they_o shall_v live_v all_o their_o day_n under_o fear_n and_o sorrow_n yet_o heaven_n will_v make_v amends_o for_o all_o but_o god_n will_v not_o put_v they_o so_o hardly_o to_o it_o he_o will_v not_o always_o contend_v lest_o the_o spirit_n fail_v isaiah_n 57.16_o i_o come_v now_o to_o the_o use_v use_v 1_o let_v none_o dislike_v the_o way_n of_o god_n as_o a_o sorrowful_a and_o uncomfortable_a way_n christianity_n have_v its_o night_n indeed_o but_o it_o have_v also_o its_o pleasant_a morning_n which_o make_v amends_o for_o they_o christian_n have_v much_o labour_n and_o sorrow_n but_o it_o be_v recompense_v abundant_o with_o rest_n and_o ease_n they_o go_v through_o a_o hungry_a and_o thirsty_a wilderness_n but_o have_v manna_n to_o eat_v and_o water_n out_o of_o the_o live_a rock_n to_o drink_v they_o have_v in_o fit_a season_n and_o proportion_n the_o cup_n of_o consolation_n give_v they_o in_o this_o life_n and_o the_o best_a wine_n be_v reserve_v to_o the_o last_o when_o christ_n and_o they_o shall_v drink_v it_o new_a together_o in_o the_o kingdom_n of_o their_o father_n as_o matth._n 26.29_o second_o use_v 2._o this_o speak_v encouragement_n to_o mourning_n and_o tremble_a soul_n that_o be_v labour_v after_o assurance_n of_o love_n of_o god_n heaviness_n may_v endure_v for_o a_o night_n but_o joy_n come_v in_o the_o morning_n psalm_n 30.5_o it_o be_v the_o work_n of_o convert_a christian_n to_o settle_v themselves_o in_o the_o hope_n of_o salvation_n and_o the_o usual_a way_n of_o god_n when_o they_o have_v be_v exercise_v a_o while_n in_o this_o labour_n to_o give_v they_o peace_n and_o joy_n in_o believe_v as_o the_o apostle_n speak_v of_o suffering_n and_o prayer_n for_o the_o scatter_a saint_n in_o a_o suffer_a estate_n in_o 1_o pet._n 5.10_o the_o god_n of_o peace_n after_o that_o you_o have_v suffer_v a_o while_n make_v you_o perfect_a strengthen_v establish_v you_o so_o christian_n after_o that_o you_o have_v fear_v and_o tremble_v a_o while_n the_o lord_n will_v establish_v you_o in_o assurance_n of_o his_o favour_n and_o that_o will_v bring_v in_o a_o joy_n far_o exceed_v your_o present_a sorrow_n wait_v therefore_o in_o the_o use_n of_o mean_n and_o hearken_v that_o you_o may_v hear_v what_o god_n will_v say_v for_o he_o will_v speak_v peace_n to_o his_o people_n you_o know_v not_o how_o near_o your_o joy_n may_v be_v at_o hand_n as_o the_o church_n in_o the_o canticle_n chap._n 3._o verse_n 4._o it_o be_v but_o a_o little_a that_o i_o pass_v etc._n etc._n but_o i_o find_v he_o who_o my_o soul_n love_v use_v 3_o this_o teach_v christian_n to_o try_v the_o soundness_n of_o their_o persuasion_n that_o they_o be_v in_o a_o state_n of_o grace_n it_o be_v and_o must_v needs_o be_v a_o very_a rejoice_v thing_n to_o be_v well_o persuade_v of_o it_o if_o you_o think_v yourselves_o safe_a for_o eternity_n and_o under_o the_o favour_n of_o god_n and_o yet_o take_v no_o pleasure_n in_o it_o it_o be_v a_o plain_a sign_n you_o deceive_v yourselves_o and_o this_o be_v doubtless_o the_o case_n of_o many_o that_o think_v to_o go_v to_o heaven_n when_o they_o die_v and_o yet_o have_v no_o joy_n of_o that_o opinion_n because_o they_o have_v no_o love_n to_o a_o heavenly_a estate_n no_o desire_n after_o communion_n with_o god_n this_o their_o persuasion_n relieve_v they_o against_o some_o fear_n of_o hell_n but_o for_o the_o most_o part_n give_v they_o very_o little_a pleasure_n of_o heaven_n but_o it_o must_v yet_o be_v grant_v that_o man_n may_v have_v some_o joy_n of_o a_o false_a persuasion_n that_o they_o be_v in_o a_o state_n of_o salvation_n let_v we_o therefore_o inquire_v into_o the_o difference_n between_o joy_n of_o faith_n and_o of_o a_o false_a persuasion_n of_o salvation_n first_o 1._o joy_n of_o faith_n and_o of_o good_a assurance_n be_v a_o soul-humbling_a joy_n it_o give_v all_o the_o glory_n to_o god_n and_o abase_v the_o soul_n in_o what_o it_o be_v isaiah_n 29.19_o the_o meek_a shall_v increase_v their_o joy_n and_o their_o joy_n increase_v their_o meekness_n but_o that_o of_o a_o unsound_a persuasion_n be_v attend_v with_o pride_n and_o selfconfidence_n luke_n 18.11_o i_o be_o not_o as_o other_o man_n he_o despise_v other_o 2._o it_o raise_v the_o heart_n to_o heaven_n and_o future_a glory_n and_o make_v the_o soul_n look_v earnest_o at_o more_o of_o the_o glorious_a presence_n of_o god_n as_o moses_n in_o his_o song_n exod._n 15.17_o 18._o thou_o shall_v bring_v they_o in_o viz._n thy_o people_n israel_n and_o plant_v they_o in_o the_o mountain_n of_o thy_o inheritance_n in_o the_o place_n o_o lord_n which_o thou_o have_v make_v for_o thou_o to_o dwell_v in_o in_o the_o sanctuary_n o_o lord_n which_o thy_o hand_n have_v establish_v the_o lord_n shall_v reign_v for_o ever_o and_o ever_o so_o cant._n 3.4_o i_o hold_v he_o and_o will_v not_o let_v he_o go_v till_o i_o have_v bring_v he_o into_o my_o mother_n house_n etc._n etc._n the_o church_n have_v re-obtained_n the_o sight_n of_o the_o favour_n of_o god_n in_o christ_n resolve_v to_o keep_v up_o to_o he_o till_o she_o shall_v come_v to_o a_o joyous_a behold_v of_o he_o in_o heaven_n to_o which_o vision_n that_o which_o she_o now_o see_v of_o he_o make_v she_o earnest_o to_o aspire_v again_o this_o joy_n as_o it_o raise_v the_o desire_n towards_o heaven_n so_o it_o moderate_v the_o affection_n to_o earthly_a thing_n as_o hosea_n 10.34_o you_o suffer_v with_o joyfulness_n the_o spoil_n of_o your_o good_n know_v in_o yourselves_o that_o you_o have_v in_o heaven_n a_o better_a and_o more_o endure_a substance_n this_o assurance_n do_v not_o make_v christian_n rejoice_v in_o the_o loss_n of_o their_o good_n but_o in_o the_o hope_n of_o better_a in_o heaven_n joy_n of_o a_o unsound_a persuasion_n incline_v the_o mind_n to_o earthly_a thing_n phil._n 3.28_o who_o mind_n earthly_a thing_n while_o yet_o they_o profess_v to_o have_v their_o hope_n in_o the_o cross_n of_o christ_n but_o be_v its_o enemy_n yea_o this_o joy_n make_v the_o soul_n desire_v to_o depart_v and_o be_v with_o the_o lord_n in_o heaven_n lord_n now_o let_v thou_o thy_o servant_n dapart_v in_o peace_n luke_n 2.29_o three_o 3._o it_o be_v active_a and_o obediential_a and_o put_v man_n upon_o work_n and_o service_n for_o god_n what_o shall_v i_o render_v unto_o the_o lord_n for_o all_o his_o benefit_n towards_o i_o psalm_n 116.12_o i_o will_v walk_v before_o the_o lord_n in_o the_o land_n of_o the_o live_n as_o to_o stand_v before_o the_o lord_n be_v to_o wait_v for_o his_o order_n and_o command_n so_o to_o walk_v before_o he_o be_v to_o perform_v and_o execute_v they_o but_o joy_n of_o a_o unsound_a persuasion_n take_v off_o from_o duty_n what_o need_v so_o much_o work_n and_o duty_n so_o must_v strictness_n etc._n etc._n but_o this_o fall_v in_o the_o three_o step_n or_o period_n which_o i_o shall_v now_o speak_v to_o from_o rom_n vi_o 18._o be_v then_o make_v free_a from_o sin_n you_o become_v the_o servant_n of_o righteousness_n the_o three_o period_n or_o degree_n of_o a_o christian_n motion_n towards_o his_o perfection_n be_v a_o resolve_v settle_v upon_o a_o course_n of_o christian_a practice_n which_o be_v intimate_v in_o these_o word_n be_v make_v free_a from_o sin_n etc._n etc._n freedom_n from_o sin_n in_o this_o place_n be_v to_o be_v understand_v of_o the_o state_n of_o justification_n into_o which_o man_n enter_v in_o the_o very_a first_o act_n of_o faith_n that_o be_v in_o their_o first_o true_a conversion_n as_o appear_v in_o verse_n 14_o 15._o you_o be_v not_o under_o the_o law_n but_o under_o grace_n i._n e._n not_o under_o condemnation_n but_o justify_v free_o by_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n this_o he_o call_v freedom_n from_o sin_n in_o the_o text_n which_o may_v be_v yet_o further_o argue_v thus_o the_o apostle_n speak_v of_o such_o a_o freedom_n from_o sin_n as_o require_v a_o service_n to_o righteousness_n verse_n 9_o now_o freedom_n by_o way_n of_o sanctification_n do_v not_o require_v service_n to_o righteousness_n but_o immediate_o imply_v it_o it_o be_v the_o same_o thing_n to_o be_v cleanse_v from_o sin_n and_o to_o be_v holy_a free_v from_o the_o inherency_n of_o sin_n and_o engage_v in_o the_o service_n or_o practice_n of_o righteousness_n it_o be_v absurd_a to_o command_v a_o man_n because_o he_o be_v no_o ignorant_a man_n to_o be_v wise_a and_o know_a because_o he_o be_v no_o intemperate_a person_n to_o be_v sober_a when_o the_o very_a quality_n of_o the_o person_n mention_v and_o the_o reason_n of_o the_o command_n imply_v the_o presence_n of_o the_o thing_n require_v so_o it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v imagine_v that_o the_o apostle_n suppose_v the_o roman_n free_a from_o the_o indwel_n and_o the_o power_n of_o sin_n and_o
rather_o and_o if_o you_o tell_v the_o humble_a soul_n that_o they_o that_o sin_n against_o the_o holy_a ghost_n never_o hearty_o repent_v of_o it_o and_o no_o man_n in_o this_o life_n can_v certain_o conclude_v himself_o reprobate_v because_o for_o aught_o any_o know_v he_o may_v repent_v and_o turn_v to_o god_n he_o will_v yet_o object_v object_n 6._o it_o may_v be_v god_n will_v be_v so_o merciful_a as_o to_o save_v sinner_n that_o be_v deep_o and_o kind_o humble_v for_o their_o sin_n and_o full_a of_o the_o spirit_n of_o mourning_n and_o it_o be_v mercy_n indeed_o if_o he_o will_v save_v such_o but_o i_o have_v a_o hard_a heart_n and_o a_o uncontrite_a spirit_n i_o can_v grieve_v for_o sin_n to_o any_o purpose_n though_o i_o know_v myself_o to_o be_v one_o of_o the_o chief_a of_o sinner_n all_o these_o and_o many_o more_o such_o objection_n will_v be_v unanswerable_a if_o the_o soul_n consider_v only_o the_o absolute_a mercy_n of_o god_n for_o god_n may_v indeed_o be_v merciful_a and_o glorious_o merciful_a in_o save_v sinner_n though_o he_o shall_v only_o save_v some_o of_o the_o most_o restrain_v and_o least_o provoke_v the_o soon_a yield_v and_o most_o signal_o humble_v and_o mourn_a sinner_n and_o so_o the_o soul_n that_o judge_n worse_o of_o himself_o can_v have_v no_o hope_n of_o his_o salvation_n but_o the_o mercy_n of_o god_n in_o christ_n be_v such_o as_o that_o he_o free_o offer_v his_o salvation_n to_o all_o even_o the_o worst_a of_o sinner_n to_o who_o the_o gospel_n be_v preach_v invite_v and_o command_v they_o to_o accept_v it_o and_o rely_v upon_o he_o for_o it_o and_o this_o answer_v all_o objection_n the_o worst_a the_o soul_n can_v say_v against_o himself_o exempt_v he_o not_o from_o the_o number_n of_o sinner_n and_o salvation_n be_v free_o offer_v to_o all_o sinner_n in_o general_n he_o be_v one_o of_o they_o let_v he_o make_v as_o bad_a of_o himself_o as_o he_o can_v and_o though_o he_o think_v it_o never_o so_o unreasonable_a for_o he_o to_o hope_v for_o mercy_n yet_o no_o reason_n in_o the_o world_n can_v have_v any_o force_n against_o the_o command_n of_o the_o most_o high_a god_n which_o require_v he_o to_o repose_v his_o hope_n and_o trust_v in_o christ_n for_o his_o salvation_n thus_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o the_o ground_n of_o a_o christian_n hope_n or_o that_o which_o he_o rely_v and_o rest_v upon_o in_o his_o hope_n of_o salvation_n be_v the_o free_a mercy_n of_o god_n in_o christ_n and_o therefore_o be_v faith_n common_o in_o scripture_n call_v a_o trust_n or_o believe_v in_o jesus_n christ_n because_o the_o satisfaction_n which_o he_o have_v give_v to_o the_o law_n and_o the_o free_a tender_a of_o salvation_n which_o he_o make_v in_o the_o gospel_n to_o sinner_n in_o general_a be_v the_o only_a sufficient_a ground_n that_o any_o soul_n have_v to_o stay_v and_o rest_n upon_o in_o hope_n of_o his_o salvation_n john_n 3.15_o 16_o 18_o 36._o john_n 6.35_o 1_o pet._n 2.6_o act_n 11.17_o act_n 16.31_o and_o many_o other_o place_n faith_n be_v a_o believe_v in_o god_n but_o it_o be_v a_o believe_a on_o he_o look_v upon_o and_o consider_v as_o he_o be_v in_o jesus_n christ_n the_o soul_n can_v believe_v or_o trust_v in_o god_n for_o salvation_n but_o as_o he_o trust_v in_o christ_n 1_o pet._n 1.21_o who_o by_o he_o believe_v on_o god_n who_o raise_v he_o from_o the_o dead_a etc._n etc._n it_o be_v a_o trust_n or_o hope_v in_o the_o mercy_n of_o god_n psalm_n 15.5_o psalm_n 147.11_o but_o it_o be_v a_o trust_n in_o mercy_n only_o as_o it_o be_v express_v display_v and_o offer_v to_o sinner_n in_o jesus_n christ_n it_o be_v a_o trust_n or_o hope_v in_o the_o word_n psalm_n 119.42_o 74._o in_o as_o much_o as_o it_o declare_v and_o propound_v that_o mercy_n of_o god_n in_o christ_n on_o which_o alone_o the_o soul_n may_v rest_v itself_o in_o hope_n of_o salvation_n thus_o have_v we_o see_v the_o sinner_n bring_v by_o the_o several_a step_n of_o consideration_n conviction_n humiliation_n etc._n etc._n to_o a_o fiducial_a faith_n or_o believe_v on_o jesus_n christ_n and_o now_o be_v he_o in_o the_o state_n of_o effectual_a call_v or_o conversion_n 1_o thess_n 2.13_o then_o man_n be_v call_v and_o convert_v when_o they_o believe_v in_o jesus_n christ_n as_o it_o be_v full_o prove_v in_o rom._n 1.16_o with_o 1_o cor._n 1.24_o now_o be_v the_o soul_n set_v safe_a from_o condemnation_n and_o therefore_o be_v this_o faith_n call_v justify_v faith_n rom._n 5.1_o now_o be_v the_o soul_n adopt_v and_o entitle_v to_o everlasting_a life_n and_o therefore_o be_v faith_n call_v save_v faith_n or_o believe_v to_o salvation_n heb._n 10._o yea_o now_o the_o soul_n be_v by_o the_o work_n of_o the_o spirit_n possess_v of_o all_o grace_n necessary_a to_o qualify_v and_o prepare_v he_o for_o heaven_n the_o heart_n be_v purify_v by_o faith_n act_v 15.9_o and_o take_v up_o by_o the_o lord_n jesus_n for_o his_o habitation_n ephes_n 2.22_o with_o ephes_n 2.17_o wherever_o there_o be_v faith_n in_o christ_n there_o be_v also_o love_n to_o god_n obedience_n patience_n humility_n self-denial_n and_o all_o other_o grace_n in_o which_o the_o law_n be_v write_v on_o renew_a heart_n the_o exercise_n and_o increase_v whereof_o come_v next_o to_o be_v consider_v the_o sum_n of_o all_o be_v 1._o the_o sinner_n take_v the_o estate_n of_o his_o soul_n into_o serious_a consideration_n ezek._n 18.28_o he_o consider_v and_o turn_v away_o from_o his_o transgression_n 2._o he_o find_v himself_o to_o be_v in_o a_o lose_a and_o perish_a condition_n luke_n 15.17_o i_o perish_v for_o hunger_n 3._o the_o sight_n of_o himself_o in_o this_o estate_n affect_v his_o soul_n with_o deep_a sorrow_n and_o distress_n trouble_v act_n 2.37_o when_o they_o hear_v this_o they_o be_v pierce_v at_o the_o heart_n 4._o this_o distress_n put_v he_o upon_o a_o studious_a consultation_n and_o enquiry_n for_o a_o remedy_n of_o his_o estate_n and_o they_o say_v man_n and_o brethren_n what_o shall_v we_o do_v 5._o upon_o this_o enquiry_n god_n direct_v he_o to_o a_o serious_a and_o heedful_a attention_n to_o the_o gospel_n act_n 11.14_o send_v for_o peter_n he_o shall_v tell_v thou_o word_n whereby_o thou_o and_o all_o thy_o house_n shall_v be_v save_v and_o act_v 10.33_o we_o be_v all_o etc._n etc._n 6._o thus_o attend_v the_o gospel_n he_o come_v to_o understand_v and_o believe_v the_o doctrine_n therein_o contain_v and_o to_o receive_v it_o for_o certain_a truth_n upon_o god_n testimony_n act_n 2.41_o they_o that_o glad_o receive_v his_o word_n be_v baptize_v john_n 6.45_o they_o shall_v be_v all_o teach_v of_o god_n every_o one_o therefore_o that_o have_v hear_v and_o learn_v of_o the_o father_n come_v to_o i_o 7._o upon_o the_o belief_n of_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n he_o proceed_v to_o a_o hearty_a reliance_n on_o the_o free_a mercy_n of_o god_n in_o christ_n in_o hope_n of_o his_o salvation_n for_o gal._n 2.16_o know_v that_o a_o man_n be_v not_o justify_v by_o the_o work_n of_o the_o law_n but_o by_o the_o faith_n of_o christ_n even_o we_o have_v believe_v in_o jesus_n christ_n that_o we_o may_v be_v justify_v by_o the_o faith_n of_o christ_n 1._o believe_v the_o gospel_n he_o be_v inform_v of_o the_o excellency_n of_o christ_n salvation_n and_o so_o desire_v it_o earnest_o for_o himself_o 2._o believe_v the_o gospel_n he_o see_v this_o salvation_n be_v free_o offer_v to_o sinner_n in_o general_a and_o so_o conceive_v hope_n that_o he_o may_v have_v it_o 3._o believe_v the_o gospel_n he_o see_v that_o salvation_n be_v procure_v and_o grant_v only_o through_o the_o mercy_n of_o god_n in_o christ_n and_o therefore_o he_o rest_v only_o upon_o that_o mercy_n in_o hope_n of_o his_o salvation_n part_n ii_o of_o the_o progress_n of_o a_o believer_n from_o his_o conversion_n to_o his_o perfection_n under_o the_o work_n of_o sanctification_n 1_o peter_z ii_o 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 the_o text_n be_v a_o exhortation_n to_o a_o earnest_a desire_n after_o the_o word_n where_o note_n first_o 1._o the_o person_n exhort_v they_o be_v late_o convert_v christian_n compare_v to_o newborn_a babe_n so_o young_a and_o incomplete_a christian_n be_v call_v 1_o cor._n 3.1_o and_o i_o brethren_n can_v not_o speak_v unto_o you_o as_o unto_o spiritual_a but_o as_o unto_o carnal_a even_o as_o unto_o babe_n in_o christ_n babe_n in_o christ_n because_o the_o work_n of_o sanctification_n have_v go_v on_o but_o a_o little_a way_n in_o they_o they_o be_v hitherto_o very_o carnal_a 2._o the_o matter_n of_o the_o exhortation_n a_o desire_n after_o the_o word_n where_o note_n first_o first_o the_o object_n of_o this_o desire_n
the_o word_n compare_v to_o pure_a milk_n the_o sincere_a milk_n of_o the_o word_n that_o be_v the_o word_n which_o be_v for_o you_o as_o pure_a breast-milk_n be_v for_o the_o newborn_a babe_n sweet_a and_o please_a nourish_a and_o strengthen_v the_o mean_v appoint_v to_o the_o perfect_a of_o the_o work_n of_o sanctification_n john_n 17.17_o sanctify_v they_o by_o thy_o truth_n thy_o word_n be_v truth_n and_o edification_n unto_o glory_n act_v 20.32_o the_o word_n of_o his_o grace_n which_o be_v able_a to_o build_v you_o up_o and_o to_o give_v you_o a_o inheritance_n among_o all_o they_o which_o be_v sanctify_v second_o second_o the_o desire_n itself_o describe_v by_o the_o appetite_n of_o newborn_a infant_n to_o the_o nurse_n milk_n that_o be_v a_o vehement_a and_o importunate_a desire_n and_o such_o as_o will_v not_o otherwise_o be_v satisfy_v three_o the_o end_n of_o this_o desire_n growth_n in_o grace_n that_o you_o may_v grow_v thereby_o what_o that_o be_v in_o which_o they_o shall_v intend_v a_o growth_n appear_v plain_o by_o the_o sequel_n of_o the_o apostle_n discourse_n to_o be_v faith_n and_o holiness_n the_o grace_n wherewith_o the_o soul_n of_o christian_n be_v qualify_v by_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n unto_o salvation_n as_o it_o be_v express_v in_o the_o last_o word_n of_o the_o next_o epistle_n grow_v in_o grace_n growth_n be_v the_o gradual_a process_n of_o live_a creature_n to_o their_o due_a measure_n and_o maturity_n and_o of_o all_o the_o growth_n the_o growth_n of_o child_n which_o be_v here_o the_o apostle_n similitude_n be_v a_o very_a slow_a and_o imperceptible_a motion_n such_o be_v the_o tendency_n of_o save_a grace_n in_o the_o soul_n of_o christian_n towards_o its_o proper_a and_o purpose_a perfection_n mark_v 4.27_o the_o seed_n spring_v and_o grow_v up_o we_o know_v not_o how_o and_o hence_o we_o way_n observe_v direct_v 1._o that_o save_v grace_n begin_v in_o convert_a soul_n go_v gradual_o on_o to_o its_o perfection_n under_o the_o sanctify_a work_n of_o god_n justification_n be_v perfect_v at_o once_o and_o with_o it_o adoption_n but_o the_o work_n of_o holiness_n be_v begin_v in_o low_a degree_n and_o bring_v on_o by_o step_n to_o it_o its_o intend_a height_n and_o fullness_n see_v this_o prove_v in_o phil._n 1.6_o he_o that_o have_v begin_v a_o good_a work_n in_o you_o will_v perform_v it_o until_o the_o day_n of_o jesus_n christ_n so_o again_o in_o prov._n 4.18_o the_o path_n of_o the_o just_a be_v as_o the_o shine_a light_n which_o shine_v more_o and_o more_o unto_o the_o perfect_a day_n so_o likewise_o hosea_n 6.3_o his_o go_v forth_o be_v as_o the_o morning_n and_o mark_v 4.26_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n be_v as_o if_o a_o man_n shall_v cast_v seed_n into_o the_o ground_n etc._n etc._n the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n be_v his_o work_n of_o grace_n in_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n in_o which_o he_o begin_v that_o which_o in_o its_o perfection_n be_v the_o kingdom_n of_o glory_n so_o grotius_n and_o some_o other_o understand_v those_o three_o age_n 1_o john_n 2.12_o 13._o i_o write_v unto_o you_o little_a child_n because_o your_o sin_n be_v forgive_v you_o i_o write_v unto_o you_o father_n because_o you_o have_v know_v he_o that_o be_v from_o the_o beginning_n i_o write_v unto_o you_o young_a man_n because_o you_o have_v overcome_v the_o wicked_a one_o but_o i_o shall_v prosecute_v this_o doctrine_n in_o a_o distinct_a consideration_n of_o the_o several_a advance_n of_o grace_n in_o the_o soul_n of_o christian_n towards_o perfection_n from_o their_o first_o conversion_n and_o that_o in_o ten_o successive_a period_n of_o their_o motion_n first_o the_o first_o period_n or_o point_n of_o a_o christian_n motion_n towards_o perfection_n that_o i_o shall_v speak_v of_o be_v 1._o a_o vehement_a pursuit_n of_o some_o clear_a and_o comfortable_a assurance_n of_o salvation_n when_o once_o man_n be_v bring_v through_o the_o terror_n of_o the_o law_n by_o the_o invitation_n of_o the_o gospel_n to_o believe_v in_o christ_n for_o his_o salvation_n they_o present_o become_v very_o laborious_a to_o get_v some_o comfortable_a assurance_n that_o they_o be_v in_o a_o save_v estate_n they_o do_v not_o indeed_o neglect_v the_o duty_n of_o obedience_n the_o mortify_n of_o lust_n well_o order_v of_o their_o life_n and_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n as_o the_o end_n of_o all_o but_o that_o which_o they_o especial_o and_o most_o ambitious_o intend_v now_o at_o their_o first_o set_v out_o be_v a_o soul-quieting_a certainty_n that_o all_o be_v well_o between_o god_n and_o they_o though_o they_o do_v believe_v in_o christ_n and_o know_v that_o he_o that_o believe_v shall_v be_v save_v yet_o it_o be_v usual_o a_o great_a while_n before_o they_o can_v clear_o understand_v themselves_o to_o be_v believer_n in_o christ_n and_o by_o faith_n save_v person_n a_o man_n must_v be_v of_o necessity_n a_o believer_n before_o he_o can_v know_v himself_o to_o be_v so_o and_o faith_n be_v sometime_o very_o long_o unevident_a to_o he_o that_o have_v it_o and_o though_o he_o do_v perceive_v the_o believe_a act_n in_o himself_o and_o dare_v not_o deny_v it_o yet_o he_o be_v very_o doubtful_a whether_o it_o be_v true_a save_a faith_n or_o no_o and_o very_o impatient_a of_o the_o doubt_n and_o this_o be_v common_o the_o main_a intention_n of_o young_a convert_v and_o their_o great_a affair_n to_o assure_v themselves_o that_o they_o be_v in_o christ_n and_o not_o perish_v with_o the_o world_n it_o be_v true_a the_o very_a act_n of_o faith_n through_o the_o grace_n of_o christ_n bring_v in_o a_o sweet_a calmness_n of_o spirit_n ease_v the_o soul_n of_o those_o despair_a and_o torment_v fear_n with_o which_o it_o be_v overwhelm_v before_o and_o therefore_o faith_n itself_o be_v in_o scripture_n call_v a_o rest_v on_o the_o lord_n and_o a_o stay_n of_o the_o mind_n on_o god_n isa_n 26.3_o but_o a_o positive_a assurance_n of_o one_o be_v in_o the_o state_n of_o salvation_n be_v a_o further_a benefit_n and_o must_v be_v seek_v after_o in_o the_o use_n of_o mean_n appoint_v to_o the_o make_n of_o our_o call_v and_o election_n sure_a and_o this_o be_v usual_o the_o great_a study_n of_o new_a convert_v as_o hosea_n 6.2_o he_o will_v receive_v we_o that_o be_v it_o in_o prosecution_n whereof_o they_o stir_v up_o themselves_o to_o follow_v on_o to_o know_v the_o lord_n and_o that_o they_o do_v main_o intend_v and_o follow_v this_o appear_v first_o in_o their_o eager_a desire_n after_o ordinance_n and_o mean_n appoint_v to_o this_o end_n to_o confirm_v faith_n and_o work_v assurance_n as_o soon_o as_o the_o eunuch_n be_v convert_v he_o be_v present_o ambitious_a to_o be_v baptize_v upon_o the_o first_o opportunity_n act_n 8.36_o 37._o and_o the_o eunuch_n say_v see_v here_o be_v water_n what_o do_v hinder_v i_o to_o be_v baptize_v and_o philip_n say_v if_o thou_o believe_v with_o all_o thy_o heart_n thou_o may_v and_o he_o answer_v and_o say_v i_o believe_v that_o jesus_n christ_n be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n and_o they_o go_v down_o both_o into_o the_o water_n both_o philip_n and_o the_o eunuch_n and_o he_o baptize_v he_o baptism_n be_v a_o confirm_a ordinance_n a_o seal_n of_o the_o promise_n and_o covenant_n of_o grace_n he_o be_v very_o desirous_a to_o have_v that_o doctrine_n seal_v to_o he_o by_o wash_v which_o he_o have_v late_o hear_v preach_v out_o of_o isa_n 53._o and_o paul_n when_o convert_v assay_v to_o join_v himself_o with_o the_o church_n communion_n with_o saint_n be_v a_o good_a mean_n to_o inform_v we_o of_o our_o own_o good_a estate_n act_v 9.26_o and_o when_o saul_n be_v come_v to_o jerusalem_n he_o assay_v to_o join_v himself_o to_o the_o disciple_n two_o their_o earnest_n harken_v after_o promise_n and_o such_o part_n of_o the_o word_n as_o declare_v the_o love_n of_o god_n to_o poor_a sinner_n they_o be_v not_o at_o first_o so_o studious_a of_o that_o word_n which_o set_v forth_o that_o reward_n which_o saint_n shall_v have_v in_o heaven_n as_o 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newness_n of_o the_o way_n of_o christianity_n to_o they_o be_v very_o much_o a_o cause_n of_o their_o pleasure_n in_o it_o they_o take_v up_o duty_n in_o obedience_n to_o god_n and_o love_v it_o for_o its_o goodness_n and_o so_o far_o grace_n act_v they_o and_o work_n in_o they_o but_o beside_o there_o be_v a_o natural_a pleasure_n which_o they_o take_v in_o it_o as_o a_o new_a course_n of_o life_n to_o which_o they_o have_v not_o be_v use_v and_o this_o serve_v for_o a_o while_n to_o hold_v they_o up_o to_o a_o great_a deal_n of_o forwardness_n and_o activity_n which_o afterward_o wear_v off_o with_o its_o cause_n and_o leave_v but_o so_o much_o activity_n behind_o as_o there_o be_v grace_n in_o the_o soul_n to_o produce_v and_o maintain_v it_o this_o sometime_o make_v christian_n seem_v to_o other_o to_o have_v be_v but_o hypocrite_n in_o their_o former_a diligence_n in_o christianity_n because_o they_o be_v now_o more_o remiss_a and_o common_o themselves_o at_o some_o time_n or_o other_o be_v bring_v to_o suspect_v that_o they_o have_v no_o save_a grace_n in_o they_o at_o all_o because_o as_o they_o think_v they_o be_v grow_v worse_o whereas_o indeed_o there_o be_v but_o a_o accidental_a motive_n fall_v off_o which_o make_v the_o motion_n slow_a than_o it_o be_v though_o the_o true_a and_o proper_a principle_n remain_v as_o if_o a_o man_n pull_v a_o clock_n or_o jack_n by_o the_o line_n when_o it_o be_v go_v it_o go_v apace_o but_o when_o he_o withdraw_v his_o hand_n it_o go_v more_o slow_o and_o yet_o it_o go_v as_o fast_o as_o the_o proper_a weight_n make_v it_o go_v before_o and_o be_v not_o grow_v a_o worse_a clock_n or_o jack_n but_o only_o the_o hand-help_a be_v withdraw_v this_o newness_n be_v it_o which_o cause_v that_o first_o love_n which_o the_o ephesian_n be_v blame_v for_o leave_v rev._n 2.4_o nevertheless_o i_o have_v somewhat_o against_o thou_o because_o thou_o have_v leave_v thy_o first_o love_n now_o this_o some_o take_v to_o be_v the_o zeal_n and_o forwardness_n of_o christianity_n for_o the_o newness_n of_o it_o but_o some_o may_v object_v and_o say_v object_n this_o may_v seem_v to_o be_v no_o fault_n in_o the_o ephesian_n and_o not_o reprovable_a in_o they_o it_o be_v no_o fault_n to_o leave_v it_o i_o answer_v answ_n it_o be_v sin_n in_o other_o as_o in_o they_o when_o we_o do_v not_o love_v duty_n still_o in_o as_o high_a degree_n for_o christ_n sake_n when_o such_o accidental_a motion_n fall_v off_o as_o when_o they_o be_v at_o the_o high_a as_o a_o schoolboy_n shall_v love_v his_o book_n when_o it_o be_v old_a as_o when_o it_o be_v fresh_a and_o new_a so_o perhaps_o new_a convert_v love_v christianity_n better_a at_o first_o than_o afterward_o but_o it_o be_v their_o fault_n thus_o far_o have_v i_o be_v speak_v concern_v christian_n that_o be_v hopeful_o and_o comfortable_o in_o a_o state_n of_o salvation_n i_o now_o proceed_v to_o the_o reason_n of_o this_o why_o christian_n that_o be_v comfortable_o assure_v of_o their_o safe_a estate_n do_v give_v up_o themselves_o to_o the_o practice_n of_o godliness_n why_o they_o be_v so_o active_a and_o forward_a in_o the_o duty_n of_o religion_n first_o 1_o r._n christian_n comfortable_o assure_v of_o their_o justification_n or_o interest_n in_o jesus_n christ_n do_v therefore_o hearty_o give_v up_o themselves_o to_o the_o service_n of_o righteousness_n because_o they_o love_v god_n and_o this_o be_v the_o proper_a exercise_n of_o their_o love_n the_o grace_n of_o love_n to_o god_n be_v implant_v in_o their_o soul_n in_o their_o first_o conversion_n when_o as_o yet_o they_o have_v no_o clear_a assurance_n of_o their_o salvation_n but_o when_o they_o come_v to_o a_o comfortable_a persuasion_n that_o they_o be_v in_o a_o state_n of_o grace_n they_o love_v god_n because_o he_o have_v first_o love_v they_o see_v psal_n 116.1_o i_o love_v the_o lord_n because_o he_o have_v hear_v my_o voice_n and_o in_o 1_o joh._n 4.19_o we_o love_v he_o because_o he_o first_o love_v we_o second_o 2_o r._n the_o trouble_n and_o torment_n which_o their_o sin_n have_v bring_v upon_o they_o make_v they_o glad_o betake_v themselves_o to_o a_o course_n of_o holiness_n in_o hope_n to_o be_v at_o ease_n psal_n 25.12_o 13._o what_o man_n be_v he_o that_o fear_v the_o lord_n he_o shall_v he_o teach_v in_o the_o way_n that_o he_o shall_v choose_v his_o soul_n shall_v dwell_v at_o ease_n etc._n etc._n obedience_n seem_v to_o flesh_n and_o blood_n a_o very_a hard_a and_o wearisome_a course_n of_o life_n and_o therefore_o it_o please_v god_n so_o to_o order_v it_o that_o man_n shall_v return_v to_o he_o weary_v with_o the_o trouble_n and_o vexatious_a fear_n and_o despair_n which_o attend_v on_o sin_n that_o they_o may_v be_v the_o more_o willing_a to_o give_v up_o themselves_o to_o holiness_n and_o obedience_n 3_o r._n three_o they_o know_v it_o be_v the_o way_n to_o their_o complete_a happiness_n though_o heaven_n be_v not_o merit_v by_o holiness_n yet_o it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v obtain_v without_o it_o as_o heb._n 12.14_o without_o holiness_n no_o man_n shall_v see_v the_o lord_n it_o be_v a_o usual_a say_n of_o divine_n that_o holiness_n do_v not_o merit_v heaven_n but_o it_o be_v the_o way_n to_o it_o and_o this_o christian_n understanding_n be_v more_o willing_a and_o forward_a in_o the_o practice_n of_o holiness_n i_o come_v now_o to_o the_o use_v use_v 1_o this_o confute_v the_o usual_a objection_n against_o the_o doctrine_n of_o assurance_n of_o salvation_n that_o it_o lead_v to_o the_o neglect_n of_o duty_n for_o say_v they_o that_o deny_v assurance_n attainable_a if_o once_o man_n be_v persuade_v that_o they_o be_v in_o a_o state_n of_o salvation_n and_o shall_v be_v save_v they_o will_v present_o think_v it_o needless_a to_o take_v more_o pain_n about_o their_o salvation_n but_o we_o have_v see_v that_o a_o comfortable_a persuasion_n of_o their_o be_v in_o a_o safe_a estate_n be_v a_o effectual_a argument_n to_o duty_n and_o christian_n never_o set_v so_o courageous_o and_o resolve_o upon_o the_o practice_n of_o godliness_n as_o when_o they_o have_v attain_v a_o good_a assurance_n of_o their_o salvation_n use_v 2._o this_o doctrine_n which_o i_o have_v be_v propound_v to_o you_o may_v convince_v man_n of_o their_o self-deceit_n who_o neglect_v duty_n and_o take_v liberty_n to_o sin_n because_o they_o hope_v to_o be_v save_v it_o be_v a_o false_a opinion_n of_o a_o interest_n in_o god_n that_o stand_v with_o the_o neglect_n of_o his_o command_n especial_o when_o it_o be_v the_o ground_n and_o argument_n of_o that_o neglect_n i_o be_o god_n alsufficient_a walk_v before_o i_o and_o be_v perfect_a gen._n 15._o so_o god_n indent_n with_o they_o who_o he_o receive_v for_o his_o people_n and_o they_o consent_v with_o he_o you_o that_o live_v beside_o the_o know_a rule_n of_o christianity_n without_o any_o state_v worship_n of_o god_n in_o your_o family_n without_o the_o exercise_n of_o secret_a prayer_n and_o meditation_n in_o your_o chamber_n and_o closet_n you_o that_o ordinary_o profane_v the_o sabbath_n and_o lay_v it_o common_a to_o your_o worldly_a uses_n that_o be_v ordinary_o guilty_a of_o swear_v lie_a defraud_v and_o injure_v your_o neighbour_n that_o be_v intemperate_a in_o eat_v and_o drink_v etc._n etc._n and_o you_o that_o so_o clear_o know_v your_o sin_n that_o you_o use_v your_o art_n and_o skill_n to_o hide_v it_o from_o the_o eye_n of_o man_n do_v you_o not_o know_v that_o the_o wrath_n of_o god_n be_v reveal_v from_o heaven_n against_o such_o unrighteousness_n of_o man_n yea_o but_o possible_o some_o may_v say_v we_o have_v believe_v in_o jesus_n christ_n and_o be_v justify_v through_o his_o blood_n and_o hope_v to_o be_v save_v as_o well_o as_o those_o that_o live_v the_o strict_a life_n certain_o your_o hope_n deceive_v you_o and_o you_o be_v in_o a_o perish_a estate_n for_o the_o knowledge_n of_o be_v in_o a_o state_n of_o grace_n will_v make_v they_o apply_v 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