_o dark_a therefore_o a_o man_n may_v be_v alarm_v with_o evil_a in_o the_o court_n of_o conscience_n as_o if_o he_o be_v just_o to_o expect_v a_o stroke_n from_o god_n because_o of_o his_o sin_n and_o some_o quarrel_n god_n have_v at_o he_o although_o he_o intend_v salvation_n for_o he_o this_o be_v enough_o to_o keep_v a_o man_n in_o disquiet_n and_o to_o inhibit_v he_o the_o rejoice_v allow_v unto_o he_o whilst_o he_o be_v walk_v in_o his_o integrity_n therefore_o a_o man_n must_v here_o also_o inform_v his_o conscience_n and_o receive_v no_o accusation_n nor_o condemning_n from_o it_o unless_o it_o make_v they_o clear_v by_o scripture_n at_o that_o bar_n let_v every_o man_n stand_v both_o about_o his_o state_n and_o his_o condition_n or_o case_n and_o let_v he_o appeal_v from_o all_o other_o court_v to_o that_o and_o not_o receive_v any_o indictment_n but_o conform_a to_o the_o truth_n of_o god_n by_o which_o the_o conscience_n be_v to_o proceed_v in_o all_o thing_n and_o if_o this_o be_v well_o look_v unto_o there_o will_v not_o be_v so_o many_o groundless_a suspicion_n among_o the_o lord_n people_n either_o about_o their_o state_n or_o condition_n upon_o every_o thought_n which_o enter_v their_o mind_n twelve_o there_o be_v the_o joy_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o this_o be_v when_o the_o spirit_n do_v breath_n upon_o our_o rejoice_v in_o god_n which_o be_v a_o grace_n very_o little_a in_o exercise_n with_o many_o and_o make_v it_o set_v out_o sensible_o and_o vigorous_o and_o he_o excit_v and_o stir_v the_o passion_n of_o joy_n and_o delight_n in_o the_o soul_n so_o as_o there_o be_v a_o unspeakable_a and_o glorious_a joy_n in_o the_o soul_n in_o the_o apprehension_n of_o god_n friendship_n and_o nearness_n unto_o he_o 1_o pet._n 1._o 8._o this_o joy_n follow_v upon_o peace_n and_o peace_n follow_v righteousness_n rom._n 14._o 17._o this_o joy_n ready_o will_v not_o fail_v to_o be_v according_a to_o the_o measure_n of_o the_o assurance_n of_o faith_n as_o 1_o pet._n 1._o 8._o in_o who_o believe_v you_o rejoyee_fw-fr etc._n etc._n so_o that_o the_o removal_n of_o mistake_n about_o other_o thing_n will_v allay_v doubt_n about_o this_o now_o because_o some_o of_o these_o excellent_a communication_n of_o the_o spirit_n after_o they_o be_v go_v be_v bring_v in_o question_n as_o delusion_n of_o satan_n for_o vindication_n of_o they_o we_o say_v that_o the_o special_a operation_n of_o god_n spirit_n in_o any_o high_a degree_n usual_o be_v communicate_v to_o people_n after_o such_o brokenness_n of_o spirit_n psal_n 51._o 8._o after_o so_o singular_a pain_n in_o religious_a duty_n dan._n 9_o 3_o 21._o or_o in_o time_n of_o such_o suffering_n for_o righteousness_n 1._o pet._n 4._o 14._o or_o if_o they_o break_v in_o as_o the_o rain_n that_o wait_v not_o for_o man_n than_o they_o do_v so_o humble_a and_o abase_v the_o person_n isa_n 6._o 5._o and_o there_o be_v find_v so_o many_o evidence_n of_o grace_n in_o the_o man_n rom._n 8._o 16._o or_o these_o thing_n do_v so_o provoke_v unto_o holiness_n and_o to_o have_v every_o thing_n answerable_a and_o conform_v unto_o these_o manifestation_n of_o god_n 2._o tim._n 2._o 19_o the_o person_n under_o they_o do_v so_o loath_a all_o thing_n beside_o god_n friendship_n and_o fellowship_n mat._n 17._o 4._o and_o these_o thing_n do_v carry_v on_o they_o and_o with_o they_o so_o much_o authority_n and_o divine_a superscription_n whilst_o they_o be_v in_o the_o soul_n that_o afterward_o they_o may_v appear_v sufficient_o to_o be_v special_a communication_n of_o god_n and_o singular_a gracious_a operation_n of_o his_o spirit_n and_o no_o delusion_n of_o satan_n transform_v himself_o unto_o a_o angel_n of_o light_n 2_o cor._n 11._o 14._o nor_o such_o common_a flash_n of_o the_o spirit_n as_o may_v admit_v afterward_o irrecoverable_a apostasy_n from_o god_n heb_n 6._o 4_o 5_o 6._o now_o then_o to_o conclude_v this_o part_n of_o the_o work_n that_o relate_v unto_o trial_n i_o say_v to_o all_o these_o who_o complain_v of_o the_o want_n of_o the_o precious_a out-letting_n of_o the_o spirit_n 1._o bless_v god_n if_o you_o want_v nothing_o essential_a for_o make_v out_o of_o a_o save_a interest_n in_o christ_n god_n have_v give_v unto_o you_o christ_n jesus_n the_o great_a gift_n he_o have_v and_o since_o your_o heart_n be_v shape_v out_o for_o he_o he_o will_v with_o he_o give_v you_o all_o thing_n that_o be_v good_a for_o you_o in_o their_o season_n 2._o i_o do_v believe_v upon_o a_o right_a search_n and_o trial_n after_o you_o have_v understand_v the_o communication_n of_o the_o spirit_n you_o be_v not_o so_o great_a a_o stranger_n to_o many_o thing_n as_o you_o do_v suspect_v yourself_o to_o be_v but_o 3._o remember_v the_o promise_n of_o life_n and_o of_o peace_n with_o god_n be_v now_o here_o in_o scripture_n make_v unto_o these_o special_a thing_n whereof_o you_o allege_v the_o want_n the_o promise_n be_v make_v unto_o faith_n follow_v with_o holiness_n and_o it_o may_v be_v presume_v that_o many_o heir_n of_o glory_n not_o in_o this_o life_n partake_v of_o some_o of_o these_o thing_n but_o be_v in_o bondage_n all_o their_o day_n through_o fear_n of_o death_n heb._n 2._o 15._o so_o that_o there_o shall_v be_v no_o mistake_n about_o these_o thing_n we_o may_v seek_v after_o they_o but_o god_n be_v free_a to_o give_v or_o withhold_v they_o 4._o many_o do_v seek_v after_o such_o manifestation_n before_o they_o give_v credit_n by_o faith_n unto_o god_n word_n he_o have_v bear_v record_n that_o there_o be_v life_n enough_o for_o man_n in_o christ_n jesus_n and_o if_o man_n will_v by_o believe_v set_v to_o their_o seal_n that_o god_n be_v true_a they_o shall_v partake_v of_o more_o of_o these_o excellent_a thing_n 5._o i_o may_v say_v many_o have_v not_o honourable_a apprehension_n and_o thought_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n who_o proper_a work_n it_o be_v to_o put_v out_o the_o foresay_a noble_a operation_n they_o do_v not_o adore_v he_o as_o god_n but_o vex_v grieve_v quench_v and_o resist_v he_o and_o many_o people_n complain_v of_o the_o want_n of_o these_o thing_n be_v not_o at_o the_o pain_n to_o seek_v the_o spirit_n in_o his_o out-going_n and_o few_o do_v set_v themselves_o apart_o for_o such_o precious_a receipt_n therefore_o be_v at_o more_o pain_n in_o religion_n give_v more_o credit_n to_o his_o word_n and_o esteem_v more_o high_o of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n and_o so_o you_o may_v find_v more_o of_o these_o excellent_a thing_n how_o to_o attain_v unto_o a_o save_v interest_n in_o christ_n have_v in_o the_o former_a part_n of_o this_o treatise_n put_v every_o man_n state_n to_o trial_n it_o now_o remain_v thâ—â—_n in_o this_o follow_a part_n we_o give_v advice_n to_o those_o who_o neither_o can_v nor_o dare_v lay_v claim_n to_o the_o mark_n former_o mention_v quest_n what_o shall_v they_o do_v who_o want_v the_o mark_n of_o a_o true_a and_o save_a interest_n in_o christ_n already_o speak_v of_o and_o neither_o can_v nor_o dare_v pretend_v unto_o they_o answ_n if_o man_n miss_v in_o themselves_o the_o mark_n of_o a_o save_v interest_n in_o christ_n speak_v of_o before_o then_o it_o be_v their_o duty_n and_o of_o all_o that_o hear_v this_o gospel_n personal_o and_o hearty_o to_o close_v with_o god_n contrivance_n of_o save_a sinner_n by_o christ_n jesus_n and_o this_o shall_v secure_v thy_o state_n for_o the_o better_a understanding_n of_o this_o we_o shall_v prâ—mise_v some_o thing_n for_o information_n of_o those_o who_o be_v more_o ignorant_a and_o then_o speak_v more_o direct_o to_o the_o thing_n as_o for_o the_o thing_n to_o be_v premise_v 1._o the_o lord_n do_v at_o the_o beginning_n out_o of_o his_o bounty_n make_v a_o covenant_n with_o man_n in_o adam_n gen._n 2._o 17._o and_o do_v enable_v man_n to_o abide_v in_o that_o covenant_n eccle._n 7._o 29._o but_o man_n by_o eat_v of_o that_o forbid_a fruit_n gen._n 3._o do_v break_v the_o covenant_n
see_v their_o need_n of_o relief_n to_o betake_v themselves_o unto_o christ_n jesus_n and_o to_o close_v cordial_o with_o god_n device_n of_o save_a sinner_n by_o he_o lay_v aside_o all_o objection_n and_o excuse_n as_o they_o shall_v be_v answerable_a unto_o he_o in_o the_o day_n he_o shall_v judge_v the_o quick_a and_o the_o dead_a and_o shall_v drive_v away_o out_o of_o his_o presence_n all_o these_o who_o will_v dare_v to_o say_v their_o sin_n and_o condition_n be_v such_o as_o that_o they_o dare_v not_o adventure_v upon_o christ_n perfect_a righteousness_n for_o their_o relief_n notwithstanding_o of_o the_o lord_n own_o command_n often_o interpose_v and_o in_o a_o manner_n his_o credit_n engage_v object_n i_o suspect_v i_o be_o guilty_a of_o the_o sin_n against_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o so_o be_o incapable_a of_o pardon_n and_o therefore_o i_o need_v not_o think_v of_o believe_v on_o christ_n jesus_n for_o save_v of_o my_o soul_n answ_n although_o none_o shall_v charge_v this_o sin_n on_o themselves_o or_o on_o other_o unless_o they_o can_v prove_v the_o charge_n according_a to_o christ_n example_n matth._n 12._o 25_o 26_o 32._o yet_o for_o satisfy_v of_o the_o doubt_n i_o shall_v 1._o show_v what_o be_v not_o the_o sin_n against_o the_o holy_a ghost_n properly_z so_o call_v because_o there_o be_v some_o gross_a sin_n which_o people_n do_v unwarrant_o judge_v to_o be_v this_o unpardonable_a sin_n 2._o i_o shall_v show_v what_o be_v the_o sin_n against_o the_o holy_a ghost_n 3._o i_o shall_v draw_v some_o conclusion_n in_o answer_n direct_o to_o the_o objection_n as_o for_o the_o first_o there_o be_v many_o gross_a sin_n which_o although_o as_o all_o other_o sin_n may_v be_v sin_n against_o the_o holy_a ghost_n who_o be_v god_n equal_a and_o one_o with_o the_o father_n and_o the_o son_n and_o be_v do_v against_o some_o of_o his_o operation_n and_o motion_n yet_o be_v they_o not_o the_o sin_n against_o the_o holy_a ghost_n which_o be_v the_o unpardonable_a sin_n as_o first_o blaspheme_v of_o god_n under_o bodily_a torture_n be_v not_o that_o sin_n for_o somâ—_n saint_n fall_v into_o this_o act_v 26._o 11._o much_o less_o blaspheme_v of_o god_n in_o a_o fit_a of_o distraction_n or_o frenzy_n for_o a_o man_n be_v not_o a_o free_a rational_a agent_n at_o that_o time_n and_o he_o that_o spare_v his_o people_n as_o a_o father_n do_v the_o son_n that_o serve_v he_o and_o do_v pity_n so_o mal._n 3._o 17._o psal_n 103._o 13._o do_v he_o spare_v and_o pity_v in_o these_o roving_n for_o so_o will_v our_o father_n according_a to_o flesh_n do_v if_o we_o blaspheme_v theâ—_n in_o a_o fit_a of_o distraction_n much_o less_o be_v horrid_a blasphemy_n against_o god_n dart_v in_o upon_o the_o soul_n and_o not_o allow_v there_o this_o unpardonable_a sin_n for_o such_o thing_n be_v offer_v to_o christ_n mat._n 4._o and_o be_v often_o cast_v in_o upon_o the_o saint_n 2._o the_o hate_v of_o good_a in_o other_o whilst_o i_o be_o not_o convince_v that_o it_o be_v good_a but_o in_o my_o light_n do_v judge_v it_o to_o be_v evil_a yea_o the_o speak_n against_o it_o yea_o the_o persecute_v 〈◊〉_d it_o in_o that_o case_n be_v not_o the_o sin_n against_o the_o holy_a ghost_n for_o all_o these_o will_v be_v find_v in_o paul_n before_o he_o be_v convert_v and_o he_o obtain_v mercy_n because_o he_o do_v these_o thing_n ignorant_o 3._o heart-rising_a at_o the_o thrive_a of_o other_o in_o the_o work_n and_o way_n of_o god_n while_o i_o love_v it_o in_o myself_o yea_o the_o rise_n of_o heart_n against_o providence_n which_o often_o express_v itself_o against_o the_o creature_n near_a our_o hand_n yea_o this_o rise_a of_o heart_n entertain_v and_o maintain_v although_o they_o be_v horrid_a thing_n lead_v towards_o that_o unpardonable_a sin_n yet_o be_v not_o that_o sin_n for_o these_o may_v be_v in_o the_o saint_n proceed_v from_o self-love_n which_o cannoâ—_n endure_v to_o be_v darken_v by_o another_o and_o proceed_v froâ—_n some_o cross_n in_o their_o idol_n under_o a_o fit_a of_o tentation_n thâ—_n most_o part_v of_o all_o this_o be_v in_o jonah_n jonah_n 4._o 4._o nâ—â—_n only_o be_v not_o decay_n in_o what_o be_v once_o in_o the_o man_n anâ—_n fall_v into_o gross_a sin_n against_o light_n after_o the_o receive_a 〈◊〉_d the_o truth_n this_o unpardonable_a sin_n for_o then_o many_o of_o all_o the_o saint_n in_o scripture_n be_v undo_v but_o further_a apostasy_n from_o much_o of_o the_o truth_n be_v not_o that_o sin_n for_o that_o be_v in_o solomon_n and_o in_o the_o church_n of_o corinth_n and_o galatia_n yea_o deny_v yea_o forswear_v of_o the_o most_o fundamental_a truth_n under_o a_o great_a tentation_n be_v not_o this_o sin_n for_o then_o peter_n have_v be_v undo_v 5._o as_o resist_v quench_a grieve_v and_o vex_v of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n by_o many_o sinful_a way_n be_v not_o this_o unpardonable_a sin_n for_o they_o be_v charge_v with_o these_o who_o be_v call_v to_o repentance_n in_o scripture_n and_o not_o shut_v out_o as_o guilty_a of_o this_o sin_n so_o neither_o reiterate_v sin_n against_o light_n be_v the_o sin_n against_o the_o holy_a ghost_n although_o it_o lead_v towards_o it_o for_o such_o be_v peter_n sin_n in_o deny_v christ_n so_o be_v jehosaphats_n sin_n in_o join_v with_o ahab_n and_o jehoram_n 6._o purpose_n and_o essay_n of_o self-murder_n and_o even_a purpose_n of_o murder_a godly_a man_n the_o party_n be_v under_o a_o sad_a fit_a of_o tentation_n yea_o actual_a self-murder_n although_o probable_o it_o often_o join_v in_o the_o issue_n with_o this_o unpardonable_a sin_n which_o ought_v to_o make_v every_o soul_n look_v upon_o the_o very_a tentation_n to_o it_o with_o horror_n and_o abhorrency_n yet_o be_v not_o the_o sin_n against_o the_o holy_a ghost_n the_o jailor_n intend_v to_o kill_v himself_o upon_o a_o worse_a account_n than_o many_o poor_a people_n do_v in_o the_o sight_n and_o sense_n of_o god_n wrath_n and_o of_o their_o own_o sin_n and_o corruption_n yet_o that_o jailor_n obtain_v pardon_n acts._n 16._o 27._o 34._o and_o paul_n before_o his_o effectual_a call_n be_v accessary_a unto_o the_o murder_n of_o many_o saint_n and_o intend_v to_o kill_v more_o as_o himself_o grant_v act_v 26._o 9_o to_o 13._o athough_o all_o these_o be_v dreadful_a sin_n each_o of_o they_o deserve_v wrath_n ever_o last_v and_o not_o be_v repent_v of_o bring_v endless_a vengeance_n especial_o the_o last_o cut_v off_o hope_n of_o relief_n for_o aught_o can_v be_v expect_v in_o a_o ordinary_a way_n yet_o none_o of_o these_o be_v the_o unpardonable_a sin_n against_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o so_o under_o any_o of_o these_o there_o be_v hope_n to_o he_o that_o have_v a_o ear_n to_o hear_v the_o joyful_a sound_n of_o the_o covenant_n all_o manner_n of_o such_o sin_n and_o blasphemy_n may_v be_v forgive_v as_o be_v clear_a in_o the_o scripture_n where_o these_o thing_n be_v mention_v as_o for_o the_o second_o thing_n let_v we_o see_v what_o the_o sin_n against_o the_o holy_a ghost_n be_v it_o be_v not_o a_o simple_a act_n of_o transgression_n but_o a_o complex_fw-la of_o many_o mischievous_a thing_n involve_v soul_n and_o body_n ordinary_o in_o guilt_n we_o thus_o describe_v it_o it_o be_v a_o reject_v and_o oppose_v of_o the_o chief_a gospel_n truth_n and_o way_n of_o salvation_n make_v out_o singular_o to_o a_o man_n by_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n in_o the_o truth_n and_o good_a thereof_o and_o that_o avowed_o free_o wilful_o malicious_o and_o despiteful_o breed_v hopeless_a fear_n there_o be_v three_o place_n of_o scripture_n which_o do_v speak_v most_o of_o this_o sin_n and_o thence_o we_o will_v prove_v every_o part_n of_o this_o description_n in_o so_o far_o as_o may_v be_v useful_a to_o our_o present_a purpose_n by_o which_o it_o will_v appear_v that_o none_o who_o have_v a_o mind_n for_o christ_n need_v stumble_v at_o what_o be_v speak_v of_o this_o sin_n in_o scripture_n see_v mat._n 12._o 24._o 32._o heb._n 6._o 4_o 5._o 6._o and_o 10._o 25_o 29._o first_o then_o let_v we_o consider_v the_o object_n about_o which_o this_o sin_n or_o sinful_a act_n of_o the_o man_n guilty_a thereof_o be_v conversant_a and_o that_o be_v the_o chief_a gospel-truth_n and_o way_n of_o salvation_n both_o which_o run_v to_o one_o thing_n it_o be_v the_o way_n which_o god_n have_v contrive_v for_o save_v of_o sinner_n by_o jesus_n christ_n the_o promise_v messiah_n and_o saviour_n by_o who_o death_n and_o righteousness_n man_n be_v to_o be_v save_v as_o he_o have_v hold_v forth_o in_o the_o ordinance_n confirm_v the_o same_o by_o many_o mighty_a work_n in_o scripture_n tend_v thereto_o this_o way_n of_o salvation_n be_v the_o object_n the_o pharisee_n oppose_v this_o that_o christ_n be_v the_o messiah_n mat._n 12._o 23_o 24._o
the_o wrong_n be_v do_v against_o the_o son_n of_o god_n heb._n 6._o 6_o and_o the_o blood_n of_o the_o covenant_n and_o the_o spirit_n gracious_o offer_v to_o apply_v these_o thing_n heb._n 10._o 29._o second_o in_o the_o description_n consider_v the_o qualification_n of_o this_o object_n it_o be_v singular_o make_v out_o to_o the_o party_n by_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n both_o in_o the_o truth_n and_o good_a thereof_o this_o say_v 1._o that_o there_o must_v be_v knowledge_n of_o the_o truth_n and_o way_n of_o salvation_n the_o pharisee_n know_v that_o christ_n be_v the_o heir_n mat._n 21._o 38._o the_o party_n have_v knowledge_n heb._n 10._o 26._o 2._o that_o knowledge_n of_o the_o thing_n must_v not_o swim_v only_o in_o the_o head_n but_o there_o must_v be_v some_o half_a heart-perswasion_n of_o it_o christ_n know_v the_o pharisee_n thought_n and_o so_o do_v judge_v they_o mat._n 12._o 25._o and_o that_o the_o contrary_a of_o what_o they_o speak_v be_v make_v out_o upon_o their_o heart_n there_o be_v a_o taste_n heb._n 6._o 4_o 5._o which_o be_v beyond_o simple_a enlighten_v yea_o there_o be_v such_o a_o persuasion_n ordinary_o as_o lead_v to_o a_o deal_n of_o outward_a sanctification_n heb._n 10._o 29._o 3._o this_o persuasion_n must_v not_o only_o be_v of_o the_o verity_n of_o the_o thing_n but_o of_o the_o good_a of_o it_o the_o party_n taste_v the_o good_a word_n of_o god_n and_o he_o apprehend_v the_o thing_n as_o eligible_a heb._n 6._o 5._o 4._o this_o persuasion_n be_v not_o make_v out_o only_o by_o strength_n of_o argument_n but_o also_o by_o a_o enlighten_v work_n of_o god_n spirit_n shine_v on_o the_o truth_n and_o make_v it_o conspicuous_a therefore_o be_v that_o sin_n call_v the_o sin_n against_o the_o holy_a ghost_n mat._n 12._o mark_v 3_o the_o person_n be_v say_v to_o have_v receive_v the_o holy_a ghost_n heb._n 6._o 4._o and_o to_o do_v despite_n unto_o the_o spirit_n of_o grace_n who_o be_v in_o the_o near_a step_n of_o a_o gracious_a operation_n with_o they_o heb._n 10._o 29._o three_o in_o this_o description_n consider_v the_o act_n of_o the_o party_n against_o the_o object_n so_o qualify_v it_o be_v a_o reject_v and_o oppose_v of_o it_o which_o import_v 1._o that_o man_n have_v once_o some_o way_n at_o least_o be_v in_o hand_n with_o it_o or_o have_v the_o offer_n of_o it_o as_o be_v true_a of_o the_o pharisee_n 2._o that_o they_o do_v reject_v even_o with_o contempt_n what_o they_o have_v of_o it_o or_o in_o their_o offer_n the_o pharisee_n deny_v it_o and_o speak_v disdainful_o of_o christ_n mat._n 12._o 24._o they_o fall_v away_o intend_v to_o shame_n christ_n heb._n 6._o 5_o 6._o 3._o the_o man_n set_v themselves_o against_o it_o by_o the_o spirit_n of_o persecution_n as_o the_o pharisee_n do_v still_o they_o rail_v against_o it_o therefore_o it_o be_v call_v blasphemy_n against_o the_o holy_a ghost_n mat._n 12._o 24._o 31._o they_o will_v crucify_v christ_n again_o if_o they_o can_v heb._n 6._o 6._o they_o be_v adversary_n heb._n 10._o 27._o four_o consider_v the_o property_n of_o this_o act_n 1._o it_o be_v avouch_v that_o be_v not_o seek_v to_o shelter_v or_o hide_v itself_o the_o pharisee_n speak_v against_o christ_n public_o mat._n 12._o 24._o they_o will_v have_v christ_n bring_v to_o a_o open_a shame_n heb._n 6._o 6._o they_o forsake_v the_o ordinance_n which_o savour_v that_o way_n and_o 10._o 25._o and_o despise_v the_o danger_n for_o look_v for_o indignation_n they_o trample_v that_o blood_n still_o heb._n 10._o 27_o 29._o 2._o the_o party_n act_v free_o it_o be_v not_o from_o unadvisedness_n nor_o from_o force_n or_o constraint_n but_o a_o act_n of_o free_a choice_n nothing_o do_v force_v the_o pharisee_n to_o speak_v against_o and_o persecute_v christ_n they_o crucify_v to_o themselves_o they_o re-act_n the_o murder_n of_o their_o own_o free_a accord_n and_o in_o their_o own_o bosom_n none_o constrain_a they_o heb._n 6._o 6._o they_o sin_n of_o free_a choice_n as_o the_o word_n be_v spontaneous_o heb._n 10._o 27._o 3._o it_o be_v act_v wilful_o they_o be_v so_o resolute_a they_o will_v not_o be_v dissuade_v by_o any_o offer_n or_o the_o most_o precious_a mean_n as_o be_v clear_a in_o the_o aforesaid_a scripture_n 4._o it_o be_v do_v malicious_o so_o as_o it_o proceed_v not_o so_o much_o if_o at_o all_o from_o a_o tentation_n to_o pleasure_n profit_n or_o honour_n it_o proceed_v not_o from_o fear_n or_o force_n or_o from_o any_o good_a end_n propose_v but_o out_o of_o heart-malice_n against_o god_n and_o christ_n and_o the_o advancement_n of_o his_o glory_n and_o kingdom_n so_o that_o it_o be_v the_o very_a nature_n of_o satan_n sin_n who_o have_v a_o irreconcilable_a hatred_n against_o god_n and_o the_o remedy_n of_o sin_n because_o his_o glory_n be_v thereby_o advance_v this_o be_v a_o special_a ingredient_n in_o this_o sin_n the_o pharisee_n be_v find_v guilty_a of_o heart-malice_n against_o christ_n since_o they_o speak_v so_o against_o he_o and_o not_o against_o their_o own_o child_n cast_v out_o devil_n and_o this_o be_v the_o force_n of_o christ_n argument_n mat._n 12._o 27._o they_o do_v their_o utmost_a to_o crucify_v christ_n again_o and_o to_o bring_v he_o to_o a_o open_a shame_n heb._n 6._o 6._o they_o be_v adversary_n like_o the_o devil_n heb._n 10._o 27._o 5._o it_o be_v do_v despiteful_o the_o malice_n must_v bewray_v itself_o the_o pharisee_n must_v proclaim_v that_o christ_n have_v correspondence_n with_o devil_n met._n â—2_n he_o must_v be_v put_v to_o a_o open_a shame_n and_o crucify_v again_o heb._n 6._o they_o must_v tread_v under_o foot_n that_o blood_n and_o do_v despite_n to_o the_o spirit_n heb._n 10._o 29._o so_o that_o the_o party_n have_v rather_o perish_v a_o thousand_o time_n than_o be_v in_o christ_n debt_n for_o salvation_n the_o last_o thing_n in_o the_o description_n be_v the_o ordinary_a attendant_n or_o consequence_n of_o this_o sin_n it_o breed_v desperate_a and_o hopeless_a fear_n they_o fear_v he_o who_o they_o hate_v with_o a_o slavish_a hopeless_a fear_n such_o as_o devil_n have_v heb._n 10._o 27._o they_o know_v that_o god_n will_v put_v out_o his_o power_n against_o they_o they_o tremble_v in_o the_o remembrance_n of_o it_o and_o if_o they_o can_v be_v above_o he_o and_o destroy_v he_o they_o covet_v it_o and_o since_o they_o can_v reach_v that_o they_o hate_v with_o the_o utmost_a of_o heart-malice_n and_o do_v persecute_v he_o and_o all_o that_o be_v he_o with_o despite_n as_o for_o the_o three_o thing_n propose_v viz._n the_o conclusion_n to_o be_v draw_v from_o what_o be_v say_v whereby_o we_o will_v speak_v direct_o to_o the_o objection_n 1._o as_o i_o hint_v before_o since_o the_o sin_n against_o the_o holy_a ghost_n be_v so_o remarkable_a and_o may_v be_v well_o know_v where_o it_o be_v none_o shall_v charge_v themselves_o with_o it_o unless_o they_o can_v prove_v and_o make_v good_a the_o charge_n for_o it_o be_v a_o great_a wrong_n do_v unto_o god_n to_o labour_v to_o persuade_v my_o soul_n that_o he_o will_v never_o pardon_v i_o it_o be_v the_o very_a way_n to_o make_v i_o desperate_a and_o to_o lead_v i_o unto_o the_o unpardonable_a sin_n therefore_o unless_o thou_o can_v and_o dare_v say_v that_o thou_o do_v hate_v the_o way_n which_o god_n have_v devise_v for_o save_v of_o sinner_n and_o do_v resolve_v to_o oppose_v the_o thrive_a of_o his_o kingdom_n both_o with_o thyself_o and_o other_o out_o of_o malice_n and_o despite_n against_o god_n thou_o ought_v not_o to_o suspect_v thyself_o guilty_a of_o this_o sin_n 2._o whatsoever_o thou_o have_v do_v against_o god_n if_o thou_o do_v repent_v it_o and_o wish_v it_o be_v undo_v thou_o can_v not_o be_v guilty_a of_o this_o sin_n for_o in_o it_o heart-malice_n and_o despite_n against_o god_n do_v still_o prevail_v 3._o if_o thou_o be_v content_a to_o be_v his_o debtor_n for_o pardon_n and_o will_v be_v infinite_o oblige_v unto_o he_o for_o it_o than_o thou_o can_v not_o in_o that_o case_n be_v guilty_a of_o the_o sin_n against_o the_o holy_a ghost_n for_o as_o we_o show_v before_o they_o who_o be_v guilty_a of_o it_o do_v so_o despite_n god_n that_o they_o will_v not_o be_v his_o debtor_n for_o salvation_n 4._o whatsoever_o thou_o have_v do_v if_o thou_o have_v a_o desire_n after_o jesus_n christ_n and_o do_v look_v with_o a_o desire_v after_o he_o and_o can_v not_o think_v of_o part_v with_o his_o bless_a company_n for_o ever_o or_o if_o thou_o must_v part_v with_o he_o yet_o do_v wish_v well_o to_o he_o and_o all_o his_o thou_o need_v not_o suspect_v thyself_o to_o be_v guilty_a of_o this_o unpardonable_a sin_n for_o there_o can_v be_v no_o such_o hatred_n of_o he_o in_o thy_o bosom_n as_o be_v necessary_o require_v
edification_n i_o intend_v together_o with_o the_o incitement_n of_o some_o other_o more_o expert_a and_o experience_v in_o this_o excellent_a subject_n to_o handle_v the_o same_o at_o great_a length_n which_o i_o have_v more_o brief_o hint_v at_o who_o be_o thy_o servant_n in_o the_o word_n of_o the_o gospel_n w._n guthery_n the_o trial_n of_o a_o save_v interest_n in_o christ_n since_o there_o be_v so_o many_o people_n live_v under_o the_o ordinance_n pretend_v without_o ground_n to_o a_o special_a interest_n in_o christ_n and_o to_o his_o favour_n and_o salvation_n as_o be_v clear_a mat._n 7._o 22_o 23._o &_o 25._o 11_o 12._o luke_n 13._o 24._o and_o since_o many_o who_o have_v good_a ground_n of_o claim_n to_o christ_n be_v not_o establish_v in_o the_o confidence_n of_o his_o favour_n but_o remain_v in_o the_o dark_a without_o comfort_n hesitate_v concern_v the_o reality_n of_o godliness_n in_o themselves_o and_o speak_v a_o little_a to_o the_o commendation_n of_o religion_n to_o other_o especial_o in_o the_o time_n of_o their_o strait_n i_o shall_v speak_v a_o little_a to_o two_o thing_n of_o great_a concernment_n the_o one_o be_v how_o a_o person_n shall_v know_v if_o he_o have_v a_o true_a and_o special_a interest_n in_o christ_n and_o whether_o he_o do_v lay_v just_a claim_n to_o god_n favour_n and_o salvation_n the_o other_o be_v in_o case_n a_o person_n fall_v short_a in_o the_o foresay_a trial_n what_o course_n he_o shall_v take_v for_o make_v sure_a god_n friendship_n and_o salvation_n to_o himself_o quest_n 1._o how_o shall_v a_o man_n know_v if_o he_o have_v a_o true_a and_o special_a interest_n in_o christ_n and_o whether_o he_o have_v or_o may_v lay_v â—laim_v just_o to_o god_n favour_n and_o salvation_n answer_n before_o we_o speak_v direct_o to_o the_o question_n 〈◊〉_d shall_v premise_v some_o thing_n to_o make_v way_n for_o the_o answer_n as_o first_o that_o a_o man_n interest_n in_o christ_n or_o gracius_fw-la state_n may_v be_v know_v and_o that_o with_o more_o certainty_n than_o people_n do_v conjecture_v yea_o and_o the_o knowledge_n of_o it_o may_v be_v more_o easy_o attain_v unto_o than_o many_o do_v imagine_v for_o not_o only_o have_v the_o lord_n command_v man_n to_o know_v their_o interest_n in_o he_o as_o a_o thing_n attainable_a 2._o cor._n 13._o 5._o 2_o pet._n 1._o 10._o but_o many_o of_o the_o saint_n have_v attain_v unto_o the_o clear_a persuasion_n of_o their_o interest_n in_o christ_n and_o in_o god_n as_o their_o own_o god_n how_o often_o do_v they_o call_v he_o their_o god_n and_o their_o portion_n and_o how_o persuade_v be_v paul_n that_o nothing_o can_v separate_v he_o from_o the_o love_n of_o god_n rom._n 8._o 38_o 39_o therefore_o the_o knowledge_n of_o a_o man_n gracious_a state_n be_v attainable_a and_o this_o knowledge_n of_o it_o which_o may_v be_v attain_v be_v no_o fancy_n and_o bare_a conceit_n but_o it_o be_v most_o sure_a doubtless_o thou_o be_v our_o father_n say_v the_o prophet_n in_o name_n of_o the_o church_n isa_n 23._o 16._o it_o be_v clear_a thus_o 1._o that_o can_v be_v no_o fancy_n but_o a_o very_a sure_a knowledge_n which_o do_v yield_v to_o a_o rational_a man_n comfort_n in_o most_o real_a strait_n but_o so_o do_v this_o 1._o sam._n 30._o 6._o when_o the_o people_n speak_v of_o ston_a david_n he_o encourage_v himself_o in_o the_o lord_n his_o god_n psal_n 3._o 6._o he_o say_v there_o he_o will_v not_o be_v afraid_a of_o ten_o thousand_o that_o rise_v against_o he_o compare_v these_o word_n with_o ver_fw-la 3._o of_o that_o psalm_n psal_n 27._o 1_o 3._o although_o a_o host_n encamp_v against_o he_o he_o be_v confident_a in_o this_o 2._o that_o be_v a_o sure_a knowledge_n of_o a_o thing_n which_o make_v a_o wise_a merchant_n sell_v all_o he_o have_v that_o he_o may_v keep_v it_o sure_o that_o make_v a_o man_n forgo_v child_n land_n life_n and_o suffer_v the_o spoil_n of_o all_o joyful_o but_o so_o do_v this_o mat._n 13._o 44._o mar._n 1â—_n 28_o 29_o heb._n 10._o 34._o rom._n 5._o act._n 5._o 41._o 13_o that_o must_v be_v a_o sure_a and_o certain_a knowledge_n and_o no_o fancy_n whereupon_o a_o man_n voluntary_o and_o free_o do_v adventure_v his_o soul_n when_o he_o be_v step_v into_o eternity_n with_o this_o word_n in_o his_o mouth_n this_o be_v all_o my_o desire_n but_o such_o a_o knowledge_n be_v 2_o sam._n 25._o 5._o and_o again_o not_o only_o may_v a_o godly_a man_n come_v to_o the_o sure_a knowledge_n of_o his_o gracious_a state_n but_o it_o be_v more_o easy_o attainable_a than_o many_o do_v apprehend_v for_o suppose_v what_o shall_v be_v afterward_o prove_v that_o a_o man_n may_v know_v the_o gracious_a work_n of_o god_n spirit_n in_o himself_o if_o he_o will_v but_o argue_v rational_o from_o thence_o he_o shall_v be_v force_v to_o conclude_v his_o interest_n in_o christ_n unless_o he_o deny_v clear_a scripture_n truth_n i_o shall_v only_o make_v use_n of_o one_o here_o because_o we_o be_v to_o speak_v more_o direct_o to_o this_o afterward_o a_o godly_a man_n may_v argue_v thus_o whosoever_o receive_v christ_n be_v just_o repute_v the_o child_n of_o god_n john_n 1._o 12._o but_o i_o have_v receive_v christ_n all_o the_o way_n which_o the_o word_n there_o can_v import_v for_o i_o be_o well_o please_v with_o the_o device_n or_o way_n of_o salvation_n by_o christ_n i_o agree_v to_o the_o term_n i_o welcome_v the_o offer_n of_o christ_n in_o all_o his_o office_n as_o a_o king_n to_o rule_v over_o i_o as_o a_o priest_n to_o offer_v and_o intercede_v for_o i_o as_o a_o prophet_n to_o teach_v i_o i_o lay_v out_o my_o heart_n for_o he_o and_o towards_o he_o rest_v on_o he_o as_o i_o be_o able_a what_o else_o can_v be_v mean_v by_o the_o word_n receive_v therefore_o may_v i_o say_v and_o conclude_v plain_o and_o warrantable_o i_o be_o just_o to_o reckon_v myself_o god_n child_n according_a to_o the_o aforesaid_a scripture_n which_o can_v fail_v the_o second_o thing_n to_o be_v premise_v be_v that_o a_o man_n be_v save_o in_o covenant_n with_o god_n be_v a_o matter_n of_o high_a importance_n it_o be_v his_o life_n deut._n 32._o 47._o and_o yet_o very_a few_o have_v or_o seek_v after_o a_o save_a interest_n in_o the_o covenant_n and_o many_o foolish_o think_v they_o have_v such_o a_o thing_n without_o any_o solid_a ground_n mat._n 7._o 14._o few_o find_v or_o walk_v in_o the_o narrow_a way_n this_o shall_v alarm_n people_n to_o be_v serious_a about_o the_o matter_n since_o it_o be_v of_o so_o great_a consequence_n to_o be_v in_o christ_n and_o since_o there_o be_v but_o few_o that_o may_v lay_v just_a claim_n to_o he_o and_o yet_o many_o do_v foolish_o fancy_v a_o interest_n in_o he_o who_o be_v deceive_v by_o a_o false_a confidence_n as_o the_o foolish_a virgin_n do_v mat._n 25._o the_o three_o thing_n to_o be_v premise_v be_v man_n must_v resolve_v to_o be_v determine_v by_o scripture_n in_o this_o matter_n of_o their_o interest_n in_o christ_n the_o spirit_n speak_v in_o the_o scripture_n be_v judge_n of_o all_o controversy_n isa_n 8._o 20._o to_o the_o law_n and_o the_o prophet_n and_o it_o speak_v not_o according_a to_o these_o there_o be_v no_o truth_n in_o it_o and_o of_o this_o also_o whether_o a_o man_n be_v save_o in_o covenant_n with_o god_n or_o not_o therefore_o do_v not_o mock_v god_n whilst_o you_o seem_v to_o search_v after_o such_o a_o thing_n if_o we_o prove_v from_o scripture_n which_o be_v the_o uncontroverted_a rule_n that_o you_o be_v gracious_a and_o have_v strike_v covenant_n saving_o with_o god_n then_o resolve_v to_o grant_v so_o much_o as_o to_o acquiesce_v in_o it_o and_o if_o the_o contrary_n appear_v let_v there_o be_v a_o determination_n of_o the_o controversy_n else_o you_o do_v but_o mock_v the_o lord_n and_o so_o your_o bond_n shall_v be_v make_v strong_a isa_n 28._o 22._o for_o a_o jot_n of_o his_o word_n can_v fail_v mat._n 5._o 18._o therefore_o seek_v eye_n salve_n from_o christ_n to_o judge_v of_o thing_n according_a as_o the_o word_n of_o god_n shall_v discover_v they_o to_o be_v the_o four_o thing_n to_o be_v premise_v be_v although_o the_o matter_n of_o a_o man_n interest_n in_o christ_n be_v of_o so_o great_a importance_n and_o the_o way_n to_o attain_v to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o it_o so_o plain_o hold_v forth_o in_o the_o scripture_n yet_o there_o be_v but_o few_o who_o reach_v the_o distinct_a knowledge_n of_o it_o and_o that_o this_o may_v not_o discourage_v any_o person_n from_o attempt_v it_o i_o shall_v hint_n some_o few_o reason_n why_o so_o few_o come_v to_o the_o clear_a knowledge_n of_o it_o which_o will_v also_o prepare_v the_o way_n for_o what_o be_v to_o be_v speak_v afterward_o the_o first_o thing_n which_o do_v
people_n may_v ready_o run_v themselves_o when_o we_o be_v about_o to_o prove_v their_o interest_n in_o christ_n as_o 1._o it_o be_v a_o mistake_n to_o think_v that_o every_o one_o who_o be_v in_o christ_n do_v know_v that_o he_o be_v in_o he_o for_o many_o be_v true_o gracious_a and_o have_v a_o good_a title_n to_o eternal_a life_n who_o do_v not_o know_v so_o much_o until_o it_o be_v make_v out_o afterward_o 1_o john_n 5._o 13_o these_o thing_n be_v write_v to_o believer_n that_o they_o may_v know_v they_o have_v a_o true_a title_n to_o eternal_a life_n that_o be_v that_o they_o may_v know_v they_o be_v believer_n and_o so_o it_o be_v suppose_v they_o know_v it_o not_o before_o 2._o it_o be_v a_o mistake_n to_o think_v that_o all_o who_o come_v to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o their_o interest_n in_o christ_n do_v attain_v a_o equal_a certainty_n about_o the_o same_o one_o may_v say_v he_o be_v persuade_v nothing_o present_a or_o to_o come_v can_v separate_v he_o from_o the_o love_n of_o god_n rome_n 8._o 38._o another_o come_v but_o this_o length_n i_o believe_v help_v my_o unbelief_n mar._n 9_o 24._o 3._o it_o be_v a_o mistake_n to_o think_v that_o every_o one_o who_o attain_v to_o a_o strong_a persuasion_n of_o his_o interest_n do_v always_o hold_v there_o for_o he_o who_o to_o day_n may_v say_v of_o the_o lord_n he_o be_v his_o refuge_n psal_n 21._o 2._o and_o kiss_v portion_n psal_n 119._o 57_o will_n at_o another_o time_n say_v he_o be_v cut_v off_o psal_n 31._o 22._o and_o will_v ask_v if_o the_o truth_n of_o god_n promise_n do_v fail_v for_o evermore_o psal_n 77._o 7_o 8_o 9_o 4._o it_o be_v also_o a_o mistake_n to_o think_v that_o every_o one_o who_o do_v attain_v a_o good_a knowledge_n of_o their_o gracious_a state_n can_v formal_o answer_v all_o objection_n make_v to_o the_o contrary_a but_o yet_o they_o may_v hold_v fast_o the_o conclusion_n and_o say_v i_o know_v who_o i_o have_v believe_v 2_o tim._n 1._o 12._o there_o be_v few_o ground_n of_o christian_a religion_n whereof_o many_o people_n be_v so_o persuade_v as_o that_o they_o be_v able_a to_o maintain_v they_o formal_o against_o all_o argument_n bring_v to_o the_o contrary_a and_o yet_o they_o may_v and_o will_v hold_v the_o conclusion_n steadfast_o and_o just_o so_o it_o be_v in_o this_o case_n in_o hand_n it_o be_v no_o less_o a_o mistake_n to_o imagine_v that_o the_o vain_a groundless_a confidence_n which_o many_o profane_a ignorant_a atheist_n do_v maintain_v be_v this_o knowledge_n of_o a_o interest_n in_o christ_n which_o we_o plead_v for_o many_o do_v false_o avouch_v he_o to_o be_v their_o father_n joh._n 8._o 41._o and_o many_o look_n for_o heaven_n who_o will_v be_v beguile_v with_o those_o foolish_a virgin_n mat._n 25._o 12._o yet_o we_o must_v not_o think_v because_o of_o this_o that_o all_o knowledge_n of_o interest_n be_v a_o delusion_n and_o fancy_n although_o these_o fool_n be_v deceive_v for_o whilst_o thousand_o be_v delude_v some_o can_v say_v on_o good_a and_o solid_a ground_n we_o know_v that_o we_o be_v of_o god_n and_o that_o the_o whole_a world_n lie_v in_o wickedness_n 1_o joh._n 5._o 19_o have_v premise_v these_o thing_n it_o now_o follow_v that_o we_o give_v some_o mark_n by_o which_o a_o man_n may_v know_v if_o he_o be_v save_o in_o covenant_n with_o god_n and_o have_v a_o special_a interest_n in_o christ_n so_o as_o he_o may_v warrantable_o lay_v claim_n to_o god_n favour_n and_o salvation_n we_o shall_v only_o pitch_v upon_o two_o great_a and_o principal_a mark_n not_o willing_a to_o trouble_v people_n with_o many_o and_o before_o we_o fall_v upon_o these_o we_o will_v speak_v of_o a_o preparatory_a work_n of_o the_o law_n whereof_o the_o lord_n do_v ordinary_o make_v use_n to_o prepare_v his_o own_o way_n in_o man_n soul_n this_o may_v have_v its_o own_o weight_n as_o a_o mark_n with_o some_o person_n it_o be_v call_v the_o work_n of_o the_o law_n or_o the_o work_n of_o humiliation_n it_o have_v some_o proportion_n to_o that_o spirit_n of_o bondage_n rom._n 8._o 15._o and_o do_v now_o under_o the_o new_a testament_n answer_v unto_o it_o and_o usual_o lead_v on_o to_o the_o spirit_n of_o adoption_n only_o here_o let_v it_o be_v remember_v 1._o that_o we_o be_v not_o to_o speak_v of_o this_o preparatory_a work_n of_o the_o law_n as_o a_o negative_a mark_n of_o true_a interest_n in_o christ_n as_o if_o none_o may_v lay_v claim_n to_o god_n favour_n who_o have_v not_o have_v this_o preparatory_a work_n in_o the_o several_a step_n of_o it_o as_o we_o be_v to_o speak_v of_o it_o for_o as_o we_o shall_v hear_v the_o lord_n do_v not_o always_o keep_v that_o path_n with_o man_n 2._o the_o great_a reason_n why_o we_o speak_v of_o it_o be_v because_o the_o lord_n deal_v with_o many_o who_o he_o do_v effectual_o call_v by_o some_o such_o preparatory_a work_n and_o to_o those_o who_o have_v be_v so_o deal_v with_o it_o may_v prove_v strengthen_v and_o will_v confirm_v they_o in_o lay_v the_o more_o weight_n on_o the_o mark_n which_o follow_v 3._o it_o may_v help_v to_o encourage_v other_o who_o be_v under_o such_o bondage_n of_o spirit_n as_o a_o good_a prognostic_n of_o a_o gracious_a work_n to_o follow_v for_o as_o we_o shall_v circumstantiate_v it_o it_o will_v be_v rare_o find_v to_o miscarry_v and_o fail_v of_o a_o gracious_a issue_n 4._o where_o god_n use_v such_o a_o preparatory_a work_n he_o do_v not_o keep_v one_o way_n or_o measure_n in_o it_o as_o we_o shall_v hear_v for_o the_o more_o distinct_a handle_n of_o this_o preparatory_a work_n we_o shall_v short_o hint_n the_o most_o ordinary_a way_n by_o which_o the_o lord_n lead_v people_n into_o the_o covenant_n save_o and_o draw_v they_o unto_o christ_n first_o there_o be_v some_o call_v from_o the_o womb_n as_o john_n the_o baptist_n be_v luke_n 1._o 41_o 44_o or_o in_o their_o very_a young_a year_n before_o they_o can_v be_v deep_o engage_v active_o in_o satan_n way_n 2_o tim._n 3._o 15._o it_o can_v be_v suppose_v that_o those_o have_v such_o a_o preparatory_a work_n as_o we_o be_v to_o speak_v of_o and_o because_o some_o person_n may_v pretend_v to_o this_o way_n of_o effectual_a call_n we_o offer_v these_o mark_n of_o it_o whereby_o those_o who_o have_v be_v so_o call_v may_v be_v confirm_v 1._o such_o use_n from_o their_o childhood_n to_o be_v keep_v free_a of_o ordinary_a pollution_n wherewith_o child_n usual_o be_v defile_v as_o swear_v lie_a mock_v of_o religion_n and_o religious_a person_n etc._n etc._n those_o who_o god_n call_v effectual_o he_o sanctify_v they_o from_o the_o time_n of_o that_o effectual_a call_n sin_n can_v have_v dominion_n over_o they_o as_o over_o other_o because_o they_o be_v under_o grace_n rom._n 6._o 14._o 2._o religion_n be_v as_o it_o be_v natural_a to_o they_o i_o mean_v they_o need_v not_o be_v much_o press_v to_o religious_a duty_n even_o when_o they_o be_v but_o child_n they_o willing_o run_v that_o way_n because_o there_o be_v a_o inward_a principle_n of_o love_n constrain_a they_o 2_o cor._n 5._o 14._o so_o as_o they_o yield_v themselves_o servant_n of_o righteousness_n without_o outward_a constraint_n rom._n 6._o 16._o 3._o although_o such_o know_v not_o when_o they_o be_v first_o acquaint_v with_o god_n yet_o afterward_o they_o have_v such_o exercise_n of_o spirit_n befalling_a as_o the_o saint_n in_o scripture_n of_o who_o first_o conversion_n we_o hear_v not_o do_v speak_v of_o they_o be_v shut_v out_o from_o god_n upon_o some_o occasion_n now_o and_o then_o and_o be_v admit_v to_o come_v near_o again_o to_o their_o apprehension_n their_o heart_n be_v also_o further_o break_v up_o by_o the_o ordinance_n as_o be_v say_v of_o lydia_n act._n 16._o 14._o and_o ordinary_o they_o do_v remember_v when_o some_o special_a piece_n of_o religion_n and_o duty_n or_o when_o some_o sin_n of_o which_o they_o be_v not_o take_v notice_n before_o be_v discover_v to_o they_o they_o who_o can_v apply_v these_o thing_n to_o themselves_o have_v much_o to_o say_v for_o their_o effectual_a call_n from_o their_o youth_n second_o some_o be_v bring_v in_o to_o christ_n in_o a_o sovereign_a gospel_n way_n when_o the_o lord_n by_o some_o few_o word_n of_o love_n swallow_v up_o any_o law-work_n quick_o take_v a_o person_n prisoner_n at_o the_o first_o as_o he_o do_v zacheus_n luke_n 19_o and_o other_o who_o upon_o a_o word_n speak_v by_o christ_n do_v leave_v all_o and_o follow_v he_o and_o we_o hear_v no_o noise_n of_o a_o law-work_n deal_v with_o they_o before_o they_o close_o with_o christ_n jesus_n and_o because_o some_o pretend_v to_o this_o way_n of_o call_v we_o shall_v touch_v some_o thing_n most_o remarkable_a in_o that_o transaction_n with_o zacheus_n
some_o great_a legal_a shake_n be_v deceitful_a and_o turn_v to_o nothing_o if_o not_o worse_o we_o shall_v point_v at_o some_o thing_n remarkable_a in_o these_o convert_n speak_v of_o before_o which_o do_v prove_v the_o work_n of_o the_o law_n on_o they_o to_o have_v have_v a_o gracious_a issue_n and_o result_v 1._o some_o word_n of_o truth_n or_o dispensation_n put_v the_o person_n to_o a_o dreadful_a stand_n with_o a_o great_a stir_n in_o the_o soul_n some_o be_v prick_v in_o heart_n act_v 2._o 27._o some_o fall_v on_o tremble_v act_v 16._o 29._o and_o this_o be_v such_o a_o stir_n that_o the_o person_n be_v bring_v to_o his_o wit_n end_n what_o will_v thou_o have_v i_o to_o do_v say_v paul_n act_v 9_o what_o shall_v i_o do_v say_v the_o jailor_n act_v 16._o 30._o 2._o the_o person_n be_v content_a to_o have_v salvation_n and_o god_n friendship_n on_o any_o term_n as_o the_o question_n do_v import_v what_o shall_v i_o do_v as_o if_o he_o have_v say_v what_o will_v i_o not_o do_v what_o will_v i_o not_o forego_v what_o will_v i_o not_o undergo_v 3._o the_o person_n accept_v the_o condition_n offer_v by_o christ_n and_o his_o servant_n as_o be_v clear_a in_o the_o forecited_n scripture_n 4._o the_o person_n present_o become_v of_o one_o interest_n with_o the_o saint_n join_v himself_o with_o that_o persecute_a society_n put_v respect_n on_o those_o who_o he_o have_v former_o persecute_v join_v and_o continue_v with_o they_o in_o the_o profession_n of_o christ_n on_o all_o hazard_n those_o with_o who_o the_o lord_n have_v so_o deal_v have_v much_o to_o say_v for_o a_o gracious_a work_n of_o god_n spirit_n in_o they_o and_o it_o be_v like_o many_o of_o they_o can_v date_n their_o work_n from_o such_o a_o particular_a time_n and_o word_n or_o dispensation_n and_o can_v give_v some_o account_n of_o what_o pass_v between_o god_n and_o they_o and_o of_o a_o sensible_a change_n follow_v in_o they_o from_o that_o time_n forward_o as_o paul_n give_v a_o good_a account_n of_o the_o work_n and_o way_n of_o god_n with_o he_o afterward_o act_v 22._o again_o the_o lord_n sometime_o carry_v on_o this_o work_n more_o calm_o foft_o and_o gentle_o protract_v it_o so_o as_o the_o step_n of_o man_n exercise_n under_o it_o be_v very_o discernible_a it_o will_v draw_v a_o great_a length_n to_o enlarge_v every_o step_n of_o it_o we_o shall_v touch_v the_o most_o observable_a thing_n in_o it_o 1._o the_o lord_n jay_v siege_n to_o man_n who_o it_o may_v be_v have_v often_o refuse_v to_o yield_v to_o he_o offer_v himself_o in_o the_o ordinance_n and_o by_o some_o word_n preach_v read_v or_o bear_v in_o on_o the_o mind_n or_o by_o some_o providence_n lead_v in_o unto_o the_o word_n he_o do_v also_o assault_v the_o house_n keep_v peaceable_o by_o the_o strong_a man_n the_o devil_n and_o thus_o christ_n who_o be_v the_o strong_a man_n come_v upon_o he_o luke_n 11._o 22._o and_o by_o the_o spirit_n of_o truth_n do_v fasten_v the_o word_n on_o the_o man_n in_o which_o god_n curse_v be_v denounce_v against_o such_o and_o such_o sinner_n whereof_o the_o man_n know_v himself_o guilty_a the_o spirit_n convince_v the_o man_n and_o bind_v it_o upon_o he_o that_o he_o be_v the_o same_o person_n against_o who_o the_o word_n of_o god_n do_v speak_v because_o he_o be_v guilty_a of_o such_o sin_n and_o from_o such_o sin_n the_o man_n be_v lead_v on_o to_o see_v more_o until_o ordinary_o he_o come_v to_o see_v the_o sin_n of_o his_o youth_n sin_n of_o omission_n etc._n etc._n yea_o he_o be_v lead_v on_o until_o he_o see_v himself_o guilty_a almost_o of_o the_o breach_n of_o the_o whole_a law_n he_o see_v innumerable_a evil_n compass_v he_o as_o david_n speak_v in_o a_o fit_a of_o exercise_n isa_n 40._o 12._o a_o man_n sometime_o will_v see_v ugly_a sight_n of_o sin_n in_o this_o case_n and_o be_v sharp-sighted_a to_o reckon_v a_o filthiness_n to_o every_o sin_n almost_o thus_o the_o spirit_n convince_v of_o sin_n jo._n 16._o 8._o 2._o the_o lord_n shake_v a_o special_a strong_a hold_n in_o the_o garrison_n a_o refuge_n of_o lie_n to_o which_o the_o man_n betake_v himself_o when_o his_o sin_n be_v thus_o discover_v to_o he_o the_o poor_a man_n pretend_v to_o faith_n in_o christ_n whereby_o he_o think_v his_o burden_n be_v take_v off_o he_o as_o the_o pharisee_n say_v john_n 8._o 41._o we_o have_v on_o father_n even_o god_n they_o pretend_v to_o a_o special_a relation_n of_o god_n as_o a_o common_a lord_n the_o spirit_n of_o god_n beat_v the_o man_n from_o this_o by_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o scripture_n prove_v that_o he_o have_v no_o true_a faith_n and_o so_o no_o interest_n in_o christ_n nor_o any_o true_a save_a grace_n show_v clear_a difference_n between_o true_a grace_n and_o the_o counterfeit_a fancy_n which_o the_o man_n have_v in_o he_o and_o between_o he_o and_o the_o true_o godly_a as_o christ_n labour_v to_o do_v those_o joh._n 8._o 42_o 44._o if_o god_n be_v your_o father_n you_o will_v love_v i_o you_o be_v of_o the_o devil_n for_o you_o do_v the_o lust_n of_o such_o a_o father_n so_o fear_n surprise_v the_o hypocrite_n in_o heart_n isa_n 33._o 14._o especial_o when_o the_o lord_n discover_v to_o he_o condition_n in_o many_o of_o these_o promise_n wherein_o he_o trust_v most_o not_o easy_o attainable_a he_o now_o see_v grace_n and_o faith_n another_o thing_n than_o once_o he_o judge_v they_o to_o be_v we_o may_v in_o some_o respect_n apply_v that_o word_n here_o the_o spirit_n convince_v he_o of_o sin_n because_o he_o have_v not_o believe_v on_o the_o son_n he_o be_v particular_o convince_v of_o unbelief_n john_n 16._o 9_o he_o see_v now_o a_o huge_a distance_n between_o himself_o and_o the_o godly_a who_o he_o think_v before_o outstripped_n he_o in_o only_a some_o unnecessary_a proud_a hateful_a preciseness_n he_o now_o see_v himself_o delude_v and_o in_o the_o broad_a way_n with_o the_o perish_a multitude_n and_o so_o in_o the_o sight_n of_o his_o misery_n couch_v down_o under_o his_o own_o burden_n which_o before_o this_o time_n he_o think_v christ_n do_v bear_v for_o he_o he_o now_o begin_v to_o be_v afraid_a of_o the_o promise_n because_o of_o that_o and_o such_o other_o word_n what_o hasâ—_n thou_o to_o do_v to_o take_v my_o covenant_n in_o thy_o mouth_n etc._n etc._n psal_n 50_o 16_o 3._o the_o man_n become_v careful_a about_o his_o salvation_n and_o begin_v to_o take_v it_o to_o heart_n as_o the_o one_o thing_n necessary_a he_o be_v bring_v to_o this_o with_o the_o jailor_n act._n 16._o what_o shall_v i_o do_v to_o be_v save_v his_o salvation_n become_v the_o lead_a thing_n with_o he_o it_o be_v least_o in_o his_o thought_n before_o but_o now_o it_o prevail_v and_o other_o thing_n be_v much_o mis-regarded_n by_o he_o since_o his_o soul_n be_v ready_a to_o perish_v what_o shall_v it_o profit_v he_o to_o gain_v the_o whole_a world_n if_o he_o lose_v his_o soul_n mat._n 16._o 26._o some_o here_o be_v much_o puzzle_v with_o thought_n of_o a_o irrecoverable_a decree_n to_o their_o prejudice_n and_o with_o the_o fear_n of_o uncertain_a death_n which_o may_v attach_v they_o before_o they_o get_v matter_n put_v to_o a_o point_n and_o some_o be_v vex_v with_o apprehension_n that_o they_o be_v guilty_a of_o the_o sin_n against_o the_o holy_a ghost_n which_o be_v unpardonable_a and_o so_o be_v drive_v a_o dangerous_a length_n satan_n still_o cast_v up_o to_o they_o many_o sad_a example_n of_o people_n who_o have_v doleful_o put_v a_o end_n to_o their_o own_o exercise_n but_o they_o be_v in_o the_o hand_n of_o one_o who_o know_v how_o to_o succour_v they_o that_o be_v tempt_v heb._n 2._o 18._o 4._o when_o a_o man_n be_v thus_o in_o hazard_n of_o miscarry_v the_o lord_n use_v a_o work_n of_o prevent_a mercy_n towards_o he_o quiet_o and_o underhand_o support_v he_o and_o this_o be_v by_o bear_v upon_o his_o mind_n the_o possibility_n of_o his_o salvation_n lead_v the_o man_n to_o the_o remembrance_n of_o pregnant_a proof_n of_o god_n free_a and_o rich_a grace_n pardon_v gross_a transgressor_n such_o as_o manass_v who_o be_v a_o bloody_a idolatrous_a man_n and_o have_v correspondence_n with_o the_o devil_n and_o yet_o obtain_v mercy_n 2_o chron._n 33._o 12_o 13._o and_o other_o scripture_n bear_v offer_n of_o grace_n and_o favour_n indifferent_o to_o all_o who_o will_v yield_v to_o christ_n whatsoever_o they_o have_v be_v former_o so_o as_o the_o man_n be_v bring_v again_o to_o this_o what_o shall_v i_o do_v to_o be_v save_v which_o do_v suppose_v that_o he_o apprehend_v a_o possibility_n of_o be_v save_v else_o he_o will_v not_o propound_v the_o question_n he_o apply_v that_o or_o the_o like_a word_n to_o himself_o it_o may_v
44._o yet_o it_o be_v a_o reflection_n upon_o christ_n and_o all_o he_o have_v do_v to_o say_v it_o be_v a_o matter_n of_o insuperable_a difficulty_n as_o be_v clear_a rom._n 10._o 6_o 11._o it_o be_v according_a to_o that_o scripture_n as_o much_o upon_o the_o matter_n as_o to_o say_v christ_n come_v not_o from_o heaven_n be_v not_o rise_v from_o the_o dead_a or_o ascend_v victorious_a to_o heaven_n i_o say_v he_o have_v make_v the_o way_n to_o heaven_n most_o easy_a and_o faith_n which_o be_v the_o condition_n require_v on_o our_o part_n more_o easy_a than_o man_n do_v imagine_v for_o the_o better_a understanding_n of_o this_o consider_v that_o justify_v faith_n be_v not_o to_o believe_v that_o i_o be_o elect_v or_o to_o believe_v that_o god_n love_v i_o or_o that_o christ_n die_v for_o i_o or_o the_o like_a these_o thing_n be_v indeed_o very_o difficult_a and_o almost_o impossible_a at_o the_o first_o hand_n to_o be_v obtain_v by_o those_o who_o be_v serious_a whilst_o natural_a atheist_n and_o delude_v hypocrite_n find_v no_o difficulty_n in_o assert_v all_o those_o thing_n i_o say_v true_a justify_v faith_n be_v not_o any_o of_o the_o foresay_a thing_n neither_o be_v it_o simple_o the_o believe_v of_o any_o sentence_n that_o be_v write_v or_o that_o can_v be_v think_v upon_o i_o grant_v he_o that_o believe_v on_o christ_n jesus_n believe_v what_o god_n have_v say_v about_o man_n sinful_a miserable_a condition_n by_o nature_n and_o he_o believe_v that_o to_o be_v true_a that_o there_o be_v life_n in_o the_o son_n who_o be_v slay_v and_o be_v rise_v again_o from_o the_o dead_a etc._n etc._n but_o none_o of_o these_o nor_o the_o believe_v of_o many_o such_o truth_n do_v speak_v out_o justify_v faith_n or_o that_o believe_v on_o the_o son_n of_o god_n speak_v of_o in_o scripture_n for_o than_o it_o be_v simple_o a_o act_n of_o the_o understanding_n but_o true_a justify_v faith_n which_o we_o now_o seek_v after_o as_o a_o good_a mark_n of_o interest_n in_o christ_n be_v chief_o and_o principal_o a_o act_n or_o work_v of_o the_o heart_n and_o will_n have_v presuppose_v sundry_a thing_n about_o truth_n in_o the_o understanding_n with_o the_o heart_n it_o be_v believe_v unto_o salvation_n rom._n 10._o 10._o and_o although_o it_o seem_v vers_n 9_o of_o that_o chapter_n that_o a_o man_n be_v save_v upon_o condition_n that_o he_o believe_v this_o truth_n god_n raise_v christ_n from_o the_o dead_a yet_o we_o must_v understand_v another_o thing_n there_o and_o vers_n 10._o than_o the_o believe_v the_o truth_n of_o that_o proposition_n for_o beside_o that_o all_o devil_n have_v that_o faith_n whereby_o they_o believe_v that_o god_n raise_v christ_n from_o the_o dead_a so_o the_o scripture_n have_v clear_o resolve_v justify_v faith_n into_o a_o receive_n of_o christ_n joh._n 1._o 12._o the_o receive_n of_o christ_n be_v there_o explain_v to_o be_v the_o believe_v on_o his_o name_n it_o be_v still_o call_v a_o stay_n on_o the_o lord_n isa_n 26._o 3._o a_o trust_n in_o god_n often_o mention_v in_o the_o psalm_n and_o the_o word_n be_v a_o lean_v on_o he_o it_o be_v a_o believe_v on_o christ_n joh_n 6._o 29._o and_o often_o so_o express_v in_o the_o new_a testament_n when_o god_n make_v man_n believe_v save_o he_o be_v say_v to_o draw_v they_o unto_o christ_n and_o when_o the_o lord_n invit_v they_o to_o believe_v he_o call_v they_o to_o come_v to_o he_o joh._n 6._o 37_o 44._o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n be_v like_o a_o man_n â—â—nding_v a_o jewel_n wherewith_o he_o fall_v in_o love_n mat._n 13._o 14_o to_o 46._o now_o i_o say_v this_o action_n of_o the_o heart_n on_o christ_n jesus_n be_v not_o so_o difficult_a a_o thing_n as_o be_v conceive_v shall_v that_o be_v judge_v a_o mysterious_a difficult_a thing_n which_o do_v consist_v much_o in_o desire_n if_o man_n have_v but_o a_o appetite_n â—ey_n have_v it_o for_o they_o be_v bless_v that_o hunger_n after_o righteousness_n mat._n 5._o 6._o if_o you_o will_v you_o be_v welcome_a rev._n 22._o 17._o it_o be_v a_o matter_n of_o such_o intricacy_n and_o insuperable_a difficulty_n greedy_o to_o look_v to_o that_o exalt_a saviour_n isa_n 45._o 22._o and_o to_o receive_v a_o thing_n that_o be_v offer_v hold_v forth_o and_o declare_v to_o be_v i_o if_o i_o will_v but_o accept_v and_o take_v iâ—_n and_o in_o a_o manner_n open_v my_o mouth_n and_o give_v way_n to_o it_o such_o a_o thing_n be_v faith_n psal_n 81_o 10._o if_o not_o less_o oh_o if_o i_o can_v persuade_v people_n what_o be_v justify_v faith_n which_o impropriate_v christ_n to_o i_o we_o often_o fright_v people_n from_o their_o just_a rest_n and_o quiet_a by_o make_v they_o apprehend_v faith_n to_o be_v some_o deep_a mysterious_a thing_n and_o by_o move_v unnecessary_a doubt_n about_o it_o whereby_o it_o be_v needless_o darken_v 2._o some_o make_v no_o use_n of_o this_o mark_n as_o judge_v it_o a_o high_a presumptuous_a crime_n to_o pretend_v to_o so_o excellent_a a_o thing_n as_o be_v the_o very_a condition_n of_o the_o new_a covenant_n to_o those_o i_o say_v you_o need_v not_o startle_v so_o much_o as_o it_o as_o if_o it_o be_v high_a pride_n to_o pretend_v to_o it_o for_o whatsoever_o true_a faith_n be_v man_n must_v resolve_v to_o have_v it_o or_o nothing_o at_o all_o all_o other_o mark_n be_v in_o vain_a without_o it_o a_o thousand_o thing_n beside_o will_v not_o do_v the_o business_n unless_o a_o man_n believe_v he_o abide_v in_o the_o state_n of_o condemnation_n joh._n 3._o 18_o 36._o 3._o other_o do_v not_o meddle_v with_o this_o noble_a mark_n of_o faith_n because_o they_o judge_v it_o a_o work_n of_o great_a difficulty_n to_o find_v out_o faith_n where_o it_o be_v to_o those_o i_o say_v it_o be_v not_o so_o difficult_a to_o find_v it_o out_o since_o he_o that_o believe_v have_v the_o witness_n in_o himself_o 1_o joh._n 5._o 10._o it_o be_v a_o thing_n which_o by_o some_o serious_a search_n may_v be_v know_v not_o only_o may_v we_o do_v much_o to_o find_v it_o out_o by_o the_o preparatory_a work_n go_v before_o it_o in_o many_o as_o the_o apprehend_n and_o believe_v of_o a_o man_n lose_a estate_n and_o that_o he_o can_v do_v his_o own_o business_n and_o that_o there_o be_v satisfy_a fullness_n in_o christ_n very_o desirable_a if_o he_o can_v overtake_v it_o a_o serious_a mind_v of_o this_o with_o a_o heart_n lay_v open_a for_o relief_n as_o also_o by_o the_o ordinary_a companion_n and_o concomitans_fw-la of_o it_o viz._n the_o like_n of_o christ_n dominion_n his_o kingh_n and_o prophetical_a office_n a_o desire_n to_o resign_v myself_o whole_o up_o to_o he_o to_o be_v at_o his_o dispose_n as_o also_o by_o the_o native_a consequence_n of_o it_o viz._n the_o managing_n of_o the_o world_n the_o managing_n of_o my_o own_o conscience_n according_a to_o the_o word_n a_o heart_n purify_n work_n a_o work_a love_n etc._n etc._n i_o say_v not_o only_o may_v we_o know_v faith_n by_o these_o thing_n but_o it_o be_v discernible_a by_o itself_o and_o of_o its_o own_o nature_n although_o i_o deny_v not_o but_o that_o there_o must_v be_v some_o help_n of_o god_n spirit_n by_o which_o we_o know_v what_o be_v free_o give_v unto_o we_o of_o god_n 1_o cor._n 2._o 12_o as_o also_o that_o god_n have_v allow_v many_o evidence_n and_o mark_n as_o precious_a help_n whereby_o man_n may_v clear_v up_o faith_n more_o full_o to_o themselves_o 1_o john_n 5._o 13._o yet_o i_o still_o say_v that_o faith_n or_o believe_v which_o be_v some_o act_n of_o the_o heart_n upon_o christ_n in_o the_o gospel_n and_o the_o transact_n with_o he_o there_o be_v discernible_a of_o itself_o and_o by_o itself_o to_o a_o judicious_a understand_a person_n with_o a_o ordinary_a influence_n of_o the_o spirit_n unless_o the_o lord_n for_o reason_n know_v to_o himself_o do_v overcloud_v a_o man_n reflex_n light_n by_o which_o he_o shall_v take_v up_o and_o perceive_v what_o be_v in_o he_o this_o justify_v faith_n which_o we_o assert_v to_o be_v so_o discernible_a be_v in_o the_o lord_n deep_a wisdom_n and_o gracious_a condescendence_n various_o express_v in_o scripture_n according_a to_o the_o different_a act_n of_o it_o upon_o god_n and_o outgoing_n after_o he_o so_o as_o every_o one_o who_o have_v it_o may_v find_v and_o take_v it_o up_o in_o his_o own_o mould_n it_o sometime_o act_v by_o a_o desire_n of_o union_n with_o he_o in_o christ_n this_o be_v that_o look_v to_o he_o isa_n 45._o 22._o this_o seem_v to_o be_v a_o weak_a act_n of_o faith_n and_o far_o below_o other_o act_n of_o it_o at_o other_o time_n perhaps_o in_o that_o same_o person_n man_n will_v look_v to_o what_o they_o dare_v not_o approach_v to_o their_o apprehension_n which_o they_o dare_v
a_o special_a interest_n in_o the_o man_n and_o also_o all_o that_o belong_v to_o he_o there_o be_v a_o communion_n between_o husband_n and_o wife_n whereby_o they_o have_v a_o special_a interest_n in_o each_o other_o person_n good_n and_o concernment_n 〈◊〉_d so_o be_v it_o here_o there_o be_v such_o a_o communion_n with_o god_n he_o be_v our_o god_n and_o all_o thing_n be_v we_o because_o he_o be_v oursâ—_fw-la this_o communion_n with_o god_n all_o true_a believer_n have_v at_o aâ—times_o as_o we_o shall_v show_v afterward_o i_o grant_v there_o be_v aâ—_n actual_a improvement_n of_o that_o communion_n whereby_o man_n dâ—_n bold_o meddle_v with_o any_o thing_n that_o belong_v unto_o god_n and_o do_v meddle_v with_o himself_o as_o their_o own_o with_o much_o homeliness_n and_o familiarity_n especial_o in_o worship_n when_o the_o soul_n do_v converse_v with_o a_o live_a god_n partake_v of_o the_o divine_a nature_n grow_v like_a unto_o he_o and_o sweet_o travel_v through_o his_o attribute_n and_o with_o some_o confidence_n of_o interest_n view_v these_o thing_n as_o the_o man_n owâ—_n good_n and_o gear_n this_o we_o call_v communion_n with_o god_n iâ—_n ordinance_n this_o indeed_o be_v not_o ordinary_o nor_o frequent_o make_v out_o to_o man_n and_o all_o his_o people_n do_v not_o equal_o partake_v of_o it_o and_o it_o be_v true_a that_o what_o be_v in_o god_n go_v not_o out_o for_o the_o behoof_n of_o the_o man_n to_o his_o apprehension_n equal_o at_o all_o time_n yet_o certain_o communion_n with_o god_n proper_o so_o call_v viz._n that_o commonness_n of_o interest_n between_o god_n and_o a_o man_n who_o be_v save_o in_o covenant_n with_o he_o do_v always_o stand_v firm_a and_o sure_a and_o so_o much_o of_o communion_n with_o god_n in_o ordinance_n have_v all_o believer_n as_o that_o their_o heart_n converse_v with_o a_o live_a god_n there_o now_o and_o then_o and_o be_v in_o some_o measure_n change_v into_o that_o same_o image_n and_o there_o need_v be_v no_o doubt_n â—ny_o further_o about_o it_o three_o there_o be_v a_o thing_n which_o be_v call_v fellowshipâ—ith_n â—ith_z god_n often_o mistake_v also_o among_o believer_n if_o by_o fellowship_n be_v mean_v the_o walk_n in_o our_o duty_n as_o in_o the_o â—ight_n of_o a_o live_a god_n who_o see_v and_o hear_v we_o and_o be_v â—imess_n to_o all_o our_o carriage_n it_o be_v a_o thing_n common_a unto_o â—ll_o gracious_a man_n they_o have_v it_o habitual_o and_o in_o design_n â—sal_n 16._o 8._o i_o have_v set_v the_o lord_n always_o before_o i_o yea_o â—nd_v often_o they_o have_v it_o actual_o in_o exercise_n when_o their_o spirit_n be_v in_o any_o good_a frame_n they_o walk_v as_o if_o they_o see_v god_n stand_v by_o they_o and_o have_v some_o thought_n of_o his_o favour_n through_o christ_n true_o our_o fellowship_n be_v with_o the_o faâ—er_n and_o with_o his_o son_n 1_o john_n 1._o 3._o if_o we_o by_o fellowship_n do_v mean_v a_o sweet_a refresh_v familiar_a sensible_a converse_v with_o god_n which_o do_v delight_n and_o refresh_v the_o â—ul_n beside_o what_o the_o conscience_n of_o duty_n do_v it_o be_v â—hen_o a_o walk_n in_o the_o light_n of_o his_o countenance_n and_o a_o â—ood_a part_n of_o sensible_a presence_n and_o although_o it_o seem_v â—och_o have_v much_o of_o it_o while_o it_o be_v say_v be_v walk_v with_o â—od_a gen._n 5._o 24._o yet_o it_o be_v not_o so_o ordinary_a as_o the_o former_a â—or_a so_o common_a to_o all_o christian_n for_o here_o the_o soul_n be_v fillâ—â—as_v with_o marrow_n and_o fatness_n follow_v hard_o after_o its_o â—ide_v and_o singular_o uphold_v by_o his_o right_a hand_n psal_n 3._o 5_o 8._o four_o there_o be_v a_o thing_n which_o be_v call_v access_n uâ—_n to_o god_n and_o this_o i_o take_v to_o be_v the_o remove_n of_o obstruction_n out_o of_o the_o way_n between_o a_o man_n and_o god_n so_o as_o the_o mâ—_n be_v admit_v to_o come_v near_o we_o be_v say_v to_o have_v accâ—_n to_o a_o great_a person_n when_o door_n be_v cast_v open_a guard_v remove_v from_o about_o he_o and_o we_o admit_v to_o come_v cloâ—_n at_o he_o so_o it_o be_v here_o now_o this_o access_n in_o scripture_n 〈◊〉_d sometime_o take_v for_o christ_n prepare_v of_o the_o way_n the_o removing_z of_o enmity_n between_o god_n and_o sinner_n so_o as_o mâ—now_v have_v a_o patent_n way_n to_o come_v unto_o god_n through_o christ_n ephes_n 2._o 18._o sometime_o it_o be_v take_v for_o the_o actual_a improvement_n of_o that_o access_n purchase_v by_o christ_n when_o a_o mâ—_n find_v all_o obstruction_n and_o difference_n which_o do_v ordinaâ—â—ly_o fall_v in_o between_o he_o and_o god_n remove_v god_n be_v nauncouth_a to_o he_o nor_o as_o a_o stranger_n keep_v up_o himseâ—_n from_o he_o or_o frown_v on_o he_o but_o the_o man_n be_v admittâ—_n to_o come_v even_o unto_o his_o seat_n as_o job_n 23._o 3._o of_o the_o wanteâ—_n this_o do_v job_n complain_v job_n 23._o 8_o 9_o whilst_o he_o say_v go_v forward_o backward_o to_o the_o right_n and_o left_a hand_n and_o find_v he_o not_o the_o first_o sort_n of_o access_n be_v common_a to_o all_o believer_n they_o be_v bring_v near_o by_o the_o blood_n of_o the_o covenant_n and_o be_v no_o more_o far_o off_o as_o the_o deadly_a enmity_n between_o god_n and_o they_o be_v remove_v but_o access_n in_o the_o other_o sense_n be_v dispense_v more_o according_a to_o the_o lord_n absolve_v sovereignty_n and_o pleasure_n and_o it_o be_v leave_v in_o the_o power_n 〈◊〉_d believer_n to_o obstruct_v it_o unto_o themselves_o until_o it_o please_v the_o lord_n merciful_o and_o free_o to_o grant_v it_o unto_o they_o against_o so_o it_o be_v up_o and_o down_o and_o there_o needs_o be_v no_o question_n 〈◊〉_d to_o man_n state_n about_o it_o five_o there_o be_v a_o thing_n call_v liberty_n before_o god_n and_o this_o proper_o be_v freedom_n or_o free_a speak_v unto_o god_n many_o do_v much_o question_v their_o state_n because_o of_o the_o waâ—_n of_o this_o now_o and_o then_o since_o the_o scripture_n have_v say_v whaâ—_n the_o spirit_n be_v there_o be_v liberty_n 2_o cor._n 3._o 17._o but_o they_o 〈◊〉_d just_o confine_v that_o liberty_n speak_v of_o there_o unto_o this_o freâ—_n spake_v before_o god_n i_o grant_v where_o the_o spirit_n of_o the_o lord_n do_v save_o discover_v god_n will_v in_o the_o scripture_n to_o a_o man_n there_o be_v liberty_n from_o any_o obligation_n to_o the_o ceremonial_a law_n and_o from_o the_o condemn_a power_n of_o the_o moral_a law_n and_o from_o much_o of_o that_o gross_a darkness_n and_o ignorance_n which_o be_v on_o natural_a heart_n as_o a_o vail_n hide_v christ_n in_o the_o gospel_n from_o they_o i_o grant_v also_o that_o sometime_o even_o this_o liberty_n which_o be_v a_o free_a communion_n with_o god_n and_o order_v of_o our_o case_n before_o he_o and_o fill_v of_o our_o mouth_n with_o argument_n job_n 23._o 4._o be_v grant_v to_o the_o godly_a but_o not_o as_o liberty_n take_v in_o the_o former_a sense_n although_o the_o lord_n have_v oblige_v himself_o to_o pour_v out_o the_o spirit_n of_o prayer_n upon_o all_o the_o house_n of_o david_n in_o some_o measure_n zech._n 12._o 10._o yet_o this_o communication_n of_o the_o spirit_n which_o we_o call_v liberty_n or_o free_a speak_v unto_o god_n depend_v much_o on_o the_o lord_n absolute_a pleasure_n when_o and_o what_o measure_n to_o allow_v it_o this_o liberty_n which_o we_o call_v freedom_n or_o free_a speak_v with_o god_n in_o prayer_n be_v sometime_o much_o abstract_v from_o any_o great_a confidence_n in_o the_o time_n of_o prayer_n at_o least_o until_o it_o draw_v towards_o the_o close_a of_o it_o it_o stand_v much_o in_o a_o vivacity_n of_o the_o understanding_n to_o take_v up_o the_o case_n which_o a_o man_n be_v to_o speak_v before_o god_n so_o as_o he_o can_v order_v his_o case_n and_o next_o there_o be_v word_n or_o verbal_a expression_n elegant_a suitable_a and_o very_o emphatical_a or_o powerful_a and_o pithy_a there_o be_v also_o join_v a_o fervency_n of_o spirit_n in_o prayer_n whereof_o the_o scripture_n speak_v the_o soul_n be_v hot_a and_o bend_a and_o very_a intent_n there_o be_v also_o ordinary_o in_o this_o liberty_n a_o special_a melt_a of_o the_o heart_n often_o join_v with_o a_o great_a measure_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o grace_n and_o supplication_n zech._n 10._o 11._o for_o so_o the_o soul_n in_o pour_v out_o before_o god_n as_o for_o a_o first_o bear_v such_o be_v the_o liberty_n which_o many_o saint_n get_v before_o god_n whilst_o in_o much_o brekenness_n of_o heart_n and_o fervency_n of_o spirit_n they_o be_v admit_v to_o speak_v their_o mind_n full_o to_o god_n as_o a_o live_a god_n noticing_z at_o least_o their_o prayer_n sometime_o this_o liberty_n be_v join_v with_o confidence_n and_o then_o it_o be_v not_o
only_o a_o free_a but_o also_o a_o bold_a speak_v before_o god_n it_o be_v that_o boldness_n with_o confidence_n ephes_n 3._o 12._o this_o be_v more_o rare_o impart_v unto_o man_n than_o the_o former_a yet_o it_o be_v ordinary_a it_o have_v in_o it_o beside_o what_o we_o speak_v before_o some_o influence_n of_o the_o spirit_n upon_o faith_n make_v it_o put_v out_o some_o vigorous_a act_n in_o prayer_n there_o be_v a_o sweet_a mournful_a frame_n of_o spirit_n by_o which_o a_o man_n pour_v out_o his_o heart_n in_o god_n bosom_n and_o with_o some_o confidence_n of_o his_o favour_n and_o good_a will_n plead_v his_o cause_n before_o he_o as_o a_o live_a god_n and_o this_o be_v all_o the_o sensible_a presence_n that_o many_o saint_n do_v attain_v unto_o there_o be_v no_o ground_n of_o doubt_n about_o a_o man_n estate_n in_o point_n of_o liberty_n before_o god_n in_o this_o last_o sense_n because_o there_o be_v nothing_o essential_a to_o the_o make_v up_o of_o a_o gracious_a state_n here_o some_o have_v it_o some_o want_n some_o have_v it_o at_o sometime_o and_o not_o at_o other_o time_n so_o that_o it_o be_v much_o up_o and_o down_o yet_o i_o may_v say_v gracious_a man_n may_v do_v much_o by_o a_o very_a ordinary_a influence_n in_o contribute_v towards_o the_o attain_n and_o retain_v or_o keep_v of_o such_o a_o frame_n of_o spirit_n six_o there_o be_v a_o thing_n call_v influence_n or_o breathe_v of_o the_o spirit_n this_o gracious_a influence_n for_o of_o such_o only_o do_v i_o now_o speak_v be_v either_o ordinary_a and_o this_o be_v the_o operation_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n on_o the_o soul_n and_o the_o habit_n of_o grace_n there_o whereby_o they_o be_v still_o keep_v alive_a and_o in_o some_o exercise_n and_o act_n although_o not_o very_o discernible_a this_o influence_n i_o conceive_v do_v always_o attend_v believer_n and_o be_v that_o keep_n and_o water_v night_n and_o day_n and_o every_o moment_n promise_v isa_n 27._o 3._o or_o this_o influence_n be_v more_o singular_a and_o special_a and_o be_v the_o same_o to_o a_o gracious_a although_o a_o wither_a soul_n as_o the_o wind_n and_o breath_n to_o the_o dry_a bone_n put_v they_o in_o good_a ease_n ezek._n 37._o 9_o 10._o and_o as_o the_o dew_n or_o rain_n to_o the_o grass_n or_o new_o mow_v field_n and_o parch_a ground_n psal_n 72._o 6._o such_o influence_n be_v mean_v cant._n 4._o 16._o by_o the_o blow_n of_o the_o south_n wind_n make_v the_o spice_n to_o flow_v out_o when_o the_o spirit_n move_v thus_o there_o be_v a_o edge_n put_v upon_o the_o graâ—es_n of_o god_n in_o the_o soul_n and_o they_o be_v mad_a to_o act_v more_o vigorous_o this_o be_v the_o enlarge_n of_o the_o heart_n by_o which_o a_o 〈◊〉_d do_v run_v in_o the_o way_n of_o god_n psal_n 119._o 32._o this_o influence_n be_v more_o discernible_a than_o the_o former_a and_o not_o so_o ordinary_o communicate_v also_o here_o sometime_o the_o wind_n blow_v more_o upon_o one_o grace_n and_o sometime_o more_o discernable_o upon_o another_o and_o often_o upon_o many_o of_o the_o grace_n together_o and_o according_a to_o the_o lesser_a or_o great_a measure_n of_o this_o influence_n the_o soul_n act_v more_o or_o less_o vigorous_o towards_o god_n and_o since_o faith_n be_v a_o create_a grace_n in_o the_o soul_n this_o influence_n of_o the_o spirit_n be_v upon_o it_o sometime_o less_o sometime_o more_o and_o according_o be_v the_o assurance_n of_o faith_n small_a or_o great_a seven_o there_o be_v the_o hear_n of_o prayer_n often_o speak_v of_o in_o scripture_n and_o many_o vex_v themselves_o about_o it_o allege_v that_o they_o know_v nothing_o of_o it_o experimental_o i_o grant_v there_o be_v a_o favourable_a hear_n of_o prayer_n but_o we_o must_v remember_v it_o be_v two_o fold_n either_o 1._o it_o be_v such_o as_o a_o man_n be_v simple_o to_o believe_v by_o way_n of_o argument_n on_o scriptural_a ground_n as_o if_o i_o be_v flee_v unto_o christ_n and_o do_v approach_n unto_o god_n in_o he_o pray_v according_a to_o his_o will_n not_o regard_v iniquity_n in_o my_o heart_n exercise_v faith_n about_o the_o thing_n i_o pray_v for_o absolute_o or_o conditional_o according_a to_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n and_o promise_n about_o it_o i_o be_o oblige_v to_o believe_v that_o god_n hear_v my_o prayer_n and_o will_v give_v what_o be_v good_a according_a to_o the_o scripture_n joh._n 14._o 13_o 14._o whatsoever_o you_o ask_v in_o my_o name_n i_o will_v do_v it_o 1_o john_n 5._o 14._o this_o be_v our_o confidence_n that_o whatsoever_o we_o ask_v according_a to_o his_o will_n he_o hear_v we_o mark_v 3._o 24._o believe_v that_o you_o receive_v and_o you_o shall_v have_v what_o you_o desire_v psal_n 66._o 18._o if_o i_o regard_v iniquity_n he_o will_v not_o hear_v then_o if_o i_o regard_v not_o iniquity_n i_o may_v believe_v that_o he_o do_v hear_v i_o or_o 2._o a_o man_n do_v sensible_o perceive_v that_o god_n hear_v his_o prayer_n it_o be_v make_v out_o to_o his_o heart_n without_o any_o syllogistical_a deduction_n such_o a_o hear_n of_o prayer_n get_v hannah_n 1_o sam._n 1._o 8._o her_o countenance_n be_v no_o more_o sad_a sure_o the_o lord_n do_v breath_n upon_o her_o faith_n and_o make_v she_o believe_v that_o she_o be_v hear_v and_o she_o can_v not_o make_v it_o out_o by_o any_o argument_n for_o she_o have_v not_o ground_n whereupon_o to_o build_v the_o premise_n of_o the_o argument_n according_a to_o scripture_n in_o that_o particular_a god_n do_v stamp_v it_o in_o some_o way_n upon_o her_o heart_n sensible_o and_o so_o make_v she_o believe_v it_o this_o be_v but_o rare_o grant_v especial_o in_o case_n clear_o deducible_a in_o scripture_n and_o therefore_o people_n be_v much_o to_o be_v satisfy_v in_o exercise_v their_o faith_n about_o the_o other_o and_o let_v god_n give_v of_o this_o latter_a what_o he_o please_v a_o man_n gracious_a state_n shall_v not_o be_v bring_v upon_o debate_n upon_o the_o account_n of_o such_o hear_n of_o prayer_n eight_o there_o be_v assurance_n of_o god_n favour_n by_o the_o witness_v of_o our_o own_o spirit_n which_o assurance_n be_v deduce_v by_o way_n of_o argument_n syllogistical_o thus_o whosoever_o believe_v on_o christ_n shall_v never_o perish_v but_o i_o do_v believe_v on_o christ_n therefore_o i_o shall_v never_o perish_v whoso_o have_v respect_n unto_o all_o god_n commandment_n shall_v never_o be_v ashamed_a but_o i_o have_v respect_n unto_o all_o his_o command_n therefore_o i_o shall_v never_o be_v ashamed_a i_o say_v by_o reason_v thus_o and_o compare_v spiritual_a thing_n with_o spiritual_a thing_n a_o man_n may_v attain_v unto_o a_o good_a certainty_n of_o his_o gracious_a state_n it_o be_v suppose_v 1_o john_n 3._o 18_o 19_o that_o by_o love_v the_o brethren_n in_o deed_n and_o in_o truth_n we_o may_v assure_v our_o heart_n before_o god_n and_o that_o a_o man_n may_v rejoice_v upon_o the_o testimony_n of_o a_o good_a conscience_n 2_o cor._n 1._o 12._o a_o man_n may_v have_v confidence_n if_o his_o heart_n do_v not_o condemn_v he_o 1_o john_n 3._o 21._o we_o may_v then_o attain_v unto_o some_o assurance_n although_o not_o full_a assurance_n by_o the_o witness_n of_o our_o own_o spirit_n i_o do_v not_o deny_v that_o in_o this_o witness_v of_o our_o spirit_n towards_o assurance_n there_o be_v some_o concurrence_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n but_o i_o conceive_v there_o need_v but_o a_o very_a ordinary_a influence_n without_o which_o we_o can_v do_v nothing_o now_o this_o assurance_n such_o as_o it_o be_v may_v be_v reach_v by_o intelligent_a believer_n who_o keep_v a_o good_a conscience_n in_o their_o walk_n so_o i_o hope_v there_o needs_o be_v no_o debate_n about_o it_o as_o to_o a_o man_n gracious_a state_n for_o if_o a_o man_n will_v clear_v himself_o of_o heart_n condemning_n he_o will_v speedy_o reach_v this_o assurance_n nine_o there_o be_v a_o witness_v of_o god_n spirit_n mention_v rom._n 8._o 16._o a_o bear_a witness_n with_o our_o spirit_n that_o we_o be_v the_o child_n of_o god_n this_o operation_n of_o the_o spirit_n be_v best_a understand_v if_o we_o produce_v any_o syllogism_n by_o which_o our_o spirit_n do_v witness_v our_o sonship_n as_o for_o example_n whosoever_o love_v the_o brethren_n be_v pass_v from_o death_n to_o life_n and_o consequent_o be_v in_o christ_n but_o i_o love_v the_o brother_n therefore_o i_o be_o pass_v from_o death_n to_o life_n here_o there_o be_v a_o threefold_a operation_n of_o the_o spirit_n or_o three_o operation_n rather_o the_o first_o be_v a_o beam_n of_o divine_a light_n upon_o the_o first_o proposition_n persuade_v the_o divine_a authority_n of_o it_o as_o the_o word_n of_o god_n the_o spirit_n of_o the_o lord_n must_v witness_v the_o divinity_n of_o the_o scripture_n and_o that_o be_v the_o
infallible_a word_n of_o god_n far_o beyond_o all_o other_o argument_n can_v be_v use_v for_o it_o the_o second_o operation_n be_v a_o glorious_a beam_n of_o light_n from_o the_o spirit_n shine_v upon_o the_o second_o proposiâ—â—n_n and_o so_o upon_o his_o own_o grace_n in_o the_o soul_n discover_v they_o to_o be_v true_a grace_n and_o such_o as_o the_o scripture_n call_v so_o thus_o be_v we_o say_v to_o know_v by_o his_o spirit_n the_o thing_n free_o give_v to_o we_o of_o god_n 1_o cor._n 2._o 13._o the_o three_o operation_n be_v in_o order_n to_o the_o three_o proposition_n of_o the_o argument_n or_o the_o conclusion_n and_o this_o i_o conceive_v to_o be_v nothing_o else_o but_o a_o influence_n upon_o faith_n strengthen_v it_o to_o draw_v a_o conclusion_n of_o full_a assurance_n upon_o the_o foresay_a premise_n now_o with_o submission_n unto_o other_o who_o have_v great_a light_n in_o the_o scripture_n and_o more_o experience_n of_o these_o precious_a communication_n i_o do_v conceive_v the_o witness_n of_o the_o spirit_n or_o witness_v of_o it_o which_o be_v mention_v rom._n 8._o 16._o be_v not_o that_o first_o operation_n upon_o the_o first_o proposition_n for_o that_o operation_n be_v that_o testimony_n of_o the_o spirit_n by_o which_o he_o bear_v witness_n to_o the_o divinity_n of_o the_o whole_a scripture_n and_o assert_v the_o divine_a authority_n of_o it_o unto_o the_o soul_n of_o gracious_a man_n and_o such_o a_o operation_n may_v be_v upon_o a_o truth_n of_o scripture_n which_o do_v not_o relate_v to_o a_o man_n sonship_n or_o interest_n in_o christ_n at_o all_o the_o spirit_n may_v so_o shine_v upon_o any_o truth_n relate_v to_o duty_n or_o any_o other_o fundamental_a truth_n persuade_v the_o divinity_n of_o it_o upon_o and_o unto_o the_o soul_n and_o speak_v nothing_o relate_v to_o a_o man_n interest_n in_o christ_n neither_o be_v the_o three_o operation_n of_o the_o spirit_n by_o which_o he_o make_v faith_n bold_o draw_v the_o conclusion_n this_o witness_v of_o the_o spirit_n for_o that_o operation_n be_v nothing_o else_o but_o influence_n upon_o faith_n bring_v it_o out_o to_o full_a assurance_n but_o that_o whereupon_o this_o full_a assurance_n be_v draw_v or_o put_v out_o be_v somewhat_o depone_v and_o witness_v already_o therefore_o i_o conceive_v the_o second_o operation_n of_o the_o spirit_n upon_o the_o second_o proposition_n and_o so_o upon_o the_o grace_n in_o the_o man_n be_v that_o witness_n of_o god_n spirit_n that_o â—eaâ—_n of_o divine_a light_n shine_v upon_o those_o grace_n whereby_o they_o be_v make_v very_o conspicuous_a to_o the_o understanding_n that_o be_v the_o witness_n the_o shine_a so_o on_o they_o in_o his_o witness_v for_o only_o here_o in_o this_o proposition_n and_o in_o this_o operation_n do_v the_o spirit_n of_o god_n prove_v a_o co-witness_n with_o our_o spirit_n for_o the_o main_a thing_n wherein_o the_o witness_n of_o our_o spirit_n lie_v be_v the_o second_o proposition_n and_o so_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n witness_v with_o our_o spirit_n be_v also_o in_o that_o same_o proposition_n so_o these_o two_o witness_n have_v depone_v and_o witness_v one_o and_o the_o same_o thing_n viz._n the_o truth_n and_o reality_n of_o such_o and_o such_o grace_n in_o the_o man_n which_o our_o own_o spirit_n or_o conscience_n do_v depone_v according_a to_o its_o knowledge_n and_o the_o spirit_n of_o the_o lord_n do_v certain_o affirm_v and_o witness_v to_o be_v so_o there_o be_v a_o sentence_n draw_v forth_o and_o a_o conclusion_n of_o the_o man_n sonship_n by_o the_o man_n faith_n breathe_v upon_o by_o the_o spirit_n for_o that_o effect_n and_o this_o conclusion_n bear_v the_o full_a assurance_n of_o a_o man_n sonship_n it_o may_v be_v presume_v that_o some_o true_a saint_n do_v not_o partake_v of_o this_o all_o their_o day_n as_o heb._n 2._o 15._o ten_o i_o speak_v with_o the_o experience_n of_o many_o 〈◊〉_d and_o i_o hope_v according_a to_o scripture_n if_o i_o say_v there_o be_v a_o communication_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n which_o be_v let_v out_o to_o some_o of_o his_o people_n sometime_o it_o be_v somewhat_o beside_o if_o not_o beyond_o that_o witness_v of_o a_o sonship_n speak_v of_o before_o it_o be_v a_o glorious_a divine_a manifestation_n of_o god_n unto_o the_o soul_n shed_v abroad_o god_n love_n in_o the_o heart_n it_o be_v a_o thing_n better_o feel_v than_o speak_v of_o it_o be_v no_o audible_a voice_n but_o it_o be_v a_o glance_n of_o glory_n fill_v the_o soul_n with_o god_n as_o he_o be_v life_n light_n love_n and_o liberty_n countervail_v that_o audible_a voice_n o_o man_n great_o belove_v dan._n 9_o 22_o 33._o put_v a_o man_n in_o a_o transport_n with_o this_o on_o his_o heart_n it_o be_v good_a to_o be_v here_o as_o mat._n 17._o 4._o it_o be_v that_o which_o go_v out_o from_o christ_n to_o mary_n when_o he_o but_o mention_v her_o name_n john_n 20._o 16._o he_o have_v speak_v some_o word_n to_o she_o before_o and_o she_o understand_v not_o that_o it_o be_v he_o but_o when_o he_o utter_v this_o one_o word_n mary_n there_o be_v some_o admirable_a divine_a conveyance_n and_o manifestation_n make_v out_o unto_o her_o heart_n by_o which_o she_o be_v so_o satisfy_o fill_v that_o there_o be_v no_o place_n for_o argue_v and_o dispute_v whether_o or_o not_o that_o be_v christ_n and_o if_o she_o have_v any_o interest_n in_o he_o that_o manifestation_n make_v faith_n to_o itself_o and_o do_v purchase_v credit_n and_o trust_v to_o itself_o and_o be_v equivalent_a with_o tâ—us_o say_v the_o lord_n this_o be_v such_o a_o glance_n of_o glory_n that_o it_o may_v in_o the_o high_a sense_n be_v call_v the_o earnest_n or_o first_o fruit_n of_o the_o inheritance_n for_o it_o be_v a_o feel_a armful_n of_o the_o holy_a god_n almost_o whole_o conform_v the_o man_n unto_o his_o likeness_n so_o swallow_v he_o up_o that_o he_o forget_v all_o thing_n except_o the_o present_a manifestation_n o_o how_o glorious_a be_v this_o manifestation_n of_o the_o spirit_n i'faith_o here_o rise_v to_o so_o full_a a_o assurance_n that_o it_o resolve_v whole_o into_o sensible_a embracement_n of_o god_n this_o be_v the_o thing_n which_o do_v best_a deserve_v the_o title_n of_o sensible_a presence_n and_o it_o be_v like_a be_v not_o give_v unto_o all_o believer_n some_o whereof_o be_v all_o their_o day_n under_o bondage_n and_o in_o fear_n heb._n 2._o 15._o but_o here_o love_v almost_o perfect_a cast_v out_o fear_n this_o be_v so_o absolute_o let_v out_o upon_o the_o master_n pleasure_n and_o so_o transient_a and_o pass_o or_o quick_o go_v when_o it_o be_v that_o no_o man_n may_v bring_v his_o gracious_a state_n upon_o debate_n for_o want_v of_o it_o eleven_o there_o be_v a_o thing_n we_o call_v peace_n about_o which_o many_o do_v vex_v themselves_o this_o peace_n be_v either_o about_o a_o man_n state_n that_o he_o be_v reconcile_v unto_o god_n by_o jesus_n christ_n or_o it_o be_v about_o his_o present_a case_n and_o condition_n that_o he_o be_v walk_v so_o as_o approve_v of_o god_n at_o least_o so_o far_o as_o there_o be_v no_o quarrel_n or_o controversy_n between_o god_n and_o he_o threaten_v a_o stroke_n both_o of_o these_o be_v either_o such_o in_o the_o court_n of_o scripture_n and_o consequent_o in_o god_n account_n or_o in_o the_o court_n of_o a_o man_n own_o conscience_n peace_n about_o a_o man_n state_n as_o be_v in_o christ_n be_v sure_a in_o the_o court_n of_o scripture_n and_o of_o heaven_n when_o a_o man_n do_v by_o faith_n close_o with_o christ_n and_o the_o new_a covenant_n rom._n 5._o 1._o be_v justify_v by_o faith_n we_o have_v peace_n with_o god_n it_o be_v sure_a and_o solid_a in_o the_o court_n of_o scripture_n it_o shall_v hold_v sure_a in_o the_o court_n of_o man_n conscience_n it_o be_v right_o inform_v for_o in_o that_o case_n it_o still_o speak_v according_a to_o scripture_n but_o because_o often_o the_o conscience_n be_v misinform_v or_o in_o the_o dark_a therefore_o there_o be_v often_o peace_n about_o a_o man_n state_n according_a to_o scripture_n whilst_o his_o conscience_n do_v threaten_v the_o contrary_a and_o do_v still_o condemn_v and_o refuse_v to_o assoil_v the_o man_n as_o be_v reconcile_v unto_o god_n through_o christ_n in_o this_o case_n the_o conscience_n must_v be_v inform_v and_o the_o man_n gracious_a state_n make_v out_o by_o the_o mark_n of_o grace_n as_o we_o show_v before_o and_o here_o the_o witness_n of_o my_o own_o spirit_n will_v do_v much_o to_o allay_v the_o cry_n of_o the_o conscience_n and_o if_o the_o spirit_n of_o the_o lord_n join_v his_o witness_n and_o testimony_n the_o conscience_n be_v perfect_o satisfy_v and_o proclaim_v peace_n to_o the_o man_n the_o other_o peace_n about_o a_o man_n present_a case_n or_o condition_n viz._n that_o it_o be_v