pretend_v to_o be_v our_o friend_n as_o he_o do_v to_o eve_n and_o to_o christ_n himself_o but_o yet_o they_o that_o have_v the_o testimony_n of_o god_n spirit_n be_v secure_a and_o safe_a though_o they_o that_o have_v it_o not_o can_v be_v so_o what_o ever_o presume_v confidence_n they_o may_v entertain_v themselves_o with_o i_o shall_v therefore_o endeavour_v to_o clear_v this_o thing_n that_o none_o may_v be_v harden_v through_o the_o deceitfulness_n of_o sin_n or_o satan_n or_o their_o own_o heart_n in_o relation_n whereunto_o i_o shall_v lay_v down_o three_o rule_n to_o which_o though_o i_o purpose_v not_o to_o speak_v much_o yet_o i_o hope_v to_o speak_v much_o to_o the_o purpose_n have_v first_o premise_v this_o one_o thing_n that_o they_o can_v have_v the_o witness_n who_o have_v not_o the_o work_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o consequent_o they_o can_v have_v the_o witness_n of_o the_o spirit_n who_o have_v not_o the_o witness_n of_o their_o own_o spirit_n or_o the_o testimony_n of_o a_o good_a conscience_n for_o if_o our_o heart_n condemn_v we_o upon_o just_a ground_n and_o we_o do_v not_o bear_v false_a witness_n against_o ourselves_o which_o be_v the_o sin_n of_o many_o a_o otherwise_o tender-hearted_a christian_n i_o say_v if_o our_o heart_n condemn_v we_o god_n be_v great_a than_o our_o heart_n but_o here_o begin_v our_o confidence_n towards_o god_n if_o our_o heart_n condemn_v we_o not_o if_o we_o love_v not_o in_o word_n or_o tongue_n but_o in_o deed_n and_o in_o truth_n hereby_o we_o do_v in_o part_n know_v that_o we_o be_v of_o the_o truth_n and_o shall_v assure_v or_o as_o it_o be_v in_o the_o margin_n persuade_v our_o heart_n before_o he_o 1_o joh._n 3.18_o 21._o and_o the_o apostle_n tell_v we_o rom._n 8.16_o that_o the_o spirit_n â—ears_v witness_n with_o our_o spirit_n as_o also_o it_o follow_v 1_o joh._n 3.24_o we_o may_v have_v we_o without_o that_o but_o not_o that_o without_o our_o own_o and_o therefore_o to_o make_v up_o the_o full_a and_o complete_a testimony_n both_o witness_n both_o spirit_n must_v concur_v and_o agree_v without_o contradict_v or_o thwart_v one_o another_o the_o three_o that_o bear_v witness_n on_o earth_n agree_v in_o one_o 1_o joh._n 5.8_o and_o now_o to_o the_o rule_n for_o discern_v the_o difference_n between_o the_o true_a and_o the_o pretend_a or_o presume_v witness_v the_o spirit_n the_o rule_n be_v these_o three_o 1._o the_o witness_n be_v know_v from_o the_o rule_n by_o which_o it_o speak_v 2._o by_o the_o ground_n on_o which_o it_o speak_v 3._o by_o the_o end_n to_o and_o for_o which_o it_o speak_v i_o say_v it_o be_v know_v 1._o by_o the_o rule_n according_a to_o which_o it_o speak_v to_o the_o law_n and_o to_o the_o testimony_n for_o if_o they_o speak_v not_o according_a to_o this_o word_n there_o be_v no_o light_n in_o they_o hebr._n no_o morning_n in_o they_o no_o not_o so_o much_o as_o the_o dawn_n of_o the_o day_n or_o the_o eyelid_n of_o the_o morning_n isa_n 8.20_o 1_o joh._n 4.1_o 6._o and_o epistle_n 2.7_o 10._o gal._n 1.6_o 9_o 2_o cor._n 11.1_o 4._o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n act_n and_o walk_v by_o the_o same_o rule_n that_o we_o be_v to_o act_v and_o walk_v by_o and_o that_o be_v the_o word_n if_o the_o word_n and_o spirit_n do_v not_o agree_v we_o must_v question_v either_o whether_o the_o word_n be_v of_o god_n or_o whether_o the_o spirit_n be_v of_o god_n and_o we_o be_v at_o a_o rueful_a loss_n if_o they_o do_v not_o both_o agree_v for_o if_o the_o word_n say_v one_o thing_n and_o the_o spirit_n another_o how_o shall_v we_o reconcile_v it_o but_o god_n word_n and_o god_n spirit_n do_v always_o agree_v and_o be_v of_o one_o and_o the_o same_o mind_n the_o spirit_n of_o god_n do_v indite_v and_o dictate_v the_o holy_a scripture_n and_o therefore_o it_o can_v say_v one_o thing_n there_o and_o another_o in_o thy_o heart_n that_o be_v to_o bear_v witness_n against_o itself_o and_o if_o its_o kingdom_n be_v divide_v how_o can_v it_o stand_v this_o conclusion_n therefore_o be_v infallible_o true_a that_o when_o and_o wherever_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n do_v bear_v and_o give_v its_o testimony_n it_o be_v always_o according_a to_o the_o write_a word_n contain_v in_o the_o old_a and_o new_a testament_n this_o be_v the_o foundation_n upon_o which_o iâ—_n build_v both_o we_o and_o its_o testimony_n epb._n 2.18_o 22._o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n as_o be_v hint_v do_v indite_v and_o dictate_v the_o scripture_n 2_o pet._n 1.20_o 21._o 2_o tim._n 3.14_o 17._o 1_o joh._n 2.20_o 27._o which_o unction_n refer_v to_o and_o be_v according_a to_o what_o they_o have_v hear_v from_o the_o beginning_n verse_n 24._o so_o that_o they_o be_v teach_v the_o same_o thing_n by_o the_o unction_n within_o as_o they_o be_v by_o the_o word_n call_v unction_n also_o without_o in_o all_o time_n the_o word_n be_v the_o rule_n of_o trial_n our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n himself_o oppose_v and_o conquer_v the_o devil_n by_o this_o sword_n of_o the_o spirit_n the_o word_n of_o god_n he_o prove_v himself_o to_o be_v the_o messiah_n more_o by_o the_o scripture_n than_o by_o miracle_n and_o tell_v they_o that_o if_o the_o scripture_n do_v not_o testify_v of_o he_o they_o shall_v not_o believe_v he_o and_o therefore_o bid_v they_o search_v the_o scripture_n joh._n 5.39_o our_o saviour_n confute_v the_o error_n of_o the_o pharisee_n and_o the_o sadducee_n by_o scripture_n he_o tell_v we_o that_o his_o spirit_n shall_v not_o bring_v we_o a_o new_a doctrine_n but_o make_v application_n of_o what_o he_o have_v teach_v joh._n 14.26_o the_o apostle_n commend_v they_o of_o beroea_n that_o they_o search_v the_o scripture_n to_o see_v if_o the_o apostle_n speak_v true_a act._n 17.10_o 11._o and_o peter_n prefer_v it_o to_o the_o bath_n câ—l_v filia_fw-la vocis_fw-la the_o voice_n which_o he_o hear_v call_v it_o in_o relation_n to_o the_o jew_n a_o more_o sure_a word_n of_o prophecy_n 2_o pet._n 1.16_o 19_o so_o then_o upon_o the_o whole_a it_o be_v clear_a that_o what_o be_v not_o according_a to_o the_o sacred_a scripture_n can_v be_v the_o witness_n of_o god_n spirit_n sect_n 5._o a_o continuation_n 2._o the_o witness_n of_o the_o spirit_n be_v know_v from_o any_o other_o by_o the_o ground_n on_o which_o it_o witness_v of_o which_o i_o shall_v name_v but_o two_o 1._o the_o spirit_n find_v this_o groundwork_n lay_v that_o thou_o be_v newborn_a though_o but_o a_o babe_n or_o infant_n of_o day_n and_o experience_n this_o always_o precede_v the_o witness_n the_o spirit_n do_v not_o nor_o can_v bear_v witness_n to_o they_o that_o be_v dead_a i._n e._n that_o live_v in_o sin_n ephes_n 1.1_o 2_o 3._o nor_o to_o they_o that_o have_v but_o a_o form_n of_o godliness_n or_o be_v pharisees-hypocrite_n that_o they_o be_v the_o child_n of_o god_n it_o can_v witness_v that_o to_o be_v which_o be_v not_o it_o be_v when_o and_o because_o you_o be_v son_n that_o god_n send_v forth_o the_o spirit_n of_o his_o son_n into_o your_o heart_n cry_v abba_n father_n and_o so_o thereupon_o or_o therewith_o bear_v witness_n to_o and_o with_o our_o spirit_n that_o we_o be_v the_o child_n of_o god_n gal._n 4.6_o with_o rom._n 8.15_o 16._o the_o work_n be_v always_o begin_v before_o the_o witness_n come_v that_o which_o be_v not_o wrought_v can_v be_v witness_v to_o if_o thou_o therefore_o be_v not_o newborn_a thy_o believe_a thyself_o to_o be_v a_o child_n of_o god_n be_v a_o delusion_n not_o the_o witness_n of_o the_o spirit_n 2._o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n bear_v witness_n that_o a_o man_n be_v the_o child_n of_o god_n not_o upon_o the_o ground_n or_o account_v of_o work_n and_o self-righteousness_n but_o upon_o the_o score_n of_o mercy_n and_o grace_n through_o the_o redemption_n which_o be_v by_o christ_n jesus_n it_o witness_v upon_o the_o account_n of_o mercy_n not_o of_o merit_n though_o there_o be_v a_o work_n wrought_v and_o work_v too_o yet_o the_o witness_n attribute_n this_o to_o and_o so_o witness_v to_o it_o as_o of_o grace_n the_o son_n of_o god_n be_v and_o their_o salvation_n be_v not_o of_o work_n but_o of_o grace_n joh._n 1.12_o 13._o rom._n 4.1_o 16._o and_o 9.15_o 16._o and_o 11.5_o 6._o jam._n 1.17_o 18._o tit._n 3.4_o 5._o 2_o tim._n 1.9_o by_o all_o which_o it_o do_v appear_v that_o all_o be_v of_o grace_n and_o on_o this_o bottom_n and_o fondation_n be_v the_o witness_n lay_v and_o bear_v to_o it_o it_o be_v call_v sonlship_n by_o adoption_n which_o be_v mere_o of_o grace_n all_o adoption_n be_v so_o and_o it_o be_v to_o this_o as_o such_o that_o the_o spirit_n witness_v as_o rom._n 8.15_o 16._o gal._n 4.6_o it_o bear_v witness_n that_o we_o be_v the_o child_n of_o god_n but_o still_o
many_o hearer_n may_v many_o a_o preacher_n say_v have_v i_o be_v so_o long_o with_o you_o and_o yet_o you_o know_v not_o the_o father_n you_o have_v not_o the_o knowledge_n of_o god_n be_v it_o speak_v to_o your_o shame_n 1_o cor._n 15.34_o you_o be_v yet_o in_o a_o babish_a state_n and_o not_o grow_v or_o advance_v in_o faith_n knowledge_n love_n etc._n etc._n 3._o these_o babe_n can_v eat_v milk_n though_o nothing_o but_o milk_n they_o suck_v a_o year_n and_o a_o half_a and_o be_v not_o wean_a from_o the_o breast_n but_o be_v babe_n and_o suckling_n still_o they_o can_v eat_v but_o milk_n their_o stomach_n be_v not_o able_a to_o bear_v though_o their_o appetite_n may_v desire_v strong_a meat_n when_o christ_n jesus_n be_v tell_v his_o disciple_n the_o office_n of_o the_o spirit_n he_o make_v a_o stop_n and_o tell_v they_o i_o have_v yet_o many_o thing_n more_a to_o say_v unto_o you_o but_o you_o can_v bear_v they_o yet_o which_o be_v the_o character_n of_o these_o babe_n joh._n 16.12_o q._n d._n i_o can_v tell_v you_o what_o great_a thing_n there_o be_v in_o i_o and_o my_o father_n heart_n and_o purpose_n concern_v you_o but_o you_o be_v not_o in_o a_o condition_n to_o receive_v they_o till_o you_o have_v receive_v the_o spirit_n and_o grow_v up_o to_o another_o high_o state_n than_o yet_o you_o be_v in_o babe_n can_v bear_v the_o mathematical_a and_o metaphysical_a demonstration_n they_o can_v understand_v they_o but_o they_o be_v for_o similitude_n illustration_n and_o parable_n and_o so_o christ_n teach_v they_o mark_v 4.33_o to_o tell_v they_o that_o there_o be_v joy_n in_o heaven_n at_o the_o conversion_n of_o a_o sinner_n will_v not_o down_o with_o they_o unless_o it_o be_v teach_v by_o the_o parable_n of_o a_o lose_a and_o afterward_o find_v sheep_n etc._n etc._n babe_n be_v for_o live_v by_o sense_n more_o than_o by_o faith_n the_o hebrew_n understand_v but_o little_a of_o the_o priesthood_n of_o christ_n and_o his_o office_n which_o be_v the_o strong_a meat_n no_o though_o the_o apostle_n illustrate_v it_o by_o their_o own_o shadowy_a priesthood_n which_o they_o have_v under_o the_o law_n so_o the_o apostle_n peter_n speak_v of_o the_o state_n of_o renovation_n the_o new_a heaven_n and_o the_o new_a earth_n of_o which_o his_o belove_a brother_n paul_n have_v also_o write_v in_o his_o epistle_n of_o which_o not_o epistle_n for_o there_o be_v a_o change_n of_o the_o gender_n and_o it_o be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d and_o refer_v to_o the_o these_o thing_n of_o which_o or_o among_o which_o thing_n some_o be_v hard_a to_o be_v understand_v by_o who_o viz._n by_o the_o unlearned_a and_o unstable_a and_o therefore_o he_o press_v they_o not_o only_o to_o steadfastness_n but_o growth_n in_o grace_n without_o which_o they_o will_v not_o attain_v to_o know_v the_o thing_n hard_a to_o be_v understand_v 14.6_o prov._n 14.6_o 2_o pet._n 3.13_o 17._o but_o they_o can_v eat_v strong_a meat_n yet_o they_o can_v eat_v milk_n though_o but_o milk_n yet_o milk_n which_o imply_v that_o they_o be_v not_o only_o alive_a but_o have_v some_o a_o very_a little_a strength_n and_o take_v in_o some_o nourishment_n and_o have_v some_o experience_n of_o the_o work_n of_o grace_n in_o they_o though_o it_o be_v weak_a and_o faint_a say_v the_o apostle_n i_o have_v feed_v you_o with_o milk_n which_o note_v that_o he_o do_v not_o only_o give_v it_o they_o but_o that_o though_o they_o do_v not_o thrive_v much_o yet_o it_o keep_v life_n and_o soul_n together_o as_o we_o use_v to_o say_v it_o keep_v they_o alive_a in_o their_o present_a state_n which_o be_v low_a and_o weak_a what_o this_o milk_n be_v i_o be_o to_o show_v anon_o 4._o these_o babe_n be_v own_v for_o brethren_n as_o well_o as_o the_o spiritual_a one_o by_o the_o apostle_n though_o they_o have_v not_o the_o right_a yet_o they_o have_v the_o left-hand_a of_o fellowship_n and_o i_o brethren_n say_v he_o though_o you_o be_v but_o weak_a yet_o you_o and_o i_o be_v brethren_n the_o spiritual_a paul_n and_o as_o carnal_a corinthian_n babe_n be_v brethren_n yea_o not_o only_o paul_n but_o christ_n himself_o the_o first_o bear_v among_o the_o many_o brethren_n be_v not_o ashamed_a to_o call_v the_o babe_n as_o well_o as_o other_o brethren_n heb._n 2.11_o which_o take_v in_o all_o the_o child_n verse_n 13.14_o for_o christ_n take_v the_o whole_a seed_n of_o abraham_n verse_n 16._o and_o if_o any_o be_v christ_n as_o these_o babe_n be_v for_o they_o be_v in_o he_o say_v our_o text_n then_o be_v they_o abraham_n seed_n and_o heir_n according_a to_o promise_n gal._n 3.29_o the_o whole_a brotherhood_n have_v fellowship_n one_o with_o another_o as_o all_o the_o member_n of_o the_o body_n have_v from_o head_n to_o foot_n this_o then_o be_v the_o sum_n of_o all_o that_o we_o have_v say_v that_o these_o babe_n have_v truth_n of_o grace_n the_o root_n of_o the_o matter_n be_v in_o they_o god_n have_v put_v truth_n in_o their_o inward_a part_n and_o write_v the_o truth_n of_o repentance_n faith_n and_o love_n in_o their_o heart_n they_o be_v true_a bear_v and_o not_o bastard_n as_o the_o distinction_n be_v heb._n 12._o it_o be_v true_a also_o that_o their_o grace_n be_v weak_a it_o be_v grace_n and_o but_o grace_n in_o a_o low_a degree_n beside_o also_o it_o be_v mix_v with_o much_o corruption_n strong_a corruption_n be_v argument_n of_o weak_a grace_n they_o be_v as_o carnal_a of_o all_o saint_n the_o babe-saint_n have_v the_o least_o grace_n and_o the_o most_o corruption_n and_o which_o be_v to_o be_v note_v of_o all_o the_o rest_n also_o these_o babe_n have_v not_o their_o denomination_n nor_o be_v so_o call_v mere_o from_o their_o be_v but_o new_o bear_v but_o from_o their_o continuance_n in_o such_o a_o state_n no_o state_n be_v measure_v by_o one_o or_o two_o act_n but_o from_o the_o tenor_n frame_n and_o course_n of_o their_o heart_n and_o life_n for_o such_o a_o time_n and_o duration_n we_o call_v no_o man_n a_o dunce_n or_o a_o bad_a scholar_n from_o one_o day_n dulness_n or_o for_o one_o miscarriage_n in_o a_o exercise_n but_o when_o he_o be_v constant_o dull_a and_o blockish_a as_o the_o hebrew_n be_v who_o be_v babe_n for_o a_o long_a time_n it_o be_v the_o habit_n that_o give_v the_o denomination_n to_o this_o and_o every_o classis_fw-la or_o form_n and_o now_o i_o â—â—all_v proceed_v to_o show_v the_o attainment_n of_o these_o babe_n which_o in_o both_o text_n be_v express_v by_o their_o feed_v on_o milk_n where_o what_o be_v mean_v by_o milk_n and_o how_o they_o feed_v on_o this_o milk_n be_v discover_v 1._o more_o general_o 2._o more_o particular_o milk_n we_o see_v be_v the_o food_n of_o babe_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v necessary_a that_o we_o come_v to_o know_v what_o this_o milk_n be_v for_o the_o better_a discovery_n of_o their_o state_n and_o attainment_n in_o the_o general_a all_o the_o word_n of_o god_n the_o gospel_n be_v call_v milk_n 1_o pet._n 2.2_o as_o newborn_a babe_n desire_v the_o sincere_a milk_n of_o the_o word_n that_o you_o may_v grow_v thereby_o this_o milk_n be_v for_o growth_n the_o word_n be_v not_o only_o for_o beget_v as_o chap._n 1.23_o and_o 25._o but_o it_o be_v for_o nourish_v and_o bring_v up_o also_o even_o to_o a_o perfect_a stature_n ephes_n 4.11_o 16._o it_o be_v observable_a that_o peter_n do_v not_o speak_v mere_o of_o the_o word_n write_v in_o the_o bible_n but_o of_o the_o word_n preach_v chap._n 1.25_o but_o then_o this_o word_n preach_v must_v be_v sincere_a milk_n of_o the_o word_n not_o mix_v and_o corrupt_v with_o and_o by_o the_o device_n invention_n gloss_n and_o comment_n of_o jew_n or_o gentile_n this_o the_o apostle_n paul_n disclaim_v and_o declaim_v against_o 2_o cor._n 2.17_o we_o be_v not_o as_o many_o who_o corrupt_v or_o deal_v deceitful_o with_o the_o word_n of_o god_n but_o as_o of_o sincerity_n but_o as_o of_o god_n in_o the_o sight_n of_o god_n speak_v we_o in_o christ_n which_o he_o also_o have_v again_o chap_n 4.2_o we_o have_v renounce_v the_o hide_a thing_n of_o dishonesty_n or_o shame_n not_o walk_v in_o craftiness_n nor_o handle_v the_o word_n of_o god_n deceitful_o but_o by_o manifestation_n of_o the_o truth_n commend_v ourselves_o to_o every_o man_n conscience_n in_o the_o sight_n of_o god_n we_o be_v no_o huckster_n like_o they_o mention_v 2_o pet._n 2.1_o 3._o as_o this_o word_n must_v not_o be_v mix_v with_o and_o corrupt_v by_o false_a doctrine_n and_o base_a end_n so_o this_o milk_n must_v not_o be_v make_v luscious_a and_o fulsome_a with_o the_o sugar_n and_o honey_n of_o man_n wisdom_n and_o eloquence_n for_o this_o do_v the_o apostle_n no_o less_o disown_a and_o disallow_v as_o may_v be_v see_v 1_o
name_n be_v all_o the_o glory_n but_o i_o pass_v from_o hence_o to_o speak_v a_o little_a to_o these_o babe_n by_o way_n of_o application_n these_o thing_n be_v so_o which_o you_o can_v well_o deny_v poor_a babe_n let_v i_o bespeak_v you_o and_o exhort_v you_o 1._o to_o consider_v not_o only_o what_o you_o ought_v to_o do_v but_o how_o you_o ought_v to_o do_v it_o not_o only_o the_o matter_n but_o the_o manner_n of_o all_o duty_n and_o to_o measure_v your_o obedience_n more_o by_o the_o quality_n than_o the_o quantity_n the_o weight_n than_o number_n of_o it_o together_o with_o what_o end_v you_o have_v in_o it_o it_o be_v not_o the_o bigness_n or_o juiciness_n of_o the_o fruit_n but_o the_o relish_n that_o give_v the_o commendation_n and_o that_o be_v the_o end_n you_o have_v in_o do_v your_o duty_n if_o thy_o obedience_n have_v not_o a_o good_a relish_n ad_fw-la gustum_fw-la dei_fw-la if_o it_o do_v not_o taste_v well_o though_o thy_o duty_n be_v never_o so_o many_o and_o well_o colour_a and_o full_a of_o enlarge_a affection_n they_o be_v not_o acceptable_a to_o god_n nor_o a_o sweet_a smell_a savour_n to_o he_o the_o usual_a question_n that_o babe_n make_v be_v about_o the_o what_o of_o duty_n what_o shall_v we_o do_v say_v they_o act_v 2._o what_o must_v i_o do_v say_v the_o jailor_n lord_n what_o will_v thou_o have_v i_o to_o do_v say_v paul_n they_o mind_v the_o matter_n of_o duty_n and_o ask_v often_o about_o the_o what_o but_o as_o we_o shall_v mind_v what_o to_o hear_v and_o do_v so_o how_o to_o hear_v and_o do_v we_o shall_v not_o only_o receive_v the_o lord_n supper_n but_o so_o as_o to_o discern_v the_o lord_n body_n not_o only_o pray_v but_o pray_v according_a to_o his_o will_n not_o only_o submit_v to_o baptism_n etc._n etc._n but_o mind_n the_o how_o and_o why_o as_o rom._n 6.3_o 5._o col._n 2.11_o 13._o god_n do_v not_o look_v so_o much_o to_o the_o hand_n as_o to_o the_o heart_n to_o the_o action_n as_o to_o the_o spirit_n by_o which_o and_o the_o end_n for_o which_o it_o be_v do_v the_o rich_a man_n throw_v in_o much_o more_o for_o quantity_n than_o the_o widow_n yet_o her_o mite_n be_v more_o than_o their_o abundance_n there_o may_v be_v more_o of_o prayer_n in_o a_o short_a ejaculation_n than_o a_o long_a prayer_n of_o many_o word_n god_n be_v take_v more_o with_o a_o little_a well_o do_v than_o with_o much_o good_a do_v deus_fw-la magis_fw-la delectatur_fw-la adverbiis_fw-la quam_fw-la nominibus_fw-la adverb_n set_v out_o god_n best_a as_o all_o that_o he_o do_v be_v good_a exceed_o and_o jesus_n christ_n be_v not_o only_o true_a but_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d true_o bread_n so_o adverb_n set_v out_o our_o best_a when_o we_o do_v what_o we_o do_v true_o sincere_o faithful_o etc._n etc._n for_o these_o express_v the_o spirit_n and_o end_n of_o duty_n a_o little_a gold_n refine_v be_v more_o worth_a than_o much_o in_o the_o oar_n and_o one_o diamond_n have_v more_o of_o value_n in_o it_o than_o a_o heap_n of_o common_a stone_n a_o contract_a prayer_n may_v have_v more_o in_o it_o than_o a_o long_a one_o not_o that_o i_o speak_v against_o the_o inlargedness_n of_o any_o person_n affection_n in_o duty_n for_o if_o god_n open_v who_o can_v shut_v but_o that_o none_o shall_v place_v the_o excellency_n of_o a_o duty_n in_o length_n or_o mere_o in_o fervency_n for_o many_o thing_n may_v occasion_v it_o when_o it_o may_v not_o be_v fervency_n of_o spirit_n wrought_v by_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n it_o be_v not_o how_o much_o but_o how_o well_o not_o how_o affectionate_a but_o how_o spiritual_a that_o god_n mind_n many_o lad_n when_o they_o begin_v to_o write_v strive_v to_o write_v much_o but_o say_v their_o master_n write_v i_o two_o line_n well_o and_o i_o will_v take_v it_o better_o than_o if_o you_o scribble_v and_o scrawle_v a_o side_n of_o paper_n sit_v '_o &_o sit_v '_o cito_fw-la si_fw-la sit_v '_o be_v it_o be_v not_o worship_v at_o jerusalem_n but_o in_o spirit_n and_o truth_n that_o god_n mind_n and_o as_o it_o be_v to_o place_n it_o be_v to_o bulk_n to_o what_o purpose_n be_v the_o multitude_n of_o your_o sacrifice_n it_o be_v a_o break_a heart_n that_o i_o will_v not_o despise_v the_o apostle_n do_v not_o take_v care_n only_o to_o pray_v or_o sing_v but_o to_o do_v it_o with_o understanding_n and_o his_o spirit_n also_o 1_o cor._n 14.15_o spiritual_a thing_n shall_v be_v do_v spiritual_o we_o shall_v not_o only_o do_v the_o thing_n which_o be_v please_v to_o god_n but_o do_v they_o so_o that_o the_o do_v of_o they_o may_v be_v please_v to_o he_o his_o will_n according_a to_o his_o will._n 2._o consider_v what_o be_v the_o true_a state_n condition_n and_o design_n of_o ordinance_n and_o duty_n they_o be_v not_o your_o food_n but_o the_o dish_n in_o which_o your_o food_n be_v set_v before_o you_o not_o the_o water_n of_o life_n but_o the_o conduit_n pipe_n through_o which_o it_o be_v convey_v to_o you_o it_o be_v not_o the_o end_n of_o ordinance_n and_o duty_n that_o you_o shall_v make_v they_o your_o end_n no_o they_o be_v but_o mean_n to_o a_o end_n will_v you_o take_v up_o with_o food_n or_o physic_n without_o health_n why_o then_o with_o ordinance_n without_o the_o power_n blessing_n and_o effect_n of_o they_o though_o i_o speak_v not_o this_o to_o take_v you_o off_o from_o ordinance_n and_o duty_n yet_o that_o you_o may_v not_o look_v for_o that_o there_o which_o god_n have_v not_o place_v there_o not_o have_v that_o value_n for_o they_o and_o trust_v in_o they_o which_o be_v due_a to_o the_o god_n of_o ordinance_n live_v not_o without_o ordinance_n but_o live_v above_o they_o while_o you_o use_v they_o 3._o be_v more_o universal_a in_o your_o obedience_n and_o do_v not_o confine_v religion_n to_o certain_a day_n and_o duty_n god_n be_v the_o universal_a good_a and_o we_o be_v most_o like_o he_o when_o we_o be_v universal_o so_o then_o shall_v we_o not_o be_v ashamed_a when_o we_o have_v respect_n to_o all_o his_o commandment_n psal_n 119.6_o it_o be_v the_o great_a commendation_n of_o zachary_n and_o elizabeth_n that_o they_o walk_v in_o all_o the_o commandment_n and_o ordinance_n of_o god_n without_o blame_n they_o do_v not_o pick_v and_o choose_v some_o make_v if_n and_o and_n as_o to_o other_o but_o be_v indeed_o lover_n of_o all_o and_o here_o be_v love_n that_o we_o keep_v his_o command_n viz._n all_o of_o they_o and_o they_o not_o any_o of_o they_o be_v not_o grievous_a 1_o joh._n 5.3_o every_o creature_n be_v good_a in_o one_o or_o other_o respect_n they_o be_v particular_a good_n this_o or_o that_o but_o god_n as_o i_o say_v be_v all_o good_a and_o do_v good_a to_o all_o all_o his_o command_n also_o be_v holy_a just_a and_o good_a and_o we_o shall_v study_v to_o know_v &_o do_v all_o the_o good_a and_o acceptable_a and_o perfect_a will_n of_o god_n rom._n 12.2_o to_o be_v as_o like_o god_n and_o to_o do_v all_o that_o god_n like_v as_o much_o as_o possible_a 4._o observe_v the_o proper_a season_n of_o ordinance_n and_o duty_n of_o hear_v and_o pray_v etc._n etc._n every_o thing_n be_v beautiful_a in_o its_o season_n it_o be_v the_o glory_n of_o the_o tree_n plant_v by_o preach_v water_v by_o baptism_n bless_v with_o the_o lay_n on_o of_o hand_n to_o bring_v forth_o fruit_n in_o season_n for_o as_o it_o follow_v heb._n 6.7_o the_o earth_n which_o drink_v in_o the_o rain_n that_o come_v oft_o upon_o it_o precept_n on_o precept_n and_o line_n on_o line_n and_o bring_v forth_o herb_n meet_v suitable_a and_o seasonable_a for_o they_o by_o who_o it_o be_v dress_v receive_v blessing_n from_o god_n which_o refer_v to_o the_o parable_n of_o the_o good_a ground_n hearer_n as_o what_o follow_v verse_n 8._o refer_v to_o the_o thorny_a ground_n there_o be_v a_o time_n for_o all_o thing_n and_o because_o man_n know_v not_o his_o time_n his_o sorrow_n be_v great_a upon_o he_o it_o be_v unseemly_a for_o a_o man_n to_o mourn_v in_o a_o time_n of_o joy_n as_o it_o be_v to_o rejoice_v in_o a_o time_n of_o mourning_n to_o speak_v more_o to_o babe_n it_o be_v not_o beautiful_a because_o not_o seasonable_a to_o be_v pray_v in_o a_o time_n that_o call_v for_o another_o duty_n or_o to_o be_v hear_v when_o it_o may_v be_v some_o duty_n in_o your_o call_n or_o family_n call_v upon_o you_o to_o be_v then_o and_o there_o to_o mind_v that_o babe_n be_v too_o apt_a to_o rob_v peter_n to_o cloth_n paul_n to_o take_v from_o one_o duty_n and_o give_v to_o another_o therefore_o i_o speak_v thus_o unto_o they_o 5._o do_v what_o you_o do_v more_o out_o of_o ingenuity_n than_o fear_n and_o more_o out_o of_o thankfulness_n
sinner_n that_o through_o he_o they_o may_v believe_v in_o god_n and_o that_o thence_o they_o may_v have_v hope_n in_o god_n 1_o pet._n 1.21_o 3._o they_o taste_v grace_n in_o this_o that_o god_n call_v for_o no_o great_a thing_n at_o their_o hand_n than_o to_o eat_v milk_n 28.14_o pro._n 28.14_o to_o repent_v and_o believe_v the_o gospel_n and_o do_v not_o put_v they_o to_o do_v penance_n in_o hell_n for_o thousand_o of_o year_n or_o do_v some_o extraordinary_a task_n of_o duty_n in_o this_o world_n and_o weep_v out_o their_o eye_n wearing_z out_o their_o knee_n etc._n etc._n 4._o they_o taste_v his_o grace_n in_o that_o he_o not_o only_a command_n but_o invite_v and_o entreat_v they_o to_o come_v to_o repent_v and_o believe_v that_o they_o may_v live_v that_o god_n shall_v condescend_v so_o far_o as_o to_o beseech_v and_o go_v a_o beg_n to_o they_o as_o the_o word_n be_v that_o they_o will_v be_v reconcile_v give_v they_o a_o taste_n that_o the_o lord_n be_v gracious_a 2_o cor._n 5.19_o 20._o 5._o they_o taste_v it_o in_o this_o that_o god_n incourage_v they_o to_o come_v by_o many_o great_a and_o precious_a promise_n isa_n 55.1_o 2_o 3._o matth._n 11.28_o 30_o etc._n etc._n yea_o he_o swear_v to_o they_o as_o he_o live_v that_o he_o delight_v not_o in_o the_o death_n of_o a_o sinner_n but_o that_o he_o shall_v return_v and_o live_v 6._o that_o god_n have_v knock_v so_o often_o and_o wait_v so_o long_o to_o lead_v they_o by_o his_o goodness_n patience_n and_o long_o suffer_v to_o repentance_n that_o though_o they_o have_v not_o answer_v unless_o it_o be_v surlily_n and_o sinful_o we_o will_v not_o come_v that_o though_o they_o have_v put_v his_o patience_n to_o it_o yet_o that_o he_o shall_v knock_v and_o wait_v this_o give_v they_o a_o further_a taste_n that_o the_o lord_n be_v gracious_a 7._o that_o they_o have_v be_v at_o last_o convince_v of_o the_o necessity_n of_o repentance_n towards_o god_n and_o faith_n in_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n that_o they_o be_v come_v to_o themselves_o to_o see_v their_o dead_a lose_v and_o undo_v condition_n it_o be_v of_o grace_n for_o who_o can_v have_v open_v their_o eye_n and_o wrought_v on_o their_o heart_n or_o will_v have_v do_v it_o but_o a_o gracious_a god_n and_o in_o this_o they_o taste_v his_o grâ—â—_n 8._o that_o they_o have_v be_v enable_v with_o the_o prodigal_n to_o prosecute_v this_o conviction_n to_o arise_v and_o go_v to_o repent_v from_o dead_a work_n and_o to_o make_v towards_o god_n by_o faith_n they_o taste_v his_o grace_n in_o it_o for_o repentance_n and_o faith_n be_v both_o the_o gift_n of_o a_o gracious_a god_n to_o they_o act._n 5.31_o ephes_n 2.1_o 8._o 9_o they_o taste_v that_o the_o lord_n be_v gracious_a in_o give_v they_o a_o spirit_n of_o prayer_n and_o supplication_n that_o they_o can_v bow_v their_o knee_n and_o beg_v not_o only_o the_o pardon_n of_o their_o sin_n but_o the_o sanctify_a of_o their_o soul_n in_o this_o they_o taste_v his_o grace_n 10._o they_o have_v a_o taste_n of_o his_o be_v gracious_a in_o that_o they_o be_v bid_v welcome_a when_o they_o come_v and_o that_o not_o only_o his_o saint_n receive_v they_o into_o the_o brotherhood_n and_o fellowship_n to_o be_v free_a of_o then_o company_n but_o that_o now_o and_o then_o god_n smile_v on_o they_o too_o and_o be_v please_v to_o kiss_v they_o with_o the_o kiss_n of_o his_o mouth_n and_o to_o vouchsafe_v they_o some_o fellowship_n with_o himself_o 11._o they_o taste_v that_o the_o lord_n be_v gracious_a in_o that_o he_o sit_v on_o a_o throne_n of_o grace_n and_o give_v they_o leave_v to_o come_v with_o boldness_n for_o more_o mercy_n and_o grace_n for_o their_o seasonable_a relief_n and_o that_o he_o do_v allow_v they_o sincere_a milk_n to_o grow_v thereby_o 12._o they_o taste_v his_o grace_n in_o this_o also_o that_o they_o can_v discern_v the_o difference_n between_o their_o former_a and_o present_a state_n how_o desperate_a and_o damnable_a that_o be_v but_o how_o hopeful_a this_o be_v that_o they_o have_v rather_o die_v than_o be_v dead_a in_o sin_n again_o 13._o what_o present_a peace_n they_o have_v and_o what_o ever_o hope_n of_o more_o even_o to_o everlasting_a consolation_n it_o be_v from_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n and_o in_o it_o they_o taste_v that_o he_o be_v gracious_a 2_o thes_n 2.16_o these_o be_v some_o among_o other_o of_o the_o experience_n that_o babe_n have_v or_o taste_v of_o the_o lord_n be_v gracious_a i_o have_v not_o set_v they_o out_o at_o large_a because_o i_o will_v give_v you_o they_o as_o they_o have_v they_o viz._n for_o taste_n and_o though_o they_o be_v but_o such_o yet_o these_o taste_n beget_v desire_n and_o long_n after_o the_o sincere_a milk_n that_o they_o may_v grow_v thereby_o by_o this_o taste_n of_o they_o they_o can_v a_o little_a distinguish_v between_o sincere_a and_o falsify_v milk_n between_o pure_a and_o impure_a milk_n between_o good_a and_o evil_a doctrine_n though_o not_o so_o well_o as_o grow_v saint_n their_o car_n tri_v word_n whether_o it_o be_v a_o form_n of_o sound_a word_n and_o their_o taste_n tri_v milk-meat_n whether_o it_o be_v wholesome_a and_o nourish_a or_o not_o to_o allude_v to_o that_o in_o job_n 12.11_o and_o 34.3_o and_o therefore_o though_o they_o be_v full_a of_o appetite_n and_o desire_n yet_o it_o be_v to_o sincere_a milk_n for_o they_o can_v thrive_v nor_o live_v by_o any_o other_o now_o though_o their_o desire_n after_o high_a attainment_n be_v at_o present_a their_z almost_o high_o attainment_n yet_o desire_n be_v not_o despicable_a thing_n but_o of_o value_n the_o desire_n of_o a_o man_n be_v his_o kindness_n and_o a_o poor_a man_n be_v better_a than_o a_o liar_n prov._n 19.22_o though_o they_o be_v but_o poor_a as_o to_o attainment_n yet_o they_o be_v rich_a in_o desire_n and_o god_n take_v this_o kindness_n kind_o at_o their_o hand_n that_o it_o be_v in_o their_o heart_n to_o do_v great_a thing_n and_o to_o grow_v this_o poor_a man_n be_v better_a than_o a_o liar_n than_o a_o hypocrite_n that_o pretend_v to_o make_v profession_n and_o promise_n of_o great_a thing_n without_o a_o real_a desire_n and_o kindness_n to_o the_o thing_n which_o he_o make_v a_o fair_a show_n of_o in_o a_o compliment_n and_o in_o the_o flesh_n if_o there_o be_v first_o a_o willing_a mind_n it_o be_v accept_v according_a to_o what_o a_o man_n have_v and_o not_o according_a to_o what_o he_o have_v not_o 2_o cor._n 8.12_o it_o be_v not_o a_o little_a to_o be_v able_a to_o say_v as_o nehemiab_n do_v chap._n 1.11_o o'lord_n i_o beseech_v thou_o let_v now_o thy_o ear_n be_v attentive_a to_o the_o prayer_n of_o thy_o servant_n and_o to_o the_o prayer_n of_o thy_o servant_n who_o desire_v to_o fear_v thy_o name_n and_o as_o the_o author_n of_o the_o epistle_n to_o the_o hebrew_n chap._n 13.18_o pray_v for_o we_o for_o we_o trust_v that_o we_o have_v a_o good_a conscience_n in_o all_o thing_n willing_a to_o live_v honest_o this_o babe_n be_v a_o man_n of_o desire_n in_o both_o sense_n i._n e._n he_o be_v love_v and_o belove_a he_o be_v desire_v and_o desire_a cant._n 7.10_o isa_n 26.8_o 9.2_o 2_o cor._n 7_o 7._o thus_o you_o have_v see_v the_o taste_n and_o desire_n of_o babe_n to_o grow_v which_o be_v a_o attainment_n not_o to_o be_v undervalue_v by_o they_o nor_o be_v they_o to_o be_v undervalue_v by_o other_o for_o a_o close_a to_o all_o their_o former_a attainment_n and_o character_n i_o shall_v add_v one_o more_o which_o be_v much_o take_v notice_n of_o in_o scripture_n vi_o their_o love_n to_o the_o brethren_n there_o be_v but_o one_o thing_n more_o which_o i_o shall_v take_v notice_n of_o in_o relation_n to_o babe_n attainment_n and_o that_o be_v their_o love_n to_o the_o brethren_n whereby_o they_o act_n like_o member_n of_o the_o body_n of_o christ_n who_o office_n it_o be_v to_o have_v the_o same_o care_n one_o for_o another_o 1_o cor._n 12.25_o and_o not_o be_v like_o this_o world_n every_o man_n for_o himself_o or_o say_v like_o cain_n be_o i_o my_o brother_n keeper_n that_o they_o do_v love_v the_o brethren_n in_o their_o degree_n fervent_o as_o well_o as_o true_o be_v attest_v by_o peter_n who_o write_v to_o babe_n say_v see_v you_o have_v purify_v your_o heart_n in_o obey_v the_o truth_n by_o the_o spirit_n unto_o unfeigned_a love_n of_o the_o brethren_n see_v that_o you_o continue_v to_o love_v one_o another_o with_o a_o pure_a heart_n fervent_o 1_o pet._n 1.22_o he_o exhort_v they_o to_o do_v that_o full_o which_o they_o already_o do_v in_o part_n according_a to_o that_o 1_o thes_n 5_o 11._o comfort_v yourselves_o together_o and_o edify_v one_o another_o as_o you_o also_o do_v it_o be_v the_o great_a character_n of_o
by_o his_o hand_n nor_o his_o promise_n and_o love_n by_o his_o providential_a dispensation_n but_o that_o he_o deal_v with_o they_o as_o son_n heb._n 12.5_o 13._o these_o see_v i_o have_v promise_v to_o name_n no_o more_o be_v the_o thing_n too_o many_o wherein_o the_o babe_n be_v as_o carnal_a and_o so_o as_o no_o other_o degree_n of_o saint_n be_v at_o least_o in_o such_o a_o degree_n as_o they_o be_v these_o be_v naughty_a thing_n and_o unbecoming_a because_o carnal_a and_o therefore_o paul_n threaten_v the_o corinthian_n with_o a_o rod_n if_o they_o mend_v not_o their_o manner_n which_o be_v corrupt_v the_o more_o by_o the_o evil_a word_n of_o a_o epicurean_a sort_n of_o man_n creep_v in_o among_o they_o 1_o cor._n 15._o twice_o if_o not_o thrice_o the_o apostle_n speak_v to_o they_o of_o these_o thing_n as_o such_o whereof_o they_o may_v well_o be_v ashamed_a 1_o cor._n 4.14_o and_o 6.5_o and_o 15.34_o and_o shake_v the_o rod_n over_o they_o again_o and_o again_o that_o they_o may_v fear_v to_o be_v carnal_a any_o more_o 1_o cor._n 4.18_o 21._o 2_o cor._n 1.23_o and_o 10.9_o 11._o and_o 12.20_o 21._o and_o 13.10_o and_o now_o i_o have_v finish_v what_o i_o design_v and_o promise_v as_o to_o the_o doctrinal_a part_n of_o this_o subject_a have_v show_v 1._o that_o there_o be_v such_o a_o form_n or_o state_n of_o saint_n as_o babe_n be_v inferior_a to_o they_o call_v by_o st._n john_n little_a child_n 2._o what_o their_o attainment_n and_o character_n be_v and_o 3._o wherein_o they_o be_v defective_a and_o short_a of_o all_o other_o saint_n and_o as_o carnal_a but_o a_o degree_n above_o carnal_a man_n be_v newborn_a it_o be_v true_a but_o as_o yet_o not_o wash_v clean_o from_o their_o blood_n no_o not_o comparative_o as_o other_o saint_n be_v i_o now_o proceed_v to_o the_o last_o thing_n iv_o the_o use_n of_o the_o whole_a 1._o by_o way_n of_o examination_n and_o self-catechizing_a whether_o we_o be_v 1._o babe_n or_o not_o we_o be_v 2._o but_o babe_n 2._o by_o way_n of_o exhortation_n to_o all_o sort_n as_o 1._o to_o they_o without_o as_o 2._o to_o they_o within_o 1._o by_o way_n of_o examination_n that_o we_o may_v catechise_v ourselves_o and_o learn_v to_o know_v 1._o whether_o we_o be_v babe_n or_o no_o whether_o newborn_a or_o not_o and_o this_o we_o have_v great_a reason_n to_o do_v because_o not_o only_o our_o heart_n be_v deceitful_a and_o may_v abuse_v we_o by_o make_v we_o think_v otherwise_o of_o ourselves_o than_o we_o be_v and_o therefore_o it_o be_v foolish_a to_o trust_v our_o heart_n prov._n 28.26_o but_o because_o many_o have_v be_v actual_o cozen_v as_o the_o foolish_a virgin_n etc._n etc._n many_o have_v think_v themselves_o rich_a who_o have_v be_v poor_a and_o other_o have_v think_v themselves_o poor_a who_o have_v be_v rich_a prov._n 13.7_o of_o which_o former_a the_o angel_n of_o laodicea_n be_v a_o instance_n rev._n 3.17_o and_o of_o the_o latter_a the_o angel_n of_o smyrna_n rev._n 2.9_o that_o therefore_o we_o may_v pass_v a_o right_a judgement_n on_o let_v we_o examine_v ourselves_o in_o relation_n hereunto_o it_o be_v but_o necessary_a that_o i_o premise_v some_o thing_n about_o conversion_n for_o the_o prevent_n of_o objection_n the_o remove_n of_o offence_n and_o so_o for_o the_o clear_n of_o the_o way_n which_o lead_v we_o to_o know_v whether_o we_o be_v newborn_a convert_v or_o not_o as_o 1._o that_o the_o new-birth_n be_v a_o mystery_n conversion_n be_v a_o secret_a thing_n a_o work_n that_o begin_v within_o out_o of_o sight_n it_o puzzle_v nicodemus_n a_o master_n a_o rabbi_n in_o israel_n to_o think_v what_o kind_n of_o thing_n regeneration_n shall_v be_v joh._n 3.3_o 13._o though_o there_o be_v motion_n and_o visible_a turn_n as_o in_o the_o wheel_n of_o a_o watch_n yet_o the_o spring_n be_v within_o and_o hide_a how_o the_o child_n be_v fashion_v in_o the_o womb_n be_v a_o great_a mystery_n but_o the_o forming_n of_o the_o new-birth_n be_v a_o great_a for_o it_o be_v a_o work_n whole_o and_o altogether_o of_o god_n make_v and_o it_o be_v curious_o wrought_v in_o the_o secret_a place_n of_o the_o heart_n it_o be_v a_o being_n renew_v in_o the_o spirit_n of_o the_o mind_n which_o be_v the_o prime_n and_o proper_a seat_n of_o it_o ephes_n 4.23_o now_o the_o work_n be_v so_o inward_a secret_a and_o hide_a it_o be_v hard_a to_o trace_v god_n footstep_n and_o to_o search_v man_n heart_n all_o the_o way_n of_o god_n be_v unsearchable_a enough_o but_o especial_o these_o in_o the_o great_a deep_a as_o man_n heart_n be_v call_v the_o way_n of_o a_o serpent_n on_o a_o rock_n the_o way_n of_o a_o ship_n in_o the_o sea_n and_o of_o a_o bird_n in_o the_o air_n can_v be_v find_v out_o much_o less_o can_v this_o way_n of_o god_n unless_o he_o reveal_v it_o by_o his_o spirit_n which_o work_v it_o 1_o cor._n 2.10_o 12._o though_o the_o outside_n of_o the_o newman_n which_o be_v create_v in_o righteousness_n and_o true_a holiness_n may_v be_v discern_v yet_o the_o inward_o of_o it_o be_v like_o the_o white_a name_n which_o none_o know_v but_o he_o ay_o and_o perhaps_o not_o every_o he_o that_o have_v it_o there_o be_v but_o few_o can_v give_v a_o exact_a and_o full_a relation_n and_o story_n of_o this_o thing_n it_o be_v so_o secret_a that_o many_o thing_n pass_v by_o undiscerned_a as_o who_o know_v the_o error_n so_o who_o know_v the_o true_a working_n of_o his_o heart_n it_o be_v the_o hide_a man_n of_o the_o heart_n and_o the_o heart_n be_v hide_v from_o the_o man_n if_o man_n understand_v but_o little_a of_o earthly_a thing_n which_o be_v their_o element_n and_o whereof_o they_o profess_v themselves_o master_n how_o much_o less_o do_v they_o know_v such_o a_o spiritual_a and_o heavenly_a thing_n as_o this_o as_o our_o saviour_n tell_v nicodemus_n joh._n 3.7_o 12._o experience_n be_v the_o best_a school-mistriss_n in_o this_o case_n of_o which_o i_o shall_v speak_v anon_o 2._o i_o premise_v this_o that_o god_n take_v various_a occasion_n to_o convert_v man_n and_o use_v various_a mean_n to_o bring_v about_o this_o work_n which_o i_o mention_v because_o some_o be_v apt_a to_o think_v they_o be_v not_o convert_v if_o it_o be_v not_o do_v in_o the_o same_o way_n as_o it_o have_v with_o other_o the_o first_o and_o most_o usual_a be_v the_o preach_v of_o the_o gospel_n for_o faith_n come_v by_o hear_v one_o way_n or_o other_o rom._n 10.14_o 17._o sometime_o god_n take_v occasion_n from_o read_v to_o send_v a_o preacher_n as_o to_o the_o eunuch_n act_v 8.27_o etc._n etc._n and_o which_o way_n soever_o the_o word_n attend_v upon_o we_o to_o save_v we_o let_v we_o attend_v upon_o the_o save_a word_n give_v thyself_o to_o read_v and_o to_o hear_v and_o who_o know_v but_o god_n may_v give_v thou_o faith_n whilst_o thou_o be_v read_v or_o hear_v if_o he_o have_v not_o do_v it_o for_o thou_o that_o way_n already_o sometime_o god_n take_v occasion_n to_o do_v it_o at_o a_o conference_n or_o a_o discourse_n as_o it_o be_v at_o that_o between_o christ_n and_o the_o woman_n of_o samaria_n joh._n 4._o sometime_o god_n do_v make_v use_n of_o a_o affliction_n and_o a_o low-brought_a condition_n as_o he_o do_v to_o convert_v the_o prodigal_n and_o david_n find_v this_o of_o use_n for_o a_o reconversion_n psal_n 119.67_o and_o 71._o sometime_o he_o take_v a_o occasion_n from_o some_o mercy_n he_o have_v show_v and_o deliverance_n which_o he_o have_v wrought_v for_o a_o person_n and_o so_o oblige_v and_o lead_v he_o to_o repentance_n by_o his_o goodness_n such_o a_o thing_n be_v the_o occasion_n of_o the_o blind_a man_n conversion_n joh._n 9_o and_o of_o one_o of_o the_o leper_n and_o perhaps_o of_o the_o jailor_n sometime_o god_n take_v occasion_n by_o a_o dream_n to_o do_v it_o job_n 33.14_o 30._o sometime_o from_o a_o man_n curiosity_n as_o he_o do_v zacheus_n luk._n 19_o and_o many_o that_o have_v go_v to_o see_v and_o be_v see_v or_o to_o hear_v word_n as_o a_o lovely_a song_n as_o austin_n do_v ambrose_n have_v be_v meet_v with_o and_o have_v feel_v a_o work_n when_o they_o go_v to_o hear_v paul_n for_o novelty_n act_v 17.19_o yet_o than_o some_o believe_v verse_n 34._o yea_o sometime_o he_o stay_v till_o man_n be_v in_o a_o full_a career_n of_o sin_v and_o then_o meet_v with_o they_o as_o he_o do_v with_o saul_n act_v 9_o but_o such_o case_n be_v not_o ordinary_a sometime_o god_n make_v use_v of_o the_o good_a conversation_n of_o other_o when_o man_n will_v not_o hear_v the_o good_a word_n of_o god_n yet_o the_o good_a work_n though_o of_o woman_n may_v tend_v to_o and_o be_v make_v use_n of_o for_o their_o conversion_n 1_o pet._n 3.1_o 2._o oh_o that_o
and_o a_o prophet_n to_o teach_v they_o they_o implicit_o take_v whole_a christ_n in_o all_o his_o office_n and_o not_o divide_v and_o who_o but_o a_o newborn_a soul_n do_v the_o natural_a man_n especial_o if_o assist_v by_o the_o common_a principle_n and_o grace_n of_o the_o gospel_n desire_v to_o be_v happy_a and_o in_o relation_n thereunto_o may_v wish_v god_n to_o be_v his_o god_n by_o way_n of_o privilege_n but_o then_o he_o fail_v as_o to_o the_o other_o part_n of_o be_v equal_o desirous_a to_o be_v god_n by_o way_n of_o duty_n which_o every_o saint_n do_v do_v in_o its_o measure_n yea_o though_o they_o have_v not_o yet_o attain_v the_o witness_n and_o seal_v of_o the_o spirit_n that_o they_o be_v the_o child_n of_o god_n the_o least_o saint_n feel_v the_o work_n though_o it_o if_o i_o may_v so_o speak_v have_v not_o yet_o hear_v the_o voice_n of_o the_o spirit_n bear_v witness_n thereunto_o and_o be_v thereby_o in_o a_o sure_a state_n though_o it_o have_v not_o the_o assurance_n of_o it_o for_o it_o be_v beyond_o nature_n at_o high_a with_o all_o its_o attainment_n to_o desire_v and_o endeavour_v to_o serve_v god_n as_o well_o as_o to_o be_v save_v by_o he_o to_o be_v like_o he_o as_o to_o be_v like_v of_o he_o to_o be_v conformable_a to_o he_o as_o to_o have_v salvation_n from_o he_o to_o obey_v command_v as_o to_o enjoy_v promise_n and_o privilege_n to_o be_v holy_a as_o to_o be_v happy_a to_o have_v grace_n to_o glorify_v god_n as_o well_o as_o to_o be_v glorify_v thereby_o to_o be_v in_o jesus_n christ_n not_o only_o that_o there_o may_v be_v no_o condemnation_n but_o a_o new_a creation_n and_o to_o be_v sanctify_v as_o to_o be_v justify_v and_o save_v to_o live_v as_o well_o as_o to_o die_v the_o death_n of_o the_o righteous_a 2._o newborn_a one_o have_v the_o law_n of_o god_n in_o and_o write_v in_o their_o heart_n and_o from_o this_o as_o from_o the_o live_a principle_n they_o act_n and_o bring_v forth_o the_o fruit_n of_o righteousness_n when_o the_o law_n of_o god_n be_v in_o our_o heart_n our_o heart_n will_v bâ—_n set_v to_o do_v it_o as_o it_o be_v say_v psal_n 40.8_o i_o delight_v to_o do_v thy_o will_n o_o god_n thy_o law_n be_v in_o my_o heart_n and_o isa_n 51.7_o they_o be_v say_v to_o be_v the_o people_n who_o know_v righteousness_n the_o people_n in_o 〈◊〉_d heart_n god_n law_n be_v other_o may_v do_v some_o righteous_a act_n but_o these_o do_v it_o as_o their_o proper_a fruit_n spring_v from_o the_o root_n of_o the_o matter_n the_o law_n of_o god_n and_o his_o truth_n in_o they_o and_o so_o it_o be_v a_o evidence_n of_o their_o new-birth_n 1_o joh._n 2._o every_o one_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d that_o be_v a_o righteousness-maker_n as_o his_o trade_n as_o some_o be_v call_v sin-maker_n in_o opposition_n to_o these_o 1_o joh._n 3.7_o 10._o every_o one_o that_o do_v so_o do_v righteousness_n in_o obedience_n to_o god_n who_o law_n be_v in_o his_o heart_n be_v bear_v of_o god_n now_o this_o be_v say_v of_o the_o very_a corinthian-babe_n 2_o cor._n 3.3_o you_o be_v manifest_o declare_v to_o be_v the_o epistle_n of_o christ_n write_v not_o with_o ink_n but_o with_o the_o spirit_n of_o the_o live_a god_n not_o in_o table_n of_o stone_n but_o in_o the_o fleshly_a table_n of_o the_o heart_n this_o can_v be_v say_v of_o any_o but_o newborn_a one_o and_o may_v be_v say_v of_o they_o that_o be_v but_o new_o bear_v even_a babe_n in_o christ_n from_o this_o law_n write_v in_o their_o heart_n there_o follow_v and_o flow_v forth_o desire_n and_o endeavour_n after_o growth_n and_o such_o as_o will_v not_o permit_v these_o soul_n to_o be_v satisfy_v unless_o they_o attain_v it_o i_o say_v it_o beget_v desire_n after_o growth_n such_o as_o be_v clear_v before_o to_o be_v in_o babe_n from_o 1_o pet._n 2.2_o for_o have_v taste_v that_o the_o lord_n be_v gracious_a and_o take_v into_o their_o heart_n what_o they_o have_v taste_v they_o can_v but_o desire_v the_o sincere_a milk_n of_o the_o word_n of_o grace_n to_o grow_v thereby_o they_o desire_v not_o only_o to_o live_v but_o to_o thrive_v and_o to_o be_v lively_a and_o though_o these_o babe_n do_v not_o know_v or_o see_v that_o they_o grow_v according_a to_o their_o desire_n yet_o they_o know_v that_o they_o do_v desire_v to_o grow_v and_o that_o they_o will_v as_o be_v plant_v in_o the_o house_n so_o flourish_v in_o the_o court_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o not_o be_v tree_n without_o fruit_n it_o be_v much_o to_o be_v fear_v that_o they_o have_v no_o grace_n who_o do_v not_o desire_v to_o grow_v in_o grace_n and_o whether_o they_o have_v grace_n enough_o to_o be_v save_v who_o can_v be_v content_a with_o only_o so_o much_o grace_n as_o will_v save_v they_o again_o they_o do_v not_o only_o wish_v and_o desire_n but_o do_v endeavour_n also_o to_o attain_v their_o wish_n and_o desire_n viz._n that_o they_o may_v grow_v and_o do_v therefore_o diligent_o and_o conscientious_o attend_v upon_o and_o use_v all_o mean_n that_o god_n have_v appoint_v for_o their_o growth_n naked_a velleity_n and_o idle_a wish_n may_v be_v find_v in_o formalist_n and_o hypocrite_n but_o to_o be_v as_o indeavourous_a as_o desirous_a be_v congruous_a to_o and_o only_o find_v in_o the_o new_a creature_n the_o newborn_a one_o balaam_n can_v profess_v and_o wish_v like_o a_o godly_a man_n but_o he_o instead_o of_o use_v answerable_a endeavour_n practise_v the_o clean_a contrary_n in_o formalist_n the_o end_n only_o be_v desirable_a but_o in_o true_a saint_n the_o mean_n be_v as_o desirable_a be_v not_o only_o the_o way_n to_o but_o a_o part_n of_o their_o happiness_n yet_o once_o more_o true_a convert_v though_o but_o babe_n take_v not_o up_o and_o rest_v satisfy_v with_o desire_n and_o endeavour_n unless_o they_o attain_v the_o end_n of_o desire_n and_o endeavour_n or_o with_o the_o use_n of_o mean_n without_o the_o end_n of_o mean_n now_o it_o be_v true_a these_o babe_n attain_v but_o little_a and_o that_o be_v the_o reason_n they_o be_v so_o restless_a and_o unsatisfied_a they_o have_v the_o least_o satisfaction_n of_o any_o saint_n because_o they_o be_v much_o in_o desire_n and_o little_a in_o enjoyment_n and_o therefore_o desire_v the_o more_o other_o take_v up_o with_o desire_n and_o endeavour_n which_o these_o can_v do_v they_o prosecute_v and_o pursue_v still_o and_o say_v as_o absolom_n why_o be_o i_o come_v up_o from_o geshur_n if_o i_o may_v not_o see_v the_o king_n face_n hear_v pray_v etc._n etc._n be_v not_o a_o satisfaction_n to_o they_o though_o they_o do_v it_o as_o a_o duty_n unless_o they_o have_v communion_n with_o and_o conformity_n to_o god_n eekt_v out_o and_o carry_v on_o thereby_o and_o all_o this_o be_v because_o the_o law_n of_o god_n be_v write_v in_o their_o heart_n 3._o newborn_a one_o be_v for_o the_o have_v their_o sin_n to_o be_v take_v away_o and_o that_o not_o only_o by_o pardon_v but_o by_o purge_v yea_o though_o their_o sorrow_n shall_v continue_v if_o god_n shall_v say_v to_o such_o a_o soul_n i_o will_v take_v away_o all_o thy_o sorrow_n and_o make_v thou_o a_o cheerful_a heart_n thou_o shall_v have_v corn_n and_o wine_n and_o oil_n enough_o it_o will_v still_o say_v o_o lord_n what_o be_v this_o if_o i_o go_v graceless_a if_o my_o sin_n be_v not_o forgive_v i_o take_v away_o my_o sin_n lord_n though_o thou_o leave_v my_o sorrow_n and_o make_v i_o water_v my_o couch_n with_o tear_n every_o day_n and_o walk_v mournful_o all_o the_o day_n of_o my_o life_n do_v any_o thing_n with_o i_o so_o my_o sin_n may_v be_v do_v away_o my_o heart_n will_v never_o be_v at_o ease_n till_o my_o sin_n be_v forgive_v and_o this_o be_v not_o all_o but_o if_o god_n shall_v further_o say_v to_o such_o a_o soul_n i_o will_v forgive_v thy_o sin_n and_o remember_v it_o no_o more_o to_o charge_v it_o upon_o thou_o but_o i_o will_v leave_v thou_o under_o the_o power_n and_o bondage_n of_o it_o oh_o lord_n will_v this_o foul_a say_n though_o i_o bless_v thou_o for_o a_o pardon_n and_o that_o i_o shall_v by_o that_o be_v keep_v from_o be_v damn_v yet_o lord_n this_o do_v not_o satis_fw-la fie_o i_o i_o have_v as_o hearty_a a_o request_n to_o make_v that_o i_o may_v be_v purge_v and_o that_o i_o may_v be_v take_v from_o sin_n as_o that_o sin_n may_v be_v take_v from_o i_o that_o i_o may_v be_v deliver_v from_o sin_n dominion_n as_o from_o damnation_n david_n do_v not_o only_o pray_v lord_n blot_v out_o my_o transgression_n but_o lord_n wash_v i_o and_o cleanse_v i_o thorough_o from_o my_o sin_n psal_n 51.1_o 2._o and_o it_o seem_v this_o be_v after_o the_o prophet_n have_v say_v the_o
not_o to_o be_v so_o there_o be_v a_o honour_n due_a to_o the_o weak_a vessel_n and_o uncomely_a part_n 1_o cor._n 12._o we_o shall_v be_v nurse_n to_o these_o froward_a bantlings_n and_o cry_v babe_n and_o as_o paul_n be_v among_o the_o thessalonian_o we_o shall_v be_v gentle_a as_o a_o nurse_n that_o cherish_v she_o own_o child_n nursling_n 1_o thes_n 2.7_o 4._o give_v good_a example_n to_o babe_n and_o abuse_v not_o your_o liberty_n to_o their_o offence_n i_o tell_v you_o that_o babe_n mind_n example_n much_o and_o if_o they_o have_v bad_a one_o give_v they_o especial_o by_o good_a and_o eminent_a man_n they_o be_v draw_v aside_o by_o it_o as_o when_o peter_n dissemble_v the_o other_o jew_n dissemble_v also_o insomuch_o that_o barnabas_n â—n_o â—minent_a person_n be_v carry_v away_o by_o that_o dissimulation_n gal._n 2.13_o use_v say_v the_o apostle_n take_v heed_n lest_o by_o any_o mean_v your_o liberty_n become_v a_o stumble_a block_n to_o they_o that_o be_v weak_a for_o if_o any_o weak_a and_o ignorant_a which_o be_v a_o babe_n man_n see_v thou_o which_o have_v knowledge_n to_o sit_v at_o meat_n in_o the_o idol_n temple_n shall_v not_o the_o conscience_n of_o he_o that_o be_v weak_a be_v embolden_v gr_n edify_v he_o take_v thy_o example_n for_o a_o warrant_n and_o think_v he_o be_v edify_v thereby_o when_o alas_o it_o be_v to_o his_o loss_n and_o detriment_n 1_o cor._n 8.9_o 13._o 5._o acquaint_v the_o babe_n with_o your_o experience_n as_o paul_n do_v 2_o cor._n 1.6_o 10._o and_o with_o satan_n device_n as_o he_o do_v 1_o cor._n 7.5_o 2_o cor._n 2.11_o 2_o cor._n 11.2_o babe_n have_v but_o little_a skill_n to_o distinguish_v between_o good_a and_o evil_n between_o impression_n from_o the_o good_a or_o evil_a spirit_n especial_o if_o satan_n transform_v himself_o into_o a_o angel_n of_o light_n israel_n of_o old_a be_v to_o tell_v the_o story_n to_o and_o write_v a_o history_n of_o god_n deal_v with_o they_o and_o amalek_n against_o they_o for_o after_o age_n and_o to_o instruct_v the_o child_n how_o god_n have_v deal_v with_o the_o father_n so_o do_v you_o let_v the_o little_a child_n tell_v story_n of_o the_o father_n love_n the_o young_a man_n of_o his_o power_n and_o the_o father_n of_o his_o wisdom_n in_o carry_v on_o the_o work_n of_o grace_n how_o god_n overthrow_v pharaoh_n lead_v they_o through_o the_o wilderness_n seek_v for_o and_o provide_v for_o they_o from_o heaven_n till_o they_o come_v to_o the_o good_a land_n but_o 2._o it_o be_v time_n to_o speak_v to_o the_o babe_n who_o case_n we_o have_v in_o hand_n and_o so_o to_o conclude_v there_o be_v three_o thing_n that_o i_o will_v exhort_v babe_n unto_o i._o to_o be_v glad_a that_o they_o be_v babe_n ii_o to_o be_v humble_v that_o they_o be_v but_o babe_n iii_o to_o press_v after_o be_v more_o than_o babe_n 1._o to_o be_v glad_a that_o they_o be_v babe_n newborn_a and_o in_o christ_n jesus_n glad_a alas_o there_o be_v no_o comfort_n for_o i_o who_o be_o but_o a_o babe_n no_o yes_o but_o there_o be_v that_o thou_o be_v a_o babe_n though_o but_o a_o babe_n it_o be_v true_a it_o do_v not_o belong_v to_o thou_o as_o carnal_a but_o as_o a_o babe_n in_o christ_n the_o least_o work_n of_o god_n be_v great_a consolation_n to_o the_o least_o of_o saint_n viz._n to_o babe_n consider_v whether_o this_o be_v nothing_o 1._o that_o thou_o have_v attain_v to_o the_o first_o resurrection_n viz._n from_o be_v dead_a and_o lose_v in_o sin_n thou_o be_v call_v out_o of_o egypt_n and_o be_v call_v his_o son_n and_o as_o such_o bring_v out_o of_o egypt_n the_o work_n be_v begin_v thou_o be_v newborn_a and_o eat_v milk_n the_o foundation_n be_v lay_v and_o be_v this_o nothing_o who_o know_v to_o what_o a_o great_a tree_n this_o little_a mustardseed_n of_o grace_n may_v grow_v the_o babe_n that_o lie_v in_o the_o cradle_n may_v become_v a_o father_n in_o israel_n and_o be_v this_o nothing_o he_o that_o have_v lay_v the_o foundation_n will_v lay_v the_o top-stone_n and_o thou_o shall_v cry_v out_o with_o shout_v grace_n grace_n unto_o it_o god_n be_v not_o like_o the_o foolish_a builder_n he_o have_v cast_v up_o his_o cost_n and_o have_v wherewithal_o to_o finish_v what_o he_o have_v begin_v he_o will_v not_o be_v laugh_v at_o and_o mock_v as_o one_o that_o lay_v a_o foundation_n begin_v to_o build_v but_o can_v not_o finish_v it_o though_o thou_o be_v a_o knotty_a piece_n yet_o he_o will_v fit_v thou_o for_o thy_o place_n and_o perfect_a that_o which_o concern_v thou_o for_o this_o work_n be_v not_o only_o that_o of_o his_o hand_n but_o of_o his_o heart_n and_o be_v this_o nothing_o pray_v to_o he_o and_o believe_v as_o psal_n 138.7_o 8._o 2._o thou_o be_v not_o only_o bring_v out_o of_o egypt_n but_o he_o have_v draw_v thou_o into_o the_o wilderness_n and_o though_o thou_o be_v in_o the_o valley_n of_o anchor_n yet_o even_o there_o be_v a_o door_n of_o hope_n thou_o be_v bewilder_v and_o thy_o motion_n be_v full_a of_o wind_n and_o turn_n now_o forward_o and_o then_o backward_o almost_o to_o egypt_n again_o that_o thou_o seem_v to_o wander_v rather_o than_o to_o walk_v or_o to_o go_v a_o journey_n true_a but_o yet_o thou_o be_v in_o thy_o way_n and_o god_n be_v lead_v thou_o to_o his_o holy_a hill_n mount_n zion_n it_o be_v observable_a how_o different_o the_o condition_n of_o israel_n and_o so_o thou_o be_v express_v psal_n 107.4_o with_o 7._o in_o the_o 4._o verse_n it_o be_v say_v they_o wander_v in_o the_o wilderness_n but_o in_o the_o 7._o verse_n it_o be_v say_v he_o lead_v they_o forth_o in_o the_o 4._o verse_n it_o be_v call_v a_o solitary_a way_n but_o in_o the_o 7._o verse_n it_o be_v call_v the_o right_a way_n in_o the_o 4._o verse_n they_o find_v not_o and_o despair_v to_o find_v any_o city_n to_o dwell_v in_o yet_o verse_n 7._o that_o they_o may_v go_v to_o a_o city_n of_o habitation_n so_o it_o be_v with_o thou_o poor_a soul_n and_o notwithstanding_o thy_o unbelief_n and_o murmur_n yet_o he_o hold_v thy_o soul_n in_o life_n and_o when_o thou_o be_v hungry_a and_o thirsty_a he_o provide_v food_n and_o drink_v convenient_a for_o thou_o and_o thy_o clothes_n shall_v nor_o wear_v out_o 3._o thy_o be_v a_o babe_n have_v more_o of_o encouragement_n than_o discouragement_n in_o it_o thy_o be_v a_o babe_n in_o christ_n be_v more_o to_o thy_o safety_n than_o thy_o be_v as_o carnal_a be_v to_o thy_o danger_n though_o it_o must_v be_v thy_o sorrow_n babe_n be_v the_o name_n of_o a_o saint_n not_o of_o a_o carnal_a man_n and_o it_o make_v more_o for_o thou_o that_o thou_o be_v a_o babe_n than_o it_o do_v against_o thou_o that_o thou_o be_v as_o carnal_a be_v it_o nothing_o to_o thy_o joy_n that_o thou_o be_v bear_v though_o thou_o be_v not_o yet_o clothe_v with_o a_o robe_n nor_o kiss_v with_o thy_o father_n lip_n it_o be_v more_o for_o the_o prodigal_n that_o he_o be_v alive_a than_o against_o he_o that_o he_o have_v be_v dead_a and_o come_v home_o without_o rag_n even_o naked_a and_o bare_a it_o be_v more_o for_o the_o disciple_n that_o the_o spirit_n be_v willing_a than_o against_o they_o that_o the_o flesh_n be_v weak_a it_o be_v so_o with_o we_o as_o to_o our_o babe_n their_o be_v we_o do_v more_o endear_v they_o to_o we_o than_o their_o be_v froward_a and_o peevish_a do_v disengage_v we_o to_o they_o and_o though_o the_o elder_a brother_n charge_v his_o father_n as_o guilty_a of_o a_o indiscreet_a and_o partial_a fondness_n to_o make_v so_o much_o of_o a_o prodigal_n yet_o he_o still_o own_v it_o as_o meet_v that_o they_o shall_v rejoice_v and_o be_v glad_a 4._o though_o thou_o be_v as_o carnal_a yet_o on_o conviction_n of_o this_o thy_o carnality_n thou_o be_v angry_a with_o it_o and_o thyself_o and_o do_v repent_v and_o abhor_v thyself_o as_o in_o dust_n and_o ash_n the_o corinthians_n babe_n be_v no_o soon_o convince_v of_o they_o but_o they_o make_v the_o apostle_n glad_a by_o their_o sorrow_n see_v their_o sorrow_n wrought_v repentance_n never_o to_o be_v repent_v of_o because_o it_o be_v to_o salvation_n 2_o cor._n 7._o yea_o thus_o it_o be_v with_o the_o incestuous_a person_n himself_o 2_o cor._n 2.4_o 7._o so_o that_o the_o apostle_n on_o the_o account_n of_o this_o ingenuous_a repentance_n pronounce_v they_o clear_a and_o he_o a_o person_n to_o be_v comfort_v now_o the_o same_o consolation_n belong_v to_o thou_o if_o thou_o do_v likewise_o and_o i_o be_o sure_a it_o be_v in_o thy_o new_a nature_n to_o do_v it_o when_o ever_o thou_o be_v under_o the_o conviction_n of_o thy_o sin_n and_o i_o can_v safe_o tell_v thou_o that_o sin_n repent_v of_o as_o they_o be_v
and_o consequent_o that_o honour_v my_o son_n i_o will_v honour_v say_v the_o lord_n what_o honour_n will_v god_n confer_v upon_o such_o viz._n they_o shall_v be_v call_v not_o only_o be_v but_o be_v call_v manifest_v and_o declare_v to_o be_v the_o child_n of_o god_n and_o behold_v what_o manner_n of_o love_n this_o be_v 1_o joh._n 3.1_o when_o the_o spouse_n be_v sick_a of_o love_n she_o be_v much_o make_v of_o and_o to_o mary_n who_o love_v much_o there_o be_v much_o forgive_v and_o special_a manifestation_n of_o love_n make_v unto_o she_o our_o saviour_n tell_v his_o disciple_n that_o the_o father_n love_v they_o for_o this_o very_a reason_n because_o they_o love_v he_o and_o that_o short_o they_o shall_v have_v clear_a and_o plain_a manifestation_n of_o the_o father_n joh._n 16.25_o 27._o according_a to_o what_o he_o promise_v to_o all_o that_o love_v he_o joh._n 14.21_o 23._o 4._o god_n have_v promise_v to_o be_v know_v as_o a_o father_n to_o they_o that_o do_v separate_v from_o and_o be_v not_o unequal_o yoke_v with_o unbeliever_n and_o that_o do_v not_o touch_v the_o unclean_a thing_n 2_o cor._n 6.14_o 17_o 18._o which_o be_v more_o as_o to_o manifestation_n love_n and_o joy_n than_o to_o be_v know_v to_o we_o as_o our_o god_n verse_n 16._o with_o heb._n 1.5_o wherefore_o come_v cut_v from_o among_o they_o and_o be_v you_o separate_v say_v the_o lord_n touch_v not_o the_o unclean_a thing_n and_o i_o will_v receive_v you_o viz._n into_o my_o favour_n embrace_n and_o bosom_n and_o i_o will_v be_v a_o father_n to_o you_o and_o you_o shall_v be_v my_o son_n and_o daughter_n and_o you_o shall_v be_v treat_v according_o for_o this_o reason_n be_v christ_n himself_o anoint_v with_o the_o oil_n of_o gladness_n above_o his_o fellow_n heb._n 1.9_o and_o as_o any_o of_o his_o be_v conformable_a to_o he_o in_o the_o separation_n which_o love_n of_o righteousness_n and_o hatred_n of_o iniquity_n make_v the_o more_o be_v they_o like_v to_o be_v anoint_v with_o the_o oil_n of_o gladness_n above_o their_o fellow_n 5._o god_n usual_o give_v out_o manifestation_n and_o assurance_n of_o love_n to_o such_o of_o his_o as_o be_v about_o to_o do_v and_o suffer_v great_a thing_n for_o he_o and_o this_o he_o give_v they_o as_o a_o preparation_n thereunto_o christ_n jesus_n have_v the_o voice_n from_o heaven_n a_o little_a before_o he_o enter_v upon_o his_o ministry_n the_o apostle_n have_v the_o spirit_n send_v to_o prepare_v they_o for_o do_v great_a thing_n than_o they_o have_v do_v in_o christ_n time_n and_o the_o reason_n that_o paul_n have_v so_o early_a a_o assurance_n of_o his_o election_n and_o be_v dear_o belove_v of_o god_n be_v because_o he_o be_v present_o to_o go_v about_o great_a undertake_n and_o to_o undergo_v great_a suffering_n act_n 9.15_o 16._o so_o that_o he_o in_o a_o very_a little_a time_n in_o a_o few_o day_n pass_v from_o the_o babe-state_n to_o that_o of_o a_o little_a child_n and_o from_o thence_o into_o that_o of_o a_o youngman_n saint_n which_o few_o so_o sudden_o do_v but_o on_o such_o a_o occasion_n as_o this_o thus_o have_v i_o discover_v some_o of_o they_o i_o can_v say_v all_o for_o there_o be_v no_o confine_v nor_o limit_v of_o god_n to_o who_o he_o be_v please_v to_o make_v himself_o know_v as_o a_o father_n to_o call_v they_o out_o of_o the_o form_n of_o babe_n and_o to_o place_v they_o in_o the_o second_o high_o form_n that_o of_o child_n and_o to_o give_v they_o assurance_n of_o his_o love_n that_o they_o may_v say_v unto_o he_o thou_o be_v our_o father_n though_o i_o can_v say_v for_o who_o of_o we_o god_n will_v do_v this_o yet_o according_a to_o these_o precedent_n it_o be_v more_o than_o probable_a that_o if_o we_o be_v find_v among_o this_o number_n we_o shall_v in_o due_a and_o it_o may_v be_v in_o a_o little_a time_n know_v the_o father_n but_o i_o must_v proceed_v to_o show_v something_o more_o large_o how_o he_o be_v thus_o make_v know_v by_o the_o witness_n of_o his_o spirit_n chap._n ii_o continue_v and_o enlarge_v show_v how_o they_o come_v to_o know_v the_o father_n by_o the_o witness_n of_o the_o spirit_n in_o five_o section_n sect_n i._o at_o the_o beginning_n of_o this_o chapter_n i_o begin_v to_o show_v how_o they_o come_v to_o know_v the_o father_n or_o which_o be_v equivalent_a and_o all_o one_o that_o they_o be_v the_o child_n of_o god_n and_o dear_o belove_v of_o he_o and_o that_o be_v by_o not_o bare_o the_o work_n of_o the_o spirit_n in_o they_o but_o after_o and_o over_o and_o above_o that_o by_z the_o spirit_n witness_v to_o they_o clear_v up_o that_o work_n to_o be_v of_o god_n which_o be_v wrought_v in_o their_o own_o heart_n and_o spirit_n rom._n 8.18_o here_o be_v two_o witness_n and_o both_o spirit_n that_o out_o of_o the_o mouth_n of_o two_o know_a witness_n this_o thing_n may_v be_v establish_v our_o spirit_n affirm_v and_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n confirm_v our_o spirit_n know_v what_o act_n and_o working_n be_v wrought_v in_o we_o and_o by_o we_o our_o spirit_n affirm_v that_o such_o repentance_n faith_n love_n etc._n etc._n there_o be_v in_o we_o but_o whether_o this_o be_v wrought_v according_a to_o god_n our_o spirit_n by_o itself_o can_v tell_v without_o and_o until_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n bear_v witness_n to_o it_o that_o it_o be_v according_a to_o the_o will_n of_o god_n rom._n 8.26_o 27._o with_o 1_o cor._n 2.10_o 11_o 12._o of_o which_o i_o have_v give_v some_o account_n above_o in_o this_o and_o more_o in_o the_o former_a treatise_n of_o babe_n from_o whence_o i_o infer_v these_o two_o thing_n 1._o that_o this_o witness_n of_o the_o spirit_n be_v not_o a_o thing_n common_a to_o all_o saint_n for_o babe_n have_v it_o not_o though_o they_o have_v the_o thing_n which_o do_v assure_v yet_o they_o have_v not_o assurance_n because_o they_o have_v not_o the_o spirit_n witness_v with_o their_o spirit_n it_o be_v not_o a_o thing_n that_o run_v parallel_n with_o saintship_n as_o have_v the_o work_n of_o the_o spirit_n do_v if_o we_o have_v not_o the_o spirit_n of_o christ_n we_o be_v none_o of_o he_o that_o be_v true_a rom._n 8.9_o but_o it_o be_v as_o true_a that_o we_o may_v be_v he_o though_o we_o have_v not_o the_o witness_n of_o his_o spirit_n in_o we_o for_o we_o be_v his_o before_o we_o have_v the_o witness_n of_o it_o and_o the_o witness_n do_v not_o make_v we_o so_o but_o the_o spirit_n find_v we_o to_o be_v his_o do_v witness_n and_o declare_v that_o we_o be_v he_o the_o witness_n do_v not_o make_v we_o but_o manifest_v we_o to_o be_v and_o to_o we_o that_o we_o be_v the_o child_n of_o god_n as_o the_o text_n and_o thing_n itself_o be_v clear_a plain_a and_o full_a rom._n 8.16_o that_o which_o be_v witness_v to_o must_v be_v before_o it_o be_v witness_v unto_o i_o shall_v add_v but_o one_o text_n more_o to_o confirm_v this_o ephes_n 1.13_o 14._o where_o this_o be_v evident_a and_o apparent_a that_o as_o they_o hear_v before_o they_o believe_v so_o they_o believe_v before_o they_o be_v seal_v with_o the_o holy_a spirit_n of_o promise_n which_o be_v the_o earnest_n of_o our_o inheritance_n and_o which_o we_o have_v a_o little_a before_o we_o have_v this_o seal_n and_o earnest_n so_o that_o we_o be_v the_o child_n of_o god_n by_o faith_n gal._n 3.26_o before_o we_o have_v the_o witness_n of_o be_v child_n and_o though_o it_o be_v say_v 1_o joh._n 5.10_o that_o he_o who_o believe_v on_o the_o son_n of_o god_n have_v the_o witness_n in_o himself_o as_o if_o every_o believer_n have_v it_o yet_o i_o have_v two_o or_o three_o thing_n to_o say_v hereunto_o 1._o that_o st._n john_n perhaps_o write_v not_o to_o babe_n but_o to_o all_o the_o high_a form_n of_o child_n youngman_n and_o father_n and_o all_o these_o indeed_o have_v the_o witness_n of_o the_o spirit_n in_o themselves_o but_o 2._o if_o we_o take_v in_o all_o babe_n among_o the_o rest_n it_o may_v also_o be_v say_v of_o they_o that_o they_o have_v the_o thing_n which_o do_v witness_n and_o the_o witness_n of_o their_o own_o spirit_n but_o it_o will_v not_o thence_o follow_v that_o they_o have_v the_o witness_n of_o the_o spirit_n or_o assurance_n which_o be_v the_o thing_n that_o i_o be_o speak_v to_o it_o be_v as_o true_a that_o the_o three_o witness_n in_o earth_n in_o we_o below_o agree_v in_o one_o as_o it_o be_v that_o the_o three_o witness_n in_o heaven_n be_v one_o ver._n 7_o 8._o yet_o all_o three_o do_v not_o give_v out_o their_o witness_n all_o at_o once_o the_o water_n and_o blood_n may_v and_o do_v witness_n before_o the_o spirit_n do_v yet_o again_o 3._o the_o witness_n in_o himself_o may_v be_v understand_v
and_o i_o think_v most_o proper_o of_o that_o which_o be_v witness_v which_o be_v that_o god_n have_v give_v we_o eternal_a life_n and_o that_o by_o and_o in_o his_o son_n verse_n 11._o and_o according_o he_o that_o believe_v have_v both_o the_o son_n and_o eternal_a life_n in_o himself_o verse_n 12._o it_o be_v already_o begin_v in_o every_o believer_n though_o every_o one_o have_v not_o the_o assurance_n of_o it_o as_o be_v employ_v in_o the_o thirteen_o verse_n therefore_o 2._o i_o infer_v that_o this_o witness_n of_o the_o spirit_n be_v not_o bare_o or_o only_o the_o work_n of_o grace_n by_o the_o spirit_n in_o our_o heart_n but_o something_o add_v thereunto_o and_o superad_v thereupon_o beyond_o the_o gracious_a qualification_n which_o be_v call_v the_o fruit_n of_o the_o spirit_n gal._n 5.22_o 23._o whether_o it_o be_v a_o light_n shine_v upon_o their_o grace_n and_o make_v they_o clear_a or_o whether_o it_o be_v the_o application_n of_o some_o one_o or_o other_o promise_v make_v to_o such_o grace_n or_o whether_o it_o be_v some_o immediate_a eradiation_n and_o beam_a forth_o of_o love_n from_o god_n upon_o the_o soul_n it_o matter_n not_o it_o may_v be_v by_o any_o or_o all_o of_o these_o way_n let_v i_o a_o little_a illustrate_v it_o by_o the_o heat_n and_o light_n of_o the_o sun_n the_o work_n of_o the_o spirit_n be_v like_a to_o the_o heat_n and_o influence_n of_o the_o sun_n which_o reach_v all_o thing_n but_o the_o witness_n of_o the_o spirit_n be_v like_o the_o light_n of_o the_o san_n which_o shine_v not_o on_o all_o place_n at_o once_o the_o work_n and_o influence_n of_o the_o spirit_n reach_v all_o saint_n but_o the_o witness_n of_o the_o spirit_n do_v not_o shine_v upon_o all_o saint_n at_o once_o nor_o upon_o all_o in_o the_o same_o degree_n yea_o i_o be_o apt_a to_o believe_v that_o assurance_n be_v a_o very_a great_a rarity_n and_o not_o so_o much_o enjoy_v as_o talk_v of_o or_o pretend_v to_o i_o have_v read_v of_o one_o island_n of_o which_o it_o be_v say_v that_o the_o sun_n shine_v on_o it_o more_o or_o less_o every_o day_n of_o the_o year_n it_o may_v be_v there_o be_v some_o such_o island-saint_n but_o i_o be_o inclinable_a to_o think_v there_o be_v not_o many_o of_o they_o because_o as_o i_o have_v somewhere_o hint_v before_o in_o the_o treatise_n of_o babe_n the_o great_a part_n of_o god_n child_n have_v not_o i_o fear_v yet_o attain_v to_o be_v little_a child_n to_o know_v and_o have_v assurance_n of_o the_o father_n love_n it_o be_v true_a the_o father_n have_v but_o how_o few_o be_v they_o and_o that_o the_o conquer_a young_a man_n have_v but_o how_o few_o be_v they_o yea_o that_o the_o little_a child_n have_v but_o how_o few_o be_v they_o there_o be_v but_o one_o john_n among_o the_o many_o disciple_n however_o this_o be_v clear_a that_o they_o who_o be_v of_o this_o classis_fw-la be_v they_o few_o or_o many_o have_v attain_v to_o assurance_n and_o it_o may_v be_v say_v of_o they_o as_o psal_n 89.15_o 16_o 17._o bless_a be_v the_o people_n that_o know_v the_o joyful_a sound_n they_o shall_v walk_v o_o lord_n in_o the_o light_n of_o thy_o countenance_n in_o thy_o name_n which_o be_v gracious_a exod._n 34.6_o name_v upon_o they_o shall_v they_o rejoice_v all_o the_o day_n and_o in_o thy_o righteousness_n the_o lord_n our_o righteousness_n i._n e._n christ_n jer._n 23.6_o shall_v they_o be_v exalt_v for_o thou_o be_v the_o glory_n of_o their_o strength_n and_o in_o thy_o favour_n our_o horn_n shall_v be_v exalt_v and_o now_o this_o give_v i_o occasion_n to_o consider_v 1_o what_o this_o witness_n be_v 2._o how_o it_o may_v be_v discern_v from_o illusion_n of_o satan_n or_o the_o pretension_n and_o presumption_n of_o our_o own_o heart_n sect_n 2._o show_v what_o this_o witness_n be_v in_o three_o thing_n it_o be_v clear_a sure_a and_o powerful_a this_o witness_n of_o the_o spirit_n by_o which_o we_o know_v the_o father_n as_o we_o and_o that_o we_o be_v the_o child_n of_o god_n be_v 1._o clear_a and_o perspicuous_a it_o be_v no_o dark_a cloudy_a discovery_n of_o a_o thing_n but_o bright_a and_o illustrious_a this_o bring_v evidence_n and_o demonstration_n with_o it_o like_o he_o who_o at_o first_o see_v man_n walk_v as_o tree_n but_o at_o the_o second_o touch_n see_v all_o thing_n clear_o mark_v 8.23_o 25._o this_o be_v not_o like_o the_o oracle_n of_o the_o heathen_a a_o trumpet_n which_o give_v a_o uncertain_a and_o dubious_a sound_n nor_o like_o that_o of_o our_o own_o heart_n which_o though_o â—t_a often_o excuse_n yet_o it_o often_o accuse_v and_o leave_v we_o doubtful_a which_o to_o take_v for_o truth_n no_o this_o watness_n be_v not_o perplex_v nor_o tell_v either_o false_a or_o feign_a dark_a or_o dubious_a story_n he_o that_o run_v may_v read_v it_o it_o be_v write_v in_o so_o fair_a and_o legible_a in_o such_o text-hand_n and_o capital_a and_o golden_a letter_n it_o be_v that_o we_o may_v know_v 1_o cor._n 2.12_o ut_fw-la ecrto_fw-la noscamus_fw-la non_fw-la fluctuante_fw-la conjectura_fw-la it_o be_v not_o a_o conjecture_n a_o perhaps_o or_o it_o may_v be_v but_o as_o clear_a as_o the_o sun_n in_o its_o meridian_n brightness_n and_o strength_n this_o witness_n do_v not_o leave_v the_o soul_n under_o dispute_n and_o fluctuation_n it_o take_v off_o all_o scepticism_n the_o thing_n be_v past_a dispute_n it_o be_v not_o like_o the_o spirit_n of_o the_o world_n which_o be_v ambiguous_a as_o the_o oracle_n new_o mention_v that_o may_v be_v interpret_v pro_fw-la and_o con_v for_o or_o against_o like_o aio_fw-la te_fw-la aeacida_fw-la romanos_fw-la vincere_fw-la posse_fw-la but_o like_a the_o oracle_n of_o god_n of_o a_o clear_a and_o certain_a and_o of_o a_o ascertain_v and_o assure_v sound_n for_o 2._o as_o it_o be_v clear_a it_o be_v a_o sure_a testimony_n it_o be_v true_a and_o faithful_a and_o infallible_a what_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n say_v be_v as_o true_a as_o that_o god_n be_v and_o that_o god_n be_v true_a this_o witness_n can_v be_v no_o otherwise_o for_o 1._o the_o spirit_n which_o bear_v testimony_n be_v the_o spirit_n of_o truth_n and_o therefore_o a_o spirit_n of_o consolation_n the_o comforter_n he_o can_v lie_v he_o can_v deceive_v it_o be_v not_o only_a against_o his_o name_n but_o his_o nature_n which_o be_v contain_v in_o his_o name_n the_o spirit_n of_o truth_n in_o opposition_n to_o the_o devil_n the_o deceive_a spirit_n and_o father_n of_o lie_n no_o lie_n be_v of_o the_o truth_n nor_o of_o the_o spirit_n of_o truth_n this_o spirit_n guide_v into_o all_o truth_n and_o nothing_o but_o the_o truth_n he_o never_o bear_v witness_n to_o hypocrite_n or_o formalist_n but_o only_o to_o new_a bear_v once_o that_o they_o be_v the_o child_n of_o god_n 2._o as_o the_o spirit_n of_o truth_n can_v deceive_v so_o he_o can_v be_v deceive_v for_o he_o know_v the_o deep_a thing_n of_o god_n and_o man_n what_o be_v in_o god_n heart_n to_o we_o 1_o cor._n 2.10_o 11._o and_o what_o be_v in_o our_o heart_n towards_o god_n rom._n 8.26_o 27._o it_o be_v a_o vanity_n as_o well_o or_o ill_o as_o villainy_n to_o lie_v to_o the_o holy_a ghost_n act_v 5.3_o for_o he_o can_v be_v deceive_v nor_o will_v be_v mock_v no_o nor_o can_v he_o be_v mistake_v for_o he_o know_v the_o deep_a thing_n of_o god_n and_o of_o man_n though_o a_o man_n heart_n be_v a_o great_a deep_a also_o this_o witness_n of_o god_n be_v true_a and_o sure_a if_o we_o receve_v the_o witness_n of_o man_n the_o witness_n of_o god_n be_v great_a it_o be_v paul_n great_a comfort_n that_o god_n be_v his_o witness_n rom._n 1.9_o 1_o thes_n 2.4_o 5._o he_o will_v not_o satisfy_v himself_o with_o this_o that_o he_o know_v nothing_o by_o himself_o but_o as_o he_o be_v approve_v of_o god_n so_o he_o expect_v his_o justification_n 1_o cor._n 4.3_o 5._o 2_o cor._n 10.17_o 18._o this_o witness_n be_v clear_a true_a and_o sure_a and_o therefore_o 3._o it_o be_v a_o powerful_a witness_n for_o it_o satisfy_v and_o settle_v the_o spirit_n of_o a_o man_n in_o a_o quiet_a serene_a peaceable_a and_o assure_a frame_n the_o soul_n be_v carry_v by_o it_o above_o bondage_n and_o fear_n 2_o tim._n 1.7_o it_o be_v like_o a_o oath_n that_o put_v a_o end_n to_o strife_n and_o controversy_n heb._n 6.16_o and_o so_o afford_v strong_a consolation_n verse_n 18._o the_o soul_n enjoy_v god_n and_o itself_o in_o halcyon-day_n and_o in_o a_o undisturbed_a calm_n of_o assurance_n the_o soul_n retire_v into_o rest_n because_o the_o lord_n have_v deal_v bountiful_o with_o it_o and_o it_o be_v uphold_v by_o his_o free_a and_o free_a spirit_n which_o have_v set_v it_o at_o liberty_n and_o fill_v it_o with_o glory_n 2_o cor._n 3.17_o 18._o
and_o yet_o further_o to_o show_v the_o influence_n and_o power_n of_o this_o witness_n by_o which_o the_o child_n know_v their_o father_n i_o shall_v discover_v several_a other_o effect_n thereof_o which_o though_o i_o may_v refer_v to_o another_o part_n of_o this_o discourse_n viz._n either_o that_o which_o be_v to_o show_v the_o enjoyment_n or_o that_o which_o be_v to_o show_v the_o frame_n of_o these_o child_n yet_o i_o shall_v choose_v to_o place_v some_o of_o it_o here_o in_o a_o few_o particular_n sect_n 3._o show_v what_o the_o effect_n of_o this_o witness_n be_v and_o the_o influence_n they_o have_v upon_o the_o soul_n and_o spirit_n of_o the_o child_n 1._o the_o soul_n that_o have_v receive_v this_o witness_n be_v fill_v with_o a_o great_a deal_n of_o joy_n of_o which_o though_o i_o speak_v yet_o it_o be_v joy_n unspeakable_a and_o full_a of_o glory_n yea_o though_o the_o person_n be_v in_o the_o midst_n of_o affliction_n temptation_n and_o suffering_n yet_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n and_o of_o glory_n rest_v upon_o it_o and_o dwell_v there_o 1_o thes_n 1.4_o 5_o 6._o 1_o pet._n 1.6_o 7_o 8._o and_o chap._n 4.14_o it_o be_v so_o great_a that_o there_o be_v want_n in_o the_o word_n that_o be_v and_o want_v of_o more_o word_n than_o there_o be_v to_o express_v it_o significant_o this_o work_n can_v be_v word_v it_o be_v such_o a_o experience_n as_o come_v not_o under_o expression_n all_o the_o eluquence_n in_o the_o world_n can_v acquaint_v you_o with_o the_o sweetness_n of_o this_o honey_n so_o well_o as_o the_o taste_n can_v and_o do_v do_v it_o be_v like_o the_o new_a name_n which_o no_o man_n know_v but_o he_o that_o have_v it_o a_o stranger_n do_v not_o intermiddle_a with_o this_o joy_n and_o as_o none_o know_v it_o but_o he_o have_v have_v it_o so_o he_o that_o have_v it_o can_v make_v it_o know_v as_o he_o have_v it_o 〈◊〉_d single_a witness_n that_o of_o a_o man_n own_o conscience_n afford_v so_o much_o joy_n as_o the_o apostle_n find_v it_o do_v 2_o cor._n 1.12_o what_o incomparable_a joy_n must_v that_o be_v which_o flow_v from_o a_o double_a witness_n viz._n that_o of_o the_o spirit_n bear_v witness_n with_o our_o spirit_n that_o we_o be_v the_o child_n of_o god_n this_o be_v the_o joyful_a sound_n it_o be_v such_o music_n as_o make_v the_o soul_n to_o leap_v and_o dance_v for_o joy_n hos_n 2.14_o 15_o 16._o they_o be_v babe_n and_o under_o bondage_n in_o egypt_n but_o now_o they_o sing_v like_o the_o child_n that_o have_v hear_v the_o joyful_a find_v of_o the_o silver_n trumpet_n proclaim_v love_n and_o peace_n in_o their_o youth_n they_o sing_v when_o god_n have_v proclaim_v they_o his_o son_n and_o first-born_a and_o call_v they_o his_o son_n out_o of_o egypt_n 2._o notwithstanding_o this_o joy_n yet_o consistent_o enough_o they_o blush_v and_o be_v ingenuous_o ashamed_a in_o the_o sense_n of_o their_o former_a sinfulness_n which_o make_v they_o unworthy_a of_o such_o favour_n yea_o worthy_a to_o have_v be_v child_n of_o wrath_n for_o ever_o the_o father_n lip_n be_v no_o soon_o off_o from_o they_o of_o the_o return_v prodigal_n but_o the_o first_o word_n he_o utter_v be_v father_n i_o have_v sin_v against_o heaven_n and_o in_o thy_o sight_n and_o be_o no_o more_o worthy_a to_o be_v call_v thy_o son_n luk._n 15.20_o 21._o and_o this_o confession_n be_v a_o great_a part_n of_o his_o gratitude_n and_o so_o take_v by_o his_o father_n for_o this_o interrupt_v not_o their_o feast_n and_o rejoice_v together_o this_o ingenuity_n be_v a_o effect_n of_o this_o assure_a reconciliation_n as_o it_o be_v in_o ezek_n 16.62_o 63._o i_o will_v establish_v my_o covenant_n with_o thou_o and_o thou_o shall_v know_v that_o i_o jehovah_n viz._n gracious_a and_o merciful_a that_o thou_o may_v remember_v thy_o way_n verse_n 61._o and_o be_v ashamed_a etc._n etc._n but_o when_o this_o when_o i_o be_o pacify_v towards_o thou_o for_o or_o notwithstanding_o all_o that_o thou_o have_v do_v say_v the_o lord_n 3._o by_o reason_n of_o this_o testimony_n the_o little_a child_n have_v a_o great_a deal_n of_o confidence_n and_o boldness_n towards_o and_o with_o god_n if_o our_o heart_n condemn_v we_o not_o we_o have_v confidence_n towards_o god_n 1_o joh._n 3.21_o but_o how_o much_o more_o when_o by_o the_o spirit_n which_o he_o have_v give_v we_o we_o know_v that_o he_o dwell_v in_o we_o and_o we_o in_o he_o verse_n 24._o this_o be_v the_o perfect_a of_o love_n viz._n assurance_n be_v love_v with_o we_o make_v perfect_a which_o give_v we_o not_o only_o a_o boldness_n at_o the_o throne_n of_o grace_n 1_o joh._n 3.21_o 22._o with_o 5.14_o 15._o but_o in_o the_o day_n of_o judgement_n chap._n 4.17_o for_o there_o be_v no_o fear_n in_o love_n thus_o make_v perfect_a but_o it_o cast_v out_o fear_n and_o fill_v with_o confidence_n and_o boldness_n familiarity_n and_o freedom_n 4._o the_o little_a child_n have_v receive_v this_o testimony_n long_v exceed_o to_o be_v with_o their_o father_n not_o only_o to_o have_v their_o affection_n and_o conversation_n in_o heaven_n but_o to_o be_v personal_o there_o few_o saint_n be_v willing_a to_o die_v that_o be_v but_o babe_n and_o know_v not_o the_o father_n and_o i_o fear_v if_o god_n shall_v not_o take_v they_o to_o heaven_n before_o they_o be_v willing_a and_o desirous_a to_o die_v i_o say_v i_o doubt_v that_o heaven_n will_v be_v very_o thin_o people_v as_o to_o that_o sort_n of_o his_o people_n but_o when_o they_o have_v get_v assurance_n that_o god_n be_v and_o heaven_n shall_v be_v they_o they_o sing_v their_o nune_n demittis_fw-la with_o the_o reverend_a good_a old_a man_n simeon_n now_o let_v thou_o thy_o servant_n depart_v in_o peace_n for_o my_o eye_n have_v see_v thy_o salvation_n and_o not_o only_a paul_n 2_o cor._n 1._o 8._o and_o phil._n 1.23_o but_o all_o the_o seed_n that_o have_v receive_v this_o testimony_n 14._o ephes_n 1.13_o 14._o the_o first-fruit_n and_o earnest_n of_o happiness_n do_v sigh_n and_o groan_n and_o long_o yea_o and_o think_v it_o long_o till_o they_o be_v set_v free_a rom._n 8.23_o while_o here_o they_o be_v absent_a from_o the_o lord_n and_o it_o be_v not_o without_o self-denial_n that_o they_o be_v willing_a to_o stay_v here_o but_o while_o they_o must_v be_v here_o they_o be_v huge_o ambitious_a to_o be_v acceptable_a to_o god_n as_o it_o be_v 2_o cor._n 5.9_o and_o to_o serve_v the_o church_n good_a as_o it_o be_v phil._n 1.23_o 24._o they_o be_v sure_a that_o though_o they_o suffer_v with_o christ_n yet_o they_o shall_v be_v glorify_v together_o rom._n 8.16_o 17._o and_o therefore_o they_o will_v as_o they_o be_v bid_v hasten_v his_o come_n and_o pray_v come_v lord_n jesus_n come_v quick_o and_o sure_o may_v they_o have_v their_o wish_n either_o christ_n shall_v come_v to_o they_o or_o they_o will_v go_v to_o christ_n within_o a_o very_a little_a while_n but_o yet_o remember_v that_o they_o be_v not_o their_o own_o and_o that_o they_o serve_v not_o god_n only_o for_o their_o own_o advantage_n but_o his_o glory_n they_o be_v make_v willing_a to_o wait_v all_o the_o day_n of_o their_o appoint_a time_n though_o it_o be_v a_o warfare_n as_o it_o be_v in_o that_o text_n in_o job_n till_o their_o change_n come_v rom._n 8.23_o 24_o 25._o as_o much_o as_o they_o long_v to_o be_v at_o home_n they_o will_v make_v no_o more_o haste_n than_o good-speed_n this_o much_o of_o the_o first_o thing_n the_o second_o follow_v sect_n 4._o show_v how_o the_o testimony_n of_o the_o spirit_n may_v be_v distinguish_v from_o delusion_n of_o satan_n and_o the_o presumption_n of_o our_o own_o heart_n it_o may_v be_v some_o or_o other_o may_v be_v yet_o fearful_a and_o suspicious_a lest_o they_o shall_v mistake_v and_o be_v deceive_v and_o so_o meet_v with_o the_o true_a misery_n of_o false_a joy_n it_o be_v all_o one_o to_o the_o devil_n which_o way_n any_o go_v to_o hell_n so_o they_o go_v there_o whether_o through_o the_o common_a road_n and_o dirty_a highway_n of_o profaneness_n immorality_n and_o irreligion_n or_o through_o the_o field_n and_o pleasant_a walk_n of_o a_o form_n of_o godliness_n which_o have_v its_o joy_n rapture_n transport_v and_o ecstasy_n too_o for_o the_o evil_a spirit_n do_v ape_n the_o good_a one_o and_o that_o he_o may_v the_o more_o facile_o and_o undiscernable_o deceive_v he_o put_v on_o the_o garb_n of_o a_o angel_n of_o light_n how_o therefore_o shall_v we_o discern_v whether_o the_o testimony_n which_o we_o think_v we_o have_v be_v sound_a and_o good_a or_o but_o feign_v and_o counterfeit_a i_o confess_v it_o be_v good_a to_o watch_v and_o be_v circumspect_a because_o of_o our_o adversary_n the_o devil_n who_o be_v seldom_o more_o our_o adversary_n than_o when_o he_o
strong_a all_o military_a term_n and_o fit_v for_o these_o young_a man_n quit_v you_o like_o man_n i._n e._n like_o young_a man_n soldier_n likeman_n of_o war_n and_o that_o you_o may_v so_o do_v stand_v fast_o in_o the_o faith_n be_v strong_a in_o faith_n look_v to_o jesus_n then_o the_o captain_n and_o bringer_n up_o also_o of_o our_o faith_n he_o have_v conquer_v the_o devil_n be_v you_o his_o armour-bearer_n and_o slay_v after_o he_o by_o faith_n follow_v he_o your_o leader_n and_o as_o he_o do_v you_o also_o shall_v if_o you_o be_v young_a man_n overcome_v the_o evil_a one_o but_o before_o i_o show_v who_o this_o evil_a one_o be_v and_o what_o it_o be_v to_o conquer_v he_o i_o be_o engage_v to_o show_v where_o and_o whence_o these_o young_a man_n have_v their_o strength_n in_o the_o expression_n of_o the_o text_n and_o that_o be_v by_o the_o word_n of_o god_n abide_v in_o they_o chap._n iii_o how_o they_o come_v by_o this_o strength_n viz._n by_o the_o word_n of_o god_n abide_v in_o they_o the_o next_o thing_n which_o be_v assert_v concern_v these_o young_a man_n be_v that_o the_o word_n of_o god_n abide_v in_o they_o which_o may_v be_v understand_v as_o speak_v after_o as_o the_o sign_n or_o as_o speak_v before_o as_o a_o mean_n or_o cause_n of_o the_o victory_n as_o it_o refer_v to_o that_o it_o import_v that_o notwithstanding_o their_o fight_n yet_o their_o bow_n like_a joseph_n abide_v in_o strength_n and_o that_o they_o be_v not_o weaken_v by_o the_o hot_a and_o sharp_a dispute_n which_o they_o have_v with_o the_o devil_n but_o in_o this_o sense_n i_o shall_v not_o handle_v it_o here_o though_o i_o may_v touch_v it_o anon_o as_o it_o refer_v to_o this_o and_o i_o suppose_v it_o most_o proper_o do_v it_o show_v we_o by_o what_o they_o be_v strengthen_v to_o overcome_v for_o if_o the_o word_n of_o god_n have_v not_o abode_n with_o they_o they_o have_v not_o be_v strong_a enough_o to_o overcome_v the_o evil_a one_o the_o weapon_n by_o which_o the_o young_a man_n overcome_v he_o be_v the_o sword_n of_o the_o spirit_n the_o word_n of_o god_n or_o that_o by_o which_o the_o young_a man_n be_v make_v so_o strong_a as_o to_o overcome_v the_o wicked_a one_o thereby_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n abide_v in_o they_o as_o their_o enemy_n be_v not_o carnal_a only_o but_o spiritual_a ephes_n 6.12_o so_o their_o weapon_n be_v not_o at_o all_o carnal_a but_o spiritual_a and_o so_o mighty_a through_o god_n 2._o cor_fw-la 10.4_o 5._o there_o be_v two_o question_n to_o be_v propose_v and_o resolve_v in_o relation_n hereunto_o 1._o what_o be_v mean_v by_o the_o word_n of_o god_n 2._o what_o by_o the_o abide_n of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n in_o they_o for_o it_o be_v not_o the_o word_n of_o god_n in_o their_o hand_n but_o in_o their_o heart_n and_o not_o sojourn_v or_o lodging_n but_o dwell_v there_o quest_n 1._o what_o be_v mean_v by_o the_o word_n of_o god_n in_o the_o general_a by_o the_o word_n of_o god_n we_o be_v to_o understand_v the_o mind_n and_o will_n of_o god_n reveal_v and_o make_v know_v in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n which_o be_v so_o often_o call_v the_o oracle_n speech_n word_n or_o speak_v of_o god_n as_o hold_v forth_o in_o the_o doctrine_n prophecy_n promise_n and_o precept_n thereof_o but_o especial_o as_o it_o be_v write_v in_o their_o heart_n and_o imprint_v there_o according_a to_o the_o new_a covenant_n this_o word_n of_o god_n in_o whole_a and_o in_o every_o part_n be_v huge_o useful_a for_o enlighten_v comsort_v and_o strengthen_v that_o we_o may_v overcome_v the_o wicked_a one_o it_o be_v to_o make_v the_o man_n of_o god_n perfect_a 2_o tim._n 3.16_o 17._o it_o be_v the_o sword_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o which_o we_o may_v say_v as_o david_n of_o another_o material_a one_o there_o be_v none_o like_o it_o for_o by_o it_o christ_n himself_o overcome_v the_o wicked_a one_o yet_o more_o particular_o this_o may_v refer_v 1._o to_o christ_n himself_o who_o be_v the_o original_a word_n of_o god_n the_o father_n by_o which_o or_o who_o he_o make_v the_o world_n and_o have_v speak_v to_o the_o world_n by_o word_n of_o mouth_n as_o i_o may_v speak_v not_o by_o piecemeal_n and_o diverse_a fashion_n or_o trope_n and_o figure_n as_o of_o old_a but_o clear_o plain_o and_o full_o heb._n 1.1_o 2._o now_o by_o christ_n jesus_n abide_v and_o dwell_v in_o we_o be_v we_o strong_a phil._n 4.13_o or_o by_o the_o grace_n that_o be_v in_o he_o of_o which_o he_o be_v full_a as_o before_o and_o without_o he_o we_o can_v do_v nothing_o joh._n 15.5_o 2._o it_o may_v refer_v to_o the_o promise_n of_o god_n which_o be_v so_o often_o call_v by_o the_o name_n of_o word_n thy_o word_n the_o word_n of_o promise_n which_o be_v all_o one_o with_o the_o word_n of_o god_n to_o this_o abraham_n faith_n do_v reser_fw-ge and_o wherein_o he_o be_v so_o strong_a rom._n 4.20_o and_o true_o the_o word_n of_o promise_n be_v in_o and_o abide_v in_o we_o do_v not_o a_o little_a contribute_v to_o our_o strength_n and_o victory_n by_o these_o we_o be_v not_o only_o make_v partaker_n of_o a_o divine_a nature_n 2_o pet._n 1.4_o but_o oblige_v assist_v and_o quicken_v to_o perfect_a holiness_n 2_o cor._n 7.1_o notwithstanding_o temptation_n from_o without_o or_o within_o 3._o by_o the_o word_n of_o god_n may_v here_o be_v understand_v the_o witness_n of_o the_o spirit_n bear_v witness_n with_o their_o spirit_n that_o they_o be_v the_o child_n of_o god_n this_o testimony_n abide_v in_o they_o as_o it_o do_v in_o christ_n do_v strengthen_v they_o to_o overcome_v the_o evil_a one_o when_o they_o be_v little_a child_n they_o receive_v this_o testimony_n and_o be_v now_o call_v to_o the_o war_n this_o word_n as_o well_o as_o work_v of_o god_n abide_v in_o they_o and_o make_v they_o strong_a to_o the_o battle_n so_o that_o here_o be_v father_n son_n and_o spirit_n the_o word_n of_o god_n in_o each_o respect_n stand_v by_o they_o and_o abide_v in_o they_o to_o strengthen_v they_o to_o deliver_v they_o out_o of_o the_o mouth_n of_o the_o lion_n to_o keep_v they_o from_o every_o evil_a work_n and_o to_o preserve_v they_o to_o the_o heavenly_a kingdom_n to_o use_v the_o apostle_n experience_n and_o expression_n record_v in_o 2_o tim._n 4.17_o 18._o quest_n 2._o what_o be_v mean_v by_o the_o abide_n of_o god_n word_n in_o they_o i_o answer_v that_o it_o do_v not_o only_o denote_v the_o in-being_a of_o the_o word_n in_o either_o of_o the_o respect_v foremention_v that_o there_o be_v such_o a_o thing_n there_o in_o their_o heart_n and_o inner_a man_n nor_o bare_o the_o call_n in_o to_o mind_n and_o keep_v it_o in_o their_o memory_n nor_o its_o lodging_n and_o sojourn_v with_o they_o as_o a_o inn-mate_n no_o nor_o as_o a_o friend_n that_o be_v to_o depart_v but_o it_o note_v a_o settle_a abode_n or_o dwell_n in_o efficacious_a power_n and_o influence_n it_o be_v say_v of_o timothy_n mother_n and_o grandmother_n that_o faith_n dwell_v in_o they_o 2_o tim._n 1.5_o and_o when_o the_o apostle_n pray_v that_o the_o ephesian_n may_v be_v strengthen_v he_o join_v this_o with_o it_o that_o christ_n may_v dwell_v in_o their_o heart_n by_o faith_n ephes_n 3.16_o 17._o and_o it_o be_v say_v of_o the_o happy_a one_o who_o be_v reproach_v for_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n that_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n and_o of_o glory_n do_v rest_n upon_o they_o 1_o pet._n 4.14_o and_o our_o saviour_n tell_v his_o disciple_n that_o there_o be_v no_o great_a thing_n to_o be_v do_v bare_o by_o be_v in_o he_o unless_o they_o abide_v in_o he_o and_o he_o in_o they_o john_n 15._o and_o the_o great_a thing_n in_o the_o promise_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n be_v that_o he_o shall_v abide_v with_o they_o so_o that_o the_o sense_n of_o this_o expression_n can_v signify_v no_o less_o than_o that_o the_o word_n of_o god_n do_v remain_v in_o they_o in_o the_o fullness_n of_o assurance_n joy_n and_o power_n by_o which_o they_o be_v strengthen_v and_o enable_v to_o overcome_v the_o wicked_a one_o and_o what_o he_o be_v i_o be_o next_o to_o discover_v i_o may_v here_o have_v take_v occasion_n to_o show_v how_o the_o word_n of_o god_n abide_v in_o they_o do_v strengthen_v their_o faith_n and_o make_v they_o strong_a as_o also_o how_o their_o strength_n of_o faith_n do_v contribute_v to_o their_o achievement_n and_o victory_n but_o i_o reserve_v that_o to_o its_o proper_a place_n and_o at_o present_a shall_v proceed_v to_o explain_v the_o three_o thing_n in_o the_o text_n which_o be_v say_v of_o these_o young_a man_n viz._n that_o they_o have_v overcome_v the_o evil_a or_o wicked_a one_o as_o to_o this_o i_o shall_v have_v these_o thing_n to_o