the_o heathen_a can_v never_o content_v themselves_o with_o a_o fair_a probability_n only_o of_o summum_fw-la bonum_fw-la but_o do_v spin_v it_o out_o to_o a_o imaginary_a certainty_n the_o stoic_n will_v have_v a_o domestic_a plerophory_n they_o must_v be_v unavoidable_o happy_a a_o mere_a certainty_n will_v suffice_v they_o it_o must_v be_v condense_v into_o a_o necessity_n a_o wise_a man_n with_o they_o must_v irreversible_o seal_v up_o himself_o to_o happiness_n and_o so_o though_o he_o be_v in_o phalaris_n his_o bull_n he_o must_v glory_v and_o triumph_n and_o sing_v hallelujah_n but_o the_o fair_a moralist_n be_v willing_a to_o depend_v more_o upon_o the_o bounty_n of_o heaven_n which_o yet_o they_o look_v upon_o as_o a_o sure_a and_o unquestionable_a thing_n nay_o they_o please_v themselves_o not_o only_o in_o a_o plerophory_n but_o in_o a_o present_a possession_n for_o you_o know_v virtue_n with_o they_o be_v praecox_fw-la beatitudo_fw-la as_o grace_v with_o we_o be_v glory_n not_o full_o ripe_a and_o serenity_n of_o natural_a conscience_n be_v their_o hide_a manna_n their_o white_a stone_n thus_o be_v they_o fain_o to_o still_o their_o soul_n in_o some_o shadow_n and_o appearance_n of_o certainty_n this_o sweeten_v socrates_n his_o cicute_n and_o make_v he_o a_o cheerful_a martyr_n for_o philosophy_n and_o all_o wicked_a man_n that_o go_v on_o merry_o and_o secure_o in_o their_o way_n do_v frame_v some_o imaginary_a certainty_n to_o themselves_o which_o it_o may_v be_v they_o find_v upon_o sure_a principle_n but_o false_o apply_v as_o this_o that_o god_n be_v merciful_a or_o the_o like_a all_o this_o i_o bring_v to_o show_v that_o the_o soul_n do_v catch_v at_o certainty_n and_o assurance_n and_o will_v rest_v satisfy_v with_o nothing_o else_o for_o for_o man_n to_o apprehend_v themselves_o uncertain_a of_o happiness_n what_o be_v it_o else_o but_o to_o be_v for_o the_o present_a miserable_a nay_o will_v not_o some_o do_v you_o think_v choose_v rather_o to_o be_v certain_a of_o a_o tolerable_a misery_n then_o to_o be_v in_o continual_a suspense_n of_o happiness_n and_o true_o such_o man_n as_o have_v no_o assurance_n of_o obtain_v this_o great_a end_n of_o their_o be_v they_o be_v of_o all_o creature_n most_o miserable_a the_o fox_n have_v hole_n and_o the_o bird_n of_o the_o air_n have_v nest_n and_o shall_v not_o the_o son_n of_o man_n have_v where_o to_o lay_v their_o head_n every_o be_v love_v certainty_n how_o do_v natural_n combine_v together_o and_o unite_v their_o force_n that_o they_o may_v secure_v themselves_o by_o a_o happy_a association_n nature_n will_v have_v a_o plerophory_n will_v admit_v of_o a_o vacuum_n the_o least_o schism_n and_o rapture_n will_v prove_v fatal_a and_o put_v it_o upon_o uncertainty_n sir_n francis_n bacon_n spy_v this_o in_o those_o fall_n down_o of_o water_n that_o thread_n and_o spin_v themselves_o into_o such_o slender_a stillicid_n that_o thus_o they_o may_v preserve_v their_o continuity_n and_o when_o they_o can_v reach_v no_o long_o so_o than_o they_o fall_v in_o as_o plump_a and_o round_a a_o figure_n as_o they_o can_v and_o if_o every_o be_v love_v assurance_n then_o sure_o such_o a_o noble_a be_v as_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n can_v be_v satiate_v with_o a_o changeable_a good_a it_o can_v fix_v itself_o upon_o a_o movable_a centre_n immortality_n be_v near_o a_o kin_n to_o immutability_n beside_o if_o it_o be_v only_o this_o that_o the_o soul_n do_v doubt_n of_o happiness_n it_o be_v a_o lighteâ—_n burden_n but_o there_o be_v necessary_o conjoin_v with_o this_o a_o fear_n of_o extreme_a misery_n now_o for_o a_o soul_n to_o be_v perpetual_o hover_v betwixt_o heaven_n and_o hell_n nay_o to_o have_v far_o more_o ground_n to_o fear_v the_o one_o then_o to_o hope_v for_o the_o other_o and_o so_o to_o tremble_v at_o the_o very_a thought_n of_o eternity_n be_v not_o this_o a_o piece_n of_o the_o gnaw_a worm_n &_o must_v the_o soul_n live_v in_o this_o perpetual_a slavery_n be_v there_o no_o redemption_n from_o it_o do_v not_o christ_n come_v to_o take_v away_o this_o sting_n among_o the_o rest_n do_v not_o he_o come_v to_o draw_v thou_o to_o himself_o to_o quiet_v thou_o in_o his_o own_o bosom_n return_v thou_o to_o thy_o rest_n o_o my_o soul_n return_v to_o thy_o ark_n o_o my_o dove_n and_o look_v upon_o this_o gospel-plerophory_a as_o one_o of_o those_o great_a privilege_n that_o be_v purchase_v for_o thou_o by_o a_o saviour_n for_o 1._o by_o this_o thy_o soul_n thy_o darling_n it_o be_v full_o provide_v for_o for_o eternity_n thy_o lot_n be_v fall_v to_o thou_o in_o a_o fair_a ground_n and_o thou_o have_v a_o goodly_a heritage_n can_v thy_o soul_n open_v its_o mouth_n any_o wide_a can_v thy_o soul_n desire_v any_o more_o than_o this_o to_o be_v sure_a of_o be_v for_o ever_o complete_o happy_a what_o will_v the_o damn_a in_o hell_n give_v for_o a_o possibility_n of_o happiness_n what_o will_v some_o wound_a spirit_n give_v for_o good_a hope_n and_o probability_n when_o as_o thou_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n have_v a_o overflow_a plerophory_n what_o will_v the_o one_o give_v for_o a_o drop_n to_o cool_v their_o tongue_n what_o will_v the_o other_o give_v for_o a_o pure_a stream_n to_o wash_v their_o bleed_a soul_n when_o as_o thou_o all_o the_o while_n be_v bathe_v in_o the_o fountain_n be_v sail_v in_o the_o ocean_n be_v swim_v in_o the_o river_n of_o pleasure_n thy_o understanding_n may_v well_o rest_v satisfy_v for_o it_o be_v sure_a to_o fix_v its_o eye_n upon_o a_o eternal_a beauty_n upon_o the_o face_n of_o its_o god_n thy_o will_n may_v rest_v itself_o in_o the_o embrace_n of_o its_o dear_a object_n for_o it_o be_v espouse_v to_o the_o fair_a good_a and_o be_v sure_a to_o enjoy_v it_o with_o a_o indissoluble_a union_n thy_o pure_a and_o more_o refine_a affection_n may_v sport_v themselves_o in_o the_o sunbeam_n of_o heaven_n there_o may_v thy_o love_n warm_a and_o melt_v itself_o and_o there_o may_v thy_o joy_n dance_v and_o exult_v all_o that_o thou_o have_v to_o do_v here_o below_o be_v this_o thy_o virgin-soul_n that_o be_v here_o assure_a and_o contract_v must_v wait_v a_o while_n for_o the_o nuptial_n for_o a_o full_a fruition_n of_o its_o god_n for_o a_o full_a consummation_n of_o its_o joy_n 2._o this_o must_v needs_o sweeten_v all_o present_a condition_n to_o thou_o eat_v then_o thy_o bread_n with_o joy_n and_o drink_v thy_o wine_n with_o a_o merry_a heart_n for_o god_n accept_v thy_o person_n and_o smell_v a_o sweet_a odour_n in_o thy_o sacrifice_n be_v there_o any_o pearl_n in_o the_o gospel_n thou_o may_v lay_v claim_n to_o they_o be_v there_o any_o balm_n in_o gilead_n thou_o have_v a_o share_n in_o it_o be_v there_o any_o gospel-priviledge_n thou_o know_v they_o be_v thou_o and_o be_v intend_v for_o thou_o do_v god_n bestow_v temporal_n upon_o thou_o thou_o know_v that_o he_o first_o dip_v they_o in_o love_n and_o sweetness_n mount_v gerizim_n be_v thy_o portion_n and_o how_o be_v thou_o above_o wave_n when_o as_o some_o be_v shipwrack_v other_o be_v toss_v and_o disquiet_v thou_o have_v a_o happy_a protection_n in_o all_o thy_o way_n 1._o thou_o be_v secure_a against_o the_o frown_n of_o the_o world_n for_o heaven_n smile_v upon_o thou_o thou_o may_v laugh_v at_o the_o false_a judge_n and_o esteem_v of_o man_n it_o may_v be_v the_o world_n brand_v i_o but_o the_o spirit_n seal_v it_o may_v be_v the_o seed_n of_o the_o serpent_n hiss_v i_o but_o the_o holy_a ghost_n breathe_v what_o though_o thou_o be_v forty_o year_n in_o a_o wilderness_n nay_o what_o though_o thou_o be_v seventy_o year_n in_o babylon_n will_v canaan_n and_o will_v the_o new_a jerusalem_n make_v amends_o for_o all_o 2._o thou_o be_v secure_a in_o time_n of_o judgement_n as_o job_n speak_v of_o the_o leviathan_n the_o sword_n of_o he_o that_o lay_v at_o he_o can_v hold_v the_o spear_n the_o dart_n nor_o the_o habergeon_n the_o arrow_n can_v make_v he_o flee_v dart_n be_v count_v as_o stubble_n he_o laugh_v at_o the_o shake_n of_o the_o spear_n who_o be_v like_o he_o upon_o the_o earth_n one_o that_o be_v make_v without_o fear_n when_o god_n thunder_v upon_o the_o man_n of_o the_o world_n he_o speak_v but_o in_o a_o still_a voice_n to_o thou_o he_o dart_v lighten_v flash_n in_o their_o face_n but_o he_o lift_v up_o the_o light_n of_o his_o countenance_n upon_o thou_o judgement_n be_v intend_v for_o the_o sweep_a away_o of_o spider_n web_n not_o for_o the_o sweep_a away_o of_o god_n own_o jewel_n or_o if_o they_o be_v envolve_v in_o a_o common_a calamity_n yet_o how_o be_v it_o â—olled_v up_o in_o sweetness_n to_o they_o when_o as_o the_o other_o can_v taste_v nothing_o but_o gall_n and_o wormwood_n their_o body_n may_v be_v toss_v a_o little_a
to_o try_v their_o own_o spirit_n if_o that_o after_o all_o their_o diligence_n thet_o can_v tell_v what_o to_o think_v of_o they_o all_o use_n of_o examination_n be_v vain_a and_o frivolous_a which_o yet_o be_v the_o very_a life_n and_o spirit_n of_o preach_v and_o ames_n tell_v we_o of_o a_o donum_fw-la discretionis_fw-la which_o christian_n have_v by_o which_o they_o can_v discern_v true_a grace_n from_o counterfeit_n there_o be_v certain_a 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d by_o which_o they_o may_v distinguish_v they_o and_o judge_v of_o they_o in_o themselves_o though_o not_o in_o other_o certain_o object_n 2._o if_o all_o thus_o by_o the_o testimony_n of_o conscience_n may_v know_v their_o own_o frame_n of_o spirit_n whether_o they_o be_v upright_o or_o no_o why_o then_o be_v not_o all_o true_a christian_n assure_v of_o their_o salvation_n what_o have_v they_o not_o their_o conscience_n and_o heart_n about_o they_o sol._n 1._o many_o be_v not_o sufficient_o acquaint_v with_o their_o own_o spirit_n they_o do_v not_o keep_v so_o strict_a a_o watch_n over_o themselves_o they_o be_v not_o verse_v in_o their_o own_o heart_n they_o do_v try_v and_o search_v their_o way_n they_o have_v riches_n and_o a_o treasure_n and_o do_v not_o know_v of_o it_o sol._n 2._o it_o be_v in_o so_o great_a and_o weighty_a a_o matter_n eternity_n do_v so_o amaze_v and_o swallow_v up_o the_o thought_n as_o that_o they_o be_v ready_a to_o tremble_v where_o they_o be_v certain_a and_o secure_a a_o man_n on_o the_o top_n of_o a_o tower_n know_v that_o he_o be_v safe_a enough_o and_o yet_o when_o he_o look_v down_o he_o be_v afraid_a of_o fall_v 3._o conscience_n sometime_o give_v a_o dark_a and_o cloudy_a testimony_n when_o it_o be_v disquiet_v and_o charge_v with_o new_a guilt_n the_o soul_n can_v so_o clear_o read_v its_o evidence_n and_o then_o it_o begin_v to_o question_v its_o condition_n it_o may_v be_v it_o have_v deal_v hypocritical_o in_o some_o one_o particular_a and_o now_o it_o begin_v to_o question_v all_o its_o sincerity_n we_o do_v not_o say_v then_o that_o conscience_n do_v always_o give_v a_o clear_a and_o full_a testimony_n but_o sometime_o it_o do_v and_o that_o with_o absolute_a certainty_n 2._o now_o come_v in_o the_o second_o witness_n and_o the_o great_a and_o supreme_a testimony_n of_o the_o spirit_n himself_o witness_v with_o our_o spirit_n that_o we_o be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n rom._n 8.16_o we_o render_v it_o the_o same_o spirit_n but_o in_o the_o fountain_n be_v the_o spirit_n itself_o not_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d but_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d not_o only_o the_o gift_n and_o grace_n of_o the_o spirit_n but_o the_o spirit_n itself_o object_n this_o testimony_n seem_v to_o be_v coincident_a with_o the_o other_o for_o a_o man_n can_v tell_v his_o own_o sincerity_n it_o be_v the_o spirit_n that_o must_v reveal_v a_o man_n to_o himself_o the_o soul_n can_v see_v its_o own_o face_n unless_o the_o spirit_n unmask_v it_o the_o spirit_n be_v more_o present_a and_o conversant_a with_o the_o soul_n than_o the_o soul_n be_v with_o itself_o he_o do_v not_o only_o know_v our_o heart_n but_o he_o be_v great_a than_o our_o heart_n and_o know_v all_o thing_n sol._n we_o will_v easy_o grant_v that_o to_o the_o least_o motion_n in_o spiritual_n there_o be_v necessary_o require_v the_o concurrence_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n but_o withal_o we_o say_v that_o there_o be_v a_o mighty_a difference_n between_o work_v of_o the_o spirit_n and_o the_o testimony_n of_o the_o spirit_n there_o be_v a_o powerful_a and_o efficacious_a work_n of_o the_o spirit_n when_o faith_n be_v wrought_v in_o the_o soul_n but_o yet_o there_o be_v not_o the_o testimony_n of_o the_o spirit_n for_o every_o believer_n have_v not_o present_o the_o seal_n set_v to_o he_o so_o that_o though_o the_o testimony_n of_o our_o own_o spirit_n can_v be_v without_o the_o help_n and_o influence_n of_o the_o spirit_n yet_o it_o be_v clear_o distinct_a from_o the_o testimony_n of_o the_o spirit_n for_o here_o the_o spirit_n do_v enable_v the_o soul_n to_o see_v its_o grace_n by_o a_o present_a light_n by_o the_o soul_n light_n but_o when_o it_o come_v with_o a_o testimony_n than_o it_o bring_v a_o new_a light_n of_o its_o own_o and_o lend_v the_o soul_n some_o auxiliary_a beam_n for_o the_o more_o clear_a and_o full_a reveal_n of_o it_o so_o that_o you_o see_v according_a to_o that_o plain_a text_n in_o the_o roman_n there_o be_v two_o distinct_a testimony_n the_o spirit_n witness_v with_o our_o spirit_n and_o st._n john_n be_v the_o most_o express_a belove_a if_o our_o heart_n condemn_v we_o not_o then_o have_v we_o confidence_n towards_o god_n now_o the_o testimony_n of_o the_o spirit_n be_v 1._o a_o clear_a testimony_n a_o full_a and_o satisfy_a light_n spring_v in_o upon_o the_o soul_n scatter_v all_o cloud_n all_o doubt_n and_o question_n it_o be_v as_o evident_a as_o any_o demonstration_n 1_o john_n 3.24_o by_o this_o we_o know_v that_o he_o dwell_v in_o we_o by_o the_o spirit_n which_o he_o have_v give_v we_o christ_n when_o he_o go_v to_o heaven_n he_o leave_v the_o comforter_n not_o only_o to_o the_o church_n in_o general_n but_o to_o every_o particular_a soul_n that_o believe_v to_o print_v his_o love_n upon_o the_o soul_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d etc._n etc._n chrysost_o if_o a_o creature_n though_o never_o so_o glitter_a shall_v tell_v man_n so_o there_o may_v still_o be_v some_o hesitancy_n i_o but_o the_o spirit_n witness_n the_o secret_a and_o inward_a testimony_n of_o the_o spirit_n be_v as_o strong_a and_o efficacious_a nay_o more_o powerful_a than_o if_o it_o be_v with_o a_o outward_a voice_n if_o a_o angel_n from_o heaven_n be_v send_v on_o purpose_n to_o a_o christian_a by_o christ_n himself_o go_v tell_v he_o that_o i_o love_v he_o that_o i_o shed_v my_o blood_n for_o he_o etc._n etc._n it_o be_v not_o so_o certain_a 2._o a_o sure_a testimony_n for_o it_o be_v the_o witness_n of_o the_o spirit_n who_o can_v neither_o deceive_v nor_o be_v deceive_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d sufficientissimum_fw-la testimonium_fw-la as_o cajetan_n 1._o he_o can_v deceive_v for_o he_o be_v truth_n itself_o 2._o he_o can_v be_v deceive_v for_o he_o be_v all_o eye_n omniscience_n itself_o and_o he_o do_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d he_o dwell_v in_o the_o breast_n and_o bosom_n of_o god_n he_o be_v full_o acquaint_v with_o the_o mind_n of_o god_n and_o he_o reveal_v it_o to_o the_o soul_n the_o papist_n make_v the_o spirit_n testimony_n to_o bring_v but_o a_o conjectural_a certainty_n but_o the_o most_o renown_a perkins_n answer_v they_o 1._o that_o it_o be_v such_o a_o certainty_n as_o make_v they_o cry_v abba_n father_n not_o only_o think_v so_o and_o speak_v so_o but_o with_o all_o courage_n confidence_n intention_n of_o spirit_n cry_v abba_n father_n 2._o it_o be_v oppose_v to_o the_o spirit_n of_o bondage_n and_o therefore_o take_v away_o doubt_n and_o tremble_n 3._o the_o very_a end_n why_o the_o holy_a ghost_n come_v to_o the_o soul_n be_v to_o make_v all_o sure_a and_o therefore_o be_v call_v a_o seal_n and_o a_o earnest_n now_o he_o assure_v the_o soul_n 1._o by_o a_o powerful_a application_n of_o the_o promise_n for_o as_o faith_n do_v appropriate_v the_o promise_n on_o our_o part_n so_o the_o spirit_n apply_v it_o on_o god_n part_n as_o satan_n that_o lie_a spirit_n cast_v in_o doubt_n and_o fear_n and_o tremble_n and_o work_v upon_o the_o remainder_n of_o corruption_n plot_n against_o the_o peace_n and_o well_o be_v of_o the_o soul_n so_o this_o holy_a spirit_n by_o the_o comfort_a work_v upon_o that_o principle_n of_o grace_n which_o he_o himself_o have_v plant_v in_o the_o heart_n of_o a_o christian_a do_v study_n and_o contrive_v the_o welfare_n of_o a_o believer_n and_o as_o the_o spirit_n of_o bondage_n do_v strong_o apply_v wrath_n and_o the_o curse_n so_o this_o sweet_a spirit_n of_o adoption_n apply_v grace_n and_o mercy_n the_o spirit_n of_o bondage_n strike_v terror_n into_o the_o soul_n by_o a_o mighty_a application_n of_o wrath_n this_o curse_n flame_n against_o thou_o this_o threaten_v this_o curse_n flame_n against_o thou_o this_o threaten_n be_v shoot_v off_o against_o thou_o these_o vial_n of_o wrath_n be_v prepare_v for_o thy_o soul_n so_o the_o spirit_n of_o adoption_n do_v set_v on_o strong_a and_o vigorous_a apprehension_n of_o mercy_n this_o pearl_n of_o price_n it_o be_v to_o enrich_v thou_o these_o evangelical_n cordial_n be_v to_o revive_v thou_o this_o balm_n in_o gilead_n be_v prepare_v for_o thy_o soul_n the_o spirit_n of_o adoption_n speak_v love_n and_o peace_n and_o pardon_n and_o that_o by_o particular_a application_n of_o the_o promise_n to_o we_o as_o when_o the_o promise_n of_o remission_n of_o
sin_n and_o life_n everlasting_a by_o christ_n be_v general_o propound_v in_o the_o ministry_n of_o the_o word_n the_o holy_a ghost_n do_v particular_o apply_v it_o to_o the_o heart_n of_o such_o a_o one_o and_o do_v seal_v up_o the_o promise_n to_o the_o soul_n that_o when_o faith_n say_v this_o promise_n be_v i_o this_o belong_v to_o i_o the_o spirit_n do_v strong_o apply_v it_o this_o be_v thou_o indeed_o and_o this_o do_v belong_v to_o thou_o these_o be_v the_o secret_a 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o whisper_n and_o breathe_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n the_o secret_a 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d by_o which_o it_o converse_v with_o the_o soul_n the_o spirit_n of_o god_n have_v free_a and_o often_o intercourse_n with_o a_o believe_a spirit_n and_o this_o be_v far_o enough_o from_o any_o vain_a enthusiasm_n any_o extraordinary_a revelation_n it_o be_v no_o imaginary_a thing_n but_o such_o as_o many_o a_o soul_n be_v acquaint_v with_o and_o have_v taste_v of_o 2._o by_o a_o bright_a irradiation_n beam_a out_o upon_o the_o soul_n and_o clear_v its_o evidence_n discover_v its_o grace_n and_o show_v they_o to_o be_v true_a and_o genuine_a not_o only_o by_o give_v the_o soul_n a_o spirit_n of_o discern_v for_o that_o we_o refer_v to_o the_o former_a testimony_n but_o the_o spirit_n bring_v in_o its_o own_o light_n and_o make_v those_o grace_n which_o be_v visible_a before_o more_o eminent_o conspicuous_a the_o spirit_n of_o a_o man_n be_v the_o candle_n of_o the_o lord_n as_o the_o wise_a man_n speak_v which_o give_v a_o weak_a and_o dim_a light_n but_o yet_o such_o as_o be_v enough_o to_o manifest_v the_o object_n i_o but_o now_o there_o be_v glorious_a sunbeam_n come_v rush_v in_o upon_o the_o spirit_n the_o spirit_n shine_v in_o the_o soul_n with_o heal_v under_o his_o wing_n the_o grace_n of_o the_o spirit_n these_o flow_n like_o a_o pure_a and_o crystalline_a stream_n and_o the_o light_n of_o the_o spirit_n shine_v out_o upon_o they_o and_o gild_v the_o water_n see_v a_o plain_a text_n for_o this_o 1_o cor._n 2.12_o we_o have_v receive_v the_o spirit_n which_o be_v of_o god_n that_o we_o may_v know_v the_o thing_n which_o be_v free_o give_v we_o of_o god_n light_n set_v a_o gloss_n upon_o all_o the_o world_n and_o this_o spiritual_a light_n give_v a_o lustre_n and_o oriency_n to_o grace_n it_o put_v a_o beauty_n upon_o they_o such_o as_o the_o soul_n be_v much_o take_v with_o we_o have_v receive_v anâ—_n heavenly_a light_n that_o we_o may_v see_v heavenly_a thing_n now_o thou_o know_v thy_o faith_n to_o be_v lively_a and_o thy_o repentance_n to_o be_v sound_n thy_o sorrow_n to_o be_v ingenuous_a and_o thy_o obedience_n sincere_a thy_o love_n to_o be_v unfeigned_a and_o thy_o fear_n to_o be_v filial_a for_o thâ—_n spirit_n have_v set_v his_o seal_n to_o all_o thy_o grace_n and_o haâ—_n acknowledge_v they_o for_o his_o own_o object_n 1._o o_o but_o many_o have_v think_v they_o hauâ—_n have_v the_o spirit_n when_o they_o have_v it_o not_o and_o the_o devil_n that_o foul_a spirit_n can_v transform_v himself_o into_o a_o angel_n of_o light_n sol._n but_o 1._o one_o man_n self-deceit_n do_v not_o prejudice_v another_o certainty_n what_o if_o one_o man_n flatter_v himself_o in_o a_o false_a light_n and_o please_v himself_o iâ—â—_n a_o mere_a shadow_n of_o assurance_n must_v all_o man_n need_v follow_v his_o example_n a_o man_n that_o be_v in_o a_o dreaâ—_n think_v himself_o awake_a when_o he_o be_v not_o i_o but_o 〈◊〉_d hope_n for_o all_o this_o a_o man_n that_o be_v awake_a may_v certain_o know_v that_o he_o be_v so_o many_o a_o travel_n 〈◊〉_d have_v think_v himself_o in_o the_o right_a way_n when_o 〈◊〉_d have_v be_v out_o of_o it_o and_o yet_o this_o do_v not_o hindeâ—_n but_o that_o he_o that_o be_v well_o acquaint_v with_o tâ—â—_n road_n may_v know_v that_o he_o be_v in_o his_o way_n whâ—â—_n if_o one_o man_n take_v copper_n for_o gold_n must_v all_o mâ—â—_n do_v so_o too_o one_o man_n folly_n and_o vanity_n do_v not_o at_o all_o hinder_a another_o assurance_n 2._o the_o spirit_n come_v with_o a_o convince_a beam_n light_n show_v both_o itself_o and_o other_o thing_n too_o the_o sun_n by_o its_o glorious_a beam_n do_v paraphrase_n and_o comment_n upon_o its_o own_o glitter_a essence_n and_o the_o spirit_n display_v himself_o to_o the_o soul_n and_o give_v a_o full_a manifestation_n of_o his_o own_o presence_n the_o soul_n know_v the_o aspect_n of_o the_o spirit_n better_a than_o we_o do_v the_o face_n of_o a_o friend_n the_o light_n of_o a_o presumptuous_a wretch_n be_v like_o a_o blaze_a comet_n and_o do_v but_o portend_v his_o ruin_n it_o carry_v a_o venomous_a and_o malignant_a influence_n in_o it_o and_o the_o light_n of_o a_o hypocrite_n be_v but_o a_o flash_n and_o coruscation_n very_o brief_a and_o transient_a a_o man_n may_v soon_o take_v a_o glow-worm_n for_o the_o sun_n than_o a_o experience_a christian_n can_v take_v a_o false_a delusion_n for_o the_o light_n of_o the_o spirit_n 3._o there_o be_v a_o twin-light_n spring_v from_o the_o word_n and_o the_o spirit_n try_v the_o spirit_n to_o the_o law_n to_o the_o testimony_n if_o they_o speak_v not_o according_a to_o the_o rule_n it_o be_v because_o there_o be_v no_o morning_n in_o they_o the_o scripture_n be_v all_o indict_v by_o the_o spirit_n and_o the_o spirit_n can_v contradict_v himself_o you_o do_v but_o grieve_v the_o spirit_n whoer'e_o you_o be_v that_o pretend_v to_o any_o revelation_n that_o agree_v not_o with_o the_o word_n nay_o the_o spirit_n have_v reveal_v his_o whole_a mind_n in_o the_o word_n and_o will_v give_v no_o other_o revelation_n any_o otherwise_o then_o we_o have_v speak_v of_o and_o whoever_o he_o be_v that_o rebel_n against_o the_o light_n of_o the_o word_n he_o shall_v never_o have_v the_o light_n of_o the_o spirit_n whilst_o thou_o do_v not_o follow_v the_o direct_a light_n of_o the_o spirit_n thou_o shall_v never_o have_v the_o quicken_a and_o cherish_v beam_n of_o it_o and_o thus_o you_o have_v hear_v the_o double_a testimony_n the_o spirit_n witness_v with_o our_o spirit_n and_o now_o you_o must_v know_v that_o 1._o the_o testimony_n of_o god_n spirit_n be_v always_o accompany_v with_o the_o testimony_n of_o our_o own_o spirit_n and_o so_o that_o word_n rom._n 8._o be_v significant_a 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d which_o be_v proper_o of_o one_o that_o do_v only_o confirm_v what_o the_o other_o say_v but_o then_o 2._o a_o man_n may_v have_v the_o testimony_n of_o his_o own_o spirit_n that_o have_v not_o the_o witness_n of_o god_n spirit_n the_o spirit_n as_o it_o breathe_v when_o it_o please_v so_o it_o shine_v when_o it_o please_v too_o well_o then_o the_o question_n be_v whether_o the_o christian_a who_o have_v but_o the_o single_a testimony_n of_o his_o own_o spirit_n may_v be_v assure_v of_o his_o salvation_n mr._n perkins_n propound_v the_o case_n and_o resolve_v it_o thus_o if_o the_o testimony_n of_o the_o spirit_n be_v want_v than_o the_o other_o testimony_n the_o sanctification_n of_o heart_n will_v suffice_v to_o assure_v we_o we_o know_v it_o sufficient_o to_o be_v true_a and_o not_o paint_a fire_n if_o there_o be_v heat_n though_o there_o be_v no_o flame_n thus_o he_o and_o his_o meaning_n be_v as_o indeed_o the_o thing_n be_v that_o it_o be_v a_o true_a assurance_n though_o not_o so_o bright_a a_o assurance_n i_o may_v see_v a_o thing_n certain_o by_o the_o light_n of_o a_o candle_n and_o yet_o i_o may_v see_v it_o more_o clear_o by_o the_o light_n of_o the_o sun_n and_o for_o my_o part_n i_o think_v that_o certainty_n do_v not_o consist_v in_o punto_n but_o may_v admit_v of_o a_o latitude_n and_o receive_v magis_fw-la and_o minus_fw-la and_o the_o contrary_a principle_n do_v delude_v many_o there_o be_v a_o absolute_a and_o infallible_a certainty_n in_o faith_n and_o by_o this_o i_o know_v the_o creation_n of_o the_o world_n well_o but_o beside_o this_o i_o know_v it_o by_o reason_n and_o by_o unquestionable_a demonstration_n and_o i_o think_v this_o add_v to_o my_o certainty_n so_o here_o though_o one_o testimony_n be_v enough_o for_o assurance_n yet_o a_o double_a testimony_n make_v it_o more_o glorious_a certainty_n admit_v of_o degree_n and_o a_o man_n may_v be_v more_o certain_a of_o a_o thing_n that_o he_o be_v already_o certain_a of_o take_v two_o christian_n both_o may_v be_v assure_v of_o their_o salvation_n and_o yet_o one_o may_v have_v a_o clear_a assurance_n than_o the_o other_o have_v one_o may_v have_v a_o double_a testimony_n and_o another_o but_o a_o single_a nay_o the_o same_o soul_n may_v have_v at_o one_o time_n a_o double_a testimony_n and_o at_o another_o but_o a_o single_a the_o light_n of_o the_o spirit_n may_v and_o do_v often_o
die_a bellarmine_n be_v fain_o to_o acknowledge_v that_o the_o near_a way_n to_o assurance_n be_v only_o to_o rest_v upon_o the_o free_a grace_n of_o god_n in_o christ_n and_o they_o what_o cry_v down_o duty_n so_o much_o if_o they_o will_v mean_v no_o more_o than_o this_o that_o man_n must_v not_o trust_v in_o they_o nor_o make_v christ_n of_o they_o nor_o saviour_n of_o they_o as_o they_o use_v to_o express_v it_o we_o will_v easy_o grant_v they_o this_o if_o they_o will_v be_v content_a with_o it_o 2._o they_o take_v away_o that_o clasp_a and_o close_v power_n of_o faith_n itself_o by_o which_o it_o shall_v sweet_o and_o strong_o embrace_v its_o own_o object_n they_o will_v have_v the_o soul_n embrace_v cloudâ—_n and_o dwell_v in_o general_n they_o resolve_v all_o the_o sweetness_n and_o preciousness_n of_o the_o gospel_n either_o into_o this_o universal_a whosoever_o believe_v shall_v be_v save_v or_o else_o which_o be_v all_o one_o into_o this_o conditional_a if_o thou_o believe_v thou_o shall_v be_v save_v now_o this_o be_v so_o far_o from_o assurance_n as_o that_o the_o devil_n themselves_o do_v thus_o believe_v and_o yet_o tremble_v the_o thirsty_a soul_n may_v know_v that_o there_o be_v a_o fountain_n but_o it_o must_v not_o presume_v to_o know_v that_o ever_o it_o shall_v taste_v of_o it_o the_o wound_a soul_n with_o they_o may_v take_v notice_n that_o there_o be_v balm_n in_o gilead_n but_o it_o must_v only_o give_v a_o guess_n that_o it_o shall_v be_v heal_v they_o will_v allow_v the_o soul_n to_o break_v the_o shell_n of_o a_o promise_n so_o as_o to_o come_v to_o the_o kernel_n they_o silence_n faith_n when_o it_o will_v speak_v its_o own_o idiom_n my_o lord_n and_o my_o god_n o_o what_o miserable_a comforter_n be_v these_o how_o can_v they_o ever_o speak_v one_o word_n upon_o the_o wheel_n one_o seasonable_a word_n to_o a_o weary_a soul_n when_o as_o all_o they_o can_v reach_v to_o by_o their_o own_o acknowledgement_n be_v to_o leave_v the_o soul_n hover_v betwixt_o heaven_n and_o hell_n and_o as_o they_o say_v in_o matter_n of_o reproof_n generalia_fw-la non_fw-la pungunt_fw-la so_o it_o be_v as_o true_a in_o matter_n of_o comfort_n generalia_fw-la non_fw-la mulcent_fw-la yet_o to_o see_v how_o abundant_o unreasonable_a these_o man_n be_v for_o in_o the_o matter_n of_o their_o church_n there_o they_o require_v a_o particular_a appropriate_a faith_n a_o monopolise_v faith_n that_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n be_v the_o only_a true_a visible_a church_n and_o this_o be_v no_o presumption_n with_o they_o thus_o they_o can_v embrace_v a_o dull_a error_n and_o let_v go_v a_o precious_a truth_n but_o the_o true_a church_n of_o christ_n as_o it_o be_v itself_o build_v upon_o a_o rock_n so_o every_o member_n of_o the_o church_n have_v the_o same_o security_n and_o the_o soul_n with_o a_o spouse-like_a affection_n do_v not_o only_o conjecture_v who_o be_v her_o well-beloved_a but_o be_v in_o his_o very_a arm_n and_o break_v out_o into_o that_o expression_n of_o love_n and_o union_n i_o be_o my_o well_beloved's_a and_o my_o well-beloved_a be_v i_o but_o how_o strange_o do_v their_o conjectural_a certainty_n take_v away_o the_o sweetness_n of_o such_o relation_n christian_n with_o they_o must_v only_o conjecture_v that_o they_o be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n the_o spouse_n must_v only_o guess_v at_o her_o belove_a husband_n the_o sheep_n must_v hope_v that_o this_o be_v the_o shepherd_n voice_n o_o how_o do_v they_o emasculate_v and_o enervate_a religion_n how_o do_v they_o dispirit_v it_o and_o cut_v the_o very_a sinew_n of_o the_o power_n of_o godliness_n but_o all_o you_o that_o will_v find_v rest_n to_o your_o soul_n must_v know_v that_o you_o can_v never_o apply_v a_o christ_n too_o much_o that_o you_o can_v never_o appropriate_v a_o saviour_n enough_o that_o whole_a happiness_n be_v in_o union_n with_o he_o 3._o they_o deny_v perseverance_n and_o so_o long_o may_v very_o well_o deny_v assurance_n and_o yet_o the_o arminian_o have_v a_o art_n of_o reconcile_a assurance_n and_o non-perseverance_n they_o allow_v man_n a_o little_a brief_a assurance_n for_o one_o moment_n a_o breve_fw-la fulgur_fw-la a_o little_a coruscation_n of_o joy_n that_o only_o show_v itself_o that_o it_o may_v vanish_v and_o disappear_v the_o sum_n of_o their_o meaning_n amount_v to_o thus_o much_o for_o that_o moment_n that_o thou_o be_v in_o the_o state_n of_o grace_n thou_o may_v be_v sure_a on_o it_o but_o thou_o can_v not_o be_v sure_a that_o the_o next_o moment_n thou_o shall_v be_v in_o the_o state_n of_o grace_n as_o if_o a_o christian_a be_v only_o a_o ball_n of_o fortune_n to_o be_v toss_v up_o and_o down_o at_o her_o pleasure_n and_o indeed_o they_o make_v grace_n as_o voluble_a and_o uncertain_a as_o ever_o the_o heathen_a do_v fortune_n and_o if_o they_o will_v speak_v out_o grace_n with_o they_o be_v res_fw-la vitrea_fw-la quae_fw-la dum_fw-la splendet_fw-la frangitur_fw-la and_o vasa_fw-la gloriae_fw-la with_o they_o be_v little_o better_o than_o vasa_fw-la fictilia_fw-la they_o can_v dash_v they_o in_o piece_n like_o a_o potter_n vessel_n and_o then_o make_v no_o more_o of_o it_o then_o epictetus_n at_o the_o break_n of_o a_o pitcher_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d it_o be_v but_o a_o usual_a thing_n hodie_fw-la vidi_fw-la fragilem_fw-la frangi_fw-la vain_a man_n that_o think_v the_o grace_n of_o god_n as_o mutable_a and_o unconstant_a as_o they_o themselves_o be_v that_o can_v remove_v man_n from_o heaven_n to_o hell_n as_o often_o as_o they_o please_v that_o with_o a_o dare_a pen_n can_v blot_v name_n out_o of_o the_o book_n of_o life_n and_o reverse_v the_o seal_n of_o heaven_n when_o they_o listen_v this_o must_v needs_o strike_v at_o the_o root_n of_o assurance_n and_o leave_v the_o soul_n in_o such_o sad_a doubt_n as_o these_o it_o be_v true_a i_o be_o now_o feed_v upon_o the_o milk_n and_o honey_n of_o the_o land_n of_o canaan_n but_o i_o may_v return_v to_o the_o wilderness_n again_o to_o the_o bondage_n of_o egypt_n again_o it_o be_v true_a i_o be_o now_o a_o temple_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n but_o how_o soon_o may_v i_o become_v a_o prison_n a_o dungeon_n the_o receptacle_n of_o every_o unclean_a spirit_n what_o though_o i_o be_v now_o a_o vessel_n of_o honour_n how_o soon_o may_v i_o become_v a_o vessel_n of_o wrath_n and_o though_o i_o be_v for_o the_o present_a in_o the_o love_a hand_n of_o a_o saviour_n yet_o i_o may_v be_v to_o morrow_n in_o the_o unmerciful_a paw_n of_o the_o lion_n pray_v tell_v we_o now_o have_v the_o soul_n any_o great_a security_n all_o this_o while_n be_v the_o friend_n of_o god_n no_o sure_a of_o his_o love_n then_o thus_o it_o be_v happy_a for_o christian_n that_o it_o be_v not_o in_o the_o power_n of_o these_o man_n no_o nor_o of_o all_o the_o power_n of_o darkness_n to_o put_v a_o period_n to_o their_o joy_n no_o not_o to_o put_v the_o least_o comma_n or_o interruption_n to_o it_o no_o they_o may_v as_o soon_o dethrone_v the_o majesty_n of_o heaven_n itself_o they_o may_v as_o soon_o pluck_v the_o crown_n from_o his_o head_n and_o wrest_v the_o golden_a sceptre_n out_o of_o his_o hand_n nay_o they_o may_v as_o soon_o pluck_v out_o the_o apple_n of_o his_o eye_n they_o may_v as_o soon_o annihilate_v a_o deity_n as_o pull_v thou_o out_o of_o his_o hand_n as_o rob_v he_o of_o one_o of_o his_o jewel_n thou_o be_v keep_v by_o the_o mighty_a power_n of_o god_n through_o faith_n unto_o salvation_n we_o can_v close_v up_o this_o better_a than_o with_o that_o heavenly_a 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d those_o triumphant_a expression_n of_o the_o apostle_n paul_n for_o i_o be_o persuade_v that_o neither_o life_n nor_o death_n nor_o angel_n nor_o principality_n nor_o power_n nor_o height_n nor_o depth_n etc._n etc._n 4._o they_o never_o have_v any_o assurance_n themselves_o and_o so_o they_o will_v willing_o deny_v it_o to_o other_o there_o be_v so_o much_o pride_n and_o envy_n in_o the_o spirit_n of_o man_n as_o that_o they_o be_v very_o loath_a that_o other_o shall_v have_v more_o happiness_n or_o be_v more_o sensible_a of_o happiness_n than_o themselves_o they_o do_v here_o calamum_fw-la in_o cord_n tingere_fw-la they_o tell_v you_o what_o they_o find_v in_o their_o own_o heart_n nothing_o but_o conjecture_n and_o shivering_n and_o tremble_n nothing_o but_o slavish_a doubt_n and_o fear_n but_o the_o voice_n of_o assurance_n it_o be_v a_o still_a voice_n the_o spirit_n speak_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d that_o soul_n only_o hear_v it_o to_o which_o it_o speak_v the_o sparkling_n of_o the_o white_a stone_n be_v secret_a and_o undiscernible_a to_o a_o carnal_a eye_n no_o man_n know_v it_o but_o he_o that_o have_v it_o it_o be_v manna_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d not_o the_o visible_a and_o
to_o be_v weary_a and_o be_v ready_a to_o faint_v it_o give_v a_o weak_a and_o languish_a representation_n it_o be_v true_a of_o intellectual_a beam_n too_o radius_fw-la reflexus_fw-la languet_fw-la o_o how_o quick_o be_v man_n weary_a of_o serious_a thought_n and_o consideration_n they_o look_v upon_o they_o as_o melancholy_a interruption_n turbida_fw-la intervalla_fw-la you_o have_v need_n of_o good_a argument_n to_o persuade_v man_n to_o entertain_v a_o serious_a thought_n outward_a object_n these_o divert_v the_o mind_n and_o take_v it_o off_o from_o its_o great_a work_n as_o a_o man_n that_o see_v his_o natural_a face_n in_o a_o glass_n as_o st._n james_n speak_v go_v his_o way_n and_o present_o forget_v what_o manner_n of_o man_n he_o be_v the_o soul_n scarce_o know_v its_o own_o visage_n it_o look_v abroad_o and_o be_v a_o stranger_n to_o itself_o many_o a_o man_n soul_n have_v scarce_o look_v upon_o itself_o all_o his_o life-time_n iii_o it_o consist_v in_o a_o reflex_n act_n 1_o john_n 2.3_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d and_o so_o differ_v from_o faith_n it_o be_v one_o thing_n to_o believe_v and_o another_o thing_n to_o know_v that_o i_o believe_v our_o divine_n go_v somewhat_o too_o far_o calvin_n perkins_n etc._n etc._n when_o they_o put_v all_o justify_v faith_n in_o a_o full_a persuasion_n ames_n say_v it_o be_v when_o they_o deal_v with_o the_o papist_n who_o put_v it_o in_o a_o bar_n assent_v but_o i_o think_v they_o shall_v rather_o be_v more_o wary_a there_o leave_v they_o give_v the_o enemy_n too_o much_o advantage_n i_o rather_o think_v that_o be_v man_n eminent_o pious_a it_o be_v as_o they_o find_v it_o in_o their_o own_o soul_n but_o all_o be_v not_o so_o strong_a in_o christ_n assurance_n be_v the_o top_n and_o triumph_v of_o faith_n faith_n that_o be_v our_o victory_n by_o which_o we_o overcome_v the_o world_n but_o assurance_n that_o be_v our_o triumph_n by_o which_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d we_o be_v more_o than_o conqueror_n it_o be_v flos_fw-la fidei_fw-la the_o very_a lustre_n and_o eminency_n of_o faith_n i'faith_o that_o be_v the_o root_n assurance_n be_v the_o top-branch_n the_o flourish_a of_o faith_n faith_n with_o a_o gloss_n upon_o it_o justify_v faith_n that_o do_v not_o only_o dwell_v in_o the_o understanding_n in_o nudo_fw-la assensu_fw-la but_o require_v a_o act_n of_o the_o will_v too_o which_o must_v embrace_v a_o promise_n indeed_o it_o call_v for_o a_o act_n result_v from_o the_o whole_a soul_n which_o must_v receive_v christ_n offer_v unto_o it_o but_o now_o assurance_n consist_v only_o in_o the_o mind_n and_o so_o there_o you_o have_v the_o difference_n between_o faith_n of_o adherence_n and_o faith_n of_o assurance_n the_o first_o be_v a_o act_n of_o the_o whole_a soul_n the_o latter_a be_v a_o work_n of_o the_o mind_n only_o it_o arise_v e_fw-la sensu_fw-la quodam_fw-la spirituali_fw-la whereby_o we_o know_v and_o perceive_v that_o we_o believe_v and_o when_o i_o say_v every_o believer_n may_v be_v assure_v of_o his_o salvation_n i_o do_v say_v that_o every_o believer_n be_v assure_v of_o it_o no_o every_o one_o be_v to_o labour_v for_o it_o to_o give_v diligence_n as_o our_o apostle_n speak_v but_o every_o one_o have_v not_o yet_o obtain_v it_o assurance_n be_v not_o of_o the_o essence_n of_o a_o christian_a a_o man_n may_v be_v a_o true_a child_n of_o god_n and_o certain_o save_v though_o he_o have_v not_o assurance_n he_o can_v have_v little_a sweetness_n and_o comfort_n without_o it_o little_a joy_n and_o peace_n but_o yet_o he_o may_v be_v in_o a_o safe_a though_o in_o a_o sad_a condition_n it_o be_v require_v to_o the_o bene_fw-la esse_fw-la not_o to_o the_o esse_fw-la of_o a_o believer_n 1._o for_o the_o promise_n be_v make_v to_o the_o direct_a act_n and_o not_o to_o the_o reflex_n believe_v and_o thou_o shall_v be_v save_v that_o be_v the_o voice_n of_o the_o gospel_n not_o know_v that_o thou_o do_v believe_v now_o there_o be_v many_o a_o weak_a christian_n that_o have_v faith_n and_o yet_o do_v not_o know_v that_o he_o have_v it_o faith_n like_o a_o grain_n of_o mustardseed_n lie_v hide_v for_o a_o while_n but_o it_o have_v a_o vigorous_a and_o operative_a spirit_n and_o will_v work_v out_o in_o time_n and_o spread_v itself_o into_o goodly_a branch_n the_o least_o degree_n of_o faith_n if_o it_o be_v true_a bring_v salvation_n but_o it_o do_v not_o bring_v assurance_n 2._o many_o true_a christian_n be_v in_o a_o state_n of_o desertion_n all_o their_o light_n be_v eclipse_v their_o joy_n and_o comfort_n be_v put_v out_o nay_o they_o look_v upon_o god_n as_o a_o enemy_n they_o be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v assure_v of_o their_o salvation_n as_o that_o they_o very_o think_v themselves_o in_o a_o lose_a condition_n and_o yet_o all_o this_o while_o be_v in_o a_o true_a state_n of_o grace_n their_o condition_n be_v cloudy_a and_o dark_a and_o very_o uncomfortable_a for_o the_o present_a but_o yet_o it_o be_v safe_a they_o be_v true_a believer_n and_o yet_o far_o enough_o from_o assurance_n a_o excellent_a place_n in_o isaiah_n for_o this_o isa_n 50.10_o who_o be_v among_o you_o that_o fear_v the_o lord_n that_o walk_v in_o darkness_n and_o have_v no_o light_n let_v he_o trust_v in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o stay_v upon_o his_o god_n some_o may_v true_o fear_v god_n and_o yet_o walk_v in_o darkness_n and_o have_v no_o light_n not_o the_o least_o glimpse_n of_o assurance_n no_o beam_n of_o god_n favourable_a countenance_n yet_o let_v he_o trust_v in_o the_o lord_n and_o stay_v himself_o upon_o his_o god_n he_o may_v do_v this_o though_o he_o have_v no_o light_n he_o may_v multiply_v direct_a act_n though_o he_o have_v no_o reflex_n act_n and_o here_o he_o may_v lay_v all_o the_o stress_n of_o his_o salvation_n lean_a upon_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n in_o christ_n and_o with_o a_o sweet_a recumbancy_n rest_v himself_o upon_o his_o god_n and_o this_o consideration_n may_v strengthen_v many_o 〈◊〉_d bruise_v reed_n and_o revive_v many_o a_o droop_a spirit_n who_o for_o the_o present_n do_v not_o know_v that_o â—hey_n believe_v their_o case_n may_v be_v good_a for_o all_o this_o â—hou_fw-mi may_v be_v a_o true_a believer_n though_o thou_o be_v â—ut_v a_o weak_a believer_n nay_o though_o thou_o think_v â—â—y_a self_n no_o believer_n i_o do_v not_o speak_v this_o that_o â—â—y_n shall_v rest_v in_o this_o condition_n no_o this_o be_v â—gainst_a the_o text_n all_o must_v give_v diligence_n to_o make_v â—â—eir_n call_v and_o election_n sure_a and_o a_o christiâ—â—_n can_v have_v little_a or_o no_o quiet_a till_o he_o attain_v to_o â—â—surance_n and_o thus_o you_o have_v see_v the_o nature_n of_o assurance_n we_o shall_v in_o the_o next_o place_n prove_v that_o a_o christian_n may_v be_v assure_v of_o his_o salvation_n 1._o ab_fw-la esse_fw-la ad_fw-la posse_fw-la many_o christian_a have_v be_v and_o be_v assure_v of_o his_o salvation_n scarce_o any_o eminent_a christian_a in_o the_o whole_a book_n of_o god_n but_o have_v set_v his_o seal_n to_o this_o truth_n by_o his_o own_o particular_a experience_n this_o be_v so_o clear_a as_o the_o adversary_n themselves_o can_v deny_v but_o that_o many_o choice_a one_o have_v have_v a_o full_a and_o satisfy_a light_n spring_v in_o upon_o their_o soul_n and_o clear_v their_o eternal_a condition_n to_o they_o but_o they_o say_v it_o be_v by_o way_n oâ—_n extraordinary_a revelation_n a_o special_a priviledgâ—_n vouchsafe_v to_o some_o few_o of_o god_n choice_a worthy_n by_o a_o rare_a indulgence_n but_o this_o be_v spokeâ—_n gratis_o and_o be_v contrary_n to_o the_o present_a experienâ—â—_n of_o many_o thousand_o of_o christian_n 1_o john_n 5_o 1â—_n the_o very_a drift_n of_o st._n john_n epistle_n be_v that_o christians_n may_v have_v assurance_n and_o beside_o thoâ—_n medium_n by_o which_o christian_n attain_v to_o assurance_n be_v common_a to_o all_o all_o of_o theâ—â—_n have_v the_o spirit_n dwell_v in_o they_o all_o haâ—â—_n the_o fruit_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o a_o sweet_a teâ—â—_n money_n of_o their_o own_o spirit_n though_o some_o haâ—â—_n it_o in_o a_o weak_a measure_n and_o can_v reach_v to_o a_o pâ—â—rophory_n all_o come_v not_o to_o this_o full_a assurance_n but_o yet_o these_o be_v the_o usual_a way_n by_o which_o 〈◊〉_d attain_v to_o it_o which_o have_v nothing_o in_o they_o of_o extraordinary_a revelation_n they_o be_v via_fw-la regâ—â—_n and_o yet_o via_fw-la trita_fw-la too_o add_v to_o this_o the_o scope_n of_o the_o text_n st._n peter_n exhort_v all_o to_o give_v diligence_n to_o make_v their_o call_v and_o election_n sure_a which_o to_o what_o purpose_n be_v it_o if_o it_o come_v only_o by_o special_a and_o extraordinary_a revelation_n which_o do_v not_o depend_v upon_o their_o diligence_n 2._o search_v into_o the_o nature_n of_o faith_n itself_o and_o
no_o the_o beam_n of_o god_n love_n will_v shine_v out_o strong_a and_o bright_a upon_o the_o soul_n and_o ripen_v his_o hope_n into_o assurance_n christian_a hope_n when_o it_o be_v in_o its_o full_a vigour_n be_v all_o one_o with_o assurance_n rom._n 5.5_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d but_o if_o hope_n can_v be_v frustrate_v it_o than_o may_v make_v ashamed_a disappointment_n will_v cause_v a_o blush_n hope_v differ_v will_v make_v the_o heart_n sick_a and_o uncertain_a hope_n will_v sâ—arce_o make_v the_o soul_n well_o a_o christian_n hope_n be_v not_o like_a that_o of_o pandora_n which_o may_v fly_v out_o of_o the_o box_n and_o bid_v the_o soul_n farewell_o no_o it_o will_v never_o vanish_v till_o it_o be_v swallow_v up_o in_o fruition_n the_o hope_n of_o the_o hypocrite_n it_o be_v as_o his_o righteousness_n like_o the_o morning-dew_n but_o the_o hope_n of_o a_o christian_n it_o be_v like_o the_o morning-light_n the_o least_o beam_n of_o it_o shall_v commence_v into_o a_o complete_a sunshine_n it_o be_v aurora_n gaudii_fw-la and_o it_o shall_v shine_v out_o bright_a and_o bright_a till_o perfect_a day_n we_o shall_v further_o clear_v this_o truth_n if_o you_o consider_v the_o manner_n how_o christian_n be_v assure_v of_o their_o salvation_n the_o three_o thing_n you_o propound_v 1_o by_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n which_o be_v in_o they_o those_o precious_a seed_n of_o mortality_n and_o the_o print_n of_o the_o spirit_n by_o which_o they_o be_v seal_v to_o the_o day_n of_o redemption_n grace_n be_v the_o spirit_n stamp_n by_o which_o it_o mark_v the_o soul_n for_o its_o own_o the_o first_o fruit_n of_o the_o spirit_n the_o least_o grace_n if_o true_a and_o sincere_a be_v sufficient_a to_o salvation_n and_o therefore_o the_o sense_n of_o the_o least_o grace_n be_v sufficient_a to_o assurance_n object_n but_o how_o shall_v the_o soul_n know_v that_o it_o have_v these_o grace_n in_o truth_n and_o not_o in_o shadow_n and_o colour_n only_o how_o shall_v it_o be_v certain_a that_o these_o be_v not_o counterfeit_a and_o paint_a sol._n there_o may_v be_v give_v mny_n sign_n and_o character_n of_o true_a grace_n that_o it_o must_v flow_v from_o a_o principle_n of_o sincerity_n from_o a_o principle_n of_o love_n that_o it_o must_v be_v comfortable_a to_o the_o grace_n of_o christ_n but_o all_o this_o will_v not_o satisfy_v for_o the_o soul_n will_v still_o question_v how_o shall_v i_o know_v that_o my_o grace_n be_v such_o so_o than_o that_o which_o we_o must_v ultimate_o resolve_v it_o into_o be_v that_o in_o rom._n 8.16_o for_o in_o the_o mouth_n of_o two_o or_o three_o witness_n every_o thing_n shall_v be_v establish_v now_o we_o have_v here_o two_o witness_n omni_fw-la exceptione_n majores_fw-la we_o have_v a_o double_a testimony_n a_o twin-testimony_n the_o same_o spirit_n bear_v witness_v with_o our_o spirit_n that_o we_o be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d he_o confirm_v what_o the_o other_o say_v both_o the_o witness_n do_v full_o agree_v and_o make_v up_o one_o entire_a testimony_n the_o soul_n may_v say_v here_o as_o paul_n rom._n 9.1_o i_o speak_v the_o truth_n i_o lie_v not_o my_o conscience_n bear_v i_o witness_n by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n the_o whole_a work_n of_o assurance_n be_v sum_v up_o in_o this_o practical_a syllogism_n whosoever_o believe_v shall_v be_v save_v but_o i_o believe_v and_o so_o shall_v certain_o be_v save_v the_o assumption_n be_v put_v out_o of_o doubt_n 1._o conscience_n come_v in_o with_o a_o full_a testimony_n and_o if_o natural_a conscience_n be_v a_o thousand_o witness_n then_o sure_a a_o enlighten_v and_o sanctify_a conscience_n can_v be_v no_o less_o than_o ten_o thousand_o 1_o john_n 3.10_o he_o that_o believe_v have_v a_o witness_n in_o himself_o a_o certificate_n in_o his_o own_o breast_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d for_o as_o the_o same_o apostle_n 1_o john_n 3.20_o belove_a if_o our_o heart_n condemn_v we_o not_o then_o have_v we_o confidence_n towards_o god_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d here_o be_v the_o same_o with_o conscience_n for_o the_o hebrew_n have_v no_o other_o word_n for_o conscience_n but_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d so_o then_o if_o our_o heart_n acquit_v we_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d we_o have_v as_o much_o liberty_n as_o we_o can_v desire_v it_o fear_v not_o now_o the_o edge_n of_o the_o law_n nor_o the_o fiery_a dart_n of_o satan_n it_o do_v not_o stagger_v with_o sense_n of_o its_o own_o weakness_n and_o unworthiness_n but_o come_v with_o confidence_n to_o the_o throne_n of_o grace_n obj._n 1_o jer._n 17.9_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d supplantativum_fw-la cor_fw-la prae_fw-la omnibus_fw-la so_o arias_n montanus_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d &_o inscrutabile_fw-la desperabile_fw-la so_o hierome_n and_o our_o translation_n desperate_o wicked_a it_o be_v proper_o insanabile_fw-la some_o think_v paul_n allude_v to_o this_o place_n and_o do_v explain_v it_o in_o rom._n 2.5_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o seventy_o read_v the_o word_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d and_o translate_v it_o according_o sol._n 1._o now_o as_o for_o the_o mind_n of_o the_o place_n i_o find_v expositor_n of_o great_a name_n and_o worth_n understand_v it_o of_o the_o unregenerate_a heart_n of_o the_o heart_n of_o man_n that_o be_v in_o the_o state_n of_o corrupt_a nature_n of_o who_o it_o be_v say_v that_o all_o the_o imagination_n of_o the_o thought_n of_o man_n heart_n be_v altogether_o evil_a continual_o sol._n 2._o the_o drift_n of_o the_o text_n be_v to_o show_v the_o deceitfulness_n of_o man_n heart_n in_o respect_n of_o other_o for_o it_o be_v bring_v in_o by_o way_n of_o objection_n the_o jew_n they_o be_v cunning_a and_o subtle_a and_o can_v delude_v the_o prophet_n and_o so_o think_v to_o evade_v the_o curse_n no_o but_o i_o the_o lord_n search_v the_o heart_n i_o have_v a_o fair_a window_n a_o open_a prospect_n into_o the_o most_o reserve_a spirit_n it_o be_v as_o clear_a as_o crystal_n to_o my_o eye_n sol._n 3._o yet_o it_o be_v true_a that_o the_o most_o sincere_a heart_n be_v very_o deceitful_a the_o heart_n of_o a_o david_n of_o a_o man_n after_o god_n own_o heart_n be_v full_a of_o wind_n and_o turn_n and_o many_o deviation_n such_o secret_a passage_n as_o himself_o know_v not_o of_o for_o who_o have_v know_v the_o error_n of_o his_o way_n no_o man_n yet_o have_v such_o a_o pierce_a insight_n into_o his_o own_o soul_n as_o to_o be_v acquaint_v with_o every_o motion_n of_o it_o none_o can_v so_o anatomize_v his_o own_o spirit_n that_o it_o shall_v be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d so_o as_o every_o vein_n and_o nerve_n and_o muscle_n shall_v be_v obvious_a and_o apparent_a to_o his_o eye_n but_o what_o do_v this_o hinder_a but_o that_o the_o general_a frame_n and_o bent_n of_o the_o spirit_n the_o bias_n and_o inclination_n of_o the_o soul_n may_v be_v clear_o know_v the_o soul_n know_v which_o way_n its_o faculty_n stream_n with_o most_o vehemency_n conscience_n can_v be_v bribe_v it_o will_v give_v in_o the_o true_a judgement_n especial_o a_o enlighten_v conscience_n there_o be_v none_o but_o if_o he_o search_v and_o examine_v his_o own_o soul_n in_o a_o strict_a and_o impartial_a manner_n may_v know_v whether_o he_o be_v sincere_a and_o cordial_a or_o no._n there_o be_v none_o but_o may_v know_v the_o general_a frame_n and_o temper_n of_o his_o spirit_n 1_o cor._n 2.11_o who_o know_v the_o thing_n of_o a_o man_n but_o the_o spirit_n of_o a_o man_n that_o be_v in_o he_o the_o testimony_n of_o conscience_n be_v certain_a and_o infallible_a many_o a_o wicked_a man_n by_o this_o be_v assure_v that_o for_o the_o present_a he_o be_v in_o a_o miserable_a and_o damnable_a condition_n he_o know_v certain_o that_o as_o yet_o he_o be_v out_o of_o the_o covenant_n and_o hence_o many_o time_n there_o be_v lighten_v flash_n of_o terror_n fly_v in_o his_o face_n the_o very_a spark_n of_o hell_n compass_v he_o about_o do_v not_o thy_o conscience_n often_o tell_v thou_o o_o profane_a wretch_n that_o as_o yet_o thou_o be_v a_o child_n of_o wrath_n and_o gallop_v to_o damnation_n with_o a_o full_a career_n why_o then_o may_v not_o the_o heart_n of_o a_o christian_a tell_v he_o as_o certain_o that_o he_o be_v a_o child_n of_o god_n by_o adoption_n and_o a_o heir_n of_o promise_n nay_o speak_v o_fw-fr christian_n where_o ever_o thou_o be_v and_o speak_v aloud_o that_o we_o may_v hear_v thou_o do_v not_o thy_o own_o soul_n tell_v thou_o that_o thou_o be_v in_o a_o sure_a and_o happy_a condition_n so_o sure_o as_o nothing_o shall_v be_v able_a to_o separate_v thou_o from_o the_o love_n of_o god_n in_o christ_n jesus_n our_o lord_n why_o be_v christian_n so_o often_o enjoin_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d
withdraw_v itself_o and_o leave_v only_o the_o witness_n of_o our_o own_o spirit_n and_o yet_o then_o the_o soul_n have_v assurance_n but_o yet_o the_o soul_n shall_v aim_v at_o the_o high_a plerophory_n at_o the_o top_n of_o assurance_n then_o quench_v not_o the_o spirit_n lest_o you_o put_v out_o your_o own_o joy_n grieve_v not_o so_o sweet_a a_o inhabitant_n that_o come_v to_o comfort_v you_o give_v he_o no_o cause_n to_o withdraw_v his_o light_n quest_n but_o what_o if_o the_o soul_n have_v not_o the_o witness_n of_o god_n spirit_n nor_o of_o its_o own_o spirit_n neither_o what_o if_o it_o have_v no_o present_a light_n no_o certain_a evidence_n answ_n there_o be_v one_o way_n leave_v yet_o have_v recourse_n to_o former_a assurance_n do_v thou_o certain_o know_v and_o remember_v that_o once_o thou_o have_v a_o sweet_a serenity_n of_o soul_n that_o a_o enlighten_v conscience_n upon_o good_a ground_n do_v speak_v peace_n unto_o thou_o do_v thou_o never_o see_v the_o light_n of_o the_o spirit_n crown_v thy_o soul_n with_o satisfy_a beam_n be_v thou_o sure_a that_o once_o he_o do_v bear_v witness_n with_o thy_o spirit_n that_o thou_o be_v the_o child_n of_o god_n why_o then_o be_v sure_a still_o that_o thou_o be_v in_o the_o same_o condition_n for_o there_o be_v no_o total_a fall_n from_o grace_n thy_o light_n it_o may_v be_v be_v put_v out_o for_o the_o present_a conscience_n do_v not_o speak_v so_o friendly_a to_o thou_o as_o it_o be_v wont_a and_o thou_o have_v greeve_v the_o spirit_n and_o he_o have_v take_v it_o unkind_o and_o have_v hold_v off_o his_o light_n for_o a_o while_n but_o now_o can_v thou_o remember_v the_o day_n of_o old_a when_o the_o rock_n pour_v out_o oil_n unto_o thou_o when_o thy_o branch_n be_v grâ—en_v and_o flourish_v can_v thou_o certain_o recall_v thy_o former_a assurance_n can_v tell_v the_o time_n when_o the_o spirit_n do_v set_v his_o seal_n unto_o thou_o and_o confirm_v all_o thy_o evidence_n well_o then_o lay_v down_o but_o perseverance_n for_o a_o ground_n and_o thou_o be_v still_o assure_v of_o thy_o salvation_n the_o spirit_n testimony_n be_v of_o a_o eternal_a truth_n and_o heaven_n and_o earth_n shall_v soon_o pass_v away_o than_o one_o beam_n of_o this_o light_n shall_v vanish_v though_o now_o it_o be_v not_o apparent_a to_o thy_o eye_n when_o the_o soul_n for_o the_o present_a be_v cloudy_a and_o dark_a it_o may_v cherish_v itself_o with_o former_a assurance_n now_o that_o a_o soul_n may_v have_v no_o sensible_a assurance_n for_o the_o present_a and_o yet_o may_v remember_v former_a assurance_n be_v clear_a in_o that_o holy_a man_n david_n psal_n 51.12_o restore_v unto_o i_o the_o joy_n of_o thy_o salvation_n and_o uphold_v i_o with_o thy_o free_a spirit_n david_n joy_n be_v extinguish_v and_o he_o will_v fain_o have_v it_o light_v again_o three_o thing_n imply_v in_o the_o word_n restore_v 1._o that_o for_o the_o present_a it_o be_v take_v away_o 2._o that_o once_o he_o have_v it_o 3._o he_o remember_v that_o he_o have_v it_o and_o therefore_o pray_v restore_v unto_o i_o the_o joy_n of_o thy_o salvation_n and_o uphold_v i_o with_o thy_o free_a spirit_n that_o be_v the_o spring_n of_o david_n joy_n the_o testimony_n of_o the_o spirit_n witness_v with_o his_o spirit_n be_v that_o which_o do_v uphold_v and_o staff_n up_o the_o soul_n david_n own_o spirit_n be_v now_o very_o unquiet_a and_o god_n spirit_n do_v withdraw_v himself_o and_o now_o the_o best_a refreshment_n that_o david_n have_v be_v from_o former_a assurance_n it_o be_v true_a there_o be_v some_o sadness_n and_o bitterness_n in_o this_o consideration_n when_o a_o christian_a shall_v think_v what_o he_o have_v lose_v o_o my_o soul_n be_v once_o a_o beautiful_a temple_n full_a of_o fair_a window_n and_o goodly_a prospect_n and_o glorious_a light_n i_o can_v take_v a_o prospect_n of_o canaan_n when_o i_o please_v but_o now_o i_o dwell_v in_o the_o tent_n of_o kedar_n nothing_o but_o blackness_n and_o darkness_n there_o be_v trouble_n and_o a_o sting_n in_o these_o thought_n but_o yet_o there_o be_v some_o honey_n and_o sweetness_n too_o be_v i_o not_o once_o a_o friend_n of_o god_n and_o do_v he_o use_v to_o forsake_v his_o friend_n do_v he_o not_o once_o speak_v peace_n to_o thou_o and_o do_v he_o use_v to_o recall_v his_o word_n do_v not_o he_o shed_v his_o love_n in_o thy_o heart_n and_o be_v not_o his_o love_n immortal_a do_v not_o his_o spirit_n seal_v up_o thy_o soul_n and_o be_v not_o the_o print_n of_o that_o seal_n indelible_a speak_v do_v not_o he_o once_o show_v thou_o thy_o name_n write_v with_o his_o own_o hand_n in_o the_o book_n of_o life_n and_o do_v he_o use_v to_o blot_v out_o what_o he_o have_v write_v do_v not_o thou_o remember_v do_v not_o he_o smile_v upon_o thou_o in_o such_o and_o such_o a_o ordinance_n and_o be_v his_o smile_n deceitful_a o_o no_o rest_n satisfy_v o_o christian_a soul_n and_o quiet_a thyself_o in_o those_o rich_a expression_n of_o his_o love_n which_o he_o have_v former_o bestow_v upon_o thou_o o_o question_v not_o his_o goodness_n but_o prepare_v thyself_o for_o receive_v of_o it_o the_o stream_n be_v dry_v up_o but_o yet_o the_o fountain_n be_v full_a thou_o have_v have_v some_o taste_n of_o it_o though_o now_o thou_o be_v dry_a and_o thirsty_a and_o thou_o shall_v have_v in_o time_n fresh_a bubbling_n up_o of_o his_o grace_n towards_o thou_o in_o the_o interim_n take_v this_o for_o a_o cordial_a those_o former_a drop_n which_o thou_o have_v taste_v of_o it_o will_v cherish_v thy_o soul_n to_o all_o eternity_n the_o least_o drop_n of_o grace_n shall_v never_o be_v exhaust_v the_o least_o spark_n of_o true_a joy_n shall_v never_o be_v exstinguisht_v all_o the_o flood_n that_o the_o dragon_n can_v vomit_v out_o of_o his_o mouth_n shall_v never_o be_v able_a to_o quench_v it_o but_o then_o 4._o put_v the_o case_n thus_o that_o there_o be_v no_o sun-light_n nor_o starlight_n nor_o relic_n of_o former_a light_n neither_o the_o testimony_n of_o god_n spirit_n nor_o of_o our_o own_o spirit_n nor_o any_o recall_v of_o former_a assurance_n what_o must_v the_o soul_n do_v now_o now_o look_v to_o the_o dawn_n of_o the_o day_n to_o the_o first_o crepusculum_fw-la look_v now_o to_o the_o initial_o of_o grace_n to_o the_o preface_n of_o sanctification_n thou_o can_v not_o it_o may_v be_v show_v any_o fair_a and_o lively_a pourtraicture_n i_o but_o have_v thou_o the_o first_o draught_n and_o rudiment_n of_o holiness_n thou_o have_v not_o any_o goodly_a &_o delicious_a cluster_n of_o canaan_n o_o but_o see_v if_o the_o tender_a grape_n do_v bud_n there_o be_v not_o any_o ripe_a fruit_n of_o the_o spirit_n but_o yet_o be_v there_o some_o blossoming_n of_o holiness_n thy_o grace_n do_v flow_v out_o into_o so_o full_a &_o fair_a a_o stream_n but_o can_v thou_o see_v any_o bubbling_n up_o of_o goodness_n in_o thou_o thou_o have_v not_o yet_o the_o strength_n a_o well_o grow_v christian_n well_o but_o be_v there_o the_o vagitus_fw-la of_o a_o infant_n look_v now_o to_o the_o soul_n prize_v of_o a_o christ_n to_o the_o whimpering_n after_o the_o breast_n to_o the_o breathe_n and_o long_n after_o its_o belove_a thought_n upon_o he_o desire_v for_o he_o endeavour_n after_o he_o there_o be_v much_o comfort_n &_o sweetness_n in_o these_o i_o and_o some_o kind_n of_o assurance_n for_o 1._o be_v sure_a that_o god_n that_o have_v begin_v this_o great_a work_n in_o thou_o will_v never_o give_v over_o till_o it_o be_v full_a and_o complete_a he_o do_v not_o use_v to_o leave_v his_o work_n imperfect_a the_o least_o tendency_n to_o goodness_n be_v cherish_v by_o he_o the_o very_a first_o motion_n it_o be_v of_o his_o own_o plant_n and_o it_o shall_v lack_v for_o no_o water_v and_o he_o himself_o will_v give_v it_o a_o increase_n 2._o the_o least_o seed_n of_o grace_n as_o it_o be_v choice_n and_o precious_a so_o it_o be_v very_o vigorous_a and_o operative_a it_o will_v never_o leave_v work_v till_o christ_n be_v form_v in_o thou_o who_o have_v despise_v the_o day_n of_o small_a thing_n thy_o spark_n may_v spread_v itself_o into_o a_o flame_n and_o thy_o tender_a bud_n may_v flourish_v and_o bring_v forth_o much_o fruit_n he_o that_o be_v rich_a in_o grace_n begâ—n_o with_o as_o little_a a_o stock_n he_o that_o be_v now_o a_o tall_a cedar_n be_v once_o a_o tender_a plant_n improve_v but_o present_a strength_n and_o god_n will_v send_v thou_o in_o fresh_a supply_n auxiliary_a force_n and_o thou_o shall_v walk_v â—rom_o strength_n to_o strength_n till_o thou_o appear_v before_o god_n in_o glory_n thy_o light_n shall_v shine_v out_o bright_a and_o bright_a till_o perfect_a day_n donec_fw-la stabiliatur_fw-la dies_fw-la according_a to_o the_o syriac_a till_o thou_o
come_v to_o a_o firm_a and_o well_o establish_v assurance_n the_o least_o peep_v out_o of_o light_n the_o least_o dawn_v of_o the_o day_n be_v pleasant_a and_o comfortable_a 5._o if_o thou_o can_v not_o spy_v out_o any_o grace_n in_o thyself_o borrow_v light_n of_o another_o lay_v open_a thy_o soul_n to_o a_o interpreter_n one_o of_o a_o thousand_o hâ—_n may_v explain_v thy_o condition_n and_o paraphrase_n upon_o thy_o soul_n better_o than_o thou_o thyself_o can_v this_o interpreter_n one_o of_o a_o thousand_o may_n more_o exact_o analyse_v thy_o condition_n and_o show_v the_o context_n and_o coherence_n of_o it_o it_o be_v the_o speech_n of_o elihu_n job_n 33.23_o there_o meet_v he_o a_o messenger_n a_o interpreter_n one_o among_o a_o thousand_o to_o show_v unto_o he_o his_o uprightness_n he_o will_v show_v thou_o here_o be_v grace_n and_o there_o be_v grace_n here_o be_v a_o true_a pearl_n and_o there_o be_v a_o spark_n though_o in_o ash_n and_o there_o be_v a_o evidence_n a_o discern_a and_o experience_a christian_n may_v show_v thou_o cause_n of_o joy_n when_o thou_o can_v find_v none_o thyself_o it_o be_v no_o shame_n to_o borrow_v light_n especial_o spiritual_a light_n 6._o one_o step_n further_o what_o if_o after_o all_o this_o there_o be_v not_o the_o least_o glimmer_a of_o light_n nothing_o of_o a_o spark_n nothing_o of_o a_o beam_n a_o total_a eclipse_n all_o cloud_n and_o blackness_n and_o darkness_n and_o the_o very_a valley_n of_o the_o shadow_n of_o death_n yet_o even_o here_o will_v we_o fear_v none_o ill_o 1._o when_o reflex_n act_n be_v want_v be_v sure_a to_o multiply_v direct_a act_n when_o there_o be_v no_o certainty_n of_o evidence_n yet_o even_o then_o have_v a_o certainty_n of_o adherence_n and_o recumbency_n now_o grasp_v a_o promise_n take_v fast_o hold_v of_o that_o precious_a offer_n roll_v thyself_o upon_o the_o free_a grace_n of_o a_o god_n in_o christ_n lay_v all_o the_o stress_n of_o thy_o salvation_n upon_o it_o with_o a_o 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god_n do_v then_o seal_v up_o the_o work_n of_o grace_n in_o the_o soul_n when_o the_o spirit_n of_o bondage_n have_v pass_v upon_o the_o soul_n and_o by_o a_o strong_a conviction_n have_v apply_v particular_o guilt_n and_o wrath_n unto_o it_o the_o fatal_a sentence_n be_v pronounce_v and_o the_o soul_n be_v fill_v with_o the_o scorch_a pre-apprehension_n of_o hell_n and_o damnation_n &_o tremble_v at_o the_o very_a thought_n of_o eternity_n now_o for_o the_o gospel_n to_o bring_v theâ—â—_n welcome_a news_n of_o a_o pardon_n and_o for_o the_o spirit_n oâ—_n adoption_n to_o apply_v grace_n and_o mercy_n unto_o thâ—_n soul_n for_o the_o prison-door_n to_o be_v break_v open_a and_o a_o poor_a captive_n set_v at_o liberty_n to_o have_v alâ—_n the_o chain_n and_o fetter_n beat_v off_o and_o to_o bâ—_n bring_v into_o a_o marvellous_a light_n to_o have_v all_o thâ—_n balm_n of_o gilead_n power_v into_o he_o evangelicaâ—_n fruition_n and_o cordial_n prepare_v for_o he_o and_o which_o be_v the_o very_a extraction_n and_o quintessence_n 〈◊〉_d all_o the_o love_n of_o a_o saviour_n shed_v into_o his_o heart_n what_o strong_a impression_n of_o joy_n think_v you_o mâ—_n there_o be_v in_o such_o a_o soul_n what_o precious_a infâ—â—ons_n of_o spiritual_a sweetness_n what_o secret_a springing_n and_o elevation_n of_o spirit_n what_o triumph_n what_o jubilee_n what_o love-rapture_n i_o be_o my_o belove_n and_o my_o beloved_n be_v i_o i_o must_v appeal_v to_o your_o breast_n that_o have_v find_v this_o great_a and_o heavenly_a work_n wrought_v upon_o your_o soul_n it_o be_v you_o only_o that_o have_v taste_v the_o joy_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n that_o be_v glorious_a and_o unspeakable_a and_o do_v you_o tell_v we_o have_v not_o you_o then_o the_o first_o relish_n of_o the_o hide_a manna_n be_v not_o it_o very_o sweet_a and_o delicious_a have_v not_o thou_o then_o the_o first_o glimpse_n of_o the_o white_a stone_n and_o be_v not_o it_o very_o bright_a and_o orient_a have_v not_o 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widen_v and_o enlarge_n their_o affection_n open_v their_o mouth_n like_o a_o dry_a and_o thirsty_a land_n that_o wait_v for_o some_o satisfy_a shower_n and_o will_v fain_o be_v fill_v 3._o time_n of_o employment_n be_v seal_v time_n when_o god_n intend_v a_o christian_a for_o great_a and_o eminent_a service_n he_o first_o make_v his_o goodness_n pass_v before_o he_o he_o shed_v some_o of_o his_o love_n into_o his_o heart_n which_o do_v both_o constrain_v he_o to_o obedience_n and_o encourage_v he_o in_o it_o his_o smile_n make_v the_o soul_n go_v cheerful_o about_o his_o work_n his_o presence_n give_v life_n and_o vigour_n to_o a_o performance_n the_o servant_n of_o god_n wait_v on_o he_o fix_v their_o eye_n upon_o he_o look_v whether_o he_o give_v they_o a_o propicious_a glance_n they_o walk_v in_o the_o light_n of_o his_o countenance_n they_o follow_v the_o direction_n of_o his_o eye_n they_o win_v '_o move_n unless_o he_o breath_n on_o they_o moses_n will_v stir_v without_o 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doubt_v of_o the_o love_n of_o god_n towards_o thou_o thus_o god_n when_o he_o call_v abraham_n to_o that_o great_a expression_n of_o obedience_n in_o the_o sacrifice_a of_o his_o isaac_n he_o first_o warm_v his_o heart_n with_o his_o love_n and_o seal_v up_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n to_o he_o he_o spread_v before_o he_o ample_a and_o comprehensive_a promise_n i_o be_o thy_o god_n all-sufficient_a i_o be_o thy_o buckler_n and_o thy_o exceed_a great_a reward_n and_o this_o will_v bear_v up_o and_o support_v abraham_n though_o the_o staff_n of_o his_o old_a age_n be_v take_v away_o and_o by_o his_o own_o hand_n cast_v into_o the_o fire_n and_o this_o be_v his_o usual_a deal_n with_o the_o prophet_n when_o he_o send_v they_o with_o great_a and_o weighty_a message_n he_o first_o reveal_v his_o goodness_n to_o they_o before_o he_o reveal_v his_o mind_n by_o they_o he_o assure_v they_o of_o direct_v mercy_n of_o protect_a mercy_n that_o shall_v bear_v they_o company_n that_o shall_v go_v along_o with_o they_o and_o this_o put_v a_o generous_a undauntedness_n upon_o they_o that_o they_o fear_v not_o the_o frown_n of_o man_n nor_o the_o threaten_n of_o man_n nor_o of_o the_o great_a of_o man_n this_o make_v jeremy_n to_o set_v his_o face_n like_o a_o flint_n and_o esay_n to_o lift_v up_o his_o voice_n like_o a_o trumpet_n to_o tell_v israel_n their_o sin_n and_o judah_n their_o transgression_n and_o this_o be_v that_o which_o prepare_v the_o martyr_n for_o their_o suffering_n god_n temper_n and_o allay_v that_o cup_n he_o drop_v some_o of_o his_o goodness_n into_o it_o and_o sweeten_v it_o to_o they_o he_o first_o set_v his_o seal_n to_o their_o soul_n before_o they_o set_v their_o seal_n to_o his_o truth_n he_o diet_n they_o with_o the_o hide_a manna_n and_o give_v they_o beforehand_o the_o white_a stone_n as_o a_o sure_a pledge_n of_o victory_n what_o be_v it_o but_o this_o that_o make_v they_o devour_v torment_n and_o come_v to_o they_o with_o a_o appetite_n it_o be_v this_o that_o soften_v the_o flame_n and_o turn_v they_o into_o a_o bed_n of_o rose_n it_o be_v this_o that_o fill_v their_o soul_n with_o joy_n and_o their_o mouth_n with_o praise_n that_o make_v they_o more_o cheerful_a in_o their_o suffering_n than_o their_o saviour_n in_o he_o for_o they_o usual_o have_v the_o face_n of_o a_o reconcile_a god_n shine_v out_o upon_o they_o which_o be_v whole_o withdraw_v from_o he_o when_o he_o cry_v out_o my_o god_n my_o god_n why_o have_v thou_o for_o saken_a i_o 4._o pray_v time_n be_v seal_v time_n the_o same_o spirit_n that_o indite_v the_o prayer_n seal_v it_o up_o when_o hannah_n have_v put_v up_o her_o prayer_n 1_o sam._n 1.18_o the_o text_n say_v express_o that_o her_o countenance_n be_v no_o more_o sad_a as_o it_o be_v the_o great_a privilege_n of_o assurance_n that_o christian_n may_v then_o with_o confidence_n cry_v abba_n father_n so_o also_o it_o be_v a_o great_a mean_n to_o assurance_n the_o hear_n of_o prayer_n be_v a_o mighty_a 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5._o time_n of_o outward_a exigency_n be_v seal_v time_n 2_o cor._n 4.16_o though_o our_o outward_a man_n decay_n yet_o our_o inward_a man_n be_v renew_v daily_o that_o feed_v upon_o hide_a mannah_n a_o precious_a restaurative_a for_o a_o faint_a christian_a manna_n you_o know_v be_v rain_v down_o in_o the_o wilderness_n and_o when_o the_o israelite_n provision_n fail_v they_o than_o manna_n be_v rain_v down_o when_o the_o water-pot_n be_v fill_v up_o to_o the_o brim_n then_o be_v the_o water_n present_o turn_v into_o wine_n and_o so_o this_o hide_a mannah_n be_v provide_v for_o sad_a and_o cloudy_a condition_n we_o except_v only_o the_o case_n of_o total_a desertion_n when_o the_o soul_n have_v not_o the_o least_o light_n shine_v in_o upon_o it_o which_o be_v the_o severe_a judgement_n that_o a_o true_a christian_a be_v capable_a of_o but_o in_o other_o distress_n especial_o outward_a and_o temporal_a distress_n he_o do_v reveal_v himself_o more_o immediate_o to_o they_o and_o 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