this_o be_v true_o believe_v it_o will_v exclude_v doubtfulness_n concern_v your_o salvation_n second_o several_a place_n of_o scripture_n declare_v positive_o and_o express_o that_o we_o be_v to_o be_v assure_v of_o our_o salvation_n in_o that_o faith_n whereby_o we_o be_v justify_v and_o save_v i_o shall_v produce_v some_o instance_n we_o be_v exhort_v to_o draw_v near_o to_o god_n with_o full_a assurance_n of_o faith_n heb._n 10.22_o many_o apply_v this_o text_n to_o that_o which_o they_o call_v the_o reflect_v act_n of_o faith_n because_o they_o imagine_v that_o all_o assurance_n must_v needs_o be_v by_o reflection_n but_o the_o word_n of_o the_o text_n do_v clear_o teach_v we_o to_o understand_v it_o of_o that_o act_n of_o faith_n whereby_o we_o draw_v near_o to_o god_n that_o be_v the_o direct_a act_n and_o it_o be_v that_o very_a faith_n whereby_o the_o just_a do_v live_v even_o justify_v save_v faith_n verse_n 38._o and_o this_o assurance_n must_v be_v full_a at_o least_o in_o the_o true_a and_o proper_a nature_n of_o it_o in_o opposition_n unto_o mere_a doubtfulness_n and_o uncertainty_n though_o we_o be_v yet_o further_o to_o labour_v for_o that_o which_o be_v full_a in_o the_o high_a degree_n of_o perfection_n and_o the_o same_o faith_n whereby_o we_o be_v exhort_v to_o draw_v nigh_o unto_o god_n and_o whereby_o the_o just_a live_v be_v a_o little_a after_o chap._n 11.1_o affirm_v to_o be_v the_o substance_n of_o thing_n hope_v for_o and_o the_o evidence_n of_o thing_n not_o see_v why_o shall_v save_a faith_n have_v these_o high_a title_n and_o attribute_n give_v to_o it_o if_o it_o do_v not_o contain_v in_o it_o a_o sure_a persuasion_n of_o the_o great_a thing_n of_o our_o salvation_n hope_v for_o which_o make_v they_o to_o be_v evident_a to_o the_o eye_n of_o our_o mind_n as_o if_o they_o be_v already_o present_a in_o their_o substance_n though_o yet_o not_o visible_a to_o our_o bodily_a eye_n that_o faith_n whereby_o we_o be_v make_v partaker_n of_o christ_n and_o to_o be_v christ_n house_n must_v be_v worthy_a to_o be_v call_v confidence_n and_o accompany_v with_o rejoice_a hope_n who_o house_n be_v we_o if_o we_o hold_v fast_o the_o confidence_n and_o rejoice_v of_o the_o hope_n firm_a unto_o the_o end_n heb._n 3.6.14_o what_o be_v confidence_n concern_v any_o thing_n but_o trust_v concern_v it_o with_o a_o firm_a persuasion_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o it_o if_o we_o have_v only_o a_o strong_a opinion_n concern_v a_o thing_n without_o any_o absolute_a certainty_n we_o use_v to_o say_v that_o we_o be_v not_o altogether_o confident_a of_o it_o the_o faith_n whereby_o we_o be_v justify_v must_v be_v in_o a_o measure_n like_o to_o the_o faith_n whereby_o abraham_n against_o hope_n believe_v in_o hope_n that_o his_o seed_n shall_v certain_o be_v multiply_v according_a to_o the_o promise_n of_o god_n though_o by_o reason_n of_o the_o deadness_n of_o his_o own_o body_n and_o of_o sarah_n womb_n he_o can_v have_v no_o evidence_n from_o his_o own_o qualification_n to_o assure_v himself_o of_o it_o but_o all_o appearance_n be_v rather_o to_o the_o contrary_a as_o the_o apostle_n teach_v clear_o rom._n 4.18_o 19_o 23.24_o as_o absolute_a as_o this_o promise_n be_v thus_o make_v abraham_n yet_o it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v fulfil_v without_o this_o assurance_n of_o faith_n and_o by_o the_o like_a faith_n the_o free_a promise_n of_o salvation_n by_o christ_n will_v be_v absolute_o fulfil_v to_o we_o the_o apostle_n james_n express_o require_v that_o we_o shall_v ask_v good_a thing_n of_o god_n in_o faith_n nothing_o doubt_v which_o include_v assurance_n manifest_o and_o he_o tell_v we_o plain_o that_o without_o it_o a_o man_n ought_v not_o to_o think_v that_o he_o shall_v receive_v any_o thing_n of_o the_o lord_n therefore_o we_o may_v firm_o conclude_v that_o without_o it_o we_o shall_v not_o receive_v the_o salvation_n of_o christ_n james_n 1.6_o 7._o and_o that_o which_o the_o apostle_n james_n require_v we_o not_o to_o doubt_v of_o be_v the_o obtain_v the_o thing_n that_o we_o ask_v as_o we_o may_v learn_v from_o a_o instruction_n to_o the_o same_o purpose_n give_v to_o we_o by_o christ_n himself_o what_o thing_n soever_o you_o desire_v when_o you_o pray_v believe_v that_o you_o receive_v they_o and_o you_o shall_v have_v they_o mark_v 11.24_o more_o place_n of_o scripture_n may_v be_v allege_v to_o the_o same_o purpose_n but_o these_o be_v sufficient_a to_o evince_v that_o we_o be_v bind_v to_o assure_v ourselves_o of_o our_o salvation_n in_o faith_n itself_o or_o else_o we_o be_v never_o likely_a to_o enjoy_v it_o and_o that_o it_o be_v not_o humility_n but_o rather_o proud_a disobedience_n to_o live_v in_o a_o state_n of_o mere_a suspense_n and_o doubtfulness_n concern_v our_o salvation_n and_o that_o this_o assurance_n must_v be_v in_o the_o direct_a act_n of_o faith_n whereby_o we_o be_v justify_v and_o save_v for_o as_o for_o that_o which_o be_v call_v the_o reflect_v act_n of_o faith_n it_o be_v a_o certain_a truth_n and_o general_o own_v that_o it_o be_v not_o absolute_o necessary_a to_o salvation_n to_o any_o and_o that_o it_o be_v sinful_a and_o pernicious_a to_o many_o to_o believe_v that_o they_o be_v already_o enter_v into_o a_o state_n of_o grace_n and_o salvation_n three_o god_n give_v we_o sufficient_a ground_n in_o scripture_n to_o come_v to_o christ_n with_o confident_a faith_n at_o the_o very_a first_o trust_v assure_o that_o christ_n and_o his_o salvation_n shall_v be_v give_v to_o we_o without_o any_o failing_n and_o delay_n however_o vile_a and_o sinful_a our_o condition_n have_v be_v hitherto_o the_o scripture_n speak_v to_o the_o vile_a sinner_n in_o such_o a_o manner_n as_o if_o it_o be_v frame_v on_o purpose_n to_o beget_v assurance_n of_o salvation_n in_o they_o immediate_o act_v 2.39_o chap._n 3.26_o this_o promise_n be_v unversal_a that_o whosoever_o believe_v on_o christ_n shall_v not_o be_v ashamed_a without_o make_v a_o difference_n between_o jew_n and_o greek_n rom._n 10.11_o 12._o and_o this_o promise_n be_v confirm_v by_o the_o blood_n of_o christ_n who_o be_v give_v for_o the_o world_n and_o lift_v up_o upon_o the_o cross_n for_o this_o very_a end_n that_o whosoever_o believe_v on_o he_o shall_v not_o perish_v but_o have_v everlasting_a life_n john_n 3.14_o 15_o 16._o his_o invitation_n be_v free_a to_o any_o if_o any_o man_n thirst_n let_v he_o come_v to_o i_o and_o drink_n and_o this_o drink_n be_v promise_v to_o every_o one_o that_o believe_v john_n 7.37_o 39_o the_o command_n of_o believe_v be_v propound_v not_o only_o in_o general_n but_o in_o particular_a and_o the_o promise_n of_o salvation_n upon_o believe_v be_v also_o apply_v personal_o and_o that_o to_o such_o as_o have_v be_v hitherto_o in_o a_o state_n of_o sin_n and_o wrath_n as_o to_o the_o wicked_a persecute_v self-murdering_a jailor_n act_v 16.31_o believe_v on_o the_o lord_n jesus_n and_o thou_o shall_v be_v save_v and_o thy_o house_n god_n command_v they_o that_o walk_v altogether_o in_o sin_n hitherto_o to_o call_v he_o their_o own_o father_n in_o their_o very_a first_o return_v jer._n 3.4_o so_o hos_n 2.23_o god_n say_v he_o will_v say_v thou_o be_v my_o people_n and_o they_o shall_v say_v thou_o be_v my_o god_n confident_o aver_v their_o personal_a interest_n in_o he_o god_n have_v join_v confidence_n and_o salvation_n inseparable_o together_o in_o return_v and_o rest_v you_o shall_v be_v save_v in_o quietness_n and_o in_o confidence_n shall_v be_v your_o strength_n isai_n 30.15_o what_o a_o poor_a slender_a use_n and_o improvement_n do_v many_o make_v of_o these_o discovery_n of_o the_o rich_a grace_n of_o god_n towards_o sinner_n who_o say_v that_o if_o we_o see_v that_o we_o have_v perform_v the_o condition_n of_o believe_v than_o we_o may_v take_v christ_n confident_o as_o our_o own_o they_o skip_v over_o the_o first_o and_o principal_n use_v they_o ought_v to_o make_v of_o they_o the_o very_a performance_n of_o the_o condition_n be_v to_o take_v christ_n as_o our_o own_o immediate_o and_o to_o eat_v he_o and_o drink_v he_o by_o believe_v consient_o on_o he_o for_o our_o salvation_n if_o a_o honest_a rich_a man_n say_v to_o a_o poor_a woman_n i_o promise_v to_o be_v thy_o husband_n if_o thou_o will_v have_v i_o say_v but_o the_o word_n and_o i_o be_o thou_o may_v not_o she_o present_o answer_v confident_o then_o thou_o be_v my_o husband_n and_o i_o claim_v thou_o for_o my_o husband_n and_o shall_v she_o not_o rather_o say_v so_o then_o say_v i_o believe_v not_o what_o thou_o say_v if_o a_o honest_a man_n say_v do_v but_o take_v this_o gift_n and_o it_o be_v your_o own_o do_v but_o eat_v and_o drink_v and_o you_o be_v free_o welcome_a may_v not_o i_o take_v the_o gift_n and_o eat_v and_o drink_v at_o first_o
without_o blemish_n that_o he_o may_v redeem_v we_o from_o all_o iniquity_n by_o his_o precious_a blood_n 1_o pet._n 1.18_o 19_o 20._o and_o he_o have_v the_o same_o spirit_n than_o which_o fill_v his_o humane_a nature_n with_o all_o its_o fullness_n afterward_o and_o raise_v it_o from_o the_o dead_a and_o he_o give_v that_o spirit_n then_o to_o the_o church_n 1_o pet._n 1.11_o &_o 3.18_o 19_o now_o this_o spirit_n be_v able_a and_o effectual_a to_o unite_v those_o saint_n to_o that_o flesh_n which_o christ_n be_v to_o take_v to_o himself_o in_o the_o fullness_n of_o time_n because_o he_o be_v the_o same_o in_o both_o and_o to_o give_v out_o to_o they_o that_o grace_n with_o which_o christ_n will_v afterward_o fill_v his_o flesh_n for_o their_o salvation_n as_o well_o as_o we_o therefore_o david_n account_v christ_n flesh_n to_o be_v his_o and_o speak_v of_o christ_n death_n and_o resurrection_n as_o his_o own_o before_o hand_n as_o full_o as_o any_o of_o we_o can_v do_v since_o their_o accomplishment_n psal_n 16.9_o 10_o 11._o my_o flesh_n also_o shall_v rest_v in_o hope_n for_o thou_o will_v not_o leave_v my_o soul_n in_o hell_n neither_o will_v thou_o suffer_v thy_o holy_a one_o to_o see_v corruption_n thou_o will_v show_v i_o the_o path_n of_o life_n yea_o and_o saint_n before_o david_n time_n do_v all_o eat_v of_o the_o same_o spiritual_a meat_n and_o drink_v of_o the_o same_o spiritual_a drink_n even_o of_o the_o same_o christ_n as_o we_o do_v and_o therefore_o be_v partaker_n of_o the_o same_o privilege_n of_o union_n and_o fellowship_n with_o christ_n 1_o cor._n 10.3_o 4._o and_o when_o christ_n be_v manifest_v in_o the_o flesh_n in_o the_o fullness_n of_o time_n all_o thing_n in_o heaven_n and_o on_o earth_n all_o the_o saint_n depart_v who_o spirit_n be_v then_o make_v perfect_a in_o heaven_n as_o well_o as_o the_o saint_n that_o then_o be_v or_o shall_v afterward_o be_v on_o earth_n be_v gather_v together_o in_o one_o and_o comprehend_v in_o christ_n as_o their_o head_n ephes_n 1.10_o and_o he_o be_v the_o chief_a cornerstone_n in_o who_o the_o build_n of_o the_o whole_a church_n upon_o the_o foundation_n of_o the_o prophet_n before_o and_o the_o apostle_n after_o his_o come_a being_n fit_o frome_v together_o grow_v unto_o a_o holy_a temple_n in_o the_o lord_n ephes_n 2.20_o 21._o jesus_n christ_n be_v the_o same_o yesterday_o and_o to_o day_n and_o for_o ever_o heb._n 13.8_o his_o incarnation_n death_n and_o resurrection_n be_v the_o cause_n of_o all_o the_o holiness_n that_o ever_o be_v or_o shall_v be_v give_v to_o man_n from_o the_o fall_n of_o adam_n to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n and_o that_o by_o the_o mighty_a power_n of_o his_o spirit_n whereby_o all_o saint_n that_o ever_o be_v or_o shall_v be_v be_v join_v together_o to_o be_v member_n of_o that_o one_o mystical_a body_n whereof_o he_o be_v the_o head_n direct_v iv_o the_o mean_n or_o instrument_n whereby_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n accomplish_v our_o union_n with_o christ_n and_o our_o fellowship_n with_o he_o in_o all_o holiness_n be_v the_o gospel_n whereby_o christ_n enter_v into_o our_o heart_n to_o work_v faith_n in_o we_o and_o faith_n whereby_o we_o actual_o receive_v christ_n himself_o with_o all_o his_o fullness_n into_o our_o heart_n and_o this_o faith_n be_v a_o grace_n of_o the_o spirit_n whereby_o we_o hearty_o believe_v the_o gospel_n and_o also_o believe_v on_o christ_n as_o he_o be_v reveal_v and_o free_o promise_v to_o we_o therein_o for_o all_o his_o salvation_n explication_n that_o which_o i_o assert_v in_o the_o forego_n direction_n concern_v the_o necessity_n of_o our_o be_v in_o christ_n and_o have_v christ_n in_o we_o by_o a_o mystical_a union_n to_o enable_v we_o for_o a_o holy_a practice_n may_v put_v we_o to_o a_o stand_n in_o our_o endeavour_n for_o holiness_n because_o we_o can_v imagine_v how_o we_o shall_v be_v able_a to_o raise_v ourselves_o above_o our_o natural_a sphere_n to_o his_o glorious_a union_n and_o fellowship_n until_o god_n be_v please_v to_o make_v know_v to_o we_o by_o supernatural_a revelation_n the_o mean_n whereby_o his_o spirit_n make_v we_o partaker_n of_o so_o high_a a_o privilege_n but_o god_n be_v please_v to_o help_v we_o at_o a_o stand_n to_o go_v on_o forward_o by_o reveal_v two_o mean_n or_o instrument_n whereby_o his_o spirit_n accomplish_v the_o mystical_a union_n and_o fellowship_n betwixt_o christ_n and_o we_o and_o whereby_o rational_a creature_n be_v capable_a of_o attain_v thereunto_o by_o his_o spirit_n work_v in_o they_o one_o of_o these_o mean_n be_v the_o gospel_n of_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n wherein_o god_n do_v make_v know_v to_o we_o the_o unsearchable_a riches_n of_o christ_n and_o christ_n in_o we_o the_o hope_n of_o glory_n eph._n 3.8_o col._n 1.27_o and_o do_v also_o invite_v we_o and_o command_v we_o to_o believe_v on_o christ_n for_o his_o salvation_n and_o do_v encourage_v we_o by_o a_o free_a promise_n of_o that_o salvation_n to_o all_o that_o believe_v on_o he_o act_v 16.31_o rom._n 10.9_o 11._o this_o be_v god_n own_o instrument_n of_o conveyance_n wherein_o he_o send_v christ_n to_o we_o to_o bless_v we_o with_o his_o salvation_n act_v 3.26_o it_o be_v the_o ministration_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o of_o righteousness_n 2_o cor._n 3.6_o 8_o 9_o faith_n come_v by_o the_o hear_n of_o it_o and_o therefore_o it_o be_v a_o great_a instrument_n whereby_o we_o be_v beget_v in_o christ_n and_o christ_n be_v form_v in_o we_o rom._n 10.16_o 17._o 1_o cor._n 4.15_o gal._n 4.19_o there_o be_v no_o need_n for_o we_o to_o say_v in_o our_o heart_n who_o shall_v ascend_v into_o heaven_n to_o bring_v christ_n down_o from_o above_o or_o who_o shall_v descend_v into_o the_o deep_a to_o bring_v up_o christ_n from_o the_o dead_a that_o we_o may_v be_v unite_v and_o have_v fellowship_n with_o he_o in_o his_o death_n and_o resurrection_n for_o the_o word_n be_v nigh_o to_o we_o the_o gospel_n the_o word_n of_o faith_n in_o which_o christ_n himself_o gracious_o condescend_v to_o be_v nigh_o to_o we_o so_o that_o we_o may_v come_v at_o he_o there_o without_o go_v any_o further_a if_o we_o desire_v to_o be_v join_v to_o he_o rom._n 10.6_o 7_o 8._o the_o other_o of_o these_o mean_n be_v faith_n that_o be_v wrought_v in_o we_o by_o the_o gospel_n this_o be_v our_o instrument_n of_o reception_n whereby_o the_o union_n betwixt_o christ_n and_o we_o be_v accomplish_v on_o our_o part_n by_o our_o actual_a receive_n of_o christ_n himself_o with_o all_o his_o fullness_n into_o our_o heart_n which_o be_v the_o principal_a subject_n of_o the_o present_a explanation_n the_o faith_n which_o philosopher_n common_o treat_v of_o be_v only_o a_o habit_n of_o the_o understanding_n whereby_o we_o assent_v to_o a_o testimony_n upon_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o testifier_n according_o some_o will_v have_v faith_n in_o christ_n to_o be_v no_o more_o than_o a_o believe_v the_o truth_n of_o thing_n in_o religion_n upon_o the_o authority_n of_o christ_n testify_v they_o but_o the_o apostle_n show_v that_o the_o faith_n whereby_o we_o be_v justify_v be_v faith_n in_o christ_n blood_n rom._n 3.24_o 25._o not_o only_o in_o his_o authority_n as_o a_o testifier_n and_o though_o a_o mere_a assent_n to_o a_o testimony_n be_v sufficient_a faith_n for_o knowledge_n of_o thing_n which_o the_o philosopher_n aim_v at_o yet_o we_o be_v to_o consider_v that_o the_o design_n of_o save_v faith_n be_v not_o only_o to_o know_v the_o truth_n of_o christ_n and_o his_o salvation_n testify_v and_o promise_v in_o the_o gospel_n but_o also_o to_o apprehend_v and_o receive_v christ_n and_o his_o salvation_n as_o give_v by_o and_o with_o the_o promise_n therefore_o save_v faith_n must_v necessary_o contain_v two_o act_n believe_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o believe_v on_o christ_n as_o promise_v free_o to_o we_o in_o the_o gospel_n for_o all_o salvation_n by_o the_o one_o it_o receive_v the_o mean_n wherein_o christ_n be_v convey_v to_o we_o by_o the_o other_o it_o receive_v christ_n himself_o and_o his_o salvation_n in_o the_o mean_n as_o it_o be_v one_o act_n to_o receive_v the_o breast_n or_o cup_n wherein_o milk_n or_o wine_n be_v convey_v and_o another_o act_n to_o suck_v the_o milk_n in_o the_o breast_n and_o to_o drink_v the_o wine_n in_o the_o cup_n and_o both_o these_o act_n must_v be_v perform_v hearty_o with_o a_o unfeigned_a love_n to_o the_o truth_n and_o a_o desire_n of_o christ_n and_o his_o salvation_n above_o all_o thing_n this_o be_v our_o spiritual_a appetite_n which_o be_v necessary_a for_o our_o eat_n and_o drink_v christ_n the_o food_n of_o life_n as_o a_o natural_a appetite_n be_v for_o bodily_a nourishment_n our_o assent_v unto_o or_o believe_v the_o gospel_n must_v not_o be_v force_v
by_o mere_a conviction_n of_o the_o truth_n such_o as_o wicked_a man_n and_o devil_n may_v be_v bring_v to_o when_o they_o have_v rather_o it_o be_v false_a neither_o must_v our_o believe_v on_o christ_n be_v only_o constrain_v for_o fear_n of_o damnation_n without_o any_o hearty_a love_n and_o desire_n towards_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o he_o but_o we_o must_v receive_v the_o love_n of_o the_o truth_n by_o relish_v the_o goodness_n and_o excellency_n of_o it_o and_o we_o must_v account_v all_o thing_n loss_n for_o the_o excellency_n of_o the_o knowledge_n of_o christ_n jesus_n our_o lord_n and_o count_v they_o but_o dung_n that_o we_o may_v win_v christ_n and_o be_v find_v in_o he_o 2_o thess_n 2.10_o phil._n 3.8_o 9_o esteem_v christ_n to_o be_v all_o our_o salvation_n and_o happiness_n col._n 3.11_o in_o who_o all_o fullness_n do_v dwell_v col._n 1.19_o and_o this_o love_n must_v be_v to_o every_o part_n of_o christ_n salvation_n to_o holiness_n as_o well_o as_o forgiveness_n of_o sin_n we_o must_v desire_v earnest_o that_o god_n will_v create_v in_o we_o a_o clean_a heart_n and_o right_a spirit_n as_o well_o as_o hide_v his_o face_n from_o our_o sin_n psal_n 51.9_o 10._o not_o like_o many_o that_o care_n for_o nothing_o in_o christ_n but_o only_a deliverance_n from_o hell_n bless_a be_v they_o that_o hunger_n and_o thirst_n after_o righteousness_n for_o they_o shall_v be_v fill_v mat._n 5.6_o the_o former_a of_o these_o act_n do_v not_o immediate_o unite_v we_o to_o christ_n because_o it_o be_v terminate_v only_o on_o the_o mean_n of_o conveyance_n the_o gospel_n yet_o it_o be_v a_o save_a act_n if_o it_o be_v right_o perform_v because_o it_o incline_v and_o dispose_v the_o soul_n to_o the_o latter_a act_n whereby_o christ_n himself_o be_v immediate_o receive_v into_o the_o heart_n he_o that_o believe_v the_o gospel_n with_o hearty_a love_n and_o like_n as_o the_o most_o excellent_a truth_n will_v certain_o with_o the_o like_a heartiness_n believe_v on_o 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understanding_n of_o the_o nature_n of_o faith_n let_v it_o be_v further_o observe_v that_o the_o second_o and_o principal_a of_o it_o believe_v on_o christ_n include_v believe_v on_o god_n the_o father_n son_n and_o holy_a ghost_n because_o they_o be_v one_o and_o the_o same_o infinite_a god_n and_o they_o all_o concur_v in_o our_o salvation_n by_o christ_n as_o the_o only_a mediator_n betwixt_o god_n and_o we_o in_o who_o all_o the_o promise_n of_o god_n be_v yea_o and_o amen_o 2_o cor._n 1.20_o by_o he_o as_o mediator_n we_o believe_v on_o god_n that_o raise_v he_o from_o the_o dead_a and_o give_v he_o glory_n that_o our_o faith_n and_o hope_n may_v be_v in_o god_n 1_o pet._n 1.21_o and_o it_o be_v the_o same_o thing_n with_o trust_v on_o god_n or_o on_o the_o lord_n which_o be_v so_o high_o commend_v in_o the_o whole_a scripture_n especial_o in_o the_o old_a testament_n as_o may_v easy_o appear_v by_o consider_v that_o it_o have_v the_o same_o cause_n effect_n object_n adjunct_n 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trust_v be_v for_o the_o present_a as_o well_o as_o future_a benefit_n of_o this_o salvation_n the_o reason_n why_o it_o be_v so_o common_o express_v in_o the_o scripture_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n by_o the_o term_n of_o believe_v on_o christ_n may_v be_v probable_o because_o when_o that_o part_n of_o scripture_n be_v write_v there_o be_v cause_n in_o a_o special_a manner_n to_o urge_v believe_v the_o testimony_n that_o be_v then_o new_o reveal_v by_o the_o gospel_n have_v thus_o explain_v the_o nature_n of_o faith_n i_o come_v now_o to_o assert_v its_o proper_a use_n and_o office_n in_o our_o salvation_n that_o it_o be_v the_o mean_n and_o instrument_n whereby_o we_o receive_v christ_n and_o all_o his_o fullness_n actual_o into_o our_o heart_n this_o excellent_a use_n and_o office_n of_o faith_n be_v encounter_v by_o a_o multitude_n of_o error_n man_n natural_o esteem_v that_o it_o be_v too_o small_a and_o slight_a a_o thing_n to_o produce_v so_o great_a effect_n as_o naaman_n 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upon_o their_o deathbed_n or_o in_o agony_n under_o terror_n of_o conscience_n but_o they_o account_v that_o it_o be_v not_o good_a for_o ordinary_a food_n and_o that_o it_o be_v wisdom_n in_o minister_n to_o preach_v it_o seldom_o and_o spare_o and_o not_o without_o some_o antidote_n or_o corrective_a to_o prevent_v the_o licentiousness_n to_o which_o it_o tend_v their_o common_a antidote_n or_o corrective_a be_v that_o sanctification_n be_v necessary_a to_o salvation_n as_o well_o as_o justification_n and_o that_o though_o we_o be_v justify_v by_o faith_n yet_o we_o be_v sanctify_v by_o our_o own_o performance_n of_o the_o law_n and_o so_o they_o set_v up_o salvation_n by_o work_n and_o make_v the_o grace_n of_o justification_n to_o be_v of_o none_o effect_n and_o not_o at_o all_o comfortable_a if_o it_o have_v indeed_o such_o a_o malignant_a influence_n upon_o practice_n it_o can_v not_o be_v own_v as_o a_o doctrine_n proceed_v from_o the_o most_o holy_a god_n and_o all_o the_o 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and_o be_v your_o friend_n if_o i_o can_v find_v that_o you_o believe_v it_o and_o that_o you_o take_v i_o for_o a_o friend_n but_o their_o fallible_a word_n be_v not_o sufficient_a ground_n to_o make_v we_o persuade_v ourselves_o absolute_o that_o we_o shall_v have_v their_o promise_a favour_n the_o faith_n of_o miracle_n give_v we_o some_o light_n in_o this_o matter_n christ_n assure_v they_o on_o who_o they_o be_v wrought_v and_o who_o have_v power_n give_v they_o of_o work_v they_o that_o the_o miracle_n shall_v be_v wrought_v if_o they_o believe_v without_o doubt_v of_o the_o event_n mark_v 11._o and_o there_o be_v a_o reason_n for_o this_o resemblance_n because_o the_o end_n of_o work_a miracle_n be_v to_o confirm_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n of_o salvation_n by_o faith_n in_o christ_n name_n as_o the_o scripture_n clear_o show_v and_o indeed_o the_o salvation_n of_o a_o sinner_n be_v a_o very_a great_a miracle_n it_o be_v report_v that_o wizard_n do_v often_o require_v those_o that_o come_v to_o they_o that_o they_o shall_v believe_v that_o they_o shall_v obtain_v what_o they_o desire_v of_o they_o or_o at_o least_o that_o they_o be_v able_a to_o fulfil_v their_o desire_n whereby_o the_o devil_n the_o master_n of_o those_o wizard_n show_v himself_o to_o be_v god_n ape_n and_o that_o he_o will_v fain_o have_v that_o honour_n and_o glory_n ascribe_v to_o himself_o that_o be_v due_a to_o god_n alone_o have_v thus_o explain_v the_o nature_n of_o that_o assurance_n which_o i_o have_v direct_v unto_o i_o shall_v now_o produce_v several_a argument_n to_o prove_v that_o there_o be_v and_o must_v necessary_o be_v such_o a_o assurance_n or_o persuasion_n of_o our_o salvation_n in_o saving-faith_n itself_o first_o this_o assurance_n of_o salvation_n be_v employ_v in_o the_o description_n before_o give_v of_o that_o faith_n whereby_o we_o receive_v christ_n and_o his_o salvation_n into_o our_o heart_n i_o describe_v faith_n to_o be_v a_o grace_n of_o the_o spirit_n whereby_o we_o hearty_o believe_v the_o gospel_n and_o also_o believe_v on_o christ_n as_o he_o be_v reveal_v and_o free_o promise_v to_o we_o therein_o for_o all_o his_o salvation_n and_o i_o show_v in_o the_o explanation_n that_o believe_v on_o christ_n be_v the_o same_o with_o rest_v rely_v lean_v stay_v ourselves_o on_o christ_n or_o god_n through_o christ_n for_o our_o salvation_n it_o may_v be_v some_o will_n like_o that_o description_n the_o better_a because_o faith_n be_v there_o describe_v by_o term_n that_o be_v ordinary_o use_v even_o by_o those_o that_o deny_v the_o necessity_n of_o assurance_n but_o those_o ordinary_a term_n do_v sufficient_o include_v assurance_n in_o the_o nature_n of_o faith_n and_o they_o can_v stand_v without_o it_o and_o this_o show_v that_o many_o hold_v the_o doctrine_n of_o assurance_n implicit_o and_o profess_v it_o though_o they_o think_v the_o contrary_n believe_v on_o christ_n for_o salvation_n as_o free_o promise_v to_o we_o must_v needs_o include_v a_o dependence_n on_o christ_n with_o a_o persuasion_n that_o salvation_n shall_v be_v free_o give_v as_o it_o be_v free_o promise_v to_o we_o believe_v with_o a_o divine_a faith_n ground_v on_o the_o infallible_a truth_n of_o the_o free-promise_n if_o it_o do_v not_o in_o some_o measure_n exclude_v a_o mere_a suspense_n and_o waver_a opinion_n or_o conjecture_n be_v not_o worthy_a to_o be_v so_o call_v some_o may_v be_v so_o absurd_a as_o to_o say_v that_o faith_n be_v only_o a_o believe_v that_o we_o shall_v be_v save_v by_o christ_n if_o we_o perform_v such_o condition_n as_o he_o require_v and_o then_o indeed_o it_o will_v leave_v we_o where_o it_o find_v we_o as_o to_o any_o certainty_n of_o salvation_n until_o those_o condition_n be_v perform_v but_o i_o have_v already_o prevent_v such_o a_o absurdity_n by_o show_v that_o this_o believe_v on_o christ_n be_v itself_o not_o only_o the_o condition_n of_o our_o salvation_n but_o also_o the_o instrument_n whereby_o 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steadfast_a heb._n 6.17.18_o 19_o if_o you_o trust_v rely_v and_o stay_v yourselves_o on_o christ_n or_o hope_v in_o he_o without_o assure_v yourselves_o at_o all_o of_o salvation_n by_o he_o you_o make_v no_o better_o use_v of_o he_o than_o if_o he_o be_v a_o break_a reed_n and_o if_o you_o will_v stay_v yourselves_o on_o the_o lord_n you_o must_v look_v on_o he_o as_o your_o god_n as_o the_o prophet_n teach_v let_v he_o trust_v in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o stay_v upon_o his_o god_n isai_n 50._o 10._o if_o you_o will_v rest_v in_o the_o lord_n you_o must_v believe_v that_o he_o deal_v bountiful_o with_o you_o psal_n 116.7_o or_o else_o for_o aught_o you_o know_v you_o make_v your_o bed_n in_o hell_n and_o you_o will_v show_v little_a regard_n of_o christ_n and_o of_o your_o own_o soul_n if_o you_o dare_v to_o rest_v under_o the_o wrath_n of_o god_n without_o any_o persuasion_n of_o a_o sure_a interest_n in_o christ_n people_n may_v please_v themselves_o with_o such_o a_o trust_n or_o rest_v etc._n etc._n when_o they_o be_v at_o ease_n but_o in_o time_n of_o temptation_n it_o vanish_v away_o and_o appear_v to_o be_v no_o true_a faith_n but_o be_v turn_v into_o shame_n the_o soul_n that_o live_v in_o such_o waver_a and_o doubt_v concern_v salvation_n do_v not_o stay_v itself_o nor_o rest_n at_o all_o but_o be_v like_o a_o wave_n of_o the_o sea_n drive_v with_o the_o wind_n and_o toss_v he_o be_v a_o double_a mind_a man_n unstable_a in_o all_o his_o way_n jam._n 1.6_o if_o you_o continue_v in_o mere_a suspense_n and_o doubtfulness_n of_o salvation_n by_o christ_n your_o desire_n to_o trust_v be_v but_o a_o lazy_a would_n without_o any_o fix_a resolution_n and_o you_o dare_v not_o yet_o venture_v to_o trust_v on_o he_o steadfast_o if_o you_o call_v it_o only_o your_o desire_n to_o trust_v and_o rely_v on_o jesus_n christ_n i_o may_v answer_v that_o you_o can_v do_v thus_o much_o in_o a_o right_a manner_n except_o you_o desire_v and_o venture_v to_o 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our_o salvation_n therefore_o i_o conclude_v that_o we_o must_v necessary_o have_v some_o assurance_n of_o our_o salvation_n in_o the_o direct_a act_n of_o faith_n whereby_o we_o be_v justify_v sanctify_a and_o save_v before_o we_o can_v upon_o any_o good_a ground_n assure_v ourselves_o that_o we_o be_v already_o in_o a_o state_n of_o salvation_n by_o that_o which_o they_o call_v the_o reflect_v act._n give_v i_o such_o a_o save_a faith_n as_o will_v produce_v such_o fruit_n as_o these_o no_o other_o faith_n will_v work_v by_o love_n and_o therefore_o will_v not_o avail_v to_o salvation_n in_o christ_n gal._n 5.6_o the_o apostle_n james_n put_v thou_o upon_o show_v thy_o faith_n by_o thy_o work_n james_n 2.18_o and_o in_o this_o trial_n this_o faith_n of_o assurance_n come_v off_o with_o high_a praise_n and_o honour_n when_o god_n call_v his_o people_n to_o work_v outward_a miracle_n by_o it_o all_o thing_n have_v be_v possible_a to_o they_o and_o it_o have_v frequent_o bring_v forth_o 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way_n to_o comfort_v such_o by_o discover_v to_o they_o the_o free-promises_a of_o salvation_n to_o the_o worst_a of_o sinner_n by_o faith_n in_o christ_n and_o by_o exhort_v they_o to_o apply_v those_o promise_n and_o trust_n on_o christ_n confident_o for_o remission_n of_o sin_n holiness_n and_o glory_n assure_v they_o also_o that_o god_n will_v help_v they_o to_o believe_v sincere_o on_o christ_n if_o they_o desire_v it_o with_o all_o their_o heart_n and_o that_o it_o be_v their_o duty_n to_o believe_v because_o god_n command_v it_o several_a other_o evil_n be_v occasion_v by_o the_o same_o doctrine_n man_n be_v unwilling_a to_o know_v the_o worst_a of_o themselves_o and_o prone_a to_o think_v their_o qualification_n better_a than_o they_o be_v that_o they_o may_v avoid_v despair_n other_o please_v and_o content_v themselves_o without_o any_o assurance_n of_o their_o interest_n in_o christ_n because_o they_o think_v that_o be_v not_o necessary_a to_o salvation_n and_o that_o but_o few_o attain_n to_o it_o and_o in_o this_o they_o show_v little_a love_n to_o christ_n or_o to_o their_o own_o soul_n some_o foster_n doubt_n of_o salvation_n as_o sign_n of_o humility_n though_o they_o will_v hypocritical_o complain_v of_o they_o many_o misspend_v their_o time_n in_o pore_v upon_o their_o own_o heart_n to_o find_v out_o some_o evidence_n of_o their_o interest_n in_o christ_n when_o they_o shall_v rather_o be_v employ_v in_o receive_v christ_n and_o walk_v in_o he_o by_o a_o confident_a faith_n some_o be_v trouble_v with_o doubt_n whether_o they_o shall_v call_v god_n father_n and_o what_o apprehension_n they_o shall_v have_v of_o he_o in_o prayer_n and_o be_v offend_v at_o minister_n that_o in_o their_o public_a prayer_n use_v any_o expression_n that_o the_o people_n can_v join_v in_o as_o if_o they_o do_v own_o god_n as_o their_o god_n and_o father_n and_o christ_n as_o their_o saviour_n and_o upon_o the_o same_o account_n they_o be_v offend_v at_o the_o public_a 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except_o they_o have_v more_o knowledge_n and_o experience_n than_o ordinary_a thus_o many_o believer_n walk_v heavy_o in_o the_o bitterness_n of_o their_o soul_n conflict_v with_o fear_n and_o doubt_n all_o their_o day_n and_o this_o be_v the_o cause_n that_o they_o have_v so_o little_a courage_n and_o fervency_n of_o spirit_n in_o the_o way_n of_o god_n and_o that_o they_o so_o much_o mind_n earthly_a thing_n and_o be_v so_o afraid_a of_o suffering_n and_o death_n and_o if_o they_o get_v some_o assurance_n by_o the_o reflect_v act_n of_o faith_n they_o often_o soon_o lose_v it_o again_o by_o sin_n and_o temptation_n the_o way_n to_o avoid_v these_o evil_n be_v to_o get_v your_o assurance_n and_o to_o maintain_v it_o and_o renew_v it_o upon_o all_o occasion_n by_o the_o direct_a act_n of_o faith_n by_o trust_v assure_o on_o the_o name_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o stay_v your_o self_n upon_o your_o god_n when_o you_o walk_v in_o darkness_n and_o see_v no_o light_n in_o any_o of_o your_o own_o qualification_n isa_n 50.10_o i_o doubt_v not_o but_o the_o experience_n of_o many_o choice_a christian_n will_v bear_v witness_n to_o this_o truth_n direct_v xi_o endeavour_v diligent_o to_o perform_v the_o great_a work_n of_o believe_v on_o christ_n in_o a_o right_a manner_n without_o any_o delay_n and_o then_o also_o to_o continue_v and_o increase_v in_o your_o most_o holy_a faith_n that_o so_o your_o enjoyment_n of_o christ_n union_n and_o fellowship_n with_o he_o and_o all_o holiness_n by_o he_o may_v be_v begin_v continue_v and_o increase_v in_o you_o explication_n have_v already_o discover_v to_o you_o the_o powerful_a and_o effectual_a mean_n of_o a_o holy_a practice_n my_o remain_a work_n be_v to_o lead_v you_o to_o the_o actual_a exercise_n and_o improvement_n of_o they_o for_o the_o immediate_a attainment_n of_o the_o end_n and_o i_o think_v it_o may_v be_v clear_o perceive_v by_o the_o
righteousness_n and_o holiness_n and_o all_o salvation_n only_o by_o fellowship_n with_o he_o through_o faith_n therefore_o it_o be_v no_o affront_n to_o christ_n or_o slight_v and_o contemn_v of_o the_o justice_n and_o holiness_n of_o god_n to_o come_v to_o christ_n while_o we_o be_v pollute_v sinner_n but_o rather_o it_o be_v a_o affront_a and_o contemn_v of_o the_o saving-grace_n merit_n and_o fullness_n of_o christ_n if_o we_o endeavour_v to_o make_v ourselves_o righteous_a and_o holy_a before_o we_o receive_v christ_n himself_o and_o all_o righteousness_n and_o holiness_n in_o he_o by_o faith_n christ_n loathe_v not_o to_o touch_v a_o leper_n and_o condescend_v to_o wash_v the_o foot_n of_o his_o disciple_n and_o do_v not_o expect_v that_o they_o shall_v be_v wash_v and_o perfume_v before_o hand_n as_o some_o great_a one_o of_o the_o world_n be_v say_v to_o do_v when_o they_o wash_v the_o foot_n of_o poor-man_n in_o imitate_v of_o christ_n three_o those_o that_o receive_v christ_n with_o a_o unfeigned_a faith_n shall_v never_o want_v a_o wedding_n garment_n to_o adorn_v they_o in_o the_o sight_n of_o god_n faith_n itself_o be_v very_o precious_a in_o the_o sight_n of_o god_n and_o most_o holy_a 2_o pet._n 1.1_o judas_n 20._o god_n love_v it_o because_o it_o give_v the_o glory_n of_o our_o salvation_n only_o to_o the_o freegrace_n of_o god_n in_o christ_n rom._n 4.16_o and_o renounce_v all_o dependence_n on_o any_o condition_n that_o we_o can_v perform_v to_o procure_v a_o right_n to_o christ_n or_o to_o make_v ourselves_o acceptable_a to_o he_o it_o contain_v in_o it_o a_o hearty_a love_n to_o christ_n as_o saviour_n and_o a_o hunger_a and_o thirst_a appetite_n for_o his_o salvation_n and_o it_o be_v the_o mouth_n whereby_o the_o soul_n feed_v hungry_o upon_o he_o what_o wedding_n garment_n can_v sinner_n bring_v with_o they_o more_o delightful_a than_o this_o to_o their_o bountiful_a god_n who_o great_a design_n be_v to_o manifest_v the_o abundant_a riches_n of_o his_o glorious_a grace_n and_o bounty_n in_o this_o wedding_n feast_n the_o father_n himself_o love_v they_o because_o they_o love_v christ_n and_o believe_v that_o he_o come_v out_o from_o god_n jo._n 16.27_o but_o yet_o we_o see_v that_o the_o excellency_n of_o faith_n lie_v in_o this_o that_o it_o account_v not_o itself_o or_o any_o other_o work_n of_o we_o a_o sufficient_a ornament_n to_o make_v we_o acceptable_a in_o the_o sight_n of_o god_n it_o will_v not_o be_v our_o wedding-garment_n itself_o but_o it_o buy_v of_o christ_n white_a raiment_n that_o we_o may_v be_v clothe_v and_o that_o the_o shame_n of_o our_o nakedness_n may_v not_o appear_v rev._n 3.18_o though_o it_o love_v and_o desire_v the_o free-gift_n of_o holiness_n yet_o it_o abandon_v all_o thought_n of_o practise_v holiness_n immediate_o before_o we_o come_v to_o christ_n for_o a_o holy_a nature_n it_o put_v on_o christ_n himself_o and_o in_o he_o all_o thing_n that_o pertain_v to_o life_n and_o godliness_n thus_o every_o true_a believer_n be_v clothe_v with_o the_o sun_n rev._n 12.1_o even_o with_o the_o sun_n of_o righteousness_n the_o lord_n jesus_n who_o be_v please_v to_o be_v himself_o both_o our_o wedding-garment_n and_o feast_n and_o all_o our_o spiritual_a and_o eternal_a happiness_n for_o the_o more_o full_a satisfaction_n and_o consolation_n of_o those_o distress_a soul_n that_o lie_v under_o the_o terrible_a apprehension_n of_o their_o own_o sinfulness_n and_o the_o wrath_n of_o god_n and_o dare_v not_o venture_v to_o trust_v steadfast_o on_o christ_n for_o their_o salvation_n until_o they_o can_v find_v in_o themselves_o some_o change_n from_o sin_n to_o holiness_n i_o shall_v mention_v particular_o several_a of_o those_o thing_n that_o such_o will_v find_v in_o themselves_o and_o i_o shall_v show_v that_o if_o some_o of_o they_o be_v not_o partly_o comprehend_v in_o faith_n itself_o they_o be_v fruit_n and_o consequence_n of_o faith_n and_o therefore_o they_o can_v be_v rational_o expect_v before_o we_o trust_v on_o christ_n for_o our_o salvation_n first_o they_o think_v it_o necessary_a to_o repent_v before_o they_o believe_v on_o christ_n for_o their_o salvation_n because_o repentance_n be_v absolute_o necessary_a to_o salvation_n luke_n 13.3_o except_o you_o repent_v you_o shall_v all_o likewise_o perish_v and_o christ_n place_v the_o duty_n of_o repentance_n before_o faith_n mar._n 1.15_o repent_v and_o believe_v the_o gospel_n but_o we_o be_v to_o know_v that_o christ_n require_v repentance_n first_o as_o the_o end_n to_o be_v aim_v at_o and_o faith_n in_o the_o next_o place_n as_o the_o only_a mean_n of_o attain_v to_o it_o and_o though_o the_o end_n be_v first_o in_o intention_n yet_o the_o mean_n be_v first_o in_o practice_n and_o execution_n though_o both_o be_v absolute_o necessary_a to_o salvation_n for_o what_o be_v repentance_n but_o a_o hearty_a turn_n from_o sin_n to_o god_n and_o his_o service_n and_o what_o way_n be_v there_o to_o turn_v to_o god_n but_o through_o christ_n who_o be_v the_o way_n the_o truth_n and_o the_o life_n without_o who_o none_o come_v to_o the_o father_n joh._n 14.6_o and_o what_o way_n be_v there_o of_o come_v to_o christ_n but_o by_o faith_n therefore_o if_o we_o will_v turn_v to_o god_n in_o the_o right_a way_n we_o must_v first_o come_v to_o christ_n by_o faith_n and_o faith_n must_v go_v before_o repentance_n as_o the_o great_a instrument_n afford_v we_o by_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n for_o the_o effectual_a performance_n of_o it_o repentance_n be_v indeed_o a_o duty_n which_o sinner_n owe_v natural_o to_o god_n but_o the_o great_a question_n be_v how_o shall_v sinner_n be_v able_a to_o perform_v it_o this_o question_n be_v resolve_v only_o by_o the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n repent_v and_o believe_v the_o way_n to_o repent_v be_v to_o begin_v with_o believe_v therefore_o the_o great_a doctrine_n of_o john_n in_o his_o baptism_n of_o repentance_n be_v that_o they_o shall_v believe_v on_o he_o that_o shall_v come_v after_o he_o that_o be_v on_o christ_n jesus_n act_v 19.4_o two_o regeneration_n also_o be_v necessary_a to_o salvation_n joh._n 3_o 3._o and_o therefore_o many_o will_v find_v it_o wrought_v in_o themselves_o before_o they_o trust_v on_o christ_n for_o salvation_n but_o consider_v what_o regeneration_n be_v it_o be_v a_o new_a beget_n or_o create_v we_o in_o christ_n 1_o cor._n 4.15_o eph._n 2.10_o in_o who_o we_o be_v partaker_n of_o a_o divine_a nature_n far_o different_a from_o that_o which_o we_o receive_v from_o the_o first_o adam_n now_o faith_n be_v the_o unite_n grace_n whereby_o christ_n dwell_v in_o we_o and_o we_o in_o he_o as_o have_v be_v show_v and_o therefore_o it_o be_v the_o first_o grace_n wrought_v in_o our_o regeneration_n and_o the_o mean_n of_o all_o the_o rest_n when_o you_o true_o believe_v you_o be_v regenerate_v and_o not_o till_o then_o those_o that_o receive_v christ_n by_o believe_v and_o those_o only_o be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n which_o be_v bear_v not_o of_o blood_n nor_o of_o the_o will_n of_o the_o flesh_n nor_o of_o the_o will_n of_o man_n but_o of_o god_n joh._n 1.12_o 13._o three_o they_o account_v it_o necessary_a to_o receive_v christ_n as_o lord_n and_o lawgiver_n by_o a_o sincere_a resignation_n of_o themselves_o to_o his_o government_n and_o a_o resolution_n to_o obey_v his_o law_n before_o they_o receive_v he_o as_o their_o saviour_n this_o be_v one_o principal_a lesson_n of_o the_o new_a divinity_n and_o such_o a_o receive_a christ_n as_o lord_n be_v make_v to_o be_v the_o great_a act_n of_o save_a faith_n without_o which_o such_o faith_n as_o i_o have_v describe_v whereby_o we_o trust_v on_o christ_n for_o salvation_n be_v reckon_v no_o better_a than_o gross_a presumption_n they_o teach_v that_o christ_n will_v not_o bestow_v his_o salvation_n on_o those_o that_o do_v not_o first_o yield_v their_o subjection_n to_o his_o kingly_a authority_n but_o he_o call_v they_o his_o enemy_n because_o they_o will_v not_o that_o he_o shall_v reign_v over_o they_o and_o require_v that_o they_o be_v bring_v and_o slay_v before_o he_o luke_n 19.27_o and_o i_o own_v it_o as_o a_o certain_a truth_n that_o christ_n will_v save_v none_o but_o those_o that_o be_v bring_v to_o resign_v up_o themselves_o sincere_o to_o the_o obedience_n of_o his_o royal_a authority_n and_o law_n but_o yet_o we_o must_v observe_v that_o they_o be_v not_o bring_v to_o this_o holy_a resignation_n or_o to_o any_o sincere_a purpose_n and_o resolution_n of_o obedience_n before_o they_o receive_v his_o salvation_n but_o rather_o by_o receive_v it_o man_n that_o be_v never_o thorough_o sensible_a of_o their_o natural_a death_n in_o sin_n do_v easy_o bring_v themselves_o to_o resolve_v universal_a obedience_n to_o god_n when_o they_o be_v on_o their_o deathbed_n or_o in_o any_o eminent_a danger_n or_o when_o they_o will_v prepare_v
themselves_o for_o the_o lord_n supper_n that_o so_o they_o may_v make_v their_o peace_n with_o god_n and_o trust_v secure_o on_o christ_n for_o his_o salvation_n but_o all_o resolution_n of_o that_o kind_n be_v vain_a and_o hypocritical_a soon_o break_v than_o make_v those_o that_o know_v the_o plague_n of_o their_o own_o heart_n do_v find_v that_o their_o mind_n be_v enmity_n unto_o the_o law_n of_o god_n and_o christ_n and_o can_v be_v subject_a unto_o it_o rom._n 8.7_o and_o that_o they_o can_v as_o soon_o remove_v a_o mountain_n as_o give_v up_o themselves_o sincere_o to_o obedience_n before_o they_o trust_v on_o christ_n for_o his_o salvation_n and_o for_o the_o gift_n of_o a_o new_a heart_n whereby_o they_o may_v be_v enable_v both_o to_o will_v and_o to_o do_v any_o thing_n that_o be_v acceptable_a to_o god_n we_o shall_v have_v be_v sufficient_o oblige_v to_o all_o obedient_a purpose_n resolution_n and_o resignation_n if_o christ_n have_v never_o come_v into_o the_o world_n to_o save_v we_o but_o he_o know_v that_o we_o can_v perform_v nothing_o holy_o except_o he_o make_v we_o first_o partaker_n of_o salvation_n and_o that_o we_o shall_v never_o obey_v he_o as_o lawgiver_n until_o we_o receive_v he_o as_o saviour_n he_o be_v a_o save_a lord_n trust_v on_o he_o first_o to_o save_v you_o from_o the_o guilt_n and_o power_n of_o sinâ—_n and_o dominion_n of_o satan_n and_o to_o give_v you_o a_o new_a spiritual_a disposition_n then_o and_o not_o till_o then_o the_o love_n of_o christ_n will_v constrain_v you_o to_o resign_v up_o yourself_o hearty_o to_o live_v to_o he_o that_o die_v for_o you_o 2_o cor._n 5.14_o and_o you_o will_v be_v able_a to_o say_v with_o a_o unfeigned_a resolution_n o_o lord_n true_o i_o be_o thy_o servant_n i_o be_o thy_o servant_n and_o the_o son_n of_o thy_o handmaid_n thou_o have_v loose_v my_o bond_n psal_n 116.16_o four_o it_o seem_v to_o they_o evident_a that_o some_o good_a work_n be_v necessary_a before_o we_o can_v trust_v on_o christ_n safe_o for_o the_o forgiveness_n of_o sin_n because_o our_o saviour_n teach_v we_o that_o if_o we_o forgive_v not_o man_n their_o trespass_n neither_o will_v our_o heavenly_a father_n forgive_v our_o trespass_n and_o direct_v we_o to_o pray_v forgive_v we_o our_o debt_n as_o we_o forgive_v our_o debtor_n mat._n 6.12_o 15._o restitution_n also_o be_v to_o be_v make_v of_o thing_n wrongful_o get_v from_o other_o before_o the_o sacramental_a atonement_n be_v make_v by_o the_o trespass_n offer_v leu._n 6.5_o 7._o this_o be_v sufficient_a to_o prove_v that_o forgive_n other_o and_o restitution_n according_a to_o our_o ability_n or_o at_o least_o a_o sincere_a desire_n and_o purpose_n so_o to_o do_v be_v very_o close_o join_v with_o the_o forgiveness_n of_o our_o sin_n and_o be_v very_o necessary_a to_o fit_v we_o for_o prayer_n and_o for_o sacramental_a application_n of_o pardon_v grace_n to_o ourselves_o a_o lively_a faith_n can_v be_v without_o these_o fruit_n and_o therefore_o we_o can_v pray_v or_o partake_v of_o sacrament_n in_o faith_n without_o they_o but_o yet_o if_o we_o strive_v to_o do_v either_o of_o these_o before_o we_o trust_v on_o christ_n for_o our_o pardon_n and_o salvation_n we_o shall_v do_v they_o slavish_o and_o hypocritical_o not_o in_o any_o holy_a acceptable_a manner_n our_o forgive_a other_o will_v not_o be_v accompany_v with_o any_o hearty_a love_n to_o they_o as_o to_o ourselves_o for_o the_o sake_n of_o god_n and_o our_o restitution_n will_v be_v but_o a_o force_a act_n like_o pharaoh_n let_v the_o child_n of_o israel_n go_v or_o like_o judas_n restore_v the_o thirty_o piece_n of_o silver_n be_v compel_v thereunto_o by_o terror_n of_o spirit_n and_o when_o the_o terror_n that_o force_v we_o be_v remove_v we_o shall_v be_v as_o ready_a to_o recall_v our_o forgiveness_n and_o to_o wrong_v other_o again_o as_o pharaoh_n be_v to_o bring_v the_o israelite_n again_o into_o bondage_n after_o he_o have_v let_v they_o go_v exod._n 14.5_o if_o you_o will_v forgive_v other_o hearty_o so_o as_o to_o love_v they_o again_o you_o must_v first_o apprehend_v the_o love_n and_o mercy_n of_o god_n towards_o yourselves_o by_o faith_n in_o christ_n and_o then_o you_o will_v be_v able_a according_a to_o the_o apostle_n instruction_n to_o be_v kind_a tender_a heart_a forgive_a one_o another_o even_o as_o god_n for_o christ_n sake_n have_v forgive_v you_o ephes_n 4.32_o the_o readiness_n of_o zaccheus_n to_o make_v restitution_n follow_v upon_o a_o discovery_n of_o christ_n love_n to_o he_o and_o his_o joyful_a receive_v christ_n into_o his_o house_n be_v fruit_n whereby_o he_o do_v evidence_n the_o truth_n of_o that_o faith_n that_o be_v already_o wrought_v in_o his_o heart_n 5th_o i_o shall_v reckon_v up_o together_o several_a other_o qualification_n that_o distress_a soul_n will_v find_v in_o themselves_o that_o they_o may_v be_v due_o prepare_v to_o trust_v on_o christ_n for_o their_o salvation_n and_o when_o they_o have_v labour_v anxious_o a_o long_a time_n and_o can_v get_v they_o at_o last_o they_o lie_v down_o in_o sorrowful_a despondence_n not_o dare_v to_o apply_v the_o consolation_n of_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n in_o christ_n to_o their_o wound_a conscience_n let_v perplex_a soul_n mark_v the_o particular_n and_o observe_v whether_o the_o condition_n of_o their_o own_o soul_n be_v reach_v in_o any_o of_o they_o o_o thou_o afflict_a toss_v with_o tempest_n and_o not_o comfort_v what_o good_a qualification_n be_v it_o that_o thou_o will_v have_v that_o thou_o may_v be_v encourage_v to_o lay_v hold_n on_o christ_n for_o salvation_n it_o be_v likely_a thou_o will_v answer_v in_o the_o bitterness_n of_o thy_o soul_n o_o let_v i_o have_v first_o some_o love_n to_o god_n and_o godliness_n in_o my_o heart_n and_o freedom_n from_o my_o hateful_a heart-rising_n against_o he_o and_o his_o service_n let_v i_o have_v some_o good_a thought_n of_o god_n his_o justice_n mercy_n holiness_n that_o i_o may_v be_v able_a to_o justify_v he_o though_o he_o damn_v i_o and_o that_o i_o may_v not_o be_v fill_v with_o murmur_a and_o hellish_a blasphemy_n in_o my_o mind_n against_o he_o let_v the_o rage_a of_o my_o lust_n be_v abate_v and_o the_o stink_a kennel_n of_o my_o wicked_a heart_n a_o little_a cleanse_v let_v i_o have_v some_o holy_a reverential_a fear_n of_o god_n and_o not_o only_o a_o panic_n torment_v horror_n i_o will_v be_v more_o affect_v with_o the_o wrath_n of_o god_n and_o not_o be_v of_o a_o slight_v heedless_a spirit_n i_o will_v be_v more_o humble_v for_o sin_n loathe_v it_o and_o be_v ashamed_a of_o it_o and_o be_v sorry_a for_o it_o with_o a_o godly_a sorrow_n not_o mere_o because_o of_o the_o punishment_n but_o because_o it_o grieve_v and_o vex_v the_o holy_a spirit_n of_o god_n i_o will_v be_v able_a to_o make_v a_o willing_a and_o ingenious_a confession_n of_o sin_n and_o to_o pour_v out_o my_o soul_n to_o the_o lord_n in_o lively_a affectionate_a prayer_n for_o forgiveness_n and_o to_o praise_v and_o glorify_v he_o hearty_o and_o not_o to_o be_v like_o a_o lifeless_a stone_n in_o the_o duty_n of_o prayer_n as_o i_o be_o be_v these_o the_o thing_n thou_o desire_v o_o poor_a distress_a soul_n the_o best_a reply_n i_o can_v make_v for_o thy_o speedy_a comfort_n be_v to_o inform_v thou_o that_o the_o thing_n be_v good_a but_o thy_o desire_n be_v not_o well_o time_v it_o be_v unreasonable_a for_o thou_o to_o expect_v these_o holy_a qualification_n whilst_o thou_o be_v in_o thy_o natural_a state_n under_o the_o guilt_n of_o sin_n and_o the_o apprehension_n of_o the_o wrath_n of_o god_n before_o thou_o have_v receive_v the_o atonement_n and_o the_o new_a spiritual_a life_n that_o be_v by_o christ_n through_o faith_n in_o his_o name_n thou_o do_v but_o exasperate_v thy_o corruption_n and_o harden_v thy_o heart_n and_o make_v thy_o wound_n to_o stink_v the_o more_o because_o of_o thy_o foolishness_n such_o good_a qualification_n be_v include_v in_o the_o nature_n of_o faith_n and_o for_o the_o most_o part_n they_o follow_v after_o it_o so_o that_o they_o can_v possible_o be_v obtain_v before_o thou_o trust_v in_o christ_n for_o thy_o salvation_n as_o i_o shall_v show_v concern_v they_o particular_o in_o their_o order_n a_o love_n to_o the_o salvation_n of_o god_n and_o to_o the_o free_a gift_n of_o holiness_n be_v include_v in_o the_o nature_n of_o faith_n so_o that_o it_o can_v be_v hearty_a without_o it_o act_n faith_n first_o with_o this_o kind_n of_o love_n and_o the_o apprehension_n of_o god_n love_n to_o thy_o soul_n will_v sweet_o allure_v and_o constrain_v thou_o to_o love_n god_n and_o his_o service_n universal_o we_o love_v he_o because_o he_o love_v we_o first_o 1_o joh._n 4.19_o we_o can_v be_v beforehand_o with_o god_n in_o love_n and_o
we_o be_v the_o child_n of_o god_n and_o if_o child_n than_o heir_n rom._n 8.15_o 16._o gal._n 4.6_o and_o the_o apostle_n tell_v the_o ephesian_n that_o after_o they_o believe_v they_o be_v seal_v with_o the_o holy_a spirit_n which_o be_v the_o earnest_a of_o their_o inheritance_n eph._n 1.13_o 14._o i_o e._n they_o be_v seal_v from_o the_o same_o time_n that_o they_o believe_v for_o the_o original_a word_n be_v in_o the_o same_o tense_n if_o this_o witness_n seal_v and_o earnest_n of_o the_o spirit_n have_v not_o be_v ordinary_a to_o believer_n it_o will_v not_o have_v be_v sufficient_a to_o prove_v that_o they_o be_v the_o child_n of_o god_n and_o such_o manner_n of_o argue_v may_v have_v drive_v some_o to_o despair_n that_o want_v this_o witness_n seal_v and_o earnest_n let_v we_o inquire_v now_o whether_o the_o spirit_n bear_v witness_v that_o we_o be_v the_o child_n of_o god_n and_o enable_v we_o to_o cry_v abba_n father_n by_o the_o direct_a act_n or_o by_o that_o which_o they_o call_v the_o reflect_v act_n of_o faith_n for_o we_o must_v not_o think_v that_o it_o be_v do_v by_o a_o enthusiasm_n without_o any_o ordinary_a mean_n nor_o can_v we_o reasonable_o imagine_v that_o no_o true_a believer_n can_v call_v god_n father_n by_o the_o guidance_n of_o the_o spirit_n but_o only_o those_o few_o that_o be_v so_o sure_a of_o their_o own_o sincerity_n that_o by_o reflect_v upon_o it_o they_o can_v ground_v a_o act_n of_o faith_n concern_v their_o own_o interest_n in_o christ_n no_o sure_o therefore_o we_o may_v judge_v rather_o that_o the_o spirit_n work_v this_o in_o we_o by_o give_v we_o save_v faith_n itself_o whereby_o all_o true_a believer_n be_v enable_v to_o trust_v assure_o on_o christ_n for_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o the_o adoption_n of_o child_n and_o all_o his_o salvation_n according_a to_o the_o free_a promise_n of_o god_n and_o to_o call_v god_n father_n without_o reflect_v on_o any_o good_a qualification_n in_o ourselves_o and_o by_o the_o direct_a act_n of_o it_o for_o the_o spirit_n be_v receive_v by_o the_o direct_a act_n of_o faith_n gal._n 3.2_o and_o so_o he_o be_v the_o spirit_n of_o adoption_n and_o comfort_n to_o all_o that_o receive_v he_o they_o that_o assert_v that_o the_o spirit_n witness_v our_o adoption_n only_o by_o assure_v we_o of_o the_o sincerity_n of_o our_o faith_n love_n and_o other_o gracious_a qualification_n and_o by_o the_o reflect_v act_n of_o faith_n do_v teach_v also_o common_o that_o you_o must_v again_o try_v whether_o the_o spirit_n thus_o witness_v be_v the_o spirit_n of_o truth_n or_o of_o delusion_n by_o search_v narrow_o whether_o our_o inward_a grace_n be_v sincere_a or_o counterfeit_a so_o that_o hereby_o the_o testimony_n of_o the_o spirit_n be_v render_v so_o hard_o to_o be_v discern_v that_o it_o stand_v we_o in_o no_o stead_n but_o all_o our_o assurance_n be_v make_v at_o last_o to_o depend_v on_o our_o own_o certain_a knowledge_n of_o our_o own_o sincerity_n there_o be_v several_a other_o evidence_n to_o show_v that_o believer_n general_o be_v persuade_v of_o their_o salvation_n in_o the_o apostle_n time_n they_o love_v and_o wait_v for_o the_o come_n of_o christ_n to_o judge_v the_o world_n 1_o cor._n 1.7_o 2_o tim._n 4.8_o they_o love_v all_o the_o saint_n for_o the_o hope_n that_o be_v lay_v up_o for_o they_o in_o heaven_n col._n 1.3_o 4._o the_o corinthian_n that_o be_v very_o carnal_a and_o but_o babe_n in_o christ_n be_v persuade_v that_o they_o shall_v judge_v the_o world_n and_o angel_n and_o that_o their_o body_n be_v member_n of_o christ_n and_o the_o temple_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n 1_o cor._n 6.2_o 3_o 15_o 19_o the_o very_a first_o come_n of_o the_o gospel_n to_o the_o thessalonian_o be_v in_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o much_o assurance_n so_o that_o they_o receive_v it_o with_o much_o affliction_n with_o joy_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n when_o as_o yet_o they_o have_v no_o considerable_a time_n to_o get_v assurance_n by_o reflect_v on_o their_o good_a qualification_n 1_o thess_n 1.5_o 6._o likewise_o the_o believe_a hebrew_n when_o they_o be_v illuminate_v at_o their_o first_o conversion_n take_v joyful_o the_o spoil_n of_o their_o good_n know_v that_o they_o have_v in_o heaven_n a_o better_a and_o more_o endure_a substance_n and_o this_o be_v their_o confidence_n which_o they_o be_v not_o to_o cast_v off_o because_o the_o just_a live_v by_o faith_n and_o therefore_o it_o appear_v that_o this_o confidence_n belong_v necessary_o to_o justify_v save_v faith_n heb._n 10_o 32_o 34_o 35_o 38._o now_o let_v those_o that_o allege_v the_o example_n or_o experience_n of_o many_o modern_a christian_n to_o disprove_v all_o that_o i_o have_v assert_v and_o consider_v well_o whether_o these_o be_v fit_a to_o be_v lay_v in_o the_o balance_n against_o all_o the_o scripture_n example_n and_o experience_n that_o i_o have_v produce_v out_o of_o the_o old_a and_o new_a testament_n i_o confess_v that_o assurance_n of_o salvation_n be_v more_o rare_o profess_v by_o christian_n in_o these_o time_n than_o former_o and_o we_o may_v thank_v some_o teacher_n for_o it_o that_o have_v desert_v the_o doctrine_n of_o former_a protestant_n in_o this_o point_n and_o vent_v against_o it_o several_a error_n such_o as_o have_v be_v already_o name_v and_o now_o will_v take_v advantage_n to_o confirm_v the_o truth_n of_o their_o doctrine_n from_o those_o doubt_n in_o christian_n that_o have_v be_v chief_o occasion_v by_o it_o but_o however_o the_o nature_n of_o save_a faith_n be_v still_o the_o same_o and_o i_o assert_v that_o in_o these_o day_n as_o well_o as_o former_o it_o always_o have_v in_o it_o some_o assurance_n of_o salvation_n by_o christ_n which_o do_v and_o will_v appear_v at_o least_o in_o resist_v and_o condemn_v all_o doubt_n and_o pray_v against_o they_o and_o endeavour_v to_o trust_v assure_o and_o to_o call_v god_n father_n except_o in_o extraordinary_a desertion_n by_o which_o our_o gaze_v must_v not_o be_v try_v we_o be_v not_o to_o trust_v the_o judgement_n of_o many_o concern_v themselves_o they_o will_v judge_v false_o that_o they_o have_v no_o assurance_n at_o all_o because_o they_o know_v not_o yet_o by_o mark_n and_o sign_n that_o they_o be_v in_o a_o state_n of_o grace_n already_o or_o because_o they_o think_v that_o there_o be_v no_o assurance_n when_o there_o be_v many_o doubt_n and_o because_o it_o be_v so_o weak_a and_o so_o much_o oppress_v with_o doubt_v that_o it_o can_v hardly_o be_v discern_v as_o life_n in_o a_o faint_a fit_a but_o if_o their_o judgement_n be_v better_a inform_v they_o may_v be_v bring_v to_o discern_v some_o assurance_n in_o themselves_o we_o be_v also_o to_o take_v heed_n of_o mistake_v those_o for_o true_a believer_n that_o be_v not_o so_o and_o of_o judge_v this_o point_n by_o their_o experience_n which_o be_v a_o vulgar_a error_n the_o blind_a charity_n of_o some_o move_v they_o to_o take_v all_o for_o true_a believer_n which_o be_v full_a of_o doubt_n and_o trouble_v concern_v their_o salvation_n though_o it_o may_v be_v they_o only_o be_v convince_v of_o sin_n and_o bring_v to_o some_o zeal_n of_o god_n that_o be_v not_o according_a to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o way_n of_o salvation_n by_o christ_n and_o they_o think_v it_o duty_n to_o comfort_v such_o ignorant_a person_n by_o persuade_v of_o they_o that_o their_o state_n be_v good_a and_o their_o faith_n right_a though_o they_o have_v no_o assurance_n of_o salvation_n thus_o they_o be_v bring_v to_o judge_v false_o concern_v the_o nature_n of_o faith_n out_o of_o their_o blind_a charity_n to_o such_o as_o be_v yet_o in_o ignorance_n and_o unbelief_n and_o instead_o of_o comfort_v such_o they_o rather_o take_v the_o direct_a way_n to_o harden_v they_o in_o their_o natural_a state_n and_o to_o divert_v they_o from_o seek_v consolation_n by_o save_v faith_n in_o christ_n and_o to_o ruin_v their_o soul_n for_o ever_o five_o the_o chief_a office_n of_o this_o faith_n in_o its_o direct_a save_a act_n be_v to_o receive_v christ_n and_o his_o salvation_n actual_o into_o our_o heart_n as_o have_v be_v prove_v which_o office_n can_v be_v rational_o perform_v except_o we_o do_v in_o some_o measure_n persuade_v our_o heart_n and_o assure_v ourselves_o of_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o he_o as_o the_o body_n receive_v thing_n into_o itself_o by_o the_o hand_n and_o mouth_n so_o the_o soul_n receive_v these_o thing_n to_o itself_o and_o lay_v actual_a hold_n on_o they_o by_o the_o faculty_n of_o the_o will_n make_v choice_n of_o they_o and_o embrace_v they_o in_o a_o way_n of_o present_a enjoyment_n and_o possession_n as_o it_o do_v by_o the_o faculty_n of_o the_o understanding_n see_v and_o apprehend_v they_o thus_o the_o soul_n receive_v comfort_n from_o outward_a thing_n as_o a_o righteous_a
from_o your_o evil_a way_n for_o why_o will_v you_o die_v o_o house_n of_o israel_n ezek._n 33.11_o christ_n testify_v that_o he_o will_v often_o have_v gather_v the_o child_n of_o jerusalem_n as_o a_o hen_n etc._n etc._n and_o they_o will_v not_o mat._n 23.37_o and_o the_o apostle_n paul_n testify_v that_o god_n will_v have_v all_o man_n to_o be_v save_v etc._n etc._n 1_o tim._n 1.4_o you_o be_v to_o reject_v and_o abandon_v all_o thought_n that_o be_v contrary_a to_o this_o persuasion_n what_o if_o few_o be_v save_v thy_o salvation_n will_v not_o make_v the_o number_n too_o great_a for_o few_o will_v follow_v thou_o in_o the_o duty_n of_o believe_v what_o if_o the_o wrath_n of_o god_n be_v reveal_v from_o heaven_n against_o thou_o in_o many_o terrible_a judgement_n and_o the_o word_n and_o thy_o own_o conscience_n condemn_v thou_o and_o christ_n seem_v to_o reckon_v thou_o no_o better_o than_o a_o dog_n as_o he_o do_v the_o woman_n of_o canaan_n mat._n 15.26_o thou_o be_v to_o make_v a_o good_a interpretation_n of_o all_o these_o thing_n that_o the_o end_n of_o they_o be_v to_o drive_v thou_o to_o christ_n as_o this_o be_v the_o end_n of_o the_o curse_n of_o the_o law_n and_o all_o the_o terrible_a dispensation_n of_o they_o rom._n 10.4_o if_o a_o prophet_n or_o angel_n from_o heaven_n send_v of_o god_n on_o purpose_n to_o declare_v that_o the_o sentence_n of_o everlasting_a damnation_n be_v declare_v against_o thou_o it_o will_v be_v thy_o duty_n to_o believe_v that_o god_n send_v he_o to_o give_v thou_o timely_a warning_n for_o this_o very_a end_n that_o thou_o may_v believe_v and_o turn_v to_o god_n by_o faith_n and_o repentance_n jeremiah_n prophesy_v against_o the_o jew_n that_o god_n will_v pluck_v they_o up_o pull_v they_o down_o and_o destroy_v they_o for_o their_o sin_n yet_o he_o himself_o teach_v they_o if_o they_o turn_v from_o their_o evil_a way_n god_n will_v repent_v of_o the_o evil_a jer._n 18.7_o 8_o 11._o jonah_n preach_v nothing_o but_o certain_a destruction_n of_o nineveh_n to_o be_v execute_v upon_o they_o within_o 40_o day_n chap._n 3.4_o yet_o the_o intent_n of_o that_o terrible_a message_n be_v that_o those_o heathenish_a people_n may_v escape_v destruction_n by_o repentance_n the_o most_o absolute_a and_o peremptory_a denunciation_n of_o divine_a vengeance_n against_o we_o while_o we_o be_v in_o this_o world_n must_v be_v always_o understand_v with_o a_o secret_a reserve_n of_o salvation_n for_o we_o upon_o our_o faith_n and_o repentance_n and_o we_o be_v to_o account_v that_o the_o reason_n why_o god_n do_v so_o terrible_o denounce_v his_o judgement_n against_o we_o by_o his_o word_n be_v that_o we_o may_v escape_v they_o by_o fly_v for_o refuge_n to_o his_o free_a mercy_n in_o christ_n take_v heed_n of_o foster_a any_o thought_n that_o god_n have_v absolute_o decree_v to_o show_v no_o save_a mercy_n to_o you_o or_o that_o you_o have_v already_o commit_v the_o unpardonable_a sin_n or_o that_o it_o be_v in_o vain_a for_o you_o to_o attempt_v the_o work_n of_o believe_v because_o god_n will_v not_o help_v you_o in_o it_o if_o such_o thought_n prevail_v in_o your_o heart_n they_o will_v do_v you_o more_o hurt_v than_o the_o worst_a blasphemous_a thought_n that_o terrify_v you_o or_o any_o of_o the_o gross_a abomination_n that_o ever_o you_o be_v guilty_a of_o because_o they_o obstruct_v your_o believe_v on_o christ_n for_o salvation_n the_o spirit_n and_o the_o bride_n say_v come_v christ_n say_v whosoever_o will_v let_v he_o take_v of_o the_o water_n of_o life_n free_o rev._n 22.17_o therefore_o we_o be_v to_o abandon_v all_o thought_n that_o hinder_v our_o come_n to_o christ_n as_o very_o sinful_a and_o pernicious_a arise_v in_o we_o from_o our_o own_o corruption_n and_o satan_n delusion_n and_o utter_o opposite_a to_o the_o mind_n of_o christ_n and_o teach_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o what_o ground_n can_v we_o have_v to_o entertain_v such_o unbelieve_a thought_n have_v god_n make_v we_o of_o his_o privy-council_n that_o we_o shall_v be_v able_a to_o know_v that_o god_n have_v decree_v we_o to_o damnation_n before_o it_o be_v manifest_a by_o our_o final_a unbelief_n and_o impenitence_n as_o for_o the_o unpardonable_a sin_n it_o consist_v in_o renounce_v the_o way_n of_o salvation_n by_o christ_n with_o the_o whole_a heart_n after_o we_o have_v attain_v to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o it_o and_o be_v convince_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o it_o by_o the_o gospel_n it_o be_v the_o sin_n that_o the_o christian_a hebrew_n will_v have_v be_v guilty_a of_o if_o they_o have_v revolt_v from_o christianity_n to_o the_o religion_n of_o the_o unbelieve_a jew_n that_o account_v christ_n to_o be_v a_o impostor_n and_o be_v most_o rancorous_a persecutor_n of_o he_o and_o his_o way_n heb._n 6.4_o 5._o they_o that_o have_v commit_v that_o sin_n continue_v implacable_a malicious_a enemy_n to_o christ_n and_o his_o way_n to_o the_o end_n without_o any_o repentance_n therefore_o if_o you_o can_v but_o find_v that_o you_o desire_v serious_o to_o get_v a_o interest_n in_o christ_n and_o to_o be_v better_a christian_n than_o you_o be_v if_o you_o be_v trouble_v and_o grieve_v that_o your_o heart_n and_o life_n be_v so_o wicked_a and_o that_o you_o want_v faith_n love_n and_o true_a obedience_n yea_o if_o your_o heart_n be_v not_o malicious_o bend_v to_o persecute_v the_o gospel_n and_o prefer_v atheism_n licentiousness_n or_o any_o false_a religion_n before_o it_o you_o have_v no_o cause_n to_o suspect_v yourselves_o to_o be_v guilty_a of_o this_o unpardonable_a sin_n 6._o add_v to_o all_o these_o a_o full_a persuasion_n of_o the_o incomparable_a glorious_a excellency_n of_o christ_n and_o of_o the_o way_n of_o salvation_n by_o he_o you_o be_v to_o esteem_v the_o enjoyment_n of_o christ_n as_o the_o only_a salvation_n and_o true_a happiness_n and_o such_o a_o happiness_n as_o have_v in_o it_o unsearchable_a riches_n of_o glory_n and_o will_v make_v our_o cup_n to_o run_v over_o with_o exceed_a abundance_n of_o peace_n and_o joy_n and_o full_a of_o glory_n to_o all_o eternity_n we_o must_v account_v all_o thing_n but_o loss_n for_o the_o excellency_n of_o the_o knowledge_n of_o christ_n jesus_n our_o lord_n etc._n etc._n phil._n 3.8_o incline_v your_o will_n and_o affection_n to_o choose_v and_o embrace_v christ_n as_o the_o chief_a good_a and_o never_o to_o rest_v satisfy_v without_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o he_o and_o to_o reject_v every_o thing_n that_o stand_v in_o competition_n with_o he_o or_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o he_o christ_n be_v precious_a in_o the_o esteem_n of_o all_o true_a believer_n 1_o pet._n 2.7_o their_o high_a esteem_n of_o his_o incomparable_a preciousness_n and_o excellency_n induce_v they_o to_o sell_v all_o that_o they_o may_v buy_v this_o pearl_n of_o great_a price_n mat._n 13.46_o this_o make_v they_o to_o say_v lord_z evermore_o give_v we_o of_o this_o bread_n that_o come_v down_o from_o heaven_n and_o give_v life_n to_o the_o world_n lord_n to_o who_o shall_v we_o go_v thou_o have_v the_o word_n of_o eternal_a life_n joh._n 6.32_o 33_o 68_o because_o of_o the_o savour_n of_o his_o good_a ointment_n his_o name_n be_v as_o ointment_n pour_v forth_o therefore_o do_v the_o virgin_n love_v he_o cant._n 1.3_o they_o be_v sick_a of_o love_n to_o he_o because_o he_o be_v in_o their_o eye_n the_o chief_a of_o ten_o thousand_o cant._n 5.8_o 10._o as_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n that_o appear_v in_o the_o wonderful_a beauty_n of_o the_o temple_n and_o in_o the_o wisdom_n and_o glory_n of_o solomon_n draw_v worshipper_n to_o god_n from_o the_o utmost_a part_n of_o the_o earth_n so_o the_o unparalleled_a excellency_n of_o christ_n which_o be_v prefigure_v by_o the_o glory_n of_o solomon_n and_o the_o temple_n do_v more_o powerful_o draw_v believer_n in_o these_o gospel-day_n the_o devil_n who_o be_v the_o god_n of_o this_o world_n know_v how_o necessary_a it_o be_v for_o our_o salvation_n to_o discern_v all_o the_o glory_n and_o excellency_n of_o christ_n and_o therefore_o where_o the_o gospel_n be_v preach_v he_o make_v it_o his_o great_a work_n to_o eclipse_n the_o glory_n of_o christ_n in_o the_o ministry_n and_o to_o blind_v the_o mind_n of_o the_o people_n lest_o the_o light_n of_o the_o glorious_a gospel_n of_o christ_n shall_v shine_v into_o they_o 2_o cor._n 4.4_o one_o that_o be_v convince_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n may_v be_v averse_a to_o the_o embrace_v of_o it_o until_o he_o see_v also_o the_o goodness_n of_o it_o that_o christ_n be_v altogether_o lovely_a and_o excellent_a i_o come_v now_o to_o the_o second_o principal_a act_n of_o faith_n whereby_o christ_n himself_o and_o his_o spirit_n and_o all_o his_o save_a benefit_n be_v actual_o receive_v into_o the_o heart_n which_o be_v believe_v on_o christ_n as_o reveal_v and_o free_o
necessary_a to_o the_o very_o be_v there_o of_o because_o faith_n come_v by_o hear_v the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o receive_v christ_n as_o manifest_v by_o the_o word_n as_o i_o have_v before_o prove_v raab_n the_o canaanite_n be_v justify_v by_o faith_n before_o she_o have_v any_o visible_a commuion_n with_o the_o church_n in_o any_o of_o god_n ordinance_n yet_o not_o without_o the_o word_n of_o god_n even_o the_o same_o word_n for_o substance_n which_o be_v write_v in_o the_o scripture_n and_o be_v then_o extant_a in_o the_o book_n of_o moses_n though_o that_o word_n be_v not_o bring_v to_o she_o by_o any_o book_n of_o holy_a scripture_n nor_o by_o the_o preach_a of_o any_o holy_a minister_n but_o by_o the_o report_n of_o the_o heathen_n josh_n 2.9_o 11._o but_o here_o our_o great_a work_n must_v be_v to_o get_v such_o a_o knowledge_n of_o the_o word_n as_o be_v necessary_a and_o sufficient_a to_o guide_v we_o in_o receive_v of_o christ_n and_o walk_v in_o he_o by_o faith_n you_o must_v not_o be_v of_o their_o mind_n that_o think_v the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o ten_o commandment_n to_o be_v sufficient_a to_o salvation_n or_o that_o will_v have_v mystery_n to_o remain_v hide_v from_o the_o understanding_n of_o the_o vulgar_a and_o nothing_o to_o be_v preach_v to_o they_o but_o that_o they_o can_v ready_o assent_v to_o and_o receive_v by_o the_o light_n that_o be_v in_o all_o man_n of_o which_o mind_n it_o may_v be_v some_o minister_n be_v who_o unwit_o agree_v with_o the_o quaker_n in_o a_o fundamental_a of_o their_o heresy_n but_o you_o must_v endeavour_v chief_o to_o know_v the_o mystery_n of_o the_o father_n and_o the_o son_n as_o it_o be_v discover_v in_o the_o gospel_n wherein_o be_v hide_v all_o the_o treasure_n of_o wisdom_n and_o knowledge_n col._n 2.2_o 3._o which_o to_o know_v be_v life_n eternal_a and_o the_o ignorance_n of_o it_o be_v death_n eternal_a joh._n 17.3_o 2_o cor._n 4.3_o you_o must_v know_v that_o christ_n be_v the_o end_n of_o the_o law_n rom._n 10.4_o and_o therefore_o you_o must_v endeavour_v to_o know_v the_o command_n of_o the_o law_n not_o that_o you_o may_v be_v enable_v by_o that_o knowledge_n to_o practife_n they_o immediate_o and_o so_o to_o procure_v salvation_n by_o your_o work_n but_o rather_o by_o your_o knowledge_n of_o they_o you_o may_v be_v make_v sensible_a of_o your_o inablility_n to_o perform_v they_o and_o of_o the_o enmity_n that_o be_v in_o your_o heart_n against_o they_o and_o the_o wrath_n that_o you_o be_v under_o for_o break_v of_o they_o and_o the_o impossibility_n of_o be_v save_v by_o your_o own_o work_n that_o so_o you_o may_v flee_v to_o christ_n for_o refuge_n and_o trust_v only_o to_o the_o free_a grace_n of_o god_n for_o justification_n and_o strength_n to_o fulfil_v the_o law_n acceptable_o through_o christ_n in_o your_o conversation_n and_o for_o this_o end_n you_o must_v endeavour_v to_o learn_v the_o utmost_a strictness_n of_o the_o command_n the_o exact_a perfection_n and_o spiritual_a purity_n which_o they_o require_v that_o you_o may_v be_v the_o more_o convince_v of_o sin_n and_o stire_v up_o to_o seek_v unto_o christ_n for_o remission_n of_o sin_n for_o purity_n of_o heart_n and_o spiritual_a obedience_n and_o be_v bring_v near_o to_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o he_o as_o christ_n testify_v that_o the_o scribel_n who_o understand_v the_o greatness_n of_o that_o command_n of_o love_v the_o lord_n with_o all_o the_o heart_n and_o soul_n be_v not_o far_o from_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n mar._n 12.34_o the_o most_o effectual_a knowledge_n for_o your_o salvation_n be_v to_o understand_v these_o two_o point_n the_o desperate_a sinfulness_n and_o misery_n of_o your_o own_o natural_a condition_n and_o the_o alone_a sufficiency_n of_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n in_o christ_n for_o your_o salvation_n that_o you_o may_v be_v abase_v as_o to_o the_o flesh_n and_o exalt_v in_o christ_n alone_o and_o for_o the_o better_a understanding_n of_o these_o two_o main_a point_n you_o shall_v learn_v how_o the_o first_o adam_n be_v the_o figure_n of_o the_o second_o rom._n 5.14_o how_o sin_n and_o death_n come_v upon_o all_o the_o natural_a seed_n of_o the_o first_o adam_n by_o his_o disobedience_n in_o eat_v the_o forbid_a fruit_n and_o how_o righteousness_n and_o everlasting_a life_n come_v upon_o all_o the_o spiritual_a seed_n of_o the_o second_o adam_n jesus_n christ_n by_o his_o obedience_n unto_o death_n even_o the_o death_n of_o the_o cross_n you_o also_o shall_v learn_v the_o true_a difference_n betwixt_o the_o two_o covenant_n the_o old_a and_o the_o new_a or_o the_o law_n and_o the_o gospel_n that_o the_o former_a shut_v we_o up_o under_o the_o gild_n and_o power_n of_o sin_n and_o the_o wrath_n of_o god_n and_o his_o curse_n by_o its_o rigorous_a term_n do_v all_o the_o commandment_n and_o live_v and_o curse_a be_v you_o if_o you_o do_v they_o not_o and_o fail_v in_o the_o least_o point_n the_o latter_a open_v the_o gate_n of_o righteousness_n and_o life_n to_o all_o believer_n i._n e._n the_o new_a covenant_n by_o its_o gracious_a term_n believe_v in_o the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n and_o live_v i._n e._n all_o your_o sin_n shall_v be_v forgive_v and_o holiness_n and_o glory_n shall_v be_v give_v to_o you_o free_o by_o his_o merit_n and_o spirit_n furthermore_o you_o shall_v learn_v the_o gospel_n principle_n that_o you_o be_v to_o walk_v by_o for_o the_o attainment_n of_o holiness_n in_o christ_n and_o here_o i_o shall_v mind_v you_o particular_o that_o you_o will_v be_v a_o good_a proficient_a in_o christian_a learning_n if_o you_o get_v a_o good_a understanding_n of_o the_o 6_o and_o seven_o chapter_n of_o the_o apostle_n paul_n to_o the_o roman_n where_o the_o powerful_a principle_n of_o sanctification_n be_v purposely_o treat_v of_o and_o difference_v from_o those_o weak_a and_o ineffectual_a principle_n which_o we_o be_v most_o natural_o prone_a to_o walk_v by_o i_o need_v not_o particular_o commend_v any_o other_o point_n of_o religion_n to_o your_o learning_n for_o if_o you_o get_v the_o knowledge_n of_o these_o principal_a point_n which_o i_o have_v mention_v and_o improve_v it_o to_o a_o right_a end_n which_o be_v to_o live_v and_o walk_v by_o faith_n in_o christ_n your_o own_o renew_a mind_n will_v covet_v the_o knowledge_n of_o all_o other_o thing_n that_o appertain_v to_o life_n and_o godliness_n and_o if_o in_o any_o thing_n you_o be_v otherwise_o mind_v than_o be_v according_a to_o save_v truth_n god_n shall_v reveal_v even_o this_o unto_o you_o phil._n 3.15_o yet_o let_v i_o caution_n you_o lest_o instead_o of_o gain_v christ_n by_o your_o knowledge_n you_o rather_o lose_v he_o by_o put_v your_o knowledge_n in_o the_o place_n of_o christ_n and_o trust_v on_o it_o for_o your_o salvation_n one_o cause_n of_o the_o jew_n perish_v be_v that_o they_o rest_v in_o a_o form_n of_o knowledge_n and_o of_o the_o truth_n in_o the_o law_n rom._n 2.20_o and_o doubtless_o all_o that_o many_o christian_n will_v gain_v by_o their_o knowledge_n in_o the_o end_n will_v only_o be_v to_o be_v beat_v with_o more_o stripe_n because_o they_o place_v their_o religion_n and_o salvation_n chief_o in_o the_o knowledge_n of_o their_o lord_n will_v and_o in_o their_o ability_n to_o talk_v and_o dispute_v of_o it_o though_o it_o may_v be_v for_o the_o most_o part_n at_o the_o tavern_n or_o alebench_n without_o prepare_v themselves_o to_o do_v according_a thereunto_o luk._n 12.47_o much_o less_o be_v you_o to_o place_v your_o religion_n and_o hope_n of_o salvation_n in_o a_o daily_a task_n of_o read_v chapter_n or_o repeat_v sermon_n without_o understand_v more_o than_o the_o papist_n do_v their_o lesson_n in_o the_o latin_a mass_n and_o canonical_a hour_n as_o sad_a experience_n show_v that_o many_o seem_o devout_a and_o frequent_a hearer_n of_o the_o word_n do_v notwithstanding_o remain_v in_o lamentable_a and_o wonderful_a ignorance_n of_o the_o save_a truth_n and_o in_o they_o be_v fulfil_v the_o prophecy_n of_o isaias_n that_o in_o hear_v they_o shall_v hear_v and_o not_o understand_v and_o in_o see_v they_o shall_v see_v etc._n etc._n mat._n 13.14_o 15._o 2._o another_o mean_n to_o be_v use_v diligent_o for_o the_o promote_a of_o the_o life_n of_o faith_n be_v examination_n of_o our_o state_n and_o way_n according_a to_o the_o word_n whether_o we_o be_v at_o present_a in_o a_o state_n of_o sin_n and_o wrath_n or_o of_o grace_n and_o salvation_n that_o if_o we_o be_v in_o a_o state_n of_o sin_n we_o may_v know_v our_o sickness_n and_o come_v to_o the_o great_a physician_n while_o it_o be_v call_v to_o day_n and_o if_o we_o be_v in_o a_o state_n of_o grace_n w_n may_v know_v that_o we_o be_v of_o the_o truth_n and_o assure_v our_o heart_n before_o god_n with_o the_o great_a confidence_n by_o
the_o testimony_n of_o a_o good_a conscience_n 1_o joh._n 3.19_o 21._o that_o so_o our_o heart_n may_v be_v more_o strong_o comfort_v by_o faith_n and_o establish_v in_o every_o good_a work_n and_o that_o if_o our_o way_n be_v evil_a we_o may_v turn_v from_o they_o to_o the_o lord_n our_o god_n through_o christ_n without_o who_o none_o come_v to_o the_o father_n lam._n 3.40_o joh._n 14.6_o but_o your_o great_a care_n in_o this_o work_n of_o self-examination_n must_v be_v to_o perform_v it_o in_o such_o a_o manner_n that_o it_o may_v not_o hinder_v and_o destroy_v the_o life_n of_o faith_n as_o it_o do_v in_o many_o instead_o of_o promote_a it_o therefore_o beware_v lest_o you_o trust_v upon_o your_o self-examination_n rather_o than_o upon_o christ_n as_o some_o do_v that_o think_v they_o have_v make_v their_o peace_n with_o god_n mere_o because_o they_o have_v examine_v themselves_o upon_o their_o sickbed_n or_o before_o the_o receive_v of_o the_o lord_n supper_n though_o they_o have_v find_v themselves_o stark_o nought_o and_o do_v not_o depend_v on_o christ_n to_o make_v they_o better_o but_o on_o their_o own_o deceitful_a purpose_n and_o resolution_n think_v not_o that_o you_o must_v begin_v this_o work_n with_o doubt_v whether_o god_n will_v extend_v mercy_n to_o you_o and_o save_v you_o and_o that_o you_o must_v leave_v this_o a_o question_n whole_o under_o debate_n until_o you_o have_v find_v out_o how_o to_o resolve_v it_o by_o self-examination_n this_o be_v a_o common_a and_o very_a pernicious_a error_n in_o the_o very_a foundation_n of_o this_o work_n which_o be_v hereby_o lay_v in_o the_o great_a sin_n of_o unbelief_n which_o as_o soon_o as_o it_o prevail_v do_v by_o its_o great_a influence_n dash_v and_o obscure_v all_o inward_a gracious_a qualification_n of_o peace_n hope_n joy_n love_n to_o god_n and_o his_o people_n before_o they_o be_v at_o all_o try_v whether_o they_o can_v give_v any_o good_a evidence_n for_o their_o salvation_n and_o it_o make_v people_n willing_a to_o think_v their_o own_o qualification_n better_a than_o they_o be_v lest_o they_o shall_v fall_v into_o a_o utter_a despair_n of_o their_o salvation_n and_o thus_o it_o whole_o mar_v the_o good_a work_n of_o self-examination_n and_o make_v it_o destructive_a to_o our_o soul_n for_o to_o they_o that_o be_v defile_v and_o unbelieving_a there_o be_v nothing_o pure_a tit._n 1.15_o you_o shall_v rather_o begin_v the_o work_n with_o much_o assurance_n of_o faith_n that_o though_o you_o find_v your_o heart_n never_o so_o wicked_a and_o reprobate_a at_o present_a as_o many_o of_o god_n choice_a servant_n do_v often_o find_v yet_o the_o door_n of_o mercy_n be_v open_a for_o you_o and_o that_o god_n will_v certain_o save_v you_o for_o ever_o if_o you_o put_v your_o trust_n in_o his_o grace_n through_o christ_n i_o have_v former_o show_v that_o this_o confident_a persuasion_n be_v of_o the_o nature_n of_o save_a faith_n and_o that_o we_o have_v sufficient_a ground_n for_o it_o in_o the_o free_a promise_n of_o the_o gospel_n when_o we_o walk_v in_o darkness_n and_o can_v see_v no_o light_n shine_v forth_o in_o our_o gracious_a qualification_n if_o we_o begin_v the_o work_n with_o this_o confidence_n it_o will_v make_v we_o impartial_a and_o not_o afraid_a to_o find_v out_o the_o worst_a by_o ourselves_o and_o willing_a to_o judge_v that_o our_o heart_n be_v deceitful_a above_o all_o thing_n and_o desperate_o wicked_a beyond_o what_o we_o can_v find_v out_o jer._n 17.9_o and_o if_o we_o have_v any_o holy_a qualification_n this_o confidence_n will_v preserve_v they_o in_o their_o vigour_n and_o brightness_n that_o they_o may_v be_v able_a to_o give_v clear_a evidence_n that_o we_o be_v at_o present_a in_o a_o state_n of_o grace_n mark_v well_o the_o difference_n betwixt_o these_o two_o question_n whether_o god_n will_v gracious_o accept_v and_o save_v i_o though_o a_o vile_a sinner_n through_o christ_n as_o before_o be_v say_v and_o whether_o i_o be_o already_o bring_v into_o a_o state_n of_o salvation_n the_o former_a of_o these_o i_o say_v be_v to_o be_v resolve_v affirmative_o by_o a_o confident_a faith_n in_o christ_n the_o latter_a only_o be_v to_o be_v inquire_v into_o by_o self-examination_n misspend_a not_o your_o time_n as_o many_o do_v in_o pore_v upon_o your_o heart_n to_o find_v whether_o you_o be_v good_a enough_o to_o trust_v on_o christ_n for_o your_o salvation_n nor_o to_o find_v whether_o you_o have_v any_o faith_n before_o you_o dare_v be_v so_o bold_a as_o to_o act_v faith_n in_o christ_n but_o know_v that_o though_o you_o can_v find_v that_o you_o have_v any_o faith_n or_o holiness_n yet_o if_o you_o will_v now_o believe-on_a he_o that_o justify_v the_o ungodly_a it_o shall_v be_v account_v to_o you_o for_o righteousness_n rom._n 4.5_o and_o if_o you_o love_v christ_n and_o your_o own_o soul_n misspend_v not_o your_o time_n in_o examine_v whether_o you_o have_v commit_v the_o unpardonable_a sin_n against_o the_o holy_a ghost_n except_o it_o be_v with_o a_o full_a purpose_n to_o assure_v yourself_o more_o and_o more_o that_o you_o be_v not_o guilty_a thereof_o for_o any_o doubtfulness_n in_o this_o point_n will_v but_o harden_v you_o in_o unbelief_n remember_v well_o that_o the_o question_n to_o be_v resolve_v be_v whether_o you_o be_v at_o present_a in_o a_o state_n of_o grace_n and_o to_o resolve_v it_o you_o must_v be_v willing_a to_o know_v the_o best_a by_o yourself_o as_o well_o as_o the_o worst_a and_o you_o must_v not_o think_v that_o humility_n bind_v you_o to_o overlook_v your_o good_a qualification_n and_o to_o take_v notice_n only_o of_o your_o corruption_n but_o your_o great_a work_n must_v be_v to_o find_v whether_o there_o be_v not_o some_o drop_n of_o save_a grace_n in_o the_o ocean_n of_o your_o corruption_n and_o it_o will_v consist_v well_o with_o humility_n to_o take_v notice_n of_o and_o own_o any_o spark_n of_o true_a holiness_n that_o be_v in_o you_o because_o the_o praise_n and_o glory_n of_o it_o belong_v not_o to_o you_o but_o to_o god_n phil._n 1.11_o and_o you_o must_v try_v inherent_a grace_n by_o the_o touchstone_n not_o by_o the_o measure_n by_o its_o nature_n not_o its_o degree_n not_o deny_v any_o lusting_n of_o the_o spirit_n in_o you_o because_o of_o the_o strong_a lusting_n of_o the_o flesh_n against_o the_o spirit_n nor_o deny_v that_o you_o be_v spiritual_a in_o some_o degree_n and_o babe_n in_o christ_n because_o you_o find_v yourselves_o carnal_a in_o a_o more_o prevail_a degree_n and_o the_o old_a man_n big_a than_o the_o new_a gal._n 5.17_o 1_o cor._n 3.1_o especial_o you_o be_v to_o examine_v and_o prove_v whether_o you_o be_v in_o the_o faith_n for_o if_o you_o make_v sure_a of_o this_o you_o make_v sure_a of_o all_o the_o thing_n that_o pertain_v to_o life_n and_o godliness_n and_o if_o you_o doubt_v of_o this_o you_o will_v certain_o doubt_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o any_o other_o qualification_n and_o will_v suspect_v they_o to_o be_v mere_o carnal_a and_o counterfeit_n because_o it_o be_v a_o know_a truth_n that_o to_o the_o vnbelieve_v there_o be_v nothing_o pure_a and_o that_o all_o that_o have_v not_o true_o receive_v christ_n by_o faith_n be_v at_o present_a in_o a_o unregenerate_a state_n though_o they_o seem_v never_o so_o pure_a and_o godly_a 2_o cor._n 13.5_o tit._n 1.15_o and_o let_v not_o the_o issue_n of_o this_o trial_n depend_v at_o all_o upon_o your_o knowledge_n of_o the_o time_n when_o or_o of_o the_o sermon_n conference_n or_o place_n of_o scripture_n by_o which_o you_o be_v first_o convert_v to_o the_o faith_n though_o that_o be_v good_a to_o know_v too_o if_o it_o may_v be_v and_o some_o who_o have_v former_o live_v in_o gross_a ignorance_n or_o in_o a_o manifest_a opposition_n to_o true_a faith_n and_o holiness_n may_v know_v such_o circumstance_n of_o their_o conversion_n and_o may_v reflect_v upon_o they_o comfortable_o as_o the_o apostle_n paul_n do_v who_o be_v turn_v of_o a_o sudden_a from_o his_o persecute_v rage_n to_o be_v a_o disciple_n and_o a_o apostle_n of_o christ_n yet_o other_o sincere_a believer_n may_v be_v whole_o ignorant_a of_o they_o as_o john_n the_o baptist_n who_o be_v fill_v with_o the_o holy_a ghost_n from_o his_o mother_n womb_n luk._n 1.15_o and_o they_o that_o have_v be_v train_v up_o religious_o and_o know_v the_o holy_a scripture_n from_o their_o childhood_n as_o timothy_n 2._o tim._n 3.15_o yea_o and_o many_o that_o be_v first_o turn_v from_o gross_a ignorance_n and_o profaneness_n to_o some_o external_a reformation_n and_o then_o in_o process_n of_o time_n bring_v near_o to_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n by_o insensible_a degree_n before_o they_o be_v real_o new_a beget_v by_o the_o spirit_n of_o faith_n there_o be_v also_o some_o that_o deceive_v their_o soul_n by_o imagine_v that_o
they_o know_v at_o what_o time_n and_o by_o what_o text_n of_o scripture_n they_o be_v convert_v and_o can_v make_v large_a discourse_n of_o the_o working_n of_o god_n upon_o their_o heart_n and_o be_v prone_a to_o talk_v unreasonable_o with_o vain-glorying_a of_o their_o own_o experience_n when_o at_o last_o all_o their_o experience_n be_v not_o sufficient_a to_o evidence_n that_o they_o ever_o attain_v to_o the_o least_o measure_n of_o true_a save_a faith_n therefore_o that_o we_o may_v not_o unjust_o condemn_v or_o justify_v our_o faith_n by_o proceed_v on_o in-sufficient_a evidence_n in_o its_o trial_n our_o best_a way_n be_v to_o examine_v it_o by_o the_o inseparable_a property_n of_o a_o true_a save_a faith_n by_o put_v to_o ourselves_o such_o question_n as_o these_o be_v we_o make_v thorough_o sensible_a of_o our_o sinfulness_n and_o of_o the_o deadness_n and_o misery_n of_o our_o natural_a state_n so_o as_o to_o despair_v absolute_o of_o ever_o attain_v to_o any_o righteousness_n holiness_n or_o true_a happiness_n while_o we_o continue_v in_o it_o be_v the_o eye_n of_o our_o understanding_n enlighten_v to_o see_v the_o excellency_n of_o christ_n and_o the_o alone_a sufficiency_n and_o all-sufficiency_n of_o his_o grace_n for_o our_o salvation_n do_v we_o prefer_v the_o enjoyment_n of_o he_o above_o all_o thing_n and_o desire_v it_o with_o our_o whole_a heart_n as_o our_o only_a happiness_n whatsoever_o we_o may_v suffer_v for_o his_o sake_n do_v we_o desire_v with_o our_o whole_a heart_n to_o be_v deliver_v from_o the_o power_n and_o practice_n of_o sin_n as_o well_o as_o from_o the_o wrath_n of_o god_n and_o the_o pain_n of_o hell_n do_v our_o heart_n come_v to_o christ_n and_o lay_v hold_v on_o he_o for_o salvation_n by_o trust_v he_o only_o and_o endeavour_v to_o trust_v on_o he_o confident_o notwithstanding_o all_o fear_n and_o doubt_n that_o assault_v we_o if_o you_o find_v in_o yourself_o a_o faith_n that_o have_v these_o property_n though_o as_o small_a as_o a_o grain_n of_o mustardseed_n and_o oppose_v with_o much_o unbelief_n and_o manifold_a corruption_n in_o your_o soul_n you_o may_v conclude_v that_o you_o be_v in_o a_o state_n of_o salvation_n at_o present_a and_o that_o your_o remain_a work_n be_v to_o continue_v and_o grow_v in_o it_o more_o and_o more_o and_o to_o walk_v worthy_a of_o it_o you_o shall_v also_o examine_v the_o fruit_n of_o your_o faith_n and_o try_v whether_o you_o can_v show_v your_o faith_n by_o your_o work_n as_o you_o be_v teach_v jam._n 2.18_o that_o you_o may_v be_v sure_a not_o to_o be_v deceive_v in_o your_o judgement_n concern_v it_o and_o though_o it_o be_v true_a as_o i_o have_v note_v that_o doubt_n concern_v your_o faith_n will_v breed_v doubt_v concern_v the_o sincerity_n of_o other_o qualification_n that_o be_v fruit_n thereof_o yet_o possible_o you_o may_v get_v such_o clear_a evidence_n of_o your_o sincerity_n as_o may_v overcome_v and_o expel_v all_o your_o doubt_n and_o here_o you_o be_v not_o only_o to_o inquire_v whether_o your_o inclination_n purpose_n affection_n and_o action_n be_v material_o good_a and_o holy_a but_o also_o by_o what_o principle_n they_o be_v breed_v and_o influence_v whether_o it_o be_v by_o slavish_a fear_n of_o hell_n and_o mercenary_a hope_n of_o get_v heaven_n by_o your_o work_n which_o be_v legal_a and_o carnal_a principle_n that_o can_v never_o breed_v true_a holiness_n or_o by_o gospel_n principle_n as_o by_o love_n to_o god_n because_o god_n have_v love_v you_o first_o and_o to_o christ_n because_o he_o have_v dye_v and_o by_o the_o hope_n of_o eternal_a life_n as_o the_o free_a gift_n of_o god_n through_o christ_n and_o dependence_n on_o god_n to_o sanctify_v you_o by_o his_o spirit_n according_a to_o his_o promise_n remember_v that_o the_o new_a testament_n be_v the_o ministration_n of_o the_o spirit_n 2_o cor._n 3.6_o and_o the_o spirit_n will_v sanctify_v we_o not_o by_o legal_a but_o by_o gospel_n principles_n take_v notice_n further_o that_o you_o need_v not_o trouble_v yourself_o to_o find_v out_o a_o multitude_n of_o mark_n and_o sign_n of_o true_a grace_n if_o you_o can_v find_v a_o few_o good_a one_o particular_o you_o may_v know_v that_o you_o be_v pass_v from_o death_n to_o life_n if_o you_o love_v the_o brethren_n 1_o joh._n 3.14_o i_o e._n if_o you_o love_v all_o who_o you_o can_v in_o charity_n judge_v to_o be_v true_a believer_n and_o that_o because_o they_o be_v true_a believer_n and_o for_o the_o truth_n sake_n that_o dwell_v in_o they_o as_o solomon_n discern_v the_o true_a mother_n of_o the_o child_n by_o her_o affection_n towards_o her_o child_n so_o the_o mother_n grace_n of_o faith_n may_v be_v discern_v by_o the_o love_n that_o it_o breed_v in_o we_o towards_o all_o true_a believer_n to_o conclude_v this_o point_n happy_a be_v you_o if_o you_o can_v find_v so_o much_o evidence_n of_o the_o fruit_n of_o your_o faith_n as_o may_v enable_v you_o to_o express_v your_o sincerity_n in_o these_o moderate_a term_n pray_v for_o we_o for_o we_o trust_v we_o have_v a_o good_a conscience_n in_o all_o thing_n willing_a to_o live_v honest_o heb._n 13.18_o 3._o meditation_n on_o the_o word_n of_o god_n be_v of_o very_o great_a use_n and_o advantage_n for_o the_o attainment_n and_o practice_n of_o holiness_n through_o faith_n in_o christ_n it_o be_v a_o duty_n whereby_o the_o soul_n do_v feed_v and_o ruminate_v upon_o the_o word_n as_o its_o spiritual_a food_n and_o dige_v it_o and_o turn_v it_o into_o nourishment_n whereby_o we_o be_v strengthen_v for_o every_o good_a work_n our_o soul_n be_v satisfy_v therewith_o as_o with_o marrow_n and_o fatness_n when_o we_o remember_v god_n upon_o our_o bed_n and_o meditate_v on_o he_o in_o the_o night-watche_n psal_n 68.5_o 6._o the_o new_a nature_n may_v well_o be_v call_v the_o mind_n rom._n 7.25_o because_o it_o live_v and_o act_v by_o mind_v of_o and_o meditate_v on_o spiritual_a thing_n therefore_o it_o be_v a_o duty_n to_o be_v practise_v not_o only_o at_o some_o limit_a time_n but_o all_o the_o day_n psal_n 119.97_o yea_o day_n and_o night_n psal_n 1.2_o even_o in_o our_o ordinary_a employment_n at_o home_n and_o abroad_o a_o habitual_a knowledge_n of_o the_o word_n will_v not_o profit_v we_o without_o a_o active_a mind_v it_o by_o frequent_a meditation_n some_o think_v that_o much_o preach_v of_o the_o word_n be_v not_o needful_a where_o a_o people_n be_v already_o bring_v to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o those_o thing_n that_o be_v necessary_a to_o salvation_n but_o they_o that_o be_v regenerate_v by_o the_o word_n find_v by_o experience_n that_o their_o spiritual_a life_n be_v maintain_v and_o increase_v by_o often_o mind_v the_o same_o word_n and_o therefore_o as_o new_o bear_v babe_n they_o desire_v the_o sincere_a milk_n of_o the_o word_n that_o they_o may_v grow_v thereby_o 1_o pet._n 2.2_o and_o will_v by_o the_o preacher_n be_v put_v often_o in_o remembrance_n of_o the_o same_o thing_n that_o they_o may_v feed_v upon_o they_o by_o meditation_n though_o they_o know_v they_o already_o and_o be_v establish_v in_o the_o present_a truth_n 2_o pet._n 1.12_o but_o here_o our_o great_a skill_n and_o chief_a concernment_n lie_v in_o practise_v this_o duty_n in_o such_o a_o manner_n as_o that_o it_o may_v be_v subservient_fw-fr and_o not_o at_o all_o opposite_a to_o the_o life_n of_o faith_n we_o must_v not_o rely_v upon_o the_o performance_n of_o a_o daily_a task_n of_o meditation_n as_o a_o work_n of_o righteousness_n for_o the_o procurement_n of_o the_o favour_n of_o god_n instead_o of_o rely_v on_o the_o righteousness_n of_o christ_n as_o indeed_o we_o be_v prone_a to_o do_v to_o catch_v at_o any_o straw_n rather_o than_o to_o trust_v only_o on_o the_o free_a grace_n of_o god_n in_o christ_n for_o our_o salvation_n and_o the_o end_n of_o our_o meditation_n must_v not_o be_v mere_a speculation_n and_o knowledge_n of_o the_o truth_n but_o rather_o the_o vigorous_a press_v it_o upon_o our_o conscience_n and_o the_o stir_v up_o our_o heart_n and_o affection_n to_o the_o practice_n of_o it_o and_o in_o stir_v up_o ourselves_o to_o holy_a practice_n we_o must_v wary_o observe_v how_o far_o the_o several_a part_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o god_n be_v powerful_a and_o effectual_a for_o the_o attainment_n of_o this_o end_n that_o we_o may_v make_v use_n of_o they_o according_o we_o must_v not_o imagine_v as_o too_o many_o do_v yea_o and_o some_o great_a master_n in_o the_o art_n of_o meditation_n that_o we_o can_v bring_v our_o heart_n effectual_o to_o the_o love_n of_o god_n and_o holiness_n and_o can_v work_v strange_a metamorphosis_n and_o work_v or_o frame_v in_o our_o heart_n any_o holy_a qualification_n or_o virtue_n mere_o by_o work_v in_o ourselves_o strong_a apprehension_n of_o god_n eternal_a power_n and_o godhead_n his_o
revolt_n from_o christ_n we_o must_v not_o follow_v it_o how_o ancient_a soever_o it_o be_v as_o the_o israelitish_n church_n be_v not_o to_o be_v follow_v when_o it_o persecute_v christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n and_o many_o by_o adhere_v to_o that_o church_n fall_v from_o christ_n phil._n 3.6_o act_n 6.13_o 14._o &_o 21.28_o we_o be_v indeed_o to_o hear_v the_o church_n but_o not_o every_o one_o that_o call_v itself_o so_o nor_o none_o any_o surth_a than_o it_o speak_v as_o a_o true_a church_n according_a to_o the_o voice_n of_o the_o shepherd_n joh._n 10.27_o we_o must_v subject_v ourselves_o to_o minister_n of_o christ_n and_o steward_n of_o his_o mystery_n 1_o cor._n 4.1_o but_o must_v give_v up_o yourselves_o first_o to_o christ_n absolute_o and_o to_o the_o church_n according_a to_o the_o will_n of_o christ_n 2_o cor._n 8.5_o our_o fear_n must_v not_o be_v teach_v by_o the_o precept_n of_o man_n mat._n 15._o the_o doctrine_n of_o any_o man_n be_v to_o be_v try_v by_o scripture_n whatever_o authority_n they_o pretend_v to_o act_v 17.11_o a_o unlimited_a follow_a church-guides_a bring_v the_o church_n into_o babylon_n and_o into_o all_o manner_n of_o spiritual_a whoredom_n and_o abomination_n you_o be_v not_o baptise_a into_o the_o name_n of_o the_o church_n but_o into_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n 1_o cor._n 1.13_o 3._o do_v not_o think_v that_o you_o must_v attain_v this_o or_o that_o degree_n of_o grace_n before_o you_o join_v yourself_o in_o full_a communion_n with_o a_o church_n of_o christ_n in_o all_o ordinance_n but_o when_o you_o have_v give_v up_o yourself_o to_o christ_n and_o learn_v the_o duty_n of_o communion_n give_v up_o yourself_o unto_o a_o church_n of_o christ_n though_o you_o find_v much_o weakness_n and_o inability_n for_o church_n ordinance_n of_o special_a communion_n serve_v to_o strengthen_v you_o and_o how_o can_v you_o get_v heat_n be_v alone_o the_o disciple_n as_o soon_o as_o convert_v embrace_v all_o fellowship_n act._n 2.42_o and_o church_n that_o they_o may_v forward_o holiness_n in_o themselves_o and_o other_o must_v be_v willing_a to_o receive_v christ_n weak_a one_o and_o to_o feed_v his_o lamb_n as_o well_o as_o better_v grow_v sheep_n and_o bear_v they_o on_o their_o side_n isa_n 66.12_o how_o else_o shall_v christ_n weak_a one_o grow_v strong_a by_o that_o nourishment_n that_o other_o part_n supply_v they_o be_v very_o unreasonable_a that_o expect_v that_o christian_n shall_v grow_v out_o of_o church_n fellowship_n to_o as_o high_a a_o degree_n of_o grace_n as_o those_o that_o be_v in_o those_o pasture_n of_o tender_a grass_n and_o be_v unwilling_a to_o receive_v any_o that_o they_o be_v like_a to_o have_v occasion_n to_o bear_v with_o whereas_o bear_v and_o long-suffering_a be_v great_a duty_n of_o church-fellowship_n eph._n 4.2_o 3._o rom._n 14.1_o the_o weak_a have_n most_o need_v to_o be_v strengthen_v by_o church-communion_n and_o we_o be_v bind_v to_o receive_v they_o as_o christ_n have_v receive_v we_o rom._n 15.7_o we_o do_v not_o reject_v or_o separate_v the_o weak_a part_n of_o the_o body_n 1_o cor._n 12.23_o 24._o but_o put_v more_o honour_n and_o comeliness_n on_o they_o admission_n into_o the_o church_n in_o the_o apostolic_a time_n be_v gain_v upon_o profession_n with_o a_o show_n of_o seriousness_n though_o tare_n get_v in_o among_o the_o wheat_n and_o many_o scandal_n arise_v to_o the_o reproach_n of_o the_o way_n of_o christ_n and_o the_o great_a strictness_n will_v not_o keep_v out_o all_o hypocrite_n yet_o the_o best_a care_n must_v be_v take_v so_o far_o as_o not_o to_o hinder_v any_o that_o have_v the_o least_o truth_n of_o grace_n 4._o keep_v communion_n with_o a_o church_n for_o the_o sake_n of_o communion_n with_o christ_n 1_o joh._n 1.3_o zech._n 8.23_o therefore_o you_o must_v keep_v communion_n in_o christ_n pure_a way_n only_o and_o in_o they_o seek_v christ_n by_o faith_n that_o in_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o those_o advantage_n you_o may_v receive_v and_o act_v the_o godliness_n and_o holiness_n formention_v and_o aim_v at_o spiritual_a flourish_a and_o growth_n in_o grace_n choose_v therefore_o fellowship_n with_o the_o most_o spiritual_a church_n judge_v of_o church_n and_o man_n according_a to_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o new_a creature_n 2_o cor._n 5.16_o 17._o and_o try_v they_o rev._n 2.2_o and_o 3.9_o otherwise_o a_o church_n may_v corrupt_v you_o see_v that_o thy_o communion_n answer_v its_o end_n tend_v to_o thy_o edification_n not_o to_o destruction_n which_o you_o ought_v to_o take_v all_o the_o advantage_n of_o not_o only_o in_o the_o church_n where_o you_o be_v a_o member_n but_o by_o communion_n with_o other_o church_n as_o occasional_o providence_n cast_v you_o among_o they_o for_o your_o communion_n with_o a_o particular_a church_n oblige_v to_o communion_n with_o all_o church_n of_o christ_n in_o his_o way_n as_o you_o be_v call_v thereto_o 1_o cor._n 10.17_o and_o it_o be_v a_o abuse_n to_o say_v we_o be_v member_n of_o a_o church_n in_o london_n and_o therefore_o refuse_v fellowship_n with_o a_o church_n in_o the_o country_n see_v if_o we_o be_v member_n of_o christ_n we_o be_v member_n of_o one_o another_o whether_o single_a person_n or_o church_n and_o endeavour_v to_o join_v in_o fellowship_n with_o the_o godly_a of_o the_o place_n where_o you_o live_v that_o you_o may_v have_v the_o more_o sequent_a and_o constant_a communion_n onesimus_n though_o convert_v at_o rome_n must_v be_v one_o of_o the_o church_n of_o the_o colossian_n because_o he_o live_v there_o col._n 4.9_o compare_v with_o philemon_n 10._o the_o union_n of_o the_o saint_n together_o in_o distinct_a society_n according_a to_o the_o place_n where_o they_o live_v be_v the_o apostolic_a practice_n and_o can_v be_v violate_v without_o sin_n such_o can_v best_o watch_v over_o one_o another_o admonish_v comfort_n and_o edify_v each_o other_o which_o be_v the_o benefit_n of_o communion_n and_o they_o indeed_o destroy_v communion_n that_o seek_v a_o communion_n where_o they_o can_v have_v this_o benefit_n i_o only_o add_v to_o this_o head_n that_o church-fellowship_n without_o practise_v the_o way_n of_o christ_n be_v but_o a_o conspiracy_n to_o take_v his_o name_n in_o vain_a and_o a_o counterfeit_a church-fellowship_n of_o hypocrite_n it_o be_v impudence_n for_o such_o to_o invite_v other_o to_o their_o communion_n tyranny_n to_o compel_v they_o every_o christian_a be_v bind_v to_o seek_v a_o better_a church-fellowship_n by_o reformation_n and_o those_o that_o do_v so_o be_v the_o best_a son_n of_o christ_n church_n who_o inquire_v be_v this_o the_o way_n to_o enjoy_v christ_n a_o churchway_n be_v appoint_v to_o enjoy_v christ_n therein_o 5._o especial_o leave_v not_o the_o church_n in_o persecution_n when_o you_o need_v its_o help_n most_o and_o be_v then_o most_o try_v whether_o you_o will_v cleave_v to_o it_o this_o be_v a_o sign_n of_o apostasy_n heb._n 10.25_o 26._o mat._n 24.9.10_o 12_o 13._o we_o shall_v cleave_v to_o one_o another_o as_o one_o flesh_n even_o to_o prison_n and_o death_n or_o else_o we_o deny_v christ_n in_o his_o member_n mat._n 25.43_o direct_v fourteen_o that_o you_o may_v seek_v holiness_n and_o righteousness_n only_o by_o believe_v in_o christ_n and_o walk_v in_o he_o by_o faith_n according_a to_o the_o former_a direction_n take_v encouragement_n from_o the_o great_a advantage_n of_o this_o way_n and_o excellent_a property_n of_o it_o explanation_n this_o direction_n may_v serve_v as_o a_o epilogue_n or_o conclusion_n by_o stir_v we_o up_o unto_o a_o lively_a and_o cheerful_a embrace_v these_o gospel_n rule_v foremention_v by_o several_a weighty_a motive_n as_o many_o be_v keep_v from_o seek_v godliness_n because_o they_o know_v not_o the_o way_n to_o it_o or_o the_o way_n that_o they_o think_v of_o seem_v uncouth_a unpleasant_a disadvantageous_a and_o full_a of_o discouragement_n like_o the_o way_n through_o the_o wilderness_n to_o canaan_n which_o weary_v the_o isralite_n and_o occasion_v their_o many_o murmur_n num._n 21.4_o but_o this_o be_v a_o way_n so_o good_a and_o excellent_a that_o those_o that_o have_v the_o true_a knowledge_n of_o it_o and_o desire_v hearty_o to_o be_v godly_a can_v dislike_v it_o i_o shall_v show_v the_o excellency_n of_o it_o in_o several_a particular_n but_o you_o shall_v first_o call_v to_o mind_n what_o be_v the_o way_n that_o i_o have_v teach_v viz._n union_n and_o fellowship_n with_o christ_n and_o by_o faith_n in_o christ_n as_o discover_v in_o the_o gospel_n not_o by_o the_o law_n or_o in_o a_o natural_a condition_n or_o by_o think_v to_o get_v it_o before_o we_o come_v to_o christ_n to_o procure_v christ_n by_o it_o which_o be_v strive_v against_o the_o stream_n but_o that_o we_o must_v first_o apply_v christ_n and_o his_o salvation_n to_o ourselves_o for_o our_o comfort_n and_o that_o by_o confident_a faith_n and_o then_o walk_v by_o
that_o faith_n according_a to_o the_o new_a man_n in_o christ_n and_o not_o as_o in_o a_o natural_a condition_n and_o use_v all_o mean_n of_o holiness_n right_o for_o this_o end_n now_o that_o this_o be_v a_o excellent_a advantageous_a way_n appear_v by_o the_o follow_a desirable_a property_n of_o it_o 1._o it_o have_v this_o property_n that_o it_o tend_v to_o the_o abasement_n of_o all_o flesh_n and_o exaltation_n of_o god_n only_o in_o his_o grace_n and_o power_n through_o christ_n and_o so_o it_o be_v agreeable_a to_o god_n design_n in_o all_o his_o work_n and_o the_o end_n that_o he_o aim_v at_o rom._n 11.6_o isa_n 2.17_o ezek._n 36.21_o 22.31.32_o psal_n 145.4_o and_o a_o fit_a mean_n for_o the_o attain_v the_o end_n that_o we_o ought_v to_o aim_v at_o in_o the_o first_o place_n which_o be_v the_o hallow_n sanctify_a and_o glorify_v god_n name_n in_o all_o thing_n and_o be_v the_o first_o and_o chief_a petition_n mat._n 6._o and_o be_v the_o end_n of_o all_o our_o act_n 1_o cor._n 10.31_o be_v the_o end_n of_o give_v the_o law_n rom._n 3.19_o 20._o god_n make_v all_o thing_n for_o christ_n and_o will_v have_v he_o have_v the_o pre-eminence_n in_o all_o col._n 1.17_o 18._o that_o the_o father_n may_v be_v glorify_v in_o the_o son_n joh._n 14.13_o and_o this_o property_n of_o it_o be_v a_o great_a argument_n to_o prove_v that_o it_o be_v the_o way_n of_o god_n and_o have_v the_o character_n of_o his_o image_n stamp_v upon_o it_o we_o may_v say_v that_o it_o be_v like_o he_o and_o a_o way_n according_a to_o his_o heart_n as_o christ_n prove_v his_o doctrine_n to_o be_v of_o god_n by_o this_o argument_n joh._n 7.18_o and_o paul_n prove_v the_o doctrine_n of_o justification_n and_o of_o sanctification_n and_o salvation_n by_o grace_n through_o faith_n to_o be_v of_o god_n because_o it_o exclude_v all_o boasting_n of_o the_o creature_n rom._n 3.27_o 28._o 1_o cor._n 1.29.30_o 31._o eph._n 3.8_o 9_o this_o property_n appear_v evident_o in_o the_o mystery_n of_o sanctification_n by_o christ_n in_o we_o through_o faith_n for_o first_o it_o show_v that_o we_o can_v do_v nothing_o by_o our_o natural_a will_n or_o any_o power_n of_o the_o flesh_n and_o that_o god_n will_v not_o enable_v we_o to_o do_v any_o thing_n that_o way_n rom._n 7.18_o however_o nature_n be_v stir_v up_o by_o the_o law_n or_o natural_a help_n col._n 3.21_o and_o so_o it_o serve_v to_o work_v self-loathing_a and_o abasement_n and_o to_o make_v we_o look_v upon_o nature_n as_o desperate_o wicked_a and_o past_a cure_n and_o to_o be_v put_v off_o not_o reform_v by_o put_v on_o christ_n it_o remain_v wicked_a and_o only_o wicked_a after_o we_o have_v put_v on_o christ_n 2._o it_o show_v that_o all_o our_o good_a work_n and_o live_n to_o god_n be_v not_o by_o our_o own_o power_n and_o strength_n at_o all_o but_o by_o the_o power_n of_o christ_n live_v in_o we_o by_o faith_n and_o that_o god_n enable_v we_o to_o act_v not_o mere_o according_a to_o our_o natural_a power_n as_o he_o enable_v carnal_a man_n and_o all_o other_o creature_n but_o above_o our_o own_o power_n by_o christ_n unite_v to_o we_o and_o in_o we_o through_o the_o spirit_n all_o man_n live_v move_v and_o have_v their_o be_v in_o he_o and_o by_o his_o universal_a support_n and_o maintenance_n of_o nature_n in_o its_o be_v and_o activity_n they_o act_n heb._n 1.3_o so_o that_o the_o glory_n of_o their_o act_n as_o creature_n belong_v to_o god_n but_o god_n act_v more_o immediate_o in_o his_o people_n who_o be_v one_o flesh_n and_o spirit_n with_o christ_n and_o act_v not_o by_o their_o own_o power_n but_o by_o the_o power_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o christ_n in_o they_o as_o close_o unite_v to_o he_o and_o be_v the_o live_a temple_n of_o his_o spirit_n so_o that_o christ_n be_v the_o immediate_a principal_a agent_n of_o all_o their_o good_a work_n and_o they_o be_v christ_n work_n proper_o who_o work_v all_o our_o work_n in_o we_o and_o for_o we_o and_o yet_o they_o be_v the_o saint_n work_v by_o fellowship_n with_o christ_n by_o who_o light_n and_o power_n the_o faculty_n of_o the_o saint_n do_v act_n and_o be_v act_v gal._n 2.20_o eph._n 3.16_o 17._o colos_n 1.1_o so_o we_o be_v to_o ascribe_v all_o our_o work_n to_o god_n in_o christ_n and_o thank_v he_o for_o they_o as_o free_a gift_n 1_o cor._n 15.10_o phil._n 1.11_o god_n enable_v we_o to_o act_v not_o by_o ourselves_o as_o he_o do_v other_o but_o by_o himself_o the_o wicked_a be_v support_v in_o act_v only_o according_a to_o their_o own_o nature_n so_o they_o act_v wicked_o thus_o all_o be_v say_v to_o live_v move_v and_o have_v their_o be_v in_o god_n act_v 17.27_o but_o god_n enable_v we_o to_o conquer_v sin_n not_o by_o ourselves_o but_o by_o himself_o hos_fw-la 1.7_o and_o the_o glory_n of_o enable_v we_o do_v not_o only_o belong_v to_o he_o which_o the_o pharisee_n can_v not_o but_o ascribe_v to_o he_o luk._n 18.11_o but_o also_o the_o glory_n of_o do_v all_o in_o we_o and_o yet_o we_o work_v as_o one_o with_o christ_n even_o as_o he_o work_v as_o one_o with_o the_o father_n by_o the_o father_n work_v in_o he_o we_o act_v as_o branch_n by_o the_o juice_n of_o the_o vine_n as_o member_n by_o the_o animal_n spirit_n of_o the_o head_n and_o bring_v forth_o fruit_n by_o marriage_n to_o he_o as_o our_o husband_n and_o work_v in_o the_o strength_n of_o he_o as_o the_o live_a bread_n that_o we_o feed_v on_o he_o be_v all_o in_o the_o new_a man_n colos_n 3.11_o and_o all_o the_o promise_n be_v make_v good_a in_o he_o 2_o cor._n 1.20_o 2._o it_o have_v this_o property_n that_o it_o consist_v well_o with_o other_o doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n which_o contrary_a error_n do_v not_o and_o hence_o this_o be_v the_o way_n to_o confirm_v we_o in_o many_o other_o point_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o therefore_o appear_v to_o be_v true_a by_o its_o harmony_n with_o other_o truth_n and_o sit_v link_a with_o they_o in_o the_o same_o golden_a chain_n of_o the_o mystery_n of_o godliness_n and_o evidence_v they_o to_o be_v true_a by_o their_o harmony_n with_o it_o i_o have_v show_v that_o man_n mistake_v the_o true_a way_n of_o sanctification_n be_v the_o cause_n of_o pervert_v the_o scripture_n in_o other_o point_n of_o faith_n and_o of_o decline_v from_o the_o truth_n to_o popish_a socinian_n and_o arminian_n tenant_n because_o man_n can_v serious_o take_v that_o for_o truth_n which_o they_o judge_v not_o to_o be_v according_a to_o godliness_n but_o this_o way_n of_o holiness_n will_v evidence_n that_o those_o gospel_n doctrine_n which_o they_o refuse_v be_v according_a to_o godliness_n and_o that_o those_o tenant_n which_o a_o blind_a zeal_n for_o holiness_n move_v they_o to_o embrace_v be_v indeed_o contrary_a to_o holiness_n however_o satan_n appear_v to_o their_o natural_a understanding_n as_o a_o angel_n of_o light_n in_o such_o tenant_n whatever_o man_n say_v its_o certain_a that_o legalist_n be_v indeed_o the_o antinomian_o i_o shall_v instance_n in_o some_o truth_n confirm_v by_o it_o 1._o the_o doctrine_n of_o original_a sin_n viz._n not_o only_o the_o gild_n of_o adam_n sin_n and_o a_o corrupt_a nature_n but_o utter_a impotency_n to_o do_v spiritual_a good_a and_o proneness_n to_o sin_n which_o be_v death_n to_o god_n in_o all_o people_n according_a to_o nature_n psal_n 51.5_o rom._n 5.12_o there_o be_v a_o utter_a inability_n to_o keep_v the_o law_n true_o in_o any_o point_n many_o deny_v this_o doctrine_n because_o they_o think_v that_o if_o people_n believe_v this_o they_o will_v excuse_v their_o sin_n by_o it_o and_o be_v apt_a to_o despair_v of_o all_o strive_v to_o do_v good_a work_n and_o leave_v off_o all_o endeavour_n and_o grow_v licentious_a and_o they_o think_v it_o will_v be_v more_o conduce_v to_o godliness_n to_o hold_v and_o teach_v either_o that_o there_o be_v no_o original_a sin_n or_o corruption_n derive_v from_o adam_n or_o at_o least_o it_o be_v do_v away_o either_o in_o the_o world_n by_o universal_a redemption_n or_o in_o the_o church_n by_o baptism_n and_o that_o there_o be_v freewill_n restore_v whereby_o people_n be_v able_a to_o incline_v themselves_o to_o do_v good_a that_o man_n may_v be_v more_o encourage_v to_o set_v upon_o good_a work_n and_o their_o neglect_n make_v inexcusable_a all_o this_o be_v indeed_o forcible_a against_o seek_v and_o endeavour_v for_o holiness_n by_o the_o freewill_n and_o power_n of_o nature_n which_o be_v the_o way_n of_o endeavour_v which_o i_o direct_v you_o to_o avoid_v and_o if_o there_o be_v no_o new_a way_n to_o holiness_n since_o the_o fall_n original_a sin_n may_v make_v we_o despair_v but_o there_o be_v a_o new_a birth_n a_o new_a heart_n a_o new_a creature_n and_o