resolution_n be_v peremptory_a and_o constant_a and_o take_v heed_n thou_o harden_v not_o again_o as_o pharaoh_n the_o philistine_n the_o young_a man_n in_o the_o gospel_n pilate_n and_o judas_n do_v resemble_v not_o the_o iron_n which_o be_v no_o long_o soft_a than_o it_o be_v in_o the_o fire_n be_v not_o like_o those_o that_o be_v seasick_a who_o be_v much_o trouble_v while_o they_o be_v on_o shipboard_n but_o present_o well_o again_o when_o they_o be_v come_v to_o shore_n for_o that_o good_a say_v gregory_n will_v do_v we_o no_o good_a which_o be_v not_o make_v good_a by_o perseverance_n if_o with_o these_o premonision_n the_o spirit_n shall_v vouchsafe_v to_o stir_v up_o in_o thy_o heart_n any_o good_a motion_n and_o holy_a purpose_n to_o obey_v god_n in_o let_v thy_o sin_n go_v quench_v not_o grieve_v not_o the_o spirit_n 1_o thess_n 5.19_o return_v not_o with_o the_o dog_n to_o thy_o vomit_n lest_o thy_o latter_a end_n prove_v seven_o fold_n worse_o than_o thy_o beginning_n matth._n 12.43.45_o as_o it_o fare_v with_o julian_n the_o apostate_n and_o judas_n the_o traitor_n o_o it_o be_v a_o fearful_a thing_n to_o receive_v the_o grace_n of_o god_n in_o vain_a and_o a_o desperate_a thing_n be_v warn_v of_o a_o rock_n wilful_o to_o cast_v ourselves_o upon_o it_o neither_o let_v satan_n persuade_v you_o to_o defer_v your_o repentance_n no_o not_o a_o hour_n lest_o your_o resolution_n prove_v as_o a_o false_a conception_n which_o never_o come_v to_o bear_v for_o as_o ill_a debtor_n put_v off_o their_o creditor_n first_o one_o week_n than_o another_o till_o at_o last_o they_o be_v able_a to_o pay_v nothing_o so_o deal_v delayer_n with_o god_n beside_o death_n may_v be_v sudden_a even_o the_o least_o of_o a_o thousand_o thing_n can_v kill_v thou_o and_o give_v thou_o no_o leisure_n to_o be_v sick_a §_o 85._o second_o or_o if_o death_n be_v not_o sudden_a repentance_n be_v no_o such_o easy_a work_n as_o to_o be_v put_v off_o to_o sickness_n and_o though_o true_a repentance_n be_v never_o too_o late_o yet_o late_a repentance_n be_v seldom_o true_a and_o indeed_o there_o be_v small_a hope_n of_o repentance_n at_o the_o hour_n of_o death_n where_o there_o be_v no_o regard_n of_o honesty_n in_o the_o time_n of_o life_n and_o million_o be_v now_o in_o hell_n who_o think_v they_o will_v repent_v hereafter_o not_o be_v wise_a enough_o to_o consider_v that_o it_o be_v with_o sin_n in_o the_o heart_n as_o with_o a_o tree_n plant_v in_o the_o ground_n which_o the_o long_o it_o grow_v the_o hard_a it_o be_v to_o be_v pluck_v up_o or_o a_o nail_n in_o a_o post_n which_o be_v make_v fast_o by_o every_o stroke_n of_o the_o hammer_n as_o what_o say_v the_o holy_a ghost_n can_v the_o black_a moor_n change_v his_o skin_n or_o the_o leopard_n his_o spot_n then_o may_v you_o also_o do_v good_a that_o be_v accustom_v to_o do_v evil_a jer._n 13.23_o §_o 86._o three_o or_o suppose_v after_o many_o year_n spend_v in_o the_o service_n of_o sin_n and_o satan_n thou_o be_v willing_a to_o relinquish_v thy_o lust_n and_o offer_v to_o god_n thy_o service_n and_o best_a devotion_n at_o the_o last_o gasp_n will_v he_o accept_v of_o they_o no_o he_o have_v express_o tell_v we_o the_o contrary_a prov._n 1.24_o to_o 32._o yea_o be_v it_o likely_a that_o god_n will_v accept_v of_o thy_o dry_a bone_n when_o satan_n have_v suck_v out_o all_o the_o marrow_n that_o he_o will_v give_v his_o heavenly_a and_o spiritual_a grace_n at_o the_o hour_n of_o death_n to_o those_o who_o have_v contemn_v they_o all_o their_o life_n yea_o be_v it_o not_o most_o just_a and_o equal_a if_o god_n will_v not_o be_v find_v of_o those_o that_o be_v content_a to_o loose_v he_o if_o he_o shut_v his_o ear_n against_o their_o prayer_n call_v to_o he_o for_o pardon_n that_o stop_v their_o ear_n against_o his_o voice_n call_v upon_o they_o for_o repentance_n the_o lord_n have_v make_v a_o promise_n to_o late_a repentance_n not_o of_o late_a repentance_n if_o thou_o convert_v to_o morrow_n thou_o be_v sure_a of_o grace_n but_o thou_o be_v not_o sure_a of_o to_o morrow_n conversion_n if_o in_o any_o reasonable_a time_n we_o pray_v he_o will_v hear_v we_o if_o we_o repent_v he_o will_v pardon_v we_o if_o we_o amend_v our_o life_n he_o will_v save_v we_o but_o for_o want_v of_o this_o timely_a consideration_n dive_v pray_v but_o be_v not_o hear_v esau_n weep_v but_o be_v not_o pity_v the_o foolish_a virgin_n knock_v but_o be_v deny_v and_o so_o thousand_o have_v cry_v unto_o god_n at_o the_o hour_n of_o death_n and_o find_v no_o repentance_n but_o they_o die_v as_o they_o live_v and_o go_v from_o despair_n unto_o destruction_n wherefore_o as_o you_o tender_v the_o good_a of_o your_o own_o soul_n set_v upon_o the_o work_n present_o provide_v with_o joseph_n for_o the_o dearth_n to_o come_v and_o with_o noah_n in_o the_o day_n of_o thy_o health_n build_v the_o ark_n of_o a_o good_a conscience_n against_o the_o flood_n of_o sickness_n imitate_v the_o ant_n who_o provide_v her_o meat_n in_o summer_n for_o the_o winter_n follow_v yea_o do_v it_o while_o the_o yern_a bowel_n the_o bleed_a wound_n and_o compassionute_n arm_n of_o jesus_n christ_n lie_v open_a to_o receive_v you_o while_o you_o have_v health_n and_o life_n and_o mean_n and_o time_n to_o repent_v and_o make_v your_o peace_n with_o god_n as_o you_o tender_v i_o say_v the_o everlasting_a happiness_n and_o welfare_n of_o your_o almost_o lose_v and_o drown_v soul_n as_o you_o expect_v or_o hope_n for_o grace_n or_o mercy_n for_o joy_n and_o comfort_n for_o heaven_n and_o salvation_n for_o endless_a bliss_n and_o glory_n at_o the_o last_o as_o you_o will_v escape_v the_o direful_a wrath_n of_o god_n the_o bitter_a sentence_n and_o docme_n of_o christ_n the_o never_o die_a sting_n and_o worm_n of_o conscience_n the_o torment_a and_o soulescorch_a flame_n of_o hell_n and_o everlasting_a separation_n from_o god_n blissful_a presence_n abjure_v and_o utter_o renounce_v all_o wilful_a and_o affect_a evil_n to_o which_o end_n §_o 87._o in_o the_o next_o place_n be_v diligent_a to_o hear_v god_n word_n powerful_o preach_v which_o be_v the_o sword_n of_o the_o spirit_n that_o kill_v our_o corruption_n and_o that_o unresistable_a canonshot_n which_o beat_v and_o batter_v down_o all_o the_o strong_a hold_v of_o sin_n and_o satan_n §_o 88_o three_o ponder_v and_o meditate_v serious_o on_o god_n inestimable_a love_n towards_o we_o who_o have_v nor_o spare_v to_o give_v his_o only_o belove_a son_n out_o of_o his_o bosom_n to_o die_v for_o we_o and_o to_o purchase_v thereby_o every_o good_a thing_n we_o do_v enjoy_v either_o for_o soul_n or_o body_n even_o to_o the_o least_o bit_n of_o bread_n we_o eat_v and_o this_o will_v make_v thou_o if_o thou_o have_v any_o ingenuity_n to_o direct_v all_o thy_o thought_n speech_n and_o action_n to_o his_o glory_n as_o he_o have_v direct_v thy_o eternal_a salvation_n thereunto_o and_o often_o force_v thou_o to_o break_v out_o into_o this_o or_o the_o like_a expression_n what_o shall_v i_o render_v unto_o thou_o o_o lord_n for_o all_o thy_o benefit_n but_o love_v thou_o my_o creator_n and_o become_v a_o new_a creature_n §_o 89._o four_o consider_v that_o the_o lord_n behold_v thou_o in_o all_o place_n and_o in_o every_o thing_n thou_o do_v even_o as_o the_o eye_n of_o a_o well_o draw_v picture_n be_v fasten_v on_o thou_o which_o way_n soever_o thou_o turn_v yea_o consider_v he_o as_o a_o just_a judge_n who_o will_v not_o let_v sin_n go_v unpunished_a and_o this_o will_v make_v thou_o keep_v a_o narrow_a watch_n over_o thy_o very_a thought_n then_o any_o other_o can_v do_v over_o thy_o action_n §_o 90._o five_o if_o thou_o will_v be_v safe_a from_o evil_a work_n avoid_v the_o occasion_n at_o least_o if_o thou_o will_v keep_v thyself_o from_o iniquity_n have_v no_o fellowship_n with_o the_o worker_n of_o iniquity_n for_o it_o be_v not_o more_o hard_a to_o find_v virtue_n in_o evil_a company_n then_o to_o miss_v vice_n they_o be_v mingle_v among_o the_o heathen_a say_v the_o psalmist_n and_o what_o follow_v they_o learn_v their_o work_n psal_n 106.35_o yea_o how_o soon_o be_v peter_n change_v with_o but_o come_v into_o the_o high_a priest_n hall_n and_o the_o like_a with_o david_n and_o solomon_n which_o make_v david_n to_o say_v so_o soon_o as_o he_o have_v consider_v it_o depart_v from_o i_o all_o you_o worker_n of_o iniquity_n for_o i_o will_v keep_v the_o commandment_n of_o my_o god_n psal_n 119.115_o know_v that_o he_o can_v not_o do_v the_o one_o without_o the_o other_o and_o indeed_o the_o choice_n of_o a_o man_n company_n be_v one_o of_o the_o most_o weighty_a action_n of_o our_o life_n for_o our_o future_a well_o or_o ill_o be_v depend_v on_o that_o election_n and_o many_o a_o man_n have_v be_v good_a that_o be_v not_o if_o he_o have_v but_o keep_v good_a company_n §_o 91._o six_o and_o last_o but_o chief_o and_o principal_o omit_v not_o to_o pray_v for_o the_o assistance_n of_o god_n spirit_n otherwise_o thy_o strength_n be_v small_a yea_o except_o god_n give_v thou_o repentance_n and_o remove_v all_o impediment_n that_o may_v hinder_v thou_o can_v no_o more_o turn_v thyself_o then_o thou_o can_v at_o first_o make_v thyself_o we_o be_v not_o sufficient_a of_o ourselves_o to_o think_v much_o less_o to_o speak_v least_o of_o all_o to_o do_v that_o which_o be_v good_a 2_o cor._n 3.5_o john_n 15.4_o 5._o we_o be_v swift_a to_o all_o evil_a but_o to_o any_o good_a immovable_a wherefore_o beg_v of_o god_n that_o he_o will_v give_v you_o of_o new_a heart_n and_o when_o the_o heart_n be_v change_v all_o the_o member_n will_v follow_v after_o it_o as_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o creature_n after_o the_o sun_n when_o it_o arise_v importune_v he_o for_o grace_n that_o thou_o may_v firm_o resolve_v speedy_o begin_v and_o continual_o persevere_v in_o do_v and_o suffer_v his_o holy_a will_n desire_v he_o to_o inform_v and_o reform_v thou_o so_o that_o thou_o may_v neither_o misbeleeve_v nor_o mis-live_a to_o regenerate_v thy_o heart_n change_n and_o purify_v thy_o nature_n subdue_v thy_o reason_n rectify_v thy_o judgement_n reform_v and_o strengthen_v thy_o will_n renew_v thy_o affection_n and_o beat_v down_o in_o thou_o whatsoever_o stand_v in_o opposition_n to_o the_o sceptre_n of_o jesus_n christ_n not_o forget_v that_o prayer_n be_v the_o key_n of_o heaven_n as_o ambrose_n call_v it_o and_o now_o for_o conclusion_n if_o thou_o receive_v any_o power_n against_o thy_o corruption_n forget_v not_o to_o be_v thankful_a and_o when_o god_n have_v the_o fruit_n of_o his_o mercy_n he_o will_v not_o spare_v to_o sow_v much_o where_o he_o reap_v much_o consider_v what_o i_o say_v and_o the_o lord_n give_v you_o understanding_n to_o strive_v after_o those_o grace_n wherewith_o a_o true_a believer_n be_v qualify_v and_o whereof_o i_o have_v give_v you_o a_o copy_n in_o the_o before_o go_v character_n finis_fw-la add_v this_o character_n of_o a_o true_a believer_n as_o a_o appendix_n to_o the_o cure_n of_o misprision_n
a_o touchstone_n to_o try_v by_o our_o knowledge_n belief_n and_o life_n whether_o we_o be_v christian_n in_o name_n only_o or_o christian_n in_o deed_n or_o the_o character_n of_o a_o true_a believer_n that_o walk_v in_o some_o measure_n answerable_a to_o the_o gospel_n his_o christian_a profession_n and_o the_o million_o of_o mercy_n he_o have_v receive_v by_o r._n y._n of_o roxwell_n in_o essex_n 2_o cor._n 13.5_o examine_v yourselves_o whether_o you_o be_v in_o the_o faith_n prove_v your_o own_o self_n know_v you_o not_o your_o own_o self_n how_o that_o jesus_n christ_n be_v in_o you_o except_o you_o be_v reprobate_n print_a at_o london_n and_o be_v to_o be_v sell_v by_o andrew_n crook_n at_o the_o sign_n of_o the_o green_a dragon_n in_o paul_n churchyard_n 1648._o i_o have_v peruse_v this_o treatise_n and_o approve_v it_o to_o be_v very_o pithy_a pious_a and_o profitable_a i_o allow_v it_o to_o be_v print_v and_o publish_v john_n downame_n the_o reader_n may_v think_v it_o strange_a that_o the_o proof_n be_v not_o allege_v but_o they_o be_v find_v to_o be_v so_o many_o in_o number_n that_o the_o very_o point_v to_o they_o will_v have_v take_v up_o near_o as_o much_o room_n as_o the_o matter_n itself_o and_o so_o have_v double_v the_o charge_n which_o in_o that_o they_o be_v most_o to_o be_v give_v away_o can_v not_o be_v afford_v beside_o few_o use_n to_o turn_v to_o every_o scripture_n and_o every_o sanctify_a heart_n be_v a_o comment_n upon_o all_o that_o be_v herein_o deliver_v the_o character_n of_o a_o true_a believer_n etc._n etc._n in_o read_v whereof_o reflect_v upon_o yourselves_o and_o see_v what_o comparison_n there_o be_v between_o that_o you_o be_v and_o what_o you_o shall_v be_v and_o then_o with_o blessing_n from_o above_o it_o will_v much_o further_o you_o in_o your_o way_n to_o heaven_n for_o therefore_o be_v we_o christian_n in_o name_n only_o because_o we_o think_v ourselves_o christian_n indeed_o and_o already_o good_a enough_o §_o 1._o a_o true_a believer_n be_v one_o that_o god_n of_o his_o free_a grace_n and_o good_a pleasure_n have_v choose_v and_o elect_v to_o eternal_a life_n before_o the_o foundation_n of_o the_o world_n and_o who_o christ_n have_v redeem_v with_o his_o precious_a blood_n §_o 2._o he_o be_v effectual_o call_v and_o become_v a_o new_a creature_n by_o regeneration_n be_v both_o beget_v and_o bear_v a_o new_a of_o god_n by_o the_o immortal_a seed_n of_o the_o word_n and_o the_o spirit_n powerful_a work_n with_o it_o and_o without_o this_o new_a birth_n there_o be_v no_o be_v save_v as_o our_o saviour_n himself_o affirm_v john_n 3.5_o §_o 3._o he_o be_v industrious_a after_o the_o mean_n of_o grace_n love_v to_o hear_v christ_n voice_n and_o delight_n in_o it_o as_o find_v a_o sweet_a relish_n therein_o be_v able_a to_o know_v when_o he_o speak_v and_o when_o the_o tempter_n he_o receive_v the_o word_n not_o as_o the_o word_n of_o man_n but_o as_o it_o be_v in_o deed_n the_o word_n of_o god_n with_o all_o readiness_n for_o he_o resist_v not_o as_o the_o wicked_a do_v but_o obey_v christ_n call_n which_o work_v in_o he_o mighty_o for_o he_o find_v it_o by_o experience_n quick_a and_o powerful_a and_o sharp_a than_o any_o two_o edge_a sword_n pierce_v even_o to_o the_o divide_v asunder_o of_o the_o soul_n and_o spirit_n and_o of_o the_o joint_n and_o marrow_n and_o to_o the_o discern_a of_o the_o very_a thought_n and_o the_o most_o secret_a intent_n of_o the_o heart_n §_o 4._o his_o heart_n be_v circumcise_v or_o rather_o god_n take_v away_o the_o stony_a heart_n out_o of_o his_o flesh_n and_o give_v he_o a_o new_a heart_n in_o which_o he_o write_v his_o law_n and_o put_v a_o new_a spirit_n into_o he_o even_o his_o own_o spirit_n cause_v he_o to_o walk_v in_o his_o statute_n and_o keep_v his_o ordinance_n so_o as_o to_o do_v they_o §_o 5._o he_o shed_v his_o love_n abroad_o in_o his_o heart_n by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n who_o witness_v to_o his_o conscience_n that_o he_o be_v become_v the_o child_n of_o god_n whereby_o he_o have_v union_n and_o communion_n with_o christ_n partake_v of_o the_o divine_a nature_n and_o become_v like_o god_n in_o holiness_n §_o 6._o he_o be_v bring_v out_o of_o darkness_n into_o marvellous_a light_n have_v his_o eye_n open_v to_o see_v the_o wonder_n of_o god_n law_n and_o that_o veil_v or_o curtain_n which_o before_o be_v draw_v over_o his_o heart_n 2_o cor._n 3.15_o 16._o take_v away_o and_o be_v turn_v from_o the_o power_n of_o satan_n unto_o god_n §_o 7._o he_o be_v ashamed_a of_o his_o former_a conversation_n bewail_v and_o mourn_v bitter_o for_o all_o his_o sin_n actual_a and_o original_a of_o omission_n and_o commission_n secret_a as_o well_o as_o know_v lesser_a as_o well_o as_o great_a yea_o as_o well_o for_o the_o evil_n which_o cleave_v to_o his_o best_a work_n as_o for_o his_o evil_a work_n be_v more_o grieve_v for_o offend_v so_o good_a a_o god_n then_o for_o that_o it_o do_v or_o may_v bring_v he_o shame_n or_o punishment_n in_o this_o life_n or_o in_o hell_n §_o 8._o he_o now_o find_v that_o the_o law_n be_v spiritual_a bind_v the_o heart_n as_o well_o as_o the_o hand_n to_o which_o holy_a and_o just_a rule_n he_o bring_v all_o his_o thought_n word_n and_o action_n and_o so_o see_v himself_o out_o of_o measure_n sinful_a as_o be_v guilty_a of_o all_o manner_n of_o concupiscence_n have_v break_v every_o one_o of_o those_o righteous_a precept_n exodus_fw-la 20_o more_o time_n and_o way_n than_o he_o have_v hair_n on_o his_o head_n not_o be_v able_a of_o himself_o to_o think_v a_o good_a thought_n for_o that_o all_o the_o power_n of_o his_o soul_n and_o member_n of_o his_o body_n be_v whole_o and_o original_o corrupt_v §_o 9_o he_o see_v himself_o as_o guilty_a of_o adam_n sin_n be_v in_o his_o loin_n as_o any_o heir_n be_v liable_a to_o his_o father_n debt_n and_o esteem_v it_o the_o mother_n and_o nurse_n of_o all_o find_v it_o like_o the_o great_a wheel_n in_o a_o clock_n that_o set_v all_o the_o wheel_n on_o move_v while_o it_o seem_v to_o move_v slow_a and_o therefore_o hate_v and_o bewail_v it_o as_o the_o most_o soul_n hateful_a secret_a deceitful_a and_o powerful_a evil_n §_o 10._o whereupon_o find_v himself_o in_o a_o lose_a condition_n and_o confess_v that_o he_o have_v deserve_v all_o the_o plague_n of_o this_o life_n and_o of_o that_o which_o be_v to_o come_v and_o groan_v under_o the_o burden_n of_o sin_n utter_o despair_v of_o all_o help_n in_o himself_o he_o be_v solicitous_o careful_a in_o the_o use_n of_o the_o mean_n to_o attain_v faith_n in_o the_o promise_n of_o god_n mercy_n make_v in_o christ_n find_v no_o rest_n until_o he_o get_v some_o assurance_n vehement_o hunger_a and_o thirst_v after_o and_o earnest_o pray_v for_o the_o pardon_n of_o sin_n wait_v on_o the_o lord_n with_o patience_n §_o 11._o he_o humble_o unfeigned_o and_o free_o confess_v all_o his_o sin_n so_o far_o as_o he_o be_v able_a with_o the_o several_a circumstance_n which_o aggravate_v the_o same_o to_o his_o own_o shame_n and_o god_n glory_n §_o 12._o he_o will_v take_v a_o holy_a revenge_n on_o himself_o even_o to_o the_o deny_v of_o his_o own_o reason_n and_o affection_n his_o credit_n carnal_a friend_n profit_n pleasure_n and_o whatever_o else_o may_v hinder_v and_o by_o restore_v good_n or_o money_n evil_a get_v though_o it_o be_v long_o since_o and_o when_o he_o be_v a_o servant_n in_o case_n he_o be_v able_a §_o 13._o he_o unfeigned_o desire_v to_o forsake_v all_o sin_n as_o be_v in_o some_o measure_n dead_a to_o it_o christ_n by_o his_o spirit_n have_v free_v he_o from_o the_o power_n and_o dominion_n thereof_o and_o in_o part_n abolish_v it_o at_o least_o he_o so_o part_n from_o all_o iniquity_n and_o hate_v every_o false_a way_n that_o no_o one_o sin_n do_v reign_v in_o he_o for_o when_o he_o do_v commit_v any_o evil_n it_o be_v full_a sore_n against_o his_o will_n as_o be_v lead_v captive_a to_o it_o by_o the_o strength_n of_o satan_n temptation_n and_o his_o own_o corruption_n for_o he_o never_o commit_v it_o free_o and_o willing_o and_o with_o full_a consent_n he_o allow_v not_o of_o the_o evil_a he_o do_v no_o he_o will_v not_o premeditately_a and_o in_o time_n not_o utter_o desert_v do_v the_o least_o evil_a that_o the_o great_a good_n may_v come_v of_o it_o neither_o be_v there_o any_o sin_n he_o know_v by_o himself_o be_v it_o former_o never_o so_o please_v to_o he_o but_o he_o desire_v as_o hearty_o that_o he_o may_v never_o commit_v it_o as_o that_o god_n shall_v never_o impute_v it_o he_o likewise_o hate_v sin_n thorough_o and_o universal_o and_o therefore_o be_v true_o
in_o the_o day_n of_o jesus_n christ_n and_o the_o like_a of_o old_a age_n his_o soul_n wax_v as_o his_o body_n wain_v and_o he_o be_v wise_a to_o prescribe_v when_o his_o bone_n and_o sinew_n be_v weak_a to_o execute_v 18._o §_o six_o suppose_v he_o be_v in_o distress_n of_o conscience_n and_o at_o the_o very_a brink_n of_o despair_n expect_v nothing_o but_o hell_n and_o damnation_n suppose_v god_n hide_v his_o face_n and_o seem_v to_o have_v utter_o forsake_v he_o and_o to_o reject_v his_o prayer_n yea_o suppose_v the_o terror_n of_o god_n fight_n against_o he_o and_o the_o arrow_n of_o the_o almighty_a stick_n so_o fast_o in_o he_o that_o the_o venom_n thereof_o have_v drink_v up_o his_o spirit_n so_o that_o in_o his_o own_o apprehension_n god_n be_v become_v his_o mortal_a enemy_n as_o it_o fare_v with_o job_n yet_o all_o this_o be_v for_o his_o good_a and_o shall_v do_v he_o good_a yea_o this_o extreme_a severity_n of_o god_n argue_v favour_n for_o nothing_o more_o usual_a then_o for_o god_n to_o work_v joy_n out_o of_o fear_n light_v out_o of_o darkness_n and_o to_o bring_v to_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n by_o the_o gate_n of_o hell_n and_o thus_o he_o deal_v with_o his_o dear_a darling_n when_o he_o mean_v to_o bless_v jacob_n he_o wrestle_v with_o he_o as_o a_o adversary_n even_o till_o he_o lame_v he_o when_o he_o mean_v to_o prefer_v joseph_n to_o the_o throne_n he_o throw_v he_o down_o into_o the_o dungeon_n and_o to_o the_o golden_a chain_n about_o his_o neck_n he_o jade_v he_o with_o iron_n once_o about_o his_o leg_n nor_o will_v christ_n cure_v lazarus_n till_o after_o he_o be_v dead_a bury_v and_o stink_v again_o no_o question_n to_o teach_v we_o that_o we_o must_v be_v cast_v down_o by_o the_o law_n before_o we_o can_v be_v raise_v up_o by_o the_o gospel_n and_o become_v fool_n before_o we_o can_v be_v true_o wise_a nor_o have_v he_o cause_n to_o fear_v be_v his_o case_n never_o so_o desperate_a for_o god_n will_v measure_v his_o patience_n and_o make_v it_o proportionable_a to_o his_o suffering_n and_o equal_a his_o strength_n to_o his_o temptation_n his_o grace_n shall_v be_v sufficient_a for_o he_o at_o the_o least_o 2_o cor._n 12.9_o phil._n 1.29_o and_o he_o that_o make_v the_o vessel_n know_v her_o burden_n and_o how_o to_o ballast_n she_o the_o bush_n which_o be_v a_o type_n of_o the_o church_n consume_v not_o all_o the_o while_o it_o burn_v with_o fire_n because_o god_n be_v in_o the_o midst_n of_o it_o the_o anchor_n lie_v deep_a and_o be_v not_o see_v yet_o be_v the_o stay_n of_o all_o the_o bladder_n blow_v may_v float_v upon_o the_o flood_n but_o can_v sink_v nor_o stick_v in_o filthy_a mud_n sin_n satan_n and_o the_o world_n may_v disturb_v he_o but_o they_o can_v never_o destroy_v he_o his_o head_n christ_n be_v above_o he_o can_v be_v drown_v there_o can_v be_v no_o disjunction_n unless_o he_o can_v be_v pluck_v from_o his_o arm_n that_o be_v almighty_a for_o his_o life_n be_v hide_v with_o christ_n in_o god_n col._n 3.3_o beside_o if_o he_o suffer_v much_o it_o shall_v not_o be_v long_o if_o he_o suffer_v long_o it_o shall_v not_o be_v much_o if_o his_o sorrow_n be_v skarpe_a they_o be_v the_o short_a grievous_a and_o sore_a trial_n last_v but_o for_o a_o season_n 1_o pet._n 1.6_o a_o little_a while_n john_n 16.16_o yea_o but_o a_o moment_n 2_o cor._n 4.17_o for_o a_o moment_n in_o my_o anger_n say_v god_n i_o hide_v my_o face_n from_o thou_o for_o a_o little_a season_n but_o with_o everlasting_a mercy_n have_v i_o have_v compassion_n on_o thou_o isay_n 54.8_o weep_a may_v abide_v for_o a_o night_n but_o joy_n come_v in_o the_o morning_n psal_n 30.5_o and_o it_o be_v ever_o see_v that_o his_o joy_n both_o succeed_v and_o exceed_v his_o sorrow_n that_o his_o sadness_n end_v in_o gladness_n and_o his_o sorrow_n in_o sing_v and_o the_o more_o grievous_a his_o exigent_n the_o more_o glorious_a his_o advancement_n but_o the_o last_o which_o be_v the_o best_a gain_v of_o all_o he_o grow_v more_o holy_a than_o ever_o for_o like_o the_o vine_n he_o bring_v forth_o the_o more_o and_o better_a fruit_n for_o pare_n and_o proyn_v and_o bleed_v and_o though_o his_o outward_a man_n perish_v yet_o his_o inward_a man_n be_v renew_v daily_o even_o as_o a_o lamb_n be_v much_o more_o lively_a and_o nimble_a for_o shear_v these_o very_a tempestuous_a shower_n bring_v forth_o spiritual_a flower_n and_o herb_n in_o abundance_n 19_o §_o seven_o let_v judgement_n be_v inflict_v upon_o the_o whole_a land_n they_o shall_v not_o touch_v he_o nor_o his_o family_n he_o shall_v be_v single_v out_o for_o mercy_n or_o if_o they_o do_v they_o shall_v be_v so_o sanctify_v that_o they_o shall_v rather_o pleasure_v than_o hurt_v he_o as_o if_o the_o corn_n be_v cut_v down_o with_o the_o weed_n the_o one_o shall_v be_v carry_v into_o god_n barn_n as_o lazarus_n be_v the_o other_o cast_v into_o the_o fire_n like_o dives_n yea_o every_o stroke_n in_o the_o judgement_n shall_v be_v as_o a_o monitor_n and_o serve_v as_o a_o sermon_n to_o he_o when_o he_o see_v another_o strike_v he_o take_v warning_n for_o he_o will_v be_v put_v unto_o duty_n even_o by_o the_o shadow_n of_o the_o wand_n 20._o §_o eight_o the_o strict_a and_o severe_a law_n if_o they_o be_v not_o contrary_a to_o god_n law_n have_v not_o power_n to_o smite_v he_o for_o he_o do_v those_o thing_n unbidden_a which_o other_o can_v scarce_o do_v be_v compel_v yea_o the_o law_n protect_v he_o against_o his_o enemy_n who_o fear_v the_o jail_n more_o than_o they_o fear_v hell_n and_o stand_v more_o upon_o their_o silver_n or_o their_o side_n smart_v then_o upon_o their_o soul_n good_a magistrata_n also_o be_v the_o breath_n of_o his_o nostril_n and_o protect_v he_o while_o they_o take_v vengeance_n on_o they_o that_o do_v ill_a yea_o they_o be_v the_o minister_n of_o god_n for_o his_o wealth_n and_o bind_v to_o see_v he_o right_v when_o he_o receive_v wrong_a in_o his_o person_n good_n or_o good_a name_n 21._o §_o nine_o his_o very_a sin_n and_o infirmity_n by_o god_n grace_n do_v work_v his_o good_a and_o he_o be_v by_o much_o the_o better_a for_o they_o for_o he_o will_v from_o hence_o grow_v more_o holy_a yea_o he_o gain_v strength_n by_o every_o fall_n for_o hence_o issue_v deep_a humiliation_n strong_a hatred_n of_o sin_n fresh_a indignation_n against_o himself_o more_o experience_n of_o his_o heart_n deceitfulness_n renew_v resolution_n until_o sin_n be_v bring_v under_o it_o make_v he_o more_o earnest_a with_o god_n by_o prayer_n to_o keep_v a_o more_o careful_a watch_n over_o himself_o to_o pity_v other_o more_o and_o censure_v they_o less_o when_o they_o offend_v or_o be_v over-taken_a to_o rest_v whole_o upon_o the_o assistance_n of_o god_n spirit_n and_o to_o ascribe_v all_o glory_n to_o he_o of_o who_o whatsoever_o he_o have_v he_o hold_v true_o his_o offend_a god_n bring_v much_o misery_n upon_o he_o and_o god_n seem_v to_o have_v leave_v he_o and_o to_o reject_v his_o prayer_n and_o humiliation_n but_o at_o length_n and_o so_o soon_o as_o the_o poor_a soul_n cease_v to_o do_v evil_a and_o learn_v to_o do_v well_o the_o lord_n repent_v he_o of_o the_o evil_a and_o not_o only_o deliver_v he_o but_o return_n with_o the_o great_a interest_n of_o joy_n and_o felicity_n indeed_o the_o lord_n let_v he_o know_v what_o it_o be_v to_o lose_v his_o favour_n and_o make_v he_o tug_v hard_o by_o prayer_n and_o to_o persevere_v a_o long_a time_n in_o knock_v and_o ask_v but_o at_o length_n he_o will_v be_v sure_a to_o give_v he_o what_o he_o desire_v or_o that_o which_o be_v better_o for_o he_o for_o the_o prayer_n of_o faith_n from_o the_o knee_n of_o humility_n and_o a_o break_a heart_n will_v conquer_v even_o the_o conqueror_n indeed_o the_o case_n may_v be_v such_o that_o he_o can_v pray_v or_o not_o to_o purpose_n as_o in_o time_n of_o sickness_n by_o reason_n of_o the_o extremity_n of_o pain_n but_o then_o he_o can_v send_v to_o the_o congregation_n and_o entreat_v they_o to_o pray_v for_o he_o beside_o all_o his_o former_a prayer_n and_o meditation_n do_v serve_v to_o aid_v he_o in_o his_o last_o strait_n and_o meet_v together_o in_o the_o centre_n of_o his_o extremity_n yield_v though_o not_o sensible_a relief_n yet_o secret_a benefit_n to_o his_o soul_n yea_o which_o be_v best_a of_o all_o he_o have_v the_o benefit_n of_o christ_n intercession_n in_o heaven_n and_o of_o the_o prayer_n of_o all_o the_o saint_n on_o earth_n 22._o §_o ten_o the_o malice_n of_o satan_n shall_v make_v much_o for_o his_o good_a for_o if_o satan_n be_v send_v to_o buffet_v he_o as_o he_o do_v paul_n or_o to_o
cruelty_n if_o thou_o take_v no_o care_n to_o provide_v for_o thy_o own_o family_n if_o thou_o have_v rather_o the_o wicked_a shall_v bear_v rule_n then_o the_o godly_a if_o thou_o be_v a_o enemy_n to_o reformation_n if_o thou_o have_v rather_o disobey_v god_n then_o displease_v great_a one_o if_o thou_o desire_v peace_n without_o any_o respect_n to_o truth_n if_o thou_o do_v allow_v thyself_o in_o the_o practice_n of_o any_o know_v gross_a sin_n if_o thou_o take_v liberty_n to_o sin_n because_o god_n be_v merciful_a and_o forbear_v to_o execute_v judgement_n speedy_o if_o thou_o do_v not_o believe_v all_o thing_n to_o be_v order_v by_o god_n providence_n and_o in_o particular_a acknowledge_v he_o in_o all_o thou_o either_o receive_v or_o suffer_v if_o thou_o murmur_v when_o thou_o want_v any_o thing_n without_o ever_o think_v of_o the_o many_o thing_n thou_o have_v beyond_o thy_o desert_n if_o thou_o can_v hear_v god_n blaspheme_v and_o dishonour_v without_o be_v move_v thereat_o if_o the_o scandalous_a life_n of_o professor_n or_o the_o multitude_n of_o heresy_n that_o be_v daily_o broach_v make_v thou_o think_v and_o speak_v evil_a of_o the_o way_n of_o truth_n if_o thou_o do_v never_o see_v thyself_o out_o of_o measure_n sinful_a as_o be_v many_o way_n guilty_a of_o the_o breach_n of_o every_o of_o the_o commandment_n in_o particular_a and_o so_o in_o a_o lose_a condition_n utter_o despair_a of_o all_o help_n in_o thyself_o acknowledge_v that_o thou_o have_v deserve_v all_o the_o plague_n of_o this_o life_n and_o of_o that_o which_o be_v to_o come_v if_o thou_o be_v not_o as_o well_o trouble_v for_o original_a guilt_n for_o sin_n of_o omission_n for_o the_o evil_n which_o cleave_v to_o thy_o best_a work_n and_o for_o thy_o very_a thought_n as_o for_o thy_o actual_a and_o manifest_a evil_a deed_n if_o thou_o have_v make_v vow_n and_o promise_a amendment_n when_o the_o rod_n be_v on_o thy_o back_n but_o never_o care_v to_o perform_v the_o same_o when_o thou_o be_v release_v if_o thou_o be_v not_o industrious_a after_o the_o mean_n of_o grace_n if_o thou_o love_v not_o to_o hear_v christ_n voice_n if_o thou_o find_v not_o the_o word_n more_o quick_a and_o powerful_a and_o sweet_a and_o efficatious_a than_o any_o other_o writing_n if_o it_o and_o the_o spirit_n go_v along_o with_o it_o have_v not_o bring_v thou_o out_o of_o darkness_n into_o marvellous_a light_n in_o comparison_n of_o thy_o former_a darkness_n if_o thou_o be_v ignorant_a of_o the_o principal_n of_o religion_n in_o the_o midst_n of_o so_o much_o light_n and_o mean_n and_o can_v not_o yield_v a_o reason_n of_o the_o hope_n that_o be_v in_o thou_o if_o thou_o do_v not_o find_v a_o manifest_a change_n in_o thy_o judgement_n affection_n and_o action_n from_o what_o they_o be_v by_o nature_n if_o the_o old_a man_n have_v not_o change_v with_o the_o new_a man_n worldly_a wisdom_n with_o heavenly_a wisdom_n carnal_a love_n for_o spiritual_a love_n servile_a fear_n for_o christian_n and_o filial_a fear_n idle_a thought_n for_o holy_a thought_n vain_a word_n for_o holy_a and_o wholesome_a word_n fleshly_a work_n for_o work_n of_o righteousness_n etc._n etc._n as_o if_o thou_o be_v cast_v into_o a_o new_a mould_n even_o hate_v what_o thou_o former_o love_v and_o love_v what_o thou_o former_o hate_v if_o thou_o be_v not_o ashamed_a of_o thy_o former_a conversation_n if_o thou_o have_v not_o be_v often_o and_o grievous_o assault_v with_o fear_n and_o doubt_n and_o often_o in_o combat_n between_o the_o flesh_n and_o the_o spirit_n the_o spirit_n get_v the_o better_a if_o thou_o do_v not_o more_o fear_v the_o want_n of_o grace_n than_o conside_fw-la in_o what_o thou_o have_v if_o thou_o be_v nor_o jealous_a lest_o thy_o heart_n shall_v deceive_v thou_o yea_o if_o thou_o be_v not_o hate_v of_o the_o world_n and_o evil_a speak_v of_o for_o well_o do_v thou_o be_v the_o devil_n servant_n and_o not_o as_o yet_o one_o of_o that_o small_a number_n who_o christ_n have_v choose_v out_o of_o the_o world_n to_o believe_v in_o his_o name_n for_o these_o or_o any_o one_o of_o these_o sign_n sufficient_o brand_v thou_o for_o a_o wicked_a man_n if_o you_o will_v see_v it_o prove_v undeniable_o from_o god_n word_n read_v my_o cure_n of_o misprision_n section_n the_o 20._o and_o 21._o §_o 68_o but_o least_o any_o weak_a christian_n shall_v think_v himself_o unsound_a and_o so_o none_o of_o christ_n because_o he_o fall_v short_a of_o this_o description_n of_o a_o true_a believer_n and_o find_v want_v in_o himself_o perhaps_o many_o of_o the_o former_a sign_n or_o evidence_n herein_o set_v forth_o or_o shall_v be_v discourage_v by_o reason_n of_o his_o many_o and_o great_a fayling_n together_o with_o the_o weakness_n of_o his_o faith_n and_o love_n as_o for_o the_o most_o part_n the_o true_a christian_a be_v as_o fearful_a to_o entertain_v a_o good_a opinion_n of_o himself_o as_o the_o false_a be_v unwilling_a to_o be_v drive_v from_o it_o let_v such_o a_o one_o take_v special_a notice_n in_o the_o first_o place_n that_o there_o be_v three_o sort_n of_o true_a and_o sound_a christian_n as_o the_o apostle_n saint_n john_n make_v the_o distinction_n 1_o john_n 2.12_o 13._o the_o first_o sort_n be_v babe_n in_o christ_n viz._n such_o as_o be_v new_o bear_v or_o but_o weak_o qualify_v with_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n spirit_n a_o second_o be_v strong_a man_n as_o have_v the_o gift_n of_o the_o spirit_n lively_a and_o in_o power_n the_o three_o be_v father_n such_o as_o have_v have_v long_a experience_n in_o the_o powerful_a practice_n of_o christianity_n and_o be_v long_o exercise_v in_o all_o kind_n or_o well_o do_v this_o do_v §_o 69._o second_o let_v he_o know_v that_o as_o god_n require_v no_o other_o obedience_n in_o the_o best_a than_o evangelicall_n so_o he_o look_v not_o for_o the_o same_o measure_n and_o degree_n of_o grace_n from_o babe_n and_o strong_a man_n or_o from_o strong_a man_n and_o father_n for_o god_n accept_v of_o every_o man_n according_a to_o the_o grace_n he_o have_v receive_v be_v it_o more_o or_o least_o 2_o cor._n 8.12_o as_o be_v manifest_a by_o that_o parable_n of_o the_o talent_n matth._n 25.20_o to_o 24._o yea_o what_o father_n or_o master_n will_v not_o from_o his_o young_a and_o new_o wean_a child_n or_o sick_a and_o weak_a servant_n accept_v of_o the_o will_n for_o the_o deed_n and_o shall_v not_o god_n much_o more_o who_o be_v both_o the_o father_n of_o mercy_n and_o the_o author_n of_o mercy_n and_o compassion_n in_o other_o yes_o undoubted_o as_o let_v it_o be_v grant_v that_o thy_o knowledge_n be_v still_o small_a thy_o faith_n weak_a thy_o charity_n cold_a thy_o heart_n dull_a and_o hard_a thy_o good_a work_n few_o and_o imperfect_a and_o all_o thy_o zealous_a resolution_n easy_o hinder_v and_o quite_o overthrow_v with_o every_o small_a temptation_n yet_o god_n that_o work_v in_o we_o both_o the_o will_n and_o the_o work_n will_v accept_v the_o will_n for_o the_o work_n and_o that_o which_o be_v want_v in_o we_o christ_n will_v supply_v with_o his_o own_o righteousness_n he_o respect_v not_o what_o we_o can_v do_v so_o much_o as_o what_o we_o will_v do_v and_o that_o which_o we_o will_v perform_v and_o can_v he_o esteem_v it_o as_o though_o it_o be_v perform_v thus_o he_o take_v a_o heart_n desirous_a to_o repent_v and_o believe_v for_o a_o penitent_a and_o believe_a heart_n whereas_o take_v away_o the_o will_n and_o all_o act_n in_o god_n sight_n be_v equal_a well_o may_v i_o doubt_v of_o my_o salvation_n say_v bradford_n feel_v the_o weakness_n of_o my_o faith_n love_n hope_v etc._n etc._n if_o these_o be_v the_o cause_n of_o my_o salvation_n but_o there_o be_v no_o other_o cause_n of_o it_o or_o of_o god_n mercy_n but_o his_o mercy_n again_o §_o 70._o three_o you_o be_v to_o observe_v that_o as_o nature_n so_o grace_n rise_v by_o many_o degree_n to_o perfection_n we_o grow_v in_o grace_n and_o save_a knowledge_n as_o a_o child_n do_v in_o stature_n and_o understanding_n until_o we_o attain_v to_o glory_n which_o be_v grace_n perfect_v yea_o grace_n in_o its_o growth_n be_v but_o like_o the_o change_n of_o a_o man_n hair_n from_o black_a to_o grey_a or_o the_o growth_n of_o a_o tree_n which_o be_v not_o accomplish_v in_o a_o month_n or_o a_o year_n but_o in_o many_o year_n we_o not_o perceive_v how_o §_o 71._o four_o consider_v also_o that_o the_o best_a have_v their_o fail_n as_o have_v abraham_n jacob_n david_n peter_n etc._n etc._n you_o have_v hear_v of_o the_o patience_n of_o job_n say_v saint_n james_n and_o have_v we_o not_o hear_v also_o of_o his_o fit_n of_o impatiency_n yes_o but_o it_o please_v god_n merciful_o to_o overlook_v that_o and_o so_o of_o asah_n